If you undermine high blood pressure symptoms, you may have to face some dire consequences. That is high blood pressure is often described as a silent killer. Hypertension is the term that medical professions use if you are having high blood pressure for an extended period of time. You must realize that blood pressure variations generally do not show any symptoms. When you go for a medical checkup for another problem, you often realize that you are suffering from hypertension. The most common symptoms are nosebleeds, shortness of breath and headache but you cannot generalize these symptoms. Most of the signs cannot be described as specific, and they often do not manifest until your health deteriorates seriously. Various studies reveal that the number of people suffering from high blood pressure is increasing at a rapid rate and most of them are dealing with undiagnosed blood pressure. If hypertension remains untreated, you become highly vulnerable to a good number of serious diseases. Some of them include eye problems, kidney failure, heart-related complications and stroke as well. All these complications can become life-threatening if you keep on ignoring. That is why doctors advise unhealthy people to undergo blood pressure checks at least once in 6 months. All adults irrespective of their health condition are advised to get their blood pressure checked at least every five years. If some of your close relatives are suffering from hypertension, you must frequently check your blood pressure. The common high blood pressure symptoms are as follows: When your blood pressure levels become higher, you may have to deal with symptoms such as urine in the blood, chest pain, breathing issues, severe headache, extreme fatigue, vision-related problems, pounding in your chest, confusion, and irregular heartbeat. If you are experiencing any of these high blood pressure symptoms, medical advice must be sought immediately.

Infection of lungs is known as pneumonia. Usually, it occurs in one or both of the lungs. Incidentally, pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, virus or fungi. However, bacterial pneumonia is the most common of these and occurs in adults. Pneumonia leads to inflammation of the air sacs in the lungs. These alveoli get filled with pus and it makes breathing difficult. Risk Factor Though anyone can suffer from pneumonia, certain people have more risk and are prone to pneumonia. Infants under 2 years and elders over 65 are more prone to this infection. People who have suffered a stroke also are at risk of having pneumonia. Those suffering from chronic medical conditions as asthma, diabetes, and heart failure are also at high risk of suffering from pneumonia. Complications of Pneumonia Even though treatment for pneumonia is sought in time, sometimes the severity of infection is so intense that it leads to complications which are difficult to cure and might need regular monitoring on the part of doctor or hospitalization in some cases. Bacterial presence in the bloodstream In case bacteria are able to enter the bloodstream from the lungs they can spread this infection to other parts and can also lead to organ failures. Difficulty in breathing If the infection has spread and is severe, it can lead to difficulty in breathing. The patient will require hospitalization and will have to start the treatment for pneumonia. The patient may require the use of a ventilator unless the situation gets better. Diagnosis of Pneumonia The doctor will begin the diagnosis of pneumonia by asking certain questions to the patient. These could be on certain symptoms of the disease or the previous medical history of the person. A physical examination of the patient is also done by the doctor. A chest x-ray is the ideal way for a doctor to judge the presence of pneumonia in a person.

Constipation, a common problem, causes infrequent bowel movements. It affects one-fifth of the people living in the country. Every year, eight million people visit doctors to treat constipation. An improper diet, lifestyle problems, and other medical conditions can also induce this condition. However, there are some home remedies that can help ease bowel movement and treat constipation. Preventing constipation Difficulty in passing stools can lead to many problems; it can lead to anal fissures, hemorrhoids, and even rectal prolapse due to exertion and pressure on the rectum. To avoid these problems, several measures can be taken. Certain home remedies can prevent constipation and ensure that the stools pass easily. Anyone who is at the risk of developing constipation can follow these natural remedies to prevent this condition. Drink water This is not an unheard method. One of the best ways to improve your digestion and soften stools is by keeping yourself hydrated. Drinking plenty of liquids, especially water, is the best way to do this. On average, you need to drink at least a liter or two of water every day. Those prone to problems with passing stool or having digestive problems should drink approximately two to three liters of water through the day. Eight glasses of water a day is the minimum requirement for everyone. It is important to drink water and not carbonated drinks or alcohol, as these beverages can cause other health problems. Consuming fiber One of the main reasons for constipation is inconsistent bowel movements. The fiber in food can help in easy bowel movements. There are two types of fibers: insoluble and soluble. Insoluble fibers are found in whole grains and vegetables. They help in easy stool movement by adding bulk to the stools. This helps it move quickly through the digestive tract. Soluble fibers, on the other hand, absorb water.

Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are respiratory ailments that are often confused for each other due to overlapping symptoms and little understanding of the two conditions. The National Institute of Health (NIH) says that about 40% of people with COPD also have asthma. The NIH also estimates that 24 million Americans suffer from COPD though about half of them are not aware of it. If you suspect that you are suffering from any of these two conditions, it is important to understand the similarities and differences between COPD and asthma for better management of these conditions. What is asthma? Asthma is an allergic reaction that often develops in early childhood. Health experts have never pinpointed why people develop asthma, but only that asthma attacks are triggered by allergens. These include dust, dust mites, mold, pollen, strong perfumes, certain foods, and food additives. The allergic attack causes inflammation that constricts the airways. Asthma attacks differ in severity depending on exposure to the triggering allergen. An asthma attack is relieved using a bronchial dilator to expand the airways and allow free movement of air. What is COPD? COPD is a disease that develops later in life due to the effects of exposure to particulate irritants especially tobacco smoke. This is usually observed in smokers above the age of 40 years. COPD is a progressive disease whose effects are treatable but irreversible. It is characterized by progressive airflow limitation and degrading of lung functions. This leads to respiratory complications including shortness of breath, coughing, and frequent throat clearing. COPD is a leading killer in smokers, being attributable to the death of about 150,000 Americans each year. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are respiratory complications commonly observed in people with COPD. Chronic bronchitis happens when the bronchial tubes are inflamed leading to excessive coughing and mucus production.

Long before the world became familiar with the pills and other medications that are now used to cure different ailments, people sought solace for their ailments with whatever ingredients one could find in nature. And, true to nature’s nurturing ability, these ingredients did help people combat their ailments. Some of these ingredients are still actively used to cure ailments and with a certain degree of success as well. For instance, turmeric, which found its way into our food and at times in the milk, which we so religiously consume at night, was known to increase our immunity levels and came in handy when we suffered from cold and cough. Turmeric contains an active ingredient called curcumin, which is known to be the reason behind its effectiveness. Turmeric curcumin is known to possess anti-inflammatory properties which come in handy and makes it one of the most effective home remedies. If you still aren’t convinced about the benefits of adding turmeric curcumin in your diet, here are some reasons why you should. Natural medicinal properties We are aware that the pills that we so recklessly pop can cause irreversible damage to the body in the form of side-effects. This is why nature gives us turmeric curcumin which is known to possess medicinal properties. Turmeric contains certain compounds called curcuminoids, out of which curcumin is the most potent one. It possesses anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants which help in keeping the immune system protected. Natural anti-inflammatory agent Inflammation occurs when the body’s immune system goes haywire and attacks the healthy blood cells instead of the bacteria and viruses it is supposed to target. Instead of popping painkillers to reduce the pain caused by inflammation, or to prevent it from occurring, you can consume turmeric curcumin as a part of your daily diet. It has anti-inflammatory properties which can prevent such incidents from recurring in future.

Cancer is a life-threatening disease, and its prevalence is increasing with an increase in the risk factors like obesity. Other factors like smoking, pollution in the environment, or the inhalation of harmful chemicals or particles can cause several illnesses, one of which is lung cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, lung cancer cases in the year so far account for nearly 13% of the total cancer cases in the country. There are multiple treatment methods that a person undergoes for lung cancer. Though treatments can treat cancer, they might cause side effects like dry mouth, nausea, diarrhea, and constipation. These can be managed through medication as well as diet. Different home remedies can help manage the symptoms and side effects of the treatments. Remedies for dry mouth Radiation therapy can often lead to dry mouth as the salivary glands are exposed to radiation. Salivary glands help lubricate the mouth with saliva, and the glands resume their functions after therapy, but they are not as effective as earlier. This causes dry mouth in lung cancer patients who have undergone radiation therapy. There are several home remedies one can take up to treat dry mouth: Rinsing the mouth with water frequently will help retain moisture in the mouth. One can rinse their mouth every 2-3 hours. Adding salt or baking soda to the water can increase the efficiency of this remedy. Regularly applying lip moisturizer will benefit one to keep their lips and mouth moist. Sucking hard candies that have low or no negligible sugar content helps redevelop saliva in the mouth, preventing dry mouth. One may also use cool mist room humidifiers at night to prevent dry mouth while sleeping. Remedies for nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea Chemotherapy used for treating lung cancer can cause vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea in patients.

High blood pressure or hypertension is a condition where the blood pressure along the artery walls becomes high. As time passes, the increase in the blood pressure can cause damage to the blood vessels, leading to heart diseases, strokes, or even kidney diseases among other health problems. Hypertension is known as a silent killer because it does not show any symptoms. In some cases, it even goes unnoticed until the symptoms get out of hand. Over 75 million people in the country have hypertension. DASH diet The most popular and effective way to control high blood pressure is through a DASH diet. It stands for a Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension. This diet includes plant-based foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and nuts. Meats like poultry and fish are also a part of this diet. Low-fat dairy is another vital part of the DASH diet. The diet is curated to ensure that it has low amounts of sugar and salt, which will lower the blood pressure over time. There are no sweet beverages, red meat, fats, and desserts in this diet. People who follow this diet for a long time can also reduce their risk of strokes as well as artery diseases. Here are the recommendations that one needs to follow according to the DASH diet. Ideally, one should only consume 2,000 calories per day as a part of this diet. Grains with eight servings: You can include half a cup of pasta or one slice of bread. You can vary the portions and types of whole grains that you consume each day. Vegetables: That includes half a cup of cooked vegetables as well as raw green leafy vegetables. It is an essential part of the diet that one must consume every day. Fruits are also a vital part of the diet.

The food items we eat greatly influence our health. In today’s food market, processed and junk food is quite high in consumption. This leads to a variety of diseases including high cholesterol. Cholesterol is a waxy substance in the lipids in your blood. While cholesterol is a necessity when it comes to building healthy cells, having high levels of cholesterol in the body increases your risk of the onset of heart diseases. Cholesterol level diagnosis is a necessity when it comes to determining the cholesterol levels in your blood. The only way to determine cholesterol levels in your blood is a blood test. High cholesterol in your blood may lead to the development of fatty deposits in your blood vessels. These deposits hamper the flow of blood through your arteries. Having a decreased flow of oxygen-rich blood increases your risk of heart disease and may lead to a stroke as well. We have covered the course of cholesterol level diagnosis and treatment. Cholesterol level diagnosis LDL cholesterol level diagnosis – Mentioned below is LDL cholesterol level diagnosis. Having cholesterol levels below 70 mg/dL is best suited for people suffering from diabetes or heart disease. Having cholesterol levels between 100 mg/dL and 129 mg/dL is near optimal if you are not suffering from heart disease, and high if you are. Having cholesterol levels between 130 mg/dL and 159 mg/dL is borderline high if you are not suffering from heart disease and high for those suffering from heart disease. If your LDL cholesterol levels are between 160 to 189 mg/dL, it is considered to be high. If you are suffering from heart disease, these levels are dangerous. If your cholesterol levels are above 190 mg/dL, they are very high. You should seek immediate treatment for the same. HDL cholesterol level diagnosis – The lower the amount of LDL in your blood, the better it is for your health.

A stroke is one of the most feared ailment that both men and women can suffer from. This is an attack on the brain that can happen to anyone at any time of their lives. The circulation of the blood to the brain is the primary source of oxygen that results in the smooth functioning of the human body. In case this flow of blood is disrupted, oxygen fails to reach the brain, and the brain cells start dying. This situation is called as a stroke. The physical and mental trauma of a stroke is not limited to just the patient but also affects the patient’s family and friends, as it is a life-threatening ailment. The severity of a stroke depends upon the area of the brain that is affected due to the lack of oxygen. It usually affects the motor control senses and causes disturbances in the nervous system of the patient. It is said that every stroke survivor faces different stroke symptoms. The possibilities of stroke may be detected earlier by a medical practitioner in case the person visits the doctor for any discomfort. Some common early stroke symptoms can broadly be categorized under the title of FAST. This stands for, F: Face drooping A: Arm weakness S: Speech difficulty T: Time to call for help When a person is under the threat of a stroke attack, their face might droop or feel numb when they smile or speak. Their speech may be slurred or abnormal. Also, their arms might feel numb when raised. In case a person undergoes any of these symptoms he or she should immediately call for help or send for medical assistance. Even if any of these signs are observed for a while and may subside after some time, it is still advised to visit a doctor at the earliest.

Back pain is one of the biggest chronic conditions affecting a majority of people across the country. It is one of the toughest medical conditions to deal with. It is very difficult to treat and cure this condition. The National Institute of Health states that close to 80% of people in the country suffer from back pain in some form or the other. There are many causes of back pain. It includes sprains, accidents and spinal degeneration. Poor posture and lack of exercise also cause an increase in back pain. It is also more common in the case of people who work in the same sitting posture for a long time. How do mattresses help with managing back pain? One of the major causes of back pain is sleeping on surfaces which are hard and uneven. It is one of those common problems which may cause a disability in people. The efforts to prevent back pain focuses on a person’s habits and lifestyle changes. It is also important to consider reducing back pain while sleeping. There are a lot of implications on the back while a person is sleeping. The spine and the muscles rest while a person is asleep. Thus, proper support and alignment are necessary to reduce soreness during sleep. The mattress people choose to sleep on has a major role to play in this regard. According to studies, sleeping on the right kind of mattress helps in reducing the symptoms of back pain to a large extent. The best mattresses for back pain will ensure proper alignment of the spine to reduce back pain. There are different types of mattresses which are suitable for back pain. One has to look for various factors in choosing the right mattress. The main factors to consider are firmness and the material used in the mattress.

Migraine is one of the most unpleasant neurological conditions and can even disrupt everyday activities. Anyone who has ever experienced it knows how difficult it can be to cope with the constant throbbing pain and nausea. If you are susceptible to these headaches, here are some tips to help deal with the pain and discomfort. We’ve curated a list of effective remedies that you can use to avoid the headaches: Don’t skip meals Eating habits can have a major impact on a person who suffers from migraine headaches. Skipping meals is an unhealthy habit that can increase the risk of a headache as fasting or skipping a meal can result in low blood sugar levels. You should ensure that you follow healthy eating habits and consume food at frequent intervals to prevent the attacks. Sleep well According to reports, people prone to migraine headaches often experience sleep problems that worsen the condition. To avoid headaches, it is imperative to get proper sleep regularly. By getting seven to eight hours of sleep every day, you may keep migraine headaches at bay. Meanwhile, improper sleep habits can spark intense headaches if you are prone to migraines. Try to stick to a sleep schedule to improve your sleeping habits as it can help with the treatment and prevention of the headaches. Manage stress It is a tried-and-tested tip that can help with the treatment as stress is one of the primary culprits of headache disorders like a migraine. High-stress levels cause certain hormones to act abnormally, which can trigger a migraine headache, and managing stress is crucial to ward off the risk. There is an array of ways to alleviate stress and promote relaxation. Practice meditation and spend time doing things that you enjoy regularly to keep stress levels in check. Exercise regularly Regular exercise is another effective way to fend off migraine headaches.

Nowadays, people depend on non-prescription pain relief medications for making their day tolerable. Whether it is a toothache, headache, arthritis, or period cramps, everyone depends on painkillers to get quick relief. It is essential that everyone knows how to choose a pain reliever that is appropriate for them as a significant number of people live with pain every day. Most consumers do not consider safety factors such as the current medicines they are taking, pre-existing medical conditions, and their age while choosing a pain reliever. People think that all the pain relievers are interchangeable and suitable for everyone. However, this is not true. How can you be sure that the pain relief medication you are taking is effective? How can you ensure that it is safe for you? Here are some things you should remember while choosing medications for pain relief: Carefully read the medicine’s label Reading the label on medications is the single most important thing that one must do while picking a painkiller. It is mandatory to list the active ingredients and their amounts present in medicines. The labels should also state the medication’s proposed use. Check the ingredients and the indications before picking an over-the-counter medication for pain relief. You should also check the inactive ingredients to ensure that you’re not allergic to any of its components. Avoid medicines that have a combination of ingredients Pick the medicine to mitigate the symptom rather than take one with a combination of ingredients. If you are not sure as to which medication to take for treating your symptoms, it is recommended to ask the pharmacist. Using a combination of ingredients can increase the risk of an accidental overdose. For example, if you only have diarrhea without gas, don’t take a medicine for gas and diarrhea. Read the warnings on the drug labels If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, or some other underlying health condition, make sure to read the warning label.