Dr Purushottam Vashistha, a gastroenterologist at Apollo Hospitals in Navi Mumbai, explains that stress can directly cause bloating, nausea, and worsen bowel disorders through the gut-brain axis. These disorders affect gastrointestinal tract movement, heighten intestinal sensitivity, and alter secretions. For Vanshika Sharma, 32, of Muktsar, who has experienced acute gastric issues for years with stress-triggered appetite loss and unexplained pain, bloating, and nausea, Dr Vashistha recommends a gastroenterologist evaluation for chronic gastritis and to rule out other causes.
Managing Water Retention with Hypothyroidism
Mukta Bhasin, 52, of Rewari, who takes medication for hypothyroidism and frequently suffers water retention, is advised by Dr Akansha Gautam, an endocrinologist at Livasa Hospital in Mohali, to first get thyroid function tests. If results are normal, the dosage is appropriate, and other causes like heart, kidney, liver, or hormonal issues should be investigated. If tests are abnormal, medication adjustment under medical supervision is needed. Self-medication should be avoided, and an endocrinologist consultation is recommended for a personalised treatment plan.
Persistent Mucus After Coronary Stenting
Lalit Bharadwaj, 81, of Panchkula, who lives alone and is active, has had persistent mucus in the throat and nose for two months despite various home remedies, six years after coronary stenting. He takes DEPLATT-CV 20 and walks 45 minutes daily. Dr Mahesh Ghogare, an interventional cardiologist at Apollo Hospitals in Navi Mumbai, emphasises continuing medications to maintain stent patency. The mucus likely stems from pollution, age-related or allergic rhinitis, not bacterial infection, so antibiotics are not always needed. An ENT specialist evaluation is advised.
Diarrhoea with Mucus After Meals
Dr Aup Kumar Mandal, 63, of Karnal, experiences urgent diarrhoea-like symptoms with a small amount of stool and large mucus three to four hours after lunch. Despite consulting specialists and taking prescribed medicines, the problem recurred. Tests showed fatty liver. Dr Pankaj Kumar, a gastroenterologist at Livasa Hospital in Mohali, suggests colonic irritation from irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhoea, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, or rarely inflammatory bowel disease. Recurrence indicates root causes like food intolerances, celiac disease, or inflammation are unaddressed. He recommends tests for celiac disease and IBD, including faecal calprotectin and colonoscopy if needed, a supervised low-FODMAP diet, and tracking triggers. For fatty liver, cutting refined carbs, fried food, and sugar, along with daily 30-minute walks and weight management, helps both gut and liver. Persistent symptoms at age 63 require specialist review.
Combating Constant Tiredness in a Hectic Lifestyle
Kavita Sinha, 29, of Bengaluru, who works in the corporate sector indoors, eats a healthy diet but on the go, and experiences constant tiredness for months. Dr Anita Singla, a gynaecologist at Cloudnine Hospitals in Indirapuram, Ghaziabad, attributes this to irregular meal timings, stress, lack of sunlight, poor sleep, dehydration, lack of exercise, poor posture, or nutritional deficiencies like vitamin D, B12, or iron. Lack of exercise can cause muscle dystrophy, reduced stamina, body aches, and chronic fatigue. Eating on the go affects digestion and nutrient absorption. Remedies include fixed meal timings, hydration, regular exercise, improved posture, and adequate sunlight and sleep.
