Chronic inflammatory diseases of the nasal mucosa such as allergic rhinitis, rhinosinusitis, and nasal polyposis pose a significant clinical burden but can be effectively managed with topically active corticosteroids (1,2). Allergic rhinitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the nasal mucosa triggered by environmental allergens (1). Allergic rhinitis is highly prevalent in India, with recent large‑scale studies showing that more than half of patients presenting with nasal

1. Overview The double marker test is a crucial prenatal assessment tool used during the first trimester of pregnancy. Its main purpose is to detect pregnancies that are at elevated risk for the onset of chromosomal disorders. The test integrates maternal age with particular biochemical indicators to evaluate fetal well-being (1). The double marker test, also known as the double test, measures two serum markers: free beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (free beta-hCG) and pregn

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is amongst the leading causes of death worldwide, accounting for an estimated 19 million deaths each year (1). The mortality rates are even higher in India linked with an earlier age of onset and greater severity of the disease (2,3). More than half of cardiac deaths in India occur below the age of 50 years and 25% occur below the age of 40 years. The skyrocketing rates are due to a combination of risk factors which include dysli

Diabetes is a global epidemic affecting around 463 million adults worldwide (1). India is considered the diabetes capital of the world. Around 69.9 million patients are expected to be suffering from Type 2 diabetes by 2025. This is projected to increase to 80 million by 2023 which is a 266% increase (2). Current treatment guidelines recommend lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise along with pharmacotherapy. Metformin is considered as gold standard and is routinely pres

The ability to think clearly and make decisions plays a central role in the overall well-being and quality of life in elderly individuals. Many medical conditions and traumas can cause dementia affecting memory, thinking, and the ability to perform daily activities. Dementia is one of the most feared geriatric conditions (1). Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia that may contribute to 60-70% of the overall cases. It is characterized by the abnormal acc

Heart failure (HF) is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases worldwide. The prevalence of heart failure in India is estimated to be about 8-10 million (1). Around 1.8 million hospitalizations occur in India annually due to HF (2). Approximately 50% of these cases can be attributed to HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), referring to a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 40% or less (3). Despite significant advances in treatment, there remains a signific

Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting millions worldwide. Around 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020. Of these patients, there were around 685,000 recorded deaths (1). The numbers are not improving despite having modern treatment options. Survival rates vary widely between countries, with low- and middle-income countries generally having lower survival rates compared to high-income countries. Late-stage diagnosis, lack of early detection pr

Osteoporosis is a global health concern that affects millions worldwide. This condition leads to low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue, increasing the risk of fractures, especially in women (1). It affects an estimated 200 million women worldwide, with two-thirds over the age of 90 (2). Osteoporosis affects a staggering 61 million people in India alone. Around 80% of these are women (3). The development of osteoporosis is influenced by a combination of fac

Skin plays an important role for host defence system by providing tangible barrier, innate and acquired immunity. These three levels safeguard the human body of various infectious agents and other external threats. However, breach of any level can induce an inflammatory skin disease, which partly simulates the actual protective response against infections and dangers. Clinically, it is often portrayed by itching red rashes. Skin inflammation can be the consequence of exposure

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health concern worldwide. It is the second leading cause of death from infectious diseases. Effective adherence to TB treatment is essential in preventing disease transmission, ensuring cure, and preventing the development of drug resistance, relapse, and mortality (1). TB treatment regimens vary based on medication types, dosing, frequency, regimen duration, and whether the TB infection is drug-sensitive or resistant. There are

There are several misconceptions around arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. While arthritis refers to the inflammation of the joint caused by wear and tear, rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disorder (1).The body’s immune system attacks tissues, mistaking them for a foreign pathogen. Delayed diagnosis and treatment may lead to permanent joint damage or even heart disease. Timely diagnosis is critical to avoid long-term complications (1,2). Rheumatoid arthritis affects t

Lila was the most active member of our community. She had always been a lively and outgoing person, but one day she started experiencing pain and stiffness in her joints that persisted over time. Suddenly she was no longer the free spirit, she used to be. She spent most of her time indoors and the pain made it hard for her to do simple tasks, affecting her mental health. Despite trying various treatments, Lila still faced challenges. Lila was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthrit

The human gut contains a complex ecosystem of over 10 trillion microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, yeasts, and protozoa, known as the gut microbiota. This tiny but mighty world of living organisms operates like an organ, generating essential nutrients and metabolites that play a critical role in overall health and well-being (1). Did you know that gut microbiota may also impact brain function? Is there a potential link between the "gut world" and the "brain world"? Mo

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is a progressive metabolic disease that affects members of all ages but is more common in people over 45 years (1). Type 2 diabetes has recently become more common among children, adolescents, and young adults around the world. In 2021, about 41,600 new cases of youth-onset diabetes were reported worldwide (2). The prevalence of youth-onset T2D among children aged 10–19 is 0.67 per 1000, a 95.3% increase since 2001. Additionally, 1 in 5 adolesce

Multiple myeloma (MM) is one of the most common haematological cancers, with an incidence rate of 10%. As per the GLOBOCON 2022 update, the age standardised rate (ASR) of mortality was 1.1 of 100,000 people globally. The majority of MM cases originate from a precancerous asymptomatic stage known as monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) or an advanced intermediate asymptomatic stage called smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM). It is estimated that 5% of the po

Hair follicles are unique “mini-organs” that regenerate through a growth cycle of anagen (growth), catagen (involution), telogen (resting), and exogen (hair shedding) (1). Hair loss (alopecia) is common in both men and women and affects appearance, social interaction, self-esteem, and quality of life (2). The most common cause of hair loss in males is androgenetic alopecia (AGA)(3). Prevalence of Androgenetic Alopecia The prevalence of AGA in Indian males aged 30-50 years is

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a major global health threat. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized AMR as a critical concern, projecting up to 10 million annual deaths due to drug-resistant infections by 2025 (1). Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), one of the known "superbugs," is a significant cause of antimicrobial-resistant infections worldwide, leading to high mortality rates, treatment cost, and longer hospital stay (1). MRSA