Set up organ retrieval centres in district hospitals, medical colleges: Gundu Rao to officials
The minister instructed officials to explore the KMCRI model to establish HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) laboratories under the Bangalore Medical Services Trust (BMST) in three locations across the state. An HLA lab supports organ and bone marrow transplantation by helping technicians match donors and recipients for transplants.
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Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Why women are at higher risk for getting arthritis
Arthritis is among the most prevalent chronic diseases on the planet, but did you know it occurs in women more than men? The CDC reports that nearly 1 out of 4 adult women in the U.S. have arthritis compared to 1 out of 5 men. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The fatigue, stiffness, and pain associated with arthritis have the potential to really affect the quality of your daily life — and for women, there are more chances, thanks to the combination of hormonal, biological, and lifestyle aspects. So why the gender divide? Let us analyze. 1. Hormones: Estrogen's double-edged sword Estrogen — the hormone that regulates the female reproductive system — also has a significant impact on joint health. It decreases inflammation and shields the tissues that lubricate joints to keep them moving smoothly. But when the level of estrogen falls (as in menopause), women will usually experience stiffness, swelling, or even developing arthritis. It's particularly prevalent with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a type of autoimmune arthritis that's three times higher in women than in men. Menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause can all trigger hormonal changes in the body — and that influences how the immune system responds at times, sending off painful flair-ups. 2. Different bodies, different risks Women's joints are not constructed quite the same as men's. For instance, women tend to have wider hips and more mobile joints, which can change body alignment and put extra wear and tear on knees, hips, and ankles. They also tend to have less muscle mass, and therefore less support for the joints during daily activities or exercise. This can cause more stress on the cartilage — the cushioning tissue between bones — and an increased likelihood of developing osteoarthritis, the most prevalent form of arthritis. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 3. Autoimmune disorders hit women more frequently Autoimmune diseases — where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue — are a major driver of inflammatory arthritis. And women account for nearly 75% of all autoimmune disease cases. Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus (which can also affect the joints) are significantly more common in women. Researchers believe this may be due to differences in genes and hormone-driven immune responses. In autoimmune arthritis, the immune system attacks the joint lining, causing chronic pain, stiffness, and even joint deformity if left untreated. 4. Genes and epigenetics play a role A few women are genetically predisposed to arthritis. Certain genes associated with the disease — such as HLA-DR4, commonly linked with RA — occur more often or work more powerfully in women. There is also increased interest in epigenetics — gene activity changes brought about by environment, stress, or lifestyle. These fine-tuned alterations may be responsible for why even women with no family history still develop arthritis, and why the symptoms are different in men and women. 5. Weight and inflammation More body weight translates to more stress on weight-bearing joints such as the hips and knees. Because in most populations women are more at risk of obesity than men, this places them at higher risk for osteoarthritis. But mechanical pressure isn't the only issue — fat tissue also sends out inflammatory chemicals (cytokines) that can enhance joint damage. The mixture of physical stress and inflammation sets the stage for arthritis to develop. 6. Women can perceive and report pain differently Research indicates that women are likely to experience more pain than men, at least partly because their brains interpret pain signals differently. They are also more likely to visit doctors and report symptoms early, resulting in increased rates of diagnosis. This isn't just about perception — it's about understanding and acknowledging how women experience chronic conditions differently. Their reports of pain, fatigue, and joint stiffness are valid and deserve proper attention. 7. Repetitive stress from work and home life Whether it's keyboard-intensive jobs, manual labour, or routine household chores, women tend to do work that puts a strain on the hands, wrists, and knees. With time, this can degrade joint cartilage and lead to arthritis. Caregiving work — both personal and professional — tends to include physically demanding labour that puts more stress on the joints. With underlying biological weaknesses, this lifestyle factor contributes to the risk. Women have a distinct set of issues when it comes to arthritis — from changing hormones and autoimmune propensities to body shape and lifestyle. Being aware of these risk factors isn't only key to prevention — it also helps women become advocates for themselves and receive the care they deserve. If you're experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or swelling, don't brush it off as 'just aging.' Early diagnosis and treatment can slow the progression of arthritis and greatly improve quality of life. Arthritis may be more common in women, but so is resilience. With the right support, treatment, and lifestyle strategies, women can take charge of their joint health and stay active at every stage of life. Dr. Shashikiran R, Consultant Orthopaedic and Joint Replacement Surgeon, Apollo Hospitals, Sheshadripuram , Bengaluru
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Gluten intolerance may not damage your gut but it could still mess with your brain: What doctors want you to know
Celiac disease, traditionally considered an autoimmune disease largely localised in the gastrointestinal tract, is an underappreciated simultaneous brain disorder. Neurological or psychiatric symptoms may affect about 22% of patients and may occur at the same time as or even precede digestive complaints. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Rohit Pai, Consultant Neurologist at KMC Hospital in Mangalore's Dr BR Ambedkar Circle, said, 'Gluten ataxia is the most obvious condition and it is thought to be cerebellar through anti-gliadin antibody. It is frequently marked by slurring speech and loss of limb coordination when walking.' He revealed, 'Epilepsy may develop in a minority of cases, usually related to occipital lobe calcification, following visual symptoms. These cognitive brain fog/memory loss and (occasionally) progressive dementia symptoms, when combined with other non-cognitive neurological complications constitute an additional significant burden of celiac disease on the brain.' Bringing his expertise to the same, Dr Amrut SD, Consultant Neurologist at Manipal Hospital in Goa, noted that peripheral neuropathy occurs in about half of celiacs. He shared, 'This tends to be manifest as distal sensory neuropathy, with symptoms of tingling, numbness, or burning in the hands and feet. Gluten sensitivity is an umbrella term encompassing celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) and wheat allergy.' Dr Amrut SD added, 'In particular, NCGS can 'mimic' multiple neurologic phenomena seen in celiac disease despite lack of autoantibodies or enteropathy. Patients may complain of unexplained chronic fatigue, ataxia, or peripheral neuropathy too, all being related to an altered gut-brain axis. The diagnosis of NCGS is clinical and primarily a diagnosis of exclusion that needs very thorough exclusion of celiac disease, wheat allergy and others.' Dr Meghna Potluri, Consultant - Allergy and Immunology, discussed the immuno-pathophysiology of gluten-related disorders. She highlighted, 'Wheat, barley and rye contain gluten, a protein that may cause an immune response in people who are sensitive to it. In celiac disease, this can also damage the small intestine (but wiring) and can even extend to neural tissue.' The expert informed, 'Specific antibodies to test for include IgA-tTG, EMA and DGP, and genetic testing to determine HLA-DQ2 or DQ8 status is beneficial in confirming the diagnosis. For those patients already on a gluten-free diet, these markers may not be sensitive and upper GI endoscopy with biopsy will need to be considered.' Non-celiac gluten sensitivity, on the other hand, does not include the immune-mediated gut damage that characterises celiac disease. Dr Meghna Potluri said, 'Instead, it can cause symptoms that go on to include nausea, bloating, headache, joint pain and neurocognitive impairment. The diagnosis is established when celiac disease and wheat allergy are excluded, usually by a combination of antibody tests and a clinical assessment.' Celiac disease as well as NCGS is currently treated most effectively with a gluten-free diet. Dr Meghna Potluri said, 'In celiac disease, strict, lifelong adherence is required to avoid complications. NCGS might be associated with a continuum of dietary response related to symptom intensity. Individuals should be encouraged to eat whole, gluten-free foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy and unprocessed meat and avoid foods made with gluten-containing grain, and if needed, high-FODMAP foods.' The prompt recognition of gluten-related neurological syndromes and an interdisciplinary approach among neurologists, gastroenterologists and immunologists are mandatory. Correct diagnosis, followed by individualised dietary management, markedly improves patient's quality of life. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Time of India
Tobacco use increases despite awareness efforts
Hubballi/ Belagavi: As World No-Tobacco Day is observed on May 31, health officials in the district highlighted the growing challenge of tobacco and gutka consumption, which is fuelling a surge in oral cavity cancers, hypertension, and heart disease. Despite bans, illegal sales persist, especially targeting youth. Tobacco usage has skyrocketed in adults and the younger population alike. Day by day, new users are added, resulting in a rise in devastating tobacco-related diseases such as hypertension, cardiac diseases, stroke, pulmonary diseases, and cancers such as head and neck malignancy, lung malignancy, colorectal malignancy, etc. According to the survey, adolescents and children are the prime targets of the tobacco industry when recruiting new smokers. About 20 million children aged 10–14 are estimated to be tobacco-addicted, according to a survey done by the National Sample Survey Organisation of the Indian govt. To this astounding figure, approximately 5,500 new users are added every day, resulting in two million new users each year. Dr Shashidhar K, head of the department of surgical oncology, Karnataka Medical College-Research Institute (KMCRI), said that they are currently treating 50-60 patients with this cancer, often caused by tobacco use. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Alerta: Você tem zumbido no ouvido? Dica de ouro pode aliviar! Zumbido no ouvido Undo Major surgeries are performed on 500 people, and minor surgeries are performed on 700 people. "Nowadays, youth are addicted to tobacco. There are several ways to curb tobacco addiction, such as chewing on sugar-free gums or lozenges, using prescription nicotine nasal spray or patches, avoiding triggers, trying to incorporate physical activities such as sports, yoga, meditation, and seeking help from a professional de-addiction therapist," Dr Shashidhar said. Shashidhar said that the World No Tobacco Day campaign aims at curbing the deceptive marketing tactics of the tobacco industry. There are proven ways to prevent youth from using tobacco and avoid a lifetime of addiction, such as family expectations and communication, education about the risks and consequences of using tobacco, etc. Awareness rally World No Tobacco Day was observed at Karnataka Medical College and Research Institute, Hubballi, on Saturday. The department of surgical oncology organised an awareness programme today on the current year's theme: 'Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products'. An awareness rally was held on the hospital premises near the outpatient department. Doctors and nurses actively participated in the rally, displaying placards on the devastating consequences of continued tobacco use. A street play was performed by nursing students, displaying the ill effects of tobacco, which was well received by the audience. Dr SF Kammar, director of KMCRI, and others were present. Awareness programme at Belagavi college The NSS cell of BV Bellad Law College, Belagavi, organised an awareness programme to mark World No Tobacco Day on Saturday. The event aimed at spreading awareness about the ill-effects of tobacco and the need to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Being the chief guest, Dr Vivek Honalli, district malaria officer, emphasised the grave health consequences associated with tobacco consumption. Dr Shweta Patil, district consultant, tobacco control programme, spoke on the govt initiatives aimed at tobacco control and the importance of youth participation in building a tobacco-free society. College principal Jyoti G Hiremath appreciated the efforts of the NSS Cell.
