Once a person contracts avoid infection, he/she may exhibit common symptoms like fever, cough, body ache, etc. But the health issues may not end with testing negative for Covid. Many people even after recovering from Covid, experience issues like post-Covid fatigue.  Though a large number of people are able to sail through it without too many complications after testing positive, the post covid complications may impact the normal life. With Covid infection still around us, it is important to know how to deal with post-Covid fatigue.

In many Covid cases, after testing negative, patients continue to feel weak, get tired very soon after simple routine tasks, feel sleepy even after getting ample sleep, find it difficult in focusing/concentrating, etc. Some also experience pains and aches, shivering of limbs, and many other associated physical issues. It will sometimes take a long while to recover depending on whether your infection has been a mild or severe one.

It is important to allow time for your body to recuperate. Immediately after you test negative, do not push yourself to get back to the things that you used to do. This could be your exercise routine, physically demanding jobs, mentally exerting activities, etc. Covid-19 infection can have continuing effects for a couple of months, sometimes up to six to eight months after you have tested negative. The key is to allow the body to heal, facilitate it with what is required for the same, and slowly get back to the normal lifestyle. This road to recovery may be extensive and exhausting, but if you take good care, you can manage it. Here are some points to remember and follow to ensure proper recovery:

Continue to follow the safety protocols- Post covid recovery, the patient is vulnerable to infections as his immunity levels will still be below. Stay away from any gathering. Do not go out unless it is an emergency and in such a case make sure you have a mask, maintain social distance and sanitize yourself whenever needed.

Go easy on exercise – Gradually build your strength. Start with slow walks for a short duration. listen to your body and take rest when you feel it is required, it is not important to go by the pre-set time. Breathing exercises and meditation can be good to start with. Avoid heavy workouts as your body is weak and still recovering.

Ensure natural vitamin D–The coronavirus infection will decrease Vitamin D levels in the body. The best is to get it naturally, to ensure the same try and get at least 30 minutes of exposure to sunlight preferably in the morning.

Nutritious diet– A nourishing diet is essential while one is recouping. Make sure to have a balanced and easily digestible meal. Avoid excess sugar, oil, and processed food. Be cautious with your diet if you already have any of the lifestyle diseases. Take that into consideration and plan your diet accordingly.

Stay hydrated– Dehydration is also a reason for tiredness. Increasing your liquid intake will help fight fatigue. One should properly hydrate themselves and see that electrolytes are maintained to get better with the weakness and fatigue.

Maintain a sleep cycle– Sleep early to wake up early. Waking up early gives a positive and energetic vibe and a great start to your day. It can make you feel productive; it also contributes to mental health. Develop a good sleep pattern and ensure it daily. Stay away from using gadgets after a certain time in the night.

Stay happy and have fun- getting a negative test result itself is a big enough reason to be happy about. Indulge in fun activities that can relax your mind and body. Read your favorite book, listen to music or watch your favorite series to keep yourself cheerful. One can also do art or craft activities that will keep them active. Remember to take breaks in between and get enough rest. Do not exert, be realistic and kind to yourself. Speak to a counselor or a mental health expert if you feel depressed, anxious, or have other concerns in mind.

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The second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic has paved the way for some severe lung infections as well as new terms to explain the conditions. ‘Happy Hypoxia’ is one of them. It is the term used in a condition where oxygen levels in the blood decrease drastically but the patient remains happy and comfortable without any distress for the initial hours. As this happens, a person may not experience dyspnea or breathlessness at the onset. By the time their body presents symptoms, internal damage would have occurred. In a healthy person, the normal oxygen level is above 95%. A further decrease in blood oxygen levels can be life-threatening if there is no medical intervention immediately. Some Covid-19 patients show blood oxygen levels lower than 60%. Normally, when oxygen level goes low patient will go into distress. Heartbeat and respiratory rate will become high. They will become agitated and restless. This does not happen in some covid positive patients as soon as there is a dip in the oxygen level. For some time, in the beginning, they will go about living their normal lives, as there are no signs of their lungs being in poor condition also no manifestation of symptoms in the body. Hence, patients suffering from Happy Hypoxia will not be able to self-diagnose the condition in the early stages. In such situations, if there is no immediate medical attention, there is a high chance of the failure of organs such as the kidneys, heart, and brain.

Comorbidities that can increase the condition

There could be multiple reasons for the decrease in oxygen levels. In some cases, secondary kidney diseases or lung aspiration can also lead to this condition. In certain Covid-19 cases, it can cause an inflammatory reaction in the body which then leads to clotting, in the blood vessels of the heart or lungs. This blocks the oxygen from reaching the tissues and cells of the lungs. Identifying the condition At hospitals, doctors use blood gas analysis to determine the oxygen levels in the blood. At home during quarantine, Happy Hypoxia is not easily identifiable as it does not show any noticeable or alarming signs. It is crucial to self-check the oxygen levels using the Oximeter, at regular intervals of time.

One must also keep an eye on the points below:

•  The Colour of the lips/palms may change to blue.
• Sweating profusely after being involved in very little physical activity.
•  Shortness of breath
•  Slow heart rate
• Wheezing

It is crucial to consult a doctor immediately if one notices that their blood oxygen level falls below 95% while checking with an oximeter. The doctor would initiate a physical examination of the lungs and heart, to diagnose the condition, and especially check to see if the skin has turned blue due to insufficient supply of oxygen.

The doctor would also want to check oxygen levels by using a pulse oximeter or an arterial blood gas test, which is done by taking a blood sample from the artery. The doctor might also check oxygen levels by fitting in breathing tubes connected to a machine.

Treatment

The fundamental principle in treating the Happy Hypoxia condition is to raise the blood oxygen levels. In covid patients gradually the virus replicates and goes down from the throat to lungs, and causes pneumonia. If the infection involves the airway in the lungs, doctors often give medications through inhalers and the condition improves. This is done to treat the underlying conditions that cause Happy Hypoxia. In more severe cases, the doctor may prescribe oxygen therapy, which is giving people extra oxygen, usually through a tube called ‘Cannula’. If a life is in danger or if the person is not responding to other treatments, the next best option would be to provide them machine support to breathe. The amount of time a person requires oxygen therapy varies from case to case. Depending on the seriousness of the situation, the patient may receive oxygen at home, with a portable machine while they travel, or in the hospital.

Complications or side effects

If the oxygen levels in the blood are declining, the body would fail to deliver an adequate supply of oxygen to all tissues and organs. This can lead to the shutting down of organs such as the heart,  brain, kidneys and can result in death if medical help is not sought immediately.

Be vigilant and prepared

The best way to prevent the condition of Happy Hypoxia would be to keep monitoring the oxygen levels using a pulse oximeter at regular intervals. Make sure to do this even if the patient is fine and not experiencing any discomfort. Eating healthy and staying physically active is also important to prevent this condition. It is essential to identify one’s asthma triggers, prepare themselves and find ways to prevent them. For people using inhalers, consult your doctor and take additional medication to prevent any flares.

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Do you know hypertension is often called the ' silent killer'? The reason is that it provides little evidence that it exists. Until the underlying high blood pressure provokes chronic problems like a heart attack or a stroke, the condition may go unnoticed in many. In most cases, hypertension does not show any signs or symptoms affecting predominantly the elderly and middle age. Most people may not be even aware that they have hypertension apart from a few, who may experience symptoms like headache or sense of fullness in the head, uneasiness, disturbance in vision, or vomiting. When high blood pressure is not recognized for long, the condition can get worse, and symptoms of end-organ damage begin to manifest. The organs predominantly affected are the brain, heart, kidney, and eyes.

There are various factors that can lead to the onset of hypertension like stress, lifestyle, age, and family history. The panic arising due to the current situation of Covid 19, job insecurity, or stress due to working from home is impacting the health of people. In such a scenario, sometimes a small change in health often tends to be ignored or get sidelined. Also, the fear of visiting the hospital may persuade many to delay consulting a doctor. However, an individual can be more vigilant of the symptoms and act immediately to get effective treatment.

Listed below are a few of the lesser-known symptoms of high blood pressure which one
should be aware of:

• Irregular heartbeat caused due to stiffening and dilation of the chambers of the
  heart
•  Vision problems like blurred vision or even loss of sight
• Confusion and dizziness
• Pain in the chest region ranging from a dull ache to a sharp stab
• Breathing difficulty more noticeable during physical activity or exercising
• Nosebleeds
• Recurrent Headache

People suffering from high blood pressure need to take extra precautions to stay healthy and away from the Covid infection. The first and foremost step here is to identify their health status and taking necessary actions. It is advised to do regular blood pressure screening even if you do not have any of the signs and symptoms of hypertension

What you can do to control blood pressure?

A healthy lifestyle has an active role in treating hypertension. It can help avoid/delay the onset of hypertension and reduce the chances of medication. Below are some of the lifestyle changes one can implement to lower blood pressure:

1. Regular exercise: If there is one thing which you can do to reduce the chances and control hypertension, then it is through exercise. All you have to do is engage yourself in any of the physical activities which you love- like walking, jogging, aerobics, and gymming for a minimum of 30 minutes every day. It can help lower your blood pressure by 5-8mm Hg.

2. Limit sodium intake: It is advised to consume less than 2.3 grams of salt per day. This would translate to the consumption of a teaspoon of salt in a day. Those with other additional medical conditions should consider 1.5 to 1.8 grams per day. Salt consumption within the above limits would translate to a 3-4 mm of Hg reduction in BP

3. Reduce weight: By reducing your weight you can significantly reduce blood pressure. It should be noted that for every 10kg of weight loss from your body, you are reducing blood pressure by 5-10 mm Hg.

4. Reduce stress: Stress and hypertension are closely related. Our body is naturally designed to handle stress temporarily but if you are always under stress, there is a spike in the hormones and sympathetic neural discharge that causes blood vessels to narrow and burdens your heart to pump harder. Hence Indulge in activities that help reduce your stress levels.

5. Choose healthy food: Take a diary and note down what you eat for a week. This will help you identify your actual eating habits and then alter them with a healthy diet. Choose a diet that is rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Include more potassium in your diet. Say no to alcohol and tobacco consumption. When you head out for grocery shopping, read the labels and choose your food wisely. The above measures will delay the onset of hypertension in the vulnerable population and bring about efficient control of blood pressure in those who are under medication.

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The lungs were not given the importance as they ought to be until the second wave of Covid 19 surfaced. They are often taken for granted. The wellness of the lungs is given priority only when any complication arises. Lungs are the vital organ in our body that converts the oxygen from the air which we inhale and transfer to the bloodstream. For many years healthcare professionals have stressed the importance of maintaining healthy lungs and advising people to quit smoking. However, many have not paid heed to this advice.

All of us are aware that the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 disease obstructs the respiratory system majorly affecting the lungs. This infection is certainly testing our lungs. As lungs play a major role in the overall working of the body, it becomes very crucial to ensure lung health to put up a fight against this infectious disease.

COVID-19 can cause lung complications like pneumonia, acute respiratory distress, and in some fatal cases, total collapse of the lungs. In cases of pneumonia, the air sacs in the lungs are filled with fluid and the valves of the lungs get inflamed resulting in difficulty in breathing and severe cough. Many people recover from pneumonia without much effect on the lungs. But in cases of pneumonia due to Covid 19, people face severe breathing difficulties which take a longer time to recover putting an extra burden on the lungs. If pneumonia progresses it can lead to acute respiratory diseases in which more of the air sacs will get filled up with the fluid leaking from the blood vessels in the lungs. This can lead to severe shortness of breath.

As Covid 19 infection takes the respiratory route to enter a person, the burden on the lungs is phenomenal. This burden on the lungs increases among people who smoke. As the smoke moves into the respiratory tract, more soluble gases are adsorbed and particles are deposited in the airways and alveoli. This is the long run can lead to severe problems related to the lungs. Smoking can increase the chances of COPD among people leading to the faster decline of lung functioning. The chemicals in the cigarettes can also cause irreversible lung damage. In addition, smoking can destroy the cilia or tiny hairs that are present in the airways. These hairs keep dirt and mucus out of your lungs. When these cilia are destroyed, one can develop a chronic cough that is often seen in long-term or daily smokers.

Though there is no proof that smoking can make a person vulnerable to develop Covid 19 or the severity of the infection increases if the person is smoking, it is a known fact that both smoking and Covid 19 infection are putting an extra burden on the lungs. As the lungs of a smoker are already in a bad shape, Covid 19 can further worsen its health. Therefore, it is advised to quit smoking and take all precautions to safeguard the lungs.

Two functions determine the overall health of lung health – Lung capacity and lung function. While lung capacity is depending on the genes, making the lungs function properly is up to us. Here are a few tips you can follow to have healthy lungs.

Exercise – At least 30 minutes of exercise on a daily basis is imperative for adults to avoid any lung distress. Physical activity that makes you breathe heavily. It increases the flow of oxygen in your bloodstream that then increases airflow to your muscles, heart, and lungs. Running, brisk walking, cycling, swimming are the few suggested exercises.

Diet – Choice of food is very important for lung and immune system health. It is being noticed that people with underlying ailments have been affected badly due to corona. It could be due to Chronic inflammation. There is much food that assists the body with decreasing inflammation in the airways. Ensure to consume proper nutrition, particularly food high in antioxidants like fruits and vegetables.

Quit smoking – It is not only lung cancer but inhaling anything other than air into your lungs causes them to become inflamed. This can lead to mucus build-up which impacts the lung’s ability to process oxygen into the bloodstream. For a person already having lung damage, treatment becomes a factor and the recovery may get delayed.

Oral health – Maintain good oral health. Avoid the buildup of plaque and infection in the mouth. These infections could also affect the lungs. With Covid 19 second wave affecting both the young and older generations, the number of hospitalization and people needing oxygen support has been increased. We are at a juncture where paying attention to our lung health and working towards its betterment gains utmost importance.

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India’s battle with Covid 19 is ongoing. The daily caseload had exceeded the four lakh mark and many are fighting the infection at home. The second wave has hit us hard with people suffering from mild, moderate, and severe symptoms. The panic about the increasing cases is making people rush to the hospitals even if they have mild or moderate symptoms leading to the unavailability of beds for the more critical patients. People need to understand that most Covid positive cases are mild or asymptomatic and do not require hospitalization.

These mild cases can be treated at home following the necessary protocols and precautions.
Standard guidelines include:

• The covid positive patient needs to be kept under observation and isolation for 14 days
  after he/she contracts the infection.
• While some patients may not show any symptoms at all, a few might show slightly
  fever, body ache, or breathing problems.
• The mild symptoms may take 3-5 days to progress to moderate. If the patient is
  vigilant about the symptoms, she/he can track the changes more carefully.

With mild symptoms, one can opt for a home quarantine package from the hospitals availing regular teleconsultations with the doctors. This will help in understanding any changes in the symptoms or necessity to get admitted to the hospital.

How to identify if you have mild COVID-19 symptoms?

When a patient has mild COVID-19 symptoms, these symptoms may show in the upper respiratory tract, with or without fever and without shortness of breath. Another major factor is that they should not have hypoxia (shortage of adequate supply of oxygen at the tissue level). Individuals can check this by using an oximeter and noting down the SpO2 levels. If the SpO2 levels are between 94-98 percent, then there is no need to worry. But if the levels fall below 94 percent, they need to reach out for medical assistance.

What should you do if you know you have mild COVID-19?

Isolate yourself at home. It is advised that you isolate in the room which has an attached toilet, like others at the home, is not supposed to use the one which the infected person uses. Wear a mask at all times and change it after using it for 6-8 hours. Keep in regular contact with your physician through teleconsultation and update him about your symptoms. He will generally prescribe hydration, antipyretic, antitussive, and multivitamin medicines to manage your mild symptoms. Keep a note of your body temperature and oxygen saturation levels. Along with the medications it is advised to inhale steam twice a day. Always consume warm water and hot food. Avoid food that can aggravate cold and cough. Keep your body warm. Check with your doctor before you can do any exercises and follow breathing practices. Personal breathing To improve ventilation and keep your alveolar units open, pruning is recommended. It makes your breathing easier and is required by patients when the oxygen saturation level falls below 94 percent. For pruning one pillow has to be placed below the neck, one or two pillows below the chest region through the upper thigh and two pillows should be placed below the shins. Check out some videos to know the exact positioning of pruning. This method is effective in providing immediate relief and increasing the oxygen levels in the body.

When to seek medical attention?

• When the cough lasts for more than five days.
• When there is a high-grade fever.
• Difficulty in breathing.
• When the oxygen saturation level falls below 94 percent.
• Keep calm and never panic while you follow all these measures. In a matter of two weeks,
  you can return to your normal life.

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The various manifestation of Covid 19 virus has further raised concerns among the public. Sometimes, this virus can affect an individual without showing symptoms, and in few cases, people may face severe health complications like high fever, breathing problems, drop-in oxygen saturation, and even pneumonia. Mucormycosis or commonly called black fungus is one such condition due to Covid 19 which is rising alarmingly among patients who have tested positive for the virus and recovered from it.
There has been a steady increase in the number of black fungus cases in the last few days. If this condition is not detected and treated at an early stage, it can rapidly spread to the other parts of the body like the eyes and brain and cause loss of vision and at times even fatal. Moreover, the reduced availability of antifungal medicines like Amphotericin –B has further complicated the situation. Reason for the spike in numbers People suffering from Covid 19 tend to the immune system that is compromised. Covid positive patients who are critically ill or have severe symptoms are given steroids which is the lifesaving treatment for them. Steroids reduce inflammation in the lungs for Covid-19 patients and appear to help stop some of the damage the infection can create to the body. Covid 19 patients who are taking steroids as part of their treatment are particularly at risk of developing black fungus because steroids further suppress the immune system. A combination of Covid 19, uncontrolled diabetes or other comorbid conditions, and steroids adds fuel to the fire and increases the chances for black fungus. Therefore, it is important to avoid taking any over-the-counter medications without a prescription and steroids need to be used judiciously.
Mucormycosis – the black fungus
Mucormycosis is a rare fungal infection that affects the sinuses, the brain, and lungs. A group of molds called micromycetes which are naturally present in the environment cause this. These fungi are present in the soil, decaying leaves, compost piles, and animal dung. Though one can contract this by breathing the mold spores in the air, the risk increases with a weakened immunity system.
Mucormycosis can cause severe complications in people who have uncontrolled diabetes or individuals who are severely immunocompromised like cancer patients or people with reduced immunity. Mucormycosis is a rare and non-contagious infection. However, it can be debilitating or fatal if it is not diagnosed and treated in time.
Warning signs and symptoms to watch out for:

• One-side facial pain or numbness
• Blackish discoloration over the bridge of the nose or palate
• Toothache
• Blurred or double vision with pain
• Skin lesion
• Thrombosis
• Chest pain
• Worsening respiratory symptoms
• Altered mental status

Who has to be more cautious?

Mucormycosis mainly affects individuals who have low immunity, especially patients who have had a prolonged admission to the ICU. Recently, this infection is mostly seen in people who have tested positive for Covid 19 and on steroids coupled with other comorbidities like uncontrolled diabetes, cancer, kidney failure, heart failure, etc? Age and high ferritin levels in the blood can also add to the complication. Black fungus generally does not pose threat to individuals who have a functional immune system.

How does it spread?

Though black fungus is not transmissible, it can pose danger to the affected person as it spreads rapidly throughout the body. If left untreated, it can spread to the brain and lungs causing complications like brain infection, paralysis, seizure, pneumonia, and in severe cases can be fatal.

As the black fungus is a rare condition, the first wave of Covid 19 brought focus on this and emphasized the immediate treatment to curb the spread of the fungus to other parts of the body. However, in the second wave, there is a sudden spike in cases and many states now have been reporting mucormycosis cases. Is mucormycosis treatable? Mucormycosis can be treated with surgical intervention and using antifungal medications. Along with this, managing diabetes, discontinuing the immunomodulating drugs, and reducing the intake of steroids also helps. Prevention of mucormycosis In general self-care measures are the best way to avoid this infection. Especially people with weakened immune systems need to be careful of their condition and the medicine intake. Safeguarding themselves from the Covid infection is more important. Below are a few tips to prevent mucormycosis:

Follow Covid 19 protocols of wearing masks, washing hands, and maintaining social
distancing

• Keep diabetes under control
•  Monitor blood glucose level post-Covid-19 discharge
• Use steroid judiciously – correct timing, correct dose, and duration
•  Use clean, sterile water for humidifiers during oxygen therapy
• Use antibiotics/antifungals medicines judiciously
•  Do not miss warning signs and symptoms particularly in the context of immunosuppression and/or Covid-19 patients on immunomodulators Taking precautions is the best way to keep away from infections.

However, even if an individual contract the infection, identifying the symptoms and taking immediate medical help always aids in treating it effectively.

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Ever since the pandemic has struck the world, we are flooded with many misconceptions and myths. Experts have been continuously debunking such myths that are creating panic among the masses. One such widely circulated rumour is that asthma patients are at a very higher risk of contracting the infection as compared to normal people which is not true. Asthma is a condition where a person's airways are inflamed, becomes narrow and then swell. They produce extra mucus that makes breathing difficult. Asthma can be minor or often creates difficulty in leading a normal life. In some cases, it can also be life-threatening too. How to differentiate between Covid and an asthma flare-up?

First, let us know the symptoms of Covid 19

• Fever
• Diarrhoea
• Loss of smell
• Loss of taste
• Muscle pain
• Fatigue
• Vomiting
• Chills
• Sore throat
• Skin rash

While fever is a common symptom seen in Corona patients, it is not so common in asthma
flare-up.

What are the similar symptoms between Covid 19 and asthma?

• Shortness of breath
• dry cough

Rapid breathing and chest tightness/congestion are common in asthma whereas these are not often witnessed in Covid patients. When asthma patients use albuterol or rescue inhaler for asthma the symptoms of asthma should almost completely subside, in case these are a result of an asthma flare. In case you are experiencing bad exasperation of asthma the symptoms will not be completely relieved but the rescue inhaler will certainly provide some amount of moderate relief. But if a person is infected with the coronavirus, he/she may not get any relief from the inhalers.

Will asthma increase the risk of contracting corona?

There is no evidence to prove that people with asthma are at greater risk of contracting the novel coronavirus. We don't have enough evidence to state that the severity of corona is more in asthma patients. Getting coronavirus comes down to an individual’s exposure to suspected or confirmed cases of coronavirus or the symptomatic carrier. But it should be noted that asthma and Covid-19 affect the lungs. So, when a person has uncontrolled asthma they may experience more severe Covid-19 symptoms. That's why it is advised to manage asthma well in this pandemic condition. When to worry? With the change in weather, an asthma patient may suddenly experience asthma flare-ups and get symptoms like breathlessness or tightness in the chest. In typical cases, asthma flare-up does not lead to fever unless there is a respiratory infection. Therefore, it is important for the patients to watch out for other symptoms which were not observed during the last asthma attacks.

Listed below are the few symptoms which one have to be careful about. Consult your doctor
immediately if the asthma patients experience these signs

• High fever
• Chest pain or pressure in the chest
• Difficulty in breathing
• Asthma medications not helping the symptoms
• Persistent cough

Tips for asthma patients to keep themselves safe during Covid times:

•  Keep your asthma well controlled with proper medication and use inhalers properly.
  Beware of allergies that can trigger your asthma
• Do not stop your current asthma medicines or change your medication without
  consulting the doctor
• Have enough supply of asthma medications
• Avoid asthma triggers, like pets, pollen or dust. Do not get exposed to the rain.
  If you are allergic to pets, the animal dander may increase your flareup as you are
  spending more time indoors. Avoid being around pets.
•  During this time, it is natural to feel stressed and anxious which may also trigger your
  asthma. Speak to your family and friends frequently
•  Do not share your nebulizer with others.
•  If you develop chest symptoms and if it does not subside with your regular
  medications, consult the doctor immediately.

Many rumours have led to vaccine hesitancy. Vaccines have the potential to prevent infection and reduce the risk of severe illness and even death. So if you are eligible for vaccination get the shot. Try to stay at home and avoid venturing out. Follow covid appropriate behaviour and do not let your guard down.

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Sunil was diagnosed with diabetes when he was 35 years and he has been neglecting it for the last 5 years. Although doctors had asked Sunil to control his sugar level, Sunil found it hard to limit his cravings for sweets. Although Sunil’s wife objected to this habit, Sunil did not seem to budge. This impacted his blood glucose level which kept fluctuating drastically. After few months, he also started to experience blurred vision and found it difficult to drive. On consulting a doctor, the realization set in for Sunil, as his blood sugar was high, and the doctor informed him that his eye issues were due to uncontrolled diabetes.

Similar to Sunil, many people struggle to control their diabetes and develop a severe health condition. The diabetic eye is one such condition that arises due to uncontrolled diabetes and some of the symptoms include diabetic macular edema, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts.

Diabetes, over a period of time, can damage the eye that can lead to poor vision, and in worse cases cause blindness. In the initial stages of diabetes, people may face blurred vision or problems with the eyesight. Loss in the vision is not likely to happen in the first few years with diabetes. However, as the years pass by, high blood glucose levels can damage the tiny blood vessels in the eyes. This damage can start from the prediabetic stage and subsequently become noticeable only after few years of diabetes.

Listed below are the eye problems faced by diabetic patients.

• Diabetic retinopathy: Damaged blood vessels due to high blood glucose can harm the retina leading to diabetic retinopathy
• Diabetic macular edema: The part of your retina that you need for reading, driving, and seeing faces is called the macula. Diabetes can lead to swelling in the macula. Over time, this disease can destroy the sharp vision in this part of the eye.
• Glaucoma: Diabetes doubles the chances of having glaucoma, which can lead to vision loss and blindness if not treated early.
• Cataract: People with diabetes can develop cataracts at an earlier age than people without diabetes

With necessary precautions and lifestyle modification, people can decrease the risk of diabetic eye ailments.

Here are six ways diabetic patients can manage their eye health:

• Regulate your blood sugar: Diabetic patients should keep a close check on their blood sugar and make sure it does not get too high. High blood sugar can change the shapes of the lens, which leads to blurry vision. It can also damage the blood vessels in the eyes.
• Maintain your cholesterol levels: If a diabetic patient has high cholesterol, they are at a higher risk of developing eye problems such as diabetic retinopathy or macular degeneration. By regulating your cholesterol level, you lower the likelihood of developing any of this.
• Avoid smoking cigarettes: Smoking cigarettes not only destroys your lungs but is also bad for your eyes. Individuals who smoke are at a higher risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.
• Exercise regularly: Exercise is a great way to stay healthy and regulate your diabetes. Diabetic patients who exercise on a regular basis have a much better chance of maintaining their blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
• Have a healthy diet: Having a healthy diet throughout your life is key in keeping your eyes and body healthy. Certain food like carrot has proved to promote healthy vision. Try to consume food that is rich in green leafy vegetables and Omega 3’s.
• Get a comprehensive eye exam at regular intervals: One of the best things you can do for vision is to get a comprehensive eye examination done at regular intervals. Many common eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma have no symptoms in the early stages and hence the doctor can examine thoroughly for any kind of nerve damage during your visit.

Managing eye health is crucial for people suffering from diabetes. Controlling diabetes is the key to it. The sooner you take action and work towards controlling your diabetes, the better.

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Vidya was excited when she got her new job after graduation and she liked her office work hours as she could log off from work at 6 pm every day. After finishing her work, she would rush home to catch her favorite series. Although she stays with her parents, she never had time to speak to them, let alone help in the house. She was hooked to the television and would be awake till 1.00 am. As the days passed by, Vidya’s sleep time reduced to 2-3 hours. With this, her health started deteriorating. Vidya soon started picking a fight with her parents and colleagues. Along with the rude behavior, her lack of concentration in work due to reduced sleep time got her multiple warnings from the seniors. Slowly Vidya slipped into depression. Worried about seeing their daughter, her parents consulted a doctor. After the counseling, the doctor recommended her to follow a healthy sleeping regime and asked her to reduce screen time before going to bed. Once she began following those steps properly, she was able to have a sound sleep at night and her performance at work also improved accordingly.
There are a lot of people amongst us like Vidya who get addicted to screen time at night. Especially youngsters who get addicted to their favorite shows at night and binge on their favorite snacks and beverages. But what most parents do not consider is that how this habit impacts the lifestyle with multiple lifestyle issues like obesity and sleep disorder. Today many working professionals and kids go through sleep disorders due to the sedentary lifestyle and the habits they follow. Work from home and online classes have added to the existing issue.
Therefore, sleep disorders need to be treated early. When left untreated, they can have a negative effect leading to other health complications. There are various types of sleep disorders. They can be classified according to the problems and behaviors of a person like breathing problems, natural sleep-wake cycles, difficulty sleeping, and how sleepy you feel during the daytime.

Common types of sleep disorders include:

Insomnia is a type of sleep disorder in which you find it difficult to fall asleep or staying
asleep through the night. Sleep apnea is a condition in which you have abnormal patterns in breathing while you are sleeping. There are different types of sleep apnea. Narcolepsy is a disorder that causes extreme sleepiness during the day and falling asleep suddenly during the day.

•  Restless legs syndrome is a kind of sleep movement disorder. Restless legs syndrome, also
  called Willis-Ekbom disease, causes an uncomfortable feeling and an urge to move the legs
  while you try to fall asleep.
• It is certainly important to consider duration as well as the quality of sleep as it can affect each person in
  different ways. Sleep deprivation leads to an early onset of systemic diseases. Sleep disorders that
  are linked with systemic disorders frequently disrupt maintenance of sleep or cause symptoms of
  excessive daytime sleepiness or parasomnia behavior.
• In case an individual had poor quality of sleep, they tend to feel tired the next day, regardless of how
  many hours they have slept. The sleep disorder can affect various aspects of health, including:
• The immune system: Sleep deprivation may cause a person to be more vulnerable to
  infections, which may usually take a longer time to resolve.
• Weight gain: Sleep can affect hormones that control sensations of hunger and fullness. It
  can also trigger the release of insulin. Changes to sleep can cause increased fat storage,
  and impact on weight, and a higher risk of type 2 diabetes.
•  The cardiovascular system: Good-quality sleep decreases the work of your heart, as blood
  pressure and heart rate go down at night. Too little sleep may increase the risk of
  cardiovascular disease
•  Hormone levels: Sleep disorder can affect hormone production, including the production of
  growth hormones and testosterone. It also causes the body to release additional stress
  hormones, such as norepinephrine and cortisol.
• The brain: Sleep disorders affect the prefrontal cortex of the brain, which takes care of
  reasoning, and the amygdala, which deals with emotion. A lack of sleep may also make it
  Fertility: Sleeplessness may affect the production of hormones that boost fertility.
  Lifestyle adjustments can greatly improve your quality of sleep, here are some tips to overcome
  sleep disorders and live a normal life:
• Have a regular sleep-wake cycle. Try to go to bed at the same time every day
•  Avoid using a phone or any electronic devices before going to bed, this will let your body relax
  and gets ready to sleep
•  Include more vegetables and fish into your diet, reduce sugar intake
•  Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco in the 4-6 hours window before bedtime
• Do not eat large meals within two hours of bedtime
•  Do not take any naps
• Make sure you sleep in a quiet, dark room with a comfortable temperature
• In case you cannot fall asleep within 20 minutes, do a quiet activity somewhere else and
  return to bed when you are sleepy
•  Make sure your friends and colleagues know about your bedtime so that they do not disturb
  you during that time. This will help you have an uninterrupted sleep throughout
•  Pick up a book instead of your phone and in case you want to check an email at night, make
  sure you lower the brightness of your phone
•  Make sure to ease yourself 30 minutes before bedtime with a relaxing pre-sleep ritual such
  as a warm bath or soft music
• Maintain a healthy weight based on your doctor’s suggestions
  Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day can also considerably improve the quality of
  your sleep.

The impact of sleep disorders can be so disruptive that you will want immediate relief. Unfortunately, People affected over a long period of time can take more time to set straight than expected. However, it is recommended that if you stick to your treatment plan and regularly talk to your doctor, you can find your way to better sleep.

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Congenital birth defects are a major cause of infant mortality worldwide. As per the recent newsletter of WHO, an estimated 2,95,000 newborns die within 28 days of birth every year, due to this. Identifying the birth defects in the initial stage and treating them early can help ineffective treatment and faster recovery of the child.

Recently, Columbia Asia Hospital Hebbal saw a case of a 1-year-old boy Nitin (name changed) who was suffering from congenital hearing loss due to a rare genetic disorder Waardenburg-Shah(type 4)syndrome. Since birth, he was not able to hear or respond to sound and could not speak as well. Successful implementation of a cochlear implant at the age of 1 helped the boy hear and enjoy sounds for this first time in his life and develop speech.

Nitin had attracted a lot of attention from everyone due to his beautiful blue eyes, a by-product of his rare genetic disorder. Immediately after the birth, Nitin was diagnosed with Waardenburg-Shah(type4) syndrome.

Waardenburg-Shah (type4)syndrome, is a rare genetic condition less than 10 cases reported in India,  that can cause hearing loss; changes in coloring (pigmentation) of the hair, skin, and eyes; and Hirschsprung disease, an intestinal disorder that causes severe constipation or blockage of the intestine. Less than 10 cases of babies with this syndrome are reported in India. Probably he is the first child to undergo a cochlear implant in India with Waardenburg-Shah syndrome.

Nitin turned 1-year-old and not responding to surrounding sounds, that’s when his parents consulted Dr. Santosh Shivaswamy, Senior consultant ENT & Cochlear Implant Surgeon at Columbia Asia Hospital Hebbal for a solution.

Explaining Nitin’s condition, Dr. Santosh Shivaswamy, Senior consultant ENT & Cochlear Implant Surgeon Columbia Asia Hospital Hebbal said “For one year Nitin could not hear any sound due to the congenital hearing loss. Since the scans and MRI revealed that his cochlear and auditory nerve structures were normal, we decided to put a superpower digital hearing aid for both ears. We also began listening training sessions for him. Since he was not still responding to sound we counseled the family and they decided to go ahead with a cochlear implant. Surgery was performed for the right ear and finally, the child was able to hear the sound for the first time in his life. He is now undergoing Auditory Verbal Therapy and recovering.”

While most babies are born healthy, genetic condition, family health history, age of the mother can cause congenital birth defects. With advancements in health care, many birth defects can be diagnosed before birth with good accuracy. Birth defects can either be cured completely through various pediatric surgeries or their impact can be reduced to a large extent.

Nitin’s parents were happy to see the outcome in their baby. Thanking the efforts of the doctor, Nitin’s mother said, “Our son is finally responding to us when we call him by his name for the first time. This is one of the happiest moments for us! Although we were aware of the genetic condition of our son, we were scared whether he will be able to overcome his hearing problem. The doctors at Columbia Asia Hospital Hebbal have made it possible for him.”

Timely surgery helped Nitin to overcome his hearing problem.” Performing surgery before the age of 3 years always helps restore both speech and hearing” in babies with congenital hearing loss. If treatment is delayed, the results of the surgery and speech outcome may vary. Currently, Nitin has recovered from his surgery and undergoing the necessary training sessions. He loves listening to music!

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