Everything You Need to Know about Fever

Everything You Need to Know about Fever

A short-term increase in the body temperature is referred in medical terms as pyrexia. Commonly known as fever, it is a common occurrence in both adults and children. As the temperature of your body becomes higher than the normal temperature, it becomes indicative of an underlying illness which may be an infection in some part of the body such as the throat or stomach. Having high fever is an important sign that some changes are occurring in the body. The temperature of our body is regulated by the hypothalamus which is present at the base of the brain. The state of fever is experienced by almost every human being at some point of time irrespective of sex or age. Many medical experts are of the opinion that fever is a natural defense of the body against infection. Relevant treatment for fever is recommended by medical experts after assessing the symptoms carefully and conducting certain diagnostic tests. Causes of high fever in adults Diseases such as malaria, upper and lower respiratory tract infections or flu, cold, bacterial infections, gastrointestinal infections, urinary tract infections or skin infections etc Excessive heat exposure Abnormalities in the brain or malignant tumors Disease of the endocrine which is associated with a hormonal or glandular system of the body Inflammation caused by tissue injury Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis which is the inflammation of the lining of joints Side effects of certain medicines Common symptoms High fever comes with a lot of physical discomforts. It is only after adequate treatment for the fever that you can feel better. High fever is typically characterized by a rise in oral temperature as it soars above 100°F (37.8°C) to touch 103°F. Temperature in adults can be measured with a thermometer placed under the tongue. General symptoms that accompany high fever include:
Early Stroke Symptoms to Be Aware Of

Early Stroke Symptoms to Be Aware Of

A stroke is one of the most feared ailment that both men and women can suffer from. This is an attack on the brain that can happen to anyone at any time of their lives. The circulation of the blood to the brain is the primary source of oxygen that results in the smooth functioning of the human body. In case this flow of blood is disrupted, oxygen fails to reach the brain, and the brain cells start dying. This situation is called as a stroke. The physical and mental trauma of a stroke is not limited to just the patient but also affects the patient’s family and friends, as it is a life-threatening ailment. The severity of a stroke depends upon the area of the brain that is affected due to the lack of oxygen. It usually affects the motor control senses and causes disturbances in the nervous system of the patient. It is said that every stroke survivor faces different stroke symptoms. The possibilities of stroke may be detected earlier by a medical practitioner in case the person visits the doctor for any discomfort. Some common early stroke symptoms can broadly be categorized under the title of FAST. This stands for, F: Face drooping A: Arm weakness S: Speech difficulty T: Time to call for help When a person is under the threat of a stroke attack, their face might droop or feel numb when they smile or speak. Their speech may be slurred or abnormal. Also, their arms might feel numb when raised. In case a person undergoes any of these symptoms he or she should immediately call for help or send for medical assistance. Even if any of these signs are observed for a while and may subside after some time, it is still advised to visit a doctor at the earliest.
Know the Common Causes and Symptoms of Meningitis

Know the Common Causes and Symptoms of Meningitis

The listed symptoms for meningitis are among those that are often difficult to diagnose. This results in a much critical condition for a patient that could be life-threatening if it is not timely addressed. Meningitis is often mistaken for a less critical condition because of its symptoms that are synonymous with symptoms of other illnesses. Therefore, it becomes very important to spot the common symptoms for meningitis to prevent this from becoming serious enough to be a threat to one’s life. The early signs of meningitis are same as that of a common seasonal flu. In fact, the disease begins like the flu or infection at the start. So, it is common for doctors too to fail to recognize it or mistake it for other common infection. If one knows how to detect if someone might be suffering from among the common or listed symptoms for meningitis, a lot of lives could be saved. There are many commonly listed symptoms for meningitis. Bacterial meningitis is quick to develop; it can take hours or a few days to develop. Moreover, viral meningitis is also quick to develop. It is important to know that there are two types of meningitis: viral meningitis and bacterial meningitis. Bacterial meningitis is more than the former. Viral Meningitis can be cured easily without much complication, but bacterial meningitis is most likely to remain uncured and can become more serious. The commonly listed symptoms for meningitis include fever, headache, and a stiff neck. However, there are more commonly listed symptoms for meningitis such as the following. – Vomiting – Nausea – Confusion – Drowsiness – Sensitivity to bright light – Poor appetite – Seizure – Patients may also go into a coma in more serious cases. Infants can show symptoms such as fever, poor feeding, lethargy, and irritation.
Understanding the Causes and Symptoms of Meningitis in Children

Understanding the Causes and Symptoms of Meningitis in Children

Meningitis is an inflammation (swelling) of the protective membranes covering the brain and the spinal cord. It can be a life-threatening condition. Therefore, the case of a person affected by meningitis falls under medical emergencies. Causes of meningitis The swelling may be caused due to viral or bacterial infections. However, injuries, cancer, certain drugs, and other types of infections can also cause meningitis. You may catch the infection while sneezing or coughing or kissing. Commonly, acute viral and bacterial infections cause the inflammation of tissues. Fungal meningitis is rare; it causes chronic meningitis. The signs of meningitis vary from person to person, depending on his/her age and the cause of the infection. Bacterial meningitis is a serious illness and can be deadly. It spreads to the brain through nasal mucus and throat secretions. It can build up in over a few hours or several days. In infants, the most common causes are Group B strep, E. coli, and Listeria monocytogenes. Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) and Neisseria meningitides (meningococcus) are often the causes of meningitis in adolescents. If left untreated for long, many complications may arise. The possible complications might include the following: Loss of hearing Epilepsy Brain damage Renal failure Gait issues Shock Hydrocephalus or fluid buildup and brain swelling Myocarditis or inflammation of heart muscles (only if the infection reaches the heart) These complications can be life-threatening. Viral meningitis is the most common type of meningitis and is often less severe than bacterial meningitis. There is no report of serious long-term issues associated with viral meningitis. Affected people recover on their own (without any medical treatment). There is no specific treatment for antibiotics do not help treat viral meningitis. However, they are crucial in treating bacterial meningitis. Viral meningitis is a communicable disease. The meningitis symptoms in children include cold, diarrhea, fever, blisters, sore throat, and influenza.
4 Best Vitamins For Fibromyalgia

4 Best Vitamins For Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a condition that is characterized by the symptom of acute pain in the muscles and the joints of the body. It can severely affect the day-to-day life of a person. Since it is associated with muscle and joint ailment, it is pretty easy to misunderstand the condition. The correct diagnosis might be delayed because the conventional diagnostic tools can’t detect fibromyalgia. Despite the fact that fibromyalgia has no cure, it can be successfully managed with a combination of measures like healthy diet, daily exercise, stress management, and medications. Body pain accompanied by acute tiredness and disturbed sleep is a distinct sign of fibromyalgia. Several experts suggest that the vitamins play a crucial role in helping the condition of fibromyalgia. Therefore, if you are suffering from fibromyalgia, then you should consider increasing the intake of the following mentioned vitamins. Vitamin D – One of the most useful vitamins for fibromyalgia treatment is Vitamin D. Although the experts are not clear about the exact effect, it is suggested that Vitamin D can provide respite from the pain and muscle cramps associated with fibromyalgia. Generally, doctors do carry out a blood test so that the levels of Vitamin D in the body can be monitored. In case the Vitamin D level is low then your doctor may suggest taking a supplement. Stick the dosage prescribed by your doctor, otherwise prolonged overdose of Vitamin D could lead to kidney and cardiac problems. If you want to avoid supplements, then increase the intake of foods rich in Vitamin D like egg yolks, salmons, milk, mushrooms, oatmeal, sardines, and herring. SAM-e – SAM-e is another natural element in the body that could be quite beneficial in easing the pain and effects of fibromyalgia. It helps to prevent inflammation in the body that causes pain.
Quick Tips to Treat Constipation

Quick Tips to Treat Constipation

Constipation occurs because of the lack of water in one’s stool, which usually occurs when too much fluid gets absorbed into the intestines, making the stool dry. Constipation is the condition in which a person experiences fewer than three bowel movements in a given week. This diagnosis has been provided by the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse that is a part of the National Institutes of Health. Constipated stools are often hard, small and dry that makes the entire process unpleasant to endure. Everybody has a different system; some people may go to pass stools multiple times a day while some may go only a couple of times every week. Treatment for constipation is seldom required unless the symptoms last for weeks. And it is possible to get relief from constipation by following some tips to treat constipation. Tips to treat constipation One of the popular tips to treat constipation is consuming fiber-rich foods. By including more fiber in the diet, it is possible to make the stools bulkier and softer, making it softer to pass through the tract. A gradual increase in the levels of fiber is recommended till the optimum level of 20 to 35 grams is achieved. Some good sources of fiber include: Whole grains Bran Foods like brown rice, cereals, and fortified bread Fresh fruits, especially apples and bananas. Fruits with high water amounts like watermelon also work well Dried fruits like apricots, almonds, prunes, and raisins Vegetables like asparagus, brussels sprouts, and carrots Beans It is also important to drink enough water to prevent constipation. One of the common tips to treat constipation is to remain active with general exercise and keep the bowel movement in motion. The following foods must be avoided during constipation as they can make it worse. Foods that are low in fiber Foods that are high in fat Cheese Dairy products Processed foods Meats A step-by-step approach is given in the following tips to treat constipation.
Causes, Symptoms and Treatments of Overactive bladder

Causes, Symptoms and Treatments of Overactive bladder

A medical condition characterized by a sudden, uncontrollable urge to urinate is called overactive bladder (OAB). An overactive bladder leads to involuntary passage of urine, also known as urge incontinence. Apart from physical discomfort, an overactive bladder causes embarrassment for the affected person. Healthy functioning of the bladder requires a healthy urinary tract. Also, the communication channels between the nerves and the bladder muscles need to be uninterrupted. An improper communication passage or unhealthy urinary tract causes involuntary contractions of the urinary bladder. These involuntary contractions trigger overactive bladder symptoms. Causes of Overactive bladder Involuntary contractions of the bladder lead to urge incontinence. It may not always be possible to pinpoint the exact cause of these contractions. Based on the accompanying symptoms, the doctor may identify overactive bladder causes as the following: Neurological conditions Conditions like Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and multiple sclerosis cause interruption between your nerves and bladder, which leads to urine incontinence. Damage to nerves Any damage to the nerves leading to the bladder causes overactive bladder. These nerves may be damaged due to an injury to the spine, abdomen or pelvis. In some cases, surgery to these parts may accidentally damage the nerve leading to the bladder. Urinary tract infection An infection of the urinary tract affects the activity of the bladder wall. As a result of the infection, the bladder becomes overactive causing urine incontinence. Medication Side effects of certain medicines cause OAB. Consumption of water pills or caffeine pills or diuretics causes increased bladder activity. Blockages Obstructions in the urinary tract could trigger symptoms of OAB. Enlargement of the prostate, tumors, and bladder stones are overactive bladder causes. Pregnancy The uterus of pregnant women expands to accommodate the fetus. Expanded uterus pressurizes the bladder, which in turn causes frequent urination. For some women, urge incontinence continues even after childbirth.
Everything You Need to Know about Pneumonia

Everything You Need to Know about Pneumonia

One of the most crippling diseases that can affect the lungs today is pneumonia. Of course, as with any infectious disease, there are many steps that you can take to avoid such an infection, but they aren’t always 100% efficient. Also, like with most other infections, bacteria are often the biggest culprit in adults. The infection in itself causes difficulty in breathing because it blocks the air sacs in the lungs and fills them with fluid or pus. Here are the symptoms, causes, and, most importantly, treatments that one can follow. Understanding Pneumonia Symptoms The symptoms of the infection depend greatly on how long the infection has been manifesting. This is why when these symptoms ever surface, one should get the possibility of Pneumonia ruled out as soon as possible. The symptoms can also be mild, severe, or life threatening. General pain around the chest area Coughing with phlegm and other types of mucus discharge A high body temperature that fluctuates Sweating and chills accompanied by shortness of breath Remember that these are just the basic symptoms of the infection. Depending on the state of your general health and well-being, your age, your symptoms may include other things as well. Symptoms influenced by age differ greatly for infants. They have difficulty eating, drinking, or swallowing in general. They are also likely to show a lack of energy and vomit frequently. People on the other end of the spectrum will probably suffer from a body temperature that falls dangerously low during the infection. However, by far, the most interesting collection of symptoms come from the kind of infection that has plagued you. Viral pneumonia is likely to show the above-stated symptoms and resembles flu when it comes to the same. It also includes wheezing, but bacterial pneumonia is different. Bluish lips and a blue tint in the nails along with a general sense of confusion are only some of the symptoms that are involved when it comes to bacterial pneumonia.
All You Need to Know about Pinched Nerve

All You Need to Know about Pinched Nerve

A pinched nerve occurs when too much pressure is put on a nerve by the surrounding tissues like the bones, the tendons, the cartilage, or muscles. This pressure disrupts the nerve’s functioning and causes pain, weakness, tingling, or numbness. A pinched nerve can occur at a number of sites in the body. For example, a herniated disc in the lower spine may put too much pressure on the nerve root, causing pain that radiates down the back of the leg. Similarly, a pinched nerve in the wrist can cause pain and numbness in the hands and fingers (carpal tunnel syndrome). Nerves extend from the brain and the spinal cord, sending important messages throughout the body. When an individual has a pinched nerve, also known as nerve compression, the body may send warning signals like pain. It is important to not ignore these warning signals. The damage from a pinched nerve may be severe or minor. It may cause long-lasting or temporary problems. The earlier a diagnosis is made and treatment for nerve compression is started, the more quickly one will find relief. In some cases, the damage from a pinched nerve may not be reversed. But treatment options usually relieve pain and other symptoms associated with a pinched nerve. Signs and symptoms With a pinched nerve, sometimes pain may be the only symptoms. Or there may be other symptoms without any pain. Some of the common signs and symptoms associated with a pinched nerve are: Pain in the area of compressions, such as the lower back or the neck Weakness, especially during certain activities Radiating pain, such as radicular pain or sciatica A burning or a “pins and needles” sensation Tingling or numbness Sometimes, the symptoms may worsen when one tries certain movements, such straining the neck or turning the head.
Ensure diabetes blood sugar control with these lifestyle changes

Ensure diabetes blood sugar control with these lifestyle changes

Diabetes is a condition that has affected a large population of the United States and continues to spread rapidly. There are several causes that can be blamed for this and these include unhealthy eating habits, irregular sleeping habits, lack of physical exercise, and more. Diabetes is a disease that triggers the sugar or glucose level in the bloodstream and it is essential to manage diabetes through blood sugar control. The high blood glucose level can be the consequence of an inadequate production of insulin or inability of the body’s cells to respond to the produced insulin. It is also possible for a person to be suffering from both the occurrences. There are several symptoms that indicate that a person may be suffering from diabetes. An individual may begin to experience sudden weight gain or weight loss, tingling in the fingers and feet, the need to frequently urinate, tiredness, and a constant feeling of hunger and thirst. When a person suffers from a cut or injury, diabetes tends to delay and slow down the natural process of healing; this can be considered as the worst symptom of diabetes. This leads to other complicated conditions such as the formation of gangrene that may also be life-threatening. Once a person is diagnosed with diabetes, it is necessary to manage diabetes through blood sugar control or the condition can become worse. There are different types of diabetes and these include Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, Prediabetes, and Gestational diabetes. While the first three kinds of diabetes can affect anybody gestational diabetes is one in which the blood sugar increases and affects pregnant women. A diabetic patient may be at a higher risk of suffering from cardiovascular disease. Thus, it is essential to eat healthy and monitor blood pressure and cholesterol levels regularly to avoid complications.
Causes, Symptoms and Treatment for Spasm

Causes, Symptoms and Treatment for Spasm

In recent studies, it has come out that majority of the population in the United States has suffered from back pain at some point in their life. This back spasm is an involuntary contraction of the muscles in the lower back. This back pain condition ranges from mild discomfort to severe pain which makes it difficult for a person to move around. Spasm, a medical condition can be treated without any kind of surgery. If the pain is related to a nerve problem in the spine, then some kind of medical intervention is required. Causes of lower back spasm The back spasm can occur due to various reasons including injuries to the muscle, ligaments, and tendons or can be related to any of the serious medical conditions. Back spasm also commonly occurs due to the heavy lifting of any kind. If any activity is undertaken which puts excessive strain on muscles in the lower back can cause lower back spasm. Football and golf players also suffer from back spasm as they have to go through intense training for their matches. This medical condition can also occur if a person has arthritis or is suffering from a ruptured disk in the spine. Diagnosis of Back Spasm Doctors usually recommend an x-ray to look for any signs of bone fracture or arthritis. In rare condition, the doctor might also recommend the patient to undergo Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computerized tomography (CT) is a detailed analysis of soft tissue is required. An MRI or CT scan can help in identifying problems related to disk. When the doctor discusses the medical condition with the patient the doctor will ask some questions as the severity of pain and for how long the pain has flared up. Spasm can be treated if its given attention.
Best Treatment Options for Bone Spurs

Best Treatment Options for Bone Spurs

Bone spurs are not unusual or uncommon health hazards nowadays. A bone spur is nothing but a bony outgrowth that rises along the edges of the bones. It’s often named as Osteophytes and occur at the joints of bones where they meet with each other. Even the spines bones, especially the low back lumbar bones, neck or cervical spine regions are common parts affected by bone spurs along with hip, knee, and heel. There are both surgical and non-surgical bone spur treatment options available in the medicinal study. But before that, let’s talk about the causes and the symptoms of the bone spurs. Causes The causes of the bone spurs are mainly due to prolonged stress or when the bone is rubbed for continuous time. Even osteoarthritis, as well as tendinitis, can also be the reason. Osteoarthritis breaks down the layering cartilage that forms the cushion like bedding at the ends of the bones. The bone spur is a reciprocal reaction or an attempt to compensate the loss of the body to this damage caused by osteoarthritis. Some other medical circumstances like plantar fasciitis, diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) as well as ankylosing spondylitis may damage ligaments and give birth to bone spurs. Chronic pain or swelling in one or more joints are signs to get an appointment with the doctor for bone spurs. Treatment options for bone spurs Usually, the treatment techniques depend on the symptoms and severity of the condition of the bones. Medications are prescribed immediately and most commonly, anti-inflammatory medicines are used to heal it. Such medicines can relieve the patient from pain as well as reduce the inflammation of the bone spurs. Among the wide range of probable treatment choices, here are some of them. Non – Surgical Treatment Surgical Treatment Patients with mild to moderate irritation and compression of nerves due to bone spurs can be cured with non-surgical care.