Everything You Need to Know about Fever

Everything You Need to Know about Fever

A short-term increase in the body temperature is referred in medical terms as pyrexia. Commonly known as fever, it is a common occurrence in both adults and children. As the temperature of your body becomes higher than the normal temperature, it becomes indicative of an underlying illness which may be an infection in some part of the body such as the throat or stomach. Having high fever is an important sign that some changes are occurring in the body. The temperature of our body is regulated by the hypothalamus which is present at the base of the brain. The state of fever is experienced by almost every human being at some point of time irrespective of sex or age. Many medical experts are of the opinion that fever is a natural defense of the body against infection. Relevant treatment for fever is recommended by medical experts after assessing the symptoms carefully and conducting certain diagnostic tests. Causes of high fever in adults Diseases such as malaria, upper and lower respiratory tract infections or flu, cold, bacterial infections, gastrointestinal infections, urinary tract infections or skin infections etc Excessive heat exposure Abnormalities in the brain or malignant tumors Disease of the endocrine which is associated with a hormonal or glandular system of the body Inflammation caused by tissue injury Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis which is the inflammation of the lining of joints Side effects of certain medicines Common symptoms High fever comes with a lot of physical discomforts. It is only after adequate treatment for the fever that you can feel better. High fever is typically characterized by a rise in oral temperature as it soars above 100°F (37.8°C) to touch 103°F. Temperature in adults can be measured with a thermometer placed under the tongue. General symptoms that accompany high fever include:
Top Tips to Create Ideal Diet for Diabetes

Top Tips to Create Ideal Diet for Diabetes

If you have diabetes, food plays an important part in managing your symptoms. Here’s how you can put together diets for diabetes patients. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, it means that you have high levels of glucose (blood sugar), which can cause further health problems. There are different types of the disease—chronic diabetes includes type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes, while prediabetes (high blood sugar levels, but does not qualify as diabetes) and gestational diabetes (occurs when a woman is pregnant but can dissipate after delivery) are the types of potentially reversible diabetic conditions. Noticing any diabetes symptoms and reporting them to a medical professional at the earliest is vital, as early detection means you can start your treatment early, and thus achieve optimum results from the treatment. In addition to conventional diabetes treatments, there are certain natural remedies and lifestyle changes that can ease the symptoms and provide significant relief to people suffering from the disease. Diets and diabetes go hand in hand, as what you eat and don’t eat plays a major role in your diabetes treatment. The medical term for a diabetes diet is medical nutrition therapy (MNT) for diabetes, which entails eating different foods that are high in nutrition, moderate quantities of food, and sticking to mealtimes. There are many myths about diets for diabetes patients, such as—you cannot eat sugar at all, you cannot eat any carbohydrates, and that you need to eat only special diabetic meals. But the truth is that if you carefully plan diets for diabetes management, you can enjoy your favorite foods and keep your diabetes symptoms in control at the same time. There are certain approaches to creating diets for diabetes patients, and these diets are aimed at lowering the glucose level in your blood and keeping it within a normal level.
An Insight into the Mediterranean Diet Menu

An Insight into the Mediterranean Diet Menu

There are many kinds of diets you can find today. Everybody claims that they have the best one figured out. However, before you start following one, you need to do your research. Based on the results you are expecting, you can opt for the right diet for you. When it comes to the Mediterranean diet menu, everybody loves it as it has the richest and tastiest dishes. This diet plan will not take much effort from your side. You need to commit to whichever diet you choose completely. The Mediterranean diet is the perfect one if you want to shift to a healthier lifestyle. This diet is known to be one of the healthiest and most delicious diets. What is the Mediterranean Diet? This diet is followed in the Mediterranean countries. The diet includes a large number of vegetables with an emphasis on foods with protein and olive oil in most dishes. They are said to have many health benefits. Mediterranean Diet Menu The positive effects of this diet include weight loss, reduction in the instances of heart diseases, and reduction of chances of dementia. These multiple benefits are enough reason to get started on this diet. Here are all the things you can expect to see on a Mediterranean diet menu. Vegetables and Fruits You need them in your daily meals as they are also an essential part of a balanced diet. Most of the nutrients and vitamins you need would come from fruits and vegetables. They feature in abundance on a Mediterranean diet. Go for fresh vegetables and fruits. Stay away from those that have high amounts of starch in them. You can have up to 10 servings a day. This is also sure to keep you full and away from any unhealthy snacks. You can have them in raw or boiled form.
The Problem of Neck and Shoulder Pain

The Problem of Neck and Shoulder Pain

The neck is a vital part of the human body that connects the head to the rest of the body (specifically the torso). It is the region where the brain is linked to the spinal cord there by supporting efficient functioning of the central nervous system.Since the neck is flexible and can move in all directions, it is often affected by pain. Also, undue exertion can cause neck disorders. The shoulder, on the other hand, joins the arms to the torso and facilitates a great degree of movement.It consists of three bones that define the physical structure of the body.It enables motion in all directions and is therefore, more prone to injury and pain. The shoulder joint in particular is subject to strenuous activity which can lead to dislocation. Usually, neck and shoulder pain, both occur simultaneously.It is not an uncommon phenomenon for those who participate in sports. Inappropriately performed exercises at the gym may also hurt the neck and the shoulder. X-rays, MRI tests and CT scans are used to diagnose the reason behind the pain. Neck pain or cervicalgia–It can be triggered by the following causes: Spondylosis –Neck pain due to spondylosis is an ordinary ailment encountered by the elderly. Under this condition, the spinal column gets weak due to wear and tear that takes place in old age. Neck cancer –Though cancer originates in the nose, mouth or throat, it may lead to the development of a lump in the neck along with severe neck pain. Too much consumption of alcohol or tobacco can activate neck cancer. Spinal stenosis –Arthritis, aging or trauma can narrow down the spinal cavity stimulating spinal stenosis. Neck pain combined with numbness is an important symptom of this disease. Whiplash – Whiplash is an outcome of physical traumadenoted by an abrupt and forceful blow to the neck.Activities such as head banging can also cause neck pain.
Here Are a Few Things to Know about Psoriasis

Here Are a Few Things to Know about Psoriasis

Psoriasis occurs when your immune system is too weak. It is a disease of the skin that is unfortunately chronic. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease where the skin cells multiply at an uncontrollable rate. It results in scaling and flaky skin. The disease has no cure and will occur multiple times during one’s lifetime. It mostly starts as a person enters adulthood. The scaly and flaky skin usually occurs on the knees, scalp, and elbows. The scaling could be limited to a few patches or can cover the entire body. Causes of psoriasis There is no particular reason for the occurrence of psoriasis. Some common causes of psoriasis include genetic disposition and environmental factors. If psoriasis runs in your family, then there are high chances that you will also develop this disease. A compromised immune system is also one of the major causes of psoriasis. Gene theory One-third of the people who have psoriasis have a relative who has the same disease. However only 2-3% of the people who have a gene which causes psoriasis report of suffering from the disease. Over 10% of the American population carries one or more of these genes. Environmental factors While the gene for psoriasis may be present in many, only a few suffer from this disease. Environmental factors play a large role in triggering these genes, which makes the disease ‘active.’ Some of the triggers that are also causes of psoriasis include the following: Cold weather accompanied with dryness. This type of weather will dry up your skin, prompting a flare-up of psoriasis. Many patients have reported that a flare-up usually occurs due to stress they might be experiencing. Paradoxically, having psoriasis itself can be a cause of stress. Infections like strep throat and tonsillitis can result in a flare-up of a particular type of psoriasis.
Watch Out for These Strange Bleeding Disorders

Watch Out for These Strange Bleeding Disorders

Bleeding disorders can cause abnormal bleeding inside and outside the patient’s body. You probably do not know about these strange bleeding disorders. Bleeding disorders occur when the blood clotting process of the body is damaged. As a result of this breakdown, some patients may bleed profusely inside or from their joints, muscles, and other areas of the body. Platelets are a type of blood cells that stick to each other and form a plug in areas where injured blood cells are located. Proteins are the blood clotting factors that help in the formation of a fibrin clot called a gel plug which helps the blood platelets stick in place. Not only does this promote healing in the injured blood vessels, it also helps prevent the blood from escaping outside the blood vessels. Bleeding disorders are generally caused due to reasons like low red blood cells count, deficiency of vitamin K, anticoagulants (medicines that can interfere with the blood clotting process) and also as a result of certain after-effects of traumas or injuries. The following are the 2 most prevalent types of bleeding disorders in the world: Von Willebrand Disease This is a type of a bleeding disorder that is inherited. It occurs when the protein that helps in the clotting process (named the Von Willebrand factor in the blood) and which is also responsible for carrying other clotting properties is absent or not functioning properly. Von Willebrand bleeding disorders can be categorized in three types, namely type1, 2 and 3. Of these, type 1 is the mildest form of the bleeding disorder, while type 3 is the most severe condition. Women are more commonly diagnosed with this type of bleeding disorder, especially during menstruation. Intake of drugs containing aspirin and ibuprofen without a doctor’s approval is strictly not recommended for patients suffering this bleeding disorder as it may cause aggressive bleeding in the patient.
11 Useful Home Remedies for Heartburn

11 Useful Home Remedies for Heartburn

Heartburn in the stomach is caused when the acids in the stomach move up into the esophagus area. This is a primary symptom of acid reflux which can cause burning sensation in the esophagus region which is a tube connecting the throat and stomach area. The intensity of pain depends upon the acid levels in the esophagus area. This condition of acid reflux can also cause nausea, sour taste in the mouth, chest pain, dry cough, sour taste in the mouth, etc. These conditions can cause Barret’s esophagus or esophageal cancer in some cases. A chronic and severe form of acid reflux is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Some of the factors like smoking, pregnancy, obesity and certain kinds of food can affect the functioning of the esophagus. The acid reflux in the esophagus can also cause a hiatal hernia and other complications in the stomach and esophagus region. Let us look at some of the home remedies for heartburn: Apple cider vinegar is readily available, and this can be used to treat the heartburn efficiently. It helps in digestion and balances the pH level in the stomach which helps in minimizing the acidity in the stomach. All you have to do is dilute a tablespoon of raw or unfiltered ACV in the water and drink it. This has to be followed as a routine for few months, and this needs to be done 30 minutes before having a meal. A cost-effective home remedy for heartburn, baking soda is also known as sodium bicarbonate is a natural antacid which is easily available. Sodium bicarbonate provides relief from heartburn and other symptoms of acid reflux. One teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate in a glass of water provides instant relief. However, people with high blood pressure should not take baking soda as there is a risk of raising the blood pressure.
An Overview of Pneumonia and Its Symptoms

An Overview of Pneumonia and Its Symptoms

Infection of lungs is known as pneumonia. Usually, it occurs in one or both of the lungs. Incidentally, pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, virus or fungi. However, bacterial pneumonia is the most common of these and occurs in adults. Pneumonia leads to inflammation of the air sacs in the lungs. These alveoli get filled with pus and it makes breathing difficult. Risk Factor Though anyone can suffer from pneumonia, certain people have more risk and are prone to pneumonia. Infants under 2 years and elders over 65 are more prone to this infection. People who have suffered a stroke also are at risk of having pneumonia. Those suffering from chronic medical conditions as asthma, diabetes, and heart failure are also at high risk of suffering from pneumonia. Complications of Pneumonia Even though treatment for pneumonia is sought in time, sometimes the severity of infection is so intense that it leads to complications which are difficult to cure and might need regular monitoring on the part of doctor or hospitalization in some cases. Bacterial presence in the bloodstream In case bacteria are able to enter the bloodstream from the lungs they can spread this infection to other parts and can also lead to organ failures. Difficulty in breathing If the infection has spread and is severe, it can lead to difficulty in breathing. The patient will require hospitalization and will have to start the treatment for pneumonia. The patient may require the use of a ventilator unless the situation gets better. Diagnosis of Pneumonia The doctor will begin the diagnosis of pneumonia by asking certain questions to the patient. These could be on certain symptoms of the disease or the previous medical history of the person. A physical examination of the patient is also done by the doctor. A chest x-ray is the ideal way for a doctor to judge the presence of pneumonia in a person.
Things to Remember While Picking Pain Relief Medicines

Things to Remember While Picking Pain Relief Medicines

Nowadays, people depend on non-prescription pain relief medications for making their day tolerable. Whether it is a toothache, headache, arthritis, or period cramps, everyone depends on painkillers to get quick relief. It is essential that everyone knows how to choose a pain reliever that is appropriate for them as a significant number of people live with pain every day. Most consumers do not consider safety factors such as the current medicines they are taking, pre-existing medical conditions, and their age while choosing a pain reliever. People think that all the pain relievers are interchangeable and suitable for everyone. However, this is not true. How can you be sure that the pain relief medication you are taking is effective? How can you ensure that it is safe for you? Here are some things you should remember while choosing medications for pain relief: Carefully read the medicine’s label Reading the label on medications is the single most important thing that one must do while picking a painkiller. It is mandatory to list the active ingredients and their amounts present in medicines. The labels should also state the medication’s proposed use. Check the ingredients and the indications before picking an over-the-counter medication for pain relief. You should also check the inactive ingredients to ensure that you’re not allergic to any of its components. Avoid medicines that have a combination of ingredients Pick the medicine to mitigate the symptom rather than take one with a combination of ingredients. If you are not sure as to which medication to take for treating your symptoms, it is recommended to ask the pharmacist. Using a combination of ingredients can increase the risk of an accidental overdose. For example, if you only have diarrhea without gas, don’t take a medicine for gas and diarrhea. Read the warnings on the drug labels If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, or some other underlying health condition, make sure to read the warning label.
Causes and Treatment of Fibromyalgia Foot Pain

Causes and Treatment of Fibromyalgia Foot Pain

Widespread pain that is typically followed by lethargy, depression, sleep disorder, cognitive impairment accompanying with digestive and urinary symptoms are the characteristics of a chronic disease called Fibromyalgia. Poorly understood disorders in which distress signals are processed by the brain appear to be excessive, augmenting the sense of pain in muscles and soft tissues. There are no tests to detect fibromyalgia; it is diagnosed by excluding other possible causes. Treatment might include over-the-counter painkillers, antidepressants, physiotherapy, self-care, and medications principally approved to treat fibromyalgia, such as Lyrica. Fibromyalgia is more than just muscle aches and joint pain. Being a chronic disorder, pain due to fibromyalgia can hit anywhere, at any intensity, and at any time. Several studies show that people who have fibromyalgia suffer more foot pain than other people. No matter the kind of pain, all are unpleasant. However, foot pain is worst as you need them for almost all day-to-day activities. The sensations that one might feel due to fibromyalgia are as follows: The soles feel like they are on fire, and these pains come and go at random intervals. Feeling of uneasiness when wearing any kinds of shoes. Unable to touch bare feet on the floor without wearing slippers. Experts believe that one in every four people who have fibromyalgia have foot pain, but many do not opt for treatment. Causes of F ibromyalgia Foot Pain A study by Arthritis Research and Therapy showed that out of 202 patients, half of them reported foot pain. The research on fibromyalgia foot pain has not gone very far, and there are no assured causes of the pain. Other common sources of foot pain might not be directly associated with fibromyalgia but may get intensified by this condition. One such example is Morton’s neuroma, which is the benign enlargement of a nerve that causes tingling and shooting pain.
Common Types and Treatments of Eczematous Dermatitis

Common Types and Treatments of Eczematous Dermatitis

Eczema is a common type of skin problem that could cause itchiness and redness to your skin. Sometimes, the condition of eczema is referred to as atopic dermatitis which is an allergy. Those who have this issue will generally have asthma and allergies along with the red and itchy skin. Eczema is not a contagious disease. However, the exact cause of eczema is still to be procured. Types of eczematous dermatitis Atopic dermatitis This is one of the most common types of eczematous dermatitis . Although it generally starts in childhood, it will go away as one becomes an adult. Hay fever, asthma, and atopic dermatitis form a triad which means someone who has atopic dermatitis will have the other two conditions as well. Symptoms Rashes in elbows and knees Rashes turning lighter or thicker or even darker The appearance of small bumps which could start leaking once you scratch them Rashes on the scalp or the cheek of the babies Contact dermatitis If the itchiness and the redness of your skin are due to a reaction caused by a substance you touch then you might be having contact dermatitis. This type of eczematous dermatitis has two other types which are allergic contact dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis. Symptoms Skin tuning red and itches, burns, and stings starting to appear Hives appearing on your skin Blisters filled with fluids Scaly and leathery skin Dyshidrotic eczema Dyshidrotic eczema is a common type of eczematous dermatitis seen more in women than men. It will cause the formation of small blisters on your hands and feet. Symptoms Blisters filled with fluids The blister that will hurt and itch Scaly skin with crack and flake Hand eczema This type of eczematous dermatitis only affects your hands. If you are a hairdressing or a cleaning expert, then you might get hand eczema.
Basics of a Hypothyroidism Diet

Basics of a Hypothyroidism Diet

Hypothyroidism is a condition that occurs when the levels of thyroid in the body decreases. There are two thyroid hormones: thyroxine and triiodothyronine. You can face a lot of problems when the levels of either thyroid hormones are low. When this happens, a change in diet alone might not be enough. However, avoiding and eating certain foods as a part of your regular meals can improve the absorption of these hormones by the body. It is important to eat the right food as it impacts your health directly. Foods have the basic nutrients and minerals that keep the body working. It is the fuel that plays a big impact on how the body functions. The wrong foods can make the situation a lot worse. Nutrition-rich foods have health benefits that can treat thyroid. Foods to Include in a Hyperthyroidism Diet Selenium High amounts of selenium can be found in Brazilian nuts, sunflower seeds, and several other foods. It is required for the enzymes to check if the thyroid hormones are functioning properly. Tyrosine These are amino acids that the thyroid glands need to produce the T4 and T3 hormones. You can find plenty of amino acids in foods like dairy products, meats, and legumes. You can also take supplements for the same. However, it is best to consult a doctor before you do so. Antioxidant-rich Fruits and Vegetables One of the first signs of hyperthyroidism is weight gain. A healthy hyperthyroidism diet will have high-density foods that are also low in calories. Fruits and vegetables are a vital part of this diet. They also help in balancing the weight. You need to consume adequate amounts of these fresh fruits and vegetables every day. Tomatoes, blueberries, bell peppers, and several other foods are rich in antioxidants. They can improve the condition of the thyroid gland and are also good for health.