Monsoon season this year, got Delhi NCR to a standstill. As Yamuna river rose its water level, waterlogging in many prominent areas of the city was seen. With Yamuna surpassing the danger water level mark, a sudden upsurge of conjunctivitis is being witnessed in Delhi and parts of Gujarat. The condition escalated more rapidly around the areas located on the banks of the river Yamuna.Dr Tousif Akbari, ACMO, Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, says, “It is reported that around 60% of eye OPD cases are of conjunctivitis, raising concerns among health workers. Although it's not a life threatening disease, it involves the delicate organs, that is, eyes, that requires our immediate attention. This eye condition usually lasts around 5 to 7 days.”Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is an infection or inflammation of the transparent membrane called Conjunctiva, which covers the white part of the eyeball. The most common cause of conjunctivitis is infection with Adenovirus, the group of viruses that causes the common cold and other upper respiratory infections.Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is an infection or inflammation of the transparent membrane called Conjunctiva, which covers the white part of the eyeball. The most common cause of conjunctivitis is infection with Adenovirus, the group of viruses that causes the common cold and other upper respiratory infections.“It can be highly contagious, however it doesn’t spread through air or by seeing a person infected by it but it spreads easily by coming in contact with contaminated surfaces by eye secretions,” warns Dr. Akbari.It spreads by coming into contact with the fluid that an infected person's eye drains, either directly or indirectly. When in close proximity to another person (touching, shaking hands), bacteria and viruses pass from another person's hand to your own, then may reach your eye. Conjunctivitis also spreads by touching your eyes after touching a surface contaminated with bacteria or viruses.“There is no particular antibiotics or medication for conjunctivitis,however it can be treated with the help of supportive medicines. To relieve the discomfort associated with it, warm compress and lubricants are helpful, adds Dr. Akbari.
The acid from the stomach can enter the esophagus (food pipe) in conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Gastric acid reflux can cause progressive damage to the esophagus lining, manifesting as a burning sensation, vomiting, and epigastric pain. The unpleasant symptoms can last from a few minutes to several hours. Extraesophageal symptoms can include hoarseness and chronic cough
Dr. Amit Maydeo, Chairman, Institute of Gastro Sciences, Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre, Girgaon, Mumbai says, “The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) allows food to travel from the esophagus to the stomach. In GERD, the LES does not close completely, allowing food to return to the esophagus, thereby causing erosions and inflammation of the esophagus. The regurgitation of food into the throat causes a sour taste in the mouth. Reflux is physiologic, which is asymptomatic and short-lived. Pathologic reflux is bothersome as it causes troublesome symptoms and can lead to complications. GERD can have an adverse impact on the quality of life and contribute to the substantial cost of therapy.
The prevalence of GERD in India ranges from 7.6-30%. Every one in four patients do experience such symptoms. The common risk factors include smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, and dietary factors.
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