Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS is a common condition associated with the large intestine of our body. It affects around 25-45 million Americans. People in their late teens to the early 40s are likely to get affected by this condition. A person with IBS often experiences a mix of belly discomfort or pain along with trouble in bowel habits. Some other symptoms are cramping, bloating, mucus formation in the stool, and gas. Although it isn’t a life-threatening disease, it requires long-term management, a healthy lifestyle, and proper treatment to get rid of IBS. Mostly, healthcare professionals categorize IBS into three categories which are as follows: IBS-D where diarrhea is the predominant symptom IBS-C where constipation is the predominant symptom IBS-M where predominant symptoms can be a mix of diarrhea and constipation Factors that lead to IBS-D Though the precise causes of IBS-D are still unknown, let’s have a look at some of the factors that play a vital role in the development of this condition: Intestinal muscle contractions The intestinal walls have muscle linings that allow food to pass through the digestive tract through its contraction and relaxation movements. If the intestinal contractions are stronger than the average levels, it can lead to the formation of gas, bloating, and even diarrhea. At the same time, if the muscle contractions are weaker than usual, food passes slowly through the digestive tract, which can lead to the formation of hard and dry stool. Nervous system Abnormalities in the nerves in your digestive system can cause your body to overreact to changes. Thus, it could result in discomfort, pain, or even diarrhea and constipation. Intestinal inflammation Some people with IBS-D develops an increased number of immune-system cells in the intestinal walls which leads to inflammation of these walls. This condition plays a role in the formation of more serious digestive abnormalities including diarrhea and constipation.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal disorder. The condition results in acute abdominal discomfort, gas, diarrhea, as well as changes in the patterns of one’s bowel movement. IBS with constipation is one of the most common scenarios that can greatly affect your quality of life. According to a study, the IBS affects more than 10% of the population in the country. The reason for the occurrence of IBS is unknown, which is why there is no specific cure for the condition. However, certain kinds of food items, stress, and hormonal changes are known to flare up the symptoms of this disease. Understanding these symptoms and following some basic steps that ease IBS can help to manage the condition in an effective way. Here are some ways to manage IBS. Making dietary changes Simple changes in the diet can help to relieve the troublesome symptoms of IBS. There is no specific diet for the same as some foods may cause IBS symptoms in one person whereas, on the other, they may not. Eliminating certain foods According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive Kidney Disease, certain items have shown to trigger the IBS symptoms: Dairy products High-fat products Caffeine Alcoholic drinks Broccoli, beans, and cabbage Drinks containing artificial sweeteners Chocolate and nuts Increasing dietary fiber Increasing your fiber intake is especially helpful in alleviating the symptoms of IBS with constipation. Doctors suggest consuming 22 to 34 grams of fiber each day. There are plenty of food items that are rich in fiber such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, etc. It is important to note that fiber should be added gradually to the diet, little by little. For instance, 2 to 3 grams should be added each day. Adding too much fiber in one go can cause bloating and gas, and further, aggravate the IBS symptoms.

Shingle is an infection which is caused by the same virus that gives you chickenpox and it appears as a painful rash which generally persists for 4 weeks at most. The condition causes an itching sensation, burning, all-around discomfort, and immense pain in its duration. While the symptoms of the disease are quite hard to handle, they can be managed and put to rest with effective treatment and by practicing home remedies. The best course of action is generally getting a cream to tackle shingles. Following the shingles virus, you may suffer from an extremely painful condition called post-herpetic neuralgia. The condition is characterized by pain occurring in the areas of the body where the rash was once present. It may or may not occur before the onset of the rash that characterizes shingles. The pain generally follows a nerve’s path on one side of the body. Here are a few ways you can manage nerve pain from shingles and lead a pain-free life. Pain from shingles To treat nerve pain that has preceded the appearance of the shingles rash, or which is ongoing during its appearance and treatment, it is necessary to manage shingles by following the below-mentioned methods first. Avoid scratching your blisters: When you are suffering from painful and itchy blisters, abstaining from scratching them is a task in itself. To effectively manage nerve pain from shingles, you need to try to keep from scratching your blisters. They will eventually crust over and fall off on their own terms. Scratching them only makes things worse as they will open up and become much more susceptible to infection. You may also end up spreading bacteria if you keep scratching your blisters. If you have accidentally scratched them, wash your hands immediately to avoid the spread of harmful infection-leading bacteria.

Cholesterol is a thick and waxy, fat-like substance widely found in every cell of the body. Produced by the liver, cholesterol is essential for the production of certain hormones, vitamin D as well as some substances that aid in digestion. Cholesterol is transported through the bloodstream by small particles called lipoproteins. Healthy cholesterol levels protect an individual against heart diseases. However, at the same time, if the level of cholesterol rises beyond a certain limit, it can build up in the arteries and become the cause for a heart attack or stroke. There are two types of lipoproteins — low-density lipoproteins (LDL), which causes heart diseases, and high-density lipoproteins (HDL), which returns the LDL cholesterol to the liver for elimination from the human body. If the level of LDL cholesterol is high, or the level of HDL cholesterol is low, fatty deposits can build up in the blood vessels, leading to a blockage of the arteries. This condition is called high cholesterol. Thankfully, there are plenty of treatment options that help in controlling the LDL cholesterol levels. Common symptoms of high cholesterol There are no visible symptoms of high cholesterol. So, an individual could have this condition and yet know nothing about it. If a person has high cholesterol, their body will store all the excess cholesterol in the arteries. Arteries are responsible for transporting blood from the heart to the rest of the body. A buildup of cholesterol in the arteries can result in plaque, which in turn makes these arteries narrow. If the cholesterol levels keep rising, it can lead to a blockage in the arteries. In case the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscles get blocked, a person can have a heart attack. Similarly, if there is a blockage in the artery that delivers blood to the brain, a person experiences a stroke.

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.

Diarrhea is the second most reported illness all over the country. The most prominent characteristic of diarrhea is a watery or loose stool. If diarrhea lasts for four or more weeks, then it will be regarded as chronic diarrhea. Although acute diarrhea may not be that serious and will get cured with time, chronic diarrhea may create some serious complications if it is not treated as soon as possible. Here are some of the causes and treatment methods of chronic diarrhea. Causes of chronic diarrhea Too much alcohol and caffeine If you consume foods that have too much caffeine or cola content, then you might get the watery stool. Also, consumption of too much alcohol can ruin your digestive system. In that case, you will face the problem of chronic diarrhea. However, if you consume these substances in a limited amount or even stop consuming it completely, then you may not face this problem. Consuming sugary items Taking too much sugar is known to cause diarrhea. Also, there are some substances that are artificial sweeteners. Consuming these substances regularly can cause chronic diarrhea. Here are some the examples of these substances: Lactose Fructose Mannitol Sorbitol Taking certain medications Certain medications might cause acute or chronic diarrhea. Medications that are used for chemotherapy may cause diarrhea, or if you have taken a course of antibiotics, then you may also get vulnerable to diarrhea. So, if you have this medical condition after starting a particular medication, then you should consult your doctor immediately. Celiac disease If you have celiac disease, then it will be difficult for you to link your food with the specific symptom you are having because your stomach will already be damaged. So, you will be experiencing these symptoms all the time. This will last for around four or more weeks.

Usually, the pain that lasts at least for 12 weeks is defined as chronic pain. It can be intermittent or steady. It can come and go without any apparent reason. It can be felt dull or sharp, causing an aching or burning sensation in the affected areas. Also, the pain can be felt differently in the affected areas. Lack of proper chronic pain management can reduce your strength, endurance, flexibility along with limiting your mobility. This definitely makes your daily life more challenging as it becomes difficult to get through various daily activities and tasks. According to various medical study reports, almost 1.5 billion people worldwide suffer from this chronic pain. In the country alone, almost 100 million people are affected by this pain. Here is a list of some of the common types of chronic pain: Postsurgical pain Headache Arthritis pain Post-trauma pain Neurogenic pain that is caused by any damage in the nerve Lower back pain Psychogenic pain that is not caused by an injury, nerve damage, or any disease Cancer pain Causes of Chronic Pain Without realizing the underlying causes of the pain, treating it or getting the right chronic pain management plan will be tough. Here is a list of some of the most common causes of it: Sometimes, normal aging can affect the joints and bones, causing chronic pain. Nerve damage or nerve injuries that have not been healed properly are another cause of this pain. Some types of chronic pain can have more than one influencing factor. For instance, back pain can be caused by either a single factor or can be caused by any combination of the following factors: Poor posture for years Being overweight that puts extra strain on the knees and back Carrying heavy objects or improper lifting of heavy objects Traumatic injury Degenerative changes in the spine due to normal aging Wearing high heels Any congenital condition like spine curvature Sleeping on the poor mattress Diseases like osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and rheumatoid arthritis can cause chronic pain.

The human body has a peripheral nervous system that connects the nerves from the brain and the spinal cord with the rest of the body. They are connected everywhere including hands, legs, mouth, face, and internal organs. These nerves deliver signals of physical sensation back to the brain. Neuropathy or peripheral neuropathy refers to a disorder that occurs due to the malfunctioning of the nerves. If they get damaged or destroyed, they send wrong signals, like signals of pain when there is no pain and no signal when there is a pain. An injury, infection, inherited disorder or systemic illness may cause peripheral neuropathy. This disorder is a troublemaker and obviously uncomfortable, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, it can be cured. For the accurate neuropathy treatment, it is of utmost importance to find the root cause as the causes are different for different people, and their treatment is also different. Types and symptoms of neuropathy There are around 100 different types of neuropathy. Each of them has unique symptoms as well as treatments. They are classified into two types based on the type of nerve damage involved. The three types of peripheral nerves are sensory nerves that connect with the skin, motor nerves with muscles and autonomic nerves with the internal organs. Peripheral neuropathy affects one or all nerve groups. Mononeuropathy is the condition of one damaged nerve; on the other hand, multiple nerves are damaged during polyneuropathies which are more common. Various symptoms can be noticed like tingling and numbness in hands and feet, sharp stabbing pain, buzzing sensation, drop of blood pressure, sexual dysfunction, thinning of skin, diarrhea, and difficulty in digestion, constipation, and excessive sweating. When you go to the doctor, make sure to tell him about all the symptoms to get proper treatment. Diagnosis In order to determine the required treatment, it is important to diagnose the causes behind the disorder.

Most people who have suffered a gout attack pretty much know the signs of a flare-up. The worst part about a gout flare up is that there is not much you can do to stop it. Although there are no cures for the condition, there are some home treatments that can help in managing the symptoms of gout attacks. Gout, or gouty arthritis, has been reported as early as the fifth century B.C. This disease was dubbed as the “disease of kings” owing to its association with consumption of alcohol and rich food. A gout attack can occur with several warning signs or may occur suddenly without a warning. Its four stages are asymptomatic hyperuricemia, acute gout, interval gout, and chronic tophaceous gout. The symptoms and treatment vary for each stage. The most common joint where gout inflammation is observed are the joints in the feet. The top 5 gout treatments are a combination of medication and home care remedies that provide relief from pain and swelling. Causes of Gout Pain Gout is mainly caused by the buildup of uric acid in the body. The uric acid gets deposited in the form of crystals in the joints and tissues on the body, causing pain and inflammation. Gout is a complex health condition that comprises many contributing factors. High levels of uric acid, which lead to gout, may be caused due to digestive disorders or alcoholism, or unchecked diet. Foods like shellfish, red meat, sweet juices, organ meat, and salty food may cause a rise in uric acid levels. Kidney or thyroid problems may also lead to uric acid build up in the body. Those with a family history of gout are at a risk of developing gout. Alcoholism and medications are other causes of gout. The most commonly affected part is the big toe.

Our skin is nothing but a protective shell for our body, and it protects us from numerous toxic things like harmful chemicals, UV rays, and various cuts and scrapes. As a result of these factors, the skin often changes its texture and color, and at times rashes may also appear. Usually, skin inflammation causes these rashes, and there are numerous reasons behind this inflammation. You can see different patterns of skin rashes in conditions like granuloma annulare, eczema, pityriasis rosea, lichen planus, acne, razor burns, and so on. The article below highlights the different types of skin rashes and their treatments. Acne Acne is perhaps the most common problem that people face. Numerous factors lead to irritating red bumps on your skin. Heavy sweating, stress, humidity or consuming steroids can lead to skin rashes. Even if you maintain perfect personal hygiene, you may get acne because of washing your face too often. If you are facing this problem in your daily life, you should consult a general physician or a dermatologist to identify the underlying issue and cure it. You can also find numerous home remedies to deal with acne. Razor burn Men usually face this problem along with redness, blisters, and rashes due to shaving. To prevent this problem, you should be careful while shaving your face. You should wash your face with warm water and use sharp and clean blades. Nowadays, you can find different shaving gels and other lubricants which can help prevent these rashes. Moreover, you can also use aloe vera-based soothing lotions to soothe the skin and treat any skin rashes. Sunburn UV radiation could affect our skin and lead to rashes. Melanin protects our skin from UV radiation. You can take adequate precautions like using hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen, but the lack of vitamin E can result in painful sunburns.

Frozen shoulder is a painful condition that affects your shoulder joint. It causes excruciating pain and causes stiffness in the shoulder. Anatomically, your shoulder is made up of three bones: upper arm, shoulder blade, and collarbone. These bones collectively form the ball-and-socket joint that is held together with connective tissues. These tissues are known as the shoulder capsule. In a frozen shoulder, the shoulder capsule becomes excessively thick, thus restricting movement. The condition of a frozen shoulder may take anywhere between 1 and 3 years to cure. Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder The first and most prominent symptom of a frozen shoulder is pain and stiffness. You will persistently feel a dull pain in one shoulder, making it very difficult to move it. Gradually, the pain will spread to the upper arm as well. In most cases, the pain worsens at night. Typically, in a frozen shoulder, the symptoms experienced can be categorized into the following 3 stages as shown below: Initial or Freezing stage You experience a pain in your shoulder every time you try to move it. Gradually, the pain starts getting more intense, especially at night. The movement of your arm and shoulder gets restricted to a certain extent. T his stage generally lasts from 6 to 9 months. Frozen Stage The shoulder stiffness increases at this stage. The movement of the shoulder gets completely restricted and the pain interferes with your everyday activities. This stage lasts from 3 to 12 months. Recovery or Thawing stage At this stage, the symptoms begin to go away, and the range of motion starts to go back to normal. This may take between 6 months and 2 years. Frozen Shoulder Treatment The most effective treatment for frozen shoulder involves controlling pain and stiffness and preserving the range of motion in the best possible way.

Eczema is a common type of skin problem that could cause itchiness and redness to your skin. Sometimes, the condition of eczema is referred to as atopic dermatitis which is an allergy. Those who have this issue will generally have asthma and allergies along with the red and itchy skin. Eczema is not a contagious disease. However, the exact cause of eczema is still to be procured. Types of eczematous dermatitis Atopic dermatitis This is one of the most common types of eczematous dermatitis . Although it generally starts in childhood, it will go away as one becomes an adult. Hay fever, asthma, and atopic dermatitis form a triad which means someone who has atopic dermatitis will have the other two conditions as well. Symptoms Rashes in elbows and knees Rashes turning lighter or thicker or even darker The appearance of small bumps which could start leaking once you scratch them Rashes on the scalp or the cheek of the babies Contact dermatitis If the itchiness and the redness of your skin are due to a reaction caused by a substance you touch then you might be having contact dermatitis. This type of eczematous dermatitis has two other types which are allergic contact dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis. Symptoms Skin tuning red and itches, burns, and stings starting to appear Hives appearing on your skin Blisters filled with fluids Scaly and leathery skin Dyshidrotic eczema Dyshidrotic eczema is a common type of eczematous dermatitis seen more in women than men. It will cause the formation of small blisters on your hands and feet. Symptoms Blisters filled with fluids The blister that will hurt and itch Scaly skin with crack and flake Hand eczema This type of eczematous dermatitis only affects your hands. If you are a hairdressing or a cleaning expert, then you might get hand eczema.