Understanding the Symptoms of Meningitis

Understanding the Symptoms of Meningitis

As far as inflammations are concerned, meningitis is understandably the most difficult one to treat and deal with. It is a condition that is well-researched and monitored. It is an infection of sorts, that means treatment isn’t very difficult to figure out. Meningitis is essentially an inflammation that occurs along with the possible swelling of the protective membrane that covers our spinal cord and brain. The swelling and inflammation can be caused by a number of reasons—but a common cause is a bacterial or viral infection on this covering. Here is a broader understanding of the meningitis symptoms and how you can deal with this disease. What and How As we already know what meningitis is—understanding the cause and treatment is far more important—the symptoms are fairly similar across the board. However, how it affects you is something that you need to understand. The most common cause of meningitis in the country is either a bacterial or viral infection. Interestingly, many cases of meningitis get resolved by themselves, but others can be life-threatening and deadly. They need to be treated with emergency antibiotics. That is why it’s never okay to risk not getting meningitis checked. Identifying meningitis symptoms, therefore, also takes prime importance. Here are a few different types of meningitis to help you understand the differences and levels of severity. Bacterial Meningitis This kind of meningitis starts with a bacteria invading your body that travels to the spinal cord and the brain region. This causes what is known as acute bacterial meningitis. However, another way this can occur is if the bacteria gets access to the meninges directly. This is often the case during a nasal, ear, or throat infection—but can also happen during skull fractures and even surgeries. Of course, there are some kinds of bacteria are more likely to cause acute bacterial meningitis than others.
Symptoms and Risk Factors of Breast Cancer in Males

Symptoms and Risk Factors of Breast Cancer in Males

As far as the symptoms of male breast cancer are concerned, a specific cause has not been identified yet. Men are susceptible to breast cancer if there is a strong family history or the presence of an abnormal gene inherited from their parents. What are the symptoms of male breast cancer? When you find you that you are displaying certain signs and symptoms that show no signs of abating, it is important to consult your doctor. Symptoms of male breast cancer include: The breast tissue has some kind of thickening or the presence of a painless lump. The skin that covers your breast shows some changes like redness, wrinkling, scaling or dimpling. There are certain changes that take place in your nipple like redness or scaling. There is an inward turning of the nipple. The nipples let out some kind of discharge. Causes of male breast cancer A specific cause as to the occurrence of breast cancer in men has not been found. According to doctors, breast cancer in men occurs when certain cells in the breast divide faster than healthy cells. These cells then assemble together and a tumor is formed, which spreads or metastasizes to the nearby tissue and follows the lymph nodes. Then, they spread to the remaining part of the body. Both men and women have breast tissue in small quantities. The breast tissue has glands or globules which produce milk and ducts which transport the milk to the nipples and fat. There is more breast tissue development in women than in men at the time of puberty. As the amount of breast tissue in men is little, there is a possibility of developing breast cancer. Types of male breast cancer Diagnosis of breast cancer in men falls into the following categories: Cancer originating in the milk ducts or ductal carcinoma:
Causes and Symptoms of Lupus

Causes and Symptoms of Lupus

Lupus can cause severe swelling and inflammation in various parts of the body. It is one such autoimmune disease that can affect almost everyone in a different way. Some people might experience severe symptoms whereas other might experience milder ones. The symptoms will generally surface in adulthood till the person reaches their 30s. Common causes of lupus skin rash The exact cause of lupus skin rash is yet to be found. Apparently, it has been noted that a combination of environmental triggers and genetics play a pivotal role in causing this disease. Moreover, this disease is not contagious which means it cannot pass from person to another. Some of the potential causes of lupus include the following: Sunlight: Too much exposure to sunlight may trigger lupus skin rash to those who have a genetic factor that could lead to the development of this disease. Infections: If one has some kind of infection, then that could cause skin rashes due to lupus. Medications: Certain blood-pressure medications, antibiotics, and anti-seizure medications can also trigger lupus. Those who develop lupus because of the medication they take will see an improvement in the condition once they stop using the medicine. Common symptoms of lupus skin rash Fatigue Almost 90% of people in the country who suffer from lupus skin rash have experienced fatigue. Taking a nap in the afternoon helps many of them to get rid of that fatigue but sleeping for a more extended period of time during the day will cause insomnia. However, if one lives an active life, then they will be able to keep up their energy levels throughout the day. Unexplained fever One of the earliest symptoms of lupus skin rash is an unexplained fever. The temperature of the body will be around 98.5° F to 101° F. Therefore, one should consider visiting a doctor.
Understanding Medical Care and Rehabilitation for Schizophrenia

Understanding Medical Care and Rehabilitation for Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia affects an individual’s ability to think, receive, or comprehend sensory information. Changes in behavior are among the first noticeable signs of a developing mental disorder. Although the condition is uncommon, it can disrupt a person’s ability to live a normal life. The family of the affected person must also exercise caution on their part to provide a comfortable surrounding and environment. In rare cases, children can also suffer from schizophrenia. Normally, adults between the ages of 16 and 30 can experience positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms. Positive psychotic behaviors include hallucinations, delusions, thought disorders, and movement disorders. Negative behaviors can cause an individual to suffer from reduced speaking, feelings and expression of emotions. They may have trouble performing simple activities as well. A person might also experience subtle cognitive symptoms including problems with working memory, focusing, and reduction in the ability to understand and use information. Understanding medical care and rehabilitation for schizophrenia. Medications and medical follow-ups In most cases, antipsychotic medications, commonly referred to as neuroleptics, can help a person control the varied symptoms. Here, one must understand that antipsychotics simply control the symptoms to help the person shift their attention to other aspects of their lives. Medication and subsequent follow-ups are a crucial part of the rehabilitation process. Subsequently, the purpose of a follow up is to monitor compliance for the medications taken and adjust the dosage levels depending on the prognosis. In simple terms, the medication can be adjusted depending on the measure of improvement shown by the affected person. At any given stage in the condition, medical professionals may work with both the patients and their families. Open communication Medication and medical follow-ups are an ongoing process. The next stage in rehabilitation includes psychotherapy sessions. A person suffering from schizophrenia must stay in touch with their doctor to discuss everything related to the condition.
Relieve Your Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain Naturally

Relieve Your Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain Naturally

Rheumatoid arthritis is a lifelong condition that affects your quality of life by causing pain and discomfort in your joints. Relieve your rheumatoid arthritis pain naturally by using these remedies. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder, in simpler terms, it occurs when the immune system of your body starts attacking the healthy joints. In rheumatoid arthritis or RA, joints on both sides of the body are affected such as both hands, both wrists, or both knees. More common in women than men, RA affects around 1.5 million people in the United States. As this form of arthritis progresses, it can also affect the other organs of the body, namely, lungs, heart, skin, eyes, and nerves. Even though the cause of RA is not yet known, there have been various theories that have been put forward to explain why the immune system attacks the healthy joints. Because RA causes inflammation in your joints, some of the common symptoms of this disorder are stiff joints, fever, swollen joints, fatigue, redness, reduced movement in the affected joints, and joint pain. The rheumatoid arthritis pain varies from one individual to another; some may find it debilitating, while others may describe it as just mildly irritating. There is no single specific test that can be used to diagnose RA, however, doctors do rely on the rheumatoid factor tests as an indication of RA. More than half the people suffering from this type of arthritis have ‘rheumatoid factor’ in their blood, but you cannot say that everyone will this factor will develop rheumatoid arthritis at some point in time. Therefore, it becomes necessary to use this test along with some others to reach an accurate diagnosis of RA. Your treatment plan for RA usually involves a combination of joint protection, medications, exercise, and in rare cases, surgery.
Do You Have These Hepatitis B Symptoms

Do You Have These Hepatitis B Symptoms

Known as a “silent infection”, you may not even know that you have hepatitis B. Watch out for these hepatitis B symptoms. Even though they have hepatitis B, more than 69 percent of the affected individuals face no hepatitis B symptoms at all. Moreover, another 30 percent may see hepatitis B symptoms but confuse it with symptoms of other common afflictions such as the flu. Only about 1 percent of people who have hepatitis B will go on to develop a life-threatening form of the condition called fulminate hepatitis. This unfortunate 1 percent may suffer liver failure, and need emergency medical care. Hepatitis B is characterized as a “silent infection” because most people see no visible and distinct hepatitis B symptoms once they are infected. Since they do not know that they have this condition, it is very possible that they pass it on to other people around them. One can contract hepatitis B through contact with contaminated blood. This infectious disease is caused by the HBV or Hepatitis B Virus. In general, there are two possible stages of this condition which are acute hepatitis B and chronic hepatitis B. Acute refers to the fact that the infection is in its nascent stages. If they do come up, most people notice hepatitis B symptoms within 1 to 4 months after coming into contact with the virus. Most cases of acute hepatitis B get resolved after the hepatitis B symptoms disappear in about a few weeks or months. Chronic hepatitis B, on the other hand, describes an HBV infection that lasts longer than 6 months at a time. Once the infection reaches the chronic stage, the hepatitis B symptoms may never disappear completely. Children are at a much higher risk of developing chronic hepatitis B symptoms. Why You Need to Know About Hepatitis B Symptoms?
Beware of these 5 Early Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

Beware of these 5 Early Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths among women. Knowing the early signs and ovarian cancer symptoms can help you seek treatment at the earliest. When malignant (cancerous) cells are formed in the ovaries, a woman develops ovarian cancer. Although the exact cause of this disease is unknown, it is a life-threatening condition that affects around 23,000 women each year in the United States alone. What makes fighting this disease difficult is that the early signs are easy to overlook. Ovarian cancer symptoms are often mistaken for pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) or other not-so-serious health problems like bowel problems. According to the American Cancer Society, early detection of this cancer happens only around 20 percent of the time. Owing to this reason, the cancer goes undetected often until it has already metastasized to the abdomen and pelvis. If the disease is diagnosed when still limited to the ovaries, it is more likely to be treated successfully. One way in which you can ensure prompt diagnosis when ovarian cancer is still in its initial stage is by keeping an eye out for early ovarian cancer symptoms and signs. For this, you need to know these symptoms, and if you notice any changes in your body that are persistent, consult a doctor immediately to determine whether they are ovarian cancer symptoms or something else. Here are five of the early ovarian cancer symptoms and signs that you should watch out for. 1. Abdominal bloating and constipation Any bloating and constipation are generally disregarded as a stomach upset or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). If these signs are occurring around the time of your period, you may tend to brush them off as PMS signs. However, if these symptoms occur more than a few times a month and particularly if you are above the age of 40 years, a gynecologist visit may be the right thing to do.
How to Find Creams for Eczema

How to Find Creams for Eczema

Eczema is one of the skin conditions caused due to an inflammation of the skin. This condition causes itchiness, redness, and dryness to the skin; the skin also becomes leathery and cracked. There is no specific part of the skin that usually gets affected by eczema. It can appear anywhere on the body. Most people face this problem when they are young or in their infant stage. Eczema can also give rise to other allergic conditions like asthma or hay fever. Eczema is also known as dermatitis. There are no solid causes of eczema as in most cases it is genetic and runs through families. The gene can also cause some people to have extra sensitive skin. In some cases, defects in the skin barrier can trigger eczema. These defects let the germ in through the skin by letting the moisture out. There are other factors that contribute to eczema: Dry skin Stress Sweat and heat Cold or dry climate Contact with woolen and synthetic fabric that have irritating substances. Sometimes, even soap. Before you can diagnose any medical condition, there are symptoms that are identified; it is always wise to do so before the condition becomes serious. Here are some of the symptoms you should be able to identify after knowing: There is always itching before any rash appears that later becomes an eczema rash or a dermatitis rash. Watch out for any itchy sensations especially when it doesn’t seem to stop. If there is itching and you know about the family history of eczema, then there is a good chance that itchiness is a symptom of eczema and not a regular itching. If there is any yellowish, pus-like formation on the place you have been itching, it is a sure sign of eczema and needs medical attention. There are other treatments for eczema.
Common Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis You Cannot Miss

Common Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis You Cannot Miss

Multiple sclerosis is when the brain, primarily the spinal cord, is affected; however, it can affect any part of the body. This condition can cause a varied range of symptoms. The symptoms of multiple sclerosis may differ from person to person. The symptoms may come and go for some people while for some people the symptoms remain steady. When the symptoms get worse, the disease is said to relapse. Some of the multiple sclerosis symptoms include weakness, tingling, numbness, and blurred vision. Some other signs such as muscle stiffness, thinking problems, and urinary problems may also occur. The treatment given can provide relief to the patient from the suffering due to the various symptoms. Multiple sclerosis symptoms of keep reoccurring for many people which make it difficult to diagnose this disease. The early multiple sclerosis symptoms may occur from the age of 20 and above. For some people, these multiple sclerosis symptoms may or may not reoccur; however, there will be an improvement in the condition of the patient with passing time. One way to have a control of this disease is to keep track of the symptoms and having a diagnosis done when the symptoms continue for a period of time. It is always possible to overcome multiple sclerosis symptoms experienced and lead a normal life if the treatment is taken for this disease. Here are some of the common multiple sclerosis symptoms: – Problems in the vision such as blurred or double vision. – Problems in thinking and taking decisions. – Problems in organizing or coordinating things. – Tingling sensation in various parts of the body. – Balance-related issues. – Numbness and weakness in arms or legs. – Itching in various parts of the body. – Stabbing pain or tearing pain in various parts of the body. – Bladder problems are one of the multiple sclerosis symptoms.
Pain Management – An Inter-Disciplinary Branch of Science

Pain Management – An Inter-Disciplinary Branch of Science

Most diseases are characterized by pain as a common symptom. It aggravates the condition of the patient and complicates the healing process. This pain can also be long-lasting and may continue even after the ailment has been cured. There are a number of doctors out there who especially deal with pain management. They cater to different kinds of pain and how to effectively treat them. Pain is a vexatious feeling that causes intense discomfort. It hampers the productivity of the individual and may lead to temporary withdrawal from a normal lifestyle. Apart from being physically troublesome, it is also mentally exhausting. Acute pain starts as well as ends abruptly and can be very powerful. Chronic pain, on the other hand, is one which persists for a longer duration. The pain, at times, can be fixed by treating the underlying problem. However, when the pain is chronic, a group of specialists needs to work towards controlling it. Pain may be light, intense or acute depending on the type of injury or ailment and may require to be treated accordingly. Painkillers are widely used pills that provide immediate relief. It is often difficult to explain the type of pain and the body part affected by it. A pain specialist helps in identifying the probable pain areas and takes cues from the description to determine an appropriate cure. Physicians, physiotherapists, druggists, and psychologists come under the category of pain management doctors. Doctors that specialize in dealing with different parts of the human body do not treat the pain that arises because of a medical problem. They refer individual cases to specialists who focus on pain management. A pain management doctor is one who is an expert in detecting as well curing all sorts of pain and has undertaken exclusive training for the same.
A Brief Overview of Normal TSH and Thyroid Levels

A Brief Overview of Normal TSH and Thyroid Levels

TSH level or Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Level is the hormone that is secreted by the pituitary gland that regulated the level of hormones in the body. A blood test is conducted to explore your hormone level. This test helps you determine your thyroid which helps look into normal TSH levels along with thyroxine (T4) in your blood. A high and low level of both these thyroid hormones helps determine underactive thyroid. When one notices normal TSH levels, it would indicate that a person does not have thyroid-related issues. An underactive thyroid is determined by the high level of TSH and a low level of T4 in the blood. If one finds normal TSH levels but the T4 is showing low, then it is highly probable that there is a risk of developing an underactive thyroid. This may require a blood test and monitoring often in order to assess the risk level of a person to avoid future thyroid problems. Sometimes, the T3 or triiodothyronine hormone is also used to check underactive hormone but it is seen that T3 hormone can remain normal even when there is a significant underactive thyroid. You may also have an overactive thyroid and these can be detected by keeping a check on the symptoms. This is referred to as Hypothyroidism. When the TSH level is measured, the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism is usually associated with low or suppressed levels which would not indicate normal TSH levels. Thyroid hormones such as T3 or T4 will be increased for patients with hyperthyroidism. It is not necessary that all the hormones would be high and sometimes only one or two hormones being high can lead to hyperthyroidism. Feeling extremely cold and struggling to keep warm is also a symptom of underactive thyroid. Feeling extremely hot is also a symptom of thyroid issues.
Symptoms, Causes, and Complications of Huntington’s Disease

Symptoms, Causes, and Complications of Huntington’s Disease

Huntington’s disease results in the brain nerve cells’ progressive degeneration or breakdown. It is a hereditary disease and adversely affects your functional abilities. Psychiatric, cognitive and movement disorders can be associated with this disease. The symptoms of this disease normally develop in the 30s or 40s of the life of an individual. If you develop this disease prior to 20 years of age, it is known as juvenile Huntington’s disease. This type of early occurrence causes different kinds of symptoms and speedy progression of the disease. Major symptoms In addition to psychiatric, cognitive and movement disorders, this disease has many other symptoms. The first symptom that manifests depends on the unique condition of the affected person. As the disease progresses, certain disorders become more dominant and they create more impact on the functional ability. Movement disorders When it comes to movement disorders, there are two types of problems and they include voluntary movement impairments and involuntary movement issues. Some of the most prominent disorders under these categories are muscle problems like dystonia or muscle rigidity, unusual eye movements, impaired balance, posture and gait, speech production or swallowing related difficulty, chorea and involuntary impairments that make it really difficult for a person to perform daily activities and communicate. Cognitive disorders The most common cognitive impairment problem connected with this disease is the difficulty of focusing on tasks, organizing and prioritizing. The affected people often lose the flexibility to get stuck on a thought and they also lose the natural tendency to focus on an action. Sexual promiscuity is another cognitive disorder and the patients lose the control over the impulses that lead to outbursts. These people are not aware of their own abilities and behaviors and they often find it extremely hard to learn new information. Another cognitive disorder that affected people experience is the slowness in processing thoughts.