Statistics show that 1 out of 24 persons are at risk of getting colon cancer. Early diagnosis is paramount for a good prognosis – these are the colon cancer symptoms you should watch out for. Colon cancer is formed due to the growth of cancerous cells inside the large intestine. The longest part of the large intestine is called the colon, and its primary function is to extract water and salt from the solid wastes that exit the body through the rectum to be excreted from the anus. Colon cancer is also termed as rectal cancer, but that depends on where the tumor begins to spread. The inner lining of the colon or rectum is termed as a polyp, it is from here that most colon cancers begin to grow. There are two types of polyps – ‘adenomatous polyps’ (also known as ‘adenomas’, they are sometimes cancerous in nature) and ‘hyperplastic polyps’ (also known as ‘inflammatory polyps’, commonly found but are not pre-cancerous in nature). There are various factors that cause colon cancer such as polyps, mutations in the DNA, family genetics, and diet. These malignant tumors once fully formed then travel through the blood and spread in other body organs. Colon cancer cells continue to grow and multiply instead of experiencing programmed cell death. If the polyps are not removed during colonoscopy, they grow into malignant cancerous cells overtime. Metastasis (spread of the cancerous cells) results in a severe condition where the disease damages and invades the other healthy cells of the body which is extremely difficult to treat successfully. Gradually the uncontrolled growth of colon cancer cells leads to the shutting down of the system functioning, eventually leading to death. Quite often colon cancer symptoms appear after the cancer has begun to spread. Symptoms such as inflammatory or irritable bowels syndrome, infections, hemorrhoids, may be a result of some other illness altogether.

The gallbladder or the little sac in your body that gathers bile produced by the liver and releases it to the small intestine for breaking food particles seldom gets any attention. Although it is an important organ, it draws interest only when it starts malfunctioning. Generally, the gallbladder does not cause any disturbance to your health. It creates trouble only when the path to pass the bile to the intestine is somehow blocked. Gallbladder problems can vary from one person to other. While some get it as a chronic condition, there are others who need immediate medical attention; thus, the symptoms vary as well. Some of the common symptoms for detecting gallbladder problems are mentioned below: Vomiting and nausea Vomiting and nausea are among the most common symptoms of gallbladder problems. Whether it is a stone in the gallbladder or it is an inflammation of the organ, vomiting and nausea are experienced by all. Yet, people with chronic gallbladder problem may also get gas, acid reflux, or other digestive problems, apart from nausea and vomiting. Feeling full As the disorder of your gallbladder affects the digestive system, you may lose the urge to eat. A feeling of fullness in the abdominal area is often experienced by many patients diagnosed with this condition. Abdominal tenderness is also not something unusual when your gallbladder malfunctions. Chills or fever Do not ignore unexplained fever or chills as these can be a sign of an infection in your gallbladder or any other organ of the body. Ignoring the condition may aggravate the condition and might also cause a threat to your life, especially if it is a symptom of the gallbladder. Pain Gallbladder problems and pains are inseparable. In most cases, patients experience pain in their middle or upper abdomen on the right side of the body.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disorder and does not have any cure. It is only possible to reduce the severity of the symptoms, which offers the patient a better quality of life. Rheumatoid Arthritis primarily affects the joints. It can also affect the lungs, voice box, and eye. Symptoms The distinguishing feature of Rheumatoid arthritis is that it affects both hands and both legs. There is swelling, pain, redness and tenderness in the finger joints, wrist, elbow and knee. The feet, hip, neck and even the jaw can be affected. Unfortunately, the exact cause for Rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. A gene alteration is the most likely cause of this autoimmune disorder which predominantly affects women. As the symptoms show up differently in each person, a combination of tests help to draw the conclusion that a person is suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis. Most often, the evident Signs of Rheumatoid Arthritis help to diagnose the condition. There are some signs when rheumatoid arthritis affects the joints. Inflammation is accompanied by: Stiffness There is decreased mobility in the joints. Especially during mornings, it gets pretty difficult to use your joints. The stiffness lasts for a long time, and may last more than an hour, before you find your joints loosening up. Redness and Warmth The affected joints appear red and you can feel a warmth when you touch the joints. Swelling Swelling is a characteristic of any form of arthritis. When it comes to signs of rheumatoid arthritis, the fluid enters the joint and makes it puffy. Pain Pain in the joints is unavoidable. Inflammation inside the joint makes it tender and sensitive. Over a period of time, the joints experience damage and results in pain. Rheumatoid arthritis can not only affect the joints, but the entire body as well. In such cases, the symptoms manifest as fatigue, muscle ache, sickness, diminished appetite that can lead to weight loss.

Our memories are often our most prized possessions. They remind us of lessons learned and a life well lived. Imagine the pain of losing them! This is what exactly happens in Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s is a chronic, degenerative disease that affects neurological and cognitive functions and is the most common cause of dementia. It affects approximately 29.8 million people worldwide, as of 2015. Alzheimer’s is a painful and debilitating condition. Therefore, it is important to watch out for the symptoms and signs to improve the quality of life. Alzheimer’s disease can have many varied signs. Alzheimer’s disease has a slow, insidious onset, so you have to be vigilant to the symptoms. It starts off slowly and progresses until control of bodily functions is lost. The life expectancy of patients with Alzheimer’s ranges between 3 – 9 years. Warning Signs: Alzheimer’s disease The early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s are often vague. The first characteristic sign of Alzheimer is an inability to remember recent events including forgetting names of objects, places, and people. As the disease progresses, the memory impairment worsens along with the appearance of other signs of Alzheimer. Alzheimer’s shows the following symptoms: Difficulty in planning or problem-solving: Some people will notice that it is becoming harder for them to formulate and stick to plans and structured activity. There may be an associated difficulty in managing numbers. Difficulty in performing familiar tasks: A person may forget to perform routine tasks and activities such as to operate a stove, use tools, or other such signs of Alzheimer. Alzheimer’s can impair the ability to complete tasks that were once familiar. Language problems: A person may forget words, pronunciations, spellings, grammar, and another component of written and spoken language. There may difficulty holding or following a conversation and using the wrong words.

Cancer is one of the fatal diseases and has claimed several lives over the years. Today, a huge population is affected by this deadly disease and the inability to cure this disease in the final stages is nearly impossible. One of the most common forms of cancer to affect 1 in every 7 men in the United States is prostate cancer. 1 in 39 men have reportedly died of prostate cancer; the reason being that the condition was diagnosed in the advanced stages. Prostate cancer affects the prostate gland, which is situated under the bladder. The primary function of the prostate is to produce semen. The prostate gland is an integral part of the male reproductive system. The cancerous cells grow and multiply uncontrollably in the prostate gland, and this is when a man is detected with prostate cancer. When the cancerous cells grow and spread outside the prostate gland, it is defined as an ‘advanced’ stage. Like every other kind of prostate cancer, the condition is curable if it is detected in the early stages. However, treatment of advanced prostate cancer is complex, and there are no treatments available to cure this stage of cancer. Symptoms of advanced prostate cancer Men will notice symptoms quite early in the development of prostate cancer. Early detection can aid in better treatment options that those who notice symptoms when the condition is advanced. Typically, the first symptom will come in the form of difficulty during urination. When the cancer enlarges in the prostate, urinating becomes extremely uncomfortable and painful. This should immediately drive one to get a medical evaluation. An individual will also feel a sense of weakness due to disruption of red blood cells in the bone marrow. Severe pain is felt in advanced prostate cancer, and there may be fracture due to the weakening of the bone by the rapid spread of cancer cells.

Tardive dyskinesia is a syndrome that is related to the neurological health of an individual. The medical condition affects a huge number of people not just in the country, but all over the world. Tardive dyskinesia is characterized by the random or involuntary movements of the body parts including the tongue, the lips, the trunk, and the face. The disorder is found to occur in individuals who are treated with dopaminergic antagonist medications for long periods. Thus, people who have been diagnosed with conditions such as a neuropsychiatric disorder or schizophrenia are more vulnerable to the development of tardive dyskinesia. In most cases, tardive dyskinesia is triggered in people who use antipsychotic drugs for long periods of time. However, the condition can even develop among people who have just begun to take the medications. Unfortunately, there is not much that one can do about these drugs, as they are essential to maintaining the overall health of the patient and can even be life-saving. Cause of tardive dyskinesia As mentioned above, the primary cause associated with tardive dyskinesia is the long-term use of neuroleptic and psychotic medications. Also known as neuroleptic drugs, they block a chemical known as dopamine in the brain. It aids in the smoother movement of the muscles while controlling the pleasure and reward centers in the brain. When there is too little production of this chemical, the body movements are affected and there may also be an effect on the motor system. In rare cases, tardive dyskinesia may also be caused because of menopause, aging, and excessive consumption of alcohol or drugs. Diagnosis of tardive dyskinesia The diagnosis of tardive dyskinesia can be a tough process. The symptoms of the condition may not appear for the longest time and may go unnoticed sometimes. Moreover, the timing of the symptoms can make it extremely difficult to understand whether they were actually triggered by the medication or due to some other reason.

The eyes are your window to the world. Not only do your eyes tell a tale during your times of happiness, but also in your times of sadness. You may cry out of joy or in pain, the only thing common to the two situations is the secretion of tears. They help provide lubrication and moisture which help you see properly and ensure that your eyes are comfortable. Tears are a mixture of several substances which include water for moisture, oils for lubrication, mucus to ensure that they spread evenly and antibodies and special proteins which ensure that infections are kept at bay. All in all, tears have quite a few more uses than you would imagine. These ingredients come from glands present around the eye. Dry eyes is a condition commonly characterized by the tear system being out of order. Symptoms and causes of dry eyes There are several symptoms of dry eyes which include itching, redness, blurry vision, light sensitivity, a gritty feeling, and a feeling like there is something in your eye when there is actually nothing. The condition may sometimes lead to the secretion of excess tears as well. This condition is referred to as reflex tearing. This occurs as there is a lack of moisture in the eye that causes irritation. A distress signal is then sent which leads to the production of excessive tears in order to provide lubrication. The problem is that these tears do no good as they are mostly made of water and cannot coat the eye and provide it with moisture. Here are a few of the most common causes of dry eyes: One of the most common causes of dry eyes is a lack of balance in the system that creates tears. Another common cause of chronic dry eyes includes the air conditioner or heater, which could dry out the tear film.

Pollen is a very fine yellowish powder produced by flowers, trees, weeds, and grasses to help fertilize other plants of the same species. Sometimes, these pollens, when inhaled by people, cause an adverse immune response, leading to pollen allergies. In fact, many people in the country are allergic to pollen. Normally, the body’s immune system guards the body against harmful raiders, such as bacteria and viruses, to keep all illnesses at bay. In the case of people with pollen allergies, the immune system erroneously classifies harmless pollens as dangerous invaders. Consequently, it starts producing a large number of antibodies to fight against pollen. This is termed as an allergic reaction. Pollen allergy is also known as Hay Fever or Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis. What to Do if You are Allergic to Pollen? Once a person has developed pollen allergy, he is quite unlikely to get rid of it. However, there are some remedies that offer pollen allergy relief. Apart from medications, making certain lifestyle changes can also help to manage the allergy symptoms. Here is a complete guide to pollen allergies, along with some effective home remedies that offer instant relief. Different Types of Pollen Allergies Several types of pollens exist in nature. This is the reason why some people experience symptoms when trees are flowering, while others experience symptoms when the grass is growing. People may have an allergy to the following pollen types: Trees such as oak, birch, and cedar Grasses Weeds such as ragweed, tumbleweed, and sagebrush Generally, it is seen that grasses are the most common source of allergy. If you are not sure about which pollen type you are allergic to, you can consult a specialist. This information is particularly important as every plant grows at a different time of the year. Knowing which pollen causes allergy can help you decide exactly when to start taking medications and precautions.

Hidradenitis suppurativa, commonly referred to as acne inversa, is a chronic skin condition which is difficult and complicated to deal with. Triggered during puberty, teens, or 20s by unhealthy lifestyle habits, this condition is caused by a blockage in the apocrine glands. It is characterized by the appearance of painful bumps under the skin, in the hair roots, or near some sweat glands. They typically occur where skin rubs together, such as in the groin, armpits, and buttocks. The lumps may break open and emit a bad smell or cause tunnels under the skin. Hidradenitis suppurativa can persist for several years, and this skin condition usually worsens with time. It can impact one’s daily life as well as mental well-being. Therefore, it is vital to diagnose it in time so that a doctor can recommend appropriate treatment. With the right treatment, one can also prevent the formation of new lumps and other complications such as depression. Common symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa Hidradenitis suppurativa typically occurs in areas surrounding the hair follicles. It may also appear in a single area or multiple parts of the body. Common signs and symptoms of this disease that you should watch out for include: Red and tender bumps: The condition is often marked by small and tender red bumps which occur in areas where the skin rubs together. These bumps may become bigger and fill with pus. When this pus drains out, it may emit a bad odor. Itching and a burning sensation often accompany these bumps. Blackheads: This is another common symptom of the condition. Small, pitted areas of the skin develop a lot of blackheads that appear in a double-barreled pattern. Extremely painful lumps: Small, pea-sized lumps develop under the skin. These lumps may persist for years together, and at some point, may become swollen and inflamed.

A spasm or cramp is an involuntary contraction of a muscle. Muscle spasms can happen at any time and are quite painful. It usually goes away on its own, without much treatment. However, if the spasm is extremely painful, and does not resolve by itself or recurs, it is imperative to seek medical care as it may be an indication of a serious underlying medical problem. Typically, muscle spasms involve a whole muscle, a specific part of it, or various muscles in a group. The most common sites for muscle spasms are hands, foot, arms, thighs, calves, abdomen, and sometimes along the ribcage. These spasms vary in intensity ranging from mild twitches to severe and disabling pain. The spastic muscle may become sensitive to touch and in a few cases, appears visibly distorted. These spasms may last for a couple of seconds or up to 20 minutes or longer. Also, they may recur several times a day. Muscle spasms can happen to anyone. Irrespective of whether you are old, young, athletic or sedentary, it can happen to you. Also, it can occur while you are sitting, walking, exercising, or even sleeping. Many people who undertake regular physical exercise experience spasms. Causes of muscle spasms The exact cause of muscle spasm is not known. However, according to some research studies, here are some factors that can lead to muscle spasms: Dehydration Insufficient stretching before exercise Electrolyte depletion Muscle fatigue Exercising in high temperatures Altered neuromuscular control Performing a new activity Out of all the causes mentioned above, exercising in high temperatures is believed to be the most significant one. When you work out in the heat, you sweat a lot, and sweat contains fluids as well as electrolytes (calcium, magnesium, salt, and potassium). When the level of these vital nutrients falls beyond a certain limit, the chance of muscle spasm increases.

The hip joint is one of the strongest joints of the human body. It helps us to stand and walk and absorbs the impact when we jump. However, it is not immune to wear and tear. Hip bursitis or the inflammation of a bursa in the hip is one of the common causes of hip pain. Prescription medication is not always required for relief from hip bursitis. What is hip bursitis? Sacs filled with fluid that reduce the friction between tissues as they move are known as bursae. The major bursae are located at large joints such as the hips, shoulders, elbows, and knees. There are two bursae in the hip, the trochanteric bursa on the outer hip and the iliopsoas bursa on the inner side of the hip. Inflammation of the bursa is known as bursitis. This is not infectious but it may become infected. Causes of hip bursitis It becomes easier to seek relief for hip bursitis if one understands the factors causing it. The most common causes of hip bursitis are as follows: Injury to the hip Falling on the hip or banging the hip on a hard surface can lead to blood being filled in the bursa and inflammation of the bursa lining. While the blood may be later reabsorbed by the body, the lining stays inflamed for much longer. This is also known as traumatic bursitis. Repetitive hip trauma Sometimes even minor trauma to the hip can cause hip bursitis if it occurs repeatedly. These are known as mini-traumas . People who run or bike have a higher risk of hip bursitis caused by such mini-traumas . Gout and rheumatoid arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis affects the outer lining or the synovial membrane of the bursa. Similarly, gout causes the accumulation of urate crystals in the synovial membrane.

Do you have visible white flakes caused by dandruff? Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the torso and head where you have oil-producing glands. It might look like red and flaky skin around the ears, scalp, and forehead. Most often, men and people with a weakened immune system face this condition. While it is not a curable ailment, one can take some steps to control it. You can use a medicated shampoo to control seborrheic dermatitis. All the flakes and dandruff can cause problems, and it can lower a patient’s confidence levels. Seborrheic dermatitis is a condition which affects a limited number of people. Even though there is no cure for it, you can reduce it to a manageable extent. How does it work? Shampoos that have selenium sulfide, salicylic acid, and coal tar are known to be effective in treating seborrheic dermatitis. While shopping for shampoos, you should always check the label. Make sure that it is suited to manage this ailment. You can use it according to the instructions written on the shampoo. Not every shampoo might work for you, and it is a good idea to experiment with what works and what doesn’t. Here are the top five shampoos that you can consider: NIZORAL® A-D Shampoo Dandruff is associated with the growth of fungus. This shampoo contains anti-fungal ingredients. It has ingredients such as wheat germ oil and wheat protein. You can apply this shampoo twice a week for good results. It has a fresh smell and is quite thick. You might want to consult the doctor if you are under 12 years old or pregnant. It is not recommended to use the product on inflamed or broken skin. If the shampoo gets in your eyes accidentally, you can rinse it off without any worries.