The disease meningitis is an ailment where the membrane around the brain and the spinal cord swell due to parasites, fungi or some kind of injury. Meningitis due to viral infections happens to be the most common of all. Bacterial meningitis is an ailment that happens to be more common in young children. Some of the common symptoms of meningitis are fever and headache along with skin rashes. There are different types of meningitis out of which some can be life-threatening as well. The answer to the question “is Meningitis Contagious?” is just that as different agents cause different types of meningitis, all of them are not contagious. Different types of meningitis- We now will look at the different types of meningitis cases and will also evaluate on their ratio of being contagious, and then answer the question- is meningitis contagious? Fungal Meningitis As the name suggests, this is a form of meningitis that occurs due to the presence of a fungus called Cryptococcus. This is one of the most uncommon types of meningitis that can strike people with very weak immune systems. This type is not contagious. Parasitic Meningitis This is a type of meningitis that can be highly dangerous and even fatal. It is caused due to microscopic amoeba–the Naegleria Fowleri. This is a parasite that enters the body through the nose. It is found in contaminated lakes and rivers. This type of meningitis is not contagious in its nature. Non-Infectious Meningitis This is a form of meningitis that could happen due to injuries and brain surgeries. This type of meningitis can yet again happen due to certain types of medication or due to cancer and lupus. As the name suggests, this is a type of meningitis that is not contagious. Viral Meningitis It is the most common form of meningitis that is caused by enteroviruses and is contagious in nature.

Stomach gas and bloating are disorders that could seem as simple as typical discomfort. However, it could even be a symptom of a more serious, underlying condition. Gas accumulates in the body as a natural byproduct of the digestive process. However, when this gas is not passed out through flatulence or burping, it builds up in the gut and causes bloating. Read on to find some tips to get relief from stomach gas and bloating. Remedies to get relief from stomach pain due to gas Quick relief Avoid resisting the sensation of passing gas: Many people try to avoid passing gas so that they are not embarrassed in public. However, doing this will lead to the accumulation of gas and more bloating. It is advisable to try and find a somewhat private place and pass gas to stop any stomach pain. If you find it difficult to release gas, try taking a short yet brisk walk or lying down and relaxing your muscles. Consume chamomile or mint tea: Both mint and chamomile can soothe the stomach and aid with digestion. One can consume these teas available in the form of tea-bags after steeping it in hot water. Take activated charcoal supplements: These can relieve cramps due to gas and bloating. It is relatively more effective as compared to other remedies for stomach pain due to gas. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor before taking these, especially if you are on any other medications. Apply a hot water compress: For immediate relief, lie down and place a hot water bottle or compress across your stomach. It will help relieve abdominal pressure due to gas and bloating. This remedy truly helps people get relief from pain due to excessive stomach gas and bloating. Lifestyle changes Avoid foods that tend to cause bloating:

Multiple sclerosis is an extremely dangerous disease that can lead to the potential disabling of the central nervous system and the brain. When it comes to multiple sclerosis, the immune system goes haywire. It attacks the myelin, the protective sheath that covers nerve fibers. This leads to functional problems between the brain and the rest of the body. The disease may progress rapidly and lead to the nerves to deteriorate or become permanently damaged as a whole. Multiple sclerosis symptoms vary greatly. While some people suffering from the disease may lose the ability to walk without any assistance, others may experience long periods of remission without the onset of any new symptoms. The worst part of this disease is the fact that there is no cure for it. While treatment can help you to achieve high-speed recovery from the attacks associated with the disease, there is no way to completely cure it. Medication can also help to manage its symptoms and modify the course of the disease. Here are a few of the symptoms and the complications associated with multiple sclerosis. Symptoms of multiple sclerosis Multiple sclerosis symptoms may vary greatly from person to person. Some people may experience it at a greater intensity, while others may not. It also depends on the location of the affected nerve fibers and over the course of the disease. Some of the most common multiple sclerosis symptoms you need to look out for include: You may feel sudden bouts of dizziness over periods of time. You may feel tired and fatigued at all times despite not doing much in due course of the day. You may experience problems controlling your bladder and bowel movement. There may be other problems with its functioning as well. You may not be able to speak as fluently as you once used to and experience slurred speech.

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.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS is a common condition associated with the large intestine of our body. It affects around 25-45 million Americans. People in their late teens to the early 40s are likely to get affected by this condition. A person with IBS often experiences a mix of belly discomfort or pain along with trouble in bowel habits. Some other symptoms are cramping, bloating, mucus formation in the stool, and gas. Although it isn’t a life-threatening disease, it requires long-term management, a healthy lifestyle, and proper treatment to get rid of IBS. Mostly, healthcare professionals categorize IBS into three categories which are as follows: IBS-D where diarrhea is the predominant symptom IBS-C where constipation is the predominant symptom IBS-M where predominant symptoms can be a mix of diarrhea and constipation Factors that lead to IBS-D Though the precise causes of IBS-D are still unknown, let’s have a look at some of the factors that play a vital role in the development of this condition: Intestinal muscle contractions The intestinal walls have muscle linings that allow food to pass through the digestive tract through its contraction and relaxation movements. If the intestinal contractions are stronger than the average levels, it can lead to the formation of gas, bloating, and even diarrhea. At the same time, if the muscle contractions are weaker than usual, food passes slowly through the digestive tract, which can lead to the formation of hard and dry stool. Nervous system Abnormalities in the nerves in your digestive system can cause your body to overreact to changes. Thus, it could result in discomfort, pain, or even diarrhea and constipation. Intestinal inflammation Some people with IBS-D develops an increased number of immune-system cells in the intestinal walls which leads to inflammation of these walls. This condition plays a role in the formation of more serious digestive abnormalities including diarrhea and constipation.

Shingle is an infection which is caused by the same virus that gives you chickenpox and it appears as a painful rash which generally persists for 4 weeks at most. The condition causes an itching sensation, burning, all-around discomfort, and immense pain in its duration. While the symptoms of the disease are quite hard to handle, they can be managed and put to rest with effective treatment and by practicing home remedies. The best course of action is generally getting a cream to tackle shingles. Following the shingles virus, you may suffer from an extremely painful condition called post-herpetic neuralgia. The condition is characterized by pain occurring in the areas of the body where the rash was once present. It may or may not occur before the onset of the rash that characterizes shingles. The pain generally follows a nerve’s path on one side of the body. Here are a few ways you can manage nerve pain from shingles and lead a pain-free life. Pain from shingles To treat nerve pain that has preceded the appearance of the shingles rash, or which is ongoing during its appearance and treatment, it is necessary to manage shingles by following the below-mentioned methods first. Avoid scratching your blisters: When you are suffering from painful and itchy blisters, abstaining from scratching them is a task in itself. To effectively manage nerve pain from shingles, you need to try to keep from scratching your blisters. They will eventually crust over and fall off on their own terms. Scratching them only makes things worse as they will open up and become much more susceptible to infection. You may also end up spreading bacteria if you keep scratching your blisters. If you have accidentally scratched them, wash your hands immediately to avoid the spread of harmful infection-leading bacteria.

Tears are a mixture of fatty oils, water, and mucus. It helps in keeping the surface of the eyes smooth and clear, which further helps in protecting the eyes from infection. With age, the tendency to produce tears reduces in both, men and women. This could be due to hormonal changes. Dry eyes are common in women who have gone through menopause. One of the most common causes that decrease tear production is increased tear evaporation and an imbalance in the make of tears. One of the common causes of dry eyes is that it is unable to produce enough tears. Medically, this condition is called as keratoconjunctivitis sicca. It could be due to aging, medical conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, thyroid disorders, or simply due to vitamin A deficiency. Some of the common causes of dry eyes are as follows: There are certain medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressant drugs, and hormone replacement therapy that can contribute to being some of the common causes of dry eyes. Parkinson’s disease can also cause dry eyes. Tear gland damage and laser eye surgery can also bring about dry eyes. But because it is a surgical procedure, the symptom can be temporary. Increased tear evaporation is also one of the common causes of dry eyes. The common causes of tear evaporation include the wind, smoke, or dry air. It also occurs due to reading, driving, or working at a computer for long hours. People who have ectropion which is another name of out-turned eyelids can also cause dry eyes. As discussed above, the three basic components of tears, oil, water, and mucus, produce a film with the help of small glands called Meibomian glands that are present at the corner of the eye. When these glands are clogged or blocked, the production of tears decreases.

Hemorrhoids refer to swollen veins which develop in the lower part of rectum and anus. These veins or walls of blood vessels stretch thinly, resulting in bulging of the veins, which causes irritation in them. This condition is referred to as piles. Difference between internal and external hemorrhoids Internal hemorrhoids occur deep inside the rectum and are not visible. In this condition, the pain is minimal since the presence of pain-sensing nerves is also negligible in this region. This kind of hemorrhoids can only be identified through bleeding, as and when it occurs. In contrast, external hemorrhoids are found in the skin which surrounds the anus area. This region has more pain-sensing nerves, and therefore, it tends to bleed more often. Causes of external hemorrhoids One of the most common causes of external hemorrhoids has been found to be straining while undergoing bowel movement. This condition develops when the vein of rectum gets dilated or enlarged. This condition develops when the person is experiencing severe diarrhea or constipation. Pregnant women also face the risk of hemorrhoids as they experience pressure from the uterus on their veins. How to recognize symptoms External hemorrhoids have a range of symptoms. These symptoms tend to vary according to the severity of hemorrhoids. The most common of the symptoms of external hemorrhoids include itching that occurs around rectal region or anus. Pain around the anus and lumps found near the anus are also common symptoms of this disease condition. External hemorrhoids’ treatment External hemorrhoids’ treatment also depends on its severity. In fact, doctors often ask the patients about the preferences for medications or treatments which they might prefer to get rid of external hemorrhoids. Medication for external hemorrhoids’ treatment For patients who face only mild discomfort, the doctor might recommend over the counter medications. Ointments which contain lidocaine also help the patient in getting some relief.

Typically, cold and flu are not serious health issues. However, they can often prove to be frustrating as they bring down the body’s energy levels with a range of bothersome symptoms. This can negatively influence your health and even make routine tasks cumbersome. Such conditions can be treated with home remedies, but they might take a considerable amount of time to work. Therefore, to gain quick relief you can use cold and flu medicines. To understand your treatment options better, read further to get a gist of its signs. Identifying cold and flu symptoms You can develop cold and flu separately, or together. However, both of these conditions have different indicators. For instance, cold is characterized by signs such as a sore throat, sneezing, runny nose, chest congestion, cough, mild fever, etc. Moreover, flu symptoms can be comparatively more severe like fever, muscle pain, headaches, sore throat, etc. In few cases, patients can also suffer from additional issues like nausea and upset stomach. Although, the occurrence of these signs will differ from person to person. If any of the symptoms persist for more than three to four days, then you should immediately seek medical help. Types of medications for cold and flu Depending on the signs, you can seek the assistance of OTC (over-the-counter) medications or prescribed medications. There is a range of cold and flu medicines that can help alleviate various symptoms. The following are some of the common kinds of cold and medicines that you can consider using. Decongestants – If you are tackling a stuffy nose, then a decongestant might help. This drug shrinks the inflamed tissues and blood vessels in the nose that assist in getting rid of any nasal blockage. You can find this cold and flu medicine in the form of pills, syrups, nasal sprays, and nose drops.

A hiatal hernia is a condition when a small part of the stomach slides up through a weak spot in the diaphragm. The stomach acid is pushed into the esophagus causing heartburn and other associated issues. A gastroesophageal reflux disease is one of the most common symptoms of a hiatal hernia. Other symptoms include difficulty in swallowing, chest pain, and congestion. Most people don’t show any sign of a hiatal hernia and others who do, experience heartburn. Surgery is not required to treat this condition. Instead, doctors recommend patients to lead a healthy lifestyle by maintaining weight and eating small meals at a time. There are a few foods that must be included in the hiatal hernia diet and a few that should be avoided. The symptoms are sure to subside if you eat healthy food on a daily basis. Foods to include in your hiatal hernia diet Here is a list of foods that you must include in your diet. These foods are sure to help you find relief from the heartburn. Lean meats Lean meats must be preferred over fatty acids if you have a hiatal hernia. Meats that have high-fat content can aggravate the conditions. These include red meats and cold cuts. Go for lean protein sources like codfish and chicken breasts. Bake your meat instead of frying it and use less spice in your foods. Fruits and vegetables Fruits and vegetables are an essential part of a balanced diet. You get all the necessary vitamins and minerals from them. Fruits that have antioxidants that can help reduce and prevent heartburns. Go for healthy options like raspberries, cherries, and apricots. Acidic and citrus fruits like oranges, tomatoes, and grapes must be avoided. Consume more vegetables to increase your immunity and increase your metabolism. Green leafy vegetables like spinach and broccoli have plenty of vitamin B and calcium.

An ultrasound machine is a tool commonly known to monitor fetus movements. But it is also used to detect, diagnose, and treat minor and major diseases like gallstones, heart conditions, and cancer. First invented in the early 1900s, the ultrasound machine produces images of the inside of soft tissues by using high-frequency sound waves. Today, it has evolved from a large, bulky machine to a small, portable device. Let’s look at the benefits of portable ultrasound machines. Timely and accurate diagnosis Earlier, patients needed to be moved to the location of the ultrasound machine to get a diagnosis. This would lead to a delay in the initiation of treatments creating stress and anxiety in patients. With the invention of the portable ultrasound machine, there was no need to transport patients anymore. Timely and accurate diagnosis could be provided at one’s doorstep, resulting in speedy diagnosis in patients. It is convenient and reduces wait time for reports, which is extremely beneficial for faster recovery. This machine is also helpful in the Emergency Department, as it is portable, quicker, and uses better technology. Increased patient involvement In today’s time, patients want to get more involved in their diagnosis and treatment options and are willing to expose themselves to the machine’s sound waves. A portable ultrasound machine helps patients understand what they are undergoing and how the treatment plan will help them recover. It makes them more aware of what they are and will experience in the long run. Increased patient involvement reduces treatment time, improves the chances of recovery and patient satisfaction. Reduces cost The cost of ultrasound was quite expensive, as they were not available at every clinic or hospital. Higher demand and reliability are reflected in the patient’s medical bills. Also, trained medical staff need to handle an ultrasound with care, as the cost of replacing or fixing damaged parts is very high.

Pain management doctors are physicians who specialize in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating each type of pain. These doctors, because of their advanced training, treat almost every type of pain, from acute pain in the legs to pain related to cancer. They are also well versed with treating chronic pain lasting for three months or more. Chronic pain is not easy to diagnose and the patients suffering from chronic pain need one or more than one therapies for the treatment of chronic pain. Sometimes, it takes months, or even years, for the treatment to show results, and the patients need to take care throughout their lives. There are various types of pain that a pain management doctor treats, such as those listed here: Nerve pain Hip pain Neck pain Sciatica Arthritis Knee pain Lower back pain Fibromyalgia Head pain and migraines Complex regional pain syndrome What is the role of pain management doctors? For treating the pain of a patient, every doctor has to go through various steps in the treatment procedure. These are as follows: Diagnose the cause of the pain : This is the first step in the treatment process that diagnoses the exact cause of the pain and the conditions that lead to it. It is not easy to diagnose the reason behind the pain. Pain in the lower back may arise due to many conditions. For example, the musculoskeletal nature of pain can be attributed to long hours of sitting on the working desk or exercising in excess. In this pain, your forward-leaning head puts pressure on the neck, and this causes pain in the bottom of the back. Lower back pain may occur due to spinal stenosis and may relate to sciatica. In addition to that, it may also occur due to arthritis and degenerative disc disease.