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Apr24
Loss of organ
A mentally retarded boy staying in a orphanage was bought to me with a scrotal swelling. The boy is 14 years old. He looks disturbed because of pain although he was not able to speak. I examined him and found that his scrotum was swollen and very tender.
The ultrasound showed that his testes had rotated and there was no blood supply – meaning it was already dead. His caretaker says its swollen since 5 days. Poor fellow. A normal boy would have come immediately with such a swelling. His mental retardation and absence of parents had led him to loose his organ.
I had to take him up for surgery. On opening his scrotum his testes was totally dead. There was nothing that i could do for an organ that had lost its blood supply for 5 days! In normal circumstances such surgeries taken up immediately after the onset of swelling can save the testes. Most of the times I have observed that if parents are prompt and bring their child in emergency, the testes can be salvaged. If its late, the testes is lost for ever.
See more at: http://drbcshah.com/loss-of-organ/


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Mar29
माता-पिता की परवरिश का बच्चों की सेहत पर असर
नई स्टडी से पता चला है कि माता-पिता की परवरिश का बच्चों की सेहत पर खास प्रभाव पड़ता हैं। माता-पिता का कठोर व्यवहार बच्चों के आलस्य का कारण बनता है।

हाल ही में 0 से 11 वर्ष तक के कैनेडियन बच्चों पर हुई रिसर्च से यह बात सामने आई है कि जो माता-पिता अपने बच्चो से प्यार से बात करके कोई भी फैसला लेते हैं, उनके बच्चे ज्यादा स्वस्थ और फुर्तीले होते हैं। जबकि जो माता-पिता अपने फैसले बिना किसी सलाह के अपने बच्चों पर थोपते हैं वे बच्चे काफी अकेलेपन महसूस करने लगते हैं और इसका नतीजा बच्चों में आलस्य और मोटापे के रूप में सामने आता है।

लीसा काकीनामी जो कि मैकगिल यूनिवर्सिटी की पोस्ट डॉक्टोरल एपिडेमियोलॉजिस्ट हैं, उनका कहना है कि अधिकतर माता-पिता सही परवरिश की ओर ध्यान नहीं देते हैं और वे इस बात को ज्यादा महत्व भी नहीं देते हैं। अगर बच्चो को संतुलित परवरिश दी जाए तो उन्हें मोटापे और आलस्य जैसी बीमरियों से बचाया जा सकता है।

इस शोध में एक सर्वे में कुछ माता-पिता से बात की और अलग-अलग परवरिश के तरीकों की लिस्ट बनाई और फिर बच्चों के बॉडी मास इंडेक्स (बीएमआई) प्रतिशत से इसका विश्लेषण किया। काकीनामी का कहना है कि घर के माहौल से भी बच्चों की सेहत एवं आदतों को आकार मिलता है।


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Feb08
Chickenpox
Introduction

Chickenpox is a mild and common childhood illness that most children catch at some point.
It causes a rash of red, itchy spots that turn into fluid-filled blisters. They then crust over to form scabs, which eventually drop off.
Some children have only a few spots, but in others they can cover the entire body. The spots are most likely to appear on the face, ears and scalp, under the arms, on the chest and belly and on the arms and legs.
Chickenpox (medically known as varicella) is caused by a virus called the varicella-zoster virus. It's spread quickly and easily through the coughs and sneezes of someone who is infected.
Chickenpox is most common in children under 10. In fact, chickenpox is so common in childhood that 90% of adults are immune to the condition because they've had it before.
Children usually catch chickenpox in winter and spring, particularly between March and May.

What to do

To prevent spreading the infection, keep children off nursery or school until all the spots have crusted over.
Chickenpox is most infectious from one to two days before the rash starts, until all the blisters have crusted over (usually five to six days after the start of the rash).
If your child has chickenpox, try to keep them away from public areas to avoid contact with people who have not had it, especially people who are at risk of serious problems, such as newborn babies, pregnant women and anyone with a weakened immune system (for example, people having cancer treatment or taking steroid tablets).

Chickenpox treatment

Chickenpox in children is considered a mild illness, but expect your child to feel pretty miserable and irritable while they have it.
Your child is likely to have a fever at least for the first few days of the illness. The spots can be incredibly itchy.
There is no specific treatment for chickenpox, but there are pharmacy remedies which can alleviate symptoms, such as paracetamol to relieve fever and calamine lotion and cooling gels to ease itching.
In most children, the blisters crust up and fall off naturally within one to two weeks.

When to see Dr. B C Shah

For most children, chickenpox is a mild illness that gets better on its own.
But some children can become more seriously ill with chickenpox. They need to see a doctor.
Contact Dr. B C Shah straight away if your child develops any abnormal symptoms, for example:
If the blisters on their skin become infected
If your child has a pain in their chest or has difficulty breathing

Chickenpox in adults

Chickenpox may be a childhood illness, but adults can get it too. Chickenpox tends to be more severe in adults than children, and adults have a higher risk of developing complications.
As with children, adults with chickenpox should stay off work until all the spots have crusted over. They should seek medical advice if they develop any abnormal symptoms, such as infected blisters.
Adults with chickenpox may benefit from taking antiviral medicine if treatment is started early in the course of the illness.

Who's at special risk?

Some children and adults are at special risk of serious problems if they catch chickenpox. They include:
Pregnant women
Newborn babies
People with a weakened immune system

These people should seek medical advice as soon as they are exposed to the chickenpox virus or they develop chickenpox symptoms.
They may need a blood test to check if they are immune (protected from) chickenpox..

Chickenpox in pregnancy

Chickenpox occurs in approximately three in every 1,000 pregnancies. It can cause serious complications for both the pregnant woman and her baby.

Chickenpox and shingles

One you have had chickenpox, you usually develop antibodies to the infection and become immune to catching it again. However, the virus that causes chickenpox, the varicella virus, remains dormant (inactive) in your body's nerve tissues and can return later in life as an illness called shingles.

It is possible to catch chickenpox from someone with shingles, but not the other way around.

Is there a vaccine against chickenpox?

There is a chickenpox vaccine but it is not part of the routine childhood vaccination schedule. The vaccine is only offered to children and adults who are particularly vulnerable to chickenpox complications.

Symptoms of chickenpox

The most commonly recognised chickenpox symptom is a red rash that can cover the entire body.

However, even before the rash appears, you or your child may have some mild flu-like symptoms including:
Feeling sick
A high temperature (fever) of 38ºC (100.4ºF) or over
Aching, painful muscles
Headache
Generally feeling unwell
Loss of appetite
These flu-like symptoms, especially the fever, tend to be worse in adults than in children.

Chickenpox spots

Soon after the flu-like symptoms, an itchy rash appears. Some children and adults may only have a few spots, but others are covered from head to toe.
The spots normally appear in clusters and tend to be:
Behind the ears
On the face
Over the scalp
Under the arms
On the chest and belly
On the arms and legs
But the spots can be anywhere on the body, even inside the ears and mouth, on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet and inside the nappy area.
Although the rash starts as small, itchy red spots, after about 12-14 hours the spots develop a blister on top and become intensely itchy.
After a day or two, the fluid in the blisters gets cloudy and they begin to dry out and crust over.
After one to two weeks, the crusting skin will fall off naturally.
New spots can keep appearing in waves for three to five days after the rash begins. Therefore different clusters of spots may be at different stages of blistering or drying out.

Unusual symptoms

Most healthy children (and adults) recover from chickenpox with no lasting ill-effects simply by resting, just as with a cold or flu.
But some children and adults are unlucky and have a more severe bout than usual.
Contact Dr. B C Shah straight away if you or your child develop any abnormal symptoms, for example:
If the skin surrounding the blisters becomes red and painful
If you or your child start to get pain in the chest or have difficulty breathing
In these cases, prescription medicine, and possibly hospital treatment, may be needed.

Causes of chickenpox

Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. You catch it by coming into contact with someone who is infected with the virus.
It's a very contagious infection. About 90% of people who have not previously had chickenpox will become infected when they come into contact with the virus.

How you catch the virus

The chickenpox virus is spread in the same ways as colds as flu. It's contained in the millions of tiny droplets that come out of the nose and mouth when an infected person sneezes or coughs. You can then become infected with the virus by breathing in these droplets from the air.
You can also become infected by handling a surface or object that these droplets have landed on, then transferring the virus to yourself by touching your face.
It takes seven to 21 days for the symptoms of chickenpox to show after you have come into contact with the virus. This is called the ‘incubation period’.
Someone with chickenpox is most infectious from one to two days before the rash appears until all the blisters have crusted over. This usually takes five to six days from the start of the rash.

Shingles

If you have not had chickenpox before, you can also catch chickenpox from someone with shingles (an infection caused by the same virus). However, it's not possible to catch shingles from someone who has chickenpox.

Diagnosing chickenpox

You or your child should not usually need any medical tests to diagnose chickenpox. You can be pretty sure that it is chickenpox if there are the key symptoms of a mild fever followed by an itchy rash, blisters and scabs.
Chickenpox spots are usually distinctive enough to distinguish from other rashes, although occasionally they can be easily confused with other conditions that affect the skin, such as insect bites or scabies (a contagious skin condition that causes intense itching).
If you're still uncertain about what is causing the symptoms, Dr. B C Shahcan carry out a simple blood test to identify the virus.

When to contact Dr. B C Shah

1. See Dr. B C Shah if you're not sure whether you or your child have chickenpox.
2. Contact Dr. B C Shah urgently if you have been in contact with someone who has chickenpox or you have chickenpox symptoms and:
You are pregnant
You have a weakened immune system (the body’s defence system)
Your baby is less than four weeks old
Chickenpox in these instances can cause serious complications if left untreated. It is essential to seek medical advice so that you can receive any necessary treatment.
3. Contact Dr. B C Shah if you have chickenpox and are breastfeeding. They can advise about whether you should continue breastfeeding your baby.

Having a blood test

Once you have contacted Dr. B C Shah, you may need a test to see if you're already immune from chickenpox.
If you have had chickenpox in the past, then it is extremely unlikely that you will develop chickenpox for a second time. If you've never had chickenpox, or you're unsure whether you've had it, then you may need an immunity test.
This is a blood test that checks whether you are producing the antibodies to the chickenpox virus.
If your blood test result shows that you have the antibodies, you'll be naturally protected from the virus.

Treating chickenpox

There is no cure for chickenpox, and the virus usually clears up by itself without any treatment.
However, there are ways of easing the itch and discomfort, and there are important steps you can take to stop chickenpox spreading.

Painkillers

If your child is in pain or has a fever (high temperature), you can give them a mild painkiller, such as paracetamol. Paracetamol is available over-the-counter in pharmacies. Always read the manufacturer's dosage instructions.
You should avoid giving your child ibuprofen if they have chickenpox. This is because there have been some cases where using ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs) has caused serious skin infections.
Ibuprofen should also be avoided if you or your child hasasthma, or a history of stomach problems, such as stomach ulcers.
If you're not sure whether ibuprofen is suitable, check with Dr. B C Shah. If your child is younger than three months old, always speak to Dr. B C Shah before you give your child any kind of pain relief.
If you're pregnant and need to take painkillers, then paracetamol is the first choice. You can use it at any stage of pregnancy. Only take ibuprofen during the second trimester (weeks 14-27 of the pregnancy).
If you're pregnant and you have chickenpox, you should visit Dr. B C Shah as soon as possible. You may need to have antiviral medicine or immunoglobulin treatment to prevent your symptoms from getting worse (see below).

Keeping hydrated

It is important for children (and adults) with chickenpox to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Sugar-free ice-lollies are a good way of getting fluids into children. They also help to soothe a sore mouth that has chickenpox spots in it.
Avoid any food that may make the mouth sore, such as salty foods. Soup is easy to swallow as long as it is not too hot.

Stop the scratching

Chickenpox can be incredibly itchy, but it's important for children (and adults) to not scratch the spots so as to avoid future scarring.
One way of stopping scratching is to keep fingernails clean and short. You can also put socks over your child's hands at night to stop them scratching the rash as they sleep.
If your child's skin is very itchy or sore, try using calamine lotion or cooling gels. These are available in pharmacies and are very safe to use. They have a soothing, cooling effect.
A stronger medicine called chlorphenamine can also help to relieve the itching. It's available from your pharmacist over the counter or it can be prescribed by Dr. B C Shah. Chlorphenamine is taken by mouth and is suitable for children over one year old.

Cool clothing

If your child has a fever, or if their skin is sore and aggravated, dress them appropriately so that they don't get too hot or too cold. Loose-fitting, smooth, cotton fabrics are best and will help stop the skin from becoming sore and irritated.
If your child has chickenpox, avoid sponging them down with cool water. This can make your child too cold, and it may make them shiver.

Stronger treatments
Antiviral medicine

Aciclovir is an antiviral medicine that is sometimes given to people with chickenpox.
Aciclovir may be prescribed to:
Pregnant women
Adults, if they visit Dr. B C Shah within 24 hours of the rash appearing
Newborn babies
People with a weakened immune system (the body’s defence system)
Ideally, aciclovir needs to be started within 24 hours of the rash appearing. It does not cure chickenpox, but it makes the symptoms less severe. You normally need to take the medicine as tablets five times a day for seven days.
If you are taking aciclovir, make sure you drink plenty of fluids. Side effects are rare but can include nausea and diarrhoea.

Immunoglobulin treatment

Immunoglobulin is a solution of antibodies that is taken from healthy donors. Varicella-zoster immunoglobulin (VZIG) contains antibodies to the chickenpox virus.
Immunoglobulin treatment is given by drip. It is not used to treat chickenpox but to protect people who are at high risk of developing a severe chickenpox infection. This includes:
Pregnant women
Newborn babies
People with weakened immune systems
In the case of pregnant women, immunoglobulin treatment also reduces the risk of the unborn baby becoming infected.
As the supply of VZIG is limited, it will only be considered if a high-risk person has:
Been significantly exposed to the virus – significant exposure could be face-to-face contact with someone who has chickenpox
Been in the same room for 15 minutes with someone who has chickenpox
Had a blood test to confirm that they've not had chickenpox before
In some cases, newborn babies may be given immunoglobulin treatment without having a blood test first.

Complications of chickenpox

Complications of chickenpox are rare in healthy children. The most common complication is where the blisters become infected with bacteria.
A sign that the blisters have become infected is when the surrounding skin becomes red and sore.
If you think that your child's blisters have become infected, contact Dr. B C Shah as the child may need a course of antibiotics.
The people who are most at risk of developing chickenpox complications are:

Adults

Pregnant women
Babies under four weeks old
People with a weakened immune system
Adults
Chickenpox can be more serious in adults than in children. Adults with the virus are more likely to be admitted into hospital. Approximately 5-14% of adults with chickenpox develop lung problems, such as pneumonia. If you smoke, your risk of developing lung problems is much greater.
Although it is more serious in adults, most people will still make a full recovery from the chickenpox virus.

Pregnant women

If you're pregnant, chickenpox can occasionally cause complications.
For example, your risk of developing pneumonia is slightly higher if you're pregnant, especially if you smoke. The further you are into your pregnancy, the more serious the risk of pneumonia tends to be.
If you get chickenpox while you're pregnant, there is also a small but significant risk to your unborn baby.
If you are infected with chickenpox during the first 20 weeks of your pregnancy, there is a risk that your unborn baby could develop a condition known as foetal varicella syndrome.
This syndrome is rare. The risk of it occurring in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy is less than 1%. Between 13 and 20 weeks, the risk is 2%.
Foetal varicella syndrome can cause serious complications, including:
Scarring
Eye defects, such as cataracts
Shortened limbs
Brain damage
There have been reports of damage to the unborn baby from foetal varicella syndrome when a pregnant woman catches chickenpox after week 20. But the risk at this late stage in pregnancy is thought to be much less than 1%.
However, there are other risks from catching chickenpox after week 20 of pregnancy.
It is possible that your baby may be born prematurely (before week 37 of the pregnancy).
And if you are infected with chickenpox seven days before or seven days after giving birth, your newborn baby may develop a more serious type of chickenpox. In a few severe cases, this type of chickenpox can be fatal.
See Dr. B C Shah urgently if you're pregnant or have given birth in the last seven days and you think you may have chickenpox, or if you've been exposed to someone who has chickenpox.

People with a weakened immune system

Your immune system is your body's way of defending itself against disease, bacteria and viruses.
If your immune system is weak or does not work properly, you are more susceptible to developing infections such as chickenpox. This is because your body produces fewer antibodies to fight off the infection.
You may have a weakened immune system if you take immunosuppressive medication. This is medicine that works by damping down your immune system.
Immunosuppressive medication such as steroid tablets may be used if, for example, you have an inflammatory condition such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or certain blood conditions.
If you have a weakened immune system, you're also more at risk of developing complications from chickenpox. These complications include:
pneumonia
septicaemia (blood poisoning)
meningitis
See Dr. B C Shah urgently if you have a weakened immune system and you've been exposed to the chickenpox virus.

Preventing the spread of chickenpox

If your child has chickenpox, inform their school or nursery and keep them at home while they are infectious, which is until the last blister has burst and crusted over. This usually takes five or six days after the rash begins.
If you have chickenpox, stay off work and at home until you're no longer infectious.
If either you or your child has chickenpox, it is also a good idea for you, or them, to avoid contact with:
Pregnant women
Newborn babies
Anyone who has a weak immune system, such as people who are having chemotherapy (a treatment for cancer) or taking steroid tablets
If you or your child have recently been exposed to the chickenpox virus, you may not be able to visit friends or relatives in hospital. Telephone the ward to check first.

Travelling on a plane

If you or your child have chickenpox, you may not be allowed to fly until six days after the last spot has appeared.
You and your child should be safe to fly once you're past the infectious stage and all of the blisters have crusted over. But it's best to check the policy of your airline first. Inform the airline as soon as chickenpox is diagnosed.
It is also important to let your travel insurer know if you or your child have chickenpox. You need to make sure that you'll be covered if you have to delay or cancel your holiday, or if you need to extend your stay until your child is well enough to fly home.

Stop the virus spreading

Chickenpox can sometimes be spread through contact with objects that have been infected with the virus, such as children's toys, bedding or clothing.
If someone in your household has chickenpox, you can help stop the virus spreading by wiping any objects or surfaces with a sterilising solution and making sure that any infected clothing or bedding is washed regularly.

Vaccination

There is a chickenpox vaccine that is used to protect people who are most at risk of a serious chickenpox infection or of passing the infection on to someone who is at risk.
People who may be considered for chickenpox vaccination include:
healthcare workers who are not already immune – for example, a nurse who has never had chickenpox and who may pass it to someone they are treating if they become infected
people living with someone who has a weakened immune system – for example, the child of a parent receiving chemotherapy
The vaccine is not suitable for pregnant women. Avoid getting pregnant for three months after having the vaccine. The vaccine is also not suitable for people with weakened immune systems.


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Feb03
Hydrocephalus
Introduction

Hydrocephalus is a build-up of fluid on the brain. The excess fluid puts pressure on the brain, which can cause it to be damaged.

The damage to the brain can result in a wide range of symptoms, including:
Headache
Being sick
Blurred vision

Difficulty walking
Hydrocephalus can usually be treated using a piece of equipment known as a shunt. A shunt is a thin tube that's surgically implanted in the brain and used to drain away the excess fluid.

Cerebrospinal fluid

In the past, hydrocephalus was often referred to as ‘water on the brain’. However, this term is incorrect because the brain is not surrounded by water but by a special fluid called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Cerebrospinal fluid has three important functions:
It protects the brain from damage
It removes waste products from the brain
It provides the brain with the nutrients it needs to function properly

The brain constantly produces new cerebrospinal fluid (about a pint a day), while old fluid is released from the brain and absorbed into the blood vessels. However, if this process is interrupted, the level of CSF can quickly build-up, placing pressure on the brain.

Types of hydrocephalus

There are three main types of hydrocephalus:
Hydrocephalus that's present at birth (congenital hydrocephalus)
Hydrocephalus that develops after birth (acquired hydrocephalus)
Hydrocephalus that usually only develops in older people (normal pressure hydrocephalus or NPH)
These are briefly described below.

Congenital hydrocephalus

Congenital hydrocephalus is present in babies when they're born and can be caused by birth defects, such as spina bifida, or as a result of an infection that the mother develops during pregnancy, such as mumps or rubella (German measles).
Congenital hydrocephalus carries the risk of long-term mental and physical disabilities as a result of permanent brain damage.
Read More ..... http://drbcshah.com/hydrocephalus/


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Dec31
Choking Child
Just after I had gone to bed after a heavy day of plenty of surgeries, I got a call from emergency room. A four year old baby has been rushed into the emergency with sudden inability to swallow & throat pain. In minutes I was there. Parents were in great anxiety & the child was crying continuously. Mother said that she had seen her playing with a two rupee coin and suddenly her condition became an emergency.

So we rushed her to X-ray department and found that the coin was stuck up in her upper part of food pipe. It was too big to go inside and too big to vomit out. It was completely stuck. It was blocking the food pipe and hence she could not even swallow her own saliva. I immediately called the anesthetist and rushed her to the endoscopy department. Although the child has dinner just few hours ago, I had to take her up and relive her from this life threatening situation.

Under general anesthesia, I entered the food pipe. Saw the coin impacted. Under anesthesia the coin had moved downwards. There was not much space in this small child's food pipe for me to manipulate it to come out. I gently pushed it into the stomach taking care that I do not damage her delicate food pipe. Once the coin was in stomach, there was ample of space for me to manipulate the coin & put it into a special wire basket that I introduced it thro my endoscope.

Under vision, I gently pulled put the coin thro the food pipe. The basket had gripped the coin so well that there was no chance that while removing the coin would fall into the windpipe or oral cavity. The parents were greatly relieved. Next morning the child was as playful as before and was discharged.

Parents should be careful about the objects that their children play with. I have removed buttons, parts of toys, coins, button cells and even pins. These are potentially dangerous and can cause sudden accidental catastrophe in the family.


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Oct22
know what's breath holding spell?
Breath-holding spells:

Most common between the ages of six months and two years, breath-holding spells are a benign, yet alarming event for parents to witness. Of the two types - cyanotic and pallid breath-holding spells - the former are most common.
Children who become pallid may also have a brief period of asystole believed to be due to an exaggerated vasovagal response.
There is no evidence to suggest serious consequences of either type of breath-holding spell, but some children may develop an increased incidence of vasovagal attacks in later childhood and adolescence which may extend into adulthood. This is often familial and may be due to an increased sensitivity of the vagal nerve to trauma or emotional upsets.
The key to diagnosing breath-holding attacks is the presence of a precipitating factor such as trauma (eg, a fall or bump on the head) or emotional distress. The child cries for a variable period and then there is silence. He or she becomes cyanosed or pallid and loses consciousness. Loss of muscle tone also occurs, mimicking an atonic seizure. Prolonged apnoea may produce myoclonic jerking due to hypoxia which parents may interpret as fitting.
Some children may have only a brief lead-up period and let out a short cry before losing consciousness. However, most cry for periods up to about two minutes. After the episode, the child generally recovers quickly and resumes normal activities.
Parents can be educated about signs leading to an attack and instructed to distract the child quickly at the time of a minor trauma. They can also be reassured that the child will grow out of the condition by four to six years of age.
If the GP is confident about the diagnosis, investigations are unnecessary. Physical examination is usually unremarkable.
There is some evidence that iron supplementation may be beneficial, even if the child is not iron-deficient. A presumed mechanism involves supersaturating haemaglobin which may reduce oxygen desaturation. This treatment is currently the subject of research and is reserved for children with frequent (eg, daily) attacks.
Blowing in the child's face during crying or splashing cold water on its face has not been shown to have any effect.


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Oct22
developmental "RED FLAG" for early referral and intervention
Developmental Red Flags
I. Red Flags: Birth to three month
A. Rolling prior to 3 months: Evaluate for hypertonia
B. Persistent fisting at 3 months: Evaluate for neuromotor dysfunction
C. Failure to alert to environmental stimuli: Evaluate for sensory Impairment
II. Red Flags: 4 to 6 months
A. Poor head control: Evaluate for hypotonia
B. Failure to reach for objects by 5 months: Evaluate for motor, visual or cognitive deficits
C. Absent Smile: Evaluate for visual loss - Evaluate for attachment problems - Evaluate maternal Major Depression - Consider Child Abuse or child neglect in severe cases
III. Red Flags: 6 to 12 months
A. Persistence of primitive reflexes after 6 months: Evaluate for neuromuscular disorder
B. Absent babbling by 6 months: Evaluate for hearing deficit
C. Absent stranger anxiety by 7 months: May be related to multiple care providers
D. W-sitting and bunny hopping at 7 months: Evaluate for adductor spasticity or hypotonia
E. Inability to localize sound by 10 months: Evaluate for unilateral Hearing Loss
F. Persistent mouthing of objects at 12 months: May indicate lack of intellectual curiosity
IV. Red Flags: 12 to 24 months
A. Lack of consonant production by 15 months: Evaluate for Mild Hearing Loss
B. Lack of imitation by 16 months: Evaluate for hearing deficit - Evaluate for cognitive or socialization deficit
C. Lack of protodeclarative pointing by 18 months: Problem in social relatedness
D. Hand dominance prior to 18 months: May indicate contralateral weakness with Hemiparesis
E. Inability to walk up and down stairs at 24 months: May lack opportunity rather than motor deficit
F. Persistent poor transitions in 21 to 24 months: May indicate pervasive developmental disorder
G. Advanced non-communicative speech (e.g. Echolalia): Simple commands not understood suggests abnormality - Evaluate for Autism - Evaluate for pervasive developmental disorder
H. Delayed Language Development: Requires Hearing Loss evaluation in all children
V. Immediate speech therapy evaluation indications
a. No babbling by 12 months
b. No pointing or gestures by 12 months
c. No single words by 16 months
d. No 2-word spontaneous phrases by 24 months
e. Speech not understandable by 24 months
f. Regression of skills at any age
g. Loss of language or babbling
h. Loss of social skills


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Aug27
improvement in medical education system.
To

Honorable Minister Sibal,Shri Kapil,

Ministry of HRD ,

India.


Respected Sir,

I am an Adolescent health counselor.

I am the mother of 2 school children –one in 10th and other in 7th.

It’s a welcoming option of abolishing 10th std board exam which is boldly announced in India for the first time.
Our education system needs reforms since the population is high and the potential of our Indian students are also high.
Our Indian brain capacity, working quality, ability to cope with other people and educational quality makes us to enter any country and survive.
Our kids of this time are put under great pressure for the population eligible for examination entry is enormous and the need to win the race is great.

The parents are also struggling hard to keep their children in the race and make them a winner.

The engineering education system is well updated and the number of seats increased as per the population need. The children find it easy to enter the engineering colleges since its more in numbers.

I am writing this letter to share with you the need for improvement in medical education system.

If we see the Daily papers there are at least 2 advertisements by centers inviting for “Study MBBS in Russia, China, “

The charges are not less than 4 lakhs per year. I find there are many parents who send their children getting loan from bank and with great difficulty by lending money from private lenders pledging their life.

The population of India is going high and we need more doctors proportionally.

The medical seats are like brides who can be threatened and tortured for dowry in the marriage market.

1. Why nothing is done all these years to change this selection system?
2. Are our politicians unaware of these malpractices going on in our educational system?
3. Why the numbers of medical seats are not increased over years according to the population hike and the eligible student’s number?
4. Why the government is keeping its eyes closed to the hijacking of our students to different countries with the attraction of good degrees like MBBS, MD etc.
5. The master degree candidate is paying in lackhs to obtain the seat in India while the foreign countries give MD as a starting degree for comparatively lesser money for which our students are attracted. The qualification is ignored for the sake of money value.
6. Why not our country opens more scope for medical education so that we will have more doctors to take care of our growing India?
7. Open more colleges and make more seats available and the parents are willing to pay the expenses for the education of their children instead of sending them to far off countries .They pay more money to see their children to be educated scholars and why not we have them here in our mother land. Let they spend the money here in India and earn a degree working with our people and develop expertise with our disease pattern instead of coming from foreign countries learning that countries needs.
8. The money spent on these students is made worthy when we have them as Indian doctors trained in India. We don’t want our children to come back as foreigners to our India without knowing our disease pattern.
9. Let the politicians, middle man and college administration staffs leave the good children of India to learn what they want with free will and ambition so that the future India becomes a learned country and not bribed by the greedy intruders.
10. Money is nice when earned but not by selling the worthiness of our precious India.
11. Let us all work to improve the quality of India!



Thank you for the constructive 100 days projects taken by the new independent government.

Congratulations!





From
Dr. K. R. Gomatthi M.B., B.S.,
M.CSEPI (Member of council of sex education and parenthood International),
Spiritual healing center,
Master hypnotist,
Hypnotherapist,Past life regression therapist,
Age regression therapist,
Spirit release therapy,
Certified Adolescent Health Counselor,
Advanced Pranic Healer and Pranic Psychotherapist.

07708485038
www.pyramidhealer.com

Dr.S.K.Chinnaswamy. M.Sc.,Dip.Acu.,DMHS.,(Medicinal herbalism),
Sexologist

BAGYA SEXOLOGY CENTER,

22, Alagesan Road,
Saibaba Mission Post,
Coimbatore - 641 011.
Tamil Nadu - India

09003456829
0422 2449934
04224385110
http://coimbatoresexologist.com/


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Feb15
Chickenpox
Introduction
Chickenpox is a mild and common childhood illness that most children catch at some point.
It causes a rash of red, itchy spots that turn into fluid-filled blisters. They then crust over to form scabs, which eventually drop off.
Some children have only a few spots, but in others they can cover the entire body. The spots are most likely to appear on the face, ears and scalp, under the arms, on the chest and belly and on the arms and legs.
Chickenpox (medically known as varicella) is caused by a virus called the varicella-zoster virus. It's spread quickly and easily through the coughs and sneezes of someone who is infected.
Chickenpox is most common in children under 10. In fact, chickenpox is so common in childhood that 90% of adults are immune to the condition because they've had it before.
Children usually catch chickenpox in winter and spring, particularly between March and May.
What to do
To prevent spreading the infection, keep children off nursery or school until all the spots have crusted over.
Chickenpox is most infectious from one to two days before the rash starts, until all the blisters have crusted over (usually five to six days after the start of the rash).
If your child has chickenpox, try to keep them away from public areas to avoid contact with people who have not had it, especially people who are at risk of serious problems, such as newborn babies, pregnant women and anyone with a weakened immune system (for example, people having cancer treatment or taking steroid tablets).
Chickenpox treatment
Chickenpox in children is considered a mild illness, but expect your child to feel pretty miserable and irritable while they have it.
Your child is likely to have a fever at least for the first few days of the illness. The spots can be incredibly itchy.
There is no specific treatment for chickenpox, but there are pharmacy remedies which can alleviate symptoms, such as paracetamol to relieve fever and calamine lotion and cooling gels to ease itching.
In most children, the blisters crust up and fall off naturally within one to two weeks.
When to see Dr. B C Shah
For most children, chickenpox is a mild illness that gets better on its own.
But some children can become more seriously ill with chickenpox. They need to see a doctor.
Contact Dr. B C Shah straight away if your child develops any abnormal symptoms, for example:
If the blisters on their skin become infected
If your child has a pain in their chest or has difficulty breathing
Chickenpox in adults
Chickenpox may be a childhood illness, but adults can get it too. Chickenpox tends to be more severe in adults than children, and adults have a higher risk of developing complications.
As with children, adults with chickenpox should stay off work until all the spots have crusted over. They should seek medical advice if they develop any abnormal symptoms, such as infected blisters.
Adults with chickenpox may benefit from taking antiviral medicine if treatment is started early in the course of the illness.
Who's at special risk?
Some children and adults are at special risk of serious problems if they catch chickenpox. They include:
Pregnant women
Newborn babies
People with a weakened immune system
These people should seek medical advice as soon as they are exposed to the chickenpox virus or they develop chickenpox symptoms.
They may need a blood test to check if they are immune (protected from) chickenpox..
Chickenpox in pregnancy
Chickenpox occurs in approximately three in every 1,000 pregnancies. It can cause serious complications for both the pregnant woman and her baby.
Chickenpox and shingles
One you have had chickenpox, you usually develop antibodies to the infection and become immune to catching it again. However, the virus that causes chickenpox, the varicella virus, remains dormant (inactive) in your body's nerve tissues and can return later in life as an illness called shingles.
It is possible to catch chickenpox from someone with shingles, but not the other way around.
Is there a vaccine against chickenpox?
There is a chickenpox vaccine but it is not part of the routine childhood vaccination schedule. The vaccine is only offered to children and adults who are particularly vulnerable to chickenpox complications.
Symptoms of chickenpox
The most commonly recognised chickenpox symptom is a red rash that can cover the entire body.
However, even before the rash appears, you or your child may have some mild flu-like symptoms including:
Feeling sick
A high temperature (fever) of 38ºC (100.4ºF) or over
Aching, painful muscles
Headache
Generally feeling unwell
Loss of appetite
These flu-like symptoms, especially the fever, tend to be worse in adults than in children.
Chickenpox spots
Soon after the flu-like symptoms, an itchy rash appears. Some children and adults may only have a few spots, but others are covered from head to toe.
The spots normally appear in clusters and tend to be:
Behind the ears
On the face
Over the scalp
Under the arms
On the chest and belly
On the arms and legs
But the spots can be anywhere on the body, even inside the ears and mouth, on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet and inside the nappy area.
Although the rash starts as small, itchy red spots, after about 12-14 hours the spots develop a blister on top and become intensely itchy.
After a day or two, the fluid in the blisters gets cloudy and they begin to dry out and crust over.
After one to two weeks, the crusting skin will fall off naturally.
New spots can keep appearing in waves for three to five days after the rash begins. Therefore different clusters of spots may be at different stages of blistering or drying out.
Unusual symptoms
Most healthy children (and adults) recover from chickenpox with no lasting ill-effects simply by resting, just as with a cold or flu.
But some children and adults are unlucky and have a more severe bout than usual.
Contact Dr. B C Shah straight away if you or your child develop any abnormal symptoms, for example:
If the skin surrounding the blisters becomes red and painful
If you or your child start to get pain in the chest or have difficulty breathing
In these cases, prescription medicine, and possibly hospital treatment, may be needed.
Causes of chickenpox
Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. You catch it by coming into contact with someone who is infected with the virus.
It's a very contagious infection. About 90% of people who have not previously had chickenpox will become infected when they come into contact with the virus.
How you catch the virus
The chickenpox virus is spread in the same ways as colds as flu. It's contained in the millions of tiny droplets that come out of the nose and mouth when an infected person sneezes or coughs. You can then become infected with the virus by breathing in these droplets from the air.
You can also become infected by handling a surface or object that these droplets have landed on, then transferring the virus to yourself by touching your face.
It takes seven to 21 days for the symptoms of chickenpox to show after you have come into contact with the virus. This is called the ‘incubation period’.
Someone with chickenpox is most infectious from one to two days before the rash appears until all the blisters have crusted over. This usually takes five to six days from the start of the rash.
Shingles
If you have not had chickenpox before, you can also catch chickenpox from someone with shingles (an infection caused by the same virus). However, it's not possible to catch shingles from someone who has chickenpox.
Diagnosing chickenpox
You or your child should not usually need any medical tests to diagnose chickenpox. You can be pretty sure that it is chickenpox if there are the key symptoms of a mild fever followed by an itchy rash, blisters and scabs.
Chickenpox spots are usually distinctive enough to distinguish from other rashes, although occasionally they can be easily confused with other conditions that affect the skin, such as insect bites or scabies (a contagious skin condition that causes intense itching).
If you're still uncertain about what is causing the symptoms, Dr. B C Shahcan carry out a simple blood test to identify the virus.
When to contact Dr. B C Shah
1. See Dr. B C Shah if you're not sure whether you or your child have chickenpox.
2. Contact Dr. B C Shah urgently if you have been in contact with someone who has chickenpox or you have chickenpox symptoms and:
You are pregnant
You have a weakened immune system (the body’s defence system)
Your baby is less than four weeks old
Chickenpox in these instances can cause serious complications if left untreated. It is essential to seek medical advice so that you can receive any necessary treatment.
3. Contact Dr. B C Shah if you have chickenpox and are breastfeeding. They can advise about whether you should continue breastfeeding your baby.
Having a blood test
Once you have contacted Dr. B C Shah, you may need a test to see if you're already immune from chickenpox.
If you have had chickenpox in the past, then it is extremely unlikely that you will develop chickenpox for a second time. If you've never had chickenpox, or you're unsure whether you've had it, then you may need an immunity test.
This is a blood test that checks whether you are producing the antibodies to the chickenpox virus.
If your blood test result shows that you have the antibodies, you'll be naturally protected from the virus.
Treating chickenpox
There is no cure for chickenpox, and the virus usually clears up by itself without any treatment.
However, there are ways of easing the itch and discomfort, and there are important steps you can take to stop chickenpox spreading.
Painkillers
If your child is in pain or has a fever (high temperature), you can give them a mild painkiller, such as paracetamol. Paracetamol is available over-the-counter in pharmacies. Always read the manufacturer's dosage instructions.
You should avoid giving your child ibuprofen if they have chickenpox. This is because there have been some cases where using ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs) has caused serious skin infections.
Ibuprofen should also be avoided if you or your child hasasthma, or a history of stomach problems, such as stomach ulcers.
If you're not sure whether ibuprofen is suitable, check with Dr. B C Shah. If your child is younger than three months old, always speak to Dr. B C Shah before you give your child any kind of pain relief.
If you're pregnant and need to take painkillers, then paracetamol is the first choice. You can use it at any stage of pregnancy. Only take ibuprofen during the second trimester (weeks 14-27 of the pregnancy).
If you're pregnant and you have chickenpox, you should visit Dr. B C Shah as soon as possible. You may need to have antiviral medicine or immunoglobulin treatment to prevent your symptoms from getting worse (see below).
Keeping hydrated
It is important for children (and adults) with chickenpox to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Sugar-free ice-lollies are a good way of getting fluids into children. They also help to soothe a sore mouth that has chickenpox spots in it.
Avoid any food that may make the mouth sore, such as salty foods. Soup is easy to swallow as long as it is not too hot.
Stop the scratching
Chickenpox can be incredibly itchy, but it's important for children (and adults) to not scratch the spots so as to avoid future scarring.
One way of stopping scratching is to keep fingernails clean and short. You can also put socks over your child's hands at night to stop them scratching the rash as they sleep.
If your child's skin is very itchy or sore, try using calamine lotion or cooling gels. These are available in pharmacies and are very safe to use. They have a soothing, cooling effect.
A stronger medicine called chlorphenamine can also help to relieve the itching. It's available from your pharmacist over the counter or it can be prescribed by Dr. B C Shah. Chlorphenamine is taken by mouth and is suitable for children over one year old.
Cool clothing
If your child has a fever, or if their skin is sore and aggravated, dress them appropriately so that they don't get too hot or too cold. Loose-fitting, smooth, cotton fabrics are best and will help stop the skin from becoming sore and irritated.
If your child has chickenpox, avoid sponging them down with cool water. This can make your child too cold, and it may make them shiver.
Stronger treatments
Antiviral medicine
Aciclovir is an antiviral medicine that is sometimes given to people with chickenpox.
Aciclovir may be prescribed to:
Pregnant women
Adults, if they visit Dr. B C Shah within 24 hours of the rash appearing
Newborn babies
People with a weakened immune system (the body’s defence system)
Ideally, aciclovir needs to be started within 24 hours of the rash appearing. It does not cure chickenpox, but it makes the symptoms less severe. You normally need to take the medicine as tablets five times a day for seven days.
If you are taking aciclovir, make sure you drink plenty of fluids. Side effects are rare but can include nausea and diarrhoea.
Immunoglobulin treatment
Immunoglobulin is a solution of antibodies that is taken from healthy donors. Varicella-zoster immunoglobulin (VZIG) contains antibodies to the chickenpox virus.
Immunoglobulin treatment is given by drip. It is not used to treat chickenpox but to protect people who are at high risk of developing a severe chickenpox infection. This includes:
Pregnant women
Newborn babies
People with weakened immune systems
In the case of pregnant women, immunoglobulin treatment also reduces the risk of the unborn baby becoming infected.
As the supply of VZIG is limited, it will only be considered if a high-risk person has:
Been significantly exposed to the virus – significant exposure could be face-to-face contact with someone who has chickenpox
Been in the same room for 15 minutes with someone who has chickenpox
Had a blood test to confirm that they've not had chickenpox before
In some cases, newborn babies may be given immunoglobulin treatment without having a blood test first.
Complications of chickenpox
Complications of chickenpox are rare in healthy children. The most common complication is where the blisters become infected with bacteria.
A sign that the blisters have become infected is when the surrounding skin becomes red and sore.
If you think that your child's blisters have become infected, contact Dr. B C Shah as the child may need a course of antibiotics.
The people who are most at risk of developing chickenpox complications are:
Adults
Pregnant women
Babies under four weeks old
People with a weakened immune system
Adults
Chickenpox can be more serious in adults than in children. Adults with the virus are more likely to be admitted into hospital. Approximately 5-14% of adults with chickenpox develop lung problems, such as pneumonia. If you smoke, your risk of developing lung problems is much greater.
Although it is more serious in adults, most people will still make a full recovery from the chickenpox virus.
Pregnant women
If you're pregnant, chickenpox can occasionally cause complications.
For example, your risk of developing pneumonia is slightly higher if you're pregnant, especially if you smoke. The further you are into your pregnancy, the more serious the risk of pneumonia tends to be.
If you get chickenpox while you're pregnant, there is also a small but significant risk to your unborn baby.
If you are infected with chickenpox during the first 20 weeks of your pregnancy, there is a risk that your unborn baby could develop a condition known as foetal varicella syndrome.
This syndrome is rare. The risk of it occurring in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy is less than 1%. Between 13 and 20 weeks, the risk is 2%.
Foetal varicella syndrome can cause serious complications, including:
Scarring
Eye defects, such as cataracts
Shortened limbs
Brain damage
There have been reports of damage to the unborn baby from foetal varicella syndrome when a pregnant woman catches chickenpox after week 20. But the risk at this late stage in pregnancy is thought to be much less than 1%.
However, there are other risks from catching chickenpox after week 20 of pregnancy.
It is possible that your baby may be born prematurely (before week 37 of the pregnancy).
And if you are infected with chickenpox seven days before or seven days after giving birth, your newborn baby may develop a more serious type of chickenpox. In a few severe cases, this type of chickenpox can be fatal.
See Dr. B C Shah urgently if you're pregnant or have given birth in the last seven days and you think you may have chickenpox, or if you've been exposed to someone who has chickenpox.
People with a weakened immune system
Your immune system is your body's way of defending itself against disease, bacteria and viruses.
If your immune system is weak or does not work properly, you are more susceptible to developing infections such as chickenpox. This is because your body produces fewer antibodies to fight off the infection.
You may have a weakened immune system if you take immunosuppressive medication. This is medicine that works by damping down your immune system.
Immunosuppressive medication such as steroid tablets may be used if, for example, you have an inflammatory condition such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or certain blood conditions.
If you have a weakened immune system, you're also more at risk of developing complications from chickenpox. These complications include:
pneumonia
septicaemia (blood poisoning)
meningitis
See Dr. B C Shah urgently if you have a weakened immune system and you've been exposed to the chickenpox virus.
Preventing the spread of chickenpox
If your child has chickenpox, inform their school or nursery and keep them at home while they are infectious, which is until the last blister has burst and crusted over. This usually takes five or six days after the rash begins.
If you have chickenpox, stay off work and at home until you're no longer infectious.
If either you or your child has chickenpox, it is also a good idea for you, or them, to avoid contact with:
Pregnant women
Newborn babies
Anyone who has a weak immune system, such as people who are having chemotherapy (a treatment for cancer) or taking steroid tablets
If you or your child have recently been exposed to the chickenpox virus, you may not be able to visit friends or relatives in hospital. Telephone the ward to check first.
Travelling on a plane
If you or your child have chickenpox, you may not be allowed to fly until six days after the last spot has appeared.
You and your child should be safe to fly once you're past the infectious stage and all of the blisters have crusted over. But it's best to check the policy of your airline first. Inform the airline as soon as chickenpox is diagnosed.
It is also important to let your travel insurer know if you or your child have chickenpox. You need to make sure that you'll be covered if you have to delay or cancel your holiday, or if you need to extend your stay until your child is well enough to fly home.
Stop the virus spreading
Chickenpox can sometimes be spread through contact with objects that have been infected with the virus, such as children's toys, bedding or clothing.
If someone in your household has chickenpox, you can help stop the virus spreading by wiping any objects or surfaces with a sterilising solution and making sure that any infected clothing or bedding is washed regularly.
Vaccination
There is a chickenpox vaccine that is used to protect people who are most at risk of a serious chickenpox infection or of passing the infection on to someone who is at risk.
People who may be considered for chickenpox vaccination include:
healthcare workers who are not already immune – for example, a nurse who has never had chickenpox and who may pass it to someone they are treating if they become infected
people living with someone who has a weakened immune system – for example, the child of a parent receiving chemotherapy
The vaccine is not suitable for pregnant women. Avoid getting pregnant for three months after having the vaccine. The vaccine is also not suitable for people with weakened immune systems.


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Jan27
SUVARNA PRASHAN SANSKAR
Suvarna prashan sanskar is one of the 16 essential rituals described in ayurveda for children.

Definition : The process in which Suvarna bhasma (purified ash of gold) is administered with fortified ghee prepared with herbal extracts, and honey in liquid or semisolid form.

Whom to administer : Suvarna prashan can be given to age group of 0-16yrs.

Time of administration : suvarna prashan can be done daily early in the morning, or atleast on every Pushya nakshatra- an auspicious day- which happens to come after every 27 days, given on this day it bestows excellent benefits.

Benefits of suvarna prashan :
1.Suvarna prashan increases immunity power and developes resistance against common infections, thus prevents children from falling ill very oftenly.
2.It builds physical strength in children and enhances physical activites, and also improves stamina for the same.
3.Regular doses of Suwarna prashan improves child’s intellect, grasping power, sharpness, analysis power, memory recalling in an unique manner.
4.It kindles digestive fire, improves digestion and decreases related complaints.
5.Suvarna prashan also improves child’s appetite.
6.It helps to nurture early physical and mental development.
7.It developes an inbuilt strong defense mechanism in kids which acts as a safety sheild against diseases and complaints occuring due to seasonal change and other prevailing infections.
8.It helps body to recover early in case of any illness.
9.It guards children from various allergies.
10.It protects children from ailments occuring during teething phase.
11.Tones up skin colour.

Overall it makes child healthier, children taking Suwarna prashan doses regularly can be easily distinguised from their remarkably outstanding physical and mental ability.


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