Sharda Sinha, popularly known as ‘Bihar Kokila‘ and known for her songs in Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Hindi languages, succumbed to blood poisoning complications on Tuesday. Sharda Sinha was 72.
Sharda Sinha was battling with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. Her condition deteriorated on Monday, after which she was placed on a ventilator. She breathed her last at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi.
Sharda Sinha was diagnosed with blood cancer in 2018
Sharda Sinha was battling multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer which was diagnosed in 2018.
Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer that primarily affects plasma cells, a type of white blood cell found in the bone marrow. Plasma cells produce antibodies that help the body fight infections. However, in multiple myeloma, cancerous plasma cells multiply uncontrollably, producing abnormal antibodies called M proteins. These proteins accumulate in the body and can damage organs, especially the kidneys.
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The symptoms of multiple myeloma vary but the common ones include bone pain which is often in the spine or ribs, frequent infections, fatigue, anemia, and kidney problems. In its advanced stage the disease can weaken bones, making patients more prone to fractures. The exact cause of multiple myeloma remains unclear, but the common risk factors are age as mostly individuals above 60 years of age are affected the most, a family history of the disease, and a history of certain blood disorders.
Living with multiple myeloma can be challenging; it is a chronic illness that has to be taken care of. Supportive care, including pain management, physical therapy, and nutritional support, can also play a key role in managing the effects of multiple myeloma and enhancing overall well-being.
Medically, her death was due to refractory shock as a result of ‘septicaemia’
Septicemia is also known as blood poisoning, a severe form of bacterial infection that affects the bloodstream and can multiply quickly. It is very dangerous because it causes an extreme immune response that can seriously damage organs. Symptoms include high fever, chills, rapid heart rate, and confusion, which rapidly worsen to severe sepsis or septic shock, as characterized by very low blood pressure and possible organ failure.
(With inputs from agencies)
