Malaria is a life-threatening disease that affects millions globally despite being preventable and curable. In India, where the disease intermittently peaks, the fight against malaria is intensified through awareness, prevention, and treatment strategies. This article explores the symptoms, diagnosis, and prevention of malaria in detail, equipping you with the knowledge to combat this deadly disease effectively.

Recognising the Symptoms of Malaria

Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Recognising symptoms of malaria is the first step towards managing this disease. Below are some of the common symptoms:

Fever and Chills: Sudden, high fevers that can reach up to 40.6°C (104°F) with severe chills.

Headache and Dizziness: Persistent headaches that do not ease with over-the-counter painkillers, along with bouts of dizziness.

Sweats and Shivering: Intense sweating sessions that follow chills.

Muscle Pains and Fatigue: Generalised body aches with extreme fatigue, making daily activities difficult.

Nausea and Vomiting: Frequent upset stomach, especially vomiting, which may sometimes contain blood.

Diarrhoea: While less common, diarrhoea can occur along with other gastrointestinal symptoms.

Chest and Abdominal Pain: Pain in the chest, as well as in the abdomen.

Convulsions in Severe Cases: Sometimes, seizures may occur in severe malaria cases, particularly in children.

What is the Symptom Cycle in Malaria?

The symptoms of malaria typically appear 10–15 days after the infected mosquito bite but can be sooner or later, depending on the parasite species. The usual symptom of malaria is a cyclical occurrence:

Cold stage: Sensation of cold and shivering.

Hot stage: Fever, headaches, and vomiting.

Sweating stage: Sweats followed by returning to a normal temperature, with tiredness.

These stages may repeat every two to three days, depending on the specific Plasmodium species involved.

Diagnosis of Malaria

Timely diagnosis is essential for effectively treating malaria and preventing its spread. Diagnosis not only confirms the presence of malaria parasites in the blood but also helps in determining the appropriate treatment strategy.

Overview of Different Diagnostic Tests

Several diagnostic tests can help confirm malaria:

Initial Screening Tests

Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs): These are the first line of screening tests and provide results within 20 minutes. They are particularly useful in field settings or places lacking laboratory facilities. RDTs detect antigens derived from malaria parasites and are highly beneficial because they offer quick, initial results, guiding immediate treatment decisions.

Confirmatory Tests

Microscopic Blood Smear: This method is considered the gold standard for malaria diagnosis. A drop of the patient’s blood is spread on a microscope slide and stained before being examined under a microscope. This test can confirm the presence of malaria parasites and also identify their species and development stage.

Molecular Tests such as PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction): PCR is a highly sensitive method that detects malaria DNA. It is used when precise identification of the parasite species is required or when the results of other tests are inconclusive.

ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay): While not commonly used for the direct diagnosis of acute malaria, ELISA can be utilized to detect antigens or antibodies related to malaria. This test can provide supplementary information, especially in epidemiological studies or in cases where other diagnostic methods have limited availability.

Serology tests: Used to detect antibodies against malaria but are not recommended for acute diagnosis as they can indicate past or present infection.

Prevention Strategies for Malaria

Prevention of malaria involves multiple strategies aimed at reducing mosquito bites and controlling mosquito populations. Here are effective prevention measures:

Prevention of Mosquito Bites

Use of Insecticide-Treated Mosquito Nets: Sleeping under long-lasting insecticidal nets can significantly reduce mosquito bites.

Indoor Residual Spraying: Spraying the inside of buildings and houses with mosquito repellent sprays to kill mosquitoes.

Wearing Protective Clothing: Long sleeves and trousers, especially during peak mosquito-biting hours (from dusk to dawn).

Using Insect Repellent: Apply repellent on exposed skin and clothing to keep mosquitoes away.

Environmental Control

Elimination of Standing Water: Removing puddles, flower pots, and other items that can collect water to prevent mosquito breeding.

Proper Waste Disposal: Keeping the environment clean and disposing of garbage on time to reduce mosquito breeding sites.

Covering Water Storage Containers: Ensuring that water storage containers are tightly covered and sealed to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs.

Information on Preventive Medications

For travellers to high-risk areas, preventive medications are recommended. These should be taken before, during, and after the trip to reduce the risk of infection. It is important to consult a healthcare provider to choose the right preventive medication based on the travel destination and individual health status.

Wrapping It Up

Malaria is a serious disease, so it’s important that we all work together to fight this preventable yet deadly disease. By understanding the symptoms, undergoing timely diagnosis, and employing effective prevention strategies, we can curb the spread of malaria and save countless lives. Awareness and education are our best tools in this fight. Let us pledge to spread knowledge and take preventive measures to protect not just ourselves but also our communities from malaria. Together, we can aim for a malaria-free world.

References:

https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/diagnosis_treatment/diagnosis.html#:~:text=Clinical%20diagnosis%20is%20based%20on,%E2%80%9D%20and%20common%20viral%20infections).
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15014-malaria#symptoms-and-causes
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/malaria/symptoms-causes/syc-20351184
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/malaria
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/malaria.html#:~:text=Early%20symptoms%20of%20malaria%20can,40.6%C2%B0C)%20or%20higher.

With the onset of the monsoon season, the joy of rain showers and cooler temperatures often brings along a hidden menace: dengue fever. Every year, as the skies opens up and the rains pour down, the risk of dengue fever rises significantly. Dengue is a serious concern, especially during the monsoons. But do not worry—by following some simple preventive steps, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from this threat. Explore how you can keep dengue at bay and enjoy the rainy season safely.

Understanding Dengue Fever^[1]

Dengue fever is a viral illness transmitted by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti. These mosquitoes breed in stagnant water.

Symptoms of dengue fever typically appear four to ten days after being bitten and include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and mild bleeding (such as nose or gum bleed). In severe cases, dengue can lead to dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndromes, which are medical emergencies.

Dengue testing is vital for diagnosis and can be done through blood tests that detect the virus or antibodies produced in response to an infection. Given the potential severity of dengue, it is essential to take preventive measures seriously.

Step-by-Step Preventive Measures for Dengue^[2]

1. Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Sites: The first step in preventing dengue is to eliminate mosquito breeding sites. Aedes mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so it’s very important to empty, clean, or cover containers that can hold water, like buckets, flower pots, bird baths, discarded tires and more. Regularly checking and cleaning these potential breeding sites can significantly reduce mosquito populations.
2. Use Mosquito Repellents: Applying mosquito repellents on exposed skin and clothing can provide an effective barrier against mosquito bites. Ensure to reapply as directed on the product label, especially if you are outdoors for extended periods.
3. Wear Protective Clothing: Wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes can help reduce skin exposure to mosquito bites. Light-colored clothing is preferable as it is less attractive to mosquitoes.
4. Install Screens and Nets: Using screens on windows and doors can prevent mosquitoes from entering your home. Sleeping under mosquito nets is another effective way to avoid mosquito bites.
5. Use Mosquito Traps: Mosquito traps and sprays can help control mosquito populations indoors and outdoors. Electric mosquito zappers and sticky traps can reduce the number of mosquitoes. Sprays can be used in and around the house, but it is important to use these products according to the instructions to avoid health risks.

Additional Tips during Monsoon to Avoid Dengue

Avoid Outdoor Activities During Peak Hours: Mosquitoes are most active during early morning and late afternoon ^[1]. Try to avoid outdoor activities during these times to reduce the risk of bites.

Use Air Conditioning or Fans Indoors: Mosquitoes are less active in cooler environments Using air conditioning or fans can help keep mosquitoes at bay.

Plant Mosquito-Repellent Plants: Certain plants, such as tulsi, marigold, and lemongrass, have natural mosquito-repellent properties. Planting these around your home can help deter mosquitoes.

Conclusion

Preventing dengue during the monsoon season requires a combination of personal protection measures and community efforts. By eliminating mosquito breeding sites, using repellents, wearing protective clothing, and maintaining clean surroundings, you can significantly reduce the risk of dengue. Awareness and education play a crucial role in dengue prevention, ensuring that everyone is equipped with the knowledge to protect themselves and their families. Stay vigilant and proactive to enjoy a healthy and dengue-free monsoon season.

Reference Links:

[1] https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dengue-and-severe-dengue#:~:text=Dengue%20(break%2Dbone%20fever),aches%2C%20nausea%2C%20and%20rash.
[2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dengue-fever/symptoms-causes/syc-20353078

Introduction

Instances of elbow fractures, though common in all ages, are typical in children. With several variants of elbow fractures and their associated risk, particularly neurovascular, prompt and effective diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, and management is crucial. Professional medical interventions in addressing the debilitating pain and trauma resulting from such fractures become necessary to prevent further damage to the bones.

This blog focuses on understanding elbow fractures, their types, and the role of orthopedic trauma implants in aiding their recovery, with the sole purpose of providing an insightful look into the topic of elbow fracture treatment and management.

Elbow Fracture and Its Types

The humerus, the radius, and the ulna form a hinge joint called an elbow. The bones, ligaments, muscles, and tendons together hold an elbow. The tip of the elbow is known as the olecranon. Injuries to elbows are common due to accidents, falls, or impact injuries. Elbow fractures could result in displaced bone fragments, causing deformity or open fractures, where the bone fragments could bulge out through the skin.

Elbow fractures are categorized as olecranon fracture (fracture of the part of the ulna that is susceptible to fracture as muscles do not cover it), radial head fracture (fracture of the top of the radius bone, below the elbow), and distal humerus fracture (fracture of the bone connecting the shoulder to the elbow).

A fractured elbow may result in dislocation that could cause visible deformity. Swelling and tenderness or numbness in the affected area, stiffness of the elbow, deformity, pain due to mobility, instability of the broken bone, or bruising are some of the symptoms of a fractured elbow. These symptoms need immediate medical intervention.

Treatment of Elbow Fracture

Once the elbow is diagnosed with a fracture through a CT scan, X-rays, MRI, or musculoskeletal ultrasounds, the healthcare provider may treat the broken bone non-surgically or surgically, depending on the severity of the fracture.

In cases of non-displaced bone fractures, pain and anti-inflammatory medications, elevation methods, physical therapy, casts, splints, or slings are recommended to reduce pain and stabilize fractured bones. A non-displaced fracture means that though the bones are broken, they are not dislocated and can be fixed through external support.

Surgical treatment becomes necessary when the fractured elbow cannot be fixed through non-surgical methods due to dislocation. This is known as open reduction, where the surgeon fixes the fracture through surgery. Elbow fracture surgery involves internal fixation of the fractured bones through physical positioning. The treatment aims to stabilize the dislocated bones and place them together with the help of trauma implants like screws, pins, wires, or plates.

Trauma Implants and Their Role in Treating Elbow Fractures

The various trauma implants that aid elbow fracture fixation and healing are –

• Screws- Screws are simple devices commonly used in internal fixation of broken bones, either alone or in combination with plates, wires or pins. These screws help hold and fix the fracture enabling stability and immobility of the fractured bones for proper healing.
• Plates- Plates act as internal splints that hold the fractured bones together. They may be left in place or removed over time. Plates are indicated for intra-articular fractures, comminuted supracondylar fractures, osteotomies, malunions, and non-unions of the distal humerus, olecranon and/or proximal ulna.
• Pins- Pins are used in supracondylar humerus bone fracture (when the humerus bone above the elbow is fractured), which is common in children when the fall is on the over-stretched arms. In cases of displacement, the fracture is pinned through close or open reduction depending on the need and condition of the fracture. The surgeon treats the fractured elbow through percutaneous pins kept below the cast but outside of the skin.
• Wires- There is an increased risk of non-union in case of lateral humeral condyle fractures and the need for extended internal fixation time. Kirschner wires are used in such fractures and are either buried or non-buried (left protruding from the skin). These wires require fewer incisions and hence have fewer chances of infection and more of faster healing.

Osteotomy, total elbow replacement, and arthrodesis, among others, are the treatment options for a fractured elbow, requiring surgery due to its severity. Screws, plates, pins, and wires play a vital role in the fixation and stabilization of fractured bones that need proper positioning and reconstruction. In the case of arthrodesis, plates and screws are used to enable the olecranon and the humerus bone to grow together, fusing as one. For total elbow replacement, once the fragmented bones are removed, the humerus and the ulna have implants attached to them, which are fixed to form a joint.

Conclusion

Trauma implants aid bone realignment and fixation, enabling stabilization and reconstruction of the fractured bones. The elbow is one of the most vulnerable body parts to be commonly hurt and fractured through accidental falls and injuries. The pain, discomfort, and trauma resulting from bone fragments are often unbearable and debilitating, disrupting day-to-day activities and everyday living. Untreated or unaddressed fractures may lead to lifetime issues of bone dislocation or deformity and associated hardships of restricted movements and dependence.

Advancement and deployment of trauma implants in orthopedic treatment aid mitigate the pain and suffering associated with fractures while restoring mobility and independence and enriching the lives of patients.

References

https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/elbow-olecranon-fractures/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK4419
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22050-elbow-fractures
https://www.massgeneral.org/orthopaedics/children/conditions-and-treatments/supracondylar-elbow-fractures-followup-care#:~:text=The%20pins%20that%20are%20holding,confirm%20healing%20of%20the%20fracture.

Introduction

The benefits of minimally invasive procedures are noteworthy, known and widely accepted in the medical world. From lesser tissue damage, less pain, faster healing and recovery to quicker return to routine, these benefits have paved the way for laparoscopy to evolve as a progressive alternative for conventional and traditional methods of surgery. Laparoscopy has been evolving, and continuously offering more refined, advanced, expanding and improved surgical outcomes. However, with every coin having two sides, the other side of laparoscopy presented some challenges that needed to be attended to in order to cater to ever changing clinical needs of the healthcare professionals and the patients. Technological advancement in the field of laparoscopy has resulted in the introduction of smart handheld devices to assist the surgeons in laparoscopic surgeries.
Smart handheld devices have been in the news with their role in addressing the challenges of surgical performance in laparoscopic surgeries by the healthcare providers.
Read the blog to gain an understanding about smart handheld devices and their role in laparoscopic surgeries.

Role of Robotic Systems in Laparoscopy

Robotic system assists the surgeon in complex surgical procedures, by –
reducing the potential chances of human error,
enhancing the surgeon’s capabilities, efficacy and performance offering accuracy, and precision
ensuring that the surgical outcomes are not affected by the surgeon’s mental and physical constraints,
offering continuous and consistent performance, being stress and fatigue resistant, unaffected to emotional responses, highly dexterous and efficient in maneuvering complex movements.

What is a smart handheld device in laparoscopy?

A smart handheld device in laparoscopy is a lightweight, well-articulated, dexterous and computer programmed device that imitates the natural hand movements of the surgeon, enabling accuracy, and precision in performing complex surgeries. The device provides ease, comfort, flexibility, and control to surgeons in maneuvering surgical operations.

Role of Handheld Devices in Laparoscopic Surgeries

The need for smart handheld devices in laparoscopic surgeries was felt with surgical challenges posed by minimal invasiveness in gaining access through the incisions to the inner body parts of the patients. The surgeon’s restricted range of motion created difficulty in handling the surgical tools and performing the procedures. The conventional devices required the surgeons to perform repeated movements in restricted motion, which in the long run affected their posture, physical health and overall wellbeing.

Robotic systems paved the way for more transformative surgical procedures with promising accuracy, efficacy and precision, that the conventional surgical tools and instruments lacked with their straight and rigid tips and limited range of motion. The master-slave robots in laparoscopic surgeries require the use of wrist joint and the master console. This master-slave robots lack proximity to the inner organ, require large console with large infrastructure, workflow setup, and high cost.

Smart handheld devices entered the surgical scene with promising outcomes, with the prime goal of bridging the gap between conventional laparoscopic instruments and robotic surgical instruments, ensuring efficacy, dexterity, accuracy and precision like robotic instruments with affordable infrastructure and workflow setup for surgeries.

Future of smart handheld devices

Though robot driven smart handheld instruments have a promising future at the horizon, they are in the early stages of development. The scope of the handheld devices in various laparoscopic surgeries including hernia repairs, gastrointestinal procedures, hysterectomy, prostatectomy, colectomies, to name a few, is noticeable. Several clinical trials are underway to study the use of these devices and this is a sign of its high prospects in the near future. These devices are increasingly in use for laparoscopic surgeries, with their low cost as compared to robotic system, being the major reason.

The benefits these smart handheld devices entail in terms of efficient articulation, ergonomic comfort, ease in use, cost-effectiveness, optimal fitting and functionality, augmenting surgeon’s efficiency, expertise and skills, smooth maneuvering and control of operations offer a bright future for laparoscopy to evolve and revolutionize surgical outcomes and patientcare.

References

https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/59483
https://hospitalprofessionalnews.ie/2023/09/25/handheld-robotic-systems-for-minimally-invasive-surgery/

Introduction

Let us make health our forever priority and commitment, not just a resolution for the year ahead!

Year-end is the time for reflection and realization of what is left behind and hopes and aspirations for what lies ahead. It is also the time to appreciate and celebrate, with gratitude, the people in our lives. Gifts are a way to show this appreciation and are precious, always. This new year, make them timeless, too. A gift that adds more to the lives of your loved ones, one that will make them enjoy and treasure every other gift for a lifetime. The gift of healthy living!

You do not need to spend mindlessly on expensive stuff that ends up stacked in the corner sooner or later. You need not buy into the glitter and shimmer of something tangible that does not add value or bring temporary gratification. Instead, invest in something that makes your loved ones’ lives healthier and yours happier.

Unpleasant as it may sound, diseases like diabetes and/or arthritis have become ‘a come-to-stay for good’ in many families, with one or more members struggling to cope with the symptoms that adversely affect the quality of life. In this fast-paced life, a sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits are the primary causes of these diseases responsible for an early onset in young adults. Studies suggest a correlation between diabetes and arthritis, primarily due to both having a lot in common. One occurrence leads to the risk of developing the other and vice-versa. Furthermore, these diseases are no longer the diseases of the older generation; they are a wake-up call for aggressive measures to spread awareness among the masses about preventing, controlling, and managing these diseases. This requires a concerted effort, in form and spirit, from every section of society.

This blog discusses how one can make a difference in enabling the healthy living of their loved ones. 

Make Health a Priority

Living a healthy life cannot be a once-in-a-while affair. It takes a continuous and conscious effort towards a routine that incorporates a healthy diet, physical activity and exercise, abstinence from harmful consumption, routine health checkups, and stress management. Make it a priority, never to be compromised with. 

Disease management and control of diabetes and arthritis require weight loss, diet control and physical activities. These diseases are progressive and chronic that often adversely affect the overall well-being of an individual, if left unaddressed. Prevention becomes a necessity and advisable to avoid their exacerbation.

Creating an atmosphere of health consciousness through thoughtful considerations goes a long way in spreading awareness of healthy living. Whether cutting on carbs, hitting the gym, taking up sports that help stay fit, quitting unhealthy habits, scheduling mealtime, cutting down on screen time and adding more to physical activities, engaging in mindfulness and meditation practices, encourage your family to prioritize it. Help them go one step at a time and appreciate their efforts towards achieving that goal. Motivate them to stick to it when they slip back to earlier habits.

Acknowledging their little efforts and helping them achieve what they set out for could be done in several ways-

• Planning and adhering to a diet that adds high nutritional value with more protein, healthy fats, whole grains, and leafy vegetables, ensuring sugar level control.
• Helping schedule their exercise regime, incorporating strengthening, flexibility, and/or balance-promoting exercises.
• Being the support system for those trying to quit unhealthy habits without condemning them for those habits.
• Staying positive and encouraging positivity when helping your loved ones cope with difficulty prioritizing their health, especially weight loss.
• Helping them understand and explore ways to be informed and aware of the importance of good health, the various therapies, treatment modalities, and practices that help maintain good health.
• Encouraging and convincing elder relatives to go for regular and annual health checkups. Helping them shed inhibitions, if any, regarding such health checkups.

Gifts to support the well-being of your loved ones

This new year, take a step towards supporting the well-being of those around you with actions that boost their healthy spirits and living.

From fitness tools to health checkup schedules and testing kits to health coverages, add meaning to the gifts that show your love and care. Gifting ideas could be limitless when it comes to ensuring the healthy living of your loved ones.

Physical fitness and activity help keep diseases like diabetes and arthritis under control when managed through proper medical intervention. Encouraging your loved ones to stay fit through loving gestures of useful gifts is priceless. 

• Help stay fit and healthy- These gifts could range from a simple pair of sports shoes to a yoga mat, from a foot massager to a foldable treadmill, from a healthy food book to diet guides, to name a few.
• Provide a sense of security- Fitness tools like smartwatches for elders, enabling GPS tracking or fall detection, call and texting, and health and fitness tracking provide a sense of security when away from home.
• Protect against medical emergencies- A prepaid annual routine health checkup registration and schedule and medical coverages for the uninsured are timeless gifts of peace of mind against medical emergencies and treatment.
• Monitor health- Self-diagnostic testing kits are thoughtful gifts for diabetic patients needing routine monitoring and sugar level control. Inculcating health discipline, through timely and routine laboratory health checkups, in consultation with one’s healthcare provider also helps diagnose, monitor, control and manage medical conditions.

Gifts encouraging and enabling our loved ones to enjoy their hobbies are equally priceless. Health is not only about physical well-being but also about one’s mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Gifts that enable one to pursue one’s interests and hobbies have a far-reaching positive effect on the emotional health of an individual. Being supported to pursue one’s interest is a morale boost, ushering in a sense of being cared for. The ideas and the scope for gifts are limitless. Just be observant about the likes and needs of others, and there are endless options to make them feel special and encouraged. What are gifts, after all, for? An expression of love and a gesture to show you care!

Celebrate Health, Celebrate Life! 

May this New Year be a gateway to a healthier life for you and your loved ones, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Take advantage of the fun of festive food, celebrations, and the things that make these festivities memorable, but keep things moderate for you and your loved one’s good health and healthy living. Health is the most significant gift, and maintaining and taking care of it is our responsibility, a way to show gratitude for such a timeless gift. Be conscious of your and your loved one’s health, for good health is one of the reasons to celebrate life. Let us make health a priority, our forever commitment, and not just a resolution for the year ahead.

This New Year, Add More To Life for you and your loved ones by enabling healthy living. Gift the timeless joy of good health, a treasure for a healthier life.