Author: Sunitha S

Hearing loss is the loss of the ability to hear correctly either in one ear or both ears. This condition can affect a person at any age, though it is most commonly found in people above 60. It is estimated that 15% of the adult population in the world suffer from hearing loss.  In Asia, there is a lack of proper data about the prevalence among third-world countries. However, as per the World Health Organisation’s estimates, 401 million people in South East Asia suffers from some degree of hearing loss. This is expected to grow to 666 million by 2050. …

Sinusitis is a very common condition affecting the nasal passage. It is estimated that 12.5% of people around the world are affected by this condition. But a study conducted in 2009 in the USA showed that sinusitis is lower in the Asian population compared to African Americans and whites.  What is sinusitis? Sinuses are 4 pairs of hollow, air-filled cavities in the bones of the face and skull that are connected through narrow channels. These cavities have a soft tissue lining which produces mucus that usually drains out through the nasal passages, keeping them moist, free of dirt and germs.…

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), COPD, short for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is the third major cause of death globally, next to ischaemic heart disease and stroke. About 80% of deaths related to COPD occur in low and middle-income countries.  A study conducted in 2008 reveals that the incidence of COPD in Asian countries is much higher when compared to the West. The main causes are attributed to tobacco smoking and air pollution in Asian countries. Within Asian countries themselves, there is a difference in the burden of disease attributed to the healthcare facilities in each region.   What…

Do you feel abdominal cramps or bloating after drinking milk? Does splurging on delectable gourmet cheese make you rush to the toilet after you eat them? Then you could be suffering from lactose intolerance.  It is estimated that more than 80% of the Asian population suffer from lactose intolerance. When compared to the western countries, this is a huge percentage. The main reason could be that, unlike Europe and other western countries, dairy farming is not feasible in Asia. Because of this, people are not used to consuming dairy products beyond a certain age.  What is the cause of lactose…

In today’s fast-paced world, stress is unavoidable. Whether you are working full time or a stay-at-home mom, stress can cause a lot of anxious and exhaustive moments in your life. For some, the mundane day-to-day tasks can be the cause, whereas for others, it could result from some traumatic event. Thus, the cause, extent, and nature vary from person to person.  Research has shown that academic expectations are the main source of stress for students in Asia. For the working class, work-related pressure is the leading cause. Unhealthy lifestyle, balancing work and life, inefficient time management, and failure to relax…

Arrhythmia is a condition of the heart in which the heart beats irregularly. The prevalence of arrhythmia in Asian countries is lower compared to the West. Those with this condition have a poorer quality of life and higher mortality rate.  World Heart Day falls on 29 September this year. Apart from coronary artery disease, heart failure, and heart valve problems, we now look into problems with the heartbeat, otherwise known as arrhythmia! What is arrhythmia? Arrhythmia is a heart condition in which the electrical signals that regulate the heartbeat do not function properly. As a result, the person may experience abnormal heart rhythm.…

The primary function of the heart is to pump blood containing oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body. The heart consists of four valves that control the flow of blood in the correct direction. They open and close at the right time to prevent the blood from flowing backwards. If you have a heart valve disorder, the valves cannot perform this function properly, disrupting blood flow to the rest of the body, also predisposing to formation of blood clots, strokes, and heart attacks. Most valve problems are first identified as a murmur when listening to the heartbeat.  World…

Heart failure is a leading cause of mortality all over the world. It is estimated that around 64.3 million people around the world live with heart failure. The incidence of heart failure is increasing rapidly in Asian countries owing to lifestyle changes. The hectic urban lifestyle coupled with lack of physical activity, unhealthy diet, and use of tobacco and drinks are major reasons for the increase of heart failure in Asian countries.  World Heart Day falls on 29 September this year. Other than coronary artery disease, let’s also look at another fairly common heart disease: heart failure! What is heart…

Any condition affecting the normal functioning of a heart can be termed as a heart disease. Heart disease is considered to be the major cause of death all over the world, with Asia accounting for half of the cases. Following an unhealthy lifestyle is considered to be the major cause of heart diseases in Asia.  The peculiarity of heart disease is that it can affect anyone irrespective of age, gender and race. Fortunately, most heart diseases can be prevented by following a healthy lifestyle.  World Heart Day falls on 29 September this year. In conjunction with this day, we will…

For those familiar with the ancient Indian practice of Ayurveda, the first thought that comes to mind when you think of this term is herbs and therapies. But Ayurveda is much more than that. It is a way of life that imbibes the goodness in nature while eliminating toxins from your body.  Ayurveda defines our life based on what we eat, the environment we live in, and how we live. It provides the framework based on which we can modify our lifestyle. Ayurveda emphasises both mental and physical health to make our life more healthy and satisfying.  Tips to practice…