Eczema – Causes, Symptoms, Management, and More

Eczema – Causes, Symptoms, Management, and More

Eczema is a condition that affects the skin and causes redness, itching, and dryness. It can be very uncomfortable and can affect any body part. It can also cause psychological distress and can be challenging to manage. Thankfully, several guidelines can be followed to help keep skin healthy and avoid the symptoms of eczema. This article will discuss the causes of eczema, the signs and treatments, and a few guidelines for avoiding eczema symptoms and treatment. Introduction to eczema Eczema is a skin issue often characterized by redness, itching, flaking, and dryness. The situation is often accompanied by swelling, crusting, and even blistering of the skin. It can affect any body part, including the face, hands, arms, and legs. Eczema is not a contagious condition, but it can be uncomfortable and affect the quality of life. People with a family history of eczema are more likely to develop the condition. Other d that may increase the risk of eczema include stress, allergies, and certain skin irritants. What are the main causes of eczema? The exact cause of eczema is a combination of genetic and environmental factors. People with a family history of eczema are more likely to develop the condition.
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Lupus – Types and Warning Signs

Lupus – Types and Warning Signs

The immune system is responsible for protecting the body against infection and diseases. Sometimes, this system malfunctions and attacks healthy cells and tissues, causing diseases in one or many body parts. Such diseases are called autoimmune diseases. Lupus is an example of an autoimmune disease that can affect people of all ages, with women at a higher risk than men. This post closely examines what lupus is, its types, and its symptoms. What is lupus? Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease where a person’s immune system mistakes healthy cells for invaders. It then creates antibodies to attack the healthy cells and tissues, causing inflammation and pain in different body parts, including the skin, joints, muscles, and internal organs. Lupus can be mild to severe and, in some cases, life-threatening. Patients with lupus may see phases when they are very ill and phases where they feel better. The symptoms can be managed with treatment, and patients diagnosed with the disease can lead a full life. Different types of lupus The signs and remedies may vary from one person to another based on the type of lupus that affects them. The following are a few common types one should know: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) SLE is the most severe and most common form of lupus.
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Managing Chronic Bronchitis with Lung-healthy Foods

Managing Chronic Bronchitis with Lung-healthy Foods

Chronic bronchitis is a common condition that affects the lungs and causes inflammation, breathlessness, and coughing. It affects more than 11 million people in the country. This long-term condition can be managed with effective treatment and lifestyle changes. In addition, eating a healthy and balanced meal plan is one of the easiest and most effective ways to manage the symptoms of chronic bronchitis and reduce the risk of flare-ups. Many foods can help reduce inflammation and support healthy lungs. Foods high in antioxidants, such as berries, citrus fruits, and leafy greens, can help reduce inflammation and boost the immune system. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can also help improve overall lung health. Vegetables The vegetables that are best to maintain a healthy pair of lungs are pumpkins, cabbage, red cabbage, Brussels sprouts, savoy cabbage, broccoli, broccolini, cauliflower, bok choy or Chinese cabbage, turnips, bell peppers, cayenne peppers, turmeric, beets, beet greens, tomato, onion, garlic, ginger, carrots, horseradish, radish, and daikon. Doctors suggest eating a range of colorful vegetables is essential as the color pigments contain compounds suitable for the lungs and the whole body. The cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, and bok choy contain sulforaphane, essential in lung maintenance and function.
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Macular Degeneration – Best and Worst Foods

Macular Degeneration – Best and Worst Foods

Macula is a small 5-mm portion at the center of the retina. It is located in the back of the eye and is responsible for central and color vision and the fine details of the things we see. Damage to the macula refers to macular degeneration, causing loss of central vision. In most cases, the damage develops over time, usually due to aging. So, the condition is common among people aged 50 and above.  Understanding the condition Macula is made up of a large number of photoreceptor cells that detect light. Once light enters our eye, these cells signal the brain, which interprets them as images. While age is the most common cause of macular degeneration, family history, diabetes, head injury, eye infection, and nutritional deficiencies are other factors that increase the risk of developing the eye condition. Wet and dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are the two types people experience. With dry AMD, the macular tissue gradually becomes thin and stops working, causing vision loss. Wet AMD results from fluids from blood vessels leaking into the macula. It is a long-lasting disorder leading to blurred vision and blind spots in the central vision. When dealing with eye diseases like macular degeneration, one can experience symptoms like blurry vision, inability to read or notice fine details, blind spots in central vision, and distorted vision.
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Various Aspects of Thyroid Cancer

Various Aspects of Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer is the ninth most common cancer in the country. It can occur at any age and affects both men and women. While it is a relatively rare cancer, it is essential to be aware of its signs and symptoms so that it can be diagnosed and treated early. This article will cover the causes, signs, diagnosis, risk factors, treatment options, prevention, and support resources for those dealing with thyroid cancer. Introduction to thyroid cancer Thyroid cancer is a kind of cancer that originates in the thyroid gland, a small, butterfly-shaped organ located at the bottom of the neck. The thyroid is a unit of the endocrine system, which produces hormones that regulate several critical bodily functions. In thyroid cancer, abnormal cells in the thyroid rapidly divide and form a tumor. There are other types of thyroid cancer, including papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic. The most common type is papillary thyroid cancer, which makes up about 80 percent of all thyroid cancers. Follicular thyroid cancer is the other most common type, making up about 10 percent of cases. Causes of thyroid cancer There are several risk factors may increase a person’s chances of developing the disease. These include a family history of thyroid cancer, exposure to radiation, specific genetic syndromes, and a food regime high in iodine.
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7 Digestive Conditions and Their Symptoms

7 Digestive Conditions and Their Symptoms

Many digestive disorders can be excruciatingly painful and annoyingly disturbing. About 20 million people in the country suffer from some digestive disease, and statistics prove that the numbers are increasing. Most of us are leading a sedentary lifestyle and consuming unhealthy foods. However, if these issues are not addressed in time, various illnesses will cripple the nation. Read this article to learn about 7 critical digestive conditions and their symptoms. Irritable bowel syndrome Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent digestive condition affecting the large intestine. It usually causes abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, and changes in bowel habits. The primary symptoms of IBS are a pain in the abdominal region and changes in bowel movements, such as constipation, diarrhea, or both. People with IBS may also experience stool bloating, gas, and mucus. Some other symptoms of IBS could be fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, anxiety, depression, etc. The symptoms can differ from person to person and may come and go. Sometimes, symptoms may worsen during stress or when consuming certain foods. Therefore, visiting a doctor to understand the intensity of irritable bowel syndrome is advisable. Once the diagnosis is positive, the treatment plan may include modifications in the meal plan and supplements as prescribed by the doctor.
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5 Early Signs of Multiple Sclerosis

5 Early Signs of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory, neurological condition. Doctors have yet to identify the cause of inflammation but attribute it to a complex link between genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. About 2.8 million people in the world were affected by MS in 2020, the number continues to increase worldwide. The condition can lead to loss of vision, immobility, chronic pain, muscle weakness, and other complications. How does MS develop? The function of the nerve cells in the body is to send and receive signals from the brain. Each nerve cell has three parts: the soma or cell body, the axon or the cell trunk, and the dendrites. Together they transport the nutrients necessary for the nerve cells, convert signals into electric impulses, and send them throughout the body. The organs and limbs receive these signals, make changes, and respond accordingly. A myelin sheath is a sleeve or a protective covering around nerve cells made of lipids, proteins, and fats. Multiple sclerosis occurs when our immune system becomes faulty and mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath in the brain and spinal cord. This damages the myelin or causes lesions, plaque, or sclerosis, disrupting the process of transferring a message from the nervous system.
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5 Surprising Foods That Can Increase Blood Sugar

5 Surprising Foods That Can Increase Blood Sugar

Despite the widespread prevalence of diabetes and a lot of awareness about it, many myths and wrong information surround it. Patients tend to believe that only sugary foods can increase blood sugar and that avoiding sweets can help cure them. However, desserts are not the only source of sugar. Plenty of ordinary, seemingly healthy foods can also increase blood sugar. If you have diabetes, it is important to understand which foods to avoid. Five surprising foods that can increase blood sugar Aside from food, other factors that cause blood sugar’s sudden rise and fall are lifestyle, stress, certain underlying diseases, and prescription treatments. Lack of exercise, dehydration, and lack of sleep can also cause a spike in sugar levels. While most of us know that sugar and high-carb foods can cause fluctuation in blood sugar, here are five surprising foods that can increase blood sugar: Brown rice Brown rice captivated the hearts of fitness-conscious people as a superfood with many benefits. Many converted from white rice to brown rice. It is rich in fiber and antioxidants and helps in building immunity. However, it still has a high carb content that can be broken down into glucose, which enters the bloodstream after metabolism.
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Breast cancer – Causes, types, and management

Breast cancer – Causes, types, and management

Cancer that originates in the breast tissue is called breast cancer. It is the second most common cancer among women in the country. The condition is seen in women more than men. Fortunately, advancements in screening and breast cancer treatment have enabled dramatic improvements in survival rates over the years. The symptoms include changes in the texture and shape of the nipples, discharge from the nipples, and a lump in the breast.  Read on to learn the causes, types, and management options of breast cancer.  Causes of breast cancer Breast cancer occurs when abnormal breast cells divide and multiply more rapidly than healthy cells. These abnormal cells accumulate to form a lump or mass. Doctors have not been able to know the exact cause of breast cancer. However, multiple factors can trigger the chances of developing the disease, and they include: Family history and genetics The risk increases if you have parents or close relatives who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Having gene mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, which are passed down from parents to children, also increases the risk. Age The risk of breast cancer increases with advancing age.  Gender The risk of developing breast cancer is higher in women than in men.   Personal history of breast conditions The risk increases when an earlier biopsy has indicated atypical hyperplasia of the breast or lobular carcinoma in situ or if cancer has been detected in one breast.
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Things to know about chronic kidney disease

Things to know about chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease   occurs when there is a gradual failure of kidney function due to illnesses, genetics, etc. The kidneys’ main role is to filter waste matter and flush out excess bodily fluids, but advanced kidney failure causes fluids, electrolytes, and waste to build up in the body. Various factors must be understood to manage the condition, including the causes, symptoms, prevention tips, and more. Read on to learn more about chronic kidney disease. Causes of chronic kidney disease The main causes of chronic kidney disease are as follows: Diabetes When the body’s sugar levels are too high and become unmanageable, bodily organs stop functioning as normal. The first to be affected are the kidneys, leading to diabetes, which, in turn, affects the nerves, eyes, and heart.   High blood pressure This is when blood pressure against the walls of the blood vessels increases, and can lead to chronic kidney disease, heart attacks, and strokes. Hence, chronic kidney disease can also be caused by uncontrolled high blood pressure.   Genetics Chronic kidney disease can also be passed down through the genes. Therefore if someone in your close family has the condition, it is likely to be passed down to you.   Autoimmune disease Lupus nephritis is an autoimmune disease that causes swelling of the small blood vessels, which are responsible for flushing waste out of the kidneys.  Birth disorder Sometimes, certain malfunctions of the kidneys develop in the mother’s womb and can cause infections and kidney damage later on in the person’s life.   Other causes Kidney stones or tumors can cause kidney damage or failure if not treated in time.  Glomerulonephritis It is a group of diseases that can cause inflammation in the filtering segments of the kidneys.
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