Thanks to social many people now have access to a lot of medical knowledge just a click away. However, this accessibility has also allowed misinformation. Not too long ago, on June 2, a reel which got circulated around noted that common painkiller "increase your risk of heart issues by nearly 20%". The reel further claims that "they are also linked to fertility problems and mental health issues, because they don't solve anything."

These claims were made by social media health influencer Dimple Jangda, who also said that since painkillers are neurotoxins, it kills the nervous system that transmits the message of pain from that part of the body to the brain.

Talking about women and menstruators using popular painkillers like ibuprofen for period pain, she says, "You’re basically cutting off the communication and the conversation between the uterus and the brain, basically tricking your body into thinking there’s no pain happening here,” the influencer explains. “The pain is happening. The pain is basically a message, a communication from the body telling you that it needs attention ——- so instead of addressing the deficiency of the health issue and the root cause and the trigger, you’re basically suppressing it saying, “Shut Up!””

Painkillers Are Not Neurotoxins

Many experts have explained that painkillers are neurotoxins, nor do they interfere with nerves. They inhibit enzymes for the chemicals that are involved in pain. The painkillers block the production of those chemicals, but has no neurological effect.

Do Painkillers Cause Fertility Issues?

According to a reproductive forum Instituto Bernabeu, standard painkillers like paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen are not related to infertility.

These are used to treat non-specific pain, including migraines, high temperatures, muscle pain, general discomfort, period cramps, etc.

The primary concern for many women of reproductive age is whether certain medications might affect their fertility in the short term. In the case of paracetamol, there’s no evidence to suggest it negatively impacts fertility. As for ibuprofen, it's commonly used to relieve severe menstrual pain, which can sometimes indicate underlying conditions like endometriosis—a condition that may itself be associated with fertility challenges.

However, as per a 2016 study, titled, Preconception use of pain-relievers and time-to-pregnancy: a prospective cohort study the use of medications like acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen has not been significantly linked to reduced fertility, indicating that these drugs do not negatively affect the ability to conceive.

Can Painkillers Increase Risk of Cardiac Health Issues And Heart Attack?

The video also claims that painkillers can lead to health issues like increased risks of heart attacks. This claim, however is true as frequent use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as per the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do increase the risk of heart attack.

For more than 17 years, one woman battled a growing list of unexplained and debilitating symptoms—fatigue, joint pain, spontaneous fevers, and swollen lymph nodes—without a clear diagnosis.

A former college athlete who once thrived on high-impact sports like rugby and ice hockey, she eventually found herself physically debilitated and mentally drained. Despite multiple hospital visits and consultations with specialists, answers remained elusive.

According to USA Today, her health journey began in college, where daily life became a struggle. Tests for common conditions, including mononucleosis and autoimmune disorders, failed to reveal anything conclusive. By her mid-30s, Nika Beamon, a New York-based author and an award winning journalist, had suffered two strokes, and yet, no diagnosis explained the persistent deterioration in her health.

The delay in diagnosis was not for lack of trying—she saw 26 doctors and underwent 37 medical procedures. Every physician agreed something was wrong. What remained unclear was what exactly was wreaking havoc in her body.

“I felt like I was aging rapidly,” she told USA Today. “It was as if you went from 20 to 50 in a day.”

A Long-Awaited Diagnosis

More than a decade and a half after her symptoms began, a rheumatologist finally offered clarity. The mystery illness turned out to be IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD), a rare immune-mediated condition that can inflame and damage organs if left untreated.

All it took to confirm the diagnosis was a blood test—an infuriatingly simple step that hadn’t been taken earlier because no one had a reason to look for such a rare disorder.

The immune disorder was first widely recognized by Japanese gastroenterologists in 2006, with formal naming and classification happening in 2012. The disease tricks the body’s immune system into producing excess IgG4 antibodies, which can form masses or cause swelling in critical organs such as the liver, lungs, or pancreas.

If these affected organs aren’t treated in time, irreversible damage—like cirrhosis—can occur.

While not fatal if caught early, the disease's real threat lies in its stealth and its ability to mimic other conditions. It’s often misdiagnosed or mistaken for cancer, as the masses caused by excess immune cells closely resemble tumors.

“It’s not cancers or anything,” a medical expert told USA Today. “It’s just that the immune system is confused and reacting to something.”

When Diagnosis Is Delayed

The journey to diagnosis for IgG4-RD is often complicated because the symptoms are both non-specific and widespread. Fatigue, joint pain, fevers, or masses can be attributed to more common conditions. It’s only when these symptoms span multiple organs, or when an aware radiologist spots a distinctive pattern on imaging, that IgG4-RD is even considered.

In this case, it took over 17 years for someone to finally put the pieces together. The woman had no known family history of autoimmune or immune-related conditions, making her case more perplexing. Compounding the delay was a lack of widespread awareness and diagnostic protocols for IgG4-RD at the time her symptoms began.

Treating IgG4-RD: A New Era

Treatment for IgG4-RD typically starts with steroids like prednisone, which can reduce inflammation. However, these drugs aren’t viable long-term due to their significant side effects. More recently, the FDA approved Uplizna, the first drug specifically designed to target IgG4-RD. The monoclonal antibody works by suppressing the B-cells responsible for producing the problematic antibodies.

In clinical trials, Uplizna showed an 87% reduction in flare-ups. Patients can now expect better management of the disease with fewer side effects and a more targeted approach.

“Most patients do well if the disease is diagnosed and treated on time,” USA Today reported, citing clinical experts.

Life After Diagnosis

Now in her 50s, Beamon continues to manage her condition with medications and regular checkups. Although the disease hasn’t disappeared, having a name for it—and a treatment plan—has drastically improved her quality of life.

“There are good days and bad days,” she admitted to USA Today, referring to flares and periods of inflammation.

She also found strength in community support, especially after publicly sharing her story and publishing a memoir documenting her medical journey. Her advice to others still searching for answers: advocate for yourself, keep detailed records, and bring someone to medical appointments.

Most importantly, she urges patients not to give up. “There’s always a doctor out there that can help you,” she said. “You just have to find the right one.”

Rare diseases—also called orphan diseases—may affect only a small fraction of the population individually, but collectively they pose a massive public health challenge in India. According to estimates from the Foundation for Research on Rare Diseases and Disorders, over 70 million Indians are living with rare genetic conditions. Despite their growing prevalence, patients continue to struggle with limited diagnosis, inadequate treatment options, and high out-of-pocket expenses.

A disease is considered rare in India if it affects fewer than one in 2,500 individuals. Globally, more than 7,000 rare diseases have been identified, most of which are genetic and often life-threatening. In the Indian context, conditions like Gaucher’s disease, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and various lysosomal storage disorders are among the most commonly reported.

Key Challenges Facing Rare Disease Patients

Delayed or Missed Diagnosis

One of the most significant hurdles is the lack of awareness and proper diagnostic infrastructure. With overlapping symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, neurological disturbances, and gastrointestinal issues, rare diseases are often misdiagnosed or go undetected for years. This diagnostic delay not only worsens the patient’s condition but can also lead to unnecessary treatments and mounting expenses.

High Cost of Treatment

Rare diseases typically require long-term and highly specialized care. Therapies like enzyme replacement can cost several lakhs annually, placing a heavy burden on families. Unfortunately, these treatments are often not covered under standard health insurance policies in India.

Limited Data and Research

The absence of a national registry for rare diseases makes it difficult to accurately track the disease burden or develop targeted interventions. Moreover, limited research funding hampers the development of new treatments, especially when pharmaceutical companies see little commercial incentive to invest in conditions affecting small patient groups.

Insufficient Infrastructure and Trained Personnel

The number of healthcare professionals trained to handle rare diseases remains low. Specialized diagnostic centres and treatment facilities are sparse, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, resulting in inequitable access to care.

Policy Responses and Emerging Solutions

National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD) 2021

In an effort to streamline care and provide financial assistance, the Indian government introduced the NPRD in 2021. The policy classifies rare diseases into three categories—those that need one-time curative treatment, those requiring long-term therapies, and conditions where definitive treatment is still under research. Under the Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi scheme, financial assistance of up to ₹50 lakh is provided for specific conditions listed in the policy.

Encouraging Domestic Drug Manufacturing

To tackle the high costs of imported orphan drugs, the government has been encouraging domestic pharmaceutical companies to manufacture these treatments locally. Incentives, including tax benefits and research grants, are being explored to promote affordable drug development.

Newborn Screening and Early Detection

Recognizing the importance of early intervention, efforts are underway to expand newborn screening programs across India. Early diagnosis not only improves survival rates but also reduces the long-term cost and complexity of treatment.

Strengthening Public-Private Collaborations

Partnerships among government bodies, research institutions, and private companies are being promoted to advance rare disease research. Initiatives like the ICMR’s Rare Disease Registry aim to generate epidemiological data and facilitate better planning and resource allocation.

While recent policy measures have been a step in the right direction, much remains to be done. Strengthening financial support, expanding insurance coverage, increasing public awareness, and scaling up research and diagnostic capabilities are critical to improving the lives of those affected by rare diseases in India.

With sustained efforts and inclusive healthcare planning, the country can move toward a future where rare disease patients are no longer sidelined, but receive timely, equitable, and effective care.

Vaccination is one of the earliest forms of medical protection given to children. However, many vaccines are typically administered during infancy and early childhood, with fewer continuing into adolescence. Among the most crucial yet often overlooked vaccines is the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, recommended from the age of 9. Health professionals emphasize that this vaccine plays a vital role in preventing multiple serious diseases, including certain cancers, making it an essential step in adolescent healthcare.

What is HPV and How is it Spread?

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common viral infection, primarily spread through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. While many HPV infections clear on their own, some strains can persist and lead to severe health conditions. These include cervical cancer, genital warts, and cancers of the throat, anus, penis, vagina, and vulva. Because HPV can affect both men and women, vaccination is recommended for all children—regardless of gender—before any potential exposure.

Why Start Vaccination at Age 9?

Starting the HPV vaccine early, ideally at age 9, ensures long-term protection. At this age, the immune system responds more robustly to the vaccine, producing stronger and longer-lasting immunity. Vaccinating before any sexual contact begins offers the best possible defense against HPV infection and the related health complications that may develop years later.

Who Should Get the HPV Vaccine?

The HPV vaccine is approved and recommended for:

• Girls aged 9 to 45 years
• Boys aged 9 to 26 years

For children between 9 and 14 years old, two doses of the vaccine are generally sufficient, administered several months apart. However, individuals aged 15 and above require three doses for full protection. Even if the vaccine is missed at age 9, catch-up vaccinations are available up to age 26, and in some cases beyond, depending on medical advice.

Key Benefits of the HPV Vaccine

Prevention before exposure: The vaccine works best when administered before any sexual activity begins.

Long-term immunity: Early vaccination builds strong protection that lasts for years.

Cancer prevention: It significantly reduces the risk of cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers in both men and women.

Protection from genital warts: Prevents the development of genital warts caused by certain HPV strains.

Safe and effective: The vaccine is well-tested, safe, and has minimal side effects, making it a reliable preventive measure.

Diseases Prevented by the HPV Vaccine

• Cervical cancer
• Vaginal and vulvar cancer
• Anal cancer
• Throat (oropharyngeal) cancer
• Penile cancer
• Genital warts

Prevention Beyond Vaccination

While the HPV vaccine is highly effective, additional steps can help reduce the risk of infection:

• Avoid unsafe or unprotected skin-to-skin contact
• Practice good personal hygiene
• Educate children and adolescents about health, hygiene, and safe practices
• Encourage regular medical check-ups, including Pap tests for women when appropriate