Hepatitis is a condition of the inflammation of the liver, which affects its strength and functions. A relatively unknown factor that can lead to a person contracting hepatitis is through certain medicines. Drug-induced hepatitis is an injury or inflammation of the liver caused by these prescribed medicines, but it is not the only type of liver injury that medication can cause. Other types of drug-induced issues include fatty liver and iron overload. Here’s a detailed look at drug-induced hepatitis. The liver is generally responsible for breaking down any substance that one eats. This process facilitates digestion, which, in turn, keeps the body healthy. The liver is also responsible for breaking down medicines that one may require for various purposes. These medications can include both medicines that one purchases over-the-counter or the ones that their doctor may prescribe for any health issues they face. However, the process of breaking down food or medication through the liver occurs at a slower rate in certain individuals. In such a scenario, the medication should be prescribed and consumed after checking whether they are suitable for the patient. If they fail to do so, the chances of liver damage increase significantly. On the other hand, even small doses of certain medications can lead to hepatitis despite the normal functioning of the liver. Similarly, consuming certain medications in large doses can damage an otherwise healthy liver. Medications contributing to the development of drug-induced hepatitis There is a long list of medications that can lead to hepatitis. Painkillers and fever reducers containing acetaminophen commonly lead to drug-induced hepatitis and other types of liver injury. This is especially likely when these medicines are purchased without a prescription and consumed in higher-than-recommended doses. Additionally, people who consume alcohol have a higher chance of developing the illness. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like naproxen, diclofenac, and ibuprofen can also lead to drug-induced hepatitis.

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that occurs due to elevated levels of uric acid in the blood. High uric acid results in the accumulation of urate crystals which cause inflammation and pain in the joints. In general, the symptoms of gout include pain, inflammation, and stiffness in the joints, specifically of the big toe. This condition can have a negative impact on one’s quality of life and his or her ability to carry out day-to-day activities. When it comes to the prevention and management of gout, your diet plays a crucial role. What you eat can influence the uric acid levels in the blood directly. Include gout-fighting food items in your diet and restrict the consumption of foods that are associated with gout. Here is the list of foods to eat and avoid for a gout-friendly diet: Foods you should consume A nutrient-rich and well-balanced diet can help ward off gout flare-ups. Some of the food items that can help with this inflammatory condition, whilst keeping uric acid levels in check, are: Fruits and vegetables Fruits like oranges and cherries are rich in vitamin C, a nutrient that helps with gout by reducing uric levels. Vegetables such as red bell peppers and cabbage are perfect for a gout-friendly diet due to their high nutritional value. Protein-rich foods The consumption of protein-rich foods like lean meat and low-fat dairy products can also help ease the symptoms of gout and keep it at bay. Coffee Contrary to common misbelief, studies have shown that the consumption of coffee lowers the risk of gout in both men and women. It was also found that individuals who consume coffee moderately have lower uric acid levels. Foods you should avoid To prevent gout attacks, it is essential to stay away from food items that increase uric acid levels in the blood.

The liver is a vital organ in the body that performs numerous metabolic functions including the elimination of toxins and breaking down of key nutrients. Keeping the liver healthy is crucial for your health as diseases affecting this organ can lead to life-threatening complications such as liver cancer. A nutritious and well-balanced diet along with a healthy lifestyle is important for the proper functioning of the liver. It also helps reduce the risk of liver diseases like fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and acute hepatitis. Here’s a list of foods and drinks that are good for the liver and including them in your diet can support liver health. Oatmeal The high nutritional value of oatmeal makes it one of the best foods for the liver. It is a fiber-rich food item that was found to reduce the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The regular consumption of oatmeal helps combat health conditions like obesity that adversely affects liver health. By incorporating oatmeal in your diet, you can improve liver functions and keep it well-protected from troubling conditions. Coffee The presence of hepatoprotective properties in coffee makes it one of the best liver-supporting beverages. An array of clinical studies have found that regular coffee consumption can lower the risk of chronic liver diseases and life-threatening conditions such as liver cancer. Almonds and walnuts Nuts like almonds and walnuts are rich sources of vitamin E, a substance that possesses antioxidant properties. Vitamin E is a vital nutrient that plays a crucial role in the prevention and treatment of issues like fatty liver disease. Consume a handful of walnuts and almonds regularly to keep your liver healthy. Green Tea Green tea is among the healthiest drinks that you can include in your daily diet to keep your liver healthy and lower the risk of developing liver cancer.

Have your eyes been stinging, burning, or looking red? If yes, you might have a condition called dry eyes. It happens when tiny glands in and around the eyelids do not make enough tears to keep your vision clear. Additionally, tears help keep the eyes moist and hydrated. They can wash away any grime and debris and protect it from infection. The cause for this condition could be due to certain medicines, diseases, or simply one’s age. Usually, the treatment process depends on the cause of this condition. Before you consider taking eye drops or other medicines, try these natural and home remedies for dry eyes, as they are safer. Warm compresses It is one of the best natural and home remedies for dry eyes. At times, inflamed and flaky eyelids clog the oil-making glands that are on the edge of the eyelid and cause dry eyes. To release these clogged eyelids, you can use a warm, wet cloth over your eyelids, pressing it gently on the edges to help release the clogged oils. The heat and moisture help loosen the clogged oils in the glands and also reduce inflammation, if any. Do it a few times in a day until you get relief. Fatty fish Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines have high levels of omega-3 fatty acids that are ideal if one needs to increase moisture in the oil-making glands. The other foods you could try are vegetable oils (soybean and canola), walnuts, and flaxseeds. This is one of the easiest remedies for dry eyes. Blink more Research shows that people who blink often are less prone to dry eyes. Usually, people who use computers, smartphones, or any other bright screens for a long time are more likely to suffer from this condition, as they do not blink as often.

Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system destroys melanocytes, the skin cells that make pigment. The condition causes depigmentation to specific skin patches and occurs when the skin starts losing its natural color and leaves milky-white patches all over it. While there are no ways to prevent or cure vitiligo, it can be managed by adopting a healthy lifestyle and staying hydrated. Check out a few more ways to curb its spreading. Have nutrient-dense meals Since vitiligo is an autoimmune condition, it can be managed by eating nutrient-dense meals. It boosts the immune system, which directly helps manage vitiligo symptoms. A plant-based meal plan that includes the following nutrients is often recommended. Antioxidants – Vitamins like C and E are naturally occurring compounds that function like antioxidants. Foods such as berries, green leafy veggies, herbs, dark chocolate, and nuts contain these compounds. These help deal with oxidative stress and avoid cell damage, which invariably alleviates the symptoms of vitiligo. Phytochemicals – Compounds such as beta-carotene are phytochemicals found primarily in plants. These include vibrant veggies and fruits like sweet potatoes, spinach, tomatoes, broccoli, and carrots. Omega-3 fatty acids – Many nuts, seeds, and oily fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients boost the immune function and help with cell repair. Vitamin D – Vitiligo can cause a vitamin D deficiency. So, including foods rich in it will help prevent further symptoms. Foods that fall under this category are egg yolks, oily fish, and fortified dairy products like yogurt and milk. Restrict the intake of fatty, gluten-rich foods Lowering or avoiding the intake of foods high in fats and gluten can also help prevent vitiligo from affecting more areas of the skin. In addition, restricting inflammation-causing foods will also help.

When lung cancer reaches stage 4, it means that the cancer has become metastatic and spread from the lungs to other parts of the body. This is the final stage of lung cancer, and it is mostly incurable at this stage. Also, at this stage, the individual may undergo several physical and emotional changes. Keep reading to learn more about the symptoms of stage 4 lung cancer and treatments to manage them. Symptoms Some of the common symptoms that manifest during the final stage of lung cancer are listed below. Pain Extreme weakness and fatigue Persistent coughing Loss of appetite Muscle loss Fluid buildup around the lungs, which may trigger shortness of breath Restlessness A rattle in the chest when breathing Blood in spit or coughing Nausea Hoarse voice Wheezing Frequent respiratory infections (like bronchitis) Confusion Headaches Seizures that may occur if the cancer has spread to the brain Trouble focusing While symptoms may vary between individuals, these are some common physical symptoms noticed at this stage. Diagnosis To determine if the lung cancer has reached the fourth or final stage, a healthcare professional may suggest a few tests. These tests help them determine how much the cancer has spread and to what parts of the body. These tests include the following- MRI scan to check if the cancer has reached the brain or the spinal cord CT scan to check if the cancer has spread to the liver, brain, lymph nodes, or other organs PET scan to locate the cancer cells in the body Bone scans to check if the cancer has spread to the bones Treatments Treating lung cancer at its final stage can be challenging. However, health experts may suggest a few management options and procedures to delay the progress of the cancer. Doctors may also advise some treatments to relieve or alleviate the physical symptoms occurring at this stage.

Lung cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the lung tissues and can be grouped into two main types: small cells and non-small cells. An individual might have varied symptoms that could indicate the presence of lung cancer. Since the signs might also be similar to other health conditions, one would be required to get a biopsy to determine the cancer size and stage for the oncologist to come up with management options. Here are a few things to know about the management of this cancer type: Diagnosis methods There are various diagnostic methods to determine the presence of lung cancer. A few tests are mentioned below: 1. Imaging tests An imaging test takes pictures of the body and can show the location and size of the lung cancer. The tests often include X-rays, MRIs, CT, and positron emission tomography (PET scan). Imaging tests might be carried out for various regions, including looking at suspicious areas that might be cancer, determining how far the cancer has spread, assessing whether the treatment is working, and looking for possible signs of cancer recurring after treatment. 2. Sputum cytology Sputum is mucus coughed up from the lungs. If an individual coughs up sputum, it can be collected and studied under a microscope. The mucus can sometimes show signs of cancerous cells. The test is more likely to find cancers that start in the major airway of the lung, such as squamous cell lung cancers. 3. Biopsy This method requires the removal of tissue for testing in a lab. The healthcare team may perform a lung cancer biopsy through various methods. One method includes a bronchoscopy, where a lighted tube with a camera is passed down the patient’s throat into the lungs to examine the area while special tools are passed through to collect tissue samples.

In early-stage or stage 1 lung cancer, the tumor is quite small and has not spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body. Most stage 1 lung cancers are non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC). As per the American Cancer Society, NSCLC accounts for 80–85% of all lung cancer cases. As cancer is highly manageable in the early stages, here is what one should know to seek timely care: Signs Here, the tumor is typically quite small and present only inside the lungs. As a result, there are barely any signs of the condition. But in rare cases, when symptoms do develop, they usually include the following: – Persistent cough – Blood in phlegm or spit – Shortness of breath – Recurrent pneumonia – Bronchitis – Frequent lung infections Sometimes, lung cancer can also trigger pain, which usually develops in the chest. However, as the tumor is quite tiny, it does not result in high-intensity pain or other symptoms commonly observed in advanced stages of lung cancer, such as fatigue or loss of appetite. So, when there is no known risk of lung cancer, one may tend to miss the subtle signs associated with stage 1. That’s why keeping an eye out for these signs and consulting a doctor (and getting a second opinion) is crucial upon noticing any such changes. Survival rate The National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program determines the survival rate of lung cancer based on whether it is localized, regional, or distant. Based on categorization, stage 1 lung cancer is localized, that is, the tumor is limited to one lung. So, the 5-year relative survival rate is around 65% for those with localized NSCLC. This indicates that 65% of those who underwent treatment for localized lung cancer survived for five years after the treatment.

According to the United States Cancer Statistics, the country reported 197,453 new cases of lung cancer in 2020, where males had higher fatality rates. Like other cancers, lung cancer is categorized by stages based on how widespread it is in the body. Generally, the higher the stage, the more severe the cancer. Late-stage lung cancer can exhibit a higher severity of symptoms but might also mean limited treatment options. Signs Late-stage lung cancer or stage 4 lung cancer is when the cancer has metastasized. Some patients get diagnosed at this stage due to its worsening symptoms. Before this, some overlook the symptoms or associate them with another condition. Persistent cough is among the most common signs of lung cancer. It can last for weeks or even months at a stretch. Some patients who experience hemoptysis should be quick to visit the doctor. Chest pain is another sign of late-stage lung cancer in patients. Patients experience sharp stabbing pains that may or may not be specific to a local area. Some patients report experiencing a dull kind of ache that persists all over their chest. Shortness of breath is present if the person has been performing activities that can tire or exert them. It is also known as dyspnea. It can progressively worsen to constant breathlessness even when at rest. Persistent and debilitating fatigue is another common sign. It is more severe than normal tiredness or exhaustion. Survival rate As the cancer progresses, treatment can get tricky. The organization also suggested that the five-year survival rate for late-stage NSCLC patients is 8%. In comparison, for people diagnosed with SMCL, it is 3%. However, with advanced technologies and upcoming treatments, it might be possible for patients to receive a better prognosis and higher survival rates. The statistics are based on the records of people who were diagnosed with advanced stages of lung cancer, and recent treatment options might help beat the odds.

Lung cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the lungs and can spread to other parts of the body when it is left untreated. There are some early signs and symptoms of this disease; however, depending on the stage of cancer, the signs may differ, and the right treatment can be administered accordingly. Here are the symptoms, types, stages, and some other important things to know about this illness. Symptoms There are some early warning signs of the disease, and there are some symptoms that show up when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Let’s take a look at these: A lingering or worsening cough Wheezing Hoarseness Persistent weakness and fatigue Recurrent respiratory infections like bronchitis or pneumonia In later stages of lung cancer, some of the symptoms include lumps in the neck or collarbone, jaundice, swelling of the face and upper body, bone pain, especially in the back, hips, or ribs. Types of lung cancer There are various types of lung cancer, and most of these types can either be non-small cell lung cancer or small cell lung cancer. Here’s what one needs to know about these types. Non-small cell lung cancer Also known as NSCLC, this type of lung cancer makes up for about 80 to 85 percent of the cases. Moreover, there are different types of NSCLC cases, and when diagnosed in time, these types respond well to treatment in the early stage. Squamous cell lung carcinoma According to statistics, close to 30 percent of NSCLC cases begin in the squamous cells, which are lining the passages of the respiratory tract. This type of cancer is called the squamous cell carcinoma. Adenocarcinoma This is a type of cancer that forms in the outer part of the lungs. And there is a rare subset of adenocarcinoma that begins in the sacs of one’s lungs.