Aastha Hospice

Aastha Hospice Aastha is a Hospice and Palliative Care Center for those whose illness may no longer be curable. It may be provided at home, hospital or hospice.

It enables them to achieve the best quality of life especially during the final stages of their illness.

24/08/2025

Today at Aastha, a daughter-in-law came with her mother-in-law and said something that touched everyone’s hearts. She said, “She is not my mother-in-law, she is my mother. I lived with my mother for 19 years, but I have lived with her for 50 years.” These words are not just filled with love but also reflect the truth of life. Bonds are not only made by blood but also by care, respect, and devotion.

Too often we hear that the relationship between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law is full of conflict, but this story is different. This daughter-in-law gave her mother-in-law the place of a mother, and together they lived a life filled with affection, responsibility, and mutual respect. This is the true definition of family, where love and commitment create ties even stronger than blood.

Her words are an inspiration for every daughter-in-law who sees her role only as a duty. When duty turns into love, a mother-in-law is no longer just a mother-in-law, she becomes a mother. And when that happens, a house is no longer just a house, it becomes a home filled with warmth and blessings.

Warm birthday wishes to Dr. R. P. Singh, a distinguished gastroenterologist whose expertise and dedication in the field ...
23/08/2025

Warm birthday wishes to Dr. R. P. Singh, a distinguished gastroenterologist whose expertise and dedication in the field of medicine have benefited countless patients. Your clinical excellence and commitment to advancing healthcare make you a true pillar of strength for those who look up to you for guidance and healing.
Equally inspiring is the humility and warmth with which you connect to people around you. Your ability to blend medical brilliance with compassion and personal care has earned you immense respect among patients, colleagues, and friends alike. May this birthday bring you happiness, good health, and continued success in every endeavor.

23/08/2025

Dr. Abhishek Shukla today discussed the case of an elderly woman who was admitted to the hospital with complaints of loose motions. She had a long-standing history of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) for the past 30 years. On arrival, her condition was critical as she presented with loose stools, low oxygen levels, sepsis, and significant electrolyte imbalance with low potassium. Additionally, her protein and albumin levels were markedly reduced, reflecting poor nutritional status. Due to her deteriorating respiratory condition, she was kept on ventilatory support, initially on CPAP mode and later on SIMV mode.

As the patient showed signs of recovery, it was decided to proceed with extubation. Before extubation, Dr. Abhishek Shukla emphasized the importance of preparing the airway properly. Endotracheal suction was performed to clear secretions, ensuring that no obstruction remained in the airway. After this, a laryngoscope was used to carefully check the airway passage, vocal cords, and the position of the tube, confirming that the patient was ready for safe removal of ventilatory support.

Once these precautions were taken, the extubation was carried out successfully. After removal, the endotracheal tube was immediately sent for culture and sensitivity to identify any possible infections and guide further antibiotic treatment. Through this case, Dr. Abhishek Shukla demonstrated not only the clinical steps involved in extubation but also highlighted the importance of systematic preparation, patient monitoring, and post-extubation care in critically ill elderly patients with multiple comorbidities.

22/08/2025

Dr. Abhishek Shukla today discussed about heart attack, medically known as myocardial infarction (MI) or acute coronary syndrome (ACS). It occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is suddenly blocked, usually due to a clot forming over a ruptured atherosclerotic plaque in the coronary artery. Without timely restoration of blood flow, the affected heart muscle begins to get damaged or even die.

He explained that the main cause of a heart attack is coronary artery disease (CAD), which develops over years due to the buildup of fatty deposits (atherosclerosis) inside the coronary arteries. Risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol, obesity, stress, and a sedentary lifestyle contribute to this process. When a plaque ruptures, platelets rush to seal it, forming a clot that can fully obstruct blood supply to the heart muscle.

Dr. Shukla further highlighted how it happens clinically. The sudden lack of oxygen and nutrients to the myocardium leads to chest pain or discomfort, often described as heaviness or pressure, radiating to the arm, jaw, or back. Other symptoms include shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, and a sense of impending doom. If not managed quickly with medical intervention like thrombolysis, angioplasty, or stenting, it can result in irreversible heart muscle damage, heart failure, or even sudden cardiac death.

21/08/2025

Today, Dr. Abhishek Shukla demonstrated the procedure of tracheostomy removal, also known as decannulation. He explained that the timing of removal is crucial and depends on the patient’s clinical stability. It is considered when the underlying condition that required the tracheostomy, such as prolonged ventilation, airway obstruction, or severe respiratory compromise, has resolved. The patient should be able to maintain a clear airway, have an adequate cough reflex to clear secretions, and demonstrate stable oxygen saturation without ventilatory support.

The procedure itself is performed with caution in a controlled medical setting. After careful assessment, the tracheostomy tube is gently removed while ensuring that the patient is in a comfortable and upright position. The stoma (opening) is then covered with a sterile dressing to promote healing and prevent infection. The patient is encouraged to breathe normally through the upper airway, which has now resumed its full function.

Following removal, Dr. Shukla emphasized the importance of close monitoring. The patient’s vitals, especially respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and heart rate, must be checked regularly. Any signs of respiratory distress, desaturation, or dyspnea should be addressed immediately. Observation for stridor or difficulty in clearing secretions is also essential, as these may indicate the need for urgent intervention. With proper evaluation, careful ex*****on, and vigilant follow-up, tracheostomy removal can be carried out safely and successfully.

I have had the privilege of knowing Dr. Rajendra Prasad for many years, and every interaction with him leaves me inspire...
20/08/2025

I have had the privilege of knowing Dr. Rajendra Prasad for many years, and every interaction with him leaves me inspired. His remarkable journey, from leading the Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, KGMU Lucknow, and UP Rural Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, to serving as Director Medical Education, reflects his unmatched dedication to advancing Pulmonary Medicine in India.

A recipient of the prestigious Dr. B.C. Roy National Award, Dr. Prasad has not only shaped the field but also mentored and guided generations of physicians. For me, he has always been a source of wisdom, encouragement, and perspective.

19/08/2025

Dr. Abhishek Shukla today discussed the C BIG K DROP mnemonic, a life-saving guide for the emergency management of hyperkalemia, especially when dangerous ECG changes are present. He explained that hyperkalemia can quickly become fatal if not addressed, as it affects the heart’s electrical stability. The mnemonic starts with C for Calcium gluconate (or calcium chloride), which does not lower potassium but stabilizes cardiac membranes to prevent arrhythmias. This is followed by B for Beta-agonists like nebulized salbutamol or Bicarbonate in acidotic patients, both of which shift potassium into the cells, buying crucial time.

He continued with I for Insulin and G for Glucose, which work together to push potassium from the bloodstream into the cells, insulin drives the shift, while glucose prevents dangerous hypoglycemia. K stands for Kayexalate, a potassium-binding resin that promotes gastrointestinal elimination, though it works slowly and is more useful for ongoing control rather than immediate rescue. D represents Diuretics such as intravenous furosemide, which enhance renal excretion of potassium.

Finally, Dr. Shukla emphasized the ROP component, Renal unit for Dialysis Of Patient which becomes the definitive step in refractory or severe cases, particularly in those with kidney failure. He highlighted that while the first few steps stabilize the patient and temporarily reduce serum potassium, definitive removal is essential to prevent recurrence. This structured approach ensures no critical step is missed and helps clinicians act swiftly under pressure, making C BIG K DROP an indispensable tool in emergency medicine.

Mr. Dayashankar Mishra, a 78-year-old gentleman living with dementia, was recently found wandering alone and disoriented...
19/08/2025

Mr. Dayashankar Mishra, a 78-year-old gentleman living with dementia, was recently found wandering alone and disoriented. Due to his memory impairment, he was unable to recall his home or family details, and was taken to the local police station for safety. Situations like these highlight the vulnerability of elderly individuals with dementia, who often get lost and face immense risks when left unattended in public spaces.

At Aastha, we stepped in as a bridge of care and compassion, working closely with the authorities to trace his family and reunite him with his loved ones. Our team ensured that he was not only kept safe during this difficult time but also treated with dignity and respect. The reunion brought relief and joy to his family, reaffirming the importance of community support and timely intervention in safeguarding the lives of our elders.

Please Help And Share 🙏
18/08/2025

Please Help And Share 🙏

17/08/2025

A patient has been admitted at Aastha Centre for Geriatric Medicine, Palliative Care Hospital & Hospice with severe anemia and pancytopenia. His hemoglobin levels are critically low, and he requires urgent blood transfusion to stabilize his condition. Pancytopenia means that along with low hemoglobin, his white blood cells and platelets are also reduced, making him extremely vulnerable to infections and bleeding.

As doctors and caregivers, we are providing him the best possible medical attention, but his life cannot be saved without timely blood support. In such situations, the kindness and generosity of the community become the greatest strength for a patient in distress.

We appeal to compassionate individuals to come forward and donate A+ blood to help this gentleman survive. Your single act of kindness can save a precious life and give him a chance to recover. At Aastha, we believe that humanity is the strongest medicine, and together we can ensure that no one suffers alone.

I had the privilege of meeting Padma Shri Dr. Sunil Pradhan, Ex. HOD SGPGI, one of India’s most eminent neurologists. Hi...
17/08/2025

I had the privilege of meeting Padma Shri Dr. Sunil Pradhan, Ex. HOD SGPGI, one of India’s most eminent neurologists. His pioneering work, groundbreaking research, and remarkable contributions to neuroscience have been an inspiration for generations of doctors, including myself.

It was an honour to interact with a stalwart whose dedication to medicine reflects the very spirit of service and excellence that this day stands for.

15/08/2025

Dr. Abhishek Shukla today demonstrated the procedure of ascitic tapping in a patient with advanced liver disease, explaining its role in relieving abdominal discomfort and aiding diagnosis.

Ascitic tapping, or paracentesis, involves the removal of excess fluid from the peritoneal cavity using a sterile technique. The patient is positioned, usually sitting or slightly reclined, to allow fluid to collect in the lower abdomen. After cleaning the skin with antiseptic, a local anaesthetic is injected at the puncture site, commonly in the lower quadrant away from blood vessels and scars. A needle or cannula is then inserted into the peritoneal cavity, and the ascitic fluid is drained slowly to avoid sudden circulatory changes. The amount of fluid removed depends on the patient’s condition, and vital signs are monitored throughout.

Once the desired amount of fluid is collected, the needle is withdrawn, and a sterile dressing is applied to the puncture site. In large-volume paracentesis, albumin may be administered intravenously to maintain circulatory stability. The drained fluid can be sent for laboratory analysis to assess protein content, cell counts, and infection markers, which help determine the underlying cause and guide further treatment.

Address

Aastha Geriatric Hospital & Hospice, B-52 J Park Mahanagar LKO
Lucknow
226006

Telephone

+919415015050

Website

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