Latest news with #VikasMittal
India Today
13 hours ago
- Health
- India Today
Buckets in AC rooms? More risk, zero reward, says expert
In the midst of rising concerns about dry indoor air and its impact on respiratory health, particularly during peak summer months, a growing number of social media posts and home remedies have recommended keeping a bucket of water in an air-conditioned room to 'balance' humidity levels. But is this really effective, or even safe?To separate fact from fiction, we spoke with Dr Vikas Mittal, a seasoned Pulmonologist at Wellness Home Clinic & Sleep Center, Delhi, who strongly dismisses this age-old hack as both 'ineffective and potentially hazardous.'advertisement'No, I don't think so,' Dr Mittal said when asked if keeping a bucket of water in an AC room helps retain humidity. I don't believe that placing a bucket of water in an AC room really helps to maintain humidity. To help with this, the water needs to be in vapor form, which is typically achieved through a humidifier. This cannot happen just by keeping a bucket of water in a room.'WHY DRY AIR IS A PROBLEM FOR YOUR LUNGS? Explaining how air-conditioning systems work, Dr Mittal highlighted that ACs actively remove moisture from the air, which leads to lower humidity and, in turn, drier respiratory passages.'An air conditioner works on the principle of removing moisture from the air to cool it. It circulates the air and extracts moisture, which results in dry air. "This dryness can cause thickening of respiratory secretions and dryness of the air passages,' he can be especially problematic for people with chronic respiratory conditions like COPD, asthma, or sinusitis, as thickened mucus can lead to sputum retention and even secondary infections.'In people with chronic lung disease, this can increase stress on the airways and sputum retention, potentially leading to infections,' he warned. 'Prolonged exposure to dry air can also exacerbate symptoms of conditions like sinusitis and allergies, further contributing to respiratory discomfort.'HIDDEN DANGERS OF THAT WATER BUCKETApart from being ineffective, keeping a bucket of water in an enclosed space comes with serious safety risks, especially in homes with young children or elderly family members.'The stagnant water can also become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold, especially in an environment with fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels. This could potentially lead to health problems, including respiratory infections and allergic reactions,' said Dr leading home safety organisations caution against leaving open water containers in living areas for extended periods, not just due to slip hazards but because of the risk of vector-borne diseases like dengue and chikungunya in the Indian subcontinent, especially during HUMIDITY MATTERS?Beyond respiratory issues, Dr Mittal pointed out that humidity affects multiple aspects of well-being and comfort in indoor humidity can lead to dry skin, irritated eyes, and sore throats. It can also affect wooden furniture and instruments, causing them to crack. Proper humidification is essential in maintaining an optimal indoor climate, especially in environments where air conditioning is heavily used,' he ALTERNATIVEDr Mittal's advice is clear, He says ditch the bucket and buy a proper humidifier.'A better solution would be to invest in a commercial humidifier or a cool mist humidifier that is designed to safely and effectively add moisture to the air,' he said. 'These devices are specifically built to disperse water vapor into the air, which is the most effective way to maintain indoor humidity levels between 40-60%.'What's more, modern humidifiers come equipped with filters and purifying technology, which help in reducing allergens, dust, and pollutants, which is a major bonus for those suffering from asthma or seasonal allergies.'Humidifiers come with filters that help in purifying the air, which could further assist in reducing airborne irritants, pollen, and dust,' said Dr Mittal. 'Regular cleaning and maintenance of these humidifiers are necessary to prevent bacterial growth and ensure they continue to function effectively.'Placing a bucket of water in an air-conditioned room is neither a scientifically sound nor safe practice. If you're concerned about dryness, especially due to respiratory conditions or general discomfort, Dr Mittal along with decades of indoor air research strongly recommends using a humidifier I believe that using a bucket of water is neither a practical nor safe alternative to proper humidification,' Dr Mittal reiterated. 'There are many affordable, commercially available humidifiers and cool mist humidifiers that can be used to retain moisture in the air.'For anyone looking to improve their indoor air quality this summer, it's time to move from jugaad to smart, safe solutions.- EndsMust Watch
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Doctors Warn Of Parasitic Infection From Stray Dogs
New Delhi: In a disturbing case of medical misdiagnosis, an 18-year-old boy was treated for tuberculosis (TB) for six months before doctors discovered that he was actually suffering from a parasitic lung infection, likely contracted from close contact with a stray dog. The patient experienced persistent coughing and fatigue—symptoms typically associated with TB. Based on his clinical presentation, he was put on a full course of anti-tuberculosis therapy. However, when his condition failed to improve, further diagnostic tests at CK Birla Hospital revealed the real cause: hydatid disease, a zoonotic infection caused by tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus. "This is not as uncommon as it sounds," said Dr Vikas Mittal, director of pulmonology at CK Birla Hospital. "Zoonotic infections—those transmitted from animals to humans—can closely mimic common illnesses like TB. If clinicians don't consider them, patients may be misdiagnosed and given unnecessary treatments." You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi Hydatid disease is spread through microscopic eggs found in the feces of infected dogs. These eggs can stick to the animal's fur, soil or dust and can enter the human body through hand-to-mouth contact, if hands are not washed after petting or feeding stray dogs and cats. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo This can happen even with handling pets at home if they are not dewormed regularly. O nce inside the body, the parasite can form cysts in vital organs such as the lungs, brain or liver, and cause pressure symptoms at the affected site. If the lungs are affected, it can cause respiratory distress, chest pain and general fatigue. These symptoms often mimic those of more common illnesses like TB, leading to misdiagnosis. According to experts, general physicians often diagnose tuberculosis solely on the basis of chest X-ray findings, without seeking specialist consultation or further investigation. This contributes significantly to misdiagnoses—especially in cases where radiological features overlap with other conditions. Dr Mittal said that in this case, the patient was suffering from a complicated, ruptured hydatid cyst in the lungs, which led to the accumulation of fluid in the chest cavity. He needed chest tube drainage to extract the fluid, a symptom that initially pointed towards TB. However, several indicators of a hydatid cyst were overlooked by the radiologist, possibly due to insufficient awareness, resulting in an incorrect diagnosis. Delhi and other Indian cities with large populations of free-roaming dogs are particularly vulnerable to such infections. Public health experts warn that while feeding or petting stray animals may seem harmless, it can carry serious health risks. "People think infections only come from bites, but many parasites don't need bite to spread," Dr Mittal pointed out. "Simple hygiene practices like hand washing can go a long way in preventing these infections. " Hydatid disease is listed as a neglected tropical disease by World Health Organization and is often underdiagnosed in resource-limited settings due to low awareness and limited access to advanced diagnostic tools. Experts advise people, particularly pet owners and those who regularly interact with strays, to inform their doctors about any animal exposure when reporting respiratory symptoms. In many cases, a simple additional test could prevent months of ineffective and potentially harmful treatment. They advise the public to avoid close contact with stray animals, maintain hygiene and seek a second opinion if common treatments fail to show results.
New Indian Express
12-06-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Spike in Delhi's COVID-19 cases takes tally to 757; 66 new cases on June 11
NEW DELHI: With 66 new cases identified on Wednesday and seven deaths in the past 12 days, Delhi's cumulative COVID-19 load now stands at 757. A day ago, 42 cases were added. Doctors report a significant rise in patients coming in with symptoms similar to COVID-19 with patients from vulnerable groups disproportionately affected by the disease. Since January this year, the national capital has recorded a total of 1,232 cases that have resulted in discharge. The city reported eight deaths during the period. As per Health department officials, Covid-19 was an incidental finding among many of the deceased patients. 'If we look at the history of the deceased, most of them were already suffering from some illnesses, admitted for surgery or belonged to vulnerable groups. These people are already predisposed to the severe illnesses caused by Covid-19,' a senior official said. 'In the first case from Maharashtra, the 44-year-old male passed away due to a combination of severe ARDS, dilated aortic regurgitation, and a Covid-19 infection. The virus was not considered the primary cause of his death,' said senior pulmonolgist Dr Vikas Mittal. Senior consultant Dr Neetu Jain said cases with symptoms similar to Covid-19 are rising and the new variant appears to be more transmissible compared to the previous strains.
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First Post
31-05-2025
- Health
- First Post
Doctor explains: Smoking doesn't relieve stress — here's what really happens
Tobacco use may provide temporary stress relief by triggering dopamine release in the brain, but over time it leads to dependence, ultimately worsening anxiety and stress. Effective quitting methods include nicotine replacement therapies, medications, and behavioral support. Firstpost brings out expert insights on understanding and overcoming tobacco addiction. read more Tobacco use continues to be a leading cause of preventable diseases and death in India, with rising concerns over its impact on both physical and mental health. Beyond its well-known link to cancer and heart disease, tobacco use is deeply tied to issues like stress, infertility, skin damage and even silent heart conditions. To raise awareness and dispel common myths, Dr. Vikas Mittal, Director - Pulmonologist, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi talked to Firstpost to shed light on the often-overlooked dangers of tobacco and how individuals can effectively quit the habit. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How does tobacco use affect the brain, especially to stress and anxiety? Tobacco contains nicotine, which, upon reaching the brain, triggers the release of dopamine, a chemical associated with pleasure and stress relief. This creates a temporary sense of relaxation. However, over time, the brain becomes dependent on nicotine to maintain this effect. When nicotine levels drop, withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and stress emerge. This leads to a vicious cycle where smoking appears to relieve stress, but actually contributes to and intensifies it over time. What are some scientifically proven ways to manage tobacco cravings effectively? There are effective medical treatments for managing tobacco addiction. Pharmacological therapies like Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)—including nicotine gums, patches, and lozenges—are widely used. Medications such as bupropion and varenicline can also reduce cravings and ease withdrawal. Behavioral interventions, particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and lifestyle modifications play a crucial role in increasing the chances of quitting successfully. Why is early exposure to tobacco particularly dangerous for adolescents, and how quickly can dependence develop in youth? The adolescent brain is still developing, making it highly vulnerable to nicotine. Exposure during teenage years can lead to addiction quickly—sometimes within weeks. Early use not only increases the risk of lifelong dependence but also makes the brain more susceptible to other addictions, including illicit substances. What are some of the underestimated short-term health improvements people often experience within weeks of quitting tobacco? Health improvements begin almost immediately after quitting. Within 20 minutes, heart rate and blood pressure drop. In 48 to 72 hours, taste and smell begin to improve, and carbon monoxide levels normalise. Lung function can improve within two to three weeks, reducing coughing and breathlessness. These early benefits are encouraging and crucial in motivating continued cessation. What impact does smoking have on skin health and sexual well-being? Smoking causes premature aging and wrinkles due to reduced blood flow. It impairs wound healing, especially post-surgery. In men, smoking can lead to impotence and erectile dysfunction. In women, it reduces fertility, affects egg quality, and can cause early menopause. Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of preterm delivery, low birth weight, and complications for both mother and baby. Can diet play a role in helping someone quit tobacco? If so, which foods are most beneficial? Yes, a healthy diet supports quitting efforts. Foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals—like fruits and vegetables—can curb cravings. Dairy products may make cigarettes taste unpleasant. Fruits high in vitamin C, such as oranges and guavas, help reduce oxidative damage. Caffeine and alcohol should be avoided as they can intensify nicotine cravings. What are the most common triggers for relapse, and how can they be avoided? Common relapse triggers include peer pressure, stress, emotional instability, and alcohol. Avoiding smoking environments and individuals who encourage the habit is crucial. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle—adequate sleep, exercise, and a balanced diet—can improve emotional resilience. Identifying personal triggers and replacing them with alternatives like chewing gum, walking, or hobbies is key. Support from family, peers, or cessation groups also greatly helps. How dangerous are silent symptoms of tobacco-induced heart conditions, and what should people watch for? Silent symptoms like shortness of breath, chest tightness, fatigue, and persistent coughing are often ignored. These signs may indicate serious damage to the heart and lungs. Smokers should be alert to these symptoms and undergo regular heart and lung screenings to detect conditions early and manage them effectively. How do nicotine replacement therapies compare to natural cessation strategies like lifestyle changes and dietary support? Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is proven to reduce withdrawal symptoms and increase cessation success rates. While lifestyle changes and dietary adjustments can support quitting, they usually lack the effectiveness of medical therapies. For best results, a combination of both approaches is recommended under medical supervision. Are e-cigarettes a safer alternative to regular cigarettes, or do they pose their health risks? E-cigarettes eliminate many harmful toxins found in traditional cigarettes, making them relatively less harmful. However, they still contain nicotine and harmful vapors that can cause acute lung injury. Severe cases have involved mechanical ventilation and life-threatening complications. The long-term health effects remain uncertain, and early evidence raises serious concerns.
New Indian Express
28-05-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Delhi hospitals report rise in patients with flu-like symptoms
NEW DELHI: OPDs are witnessing a surge in patients with flu-like symptoms amid a fresh rise in Covid-19 cases linked to a new SARS-CoV-2 variant. In response, hospitals have started issuing advisories urging staff to avoid gatherings within the premises and reintroduce social distancing protocols. Dr Vikas Mittal, Director, Department of Respiratory Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Punjabi Bagh and Director Wellness Home Clinic and Sleep Centre said there has been a spike in OPD with cases of flu. 'Yes we are seeing flu like cases in our OPD and personal level we are taking precautions,' he said.
