Author name: Talha Bhutta

Patient Information Blogs Smoking; How to Quit Courtesy of: Dr. Nagman Bashir; Consultant Physician, Medicsi 22/05/2024 Smoking; How to Quit Courtesy of: Dr. Nagman Bashir; Consultant Physician, Medicsi 22/05/2024 Everyone understands the bad effects of smoking on health. But for smokers, it can be difficult to quit. Here are a few steps that can help you quit.  YOU have to decide and convince yourself to quit. If you are really motivated to quit, then you will find these tips very helpful. Set a date.   Decide a date to quit. This can be an important date like your or your spouse’s birthday, your child’s birthday, your wedding anniversary, the start of Ramadan, Eid day, or any other important day. BUT this date has to be within two weeks of your resolve to quit.  Announcement.   Announce this to your family, friends, and colleagues.  Let them know that you will be irritable or cranky or short-tempered during this time. So, ask them to be patient with you. Ask your local shopkeeper or cigarette vendor NOT to give you cigarettes. Ask your friends or colleagues NOT to smoke in your presence anymore or offer to smoke. Identify reminders of smoking in your life and remove from your home, office, car, or any place, each and everything from your reach or vision, like an ashtray, lighter, matchbox, or anything that makes you smoke.  Identify the triggers of smoking, like tea, coffee, lunch, or sumptuous meals. Avoid the company of smokers during these triggering events and try to stay with people whose company stops you from smoking.  NEVER keep a pack of cigarettes with you. If you are really hooked on smoking then keep only ONE cigarette in your pocket.  Don’t ask anyone to bring you one cigarette. Instead, try to go yourself to fetch a cigarette if you cannot resist smoking.  Defer your urge to smoke.  Whenever you feel the urge to smoke, get yourself busy with any other activity. Defer this urge to a few minutes later, like your tea time or lunchtime or after prayers or after calling someone or after replying to an email, or after attending to an important task in the office or at home. The urge will pass in five minutes and your next urge may not surface for the next one to two hours.  Stay more in the company or vicinity of those people where you cannot smoke. Like your parents, teacher, meeting rooms, bosses, or your young children. You may also go to the library or mosque or cinema house.  In about a week’s time, you will notice that your daily consumption of cigarettes has come down.  Pat yourself on the back for a good performance and achievement. The D-DAY has arrived.  Announce again and make a strong resolve NEVER to smoke again.  DO NOT TAKE EVEN A SINGLE PUFF AFTER THAT. This is the usual start of relapse. Even a single puff is a sufficient trigger to restart smoking.  Two weeks have passed. NOW is the time for your family and friends to present you with a gift as a token of appreciation.  And another token after three months of quitting.  If you feel any withdrawal symptoms, consult your doctor for proper medical advice. Do not listen to the advice of laypeople.  Don’t blame yourself if you start smoking again. Go through all these steps again and make a stronger mental note NOT to smoke again. Identify the trigger and keep away from that, even if the trigger is your close friend.  HAPPY QUITTING Everyone understands the bad effects of smoking on health. But for smokers, it can be difficult to quit. Here are a few steps that can help you quit.  YOU have to decide and convince yourself to quit. If you are really motivated to quit, then you will find these tips very helpful. Set a date.   Decide a date to quit. This can be an important date like your or your spouse’s birthday, your child’s birthday, your wedding anniversary, the start of Ramadan, Eid day, or any other important day. BUT this date has to be within two weeks of your resolve to quit.  Announcement.   Announce this to your family, friends, and colleagues.  Let them know that you will be irritable or cranky or short-tempered during this time. So, ask them to be patient with you. Ask your local shopkeeper or cigarette vendor NOT to give you cigarettes. Ask your friends or colleagues NOT to smoke in your presence anymore or offer to smoke. Identify reminders of smoking in your life and remove from your home, office, car, or any place, each and everything from your reach or vision, like an ashtray, lighter, matchbox, or anything that makes you smoke.  Identify the triggers of smoking, like tea, coffee, lunch, or sumptuous meals. Avoid the company of smokers during these triggering events and try to stay with people whose company stops you from smoking.  NEVER keep a pack of cigarettes with you. If you are really hooked on smoking then keep only ONE cigarette in your pocket.  Don’t ask anyone to bring you one cigarette. Instead, try to go yourself to fetch a cigarette if you cannot resist smoking.  Defer your urge to smoke.  Whenever you feel the urge to smoke, get yourself busy with any other activity. Defer this urge to a few minutes later, like your tea time or lunchtime or after prayers or after calling someone or after replying to an email, or after attending to an important task in the office or at home. The urge will pass in five minutes and your next urge may not surface for the next one to two hours.  Stay more in the company or vicinity of those people where you cannot smoke. Like your parents, teacher, meeting rooms, bosses, or your young children. You may also go to the library or mosque or cinema house.  In about a week’s time, you will notice that your daily consumption of

Patient Information Blogs LOOKING PALE Courtesy by: Dr. Iqra Nasir; Resident Medicine, Medicsi 20/05/2024 LOOKING PALE Courtesy by: Dr. Iqra Nasir; Resident Medicine, Medicsi 20/05/2024 If you look pale, it could be due to various reasons, ranging from minor issues to more serious health conditions. Hence, it is essential to see a doctor and investigate further to find out the underlying cause. If you look pale, it could be due to various reasons, ranging from minor issues to more serious health conditions. Hence, it is essential to see a doctor and investigate further to find out the underlying cause.   CAUSES Some common causes why you might appear pale include: Anaemia: This condition occurs when there aren’t enough healthy red blood cells in the body, leading to a pale appearance and low Haemoglobin. Nutritional deficiency: Lack of iron and certain vitamins such as B12 and folate can also result in pallor. Blood loss: Loss of blood from an injury, surgery, internal bleeding, or heavy menstrual periods can decrease blood volume and cause pale skin. Infections: Severe infections that can lead to sepsis may cause you to feel unwell and appear pale. Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland can result in pale, dry skin, along with symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and feeling cold. Chronic illness: Conditions such as kidney disease, liver disease, or heart disease can lead to pale skin. Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar levels can cause dizziness, paleness, and shakiness. Stress or anxiety: Emotional stress or anxiety can affect blood flow and skin tone, resulting in paleness. INVESTIGATIONS: Here are some investigations to determine the underlying cause: Complete Blood Count (CBC) This test provides information about blood cells in your body, helping identify conditions like anaemia or ongoing infections. Peripheral Blood Smear This test provides more detailed information about abnormalities detected in the CBC. It involves examining a blood sample under a microscope to assess the size, shape, and number of blood cells. Iron Profile Measures iron levels, ferritin (iron-storing protein), transferrin (iron-transporting protein), and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) to diagnose iron deficiency anaemia Vitamin B12 and folate levels Identifies deficiencies in B12 and folate, indicating the need for appropriate supplementation. Thyroid function tests Measures levels of thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, and T4) to diagnose hypothyroidism. Kidney function tests Assess kidney function as kidney dysfunction can affect red blood cell production. Liver function tests Liver disorders can affect the production of proteins involved in blood clotting and transport of nutrients, potentially leading to anaemia. Faecal occult blood test (FOBT) If there is suspicion of gastrointestinal bleeding, this test is carried out to look for hidden (occult) blood in the stool, which can indicate gastrointestinal bleeding. In summary, paleness can be a symptom of various medical conditions, such as anaemia, internal bleeding, nutritional deficiencies, or organ dysfunction and investigations help determine the specific cause and treatment plan. It is advisable that if your symptoms can clearly guide you as to what tests need to be done, get them and then visit your physician; otherwise please pay him / her a visit so that you can be guided regarding the investigations. CAUSES Some common causes why you might appear pale include: Anaemia: This condition occurs when there aren’t enough healthy red blood cells in the body, leading to a pale appearance and low Haemoglobin. Nutritional deficiency: Lack of iron and certain vitamins such as B12 and folate can also result in pallor. Blood loss: Loss of blood from an injury, surgery, internal bleeding, or heavy menstrual periods can decrease blood volume and cause pale skin. Infections: Severe infections that can lead to sepsis may cause you to feel unwell and appear pale. Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland can result in pale, dry skin, along with symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and feeling cold. Chronic illness: Conditions such as kidney disease, liver disease, or heart disease can lead to pale skin. Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar levels can cause dizziness, paleness, and shakiness. Stress or anxiety: Emotional stress or anxiety can affect blood flow and skin tone, resulting in paleness.   INVESTIGATIONS: Here are some investigations to determine the underlying cause: Complete Blood Count (CBC) This test provides information about blood cells in your body, helping identify conditions like anaemia or ongoing infections. Peripheral Blood Smear This test provides more detailed information about abnormalities detected in the CBC. It involves examining a blood sample under a microscope to assess the size, shape, and number of blood cells. Iron Profile Measures iron levels, ferritin (iron-storing protein), transferrin (iron-transporting protein), and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) to diagnose iron deficiency anaemia Vitamin B12 and folate levels Identifies deficiencies in B12 and folate, indicating the need for appropriate supplementation. Thyroid function tests Measures levels of thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, and T4) to diagnose hypothyroidism. Kidney function tests Assess kidney function as kidney dysfunction can affect red blood cell production. Liver function tests Liver disorders can affect the production of proteins involved in blood clotting and transport of nutrients, potentially leading to anaemia. Faecal occult blood test (FOBT) If there is suspicion of gastrointestinal bleeding, this test is carried out to look for hidden (occult) blood in the stool, which can indicate gastrointestinal bleeding.   In summary, paleness can be a symptom of various medical conditions, such as anaemia, internal bleeding, nutritional deficiencies, or organ dysfunction and investigations help determine the specific cause and treatment plan. It is advisable that if your symptoms can clearly guide you as to what tests need to be done, get them and then visit your physician; otherwise please pay him / her a visit so that you can be guided regarding the investigations. If you look pale, it could be due to various reasons, ranging from minor issues to more serious health conditions. Hence, it is essential to see a doctor and investigate further to find out the underlying cause.   CAUSES Some common causes why you might appear pale include: Anaemia: This condition occurs when there aren’t enough healthy red blood cells in the body,

Patient Information Blogs WHY BLOOD, CLOTS? Courtesy of: Dr. Zainab Zia; Resident Medicine, Medicsi 14/06/2024 WHY BLOOD, CLOTS? Courtesy of: Dr. Zainab Zia; Resident Medicine, Medicsi 14/06/2024 Blood clots play a crucial role in our bodies, stopping excessive bleeding when we get injured. However, they can also pose serious health risks when they form inappropriately. This comprehensive guide will dive into the world of blood clots, exploring their formation, types, locations, causes, associated conditions, medications, prevention, and much more. What Are Blood Clots? Blood clots are essential mechanisms that prevent excessive bleeding when we are injured. They are formed by platelets and plasma, working together to create a clot over any injury, which is then broken down by the body once the injury heals. While blood clots are lifesaving when they stop bleeding, they can lead to severe medical conditions like heart attacks or strokes when formed unnecessarily.  Blood clots play a crucial role in our bodies, stopping excessive bleeding when we get injured. However, they can also pose serious health risks when they form inappropriately. This comprehensive guide will dive into the world of blood clots, exploring their formation, types, locations, causes, associated conditions, medications, prevention, and much more.   What Are Blood Clots? Blood clots are essential mechanisms that prevent excessive bleeding when we are injured. They are formed by platelets and plasma, working together to create a clot over any injury, which is then broken down by the body once the injury heals. While blood clots are lifesaving when they stop bleeding, they can lead to severe medical conditions like heart attacks or strokes when formed unnecessarily. What Locations Can Blood Clots Form? Blood clots can form in either veins or arteries. They can occur without an injury, necessitating immediate medical attention, especially for clots in critical areas like the legs, lungs, or brain. Types of  Clots Some of the different types of blood clots and the subsequent conditions that they can cause include: Deep vein thrombosis (clots in the veins of your legs) Pulmonary embolism (clots in the arteries of your lungs) Coronary artery disease (clots in the arteries of your heart) Stroke (clots in the arteries of your brain) Hepatic vein thrombosis (clots in the veins of your liver) What Can Cause Blood Clots? The formation of blood clots can be triggered by various factors, including specific substances in your blood or blood vessel walls but the most important risk factors include: Smoking Obesity  Long-distance flights  Medical conditions like hypertension and diabetes  Pregnancy  After major Post surgeries  Use of certain medications including birth control pills Underlying liver diseases Genetic factors. etc. Symptoms of a blood clot may include Blood clots can produce a wide variety of symptoms depending on where are they formed but the most common ones include: Feeling out of breath all of a sudden Sharp chest pain that gets worse when you inhale Cough Coughing up blood Pounding or cramping pain Swelling or colour changes to your skin Your arm or leg becomes warm or swollen Weakness in arms or legs Headaches Treatment and Medications Certain medical conditions and genetic factors can predispose individuals to blood clots, necessitating tailored treatment approaches and medications to manage clotting disorders effectively. Medications like aspirin, clopidogrel, and anticoagulants play a vital role in preventing and treating blood clots, offering targeted interventions based on individual health needs. Prevention Preventing blood clots involves a multifaceted approach. Here are some steps you can take: Regularly visit your doctor for check-ups Maintain a healthy weight Avoid smoking Engage in regular exercise Try moving your toes after prolonged flights. Conclusion In conclusion, blood clots are physiological responses that play a vital role in maintaining our health and well-being. While essential for stopping bleeding, the inappropriate formation of blood clots can lead to severe medical conditions, emphasising the importance of understanding their mechanisms, types, causes, and prevention strategies. By staying informed and proactive, individuals can effectively manage their clotting risks and promote optimal health outcomes. Blood clots play a crucial role in our bodies, stopping excessive bleeding when we get injured. However, they can also pose serious health risks when they form inappropriately. This comprehensive guide will dive into the world of blood clots, exploring their formation, types, locations, causes, associated conditions, medications, prevention, and much more. What Are Blood Clots? Blood clots are essential mechanisms that prevent excessive bleeding when we are injured. They are formed by platelets and plasma, working together to create a clot over any injury, which is then broken down by the body once the injury heals. While blood clots are lifesaving when they stop bleeding, they can lead to severe medical conditions like heart attacks or strokes when formed unnecessarily.  What Locations Can Blood Clots Form? Blood clots can form in either veins or arteries. They can occur without an injury, necessitating immediate medical attention, especially for clots in critical areas like the legs, lungs, or brain. Types of  Clots Some of the different types of blood clots and the subsequent conditions that they can cause include: Deep vein thrombosis (clots in the veins of your legs) Pulmonary embolism (clots in the arteries of your lungs) Coronary artery disease (clots in the arteries of your heart) Stroke (clots in the arteries of your brain) Hepatic vein thrombosis (clots in the veins of your liver) What Can Cause Blood Clots? The formation of blood clots can be triggered by various factors, including specific substances in your blood or blood vessel walls but the most important risk factors include: Smoking Obesity  Long-distance flights  Medical conditions like hypertension and diabetes  Pregnancy  After major Post surgeries  Use of certain medications including birth control pills Underlying liver diseases Genetic factors. etc. Symptoms of a blood clot may include Blood clots can produce a wide variety of symptoms depending on where are they formed but the most common ones include: Feeling out of breath all of a sudden Sharp chest pain that gets worse when you inhale Cough Coughing up blood

Patient Information Blogs Asthma: A Health Concern Courtesy of: Dr. Musa Qazi; Sen. Reg. Internal Medicine, Medicsi 07/05/2024 Asthma: A Health Concern Courtesy of: Dr. Musa Qazi; Sen. Reg. Internal Medicine, Medicsi 07/05/2024 Asthma; What is it? Asthma is typically a lung ailment that makes it difficult to breathe, by causing narrowing and inflammation of the airways. It can sometimes run in families.   What is Asthma like? Symptoms of asthma vary from person to person. They can be mild or severe. There could be sudden outbursts of symptoms. The most common symptoms of asthma are: Dyspnoea or difficult breathing Wheezing Chest tightness Persistent coughing, more commonly at night. Most commonly cough with mucus orphlegm It may also manifest as an “Asthma Attack”; with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. It can not only cause you to have shortness of breath, but can also produce noisy breathing/wheezing, coughing, or a feeling of chest tightness. During an Asthma attack, the patient presents below symptoms: Very low blood pressure Abnormally rapid breathing Wheezing sounds may accompany both inspiration and expiration or expiration alone Asthma; What is it? Asthma is typically a lung ailment that makes it difficult to breathe, by causing narrowing and inflammation of the airways. It can sometimes run in families.   What is Asthma like? Symptoms of asthma vary from person to person. They can be mild or severe. There could be sudden outbursts of symptoms. The most common symptoms of asthma are: Dyspnoea or difficult breathing Wheezing Chest tightness Persistent coughing, more commonly at night. Most commonly cough with mucus orphlegm It may also manifest as an “Asthma Attack”; with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. It can not only cause you to have shortness of breath, but can also produce noisy breathing/wheezing, coughing, or a feeling of chest tightness. During an Asthma attack, the patient presents below symptoms: Very low blood pressure Abnormally rapid breathing Wheezing sounds may accompany both inspiration and expiration or expiration alone   Would I need any testing for Asthma? If your symptoms are consistent with a diagnosis of Asthma, the doctor may proceed with a breathing test to assess how well the lungs are working. Additional blood and skin tests may also be required if an allergic predisposition is thought to be aggravating the Asthma.   Treating Asthma: Treatment for Asthma includes different medicines either in inhalational or liquid forms or in the form of pills. In consultation with your doctor, you should know how and when to take them. Quick-relief medicines are used for rapid relief of symptoms. Long-term controller medicines lessen the chances of future attacks.  There are other medicines that work both as a controller medicine and a quick-relief medicine. Adherence to the prescribed medications is important. Your doctor and nurse will assist you in using your inhalers the right way. Sudden worsening of the symptoms should prompt you to use your quick-relief medicine. A visit to the hospital for emergency treatment might be warranted. For increased frequency or severity of symptoms, you together with your doctor would chalk out an Asthma Action Plan regarding the use of medicines, and when to call out for emergency help. You would also be taught to use a peak flow metre; to assess the working of your lungs, from time to time.   Prevention: Avoiding triggers (dust, air pollution, cold dry air, strenuous exercise, stress, dogs, cats, pollen, and cigarette smoke) is the key. Certain medications like NSAIDs may aggravate Asthma, consult your doctor if they are to be avoided. Additionally, asthma may worsen if affected by the flu; an early flu shot, may thus, help. Vaccination against pneumonia in certain cases might be needed, as guided by your doctor.   How frequently do I need to visit my doctor? A follow-up visit to the doctor, at least once every 06 months, is merited if you need asthma medications every day. This would typically include a discussion about your symptoms, and future treatment goals. A breathing test to evaluate the working condition of your lungs may also be needed.   Planning a pregnancy: Prior to planning a pregnancy, it is important to have a formal discussion with your doctor. It would focus around an effective control of symptoms, ensuring optimum outcomes for you and your baby.   How would Asthma affect my pregnancy? Depending upon individual variability, during pregnancy; the symptoms may improve, worsen, or may not change at all.    Are my usual Asthma medicines safe during pregnancy? While most of the Asthma medications are safe to consume in pregnancy, your doctor would chalk out a comprehensive plan which benefits an individual’s symptoms, the most. Adherence to the prescribed medications is important, the lack of which can lead to an aggravation in the symptoms and potential health hazards for the baby.    What can I do to prevent Asthma attacks?  Avoiding triggers, and having a flu shot administered, are both important in the same way as for non-pregnant individuals. With effective management of Asthma symptoms during pregnancy, the outcomes for both the mother and the baby are favourable.    The Baby’s Health? If your asthma is well controlled during pregnancy, chances are good that your asthma will not hurt your baby.   What about Breastfeeding? Breastfeeding is nearly always safe with most Asthma medications. However, a consultation with a doctor is important to ensure that the medications being taken are completely safe. Would I need any testing for Asthma? If your symptoms are consistent with a diagnosis of Asthma, the doctor may proceed with a breathing test to assess how well the lungs are working. Additional blood and skin tests may also be required if an allergic predisposition is thought to be aggravating the Asthma.   Treating Asthma: Treatment for Asthma includes different medicines either in inhalational or liquid forms or in the form of pills. In consultation with your doctor, you should know how and when to take them. Quick-relief medicines are used for rapid relief of symptoms. Long-term controller medicines lessen the chances of future attacks.  There are