Karunanidhi Health Update: What Is a ‘Transient Setback’ and What Are Its Signs?
Kauvery Hospital released a statement on Sunday saying that Karunanidhi experienced a transient setback. But what is it exactly?
The country has been closely watching DMK President Karunanidhi’s health ever since the 94-year-old was admitted to the hospital following health issues. The leader, fondly known as Kalaignar, was reported to have been suffering from complications arising from a UTI or a urinary tract infection. In the wee hours of Friday morning, the leader was hospitalised after his blood pressure dropped. The incident has triggered panic waves across Tamil Nadu; DMK supporters and the TN public have been waiting with bated breath for more reassuring news about the Kalaignar’s health.
Dr Aravindan Selvaraj, Executive Director of Kauvery Hospital, Chennai released a statement on July 29 saying that there was a ‘transient setback’ in the health condition of the leader and that his vital signs are normalising. This has led many to wonder whether what exactly is a transient setback.
Dr Pradip Shah, General Medicine Specialist and Head of Infectious Disease at Fortis explains: “Karunanidhi was admitted following a bout of UTI or urinary tract infection. UTI, when treated properly, barely leads to complications. But in senior citizens like Karunanidhi the risks of UTI are greater since the immune system is compromised.
“An infection or a sepsis in the body can lead to further complications. There are three stages of sepsis: first where there is a fever and increased heart rate, second where there is a breathing difficulty, and third when the blood pressure drops. By transient setback, the doctors may have been referring to these consequences since Karunanidhi was rushed to the hospital following a dip in blood pressure.”
The statement released from the hospital says that the leader’s vital signs are improving, which could offer reassurance to the ones praying for his recovery.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 30, 2018 12:43 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).