SakraHospital

Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) is an advanced, minimally invasive procedure used to treat swallowing disorders, particularly achalasia. In this condition, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) fails to relax properly, making it difficult for food and liquids to pass into the stomach. POEM is also used in the treatment of other motility disorders such as Distal Oesophageal Spasm and Nutcracker Oesophagus.  Patients with achalasia commonly experience symptoms such as difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), where food feels stuck in the chest while eating. Some patients may also experience chest pain or discomfort, which can sometimes mimic heart-related conditions. Regurgitation of undigested food, especially while lying down, is another common symptom. Over time, difficulty in swallowing may reduce food intake and result in unintended weight loss. The POEM procedure is performed using an endoscope, which is passed through the mouth, eliminating the need for external cuts or scars. Duri...

  Lung cancer has the highest rate of disability-adjusted life years of all cancers in India. Traditionally considered a male-dominant, smoking-related disease, it is now increasingly seen in women particularly non-smokers, challenging long-held assumptions. This trend highlights the growing role of non-tobacco risk factors such as indoor air pollution, radon, arsenic exposure, particulate matter, and chronic airway inflammation. Epidemiological studies show a higher proportion of lung cancer cases in non-smokers in East Asia, with about one-third of patients being non-smokers. Indian women carry distinct genetic vulnerabilities. Variants in the CYP1A1, GSTM1, and GSTT1 genes enzymes responsible for carcinogen detoxification are highly prevalent in South Asian populations, impairing the body’s ability to neutralize inhaled toxins. Non-smoking women are more than twice as likely to develop lung cancer compared to male non-smokers. A recent study from Karnataka has revealed a concer...

  Your brain communicates through a complex network of electrical signals that control your thoughts, movements and body functions. A seizure occurs when this normal electrical activity is suddenly disrupted, leading to temporary changes in behavior, movement, sensation or awareness. What is a seizure? A seizure (pronounced “see-zhr”) is a sudden burst of abnormal electrical activity in your brain. This disturbance can affect how you feel, move or respond for a short period of time. The most noticeable seizure symptoms include loss of consciousness and uncontrolled movements (convulsions), but seizures don’t always look dramatic. Some seizures are subtle. You may stop what you’re doing and stare blankly, feel a brief muscle jerk or experience unusual sensations. For some people, a seizure may happen only once, while others may experience repeated episodes. Because there are different types of seizures, each person’s experience can vary widely. There are also many possible seizure c...

  Your body movements are controlled by signals from the brain that travel through nerves to your muscles. These signals help maintain balance, posture and smooth motion. A tremor occurs when this control system is disrupted, leading to rhythmic, involuntary shaking of a body part. Tremors most commonly affect the hands but can also involve the head, voice or legs. What are tremors? Tremors are involuntary, rhythmic movements that cause shaking in one or more parts of the body. They may occur occasionally or be constant, depending on the cause. Some tremors happen when your body is at rest, while others occur during movement like writing, eating or holding objects. The severity can range from mild to significant, sometimes interfering with daily life. Understanding tremors symptoms and tremors causes helps in identifying the condition early. What are the types of tremors? Tremors are mainly classified based on when they occur and how they affect movement. Resting tremors: These occ...

  Your eyes and brain work together to help you see clearly. Light enters your eyes, gets processed and is converted into images that your brain understands. Vision problems occur when any part of this system is affected, leading to difficulty seeing clearly or comfortably. These issues can range from mild blurriness to serious vision loss if not addressed in time. What are vision problems? Vision problems refer to any condition that affects your ability to see clearly. They may develop gradually or suddenly, depending on the cause. Some people may notice difficulty reading or seeing distant objects, while others may experience eye strain, double vision or sensitivity to light. Understanding vision problems symptoms and early signs of vision problems helps in timely diagnosis and treatment. Types of vision problems Vision problems can be broadly classified based on how they affect your eyesight. Refractive errors: These are the most common and include conditions like nearsightednes...

  When someone suddenly notices their hands or feet turning blue for no reason, it can be alarming. This bluish skin tint is known as cyanosis. It happens when the blood does not carry enough oxygen, causing the skin, lips, tongue, or extremities to appear blue or purple. While mild cases may occur in cold weather or poor circulation, persistent cyanosis symptoms can signal a serious underlying condition, especially related to the heart or lungs. Understanding what cyanosis is, why it happens, and when to seek medical care can make a big difference in managing health and preventing complications. What is Cyanosis? Cyanosis is a physical sign that the oxygen level in the blood has dropped below normal. When tissues do not get enough oxygen, deoxygenated hemoglobin builds up in the bloodstream, giving the skin a bluish tint. Cyanosis can appear: Only in the extremities (hands, feet, fingers, toes) Around the lips and tongue All over the body in severe cases This condition is not a di...