Gastroesophageal reflux

Surprising Health Benefits Of Horse Gram (Kulthi) fashionlady.in Aug 18, 2017 5:57 PM  Horse gram is a miracle super food and the food is widely consumed as a staple diet in the southern parts of India. Horse gram is rich in nutrients and have plenty of minerals too- phosphorus, calcium, protein and iron. Hence it is known to be very beneficial for human health, as much as it is useful for animal health too. What is Horse Gram or Kulthi? Scientifically called Macrotyloma uniflorum, horse gram according to the USDA says that the dark brown lentil which is flat and round in shape is known to bring us humans a lot of therapeutic properties. And this is exactly what we are going to talk about today. So please read on and be well informed. Learn about the benefits of horse gram, what it gives the body, the side effects and more. Take a look! Names in different languages VernacularBengaliKulthi, Kulttho-kalai. KutthiKannadaHurali/ Hurule.EnglishMadras horse-gram,HindiKulthiMaithaliMuthenifSanskritRahitha, Culutu,GujaratiMarathi Kulitha, KulthaPanjabRarat, 聽BotangKumaun Himalaya and GadhwalGahethTamilKolluTeluguWalawalli, Ulava, vulavalu.Marathikulitha, hulageArabHabulakultaKonkaniKulithu Nutritional Value of Horse Gram Here is the nutritional fact for 100 gm of this legume: NutrientsAmountsEnergy321聽 EcalsMoisture12 gmProtein22 gmFat0 gmMineral3 gmFiber5 gmCarbohydrates57 gmCalcium287 mgPhosphorous311 mgIron7 mg Here is what the esteemed NCBI research organization has to say about horse gram nutrition benefits: “Horse gram is an underutilized pulse crop grown in wide range of adverse climatic conditions. It occupies an important place in human nutrition and has rich source of protein, minerals, and vitamins. Besides nutritional importance, it has been linked to reduced risk of various diseases due to presence of non-nutritive bioactive substances. These bioactive substances such as phytic acid, phenolic acid, fiber, enzymatic/proteinase inhibitors have significant metabolic and/or physiological effects. The importance of horse gram was well recognized by the folk/alternative/traditional medicine as a potential therapeutic agent to treat kidney stones, urinary diseases, piles, common cold, throat infection, fever etc. The inception of nutraceutical concept and increasing health consciousness the demand of nutraceutical and functional food is increased. In recent years, isolation and utilization of potential antioxidants from legumes including horse gram are increased as it decreases the risk of intestinal diseases, diabetes, coronary heart disease, prevention of dental caries etc. Keeping in view the increasing demand of food having nutraceutical values, the present review ascribed with recent scientific knowledge towards the possibilities of exploring the horse gram, as a source of food and nutraceuticals compounds.” Now let us take a very good look and learn more about the benefits of horse gram for our overall health! Horse Gram Benefits: 1. Common Cold and fever Common cold and fevers happen to us when the body’s immunity system is attacked and when the viruses house themselves in our bodies. For this, the ancient scholars of ayurveda have recommended the consumption of horse gram when you have fever, coughs and cold, bronchial problems and asthma too. Horse gram should be consumed as soups, which helps relieve the congestion and makes the nasal tracts open up by allowing the mucus membranes to soften up and melt. This helps with easy breathing since the required nutrients are boosting the metabolism of the body and the immunity too. 2. Digestion After a hearty meal, should you feel acidic or don’t feel easy on the stomach within minutes to an hour or more; chances are you are suffering from indigestion pangs. This can lead to issues such as GERD and acid reflux, and this is what can make you feel uncomfortable too. This is why, horse gram is recommended to be had the first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. This helps stimulate the digestive tract and makes digestion an easy affair. 3. Weight Loss In Ayurveda it is said, if one consumes horse gram every day, weight loss happens for sure. This is only when you consume horse gram in powder form, and to this shall be added a dash of cumin seeds. The two should be mixed in a glass of water and drunk twice a day on an empty stomach at your own ease. Some prefer not to have horse gram for weight loss in this form, which is fine. In such cases, the legume can be had soaked and raw, or mixed with pepper and bengal gram to form a crunchy salad and eaten.  4. Diabetes According to sources from THE HINDU, a leading national daily, “Scientists from the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology have found that unprocessed raw horse gram seeds not only possess anti-hyperglycemic properties but also have qualities which reduce insulin resistance.” . This is possible since horse gram has the power to exhibit ways to combat the formation of hyperglycemic properties in the body. In turn, horse gram helps bring down insulin resistance in the body too. Blood glucose levels are brought down and controlled, and it can help reduce the carb digestion rates as well, in turn bringing down the levels of blood glucose too. This is why it is used as a super food to treat type 2 diabetes in most cases. 5.  Asthma and Bronchitis The esteemed researchers at NCBI say “After critical assessment of nutritional and therapeutic aspect of horse gram, it can now be concluded that-it is a rich source of nutrient and antinutrient content. The nutritional value of horse gram is comparable with other pulse crop. Horse gram has high levels of antioxidant and radical scavenging activities in addition to their traditional role of providing proteins and carbohydrates. It has rich source of various natural bioactive substances such as phytic acid, fiber, phenolic acid etc. These bioactive substances have immense potential for curing varieties of diseases such as common cold, throat infection, fever, urinary stones, asthma, bronchitis, leucoderma, etc. BBIs, the proteinase inhibitors have been identified to treat anti-inflammatory, obesity and several degenerative and autoimmune diseases. However, there is a dearth of information on the specific health beneficial components in this lesser known legume. Thus, considering its immense potential as health benefit it needs to exploit as a source of nutraceutical and food industries.” 6. Menstrual Disturbances Menses problems are very harrowing, and unless one has them, one would not know how painful and energy draining it can be. Once again, you can either have the soup of horse gram for relief or have salads which would have horse gram in them, which helps bring down the levels of irritation associated with menstrual disturbances. When you have irregular menstrual cycles or excessive bleeding, it is the high iron content in horse gram which will help maintain the levels of hemoglobin in the body. This is why, holistic experts recommend horse gram to women with menses issues. 7. Leucorrhea Women suffering from Leucorrhea have a tough time managing their sanitation needs. Leucorrhea is known to be a common and a normal discharge from the vagina. It can have a change in its consistency or color, and often is associated with pains, infection and inflammation around the cervix and the vagina too. This happens when there is an irritation to the lining of the membrane, and the discharge can be foul smelling or thick, with a quantity increase when puberty hits or when sexual arousal is at its peak. Ayurveda opines, one should soak a handful of horse gram overnight in a bowl of water, and boil it the next day. This water should be consumed thrice a day to treat symptoms of leucorrhea.  8. Constipation If you have been sitting on the pot for too long and have no luck in releasing the bowels each morning, you are then a victim of constipation. Constipation can be caused because of a lack of fibre in the diet, lack of water intake, lack of minerals and also due to a unhealthy lifestyle, stress and many more reasons. This happens when the intestines and the stomach lining just above the duedoneum are not in a position to expand and contract normally for the waste matter to get released. Since horse gram has powerful nutrients in it and also has plenty of fibre too, it can help combat the problems of constipation. Horse gram in such cases should be pre-soaked and eaten as a salad embellishment in raw form. 9. Kidney stones Sources say, the consumption of horse gram on a daily basis can actually help bring down the occurrence of kidney stones or remove the same from the body too. Kidney stones are basically a concotion of a compound known as calcium oxalate. And horse gram can actually get kidney stones removed overnight. This is because, horse gram is rich in iron and has a high content of polyphenols in it as well. In addition to that, the antioxidant levels are high in kidney stones too. What one needs to do is to soak a cup of horse gram in a bowl of water and to consume it raw the next morning. Doing this for a week it seems shows good results. 10. Urinary Discharge Women suffering from urinary discharge can suffer from embarrassment too. This is especially when urinary discharge is thick, inconsistent at times, foul smelling and continuous in some cases. There could be pains, infection and inflammation around the cervix and the vagina too. This happens when there is an irritation to the lining of the membrane, and the discharge can be foul smelling or thick, with a quantity increase when puberty hits or when sexual arousal is at its peak. Ayurveda opines, one should soak a handful of horse gram overnight in a bowl of water, and boil it the next day. This water should be consumed thrice a day to treat symptoms of the same. 11. Ulcers In Ayurveda, it is said horse gram can be very beneficial in treating various forms of ulcers, but NOT GASTRIC ULCERS. There are lipids in horse gram that come in very handy when the legume is consumed by those that suffer from peptic and mouth ulcers. Research and studies on the same have been done on rats and the animals have healed, and the same have been done on humans too and the results were positive. Even in ayurveda, it is shown that mashed horse gram when consumed twice a day releases the lipids much needed for the body to heal itself from the ulcers. 12. Piles Piles happen when the veins in the rectum swell up and turn inflamed or painful. Instead of rushing to the pharmacy for medication and treatment, holistic experts suggest the use of horse gram. Soak a cup of horse gram overnight and consume the water the next day, and eat the horse gram raw as a salad embellishment too. The roughage in it along with the fibre helps treat piles. 13. Diarrhea Since horse gram has plenty of fibre in it, it helps with digestion and soaking up excess fluids from the intestine and the stomach. This brings down the occurrence of diarrhea and loose motion, and allows normal bowel movements to happen. One should have a handful of pre-soaked horse gram legumes early each morning, which stimulates the digestive system to work better.  14. Hemorrhage and Hemorrhoids NO INFORMATION AVAILABLE ON HOW IT WORKS 15. Skin Rashes and Boils Horse gram can be used very well as a topical face pack to treat rashes, boils and disorders of the skin to some extent as well. This is because it is antimicrobial and antibacterial, and has plenty of antioxidants in it along with minerals to nourish, replicate the healthy lipid layers of the skin and more. Crush a handful of pre-soaked seeds overnight, and apply it as a face pack the next day. Wait for half an hour and gently wash off with cold water. This would help exfoliate the dirt, grime, dead skin cells and also provide collagen boost to the skin and protect the skin from further harm and free radical attacks. 16. Cholesterol Horse gram helps bring down the levels of LDL or bad cholesterol in the bloodstream, says medical research studies. The bad cholesterol levels that have been stuck in the veins would be eliminated when horse gram is consumed, thanks to the levels of lipids in it that work its magic. One should consume a handful of pre-soaked horse gram seeds twice a day on an empty stomach, so that the lipid levels work at their best and cleanse the veins off the bad cholesterol levels or the LDL levels in the blood. 17. Conjunctivitis You can use rose water to wash your eyes with when you suffer from conjunctivitis, or what you could do is to pre-soak a handful of horse gram seeds overnight. The next morning, strain the seeds and use the water to wash your eyes with it. The antioxidant levels in the water would help combat the infection and keep the eyes soothed and calm, sans the irritation. Thrice a day the water should be used to wash the eyes with.  Now that you know how horse gram has multiple benefits for the various needs of our body, let’s learn about how to use the same. Take a look! How to use Horse gram? When using horsegram, always remember that the legume can be heat producing for the body and that is why holistic experts ask you to have it with buttermilk or cumin seeds, so that the heat of the body can be balanced. You can consume horse gram twice a day, either by powdering the roasted seeds or by consuming the same as soup or with buttermilk. There are many tasty recipes for you to indulge in with horse gram, and they also bring in the benefits desired too. For soups Ingredients A cup of horse gram seedsSome curry leavesA green chill and a red chilliCooking oil and tamarind paste Preparation Pre-soak the seeds overnightNext morning cook until the seeds are softRemove the cooked seeds and cool offGrind seeds into pasteIn a pan heat the oil and the rest of the condimentsAdd tamarind paste and fryAdd a cup of waterAdd the paste of horsegram seedsStir for twenty minutes until a thick soup is formedGarnish with basil and coriander leaves and serve hot  If you want to powder it Ingredients A cup of horse gram seedsTen red dry chilliesA teaspoon of cumin, black pepper seeds eachFour tablespoons of tur dal and urad dalA teaspoon of salt Preparation Dry and roast the seeds and keep asideDry and roast the dals until the color of the two changesDry roast the remaining spicesGrind everything together to form a powderAdd the salt and grind again until a coarse powder is formedStore in airtight container.  If you like curries Ingredients Half a cup of pre-soaked horse gram seedsHalf a teaspoon each of coriander powder, black pepper, cumin and red chilli seeds each.A pinch of asafoetidaA tablespoon of coconut powderA small onion choppedHalf a teaspoon each of tamarind juice, mustard seeds, gheeCurry leaves and salt as per taste Preparation Dry roast all the dry ingredients on low flameAdd the onions and coconut powder and dry roast againAdd a little water and make a smooth pasteAdd the horse gram seeds and cook in itTamper the curry with tamarind juice and mustard seedsAdd salt and curry leavesGarnish with coriander and serve hot  If you like porridge Ingredients Half a cup of horse gram seedsHalf a cup of moong dalGarlic pods to tasteCoconut powder to tasteSalt to taste Preparation Dry roast the coconut powder, moong dal and horse gram seeds.Remove from flame and dry grind to a coarse powderPlace the powder in a pressure cooker and add waterAdd the garlic and curry leaves and saltCook for ten minutes on pressureGarnish with coriander and serve hot  Spicy water Spicy water is best for coughs, colds and fevers and bronchial issues too. What you need to do is to dry roast the seeds and add salt and asafetida to it. Dry grind them all and make a powder. Store it in a container and mix a teaspoon of it with warm water to drink twice a day. It helps with coughs and colds. If you want to lose weight, have it with buttermilk and cumin seeds twice a day too. We thus gave you ways on how to use horse gram the easiest way at home. Now let’s take a look at the side effects and who should not have horsegram seeds at all. Please read on and be well-informed. Side Effects and Risk Factors Please note, consuming horse gram is good and has benefits for the body, but there are side-effects to be wary about. Here we list some of them for your perusal and information. If you suffer from gastric ulcers and hyperacidity, you should not consume horse gram seeds since it would worsen the conditionHorse gram seeds according to ayurveda can worsen cases of bleeding problems. If you suffer from heavy periods, consult your doctor first and then consume horse gram seeds.If you suffer from a case of gout, horse gram is to be avoided as well. Ayurveda says it harms the rakta dhatu cycle.If you consume medication for anemia, horse gram should be avoided since it is a contra indicationFor liver issues and excess bile production issues, you should not consume horse gramExpectant mothers are asked to stay away from horse gram tooIf you have plethora and TB, you should not have horse gram as well These were the reasons why we asked you to be wary about horse gram consumption. Now let’s get more tips on horse gram benefits and consumption to make it easier to understand. Tips If you have localized swelling, the paste of horse gram can be used for relief. It is this paste that stimulates the cells and helps with sweating, by opening the pores of the skin and pushing the toxins out through it.To get relief from hiccups, burn a few horse gram seeds and inhale the smoke. It gives relief in a jiffyTo treat renal calculi, use the powder of horse gram seeds everyday. Consult a holistic expert on the dosage as per your body type for the same.To treat intestinal worms and piles or constipation too, horse gram seeds should be pasted and eatenBoil horse gram in water and drink the water, to bring down fever, coughs and coldsPaste boiled horse gram seeds and pepper and eat it, to bring down cough, cold and asthma problems  Now we know that horse gram is a superfood quite bonafide. It is a special class of food that is nutrient dense and has a great load of antioxidants in them along with plenty of protein; the latter being more than what you would otherwise find in veggies. And since it has plenty of digestible starch in it, it is best for diabetics too, and for those that want to lose weight as well. What more do we need? We hope this mini guide on the many uses and benefits of using horse gram comes in handy. Report a problem

Friends I am sure u must have enjoyed green Diwali. Today I am discussing about a major problem known as Asthma. Asthma is a chronic disease of the airways that transport air to and from the lungs. No full cure is available, but management methods can help a person with asthma lead a full and active life. In a person with asthma, the inside walls of the airways, known as bronchial tubes, become swollen or inflamed. This swelling or inflammation makes the airways extremely sensitive to irritations and increases their susceptibility to an allergic reaction. In an allergic reaction, the airways swell, and the muscles around the airway tighten, making it difficult for air to move in and out of the lungs. What is asthma? asthma attack lady Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that often leads to severe attacks of symptoms. Asthma is an incurable illness of the airways. The disease causes inflammation and narrowing inside the lung, restricting air supply. The symptoms of asthma often present in periodic attacks or episodes of tightness in the chest, wheezing, breathlessness, and coughing. During the development of asthma, the airways swell and become extremely sensitive to some of the substances a person might inhale. When this increased sensitivity causes a reaction, the muscles that control the airways tighten. In doing so, they might restrict the airways even further and trigger an overproduction of mucus. Asthma attacks The set of inflammatory events in the respiratory system can lead to the severe symptoms of an asthma attack. Worldwide, around 250,000 people die every year as a result of asthma. Asthma attacks occur when symptoms are at their peak. They might begin suddenly and can range from mild to severe. In some asthma attacks, swelling in the airways can completely prevent oxygen from reaching the lungs, which also stops it entering the bloodstream and traveling to vital organs. This type of asthma attack can be fatal and requires urgent hospitalization. At the start of an asthma attack, the airways allow enough air into the lungs, but it does not let the carbon dioxide leave the lungs at a fast enough rate. Carbon dioxide is poisonous if the body does not expel the gas, and a prolonged asthma attack might lead to a build-up of the gas in the lungs. This might further reduce the amount of oxygen entering the bloodstream. People with clear symptoms of asthma should visit a doctor. They will provide treatments and advise on management techniques, as well as identifying potential triggers for asthma symptoms and how to avoid them. The doctor will also prescribe medications to help reduce the frequency of attacks asthma. Effective asthma control reduces the impact of the condition on everyday living. Types As many different factors come together to cause asthma, there are many different types of the disease, separated by age and severity. Adults and children share the same triggers for symptoms that set off an allergic response in the airways, including airborne pollutants, mold, mildew, and cigarette smoke. Childhood asthma Children are more likely to have an intermittent form of asthma that presents in severe attacks. Some children might experience daily symptoms, but the common characteristic among children with asthma is a heightened sensitivity to substances that cause allergy. Second-hand tobacco smoke causes severe problems for children with asthma. Between 400,000 and 1 million children experience worsening asthma symptoms as a result of second-hand smoke, according to the American Lung Association. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advise that children experience more emergency visits and admissions for asthma than adults. Mild asthma might resolve without treatment during childhood. However, there is still a risk that the condition might return later on, especially if symptoms are moderate or severe. Adult-onset asthma Asthma in adults is often persistent and requires the daily management of flare-ups and preventing symptoms. Asthma can begin at any age. Allergies lead to at least 30 percent of adult presentations of asthma. Obesity is a strong risk factor for adult-onset asthma, and women are more likely to develop the condition after the age of 20 years. People over 65 years of age make up a large number of deaths from asthma. Occupational asthma This is a type of asthma that occurs as a direct result of a job or profession. Symptoms will become apparent after attending a particular workplace. Industries with regular associations to occupational asthma include baking, laboratory work, or manufacturing. In this type, the work environment leads to the return of childhood asthma or the start of adult-onset asthma. Other symptoms might include a runny nose and red eyes. Difficult-to-control and severe asthma These types involve consistent, debilitating asthma symptoms and breathing difficulties. Around 12 percent of people with asthma have difficult-to-control or severe asthma. With the correct medication and effective trigger avoidance, those in this category can bring asthma symptoms back under control. Roughly 5 percent of people with asthma do not see improvements after using the standard asthma medications. These people have severe asthma, and there are several types of severe asthma depending on the cause. Newer medications are becoming available to address the different forms of severe asthma, such as eosinophilic asthma that does not link to any allergic reactions. Seasonal asthma This type occurs in response to allergens that are only in the surrounding environment at certain times of year, such as cold air in the winter or pollen during hay fever season. People still have asthma for the rest of the year but do not experience symptoms. Causes Many different aspects of a person's environment and genetic makeup can contribute to the development of asthma. Asthma is the most common chronic disease among children. The first symptoms become clear at around 5 years of age in the form of wheezing and regular infections in the respiratory tracts. The following are the primary causes of asthma. Allergies A strong link exists between allergies and asthma. One 2013 study in the Annals of Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology suggests that over 65 percent of adults with asthma over the age of 55 years also have an allergy, and the figure is closer to 75 percent for adults between the ages of 20 and 40 years. Common sources of indoor allergens include animal proteins, mostly from cat and dog dander, dust mites, cockroaches, and fungi. Smoking tobacco Research has linked tobacco smoke to an increased risk of asthma, wheezing, respiratory infections, and death from asthma. In addition, the children of parents who smoke have a higher risk of developing asthma. Smoking makes the effects of asthma on the airways worse by adding coughing and breathlessness to its symptoms, as well as increasing the risk of infections from the overproduction of mucus. Environmental factors Air pollution both in and out of the home can impact the development and triggers of asthma. Allergic reactions and asthma symptoms often occur because of indoor air pollution from mold or noxious fumes from household cleaners and paints. pollen Anything from pollen to pollution can trigger an asthma attack and inflame the airways. Other asthma triggers in the home and environment include: pollution sulphur dioxide nitrogen oxide ozone cold temperatures high humidity Heavy air pollution tends to cause a higher recurrence of asthma symptoms and hospital admissions. Smoggy conditions release the destructive ingredient known as ozone, causing coughing, shortness of breath, and even chest pain. These same conditions emit sulfur dioxide, which also results in asthma attacks by constricting the airways. Changes in the weather might also stimulate attacks. Cold air can lead to airway congestion, constricted airway, extra secretions of mucus, and a reduced ability to clear that mucus. Humidity might also lead to breathing difficulties for populations in some areas. Obesity Some studies, such as this report from 2014, suggest a link between obesity and asthma, although the American Academy of Asthma, Allergies, and Immunology does not recognize obesity as a formal risk factor for asthma. However, the report in question suggests that the inflammatory mechanisms that drive asthma also link to obesity. Pregnancy If a woman smokes tobacco or illicit substanes while pregnant, an unborn child might grow less in the womb, experience complications during labor and delivery, and have a low birth weight. These newborns might be more prone to medical problems, including asthma. Stress People who undergo stress have higher asthma rates. Increases in asthma-related behaviors during stressful times, such as smoking, might explain these increased rates. Emotional responses, including laughter and grief, might trigger asthma attacks. Genetics A parent can pass asthma on to their child. If one parent has asthma, there is a 25 percent chance that a child will develop asthma. Having two parents with asthma increase the risk to 50 percent. Many genes are involved in passing on asthma. These genes can interact with the environment to become active, although confirming these findings may require further research. Atopy Atopy is a general class of allergic hypersensitivity that leads to allergic reactions in different parts of the body that do not come in contact with an allergen. Examples include eczema, hay fever, and an eye condition called allergic conjunctivitis. During atopy, the body produces more immunoglobin (IgE) antibodies than usual in response to common allergens. The most common type of asthma is atopic asthma, and atopy plays a key role in its development. Environmental allergens lead to overproduction of IgE antibodies and trigger asthmatic reactions. The menstrual cycle One type of asthma, known as perimenstrual asthma (PMA), leads to acute symptoms during the menstrual cycle and a particular sensitivity to aspirin. The sex hormones that circulate during menstruation, such as luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), impact immune activity. This increased immune action can cause hypersensitivity in the airways. Diagnosis Three main components comprise an accurate asthma diagnosis: Medical history, observations during a physical exam, and results from breathing tests. A primary care physician will administer these tests and determine the level of asthma as mild, intermittent, moderate, or severe in people who show signs of the condition, as well as identifying the type. A detailed family history of asthma and allergies can help a doctor make an accurate diagnosis. A personal history of allergies is also important to mention, as many share mechanisms with asthma and increase the risk. Keep a note of any potential triggers of asthma symptoms to help guide treatment, including information about any potential irritants in the workplace. Be sure to identify any health conditions that can interfere with asthma management, such as: a runny nose sinus infections acid reflux psychological stress sleep apnea Young children who develop asthma symptoms before the age of 5 years find it more difficult to receive a clear diagnosis. Doctors might confuse asthma symptoms with those of other childhood conditions. If children experience wheezing episodes during colds or respiratory infections in early life, they are likely to develop asthma after 6 years of age. Physical exam A physical examination will generally focus on the upper respiratory tract, chest, and skin. A doctor will listen for signs of wheezing, or a high-pitched whistle on breathing out, in the lungs during a breath using a stethoscope. Wheezing is a key sign of both an obstructed airway and asthma. Physicians will also check for a runny nose, swollen nasal passages, and soft growths on the inside of the nose and check for skin conditions including eczema and hives. These are allergic conditions that link to asthma and suggest heightened immune activity that could be causing any wheezing. People with asthma do not always show physical symptoms, and it is possible to have asthma without presenting any physical maladies during an examination. Asthma tests Lung function tests are another component of an asthma diagnosis. They measure how much air a person inhales and exhales and the speed with which a person can expel air from the lungs. A spirometry test can provide an indication of lung function. spirometry A spirometry can help assess lung function. Spirometry is a non-invasive test that requires deep breaths and forceful exhalation into a hose. The hose links to a machine called a spirometer that displays two key measurements: forced vital capacity (FVC), or the maximum amount of air a person can inhale and exhale forced expiratory volume (FEV-1), the maximum amount of air a person can exhale in one second The doctor then compares these measurements against what would be normal for another person of the same age. Measurements below normal indicate obstructed airways and probable asthma. A doctor will often administer a bronchodilator drug to open air passages before retesting with the spirometer to confirm the diagnosis. If results improve after using the drug, the risk of an asthma diagnosis increases. Children under 5 years of age are difficult to test using spirometry, so asthma diagnoses will rely mostly on symptoms, medical histories, and other parts of the physical examination process. In younger children, doctors commonly prescribe asthma medicines for 4 to 6 weeks to gauge physical response. Other Tests A bronchoprovocation test, also known as a "challenge test" involves the administration an airway-constricting substance, such as cold air, to deliberately trigger airway obstruction and asthma symptoms. Similarly, a challenge test for exercise-induced asthma would consist of vigorous exercise with the aim of triggering symptoms. The doctor then conducts a spirometry, and if measurements are still normal, they are not likely to reach a diagnosis of asthma. Physicians might use allergy tests to identify substances that may be causing asthma or making it worse. These tests do not fully diagnose asthma, but they might help a doctor understand the nature of asthma symptoms. Doctors may also test for other diseases with similar symptoms, such as: gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) heartburn hay fever sinusitis sleep apnea chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) airway tumors airway obstruction bronchitis pneumonia a blood clot in the lung, or pulmonary embolism congestive heart failure vocal cord dysfunction viral lower respiratory tract infection A doctor may test for these using the following methods: a chest x-ray electrocardiogram (ECG) complete blood counts CT scans of the lungs gastroesophageal reflux assessment the induction and examination of sputum, or phlegm Many people with asthma will not need to visit a specialist, as most primary care physicians have training for asthma diagnosis. People who require special asthma tests or have had life-threatening asthma attacks in the past may need to visit an asthma specialist Specialists can also be useful for people who need more than one kind of medication or higher, more concentrated doses in order to control asthma. A visit may also be necessary for people with difficult-to-control asthma, or people receiving treatment for other allergies. Takeaway Asthma is a chronic, inflammatory condition that causes swelling and blockage in the airways. It can range in severity, and there are several types, depending on the cause and the age at which asthma begins. Anyone of any age can develop asthma. Women are more likely to develop the condition after the age of 20 years, and smoking and air pollution heavily contribute to the issue. The immune system and asthma share a strong link, and people with asthma often have other allergies. A young child might find that asthma seems to resolve without treatment but returns in adult life. However, moderate and severe cases often require treatment. Asthma attacks involve a sudden and severe recurrence of symptoms, and these are how younger children normally experience asthma. Adult-onset asthma tends to be more constant and persistent. Diagnosing asthma involves testing lung function and immune response, as well as assessing an individual for other condition with similar symptoms to asthma risk of asthma for young children. Can asthma develop into other harmful lung diseases, such as COPD or emphysema? Asthma is a risk factor for COPD, and people with long-standing asthma have a high risk of developing COPD, especially if they had severe asthma as children. Emphysema on the other hand, is not related to asthma even though their symptoms may be similar. Cigarette smoking almost always causes this. Homoeopathic treatment for Asthma Carbo Vegetabilis: This is a homeopathic asthma treatment which is generally prescribed when the person has violent bouts of coughing which may cause a gag reflex to set in. Extremities might be cold, but there is a need for air or breeze. Feels dyspeptic, burping gives relief. Chamomilla: This is most often prescribed for asthma attacks that are brought on by emotional stress, anxiety or over excitement. The person displays behaviour that is irritable, angry and hypersensitive. In some cases, this is accompanied by a racking cough. Arsenicum Album: A person needing this homeopathic asthma remedy may often feel a combination of exhaustion and uneasiness. Breathing problems are exacerbated when supine, better when upright. The person often finds that ease of breathing deteriorates at night, accompanied by wheezing and a constant thirst. He/she may also experience violent chills accompanied by shivering, heat may bring relief. Natrum Sulphuricum: When asthma attacks are precipitated by mould and dampness, this homeopathy remedy is especially efficacious. Nux Vomica: Persons feeling constricted in the chest and stomach, brought on by having spicy food, alcohol and sweets. Warmth and sleep along with this remedy bring relief. Pulsatilla: Excessive warmth especially indoors along with and heavily spiced food bring on wheezing as a result of exertion and chest congestion. This remedy is useful for children suffering from asthma.

Friends today I am discussing about a problem known as Scleroderma. Scleroderma refers to a range of disorders in which the skin and connective tissues tighten and harden. It is a long-term, progressive disease. This means it gradually gets worse. It is considered a rheumatic disease and a connective tissue disorder. It is also thought to be an autoimmune condition, in which the body's own immune system attacks the body's tissues. This results in an overproduction of collagen, the protein that forms the basis of connective tissue. The result is a thickening, or fibrosis, and scarring of tissue. Scleroderma is not contagious. It may run in families, but it often occurs in patients without any family history of the disease. It ranges from very mild to potentially fatal. Up to 1 in 3 people with the condition develop severe symptoms. It is thought to affect between 75,000 and 100,000 people in the United States, mostly women aged from 30 to 50 years. Symptoms Swelling in the hands and feet can be a symptom of scleroderma. swollen hand Scleroderma means "hard skin." Early symptoms of scleroderma include changes in the fingers and hands, for example, stiffness, tightness, and puffiness because of sensitivity to cold or emotional stress. There may be swelling in the hands and feet, especially in the morning. Overall symptoms of scleroderma include: calcium deposits in connective tissues a narrowing of the blood vessels to the hands and feet, known as Raynaud's disease problems of the esophagus, which links the throat and stomach tight, thickened skin on the fingers red spots on the face and hands However, symptoms will vary according to the type and how it affects the person, and whether it affects one part of the body or a whole body system. Types The two main types of scleroderma are localized and systemic. Localized scleroderma mainly affects the skin, but it may have an impact on the muscles and bones. Systemic scleroderma affects the whole body, including the blood and internal organs, and especially the kidneys, esophagus, heart, and lungs. Localized scleroderma Localized scleroderma is the mildest form of scleroderma. It does not affect the internal organs. There are two main types: morphea and linear scleroderma. Morphea: Symptoms include oval-shaped patches of lighter or darker skin, which may be itchy, hairless, and shiny. The shapes have a purple border, and they are white in the middle. Linear scleroderma: There may be bands or streaks of hardened skin on the limbs, and rarely the head and face. It can affect bones and muscles. Systemic scleroderma Systemic scleroderma affects the circulation of the blood and the internal organs. There are two main types: limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis syndrome, or CREST diffuse systemic sclerosis Limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis Limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis is the least severe type of systemic scleroderma. It affects the skin on the hands, feet, face, and lower arms and legs. There may be problems with the blood vessels, lungs, and the digestive system. It is sometimes known as CREST syndrome, because the symptoms form the acronym, CREST: C: Calcinosis, or calcium deposits in tissues and under the skin R: Raynaud's disease E: Esophageal problems, including GERD S: Sclerodactyly, or thick skin on the fingers T: Telangiectasias, or enlarged blood vessels, manifesting as red spots The first sign is often Raynaud's disease, in which blood vessels narrow in the hands and feet, leading to circulatory problems in the extremities. Patients may experience numbness, pain, and color changes in response to stress or cold. The skin on the hands, feet, and face may start to thicken. The impact on the digestive system can lead to difficulty swallowing and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or acid reflux. The intestinal muscles may be unable to move food through the intestines properly, and the body may not absorb nutrients. Some of these symptoms can have other underlying causes. Not everyone who has Raynaud's disease or GERD will have scleroderma. Most do not. Sclerodactyly: What it is, causes, and treatment Sclerodactyly: What it is, causes, and treatment Find out more about sclerodactyly, which affects the fingers READ NOW Diffuse systemic sclerosis In diffuse systemic sclerosis, the skin thickening usually affects the area from the hands to above the wrists. It also affects the internal organs. People with systemic types of scleroderma may experience weakness, fatigue, difficulty breathing and swallowing, and weight loss. Causes It is not known what causes scleroderma, but it is thought to be an autoimmune condition that causes the body to produce too much connective tissue. This leads to a thickening, or fibrosis, and scarring of tissue. Connective tissue forms the fibers that make up the framework that supports the body. They are found under the skin and around the internal organs and blood vessels, and they help support muscles and bones. Genetic factors are thought to play a role, and possibly environmental factors, but this has not been confirmed. People with scleroderma often come from families in which another autoimmune disease exists. It is not contagious. Diagnosis Scleroderma may be hard to diagnose because it develops gradually and appears in different forms, and because some of the symptoms, such as GERD, can occur in people without scleroderma. The physician will carry out a physical examination and some tests. The patient may be referred to a rheumatologist, a specialist in joint and connective tissue diseases. The following tests may be necessary: looking at the skin under a microscope to check for changes in the tiny blood vessels, or capillaries, around the finger nails skin biopsy blood tests to assess the levels of certain antibodies The doctor will look for signs of skin thickening, GERD, shortness of breath, joint pain, and calcium deposits. They may also check for lung, heart, or gastrointestinal complications. Treatment There is currently no cure for scleroderma, and no medication can stop the overproduction of collagen. However, organ system complications can be treated to minimize damage and maintain functionality. Localized scleroderma may resolve on its own. Some medications may help control the symptoms and help prevent complications. The aim will be to relieve the symptoms, to prevent the condition from worsening, or at least slow it down, to detect and treat complications as soon as possible, and to minimize disabilities. Treatment depends on how the disease affects the individual. Blood pressure medication may help dilate the blood vessels. This can reduce problems with the organs, such as the lungs and kidneys, and they can help to treat Raynaud's disease. Immunosuppressants may calm, or suppress, the immune system. Physical therapy may help manage pain, improve mobility, and improve strength. Aids, such as splints, may help with daily tasks. Ultraviolet light therapy and laser surgery may help improve the condition and the appearance of the skin. Scientists are continuing to look for a treatment for scleroderma and are optimistic that a solution will be found. Complications The complications of scleroderma range in severity from mild to life-threatening. There is also an increased risk of cancer. Movement may become restricted as the skin tightens and swelling occurs in the hands and fingers, and around the face and mouth. Joint and muscle movement may also become harder. Raynaud's disease can permanently damage the fingertips and toes, resulting in pits or ulcers in the flesh, and possibly gangrene, if severe. Amputation may be necessary. Lung complications can cause breathing problems. High blood pressure in the artery that carries blood from the heart to the lungs, called pulmonary hypertension, can cause permanent lung damage. There may be failure of the right ventricle of the heart. A lung transplant may be needed. Kidney damage can cause hypertension, or high blood pressure, and excess protein in the urine. Kidney failure is possible. Symptoms include headache, vision problems, seizures, breathlessness, swelling of the legs and feet, and reduced urine production. Heart arrhythmias, or abnormal heartbeats and congestive heart failure may result from scarring of heart tissue. The patient may develop an inflammation or the lining around the heart, known as pericarditis. This causes chest pain and fluid build-up around the heart. Dental problems can arise. If a tightening of facial skin makes the mouth smaller, even daily dental care can become more difficult. Dry mouth is common, increasing the risk of tooth decay. Acid reflux may destroy tooth enamel. Changes in gum tissue may cause teeth to become loose and fall out. Sexual function is affected, and male erectile dysfunction is common. A woman's vaginal opening may be constricted, and there may be decreased sexual lubrication. The thyroid gland can become underactive. This is known as hypothyroidism, and it causes hormonal changes that slow down the metabolism. Intestines may become underactive, resulting in bloating, constipation, and other problems. The esophagus may have problems moving solids and liquids into the stomach. Most fatalities due to scleroderma are associated with lung, heart, and kidney problems. Management Living with scleroderma can be challenging, depending on the type and the extent of the impact. There is no treatment at this time. However, there are strategies to reduce some of the impact: eating smaller meals to reduce the impact of GERD keeping skin well moisturized and taking care to avoid finger injuries wrapping up warm to minimize circulatory problems doing appropriate exercise to ease stiffness Number of tips avoiding tobacco, alcohol, caffeine, and recreational drugs getting enough sleep minimizing and stress and managing anxiety, for example, through yoga and meditation avoiding processed foods, sugar, and soda Patients with scleroderma are also advised not to take echinacea, as it boosts the immune system. This can be harmful for people with an auto-immune disease. Homoeopathic treatment Silica, Arnica, Ruta, Rustic and other on the basis of totality of symptoms.

40 yrs male presented with refractory dry cough, hoarseness of voice since childhood, difficulty in swallowing since last one year. he underwent OGD Scopy, which revealed achalasia cardia. yesterday video laryngoscopy is also done which shows narrow vocal cords opening. he is hemodynamically stable. routine lab reports are normal. plz go through images and guide further investigations and management plan.

A26y male suffering from epigastric pain (sometimes acute) ,chest discomfort, yawning, GERD like symptoms.USG show normal.treatment going on. Pantocid dsr Od Drotin 800tds Librex bd Etiozolam 0.5 hs Recent ECG attached please DX Rx?