ARTICLES ON General Health

Born with a rare congenital disorder called Otofocial syndrome Chicago resident Joseph Williams does not have a jaw. Despite undergoing numerous surgeries, experts have not been able to construct a jaw as his “body rejected it”, according to various reports. Due to the condition, he is unable to speak or eat using his mouth. He uses sign language to communicate and eats through a tube. Sharing his life experiences with Caters News Agency, William revealed how people treat him differently due to his medical condition, reported New York Post. But he always kept his spirits high by telling himself that “there is a reason that God made me like this”. The 41-year-old also opened up about finding love in his wife Vania who he met in 2019, as he said: “We were friends at first, but we eventually started dating and fell in love. We got married in 2020. I’m sure people would never have expected me to get married. To be honest, I didn’t think I would either.” Here’s all you Need to Know About the Medical Condition. According to rarediseases.org, it is a condition in which a child is without a mandible, and, consequently, without a chin. “This disorder affects the development of one’s mouth and is present at birth itself. The symptoms can persist and worsen as one ages,” said Dr. ChandraVeer Singh, consultant otorhinolaryngologist, Head and Neck Onco Surgeon, Wockhardt Hospitals Mira Road. Causes This condition happens due to a mutated gene, said Dr. Singh. “In a person with this condition, the tongue will be underdeveloped, making swallowing impossible. Survival becomes challenging, too. It can take a toll on one’s physical and mental well-being. One will have to use sign language or write notes to communicate. Those with this condition require life-long tubal feeding,” said Dr. Singh. Treatment Treatment can include reconstructive surgery for facial clefts, removal of extra teeth, and surgery to repair fused fingers or digit anomalies. It can also include treatment of renal disease including hemodialysis/peritoneal dialysis or a kidney transplant, explained Dr. Shishir Aggarwal. “Management of seizures, if present, and evaluations for learning disabilities may be required based on the type of the syndrome. Speech therapy and special education are also recommended. Other treatment is supportive and based on symptoms,” said Dr. Aggarwal. Agreed Dr. Singh and added that people with this syndrome need to be monitored closely. “The treatment for this syndrome will be surgery. So, one will have to follow the guidelines given by the doctor.” Dr. ChandraVeer SinghConsultant Otorhinolaryngologist, Head and Neck Onco SurgeonWockhardt Hospitals Mira Road To book an appointment call: +918108101104 Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/health/chicago-man-without-jaw-otoficial-syndrome-rare-genetic-symptoms-treatment-causes-7933146/

While hot temperature and lack of ventilation may cause night sweating at times, if you experience it frequently, there may be some underlying causes behind it. Do you often wake up all sweaty at night despite your air conditioning working fine and don’t really understand the reason behind it? While hot temperature and lack of ventilation may cause night sweating at times, if you experience it frequently, there may be some underlying causes behind it. Experts say being too stressed, drinking alcohol before bedtime, certain medications, diabetes, anxiety disorders, thyroid problems, or perimenopause could be some of the reasons why you are breaking out in a sweat at night. Dr. Krishan Raj, says there could be many factors behind sweating during sleep and in most cases, it could be an indicator of an underlying medical condition. “Though the most common factor associated is with diabetics (Diabetic neuropathy), those who take medications for hypoglycemia (low sugar) usually sweat due to the fact that the blood vessels expand to increase the blood flow and then contract,” says Dr. Krishan Raj. Here are other factors according to Dr. Krishan Raj and Dr. Aniket Mule, Consultant Internal Medicine, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road that could lead to sweating during sleep. • Drinking alcohol before hitting the sack: You may end up sweating at night if you happen to drink alcohol in the evening. “This is so because alcohol increases the temperature of the body which can lead to sweating. Alcohol will relax the airways, which can make breathing harder. Moreover, it also acts as a stimulant by increasing the heart rate. Both of these can increase your body temperature and induce sweating. So, avoid alcohol consumption before sleeping,” says Dr. Mule. • Thyroid disorders: The thyroid gland assists in regulating several bodily functions including metabolism, thus a highly active thyroid gland, can make the body sensitive to heat causing night sweats, according to Dr. Krishan Raj. • Being stressed: Are you stressed or anxious? Then, you need to know that an overactive mind revs up your brain and body which can make you sweat at night. Try to de-stress by reading a book, taking a warm shower, or listening to music, says Dr. Mule. • Anxiety disorders: Anxiety and stress are the most common conditions that create a variety of physiological responses, majorly contributing to nighttime perspiration. Those with disorders like OCD, SAD, or PTSD are highly vulnerable to night sweats due to anxiety and vice versa, says Dr. Krishan Raj. • Going through menopause: Perimenopausal women report having night sweats which are extremely common. Alcohol, spicy foods, caffeine, and smoking can trigger night-time sweating. So, avoid them at night, says Dr. Mule. • Certain medications: Taking antidepressants, antiretrovirals, or hypertension drugs impacts the parts of one’s brain that tend to control the body temperature or sweat glands. These medications can be responsible for inducing sweat during nighttime. You can speak to the doctor and check for other options for these medications. • Certain infections like TB or HIV: Night sweats have a strong linkage to a variety of infections including TB, HIV, or even blood disorders like leukemia. This is due to the fact that infections can create fever and overheating of the body, leading to night sweats, says Dr. Krishan Raj. Dr. Aniket MuleConsultant Internal MedicineWockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road To book an appointment call: +918108101104 Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/do-you-sweat-in-your-sleep-experts-on-7-reasons-why-it-may-happen-101652877498641.html

Nagpur: Total knee replacement (TKR) surgeries have become very common these days, and doctors are following the ‘Enhanced Recovery Protocol’ to enable patients to start walking within 3-4 hours of the surgery. Research data published in the Lancet journal in 2019 shows that TKR is a very long-lasting solution, with benefits lasting over 25 years in at least 8 out of 10 patients. Like any other surgery, there have been continuous improvements in surgical techniques, implant designs, surgical materials, longevity, and surgical outcomes of TKR. Nowadays, doctors in Nagpur have started adopting the Enhanced Recovery protocol (ERP) which has very effectively reduced the length of hospital stay after TKR, said leading knee replacement specialists in the city. As per the documentation by doctors in the city, ERP has improved long-term outcomes and satisfaction after TKR. Patients can start eating and drinking soon after surgery and don’t feel weak. Some 90% of patients were walking on the day of surgery, within 3-4 hours of surgery. All patients can independently use toilets and climb stairs within 2-3 days and can safely go home faster. Patients regain range of motion faster, and many patients are even able to sit cross-legged a few weeks after surgery. “Our average length of hospital stay after TKR in Nagpur is 2.4 days for unilateral TKR and 2.5 days for bilateral TKR, which is better than reported TKR length of stay data from our country,” said Dr. Alankar Ramteke from Wockhardt Hospitals. “Due to ERP, patients experience less pain as there is less tissue damage due to minimally invasive surgical techniques. There are no tubes, drains, or pipes after surgery, and patients can resume normal life activities much sooner after surgery,” he added. According to doctors, ERP is important for all ages, especially in younger, active, and working patients, who want to get back to their jobs early to reduce time off from work and avoid financial losses. According to scientific evidence, Enhanced Recovery in TKR is also associated with minimum bleeding, faster recovery, a higher range of motion, and reduced risk of complications. Even government hospitals are also following the protocol. “ERP is a standard protocol these days and we are also following it in GMCH,” said Dr. Mohd Faizal from GMCH orthopedic department. “Hip joint replacement is more common in GMCs. Patients from poor financial backgrounds can get it done through schemes like Ayushman Bharat and Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojna. They recover early and get back to work with ERP, which is the biggest benefit for patients who chose government hospitals,” he added.

‘Me time’ is precious for many people and the need for solitude is intrinsic to them. Be it slowly sipping that daily cup of coffee along with a favorite book or taking a solo walk in the park, spending some alone time in the company of nature or simply contemplating comes naturally to some. In fact, some amount of alone time is important for everyone. However, in relationships, many a time, especially new ones, the need for ‘me-time’ is often seen as a sign of declining interest. According to experts, spending time away from the partner can take the stress away, reduce friction and bring excitement to relationships. “For a healthy relationship, it’s imperative that couples have as much of ‘me-time’ as ‘we-time’. It acts as a safety valve for the pressure cooker of relationships,” says Amrita Sharma, author of the book What Did I Ever See in Him. Spending time away from the partner, however, doesn’t mean neglecting your beloved. It means taking out time to reflect, recharge and contemplate. “Alone time does not mean absolute alienation from each other, rather it is a time for self-reflection and self-development,” says Dr. Sonal Anand, Psychiatrist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai. Dr. Anand says, finding that ‘me time’ is especially important in longer relationships where space is needed to repair and create. “Issues like taking each other for granted and giving less importance to couple priorities may crop up easily after a point and can become a cause of unconscious stress. Spending some quality time with self can help reassess one’s situation,” says Dr. Sonal Anand. Giving a little breather to each other can also give couples to resolve issues and think of novel ways to reignite their passion. “It helps improve self-dependency and there’s always something new to look forward to which can help reduce friction and bring out excitement which is required in relationships,” concludes Dr. Anand. Dr. Sonal AnandPsychiatristWockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/relationships/why-spending-time-away-from-your-partner-can-improve-your-relationship-101651072232858.html

Why do they make that noise? Is it worth noticing or it’s just a “hoax” alarm? One of the most common questions we get in clinics is ‘why does my knee click? So, if you have ‘clicky’ knees you are certainly not alone! Often the questions are- Why do my knees click when I walk?Why do my knees click when I squat/ kneel down?Why do my knees click when I go upstairs or downstairs? Joints make a variety of noises which patients describe as “popping, snapping, cracking, catching, grinding and clunking!” Believe it or not, this was first described in 1947. The noise occurs because tiny air bubbles (nitrogen) accumulate within the fluid inside your joints and when you move, they collapse (or burst) due to the changes in pressure inside the joint. The noise occurs when the gas bubbles collapse. It is the same process as when you ‘click your knuckles’ Here are the other reasons for the clicking the knees that we see in the clinic: This can cause ‘clicking’ or a flicking or catching sensation clicking when you bend the knee or squat. Most of the time this is pain-free, but if it is painful it is called Plica syndrome. Why not worry about the ‘painless clicking’ of knees? It is normal for knees to click since they are moving parts with structures that move and glide next to each other when you bend and straighten the knee, for example when going up or down the stairs. Interestingly, most knee issues I see in my clinic that are painful, have no clicking or clunking! Here are some noteworthy facts to debunk myths related to the clicking of knees and other joints- Dr. Mohit M KukrejaConsultant – Orthopedic SurgeonWockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a disorder of digestive system that causes disturbance in the bowel habits of affected people. Here’s how you can manage it. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a disorder of digestive system that causes disturbance in the bowel habits of affected people and may also cause issues like pain, cramping, heaviness or bloating in the stomach. Disturbance in bowel habits can mean any of these – change of frequency of stools, change in its form or need for excessive straining. It can range from diarrhea to difficult constipation. More common in women than men, IBS may be managed effectively by making certain lifestyle modifications and controlling triggers like stress. What causes IBS “Our digestive system similar to our brain, has its own nerves and signal transmitters across the nerves to send messages within its component, which is why it is also called the second brain. IBS is a disorder which arises when there is discordance between the axis of brain- the gut nerves and the gut proper. Exact cause for this disturbance is not known but triggers like stress, infections, medications, hormonal changes and type of food have been well documented,” says Dr Shankar Zanwar, Consultant Gastroenterologist, Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai Central. Symptoms of IBS Diarrhea, constipation, sense of incomplete stool evacuation which is a feeling like you still need to poop after you just did, gas, pain in abdomen, feeling of bloating in abdomen, cramping in abdomen are some of the symptoms of the disoder. How to cope with IBS Dr Shankar Zanwar suggests lifestyle modifications that can help cope with IBS. 1. Stress busting: Stress if one the biggest cause for triggering IBS. Engaging yourself in activities which you relish meaning pursuing your hobbies is one of the easiest stress busters. It can take your disturbed mind away from the gut. As mentioned above IBS is the disease of disturbed gut-brain axis. 2. IBS diary: It is always a good idea to maintain diary which records what you eat, how you feel after any unusual or specific food items and the trend of your bowel symptoms which can include stool frequency and stool form. This will give both the patient and caregiver a clearer idea regarding the planning for better treatment and diet. 3. Food intolerance: There is quite a hype surrounding ‘food intolerance tests’ these days. A simpler way to cope with IBS is to maintain the food diary identify your self if any unusual food has triggered your symptoms and eliminate it from the diet. The common culprits are dairy products, wheat, some fruits (apples, mangoes, cherries, watermelon), onions, cabbage, beans and nuts. 4. Diet: Specific diet varies from person to person and depends also on the predominant type of IBS. If you have constipation-type IBS, a high fibre diet of whole fruits (with skin when edible), legumes, prunes and cereals is helpful. Patients with diarrheal-type IBS should avoid the items mentioned to manage constipation-type IBS along with dairy products. They can switch to non-wheat cereals, non-dairy milk like soy milk or almond milk etc. Changing your breakfast timing to before passing stools can also improve constipation-type IBS as it gives a kick to your gut to expel the contents. You should drink ample amount of water that will keep your stool coming out easily when you are constipated and avoid dehydration if you have diarrhea. 5. Exercise: Abundant researches are now available to show that exercise decreases symptoms of anxiety and depression and along with it also improves symptoms of IBS. You should target 15-30 minutes of simple exercise at least 5 days per week. 6. Unhealthy habits: Stopping alcohol and smoking will definitely improve your gut symptoms. Excessive coffee and tea can worsen diarrheal type constipation and add on to heartburn symptoms. Dr Shankar ZanwarConsultant GastroenterologistWockhardt Hospital, Mumbai Central Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/irritable-bowel-syndrome-6-lifestyle-changes-to-manage-the-intestinal-disorder-101648792969795.html

In a medical feat, surgery was performed in the city to repair windpipe of a 22-year-old girl suffering from an extremely rare medical condition called ‘Multi-level tracheal and bronchial stenosis’. Dr Sameer Arbat, who repaired the windpipe, told TOI that the girl complained of shortness of breath and fall in oxygen levels. She had been undergoing treatment for bronchial asthma for the past one year. “A CT scan of the thorax revealed ‘Multi-level tracheal and bronchial stenosis’. It means narrowing of the windpipe at different levels which was not letting her breathe,” said Dr Arbat. Multi level stenosis or narrowing of airway is a very rare condition encountered in less than 1% of world population. In this girl’s case, the trachea or main windpipe had only a pin hole opening at the level of narrowing, thus obstructing 95% of air supply to both the lungs. Complicating the condition was 70% narrowing of right lung windpipe and 40% narrowing of left lung windpipe. “The narrowing had also led to stagnation of secretions in both lungs, causing pneumonia of right and left lung. Without non-invasive ventilation support, she was unable to breathe,” said Dr Arbat. The team of doctors decided to perform procedure of multi level tracheal dilatation and Y stent installation inside the windpipe. The surgery was conducted at Wockhardt Hospitals. The three-hour long procedure started by opening up the pin hole narrowing by cutting it with heated knife. Multiple sessions of sequential ballon dilatation were performed to open the narrowing at three different levels. Dimensions of the patient’s windpipe was measured and a silicone Y stent was customised. The stent was deployed to keep the windpipe open and prevent it from narrowing again. The patient was discharged after reporting relief from complaints and is keeping healthy even one month after the procedure. Tracheal stents are rarely used and are still undergoing evolution in terms of sizes and materials. According to the records with lung specialists’ association, it was the first case of Silicone Y stent installation in Central India, and only the third in the country in the past three years. “I have performed several metallic Y Stent placements in patients of lung cancer but this was the first Silicone Y stent deployed in a young patient with benign condition,” said Dr Arbat adding that it could not have been possible without the support of anaesthetist and OT team at Wockhardt Hospitals. Dr Sameer Arbat,Wockhardt Hospitals, Nagpur Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/rare-surgery-helps-22-year-old-breathe-easy/articleshow/90577972.cms

Black hairy tongue is a common condition that happens due to poor dental hygiene says experts, and it is usually harmless. A thick black ‘hairy’ coat on tongue can be really scary and make anybody wonder about the root cause of the problem. A man in his 50s who suffered from stroke three months back and was on a liquid diet apart from some medications, developed this harmless condition. According to reports, the patient was taken to the hospital after his black tongue developed yellow stains as the liquid food got stuck in the coat. However, the solution to his trouble turned out to be quite simple and his tongue cleared up within 20 days. Black hairy tongue is a common condition that happens due to poor dental hygiene says experts and it is usually harmless. It is mostly painless and is common in people above 40, those who smoke and drink, consume excessive amounts of coffee, have malignancy or are on certain medications. Usually, the condition goes away in its own, but in case it’s not, one must consult an expert. What is black hairy tongue “Black hairy tongue is a relatively common disease that classically manifests as a black and hairy appearing lesion on the dorsum of the tongue arising from abnormally hypertrophied and elongated filiform, says Dr Sushma Yadav. What exactly happens to your tongue in this condition “In this condition, the front 2/3rd of the tongue which has this conical projections, become enlarged in size and become brownish yellow and black. The tip of the sides of the tongue often don’t have this as much. The main problem is its unsightly experience and the patients might also complain a burning or tickling sensation on the tongue, very bad breath and nausea,” says Dr. Sravya C Triperni. Symptoms Blackish discolouration of the tongue, dryness, halitosis or bad breath, metallic taste in mouth. Treatment Though the condition usually recovers on its own in some time, one has to identify any drug that might be causing it. “Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol. Always encourage very good oral hygiene and gentle tongue scraping with a soft toothbrush and a solution containing 3 per cent hydrogen peroxide will help apart from antiseptic mouthwash. If there is an associated fungal agent given then that also helps,” says Dr Triperni. “Treatment includes gentle debridement in the clinic, maintenance of good oral hygiene, avoiding dry mouth by keeping tongue moist in bedridden patients, appropriate use of mouthwashes. Fungal infection or Carcinoma tongue can be a differential diagnosis, so a biopsy may be done in certain patients. Smoking and alcohol use are predisposing factors,” says Dr Shraddha Despande, Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Wockhardt Hospital. Dr Shraddha Despande, Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Wockhardt Hospital. Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/stroke-survivor-develops-black-hairy-tongue-know-all-about-this-condition-from-experts-101647266103259.html

Technology is helping every aspect of human lives. For cerebral palsy patients, simple apps are being developed, which help to improve their communication if they are facing speech problems. High-end medical technology in the form of computerised gait analysis, as well as special implantable medication pumps, are helpful for patients with cerebral palsy. On February 28, 2022, news broke out about the death of Zain Nadella the son of Microsoft Executive Chairman and CEO, Satya Nadella. Zain was only 26 six years of age at the time of his passing. Zain was born with cerebral palsy (CP). CP is a congenital disorder of movement, muscle tone, the posture that occurs due to the damage caused to the brain and accounts for the most common motor disability in childhood. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the year 2000, the prevalence rate of cerebral palsy in the US was 3.1 per 1000 children. A report by the Indian Institute of CP states that in India approximately 33,000 people suffer from cerebral palsy. They also report that when looking at the worldwide incidence rate, one in 500 born babies suffers from cerebral palsy. Early Detection Can Prevent Morbidity Currently, there are no definitive tests to detect CP, but good nutrition, proper medical care and rubella vaccination before pregnancy can prevent the chances of the child developing cerebral palsy. There are also many soft signs of CP which can be picked up at early stages. If these are picked up on time and appropriate treatment is instituted, morbidity can largely be prevented. “Early detection of cerebral palsy is crucial for early initiation of therapy which can significantly improve motor and cognitive outcomes in these children. Regular checkups by child healthcare nurses and paediatricians can help in picking up these patients early. This is helped by using various motor assessment or performance scales and neurological examination and where indicated (based on clinical evaluation) MRI(BRAIN),” said Dr Prashant Makhija, Consultant Neurologist, Wockhardt Hospital. Morbidity of Cerebral Palsy with Other Disorders Research is still ongoing for the treatment of CP, multidisciplinary treatment is currently most effective in managing CP. Dr Vaidehi Dande, shared, “Early intervention therapy improved the outcome to a great extent. This involves identifying babies at risk of CP as early on as possible and facilitating their brain function by stimulating special senses. This involves the provision of auditory, visual, smell and tactile stimulation. Facilitating postures and regular physiotherapy goes a long way in helping these children gain milestones faster. Hearing deficits can be dealt with using cochlear implants. Such children also commonly develop seizures and epilepsy and a lot of new drugs can be used to control the seizures. Various orthoses and prostheses are greatly helpful in enabling these children to do their day to day activities.” Dr Nisha Deshpandey, added, “Caseness of other disorders is found more in patients suffering from cerebral palsy. Many children suffer from epilepsy and mental retardation. About 25 per cent of children with cerebral palsy might have an intelligence quotient (IQ) of less than 50. Typically, the infant or child might reach developmental milestones (like rolling over, neck control, sitting, crawling etc) later than other children. Autism spectrum disorder is also very prevalent among children suffering from cerebral palsy. Other mental health problems are also highly prevalent among them. Assistive Tech Therapies in Treating CP Technology is helping every aspect of human lives. For cerebral palsy patients, simple apps are being developed, which help to improve their communication if they are facing speech problems. High-end medical technology in the form of computerised gait analysis, as well as special implantable medication pumps, are helpful for patients with cerebral palsy. Elucidating in detail about these assistive technologies, Dr Saurabh Chopra, mentioned, “Besides children with very severe damage or malformation of the brain, most patients with cerebral palsy benefit significantly from rehabilitation programmes and therapies including neurodevelopmental therapy. Although stem cells may hold promise as a research modality to prevent cerebral palsy currently there are no benefits of using stem cells in children already affected by cerebral palsy.” “Technology in cerebral palsy is helpful mostly in rehabilitation. They have the potential to improve the ability of individuals with cerebral palsy to perform activities and increase participation. Robotics and virtual reality may improve movement by maximising exercise dose, providing feedback and motivating users. Augmentative and alternative communication technology is facilitating communication. Robots can help with self-care and provide motivation and instruction in rehabilitation programmes. Mobile applications can provide educating resources,” added Dr Darpan Thakre. Commenting on how newer therapies are proving to be beneficial for children afflicted with CP, Dr Usha Mallinath, said, “Smaller, more portable rehabilitation technology has the potential to improve the ability of individuals with cerebral palsy to perform activities and increase participation. The application of advanced technologies in paediatric rehabilitation to improve performance and enhance everyday functioning has shown considerable promise. Robotics and virtual reality may improve movement by maximising exercise dose, providing feedback, and motivating users. Augmentative and alternative communication technology is facilitating communication. Robots can help with self-care and provide encouragement and instruction in rehabilitation programmes. Mobile applications can provide education and resources. Many parents report that the condition of the child deteriorates with time. Cerebral palsy might be mistaken with other progressive neurological disorders because of the apparent change in pattern and severity of movement problems. However, in cerebral palsy, the underlying neurological problem does not worsen. Most of the children with cerebral palsy are born with the condition. However, the symptoms might not necessarily be visible at birth. During the first few months of life, the symptoms may get more noticeable. Good nutrition, regular antenatal visits, hospital delivery, availability of neonatologists at the time of delivery please ensure the adequacy of feeding after birth and providing a clean and hygienic environment to the newborn. Prevention of prematurity and low birth weight, good medical and neonatal intensive care facilities to provide medical care for sick babies. Particular mention of

Sneezing may be unpleasant, but you may face some potential complications if you suppress it. During the Covid-19 pandemic, one dare not sneeze in public, not even with their mask on! Isn’t it? But Covid-19 or not, some people just generally try to hold their sneeze in if they are with someone or in a professional space. So, sometimes stifling a sneeze may seem appropriate, but a study recently published research report showed the damage that suppressing a sneeze can do.  If simply put, holding your sneeze is dangerous because of the energy it produces. A sneeze generates a significant pressure and when you hold the pressure, it can cause a rupture of your eardrums, irritation of the throat, and even in severe cases, rupture of blood vessels in your eyes or brain.  1. Eardrum ruptures Sneezing is capable of causing middle and inner ear damage, including a ruptured eardrum. “If you tend to hold in the high pressure that gets built up in your respiratory system before sneezing then some air can go into your ears too. This pressurized air further goes into the tube in each of your ears that connects to the middle ear and eardrum that is known as the Eustachian tube. Thus, the pressure can lead to the rupture of your eardrum and there will be hearing loss,” Dr Pritam Moon, consultant physician, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai, tells HealthShots.  2. Infection Another reason why you should never avoid sneezing, especially if you are suffering a cold, is to release the yellow nasal discharge from the body. Dr Moon says, “Sneezing allows you to clear the nose of anything that shouldn’t be present there, including the bacteria. Holding a sneeze leads to the redirection of air back into your ears from your nasal passages that carry bacteria or infected mucus to your middle ear inviting an infection. You may be required to take antibiotics to manage that middle ear infection.” 3. Broken ribs “When you hold a sneeze, the high-pressure air is forced into the lungs with a lot of force, and this can lead to the breaking of your ribs,” says Dr Moon.  Why do we sneeze? Sneezing is a mechanism you use to clear your nose. When foreign particles like pollen, dust, or smoke enter your nose, they may interact with your nasal passage. If this happens, an electric signal gets sent to your brain to inform it that it’s time for a sneeze. The act of sneezing forces water, mucus, and air from your nose quickly.  Although risks of holding in a sneeze are low, still there are chances that it could lead to consequences. So never ever hold on to your sneeze!  Dr Pritam Moon, Consultant physician, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Source: https://ke.opera.news/ke/en/health/e016dbf7908c1072e164b526687e77fd