Rotavirus is a contagious virus that causes inflammation in the intestines and stomach. It is one of the most common causes of diarrhea in children. Although there is no cure for this condition, there are medications that help manage the symptoms. Understanding the symptoms of rotavirus can help one treat the condition immediately. In this article, we will be discussing the symptoms, causes, and prevention methods of rotavirus. Symptoms The symptoms of rotavirus start two days after the exposure to the virus. However, the symptoms can last for up to seven days. Fever and vomiting During the first three days, one may notice fever and vomiting. However, these symptoms may fade away by the fourth day. Dehydration Babies and younger children may experience severe dehydration. Irritability, lack of fluid consumption, little to no urine, and lethargy may be common symptoms of dehydration. Seek immediate medical help if you notice any of these symptoms. Watery diarrhea After the fever and vomiting fade away, one may experience watery diarrhea. This may last for up to seven days. Abdominal pain The diarrhea may be accompanied by abdominal pain. Nevertheless, the stomach pain should subside within a couple of days. Causes Rotavirus is present in the fecal matter of a person and spreads through hand-to-mouth contact. It may be present in the infected person’s stool for two days before the symptoms show up. If a kid or a parent does not wash hands after using the toilet or changing a diaper, the virus can spread easily. The virus can stay on surfaces that have not been disinfected for up to months at a time. Contracting the viral infection is possible even after getting vaccinated. Therefore, prevention is crucial. Prevention To prevent or reduce the risk of getting contaminated, one must wash their hands after using the washroom.

Osteoporosis affects the structural integrity of the bone, increases the risk of fractures, and affects the ability of the body to regenerate bone mineral density. This condition worsens with age and affects bones in the wrist, spine, or hips. Normally, doctors recommend a combination of medications and weight-bearing exercises to prevent bone loss. Osteoporosis can also be prevented to some extent with healthy changes in habits related to nutritional regime. Foods to eat Recommended foods that help avoid osteoporosis are Foods containing calcium Calcium helps boost bone health and foods like kale, turnip, spinach, collard greens, and dairy products including milk cheese, yogurt, are rich sources. Those suffering from lactose intolerance can have soy milk and other such products. Fortified juices, cereals and snacks with vitamin D help the body absorb calcium better. Protein- and magnesium-rich foods Proteins are the building blocks of the body and magnesium helps maintain bone mineral density. Lean chicken and turkey cuts, eggs, milk, and assorted fish or seafood are rich protein options. Assorted nuts including almonds, cashews, peanuts, and some seeds are rich sources of magnesium to be included in daily meals. Foods rich in vitamins C and K Vitamin C is an essential immunity booster and studies show that the key nutrient also helps lower the risk of chronic ailments like osteoporosis. Oranges, lemons, tomatoes, kiwi, and red peppers are loaded with this nutrient. Research also suggests that women suffering from vitamin K deficiencies are at an increased risk of developing bone disorders like osteoporosis. Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, turnip greens, collards, and cabbage are vitamin k rich greens to include in daily meals. Medications for osteoporosis management Here are some common meds used for treating osteoporosis: Romosozumab by Evenity This medication belongs to a class of monoclonal antibodies that help reduce the risk of bone resorption (deterioration) and promote new bone formation.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) spreads like a cold virus from individual to individual. Virtually all children develop an RSV infection by the time they are two years old. While symptoms for this infection can vary by age, RSV seems to hit babies, especially those under the age of one, the hardest, making it a leading cause of infant hospitalization. It can also give rise to complications such as bronchiolitis, pneumonia, and asthma. Recognizing RSV in babies – Symptoms to watch for RSV symptoms look similar to the common cold in babies under one. They may include fever, which is 100.4°F or higher, wet or dry cough, runny nose, congestion, and sneezing. Some babies may also lose their appetite or become more fussy. In some cases, RSV can lead to complications like bronchiolitis, where the baby might experience swelling in their airways. This could cause symptoms such as rapid and shallow breathing, nostril flaring, wheezing, chest caving, and grunting while breathing. It is advisable to call 911 or visit an emergency room immediately if the baby’s breathing patterns change. Preventing RSV infections RSV is a highly contagious infection. So, protecting babies from it is crucial, as exposure to this virus and its potential complications could also put the baby’s life at risk. Taking basic preventative measures can help parents and guardians keep their babies safe. 1. Parents and caregivers should ensure their babies avoid any form of close contact, such as being hugged or kissed by individuals who may be sick. 2. It is crucial to not share personal items with others, especially if they are contaminated. These include bottles, toys, and cups, as they may carry the virus from one child to another. 3. Those in close proximity to the baby should wash their hands frequently with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer before touching the baby.

Know about the New and Existing Treatments for Psoriatic Arthritis Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that is a type of inflammatory arthritis. It causes a long-term condition in most people and may become worse with time, especially if left untreated. When the person suffering from this disease is not given proper treatment or when the treatment is prolonged, it can cause serious damage to the joints in the body. To avoid serious and permanent joint damages, it is important to get an early diagnosis. Learning and knowing the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis is hence important to get the right diagnosis and timely treatment. Psoriatic arthritis may develop post a psoriasis disease. Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes scaly patches that develops on the skin. Not all types of psoriasis lead to psoriatic arthritis; however, in some cases of psoriasis can lead to an onset of psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis can affect any joint in the body. When psoriatic arthritis occurs in the spine, the condition is called spondylitis. It causes a stiffness in the neck or back, causing difficulty to the person while bending. People who have psoriatic arthritis may also get tender spots in the tendons. This causes a pain in the feet or the back of the heel. Most people fear a permanent joint damage that could be caused by psoriatic arthritis; however, it is not entirely true. Psoriatic arthritis can cause permanent joint damage; however, this can only happen when it is left untreated or when the treatment is provided too late. An early diagnosis and treatment can cure psoriatic arthritis and not cause any harm to the joint. There are different types of treatments available to cure psoriatic arthritis. To know about them, read on! Existing treatments for psoriatic arthritis Patients with psoriatic arthritis undergo several types of treatments, some of them include doses of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medicines.

Chronic pain can play spoilsport in our lives by affecting our job, daily routine, and relationships. The good news is that timely diagnosis and treatment can go a long way in eliminating this pain from our lives. The ideal chronic pain management aims at reducing or eliminating the need for pain medication and improving physical functioning. With the right treatment for chronic pain, you can lead a pain-free life. Any pain that spans over a few months or around 12 weeks is called chronic pain. The cause of pain may be illness, injury, joint-related disease or overuse of joints. Gone are the days when you only surgical options were available for the treatment for chronic pain. Thanks to the medico-technological advancements, patients now have numerous treatment options for dealing with chronic pain. Types of chronic pain Chronic pain can occur in different locations of the body and for a variety of reasons. The most common type of chronic pain occurs due to injuries. This injury may be sports-related or caused by accident. Back pain is another common type of chronic pain. Lower and upper back pain may result from incorrect posture, extended hours of sitting or standing, or damage to the spine. Joint pain due to arthritis or wear and tear of the joints are also some common types of chronic pain. Arthritis pain can occur at in joint of the body. Nerve-related issues may lead to diseases or illnesses that cause other types of pain. Non-surgical treatment options for chronic pain The right choice of treatment for chronic pain depends on its cause. Doctors evaluate this pain based on the following factors: Duration Intensity Cause Location Once they ascertain the parameters mentioned above, they will decide on the right treatment option. Pain management primarily focuses on minimizing the use of pain medication, improving physical flexibility, and strengthening the affected parts.

Lower back pain is a problem that almost everyone experiences at some point in their life. Characterized by severe pain, it may need treatment until it subsides on its own. The severity of lower back pain may vary from case to case. Some people may experience a dull ache, while some other may get a sharp, shooting pain. Sometimes, the pain is so severe that you may find it difficult to stand straight or even stand-up. You may experience acute back pain due to injuries caused by sports or as a result of heavy lifting. If you face symptoms like loss of control over the movement of your bowels, inability to control your bladder, a fever, or pain while coughing or urinating, along with pain in the lower back, you must visit a doctor. Common causes of lower back pain If one experiences lower back pain, it is advisable to visit a doctor, especially if the patient has lost weight unexpectedly, has a family history of cancer, or other such complications. Lower back pain may result from a muscle strain that leads to bulged discs which will cause pain from your hips down to your legs. Lower back pain may also be associated with lifting objects every day, pulling things down and other such tasks which could a part of a patient’s job. At the same time, sitting at the same place for a long time, in a slouching posture, can also contribute to lower back pain. Going overboard while working out can also lead to lower back pain. People also face a high risk of lower back pain-related problems if they are overweight. One may need to perform exercises for lower back pain regularly if they have a sedentary lifestyle. Lower back pain can also be attributed to some chronic problems such as fibromyalgia and spinal stenosis.

Most of us are unaware of the disease named deep vein thrombosis as it hardly has any symptoms. To begin with, this disease leads to the formation of blood clots in our veins. This blood clot can be found in any part of the human body but is especially found in the thigh area. This disease is closely related to some other types of health problems which include post-phlebitis syndrome, thromboembolism, and post-thrombotic syndrome. There can be several causes of this disease. However, the symptoms of deep vein thrombosis can differ with the intensity and cause of the disease. Here are certain causes of deep vein thrombosis. Paralysis: Blood clots begin to form when our legs remain in a constant position for a longer period of time. If a person is a paralytic then he/she can easily fall prey to this disease. Pregnancy : During pregnancy, the pressure felt upon the veins of the legs or pelvis increases and this might result in a blood clot. In fact, a blood clot might remain for at least six weeks after delivery. Obesity: If you are overweight then the chances of a blood clot in your legs or pelvis might increase. Family history: Those who have a family history of deep vein thrombosis then there are chances that they might suffer from this disease. Each and every disease has some symptoms. Symptoms can give a clear idea about the occurrence of a disease. However, symptoms of deep vein thrombosis are very rare and only a few people can understand it. Nonetheless, there are some common symptoms that one may encounter if he/she suffers from this disease. Excessive pain in the affected areas of your leg and usual pain from the calf. The affected area becomes either bluish or reddish. The affected area seems to be quite warm in comparison to the surrounding areas of the body.

Have you ever felt rashes on your skin that leave you itchy and irritated? Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, might be the reason. It is a common skin disease that affects a majority of individuals without their knowledge. What seems as dry, flaky skin caused by weather changes may be a symptom of this eczema. It may look normal, but isn’t and can get worse with the passage of time. Atopic dermatitis, or atopic eczema, is characterized by the swelling of the skin tissue. In children, the outbursts can be found on cheeks. In adults, they are found in front of the elbows or behind the knees. Eczema itself is not infectious unless there is a secondary skin infection. The condition gets aggravated periodically, especially during the change of seasons. The rest of the year, it subdues and becomes less prominent. A person suffering from atopic dermatitis might also occasionally experience hay fever or asthma. There is no specific cause behind the onset of this ailment. However, the following factors may contribute towards atopic dermatitis or eczema: Heredity – An individual is likely to be affected by atopic dermatitis or eczema if it is present in his genes. Environment – In some cases, exposure to dust, pollens, and other allergens can trigger this eczema. Food – A few individuals are sensitive to certain food items, for, example, wheat. Consumption of these can cause atopic dermatitis or eczema outbursts. Humidity – People living in areas having dry climate are more prone to this disease. Low humidity can suck moisture away from the skin. Hard water – Hard water, containing a high level of carbonates of calcium and magnesium may also inflame the skin. Atopic dermatitis or eczema symptoms include dryness of the skin which may be accompanied with flakes. Red patches around the neck and on the eyelids are a common sight.

Parkinson’s disease and tardive dyskinesia (TD) are neurological disorders whose onset is marked by several similar yet distinct indicators. These symptoms may not always be obvious; however, it is important to recognize them early for timely diagnosis and intervention. The significant difference between Parkinson’s disease and TD is that in the former condition, individuals experience difficulty moving, while the latter is characterized by involuntary movements. Here are some symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and TD. Micrographia Micrographia, the gradual reduction in handwriting size, is a subtle yet significant early sign of Parkinson’s disease. Those grappling with Parkinson’s may encounter difficulties sustaining legible scripts as the ailment advances. This seemingly benign symptom can signal underlying neurologic shifts. Olfactory sensation loss Anosmia, the absence of the sense of smell, can be an initial indicator of Parkinson’s and TD. A diminishing capacity to detect odors or an abrupt olfactory impairment frequently transpires years before the emergence of other discernible symptoms. This symptom is caused by the degeneration of nerve cells in the olfactory bulb. Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) Restless Leg Syndrome, characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs, emerges as a common unspoken symptom of Parkinson’s and TD. Individuals with these conditions may experience discomfort and a constant need to shift their legs. Slouched posture A stooped or hunched posture is a physical change observed in Parkinson’s patients. This symptom, known as postural instability, happens due to the impairment of postural reflexes and can lead to challenges in maintaining an erect posture. Understanding this postural shift helps in early diagnosis and proper treatment. Swift blinking and facial contortions Tardive dyskinesia often leads to involuntary movements of the face and eyes, including rapid blinking, facial contortions, and tongue protrusion. Recognizing these silent symptoms of Parkinson’s and TD is important in facilitating timely diagnosis and care.

According to a report by the American Parkinson’s Disease Association, nearly 1 million people living in the country suffer from Parkinson’s disease. This association plans to educate people about this condition as well as the various problems that accompany it. What is Parkinson’s disease? Parkinson’s disease is an ailment that has a negative impact on the functioning of the human brain. It spreads slowly because of which an early diagnosis becomes nearly impossible. It comes gradually with a mild disturbance in movements, and slowly it starts impacting other activities like sleep, speech, and even the ability to think. Its other symptoms like the rigidity of muscles, problems with digestions are too vague because of which patients may get an inaccurate diagnosis in the early stages. Impact of Parkinson’s disease on the human body The main effect of Parkinson’s disease is the way it decreases the amount of dopamine in the body. Dopamine is a hormone that helps in the controlling motor and non-motor functions in our body. If the body has a dopamine deficiency, it leads to stilted walking, movements that are uncontrollable as well as tremors. There are many other symptoms that are less noticeable like loss of smell and constipation. Let’s have a look at a few details regarding the life expectancy of patients who have Parkinson’s disease. Appearance of symptoms According to medical studies, by the time a patient begins to exhibit the key symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, almost 60 to 70 percent of the body’s dopamine will be gone. This lack of dopamine will hamper all kinds of functions in the body. However, just because a patient starts exhibiting the symptoms of this condition doesn’t mean that they are out of all options. At such times, a patient’s mental strength matters a lot. Patients with Parkinson’s disease must try to stay positive, regardless of the circumstances.

What is gout? Gout is a type of arthritis that primarily attacks the joints and other body parts like the ears, wrists, knuckles, knee, ankles, and other small joints. It is often characterized by painful swelling, stiffness, and inflammation of these affected joints. The swelling and stiffness are mainly the results of excess levels of uric acid forming crystals in the joints. The pain is due to the inflammatory response to the crystals formed. The causes of gout may include lack of exercise, high levels of uric acid in the system, genetics, excessive consumption of meat, being overweight, menopause, excessive consumption of alcohol, stress, and excessive protein content in the body. It mainly affects the big toe, causing an increased swelling, inflammation, and redness in the affected area. The deposition of uric acid crystals in the joint causes inflammation and makes the movement of the joint agonizing. The elevated levels of uric acid in the system also causes the depositing of crystals in the kidney, which, in turn, leads to stone formation. Gout attacks An overweight or an obese person is more likely to suffer from frequent gout attacks. A gout attack generally results from years of having high levels of uric acid in your bloodstream. This condition is called hyperuricemia. Hyperuricemia might also lead to other diseases like diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, kidney failure, and heart failure. The most common sign of a gout attack is the night-time swelling of the big toe followed by redness, tenderness, redness, and gut-wrenching pain. This attack might continue for days or even weeks before the pain goes away completely. Swelling causes pain and pain induces swelling. Hence it is important to address both. Diagnosis of gout attacks After doing a thorough physical exam, the doctor may also take a sample of the fluid from the swelling of the joint to look for uric acid crystals.

Diverticulitis is one of the leading causes of hospitalization in the case of old people. It’s a treatable condition provided that the patient gets early and appropriate intervention. What is diverticulitis? It is a condition where there is an inflammation or infection in the diverticula or small pouches that develop in the lining of the intestine. According to the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy more than 50% of people above 60, and nearly everyone over the age of 80 has diverticula in their intestines. These pouches may not pose a health risk provided that they don’t get inflamed or infected. Uncomplicated diverticulitis If diverticulitis does develop, it may be a minor irritant, and one can treat it with a course of antibiotics. In more than 75% of cases, there are no severe complications, and a routine CT scan can confirm the diagnosis. About one-third of the total patients experience a recurrence of symptoms, and in younger patients, intervention and testing procedures are necessary. Serious cases Sometimes, the condition can become chronic, and surgery may be required. In about one-fourth of the cases, patients develop complicated diverticulitis with the formation of abscesses, fissures, obstruction, fistula, and obstruction of the bowel. Perforation of the bowel is a major complication because the patient faces the risk of developing peritonitis. Causes Though the direct causes are not known, some factors do seem significant. Age affects the elasticity and strength of the intestine walls. Patients find it difficult to pass stools, and there is more strain on the colon which results in the formation of diverticula. Undigested food collects in these pouches, causing inflammation and infection. This condition is quite common among people who are over the age of 80. Lack of exercise, smoking, obesity, and eating a fiber-deficient diet could be some of the causes.