Sinusitis is the symptomatic inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, which may be due to infection, allergy or autoimmune causes. It usually occurs due to a viral infection and resolve over the course of 10 days. It is a common disease affecting more than 24 million people annually. Its prevalence is escalating in different geographical locations of the world, especially in cold regions. The best way to prevent sinusitis is to educate the people about risk factors and preventive strategies. The present study was planned with an objective to know the prevalence of sinusitis and to determine the ratio of diseases in respect of Mizaj (Temperament) of the patients attending Govt. Unani Hospital Srinagar and AYUSH Centres in Kashmir. The study was an observational multi-centric cross-sectional hospital based survey. A total of 11514 patients of any age group and sex, attending the outpatients departments of these centres, irrespective of the treatment seeking for were screened after obtaining approval from Institutional Ethical Committee. A pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire which was based on the demographic profile and risk factors of sinusitis was administered to collect the relevant data. The results showed that overall prevalence of sinusitis was 1.11%. The mean age of patients was 34 years and 70% of patients were suffering from chronic maxillary sinusitis. The study revealed that 20% of patients have positive family history of sinusitis. The history of allergy and cold exposure was found in 30 % of patients. The prevalence was highest in patients having Balgami (phlegmatic) temperament. It can be concluded that by knowing ones temperament, the risk for developing sinusitis can be predicted and preventive strategies may be adopted at individual and mass levels.

Abstract:Despite ancient nature of the tradition, medicinal plants still form the basis of traditional or indigenous health systems and are reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) to still be used by the majority of the populations in most developing countries. Medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) play a significant role in meeting the demands of the traditional medicine markets which are found both domestically in the producing and in overseas markets. Demand for a wide variety of wild species is increasing with growth in human needs, numbers and commercial trade. With the increased realization that some wild species are being over-exploited, several agencies are recommending that wild species be brought into cultivation systems. The present pharmacognostical study was conducted with the objectives to assess the high demand and high commercial value Medicinal Plants in Jammu and Kashmir and to assess the source of identification of Medicinal raw herbs in Jammu and Kashmir. The study was conducted by randomly selecting 10 districts of two provinces (Jammu and Kashmir) of Jammu and Kashmir. The study was aimed at distributors, retailers and traders of raw herbs and Medicinal Plants. The study was carried out thorough a team of experts who visited the traders of raw medicinal herbs in the identified areas of study. Their feedback was recorded in the form of a questionnaire designed for the said purpose. It was observed that the trade of raw medicinal herbs in J&K is haphazard and erratic with negligible authoritarian control. The high demand species are distinctive with their local availability and the popularity of the herb is directly proportional to availability of the herb in the area. The source of identification of herbs is also erratic, with no expert identification.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are soft tissue injuries that occur gradually over time and affect the muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints and nerves. These conditions develop when one or more of these tissues are used for a long period of time without adequate rest. The common MSDs encompasses low backache (LBA) and different types of arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome etc. LBA is a common problem and the highest prevalence is seen in patients aged 45 to 65 years. Approximately 60-80 % of the world's population experience back pain at some time in their lives. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a major health problem in terms of its prevalence, associated disability and effect on the quality of life. It is the most common form of arthritis worldwide and the leading cause of mobility related disability in the elderly. The best way to prevent MSDs is to educate the people about risk factors and preventive strategies. The present study was planned with an objective to know the prevalence of MSDs and to determine the ratio of diseases in respect of Mizaj (Temperament) of the patients attending Govt. Unani Hospital Shalteng, Srinagar and AYUSH Centres in Kashmir, India. The study was an observational multi-centric cross-sectional hospital based survey. A total of 15529 patients irrespective of age and sex, attending the out-patients departments of these centres were included in the study. A pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire which was based on the demographic profile and risk factors of MSDs was administered to collect the relevant data. The results showed that overall prevalence of MSDs was 2.16 %. The mean age of patients was 42 years. The prevalent morbidities in patients were LBA (33.33 %), OA (25.89 %), Cervical spondylosis (13.69 %), PIVDP (11.01 %), Rheumatoid arthritis (4-46 %), Lumbar spondylosis (4.16 %), Frozen shoulder 1.78 %), Carpal Tunnel syndrome (1.48 %), Osteoporosis (1.19 %), Gout, Kyphoscolosis, Tennis elbow and Sciatica (0.59 %) each and Migratory arthritis and Ganglion (0.29 %) each. The prevalence was highest in patients having Balgami (phlegmatic) temperament.