Month: May 2023

28 May 2023
If-you-have-low-back-pain-try-these-steps

If you have low back pain try these steps first

Lower back pain is a lifestyle disease affecting millions of people across the globe. The causes of low back pain can be an injury, overuse of the spine, improper sitting posture or chronic conditions such as arthritis or spinal stenosis. No matter the causes of low back pain, it causes immense pain and uneasiness affecting the quality of life. 

If you are suffering from pain and looking for some back pain management tips, we are here to help you:

  • Exercises: Regular physical activity is one of the best ways to treat lower back pain treatment. General cardio, such as running, walking, and swimming, would deliver significant results and reduce the load on your lower back. Stretches for lower back pain in pilates and yoga which focuses on strengthening the muscles, would help to improve the posture and build stronger back muscles to support you. Have a chat with your doctor about the kind of lower back pain exercises best suited for you. Start slowly and build strength gradually.
  • Over-the-counter medicines: Over-the-counter medications can give you some momentary back pain relief. Consult your doctor about medicines you take for back pain relief and follow all their instructions.

 

  • Heat or cold compress: Heat and a cold compress for low back pain treatment are effective methods. The hot pad or shower would help relax the muscles, whereas the cold shower or compress would reduce swelling and decrease blood flow in that area. Use both for back pain relief, and find out which works best for you. Also, do not apply direct heat or ice onto your skin. 

 

  • Massage therapy: Lower back pain massage can help better blood circulation and aid in the relaxation of the muscles. While looking for lower back pain exercises and massage, choose a certified therapist who has treated others with low back pain. Discuss your condition beforehand with the therapist and what you expect from the therapy. 

 

  • Chiropractic care: Chiropractic therapy is focused on reaching musculoskeletal problems through lower back pain exercises, manual therapy and other modes to give back pain relief. It is done by physically moving the spine and related joints to reduce pain and improve motion. Search for an experienced chiropractor who will assess your conditions and develop a customised plan accordingly. Usually, lower back pain exercises include spinal manipulation done by the chiropractor with their hands. They choose a specific part of the spine and apply pressure to align them correctly. Other techniques, such as soft tissue therapy and manual lower back pain therapy, reduce the pain and enhance movement.

 

  • Medications: If the prescription lower back pain medications are not working well, the doctor will give you stronger medications such as opioids and muscle relaxers. Make sure to thoroughly discuss their impact and follow all the instructions to avoid any side effects. 

 

  • Lifestyle changes: Having an active lifestyle with the ideal body weight reduces the extra pressure on the back. It is one of the most effective natural remedies for low back pain. Smoking is one of the causes of low back pain. It causes constriction of the blood vessels and can lead to spinal disc degeneration. Quitting smoking can show improvement in many aspects of health. 

 

  • Physical therapy: Physical therapy steps work on musculoskeletal problems. It includes stretches for lower back pain and therapy to reduce back pain. A customised plan would be designed for you to get relief from your pain and increase mobility. They would also give you lessons on how to maintain the right posture. Always ensure the physical therapist is certified and trained to get the best results.

A good posture is an effective low back pain treatment. Using the phone continuously in a hunched position can increase the stress on the lower back. Always look for a chair which supports the natural curve of your spine. Position your screen, so you don’t have to bend to look at it. 

Also, avoid activities which cause higher stress on your lower back. For instance, while lifting heavy objects, ensure the correct posture to avoid strain on your lower back.

Consult with a specialist about effective lower back pain treatment. Book your appointment now at Germanten Hospital for one of the best treatments. 

 

20 May 2023
what does pulmonologist do

What Does a Pulmonologist Do?

Your usual healthcare practitioner could advise seeing a pulmonologist or a respiratory system specialist if you have a persistent cough or breathing difficulties. This expert has years of experience in identifying and managing lung-related illnesses. It is crucial, especially if long-term treatment is required for the condition. Bronchoscopy procedures and Asthma management are taken care of by them.

What is a pulmonologist? 

A physician who focuses on diseases of the lungs is called a pulmonologist. These medical professionals may be called respiratory system specialists, lung specialists, or lung doctors. They do the pulmonary disease treatment from the very basics. Your respiratory system, in addition to your lungs, consists of your nose, throat, trachea, airways, muscles, and blood vessels. Pulmonary disease treatment by a respiratory system specialist also covers them.

How does a cardiologist differ from a pulmonologist?

The area of specialization is what makes a difference. The specialist in the heart is a cardiologist, while the specialist in the lungs is a pulmonologist. But because they are interconnected, your heart and lungs function best when they are both in good shape. As both the heart and the lungs are affected by diseases like pulmonary hypertension, you should see both types of medical professionals. Pulmonary disease treatment becomes easier when you consult them earlier. 

What is the training for a pulmonologist?

To become a pulmonologist, you must first earn a bachelor’s degree and then be accepted into a medical school by passing the Medical College Admissions Test. A medical degree typically takes four years to complete.

To become a pulmonologist, you must complete an entire three-year internal medicine residency programme and a two-year fellowship in pulmonary illness. A healthcare provider specialising in this field must be completely knowledgeable about the diseases they treat, the medical devices used to treat them, estimating the prognosis (outlook) of the disease, and end-of-life decisions.

What diseases are treated by pulmonologists?

Specifically, the lungs and pulmonologists address diseases of the respiratory system. Inflammation, tissue expansion, and infections are a few possible causes of these diseases. Many of these conditions would need a lifetime, or even protracted, treatment regimens. Your primary care physician, your pulmonologist, and possibly other experts will collaborate on your treatment options. COPD treatment, Sleep Apnea therapy, etc., are some of the processes pulmonologists prefer for patients. 

What is the role of a pulmonologist?

A pulmonologist is qualified to identify and manage respiratory illnesses. They may be experts in particular fields, such as critical care, asthma, or sleep medicine. They might also focus on treating elderly patients or youngsters (a paediatric pulmonologist, for example) (a senior pulmonologist). Bronchoscopy procedures can be followed by them, as per requirement. 

Why would you require a pulmonologist’s services?

Your normal doctor may recommend seeing a pulmonologist if you have symptoms they can’t treat or believe you might benefit from a specialist. These can be a few of the warning signs and symptoms:

  • Cough that doesn’t get better with time (chronic cough).
  • Breathing difficulty (dyspnea).
  • Tightness or soreness in the chest.
  • Wheezing.
  • Symptoms of sleep apnea, such as loud snoring or excessive exhaustion.
  • Dizziness.

If you already have a respiratory disease, you can keep going to your scheduled checkups to take care of yourself.

What to expect from an appointment with a pulmonologist?

When you visit a pulmonologist for the first time, you should be prepared to complete a medical history form and undergo a physical examination. Bring paper and a pen to take notes of any questions your healthcare practitioner wants to address and record information like how long your symptoms have been present. Accordingly, you might be asked to undergo processes like Asthma management, COPD treatment, or other Bronchoscopy procedures. 

Your healthcare physician could conduct a few tests to aid diagnosis and therapy. They could consist of the following:

  • Blood testing
  • Computed tomography (CT) scans or chest X-rays.
  • Testing for pulmonary function
  • Spirometry
  • Bronchoscopy
  • Sleep research

You’ll want to keep attending your visits on time and according to advice if you have a condition requiring long-term management. These tests might need to be repeated in the future so your doctor can assess how well your treatment is working. If problems persist, go for a pulmonary disease treatment that assures better results. 

 

13 May 2023
Urologists: Who Are They and What Can They Do for Me?

Urologists: Who Are They and What Can They Do for Me?

The medical speciality of urology focuses on male and female urinary tract diseases. The urinary system in both men and women is the focus of the urologist specialist. In the past, physicians would look for signs of a patient’s disease in their urine, which would help them detect Urinary Tract Infections. 

What kind of training does a urologist have? 

Urologist specialists complete a residency in a urology facility after graduating from medical school. The student is required to pass a specialist board exam after five years. Urologists can open their practices or serve in hospitals after completing their residency and board exams.

What is the Urinary Tract? 

The main organs of the urinary tract are the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. Your body removes urine through a drainage system called the urinary tract. The most prevalent disease, urinary tract infection (UTI), is mostly brought on by bacteria that enter the urethra and infect the urinary tract. 

What do Urologists do? 

A urologist is qualified to identify and address urinary tract issues. Urologist specialists treat both sexes equally. A urologist only deals with urinary tract issues in female patients.

Female urologists and oncologists treat a range of disorders known as female urology, including overactive bladder, urine incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse. Urinary incontinence is a major thing that brings patients to urologists. 

Yet, the urologist can also identify and treat conditions affecting the penis and testicles in men. They also handle sexual problems, including male infertility.

What organs are treated by a Urologist? 

  • Adrenal glands
  • Kidneys
  • Ureter
  • Bladder
  • Urethra.

The urology treatments require the diagnosis of these parts. 

Another area of care provided by a urologist is for the following areas of the male reproductive system:

  • Prostate: This gland behind the bladder gives sperms more fluid to create semen. The two oval organs inside the Scrotum, which resemble a sac, are the testicles. They produce the hormone testosterone and aid in the development of sperm.
  • Penis: The penis transports sperm and excretes urine. 

They also handle cases of urinary incontinence. 

Common symptoms

Indicators in men are:

  • the testicles hurt
  • frequent and painful urination
  • urethral blood
  • erection problems
  • prostate growth

Signs in women are:

  • the back or sides hurt
  • crimson urine
  • a burning feeling when urinating
  • Urge to urinate frequently

What kind of diseases do urologists treat?

In males:

    • Cancers in the kidney, bladder, penis, prostate, and testicular.
    • Erectile dysfunction
    • Kidney diseases
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Prostatitis or enlarged prostate glands

In females:

  • Urinary incontinence
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • Bladder prolapse
  • Cancers of the bladder, kidney and adrenal gland

In children:

  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • Disorders of sex development
  • Kidney stones
  • Tumours and malignancies of the kidney, bladder and testis
  • Pre-birth urological diseases

What treatment procedure does a urologist perform?

  • Cystoscopy: It detects the urological diseases associated with prostate and bladder. 
  • Ureteroscopy: A ureteroscope is guided to the kidney stone by the urethra, bladder, and ureter. Bigger stones need to be broken apart.
  • Testicular biopsy: Uncertain tissue samples are taken from the prostate during a prostate biopsy.
  • Nephrectomy: A kidney can be removed entirely or partially by a surgical procedure called a nephrectomy.
  • Vasectomy: The vas deferens are sealed by the physician during the procedure.

The urologist might perform a urodynamic testing to get things clear. 

When to see a urologist?

Suppose you experience symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) or trouble passing pee, blood in the urine, incontinence (urinary leakage), or erectile dysfunction. In that case, your doctor may suggest you see a urologist for effective urology treatments. 

What to expect from a urologist?

Urologists can locate the issue with imaging tests like an ultrasound, CT scan, cystoscopy, or MRI scan. A urine test may also check for bacteria and other disease symptoms. They also emphasise the significance of abstaining from smoking and eating foods low in salt. These straightforward guidelines can help you avoid a variety of urological issues. The urology treatments also include any kidney, prostate, penis, urinary bladder, or testis tumours or cancer. Furthermore, most urologist specialists perform kidney transplants as well.