SakraHospital

Preterm labor is a condition where the body starts preparing for childbirth too early, before the baby has fully matured. It is one of the leading causes of complications in newborns, but with early detection and proper care, many risks can be reduced significantly.  What is Preterm Labor?  Preterm labor occurs when regular uterine contractions begin before 37 weeks of pregnancy and lead to changes in the cervix, such as thinning (effacement) and opening (dilation). A full-term pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks, and every extra week in the womb helps the baby’s organs, especially the lungs and brain, develop properly. When labor starts early, the baby may be born prematurely, which can increase the need for medical support after birth. Causes of Preterm Labor In many cases, preterm labor happens without a clear cause. However, several medical, lifestyle, and pregnancy-related factors can increase the risk: Previous preterm birth: Women who have had a premature delivery in the pas...

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...