Latest news with #RubyHallClinic
Hindustan Times
21 hours ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Pulmonologist shares how breathlessness could indicate life-threatening lung or heart problems; when to seek help
It's common to feel breathless after climbing a flight of stairs, this is a normal reflex as your body works harder during physical activity. When you're active, your heart and lungs increase their effort to supply oxygen to your muscles. Frequent breathlessness after climbing stairs may indicate serious health issues. (Freepik) However, if breathlessness becomes frequent, persistent, or occurs along with other symptoms, it's important to pay attention. It could be a sign that your lungs or heart are struggling and trying to alert you to a more serious issue. (Also read: Cardiologist explains how regular exercise can make your heart up to '20 years younger', but only if you start before 65 ) In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Mahavir Modi, Consultant Pulmonologist at Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune, explains when breathlessness may signal a serious health issue and stresses the importance of early medical attention. Signs that breathlessness could be a serious issue Although a bit of huffing and puffing is normal, take medical advice when you have: New or increased breathlessness: If you are having difficulty with an activity that you found easy before. A feeling of breathlessness at rest or during slight activity: This is a cause of concern and should be seen instantly. Chronic cough: What is more, a persistent cough, regardless of whether it is dry or productive, most likely needs attention, particularly when it persists beyond a short period of time, especially when it lasts beyond a few weeks. Wheezing or whistling: A squeaky sound when the person is breathing, especially when they are breathing out. Constant coughing along with breathlessness is a common sign.(Shutterstock) Tightness in the chest: Pain when breathing in deeply or coughing. Repeat respiratory infections: If you have noticed yourself frequently contracting bronchitis or pneumonia. Severe fatigue: A long-standing feeling of fatigue even when you have rest and it might show a lack of oxygen. What might be behind it? The causes of shortness of breath are very numerous, and some are short-term and harmless, while others are more severe: Lung-Related Conditions: Asthma: A long-term inflammation of the airways that may lead to narrowing and trouble breathing. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): It is a combination of chronic bronchitis and emphysema, which is commonly associated with smoking, and this causes obstruction of airflow. Pulmonary fibrosis: This is scarring of the tissue in the lungs/enabling them to become stiff and hard to inflate. Lung infections: e.g. pneumonia or bronchitis, which causes irritation of the airways and lung tissue. Pulmonary embolism: A life-threatening clot in the pulmonary arteries. Pulmonary hypertension: An Increase in the pressure of blood flow in the arteries that deliver blood to the lungs. Heart-related conditions: Heart disease: It might not be in a position to pump enough oxygenated blood to the body and the effect is breathlessness. This may include coronary artery disease or heart failure. Regular breathlessness after physical activity may indicate lung or heart problems.(Shutterstock) Other factors: Being out of shape (deconditioning): The source of frequent breathlessness on exertion. This can be considerably enhanced by regular exercise. Anaemia: The reduced concentration of red blood cells entails reduced oxygen transport in the blood. Obesity: Being overweight causes the heart and lungs to work harder. Anxiety or panic attacks: May cause shortness of breath, in most cases accompanied by other bodily manifestations. Allergies: It may inflame the airway and make it hard to breathe. Altitudes: When the air is at high altitudes, there will be less oxygen, and this may cause one to be breathless. Some medications: Shortness of breath is a side effect of certain drugs. Do not overlook these signals The signals given by your body matter. Breathlessness after exertion is not uncommon, but underlying illness may get progressively worse and therefore not be overlooked. Complications should be avoided by ensuring early detection and medication, hence saving your quality of life. What to do: Talk to your doctor: Whether you have been diagnosed with a breathing condition, or have worrying shortness of breath that is either new in occurrence, disproportionately severe, or being experienced in concert with other symptoms, you should make an appointment to speak to your healthcare provider. Tell the truth about your symptoms: Give a specific history of how frequently the breathlessness happens, what improves it or makes it worse and any additional symptoms. Undergo required tests: Your physician might advise you to perform tests such as lung function tests, chest X-rays, ECGs or blood-tests in order to uncover the cause. Take medical advice: When a diagnosis is made, follow the prescribed line of treatment, which may involve lifestyle change, drugs, or specialist treatment. To sum up, stair climbing is a nice exercise, but when you are out of breath regularly or constantly after just a few steps, it is a definite signal to your lungs (and heart) that something may not be ideal. It is important to hear these signals and pay attention to them by noting appropriate medical care. 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.
India Today
3 days ago
- Health
- India Today
Hearing loss follows headphones: Listen to this ENT expert's sound advice
Back in 2015, a report by the World Health Organization (WHO) had cautioned how more than a billion teenagers and young adults were at risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) due to unsafe listening real terms, the threat manifests from a seemingly harmless habit: cranking up the sound on headphones or earphones. Advancing technology now offers sleeker and smarter listening devices that are pretty much embedded inside the is it all impacting the hearing capabilities of young individuals? Dr Murarji Ghadge, senior ENT surgeon at Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune, finds a noticeable shift in patterns of hearing loss in recent years. 'What was once thought to be a concern for the elderly is now increasingly being observed among adolescents and young adults,' he of the major contributors to this disturbing trend is the excessive and unsafe use of headphones and earphones. 'I have witnessed a clear uptick in young patients—school students, college-goers and early-career professionals—reporting symptoms of hearing difficulty, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), ear pain and a sense of fullness in the ear,' says Dr Ghadge. What do most of these cases have in common? Prolonged and high-volume use of listening gadgets. The silent culpritNIHL, while preventable, is one of the most common types of hearing damage among the young today. 'Unlike age-related hearing loss, NIHL can occur at any age due to exposure to loud sounds, especially over extended periods,' says Dr lifestyle contributes a lot to this. People listen to music or media at high volumes using earphones or headphones, particularly in noisy environments such as public transport. This often forces them to up the volume beyond the safe threshold of 85 decibels (dB), leading to potential hearing loss. 'Unfortunately, many personal audio devices allow volume levels to reach 100-110 dB. At those levels, permanent hearing damage can happen with as little as 15 minutes of daily exposure,' says Dr to watch out forA big concern is young individuals failing to realise the damage early on. 'The early warning signs include ringing or buzzing in the ears; difficulty in understanding speech, especially in noisy environments; needing to increase the volume of television or phone calls; and a feeling of muffled hearing after headphone use,' explains Dr Ghadge. Such symptoms, if ignored, can progress to irreversible hearing soundsWith screen-time increasing due to online learning, remote work and constant digital engagement, young individuals now spend hours on earphones or headphones. 'Add to this the rising popularity of gaming headsets and we have a generation that is constantly exposed to high-decibel audio, with little awareness of the risks involved,' says Dr good news is NIHL is entirely preventable. Dr Ghadge explains a practical 60/60 rule. 'Listen at no more than 60 per cent volume for no more than 60 minutes at a stretch,' he suggests. He also recommends noise-cancelling headphones as these allow users to hear audio clearly without increasing the volume in noisy important exercise is to take listening breaks. Regular hearing check-ups also help in early detection. 'Last but not the least, parents, teachers and schools need to proactively educate children about the risks of unsafe listening practices,' adds Dr Ghadge.'We must recognise that hearing is no longer an age-related concern. The digital age demands we update our approach to ear health, especially among the younger population,' says Dr Ghadge. The lowdown: listen responsibly and to India Today Magazine- Ends
Hindustan Times
05-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Ophthalmologist explains why blurred vision is rising across India post-pandemic: ‘It's not just cataracts anymore'
Blurred vision is becoming an increasingly common complaint across India, even among young adults. From excessive screen time to poor sleep and rising pollution levels, multiple factors may be straining our eyes more than ever. Rising temperatures in India are worsening eye health, resulting in conditions like blurred vision and eye strain.(Unsplash) "Post-pandemic, we've seen an alarming increase in patients, both young and old, complaining of blurred vision, eye strain, and frequent headaches. Walk-ins have nearly doubled, and the most common complaint is, 'I just can't see clearly anymore,' says Dr. Suni Abraham, Consultant Ophthalmologist at Ruby Hall Clinic, Wanowarie. (Also read: Doctor shares 6 eye care tips to protect your vision during latest COVID-19 surge: 'Avoid unnecessary touching' ) Speaking to HT Lifestyle, Dr Abraham sheds light on the growing trend, explaining the key factors behind the spike and what you can do to safeguard your vision before it's too late. What's fueling India's rising vision problems Across the ophthalmology community, a worrying pattern is emerging, one that's consistent in both metropolitan cities and smaller towns. During society meetings and CMEs (Continuing Medical Education), three major trends stood out, explaining the alarming rise in blurred vision cases across India. 1. Post-pandemic screen syndrome The digital shift that began during the COVID-19 pandemic never really reversed. Children now attend hybrid schools or complete homework online, even when attending in-person classes. Adults often log more than 10 hours of screen time daily for work. Seniors spend hours online reading, chatting, or playing games. The result? A spike in the following screen-induced conditions: Digital eye strain Accommodative spasm Dry eye disease Staring at screens for too long puts a lot of pressure on your eyes, causing strain, dryness and fatigue. (Shutterstock) 2. Rising uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension India's ongoing struggle with lifestyle diseases is taking a toll on eye health. Fluctuating sugar levels cause transient refractive shifts, making vision unpredictable. Hypertensive Retinopathy is becoming more common due to unmanaged blood pressure. Many patients present early signs of Diabetic Maculopathy, such as macular oedema. 3. Self-medication and OTC drug misuse The market is flooded with: "Cooling" eye drops Herbal concoctions Over-the-counter steroid eye drops These are widely used without prescription. As a result, clinics are seeing patients with: Chronic redness Raised intraocular pressure Long-term side effects from inappropriate or excessive use of steroids and herbal products Eye drops are helpful, but know the correct usage of them.(Shutterstock) 4. Environmental triggers and heatwave stress India's rising temperatures and prolonged heatwaves are also affecting eye health. Common conditions include: Photokeratitis (sun-induced corneal inflammation) Allergic Conjunctivitis Dry Eye Syndrome Symptoms: Watering, redness, light sensitivity, and blurred vision, often after extended sun exposure. "The sun doesn't just scorch the skin, it stresses the eyes too," warns Dr. Abraham. Beyond cataracts: The new vision crisis "Today, we're seeing more cases of refractive errors, dry eye syndromes, retinopathies, allergies, and even glaucoma, far more than we did in the pre-COVID era," says Dr. Abraham. India's vision crisis is no longer limited to cataracts and refractive errors. It's now a complex issue driven by digital lifestyles, chronic disease, environmental stress, and misinformation. Blurred vision is no longer just a symptom, it's a societal signal. If we don't intervene now, the future will only grow hazier for everyone. 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.
India Today
23-06-2025
- Health
- India Today
Salman Khan is battling brain aneurysm, trigeminal neuralgia: What are they?
Actor Salman Khan recently revealed that he is battling not one, but multiple serious medical conditions, on The Great Indian Kapil Khan had earlier revealed about battling trigeminal neuralgia, for which he underwent surgery in 2011 for relief. Now, the actor now revealed he's facing two more neurological issues: a brain aneurysm, and an arteriovenous malformation (AVM).Here's what each of these health conditions means, and why they should not be What is a brain aneurysm?A brain aneurysm is a bulge in a weak spot of a blood vessel in the brain. Think of it like a balloon swelling with air, except it's blood. Over time, this bulge can grow and, if it bursts, can cause bleeding in the brain. This life-threatening situation known as a hemorrhagic aneurysms are often linked to high blood pressure, stress, smoking, and certain genetic they don't show any symptoms and are found only during scans. But if they rupture, they can cause sudden, severe headaches, blurred vision, or even is an AV malformation (AVM)?An arteriovenous malformation is a rare tangle of abnormal blood vessels in the brain. Normally, blood flows from arteries to veins in a steady manner. But in AVM, the blood rushes directly from arteries to veins, skipping the tiny capillaries in between. This disrupts normal circulation and puts pressure on the are usually present from birth but may not show symptoms for years. When they do, they can cause headaches, ringing in the ears, seizures, weakness, or speech problems. In severe cases, they may lead to strokes or brain is trigeminal neuralgia?This condition is often called the "suicide disease" because of how painful it can neuralgia causes sharp, electric shock-like pain in the face. The pain comes suddenly and can be triggered by simple activities like eating, brushing teeth, or even happens when a blood vessel puts pressure on the trigeminal nerve, which controls facial sensation. It is a chronic disorder and the pain can be difficult to manage, often needing medication or even do these conditions say about stress and health?While Salman Khan didn't blame his health issues on his lifestyle, experts say stress and irregular routines can make these conditions worse. Dr Samrat Shah, consultant physician at Ruby Hall Clinic Pune, explains that poor sleep, stress, and erratic schedules disturb the body's natural time, this can increase blood pressure and weaken blood vessels, making the brain more vulnerable to aneurysms or AVMs."Chronic stress increases cortisol and blood pressure, which can damage blood vessels over time and raise the risk of serious conditions like heart disease or even brain aneurysms,' Dr Shah tells Salman's health matters to all of usDespite dealing with painful and serious conditions, Salman Khan continues to work, even performing action scenes. His story is a reminder that health problems can affect anyone, no matter how strong or fit they look on the long hours, skipping rest, and neglecting regular health check-ups can silently harm the can you protect your health?Here are a few simple things anyone can do:Get enough sleep: Aim for 7–8 hours stress: Try breathing exercises, yoga, or healthy: Avoid too much junk food or skipping active: A 30-minute walk daily can do to your body: If something feels wrong, see a doctor Watch
Hindustan Times
21-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
International Yoga Day 2025: Psychiatrist shares how to manage anxiety and depression with yoga, trainer suggests tips
International Yoga Day 2025: According to Harvard Medical School, yoga can increase production of endorphins, reduce stress and elevate GABA (a chemical associated with decreased anxiety). What is it about yoga that makes it such a great tool for anxiety? And is it possible to optimise your yoga session to not just reduce anxiety, but also manage depression? Also read | Yoga Day 2025: Shavasana to baddha konasana, 8 best asanas for PCOS International Yoga Day 2025: Yoga has a huge impact on mental health. Here is how to make the most of yoga for mental health. (Freepik) To get some clarity, we asked Dr Sakshe Jain, consultant psychiatrist at Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune and Prerna Khetrapal, Pilates and yoga trainer, and founder, Kaizen. Whether you're a beginner looking to reap some of these mental health benefits or an experienced yogi trying to find peace, these tips can help you feel your best. Dr Jain said 'yoga has emerged as a powerful and holistic tool in managing anxiety and depression', offering both physical and emotional relief through a blend of mindful movement, breath control, and meditation. She said: 'Unlike conventional treatments that often focus solely on symptom suppression, yoga addresses the root of mental unrest by calming the nervous system, improving self-awareness, and fostering inner balance.' According to Dr Jain, regular yoga practice also boosts serotonin and endorphin levels, which are natural mood enhancers, making it especially beneficial for those struggling with fatigue and low motivation associated with depression. Moreover, the meditative aspect of yoga cultivates mindfulness, helping individuals break free from cycles of overthinking and emotional overwhelm, Dr Jain said. "Research supports these benefits, with studies showing improvements in sleep quality, reduced cortisol levels, and decreased symptoms of anxiety and depression among consistent practitioners," she said and added that while yoga is not a replacement for medical or psychological treatment in severe cases, 'it serves as a valuable complementary therapy that enhances emotional resilience and promotes long-term mental well-being'. 'In a fast-paced world marked by constant stress, yoga offers a safe and sustainable path to mental clarity and inner peace,' Dr Jain said. The meditative aspect of yoga cultivates mindfulness, helping individuals break free from cycles of overthinking and emotional overwhelm, Dr Jain said. (Freepik) How to use yoga to calm anxiety? She added that practices like pranayama (breathwork) help regulate the breath, reducing stress hormone levels and activating the parasympathetic nervous system to induce a state of relaxation. Dr Jain said: 'Gentle asanas such as Child's Pose, Cobra Pose, and Legs-Up-the-Wall have a grounding effect, easing physical tension while uplifting mood.' Prerna further said, 'As someone who has dedicated their life to holistic wellness, I've seen firsthand how yoga can be a transformative tool in managing anxiety and depression. Yoga isn't just about movement — it's about coming home to yourself. Through breathwork (pranayama), mindful movement, and meditation, yoga helps regulate the nervous system, reduce cortisol levels, and improve emotional resilience.' The more yoga you do, the more of a long-term improvement you'll see, as Prerna said 'consistent practice fosters greater self-awareness, emotional balance, and a deeper sense of peace'. She explained, 'In my work, I incorporate practices like Flow Yoga and Shirodhara Yoga to help individuals reconnect with their inner stillness and create space for healing. The beauty of yoga lies in its ability to gently guide you out of a reactive mind and into the present moment, where anxiety cannot thrive. Over time, this consistent practice fosters greater self-awareness, emotional balance, and a deeper sense of peace. Yoga doesn't offer a quick fix — but it provides the tools to reclaim your mental and emotional wellbeing with grace and intention.' 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.
