The skin is the largest organ of the body by weight making about one-sixth of our total body weight. It’s a complicated structure and consists of three layers namely; epidermis the outermost one, the dermis which is a layer beneath the epidermis and the subcutaneous layer the deepest one. Eczema commonly called as ‘dermatitis’ is a skin disorder characterized by inflammation and intense itching. People suffering from eczema have extremely dry skin which is highly susceptible to bacterial, fungal or viral infections. The affected skin is not a smooth, protective barrier but patches of skin with rashness, red lumps or blisters. Eczema can affect people of all age group from infants or adults and continue to have symptoms throughout their life depending on the severity. Normally in infants, itchy rashes appear on the skin. The eczema photos show that these rashes can produce oozing, crusty condition majorly on the child’s scalp and face. Eczema is a recognizable health condition among a number of skin diseases and can be prevented by keeping the skin moisturized, nourished and healthy. Types of eczema Eczema is not considered as a contagious disease and cannot catch when in close contact. While the exact cause of eczema is unknown, researchers suggest that people develop eczema because of a combination of genes and environmental triggers. When an allergen gets activated, skin cells behave like a foreign agent causing an eczema flare-up. There are eight different types of eczema like atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, hand eczema, neurodermatitis, nummular eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and stasis dermatitis. It is possible to identify the types by looking for eczema photos online. Atopic dermatitis, which is severe and long-lasting is the most common one and can occur in combination at a time. All types of eczema cause itching, redness or blisters.

Pneumonia symptoms, whether mild or severe, should be immediately examined by a physician. A medical professional will suggest the right tests for diagnosing this disease. One should strictly follow the post-treatment precautions recommended by the doctor. Symptoms of pneumonia The symptoms of pneumonia range from mild to severe. Other factors that affect the signs of this condition are the type of pneumonia, the age of the patient as well as the state of health. Here are some signs of pneumonia: Cough Patients experience incessant coughing. It is accompanied by mucus, which may be green or yellow. There might be traces of blood in the mucus. It is one of the classic symptoms of bronchitis or pneumonia. Fever Another symptom of pneumonia is a fever. It could range from mild to high fever. Chills along with shaking Patients who have pneumonia are likely to feel extremely cold, and they are also likely to shiver or shake with it. Labored breathing You might feel short of breath while climbing a flight of stairs. Sharp pain in the chest Deep breathing or coughing could induce sharp or stabbing chest pain. Headaches There might be headaches which are of different intensities. A high amount of sweating People report sweating and moistness of the skin. Poor appetite Patients have no desire to eat. They also experience reduced energy levels and a lot of fatigue. Confusion Senior citizens may experience a feeling of confusion with other symptoms of pneumonia. Types of pneumonia Bacterial pneumonia In this type of pneumonia, temperatures reach alarming levels of up to 105 degrees. It could be accompanied by an excessive amount of sweating. The intensity of breathing goes up, and so does the pulse rate. Because of a deficiency of oxygen in the blood, the lips, as well as nail beds, might turn blue.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that affects the nerve functioning and causes problems related to the vision, muscle control, and other body functions. The adversity of the disease varies from person to person. While some people might not need treatment at all, some go through a lot of hindrances in their daily activities as well. Due to the disease, the brain cannot send signals through your body. As a result, you might experience symptoms such as tiredness, difficulty in walking, tingling and numbness, double vision, depression or trouble in focusing. However, proper multiple sclerosis diets can help a lot in dealing with the condition. A good diet can help you to cope better with multiple sclerosis disorder. It can help in maintaining regular bowel functions and can improve the health of your skin, teeth, heart, gums, and flexibility. With a healthy diet, you can also avoid weight gain and heart diseases in general. If you have MS, then you should consult your doctor before following a certain type of diet. Here are the foods that you should eat and those you need to avoid when you have MS. Foods to eat when having MS A balanced diet is crucial for maintaining good health. Multiple sclerosis diets include fruits and vegetables that provide the required nutrition that the body needs. Your diets should essentially include things that help the body to maintain and grow along with a lot of fluids. You can eat fish that is high in omega-3 fatty acids, skinless chicken, and meat that is trimmed of visible fat is also a good option. Beans, soy, lentils, and nuts should also be included. Not to mention vegetables and fruits that is a must for a healthy diet. It is advised to consume whole grain products of which you can have three to four servings per day while following multiple sclerosis diets.

Cholesterol is not bad for your heart and health as long as it is good cholesterol, i.e., high-density lipoprotein cholesterol or simply HDL cholesterol. The opposite of HDL cholesterol is the low-density cholesterol, simply, LDL cholesterol. It is when your body has a high amount of LDL cholesterol, you face many health related problems and creates an urgent need for high LDL cholesterol treatments. It is important to get all the possible high LDL cholesterol treatments done because here is what the bad cholesterol does to your body: It can affect your nervous system Brain contains essential cholesterol for development and protection of nerve cells Too much of cholesterol is harmful to your brain as it can lead to strokes When blood flow to the brain is disrupted, it can lead to loss of memory, movement and other functions Bad affects on cardiovascular and circulatory system Too much cholesterol builds up in the arteries, and that disrupts the blood flow in your body and created serious and life threatening problems The built up cholesterol in the arteries creates atherosclerosis, and that leads to heart diseases, including heart attack Apart from heart diseases, it can also cause diseases in the arteries called peripheral arterial disease (PAD). In this disease, the blood supply to the legs, arms, stomach, and feet can get blocked because of the plaque that’s been created by LDL cholesterol. Endocrine system When the endocrine system produces low thyroid hormone, the condition is called hypothyroidism, and that leads to higher LDL cholesterol When other therapies relating to the hormones are done to prevent other effects, there can be a rise in LDL cholesterol Digestive system Cholesterol helps in the formation of bile, which is essential for digestion. But bad cholesterol and its excess can lead to formation of small crystals The crystals cause hard stones in the gall bladder.

It is normal not to have a bowel movement on some days. Even if you miss a bowel movement on a particular day, there is nothing wrong with it. If you have bowel movements at least three times a week, it would still be considered as normal or regular bowel movements. As long as you have a usual pattern of bowel movements, you do not have to worry about constipation or diarrhea. You will know it is constipation when the bowel movements are not frequent, and you feel some difficulty in passing. It is the opposite of diarrhea where stool is hard and dry and doesn’t come frequently or at your usual interval. Though constipation is not a life-threatening condition, it must be taken seriously when constipation is a part of other health and mental issues. Treatment for constipation is not complicated. Though in most cases the treatment for constipation is based on the underlying cause. There are many causes of constipation, such as Hypothyroidism, Parkinson disease, colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, celiac disease, etc. Some more causes of constipation are: Fewer bowel movements Problems faced during bowel movements Hard stools Dry stools Feeling of incomplete bowel movement Nausea or vomit Swollen belly Abdominal pain Here are some of the causes of constipation to know the treatment for constipation better. If you are on a medication and it is an antacid medicine that contains calcium or aluminum, it can cause you constipation When your usual diet changes When there is a change in your usual activities If you have colon cancer, constipation becomes one of the symptoms If you eat or have eaten a lot of dairy products If you have an eating disorder Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis are such neurological diseases that can cause constipation If you are not active enough Lack of fiber in the diet also causes constipation Pregnancy Inactivity If there is a problem with the nerves and muscles of the digestive system When there is an urge to resist the bowel movement can lead to constipation Drugs, antidepressants and iron pill can cause constipation Hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid If you have constipation, here are some of the treatments for constipation you can try on your own.

Irrespective of the fact that our body has an inherent built-in system that protects it from the different malicious element in the environment, there are instances when the bacteria and viruses override it and plague the body. Our immune system does a commendable job of protecting us from the diseases prevalent in the environment, but the magnitude of the disease and our fitness plays a major role in deciding whether or not we will be affected by it. Common cold or influenza is a common ailment that almost every person might have contracted at some point in time. However, this common cold, when neglected, can result in nasal congestion. Though nasal congestion isn’t a life-threatening condition, it does have serious repercussions. If you wish to learn more about nasal congestion and ways to treat it, keep reading. Nasal congestion – Causes and symptoms Nasal congestion or stuffy nose as it is commonly known as is a result of a blocked nasal passage. This blockage is caused due to the swelling of the membrane lining which is, in turn, a result of inflammation of the blood vessels. Usually, the common cold is the cause of nasal congestion, but at times, there are other sources which give rise to nasal congestion. The causes of nasal congestion are as follows: It has been observed that a deviated septum can also be responsible for causing nasal congestion. The various allergens in the environment are also known to trigger nasal congestion especially if the allergy manifests itself in the form of cold and sneezing. When the individual is exposed to certain chemicals, it can lead to nasal congestion. Hay fever is also one of the causes of nasal congestion. Nasal congestion is also triggered when we react to the medications prescribed to us. At times, the medicines are rejected by the body, and it gives rise to allergic reactions.

With an alarming increase in the number of patients with adult onset asthma, it is important to have enough knowledge about the illness, its varied causes, prevention, and correct treatment. In general, asthma is detected in early childhood. However, in certain cases, an individual beyond the age of 20 years may be diagnosed with asthma, this condition is termed as adult onset asthma. Symptoms of asthma can occur at any point of time in life, and not necessarily only during childhood. Asthma is a disease where the sensitive airways have increased responsiveness towards various kinds of triggers such as allergens and irritants that obstruct the functioning of the airways. The muscles around the airways begin to contract and narrow the airway lining. The lining inside the airways experiences inflammation that causes the inner lining to swell up and secrete increased levels of mucus. This then causes extreme difficulty, and asthma symptoms such as coughing, tightness of the chest, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Depending on the severity of the illness, the types of adult onset asthma are categorized as: Mild intermittent asthma Mild persistent asthma Moderate persistent asthma Severe persistent asthma Adults have lowered lung capacity, which means that the volume of air that one can inhale and exhale within a second is much lower as compared to when they were younger. This also occurs due to the stiffening of chest walls and changes in the muscle structure after reaching middle age. Due to this decreased capacity, adult onset asthma often goes unnoticed by various doctors. Diagnoses can be done for adult onset asthma by investigating the patient’s medical history, clarifying the symptoms, and by using a spirometer to perform a lung functioning test. There are several triggers that lead to severe asthma attacks, such as climatic changes (dry/cold environments), vigorous exercises, hormonal changes, exposure to dust, animals, etc.

Sinus infections and allergies are a very common phenomenon among people all over the world. Sinus drainage symptoms can significantly affect your quality of life. Watch out for these symptoms and seek help at the earliest. Sinus drainage disease is a very common health problem. Often a bad cold is mistaken as sinusitis. The sinus is a cavity within another tissue or a bone. They are located behind the forehead, on the bridge of the nose, in front of the brain, and within the cheek bones. Sinus drainage is generally caused due to bacterial infections, viruses, and fungal infections. In most cases, people with poor immune systems are at a higher risk of fungal or bacterial sinusitis. Allergic fungal sinusitis develops in people suffering from various kinds of allergies. Sinus disease which lasts more that 6-8 weeks is considered to be a chronic condition. Hence it is ideal to ensure that sinus drainage symptoms are taken care of with the help of various kinds of medications at the earliest. The following are some common sinus drainage symptoms to watch out for: Nasal Congestion Sinus drainage can cause serious levels of inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages. Inflammation in the sinuses and the drainage through the nose can cause congestion, which results in difficulty while breathing. Patients suffering from this kind of sinus drainage symptoms often experience a reduced sense of taste and smell too. Postnasal Drip This is one of the most peculiar sinus drainage symptoms seen in the early stages of the disease. Mucus is a liquid that is produced on a daily basis by the intestinal tract, airways, stomach, nose, and throat. It serves to moisten these areas and helps in destroying any kind of bacteria or viruses before they enter the system as they could possibly cause infection inside the body.

Halitosis or as it is commonly known, bad breath, is an embarrassing condition. Gum, mints, mouthwashes, and other products designed to fight bad breath are only temporary measures as they don’t address the cause of the problem. Some food items, health conditions, and habits are the main causes of bad breath. You can cure bad breath with proper and consistent dental hygiene. The malodor may vary depending on the underlying cause. If self-care techniques don’t work, it is best to see your dentist or physician to make sure that it isn’t a symptom of other serious condition. Symptoms Some people may have bad breath and don’t know about it. Other people worry too much about their breath even though they have little or no mouth odor. It is hard to self-assess your breath. Therefore, ask a close friend or relative to check if you have bad breath. Causes There are many probable causes for bad breath. They are: Food The breakdown of food particles in your mouth increases bacteria and causes a foul odor. When you eat certain foods like onions, garlic, and spices, they enter your bloodstream, are carried to your lungs, and affect your breath. Tobacco products Smokers and oral tobacco users are prone to having gum diseases, which could lead to bad breath. Tobacco has an unpleasant odor as well. Poor dental hygiene Food particles remain in your mouth and cause bad breath if you don’t brush and floss daily. Plaque, a colorless and sticky film of bacteria, forms on your teeth. This plaque can irritate your gums and eventually form plaque-filled pockets between your teeth and gums if you don’t brush regularly. Not only your teeth, but the tongue can also trap bacteria that produce odors. Dry mouth or xerostomia Saliva helps cleanse your mouth. If you have a problem with your salivary glands, it may result in chronic dry mouth.

The thyroid is one of the most misinterpreted diseases in human beings. Very few people understand the exact condition when the numeric value of thyroid level showed in blood reports is lower or higher than the prescribed value. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland becomes underactive and is hence unable to release enough thyroid hormones. Hyperthyroidism is the exact opposite of this. It is the overactivity of the thyroid gland resulting in a rapid heartbeat and increased metabolism. Hypothyroidism is a condition that can happen to any person at any given time of his or her life. However, it has been observed that older people, especially women, are more predisposed to hypothyroidism. A hypothyroidism diet is essential to promote the normal activity of the gland. Indicators of hypothyroidism The thyroid is a small gland located at the base of the human neck. Doctors note that almost 40 percent of the population across the globe suffers from hypothyroidism at some phase of their lives. With age, women tend to become more prone to suffer from underactive thyroid glands. Apart from women, others prone to hypothyroidism include those who have diabetes, celiac disease and rheumatoid arthritis. People notice certain changes in themselves that may not be normal as per their character. The main symptoms of hypothyroidism are: Fatigue or low energy levels Frequent mood swings Disturbed sleep patterns Poor digestion Weakened metabolism Loss of hair Infertility Weak nails Weight gain Muscle tenderness and pain Breathing problems Constipation Cracked or rough skinGoiter Disturbed menstrual cycle Frequent cold or flu These are the initial signs that often indicate towards the disease. If suspected, doctors usually suggest blood tests to the person to substantiate. Hypothyroidism is not a deadly disease that cannot be treated. With proper treatment, lifestyle changes and hypothyroidism diet plans, one can control hypothyroidism and gradually increase the thyroid level in the body.

Cholesterol levels play a vital role in defining our overall health. It differs from person to person depending on their age, gender, and weight. Cholesterol levels change gradually, and we should check it frequently. Excessive cholesterol can adversely harm your health, and once you cross the age of twenty, you should check your cholesterol levels from time to time. Excessive cholesterol often results in plaque that blocks the arteries. Therefore, you should keep an eye on these levels. Recent studies have shown that nearly one million Americans die due to heart diseases, and one of the primary reasons for these diseases is excessive cholesterol. Why should one maintain healthy cholesterol levels? After getting a cholesterol test, one can check if their cholesterol levels are in the healthy range by consulting a cholesterol level chart, but there are some points that one needs to keep in mind while checking this chart. Generally, cholesterol is measured in three different categories that include total cholesterol, LDL or bad cholesterol, and HDL or good cholesterol. The primary challenge begins with the maintenance of these levels. Experts suggest keeping the total cholesterol and LDL levels low. High cholesterol can increase the risk of stroke and heart diseases among patients. Therefore, it is essential to maintain to maintain one’s cholesterol levels to reduce the risk of heart-related illnesses. The connection between age and cholesterol levels Cholesterol levels have a close relationship with an individual’s age. Excessive cholesterol can lead to several diseases. Moreover, unmanaged cholesterol is tough to treat. Hence, experts suggest maintaining healthy cholesterol levels from an early age. Cholesterol generally affects men after older than 20 years, and usually, children don’t suffer from high cholesterol. You don’t have to check a child’s cholesterol levels more than twice before they turn 18. It is quite rare for children to suffer from high cholesterol, and you should only monitor their cholesterol levels after consulting a doctor.

Arthritis is a group of diseases that can cause stiffness, swelling, and pain in the joints and can end up affecting people of all ethnic backgrounds, genders, and ages. Arthritis is of different types. One of the common types is rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease wherein the joints come under attack by the immune system. Another common type is osteoarthritis, which develops due to overuse of the joints. Fortunately, there are certain foods that can help manage the condition effectively by relieving joint pain and also by easing any inflammation caused. Listed below are some of the best foods that can help people suffering from arthritis manage the condition more effectively. Fatty fish: Fatty fish such as trout, sardines, mackerel, and salmon are high in omega-3 fatty acids that possess potent anti-inflammatory effects. Studies have shown that people consuming fatty fish showed decreased levels of specific inflammation-related compounds, less morning stiffness, and joint pain intensity. Fatty fish are also rich in vitamin D, which can help prevent symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. According to the AHA (American Heart Association), including a minimum of around two servings of fatty fish in one’s diet helps fight against inflammation effectively. Garlic: Garlic and its components are full of health benefits as they possess cancer-fighting properties and are also responsible for lowering the risks of dementia and heart disease. Additionally, garlic has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties which could go a long way in helping reduce the symptoms of arthritis and even in strengthening the immune system. Ginger: Apart from the fact that it lends ample flavor to sweets, soups, and teas, ginger has also been shown to help in easing the symptoms of arthritis. According to studies conducted, ginger has shown to improve knee pain symptoms in those who consumed it. It also showed that ginger and its components help in blocking the production of substances that increase inflammation in the body as well.