Know More about Fibromyalgia Tender Points

Know More about Fibromyalgia Tender Points

Fibromyalgia is the second most common disease in the country that affects the muscles and bones. The most common symptoms of the disease are feeling fatigued for no apparent reason and extreme pain in the joints. One of the main problems of this disease is that you may or may not know that you are suffering from the disease. The disease is poorly understood and identified by the masses. There is no specific test to determine whether you are suffering from the disease. The disease has no cure and its symptoms can be managed through treatment and by bringing about certain changes to your lifestyle. If you are suffering from the symptoms of the condition, make sure to visit a doctor immediately. Immediate treatment can help you effectively manage the disease. There are certain areas on the body that appear to be tender for those people who are suffering from the condition. These are called fibromyalgia tender points. What are fibromyalgia tender points? When suffering from fibromyalgia, there are certain areas on the body that become painful when pressure is applied to them. These areas are referred to as fibromyalgia tender points. While fibromyalgia tender points are also referred to as trigger points, they are not essentially triggered points. Trigger points can cause other parts of the body to pain when pressure is applied to them. For example, if pressure is applied to your elbow, you may feel pain in your hand. Some people may have trigger points and fibromyalgia tender points at the same time. Here are a few of the most common fibromyalgia tender points on the body. Be aware of these points and visit a doctor if you are feeling pain in these areas. It could be a sign that you are suffering from fibromyalgia and your doctor may prescribe medications.
Hemorrhoids – Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Hemorrhoids – Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

The hemorrhoid is a common disease that affects the masses at large. Every three out of four people suffer from hemorrhoids at some point in time in their lives. The disease is not fatal and may or may not come with symptoms. The symptoms of hemorrhoids include a feeling of discomfort, bleeding, and itching. The disease is also referred to as piles and is categorized by the swelling of the veins in the lower rectum and the anus. Of the many causes of hemorrhoids, increased pressure on these veins, or strain during bowel movement is quite common and may lead to the onset of the disease. It develops under the skin inside the anus, and around it. While there are several causes of hemorrhoids, its cause is often unknown to individuals. You must visit a doctor if you are suffering from the symptoms of the disease. Here are a few of the most common causes, symptoms, and treatment methods of the disease. Causes of Hemorrhoids There are several causes of hemorrhoids. Swollen veins around the anus and within it can develop from increased pressure in the lower rectum. The veins tend to strain and stretch under this pressure and well up. Hemorrhoids may also be a result of age. With age, the veins in the anus and the rectum weaken and stretch. Here are a few of the most common causes of hemorrhoids. Higher risk of contracting the disease if you strain during bowel movements Sitting for long periods of time on the toilet may result in the onset of the disease as well Chronic constipation and diarrhea also lead to the disease Obesity too is a cause of the disease Pregnancy may lead to the disease as well Maintaining a low fiber diet may result in the disease as well.
11 Common Causes of Constipation

11 Common Causes of Constipation

Certain underlying diseases, as well as one’s lifestyle, are the primary causes of constipation. Therefore, before opting for any treatment, one needs to understand the root cause by visiting a physician. Causes of constipation Excessive absorption of water by the colon is one of the primary causes of constipation. Poor or slow contraction of the colonic muscles may be the trigger for slow stool movements of and greater water loss. Here are some other factors that may lead to this problem: Insufficient fiber in the diet People who have a fiber-rich diet consisting of fruits, whole grains as well as vegetables in sufficient quantities are less prone to constipation. Fiber ensures that the patient has regular bowel movements. Thus, one can prevent constipation by making modifications to their diet. It is advisable to avoid food with low fiber content like eggs, meat, and cheese. Lack of physical activity When people are inactive for long periods, which occurs in the case of old people, there is a possibility of constipation. When people are bed-ridden for a prolonged period such as for weeks or months after hospitalization, there is an increased risk of constipation. Usually, seniors live a sedentary life without much physical activity. Therefore, they are at a higher risk of constipation as compared to younger, and more active people. Medications Constipation is a common side effect of taking some medications. These include narcotics like codeine, hydromorphone or oxycodone for pain relief. Amitriptyline, an antidepressant can also be responsible for constipation. Constipation can also occur due to anticonvulsant medications like phenytoin or carbamazepine, taken in the form of an iron supplement. Calcium channel blockers like diltiazem or nifedipine can trigger constipation. Certain antacids like Amphojel or Basaljel which contain aluminum could be responsible for constipation. Diuretics like chlorothiazide could also trigger constipation.
Hemorrhoids Treatment Options

Hemorrhoids Treatment Options

Hemorrhoids is a condition where the veins in the anus and the rectum become swollen. The blood vessels in the region get swollen due to pressure. When there is an increased pressure in the lower abdomen, it causes hemorrhoids. It is a very common condition and most people suffer from it at some point in their life. Hemorrhoids may be either internal or external. Internal hemorrhoids are deep within the rectum. Usually, one cannot see or feel their presence. They are not painful as there are very few sensitive nerves in the region. The only sign of noticing them could be bleeding. In a few cases, it may cause pain or itching. External hemorrhoids are underneath the skin of the anus. This region has a lot of sensitive nerves and feels pain. External hemorrhoids are more common and cause a lot of trouble. They cause difficulty while sitting and during bowel movements. The exact causes of hemorrhoids are unknown. A strained bowel movement may cause the blood vessels to swell and result in hemorrhoids. Pregnant women are more likely to get this condition as there is greater pressure on the veins. A low-fiber diet may also cause hemorrhoids. Remedies Hemorrhoids may be very irritating but are not life-threatening. In a majority of the cases, top home remedies for hemorrhoids help in treating the symptoms. A few changes in the lifestyle and daily habits can also ease the condition. Some of the best hemorrhoid remedies to relieve the discomfort are as follows: Home remedies Warm bath A warm water bath reduces the swelling and irritation caused by hemorrhoids. Sitting in a bathtub with warm water helps a lot in relieving the discomfort. Warm water bath, a couple of times in a day, could be very helpful. One can also add apple cider vinegar or Epsom salt to the water.
Understanding the Early Signs of Diabetes

Understanding the Early Signs of Diabetes

If one is looking to identify the early signs of diabetes, it is important to note that diabetes is a metabolic disorder. When the food digested by the body is not properly converted to be used for growth as well as energy, this phenomenon is what triggers diabetes. What are the early signs of diabetes? The early signs of diabetes are generally mild and mostly ignored by most people. A higher than average level of glucose is found in the blood. With type 2 diabetes, there are no significant manifestations until the effects of long-term damage are felt. As far as type 1 diabetes is concerned, there are early manifestations that occur within a couple of days or weeks. The severity is more complicated as well. Early signs that are common to both types of diabetes Hungry or fatigued The glucose needed by the cells come from the food that we eat. The body converts food that we eat into glucose. However, to ensure that the glucose reaches the cells, insulin is required by the body. When the body cannot manufacture enough or any insulin at all, or if the insulin present is resisted by the cells, they don’t get the glucose they need. Thus, leaving one with no energy. This could lead to one to feel more hungry and fatigued. Thirst and frequent urination The frequency of urination for normal people is between 4 and 7 times a day. This frequency goes up much higher in patients who have diabetes. The reason this happens is that there is complete glucose reabsorption by the body when passing through the kidneys in normal cases. The blood sugar levels rise due to diabetes. There is greater urine production by the body, and hence, more fluids are needed by the system. It is a vicious cycle, as one can feel more thirsty and so they drink more water resulting in frequent urination.
10 snacks that can help lower cholesterol levels

10 snacks that can help lower cholesterol levels

A soft waxy substance found among the fats in the bloodstream is known as cholesterol. The main function of cholesterol is to form some hormones, cell membranes, while it is also necessary for some other functions as well. If the cholesterol starts getting deposited in the arteries in the form of plaque it can cause severe health issues like heart attack and blockage in the arteries. Maintaining an unhealthy lifestyle, genetics, smoking, and a lack of physical activity are some causes of rise in bad cholesterol levels. There are two types of cholesterol which are found in a combination of fats and proteins. High density lipoproteins (HDL) or good cholesterol Low density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol One can control the build-up of bad cholesterol by cutting down on foods which cause a rise in bad cholesterol levels and maintain good cholesterol levels by adding foods and snacks which help in lowering cholesterol levels. Dry fruits: Dry fruits like almonds, walnuts, and pistachios are healthy snacks which help in lowering cholesterol levels as they contain omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, vitamin E, and unsaturated fats. Consuming a handful of nuts helps in lowering cholesterol levels. Avocados: Avocados are rich in fiber and unsaturated fats which help in lowering cholesterol levels, triglycerides, and keep the heart healthy. The unsaturated fats destroy the bad cholesterol thus lowering cholesterol levels. Dark chocolate: A heart-healthy snack which helps in lowering cholesterol levels, dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids. Flavonoids contain antioxidant properties which help in lowering the build-up of bad cholesterol and helps in preventing heart diseases. Apples: Rich in pectin fiber, apples are a great snack for lowering cholesterol levels. They also contain antioxidant properties which help in lowering LDL or bad cholesterol levels. The bioactive compounds present in apples also help in preventing heart diseases.
Top Tips to Prevent Asthma Attacks

Top Tips to Prevent Asthma Attacks

With the increasing number of people diagnosed with this disease, it is of great importance to have accurate knowledge about asthma. Here are a few simple ways to prevent asthma attacks and lead a healthy lifestyle. An asthma attack occurs when the muscles around the airways of your lungs tighten and shut down, this is also known as a bronchospasm. In this condition, the inner lining of the airway gets inflamed or swollen which results in the production of thick mucus. These factors together lead to asthma attack symptoms such as short rapid breaths, anxiety, difficulty in performing regular tasks, severe wheezing, intermittent coughing, perspiration, and pale skin. When the muscles surrounding the bronchial tubes within the lungs constrict, they narrow the air passages thereby making it very difficult to breathe. The duration of an asthma attack varies depending on how inflamed the airways have become. In mild attacks, the symptoms could last for just a few minutes, while a severe attack could take up to several hours before easing. In the case of severe attacks, medical help and treatment needs to be provided immediately. It is important to take extensive care along with adequate steps to prevent asthma attacks. Without adequate care, asthma attacks may lead to ‘cyanosis’ (development of bluish color around the lips) due to a lack of oxygen in the blood. Cyanosis may cause a patient to lose consciousness, and may eventually lead to death. There are certain common triggers that can easily inflame the lungs and can cause an asthma attack. The following are a few measures that can be taken in order to prevent asthma attacks: Avoid exposure to dust There should be minimal exposure to any area that is dust/dirt prone. Exposure to dust, smoke or any allergen can cause increased inflammation in the airways, thereby increasing the chances of an asthma attack.
Make These Five Changes to Cope with the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

Make These Five Changes to Cope with the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a common condition, but often goes misdiagnosed. Also known as a musculoskeletal condition, fibromyalgia causes pain in the muscle and joints resulting in a lot of fatigue. This can also lead to what is commonly referred to as fibromyalgia syndrome, which is a set of symptoms like pain in the muscle, fatigue, and decreased pain threshold. People often tend to overlook two of the most common symptoms of fibromyalgia—chronic pain and fatigue. Persistent pain in joints or muscles should be immediately checked out. The pain might not necessarily be the result of overworking or stress but can be prime indicators of developing fibromyalgia. Common symptoms of fibromyalgia: Here are some other indicators of fibromyalgia. Disturbances in sleep, which affects sleep patterns and causes fatigue, often leading to moody behavior and depression, are among the top symptoms of fibromyalgia. Severe muscle twitching, burning sensation under the skin, deep pain, and muscle pulling. Fibromyalgia also affects the neck joints, shoulder joints, back joints, and hip joints, among common areas. Other symptoms of fibromyalgia include abdominal pain; chronic headaches; dryness in mouth, nose, and eyes; stiffness in the body due to muscle pulling and pain; incontinence; inability to concentrate which is also known as fibro fog; and increased sensitivity to temperature changes. Myths about fibromyalgia busted Many people are under the impression that fibromyalgia is something which is rare and does not affect many. But this is not true, taking into account that more than 5 million people in the country suffer from this chronic pain disorder. The fact that only a few are aware of the statistics explains why the symptoms of fibromyalgia often go unnoticed and untreated, until and unless the condition worsens. Symptoms of fibromyalgia can be often confused with symptoms of most common pain disorders, which is why it takes some time to ascertain for sure that the condition is fibromyalgia.
A1C Level Chart – An Effective Diabetes Management Tool

A1C Level Chart – An Effective Diabetes Management Tool

Diabetes, a lifelong disease is increasingly affecting a large population of the world. It is a condition in which hormone insulin levels are disrupted. Insulin is released by the pancreas, in order to help the body store the sugar and use fat from the food we consume. However, in case of a diabetic patient, the pancreas produces little or no insulin. In a few cases, diabetes may be triggered when the body does not respond well to the insulin produced. Diabetes can be classified into three types – type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the insulin is not produced, and insulin has to be injected into the body. This is a type of diabetes may occur at any age but is common among people below the age of 20 years. On the other hand, people with type 2 diabetes do not produce enough insulin or the insulin is not used up properly. Symptoms of diabetes The symptoms of diabetes may occur before or after the onset of the condition. They may occur suddenly and may be severe in few patients. Here are some symptoms of diabetes. Increased thirst – People who have diabetes tend to feel thirsty every short while. The mouth feels dry at all times. This symptom may prevail even when a person is well-hydrated. Frequent urination – Increased thirst is accompanied by the need to visit the toilet every short while. Blurred vision – Eyesight begins to feel hazy, and the vision blurs. This symptom is a major indicator of type 1 diabetes. Numbness – There may be numbness or tingling in the feet or hands. This is usually mild in the beginning but feels more bothersome after a while. Slow-healing – A significant symptom of diabetes includes the slow-healing of cuts and wounds.
Simple Ways to Treat Heartburn and Indigestion

Simple Ways to Treat Heartburn and Indigestion

Heartburn and indigestion are commonly used terms. However, heartburn and indigestion are the two things which lead us to confusion always as we actually do not know what we are going through. These are digestive issues but are often confused and make way for people to get medicated incorrectly. Heartburn Heartburn is caused due to a lot of reasons such as side effects due to medicines, hiatal hernia, Gastroesophageal reflux disease and also upon consumption of certain food substances such as peppermint, chocolate, spicy and acidic foods, fatty foods etc. When you experience heartburn there will usually be a pain in the neck or throat, feeling or sourness in the mouth and this often reaches the throat or a burning feel in the chest. Indigestion Indigestion or dyspepsia is mainly a discomfort or pain that is caused in the stomach area and also under the ribs. It is associated with numerous symptoms. Normally indigestion is caused when you eat quickly, eat a large portion of food, consumption of excess alcohol or excess caffeine and consumption of spicy, greasy, and high-fat food. It could also be caused due to various health disorders such as gastritis, pancreatitis, gallstones or ulcers. Indigestion can also be caused when you feel anxious or stressed or when you smoke tobacco products or through medicine side effects. When indigestion is caused, you can sense it through certain symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, belching, heartburn, discomfort in the belly and feeling of bloating. These two problems can be caused at the same time. You may feel that they are similar. Normally the symptoms are associated with eating food that is not suitable for you or eating in excess or eating quickly. Here are some quick tips on how to treat heartburn and indigestion. It is better to avoid fatty and spicy foods as these are the main elements that lead to heartburn and indigestion.
Pain Management – An Inter-Disciplinary Branch of Science

Pain Management – An Inter-Disciplinary Branch of Science

Most diseases are characterized by pain as a common symptom. It aggravates the condition of the patient and complicates the healing process. This pain can also be long-lasting and may continue even after the ailment has been cured. There are a number of doctors out there who especially deal with pain management. They cater to different kinds of pain and how to effectively treat them. Pain is a vexatious feeling that causes intense discomfort. It hampers the productivity of the individual and may lead to temporary withdrawal from a normal lifestyle. Apart from being physically troublesome, it is also mentally exhausting. Acute pain starts as well as ends abruptly and can be very powerful. Chronic pain, on the other hand, is one which persists for a longer duration. The pain, at times, can be fixed by treating the underlying problem. However, when the pain is chronic, a group of specialists needs to work towards controlling it. Pain may be light, intense or acute depending on the type of injury or ailment and may require to be treated accordingly. Painkillers are widely used pills that provide immediate relief. It is often difficult to explain the type of pain and the body part affected by it. A pain specialist helps in identifying the probable pain areas and takes cues from the description to determine an appropriate cure. Physicians, physiotherapists, druggists, and psychologists come under the category of pain management doctors. Doctors that specialize in dealing with different parts of the human body do not treat the pain that arises because of a medical problem. They refer individual cases to specialists who focus on pain management. A pain management doctor is one who is an expert in detecting as well curing all sorts of pain and has undertaken exclusive training for the same.
Causes and Natural Treatments for Chronic Diarrhea

Causes and Natural Treatments for Chronic Diarrhea

Diarrhea is an infectious disease that causes unrestrained liquid bowel movements, which may count up to 3 or even more times in a day. Diarrhea is a common disease, and it usually lasts only for a few days either on its own or through consuming over-the-counter medicines. Acute diarrhea occurs due to food intolerance, food allergy or bacterial infection. You may even develop a critical diarrheal condition known as Travelers’ Diarrhea. This occurs when you are frequently traveling and consume unhealthy food or water from various sources. If you are suffering from diarrhea, which does not get better and is persistent even after 4 weeks, it is a serious condition which is known as acute diarrhea. Chronic diarrhea is majorly anything that hinders your daily curriculum of activities. Chronic diarrhea may often lead to abdominal cramps, malnutrition, weight loss or even fever. While diarrhea may be caused due to several reasons, the main causes of chronic diarrhea have been listed below. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Irritable bowel syndrome is known to be the most common cause of chronic diarrhea and stays for at least 6 months. One interesting fact to notice is that the actual causes of IBS are not somewhat clear. IBS is known to be long lasting that may lead to changes in one’s lifestyle in a way which does not let them commit to their daily activities normally. IBS is often accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal cramps, bloating, uncontrollable bowel movements often leading to anxiety, depression or exhaustion. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Inflammatory Bowel disease is the cause of chronic diarrhea that leads to inflammation in the intestines of the patient. IBD occurs as a result of immune system working against the wellness of the body. In case of IBD, the immune system attacks the good or the friendly bacteria thus leading to inflammation.