Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Dr CC Chaubal is gastroenterologist, professor and HoD in People’s College of Medical Sciences & Research Centre, Bhopal. In a brief interview with Free Press, Dr Chaubal touched various aspects.
Excerpts
What is current status of gastrointestinal diseases in India?
Crohn’s Disease in increasing because of over attention to hygiene leading to less exposure to microbes in childhood. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis represent the two most common forms of the condition.
Any other disease that people need to be cautious of?
Hepatitis-A claimed three deaths this year in elderly groups in Bhopal. If it is infecting children, it enhances immunity but if it is infects elders, it may be fatal. So, we prescribe vaccine after test. Generally, sewage line burst and mixes with water supply line, it infects people. Two major epidemic cases I have seen about Hepatitis. In 1955 in Najafgarh (Delhi), hepatitis became epidemic when sewage was found mixed with water. Second case was in Bhopal when we were celebrating after completion PG in a reputed hotel in 1975. We 60 students suffered from hepatitis as hotel water supply line was mixing with sewage. I also contracted it and faced it for two months.
Fatty liver cases are found more in youngsters. What is reason?
It is non-alcoholic condition. Fast food consumption is major contributory factor as it causes obesity in youths. It is non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), in which people have inflammation, liver cell gets damaged and there is fat in liver. Inflammation and liver cell damage can cause fibrosis or scarring of the liver. NASH may lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer. About 20% cases turn into liver cirrhosis. Acidity, peptic ulcer, burning of GI track is common among people. If people have problem of acute acidity and burning sensation in stomach, they should avoid lemon, raw onion, cold drinks, coffee, ghee etc. It is good if people eat raw fruits, vegetables for more roughage. They should take food in small quantity. There should be a gap after taking dinner and going to bed to get rid of the problems.
Any other medical problem, which is on rise in Bhopal?
Chinkungyna is on rise. People are suffering from joints pain for months and even they are not in position to open bottles. There is severity of body pain. They do not have any option but to face brunt.
Doctors recommend several tests before medical prescription. Your views?
Only on the basis of test report, it is not justified to prescribe medicines. I repeat the test of patients whenever I doubt test report. But mostly doctors do not do it and patients suffer. Trusting test report blindly is not justified. Doctors should apply clinical sense.
