Causes and Symptoms of Kidney Failure

Causes and Symptoms of Kidney Failure

It is estimated that more than 30 million adults in the country are living with kidney disease and most are not aware of it. There are a number of visible signs of kidney disease, but sometimes people associate them with other health problems. Most of them are unable to identify kidney failure symptoms until a very late stage, that is, when the kidneys are failing or when there is a large amount of protein in the urine. Causes of kidney failure Chronic kidney disease befalls when a disease or condition impairs the kidney function, which leads to kidney damage over several months or years. The main causes of kidney illness are diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, smoking, obesity, abnormal kidney structure, and older age. Sometimes, if one has a family history of kidney disease, it can also trigger the chances of having kidney failure. Kidney failure symptoms are usually subtle and most people don’t pay attention to them. If one notices most of the following, it can be a sign of kidney failure. Being more tired, with lost energy and having trouble concentrating A critical decrease in kidney function can lead to the accumulation of toxins and impurities in the blood. This can make people feel tired, weak and can make it hard to focus. Anemia is also one of the kidney failure symptoms, which can make an individual weak and exhausted. Having trouble sleeping The toxins stay in the blood rather than flushing out from the body through the urine when the kidneys aren’t filtering properly. Physical problems can contribute to abrupt sleep patterns. Compared to the general population, the sleep disorder is very common in those with chronic kidney disease. Having dry and itchy skin Healthy kidneys perform numerous important functions of the body. They dismiss waste and extra fluids from the body, help the body to produce red platelets, keep bones strong and also work to keep up the appropriate quantity of minerals in the blood.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Hepatitis C

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C also known as the chronic liver disease is caused by hepatitis C virus. It is the most serious type of viruses among A, B, and C. Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver which is caused by infection, medication or accumulation of toxins in the body. According to a recent survey conducted, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has affected around 3.5 million people in the country. It is also the cause of 12,000 deaths in a year across the country. Types of hepatitis C Hepatitis C has mostly two main discourses. These are acute hepatitis and chronic hepatitis C. The symptoms of acute hepatitis C are more short-termed ranging from six months up to a year. On the other hand, symptoms of chronic hepatitis C can last a lifetime. Acute hepatitis if left untreated, leads to chronic hepatitis in most of the cases. The hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus and occurs as the result of transdermal transmission of the hepatitis C virus through infected blood. It is a contagious disease and the virus can easily enter into the bloodstream of another person through the skin. Transmission It is transmitted by injecting drug through sharing of infected injection. It can also be transmitted through blood and its transfusions. Through the reuse of unsterilized syringes, injections, and other medical equipment. Through dialysis or any kind of organ transplant. Through Intranasal use of drug( snorting) Through any kind of body piercing or injecting ink into a person’s skin also known as tattooing. Through sexual contact. From an infected mother to her baby. Not maintaining personal hygiene and sharing of personal things such as garments, razors, toothbrushes and other items Hepatitis C is not transmitted through breast milk unless the skin of the nipple is percutaneous. It is also not spread through sharing of food or water of the infected person.
Key Symptoms and Treatments of Arthritis

Key Symptoms and Treatments of Arthritis

Arthritis can be described as an autoimmune disorder that leads to chronic inflammation of the joints. Generally, body parts like the knees, hands, and fingers are mainly affected by this chronic disease. The disease begins with mild symptoms that often lead to a bigger systemic illness affecting the different portions of the human body. The arthritis pain symptoms differ from one individual to another, and it may change on a day-to-day basis. Arthritis pain can be identified with the help of its symptoms. You must remember that the symptoms may vary from person to person, and you have to get a detailed idea to deal with this chronic disease. Here are some of the basic symptoms and treatment methods of rheumatoid arthritis that’ll give you an idea of what it is. Fatigue Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis pain in almost all phases. Fatigue results from the active inflammation of joints, anemia, medication habits, and poor sleep. Patients feel uneasy and often report a lack of energy. Moreover, it can affect their emotions, occupation, sex drive, relationship, mood, happiness, creativity, productivity, and attentiveness. Many experts have revealed that fatigue and rheumatoid arthritis also have a connection with weight loss and poor appetite. Joint pain Joint pain is another common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis, and it results from the inflammation of joints. A large number of people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis often face severe joint pain, and you should consult a doctor if you feel joint pain due to any reason. It is important to remember that past rheumatoid arthritis can result in damaged ligaments, bone, and cartilage, and the patients feel severe pain while using the damaged joints. Joint tenderness A large number of people also face problems of joint tenderness in rheumatoid arthritis. The inflamed joint lining tissue irritates the nerves on the joint capsule, and this leads to pain.
All You Need to Know about Crohn’s Disease

All You Need to Know about Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease affects thousands of people in the country every year. This painful condition can be life-threatening if not treated in time. Knowing about the symptoms and diagnosis of Crohn’s disease, the treatment can go a long way in helping a person lead a normal life. What Is Crohn’s disease? This condition is categorized as an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In this condition, the digestive tract gets inflamed leading to severe stomach pain, diarrhea, loss of weight, extreme tiredness, malnutrition, and other symptoms. The inflammation is not only contained in the digestive tract but goes deep in the layers of tissue in the bowels. A person with the condition experiences severe pain and incapacitation. If not treated in time, this condition can develop into deadly complications. The cause of Crohn’s disease is not known. An unhealthy diet and stress may worsen the condition, but doctors think a weakened immune system and hereditary factors have an important role to play in its occurrence. People with a family history of Crohn’s disease are at a greater risk of developing the condition, but this is not always the case. Other risk factors may include age, ethnicity and lifestyle factors. While the condition can develop at any age, Crohn’s disease is diagnosed in most people before they turn 30 years old. Caucasian and people of Eastern European Jewish descent seem to be at a greater risk of developing the condition. However, it affects people of all ethnicities. Cigarette smoking, taking certain anti-inflammatory drugs, and environmental factors such as living in a developed country can also contribute to the occurrence of this condition. Signs and symptoms of Crohn’s disease For most people, stomach pain and diarrhea are common conditions that go away after a few days. However, if the abdominal pain is severe and frequent, Crohn’s disease is most likely the cause of the same.
Rheumatoid Arthritis – Symptoms, Causes, and Remedies

Rheumatoid Arthritis – Symptoms, Causes, and Remedies

Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition wherein a person experiences chronic inflammation in the joints. This autoimmune disease is caused when the immune system that protects the body from bacteria and viruses begins attacking the joints. The inflamed tissues cause the inside of the joints to thicken, thereby leading to severe pain. It can also cause bone erosion and joint deformity in the long run. The most commonly affected joints include the hands, elbows, ankles, and wrists. If the inflammation goes unnoticed, the condition can affect other body systems and cause severe physical disabilities. The cardiovascular and respiratory systems are usually affected. Rheumatoid arthritis disorder begins with minor signs that occur every once in a while; however, with each passing week and month, the symptoms progress and become more severe. The symptoms that one individual experiences may not be the same as another. Moreover, the signs tend to differ with each passing day. Here are rheumatoid arthritis symptoms that one may experience: Joint stiffness – Stiffness in the joints is one of the most common rheumatoid arthritis symptoms that people experience. This stiffness is often felt in the smaller joints, especially in the initial weeks. It begins with the hands and moves to the lower parts of the body, increasing rapidly over the course of two to three days. This stiffness can occur at any time, irrespective of whether one is walking down the street or wakes up from a nap. Pain in the joints – When the joints begin to feel stiff, the same is followed by pain in the joints during an activity or even while resting. This is also one of the most common rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Most commonly, pain may occur in the fingers and knees. However, the pain may become severe and continue to grow in the shoulders and feet.
Phases and Symptoms of Chronic Migraine You Should Not Ignore

Phases and Symptoms of Chronic Migraine You Should Not Ignore

A pulsing sensation or severe pain can always be associated with a migraine. The pain begins on just one side of the head, and you may experience high sensitivity to light and sound, vomiting, and nausea as well. When it comes to chronic migraine attacks, many patients experience a considerable pain for several hours or days, and sometimes, the pain can even become unbearable. There are some warning symptoms also called aura that might occur before or with a headache. The most common warning signs are tingling sensation on the leg, arm, one of the face, blind spots, and flashes of light. Medications can offer relief and prevent some migraines, and the pain can be controlled as well. You need to consult your doctor about various migraine treatment choices if you find it difficult to find relief using self-help remedies. The most effective option is to combine right medications, lifestyle changes, and natural self-help remedies and such a combination of approach methods offer excellent relief. What are the most common chronic migraine symptoms? Migraines quite often start in childhood, and in some people, it starts with early adulthood or adolescence. Various research studies show that migraines develop through four phases. These phases include prodrome, aura, headache, and post-drome. It is not necessary that all migraine-affected people go through all these four stages. Learn about prodrome and its symptoms When you are going through the prodrome stages, you may have to deal with subtle changes that act as warning signs of an impending migraine attack before one or two days before the actual occurrence. The most common symptoms associated with prodrome phase are neck stiffness, constipation, food cravings, increased thirst, mood changes progressing from depression to euphoria, frequent yawning, and a constant urge for urination. This is one of the phases of chronic migraine symptoms.
All You Need to Know about Dog Allergies

All You Need to Know about Dog Allergies

Dogs are the best friends of a human being unless he or she is allergic to them. Americans love dogs. However, pet allergies are also quite common in the country. According to a report, 15% to 30% of the population has pet allergies. Allergic reactions due to other pets are not as severe as allergic reactions to dogs. Moreover, people with asthma are quite likely to have a dog allergy. This article gives the reader some information about the symptoms, causes, risk factors, and treatments for dog allergies. Symptoms of dog allergies in humans Patients with dog allergies will experience several symptoms when they come in contact with a dog. These symptoms could range from mild to severe. People with low sensitivity may not experience symptoms for several days after they come in contact with dogs. Some of the symptoms of dog allergies include: Itching and swelling of the membrane in and around the eyes and nose A patient’s skin becomes red after getting licked by a dog Wheezing, coughing or shortness of breath within 10 to 30 minutes after exposure to dogs Rashes on the face, chest, and neck A severe attack of asthma for asthma patients Trouble with sleeping due to shortness of breath Pressure and pain in the face Nasal congestion Causes of dog allergies in human beings The proteins that a dog secretes generally end up in their dead skin or dander, urine, and saliva. When an allergic person comes in contact with the dog, their immune system starts to react abnormally to these harmless proteins secreted by the dog. You should also remember that different breeds of dogs produce different dander. Thus, it is possible that an individual is only allergic to a specific breed of dogs. Also, the dander could get into various surfaces like the carpet, clothing, walls or even couch cushions.
12 Symptoms of Adult ADHD

12 Symptoms of Adult ADHD

ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurobehavioral disorder that can cause physical and mental problems if left untreated. The disease could take a toll on one’s life by causing problems in relationships and at the workplace as well. According to the American Psychiatric Association, 5% of all children in the country have ADHD, and almost half of those children carry the disease to adulthood. Thus, with time, this condition could disappear for some patients. However, in other cases, though the symptoms begin in childhood, ADHD continues through teenage and adulthood. It then becomes important to understand and know the signs and symptoms. Adults who have ADHD are often not aware that they suffer from this condition, and so they don’t consider it essential to treat it. However, if they wish to live a normal and healthy life, it is best to watch out for some obvious and less obvious symptoms. Hyperfocus Adults with ADHD tend to focus intently on things, and this is one of the prominent symptoms of this condition. These adults can get so engrossed in doing or watching something that they might completely ignore everything else happening around them. It can lead to strained relationships and erratic work life. Lack of focus People who have ADHD get distracted easily and have a short attention span. They have trouble listening to other people in a conversation or and are not able to pay attention to details. It is the opposite of hyperfocus where the patient is excessively focused on one topic of their interest. Lack of organization At some point or the other, life may seem chaotic to everyone. However, for ADHD patients, life seems disorderly all the time because of their state of mind. ADHD could make one’s life seem disorganized and chaotic. Problems with time management Poor time management skill is one of the symptoms of adult ADHD.
Here is Everything You Should Know about the Multiple Sclerosis Diet

Here is Everything You Should Know about the Multiple Sclerosis Diet

Multiple sclerosis is a disease that attacks the central nervous system and has a potential to cause permanent disability. The condition is serious, affecting the brain and the spinal cord. When the protective sheath – myelin, is attacked by the immune system, multiple sclerosis is triggered. The nerve fibers are damaged due to lack of myelin and this leads to damage to the nerve signals between the brain and other body parts which further affects the communication process. The illness can also lead to deterioration and permanent damage to the nerves with each passing day. Multiple sclerosis has serious effects on the body and this entirely depends on the extent of damage to the nerves. The symptoms may differ from the nerve that is attacked. Moreover, every individual will experience different types of signs and symptoms. Some of the commonly experienced symptoms include: Thinking problems – An individual begins to find it difficult in understanding things and suffers from memory loss. Abstraction and processing information becomes a huge task for the patient. Loss of vision – Due to this disease, one has to also go through the loss of vision, either in one eye or both. Even the smallest eye movement stimulates excruciating pain to the patient. Color-distortion can also be one of the symptoms. Sensory feelings – One experiences sudden tingling in certain body parts. Such unexpected movements may be painful just like piercing of needles into the skin. Fatigue – An individual may feel tired during the entire day and will not be fit to carry out basic tasks and activities. This may also be accompanied by slurring in the speech. Generally, people who suffer from multiple sclerosis go through relapse very quickly. The signs and symptoms will defer over the course of time. Even an increase in the body temperature can worsen the symptoms.
Hepatitis C – Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

Hepatitis C – Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

Hepatitis C is a viral infection caused by inflammation of the liver. In some cases, it can lead to serious liver damage in people with the condition. The disease mainly spreads through contamination of blood. Earlier the treatment of hepatitis C involved weekly injections that were given to patients and certain oral medications. However, many hepatitis patients could not take these medications due to their other health problems and due to side effects. Chronic HCV is curable using oral medications that are taken daily for at least two months. There are about half of the people suffering from HCV, and they don’t know they are infected. This happens when a person experiences no symptoms of the problem. Symptoms can take a decade to appear in many students. This is why the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention ask a person to get a one-time screening of blood test for those who can be at increased risk of infection. The largest group at the risk of the situation is born between 1945 and 1965. A population is five times more likely to get infected with the problem than people born in other years. Symptoms of hepatitis C There are many factors by which can determine if a person is suffering from hepatitis C. People suffer from long-term infection with hepatitis C virus. It is also known as chronic hepatitis C. Chronic hepatitis C remains silent for many years. This becomes evident sometimes when the virus has damaged liver enough to cause signs and symptoms to appear. Here are a few signs and symptoms of the condition. Easy bleeding Easy bruising Fatigue Poor appetite Discoloration of skin and eyes, a form of jaundice. Urine that is dark colored Itchy skin Abdomen fluid build up Leg swelling Weight loss Drowsiness Confusion Slurred speech Spider-like blood vessels in the skin or spider angiomas.
Popular Herbal Remedies for Psoriatic Arthritis

Popular Herbal Remedies for Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes itching and scaly red patches to appear on the skin or scalp. Psoriatic arthritis is an advanced form of psoriasis that affects the small joints in one’s body. There are five known types of psoriatic arthritis that exhibit different symptoms with varying levels of severity. These include symmetric arthritis, asymmetric arthritis, distal interphalangeal predominant (DIP), spondylitis, and arthritis mutilans. Inflammation is one of the major triggers that can result in the condition worsening with time. Complications develop over time, and some of its symptoms can be managed with a simple combination of everyday ingredients to make herbal remedies for psoriatic arthritis. Here are five powerful herbal remedies for psoriatic arthritis. Apple cider vinegar It is one of the most versatile ingredients when it comes to treating skin disorders and diseases. Apple cider vinegar is effective against the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis as it is a natural anti-itch agent. Apple cider vinegar can be applied gently on the scalp and other affected areas on the body to counter the itching sensation. However, one must avoid direct application of raw apple cider vinegar in areas where the skin has blistered, or where there are visible cracks and signs of bleeding. Aloe vera Aloe vera gel has been commonly used to treat skin conditions and disorders for thousands of years. It is an affordable option when it comes to using herbal remedies for treating psoriatic arthritis. Aloe vera is particularly effective to treat skin burns and counter the irritation caused by inflammation. It is rich in glucomannan that accelerates healthy skin cell growth and healing of the affected area. Inflammation is one of the most persistent symptoms of psoriatic arthritis and the aloe vera gel’s naturally soothing properties cool the affected area. The gel soothes inflammation to reduce abrasions and burns.
Everything You Need to Know about Mold Allergies

Everything You Need to Know about Mold Allergies

Do you often have an allergy across seasons? If yes, then you could be sensitive to mold spores as well as other fungi. Mold lives everywhere, and you can accidentally send a lot of spores in the air by upsetting a source of mold. Inhaling spores causes allergic reactions in some people, and this is why many people suffer from symptoms of mold allergy during the monsoons. Although there are various kinds of molds, very few of them can cause an allergic reaction. Most molds grow on fallen leaves and rotten logs, on grain and grass, and in composite piles. Outdoor molds are not active during the winter, and they mostly grow on plants in the spring. At home, this fungus thrives in damp areas, and you can look for it in the kitchen, basement, and bathroom. Let’s have a look at the various symptoms of mold allergy: Symptoms of mold allergies The symptoms of a mold allergy are similar to the symptoms of other types of allergies. Some of these signs include congestion, sneezing, runny nose, itching, and dry or scaling skin. Indoor molds cause allergic reactions throughout the year while spores from outdoor molds are responsible for these symptoms during the summer or fall. When mold spores get into your nose, they can cause signs of hay fever. Sometimes, these spores may get to the lungs and trigger asthma. The chemical released by mold spores causes the symptoms of mold allergy when they get into the lungs or nose. This reaction can happen right away or may take some time. At times, mold allergy causes delayed symptoms, and this leads to worsening asthma and nasal congestion over time. If your symptoms get worse when you expose yourself to a moldy or damp room such as the basement, then this means that you are allergic to mold.