Asphyxiation
10-Feb-2023: 7 workers die in Andhra Pradesh due to asphyxiation
7 workers died due to asphyxiation during the removal of oil sludge in an edible oil tank in Andhra Pradesh.
What is Asphyxiation?
Asphyxiation is a medical condition that occurs when a person is deprived of oxygen. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, including choking, suffocation, drowning, or exposure to toxic gases. It is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Asphyxiation is mainly the interruption of the body's oxygen supply. Oxygen is essential for the proper functioning of our organs and tissues. When we breathe in, oxygen enters our lungs and is transported to our cells through the bloodstream. If this oxygen supply is cut off or reduced, our cells begin to die, and our organs can fail. Asphyxiation can quickly lead to brain damage, coma, and death.
Choking is one of the most common causes of asphyxiation. It happens when an object gets lodged in the airway, blocking the passage of air. This can be a piece of food, a toy, or any other foreign object. Suffocation occurs when the air supply is cut off, such as when a plastic bag is placed over the head or when a person is trapped in a small space. Drowning is another form of asphyxiation that happens when a person's airway is filled with water, preventing them from breathing. Exposure to toxic gases, such as carbon monoxide or hydrogen sulfide, can also cause asphyxiation by displacing oxygen in the bloodstream.
How to avoid Asphyxiation?
Asphyxiation can be prevented by taking certain precautions. For example, parents should be vigilant about keeping small objects away from young children and ensuring that toys and other items do not pose a choking hazard. People working in confined spaces or with toxic chemicals should use appropriate safety gear and take regular breaks to ensure that they are getting enough oxygen.
If you suspect someone is experiencing asphyxiation, call for emergency medical assistance immediately. While waiting for help to arrive, try to remove any objects that may be blocking their airway or move them to an area with fresh air. Do not attempt to perform CPR unless you have been trained to do so.
Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy
9-Feb-2023: CAR T-Cell Therapy gets global attention
CAR T-Cell Therapy:
- A new Systemic Therapy for Cancer Treatment that uses patients' own cells modified in a laboratory to activate T-cells and target tumor cells.
- Approved for leukaemias and lymphomas
Procedure:
- T cells are taken from a patient’s blood
- Gene for a special receptor (CAR) that binds to a certain protein on the patient’s cancer cells is added to the T cells in the laboratory
- Large numbers of the CAR T cells are grown in the laboratory and given to the patient by infusion
Significance:
- More specific than targeted agents
- Directly stimulate the patient's immune system to fight cancer
- Greater clinical efficacy
- Referred to as "living drugs"
Cholera
3-Feb-2023: African countries face Cholera vaccine shortage
Nearly 27,300 new cases of cholera including 687 deaths have been reported in five African countries since the beginning of 2023. Cholera is a serious bacterial infection that causes severe diarrhea, vomiting and dehydration. WHO has warned that Climate Change could make cholera epidemics more common. The bacteria that causes cholera can reproduce more quickly in warmer water.
What is Cholera?
Cholera is an acute bacterial infection that affects the small intestine. It is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which is transmitted through contaminated food or water.
What are the symptoms of Cholera?
The symptoms of cholera typically appear within a few hours to five days after infection. They include:
- Profuse watery diarrhea that can lead to severe dehydration
- Vomiting
- Muscle cramps
- Rapid heart rate
- Low blood pressure
- Shock
Who is at risk of getting Cholera?
Cholera is most common in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene, particularly in developing countries. People who live in or travel to areas with inadequate sanitation and water supply are at highest risk.
How is Cholera treated?
Cholera is a treatable disease, but early treatment is crucial to prevent severe dehydration and other complications. Treatment involves replacing lost fluids and electrolytes (salt and minerals) through oral rehydration therapy or intravenous fluids. Antibiotics may also be given to shorten the duration of the illness and reduce the severity of symptoms.
How can Cholera be prevented?
- Prevention of cholera involves improving sanitation and hygiene, including access to clean water and proper disposal of human waste. This can be achieved through measures such as:
- Boiling or treating water before consumption
- Washing hands with soap and water regularly, especially before eating or preparing food
- Avoiding raw or undercooked seafood
- Using toilets or latrines instead of open defecation
Is there a vaccine for Cholera?
Yes, there are several vaccines available for cholera, including an oral vaccine that provides protection for up to two years. The vaccine is recommended for people traveling to areas with cholera outbreaks or those at high risk of exposure.
Is Cholera a global health concern?
Cholera remains a significant global health concern, particularly in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene. According to the World Health Organization, there were 1.3 million reported cases of cholera and 13,000 deaths worldwide in 2019. However, the true number of cases and deaths is likely higher, as many cases go unreported or undiagnosed.