Corticosteroids In Emergency

 Corticosteroids are class of steroid hormones that are naturally produced in the adrenal glands.They are used in medicines for anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties.

Based on the activity , corticosteroids are divided in to 2 types 

                                                                                      1. MINERALOCORTICOIDS

                                                                                      2.GLUCOCORTICOIDS

MINERALOCORTICOIDS

They maintain the minerals that is salt and water balance in the body.

They also absorb or retain sodium and water from collecting tubules and excrete potassium in return.

eg; Fludrocortisone

Fludrocortisone 

It has 150 times more mineralo coricoid activity and less glucose activity.

It helps to maintain blood pressure.

GLUCOCORTICOIDS

Prepares" fight and flight "response. As a stress response releases glucose.

Reduces inflammation.

Glucocorticoids are divided depending upon the duration of action

1.Short- acting - 1-12 hours , (eg: Hydrocortisone)

2.Intermediate -acting - 12- 36 hours , (eg: Methyl prednisolone)

3. Long - acting - 36-56 hours, (eg: Dexamethasone)

 Hydrocortisone

It has equal mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid action .So it reduces inflammation and retain salt and water.

Increases glucose level.

Methyl Prednisolone

Its glucocorticoid activity is 5 times more than than Hydrocortisone.

Mineralocorticoid activity is half that of Hydrocortisone.

Hence it reduces more inflammation.

It does not retains that much water and salt so that fluid overload will be less.

Dexamethasone

Its glucocoricoid activity is 25 times more than Hydrocorisone.

No mineralocoricoid activity.

So reduces oedema and more inflammatory action.

Hydrocortisone used in sepsis guidelines.

Dexamethasone used in life-threatening conditions to reduce oedema ,meningitis cases etc.

Methy Prednisolone used in chest inflammatory conditions ,cardiac failures.

Fludrocortisone used in adrenal insufficiency.

Reference

#ICU talk 3

BY,

DR.RENJU THANKOM GEORGE,

INDIA.

The Truth Behind Popular Dental Myths

The Truth Behind Popular Dental Myths

MYTHS

1. Hardest part of your body: Bone TRUTH: Hardest part of your body is tooth enamel.

2. Brushing harder means cleaner teeth TRUTH: Over brushing can harm gums and enamel.

3. Flossing is not essential. TRUTH: Flossing helps remove plaque and debris between teeth, preventing gum disease and cavities. Brushing alone cannot reach all the areas that flossing can.

4. Gum bleeding is normal TRUTH: It's an early sign of gum disease.

5. BabyTeeth don't matter TRUTH: Baby Teeth guide permanent teeth, act as space holders, stabilize bite, and contribute to future oral health. Baby teeth play a crucial role in speech development, and early tooth decay can affect the health of developing adult teeth.

6. You should avoid going to the dentist during pregnancy. TRUTH: Dental care is important during pregnancy. Hormonal changes can increase the risk of gum disease, so regular check-ups and cleanings are crucial. Inform your dentist about your pregnancy, and they can tailor treatments accordingly.

7. ONLY visit dentist when you are in pain Or If my teeth look and feel fine, I don't need to see a dentist. TRUTH: Many dental issues, such as cavities and gum disease, may not exhibit noticeable symptoms in their early stages. Regular dental check-ups help detect problems early, preventing more extensive and costly treatments later. So visit your dentist once in 6 months.

BY,

DR.RENJU T GEORGE

INDIA.

Effective Strategies for Eliminating Candida for Good

Effective Strategies for Eliminating Candida for Good

Candida, a fungal infection commonly affecting the mouth, private areas, or toe nails, often arises after antibiotics eliminate the bacteria that normally keep yeast and fungus away. The gut microbiome primarily comprises bacteria, but a small percentage includes yeast, fungus, and friendly candida. Antibiotic use can disrupt this balance, leading to candida overgrowth.

Symptoms of candida overgrowth encompass itchiness, burning, fatigue, corner-of-the-mouth cracks, and an ammonia odor. Candida alters pH levels, making them more alkaline, and thrives on sugar as its primary fuel source.

Various factors, such as conditions like HIV/AIDS, organ transplants, medications like Prednisone, pregnancy, and excessive sugar consumption, can weaken the immune system and contribute to candida overgrowth. Often, candida overgrowth is associated with a deficiency in vitamin D, which possesses antifungal properties and acts as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial.

Addressing candida overgrowth involves :

Vitamin D supplements;

Take 20,000 to 30,000 IU of vitamin D

 
1. Balanced Nutrition:
2. Adopt a low-sugar diet, limiting the primary fuel source for Candida.Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods, emphasizing vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats.Incorporate anti-fungal foods like garlic, coconut oil, and oregano.
3. 
   
4. Probiotics and Fermented Foods:
5. Introduce probiotics to restore and maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria.Consume fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, and yogurt to support beneficial microorganisms.

• 
  

1. Avoid Antibiotic Overuse:

   • Use antibiotics judiciously and only as prescribed by a healthcare professional.
   • If antibiotics are necessary, consider supplementing with probiotics to mitigate their impact on the gut microbiome
2. • 
     
   • Manage Stress

3. Hydration

   • Regular Exercise:
4. • Quality Sleep:
5. • Monitor Blood Sugar Levels:
   • 
     

   • Antifungal Supplements:

     • Consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplementation.
     • 
       
6. • Consult a Healthcare Professional:
7. • If symptoms persist or worsen, seek guidance from a healthcare professional for a comprehensive assessment and tailored treatment plan.

       Reference:

Dr. Eric Berg -A Better Way to Eliminate Candida for Good

BY,

DR.RENJU T GEORGE,

INDIA.

 

How Gum Disease Could Impact Your Brain

 How Gum Disease Could Impact Your Brain: A Study

Gum disease can lead to changes in brain cells called microglial cells, responsible for defending the brain from amyloid plaque, a type of protein that is associated with cell death and cognitive decline in people with Alzheimer's disease.

Gum disease causes lesions between the gums and teeth, which allow bacteria in the mouth to enter the bloodstream and circulate to other parts of the body. 

These bacteria can pass through the blood/brain barrier and stimulate the microglial cells in the brain.

Insights from a New Study

This study suggests an association between tooth loss, gum disease, and brain health, particularly the shrinkage of the hippocampus, a region associated with memory and Alzheimer's disease.

The study, conducted by Dr. Satoshi Yamaguchi and colleagues at Tohoku University in Sendai, Japan, involved 172 participants without memory problems at the study's onset, with an average age of 67.

Key findings of the study include:

1. Link between Teeth and Brain Shrinkage: The research found a connection between the number of teeth and the amount of gum disease with changes in the left hippocampus of the brain.

2. 
   

3. Impact of Mild Gum Disease: Participants with mild gum disease who had fewer teeth experienced a faster rate of brain shrinkage in the left hippocampus.

4. 
   

5. Impact of Severe Gum Disease: Conversely, for those with severe gum disease, having more teeth was associated with a faster rate of brain shrinkage in the same brain area.

6. 
   

7. Adjusting for Age: After adjusting for age, the study revealed that, for individuals with mild gum disease, the increase in the rate of brain shrinkage due to one less tooth was equivalent to nearly one year of brain aging. On the other hand, for people with severe gum disease, the increase in brain shrinkage due to one more tooth was equivalent to 1.3 years of brain aging.

1. Importance of Dental Health: The study emphasizes the importance of maintaining good dental health, suggesting that preserving teeth with severe gum disease might be associated with brain atrophy. It underscores the need for controlling gum disease progression through regular dental visits and addressing severe cases with appropriate prosthetic devices.

2. 
   

3. Limitations of the Study: The study's limitations include its relatively small sample size and being conducted in a specific region of Japan. Therefore, further research with larger and more diverse populations is recommended to validate and generalize the findings.

4. 
   

5. Supporting Organizations: The study received support from various organizations, including the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Keio University, Pfizer Japan, and others.

 Research has found that bacteria that normally reside in our mouth may also infect the brain and potentially contribute to neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease. 

Gum disease affects about 19 percent of people older than 15 or more than 1 billion people worldwide, according to a 2022 World Health Organization report.

BY,

DR.RENJU T GEORGE,

INDIA.

The Hidden Dangers of Sipping: How it Harms Your Teeth

 The Hidden Dangers of Sipping: How it Harms Your Teeth

       "Sipping," particularly on acidic or sugary beverages throughout the day, can indeed pose hidden dangers to your teeth. Here are some ways in which frequent sipping can harm your dental health:

1. Acid Erosion:

   • 
     
   • Many beverages, such as sodas, fruit juices, and energy drinks, are acidic. Acidic drinks can erode the enamel, which is the protective outer layer of your teeth.
   • Enamel erosion weakens the teeth and makes them more susceptible to cavities, sensitivity, and other dental issues.
   • 
     
   • Tooth Decay:
2. • Sugary beverages contribute to the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria produce acid as they feed on sugars.
   • The combination of acid and sugar can lead to the formation of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria on the teeth. Plaque contributes to tooth decay and gum, disease.
   It can result in tooth decay as saliva cannot protect the teeth when you keep on sipping.
   

3. Constant Exposure:

   • 
     
   • Sipping drinks over an extended period keeps your teeth in a constant state of exposure to acid and sugar.
   • Unlike consuming a beverage quickly, which gives the saliva a chance to neutralize acids and protect the teeth, continuous sipping does not allow for sufficient recovery time.
   • 
     

4. Dehydration and Dry Mouth:

   • 
     
   • Some beverages, like coffee and tea, can contribute to dehydration, leading to reduced saliva production.
   • Saliva plays a crucial role in neutralizing acids, remineralizing enamel, and maintaining a healthy oral environment. Reduced saliva increases the risk of dental issues.
   • 
     
   • Staining:
5. • Certain drinks, like coffee, tea, and red wine, can stain the teeth over time.
   • While staining may be primarily a cosmetic concern, it can affect the overall appearance of your smile.

To minimize the potential harm to your teeth, consider the following tips:

• Limit Sugary and Acidic Drinks: Reduce the consumption of sugary and acidic beverages, especially between meals.
• 
  
• Use a Straw: Drinking through a straw can help minimize direct contact between the beverage and your teeth.
• 
  
• Stay Hydrated with Water: Water is the best choice for hydration and helps maintain saliva production.
• 
  
• Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly, and visit your dentist for routine check-ups.

By being mindful of your beverage choices and consumption habits, you can help protect your teeth from the hidden dangers associated with frequent sipping.

BY,

DR.RENJU T GEORGE,

INDIA.