Symptoms and Treatment Methods for Pneumonia

Symptoms and Treatment Methods for Pneumonia

Pneumonia is the infection caused in one or both the lungs. It can be caused due to viruses, fungus, or bacteria. The disease causes your lungs to be filled with fluid or pus, thus making it difficult to breathe. The symptoms that you might experience for pneumonia are coughing with mucus, sweating and chills, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Pneumonia can be caused due to germs or location and the treatment of each disease depends on a variety of factors. Most of the pneumonia is known to be contagious. However, you can get cured with the right treatment for pneumonia. Symptoms of pneumonia The symptoms of pneumonia essentially vary from being mild to severe. It also depends on your age as well as health. The most common symptoms of pneumonia include mild or high fever, shaking chills, cough, and falling short of breath while doing hectic activities. Some other additional symptoms of pneumonia can also include a stabbing chest pain that gets worse when you are breathing heavily. You might experience a headache, a very clammy skin, and excessive sweating in some cases. Your doctor will recommend the correct treatment for pneumonia based on your symptoms and diagnosis. When the condition gets worse you might feel a loss in your appetite and in energy accompanied by fatigue. Older people might also experience confusion. As pneumonia can be bacterial and viral, the associated symptoms also vary accordingly. In case you have bacterial pneumonia, your temperature might go as high as 105 degrees Fahrenheit. This type of pneumonia is known to cause sweating and a rapid increase in the pulse rate and breathing. Due to the lack of oxygen, the lips and nail beds can turn blue. The patient might also feel a loss of focus. When it comes to viral pneumonia, the symptoms are similar to influenza.
Healthy Diet Plans for Men and Women

Healthy Diet Plans for Men and Women

Maintaining a healthy diet is more of a need than a norm in today’s age. The introduction of processed food and junk food to our diets has led to the onset of a plethora of diseases. While we can try to limit the amount of junk we eat, we hardly do so. Over 100 million citizens suffer from pre-diabetic conditions or diabetes. This number itself tells a tale. The sad thing is that this number is only expected to increase with time. Maintaining a healthy diet is a necessity to ensure the proper functioning of the body. It also helps to keep our skin healthy and glowing. While no one is telling you to quit eating junk food and processed food, there is a limit to everything. Following heathy diet plans is the norm of the day and it can do you a world of good to say the least. Here are a few of the best diet plans you must follow today, irrespective of you being a man or a woman. Healthy diet plans DASH Diet The DASH diet plan is one of the healthiest diet plans out there. Not only does it recommend eating certain food items, but it also recommends avoiding a whole host of unhealthy food items. This diet was initially designed to help people suffering from high blood pressure. It has caught on and is quite prevalent today. The diet includes eating a mix of fruits, low-dairy fat, whole grains, vegetables, and lean protein. You should also avoid eating food items having saturated fat, sugary beverages, sweets, harmful oils, and full-fat dairy. Try to reduce your sugar and salt intake as well to ensure that the diet is well-rounded and effective. The DASH diet truly is one of the healthy diet plans. Mediterranean Diet The Mediterranean diet is another diet that has become quite popular with time and it is used across the globe.
10 Natural Ways to Treat an Enlarged Prostate

10 Natural Ways to Treat an Enlarged Prostate

The prostate is a walnut-shaped gland, which is a part of the male reproductive system, which wraps around the urethra. The main function of this gland is to add fluid that carries the sperm to the semen. The prostate has two phases of growth. It is during the first phase, during the teenage years, when its size doubles. It keeps on growing for the rest of a man’s life after 25 years of age. An enlarged prostate, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or the BPH, is a common problem among men. The enlarged prostrate clamps down the urethra which affects the urine flow from the bladder. If one suffers from nighttime urination (nocturia), frequent urination, urinary hesitation, weaker urine stream, urinary tract infections, or having trouble in emptying the bladder completely, they may be diagnosed with BPH. There are different types of treatments available for treating an enlarged prostate. Some popular herbal treatments for treating enlarged prostate are as follows: Saw palmetto One of the most popular herbal treatments for enlarged prostate is the use of saw palmetto. There are several studies that indicate that saw palmetto helps reduce the size of the inner lining of the prostate by inhibiting the production of testosterone. African Plum Extract or Pygeum The African plum extract has an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect on the urogenital tract because of the high amount of alcohols, fatty acids, and sterols such as the beta-sitosterol. Studies show that having around 100–200 mg of pygeum extract daily or splitting it into half and consuming it twice a day helps in reducing BPH symptoms. Zishen Yutai Pill or the ZYP The ZYP is an ancient Chinese mixture of three plants dating back to the 13th century. This is one of the herbal treatments for prostate enlargement that is still being studied for its effectiveness.
Know Your Knees Better with This Knee Replacement Guide

Know Your Knees Better with This Knee Replacement Guide

All of our body parts are necessary to perform several activities, and knees are something without which we cannot move even an inch. Knees are an indispensable part of the body as the knee joints enable us to walk, jump and do everything that we can’t do by being static. Hence, it is of paramount importance that we take extreme care of our knees. However, if you get into a situation that leaves you with a damaged knee joint, you should seek the medical assistance of an orthopedic doctor. If you are not sure whether or not your problem is a serious one, you can go through the knee replacement surgery videos on the Internet to know better about your condition. In a knee replacement surgery, the damaged part of the knee is replaced by an artificial part. Most of the times, doctors try to avoid the surgery by administering medicines to the patient, but if none works, then surgery is the ultimate option. Knee joints can get damaged due to several reasons such as meeting with an accident while doing house chores or getting injured during road accidents or while playing sports. People suffer from knee problems on account of age as well. Aging leads to wearing of cartilages in the knees which makes it difficult to walk. It can be really troublesome when you are not able to walk. For those people who want to know more about such problems, several knee replacement surgery videos on the Internet can help them understand the situation well. If you are also one of those facing knee pains and are concerned about the same, consider adopting the following changes: Weight loss: Most of the people tend to suffer from knee problems because they do not exercise much which makes their body parts habitual to lying static.
Everything You Need to Know about a Ministroke

Everything You Need to Know about a Ministroke

A stroke is a condition that occurs when a part of your brain gets limited or no blood supply. At such a time, your brain is deprived of oxygen and other vital nutrients it needs to function normally. In just a few minutes, the brain cells start to die. What is a ministroke? It is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. The sooner a patient gets help, the lesser will be the damage caused by the stroke. However, one can prevent and treat strokes these days. Symptoms of a ministroke One needs to watch out for a few signs. If you manage to identify it in the early stages, you can prevent the damage from getting worse. By being aware of these symptoms, one can tell if anyone around them might be having a stroke. The time frame inside which one needs to identify the condition is crucial for proper treatment. Difficulty in speaking You may experience sudden confusion. It may result in slurring words and trouble with speech. This is one of the most common symptoms that victims of a ministroke exhibit. Numbness and paralysis A patient may experience sudden weakness or numbness in their leg, arm, and face. It generally occurs on only on one side of the body. One needs to try and see if they can raise their arms above the head at that time. If they find one arm falling, they might be having a stroke. One side of the mouth might also droop when they try to smile. Difficulty in seeing There are high chances that a patient may experience blurred vision suddenly. A patient may also have blackened vision. Some patients also see double when they have a ministroke. A headache A severe headache may occur. Other symptoms of a ministroke that come with this are dizziness, vomiting, and loss of consciousness.
Scabies – Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Scabies – Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Scabies is a highly contagious skin condition that spreads easily among people who live in crowded areas or close-knit communities. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the development of serious complications. What is scabies? Scabies is a skin condition with symptoms like severe itching and a rash that can spread all over the body. It is caused by a small mite that burrows just underneath the skin, leading to the formation of tiny bumps all over the body. Scabies can lead to complications if it is not detected and treated on time. You can run an internet search for photos of scabies rashes to understand how these rashes look. You can see a widespread rash and reddened skin in these scabies rash photos. What’s not visible to the human eye is the infestation by a microscopic mite housed underneath the skin. Symptoms of scabies The most common signs and symptoms of scabies are extreme itchiness that may worsen at night and small, red blisters or bumps all over the skin. In adults and older children, these bumps are all over the body but mostly in the area around the fingers, armpits, waist, wrists, knees, breasts, buttocks, and male genitalia. In infants or babies, this condition is seen on the scalp, face, feet, or palms. A search for photos of scabies rash in babies will show you the areas in which this rash typically forms. Symptoms may not appear for up to six weeks after a person has been infected. However, in the case of people with a prior scabies infestation, the signs may show up after a few days. The condition can worsen even if symptoms are not visible. In the initial stages of the condition, scabies may often mimic other skin rashes caused by acne or mosquito bites. The main difference is the constant itching a person will experience.
A Guide to Using Probiotics for Treating the Symptoms of IBS

A Guide to Using Probiotics for Treating the Symptoms of IBS

Probiotics are ideal for resolving the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. These symptoms include bloating, abdominal pain, and bowel movements. Probiotics contain microorganisms that supplement the natural bacteria of the intestine. What are probiotics and IBS? Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) refers to a common ailment of the intestine which is quite challenging to treat. It is characterized by diarrhea, constipation, or a combination of both. Other symptoms include abdominal cramps, protruding belly, and excretion of abnormally hard stool. Probiotics help in restoring the balance of the intestinal flora. The natural bacteria of the intestine are supplemented by microorganisms known as probiotics. These probiotics are available as supplements. Probiotics with a strain of bacteria known as Bifidobacterium infantis seem to be the most effective when it comes to resolving symptoms of IBS. Categories of probiotics for treating the symptoms of IBS One cannot only depend on probiotics for treating IBS. They should use it in combination with regular medication before or after following a FODMAP diet. Probiotics are bacteria which are beneficial for our health. There are bacteria in our gut or large intestine known as gut microbiota. These microbiota comprise numerous species of bacteria which are further made up of individual strains. Probiotics can contain a single species or strain or multiple species and strains. It is vital to understand the correlation between the species of bacteria present in your gut and the species that you are consuming. As far as IBS is concerned, the best probiotics are: Bifantis® (Bifidobacterium infantis 35624): This bacteria is supposed to be present in the intestine, and the strain required is 35624. A lot of people don’t have this strain of Bifidobacterium infantis in their large intestine. VSL#3®: This probiotic mixture consists of eight strains including Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium infantis, and Lactobacillus casei. Several clinical trials have proved its effectiveness.
A List of the Best Energy Supplements

A List of the Best Energy Supplements

We all go through an average level of stress and hardship every single day. After the day’s workload, everyone needs an average sleep time of 7-8 hours in order to prepare their brain and body for the next day. Our brain has a massive influence on our day-to-day activities and hence training our brain to tolerate the high pressure and stress level is a must in order to succeed in what we do. Although having a well-balanced diet, regular exercises and having plenty of sleep are always the best ways to maintain body energy levels naturally, but with our ever-growing demands of life, these things don’t come into play. Well, there are both natural and artificial substances available in the market that not only benefit our body but these supplements also enhance our thinking capability, focus, and energy and also have a positive effect on our mental performance by restoring the support for memory and recalling pieces of information. Without further discussion, let’s jump into the list of best energy supplements that can boost our energy levels. Caffeine Caffeine is one of the best energy supplements for the body and brain that occurs mainly in tea, coffee, and dark chocolates. Caffeine is best known for stimulating the central nervous system as well as the brain to enhance the energy and alertness of our body. An average amount of 200-400 mg of consumption of caffeine daily can improve our memory, reaction times as well as enhance our general energy levels. Acetyl-L-carnitine It is an amino acid that is considered to be one of the best energy supplements and is produced naturally in our body that plays an important role in maintaining our metabolism as well as producing energy in our body. Moreover, this can decline the slow deterioration of our brain function as well can treat patients with mild Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
Beware of these 5 Early Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

Beware of these 5 Early Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths among women. Knowing the early signs and ovarian cancer symptoms can help you seek treatment at the earliest. When malignant (cancerous) cells are formed in the ovaries, a woman develops ovarian cancer. Although the exact cause of this disease is unknown, it is a life-threatening condition that affects around 23,000 women each year in the United States alone. What makes fighting this disease difficult is that the early signs are easy to overlook. Ovarian cancer symptoms are often mistaken for pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) or other not-so-serious health problems like bowel problems. According to the American Cancer Society, early detection of this cancer happens only around 20 percent of the time. Owing to this reason, the cancer goes undetected often until it has already metastasized to the abdomen and pelvis. If the disease is diagnosed when still limited to the ovaries, it is more likely to be treated successfully. One way in which you can ensure prompt diagnosis when ovarian cancer is still in its initial stage is by keeping an eye out for early ovarian cancer symptoms and signs. For this, you need to know these symptoms, and if you notice any changes in your body that are persistent, consult a doctor immediately to determine whether they are ovarian cancer symptoms or something else. Here are five of the early ovarian cancer symptoms and signs that you should watch out for. 1. Abdominal bloating and constipation Any bloating and constipation are generally disregarded as a stomach upset or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). If these signs are occurring around the time of your period, you may tend to brush them off as PMS signs. However, if these symptoms occur more than a few times a month and particularly if you are above the age of 40 years, a gynecologist visit may be the right thing to do.
Early Stroke Symptoms to Be Aware Of

Early Stroke Symptoms to Be Aware Of

A stroke is one of the most feared ailment that both men and women can suffer from. This is an attack on the brain that can happen to anyone at any time of their lives. The circulation of the blood to the brain is the primary source of oxygen that results in the smooth functioning of the human body. In case this flow of blood is disrupted, oxygen fails to reach the brain, and the brain cells start dying. This situation is called as a stroke. The physical and mental trauma of a stroke is not limited to just the patient but also affects the patient’s family and friends, as it is a life-threatening ailment. The severity of a stroke depends upon the area of the brain that is affected due to the lack of oxygen. It usually affects the motor control senses and causes disturbances in the nervous system of the patient. It is said that every stroke survivor faces different stroke symptoms. The possibilities of stroke may be detected earlier by a medical practitioner in case the person visits the doctor for any discomfort. Some common early stroke symptoms can broadly be categorized under the title of FAST. This stands for, F: Face drooping A: Arm weakness S: Speech difficulty T: Time to call for help When a person is under the threat of a stroke attack, their face might droop or feel numb when they smile or speak. Their speech may be slurred or abnormal. Also, their arms might feel numb when raised. In case a person undergoes any of these symptoms he or she should immediately call for help or send for medical assistance. Even if any of these signs are observed for a while and may subside after some time, it is still advised to visit a doctor at the earliest.
Diagnosis and Medications for a Migraine

Diagnosis and Medications for a Migraine

A constant pain or a throbbing sensation restricted to only one side of the head can be a warning of a migraine. The severity of the pain varies from one individual to other. While some get it for a few hours, there are others, who experience a pulsing sensation in their head for days. Apart from the discomfort in the head, people with a migraine also complain of sound or light sensitivity, vomiting as well as nausea. Even though a migraine causes an alarming situation often leading to temporary disabling of the patient, is a curable condition and medications for migraines are available at ease. Consult a doctor – Just taking any over-the-counter pill for a headache is not sufficient for treating migraine. To deal with the condition, you need to consult a doctor and get proper therapy done. Follow his guidance and take the pills as recommended. When taking m edications for migraines , you need to know, whether it is for healing the condition or for preventing any future occurrence. Mostly, doctors offer healing m edications for migraines in the initial stages of treatment, so that the patient can get relief from the constant pain. You should not just get the treatment paused as soon as the condition is healed. Consult your doctor to get preventive treatment and check the occurrence in future. Make a note of occurrence – For a complete treatment of a migraine, it is important for you to note the frequency of occurrence in a dairy. The log of occurrence should be maintained even after you start taking medications as this will help you in understanding, whether you are on the right path or not. Lifestyle changes – Though a migraine is not a lifestyle disease, making some alterations in your living habits can help you in dealing the problem effectively.
Key Symptoms of Sleep Disorders You Should Know

Key Symptoms of Sleep Disorders You Should Know

People across all age groups experience the problem in sleeping at some or the other time. These sleep disorders occur due to varying reasons including personal or professional stress, illness with self or family and many other reasons which change with time. This disorder cannot be taken lightly as it might result in weight gain and problem in dealing with challenging situations in life. Symptoms of sleep disorder A person might experience sleeping problems which continue for a while. These can be some minor sleep problems and can take a toll on your health in the longer run. Before we dwell into detailed reasons of sleep deprivation, it is essential to consider if a person who is suffering from this health complication feels sleepy during day hours or finds it difficult to concentrate. Sometimes people also find it difficult to control their emotions or require beverages having caffeine to keep them going. If any of the following symptoms of sleep disorders appear in a person, it is almost certain that they are suffering from the sleep disorder. Insomnia If a person is unable to sleep at night, it can be understood that the individual is suffering from insomnia. This particular sleep disorder occurs due to the stress condition, jet lag or the habit of taking excess tea or coffee. To get over this sleep disorder, the person should revise their sleeping trends and learn some relaxation techniques. Sleep apnea Sometimes a person wakes multiple times during the night. This happens as they feel suffocation and experience lack of breath. These are the symptoms of sleep disorder which are known as sleep apnea. Such people despite sleeping on time during night hours experience restlessness during the day. If you have experienced such a medical condition, consider these as symptoms of sleep apnea and seek immediate suitable medical assistance.