Understanding Tympanoplasty: Surgical Treatment for Chronic Ear Infections

A very common issue encountered in ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) practice is persistent discharge or pus from the ear. This condition is frequently caused by Chronic Otitis Media (COM), which involves a perforation or hole in the eardrum (tympanic membrane). Symptoms of a Perforated Eardrum When there is a hole in the eardrum, patients typically experience two main symptoms: Persistent Pus: Continuous or recurring discharge from the ear. Hearing Loss: A noticeable decrease in the ability to hear clearly. What is Tympanoplasty? Tympanoplasty is the surgical procedure performed to repair a perforated eardrum and eliminate chronic infection. A common…

Secondary Dengue Infection: Why the Second Time is More Dangerous

Dengue fever is a common viral infection, but many people are unaware that contracting it a second time can be significantly more dangerous than the first. This condition is known as secondary dengue. What is Secondary Dengue? Secondary dengue occurs when a person who has previously been infected with the dengue virus becomes infected again. There are four distinct variants or "serotypes" of the dengue virus. Lifelong Immunity: Once you are infected with one specific serotype, your body develops lifelong immunity to that particular variant. The Second Infection: When you are infected a second time, it is usually by a…

CAR T-cell Immunotherapy: Hope For Refractory Rheumatic Diseases

CAR T-cell therapy, a cutting-edge immunotherapy, was initially developed to treat specific blood cancers. However, it is now undergoing clinical trials to explore its potential for treating rheumatic diseases. This procedure involves genetically modifying T cells from a patient to expressing  a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), allowing the T cells to recognize and attach to specific antigens (proteins) on target cells, such as B cells in autoimmune diseases. These CAR T-cells, once activated, can reset the immune system and may lead to remission of the disease. Although CAR T therapy is precise and offers durable outcomes with the possibility of…

Can You Stop Dialysis Once You Start? Understanding Kidney Recovery

A common concern for patients facing kidney issues is whether starting dialysis means they will be on it for the rest of their lives. To answer this, it is important to understand what dialysis does and why it is prescribed. Dialysis is a medical procedure where a machine takes over the function of the kidneys when they are no longer able to work effectively. Temporary vs. Permanent Kidney Failure Whether dialysis can be stopped depends largely on the nature of the kidney damage: Temporary Kidney Failure: If the kidney failure is temporary (acute kidney injury), there is a high probability…

Understanding Common Refractive Errors: Why Is Your Vision Blurred?

The most common cause of preventable blindness worldwide is refractive errors. These conditions occur when the shape of your eye prevents light from focusing directly on the retina (the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye). Types of Refractive Errors There are several distinct types of refractive errors, each affecting vision differently based on how light enters the eye: Myopia (Short-sightedness): In a myopic eye, light rays focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it, making distant objects appear blurry. Hypermetropia (Long-sightedness): Here, light rays focus behind the retina, which often causes difficulty seeing objects up…

Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL): Symptoms and Emergency Care

Imagine waking up in the morning and suddenly realizing you cannot hear from one ear, or that your hearing has significantly decreased. This condition is known as Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL), and it is considered a medical emergency in the field of ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat). Recognizing the Symptoms and Causes The hallmark of SSHL is a rapid loss of hearing, often occurring all at once or over a few days. The underlying causes can vary widely in severity: Infections: Minor viral or bacterial infections can trigger the loss. Tumors: In some cases, a tumor may be the…

Understanding IVF Failure: Why It Happens Even with High-Quality Embryos

One of the most discouraging experiences for couples undergoing fertility treatment is a failed In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) cycle, especially when high-quality embryos were used. Understanding the underlying reasons for failure can help in planning the next steps more effectively. Primary Causes of IVF Failure There are several critical factors that can prevent a successful pregnancy even under ideal laboratory conditions: Implantation Issues: This is one of the most common reasons for failure. It occurs when the embryo fails to attach to the uterine wall. This can be due to a thin uterine lining or structural issues within the uterus, such…

‘Exploring the Multifactorial Dimensions of Infertility: A Comprehensive Perspective’- Scientific Session by Dr. Cicija Kalloopparamban

Dr. Cicija Kalloopparamban (Consultant, Reproductive Medicine) served as a resource person at the state conference on ‘Exploring the Multifactorial Dimensions of Infertility: A Comprehensive Perspective’, held at St. Thomas College of Nursing, Alappuzha.

inPSYght’25 – National Seminar on “Addiction and Borderline Personality Disorder – Crossroads”

Department of Behavioural Sciences & De-addiction at Dr. KM. Cherian Institute of Medical Sciences, Chengannur, organized the National Seminar - inPSYght’25: “Addiction and Borderline Personality Disorder – Crossroads”. The event was inaugurated by the Mahatma Gandhi University Vice Chancellor, Dr. C. T. Aravindakumar. Maldives Consul General Ms. Aminath Shifana was the Guest of Honour at the event, where Dr. P. S. V. N. Sharma, Chief Psychiatrist of Manipal Hospital, delivered the keynote address. Presiding over the function, KMC Hospital’s Managing Director Rev. Fr. Dr. Alexander Koodarathil stated that the de-addiction treatment initiatives currently being carried out in the Maldives in…

Newborn Hearing Screening: OAE and BERA Tests Explained

Hearing is fundamental to a child's speech and language development. Detecting any hearing impairment shortly after birth allows for early intervention, which can significantly improve a child's long-term outcomes. Newborn hearing tests are generally categorized into two types: screening and confirmatory tests. Types of Hearing Tests for Infants 1. OAE (Otoacoustic Emission) This is the primary screening test performed on newborns. Timing: It is recommended that every baby undergoes an OAE test before being discharged from the hospital. Potential for Initial Failure: If the test is conducted within the first 24 to 48 hours, it might show a "fail" result…

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