Category health

India, Jan 06: In honor of Thyroid Awareness Month, St. George’s University (SGU) School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies, is shining a spotlight on empowering Indians to have a greater awareness of thyroid disorders, conditions that often go undiagnosed despite their widespread prevalence. 

Thyroid diseases, particularly hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid), are among the most underdiagnosed health conditions in India. It is estimated that over 42 million Indians live with some form of thyroid disorder, making the country one of the highest-burden markets globally. Despite this prevalence, a significant proportion of cases remain undetected due to the subtle and often nonspecific nature of symptoms such as persistent fatigue, unexplained weight gain or loss, hair thinning, menstrual irregularities, and mood fluctuations. As a result, many individuals continue for years without realising they have an underlying thyroid condition, delaying diagnosis and appropriate management.

Early Detection in Thyroid Disease Diagnosis

Timely diagnosis of thyroid disorders can make a profound difference. When detected and treated promptly, patients can avoid serious complications from thyroid disorders, including infertility, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic imbalance.

Healthcare professionals recommend that adults, especially those over age 35 or with a family history of thyroid disease, include thyroid function tests as part of their annual health screenings. These simple blood tests measure hormone levels and allow doctors to spot potential dysfunction before it progresses.

Preventive steps may include:

• Scheduling regular thyroid screening

• Maintaining balanced iodine intake

• Monitoring persistent or unexplained symptoms

• Managing stress levels

• Following a healthy diet and staying physically active

• Avoiding excessive or unregulated supplement use

Kurnool,  Jan 5 :- Brain tumors are rarely life-threatening. Usually, such tumors grow over a period of two to three weeks, and symptoms appear gradually thereafter. However, in rare instances, certain tumors can develop suddenly and become life-threatening within a short time. In one such uncommon case, doctors at KIMS Hospital, Kurnool, saved the life of a young man by performing an advanced endoscopic brain surgery. The details of the case were shared by Dr. N. Sumanth Kumar, Consultant Neurosurgeon at KIMS Hospital.

A 24-year-old man named Balaram, a resident of Kurnool, was perfectly normal until the previous night and had even attended a family function with his relatives. Suddenly, about six hours before being brought to the hospital, he developed progressive symptoms including vomiting, seizures, severe headache, memory loss, and partial loss of consciousness. His family immediately rushed him to the Emergency Department of KIMS Hospital, Kurnool.

Upon evaluation, doctors performed investigations including a CT scan of the brain, which revealed a tumor located in the anterior region of the third ventricle. Due to this tumor, the patient developed hydrocephalus, leading to obstruction of normal cerebrospinal fluid circulation and increased pressure within the brain.

Normally, the human brain contains four ventricles, which hold cerebrospinal fluid that protects the brain and spinal cord. This fluid continuously flows through narrow connecting channels. Among the four ventricles, the third ventricle is very narrow. Unfortunately, in this young man, a tumor developed precisely at the junction of the frontal part of the brain and the third ventricle. As a result, CSF accumulated rapidly, causing acute hydrocephalus.

This sudden rise in intracranial pressure can lead to seizures, drowsiness, and, in severe cases, even death. Fortunately, the patient was brought to the hospital within a very short time after the onset of symptoms.

“We performed an emergency minimally invasive endoscopic surgery using the most advanced techniques, through a very small opening in the skull. Such complex procedures are usually performed only in major metropolitan cities. However, due to the availability of advanced infrastructure and experienced specialists at KIMS Hospital, we were able to successfully save the patient’s life here in Kurnool,” said Dr. N. Sumanth Kumar.

The surgical team first created a small opening of about one inch in the skull. Through this opening, the brain layers were carefully accessed using an endoscope, and the surgeons reached the tumor site. The entire tumor was meticulously removed without causing damage to the surrounding brain tissue. Following removal, the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid was restored.

 The patient recovered rapidly after surgery, and due to his stable condition and good recovery, he was discharged on the third postoperative day, Dr. Sumanth Kumar added.

By:-  Dr. Sabia Mangat, Consultant – Gynaecologist, Reproductive Medicine and IVF, Milann Fertility Hospital, Chandigarh

India is witnessing a striking paradox: even as medical technology advances, more young couples are struggling to conceive. Fertility specialists across the country report a steady rise in infertility cases often in couples in their late 20s and early 30s. While medical conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis, low ovarian reserve, and poor sperm quality remain important causes, a growing body of evidence suggests that infertility today is increasingly shaped by modern lifestyle choices. From stress and screen addiction to delayed childbirth and dietary habits, infertility is rapidly emerging as a lifestyle disorder.

According to the latest Sample Registration System (SRS) data, the country’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has fallen to 1.9, below the replacement level of 2.1. Eighteen states and union territories including Delhi, Karnataka, Punjab, and West Bengal are now below replacement fertility. For the first time, even rural India has touched a TFR of 2.1, while urban areas have dipped to 1.5, reflecting shifting social patterns. Fertility is declining most sharply among younger women (15–29 years), while increasing marginally among women aged 30 and above, clear evidence of delayed parenthood making it the biggest contributor.

An increasing number of couples are choosing to postpone pregnancy while they build careers, achieve financial stability, or pursue personal goals. Although empowering, this trend collides with biological reality. Women are born with all the eggs they will ever have, and both egg quality and egg quantity begin to decline sharply after the age of 32. For men, long working hours, erratic meals, smoking, alcohol consumption, and chronic stress are linked to reduced sperm count and motility. Together, these factors are pushing infertility into the mainstream as a lifestyle-driven phenomenon.

The urban lifestyle is another major catalyst. Long workdays, high-pressure environments, sedentary habits, and chronic screen exposure are now common across age groups. Stress has become a new normal in today’s life. And, stress triggers hormonal imbalances that affect ovulation in women and testosterone levels in men. Again, the increase in desk jobs has also led to an epidemic of obesity, and other other risk factors for ovulatory issues, insulin resistance, erectile dysfunction, and poorer IVF outcomes.  Even the non-uniform working hours lead to sleep deprivation, excessive social media use, or irregular routines, disrupting hormonal cycles essential for fertility.

Diet, too, plays an increasingly important role. The growing dependence on processed foods, sugary beverages, refined carbohydrates, and high-salt snacks fuels inflammation and metabolic disorders that interfere with reproductive health. According to fertility experts, a Mediterranean-style diet, supports better hormonal balance and improves both egg and sperm quality. However, for many urban Indians, convenience often takes precedence over nutrition, leading to deficiencies in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Environmental factors have also been linked to declines  in fertility. Air pollution, endocrine-disrupting chemicals in plastics, pesticides in food, and everyday exposure to cosmetics and household products containing harmful chemicals have been linked to declining fertility rates globally. These disruptions mimic or interfere with the body’s natural hormones, affecting menstrual cycles, sperm development, and embryo implantation.

What makes infertility particularly complex is the emotional landscape surrounding it. Modern lifestyles leave little room for rest, reflection, or interpersonal connection, creating a sense of isolation among couples facing fertility challenges. The added pressure of societal expectations, competitive careers, and financial commitments only intensifies the emotional burden. Mental health issues such as anxiety, burnout, and depressive symptoms, create a vicious cycle, further affecting hormonal and reproductive health.

Recognising infertility as a lifestyle disorder is the first step toward prevention. Time has come to take proactive approaches, such as: regular health screenings, maintaining a healthy diet, staying physically active, reducing smoking and alcohol consumption, managing stress through yoga or mindfulness, and prioritising 7–8 hours of sleep. For couples planning to delay pregnancy, fertility preservation options such as egg or sperm freezing offer greater reproductive flexibility. 

Infertility is caused by genetic and biological factors, but the rise in number reflects a deeper lifestyle shift. As work pressures intensify, diets become more processed, and stress becomes a constant companion, reproductive health inevitably takes a hit. 

Hyderabad,  Jan 2:- A 55-year-old woman from Mauritius was experiencing sudden and severe drops in blood sugar levels. If she did not eat frequently, she would suffer from dizziness and even lose consciousness. When she consulted doctors in Mauritius, medical investigations revealed that she was suffering from a rare pancreatic tumor known as insulinoma.

As the condition required a highly complex surgical procedure, doctors in Mauritius advised that surgery was not feasible there and referred her to Hyderabad for advanced treatment. She was admitted to KIMS Kondapur Hospital, where she received treatment under the care of Dr. C.H. Naveen Kumar, Consultant Surgical Gastroenterologist and Robotic Surgeon.

Explaining the case, Dr. Naveen Kumar said;

“The patient came directly to KIMS Kondapur Hospital. Surgical removal of pancreatic tumors is generally very complex because suturing the pancreas is extremely challenging. We diagnosed her condition as an insulinoma, a rare type of pancreatic tumor. Along with my team, we successfully performed a highly complex surgery using a completely laparoscopic approach, making only small incisions to remove the tumor from the pancreas.”

He further added;

“Since the tumor was very small, we used intraoperative ultrasound and advanced technologies to accurately locate and remove it. The surgery was completed successfully without any complications. Anaesthesia Dr Veerbhadra rao and team supporting. Following the procedure, the patient recovered well and was discharged from the hospital after six days.”

The successful surgery highlights KIMS Kondapur Hospital’s expertise in handling rare and complex pancreatic conditions using advanced minimally invasive surgical techniques. We are one of the top most centres for robotic/lap HPB surgeries for both benign and cancers in twin states

Kolkata, Jan 1:- RG Stone Urology & Laparoscopy Hospitals has further strengthened its clinical leadership with the appointment of Dr. Zeeshan Rahman, MBBS, MS, MCh, as Consultant  Urology at its Dhakuria centre. His addition significantly enhances the hospital’s ability to deliver advanced, minimally invasive and robotic urology care in the region, reducing the need for patients to travel to other metropolitan cities for complex procedures.

An alumnus of Christian Medical College Vellore, Dr. Rahman brings over 15 years of extensive experience spanning complex urology, reconstructive surgery, paediatric urology, and renal transplantation. His clinical expertise includes the management of kidney and bladder stones, prostate disorders, and advanced reconstructive procedures. Prior to joining RG Stone, he led advanced urology services at a premier healthcare institution in Delhi and has published widely in reputed national and international medical journals.

Dr. Rahman’s appointment forms part of RG Stone’s strategic initiative to expand access to specialised urology care in eastern India. The hospital continues to invest in state-of-the-art infrastructure and advanced technologies, enabling safer surgeries, faster recovery, and highly personalised treatment pathways for patients with complex urological conditions.

Sharing his vision, Dr. Zeeshan Rahman said;

“Urology is evolving rapidly, yet access to advanced care remains limited across eastern India. At RG Stone, my focus is on delivering high-precision treatments locally by combining innovation with compassionate, hands-on patient care. Patients can now access world-class procedures for complex conditions without having to leave the region.”

Highlighting the significance of the appointment, an RG Stone spokesperson added;

“Dr. Rahman’s expertise significantly expands our capabilities in robotic, reconstructive, and transplant urology. His addition reinforces RG Stone’s commitment to patient-centric, evidence-based care and ensures that advanced urological treatments are accessible within eastern India.”

With Dr. Rahman joining its clinical team, RG Stone Urology & Laparoscopy Hospitals further strengthens its position as a leading centre for comprehensive urological care, combining clinical excellence, advanced technology, and regional accessibility to deliver superior patient outcomes.

By:- Mr. Mannuri Vamshi Krishna, Founder & CEO of MedScore

“2025 has been a defining year for MedScore as India’s healthcare supply chain moved from intuition-led credit decisions to real-time financial intelligence. We saw firsthand how disciplined data can transform access to essential medicines, especially in markets where delayed payments and informal lending have silently constrained availability for years. Our work with distributors and retailers showed that stability in healthcare begins with stability in cash flows, and that a credible digital credit identity can be as powerful as inventory itself. This year reaffirmed our belief that financial transparency is the strongest lever for building an equitable, efficient, and resilient healthcare ecosystem. As we step into 2026, MedScore will continue strengthening this backbone by expanding our scoring infrastructure, deepening ERP integrations, and bringing structured credit discipline to every corner of India’s B2B pharma landscape.”

By:- Mr. Mannuri Vamshi Krishna, Founder & CEO of MedScore

“2025 has been a defining year for MedScore as India’s healthcare supply chain moved from intuition-led credit decisions to real-time financial intelligence. We saw firsthand how disciplined data can transform access to essential medicines, especially in markets where delayed payments and informal lending have silently constrained availability for years. Our work with distributors and retailers showed that stability in healthcare begins with stability in cash flows, and that a credible digital credit identity can be as powerful as inventory itself. This year reaffirmed our belief that financial transparency is the strongest lever for building an equitable, efficient, and resilient healthcare ecosystem. As we step into 2026, MedScore will continue strengthening this backbone by expanding our scoring infrastructure, deepening ERP integrations, and bringing structured credit discipline to every corner of India’s B2B pharma landscape.”

The habit of sleeping with betel nut, clove, or any other object in the mouth is common among many people, but it can prove to be extremely dangerous. During sleep, such objects can accidentally pass through the airway into the lungs, leading to repeated infections over a long period of time.

Recently, a similar case was seen at Apollo Hospital, where a nearly 70-year-old elderly woman was admitted with complaints of recurrent chest infections and pneumonia. Due to her deteriorating condition, she had to be admitted to the ICU. X-ray and CT scan investigations revealed pneumonia in her lungs. The patient already had a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, and was taking blood thinners.

To understand the underlying cause of the illness, doctors decided to perform a bronchoscopy. Apollo Hospital pulmonologist Dr. Shubham Agarwal explained that during the bronchoscopy, it was observed that a foreign object was lodged inside the lung in the area affected by pneumonia. The doctors informed the family that removing the object was absolutely necessary and that the procedure would require general anesthesia and ventilator support. As the procedure was lengthy, the family was initially anxious, but after detailed discussion and reassurance, they gave their consent.

The patient was then completely sedated, and with the help of a camera and specialized instruments, the object was removed from inside the lung. Mild bleeding occurred during the procedure, which was successfully controlled with medication. When the object was finally extracted, it turned out to be a piece of betel nut. The family revealed that the patient had a habit of chewing betel nut and often fell asleep at night with it in her mouth. This piece of betel nut had entered and remained lodged in her lung, causing repeated infections over a long time.

After removal of the betel nut, the patient’s condition improved rapidly. She was taken off the ventilator and soon recovered completely and was discharged home in stable condition.

Dr. Shubham stated that when any foreign object gets stuck in the lungs through the airway, the entire area beyond that point becomes infected, often leading to pus formation. Many times, when a person is in deep sleep, objects that enter the lungs through the airway do not cause obvious symptoms, and a mild cough may be the only sign. Cough syrups or nebulization can suppress these symptoms, and even X-rays may fail to detect the presence of a foreign body in the lungs. Therefore, extreme caution is required.

He further warned that sleeping with betel nut, cloves, or any other object in the mouth is extremely dangerous and can be life-threatening. Additionally, if an adult experiences recurrent chest infections or pneumonia, it is essential to consider the possibility of a foreign object lodged in the lungs. During sleep, such incidents may not trigger a strong cough reflex, allowing the real cause to remain hidden for a long time.

Dr. Mayank Somani, MD & CEO, Apollomedics Super Speciality Hospital;

said that this case highlights how small, careless everyday habits such as chewing something while sleeping can lead to serious illnesses. A foreign object stuck in the lungs can continue to spread infection for a long time without clear symptoms, while treatment remains limited to medications alone. Timely and accurate diagnosis not only revealed the true cause of the illness but also saved the patient’s life. Therefore, it is crucial to thoroughly investigate the hidden causes behind recurrent cough or infections.

Kochi,  Dec 29:- Aster Medcity has successfully performed South India’s first Total Knee Replacement  using Augmented Reality  technology, marking a significant milestone in the adoption of next-generation surgical innovation in the region.

The landmark procedure was carried out on a 57-year-old male patient from Cherthala by a surgical team led by Dr. Vijayamohan, Lead Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Aster Medcity.

The AR-assisted TKR combines advanced digital visualization with real-time surgical navigation, enabling enhanced precision in implant positioning, alignment, and soft-tissue balancing. By superimposing critical anatomical data directly into the surgeon’s field of view, the technology enhances accuracy while preserving the surgeon’s clinical judgment and expertise. This approach minimizes intraoperative bone and tissue manipulation, reduces variability, and promotes safer surgical outcomes.

Commenting on the achievement, Dr. Vijayamohan said;

“This milestone represents a major step forward in patient-centric knee replacement surgery. Augmented Reality allows us to visualise complex knee anatomy with unprecedented clarity during the procedure, improving accuracy, functional outcomes, and potentially accelerating patient recovery.”

The patient demonstrated a rapid post-operative recovery with encouraging early outcomes, including improved joint mobility and reduced discomfort. This success highlights the benefits of integrating the expertise of skilled surgeons with advanced AR and AI-driven technologies. Orthopaedic experts believe that AR-assisted joint replacement could redefine surgical standards by reducing human error and enhancing long-term implant survivorship.

Dr. Nalanda Jayadev, CEO, Aster Medcity, added;

“This achievement reflects our commitment to bringing world-class medical technology to our patients. We are proud to support innovations that continue to raise the benchmark of surgical excellence.”

With this pioneering procedure, Aster Medcity reinforces its leadership in advanced joint replacement surgery and its dedication to delivering cutting-edge, evidence-based care to patients across South India.

Photo Captions:

1. Dr. Vijayamohan, Lead Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Aster Medcity, performing South India’s first Augmented Reality (AR)-guided Total Knee Replacement.

2. Dr. Vijayamohan, Lead Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Aster Medcity.

Hyderabad,  Dec 29:- According to Dr. Sonia Datta, MDS, PhD, Professor in Public Health Dentistry, as the world transitions into 2026, the traditional New Year’s resolutions of gym memberships and strict diets are being joined by a surprising newcomer: the Oral Health Reset. Emerging research and a renewed focus on holistic wellness are highlighting that a healthy mouth is the cornerstone of a healthy body. Despite its importance, oral care is often the “forgotten” pillar of wellness. While many rethink their nutrition and sleep patterns, the mouth which serves as the gateway to the digestive and respiratory systems is frequently overlooked until discomfort arises.

The 2026 Oral Reset Checklist-Experts recommend five realistic pillars for those looking to upgrade their routine this year: The Two-Minute Rule: Brushing twice daily for a full 120 seconds; Tongue Hygiene: Daily cleaning to remove bacterial buildup; Interdental Care: Flossing or using interdental brushes to reach hidden plaque; Hydration: Increasing water intake to support saliva production the mouth’s natural defense; Ayurvedic Integration: Incorporating time-tested botanicals into daily care.

The Rise of Modern Ayurvedic Care-A key trend for 2026 is the integration of Ayurvedic herbs into mainstream oral hygiene. Consumers are increasingly seeking out ingredients that offer natural efficacy: Clove Oil: Known for its antibacterial properties and ability to ease discomfort; Pudina Satva: Provides genuine, long-lasting breath freshness; Tomar Beej: Specifically used to support clean and healthy gums.

Products like Dabur Red, which combines these potent herbs and carries the IDA  Seal of Acceptance, are becoming the preferred choice for those seeking a balance between traditional wisdom and modern clinical validation.