The SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes Covid-19 infection in humans is thought to be primarily a respiratory virus. However, it is seen to affect many other organs besides the lungs. The SARS-CoV-2 virus has a spike protein that attaches itself to ACE-2 receptors in the human body. ACE-2 receptors are plentiful in the human body. They are primarily found in the lungs, heart, blood vessels, kidneys, liver, and the gastrointestinal tract. So it is very likely that apart from the lungs any other organ that has the ACE-2 receptors can be infected and damaged by the virus. Though the disease causes mild symptoms in most of the affected individuals, some go on to have long-term side effects from the illness - the 'long haulers.' From patients who have recovered from Covid we are learning of disease sequelae that go much beyond the lungs. The BMJ (British Medical Journal, April 2021) published a research paper with the following objective- "To evaluate the excess risk and relati...
Hearing Impaired persons have special requirements which optimizes their communication experience. There are three main types of hearing loss : 1. Conductive Deafness - This is on account of disease/ discontinuity in the External and Middle ear - from the Pinna to the entrance to the Inner Ear 2. Sensorineural Deafness - These are related to problems in the Inner Ear ( Cochlea- Sensory) or the Acoustic Nerve (Auditory Nerve - Neural). 3. Mixed Deafness - Arises out of a combination of both of the above. A patient of Conductive Deafness can be treated with medicines, simple procedures (like wax removal) or a surgery (like repair of the eardrum). The hearing loss is not complex and a simple amplification will make them hear better. A patient with a Sensorineural Deafness has a more complex hearing requirement. In the Sensory type of deafness, there is a phenomenon of Recruitment- that is, initial soun...
There has been tremendous controversy recently about the "Asymptomatic Patient" - who are they and can they spread Corona virus infection? To understand the terminology in its context, let us look at three different but closely related situations - 1. The Mildly Symptomatic Patient - This patient of confirmed Covid-19 has mild symptoms like fever, occasional cough or mild breathlessness. They gradually recover without any specialized treatment. 2. The Pre-Symptomatic Patient - These patients have been recently infected, have currently no symptoms, but will gradually develop them. They can transmit infection during this incubation period. This is usually about a week from contracting the infection, but could be up to two weeks. 3. The Asymptomatic Patient - This is a confirmed case of Covid-19 who never develops any symptom. What makes this disease pursue a relentless and fatal path in some patients and leaves many practically untouched is still ...
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