PharmEasy Blog

12 Amazing Benefits Of Laughter!

We have probably been hearing the phrase ”Laughter is the best medicine”, ever since our school days and it was then that we put it into practice laughing a hundred times a day. With all the stresses and tensions that surround our growing up into adults, laughter seems to have become infrequent and life more serious. We often forget that laughter is actually an antidote to this very stress, pain and conflict which works the fastest to ease our minds and bodies. Humour not only elevates our mood but also increases our focus and alertness. It connects us with those around us, releases our anger and allows us to forgive sooner. And the best part it’s free, fun and easy to use.

Health Advantages of Laughter:

  1. It builds up your immune system: A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, suggested that people who laugh often show a decrease of stress-related hormones and an increase in the number of activated T cells and natural killer cells, both of which boost the immune system.
  2. Laughing instantaneously increases blood flow to the all-important organ of the human body – The Heart.
  3. According to a 2011 study published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B, researchers found that the simple act of laughing which releases the feel-good endorphins into the body along with the deep breaths helps relax the muscles and aids in pain relief.
  4. Laughter is powerful as it helps burn calories. Researchers have found that laughing for about 10-15 minutes a day, helps burn approximately 40 calories. All the more reason to laugh regularly!
  5. It lowers your blood pressure and helps your blood vessels to function better.
  6. It decreases stress and anxiety.
  7.  It helps fight depression. Although you may not feel like it, a 2015 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that laughter helps ease your symptoms.
  8. Laughter may possibly prolong your life. People with a good sense of humour outlived others who don’t laugh nearly as much, according to a Norwegian study. For cancer patients, the difference was very noticeable.
  9. Laughing benefits the immune system. It reduces stress hormones while increasing immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, boosting overall infection resistance.
  10. One of the ways your body may effectively regulate cortisol is through laughter. Laughing boosts oxygen intake, which improves blood circulation and lowers cortisol levels.
  11. A good belly laugh works out the diaphragm, the abdomen, and even the shoulders, leaving the muscles more relaxed afterwards. It also gives your heart an excellent workout. Laughing 100 times is equal to 10 minutes on the rowing machine or 15 minutes on the exercise bike.
  12. Laughter causes your lungs to expel more air than they take in, which has a cleansing effect similar to deep breathing. This is especially beneficial for patients who have respiratory problems, such as asthma.

From what I have gathered based on studies, I can say that laughter may hold remarkable benefits for your well-being. It has been found that laughter may have the ability to reduce inflammation in the blood vessels while simultaneously increasing levels of HDL, often referred to as the ‘good’ cholesterol.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD

Social Benefits of Laughter:

A study I came across, discovered that laughter might have a significant inhibitory effect on the rise in blood glucose after a meal in patients with diabetes. Attending a comedy show resulted in lower blood glucose levels compared to a monotonous lecture. This suggests that laughter might help regulate blood glucose levels in individuals with diabetes, emphasising the importance of incorporating laughter into their daily routine.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Ways You can bring Laughter in your life:

  1. Smile: It is the beginning of laughter. Practice smiling. Instead of being lost on your phone, look up, smile at the people you pass on the streets, the person serving you your coffee or a co-worker you meet in the elevator. Like laughter, a smile is contagious too. You will see the effect it has. Read more about the benefits of smiling.
  2. Count your blessings: Think of all the positive aspects of your life. This will help block all the negative thoughts.
  3. When you hear laughter, move towards it.
  4. Surround yourself with fun, playful people. Be around people who have the ability to laugh at themselves as well as life’s absurdities. Such people find humour in everyday things. Their energy and playful attitude are contagious.
  5. Bring Humor into your conversation.
  6. Stimulated laughter can be just as beneficial as real laughter. Join a laugh yoga or laugh therapy group.  Hearing others laugh, even for no apparent reason, often triggers genuine laughter.
  7. Try to find laughter in a serious situation. When confronted with a dangerous or difficult situation, experts advise adjusting your perspective. If you can shift your perspective to a more optimistic one and find humour in more serious circumstances, you’ll be better able to combat the tension and avoid becoming overwhelmed by the negativity and stress of it all. Make the problem appear less serious to make it simpler to find a solution.

I might have some great news to share! According to a study, it has been found that laughter, beyond just being a distraction, might actually reduce how sensitive you are to discomfort. This means that laughter may have the potential to be a valuable strategy to reduce discomfort in medical settings.

Dr. Smita Barode, BAMS

Create Opportunities to Laugh: 

  1. Watch comedy movies, shows and videos.
  2. Read funny stories.
  3. Invite your friends or family to a comedy club.
  4. Play with a child.
  5. Do something silly.

Develop Your Sense of Humour:

  1. Learn to laugh at yourself.
  2. Remember funny things, jokes, stories. Write them down or best, share them with people.
  3. Attempt to laugh at situations.
  4. Keep out the negative people and thoughts.
  5. Nurture your inner child. Laugh at ordinary things.
  6. Don’t go a day without laughing. Like exercise, meditation and food, make it a conscious effort to laugh every day.

The ability to laugh, enjoy and have fun benefits you in more than one way. It helps you solve problems, connect with others and also increases your creativity. When depression haunts your mind, life problems weigh you down and you take life too seriously. It is difficult to think out of the box, laughter takes you to a higher place where you can view the world from a more relaxed, positive and joyful perspective.

Also Read: 7 Different Relaxation Techniques for De-stressing

Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.

11
20

How Soon Can I Start my Exercise After Being Sick?

”How sick is too sick to exercise? When can I resume my workout?”, these questions can haunt anyone who strictly follows an exercise routine. No questions about the health benefits of exercising, however, strenuous exercises while recovering from a serious illness can be hazardous. Returning to exercise after sickness can be strenuous on the body and even intensify the symptoms of a sickness. Overtaxing your body after a prolonged illness can be risky. Your muscles would have been idle for weeks and will get sore a lot quicker. One could risk a muscle sprain or a tear.

Ideally, suffering from a common cold with the usual symptoms of a runny nose, or a sore throat is not a good reason to skip your exercise; instead exercising in this condition can help speed up your recovery. On the contrary, after a week or maybe a month-long of nasty illness, returning to regular exercise regimens can be a challenge.  It is a known fact that after a long illness, your cardio-respiratory fitness has drastically diminished and all your body energy is drained fighting the infection and jumping back to routine can do more harm than good. One’s immune system isn’t back to its full strength after fighting off an illness. Routine exercise increases immunity, but overtaxing your body could lead to a drop in immunity for the next 24 hours. 

Ideal Time To Start Your Workout

The answer is to Wait. Wait until your symptoms have disappeared. Wait until you have gained enough strength. Wait until your body decides you’re ready for it. For e.g., while recovering from a respiratory illness wait at least 2 weeks after your symptoms have resolved to start your workouts. Avoid working out even when you have a fever. Your body temperature is already high and exercising will not only cause your heart rate to increase but also dehydrate your body. You may also consult your doctor for advice on when you can start your workout and the intensity of workouts.

When you finally do start with your workouts, avoid being too harsh on yourself. Do not try to make up for all your missed days at the gym. Rather start with a workout plan that is of shorter duration and lower intensity. Over-working after a prolonged illness can result in elevated cortisol level which is an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive thus preventing the immune system from fighting infections towards repairing muscles and thus making your muscles sore. The depression of your immune system can cause the illness to come back, sometimes stronger than before. Make sure to stop when you feel dizzy or nauseated.

The aim should be to resume your workouts slowly and at the same time learning to listen to your body and in knowing when to stop considering your present health condition. Here are a few tips you can follow to resume your workouts:

Also Read: Does Skipping Reduce Weight? Examining the Facts and Myths

Chest congestion, severe hacking cough, and contagious illnesses warrant doing any exercises especially in the acute phase of illness without medical supervision, resting for at least 2 weeks for a good recovery could be helpful.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.

Test Yourself

Read More About 14 Things That Cause Fatigue

Tips To Prevent Relapse

If you’re running a fever, you should not work out, because the energy needed by your immune system to fight off bacterial infections will be compromised if you exercise. It is advisable to wait for atleast 48 hours after fever subsides before resuming exercising.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Tips For Resuming Workouts

Must Read About: How to Stay Fit and Healthy?

Follow the above-mentioned healthcare routine to resume your exercise schedule smoothly. Make a complete recovery and there won’t be anything keeping you away from returning to your previous levels of fitness.

Read More About: What Is the Best Time To Exercise?

Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients, and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.

28
4

Are Omicron-Specific Vaccines Really Required?

As the Omicron variant of COVID-19 started to wreak havoc around the world causing a steep rise in the number of cases, the authorities have been taken aback fearing another wave taking the lives of many as we saw in early 2021.

Thankfully, initial studies on the new variant indicate that Omicron is not as deadly as its predecessor, the Delta variant. It, however, is more contagious than the previous strains. So, the rapid increase in positivity rate has forced the global bodies to come up with a solution to this problem.

What do the experts suggest?

WHO periodically organizes consultations with an independent group of experts, the Technical Advisory Group on COVID-19 Vaccine Composition (TAG-CO-VAC), to review the evidence and analyse the implications of emerging variants on the performance of COVID-19 vaccines.

The body comprising independent experts suggested the need of more studies and research to understand if  the composition of the current COVID-19 vaccines may need to be changed to ensure that they provide higher protection against the Variants of Concern (VOCs), including Omicron or any other future strains.  

Some experts have  stressed on the need for COVID-19 vaccines to produce broader, stronger and lasting immune responses to eliminate the need for successive booster doses. They opined that a vaccination strategy that is based on repeated doses of the original vaccine composition is not sustainable or appropriate.

Do we need an Omicron-specific vaccine?

The WHO panel, however, did not recommend the need for an Omicron-specific vaccine at the moment. They said that this can only be considered once there is enough evidence and also requested the vaccine manufacturers to share data available to them.

Viruses keep on changing and newer variants with newer characteristics may appear in future. There are chances of more mutations coming up in future.

What’s the update on vaccines?

As many as 10 vaccine manufacturing companies around the world are currently working on bringing up vaccines for COVID-19. Moreover, a total of seven potential vaccine candidates that are still under development are being tested against the new variant. Some of these newer vaccines are expected to be released in the months to come.

Here is the list of vaccines that are under development –

UNICEF has explained that some of the above-mentioned candidates may be used as booster shots or independent vaccines against the virus.

Here is the list of already existing vaccines that are being tested against the new Omicron variant –

Furthermore, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has also started to study the effectiveness of already existing COVID-19 vaccines – Covishield and Covaxin – against the Omicron variant.

Takeaway

Studies are under process to understand the effectiveness of existing vaccines and also to evaluate the need for any modification in the vaccine composition for better protection against the newer variants. It is important for us to know that even the existing vaccines offer good protection against severe illness and death due to COVID. while We should therefore continue to get vaccinated (if eligible), and keep ourselves safe from this highly contagious variant of COVID-19. State governments across India have already imposed multiple restrictions to contain the spread of the virus and its variants. Now, it is our responsibility to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe from the virus. So, keep following the social protocols and stay healthy!

The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

Delmicron – What Is It And How Is It Different From Omicron?

When India is troubled by a steep rise in the cases of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, the United States and some European countries are facing an all-new threat called “Delmicron”. Now, you would be filled with so many queries like if this is a new variant of Coronavirus? If this is going to trigger the third wave? If it is deadlier or milder than the Omicron variant?

First of all, there is no need to panic and we are here to answer all your queries.

What is Delmicron?

Delmicron is not a new variant of Coronavirus, but as per the experts, it is the term used for the infections spreading together due to twin spikes of Delta and Omicron variants. The name has also been derived by combining the names of the previous two variants of COVID-19. The reason for coming up with this name was that both variants are being found all over the world. 

Currently, the US and UK are the COVID-19 hotbeds across the globe. According to the data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Omicron has already taken over the Delta variant with about 73 percent sequenced cases (by December 18). Just a week earlier, the Delta variant was dominating with a total of 87 percent caseload.

Even more shockingly, CDC has estimated that over 90 percent of the cases in portions of the Northwest, South, Southeast and Northeast are of the Omicron variant. These numbers clearly show that the US is battling both variants at the same time. The UK is also facing a similar situation with the number of cases rising rapidly.

Delmicron Symptoms

The symptoms of the Delmicron are similar to Delta and Omicron variants of COVID-19. Please have a look at the most common symptoms reported by the patients:

The researchers have claimed that both, Omicron and Delta variants, are highly transmissible. The UK government scientists, however, have claimed that people who contract the Delta variant are more likely to fall sick with serious symptoms than those who get infected with the Omicron variant.

Various variants in India 

The Indian scientists are yet to figure out how the Omicron variant would behave in the localities where there is widespread exposure to the Delta variant. Some of them, however, think that the Omicron variant would not affect the Indian population as badly as the Delta strain of COVID-19.

Looking at the high transmissibility of the Omicron variant, some experts believe that even if a majority of people report mild symptoms, third wave can affect a larger population. The total number of hospitalisations can still be higher if we do not limit the spread of this virus. Are we on the brink of the third COVID-19 wave?

India has started to feel the heat of carelessly celebrating the holiday season of the New Year 2022. On Friday, 7th Jan 2022, India has reported 1,17,100 cases of COVID-19 infection which is way higher than a few weeks earlier when there were just about 5,000 cases being recorded in a day. It would not be wrong to say that we are heading towards yet another wave of COVID pandemic.

Takeaway

The governments of respective states have started to impose night curfews and close down schools and cinema halls, but all this would be futile if we as the citizen of India do not understand our responsibility and abide by the social protocols established by the government. All of us must avoid social gatherings, wear a mask whenever outside and maintain physical distancing at public places. Getting vaccinated is also one of our main responsibilities to protect ourselves and our country from the dreadful effects of COVID-19.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

How To Stay Safe This Holiday Season Amidst Omicron?

The holiday season is just around the corner as we are about to wrap up the year 2021. It definitely was not as anyone would have expected it to be but together, we somehow managed to emerge victorious over the Delta variant of COVID-19 that had wreaked havoc around the world in mid-2021.

Well, we might have won a battle against COVID-19 but the war is far from over as the virus has struck back with a brand new variant named Omicron, and with winter celebrations and New Year in the offing, its spread is most likely to become rampant all across the world.

There, however, are still some ways that can help us in containing the spread of the Omicron variant despite it being more contagious than the Delta variant. Below, we have mentioned some expert advice on how to stay and keep your family members safe during the holiday season amid the Omicron crisis. Have a look:

1. Keep that mask on

Apart from avoiding huge gatherings, you should also maintain at least a six-feet distance from others when outdoors. Masks have not yet become optional accessories but continue to be an essential safety net in the war against COVID-19. 

One must wear their mask properly so it covers their nose and mouth.

2. Avoid confined places

This is the first thing you need to do to save yourself from contracting this virus. While the scientists are yet to ascertain if Omicron is more severe than the Delta variant, experts have advised not to join any large gatherings and to prefer being outdoors instead of attending or throwing indoor events.

3. Research before travelling

As people tend to travel a lot during the New Year festive season, the experts have advised people to be a little more flexible about the place they want to visit. Doing some research about the place you want to visit and finding out the active number of COVID-19 cases in the locality can help you in staying safe. Moreover, you can also find out the vaccination coverage in the particular region to better evaluate the risk of visiting there.

Gather with others who are up-to-date on their vaccines and who you can count on to not come if they have symptoms. Smaller gatherings can be lower risk than larger gatherings. Gatherings held outdoors are lower risk for spread than indoor gatherings. All this reduces your risk of spreading a virus.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

4. Get vaccinated as soon as possible

The Indian healthcare system has impressively covered a huge number of people in terms of COVID-19 vaccinations but still, there are a lot of people who are either yet to receive their second dose or have not got jabbed even once. So, the best possible way to prevent the Omicron infection is to get vaccinated on priority. There are speculations that the new variant may be able to cause breakthrough infection, but nothing is confirmed as of now. Furthermore, the initial studies prove that the Omicron virus can dodge immunity only to some extent. Hence, getting jabbed is the best defence mechanism we can opt for at the moment.

5. Get the rapid test kits handy

While travelling outstation, it is a good practice to keep some rapid test kits handy to determine if you have contracted the virus or not. Despite not being fully accurate, they can largely help in diagnosing the infection in the early days helping you to get early treatment as well as isolation.

6. Safety First

Do not ignore any symptoms of illness- fever, sore/scratch throat, weakness, body ache etc. Isolate yourself, consult a doctor and do not meet other people till you are not sure of your disease. It is important for the safety of your loved ones.  

Also Read: Is Covishield Effective Against Omicron?

Takeaway

COVID-19 was about to enter the endemic stage before the Omicron variant first appeared in South Africa and has spread to several countries since then. India itself has reported over 200 cases as of now, with Delhi and Maharashtra being the hub of the spread with 54 cases each. Hence, it is our responsibility to celebrate the upcoming holiday season cautiously and contain the spread of this variant before it becomes rampant. Virtual parties can be a safe and happy mode of celebration. Avoid any unnecessary travel, act responsibly and don’t forget to keep your masks on!

Also Read: Precautions to Take Against The Omicron Variant

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

Omicron Variant – What Is Known Till Now?

When the world had started believing that COVID-19 is about to enter the endemic stage, the virus has struck back with a brand new variant named Omicron, also known as B.1.1.529. The new variant has reignited the speculations over the emergence of a third COVID-19 wave in India, which can completely disrupt our life. As per the initial research, the new variant has a high amount of spike mutations that were never recorded before.

Omicron seems to be very rampant in terms of spreading as its cases did not take many days to pop up in many other countries after first being reported in South Africa. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has listed Omicron as a “variant of concern”.

Where was Omicron first detected?

The newest variant of SARS-CoV-2 was first reported to the WHO on November 24, 2021. The variant was detected in the specimen collected on November 11 in Botswana and on November 14 in South Africa.

Soon after receiving the report, WHO classified Omicron as a variant of concern on November 26, followed by the United States on November 30 before the country recorded its first case on December 1. The next day, India recorded its first two cases of the Omicron variant.

What are the symptoms of the Omicron variant?

With the limited number of cases recorded so far, there is only a little information available about the symptoms. It has been said that the Omicron variant can present itself with extreme tiredness, body aches, throat discomfort (scratching or soreness), fever and some headache.

As the number of cases has been very low so far, there can be a possibility of this strain presenting severe symptoms in some people. Hence, experts are suggesting not to take this variant lightly.

Should we worry?

The Omicron variant likely will spread more easily than some of the previous variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and how easily Omicron spreads compared to Delta remains unknown. More data are needed to know if Omicron infections and especially reinfections and breakthrough infections in people who are fully vaccinated, cause more severe illness or death than infection with other variants. Scientists are working to determine how well existing treatments for COVID-19 work. Based on the changed genetic make-up of Omicron, some treatments are likely to remain effective while others may be less effective.

Will the vaccines work against the Omicron variant?

Current vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations and deaths due to infection with COVID-19 and also the Omicron variant. However, breakthrough infections in people who are fully vaccinated are likely to occur. With other variants, like Delta, vaccines have remained effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations and death. The recent emergence of Omicron further emphasizes the importance of vaccination and boosters.

Takeaway

Scientists are working to learn more about the Omicron variant to better understand how easy it might be transmitted and the effectiveness of currently authorized or approved medical countermeasures, such as vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostic tests, against this variant. New information about the virologic, epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of the Omicron variant is rapidly emerging. Scientific bodies recommend wearing a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high community transmission, regardless of vaccination status.

Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.

Are Erectile Dysfunction & Premature Ejaculation Getting More Common In Young Men?

Sex is sacred but there are a lot of abnormalities that most commonly makes the experience of sex ‘stressful’. On the occasion of International Men’s Day that falls on November 19th, we will come across the most common problems occurring these days in young men during sex – Erectile Dysfunction and Premature Ejaculation.

Widely, there is a misconception that sexual problems like Erectile Dysfunction and Premature Ejaculation, by and large, occur in adults but with several surveys that are conducted in recent years, it is found that younger males are more prone to ED and PE. Young adults also feel uncomfortable discussing these problems due to the myth that only adults face such problems.

A recent study conducted by Co-op Pharmacy suggested that nearly 50 per cent of men in their 30s often struggle with the problem of ED. The most common complication among them is stress from their work and personal life.

Around 30-60% of individuals with ED also tend to experience PE. Additionally, ED may lead to PE when people rush to ejaculate because they know they cannot sustain an erection and develop a habit. If a doctor suspects a person has ED and PE, they will typically treat ED first, which often improves PE.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

What is Erectile Dysfunction?

ED or Erectile Dysfunction is the trouble of maintaining an erection of the penis that is firm enough for intercourse. Males face this problem, leading to dissatisfaction during sexual intercourse for both partners.

This is also important to know that if the problem of ED arises sometimes, like when a person is under the influence of some kind of drugs, it might not be concerning. If this is happening too often or every time you are having a sexual encounter, this needs to be taken seriously and proper treatment is a must.

Psychological causes are the most common among the youngsters for ED. Stress, lack of confidence, relationship issues and depression stops you from experiencing pleasure while having sex and eventually it turns into a lack of interest along with fatigue and sadness. This is the most common cause of erectile dysfunction among young adults and teenagers.

One most common causes of ED among younger men are related to watching porn that is named porn-induced erectile dysfunction (PIED). Pornographic videos lead to unrealistic expectations of having sexual intercourse with your partner. Reality has a wider perspective to this as intercourse depends on the body to body. Not everyone likes or can have the same kind of sex. What you expect during sex, might not be the choice of your partner and this may further add to the stress.

Erectile dysfunction and symptoms of infertility are often considered synonymous, but this is not true. Having an erectile dysfunction does not mean that a man cannot father children. Erectile dysfunction does not have a direct impact on fertility. However, it can make it harder for the couple to conceive.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.

Causes of ED

There are many causes of Erectile Dysfunction but the most common include psychological, neurological, and lifestyle-related issues. Physical and Emotional factors also contribute to ED. Stress, anxiety and loss of sleep are a few of the most common causes of ED and this is due to the unhealthy lifestyle, the younger generations usually follow nowadays.

Erectile Dysfunction causes include:

Symptoms & Complications of ED

Good sex life is very important at a certain age for both males and females as a healthy sex life also improves the quality of life. It is important to visit professionals to discuss the problems related to sexual activities. Below are a few symptoms that a male goes through if he is facing Erectile Dysfunction:

Treatment

What is Premature Ejaculation?

Having sex is not important but ‘enjoying sex’ is important. Premature Ejaculation is a type of sexual dysfunction where a man has an orgasm and ejects semen sooner than his partner’s desire. In simple words, a ‘climax too quickly is all about PE. A National Survey of Sexual Attitudes reported that 4.5% of young men aged between 16 to 21 face the most common sexual problem of premature ejaculation.

Experts say that PE is not a sign of a serious health problem but it largely affects the emotional wellbeing of teenagers or young adults.

Various factors affect quick ejaculation in teenagers and young adults. Some common ones include – less knowledge about sex, lack of sexual experience, possible interference of masturbation and poor self-perception of who we are sexually attracted to. It is also important to understand that sex is about having pleasure and erotically creativity rather than having intense or aggressive intercourse. Unusual expectations during sex also lead to premature ejaculation among teenagers.

Treatment

There are many ways to treat premature ejaculation and it depends on its intensity.

Takeaway

ED & PE is a completely normal and common type of sexual concern that affects several young men. The prime cause of erectile dysfunction in younger aged men is emotional, psychological or relationship-related issues that can be easily managed with professional help (psychiatrist). Any of these home remedies, medicines and natural treatments can help you manage your symptoms. Inform your doctor if you have any history of allergy to medicines (if experienced in the past).

If your symptoms persist, consult your doctor to rule out any underlying causes and explore other treatment options.

Also Read: What Causes Morning Wood: A Scientific Explanation


Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

4

World Men’s Day – Are Urological Disorders Challenging Your Manhood?

We all know that diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular diseases are life-threatening but the good thing about these conditions is that you can talk about them without being subjected to any kind of ridicule or shame. On the other hand, Urological Disorders continue to be a taboo that people do not like to speak about even with their friends.

With World Men’s Day just around the corner (November 19), we would like to take this opportunity to highlight some of the most common urological disorders men face at least once in their lifetime and prefer not to talk about them because of a “social stigma” attached to them.

Additionally, you can also take health checkups to understand your health better. 

Most Common Urological Disorders in Men:

  1. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

BPH basically means an enlarged prostate, which usually affects older men. Apart from being a very troublesome condition, it can be dangerous too. In this condition, the prostate, which is a walnut-sized gland found between the bladder and the male reproductive organ, gets bigger than its usual size and causes trouble in urination.

The most common symptoms of BPH include:

  1. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

In this urological condition, a man experiences pain or burning sensation while urinating. Some people also experience cloudy urine after contracting UTI. There are some specific tests available to ascertain if the person is suffering from UTI or has some other condition.

UTI is easily treatable with a round of antibiotics prescribed by your doctor.

  1. Over Active bladder(OAB)

Overactive bladder is a combination of symptoms that can cause you to need to urinate more frequently, have more urgency, experience incontinence (leakage) and a need to urinate at night. 

  1. Prostatitis

Prostatitis is a very prevalent condition among men. In it, the prostate gland gets swollen and inflamed. This condition presents itself with various troubling symptoms like pain while urinating, fever coupled with chills and pain in the abdominal, lower back and pelvic area (area of- the lower body in which the legs are attached).

Due to presenting similar symptoms, people usually confuse prostatitis with urinary tract infection. Hence, it is advised to see a urologist for an accurate diagnosis of the problem and opting the right course of treatment. Generally, antibiotics treat this problem effectively.

  1. Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

Erectile Dysfunction or ED refers to a condition in which a man finds it difficult to get or maintain an erection. There are plenty of modes of treatments available for this urological condition including medications, surgery, psychological counselling, lifestyle changes, testosterone replacement and acupuncture. The lifestyle changes that can help are weight loss, quitting to smoke, reducing stress and following a strict exercise regime. Additionally, inform your doctor if you have any history of allergy to medicines (if experienced in the past).

  1. Infertility

This is also a very prevalent urological condition among men these days. The main causes of infertility among men, when they cannot conceive a child, are abnormal sperm production, genetic defects, underlying health conditions like diabetes, undescended testicles, trauma or prior surgeries on the testicles and prior infections like mumps.

When you are unable to conceive a child for over a year, you should immediately see a gynaecologist, an endocrinologist to diagnose the actual problem and begin with an accurate treatment plan.

  1. Kidney Stones

This is a very common problem among the masses these days. It happens when minerals and other crystals, like uric acid and calcium, accumulate in the kidneys or any other part of the urinary tract. This causes a lot of pain and is really difficult to pass. These, however, are very easily diagnosable. The treatment for kidney stones is ascertained depending upon their size and location.

The doctors use medications to reduce the size of the stone to make it easily passable. There can be instances like the large size of the stone or it blocking the flow of urine when a surgical procedure may be required to remove them.

  1. Prostate Cancer

The second biggest reason behind cancer-related deaths among men is prostate cancer. It begins with the uncontrolled, abnormal growth of cells in the prostate gland. Some of the most common causes of this kind of cancer are age, race, ethnicity and family history.

The best way to prevent and successfully treat prostate cancer is early detection of the disease. Experts suggest men should go for a regular prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test along with a digital rectal examination every year once they turn 40. The doctors decide the course of treatment depending upon the state of the disease. The treatment options include surgery, medications, radiation therapy and active surveillance.

Takeaway

Urological disorders are very common among men these days and they usually suffer in silence which leads to bigger troubles in the future. Instead of feeling ashamed of these common issues, people should treat these like every other health condition and see a doctor immediately to avoid any further complications. Avoid self-medicating and see a doctor immediately to avoid any further complications.

Also Read: Sperm Cramp: Causes, Symptoms, And Being Informed About Men’s Health

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

2

Reality Check! Will The COVID-19 Pandemic Enter The Endemic Stage In 2022?

We all have understood that COVID-19 is here to stay and we will have to make our peace with this fact. Similar to Influenza, some experts opine that SARS CoV-2 may also enter the endemic stage. What does this really mean and how is our behaviour significant at this time? Let’s find out.

 What does endemic mean?

The endemic stage stands for a time when a population learns to live with a particular virus. The region where the virus has entered the endemic stage may keep observing small flare-ups of the spread but those would not be big enough to spread beyond the boundaries of that particular region. Moreover, the spread also does not become as overwhelming as it was during the pandemic or epidemic stages.

What are the experts most concerned about?

Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the Chief Medical Advisor to the US President, Dr Anthony Fauci believes that the world would start seeing a decline in the number of cases in the coming spring, while Moderna’s CEO, Stéphane Bancel claims that the pandemic would be over within next one year.

Some experts believe that the cases of COVID-19 are going to see a steady decline in the winter season

The only challenge in the way of the virus entering the endemic stage is ‘human behaviour’, claimed the experts. One of the biggest reasons behind the second wave of infection was the careless attitude of people around the world who believed that the worst was over. Expressing the same concern, CDC Director Dr Rochelle Walensky said, “We are battling with one another and not battling with the common foe, which is the virus itself.”

Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has also claimed that the pandemic is still far from over and it totally depends upon the countries to use the available tools effectively to decide when it finally comes to an end.

Can we be optimistic?

Optimism is totally justified, given people understand their responsibility. Experts have claimed that it is quite natural to be optimistic and believe that the pandemic would end in the next year, but it is important to understand that controlling it would require a global solution.

Learnings from past experiences of pandemics like that of Flu give us some idea of how this pandemic can proceed towards endemicity, but nothing can be assured at this point of time till further studies affirm this. 

Role of immunity in ending the pandemic

According to the experts, immunization has a major role to play when talking about COVID-19 cases. We need to encourage more and more people to get vaccinated.

Some experts have also claimed that an optional booster dose of vaccine may help the high-risk population from getting severe symptoms due to COVID infection. Challenges in the way of COVID-19 entering the endemic stage. Vaccination is the most effective way of containing the spread of the virus, vaccine hesitancy, especially among children, is the biggest roadblock in the way of the virus getting into the endemic stage.

The experts have advised people to get vaccinated on priority as this is the safest way possible to try and make a place COVID-19-free. With the belief that the virus is going to remain in circulation even after a year, we need to be alert to combat every situation.

Studies and research are still going on and no one can actually state what’s going to come next. The virus has surprised us in the part and there is no guarantee it would not do it again, so dropping the guard against the virus may not be a good idea. Social distancing, hand hygiene, respiratory etiquettes, wearing a mask and avoiding crowded places should remain the norms of conducting ourselves in future too.  

Also Read: Omicron Variant: Risks & Safety Precautions

Takeaway

The health experts around the world are convinced that the COVID-19 pandemic is bound to enter the endemic stage sometime in the next year, but it is up to us how we conduct ourselves during the period to expedite the process.

Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation

1

Has COVID-19 been bigger trouble for HIV patients? Read to know

COVID-19 has been a pandemic everyone of us just wants to be over and forget these horrifying couple of years once and for all. It has not been an easy situation to handle for any of us ever since it first appeared in central China back in December 2019. It, however, has been even tougher for certain people who have a weaker immune system.

Many studies have proven that COVID-19 is even deadlier for those whose immune system isn’t up to the mark or are suffering from a condition that compromises their immune system.

It would not be wrong to say that people who are already suffering from Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) have been the most troubled lot amongst the people susceptible of getting severe symptoms and hospitalisation due to the respiratory infection.

What did the experts anticipate?

Ever since the coronavirus started spreading across the globe, the healthcare community was worried that it was going to severely affect HIV patients and those with a compromised immune system.

The anticipation was not wrong as the weaker immune system of HIV patients might not have played a role in making them more prone to get infected but it most certainly increased the chances of a more severe case of COVID-19, once the virus was contracted.

Lauren K. Barbera, from the University of Colorado and her teammates, in a review article published in HIV Research and Clinical Practice, have claimed that the recent studies have proven that people with HIV (PWH) are at a bigger risk of suffering from a severe disease on contracting COVID-19, even if they have fairly controlled HIV infection.

The review paper submitted by Barbera and her colleagues had combined a total of 212 articles published on the subject from March 2020 to July 2021.

What do the studies suggest?

A real extensive study, conducted on over three million patients in South Africa, suggests that HIV patients have a two-fold bigger risk of COVID-19 death, irrespective of CD4 count or HIV viral load. Some other studies have also suggested similar outcomes for HIV patients.

In yet another shocking stat, people living with HIV, who are about 0.7 percent of the world’s population, accounted for about 0.5 to 1.5 percent of COVID-19 cases around the globe.

The correlation between COVID-19 and HIV

Discussed below are some facts giving a more clear picture of the correlation between COVID-19 and HIV. Have a look:

Presenting similar symptoms

Fever, shortness of breath, cough and cold are some of the most common symptoms of COVID-19. Other symptoms may include muscle pain, loss of smell and taste and headaches.

The authors of the study, conducted on 286 people with HIV, have found that they noticed similar symptoms in them too. People with HIV should consult their doctor even if they notice the slightest discomfort or any of the above-mentioned symptoms. 

More chances of a severe case

The review also claimed that a lot of studies and case reports suggest that people suffering from HIV, who contract COVID-19 infection, are more susceptible to be severely ill or get admitted to ICU than the people who do not have HIV. 

The reviewers also claimed that the mortality rate due to COVID-19 is also higher among HIV patients. The study quoted in the review to support the mortality rate is based on a study conducted in the United Kingdom that proved it to be true. The number of deaths reported in the study, however, was relatively low. 

More impact on mental health

As we all know, social distancing, quarantining and self-isolation due to COVID-19 has had a huge impact on the mental health of people in the recent past. According to Barbara and her teammates, the studies have found the impact to be even bigger on the minds of HIV patients.

One of the studies in the review submitted by the team of the University of Colorado proved that people suffering from HIV were more concerned about their physical health, mental health, accommodations and finances during the pandemic.

The researchers also pointed out that telemedicine played a big role in preventing these mental issues turn into something serious due to the privacy and flexibility it offers but the HIV patients had to overcome the barriers of socioeconomic status, digital literacy and reimbursement issues.

Takeaway

As expected, HIV patients had to be even more cautious during the COVID-19 pandemic because of their compromised immune systems and should continue their treatment and follow-ups for HIV. There, however, was a silver lining that they also had to take the same precautions to avoid contracting the virus as a non-HIV infected l person. 

As we are advancing towards endemicity in India, we should not lower our guard against the virus. We all should unite to follow all the precautionary measures like social distancing, wearing a mask, frequently washing our hands, and getting vaccinated as soon as possible to finally kick this virus out of our country.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

Next Page »« Previous Page