Latest news with #WockhardtHospitals
Indian Express
01-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Why you must never drink water from that plastic bottle lying in the car
After sipping water, many of us tend to leave plastic water bottles inside our cars. But this common practice can wreak havoc on your health and is 'risky,' say experts. Plastic bottles left in a hot car can potentially harm one's health because of chemical leaching, especially when the plastic is subjected to high temperatures. Health risks 'Leaving plastic water bottles inside cars under the scorching sun is a common habit and can be risky. When plastic bottles are exposed to high temperatures, mainly inside closed vehicles, they may carry harmful chemicals like Bisphenol A (BPA) and Antimony into the water. These substances lead to hormonal imbalance and raise the risk of cancer over prolonged exposure,' said Dr Manjusha Agarwal, senior consultant, internal medicine, Gleneagles Hospital Parel Mumbai. The majority of plastic bottles contain polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which, under heat stress, will leach dangerous chemicals such as antimony and bisphenol A (BPA) into the water,' added Dr Rituja Ugalmugle, internal medicine, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central. Even at low doses, repeated exposures may underlie long-term health effects, asserted Dr Ugalmugle. 'BPA is one example, an endocrine disruptor with the potential to compromise hormone function, potentially affecting metabolism and cardiovascular status and enhancing the risk of insulin resistance. Antimony, a metalloid, has been implicated in some research as causing gastrointestinal irritation as well as even organ toxicity with long-term exposure,' said Dr Ugalmugle. Here's what you should consider (/Thinkstock) Moreover, heating can also release microplastics, which may enter the body and accumulate in organs, causing inflammation or other long-term issues, said Dr Agarwal. What to note? It's important to remember that most plastic bottles are meant for single use and are not designed to withstand repeated heat exposure. 'Hence, avoid drinking water from bottles left in hot environments for your health and safety. Replace those plastic bottles with stainless steel or glass bottles, which are safer alternatives and better for the environment and your health. Try to carry a bottle from your home to avoid drinking water from plastic bottles. Be mindful and avoid plastic usage,' said Dr Agarwal.
Hindustan Times
22-04-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Pope Francis dies at 88: Know what is double pneumonia, the illness for which he was in the hospital for 5 weeks
Pope Francis died of a stroke, causing a coma and 'irreversible' heart failure, according to his death certificate released by the Vatican Monday. He had been battling double pneumonia since earlier this year and had been staying at Rome's Gemelli Hospital. Here's all you need to know about the life-threatening illness he battled with. Also Read | 'White smoke to 'infirmarii': Terms in focus after Pope Francis's death explained Pope Francis, the 88-year-old Catholic leader, died on Monday morning, almost a month after being discharged from five weeks in hospital with double pneumonia. In an interview with HT Lifestyle earlier this year in February, Dr Caroline Simon, consultant pulmonologist at Wockhardt Hospitals in Mumbai's Mira Road, explained, 'Double pneumonia is a life-threatening lung infection that takes a toll on both lungs, making it more dangerous than pneumonia, which affects only one lung." Dr Simon added that bacteria, viruses, or fungi can cause it. Additionally, it may raise the risk of complications if not treated at the right time. She further explained, "This condition is common in children (infants and toddlers) or older adults over 65. Those with lung damage due to infections, emphysema, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and having a history of smoking are also prone to this condition. It is the need of the hour to seek timely intervention to save the patient's life.' According to the doctor, double pneumonia is caused by certain bacterial infections like Streptococcus pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae or Legionella pneumophila. Viruses like Influenza, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and even COVID-19 can also cause it. Those with fungal infections and weakened immune systems may develop pneumonia due to fungi like Pneumocystis jirovecii. Conditions like diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and heart disease increase one's chances of developing double pneumonia. Cough with mucus (yellow, green, or blood-streaked). High fever, chills, and sweating. Shortness of breath and rapid breathing. Chest pain that worsens with breathing or coughing. Fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, and confusion (mainly in older adults). Per Dr Simon, the treatment of double pneumonia is decided after a diagnosis through an X-ray, sputum test or swab. To treat this condition, the patient will be advised to take antibiotics and antiviral medications, and severe cases may require oxygen therapy or hospitalisation. 'The supportive care will be in the form of rest, hydration, and fever-reducing medications. Some patients may also need pulmonary rehabilitation as recommended by the expert,' she added. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
