4 useful ways to manage psoriatic arthritis

4 useful ways to manage psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a health condition that affects about 30% of people affected by psoriasis, bringing the number of patients in the country to around 2 million. Just like psoriasis causes inflammation of the skin, Psoriatic arthritis results in inflammation of the joints. The best way to manage this condition is a combination of medical treatment and lifestyle changes. Here are some essential management tips necessary to manage psoriatic arthritis and reduce flare-ups: Treatment options Doctors might have to go through various treatment plans since finding one that suits the patient isn’t easy. That said, there are some options that show substantial results and are commonly prescribed. These include the following. OTEZLA® Approved by the FDA, OTEZLA® is a prescription treatment option for patients with psoriatic arthritis. It acts by inhibiting the phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) enzyme that is the cause of the increased inflammatory response of the body. Regular use of OTEZLA® has proven beneficial for patients and can be combined with phototherapy or topical treatments. RINVOQ® RINVOQ® is an oral treatment option for active psoriatic arthritis patients. Doctors usually prescribe this treatment option when patients fail to respond to one or more tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers. It is an oral treatment option used for adult PsA patients only. Foods to eat and avoid Omega 3 helps lower inflammation in the body and improves bone health. Some foods that need to be included in regular meals are salmon, walnuts, and seeds. Fruits and vegetable portions also need to be increased as they provide the body with necessary nutrients and have anti-inflammatory properties. Similarly, foods with inflammatory properties can contribute to the worsening of symptoms in patients with PsA. These include foods like dairy and dairy products, sugar, processed meat, red meat, fried foods, and processed food products. Lowering the intake of these food groups can show improvement in the patient’s condition.
Symptoms of Scoliosis and Ways to Treat It

Symptoms of Scoliosis and Ways to Treat It

Any kind of abnormal curvature of the spine is called as scoliosis. For any person, the spine has one curve at the top of the shoulder and one curve at the lower back. But if you see anyone having a curve from side to side, in the shape of C or S, then that condition is called as scoliosis. There are can be many reasons for this problem like genetic conditions and birth defects and it can also be due to the neurological abnormalities. These kinds of changes of the curvature occur during the stage of growth like puberty. Symptoms of scoliosis The symptoms of scoliosis will depend on the degree of the problem or curvature a person has. The scoliosis treatment will also depend on the degree and symptoms of this problem. Here is a list of symptoms that you can see in a person having this problem. The shoulders of the person suffering from scoliosis are going to be uneven. The shoulder blade of one shoulder appears to be higher than the other shoulder blade. The shoulder blade of one shoulder sticks out than the other shoulder blade. The spine rotates. Severe back pain. The functioning of the lungs is disturbed as the chest space is reduced due to the spine curvature. One hip appears to be higher than the other hip and they appear uneven. Usually, you should consult a doctor when you see any of these symptoms. Your doctor is going to work toward controlling the symptoms from getting worse. You need to get started with the scoliosis treatment as soon as possible in order to avoid any complications. Treatment of scoliosis In most of the cases, scoliosis treatment is not required for the children as the curves are mild. The doctor will keep checking them for every 3 to 6 months in order to make sure that the curve is not getting worse.
Effective nutrition tips to help manage epilepsy

Effective nutrition tips to help manage epilepsy

Living with epilepsy can be challenging, and it is essential to know about ways to help manage it in a better way. People suffering from this condition might look for effective ways to stay seizure-free; however, with conflicting information available on the internet, it can be difficult to know what can help ease the condition and what cannot. It has been found that a balanced diet that has the right amount of nutrients from various food groups can ensure that the brain and body function efficiently. Therefore, after consulting with a doctor, one can follow a diet plan as it can help control seizures and live with epilepsy. How does diet affect epilepsy? While no food has been found to trigger an epileptic seizure, a well-planned diet can reduce the risks of seizures by helping one maintain good health. A balanced diet can help provide one with the energy and important nutrients, better sleep, and better stamina for engaging in activities. By following a healthy diet, one can live better, be more positive, and develop a stronger focus, all of which can help control and manage the condition effectively. Top nutrition tips for living well with epilepsy When the body metabolizes fats, it produces ketones. So, following a Ketogenic diet forces the body to utilize more fats for energy production instead of glucose or sugar through a diet that increases fat intake and lowers carbohydrate intake. This diet plan can work in reducing seizures among people, both kids and adults, suffering from epilepsy. But, for this diet to work effectively, one will have to follow it without any breaks. So, the types of food and the respective amounts must be precisely measured. Preparing meals may be a time-consuming affair. However, the Keto diet may not work for kids. The MCT diet or medium-chain triglyceride diet is one where people use an oil supplement for their dietary fat intake instead of getting oil from foods.
Do You Have These Milk Intolerance Symptoms?

Do You Have These Milk Intolerance Symptoms?

Milk intolerance is a condition where the body is not able to easily digest the natural sugar that is found in milk leading to several gastrointestinal problems on the consumption of milk or any other dairy products. Watch out for these milk intolerance symptoms so you can avoid the inconvenience. Inability to digest lactose is medically termed as lactose or milk intolerance. Milk intolerance is a condition that is caused by the deficiency of the intestinal enzyme called lactase, which splits lactose into two sugars called glucose and galactose. This splitting is what helps lactose to be absorbed by the intestine. Hence it can be said that milk intolerance is a direct effect of a lactase deficiency. Lactase deficiency is caused in the body due to a certain mutation in the gene that is responsible for the production of lactase. This condition is also referred to as a congenital cause of milk intolerance. Secondary causes of milk intolerance include damaged lining of the small intestine and developmental lactose intolerance, which is a gradual genetically programmed decrease in the amount of lactase produced from the patient’s childhood itself. This decrease continues through adulthood, and is categorized as adult-type hypolactasia. The severity of milk intolerance varies depending on the amount of lactose that has been consumed by the patient. It has been clinically proven that it takes from 30 minutes to an hour for the milk intolerance symptoms to surface after the consumption of any dairy products. The following are certain prominent milk intolerance symptoms that need to be paid attention to in order to seek treatment in good time: Diarrhea Milk intolerance symptoms such as diarrhea appear in the early stages of the reaction. Since the body is unable to break down the sugars and digest lactose, it causes problems with the digestive system that leads to diarrhea on consumption of any dairy products like milk, cheese, etc.
14 Supplements that Provide Relief from Joint Pain

14 Supplements that Provide Relief from Joint Pain

Joint pain can throw your life out of gear. People affected by joint pain find it difficult to carry out their daily chores. Their mobility is restricted, and each movement seems painful. Arthritis refers to a group of conditions that affect the joints due to inflammation. Its most common symptom is joint pain. Several varieties of arthritis exist such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, and bursitis. The causes of these conditions vary with the type. Wear and tear of joints, immune system disorders, and other medical conditions are common causes of pain in the joints due to arthritis. Treatment for joint pain varies depending upon the symptoms and their severity. One can opt for medication or home remedies to treat joint pain. Some people also take supplements and vitamins to ease joint pain. If one wants to get the best supplements for joint pain, they need to consider a variety of factors. Before taking supplements, consultation with a physician is essential. These supplements are capable of providing a moderate improvement in the symptoms of arthritis and inhibit its progression. Some supplements also have an anti-inflammatory effect on the joints, which will reduce any pain. How to choose the best supplements for joint pain? When it comes to joint pain supplements, one size doesn’t fit everyone. The best supplements for joint pain work for you only if they are chosen based on your health needs. Here are some tips to help you choose the best joint pain supplements as per your requirements: Scientific evidence: Look for clinical evidence that supports the supplement’s effectiveness in reducing joint pain. Do not go by the product’s reviews on the company’s website. Expected results: Each supplement produces different effects on different people. You need to be clear about what you expect from the supplement, and then consider factors like side effects, long-term usage effects, and value for money before making a choice.
Diarrhea – Causes, Treatment, and Preventive Measures

Diarrhea – Causes, Treatment, and Preventive Measures

Occasional bowel movements that are watery and loose are not uncommon in most people. However, if this condition lasts for extended periods of more than a few weeks, it needs to be taken seriously and has to be treated accordingly. If left untreated, it can be life-threatening. Statistics show that at least two billion cases of diarrhea occur annually worldwide and it has been the cause of death of nearly 1.5 million children below the age of five. What is diarrhea? Frequently passing loose, watery or soft stools, with or without accompanying stomach cramps, flatulence, bloating, and stomach pressure, which is excreted suddenly is termed as diarrhea. This condition may also be complicated when there is blood in the stools, severe pain, fever, nausea, and uncontrollable urge to pass stools. It can happen to people of any age, but children and senior citizens are at a higher risk. Complications The most serious complication of diarrhea is dehydration—loss of water and electrolytes in the body—which happens because the water passes out from the body without getting absorbed by the intestines. Drinking copious amounts of water does not always compensate for the corresponding loss. Types of diarrhea The condition is classified into the following types: Chronic: This typically lasts for more than two weeks Enteritis: It involves the inflammation of the intestine Gastroenteritis: It involves stomach flu, with nausea and vomiting Dysentery: It involves loose stools with pus, mucus, and blood Common causes of diarrhea The most common chronic causes of diarrhea and acute diarrhea include microbial attacks by viruses, bacteria, or certain microorganisms that enter the intestinal tract. Viruses: They cause various mild to moderate symptoms. These may last for 3–7 days and comprise watery, frequent stools, stomach cramps, and a mild fever. Common viruses include rotavirus (common in children), Norwalk virus, cytomegalovirus, adenovirus, and hepatitis virus.
Causes and Treatment Options for Severe Asthma

Causes and Treatment Options for Severe Asthma

An inflammatory lung condition which affects the passage of your lungs is called asthma. This condition is usually a chronic inflammation in the passage of the lungs. The airways of the lungs become narrow and start to swell, which in turn produce some extra mucus. This excess mucus makes it difficult for you to breath in a normal way and that will trigger wheezing, coughing and causes shortness of breath. For some people, an asthma attack is not a big problem as this does not disrupt their normal life. But for some people, asthma attacks are very common and that causes a problem in their daily activities as well. When you keep neglecting the problem of asthma, it can even become life-threatening as well. Proper treatments for severe asthma are very important and have to be done as quickly as possible. This is a condition which cannot be cured completely, but you need to make sure that you take proper treatment in order to control its symptoms and triggers. Causes of severe asthma The main and exact cause of asthma is not known, but there are many causes that trigger asthma. Based on the causes of asthma, the treatments for severe asthma are decided by the doctor. Some of the causes include: Excessive smoking Environmental factors like polluted air Inhaling some chemical or sprays to which you are allergic Breathing allergens like mold, animal dander, and dust Flu, cold, bronchitis or sinusitis and other upper respiratory infections Emotional stress Exposure to dry and cold weather Too much exercise Symptoms of severe asthma: The symptoms of severe asthma are more like mild to moderate asthma, but they are more intense and sometimes they are life-threatening as well. Some of the symptoms of severe asthma include: Shortness of breath, which worsens with time Tight and painful chest A severe cough Even after breathing treatment, the wheezing continues Difficult in speaking at a stretch Lips, fingernails, and face turn into blue color or pale yellow Even after using an inhaler, little change is observed in a severe asthma attack Difficulty in doing everyday activates Treatment options for an asthma attack Generally, it is termed as severe asthma just because it does not respond to any kind of treatments for severe asthma or medicine that is prescribed by the doctor.
Here’s How to Get Relief from a Runny Nose

Here’s How to Get Relief from a Runny Nose

A runny nose is a common health condition experienced by almost every human. It may vary from a transparent fluid to glue-like mucus depending on the severity of the condition. This guide will help you know an important runny nose remedy and other treatments that can help a person deal with this condition. Causes of a runny nose A runny nose is caused due to excessive drainage that is produced by tissues and blood vessels in the nose and areas surrounding to it. It may be visible as it drains out of the nose and can often cause the nose to appear reddish or swollen. The technical terms for a runny nose are rhinorrhea and rhinitis. Rhinorrhea is clear and thin drainage from the nose, while rhinitis is caused due to swelling of the nasal tissues due to different reasons, resulting in a runny nose. The most widespread cause for a runny nose is the occurrence of the common cold or an infection in the sinuses. Other reasons for a runny nose include hay fever, dust, or pollen allergies and in rare cases—nasal polyps. A person should seek medical attention if the nose feels inflamed and painful. Preventive measures such as dusting or vacuuming regularly, avoiding polluted or smoke-filled areas, regular washing of all bedding and linen in the home, and using special air filters in the home can help prevent a runny use. Effective remedies for a runny nose A runny nose may be a minor condition, but it can impair the daily routine of a person. Drinking plenty of liquids is known as an effective runny nose remedy that works in most cases. Consuming lots of warm water, hot tea, or chicken soup are home remedies that do wonders. Herbal tea with an infusion of chamomile, mint, or ginger helps to soothe the throat and nose.
If You See These Signs and Haemophilia Symptoms, Meet a Doctor Today

If You See These Signs and Haemophilia Symptoms, Meet a Doctor Today

Haemophilia is not a condition that you can take lightly. If you have these haemophilia symptoms, it is time to see medical attention now. Haemophilia is a medical condition in which the body’s natural ability to clot blood is severely compromised. This causes the patient to bleed profusely even when the injury is a slight or minor one. Generally caused due to the lack of a specific blood clotting factor, haemophilia is mostly a hereditary condition. Our bodies have a total of 13 clotting factors. Haemophilia A is caused by the lack of blood clotting factor number 8, while haemophilia B is caused by a lack of factor 9. More than 80 percent of the cases of haemophilia are categorized as being the A type. If you have this inherited blood disorder, you will see a number of haemophilia symptoms. Depending on the severity of the lack of clotting factors, haemophilia symptoms may be severe, moderate, or mild. In any case, if you see any of these signs or haemophilia symptoms, visit a doctor immediately, so your treatment can begin in earnest. Haemophilia Symptoms and Signs People with mild haemophilia usually only bleed post-surgery or after a major injury. They may not even have a bleeding problem. However, those with moderate haemophilia symptoms tend to have a bleeding problem at least once a month, while those with severe haemophilia symptoms may even bleed one to two times every week, with no cause or trauma at all (spontaneous bleeding). People with severe haemophilia also tend to bleed into their joints or muscles frequently. The general signs and haemophilia symptoms include the constant presence of deep or large bruises all over the body, and unexplained and heavy bleeding from seemingly minor cuts or injuries. This bleeding may be spontaneous, or happen after dental work or surgery.
Are These Allergy Signs or Something Worse?

Are These Allergy Signs or Something Worse?

It is easy to mistake allergy signs for something else entirely – learn how to differentiate allergy signs from other conditions. Knowing the difference between allergy signs and something else may be a tricky prospect. Distinguishing one from the other is not always an easy task. However, it is important to figure out whether you are looking at allergy signs or something that is perhaps worse. This is the only way you can get the right treatment and pain alleviation in a timely manner. For someone who is prone to allergies, it is easy to see allergy signs in pretty much every ailment. A nagging cold is characterized as allergic signs triggered by pollen or mold. You probably end up reaching for the ingredients leaflet on every skin product to ensure that it does not contain anything that will cause your skin to break out into hives. These precautions are extremely important, when you consider that more than 50 percent of Americans test positive for at least one environmental or food-related allergen, according to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology. Here’s how you can recognize an allergy at the first go: Inventory Your Symptoms In order to know whether your symptoms are nasal allergy signs or a viral condition, you will need to inventory your symptoms. Distinguishing the problem is important because nasal allergy or allergic rhinitis affects more than 10-30 percent of adults, but the right treatment can help reduce these symptoms and allergy signs in more than 85 percent of these individuals. If you have a fever, joint or muscle pain, and greenish/yellow-colored mucus, you are most likely suffering from a regular cold. On the other hand, if your symptom checklist reads itchy or watery red eyes, sneezing, scratchiness in the nose, throat or ears, as well as clear nasal discharge, take your allergy medication instead.
6 Tips to Avoid Migraine Headaches

6 Tips to Avoid Migraine Headaches

Migraine is one of the most unpleasant neurological conditions and can even disrupt everyday activities. Anyone who has ever experienced it knows how difficult it can be to cope with the constant throbbing pain and nausea. If you are susceptible to these headaches, here are some tips to help deal with the pain and discomfort. We’ve curated a list of effective remedies that you can use to avoid the headaches: Don’t skip meals Eating habits can have a major impact on a person who suffers from migraine headaches. Skipping meals is an unhealthy habit that can increase the risk of a headache as fasting or skipping a meal can result in low blood sugar levels. You should ensure that you follow healthy eating habits and consume food at frequent intervals to prevent the attacks. Sleep well According to reports, people prone to migraine headaches often experience sleep problems that worsen the condition. To avoid headaches, it is imperative to get proper sleep regularly. By getting seven to eight hours of sleep every day, you may keep migraine headaches at bay. Meanwhile, improper sleep habits can spark intense headaches if you are prone to migraines. Try to stick to a sleep schedule to improve your sleeping habits as it can help with the treatment and prevention of the headaches. Manage stress It is a tried-and-tested tip that can help with the treatment as stress is one of the primary culprits of headache disorders like a migraine. High-stress levels cause certain hormones to act abnormally, which can trigger a migraine headache, and managing stress is crucial to ward off the risk. There is an array of ways to alleviate stress and promote relaxation. Practice meditation and spend time doing things that you enjoy regularly to keep stress levels in check. Exercise regularly Regular exercise is another effective way to fend off migraine headaches.
4 Natural Remedies to Prevent Constipation

4 Natural Remedies to Prevent Constipation

Constipation, a common problem, causes infrequent bowel movements. It affects one-fifth of the people living in the country. Every year, eight million people visit doctors to treat constipation. An improper diet, lifestyle problems, and other medical conditions can also induce this condition. However, there are some home remedies that can help ease bowel movement and treat constipation. Preventing constipation Difficulty in passing stools can lead to many problems; it can lead to anal fissures, hemorrhoids, and even rectal prolapse due to exertion and pressure on the rectum. To avoid these problems, several measures can be taken. Certain home remedies can prevent constipation and ensure that the stools pass easily. Anyone who is at the risk of developing constipation can follow these natural remedies to prevent this condition. Drink water This is not an unheard method. One of the best ways to improve your digestion and soften stools is by keeping yourself hydrated. Drinking plenty of liquids, especially water, is the best way to do this. On average, you need to drink at least a liter or two of water every day. Those prone to problems with passing stool or having digestive problems should drink approximately two to three liters of water through the day. Eight glasses of water a day is the minimum requirement for everyone. It is important to drink water and not carbonated drinks or alcohol, as these beverages can cause other health problems. Consuming fiber One of the main reasons for constipation is inconsistent bowel movements. The fiber in food can help in easy bowel movements. There are two types of fibers: insoluble and soluble. Insoluble fibers are found in whole grains and vegetables. They help in easy stool movement by adding bulk to the stools. This helps it move quickly through the digestive tract. Soluble fibers, on the other hand, absorb water.