Nasal polyps are benign growths that cover the lining of the nose tissues and sinuses. A polyp is a bulging teardrop-shaped formation that blocks the nasal path, and it usually hangs from the nasal lining. Prolonged irritation of the sinus and inflammation of the lining can trigger the growth of these polyps, but the condition can be easily managed with medications. That said, a mild surgical procedure may be required in some cases to provide long-term relief. Read on for a brief overview of the condition. What causes nasal polyps to form? Inflammation, also referred to as chronic rhinosinusitis, is one of the primary triggers associated with this condition. Inflammation may be deemed chronic if it persists for over 12 weeks. Also, an abnormal response of the immune system and resulting problems in the mucus membrane can trigger the growth of nasal polyps. That said, the direct cause is unknown. What are the noticeable symptoms of nasal polyps? A person may initially experience difficulty breathing and struggle with a reduced sense of smell. Due to the blockage, a sensation of nasal congestion always exists, along with pressure in the forehead or face. Stuffiness can also result in excess mucus running back down the throat, a symptom that is medically referred to as postnasal drip. Congestion forces a person to breathe heavily through the mouth, and the stuffiness can result in the development of sleep apnea. Cough, itching around the eyes, facial pain, and headaches are also common indicators of nasal polyps, especially if a sinus infection accompanies these symptoms. What are the various treatment options for nasal polyps? The condition can be treated with Over-The-Counter (OTC) or prescription medications and surgery in severe cases. Medications Most OTC and prescription medications provide relief from the inflammation and relieve congestion to enable patients to breathe more freely.

Certain foods and ingredients may be used in many dishes, but they may not be safe for our furry little friends. If you have a dog, it is very important to be aware of foods that may be toxic or cause mild to severe allergic reactions. Hence, vets highly recommend keeping the following foods away from your dog’s bowl, as they may be potential allergens. Let’s take a look at them. Garlic and chives While garlic causes nothing more than bad breath to humans, it is harmful to our furry little friends. Dogs are sensitive to garlic, as it makes their blood cells more likely to break, thereby increasing the risk of anemia. It has been especially observed that Japanese breeds like Shiba-Inu and Akita are more sensitive to garlic than other dog breeds. Black pepper Black pepper is typically harmful to dogs. While small quantities may not cause a reaction, some breeds may have severe reactions. Hence, vets recommend avoiding this ingredient in a dog’s daily food. Common side effects of black pepper ingestion may include respiratory issues, burning reactions, and hemorrhoids. Onion powder Like garlic, onion powder is also toxic for dogs. In fact, any form of onion may cause health complications. Onions contain an organosulfur compound called N-propyl disulfide, which ruptures red blood cells, leading to anemia. This might result in other forms of blood disorders that might require urgent medical attention. Tarragon Tarragon, also known as artemisia dracunculus, is known for its flavor in the culinary world. Although it aids in digestion, provides relief from anxiety and stress, and even stimulates appetite in humans, it may be harmful to dogs. Tarragon must not be particularly given to dogs if they are pregnant or scheduled for surgery. It contains a specific chemical called estragole, a natural organic compound that might cause liver damage and obstruct blood coagulation in some pets.

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is a condition characterized by the inability of the pancreas to produce and release enough enzymes into the small intestine to digest food properly. Various health conditions, such as chronic pancreatitis and cystic fibrosis, can cause EPI. Due to the lack of enough pancreatic enzymes to break down foods, one might experience symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal discomfort. Understanding these warning signs is crucial for early diagnosis and management. Causes Damage to the pancreas is the most common cause of EPI. Inflammation of the pancreas is a key contributor, which could also trigger swelling. With time, chronic inflammation may damage pancreatic cells that make the digestive enzymes. Other potential causes include Celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), diabetes, pancreatic cancer, and surgery on the digestive tract. Symptoms People with EPI may have trouble absorbing fats from foods, resulting in abdominal pain, gas, and bloating. Other symptoms include diarrhea, fatty stools, and unexplained body mass loss. Some people might also feel full even after eating small meals. Management options A healthy meal plan A health expert might recommend a high-calorie, high-fat meal regime to help the body absorb more nutrients. The professional may also suggest eating six small meals daily instead of the traditional three. Bigger meals might not be a good choice if one has digestive trouble caused by EPI. Essential vitamins People with EPI may need to intake various vitamins to help the body balance nutrient levels. Along with a healthy meal regime, patients may need to have vitamins A, D, E, and K for better management. It could help those who struggle to absorb fat-soluble nutrients from food. Regular doctor appointments While a doctor may recommend various treatment options for EPI, patients should consult the professional regularly to monitor their progress, identify any underlying complications, and get them treated as soon as possible.

The skeletal muscles connect to the bones and help move the face, arms, and legs. Autoimmune conditions like myasthenia gravis can weaken these muscles, making it difficult to perform various tasks, like blinking, making facial expressions, chewing, or walking up the stairs. Muscle weakness can worsen after physical activity and improve after a while of rest rest. While myasthenia gravis may not go away, treatment can help control its symptoms. Signs A person with myasthenia gravis might experience various signs. Fatigue Droopy eyelids Limited facial expressions Trouble speaking, chewing, or swallowing Trouble walking Causes The condition usually develops when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks itself. Some experts believe this happens because specific immune system cells in the thymus gland have trouble differentiating threats like viruses or bacteria from healthy body components. Sometimes, genetic changes can result in a specific form of the condition called congenital myasthenia gravis. Similarly, children who receive antibodies from a birthing parent during pregnancy might be affected by neonatal myasthenia. Treatment options Those with myasthenia gravis might need to follow various expert-recommended treatment options to control the symptoms. Plasma exchange In this procedure, a machine is used to remove unwanted antibodies from the blood plasma and replace them with donor plasma. Sometimes, doctors suggest replacing existing plasma with a plasma solution. IV or SC immunoglobulin Some may receive infusions of donor antibodies or immunoglobulin over two to five days through the intravenous (IV) or subcutaneous (SC) route. This treatment may help manage specific types of the condition and even certain complications. RYSTIGGO® Healthcare professionals may use UCB’s RYSTIGGO® ( rozanolixizumab-noli ) to manage generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) in adults. In this type, harmful anti-AChR or anti-MuSK antibodies may interfere with signals between nerves and specific receptors on muscles. The complication may trigger a loss of signaling in the neuromuscular junction, where the nerves and muscles meet.

Multiple myeloma is a cancer wherein the body’s plasma cells are affected. The American Cancer Society reports that over 30,000 people are expected to be diagnosed with the disease in recent times. Although the disease is not preventable, there are foods that help you to effectively manage multiple myeloma and its symptoms. Malignant plasma cells may cause anemia or other infections. While normal cells try to ward off infections, myeloma cells prevent healthy cells from working efficiently. Myeloma cells instead accelerate bone breakdown, and put off new bone development, thus making fractures and breaks very common. Conventional treatment includes chemotherapy, bisphosphonates, surgery, radiation, and stem cell transplant. Complementary treatments include special diets, herbs, vitamins, massage, and acupressure. Although there are no such proven diets to treat or fight multiple myeloma, a specific nutrition strategy might prevent other symptoms like anemia or kidney damage. It may also reduce the risks of cancer recurrence. Get adequate iron Foods that curb multiple myeloma symptoms contain iron. Multiple myeloma leads to anemia – a condition in which the body contains only a few red blood cells. As a result, it causes weakness and fatigue. Other causes of anemia include deficiency in iron, vitamin B12, and folate. Foods containing iron are an integral part of a diet that aims to help patients with the disease. Some good sources include: Raisins Lean red meat Bell peppers Kale Sweet potatoes Broccoli Brussel sprouts Tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, papaya, guava Foods containing essential folate, a B vitamin that contributes to the formation of white and red blood cells in the bone marrow, include: Asparagus Black-eyed kidney beans Beef liver Lentils Beans Spinach Broccoli Foods containing vitamin B12 work together with folate to help the body form more red blood cells. Vitamin B12 deficiency can affect the ability of the bone marrow to make as well as maintain red blood cells in patients suffering from multiple myeloma.

Diabetes mellitus also known as diabetes has become a common disease in the whole world. Diabetes has been derived from a Greek word which means siphon and mellitus meaning sweet. This disease is a consequence of an excess of sugar in the urine and blood of the affected people. According to a survey in 2013, around 382 million people around the world have diabetes. Types of diabetes Diabetes is a deadly disease that can strike anyone at any age and from any walk of life. Earlier it was said that diabetes occurs after middle age. But nowadays, it has been observed that it can affect anyone irrespective of their age. The most common forms of it are type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Gestational diabetes usually occurs during pregnancy and is not a lifelong disease. Type 1 diabetes: It can also be termed as a metabolic disorder because type 1 diabetes results in the body failing to produce insulin. It is also known as insulin-dependent diabetes as the insulin is induced in the body from outside. This is popularly known as juvenile diabetes. It is also termed as early-onset diabetes. Its main symptoms are extreme thirst, erectile dysfunction, frequent urination, sudden weight loss or gain, blurred vision, lethargy, fatigue or drowsiness, increased appetite, etc. Smoking and consuming alcohol can aggravate cardiovascular diseases in diabetics. Therefore one should quit smoking and drinking. There are many diabetes foods to avoid. A healthy lifestyle which includes a healthy diet, adequate exercise and taking insulin can benefit people with diabetes to a great extent. Type 2 diabetes: In type 2 diabetes, the body does not produce enough insulin for the proper functioning of the cells or it becomes insulin resistant. This is the most common form of diabetes seen in people. Its causes may include leading an unhealthy lifestyle, not eating right, getting inadequate or no sleep, lack of exercise, depression, stress, smoking, etc.

Pneumococcal pneumonia can be considered as a type of pneumonia which infects upper respiratory tract and spreads to lungs, middle ear and nervous system, if not checked in time. This disease causes pneumonia in children who are less than five years of age or adults who are 65 years or older. Elder people are at more risk of pneumococcal pneumonia and can even die in rare cases. People who suffer from some medical conditions including chronic heart ailment, liver diseases, and sickle cell anemia are also at a risk of being infected with pneumococcal pneumonia. Causal Agents Pneumococcal pneumonia is caused by a range of viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Streptococcus pneumoniae is also known to cause Pneumococcal Pneumonia. Transmission Pneumococcal pneumonia is spread when a contact with people who are at risk is established. Also, this bacterium is also carried in the throat. The respiratory droplets of the infected person are also known to initiate the spread of Pneumococcal Pneumonia. Children, in particular, carry this bacteria in the throat even when they are not sick. Symptoms of Pneumococcal Pneumonia This infection begins suddenly in a person, and the person might suffer from severe chill symptoms which are followed by high fever, cough, shortness of breath, rapid breathing and chest pain. Nausea, vomiting, and headache are other symptoms of Pneumococcal pneumonia. Diagnosis Pneumococcal Pneumonia is diagnosed by the medical health provider based on symptoms, physical examination of the patient and lab tests including some chest x-rays if required. Pneumonia is also caused by other bacteria and germs. If a person suffers from signs of Pneumococcal Pneumonia, the best course of action would be to take immediate medical treatment. Healthcare providers also diagnose Pneumococcal Pneumonia based on the presence of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria in the blood, saliva or the lung fluid. Treatment of Pneumococcal Pneumonia Antibiotics are usually prescribed the doctor for treating complications related to Pneumococcal Pneumonia.

Diabetes is a deadly disease, not simply because of its symptoms but due to other complications it can cause. In this condition, the blood sugar levels or glucose levels are much higher than usual, and it can lead to many other problems like cancer, heart problems, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure. Diet plays a significant role in controlling the sugar levels of a person. Thus, it is imperative for a diabetic to control their food habits and also exercise regularly to keep parameters under check. Let’s learn about some interesting and healthy snacks for improving diabetes. To manage your blood sugar levels, you need to balance out what you eat and drink along with the amount of exercise you do daily. Along with eating healthy, it is also pertinent that you have snacks at regular intervals. Here are some tasty and healthy snacks for improving diabetes. Fish fillet Fish is a great source of protein without the ill effects of eating meat. In fact, having fatty fish like salmon, herring, mackerel, and sardines is even better as they have a high level of omega-3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA, that are amazing for heart health. They protect the cells lining the blood vessels and enhance the way the arteries function after eating. Grill them with very little oil and toss in some green vegetables and voila! You have one healthy snack for improving diabetes. Sauteed vegetables Leafy vegetables like spinach and kale are good sources of many minerals and vitamins, including vitamin C, which helps in reducing inflammatory markers and also fasting blood sugar levels for those with type 2 diabetes or even high blood pressure. Also, green leafy vegetables are a good source of antioxidants – zeaxanthin and lutein that protect the eyes from cataract and degeneration which are common complications of diabetes.

Sleep apnea is quite a common sleeping disorder these days. If you experience poor quality of sleep, it might be due to sleep apnea. This disorder causes oxygen deficiency in the body due to uncontrollable pauses while breathing and shallow or short breaths during sleep. Sleep apnea often causes one to wake up startled. Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea A person with sleep apnea, usually stops breathing every now and then, during the night’s sleep. Sleep apnea may stop one’s breathing for as many as thirty times in an hour. This sleeping disorder may also cause a person to stop breathing for very brief moments, even without them being aware of it. People who experience sleep apnea are triggered to wake up suddenly and gasp for air. Once they wake up startled, the body desperately tries to reopen the airways, to make up for the deficiency of oxygen. The irregular breathing process associated with sleep apnea may result in symptoms such as loud snoring, disturbed sleep, fatigue, choking during sleep and anxiety. For these symptoms, there are various remedies for sleep apnea which one can consider. Risks Associated with Sleep Apnea Sleep apnea is not just a problem of heavy snoring. It is a serious medical condition and requires immediate attention. One need to immediately consult a doctor to find remedies for sleep apnea. Long-term health issues associated with sleep apnea include a risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, obesity, short-term memory loss and sexual dysfunction. Interrupted sleep has also time and again been associated with accidents while driving, low performance in academics and work, high vulnerability to common cold and flu and low body resilience. Follow these Natural Remedies for Sleep Apnea Maintain a healthy weight and good health One of the most common and effective remedies for sleep apnea is exercising and eating healthy.

Today, people all over the world are beginning to recognize the benefits of turmeric. This humble root is an essential part of Indian and Southeast Asian cuisines and medical systems. Turmeric’s active constituent is an organic chemical called curcumin. What is turmeric? Turmeric is a rhizome plant from the ginger family. The plant has its origins in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. In its present form, it’s a cultivar and doesn’t grow in the wild. People in these countries use the rhizome root-stems as a spice for color and flavor in a variety of dishes. It is also used as a dye and cosmetic. It is also used for religious purposes in some countries. The benefits of turmeric have been known for a long time in the traditional medicine systems of these countries. Turmeric’s active ingredient curcumin provides a wide range of health benefits. Some parts of the harvest are used fresh, while the rest of it is boiled and dried in ovens. The dried roots are then ground into a fine powder. This powder consists of nearly 70% carbohydrates, almost 13% water, various proteins, fats, minerals, essential oils, and natural phenols or curcuminoids that give this ingredient a bright yellow-orange color. Curcumin The main constituent of turmeric is a phytochemical (plant-based chemical) called curcumin. In some traditional medicinal systems, turmeric is valued for its diverse properties. However, modern research was initiated only in the 19th century when curcumin was isolated from turmeric chemically. Its complete chemical structure was mapped only in the early 20th century. The benefits of turmeric Turmeric is an essential ingredient in Indian, Southeast Asian, and Middle Eastern cuisines. It imparts an attractive color to food and gives it a rich, palatable appearance. Apart from this, its subtle yet slightly bitter, pepper-like aroma and sharp mustard-like flavor complement other spices in a variety of dishes.

Hair scalp diseases cause plenty of discomfort and embarrassment. Here are some hair scalp diseases that you probably did not even know about. Hair scalp diseases could cause excessive hair loss, thinning and breaking of hair, as well as balding. Balding in certain parts of the head are quite common among people and most of them are related to aging and genetics. However, hair scalp disorders may or may not always be associated with hair loss. The following are certain characteristics of various shocking hair scalp diseases to watch out for. Psoriasis Psoriasis is one of the hair scalp diseases that can progress enough to cause localized hair loss, excessive dandruff, and severe itching of the scalp. Genetic predisposition and varied environmental factors are a couple of the possible causative factors behind this scalp disease. Psoriasis is a disease marked by itchy, scaly patches that are red in color wherein the scars almost resemble severe burns on the body. Alopecia Areata This scalp disease is also known as ‘spot baldness’ which causes extreme hair loss in some or all parts of the body, usually in the scalp area. This happens because the body fails to recognize its own cells, thus destroying its own tissues which leads to the development of bald spots on the scalp. Alopecia areata is one of the hair scalp diseases that is most likely to be a hereditary condition. Alopecia areata affects one or more hair-bearing areas in the scalp and may cause localized balding in the other areas. It is generally seen among patients with a family history of diabetes, vitiligo, and thyroid diseases. This kind of scalp disease is characterized by several round bald patches in the scalp. It may also result in ridging and in the nails. Ringworm of the Scalp This kind of hair scalp infection is called tinea capitis, and is very common among children across the globe.

All of a sudden one experiences extreme pain in the big toe or other joints. The pain is excruciating and occurs at any time of the day. Such symptoms are typical of gout. Gout pain is a complex type of arthritic pain that occurs due to the build-up of uric acid in the bloodstream. The accumulation of uric acid forms sharp crystals in bone joints. The most common location where gout occurs is the big toe. A gout attack can occur to anyone. A gout attack typically lasts for 10 days, out of which extreme pain occurs during the initial three days. Gout attack starts at one joint and spreads to other joints when not treated. Pain relief for gout can be achieved by reducing the inflammation. Prompt treatment of gout foot pain results in the reduction of inflammation and pain and prevents spreading to other joints as well. Symptoms of gout pain Symptoms of gout pain vary with the severity and build-up of uric acid. Extremely painful gout pain is caused when the uric acid accumulates to the extent where crystals are formed at the joints. The common symptoms of gout pain are: Excruciating pain in the joints : Big toe is the most common joint that is affected by gout pain. It can also spread to other joints like elbow, ankle, wrists, and fingers. The first two to three days of a gout attack are most painful. Swollen joints : Gout is caused by the accumulation of uric acid at joints. This accumulation manifests as a swelling or bulge at the joints. Excessive uric acid deposits form crystals at the joints, which appear like tiny nodes under the skin. Moderate discomfort : After the extreme pain reduces, moderate to mild pain lingers at the joints. This discomfort lasts for weeks.