Conditions

Your doctor may recommend the following tests: Spirometry: This measures the amount of airflow obstruction in COPD patients and it is a commonly used test to diagnose these conditions. This test is performed with a hand- held device, called a spirometer. The patient is asked to inhale deeply, then rapidly blow out the air. Based on the amount of exhaled air, the stage of COPD can be diagnosed. Chest X-ray Complete blood count: This is to exclude the presence of other…

A simple health check up for Thalassaemia carrier status before starting a family can save your child from becoming a patient of Thalassaemia Major, unending cycle of injections, suffering and misery, says haematologist Dr Mamta Manglani. What is Thalassaemia? Thalassemia syndromes are a group of genetic haemoglobin disorders. The haemoglobin molecule is abnormal and therefore, does not allow the red blood cell to survive for its life span, leading to anemia in these…

DON'T PANIC! Dr. Shital Raval tells you the early signs of an asthma attack to watch out for and what you should do during an asthma attack. Watch out for the signs of an Asthma Attack Shortness of breath such that you are unable to eat, speak or sleep. Worsening cough, wheezing and tightness of chest. Symptoms usually worsen over a period of few days. Keep a watch out for gradual increase in inhaler use. Increase in breathlessness. Children may experience stomach ache. Inhaler is not…

PatientsEngage is happy to support 'Forget Us Not', a joint initiative by Lien Foundation and Khoo Teck Puat Hospital. They have put together this guide in English and Mandarin to help persons with dementia live dignified lives. This is part of the plan to build Dementia-Friendly Communities in Singapore. The 'Forget Us Not' initiative will foster a kampong spirit where we come together to help one another. The information and tools in this guide is only a first step. If you would like to do…

Chiropractic care has been successful in treating sciatica, slipped disc, neck pain and low back pain, besides being good for babies with colic and senior citizens with arthritis, informs Mumbai based chiropractor Dr Ismat Kanga.  Many people don’t understand what a chiropractor does. What exactly does your work entail? Chiropractors treat disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, and the effects of these disorders on general health.  …

A look at how music tends to make life so much better for those suffering from dementia “Music has power for individuals with all types of dementias and it can spark convincing outcomes at any stage of the disease when used appropriately. For example, the type/choice or duration of music at each stage of the disease has to be taken into account”, says Nilanjana Maulik, Secretary General of ARDSI (Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Society of India), Kolkata. Most people enjoy music, but can it…

Early intervention protocols are important for management of Down's syndrome in young children: These children should receive standard childhood immunizations in the normal way but additional immunizations like seasonal influenza vaccines, may be advised each year, particularly for those with heart or respiratory problems.  The most common early intervention protocols for babies with Down’s syndrome are physical therapy, speech and language therapy, and occupational therapy. These should…

Down’s syndrome is also known as trisomy 21. It is a congenital disorder caused from a chromosomal abnormality appearing in about one of every 800 to 1 in 1000 births. This syndrome occurs when one chromosome has an extra “part” and an error occurs in cell division, or an extra chromosome exists, resulting in 47 chromosomes. (Chromosome is a thread-like structure of nucleic acids and protein found in the nucleus of most living cells, carrying genetic information in the form of genes.) Usually…

Screening and diagnostic tests The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends offering the option of screening tests and diagnostic tests for Down’s syndrome to all pregnant women, regardless of age. Screening tests can indicate the likelihood a mother is carrying a baby with Down’s syndrome. Diagnostic tests can identify whether your baby has Down’s syndrome. Screening tests during pregnancy Screening for Down’s syndrome is offered as a routine part of prenatal care.…