A Guide to Treating Migraine Headaches

A Guide to Treating Migraine Headaches

A headache is a physical condition, which every individual has to experience sometimes in their life. While a headache can be quite disturbing and get you impaired, it generally does not have a severe impact on your life. However, getting a migraine headache is something different. A migraine headache can get the affected person completely disabled for a minimum period of six hours to one day or even more. Some also complain of vision loss, while others get to see the halo, flickering lights, wavy lights, etc. Though it affects both men and women, reports indicate that women are at a higher risk than men. Even though a migraine headache is quite painful and can recur at any time, it can be controlled with treatment. Nowadays, you can find different treatments for migraine headaches, and you just need to act a bit carefully, to save yourself from the painful condition. As the condition gets triggered by different factors, it is essential for you to learn about abortive as well as preventive treatment for a migraine headache. Abortive treatment – As the name indicates, abortive treatment for migraine headaches helps in checking the migraine pain as and when it starts. It is always recommended to start with abortive treatment as soon as you feel the onset of the condition. Depending on the extent of your pain as well as the cause of your onset, doctors may prescribe medicine pills, nasal sprays, skin patch or self-injection. While the medications are mainly aimed to curb a headache, it also works wonderfully in controlling vomiting or nausea-related problems. However, the selection of medicines should be made only under the guidance of a doctor as each has different compositions meant for different purposes. Triptans are mostly used for controlling migraine headache, while Droperidol, Chlorpromazine, Prochlorperazine, and Metoclopramide are prescribed to treat nausea related conditions.
Alternatives for Healing Peyronie’s Disorder

Alternatives for Healing Peyronie’s Disorder

While erectile dysfunction is a more common disorder, Peyronie’s disease is one of the rare ones. This ailment could still trouble a man irrespective of his age. Peyronie’s disease is a kind of erectile dysfunction disorder. When Peyronie’s disease afflicts an individual, he develops a bend in the penis. This makes erections painful. There are cures for Peyronie’s disease which depend on the symptoms one has. Peyronie’s disease roughly affects around 1% of the male population. Men in the age group of 45 to 60 years are most vulnerable, and the average age of onset is 53 years. Peyronie’s disease often comes into existence on traumatic flexing of the penis. This could result in bleeding and formation of a scar tissue. A visible sign of the Peyronie’s disease is the curvature of the penis when erect. Having a curve in the penis is not always a matter of concern. But Peyronie’s disease makes it difficult for a man to have sex. This may lead to worry, stress, and physical soreness as well. A traumatic injury is the most common cause which leads to Peyronie’s disease. But there are cases wherein Peyronie’s disease has occurred without a traumatic injury. There are many types of cures for Peyronie’s disease. Factors that make you vulnerable to Peyronie’s disease: Changes in the tissues come into existence as a part of aging. These increase the odds of occurrence of Peyronie’s disease. Therefore, older men are more likely to suffer from the disorder. Genetics too could be responsible for these tissue changes. Symptoms of Peyronie’s disease: The most common symptom associated with Peyronie’s disease is a scar tissue on the body of the penis. If the penis bends, it could injure the tissues that surround erection chambers. As the injury heals, the scar forms. Over time, plaque builds up around the injury.
Things You Should Know about Bone Density Tests

Things You Should Know about Bone Density Tests

As we age, our health gets worse and the list of medical tests we need to determine our current condition of health grows longer and longer. At times we tend to skip our tests because of our busy frame of mind, or because we think that we do not need them. When it comes to a bone density test, one should get the test done every few years. A bone density test is vital in determining the strength of our bones. The test is also called a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry or DEXA scan. It helps us determine if we are suffering from any bone loss that can lead to disabilities and fractures in the future, giving us an overview of our overall bone health. Bone density and bone health tests should not be skipped as they can help us determine the condition of our bones. Most men under the age of 70 and women under the age of 65 do not require the test, but this does not mean we should skip it altogether. Here is all one needs to know about the bone density test and why one should get it done today. What is a Bone density Test? A bone density test enables doctors to diagnose brittle bones and help us seek appropriate treatment measures. Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become so weak that they are at the point of breaking. A bone density test is used to determine the risk of the above-mentioned disease and fractures. It also enables doctors to put a treatment plan in place for the underlying condition. How is a Bone Density Test Performed? A bone density test is a painless and simple procedure. A patient is made to lie on a padded table with an X-ray generator positioned right underneath the patient, and an imaging device just above.
Probiotics and Irritable Bowel Syndrome, a Brief Overview

Probiotics and Irritable Bowel Syndrome, a Brief Overview

Probiotics are microorganisms which supplement natural bacteria in the gut and help in balancing of intestinal flora. World Health Organization has also defined probiotics as live microorganisms which offer health benefits to users. A common use of probiotics is in the treatment of gastrointestinal ailments as inflammatory bowel diseases and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is a condition which is usually poorly understood and the treatment options are little. Probiotics are useful in the treatment of symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Many research studies have been done in judging the role of probiotics in irritable bowel syndrome. Research has shown that Bifidobacterium infantis is effective in treating irritable bowel syndrome. Bifidobacterium infantis is known to reduce the pain in the abdomen, bloating and difficulty in bowel movements. It is available in pure form and is known by the name of Align. Probiotics can be taken safely as it considered as a food by Food and Drug Administration. Health benefits of Probiotics Probiotics have numerous health benefits for any individual. They generally help the friendly bacteria in the human digestive system and are thus known to aid the process of digestion. The role of probiotics in aiding and healing conditions related to diarrhea is also well documented. They are also known to keep the heart of a person healthy and play a vital role in maintaining the mental balance of a person. Probiotics have been appreciated in particular for reducing the severity of allergies and are known to treat conditions related to eczema in particular. Irritable Bowel Syndrome It is a condition which causes discomfort in the belly and causes trouble in bowel movements. It is not life-threatening but can result in weakness in a person and will certainly affect the daily life of a person. Typical symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome include diarrhea, constipation, gas and bloating, Irritable bowel syndrome can be triggered by multiple factors including consumption of certain foods and medicines.
Natural Treatment For Overall Health of Your Gums

Natural Treatment For Overall Health of Your Gums

Gum disease is common and results in painful, inflamed, and swollen gums. The early stages of gum disease are called gingivitis. If gum disease isn’t tackled in early stages, then it progresses to periodontitis. The most common gum diseases are called by bacterial infections, that can spread and destroy the gums, and the tissue surrounding the teeth. The bacteria forms plaques around the teeth and gums. If this plaque isn’t removed, it can harden and form tartar. Most early cases of plaque buildup and gingivitis can be treated on your own. Natural treatment for gum disease is a great way to save yourself time, money, and pain of seeing a dentist. Natural treatment for gum disease includes maintaining good oral hygiene and overall health. Symptoms of gum disease Healthy gums are pink, fit securely around the teeth, do not bleed when you touch or brush them, and are not painful or inflamed. In some cases, the initial stages of gum disease are not painful, and there may be no recognizable symptoms. Eventually, as the disease progresses, the symptoms can worsen. The early stage of gum disease or gingivitis has fewer symptoms, and these tend to be nonspecific and vague. The most common early symptoms of gum disease are: Redness or purple discoloration of the gums Swelling Bleeding gums while brushing, eating, or on touching the gums. Painful gums Bad breath ( halitosis ) Natural treatment for gum disease is best initiated during early stages, to halt the progression into a more severe form of gum disease, i.e, periodontitis . The symptoms of advanced gum disease or periodontitis are: An unpleasant taste in the mouth Bad breath (halitosis) Loose teeth Difficulty chewing food Gum abscesses (collection of pus) Receding gums, which make the teeth appear longer. Deep pockets between the gums and teeth.
Treatment options and medications for managing rheumatoid arthritis

Treatment options and medications for managing rheumatoid arthritis

Treatment options and medications for managing rheumatoid arthritis A long-term, progressive and, disabling autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation, swelling, and pain in and around the joints and other body organs. It occurs when a person’s immune system mistakenly assumes the body’s healthy tissues as foreign invaders and, as a response, inflammation occurs in the target tissue or the organ. While this condition can occur in any joints, it usually affects the hands and feet in the initial stage. Treatment approaches for rheumatoid arthritis patients Unfortunately, currently there is no cure to treat rheumatoid arthritis, but there are treatment options that can help reduce inflammation in the joints, relieve the pain, and slow down the damage caused to the joints. Physical therapy The goal is to keep you moving, this therapy uses exercise and other methods that stimulate muscles, bones, and joints. Instead of planning your own personal exercise chart, it’s advisable to consult a professional therapist who is aware of the challenges occurring with rheumatoid arthritis patients and how to work around it to keep the patients fit. Occupational therapy Since rheumatoid arthritis can make daily tasks difficult to accomplish due to pain and swelling, this therapy comes as a rescue. The professional will determine the problems and provide solutions such as assistive devices or products that make activities like dressing, cooking, bathing easy. Surgery This is the last resort. If none of the alternative treatment approaches help you, a doctor will advise surgery to repair damaged joints, correct deformities and reduce pain. Medications The following medications have proven to be quite effective against rheumatoid arthritis. H.P. Acthar® A trade name for corticotropin, this medication is a hormone that is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Although corticotropin can only reduce the symptoms and is not a cure for this condition.
Everything You Need to Know About Haemophilia in Children

Everything You Need to Know About Haemophilia in Children

Get all your questions pertaining to haemophilia in children answered here. A first aid kit is your best friend as a parent. Children seem to know just how to walk in an unbalanced gait and topple over without any external help. The result is an extraordinary number of bumps and bruises that need more than a mother’s kiss to make better. While bruises and scrapes are a normal part of childhood, haemophilia children need extra care. A bruise or cut would heal and scab over for others, but for haemophilia children, even the smallest cuts are a cause of concern. If you are a parent with haemophilia children or would just like to know more about the condition to help your loved ones handle it better, here are the answer to the most common questions when it comes to haemophilia in children. What is Haemophilia? When you get a cut, there are clotting agents in your blood that act quickly to curb the bleeding. However, for haemophilia children, the disease actively stops blood from clotting properly. The result is an excessive loss of blood, which can be very dangerous to the health of haemophilia children. This genetic disorder tends to affect more boys than girls. In fact, statistics show that one in every 5-10,000 boys have this condition. Even though many girls inherit this gene, they are generally not affected by the condition. However, these girls become carriers of the gene and can pass it on to their kids. Haemophilia in children is generally caused by inheritance of mutated genes, or gene mutations that happen during the development of the child in the womb. Bleeding in haemophilia children may be external where the cut and excessive bleeding is visible, or internal where the bleeding happens inside the body and is not visible.
Here Are a Few Common Symptoms of Bronchitis or Pneumonia

Here Are a Few Common Symptoms of Bronchitis or Pneumonia

In this article, we will be looking at some of the most important bronchitis and pneumonia symptoms, so that you can be watchful and alert and visit the doctor at the right time. This is one of the best ways to you can protect yourself and others from a lot of damage. Overview of bronchitis and pneumonia Bronchitis and pneumonia are acute forms of cold or flu that we experience. Bronchitis is a condition in which your bronchial tubes (air passages) that carry air to the lungs are infected and get swollen. Bronchitis can be of two types. Acute bronchitis lasts for a few weeks and goes away on its own. Chronic bronchitis is more serious and mostly develops in smokers. It is a long-term condition and can’t be entirely cured. Its treatment includes medicines that open airways and helps clear away mucus. Pneumonia, on the other hand, is yet another lung infection. However, in this ailment, the air sacs in the lungs called alveoli are inflamed. The intensity of pneumonia varies according to the overall and general condition of the person. It can be deadly for people with a weaker immune system or babies or aged people. Bronchitis and pneumonia symptoms There can be acute chest congestion. This happens when your chest feels abnormally full or even clogged at times. Coughing is one of the main bronchitis or pneumonia symptoms. At the time of coughing, you may cough up mucus. The color of this mucus varies depending on the type and severity of the condition. It could be clear or white, or even yellow, green or spotted with blood. You find it difficult to breathe. Being short of breath is one of major bronchitis or pneumonia symptoms. You could sense a whistling or wheezing kind of noise when breathing.
Causes and Symptoms of Pain in the Foot

Causes and Symptoms of Pain in the Foot

Foot pain can cause immense discomfort. While foot pain usually just requires a good few hours of relaxations and rest to fade away, sometimes it persists for a long period of time for no evident reason. In this scenario, one must consider that there is a possibility of an underlying condition which is causing the pain. You may experience several symptoms before the onset of a particular condition, or experience no symptoms at all. Some of the most common causes of foot pain include bunions, heel spurs, and plantar fasciitis. These conditions may lead to general pain, uneasiness, walking difficulties, and the projection of bony growth on the feet. While taking medications help in treating these conditions, you must get the required therapy regularly to ensure that these conditions do not progress further and complicate matters. As a basic remedial measure, you can buy specialized shoes online or at a shop near you. These shoes have comfortable paddings and additional room for your feet and help keep them comfortable. Here are a few of the most common foot pain symptoms and their causes: Foot pain causes Here are a few of the most common causes of foot pain: Bunions This is a condition characterized by the appearance of bony projections on the inner side of the foot and at the big toe joint. Its onset is a result of the bones of the big toe being aligned out of proportion. It leads to the stiffening of the toes and makes walking an extremely difficult task. The main reason for one developing this problem is constantly wearing narrow shoes or heels. These shoes exert additional pressure on the feet and may lead to the condition worsening. Resort to wearing specially designed shoes to provide for additional comfort and foot space. Plantar Fasciitis Plantar fasciitis leads to the feeling of a stabbing pain in the bottom of the feet.
Symptoms and Treatment of COPD

Symptoms and Treatment of COPD

The chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a collection of progressive lung diseases such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and refractory asthma. These COPD-based lung diseases cause trouble in breathing and limit the airways. Chronic bronchitis narrows down the bronchial tubes and causes inflammation. Also, it builds up mucus. In emphysema, slowly the air sacs in the lungs get destroyed. Well, until date, no sure cure for this disease is available. However, a proper and timely treatment can help to ease the COPD-based lung disease symptoms along with lowering the complications and improving the overall quality of life. In the country, almost 24 million people suffer from this chronic disease. The more worrisome fact is that almost half of these people or more simply remain undiagnosed. According to various research and medical studies, smoking is one of the major reasons, causing this fatal disease. However, studies have also reflected the fact that 1 in 4 people, who are suffering from COPD lung disease symptoms, has never been into smoking! Here is a list of the various symptoms of this disease along with the treatments available to ease them and help the sufferers lead a better life. Symptoms of COPD Lung Disease Now, this chronic lung disease has several stages. In the earlier stages, the COPD lung disease symptoms can be a bit mild. There is a high chance of confusing it with a cold. Here are some of the symptoms of COPD at the earlier stages. Occasionally, feeling shortness of breath. This can especially be experienced after exercising. Feeling the need for clearing throat every now and then. Having a mild cough that is recurrent as well. You might think that making subtle changes such as avoiding stairs or skipping some physical activities can actually help you but these symptoms can not only become progressively worse but also can become very hard to ignore.
Do You Have these Low Sugar Symptoms?

Do You Have these Low Sugar Symptoms?

Have you been experiencing some changes lately but not sure what those are? Your body may be displaying low sugar symptoms. Hypoglycemia, a condition referred to commonly as low blood sugar, occurs in your body when the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood dips below the normal levels. As glucose is a vital source of energy in the human body, having this condition may affect the functioning of your muscles and brain cells owing to the lack of sufficient energy. In most people, the onset of hypoglycemia means that their blood sugar level is below 70 mg/dl. Low blood sugar is usually found in people who have diabetes, and it can happen even if you are taking care to manage the disease. It is especially common in people with type 2 diabetes, and in those who are taking insulin to treat their diabetes. In most cases, hypoglycemia is mild and you can treat it easily by consuming a small amount of food that is rich in glucose. Having low blood sugar levels in your body can lead to other health complications, both short-term and long-term. If left untreated, hypoglycemia can cause clumsiness, confusion, and fainting spells, while long-term complications of the condition include coma, seizures, and even death. This condition can occur quite suddenly, leaving you confused and worried. Here are some of the low sugar symptoms that you need to know and keep an eye out for. Extreme hunger : Have you been noticing that you have been feeling hungry even though you might have just eaten? It may be one of the low sugar symptoms that you are experiencing. You may feel ravenous hunger at all times, or suddenly feel like you are starving. This is an indication that your body needs more glucose. You can promptly treat this low sugar symptom by having four ounces of fruit, two tablespoons of raisins, or some hard candy.
7 lifestyle changes that can help improve psoriatic arthritis

7 lifestyle changes that can help improve psoriatic arthritis

Psoriasis arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects the skin causing red patches, development of flakes and inflammation. Two to three percent of the world’s population has psoriasis, with about 8 million affected people from the US alone. Patients with psoriasis tend to develop an inflammatory form of arthritis called psoriatic arthritis. It affects about 1% of the population and can result in a poor quality of life. With that being said, here are seven lifestyle changes that can help improve psoriatic arthritis. Eat healthily Following a healthy diet is a lifestyle change that has to be incorporated into everyone’s life, be it someone suffering from psoriatic arthritis or not. Its importance cannot be reinstated enough with obesity being one of the rising concerns in today’s world. Eating healthy. Psoriatic arthritis patients should take care to consume food that is low in salt, sugar, and fat. Since psoriatic arthritis causes pain in the joints, being overweight does not help this at all. Drink lots of water and consume enough fruits and vegetables. Stay active An active lifestyle, similar to healthy eating is not specific to psoriatic arthritis patients but everyone in general. Daily exercise helps to reduce stiffness in the joints, which is one of its many symptoms. The rigor of the exercise should vary depending on the level of the symptoms. Exercising in groups or finding a physiotherapist can help ensure that there is no lack of motivation. Practice meditation Stress is one of the main triggers in Psoriatic Arthritis. Triggers usually cause flares, which cause a spike in the symptoms for a particular period. Practicing yoga and meditation can help reduce any possible stress triggers. Stop smoking and reduce alcohol consumption Smoking can aggravate breathing issues and also triggers psoriatic arthritis. Increased alcohol consumption also causes other issues that, when combined with psoriatic arthritis, can result in a very poor quality of life.