Everything You Need To Know About Piles

Piles is another term for hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower anus and rectum. This swelling can cause localized inflammation of other tissues.

There are a few different symptoms of hemorrhoids that you may experience. First, you may notice bleeding during bowel movements. This can happen if the hemorrhoid ruptures, or if it becomes irritated and scratches the anal area. You may also see blood on toilet paper after wiping, or in the toilet bowl itself. Second, you may experience pain and/or itching in the anal area. This can be caused by the hemorrhoids themselves, or by anal fissures (tears in the skin around the anus). third, you may have swollen tissue in and around the anus. this can make it difficult to wipe after using the bathroom, or to sit down without discomfort.

There are several symptoms that can be associated with hemorrhoids. These can include bleeding from the rectum, pain, or discomfort in the anal area, itching around the anus, and lumpiness or swelling around the anus. In some cases, hemorrhoids can also lead to leakage of feces or difficulty folds clothes. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to consult with a best doctor online as soon as possible to rule out other potential causes and get started on treatment. Treatment for hemorrhoids often includes home remedies such as increased fiber intake and sitz baths, but in more severe cases may require prescription medications or even surgery. Don't suffer in silence - get help from the best doctor today!

Hemorrhoids are typically diagnosed by a physical examination. However, if your hemorrhoids are large and causing significant discomfort, your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy to rule out other causes of bleeding. hemorrhoids usually first develop during pregnancy or from constipation. The increased pressure from the enlarging uterus (womb) on the rectum and anus often leads to the development of hemorrhoids. Other possible causes include inflammation in the anal area (proctitis), higher than normal levels of estrogen, genetic disposition, and weakening of the supportive tissues around the anal canal with age. Hemorrhoids are a common problem and can usually be treated with over-the-counter remedies. However, if they are causing significant discomfort or bleeding, it's best to consult a doctor.

There are a variety of different treatments for hemorrhoids, depending on the severity of the condition. Some treatments include over-the-counter medications, and lifestyle changes (such as increasing fiber intake and drinking plenty of water), and in some cases, surgery may be necessary. If you're experiencing any symptoms of hemorrhoids, it's best to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. You can also visit Best Doctors Online to find qualified doctors in your area who can help you get relief from your hemorrhoid symptoms. Diagnosis of hemorrhoids can be tricky, as there are a variety of symptoms that can point to this problem. One of the best ways to get an accurate diagnosis is to consult with a doctor online. This way, you can provide a detailed description of your symptoms and get an expert opinion on what might be causing them.

There are a few key symptoms that are typically associated with hemorrhoids, including painless bleeding during bowel movements, itching around the anus, and swelling or protrusion near the rectal opening. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible.

Prevention of hemorrhoids is a relatively simple process that mainly involves making lifestyle changes and consulting with the best doctors online. Lifestyle changes that can help prevent hemorrhoids include, but are not limited to, drinking plenty of water, eating fiber-rich foods, exercising regularly, and avoiding sitting or standing for long periods of time. In addition, consulting with the best doctors online can provide more specific advice on how to prevent hemorrhoids based on an individual's unique health profile. For example, some people may need to take special steps to avoid constipation while others may need to exercise caution when lifting heavy objects.

Prevention of hemorrhoids is best done by consulting with a doctor online. While there are some things you can do to help prevent hemorrhoids, such as eating a high-fiber diet and drinking plenty of water, not every preventive measure will work for everyone. That's why it's important to consult with a doctor who can help assess your risk factors and develop a prevention plan that's tailored specifically for you. Some preventive measures may include increasing the amount of fiber in your diet, avoiding constipation, using moist wipes instead of dry toilet paper, and avoiding prolonged sitting or standing.

If you're looking for information on the treatment of hemorrhoids, the best place to start is www.secondmedic.com. On our website, you'll find a wealth of resources on this topic, including articles, videos, and expert advice from medical professionals. Hemorrhoids are a common condition that can cause a great deal of discomfort and embarrassment. But there's no need to suffer in silence - there are plenty of effective treatments available nowadays. So if you're wondering how to get rid of hemorrhoids, or how to relieve the symptoms, be sure to consult our website for the latest information and guidance.

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Nutritional Deficiencies in Indian Kids: Recognizing, Preventing & Overcoming “Hidden Hunger”

Every parent wants their child to grow up healthy — tall, strong, smart, and full of energy. But in India, many kids suffer from what is known as “hidden hunger.” It means that even though they are eating, their diet lacks essential nutrients. These nutritional deficiencies can affect growth, learning, immunity, and long-term health. In this blog, we’ll explore the major nutritional deficiencies in Indian kids, what causes them, how to detect them, and what parents can do. Let’s dive into nutritional deficiencies in Indian kids.

What Are the Most Common Nutritional Deficiencies?

Based on recent research and national surveys, the following are among the most widespread deficiencies in Indian children:

Iron Deficiency / Anaemia
A large percentage of Indian kids (especially under-5s) have low hemoglobin and low iron stores. Anaemia can cause tiredness, slow cognitive development, and lowered immunity. Lippincott Journals+2PMC+2
Vitamin A Deficiency
Vitamin A is essential for good vision, immunity, and healthy cells. Many children under 5 show sub-clinical deficiency; some show clinical signs like night blindness. Lippincott Journals+1
Iodine Deficiency
Iodine is critical for thyroid hormone production, which affects brain development. Lack of iodine can lead to goitre, delayed mental development, and poor school performance. Lippincott Journals+2thyrocare.com+2
Vitamin D Deficiency
Even though India is sunny, many children have low vitamin D — due to indoor living, limited sun exposure, skin coverage, or dietary gaps. This impacts bone health, growth, and risks rickets. PMC+1
Protein-Energy Malnutrition (PEM)
In poorer or marginalized communities, children may not get enough protein or calories. This leads to underweight, wasting, stunting, and weakened immunity. Lippincott Journals+2HDFC ERGO+2
Other Micronutrients (Vitamin B12, folate, zinc etc.)
Deficiencies in B12 & folate can affect cell division, blood production, nerve function; zinc deficiency weakens immunity & slows growth. PMC+2nanhedil.com+2

Why Do These Deficiencies Happen?

Understanding the causes helps in prevention:

Dietary Factors
Many diets are heavy in cereals or starches but low in diversity. Meals may lack fruits, vegetables, animal-source foods (meat, eggs, fish) or fortified products.
Bioavailability of Nutrients
Even when foods contain nutrients, they may not be absorbed well. For example, plant-based iron is less readily absorbed, phytates in grains and legumes can reduce absorption.
Socioeconomic Constraints
Poverty, food insecurity, access issues, lack of awareness, and sometimes traditional/cultural food beliefs limit access to nutrient-rich foods.
Living Conditions and Health
Frequent infections, parasitic infestations, poor hygiene, etc., can increase nutrient loss or demand. Also sunlight exposure (important for vitamin D) is inadequate in many cases.
Gaps in Implementation of Prevention Programs
Though India has multiple programs (fortification, supplement distribution, ICDS, National Nutrition Mission etc.), challenges remain in reach, compliance, quality, and behavioural change.

Effects of Nutritional Deficiencies

These deficiencies have short-term and long-term effects:

Growth stunting (children don’t reach their full height potential)
Wasting (low weight for height), underweight
Impaired cognitive development & learning difficulties
Weak immune system ? more infections
Delayed motor skills, poor school performance
Bone deformities (rickets, weak bones)
Poor quality of life; in severe cases, increased mortality

How to Detect & Diagnose Early

Taking action early helps avoid permanent harm. Key strategies include:

Regular growth monitoring: Checking weight, height, BMI for age
Look for signs: Pale skin or lips, tiredness, delayed milestones, frequent illness, bone pain or deformities (knees bowing, wrist/ankle enlargement)
Lab tests:
- Haemoglobin & complete blood count
- Serum ferritin for iron stores
- Serum levels for vitamin A (retinol)
- 25-OH vitamin D test
- Serum B12, folate
- Urinary iodine excretion or salt iodine test
- Protein / albumin levels

Using broad vitamin profiles (like those from Thyrocare) can help screen for multiple deficiencies in one go.

Foods, Diet & Prevention: What Parents / Caregivers Can Do

Here are practical steps parents can take:

Diversify diet: Include pulses, legumes, eggs, dairy, meat (if non-vegetarian), fish; plenty of green leafy vegetables & fruits.
Fortified foods: Use iodised salt; choose cereals / milk products fortified with vitamins & iron.
Sunlight exposure: Encourage outdoor activities; even short daily sun exposure (face, arms) helps vitamin D.
Supplementation when needed: Under doctor guidance, provide vitamin A doses, iron/folic acid, vitamin D etc., especially in high-risk children.
Hygiene & health care: Prevent worm infections, diarrhoea etc. which can drain nutrients. Ensure vaccinations.
Education & awareness: Teach families importance of nutrition, balanced meals, what local foods can provide what nutrients.

What Parents Should Ask Healthcare Providers

Ask whether your child needs screening for deficiencies (e.g., iron, vitamin A, D, B12).
If lab tests are suggested, check whether it’s comprehensive or narrow, cost, and follow-up.
Seek help for dietary planning, perhaps from nutritionists or public health bodies.
Learn about local government/NGO programs—free or subsidized supplementation or fortified food programs.

When to Seek Medical Help

If your child has:

Persistent anaemia symptoms (very pale, lethargic)
Growth issues (falling off growth charts)
Bone deformities or pain
Severe or recurrent infections
Unusual signs like night blindness, goitre

Then get a medical evaluation. Early intervention can make a big difference.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Nutritional deficiencies in Indian kids are common—but many are preventable or treatable. By recognizing risks, ensuring good diet, doing appropriate lab tests, and using supplements or fortified foods when needed, children can grow healthier, smarter, and stronger.

If you’re concerned that your child may have one or more of these deficiencies, talk to a trusted pediatrician or nutritionist, and consider getting a comprehensive vitamin & nutrition profile done (for example through Thyrocare or SecondMedic) to know exactly where improvements are needed. Don’t wait—every child deserves a strong foundation.

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