Lahore, Faisalabad and Gujranwala, the most populous and polluted cities of Punjab, are facing the worsening issue of smog which returns every winter with a greater intensity. Major contributing factors are immense traffic pollution, crop burning and industrialization. These have led to major health issues including lungs, eyes, skin and heart problems. Although the government has taken some measures to mitigate these dangerous effects of smog but they have proven to be of little significance. Major efforts are still needed and public cooperation will play the most significant role in combating this issue. We aim to highlight this alarming situation to the relevant authorities so that the true gravity of this problem can be understood and anti-smog efforts can be accelerated.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most prevalent conditions worldwide and is conventionally treated by proton pump inhibitor therapy. However, around 40% of people have reported some form of resistance to this therapy. Vonoprazan has recently been approved for the treatment of GERD. Literature was searched on PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase and Medline. Inclusion criteria were 1) Human subjects; 2) papers published in English language; 3) study types that are RCTs.
Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is a chronic inflammation of the middle ear associated with tympanic membrane rupture and purulent discharge for at least 6 weeks. Owing to the proper use and easy availability of antibiotics, these types of cases are rare in developed regions, but they are still occasionally seen in the developing world with poor hygiene and a lack of availability of antibiotics and immunizations. Patient presented with complaints of headache, yellow-colored discharge from ear, fever and vomiting. The patient's Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) was 12/15, neck stiffness and positive Kernig's sign, horizontal nystagmus and exaggerated deep tendon reflexes. Positive CSF findings and Magnetic Resonance Imaging showing right sided cerebellar abscesses, led to the diagnosis of right-sided CSOM leading to cerebellar brain abscess. Patient was treated with anti-pyrectics, intravenous mannitol, IV and topical antibiotics and IV-dexamethasone. Abscess evacuation was performed in neurosurgery department while mastoidectomy was performed in ENT department. Patient's condition improved quickly and was discharged with regular follow-up. CSOM is a long-standing middle ear infection, associated with ear discharge and permanent perforation of the tympanic membrane. Divided into two main types, a) Tubo tympanic b) Atticoantral. CSOM occasionally presents with severe intracranial complications, especially in developing countries. CSOM is a chronic inflammation of the middle ear. Without early and effective management, it can lead to serious intracranial complications. So, diagnosis of complications like cerebellar abscess should be on the differential while dealing with patients with CSOM in developing countries.