A constant pain or a throbbing sensation restricted to only one side of the head can be a warning of a migraine. The severity of the pain varies from one individual to other. While some get it for a few hours, there are others, who experience a pulsing sensation in their head for days. Apart from the discomfort in the head, people with a migraine also complain of sound or light sensitivity, vomiting as well as nausea. Even though a migraine causes an alarming situation often leading to temporary disabling of the patient, is a curable condition and medications for migraines are available at ease. Consult a doctor – Just taking any over-the-counter pill for a headache is not sufficient for treating migraine. To deal with the condition, you need to consult a doctor and get proper therapy done. Follow his guidance and take the pills as recommended. When taking m edications for migraines , you need to know, whether it is for healing the condition or for preventing any future occurrence. Mostly, doctors offer healing m edications for migraines in the initial stages of treatment, so that the patient can get relief from the constant pain. You should not just get the treatment paused as soon as the condition is healed. Consult your doctor to get preventive treatment and check the occurrence in future. Make a note of occurrence – For a complete treatment of a migraine, it is important for you to note the frequency of occurrence in a dairy. The log of occurrence should be maintained even after you start taking medications as this will help you in understanding, whether you are on the right path or not. Lifestyle changes – Though a migraine is not a lifestyle disease, making some alterations in your living habits can help you in dealing the problem effectively.

A pulmonary embolism can have many symptoms that are associated with other medical conditions like heart disease. However, if you do identify any of these symptoms in yourself or others, contact your nearest medical emergency services as it can be a life-threatening situation. What is a Pulmonary Embolism? A pulmonary embolism is a block in blood vessels associated with your lungs. These blockages can restrict blood supply to the lungs and deplete oxygen levels in the body because the lungs are affected. It can also lead to other complications. Mostly, pulmonary embolism is caused by blood clots, and a major cause of these blood clots is deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Deep Vein Thrombosis DVT is a condition in which a blood clot develops in a vein that is deep in your body and not near the surface. These blood clots commonly begin at the calf muscles or thighs. However, these deep-vein blood clots can also begin somewhere else in the body. Wherever they begin, they can travel through the bloodstream and reach vital organs in your body, like your lungs. When the block occurs in a blood vessel that is connected to the lungs, it is a pulmonary embolism. Some of the most common causes of DVT are as follows: A leg fracture that damages a blood vessel which leads to blood clotting Obesity which can exert pressure on your legs A catheter inserted into a vein Hereditary – Other members of your family, previous generations, have had DVT Smoking Hormone medications Hormone fluctuations like pregnancy Being seated for a long time Some medical conditions like cancer, heart disease, and irritable bowel syndrome Surgery can also result in blood clots Pulmonary Embolism Symptoms and Diagnostic Tests A pulmonary embolism is caused by a blockage in the arteries that supply blood to your lungs.

Postherpetic neuralgia is a complication of shingles, caused by the chickenpox virus. It affects nerve fibers and skin, causing burning sensations that last long after the rash and blisters of shingles disappear. The danger of postherpetic neuralgia rises with age, primarily concerning people older than 60. There is no permanent cure, but treatment can help to ease the pain. The signs and symptoms are limited to the first occurrence of shingles outbreak on your skin. The shingles mostly break around the trunk or usually on one side of your body. These three signs and symptoms can be of concern: You have been experiencing pain from the last three months or longer post the shingles rash has healed. One experiences burning, sharp and jabbing, or deep and aching pain. Skin becomes sensitive to touch. People often cannot stand the slightest of sensation or contact like cloth rubbing the affected area. Some experience Itching and numbness around the affected area. Diagnosis Most cases do not require any tests to be done. Doctors touch the border of the affected area on your skin to determine the severeness. Treatment No particular postherpetic neuralgia treatment can help relieve all people. For many affected patients, it takes a combination of treatments to reduce the pain. Lidocaine skin patches Small patches like bandages that contain the topical, pain-relieving medication lidocaine. These patches can be cut to fit the affected area, and these are available by prescription. Apply directly on the affected area where you experience pain and burning sensation to get temporary relief. Capsaicin skin patch High concentration from an extract of chili peppers (capsaicin) is another available skin patch option that is known to relieve the pain from postherpetic neuralgia. The patch is available only at a doctor’s clinic and has to be applied by trained professionals post using a numbing medication on the affected area.

Our body weight completely relies on our legs; hence, we need to take special care of our leg and heel muscles. Excess pressure on the legs causes several ailments to muscles, nerves, and the bones. We are talking about plantar fasciitis; it is a condition in which the thick band tissue of the heel that connects it to the toe inflames and causes excruciating pain and muscle injuries. In this ailment, there is a stabbing pain in the heel every time you touch it to the ground, thereby compelling you to limp. This kind of pain lasts for some time; however, improper care may aggravate as you age. Aging brings with it an additional weakness to different parts of the body; hence, it is always advisable to keep your body healthy with the help of exercise and a nutritious diet. Here are a few remedies you can put to use in case you suffer a stroke of plantar fasciitis. Rest and recoup Sitting or standing for long hours puts immense pressure on leg muscles, particularly the ankles and heels. Sitting for long hours makes the muscle immobile, increasing the pressure on the muscles and nerves. Similarly, standing for long hours also puts pressure on the heel and toe veins, leading to excruciating pain while you walk. Release this stress by doing mild leg stretching exercises. Choose the right shoe Plantar fasciitis largely depends upon the size and shape of your footwear. Wearing the wrong size of footwear will strain the heel ligament, damaging it in the longer run. Choose a comfortable shoe with the help of a shoe size board to help get the correct size. You can also use shoe inserts to add good arch support and a cushioned heel. Shoe inserts help in reducing stress on the heel ligament allowing you a comfortable walk.

Hepatitis C also known as the chronic liver disease is caused by hepatitis C virus. It is the most serious type of viruses among A, B, and C. Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver which is caused by infection, medication or accumulation of toxins in the body. According to a recent survey conducted, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has affected around 3.5 million people in the country. It is also the cause of 12,000 deaths in a year across the country. Types of hepatitis C Hepatitis C has mostly two main discourses. These are acute hepatitis and chronic hepatitis C. The symptoms of acute hepatitis C are more short-termed ranging from six months up to a year. On the other hand, symptoms of chronic hepatitis C can last a lifetime. Acute hepatitis if left untreated, leads to chronic hepatitis in most of the cases. The hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus and occurs as the result of transdermal transmission of the hepatitis C virus through infected blood. It is a contagious disease and the virus can easily enter into the bloodstream of another person through the skin. Transmission It is transmitted by injecting drug through sharing of infected injection. It can also be transmitted through blood and its transfusions. Through the reuse of unsterilized syringes, injections, and other medical equipment. Through dialysis or any kind of organ transplant. Through Intranasal use of drug( snorting) Through any kind of body piercing or injecting ink into a person’s skin also known as tattooing. Through sexual contact. From an infected mother to her baby. Not maintaining personal hygiene and sharing of personal things such as garments, razors, toothbrushes and other items Hepatitis C is not transmitted through breast milk unless the skin of the nipple is percutaneous. It is also not spread through sharing of food or water of the infected person.

Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, affects the colon as well as the rectum. It is one of the most common types of cancer that affects men and women across the country equally. This type of cancer develops in the inner lining of the colorectal tube. The colorectal tube can be a breeding ground for polyps and small tumors that can turn malignant. Although most polyps and tumors are benign, studies have shown that usually, polyps developing inside the glandular tissue of the intestinal lining can turn precancerous. These precancerous polyps can lead to metastatic colorectal cancer if left untreated. The development of cancer is related to size as polyps less than a centimeter in size have roughly 1% chance of turning into adenomatous (malignant) polyps. The ones that are bigger than two centimeters are more prone to turn malignant. The growth of colorectal cancer can be controlled and treated if the tumor is localized. At the same time, metastatic colorectal cancer can spread to other parts of the body including lymph nodes, organs, tissues, and the bloodstream as it spreads through the walls of the bowel. Mentioned below are some risk factors that might cause colorectal cancer: Abdominal diseases An underlying condition can increase one’s risk of developing metastatic colon cancer. Abdominal diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can result in the development of tumors and polyps in the intestine, causing colorectal cancer. Genes Unfortunately, cancer can be hereditary. Studies show that genetic sequences partly determine one’s susceptibility to colorectal cancer. It is observed people with medical conditions such as Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP), Gardner’s syndrome, MYH-associated polyps, and Cowden’s disease, have a higher chance of suffering from colorectal cancer. Diet Although not a major cause, one’s diet does contribute to the early stages of colorectal cancer.

Our bodies are made up of different kinds of cells. Blood cells are an important type of cell that is further bifurcated into three parts, namely white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Each type of blood cell plays an essential role in the human body. Red blood cells remove carbon dioxide from the body and carry oxygen to the tissues. Platelets prevent bleeding by forming blood clots. While blood cells are an essential part of the immune system and help fight infection and protect the body from foreign substances. There are several types of white blood cells. B lymphocytes are a type of white blood cells that become plasma cells upon identifying antigens in the body. Plasma cells and multiple myeloma Plasma cells produce antibodies that fight antigens, otherwise known as harmful foreign substances. These cells are normally present in the bone marrow in a limited number, but they can turn into a tumor upon abnormal cell multiplication. The tumor can turn cancerous and may cause multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. While scientists do not know the exact cause of multiple myeloma, they have conducted studies on how certain DNA changes can cause the plasma cells to turn cancerous and form a tumor. Multiple myeloma can lead to a loss of red blood cells, causing anemia. It can also decrease the number of platelets in the blood, which causes increased bleeding and bruising. Multiple myeloma even causes a shortage of white blood cells that leads to problems in fighting infections. Medical researchers and doctors who have been studying multiple myeloma are looking for a cure and methods to prevent this disease. Preventing it becomes less challenging when one knows the risk factors and early signs of cancer. Identifying the risk factors and taking the right measures to eliminate the risk can be an effective way to prevent multiple myeloma.

Type 2 diabetes is a manageable disease that can be cured after consulting a doctor. Most people diagnosed with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes. It is more common in people who are 45 years and older. If diabetes is complicated then it can lead to diseases such as stroke, blindness, heart disease, and kidney disease. Diabetes is known to be one of the major causes of death. Some of the symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination, cuts, and sores that do not heal, and fatigue and blurry vision. With the right Type 2 diabetes treatment, you can live a healthy life. Diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes The tests mentioned below essentially measure the blood sugar amount. Glycated hemoglobin test: This test helps your doctor in finding out about your blood sugar level in the past few months. It measures the blood sugar percentage that is attached to the hemoglobin. If the test result is high then it means that your blood sugar amounts are also high. A sample of your blood will be taken and sent to a laboratory for test. This test is extremely convenient. It does not require you to fast before the test. The A1C test of 6.5% and higher indicates diabetes. That between 5.7 to 6.4 means prediabetes and less than 5.7% means that the blood sugar level is normal. Fasting plasma glucose test: It so happens that the A1C test is not valid at times. But for a proper Type 2 diabetes treatment, you need to be diagnosed. Your doctor might recommend this alternative test. For this, you are not supposed to eat anything overnight after which your blood sample is collected the next day. The result of this test also varies in case you have stress. If it is 126 mg/dL or higher then diabetes is indicated.

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.

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), also sometimes called chronic myelogenous leukemia, is a type of leukemia that develops in the white blood cells (WBCs). The WBCs provide immunity to the body, helping fight illnesses and diseases. CML disrupts the formation and functioning of these cells, leading to the formation of immature WBCs, which grow uncontrollably and affect the number of other blood cells. According to estimates by the American Cancer Society, 9,110 people will be diagnosed with CML in 2021, with about 1,220 people losing their lives to it. So it is a serious condition that requires attention as soon as symptoms, such as bone pain, weakness, and night sweats, set in. Diagnosis of CML Early diagnosis of CML is crucial for reducing the risk of death. Here’s how the doctor diagnoses the condition. Physical evaluation The doctor will first examine what kind of symptoms one has and whether they are consistent with those of CML. He/she may check their vitals and also test whether the spleen and abdomen have enlarged. Blood tests Since CML causes a spike in the number of WBCs, a simple blood test can reveal whether or not one has CML. Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy Different parts of the bone marrow are evaluated in these tests. They’re fairly simple and can be done in the doctor’s office as well. Treatment of CML Once CML has been positively diagnosed, the doctor may choose any of the following treatment methods. Chemotherapy This is the most common way to treat cancerous cells. Specific medications used in this method travel through the bloodstream and kill the cells that cause CML. Bone marrow transplant In this procedure, cancerous cells causing CML are first killed using chemotherapy. Then, healthy cells from a donor are infused into the body, which grows with time and replaces the old cells.

A type of fat, cholesterol is lipid is essential for the body to function properly. However, too much cholesterol is bad for the health and can have an impact on the most vital organ of human body, the heart. Bad cholesterol often causes heart stroke and other heart-related diseases. Medical terms used by doctors to signify bad cholesterol include lipid disorder, hypercholesterolemia or hyperlipidemia. Cholesterol level diagnosis is made with a simple blood test called lipoprotein profile or fasting lipid. Following are the four numbers that are taken into consideration while performing cholesterol level diagnosis. These are: Total Blood or Serum Cholesterol This takes into account the total sum of High-Density Lipoprotein and High-Density Lipoprotein cholesterol scores.It is also a good indicator of whether the patient has a risk for heart disease. Optimal – Less than 200 mg/dL Borderline high – 200-239 mg/dL High – 240 mg/dL or higher High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Known as good cholesterol, High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) helps in keeping the arteries clear of blockage caused by low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. It is also known to protect people against heart disease. For this reason, higher HDL score is always good. But, if HDL falls below the marked range, it is considered that the patient is prone to suffer heart diseases. Low – Should be less than 40 mg/dL(men) and 50 mg/dL (women) Normal – 45 mg/dL + for men and 55 mg/dL + for women Optimal – 60 mg/dL and above lower danger of heart disease Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) High level of bad low-density lipoprotein cholesterol leads to blockage in arteries and increases chances of heart diseases. Thus, low level of bad LDL is always good to protect health. Optimal – Less than 100 mg/dL Normal/Near Optimal – 100-129 mg/dL Borderline High – 130-159 mg/dL High – 160-189 mg/dL Very High – 190 mg/dL and above People suffering from metabolic syndrome or heart diseases should ensure that their LDL is lower than the optimal number recommended.

Gout is an acute form of arthritis and is often known as a disease of rich men as it occurs due to overindulgence in alcohol and other such products. Gout results in swelling and pain in the joints. Though gout is known to affect the biggest of the toe in most cases, at times, it does affect the ankle, wrist, elbow, and toe. Gout can be most effectively managed if the uric acid is in control. A typical gout attack can last up to four days and a person suffering from gout should follow the proper dietary advice besides taking the recommended medications so that any instance of gout comes under control. An increasingly common disease According to a health study which was carried among 52,000 people, it was found that around 4.1 percent people of the studied group were suffering from gout-related problems. The average age of gout infestation was found to be 44 years, but it was also seen that people as young as 16 years of age were also suffering from gout-related complications. It was assumed on the basis of this study that gout was a common phenomenon and it has started impacting young people with increasing intensity. This study also found out that men faced an increased risk of being affected by gout in comparison to women. The risk incidence among women increased only when they reached the menopause age. Gout is also known to occur in a combination of a host of diseases affecting the person alongside. These were found out to be high blood pressure, higher range of cholesterol, kidney and heart disease and diabetes. The most prevalent risk of gout occurring is when a high level of uric acid is reported in the blood. This leads to crystals of uric acid settling in the joints.