A toenail infection occurs due to the excess growth of fungi in, under, or on the nail. Fungi that already exist in or on your body can prompt nail infections. Fungi flourish in moist and warm conditions, and hence, this type of environment can trigger them to overpopulate. Fungal infections also spread if you come in contact with someone else who has a fungal infection. These infections develop over time, and there won’t be any immediate difference in the way your nail looks or feels. Therefore, it may be too subtle to notice at first. What causes toenail fungus infections? Various fungal organisms lead to toenail fungus infections. Yeast and molds can also cause this problem. The most common condition is triggered by a type of fungus called dermatophyte. Toenail fungal infection starts from athlete’s foot (foot fungus) and spreads from one nail to another. Even though most of the causes of a fungal nail infection are preventable, some risk factors increase the possibility of its recurrence. More men face the problem of toenail fungus than women, and also it is observed in adults more often than in children. You are more likely to get it if any of your family members gets these types of fungal infections. Because of the poor circulation and slow nail growth, older adults are at the highest risk of getting fungal infections. Also, as the nail ages, it becomes brittle, and the resulting cracks let the fungi enter the nail. The main risk factors for toenail infections are as follows: People with diabetes or who have diseases that cause poor circulation are prone to develop toenail fungus. People over the age of 65 are more likely to develop a nail infection. People who wear artificial nails or wear closed-toe shoes, such as tennis shoes or boots more often can get toenail infection.

There are a variety of factors leading to the development of the symptoms of fibromyalgia, and it is important to determine the underlying symptoms. If anyone experiences symptoms of fibromyalgia, such as the ones listed below, a timely diagnosis has to be made before treatment can be initiated. Fibromyalgia symptoms checklist The following are some of the common symptoms of fibromyalgia: Widespread pain A dull ache that has persisted over 3 months is not supposed to be concluded as a symptom of fibromyalgia. The pain must be present on both the sides of the body as well as below and above the waist. Fatigue Even after getting sufficient sleep, patients who are suffering from fibromyalgia have complaints of fatigue when they wake up. In most cases, patients with fibromyalgia symptoms could be suffering from other disorders such as sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome. Difficulties with cognition Patients with fibromyalgia suffer from “fibro log” which leads to an impairment of the ability to focus, problems in paying attention, as well as concentrating on tasks involving the mind. There are certain coexisting health issues such as irritable bowel syndrome, various types of headaches including a migraine, interstitial cystitis which is also known as a painful bladder, as well as disorders of the temporomandibular joint, so these can be considered symptoms of fibromyalgia as well. Risk factors that can cause fibromyalgia There could be a plethora of factors that could lead to the development of fibromyalgia: Genetics : One could be prone to acquiring fibromyalgia through various gene mutations which tend to run in the family. Infections : Fibromyalgia can often be triggered by certain illnesses. Trauma : Traumatic incidents like car accidents could contribute to the development of fibromyalgia as well. It could also occur as a result of psychological stress.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are soft tissue sarcomas that develop in the stomach or small intestines. They first occur in specialized cells found in the walls of the digestive system, and the condition is often diagnosed in adults between the ages of 40 and 70. Individuals with this disease experience discomforting symptoms, such as abdominal swelling, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and tarry stools. This article attempts to shed light on the risk factors associated with the condition. These influence the tumor’s development; however, they do not always directly cause the disease. Risk factors Old age Those aged between 40 and 70 are at an increased risk of developing GISTs. However, they can occur in rare cases in those younger than 40. Gender: Research states that men are more likely to develop GISTs than women. There are only a few known risk factors for the condition. In most cases, GISTs don’t have a distinct cause, but certain genetic mutations can lead to the disease. Some of these genes and conditions that increase the chances of GIST are mentioned below: Familial gastrointestinal stromal tumor syndrome This rare syndrome occurs when a parent passes on an abnormal KIT gene to their child, and it can be a risk factor for GISTs that form at a young age. Neurofibromatosis type 1 A defect in the NF1 gene causes the disease, and it may be passed on from parent to child. That said, it’s not always inherited. Those with this condition are at an increased risk of developing non-cancerous tumors in nerves at an early age. They can lead to the formation of dark spots on the skin and freckling around the groin or underarms region. The disease also increases the risk of developing GISTs. Carney-Stratakis syndrome The inherited syndrome is caused by a mutation in the SDH (succinate dehydrogenase) genes.

Have you ever felt rashes on your skin that leave you itchy and irritated? Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, might be the reason. It is a common skin disease that affects a majority of individuals without their knowledge. What seems as dry, flaky skin caused by weather changes may be a symptom of this eczema. It may look normal, but isn’t and can get worse with the passage of time. Atopic dermatitis, or atopic eczema, is characterized by the swelling of the skin tissue. In children, the outbursts can be found on cheeks. In adults, they are found in front of the elbows or behind the knees. Eczema itself is not infectious unless there is a secondary skin infection. The condition gets aggravated periodically, especially during the change of seasons. The rest of the year, it subdues and becomes less prominent. A person suffering from atopic dermatitis might also occasionally experience hay fever or asthma. There is no specific cause behind the onset of this ailment. However, the following factors may contribute towards atopic dermatitis or eczema: Heredity – An individual is likely to be affected by atopic dermatitis or eczema if it is present in his genes. Environment – In some cases, exposure to dust, pollens, and other allergens can trigger this eczema. Food – A few individuals are sensitive to certain food items, for, example, wheat. Consumption of these can cause atopic dermatitis or eczema outbursts. Humidity – People living in areas having dry climate are more prone to this disease. Low humidity can suck moisture away from the skin. Hard water – Hard water, containing a high level of carbonates of calcium and magnesium may also inflame the skin. Atopic dermatitis or eczema symptoms include dryness of the skin which may be accompanied with flakes. Red patches around the neck and on the eyelids are a common sight.

A common gastrointestinal disorder, irritable bowel syndrome or IBS, leads to a mixture of symptoms including abdominal discomfort, disturbed bowel movements, and abnormal stool texture. These symptoms last long and may be present for a minimum of three days every month over a period of three months. Also called as spastic colon, this disorder is not life-threatening and does not put you at a greater risk for other more serious intestinal conditions such as colon cancer and Crohn’s disease. However, the syndrome may impede normal lifestyle to the extent that sufferers may be confined to their homes. IBS is of two types, one accompanied by chronic or recurring diarrhea, and the other characterized by pain in the abdomen and constipation. In some cases, patients may experience both constipation and diarrhea in an alternating pattern. Unfortunately, research is yet to pinpoint the precise reason why IBS occurs. However, it is known that there are several factors, ranging from abnormally contracting intestinal muscles to psychological problems that act as the causes of IBS. Abnormal Movement of the Intestinal Walls Normally, the muscles lining the intestinal walls relax and contract in a coordinated fashion to help food from the stomach move through the entire length of the intestinal tract and reach the rectum. However, in patients with IBS, the muscles contract irregularly thus causing the symptoms of the syndrome. For example, if the muscle contractions are stronger than usual, they tend to last longer and lead to bloating, gas formation, and diarrhea. On the other hand, if the contractions are weak, movement of food through the intestines slows down, which causes the formation of hard and dry stools. One reason for the abnormal contraction of intestinal muscles is the flawed signaling between the gut and brain. Owing to miscommunication, muscle spasms occur that either hasten or retard stool passage through the gut.

Bacterial meningitis is so severe that it can cause permanent disability, stroke, sepsis, paralysis and even death. It is the most dangerous of all kinds of meningitis. Thus, it calls for immediate medical attention. Meningitis is the inflammation of the membranes known as meninges that outline the brain and the spinal cord. Meningitis can be viral, parasitic, non-infectious, bacterial and fungal. While viral is the most common type, bacteria is the most serious one. The mortality rate was 34% for bacterial meningitis in 2006, and about 50% people have gone through long-term effects even after recovery. This is why it is essential to start the treatment with antibiotics as soon as it is diagnosed. The bacteria causing bacterial meningitis include Streptococcus pneumonia and Group B Streptococcus. It is to be noted that vaccines have noticeably reduced the occurrence of bacterial meningitis. Facts about Bacterial Meningitis A few facts about bacterial meningitis are given below: Between 2003 and 2007, about 4100 cases were registered every year in the USA of bacterial meningitis. Approximately 500 of them were fatal. Bacterial meningitis is the second most common but the most severe kind of meningitis. Infants are at higher risk of bacterial meningitis. It spreads in places with a massive gathering like college campuses. Early signs of meningitis include a headache, stiff neck, vomiting, nausea, confusion and sensitivity to light. It is imperative to seek immediate medical attention when meningitis strikes. To prevent meningitis, it is important to vaccinate yourself. Three types of meningitis are Hib, Streptococcus pneumonia, and Neisseria meningitides, which need to be prevented by vaccines. Causes and Risk Factors The bacteria causing bacterial meningitis include: Neisseria meningitides Haemophilus influenza type B Listeria monocytogenes Streptococcus pneumonia Group B Streptococcus People are affected by different strains as per their ages. Meningitis-causing bacteria pass from person to person.

Asthma is a long-term inflammatory disease that causes discomfort in the airways of the lungs by blocking the passageway. This condition is chronic and is caused due to air pollution and a number of allergies among other common factors. It is estimated that more than 350 million people globally suffer from many asthma symptoms with some cases that also result in fatalities. Asthma can be identified by people who have recurrent symptoms like shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing, and wheezing in some patients. However, before you can understand the various symptoms, understanding the causes and the factors that can aggravate the inherent condition is important. Causes of asthma: Causes can be classified into three primary categories, namely environmental, genetic, and asthma caused due to medical conditions. Environmental causes of asthma: Allergens, air pollution, and other chemicals present in the environment can all be the silent triggers of this chronic condition. Low air quality in urban and industrial areas is the reason why many healthy people develop an asthma symptom through no fault of their own. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has estimated rising number of asthma patients in low-income communities who rely on public transport for their daily commute, thus exposing themselves to poor air quality on a day-to-day basis. At times, people are also at fault since the needed precautions to be taken to avoid developing a chronic asthma symptom is not followed diligently despite the government’s best efforts to educate the masses. An asthma symptom can also be caused due to exposure to indoor allergens like dust mites, cockroaches, dander from animals, and even mold, these pollutants get mixed in the clean air thus causing associated asthma symptoms. Genetic causes of asthma Exposure to indoor and outdoor pollutants are not the only reasons why you can develop asthma symptoms.

Contributing factors for hepatitis in children The liver is the body’s largest organ. It is a vital help in digesting food, storing energy, and eliminating toxins. Hepatitis is described as a condition where the liver experiences inflammation, which is, essentially, a tissue’s reaction to injury or irritation. Most cases of hepatitis are a result of being infected with viruses, and the types of hepatitis are named after the virus that is responsible for it. In some cases, the patient’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy liver cells, which leads to liver damage, among many other liver issues. Any of the types of hepatitis can affect people of all ages. Here are some contributing factors that lead to hepatitis in children. Understanding these can help in preventing the transmission and in maintaining hygiene: Hepatitis A The virus that causes hepatitis A is usually present in fecal matter. It can infect children in the following ways: Eating food cooked by an infected person who failed to properly wash their hands after going to the bathroom Drinking water that has been contaminated by infected feces Coming into direct or indirect contact with an infected person’s feces Traveling to areas with a common occurrence of hepatitis A Infections during blood transfusions Hepatitis B Hepatitis B is usually transmitted through blood and the most common way in which people contract this type is when an infected person’s blood is introduced into another person’s bloodstream. Getting injured through needle sticks and sharp instruments can also lead to hepatitis B. Another common way through which people contract hepatitis B is by sharing items of personal use like toothbrushes and razors with an infected person. If an expecting mother has hepatitis B, her baby may develop the illness. Children can contract this disease through cuts, scrapes, and different types of contact.

Blood pressure is the force exerted by the blood flowing in the blood vessels. Blood vessels carry blood pumped by the heart to all parts of the body. Proper supply of blood requires an optimum level of blood pressure and anything above or below this level is a cause of concern. Normal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg, where 120 is systolic pressure and 80 is diastolic. Blood pressure measuring 130-139/80-89 mmHg is considered as the first stage of hypertension, and pressures above 140/90 mmHg are considered as the second stage of hypertension. Pressure above 180/120 warrants immediate medical treatment. Prolonged hypertension results in thickening of the blood vessel walls (atherosclerosis). Other health complications caused by hypertension are a stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure. How to lower your blood pressure? This is an important question faced by those affected by hypertension. Read on to understand the causes of high blood pressure and ways to control high blood pressure. Causes of High Blood Pressure Hypertension is classified as primary and secondary hypertension. Primary or essential hypertension develops over time with no particular cause, whereas secondary hypertension occurs rapidly and becomes more severe than primary hypertension. Although the exact pressure cause of high blood pressure is not known, several risk factors are attributed to hypertension. When looking for information on how to lower your blood pressure, the common causes of hypertension should be understood first: Being Overweight Being overweight is a predisposition to developing high blood pressure. Excess body fat overloads the heart, which results in increased blood pressure. Smoking High blood pressure is among other health disorders caused by smoking. Lethargic Lifestyle Those leading a lethargic lifestyle without any physical workout are at a higher risk of developing high blood pressure. Unhealthy eating habits combined with a lethargic lifestyle result in fat deposits in blood vessels, which in turn narrow blood vessels.

Lung cancer is a common form of cancer all over the world. The death rate due to lung cancer is considerably high. Most forms of cancer are caused due to quick and changing lifestyles, bad dietary habits, and heredity. Once a person is affected by cancer, he or she has to undergo painful and uncomfortable treatment. However, you can prevent getting cancer if certain food items are avoided. The food items to be avoided in order to prevent lung cancer include: Processed meat Studies have proven that processed meat is related to poor lung function. This type of meat is processed using various artificial flavors like color fixatives, preservatives, taste improvers, antimicrobial agents, and added nitrates. These added flavors and chemicals increase chances of inflammation in lung tissues and airways, which leads to cell damage in the lungs. Meat is an important source of protein, however, there should be a healthy limitation to the quantity consumed, along with proper intake of fresh fruits and vegetables — this can lower the risk of cancer. Red meat High intake of red meat increases the chances of lung cancer. Red meat needs to be cooked well before consuming. It needs to be well-done and reheated until it is steaming hot before being served or consumed. Fat Consuming high amounts of fatty foods increases the cholesterol level in our body, which leads to a higher risk of lung cancer. Chain smokers already face cancer risk, which increases when these fats are consumed in larger amounts. Coffee Increased intake of caffeine leads to higher chances of getting lung cancer. Consuming more than two cups a day affects the lung airway, which leads to a deficiency in oxygen that damages lung cells. Unpasteurized food and products Any food product in its raw form is a habitat to several infectious viruses and bacteria.

Is there a connection between your heart’s irregular rhythm and a brain stroke? When it comes to brain strokes, most people know that having high blood pressure puts you at increased risk of suffering a stroke. High blood pressure is perhaps the most common potential risk factor for strokes. However, it is by no means the most powerful one. It might come as a surprise to you but Afib or Atrial Fibrillation is the single most powerful potential risk factor for brain strokes! In fact, a person with high blood pressure has twice the chance of getting a stroke, whereas a person with Afib is 5 times more likely to get an Afib stroke as compared to those that do not suffer from this heart condition. Afib affects your heart, while a stroke happens in the brain, what’s the connection? It all comes down to how the brain functions. This unique organ requires nourishment in the form of constantly supplied blood and oxygen. These nutrients are sent to the brain by the pumping of the arteries. If the brain does not receive this nourishment, brain cells begin to die rapidly. A stroke is simply defined as a “sudden loss of brain function”. In general, strokes are the result of an artery bursting or getting clogged. In the case of a person with high blood pressure going through a stroke, the cause is the weakening of the arteries due to the sheer force with which the blood is being pumped. As the name suggests, people with “high blood pressure” have their blood pumped by the arteries at a very high pressure. Over a period of time, more and more arteries of a person’s body get damaged due to the high pressure pumping. Some of these arteries are the ones that supply blood to the brain.

Rosacea is a common skin disease. It starts with the skin getting more blush or flush than people not suffering. The redness can also spread to nose and cheeks, then chin and forehand. It can also spread to ears, back and chest too. Symptoms of rosacea depend on the color of one’s skin. It is different with people with rosacea on light skin and people with rosacea on dark skin. Rhinophyma is a type of rosacea which can be characterized by the following symptoms and signs. Here are some symptoms of Rhinophyma. Facial redness The disease causes persistence redness in the central part of the face. As a result, small blood vessels on nose and cheeks swell up and become visible. Swollen red bumps Many people suffer from the conditions and also have pimples on their face at the same time. These bumps may contain pus. They can make your skin feel hot and tender. Eye problems There are around half a people who are suffering from Rosacea with eye dryness, swollen, irritating and reddened eyelids. Some people may also suffer from skin problems in addition to rosacea. Enlarged nose In rare cases, rosacea can become thick and lead to skin disorders. It can lead the skin to thicken. This may make skin to appear bulbous. Consult a doctor In case you experience continuous redness on your face. You should see a doctor or do see a skin specialist or dermatologist. This action is advised for diagnosing and treating diseases. Causes of rosacea The causes of Rosacea are not exact. It is difficult to say exactly what causes rosacea. This can be due to a combination of environmental and hereditary factors. The condition is not caused by proper hygiene. There are a number of factors that can trigger rosacea as a result of increasing amount of blood flow to the skin’s surface.