Causes, symptoms and Home Remedies for Pneumonia

Causes, symptoms and Home Remedies for Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection that targets one or both the lungs. This infection commonly causes an inflammation of the airspaces in the lungs. The air sacs in the lungs are known as alveoli. The inflamed alveoli get filled with pus and liquid, making it extremely difficult to breathe. Pneumonia and symptoms of pneumonia are caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi that lead to the formation of an infection. However, pneumonia can also be caused by noninfectious elements such as toxic elements and foreign matter that are inhaled through breathing. Pneumonia is a life-threatening condition, if not treated in time. A large population around the world loses the battle to pneumonia every year. This fatal disease can affect anybody, irrespective of their age or gender. However, elderly people and individuals who have a weak immune system are at a greater risk of suffering from this condition. It is more serious and difficult to treat when contracted by younger kids, old individuals, and people who already suffer from a medical condition. The condition and symptoms of pneumonia generally begin when one inhales a bad germ into the lungs. A person who is suffering from cold or fever is likely to get the disease as these infectious conditions make it difficult for the lungs to restrain and fight against the germs. Also, people who have chronic illnesses like diabetes or cancer may have a higher risk. Pneumonia is contagious and can spread through inhalation of droplets from the sneeze or cough of an affected person. However, there are some types of pneumonia that are not contagious and do not spread through contact or being around a patient. Symptoms of pneumonia can be easily noticeable and come quickly after the lungs are infected. The symptoms also differ on the basis of age and the type of pneumonia.
6 Reasons that Cause Leg Pain

6 Reasons that Cause Leg Pain

There are various reasons why people suffer from leg pain. While one of the common leg pain causes is the physical activity such as exercise or sports, some people suffer from leg pain due to some severe illness conditions. Sprains and strains are common due to physical activity. The ligaments and muscles are the most affected areas due to strains and sprain. The calf muscle, thighs, elbows, etc. are the most affected parts during sprains and strains. Usually, sprains and strains do not require medical care, and some times a spray can help in reducing the swelling and pain. Here are some of the reasons other than physical activity which cause leg pain: Peripheral vascular disease Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a disease which is related to the blood vessels. The disease is caused due to blockage, narrowing down of the blood vessels related to heart and brain. This disease can affect arteries, veins, stomach and other parts of the body. The disease affects the blood vessels where they become barrow which reduces the flow of blood. The arteries get hardened, or blood vessels get spasms which restrict the flow of blood. These blood vessels, arteries, or veins can be affected anywhere in the body and especially when they are affected in the legs, they cause leg pains. There are two types of PVD known as functional and organic. In functional peripheral vascular disease, the physical damage of the blood vessels is not done. The blood vessels can get narrowed or widen, which can decrease the flow of blood. In the functional PVD, the blood vessels show the response in an extreme way whether it may be widening or narrowing due to the factors such as stress, temperature changes, etc. Deep vein thrombosis When one suffers from deep vein thrombosis (DVT), blood clots are formed in blood veins which are deep inside the body.
Dealing with Sore Throat Caused by Allergies

Dealing with Sore Throat Caused by Allergies

Allergies are discomforting and only people who suffer from this condition can come understand the constant inconvenience it causes. From itchy skin to constant coughing, it can also lead to a burning sensation. Allergies result in several kinds of unpleasant symptoms. Allergy reactions typically take place when one’s immune system is intolerant towards certain substances that are allergens. These allergens can be any substances, from dust mites and pollen to bee venom. Allergies can affect any individual, irrespective of age or sex. Allergies can be severe; however, in most cases, the repercussions include mild symptoms. One common mild allergic reaction that many people suffer from is a sore throat. Yes, a sore throat from allergies can sound unusual but there is a very high chance that an itchy and inflamed throat is caused by an allergen. How is a sore throat from allergies caused? The body reacts to different allergens in different ways. It is possible that one of the allergens is making the throat itch. The throat is comprised of walls from the inside that are covered with mucous membrane. This membrane contains nerves that can turn sensitive to one or many allergens. It reacts to impure air, inflammatory reactions or even some types of foods. The mucosal glands also produce mucus throughout the day. This mucus is responsible for keeping your respiratory tract moist and clean at all times. It also protects you from any kinds of infections and ensures the smooth passage of food and water. Then the glands encounter an allergen, they secrete too much or not enough mucus. The excess exposition of nerves or excess mucus leads to soreness and tickling in the throat. Symptoms that indicate a sore throat caused by allergies The symptoms begin with mild coughing and go on to become more aggressive.
Diarrhea – Causes, Types, and Remedies

Diarrhea – Causes, Types, and Remedies

Diarrhea is one of the common conditions that happen to humans.In fact, it is the second most common ailment faced by humans, after common cold. Doctors have said that an average human goes through diarrhea at least once till the age of 15 years. The main reason for diarrhea is your gastrointestinal system facing some troubles. This leads to watery stools, stomach cramps, and bloating in some cases. Watery stools common in the condition of diarrhea. However, some effective diarrhea remedies can help you evade the condition. Various reasons can cause diarrhea, here are some of the common ones. Alcohol abuse Allergies from foods Diabetes Ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease Bacterial infections Laxative abuse Medications Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) Radiation therapy Digestive system surgeries Malabsorption Different types of diarrhea Osmotic diarrhea : Osmotic diarrhea is caused when the digestive system does not have the ability to absorb a set of components from food items. These components include sugars, sugar alcohols, and some minerals. One of the diarrhea remedies is giving your body a break from high fructose (sugar) containing fruits. Secretory diarrhea : Diarrhea that is caused by stomach infections is called as secretory diarrhea, the main reason is secretion of water and salts into the stools. The stomach infection releases toxins that secrete water and salt, thereby interfering with the intestines. The remedy for this type of diarrhea is to increase the intake of water. Exudative diarrhea : Mucus, blood or other fluids are released when there is a swelling on the line of the colon, this is usually the case in exudative diarrhea. This kind of diarrhea is closely related to diseases like cancer, tuberculosis, and irrigational bowel disease. Home remedies for diarrhea will not work best for exudative diarrhea, you must consult a doctor. Paradoxical diarrhea : A paradoxical diarrhea is not actually a condition of diarrhea, it is more like constipation which causes troubles in stools.
Neuropathy – Types, Causes, and Symptoms

Neuropathy – Types, Causes, and Symptoms

Neuropathy is a condition or a disease where the nerves are affected by either a disease or a malfunction. An injury or disease anywhere in the body can damage the nerves as they are present everywhere in the body taking the signals from central nervous system (that is located in the brain) and sending it to the end organ that has to act or react. Neuropathy is often classified based on the nerves that are affected because of an injury or a disease. Neuropathy affects around 8 percent of people after they turn 55. Here are some types of neuropathy that you should know of to be able to identify the problem based on the causes and symptoms: Peripheral neuropathy – When there is a problem in the nerves and the effect is seen on the nerves that are outside the brain and spinal cord, it is called peripheral neuropathy. You can identify this with neuropathy symptoms like weakness, numbness, and pain in the feet and hands. At times, it may also affect other body parts as well. Proximal neuropathy – There are twelve cranial nerves. When any one of the nerves gets damages, it can cause proximal neuropathy. Cranial nerves come straight out of the brain and hence cause damage in these nerves which in turn can cause problems like Bell’s palsy and third, fourth, and sixth nerve palsy in which your eyes are affected. Proximal neuropathy symptoms can be found out by noticing the functioning of eyes and ears, and if there is abnormality felt, it could mean that one of the cranial nerves are impacted. Autonomic neuropathy – There are nerves in the involuntary nervous system and when there is damage to those nerves, one suffers from autonomic neuropathy. Functions that are controlled by these nerves include blood circulation, digestion, bowel function, bladder function, perspiration, and sexual response.
External Hemorrhoids – Causes and Treatment

External Hemorrhoids – Causes and Treatment

Hemorrhoids refer to swollen veins which develop in the lower part of rectum and anus. These veins or walls of blood vessels stretch thinly, resulting in bulging of the veins, which causes irritation in them. This condition is referred to as piles. Difference between internal and external hemorrhoids Internal hemorrhoids occur deep inside the rectum and are not visible. In this condition, the pain is minimal since the presence of pain-sensing nerves is also negligible in this region. This kind of hemorrhoids can only be identified through bleeding, as and when it occurs. In contrast, external hemorrhoids are found in the skin which surrounds the anus area. This region has more pain-sensing nerves, and therefore, it tends to bleed more often. Causes of external hemorrhoids One of the most common causes of external hemorrhoids has been found to be straining while undergoing bowel movement. This condition develops when the vein of rectum gets dilated or enlarged. This condition develops when the person is experiencing severe diarrhea or constipation. Pregnant women also face the risk of hemorrhoids as they experience pressure from the uterus on their veins. How to recognize symptoms External hemorrhoids have a range of symptoms. These symptoms tend to vary according to the severity of hemorrhoids. The most common of the symptoms of external hemorrhoids include itching that occurs around rectal region or anus. Pain around the anus and lumps found near the anus are also common symptoms of this disease condition. External hemorrhoids’ treatment External hemorrhoids’ treatment also depends on its severity. In fact, doctors often ask the patients about the preferences for medications or treatments which they might prefer to get rid of external hemorrhoids. Medication for external hemorrhoids’ treatment For patients who face only mild discomfort, the doctor might recommend over the counter medications. Ointments which contain lidocaine also help the patient in getting some relief.
Kidney Failure – Causes and Symptoms

Kidney Failure – Causes and Symptoms

Kidneys are the filtering units of the human body. They filter the blood and expel the toxins which are flushed out of the body during urination. At times kidneys fail to perform their function. They become incapable to filer the waste from the blood. The kidney health deteriorates along with several other factors. Kidney trauma, chronic disease medications, and pollutants can aggravate the problem and cause complete kidney failure. This results in the overloading of toxins in the body. Kidney failure is life-threatening if it isn’t treated the right way. Kidney failure symptoms There are different symptoms of kidney failure. In the beginning, the kidney failure symptoms can’t be traced. As the kidneys weaken, symptoms such as reduced RBC production, imbalance of electrolytes, and uneasy waste clearance from the body arise. Some of the main kidney failure symptoms are: Lethargy, fatigue, and weakness Regular nausea and drowsiness Urine reduction Short breath Inflammation in ankles, feet, and legs caused by fluid retention Pain in chest Confusion Less appetite Congestive heart failure Metabolic acidosis High potassium levels in blood (hyperkalemia) High uric levels in the blood Irregular heartbeat rhythm Coma Causes of kidney failure Acute and chronic health problems result in the failure of the kidney. Some of the likely causes are: Acute renal failure: It occurs in quick successions when kidneys fail to function properly. Every human has two kidneys. If one kidney fails it can be operated and removed from the body. Single kidney continues to function normally. However, if both the kidneys fail, transplantation of kidney is the only viable solution. Pre-renal kidney failure: The pre-renal kidney failure is caused by the inefficient blood supply to the kidney. The pre-renal kidney failure symptoms are dehydration, fever, low blood volumes (hypovolemia), sweating, water loss and improper blood flow. Sepsis: Infections in the body affect the immune system.
Causes and Remedies for Persistent Dry Cough

Causes and Remedies for Persistent Dry Cough

A dry cough, also known as persistent dry cough, and productive cough are of two types. A productive cough is usually experienced with phlegm or mucous-whilst coughing and should not be suppressed. Phlegm is the gunk that the body needs to get rid of. Persistent dry cough, on the other hand, usually occurs together with a tickly cough and is usually caused due to allergy or by viral infections. Unlike a productive cough, a dry cough does not produce any phlegm or mucous. Since persistent dry cough is caused by viral infection, it is important to understand the underlying problem before discussing the remedies of the same. A dry cough can be triggered by cold, flu viruses and other atmospheric pollutants that irritate the throat. Dry coughs usually result due to irritation or inflammation at the back of the throat. Also, it can sometimes arise deeper in the chest. Persistent dry cough not only irritates but also disturbs sleep pattern. Let’s understand the common problems that cause persistent dry cough. Following are the common causes of dry coughs: Viral infections –Commonly known as cold and flu, viral infection causes coughs that occurs at the start or middle of an illness and lingers on even when other symptoms of the infection have subsided. Allergies –Allergies are also seen to be behind dry coughs. For instance, Hayfever, an allergy to tree pollen and grass, leads to eyes and nose irritation and is often seen to lead to coughs. People who are sensitive to other particles like animal fur, which is termed as allergic rhinitis, are at risk of developing this symptom. Air pollutants –It is often seen that air pollutants often irritate the back of the throat. This can give rise to dry coughs. A simple example of this would be a non-smoker entering a smoking room.
Causes and Natural Treatments for Chronic Diarrhea

Causes and Natural Treatments for Chronic Diarrhea

Diarrhea is an infectious disease that causes unrestrained liquid bowel movements, which may count up to 3 or even more times in a day. Diarrhea is a common disease, and it usually lasts only for a few days either on its own or through consuming over-the-counter medicines. Acute diarrhea occurs due to food intolerance, food allergy or bacterial infection. You may even develop a critical diarrheal condition known as Travelers’ Diarrhea. This occurs when you are frequently traveling and consume unhealthy food or water from various sources. If you are suffering from diarrhea, which does not get better and is persistent even after 4 weeks, it is a serious condition which is known as acute diarrhea. Chronic diarrhea is majorly anything that hinders your daily curriculum of activities. Chronic diarrhea may often lead to abdominal cramps, malnutrition, weight loss or even fever. While diarrhea may be caused due to several reasons, the main causes of chronic diarrhea have been listed below. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Irritable bowel syndrome is known to be the most common cause of chronic diarrhea and stays for at least 6 months. One interesting fact to notice is that the actual causes of IBS are not somewhat clear. IBS is known to be long lasting that may lead to changes in one’s lifestyle in a way which does not let them commit to their daily activities normally. IBS is often accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal cramps, bloating, uncontrollable bowel movements often leading to anxiety, depression or exhaustion. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Inflammatory Bowel disease is the cause of chronic diarrhea that leads to inflammation in the intestines of the patient. IBD occurs as a result of immune system working against the wellness of the body. In case of IBD, the immune system attacks the good or the friendly bacteria thus leading to inflammation.
How Diabetes Causes Foot Problems

How Diabetes Causes Foot Problems

Diabetes is a medical condition associated with the lack of insulin which is a hormone released by the pancreas. Insulin helps convert glucose from food into energy. Due to the lack of insulin, glucose stays in the blood; high glucose levels can cause health problems. A diabetic person can develop various health issues such as heart diseases, eye problems, and nerves damage. A common health problem that is faced by diabetic people is diabetic foot pain. Your blood vessels get damaged due to the lack of insulin. Diabetes also results in damage to peripheral nerves that can cause diabetic foot pain. It’s not only the nerve damage but also decrease in blood flow that causes pain. It delays the healing process of an infection, which might become affected by gangrene; in the case of gangrene. the leg or the affected part may need to be amputated. Here, we’ll look at diabetic foot pain in detail. Diabetes can cause foot pain in two major ways. Firstly, it reduces blood flow, thereby leading to the lack of flow of oxygen and nutrients to the leg. Due to this, you become prone to cuts and damages on the feet. Secondly, there is a diabetic nerve called peripheral neuropathy that causes numbness in your feet and increases the chances of soreness and infections. Problems associated with diabetic foot pain Fungal infection in nails : Fungal infection in nails is caused by bacteria, and this causes irritation and redness. The infection also leads to a change of color (yellow) of the nails along with inflammation and pain. When left untreated, the fungus becomes worse and infects your other toenails, the skin on your feet, and even your fingernails. In severe cases, the infection can impair your ability to walk or cause painful ingrown toenails. Muscle and joint problems :
Causes and Relief Measures for Toe Pain

Causes and Relief Measures for Toe Pain

Toe pain has many causes. Since there are many joints in these small digits, any injury can cause acute pain. It is important to find the causes of the pain, before picking the right treatment. Causes of Toe Pain Toe pain can result from a direct injury like a stubbed toe, or it can be the symptom or effect, or other disorders. Gout Gout is caused by high levels of uric acid in the body, which results in the formation of urate crystals. These crystals can get accumulated in the foot and toe joints, causing swelling, redness, and sudden intense pain. Bunion This is a condition that causes deformation of the big toe and results in pain and discomfort. The big toe pushes against the next toe. Eventually, the top of the big toe turns inwards, while the bottom part is pushed out. The most common cause is by wearing shoes that squash the toes. Deformation in Other Toes Each toe in the foot has three joints. The exception is the big toe which has two. Besides bunion, you can also suffer from other toe misalignments like: Hammer Toe: The middle joint in the toe bends down, and pushes that joint up. This commonly occurs in the second toe. Claw Toe: The end and middle joints in the toe bend, and cause curling of the toe, and it is a painful condition. It often affects multiple toes. Mallet Toe: The top joint or distal joint, bend down. This prevents you from stretching the toe as you walk, and causes pain. Tennis Toe and Turf Toe These two conditions often affect sportsmen and others, who indulge in activities that cause constant shock and stress to the feet. Tennis toe is caused by the frequent slamming of the toes against the front edge of the shoes, that you are wearing.
Know about the Common Causes of Sinus

Know about the Common Causes of Sinus

Sinus is a swelling or an inflammation that is caused by the lining of the tissues of the sinus. They are a connected system of hollow cavities of the skull. Generally, sinus, when healthy, is filled with air, the problem occurs when these get blocked and get filled by germs which cause a lot of infection in the area. The structures present inside the sinus help to filter the air. The sinus is lined with soft and pink colored tissues called the mucosa. Sinus is generally of four types: Acute sinus, chronic sinus, sub-acute sinus, and recurrent sinus.The acute sinus lasts about 2–4 weeks; however, sub-acute sinus lasts for about 4-12 weeks. Moreover, chronic sinus lasts for about 12 weeks or more, and recurrent sinus occurs several times in a year. Our cheekbones have the largest amount of sinus, and the frontal sinuses are located in the lower center part of the forehead. Sinuses are also present in between the eyes and in the bones behind the nose. Millions of people develop sinus infections nowadays and this has become a common problem. Even young children are prone to sinus causes and develop this issue which often becomes a lifelong problem. People who suffer from sinus often experience pain which can be at different levels depending on the intensity of the infection. The forehead and the area between the eyes and the nose can become very painful. When someone suffers from sinus, they are required to blow their nose very often as there is a lot of nasal discharge which can be cloudy, green, or yellow. There is also constant nasal congestion as the inflamed sinus may restrict your breathing patterns a cause immense discomfort. The relentless swelling and pressure in the sinus can give a lot of bad headaches, and even ear pains and dental ache.