Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder that hampers with a child’s ability to move by affecting motor nerve cells that control voluntary muscle movement. This disease is progressive in nature and is caused by the loss of specialized motor neurons in the spinal cord and the brainstem. This affects a child’s ability to perform motor activities such as sitting up, jumping, walking, crawling, and controlling head movement. SMA mainly causes muscle wasting and weakness. Moreover, some people who suffer from severe cases of SMA face difficulty in breathing and swallowing as the muscles used for these functions are also affected. Below is some information on different types; diagnosis and treatments of SMA that can help families of the affected children understand the disease better. Types of SMA SMA can be classified into five different types: 0, I, II, III, and IV. Each type is categorized on the basis of different symptoms, and physicians often determine the type by understanding the symptoms. Type 0 Type 0 SMA is one of the most severe types. It is identified on the basis of symptoms such as decreased fetal movements, joint abnormalities, inability to swallow properly, and respiratory failure. This type occurs in a child before birth or within the first few months of birth. Type I Type I SMA is also called the Werdnig-Hoffman disease. It is one of the severe types of SMA that affects a person since their birth or within the first few months after birth. It is quite similar to the type 0 SMA as type I affected infants also face delayed physical developments. Children with this type exhibit symptoms such as breathing and swallowing problems that can cause choking. Other symptoms include diminished limb movements, fasciculation, tremors, hypotonia (severely reduced muscle tone), and lack of tendon reflexes.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) occurs when the antibodies present in the body mistakenly attacks the cells lining the joints. This leads to swelling, stiffness, and pain in the joints. This is a chronic disease that affects over 1.3 million people in the country, as reported in 2018 by Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Network. There is no specific cause of RA, and hence treatment is varied, and many rely on home remedies that give them some relief. Here are some remedies that can help you get rid of pain and stiffness caused in arthritis: Mustard oil, and camphor remedy Heat 1 cup of mustard oil and add 10 grams of camphor in it. Heat this together till the camphor dissolves completely. Wait till the oil is lukewarm, and then use this mixture to massage on the areas where you experience swelling. Mustard oil has anti-inflammatory properties and has historically been used to soothe aches and pain. Also, camphor has properties that relieve pain and inflammation. Olive oil and lavender essential oil remedy Take some warm olive oil in a small bowl and add 2 drops of lavender essential oil in it. Use this mixture to massage the affected areas to alleviate discomfort and inflammation. Olive oil has a special compound called oleocanthal, and oleic acid that reduces the levels of pro-inflammatory markers in the body. Lavender essential oil is just for your own home spa experience. Turmeric milk Turmeric has a chemical called curcumin, it helps reduce the pain and brings down the swelling. Many Indian dishes use this as one of the main spices in cooking, but if you aren’t a fan of those recipes you can try turmeric milk. Take one glass of milk and add 1 tablespoon of turmeric. Mix this and consume it daily before going to bed. Consume apple cider vinegar & honey Take one glass of warm water Add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar Add 1 tablespoon honey Mix this well, and drink this once daily Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) has anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing the pain and stiffness caused by Rheumatoid Arthritis.

There are plenty of face creams and products to make your skin healthy and glowing. But beautiful and healthy skin comes with the right nourishment. The human body is constantly shedding old cells and replacing them with new ones. To support this process, a supply of essential minerals is important. This comes with eating the right kind of food. Here’s a list of five foods that will keep your skin healthy and glowing. Bananas Bananas are a great food source to get healthy, glowing, and oil-free skin. They are rich in potassium and vitamins E and C, which are known to give glowing skin. These compounds are powerful exfoliators and help remove excess sebum from the surface of your skin. Bananas also help treat acne. Apply the inside of the peel onto the acne to destroy harmful bacteria and reduce inflammation. Fish Fish like salmon, mackerel, and herring are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that help keep the skin blemish-free and supple. They help fight inflammation and reduce dryness, redness, and acne. Sardines, on the other hand, are excellent sources of vitamin B12 that play a major role in skin cell reproduction. Avocados Avocados are full of healthy fats and vitamin E. The latter regulates inflammation, rejuvenates skin, and improves the production of new skin cells. Avocados prevent the skin from oxidative damage caused by harmful rays of the sun and a harsh environment. Sweet potatoes Sweet potatoes contain vitamin A, which is known to reduce the production of sebum and acne. This vegetable also contains beta carotene, a natural skin block. Carotene protects the skin from sunburns and cell death and adds a warm orange color, enhancing the skin’s glow. Broccoli Broccoli contains a carotenoid called lutein that works just like beta carotene. It prevents oxidative damage, keeping the skin healthy and wrinkle-free.

A blood glucose test is required to measure the amount of glucose (sugar) present in the blood. This is an important aspect of diabetes care since the disease essentially hampers the proper absorption of blood sugar by the body. Let’s look at some of the fundamental aspects of a blood sugar test: Blood glucose Glucose is a simple form of sugar that is present in blood in the form of blood sugar. It is a vital source of energy in microorganisms like bacteria, plants and animals as well as in humans, in different forms. In humans, it enables the working of all the major organs like the brain, heart, liver, kidneys, etc. by providing them with the necessary fuel. Glucose is essential for the functioning of the brain and lower than normal glucose level affects the mental and psychological functions. It can also be stored in the body to be used when required. Sources of glucose Energy is released by the conversion of carbohydrates in our food into glucose. However, our food is a combination of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. All the carbohydrates we consume are immediately released into the bloodstream. Some of the proteins are converted into glucose and is stored in the liver for use later. Only very a very small quantity (less than 10%) of fats are converted into glucose and they are absorbed very slowly into the bloodstream. However, a diet high in fats results in the slower conversion of carbohydrates into glucose. That’s why many people who eat a high-fat diet may find their blood sugar levels spiking after several hours. Why is high blood sugar harmful? While glucose is vital for energy, hyperglycemia (excessive levels of blood glucose) or long-term presence of excess sugar in the blood can cause serious damage throughout the body.

Eczema causes rough, dry and inflamed patches to appear all over the body. It gives you annoying itchiness. This is the worst kind of skin disease to have besides psoriasis. Eczema tends to affect people the most during winters since dry air and cold weather conditions result in dry skin, which is what this disease is all about. However, you need not worry since here is a list of the 10 most effective solutions to combat eczema Skinfix Hand Repair Cream The moment you apply this cream on your hands, you get to relax. It has 1% of colloidal oatmeal, which is an effective ingredient to combat dermatitis, eczema, and itchiness due to extreme dryness. This formula works wonder on any skin disease. It is one of the best eczema creams and costs around $12. Aquaphor Healing Ointment This multi-purpose cream can be applied to every part of the body to soothe itchy, dry, eczema patches. It comes loaded with glycerin and panthenol, known to soothe and protect extremely dry skin, cracked hands and chapped lips, especially in the winters. This is one of the best eczema creams and costs around $10. Aveeno Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream To deal with eczema, you need to find something which can offer intense moisturizing for the itchy skin. Find out the ointments containing hydrating lipids. This cream contains the lipid known as ceramide. It helps in restoring the protective barrier of the skin and prevents dry skin. This is one of the best eczema creams and also contains colloidal oatmeal, a calming ingredient, which minimizes any discomfort caused by eczema. It is available for $15 approximately. Eucerin Eczema Relief Body Cream This is a dermatologist-approved formula specially made for eczema-prone skin. It is one of the best eczema creams as it has a significant amount of licochalone and ceramide-3, which help soothe red and inflamed patches.

Pain in the pelvic region, which lasts over six months, is considered to be chronic. One of the common causes of chronic pelvic pain in women is endometriosis. Approximately 50% of women experiencing chronic pelvic pain may be suffering from endometriosis. Chronic pain in the pelvic area is a major warning for endometriosis. However, the extent and duration of chronic endometriosis pain are not dependent on the severity of the disorder. You could face severe endometriosis with little to no pain, or even milder endometriosis with agonizing pain. So remember that the severity of chronic endometriosis pain does not indicate the degree or stage of the condition. What is Endometriosis? When the thin layer of tissue in the uterus called the endometrium grows outside its normal location, it’s called endometriosis. This tissue grows inside the uterus and flushes away in the course of a normal menstrual cycle. Endometriosis leads to lesions in the affected areas. Endometriosis lesions appear as spots and can cause pain and discomfort. 13 Common Symptoms of Endometriosis Women who have experienced or are currently experiencing chronic endometriosis pain usually display the following symptoms: Abdominal pain Painful menstruation or primary dysmenorrhea Menstrual cramps in the lower back or secondary dysmenorrhea Discomfort accompanied by irritable bowel movement Infertility Dragging upper leg pain Pain during sexual intercourse Psychological trauma Severe headaches or migraines Fatigue and joint pain Prolonged or heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) Pain resulting from side effects of medicines and treatment Even with no symptoms, you must get regular medical examinations done. This will allow your gynecologist to monitor any genomic changes, especially if you have more than one symptom of endometriosis. Endometrioma or Chocolate Cysts In the Ovary Women affected with acute endometriosis are likely to have an Endometrioma. These are also described as chocolate cysts. The cyst comprises of a dense brown fluid and a thick wall.

It is a fact that kidneys have a vital function to perform. They remove waste and toxins from the body and need to keep functioning normally for our body to remain healthy. Anything that disrupts kidney’s function and their health could lead to other problems. While kidneys need to work continuously, some residue minerals build up inside it. Most of the times, the body flushes out these deposits. However, there are occasions when these deposits crystallize. The crystals are made up of calcium, oxalate, and uric acid. The crystallized waste can be small or large stones. Smaller stones are passed out easily out of the body when the urine is passed. However, larger stones can cause complications. The large stones can get stuck in the ureter. These are the ducts that lead out of the kidneys to the bladder. When this happens, it can cause immense pain and nausea. Symptoms of kidney stones Large kidney stones that get stuck in the ureters can lead to many complications. Some of the common problems have been listed below. Painful urination Nausea and vomiting Back pain Spasms Blood in urine When you come across these situations, it is time to see your doctor and a urologist. However, before you opt for a surgery, if the problem is still in the early stages, you can try some useful home remedies to dissolve and pass the stones. Here are a few effective natural remedies that you can try to dissolve kidney stones. Increase your water intake Drinking a lot of water and staying hydrated is an essential step in dealing with many problems in a simple and highly effective way. Drinking lots of fluids can help clear out toxins from the body. Water can also help in flushing out the wastes accumulated in your kidneys.

If the changing seasons make you sneeze your head off, instead of putting a spring in your step, you might have a pollen allergy. Pollen allergies or hay fever is an allergic reaction to the pollen released by plants. Pollen is a fine powder released by plants during their reproductive cycles. Pollen is fine enough to travel through the air, which helps plants to reproduce. However, the protein in the pollen can be easily inhaled or ingested via the nose, mouth, ears, or eyes which can trigger an allergic reaction in some people. Approximately 30% of adults have some level of pollen allergy. Pollen is not only released by flowering plants but also by grass, trees, and weeds. Flower pollen allergies are more common in spring. Grass pollen allergies are more common in summer, and in autumn, pollen allergies from weeds are predominant. This makes pollen allergies a year-round ordeal for some people, that can be quite uncomfortable and impedes their daily lives. Pollen allergy signs and symptoms If you have a pollen sensitivity, every time you breathe in or come in contact with pollen, you might notice pollen allergy signs such as: Sneezing Itching Redness of the eyes A runny nose Coughing Watering eyes Difficulty breathing Pollen allergy signs can also include worsening of asthma and other respiratory conditions in people who are predisposed. Allergens such as pollen, trigger an immune response in the body. The immune system releases a chemical called Histamine, that works to eliminate this allergen, which is perceived as a threat to the body. Histamine causes the blood vessels to dilate which produces pollen allergy signs such as sneezing, runny nose, and redness of the nose and eyes. The nasal blood vessels also expand which can cause nasal congestion and sinus infections. Conversely, the veins of the face constrict in response to histamine, which causes characteristic pollen allergy signs called ‘allergic shiners’ like dark circles under the eyes.

One of the most common types of heel pain is caused by a condition called Plantar Fasciitis, which is the swelling of a ligament called Plantar Fascia on the underside of your foot. A whopping 10% of the people in the entire world suffer from this condition. Sometimes, the pain can even become chronic. However, there are simple ways to deal with it. Read further to find out treatment of plantar fasciitis at home. Plantar Fasciitis: An Overview This condition is caused whenever you put excessive strain on your feet. It is most common in middle-aged people, but it can also affect younger adults who are on their feet for long periods, like athletes. Repeated straining can cause small tears in the ligament which can lead to chronic pains. Home Treatment Of Plantar Fasciitis Even when you visit a doctor, the first solution they give you is steps you can take to treat the pain on your own. Some of these are mentioned below. Rest Your Feet: Ensure that you give your feet ample amount of rest. If any activity is causing pain, avoid it. Support Your Feet: The best way to do this is by wearing supportive footwear that has a good heel cushioning and arch support. You can even buy shoe inserts to put into your footwear instead of buying expensive shoes for treatment of plantar fasciitis. Use A Cold Pack: Using ice or a cold pack can reduce the inflammation and ease the pain. Don’t apply ice directly on your feet, always wrap it in a towel. You can also alternatively use frozen peas or grapes wrapped in a towel for the same effect. Give It Some Heat: If ice doesn’t help with the symptoms even after two or three days, you can try a heating pad or a hot water bag to relieve pain.

Myasthenia gravis is a condition that weakens the voluntary muscles, making them tire easily. It develops when the communication between nerves and muscles breaks down. While there is no permanent cure for myasthenia gravis, treatment can help ease the symptoms. Further, recognizing the signs and seeking an early diagnosis can help one better manage the condition. So, here is a look at some of the key signs of myasthenia gravis: 1. Drooping eyelids More than half of those with myasthenia gravis experience eye-related issues as the first sign of the condition. Here, drooping of one or both eyelids, called ptosis, can be a common sign. One may also experience other symptoms associated with the eyes, like diplopia (double vision), which could make one see dual horizontal or vertical images. 2. Difficulty with speech Speech-related issues could indicate the onset of myasthenia gravis. This could include a hypernasal voice or slurred speech (dysarthria), which is usually observed in younger people diagnosed with the condition. 3. Trouble chewing Difficulty eating or chewing can be a sign of myasthenia gravis. Here, the muscles that help one chew food can tire halfway through a meal. This symptom can seem more prominent while eating something hard to chew, like a steak. Another symptom associated with the face includes a change in expressions; say, a smile can look like a snarl. 4. Breathing issues Myasthenia gravis can cause weakness of the chest wall muscles, leading to breathing problems. Here, one may feel like they are not getting enough air or find inhaling uncomfortable. If one notices persistent breathing issues without any physical exertion, they should consult a doctor. 5. Trouble walking Another common sign of myasthenia gravis is a change in how one walks. As the condition causes weakness in the arms and legs, it could make walking difficult, changing the gait.

Kidney cancer is one of the cancers that may or may not cause kidney cancer symptoms in the initial stages of the condition. This makes early detection and a good prognosis difficult. Be aware, and do not ignore these kidney cancer symptoms. Kidney cancer is a result of your kidney cells becoming malignant (cancerous). These cells then begin growing abnormally out of proportion to form a stubborn tumor. The medical term for this disease is ‘renal cell carcinoma’. In most cases, kidney cancers appear in the minute tubes of the kidney. The good news is that if detected at an earlier stage, before the cancer has metastasized (spread) to other organs, the chances of successful surgical treatments are much higher. However it is also true that the exact cause of this disease is unknown. This means that a very important piece of this Big C puzzle is missing. Added to this, there are little to no kidney cancer symptoms in the early stages. Furthermore there are some kidney cancer symptoms that you may mistake for signs of other conditions. Keep an eye out for these kidney cancer symptoms, and do not delay seeking help from a doctor at the earliest if you notice one or more of these symptoms. Weight loss The clue is to notice any kind of unexplained weight loss. If you have not changed your diet or appetite recently, but are still experiencing a drastic weight loss (about 5 to 10 percent of overall body weight), get off the weighing scale and get to your doctor to check for signs of kidney cancer symptoms or other conditions. Intermittent fever If you keep getting fever that lasts for a long time, and that has not been caused by any other infection such as cold, flu or any other disease, it may be one of the elusive kidney cancer symptoms.

Gout pain can become unbearable if not treated properly. It might be an activity which requires a change in the lifestyle and also proper medications. There are some basic steps to get relief from an acute gout attack. First and foremost, one should put an ice pack on the affected area and drink more water. Sometimes stress can also be a cause of gout attack, so one needs to keep patience. With the increase in age, the pain gets more unbearable, and the chances of getting gout attacks are high. So a proper maintenance of lifestyle is very important along with regular doctor checkups and proper body examinations. Normally a gout attack stays for a week and then it goes away, sometime it may take more than a year. But even after getting relief after a gout attack, it may come back later sometime. So it is important to consult a doctor for further treatment and to maintain the lifestyle required to fight the pain. Some of the medicines often prescribed by doctors are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for quick relief from pain and swelling of the foot. If such medicines can be taken within 24 hours, they can be very effective. Also, there are corticosteroids, which can be both injected or consumed directly. It can be injected directly if other medicines fail to do the job. Normally, it also starts working within 24 hours after taking them. A 2000-year-old technique used to get relief from gout pain is the cochicine. It is obtained from plants. Just like all medicines used for treating gout, cochicine is also very effective and is still a popular remedy to fight the pain. An increase in the level of the uric acid in the blood is one of the main causes of a gout attack.