Treatment Options for Chronic Bronchitis

Treatment Options for Chronic Bronchitis

Bronchial tubes carry air from and to the lungs, and when there is an inflammation in these tubes, it is known as bronchitis. People who have this problem will usually have a severe cough. This cough will lead to discolored and thick mucus. Most people who have this kind of problem may also have chest pain, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Bronchitis is two types – acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis. Acute bronchitis: This kind of bronchitis will develop as a result of some respiratory infections or due to cold. You will start feeling better in just a few days, and it will not last for a very long time. Chronic bronchitis: This kind of bronchitis will not strike suddenly like acute bronchitis. It will develop slowly, and may last for months or even for several years. The lining of your bronchial tube will have constant inflammation because of which thick mucus will get stuck in the airways of the lungs. Due to this, the air that flows in and out of the lungs will get restricted. People may face breathing difficulties due to blocked airways. Over time, the mucus formation will worsen. People with chronic bronchitis are likely to face other kinds of lung diseases as well. So, it is always good to start treatment for chronic bronchitis as soon as possible. Treatment for chronic bronchitis There is no cure or treatment for chronic bronchitis, but if you are taking medicine on time and make some lifestyle changes, you will be able to manage the symptoms of this health issue. But for this to work, you need to get an early diagnosis. When the condition gets worse, such changes are less likely to work on you. Medication As a part of the treatment for chronic bronchitis, your doctor may prescribe medication that will ease the breathing process.
Watch Out for These Osteoporosis Symptoms

Watch Out for These Osteoporosis Symptoms

Osteoporosis makes your bones fragile and brittle by reducing the quality of your bones. Read on to know more about the different osteoporosis symptoms. Osteoporosis is a disorder that causes your bones to become so weak and brittle that sometimes, even activities like bending over or coughing can cause a fracture. Some of the most common fractures associated with osteoporosis happen in your hip, wrist, and spine. About 200 million women all over the world suffer from this debilitating disorder, and it is more common in white and Asian women. As the bones are living tissue, the old bones in your body are constantly being broken down to create new bones and this rebuilding process is termed as ‘remodeling’. However, when the remodeling pace does not keep up with the pace of the breaking down of the bones, the bones become weak, brittle, and fragile, leading to osteoporosis. It is clear how this disorder develops over a period of time, however, what is not clear is what exactly causes osteoporosis. There are, however, certain risk factors that are associated with the development of this disorder. These are your race, body frame size, age, family history, sex, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and eating disorders. Osteoporosis is typically diagnosed by a bone density test, which involves the use of X-rays to scan the body. The treatment methods that are generally used for osteoporosis mainly depend upon your risk of a fracture. If your risk is low, the treatment plan will mainly involve lifestyle changes and modifications that can reduce the risk factors related to osteoporosis. If you are at a higher risk of breaking a bone, the doctor will prescribe you medications like Actonel, Binosto, Boniva, and Fosamax. Osteoporosis is mainly regarded as a silent disease because there are no telltale signs and symptoms in its early stages.
Tips to Lose Stubborn Belly Fat

Tips to Lose Stubborn Belly Fat

You are not alone in the struggle of losing belly fat. The Lancet recently reported that about 160 million people in the country are currently struggling with overweight or obesity. This is probably the biggest lifestyle health problem in the country. For many people, being a little overweight is of little concern, but belly fat is a big concern if you are image conscious. For people trying to lose weight, getting rid of belly fat is always the primary objective. However, this is usually easier said than done. A common false belief is that it is possible to target belly fat alone with exercises like crunches, but the fastest way to lose belly fat is with a comprehensive exercise and lifestyle adjustment program. There is no magic pill or routine to get rid of stubborn belly fat but a need to change your calorie intake and utilization. Here are some tips on how to lose stubborn belly fat at a faster rate. Create a 20%-25% Calorie Deficit A calorie deficit occurs when you take in fewer calories than you need. A calorie deficit helps burn stomach fat because the body has to fill the deficit by burning fat. A study was done at the University of Jyväskylä, which involved two groups of athletes. One group of athletes creating a 10%-12% deficit, or about 300 calories, while the second group created a 20%-25% calorie deficit (approx. 750 calories). After one month, the group with the larger deficit lost fat at an average of 4.4 pounds, while the first group had much less success. Creating a calorie deficit requires careful tracking of your diet including portion control. Consult a dietician as the first step in answering your question on how to lose stubborn belly fat. Create Weight and HIIT Workout Plans Creating an appropriate workout plan must be the head start in the fastest way to lose belly fat .
Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Primary Pulmonary Hypertension

Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Primary Pulmonary Hypertension

PAH or pulmonary arterial hypertension is also known as primary pulmonary hypertension. It is a very rare hypertension disease that affects your capillaries and arteries. The blood from the right ventricles of your heart flows into your lungs through these vessels. When the pressure in your arteries arises, your heart has to work much harder to pump the blood and as a result, it weakens the heart muscles. This can result in death as well. You cannot be cured of primary pulmonary hypertension. However, there are treatment options available for you to cope with it. Symptoms During the early stages of the primary pulmonary hypertension, you will not get any such noticeable symptoms. However, as your condition gets from bad to worse, there will be some symptoms that will get more and more noticeable. These symptoms include: Dizziness Chest pressure Fainting Fatigue Difficulty breathing Heart palpitations Rapid pulse Chest pain Bluish spots on your skin and lip Swelling of legs and ankles Swelling of your abdomen towards the later part of your disease You will find it difficult to breathe when you exercise or perform any other type of physical activity. Also, you might find it difficult to breathe even at the time when you are taking rest. Causes PAH happens when the capillaries and the arteries which carry the blood from the heart to the lungs gets destroyed or constricted. This happens due to multiple reasons. But the exact reason for primary pulmonary hypertension is yet to be discovered by the doctors and scientists. According to research, almost 15% to 20% of the people who suffer from PAH in the country have it hereditarily. This is due to the mutation that takes place in the BMPR2 gene or other genes. This genetic mutation can continue to happen from generation to generation leaving someone a chance to develop this disease at the later part of their life.
All You Need to Know about Erection Problems

All You Need to Know about Erection Problems

Erection problems occur when a man cannot achieve or maintain an erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse with a partner. While this is not a life-threatening issue, one should still consult a medical expert if they are unable to achieve an erection for one-quarter of the time to find out the underlying cause for this problem. Erectile problems are also known as: Sexual dysfunction Impotence ED or erectile dysfunction Common causes of erection problems It is necessary to understand why this problem occurs to get the right treatment. According to various medical reports, the most common causes of erection problems are psychological, physical, or a combination of both. Some research studies state that older men suffer from erectile dysfunction due to various physical reasons. The blood vessels and nerves responsible for an erection may be affected by this disorder. On the other hand, some medical studies indicate that most of the times, psychological effects and lifestyle concerns cause erectile dysfunction in young men. Here is a list of the probable physical causes that lead to erectile dysfunction in men. Note that these causes may vary from one person to another. Diabetes Heart disease along with the narrowing of the blood vessels High cholesterol High blood pressure Metabolic syndrome and obesity Multiple sclerosis Parkinson’s disease Peyronie’s disease (anatomical or structural penis disorder) Hardening of the arteries Substance abuse Kidney or liver disease Alcoholism Treatment processes for the prostate issues Congenital genitalia issues Excessive tobacco use Hormonal disorders like testosterone deficiency and thyroid conditions Radiation therapy in the pelvic region Injuries to the spinal cord or pelvic area Surgical complications Almost 90 percent of the erection problems are the result of physical causes. Psychological causes lead to fewer cases. If there is no identifiable physiological issue or anatomical deformity, the following psychological factors could be the cause of erectile dysfunction:
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.
These Common Medical Conditions are Causing Your Osteoporosis Bone Loss

These Common Medical Conditions are Causing Your Osteoporosis Bone Loss

There are certain common medical conditions that are specifically linked with osteoporosis bone loss. Here’s what you need to watch out for. The bone is a living tissue, and as such it is constantly being broken down to create new bone. However, when the rebuilding process is slower than the breaking down process, the bones become fragile and brittle. This is what happens when you develop osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is more common in women than men, and affects about 200 million women all over the world. Even though this disorder affects women of all age and races, it is more common in older white and Asian women. When you are suffering from osteoporosis and it reaches an advanced stage, fractures become a part of daily life. The fractures that are associated with osteoporosis usually occur in your spine, hip, and wrist. The bones become so brittle that even everyday activities like bending over or stepping on to the pavement can result in fractures. Early stages of osteoporosis do not show any symptoms, but when it reaches an advanced stage, symptoms like loss of height, back pain, neck pain, fractures, and stooping posture can be seen. A simple bone density test that shows the extent of osteoporosis bone loss is used when you want to diagnose this disorder. Some of the risk factors of osteoporosis include body frame size, age, family history, race, sedentary lifestyle, sex, and eating disorders. Your treatment plan will include a combination of medications, lifestyle modifications, and dietary changes, and mainly depends upon your risk of breaking any bone. But what exactly causes osteoporosis bone loss? There is no definite answer to this question. However, there are some common medical conditions that are linked with osteoporosis bone loss either because of the medications used to treat them or because of the disease itself.
Treat Heart Afib Naturally with These Simple Steps

Treat Heart Afib Naturally with These Simple Steps

Boost your health the natural way with these heart Afib treatment options. Heart Afib or atrial fibrillation is a condition characterized by irregularly fast heartbeats. It is a type of arrhythmia. For people with normal heart functions, the heart contracts and expands at a regular pace producing a regular heartbeat. However, for someone with heart Afib, the upper two chambers of the heart, known as the atria, pump blood at a much faster pace than the lower two chambers, known as the ventricles. The chaotic and irregular beating of the two upper chambers produces beats that are not in synchronization with the lower two chambers. As compared to normal heartbeats that range from 60-100 beats every minute, people with Afib record heart rates from 100-175 per minute. Other than causing irregular flow of blood to your body, heart Afib may also result in complications such as blood clots in the heart, plaque build-ups, etc. According to the National Heart Association, more than 2.7 people in the United States alone suffer from heart Afib. Heart Afib Treatment Plans Symptoms of heart Afib include fatigue and weakness, heart palpitations, dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath, etc. Not only does heart Afib reduce your quality of life, but it is also a risk factor for a number of other conditions such as a stroke. When it comes to treating heart Afib, doctors advise treatment options depending on what the cause of Afib is in every case. For example, if your heart Afib is being caused due to asthma/COPD, hyperthyroidism, etc., then the treatment plan will include specifically targeted treatment for the underlying problem. In general, treatment plans include conventional allopathic medication. However, many people find that the effect of medication on their heart Afib is not as profound as they would like it to be.
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.
Foods to Avoid in Multiple Sclerosis Diet Plans

Foods to Avoid in Multiple Sclerosis Diet Plans

Multiple sclerosis is a disease with a potentially disabling effect that attacks the central nervous system. In this condition, the nerve fibers are affected due to damage to the myelin coating. The myelin acts as a protective and active sheath but is attacked by the immune system. When the nerve fibres are damaged, there is an interference in the transmission of signals between the brain, spinal cord and rest of the body parts. The communication process is tampered and this also causes varied symptoms and signs that are accompanied with multiple sclerosis. If the condition is not diagnosed and treated in time, the nerves undergo further damage and can cause a permanent effect over time. There are various effects that are caused by multiple sclerosis. However, it entirely depends on the extent of damaged nerves. Moreover, the symptoms and signs will be determined based on the types of nerves that are affected. The signs and symptoms are experienced will differ from person to person. While one may feel fatigue regularly, another patient may find it difficult to move certain body parts. The most common symptoms that are seen in the patient include abnormal thinking and constant forgetfulness. Apart from this, certain patients may also go through a loss of vision in both or one eye, depending on the severity of the nerve damage. Also, in most cases, people feel a sudden sensation in different parts of the body and this can be described as piercing a needle or pins into the skin. There are some factors that increase the risk of one developing multiple sclerosis. It is likely to affect someone who is in the age bracket of 15 to 60 years. However, family history or genes can play a major role in the contraction of this disease. Also, women are at a higher risk as compared to men.
5 Useful Things to Know about Hidradenitis Suppurativa

5 Useful Things to Know about Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a disease where the affected person gets painful bumps under their skin, mostly near the sweat glands. For now, there is no permanent cure for this affliction, but medical treatments and changes in lifestyle have proven to provide relief as well as reduce future flare-ups. Hidradenitis suppurativa occurs in places where the swear glands are located. The sweat glands are known as apocrine glands, which are located in places where an individual usually has hair, like under the arms, around the groin region and between the buttock cheeks. Bumps develop in these areas . This can also occur in areas where the skin frequently gets rubbed, like between the thighs and under the breasts. When these bumps break, they often leave behind tissue scars. Immediate treatment is required to prevent the infection from developing again in the same area. Hidradenitis suppurativa is a condition that lasts for a long time and can get very frustrating to deal with. It also takes an emotional toll. People suffering from this affliction should seek support from family and friends and maybe even join a support group. Skin conditions can have a physical and emotional toll on the patient and should be handled with care. Causes: The causes of hidradenitis suppurativa are not yet known, but it is proven that the skin problems begin when sweat glands become blocked. Most people see the first symptoms in their teens or during the twenties. It also happens to be more common in women as compared to men as well as in people who smoke or are overweight. It can also be hereditary as about one-third of the people who suffer from HS usually have another relative with the same problem. Medical researchers and scientists have not been able to pinpoint the causes for hidradenitis suppurativa, but it has been noted that it is not caused by the use of powders, deodorants or by shaving one’s underarms.
Heartburn Chest Pain- How Can You Tell

Heartburn Chest Pain- How Can You Tell

Heartburn is the burning sensation that you experience in your chest after you eat. This feeling can be intense at times, and in these extreme cases, the person might even experience a chest pain. Heartburn is a fairly common condition that occurs when there is indigestion, and the food doesn’t sit well with your system. This happens when you eat spicy food or overeat. It is also known as acid reflux as the acid in your stomach comes back up into the esophagus causing a burning sensation in your chest. You might also feel nauseous and uncomfortable for a long time. If heartburn occurs more than two times a week, you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease. It can lead to further complications if left untreated. How To Differentiate Heartburn Chest Pain And Heart Attack One of the main symptoms of heartburn is chest pain. This is the reason most people confuse heartburn with cardiac attacks. The burning in the chest causes alarm and has people assuming that they are experiencing a heart attack. This is how you can distinguish between the two: Signs Of A Heart Attack The chest pain you experience when you have a heart attack will slowly spread to your neck, arms, and shoulders. You will have shortness of breath and feel light-headed. There will also be a lot of sweating. There will be a tightness in the chest, unlike the pain you feel in heartburn. Signs Of A Heartburn Patients experiencing a heartburn feel the pain in the chest spreading to the throat. A vomiting sensation and an acrid taste in the tongue are other signs. You’ll feel like the food is coming back into your mouth. Lying down will only intensify the discomfort and pain. Other signs that tell you that you have a heartburn and not a heart attack is, you will not be sweating, and the pain will occur after you have a meal.