Understanding the Relation Between Asthma and COPD

Understanding the Relation Between Asthma and COPD

Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are respiratory ailments that are often confused for each other due to overlapping symptoms and little understanding of the two conditions. The National Institute of Health (NIH) says that about 40% of people with COPD also have asthma. The NIH also estimates that 24 million Americans suffer from COPD though about half of them are not aware of it. If you suspect that you are suffering from any of these two conditions, it is important to understand the similarities and differences between COPD and asthma for better management of these conditions. What is asthma? Asthma is an allergic reaction that often develops in early childhood. Health experts have never pinpointed why people develop asthma, but only that asthma attacks are triggered by allergens. These include dust, dust mites, mold, pollen, strong perfumes, certain foods, and food additives. The allergic attack causes inflammation that constricts the airways. Asthma attacks differ in severity depending on exposure to the triggering allergen. An asthma attack is relieved using a bronchial dilator to expand the airways and allow free movement of air. What is COPD? COPD is a disease that develops later in life due to the effects of exposure to particulate irritants especially tobacco smoke. This is usually observed in smokers above the age of 40 years. COPD is a progressive disease whose effects are treatable but irreversible. It is characterized by progressive airflow limitation and degrading of lung functions. This leads to respiratory complications including shortness of breath, coughing, and frequent throat clearing. COPD is a leading killer in smokers, being attributable to the death of about 150,000 Americans each year. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are respiratory complications commonly observed in people with COPD. Chronic bronchitis happens when the bronchial tubes are inflamed leading to excessive coughing and mucus production.
Symptoms and Treatment of Chronic Migraine

Symptoms and Treatment of Chronic Migraine

A migraine is a very painful, often a debilitating, form of a headache. It can be either episodic or chronic. Usually, the episodic migraine lasts for hours and several weeks to months can pass between two migraine episodes. However, chronic migraine symptoms not only last longer but also occur more frequently. If you have a chronic migraine, you will probably suffer from throbbing headaches at least 15 days a month. These severe and frequent attacks can make it difficult for you to live a normal life. An episodic migraine is much more common than a chronic one. Various medical research reports have shown that some people who suffer from an episodic migraine can eventually develop the symptoms of a chronic migraine! According to medical studies, 0.5% of men and 1.3% of women in the country experience chronic migraine symptoms. Other than taking medications, some healthy lifestyle changes can also help one in dealing with the symptoms of a chronic migraine. Here is a list of the symptoms along with some effective treatments for a chronic migraine. Chronic Migraine Symptoms Having chronic migraine is nowhere similar to having just a simple headache. In reality, it is much more than that! A chronic migraine may include the following symptoms: Vomiting Nausea Feeling dizzy Auras, which means seeing shadows, colors, lines, or flashing lights Tingling in the hands, feet, and face. These symptoms are accompanied by severe pain! While having it, one can also find the sounds, touch, smell, and bright lights very painful. Most of the times, the episodic migraine symptoms are almost similar to the chronic migraine symptoms. However, the major difference is in how frequently these attacks are occurring. According to the medical experts, this chronic migraine can be triggered by different factors. Sometimes, it runs in families. Sometimes, it happens due to the changes in the brain chemicals.
Tips to Get Instant Relief from Constipation

Tips to Get Instant Relief from Constipation

The muscles that push the stool through colon might not be performing at times, and it results in irregular bowel movements. This condition wherein the stool becomes hard, dry, and almost impossible to pass is called constipation. It generally happens because too much water is absorbed from the food. It is an incredibly common problem affecting around 20% of the people in the country. Gradually, people have started considering it as a routine problem. The food one eats, the lifestyle one follows, and the medications one takes can cause constipation. Age is also an important factor when it comes to constipation. The symptoms include abdominal bloating, discomfort when going through bathroom, pain, and difficulty while passing stools, stomach cramps, and losing appetite. Read on to know more about how to relieve constipation. How to Relieve Constipation the Natural Way Breathing Exercises To relieve constipation in about a minute, exhale and pinch your nose. A normal person can hold breath up to 20 seconds, but one should try to hold it a little longer (about 30 or more seconds). Release your nose and inhale but make sure to inhale less air than before. Repeat this cycle each time, making breathing slower and with less air. Through this breathing technique, one can get a quick constipation relief within a minute. Drinking a Cup of Coffee Another method to get immediate constipation relief is through drinking coffee. Other hot drinks like herbal tea or hot water with lemon juice or honey also stimulate the colon. It might not work for everyone. However, for some people, it helps in getting the digestive system moving. Light Physical Exercise Moving the body stimulates the movement of the internal muscles. Many people who are looking for information on how to relieve constipation find this as one of the best solutions for constipation.
5 Treatment Options for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

5 Treatment Options for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

IBS or irritable bowel syndrome is a condition where patients experience discomfort or pain in the belly along with unusual bowel habits. For some, the bowel movements might be more or lesser than usual, and for others, they might pass a different kind of stool. Almost 25 to 45 million people in the country suffer from irritable bowel syndrome or IBS. Among them, the majority are women. An individual is more likely to be affected by IBS between their late teens and early 40s. The symptoms of IBS include abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and the passing of mucus during bowel movements. This complex motility and sensory disorder has physical as well as stress-related dimensions. Some people are able to control their IBS symptoms by managing their diet, altering their lifestyle, and controlling stress. Others might need the support of medication or counseling. Here are the various treatment options for IBS: Changing the lifestyle and diet Note that your dietary intake, as well as the stress-related factors, can worsen the symptoms of IBS. Discuss measures to reduce or avoid these symptoms with your health care provider or dietitian. Sometimes, even eating smaller quantities in frequent intervals helps reduce abdominal discomfort. Avoiding caffeine and including fiber in one’s diet can help one battle the symptoms of IBS. Adequate rest and exercise reduce stress levels, stimulate the regular contractions of the intestines, and increase positivity. If followed diligently, this can be one of the best treatment options for IBS. Medication If lifestyle changes don’t work, there are numerous medications available in the market that can provide relief from the symptoms of IBS. Even though antispasmodics have limited benefits, if you have the symptoms soon after eating, then such medication helps in relieving the abdominal pain. Consuming anti-diarrheal agents helps in reducing the diarrheal symptoms, but it might not be helpful for the pain associated with IBS.
Best Treatment Options for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Best Treatment Options for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Health disorders that trigger a change in one’s bowel movements and habits are annoying. Frequent visits to the loo are no fun at all. People who work in an office or attend classes at school or college experience greater discomfort as these bowel problems are quite embarrassing. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition that impacts and restricts one’s diet. This gastrointestinal disorder presents itself as a group of symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, cramps, bloating, gas, nausea, etc. There are several types of this disease, and the condition varies from person to person. One needs to maintain a list of food items that trigger the syndrome so that they can avoid its consumption. In this way, one can lead a better and healthier life in the long run, devoid of the symptoms that encompass the scope of the disease. Triggers are those food items that cause a flare-up of symptoms and lead to the onset of the disease or its aggravation. Seeking treatment for irritable bowel syndrome is the best course of action. When it comes to choosing a treatment option for irritable bowel syndrome, here are some of the best options available. Treatment options for irritable bowel syndrome Here are some of the best ways to maintain and treat irritable bowel syndrome: Avoiding certain foods If one is suffering from IBS diarrhea, they should avoid the consumption of large amounts of insoluble fiber in their daily diet. Fiber found in the skin of vegetables and fruits are insoluble. One should also avoid taking sorbitol, fructose, caffeine and chocolate drinks. If one is suffering from IBS constipation, they should not eat food items that further trigger the condition. One should avoid processed food items, especially cheese, high-protein diets, bread and cereals, dairy products, coffee, and carbonated drinks at all costs.
Fibromyalgia Symptoms and Tips for Pain Relief

Fibromyalgia Symptoms and Tips for Pain Relief

Fibromyalgia is a condition in which a person suffers from excess musculoskeletal pain and fatigue without having any physical injury or inflammation. The cause(s) of fibromyalgia is still unknown; however, many doctors suggest it to be genetics. The symptoms may develop after an illness, physical trauma or stress. There are various options for pain relief for fibromyalgia, but first, let us have a look at its symptoms. Symptoms of Fibromyalgia Common symptoms associated with fibromyalgia are as follows: Pain and localized tenderness Fatigue Difficulty in sleeping Problems in concentrating Depression or anxiety IBS, Irritable Bowel Syndrome Headaches Morning stiffness Tingling in the hands, arms, and feet Painful menstrual cramps Treatments for Fibromyalgia Pain Relief Fibromyalgia pain can be minor or acute enough to muddle with one’s everyday activities. Thankfully, there are some natural remedies as well as medical treatments that are helpful in acquiring fibromyalgia pain relief. Some of the most common ones are listed below. Painkillers There are many over-the-counter medicines available that help to reduce the pain associated with fibromyalgia, such as aspirin or naproxen. You can consult your doctor before taking any of these. However, their long-term use is not recommended. Generally, painkiller medicines help to reduce pain and inflammation, reduce the severity of muscular aches, and diminish sleep problems. Antidepressants Antidepressants are another alternative for relieving fibromyalgia pain and fatigue. However, these medicines can cause certain side effects such as nausea and vomiting, weight gain, and loss of sex drive. Thus, it is important to understand the potential risks and consult your medical professional before their intake. Narcotic Pain Medications Narcotic pain medicines, also known as opioids, alter the way your brain responds to pain. These medicines have been found helpful in treating different kinds of pain. However, these are generally addictive, and so, their limited use has been recommended.
All You Need to Know about Type 1 Diabetes

All You Need to Know about Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition in which the pancreas almost stop producing the insulin hormone that is needed to allow the glucose (sugar) to enter the cells and produce energy. This chronic condition is also known as insulin-dependent diabetes or juvenile diabetes. It usually occurs when the immune system destroys the beta cells in the pancreas. Different medical research reports have reflected that several factors, including some viruses and genetics, may lead to this chronic condition. According to these medical reports, usually, type 1 diabetes can appear during the adolescence or childhood, and it can develop slowly in adults as well. Till date, different medical studies on this chronic condition have not come up with a permanent cure or remedy. However, the treatment mainly focuses on keeping the blood sugar levels in control with insulin. Additionally, some lifestyle changes along with a healthy diet can help prevent complications caused by type 1 diabetes. Symptoms of type 1 diabetes Due to this chronic condition, glucose from food items is unable to enter the cells and produce energy. Instead, it starts to build up in the blood, resulting in high blood sugar. It also causes the cells to starve. To prevent the life-threatening health complications caused by type 1 diabetes, patients require proper treatment. Here is a list of some of the most common symptoms of type 1 diabetes that will help you understand when to consult a doctor. Frequent urination: A patient with type 1 diabetes may feel like urinating quite often as the blood has extra sugar in it. Dehydration: The patient may become dehydrated due to frequent urination. DKA (Diabetic ketoacidosis): The combination of acidic ketones, dehydration, and extra glucose in the blood causes ketoacidosis. If not treated on time, DKA can become life-threatening. Weight loss Blurred vision Extreme hunger Increased thirst Mood swings and irritability Weakness and fatigue In the case of children, you may notice the problem of bed-wetting at night.
Causes and Treatment Options for Premature Ejaculation

Causes and Treatment Options for Premature Ejaculation

Sexual dysfunctions adversely affect a couple’s life. Premature ejaculation is a type of sexual dysfunction in which the orgasm occurs sooner than expected/wanted without control. Climaxing sooner than wanted by you or your partner may end up in unsatisfactory sexual experience. This type of dysfunction has a negative impact on the sexual satisfaction of both partners. There are chances that premature ejaculation complicates reproduction. Premature ejaculation is a common disorder in men. Almost 30% to 40% of men experience premature ejaculation at some point in their lives. If this is an occasional occurrence, it is not a cause of worry. Psychological causes are the most prominent reasons for premature ejaculation, and it can be cured through psychological counseling. Causes of Premature Ejaculation Several factors contribute to premature ejaculation. Most cases of premature ejaculation are not related to any health disorder, but to different psychological factors. Psychological stress and depression are common causes of premature ejaculation. Any mental or emotional disturbances may cause premature ejaculation. Physical health issues like inflammation of the prostate gland or a nerve problem may also cause PE. There is also increasing evidence that biological factors increase the likelihood of PE in men. The common causes of premature ejaculation are as below: Psychological Causes Issues with the perception of physical appearance, depression, previous sexual experiences, sexual abuse, anxiety about premature ejaculation, and guilt are major factors that influence premature ejaculation. Erectile Dysfunction Anxiety regarding the attainment and maintenance of erection during sexual intercourse may result in PE. This is a pattern that is difficult to change. Anxiety Men who are anxious about sexual performance or other issues may experience premature ejaculation. Relationship Issues Interpersonal issues play an important role in sexual intercourse. Problematic personal relationships with your partner may reflect on your sexual relationship. Biological Causes There is evidence that certain biological factors interfere with sexual function.
10 Natural Alternatives to Shrink Uterine Fibroids

10 Natural Alternatives to Shrink Uterine Fibroids

Leiomyomata or Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumors and are generally found on the uterus. Leiomyomata or uterine fibroids are mostly seen among women, and it is unfortunate that there are no such symptoms to identify it. There are many reports on leiomyomata or uterine fibroids, wherein the patients suffer from heavy bleeding or severe pain. It is important to visit the doctor if you are facing similar pain or heavy bleeding. Fibroids can be prevented, and if you are wondering how to shrink fibroids naturally, this article highlights the matter. There are numerous treatments for leiomyomata or uterine fibroids, and we have compiled some of the many remedies available so that you can get an idea on the treatment and take adequate actions depending on your conditions. However, it always better to first consult your doctor. Avoid Foods that Worsen the Condition Foods play an important role in developing uterine fibroids; hence, you should keep an eye on your food habits. We recommend you to avoid several types of foods to get rid of your problem, some of them are as follows: Processed Meats and High Fat If you are wondering how to shrink fibroids naturally, you can start by avoiding the consumption of high-fat processed meat. Doing so can help you shrink fibroids naturally. Processed and non-organic foods contain unhealthy fats, and they can aggravate the inflammation. Such foods also contain toxic chemical additives that are not suitable for your diet. Refined Sugar and Conventional Dairy We also recommend you to avoid refined sugar and conventional dairy products as they both contain harmful chemicals and steroids that can affect your hormone levels. Refine sugar can also endorse inflammation and it leads to weight gain. Alcohol and Caffeine Consumption You should avoid alcohol and caffeine to prevent uterine fibroids in an effective and natural way.
12 Common Factors That Could Trigger Migraines

12 Common Factors That Could Trigger Migraines

According to the Migraine Research Foundation, 1 in 4 households in the country have someone who suffers from migraines. This number includes around 10% of all children in the country. Despite advances in neurology, migraine is a health condition that is still poorly understood. What neurologists agree on is that migraines are set off by sensory triggers. These triggers, however, differ from individual to individual. If one suffers from migraines, understanding the triggers is very important so as to avoid them and mitigate them. Some of the top migraine triggers have been explained in brief below: Food Foods with strong smells and flavors are some of the common migraine triggers for many people suffering from migraines. Dairy products, chocolate, and cured meats are the most common food triggers. Products that contain Mono Sodium Glutamate (MSG), histamine, and other common artificial food sweeteners and colorings are also common triggers. Food triggers are simple to identify and track. Ensure that one reads the labels on food items before buying. Changes in the weather Weather change is one of the most common causes of chronic migraines. Some of the factors that can cause a migraine are changes in barometric pressure, high heat, and humidity. This also happens when a migraine sufferer moves to a new location where the weather is different. Such triggers are difficult to avoid since the weather is uncontrollable. Common coping tactics include staying indoors in an air-conditioned room as well as scheduling activities according to weather forecasts. Stress According to the American Migraine Foundation (AMF), around 70% of migraine sufferers cite stress as one of the top migraine triggers. For a good number of migraine sufferers, this is a vicious cycle. Getting worried about migraine attacks can bring on anxiety and worry which can elevate stress level and trigger a migraine.
Essential Tips for Reversing Diabetes Naturally

Essential Tips for Reversing Diabetes Naturally

According to a survey, diabetes is one of the most rapidly growing health problems. Nowadays, millions of people suffer from raised blood sugar levels. This disease affects people from several age groups. About 132,000 children up to 18 years old have juvenile diabetes. According to medical studies, a fasting blood glucose level that is higher than 126 mg/dL or ranges around 100-125 mg/dL is known as a pre-diabetic condition. If a patient’s blood glucose levels are around 99 mg/dL, it is considered normal. According to a medical survey, the standard benchmark of fasting blood glucose levels is below 83 mg/dL. When a patient’s blood sugar level increases, their risk of heart disease rises as well. There are numerous preventive measures to control your blood sugar level from the start. So if you want to lead a normal life, you can follow some steps to reverse diabetes naturally. Along with these measures, one has to follow a strict schedule which includes healthy eating habits as well as exercises for weight loss. Adding natural foods such as cinnamon or apple cider vinegar to your diet can help improve your body’s insulin sensitivity. Essential tips for reversing diabetes naturally The effectiveness of these reversing techniques will depend upon various factors such as the severity of the condition, the duration for which one has had diabetes, and the genetics of the individual. However, one you inhibit your blood sugar levels, you should not go back to your old habits. Hence, these tips are only valuable if an individual follows a strict schedule along taking medications on time. Here are some essential tips which can help you reverse diabetes naturally: Increase your consumption of foods which contain whole grains The food items which have whole grains contain ample amounts of essential nutrients as well as fiber.
Foods to Eat and Avoid for Kidney Diseases

Foods to Eat and Avoid for Kidney Diseases

People with kidney disease need to evaluate what they are eating and impose certain restrictions on their diet. It is important to eat foods that do not stress out the kidneys. Avoid eating processed food items. Natural food items are best suited for the body. Try to avoid eating canned food as well. Organic food items may or may not have a higher nutritional value than standard food items, but they are devoid of pesticides and worth the shot. Organic food items are also devoid of GMOs and are a better bet in the long run. All in all, you need to maintain a proper diet for kidney diseases. Here are the tips to help you out. Protein Proteins are found in several food items like vegetables, nuts, seeds, dairy products, and meats. Your body needs protein intake to build red blood cells, hormones, and muscles. Try to incorporate a diet composed of proteins among other things. However, all the protein your body needs is 1 gram per kilogram of weight. Moreover, try to avoid eating too much meat as protein wastes are hard on the kidneys. Follow a moderate protein diet and try to eat more vegetables than meat. Watch your portion sizes and try to eat foods you like best. If you are on dialysis, your meal plan may change again as you will need to eat more protein to cover up for the protein loss during treatment. Maintaining a proper protein diet for kidney diseases is the key. Phosphorus When you are following a kidney disease diet plan, you have to limit your phosphorus intake. Phosphorus is found in poultry, fish, beans, dairy products, poultry, cola drinks, and nuts. The problem is that weaker kidneys have a difficulty in removing phosphorus from your blood. Your doctor may prescribe phosphate binders.