Gujjar lung: a disease mimicking miliary tuberculosis

Gujjar lung is a chronic lung disease caused due to the long-term exposure to pinewood smoke inhalation in Gujjar community and the people residing at the hilly regions of the Indian sub-continent. This is characterized clinically by progressive cough and dyspnea, distinct radiological patterns and pathological features of anthracotic nodules and fibrosis. A typical case with miliary mottling on chest radiograph is presented and the relevant literature reviewed

study of life style and morbidity profile among geriatric population in Kashmir, India

To study the life style and morbidity profile of elderly population in Kashmir valley. Exploratory in nature with application of quantitive and qualitative research methodology,.multistage sampling, questionnaires/schedules [close ended questions], house to house visit covering all elderly aged above 65 years living in one of the village where a sub center is located, Rural and Urban areas of district Budgam, J and K state. Six hundred and ninety two persons aged 65 years and above, 578 from rural and 114 from urban area. Among 692 elderly registered in the study, 321 were males and 371 were females. A large number of the subjects [89%] were suffering from at least one medical problem. Morbidity among rural subjects was observed to be less when compared to urban subjects. Females had higher rate of morbidity. Common presenting symptoms were pain/ swelling of joints [36.5%], backache [20.2%], indigestion/ heartburn [17.7%], headache [17.4%] and excessive tiredness. Medical history and physical examination by the physician revealed that most common diseases in order of frequency were hypertension [58%], osteoporosis-[50.55%],cataract [18.51%], gastritis [17.67%] and benign prostatic hyperplasia [BPH] [13.14%].Most of the elderly female had osteoporosis and the males were suffering from prostate BPH. Finding from this study support paying attention to the geriatric population, as the prevalence of morbidity among elderly is very high. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop geriatric health care services, and separate geriatric OPDs should be established at all the hospitals. Special hospitals are needed for mental and badly incapacitated old patients

Epidemiological investigation of an outbreak of Chikungunya in Hyderabad and Nalgonda districts of Andhra Pradesh, India

After about three decades, Chikungunya infection has re-emerged in India and the first cases were reported in December, 2005. The outbreak has currently affected about 8 states in the country. Although known to be commonly non fatal, since the present outbreak involved a large population, it has been raised as an issue of public health concern and also attracted wide media attention. The clinico-epidemioiogical and entomological review of the Chikungunya outbreak situation in Hyderabad and Nalgonda Districts of Andhra Pradesh, which started in December 2005, revealed that it is under control. However, preventive efforts need to continue and disease surveillance for early detection of potential outbreaks further strengthening. Given the significantly high House Index, all the three study areas remain at significant risk of outbreaks in the future if appropriate control measures are not put in place. Community support and participation is also crucial for the prevention of future outbreaks and improving the health and well being of population in the districts