Causes and Symptoms of Gallbladder Disease
Signs & Symptoms

Causes and Symptoms of Gallbladder Disease

Gallbladder disease is caused by the accumulation of gallstones. Gallstones are structures formed by a combination of cholesterol, calcium, and bile salts. These structures are not stones but pieces of solid matter that form in the gallbladder, which is a small organ located under the liver in the upper right region of the abdomen. This pear-shaped organ stores bile produced by the liver to digest fat. It helps the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins and nutrients. In a healthy gallbladder, this process happens naturally without any discomfort or pain. However, when the gallbladder stops functioning well or if the bile ducts get clogged, it can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. Gallstones can develop in varying sizes ranging from as small as a grain of sand to as big as a golf ball. The pain may last from a few minutes to a couple of hours. Some people may develop a single gallstone, while others may get several gallstones at the same time. Statistics reveal that this disease has a high incidence in people who have weight problems, high blood cholesterol levels, and suffer from gastrointestinal disorders. Causes of gallstones According to observation, problems in the gallbladder arise because of improper diet and obesity. Gallbladder disease generally affects overweight people. The consumption of foods which are rich in fat also contributes to the development of gallstones. Thus, several people have to deal with the painful symptoms of gallbladder disease because of an inappropriate diet. Experiments reveal that the painful symptoms of gallbladder disease can get triggered due to allergic reactions to foods such as eggs, meats, dairy products, and citrus fruits. The consumption of chocolate, coffee, and carbonated soda can also trigger this condition. A few common reasons for the occurrence of gallbladder disease are: Genetic factors Excess weight Inappropriate diet Presence of excess cholesterol in bile If the gallbladder cannot empty properly, especially when you are fasting Pigment gallstones can occur in people with certain medical conditions, such as cirrhosis or blood diseases like sickle cell anemia.
Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Primary Pulmonary Hypertension
Signs & Symptoms

Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Primary Pulmonary Hypertension

PAH or pulmonary arterial hypertension is also known as primary pulmonary hypertension. It is a very rare hypertension disease that affects your capillaries and arteries. The blood from the right ventricles of your heart flows into your lungs through these vessels. When the pressure in your arteries arises, your heart has to work much harder to pump the blood and as a result, it weakens the heart muscles. This can result in death as well. You cannot be cured of primary pulmonary hypertension. However, there are treatment options available for you to cope with it. Symptoms During the early stages of the primary pulmonary hypertension, you will not get any such noticeable symptoms. However, as your condition gets from bad to worse, there will be some symptoms that will get more and more noticeable. These symptoms include: Dizziness Chest pressure Fainting Fatigue Difficulty breathing Heart palpitations Rapid pulse Chest pain Bluish spots on your skin and lip Swelling of legs and ankles Swelling of your abdomen towards the later part of your disease You will find it difficult to breathe when you exercise or perform any other type of physical activity. Also, you might find it difficult to breathe even at the time when you are taking rest. Causes PAH happens when the capillaries and the arteries which carry the blood from the heart to the lungs gets destroyed or constricted. This happens due to multiple reasons. But the exact reason for primary pulmonary hypertension is yet to be discovered by the doctors and scientists. According to research, almost 15% to 20% of the people who suffer from PAH in the country have it hereditarily. This is due to the mutation that takes place in the BMPR2 gene or other genes. This genetic mutation can continue to happen from generation to generation leaving someone a chance to develop this disease at the later part of their life.
Symptoms and Ways to Treat Poison Ivy Rashes
Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms and Ways to Treat Poison Ivy Rashes

Poison ivy is a toxic plant widely found throughout the country. This plant, upon contact with human skin, causes a painful rash, known as contact dermatitis. The rash is caused by an allergic reaction to an oily resin, called urushiol, which is found in the leaves, roots, and stem of the plant. If you come in contact with the oil, wash your hands immediately to avoid the rash. In case it develops, it may be extremely itchy and last for weeks. Mild cases of poison ivy rash can be treated at home, using cool baths and soothing lotions. However, if the rash becomes widespread and severe, you may require proper medical evaluation and suitable medication. Common symptoms of poison ivy rash Usually, the rash appears after 12 to 48 hours of the contact and lasts up to 2-3 weeks. The most common symptoms include: Swelling Redness Itching Blisters Difficulty in breathing. This usually happens if you have inhaled the smoke produced from the burning of poison ivy. The severity of the rash depends upon the amount of urushiol that comes in contact with your skin. If this oil is more, the rash will be more intense. Usually, the rash looks like a straight line because of the way the plant brushes against your body. If you come in contact with urushiol through pet fur or some piece of clothing, the resultant rash will be more widespread. This rash can be spread to other parts of your body through your fingers. Treatment of poison ivy rash There is no specific poison ivy treatment available on prescription. The rash generally clears up on its own with 2-3 weeks. However, there are some options that can help to lessen the severity of the symptoms. Changing clothes and showering It is important to take a shower and wear fresh clothes after  coming home from outside.
Toenail Fungus – Symptoms and Treatment Methods
Signs & Symptoms

Toenail Fungus – Symptoms and Treatment Methods

Toenail fungus is a common problem that begins with a white or yellow spot under the tip of your toenail. Nail fungus may cause your nail to discolor, thicken, and crumble at the edge as the fungal infection goes deeper. It can attack any nail. You may not need a treatment if your condition is light and not disturbing you. If the nail fungus becomes painful and makes the nails thickened, home remedies and medications may be effective. Nail fungus usually comes back even if the treatment is successful. Read on to know the symptoms nail fungus and methods on how to get rid of it: Symptoms Although the fungus mainly affects the toenails, nail fungus can affect any fingernail. If properly treated, fungal nail infections don’t usually lead to serious long-term problems. However, in certain individuals who have diabetes or a weakened immune system, they may be more serious. There is no pain associated with the infection, but if you find your nails thickened or show discoloration from white to yellowish brown, you may have fingernail fungus. Nails becoming brittle, crumbly, ragged or distorted in shape are also its symptoms. Debris may build up under the nail and make the nail dark. Sometimes, the nail may generate a slightly foul smell. Treatment Medications Usually, doctors prescribe antifungal medications that you can take orally or apply to the nail for fingernail fungus treatment . In some cases, the oral and topical antifungal therapies may be combined. Oral Antifungal Medication This is the best toenail fungus treatment as it clears the infection more quickly than anything else. However, the treatment success rates with these medications appear to be lower in adults over age 65. These medications stimulate a new nail to grow free of infection by slowly replacing the infected part.
A Guide to Dust Mite Allergy and its Symptoms
Signs & Symptoms

A Guide to Dust Mite Allergy and its Symptoms

Have you ever imagined that a bug that is not visible to the naked eye could cause serious allergic reactions? Dust mites that can only be seen through a microscope can cause allergies that may even lead to breathing difficulties! Belonging to the tick and spider family, dust mites can be found in warm and humid environments. Common places at home where these mites thrive are bedding, soft toys, upholsteries, and carpeting. These microscopic creatures feed on dead skin. On an average, around one and a half grams of skin is shed every day by an adult human. This is the best food for dust mites. A runny nose and sneezing fits are common dust mite allergy symptoms. Long-term exposure to these mites may result in asthma and sinus infections. What is a Dust Mite Allergy? Dust mites survive in any type of climate and almost any altitude. These are microscopic bugs that thrive in humid conditions and   feed on the dead skin that shed by humans. As many as 20 million people in the country are affected by dust mite allergy. When people are exposed to the waste products of dust mites, the immune system is triggered. As a result, antibodies are produced against normal, harmless substances. Dust mite allergy symptoms such as a runny nose, watering eyes, sneezing, and itching are triggered due to the immune system’s response. Although your home may seem clean, dust mites may be dwelling in your mattresses, cushions, upholstery and stuffed toys! They thrive on mattresses and pillows. Dust mite allergy symptoms increase over time as you continue to breathe in the waste particles of dust mites. Symptoms of Dust Mite Allergy Dust mite allergy symptoms are similar to that of nasal allergies like sinus or rhinitis. Common symptoms of dust mite allergy are as follows:
Shingles – Symptoms and Treatment
Signs & Symptoms

Shingles – Symptoms and Treatment

The virus varicella-zoster that causes chickenpox is also responsible for causing shingles. It is a viral infection that causes painful rashes on the skin. Usually, those who have been infected with chickenpox are more likely to acquire shingles. It appears as a stripe of blisters typically on the neck, face, or torso. In most cases, shingles take two to three weeks to clear up. Usually, if a person gets shingles once, it rarely happens again. According to various medial study reports, shingles is so common in the country that it affects almost one in the three people at some point in their lifetime. Here is a list of some of the most common symptoms of this viral infection along with the ways of how to treat shingles. Symptoms of Shingles The most common symptom of this viral infection is burning and pain. It can be a constant gnawing, stabbing, or sharp pain that comes and goes. Along with this pain, the affected person may experience blistering skin rash. The characteristics of the rashes may include red patches, itching, rashes on the ears and face, rashes wrapped around the torso starting from the spine, and blisters filled with fluid that breaks out easily. Some shingles-affected patients can experience symptoms beyond these rashes and pain. Some of these symptoms are chills, fever, fatigue, headaches, muscle weakness, and sensitivity to light. Other than all these abovementioned signs and symptoms of shingles, it can involve some rare as well as serious complications. Intense pain in one of the ears or loss of hearing, loss of taste on the taste buds, dizziness etc. All these can be the symptoms of the Ramsay Hunt syndrome. Rashes and pain, which involve the eye. To avert permanent damage of the eye, it is important to know how to treat shingles.
Bed Bug Bites – Symptoms and Treatment Options
Signs & Symptoms

Bed Bug Bites – Symptoms and Treatment Options

Bed bugs are troublesome little pests that sneak into your bed, furniture, and furnishings. They bite you when you are sleeping. These small, oval-shaped insects have a reddish-brown color. They are approximately 1-7 millimeters long and do not have wings. Bed bugs feed on humans. They are most active at night where they bite their victims while they are asleep. If you see any signs of bed bugs in your house, you must hire a pest control service to stop these pests from feeding on you. What do bed bug bites look like? A lot of people do not experience any symptoms of a bed bug bite as their body does not react to it. Those who experience symptoms are most likely to exhibit the following signs of a bed bug bite: A raised, itchy bump with a dark red center and swollen surrounding area Bites grouped together in a small area Small red bumps in a line or zigzag pattern Development of hives or blisters at the site Areas of skin with flat or raised patches that may or may not be inflamed White or clear skin, shed by nymphs as they mature Bed bugs can attack any area of the body. However, bug bites mostly occur in exposed areas such as the arms, legs, and face. Some common symptoms and signs of bed bugs bite Bed bug bites do not cause any symptoms instantly. Sometimes, it may take a few days for any sign to appear. The most common sign of bed bug bites is that the bite site is quite itchy. It may also cause a burning and tingling sensation on the skin for a few days. If you scratch the area, it may result in a mild infection, causing bleeding and swelling. Before bed bugs bite into your skin, they excrete a small amount of anesthesia into the body, which is why a person doesn’t feel any discomfort while these pests feed on you.
Symptoms of High Blood Pressure and How to Lower It Naturally
Natural Remedies

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure and How to Lower It Naturally

People suffering from the issue of high blood pressure are constantly looking for some easy home remedies on “how to lower blood pressure naturally?” Here, we have compiled some effective home remedies for lowering the blood pressure and keeping your body in the best possible shape. But first, let us understand some key facts about high blood pressure. What is high blood pressure? Also known as hypertension, high blood pressure occurs when the level of blood pressure increases to extremely high and unhealthy levels. The measurement of blood pressure includes taking into account the amount of blood passing through the blood vessels and the amount of resistance it faces while the heart is pumping. When the arteries narrow down, the resistance increases. If the problem of high blood pressure is not accurately treated, it can cause serious health issues such as heart disease. According to research, nearly half of adults in the country are diagnosed with the problem of high blood pressure. Common symptoms of high blood pressure Before we address the most significant query “how to lower blood pressure naturally?”, let us have a look at some of the most common symptoms of hypertension: Headaches Nosebleeds Shortness of breath Chest pain Dizziness Flushing Urine in the blood Visual changes It is important to note that a lot of people do not experience any symptoms at all. So, it is best to get regular blood pressure readings taken. How to lower blood pressure naturally? Here are some easy home remedies you can perform to keep your blood pressure in control. Let’s have a look. Exercise Incorporating at least 30 minutes of exercise into your daily routine is a significant aspect of healthy living. It not only lowers your blood pressure but also helps to control diabetes and has a positive effect on your mood and strength.
Symptoms of Scoliosis and Ways to Treat It
Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms of Scoliosis and Ways to Treat It

Any kind of abnormal curvature of the spine is called as scoliosis. For any person, the spine has one curve at the top of the shoulder and one curve at the lower back. But if you see anyone having a curve from side to side, in the shape of C or S, then that condition is called as scoliosis. There are can be many reasons for this problem like genetic conditions and birth defects and it can also be due to the neurological abnormalities. These kinds of changes of the curvature occur during the stage of growth like puberty. Symptoms of scoliosis The symptoms of scoliosis will depend on the degree of the problem or curvature a person has. The scoliosis treatment will also depend on the degree and symptoms of this problem. Here is a list of symptoms that you can see in a person having this problem. The shoulders of the person suffering from scoliosis are going to be uneven. The shoulder blade of one shoulder appears to be higher than the other shoulder blade. The shoulder blade of one shoulder sticks out than the other shoulder blade. The spine rotates. Severe back pain. The functioning of the lungs is disturbed as the chest space is reduced due to the spine curvature. One hip appears to be higher than the other hip and they appear uneven. Usually, you should consult a doctor when you see any of these symptoms. Your doctor is going to work toward controlling the symptoms from getting worse. You need to get started with the scoliosis treatment as soon as possible in order to avoid any complications. Treatment of scoliosis In most of the cases, scoliosis treatment is not required for the children as the curves are mild. The doctor will keep checking them for every 3 to 6 months in order to make sure that the curve is not getting worse.
Symptoms and Treatment of Metastatic Lung Cancer
Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms and Treatment of Metastatic Lung Cancer

Cancer is a life-threatening condition that typically forms particularly in one area or region of the body and this region is known as the primary site. Cancer cells can travel to other parts of the body, breaking away from its primary site through the bloodstream or the lymph system and is called metastasis. Metastatic lung cancer occurs when cancer cells break away from a tumor formed in the lungs and travel to other parts of the body through the blood or the lymph system. Even though the cancer cells have traveled and spread to a new location in the body, it is still named after the body part from where it all started. It is common for lung cancer to metastasize even before it is diagnosed, as symptoms generally do not show up when the lung cancer is already present. The most common sites of metastasis for lung cancer are the other lung, adrenal gland, bones, brain, and liver. Metastatic lung cancer is very different from recurring lung cancer, as recurring lung cancer affects the same part of the lung after being treated rather than moving to some other parts of the body. A metastatic cancer is always caused by the cancer cells developing in some other regions and traveling to another part of the body. Symptoms of metastatic lung cancer The symptoms of metastatic lung cancer are related to the area to which cancer spreads and these symptoms can be general. These general symptoms are often confused with some other issues. Hence, this condition is very difficult to identify as it does not always cause discernible symptoms. However, we have listed some of the common symptoms which are related to the site where a new tumor has developed: Bones Patients with lung cancer have a 40 percent chance of developing bone metastases which include symptoms such as pain.