Frozen Shoulder – What is it and how it can be Released

The shoulder is an integral and important part of our human body system. It supports a host of physical activities connected with the body. However, either overworking or an injury caused to the shoulder can lead to serious complications such as dislocation or even a medical condition called Frozen Shoulder.

Let us understand what Frozen Shoulder is all about and how it can be released.

What is a Frozen Shoulder?

According to vastly experienced orthopaedic doctors associated with Sagar Hospital, the well-known and most trusted orthopaedic hospital in Bangalore, Frozen shoulder is quite common among people. It causes stiffness and pain in your shoulder joint, affecting its normal motion. This condition is also referred to as Adhesive Capsulitis. Usually, it takes about 6-8 months for a frozen shoulder to develop. usually close to 6 to 8 months.

Seasoned Orthopaedic surgeons at Sagar Hospital, the best orthopaedic hospital in Bangalore, warn that frozen shoulder should not be ignored and treated well within time before symptoms lead to further complications.

What are the causes of Frozen Shoulder?

Best orthopaedic surgeons in Bangalore working with Sagar Hospital attribute the chances of developing a frozen shoulder to during the recovery stages from any medical condition or when you cannot move your arm freely for a considerable period such as in the case of a stroke. Some of the other factors that cause a frozen shoulder are:

• Age
• Systemic Diseases like Thyroid, Diabetes and Cardiovascular Diseases
• Slow or reduced mobility caused due to an accident or trauma

What are the symptoms of a Frozen Shoulder?

The commonly observed symptoms of a frozen shoulder are pain, discomfort and stiffness in the shoulder that make it difficult or impossible to move it.Afrozen shoulder can causeacute pain in one shoulder as a result of which you could feel dull and worn out.There could be pain in the shoulder around the top of your arm as well. This pain might likely worsen during the night which can disturb your sleep.

How is a Frozen Shoulder Diagnosed?

Sagar Hospital, the best hospital in Bangalore for treating complex orthopaedic conditions, has the finest teams of doctors with the best track record for treating frozen shoulders.

To diagnose a frozen shoulder your doctor may recommend a physical examination. This is done to confirm how freely the shoulder moves or do you face any discomfort. Your medical expert will allow you to move your shoulder arm on your own in the first stage. In the next stage, he will test your shoulder movement himself and record both the differences.

If symptoms are more serious like severe pain or inflammation, then certain imaging tests like an X-Ray or an MRI scan are recommended to find the root cause.

What are the possible treatment options available to release Frozen Shoulders?

Treatment for frozen shoulders depends upon the severity of your symptoms. Your doctor might recommend simple medications, to begin with. If your symptoms are intense or don’t improve over time, your doctor might recommend other kinds of treatments, including:

• Injections
• Physiotherapy
• Arthroscopic Surgery if required

Clogged Arteries in Brain (Stroke): Causes, Risk Factors, and Treatment

The brain plays a very crucial role as one of the major organs of our body as it also controls the functioning of the other parts of our body. Blood supply to the brain is taken care of by an important artery known as the Carotid Artery, located on each side of our neck.

According to seasoned doctors working at Sagar Hospital, the best hospital for stroke treatment in Bangalore, all is good as long as the artery is clean and the supply is smooth. But if there is a blockage in this artery, the blood supply is disrupted and this is the main reason for the cause of a stroke.

What can cause clogged arteries in the Brain?

One of the major reasons for the clogging of arteries in the brain is the formation of plaques. These are hard substances which can be formed by proteins, fats and calcium.

Best Neurologists in Bangalore have stressed that plaque formation can be extremely dangerous as it narrows down the arteries and subsequently, the flow of blood to the brain is reduced considerably. This can cause unprecedented damage to the brain which could even be fatal at times.

What are the risk factors for Clogged Arteries in the Brain?

According to seasoned medical experts associated with Sagar Hospital, the best brain hospital in Bangalore, the risk factors for clogged or blocked arteries in the brain include the following:

• High Blood Pressure
• Elevated Cholesterol levels
• Elevated Blood Sugar Levels
• Obesity
• Lack of physical activity
• Smoking and Alcohol
• Age
• Family history

What are the possible symptoms of clogged arteries in the brain?

Experienced Neurologists from Sagar Hospital, the best hospital in Bangalore, indicate that a person may experience symptoms only when the arteries become clogged. The symptoms may include:

• Difficulty in speaking
• Difficulty in understanding
• Weakness in the legs, arms, and face
• Dizziness and vertigo
• Drooping of the face on one side
• Severe pain in the head

Anyone experiencing the above symptoms must immediately get in touch with a Neurosurgeon in Bangalore.

What are the types of treatments available for Clogged Arteries in the Brain?

As per efficient neurosurgeons from Sagar Hospital, the best neurology hospital in Bangalore, thetreatment for a blocked artery in the brain can vary from person to person depending upon the complexity of the situation. The treatment is based on the symptoms and whether a person has experienced a stroke or not. It can include,

• Medical (Non-invasive) treatment
• Surgical treatment

If a person suffers from a severe stroke, the doctor will advise an invasive surgical treatment.

Childhood Obesity – Causes and Prevention

Childhood obesity is a medical condition that affects children and adolescents. Not being attended to at the correct time can lead to serious complications. Childhood obesity is particularly challenging because the extra pounds can lead to children facing health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol at a very early stage in their lives due to depression.

Best gastroenterologists in Bangalore associated with the well-known Sagar Hospital, indicate that childhood obesity can be controlled at an early stage by practicing a healthy diet and being physically active. Treating and preventing childhood obesity helps protect your child's health now and in the future.

What are the Symptoms of childhood obesity?

According to seasoned doctors working with Sagar hospital, one of the best hospitals in Bangalore for high-quality and advanced medical care, just observing how your child looks might not give you a clear indication of childhood obesity as not all children carrying extra pounds are overweight. It is in fact the body mass index (BMI), which provides a guideline of weight in relation to height and is the accepted measure of overweight and obesity.

Some of the noticeable symptoms of childhood obesity include:

• High blood pressure
• Increased cholesterol levels
• Increased sugar levels
• Difficulty in breathing
• Loss of sleep
• Back and joint pains that make walking difficult
• Anxiety and depression

What can cause childhood obesity?

Sagar hospital is the best and most trusted Multispeciality hospital in Bangalore for treating childhood obesity. Versatile doctors at the hospital attribute the causes of childhood obesity to the following factors:

• Lifestyle issues including genetic and hormonal factors
• Frequent consumption of high calorie and processed food
• Lack of physical activity
• Hereditary factors
• Emotional stress
• After effects of certain medications

How can childhood obesity be prevented?

The growing problem of childhood obesity can be slowed down if society looks into its causes in greater detail. There are many factors that contribute to childhood obesity, some being more crucial than others. A combination of a good diet and physical activity is more effective in preventing obesity or overweight. Moreover, if parents enforce a healthier lifestyle at home, many obesity problems could be avoided. This needs proper counselling from an experienced medical expert combined with good treatment.

Sagar Hospital has a proven track record of treating many cases of childhood obesity successfully as it is well-equipped with excellent facilities and has a team of the best gastroenterologists in Bangalore.

Also, be sure your child sees the doctor for health check-ups at least once a year. During this visit, the doctor measures your child's height and weight and calculates his or her BMI

What Causes Leg Cramps at Night While Sleeping – Causes of Nighttime Leg Cramps

Leg cramps at night also referred to as nocturnal leg cramps or NLC, are quite common in men, women and children. Nighttime leg cramps are caused usually due to tired muscles, inactivity during the day or certain medical conditions.

Sagar Hospital, the well-known Multispeciality hospital in Bangalore, has treated many patients with either normal or severe leg cramps successfully.

What are Leg cramps?

Leg cramps are spontaneous muscle spasms that can occur anywhere in the leg. As a result, themuscles tense up and cause discomfort accompanied by moderate to severe pain and tightness in the area. Leg cramps are usually common in the calf area.

Nighttime leg cramps can be extremely painful since they can disrupt your sleep and break your sleep cycle. The feeling of discomfort can extend right through to the next day or for days too.

Though stretching exercises can provide some relief, if the pain persists, it is recommended to visit your nearest orthopaedic hospital in Bangalore immediately.

What can cause Leg cramps at Night?

Ortho specialists associated with the best orthopaedic hospital in Bangalore attribute the causes of Leg cramps to the following factors:

• Overstressed muscles

Studies have indicated that overexertion, such as exercising the muscles very intensely for a long time, may cause some people to experience more cramping later in the day.

• Inactivity during the day

Extended working hours especially desk working where you have to sit for longer durations can lead to physical inactivity. This can in turn cause leg cramps when you go to bed at night.

• Body posture

According tosome ofthe best orthopaedic surgeons in Bangalore associated with Sagar Hospital, body posture can be a major contributor to leg cramps at night as sitting or lying down in a certain way restricts blood flow to the legs, leading to cramps.

• Age factor

If your work requires you to stand for longer periods, it can put a considerable amount of stress on your muscles leading to cramps at night. This is commonly observed in citizens above 60 years of age.

• Side effect of medications/li>

  Certain chronic medical conditions like Diabetes, Kidney Failure, Cardiovascular diseases, alcohol-related disorders and thyroid can also lead to leg cramps at night. Patients having symptoms related to the above conditions must seek an Ortho specialist’s advice immediately.

What are the possible treatment options available for leg cramps?

Usually, mild leg cramps ease on their own through some mild exercises. In case the pain is severe then your doctor might prescribe some medications which are available over the counter. Drinking plenty of water can prevent leg cramps to a large extent.

Stroke Identification and Management

What is a Stroke?

The word ‘Stroke’ can send tremors down one’s spine. However, knowing what a stroke is could well be the first step towards preventing it. A Stroke is an emergency medical condition which requires immediate attention. It occurs when the oxygen supply to a part of your brain is cut off abruptly leading to the death of brain cells.

Stokes can be fatal if not attended to immediately by an expert Neurologist.

Sagar Hospital is the best neurology hospital in Bangalore with state-of-the-art medical facilities and expert neurosurgeons with a proven track record for stroke identification and management.

What are the symptoms of a Stroke?

The most common symptoms of a stroke are,

• Feeling confused
• Difficulty in speaking or understanding what others speak
• Sudden numbness in the face, arm or leg affecting one side of the body.
• Blurred, Blackened or Double vision
• Sudden, severe headache accompanied by vomiting and dizziness
• Difficulty in walking

If any of the above symptoms are observed it is extremely important to visit your neurologist in Bangalore immediately.

What are the different types of Strokes?

Strokes can be classified into two types:

• Ischemic stroke

Very similar to a heart attack in impact, Ischemic Stroke occurs in the blood vessels of the brain. This type of stroke causes blood clots to develop in the blood vessels leading to the brain, or even in blood vessels elsewhere in the body and then travel to the brain. About 80% of all strokes are ischemic.

• Haemorrhagic stroke

It occurs due to a rupture of a blood vessel in the brain. Subsequently, the brain tissue is damaged causing the death of brain cells. The result is blood seeping into the brain tissue, causing damage to brain cells.

What can cause a Stroke?

Best Neurosurgeons in Bangalore are of the opinion that strokes can be caused due to two main factors:

Lifestyle Factors: These include,

• Obesity
• Heavy Alcohol Consumption
• Addiction to illegal drugs
• Physical Inactivity

Medical Factors: They include

• Hypertension
• Diabetes
• Sleep disorder
• Cardio-vascular diseases.

Certain other factors that can lead to stroke are the Age factor and certain hormone therapies.

What are the complications that may result from a stroke?

Some of the best consultant neurosurgeons in Bangalore have concluded that a stroke can have a large-scale impact on our body that include:

• Memory Loss
• Difficulty in moving
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Pain
• Behavioural changes

How can a Stroke be prevented?

A regular evaluation with your consultant neurologist in Bangalore can help you to know where you stand with respect to your neuro health. Additionally, following your doctor’s advice and a healthy lifestyle pattern can prevent the risk of having a stroke to a large extent.

• Monitor your blood pressure levels at regular intervals
• Monitor your blood sugar levels at regular intervals
• Quit smoking
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Include more fruits and vegetables in your daily diet
• Avoid addiction to illegal drugs
• Have a good sleep

Sagar Hospital is the most preferred Multispeciality hospital in Bangalore with excellent facilities and medical expertise to treat a wide range of neurological disorders including stroke.

Is there a relation between acidity and coughing?

If you have had a cough for a while, your first guess is probably that you have a respiratory problem. Perhaps it’s a cold, a bacterial infection of the throat, or even Covid-19. Sometimes though, a cough that lasts for more than a few days can have other causes.

Studies and experience of gastroenterologists indicate that a long-term cough may be a sign of chronic acidity, commonly known as GERD (gastrointestinal reflux disease). Acid reflux is a condition when stomach acids back up into the food pipe or the oesophagus. The acid irritates the tissue lining of the oesophagus and causes the tell-tale symptom of heartburn – a sensation of burning in the chest. This irritation from the acid reflux in the throat or breathing in the acid droplets can cause coughing.

Though heartburn is the most common symptom of GERD, coughing is also a symptom. Acid reflux that occurs more than twice a week can lead to GERD. If left untreated, GERD can cause ulcers and permanent damage to your food pipe. It also increases the risk of oesophageal cancer.

GERD and coughing

A cough that lasts longer than 8 weeks is considered chronic. Though chronic coughing is not the most typical sign of GERD, it is associated with at least 25% of cases of chronic coughing with some studies estimating the figure to be 40%.

Chronic coughing can be made worse by acid reflux as well. GERD can cause or worsen coughing in the following ways:

• As stomach acids rise in the food pipe, coughing is triggered as a reflex.
• Droplets of stomach acids can rise up the oesophagus and reach the throat or the voice box, irritating the back of your throat. This kind of reflux is known as LPR (laryngeal pharyngeal reflux). Incidentally, coughing may develop as a defence mechanism against such reflux in an attempt to keep the throat clear of such foreign particles.

Symptoms of GERD-related coughing

Some signs that indicate that your cough may be caused by GERD include:

• Coughing occurs at night or after a meal.
• Coughing occurs or increases when you are lying down.
• Coughing without asthma or post nasal drips.
• Coughing when X-rays are clear, indicating no upperrespiratory congestion.
• Chronic coughing is present when common triggers such as smoking, throat infections, or sideeffects of certain medication are absent.

When should you see a doctor?

A cough associated with GERD or LPR requires attention from a doctor. If your cough persists for more than 3 weeks without improvement, consult your doctor. You should reach out to your doctor sooner if your cough gets worse with time, breathing is becoming difficult, or there is chest pain.

Diagnosis and testing

As we have mentioned earlier, coughing isn’t a typical symptom of GERD. As a result, identifying GERD as the cause of a persistent cough requires specialised tests. Your gastroenterologist may conduct tests to measure pH levels in your food pipe or an endoscopy to make the diagnosis.

Various factors related to your lifestyle may also be considered to determine the risk of GERD-induced coughing, which include:

• Smoking
• Regular consumption of foods that trigger GERD: spicy food, fried and oily food, caffeine, alcohol, garlic, and citrus fruits.
• Excess body weight

Medical treatment

Your gastroenterologist may prescribe you medication to manage episodes of acid reflux as well as to prevent them. Fewer instances of acid refluxes will protect your oesophagus from damage. These prescribed and over-the-counter medications include:

• PPI (proton pump inhibitors) to treat heartburn and ulcers by reducing the production of stomach acids.
• Antacids to manage instances of acid reflux.
• Foaming agents to prevent the contents of the stomach from backing up and causing reflux.

Preventing and improving GERD with lifestyle changes

• Eat smaller meals more frequently.
• Don’t lay down for 2 to 2.5 hours after meals.
• Maintain a healthy body weight (refer to a BMI score of 25 to calculate the appropriate weight for your height)
• Stop or don’t smoke.
• Avoid consuming alcohol.
• Limit consumption of foods that trigger acidity:
  • Spicy foods
  • Oily/ fatty/ greasy/ fried foods
  • Caffeine/ coffee/ tea
  • Citrus fruits
• Elevate the head of your bed by a few inches using inserts to create a slight downward sleeping angle.
• Avoid wearing tight-fitting belts or clothes that apply pressure around your abdomen.

A chronic cough may indicate GERD. Once diagnosed, cough from GERD can be treated easily and without further damage to your food pipe. If you suffer from GERD, you will probably display other symptoms such as hoarseness, heartburn, and trouble swallowing as well. Your doctor will conduct tests to confirm GERD and prescribe medication to manage and treat your condition. Lifestyle behaviours such as avoiding certain foods, not smoking or consuming alcohol, and maintaining a healthy weight can also help prevent GERD.To know if your chronic coughing warrants a deeper investigation and what risks you face, consult the best gastroenterologists in Bangalore at the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology in Sagar Hospitals.

Can hernia be treated non-surgically?

A hernia is a part of an organ or fatty tissue protruding through a weak place in the encasing muscle wall or soft connective tissue. Hernias most commonly occur in the groin or in the abdomen. Generally, hernias do not get better with time. The protrusion increases and can lead to complications. This is why doctors usually recommend surgery to push back the bulging tissue or organ inside the encasement using mesh and to keep it there.

But not all kinds of hernias need surgical intervention. Treatment varies from case to case and depends on the severity of the symptoms and the size of the protrusion.

What kinds of hernias are treated without surgery?

The following are the types of hernias that can be treated without surgery in very specific cases:

• Congenital umbilical hernias:

  The condition is monitored carefully, and unless unusually large, umbilical hernias that are present at birth usually resolve themselves by the time the child is a year old. However, if the protrusion is present at age 3 or 4 or continues to grow, surgical intervention is needed.

• Certain cases of hiatal hernias:

  If a hiatal hernia is not at risk of causing serious GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) or getting strangulated, non-surgical treatment may be recommended. This includes medication to:

  • Reduce acid production and neutralise excess stomach acids.
  • Strengthening the bundle of muscles that prevent stomach acids from flowing backward into the oesophagus.

  Surgery is necessary if the medication is unable to prevent further herniation or control the symptoms.

• Asymptomatic umbilical or inguinal hernias:

  This approach is recommended for patients who are at high risk from anaesthesia or surgery. If the patient has an inguinal hernia (a groin hernia that is also the most common kind of hernia) or an umbilical hernia (an abdominal hernia) that is asymptomatic and negligible in size, the gastroenterologist may want to keep monitoring the situation carefully. The doctor may attempt to massage the hernia into place if possible. If the hernia is not at risk of getting stuck in the surrounding tissue nor growing too big, close monitoring and waiting may continue with frequent follow-up tests.

What are the non-surgical treatment options for hernias?

• Waiting and monitoring closely:

  This is the most common non-surgical option to deal with hernias. The hernia is monitored with regular follow-up appointments and tests to ensure that it is not growing in size or at risk of getting incarcerated or strangulated. This option is recommended only when the hernia is small and asymptomatic.

  While your condition is being monitored:

  • Avoid lifting heavy weights to avoid triggering abdominal pain.
  • Try to maintain a healthy body weight and strengthen your abdominal muscles with exercise for your core.
  • Avoid the risk of constipation by consuming a diet rich in fibre and fluids. Being constipated can make you strain in the bathroom, adding additional pressure on the herniated tissues.

  As long as the hernia is not getting strangulated, or incarcerated, or there is hope that the hernia can be pushed behind the damaged muscular wall, surgery can wait.

• Using hernia binders, trusses, and corsets:

  Wearing a binder, truss, or corset can keep the hernia in place and prevent further sagging by providing additional support to the damaged muscle walls. It is important to note that this treatment option is effective only if the hernia is completely reducible and can be pushed backthrough the muscle wall back in its proper place. The truss has to be worn and remain in place during all normal physical activities. Consequently, this is not an ideal solution and one that can cause skin irritation and infection. However, this treatment option may be recommended for elderly patients for whom undergoing surgery may be high risk.

When is surgery necessary to treat a hernia?

Surgery is recommended for hernia treatment if:

• The hernia (hernia sac) cannot be pushed back in place behind the damaged surrounding muscle.
• Incarceration: This happens if tissue or organ (such as the intestine) gets trapped in the muscle wall and cannot be pushed back into its respective cavity.Prompt intervention is needed to avoid complications such as strangulation.
• Strangulation: This happens if the incarcerated hernia is left untreated and blood and oxygen supply to the tissue gets blocked, leading to organ death. A strangulated hernia requires immediate surgical treatment.

Seek immediate medical help if your hernia turns dark, red, or purple or if you experience sudden pain that keeps getting worse. This may be accompanied by fever or nausea.

Though a hernia can cause significant inconvenience and discomfort, the outlook for hernia treatment is encouraging and positive. Small and asymptomatic hernias can be treated without surgery if they pose no further risk of incarceration. At the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, our expert gastroenterologists have extensive experience in treating hernias without surgery as well as with surgical treatment for hernias of all kinds. If you feel that your symptoms warrant a deeper investigation andwant to discuss comprehensive treatment options available to you, consult the best gastroenterologists in Bangalore at the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology in Sagar Hospitals.

Bacterial stomach infections – how to treat and protect yourself

Bacterial gastroenteritis, or digestive problem caused by bacteria, is fairly common in India.It is also commonly called food poisoning. You can get bacterial gastroenteritis after consuming contaminated food or water. Unhygienic and improper handling, storage, and cooking of food items can make foodunsafe for consumption.

People can get bacteria on their hands by handling contaminated food or water and, consequently, bacterial infections of the stomach have a tendency to spread from person to person quickly. Harmful bacteria are also present in the stools of infected people and can get transmitted to others if proper handhygiene is not practised.

Symptoms of bacterial stomach infections

The symptoms of bacterial gastroenteritis depend on the kind of infection, and may include:

• Diarrhoea
• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Blood in the stool (extreme cases)

When should you see a doctor?

Often, bacterial gastroenteritis will clear up on its own with some rest and by drinking plenty of fluids. However, seek help from your doctor if your symptoms do not improve even after 5 days. In the case of children, contact your doctor if symptoms do not improve after 2 days or if vomiting continues after 12 hours. If an infant younger than 3 months has diarrhoea or vomiting, call your doctor without delay.

Causes of stomach bacterial infections

The different kinds of bacteria that cause bacterial gastroenteritis include:

• E. Coli: Occurs in unwashed fruits, vegetables, and undercooked meats, especially beef.
• Shigella: Occurs in contaminated water (including swimming pools) and raw foods.
• Salmonella and staphylococcus (staph): Present in raw or undercooked meats, dairy products, and eggs.
• H. Pylori: A particularly antibiotic-resistant infection, this is commonly found in contaminated water and food. It also spreads via contact with saliva, vomit, and faecal matter from contaminated people.
• Campylobacter: Occurs in undercooked or raw poultry and dairy products.
• Yersinia: Found in raw or undercooked pork.

Home treatment for mild cases

Milder cases of stomach bacterial infections can be treated at home by following measures that include:

• Avoid eating:
  • Fatty/ oily/ fried foods
  • Dairy, raw fruits or vegetables, or high fibre foods.
  • Heavy meals
• Consume:
  • Lots of water and fluids
  • More frequent, smaller meals
  • Foods and drinks with potassium, such as bananas and fruit juices
  • Electrolyte drinks, especially after diarrhoea and vomiting.

Medical treatment

Medication is meant to keep you hydrated and avoid complications. Some points of note:

• Do not take OTC (over-the-counter) medication unless prescribed by your doctor or gastroenterologist.
• Your doctor may prescribe you antibiotics for your treatment. Be mindful of the dosage and complete the entire course of medication in a timely manner.
• Follow the measures listed for home treatment also.
• If you are unable to keep any fluids down, go to a hospital.

Preventing bacterial stomach infections

Preventing an outbreak of bacterial gastroenteritis is a matter of following hygienic routines. You should adhere to the following as a rule of thumb to avoid not just bacterial, but most stomach infections:

• Cleanliness:
  • Keep your kitchen and bathrooms clean.
  • Use a separate cutting board for raw meats.
  • Wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly before eating them.
  • Wash the cutting board every time after use.
  • Though not a measure related to cleanliness, avoid close contact with people who are suspected to have gastroenteritis.
• Wash your hands::
  • After using the bathroom
  • Before handling food
  • After handling any raw meats
  • After touching pets/ animals
• Water:
  • Avoid drinking water from unknown sources unless you are sure it is clean.
  • Drink water at home that has been RO or UV treatments, or boiled.
  • While travelling, drink water carried from home or bottled water only.
• Food:
  • Avoid consuming raw or undercooked meats.
  • Avoid drinking unpasteurised milk.
  • Refrigerate perishable foods such as raw meats, vegetables, fruits, and cooked food.
  • Store foods with shelf life in closed or sealed containers.
  • Avoid street food.
  • Avoid food at restaurants that do not seem hygienic.
  • Do not eat food that has been kept out for long.

Many bacterial stomach infections result from food that makes its way from the grocery stores to your plate. Contaminated water is also a major source and can cause infections by contact or consumption. Avoid certain foods such as dairy, oily/ fatty foods, and raw vegetables and fruits. Keep yourself hydrated especially if you have diarrhoea or vomiting. Most cases of bacterial gastroenteritis are not dangerous and are treated completely with home remedies and antibiotics. If left untreated, complications may occur and you may have to seek care at a hospital. You should seek treatment as soon as you see symptoms of stomach problems for timely treatment and to prevent the infection from spreading to others. If youare experiencing any symptoms related to digestion that warrant a visitto a specialist, or want to know more about the risks and treatments relatedto bacterial gastroenteritis, consult the best gastroenterologists in Bangalore at the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology in Sagar Hospitals.

What are the diseases of the heart valves?

Your heart consists of 4 chambers – 2 upper chambers (atria) and 2 lower chambers (ventricles). The four valves of your heart are the mitral, tricuspid, pulmonary, and aortic valves.

Blood passes from one heart chamber to the other through valves. Each of these valves has flap-like leaflets that open and close once per heartbeat, maintaining blood flow in the right direction. In short, a valve acts as a one-way outlet anda one-way inlet on either side of a chamber, preventing the backflow of blood.If any of these valves fail to close or open properly, the flow of blood through your heart and to the rest of your body is disrupted.

What are the signs of heart valve problems?

When heart valves begin to fail, the heart has to beat harder to maintain proper blood flow. Over time, the condition may deteriorate to a point that you start noticing symptoms. They include:

• Increasing instances of shortness of breath
• Weakness or dizziness
• Swelling in the feet, ankles, or the abdomen (edema)
• Chest pain and discomfort
• Rapid weight gain
• Fluttering or pounding heartbeats (palpitations)

Types of heart valve diseases

Heart valve problems can be acquired with age through heart conditions and infections. They can also be congenital (present at birth). They include:

• Acquired heart valve diseases:
  • Regurgitation: The valve leaflets (flaps) don’t close properly, causing a backward leakage of blood into the heart. This usually occurs due to prolapse, a condition when the leaflets bulge backward or become stretchy.
  • Stenosis: The valve flaps become stiff, thicken, or even fuse together, creating a narrowed valve opening through which the blood flow is restricted and make the heart work harder.
  • Endocarditis: A bacterial infection enters the bloodstream and infects the valve, creating holes, scarring, or harmful growths.
• Congenital heart valve diseases:
  • Atresia: The valve is not properly formed, and instead of flaps that open, solid tissue blocks the flow of blood between the heart chambers.
  • Valves, such as the pulmonary or the aortic valves, may be improperly formed, be of an improper size, or be improperly attached to their base.
  • Bicuspid aortic valve disease: The aortic valve in this condition has only 2 leaflets instead of 3, and is leaky because the valve cannot close or open completely.

What are the risk factors to develop valvular heart diseases?

The factors that increase your risk of developing heart valve diseases include:

• Heart valve infection
• Changes in the structure of the heart valve with ageing.
• Heart disease/ coronary artery disease
• History of heart attack
• High cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, and other cardiovascular disease risk factors
• Congenital heart disease (heart conditions present at birth) such as myxomatous degeneration
• Syphilis

Can there be complications?

Heart valve diseases can create life-threatening complications such as:

• Heart failure
• Blood clots
• Stroke
• Irregular heart rhythms
• Death

How is heart valve disease diagnosed?

The preliminary test that your cardiologist will perform if he/ she/ they suspect valvular heart disease is to check for any abnormal sounds in the heart with a stethoscope. These characteristic sounds due to the turbulent flow of blood in the heart are known as heart murmurs.

To further diagnose the precise kind of valve disorder and the extent of the problem, the following tests may be conducted:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Echocardiogram (echo)
• Transoesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)
• Chest X-ray.
• Cardiac catheterization.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

How is heart valve disease treated?

Depending on the type and severity of the valvular heart disease, treatment may include:

• Medication: Medicines are not a cure for heart valve disease, but their use can help relieve symptoms.
  • Beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers help control the heart rate and prevent abnormal heart rhythms.
  • Medicines such as vasodilators relax the blood vessels and reduce blood pressure to reduce the force with the heart must pump blood.
• Surgery: Malfunctioning valves may need to be repaired or replaced with surgery.
  • Heart valve repair: Abnormal heart valve tissue may be remodelled for proper function. A dilated valve may also be narrowed by inserting prosthetic rings.
  • Heart valve replacement: Severely dysfunctional or malformed valves may need to be replaced. These replacement valves may be biological valves (valves from animals or donated organs) or mechanical valves (made of metals, plastics, and other materials).

If you suspect heart disease or heart valve disease, you should call your doctor before your symptoms become too severe or frequent. Following diagnosis, you will need to schedule follow-up appointments with your cardiologist to make sure that your heart valves are functioning properly to avoid complications. Sagar Heart and Vascular Institute has the best cardiologists in Bangalore and specialises in the treatment of heart valve disease.To know more about the risks of heart valve disease and the latest treatment plans, book an appointment with our consultants.