Anemia – Causes and Symptoms

Anemia – Causes and Symptoms

Iron deficiency or anemia is one of the most common forms of anemia and affects many people. It is the result of an inadequate amount of healthy red blood cells in the body. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the tissues in the body and are vital to the healthy functioning of the body as well. As the name suggests, a deficiency in iron leads to the onset of the disease. Your body cannot produce healthy red blood cells without sufficient amounts of iron. Iron deficiency or anemia may result in you feeling tired at all times and suffering from a shortness of breath. You need to maintain a healthy diet rich in iron to get back on track or correct your iron deficiency by taking iron supplements. You may need additional tests to determine the true nature of the disease, especially if you are bleeding internally. Here are some of the symptoms of iron deficiency or anemia: Symptoms of iron deficiency or anemia The onset of the disease is so mild that it generally goes unnoticed. The signs and symptoms of the disease gather pace once the deficiency of iron starts having a telling impact on the body. The signs and symptoms of iron deficiency or anemia include the following: Pale skin Weakness Extreme fatigue Chest pain Fast heartbeat Shortness of breath Dizziness, headaches, or light-headedness Cold hands and feet A poor appetite Unusual cravings for substances like starch, dirt, and ice Brittle nails If you end up suffering from these symptoms, it suggests the likelihood of iron deficiency or anemia. The worst you can do at this stage is do a self-diagnosis and find a treatment for yourself. While it seems simple to take iron supplements or drastically change your diet to incorporate more iron, overloading the body with iron can be extremely dangerous as well.
Know about the Causes and Treatment Options for Swollen Ankles

Know about the Causes and Treatment Options for Swollen Ankles

At times, the ankle might get swollen due to various reasons. Swollen ankles are usually caused due to fluid retention. People usually experience slight pain during this time, and sometimes the pain could be worse. The cause of swollen ankles could be due to injury or any medical condition. The below-mentioned information will help you know the causes of and swollen ankles treatment options in detail. Prominent swollen ankles causes Injury – An injury to the ankle or the foot could lead to swelling. Even when there is a sprain, it leads to a swollen ankle. The best that can be done for this is to avoid walking and taking rest. It is important to take rest and use an ice pack covered with a towel at least for 30 minutes on the affected area. You can also make use of a compression bandage by wrapping the affected area and elevate the foot, preferably on a pillow or stool when you rest. Blood clots – When blood clots are formed in the veins of legs, it will cause the problem in the blood flow. This will result in swelling in the ankles and the feet. There are two types of blood clots. They are superficial and deep vein thrombosis. The former is caused in the veins right below the skin. The latter could result in blockage of one or more veins of the legs. It could be life-threatening as well. If you experience pain or fever due to this, then it is important to get medical assistance. Pregnancy complications – Swelling of feet or ankles is a usual thing during pregnancy. If there is unexpected or extreme swelling, then it is a sign of pre-eclampsia. Apart from this, if you experience other symptoms like a headache, abdominal pain, nausea, frequent urination or problem with vision, then you would need medical help.
All You Need to Know about Pinched Nerve

All You Need to Know about Pinched Nerve

A pinched nerve occurs when too much pressure is put on a nerve by the surrounding tissues like the bones, the tendons, the cartilage, or muscles. This pressure disrupts the nerve’s functioning and causes pain, weakness, tingling, or numbness. A pinched nerve can occur at a number of sites in the body. For example, a herniated disc in the lower spine may put too much pressure on the nerve root, causing pain that radiates down the back of the leg. Similarly, a pinched nerve in the wrist can cause pain and numbness in the hands and fingers (carpal tunnel syndrome). Nerves extend from the brain and the spinal cord, sending important messages throughout the body. When an individual has a pinched nerve, also known as nerve compression, the body may send warning signals like pain. It is important to not ignore these warning signals. The damage from a pinched nerve may be severe or minor. It may cause long-lasting or temporary problems. The earlier a diagnosis is made and treatment for nerve compression is started, the more quickly one will find relief. In some cases, the damage from a pinched nerve may not be reversed. But treatment options usually relieve pain and other symptoms associated with a pinched nerve. Signs and symptoms With a pinched nerve, sometimes pain may be the only symptoms. Or there may be other symptoms without any pain. Some of the common signs and symptoms associated with a pinched nerve are: Pain in the area of compressions, such as the lower back or the neck Weakness, especially during certain activities Radiating pain, such as radicular pain or sciatica A burning or a “pins and needles” sensation Tingling or numbness Sometimes, the symptoms may worsen when one tries certain movements, such straining the neck or turning the head.
Shingles – Symptoms, Risk Factors, and Treatments

Shingles – Symptoms, Risk Factors, and Treatments

Shingles is an infection caused by a virus. It is characterized by a painful rash. The same virus that causes chickenpox leads to this viral infection. It results in the development of a stripe of blisters, usually on one side of the body. This rash is very painful, and usually, patients need to adopt some remedies to get relief from shingles. Symptoms and diagnosis of shingles Shingles is characterized by pain and a burning sensation. You may also experience a tingling or numbing sensation in or under your skin. It may lead to the appearance of red blisters which are very painful. Shingles is also accompanied by other symptoms such as fever and headache. You may experience itching and irritation as well as fatigue due to shingles. Your doctor may diagnose shingles through its tell-tale symptoms and signs. When you have red blisters that tend to sting, itch and burn, you probably have shingles. These signs alone help your doctor in the diagnosis of this problem. It is essential to get the right diagnosis to find the right remedies and treatments for shingles. Risk factors The varicella-zoster virus which causes chickenpox is responsible for shingles as well. If you have had chickenpox at any point of time in your life, you face the risk of developing this condition. Once this virus enters your system, it stays dormant for a long time. It may get activated by exposure to infections when your immunity levels are low. Though shingles itself is not contagious, the varicella-zoster virus is communicable. Exposure to open sores of other shingles patients can put you at the risk of developing this infection. You are at high risk of developing shingles after you turn 50. Some diseases like HIV, AIDS, as well as cancer, can put you at risk of developing this problem.
All You Need to Know about Primary Pulmonary Hypertension

All You Need to Know about Primary Pulmonary Hypertension

A rare lung disorder, primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) is a case where the blood vessels in the lungs become narrow, thus causing high blood pressure in the lungs. Pulmonary arteries are responsible for carrying blood from the body to the lungs. It is in the lungs where carbon dioxide is traded for oxygen. Also known as idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension, PHN is a chronic disease and can lead to heart failure, if not treated on time. The pulmonary arteries are responsible for carrying blood from the body to the lungs, PHN is a disorder that is categorized by an abnormal/irregular increase in pulmonary artery pressure. Causes of primary pulmonary hypertension Although causes underlying primary pulmonary hypertension are unknown, there are some forms of PHN that can be linked to defective genes that run in the family. Researchers have established that gene mutation often leads to sensitization of blood vessels and theses can narrow, or constrict when exposed to such factors. The symptoms of PPH are as follows. Fatigue (extreme tiredness) and dizziness Loss of breath, trouble in breathing, especially during any physical activity. Persistent dry cough Swelling of the ankles or legs Bluish lips Angina (chest pain) High pulse Palpitations Hypoxia- the level of oxygen depletes in blood The above-mentioned symptoms usually get worse as the disease progresses. Less common symptoms of PPH Non-productive cough Exercise-induced nausea Vomiting Coughing up of blood The signs and symptoms of primary pulmonary hypertension are unrecognizable in its early stages, and often go unnoticed for months. Signs of primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) is often confused with other conditions that have an effect on the heart and lungs. While diagnosing pulmonary hypertension, doctors ask about the symptoms and risk factors, including family history and other medical conditions. Having a family member who has or had pulmonary hypertension increases your chances of developing the disease.
Detecting Symptoms Of Gallbladder Problems Is Important

Detecting Symptoms Of Gallbladder Problems Is Important

The gallbladder or the little sac in your body that gathers bile produced by the liver and releases it to the small intestine for breaking food particles seldom gets any attention. Although it is an important organ, it draws interest only when it starts malfunctioning. Generally, the gallbladder does not cause any disturbance to your health. It creates trouble only when the path to pass the bile to the intestine is somehow blocked. Gallbladder problems can vary from one person to other. While some get it as a chronic condition, there are others who need immediate medical attention; thus, the symptoms vary as well. Some of the common symptoms for detecting gallbladder problems are mentioned below: Vomiting and nausea Vomiting and nausea are among the most common symptoms of gallbladder problems. Whether it is a stone in the gallbladder or it is an inflammation of the organ, vomiting and nausea are experienced by all. Yet, people with chronic gallbladder problem may also get gas, acid reflux, or other digestive problems, apart from nausea and vomiting. Feeling full As the disorder of your gallbladder affects the digestive system, you may lose the urge to eat. A feeling of fullness in the abdominal area is often experienced by many patients diagnosed with this condition. Abdominal tenderness is also not something unusual when your gallbladder malfunctions. Chills or fever Do not ignore unexplained fever or chills as these can be a sign of an infection in your gallbladder or any other organ of the body. Ignoring the condition may aggravate the condition and might also cause a threat to your life, especially if it is a symptom of the gallbladder. Pain Gallbladder problems and pains are inseparable. In most cases, patients experience pain in their middle or upper abdomen on the right side of the body.
Lupus Skin Rash – Symptoms and Treatment

Lupus Skin Rash – Symptoms and Treatment

Lupus Skin Rash is a disease which causes inflammation, flare-ups and has several other symptoms. The improper functioning of the immune system damages the skin tissue and results in flare-ups. The symptoms of lupus skin rash start in the early adulthood from the age of thirty and worsen as the age progresses. Studies reveal the occurrence of lupus is high among women as compared to men. Lupus skin rash affects people in different ways. Some of them suffer from mild symptoms while other could have a severe problem. The disease can’t be cured permanently, however, treatment can reduce the intensity of pain. Common symptoms of lupus skin rash The main symptoms which characterize the lupus skin rash are fever, rash, hair fall, fatigue, kidney infections, and inflammation in joints, dried mouth, thyroid troubles and gastrointestinal dysfunction. Nail problems: You may have discolored and brittle nails due to lupus. The nails may crack and fall anytime. At times red spots are formed in the nail bed due to the inflammation of the blood vessels. Joint pain: Pain in the wrists, fingers, limbs, and knees are the initial signs of lupus. You can even suffer from muscular pain, which causes inflammation. Fever: People with lupus suffer from mild to high degree fever along with fatigue. They could feel exhausted throughout the day and find it difficult to walk. Butterfly rash: As the name indicates butterfly-shaped rash appears across the cheeks and Nose Bridge. Red spots, mouth sores, and purple rashes are some of the prime signs of butterfly rash. Hair fall: People may experience the falling of hair. The hair becomes thin on the scalp along with the development of flakes on the scalp. Sensitivity to light: Patients with lupus are highly sensitive to the sun. Spending a day in the sunlight can trigger the rashes.
A Detailed Discussion On Epilepsy Seizure Symptoms

A Detailed Discussion On Epilepsy Seizure Symptoms

Epilepsy, which is commonly known as seizure disorder can be a serious cause of concern if not treated at an early stage. A chronic problem of the central nervous system, epilepsy is caused when there is a sudden disruption of nerve cells present in the brain. Though epilepsy is known to be the fourth common medical issues experienced by the people in the United States, many people still hesitate to visit a doctor. There are others, who fail to understand the symptoms of a seizure. If you are also among them, who are not quite familiar with the signs of epilepsy seizures, checking the list of common symptoms mentioned below can be helpful. Seizure The name of the disease says it all. Seizures or a sudden stroke f illness is the prime symptom of epilepsy. Seizures are experienced all of a sudden and paralyze the patient for a certain period. Depending on the type of attack, seizures are further classified into two different types, viz. focal seizures and generalized seizures. Focal seizures Also known as a partial seizure, this type of attack is felt in a restricted area of the body. For ease of treatment, focal seizures are further sub-divided into two categories. One is the simple partial seizure or focal seizure in a conscious state, and the other is complex partial seizure or focal dyscognitive seizure. Simple partial seizure or focal seizure in a conscious state As the name says, the person experiencing this type of seizure does not lose consciousness. They may experience some changes in their mental state or might also feel some difference in sound, taste, feel, smell or look. Many people affected with this type of seizure also get sensory symptoms like flashes of light, dizziness or tingling sensation. Sudden involuntary jerk in the arm, leg or any other part of the body is also an indication of focal seizure.
Symptoms and Treatment of Metastatic Lung Cancer

Symptoms and Treatment of Metastatic Lung Cancer

Cancer is a life-threatening condition that typically forms particularly in one area or region of the body and this region is known as the primary site. Cancer cells can travel to other parts of the body, breaking away from its primary site through the bloodstream or the lymph system and is called metastasis. Metastatic lung cancer occurs when cancer cells break away from a tumor formed in the lungs and travel to other parts of the body through the blood or the lymph system. Even though the cancer cells have traveled and spread to a new location in the body, it is still named after the body part from where it all started. It is common for lung cancer to metastasize even before it is diagnosed, as symptoms generally do not show up when the lung cancer is already present. The most common sites of metastasis for lung cancer are the other lung, adrenal gland, bones, brain, and liver. Metastatic lung cancer is very different from recurring lung cancer, as recurring lung cancer affects the same part of the lung after being treated rather than moving to some other parts of the body. A metastatic cancer is always caused by the cancer cells developing in some other regions and traveling to another part of the body. Symptoms of metastatic lung cancer The symptoms of metastatic lung cancer are related to the area to which cancer spreads and these symptoms can be general. These general symptoms are often confused with some other issues. Hence, this condition is very difficult to identify as it does not always cause discernible symptoms. However, we have listed some of the common symptoms which are related to the site where a new tumor has developed: Bones Patients with lung cancer have a 40 percent chance of developing bone metastases which include symptoms such as pain.
Common Causes of Pain and Tightness in the Chest

Common Causes of Pain and Tightness in the Chest

Many people experience chest pain due to various reasons. In extreme cases, chest pain can be an indicator of a heart attack. But it can also be a sign of respiration issues, digestion problems, and other conditions. Chest pain should be taken seriously as it can lead to life-threatening conditions. Below are a few of the reasons why you might be experiencing chest pain. Angina : It is a condition wherein you feel pressure in your heart as if it is being squeezed. The blood is still flowing to the heart but its supply is exponentially reduced. You might experience dizziness or pain elsewhere in the upper body. Angina is very similar to a heart attack but does not cause permanent damage to the heart tissue. It is one of the common causes of chest pain. As soon as you feel the symptoms, you should consult the doctor to get professional medical help. Heart attack : When you feel a very sharp pain in the heart, then it is most likely a heart attack. A heart attack is caused when one of the arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle is blocked. There might be a sharp stabbing sensation along with pressure or tightness in the chest. Some other symptoms are shortness of breath, nausea, cold sweat, a lump in the throat, and numbness in the arm or hand. A heart attack is a medical emergency and the sooner you see a doctor the lesser will be the damage. Collapsed lung : A collapsed lung is the condition when the air gets in between the chest and the lung walls. This can cause a feeling of pressure when you inhale. In case of a collapsed lung, breathing in becomes really difficult. If you suspect this you should immediately see a doctor.
Know about the Common Symptoms of Gallbladder Pain

Know about the Common Symptoms of Gallbladder Pain

To know if you’re experiencing gallbladder pain symptoms, it is important to first understand what a gallbladder is and what are its functions. The gallbladder is a tiny pouch-like structure underneath the liver which is considered to be a part of the biliary system of your body. This tiny pouch, when full like an inflated balloon around 4 inches, contains a yellowish-brown liquid called bile, which is an essential fluid in the human body that helps in the digestion and breaking up of fatty foods in your small intestine. The bile is transferred to the small intestine using a small tube-like structure known as ducts. However, some researchers have concluded that the gallbladder may not be an essential internal organ, as the bile is known to reach the small intestine through other means and the gallbladder merely acts as a storage unit for the bile. When you experience gallbladder pain symptoms, you may feel a tenderness under the rib cage on the right side, bloating, gas, stools that are light or chalky colored, burping or belching, fatty stools, pain between shoulder blades, indigestion—especially after eating fatty or greasy foods, constipation or need to use laxatives frequently, diarrhea, headache over eyes—especially on the right, feeling of fullness or difficulty in digesting food, bitter fluid comes up after having food, vomiting, nausea, dizziness, and the like. A low, severe, or radiating pain is one of the most common gallbladder pain symptoms occurring near the mid-upper right section of the abdomen. A radiating pain can go to other areas of the body, such as the back and chest. Other common gallbladder pain symptoms include nausea and vomiting; however, in some severe cases, it may even cause some digestive problems, such as acid reflux, gas, nausea, and vomiting. Chronic diarrhea, meaning more than four bowel movements per day, for a long duration of at least three months is one of the common gallbladder pain symptoms.
All You Need to Know about Breast Pain

All You Need to Know about Breast Pain

Left breast pain in women can often be a warning sign of a future heart attack or be an underlying symptom of other serious conditions. Women tend to take these signs lightly, and in extreme cases, the result is death. Left breast pain can be a major indicator of underlying health problems. The best way to figure out if you’re really in trouble is by learning how to identify the location of the breast pain. Pain can originate from bodily structures located in the area under the breast. This is why non-breast related issues also need to be taken seriously. Heart attack symptoms may manifest as left breast pain, and this is an issue that is often overlooked amongst women. Common symptoms of oncoming heart attacks related to left breast pain include—a tightness in the chest, pain in the neck, jaw, or left arm, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, dizziness, and a gut-feeling followed by a sense of uneasiness. Causes of left breast pain in women Let’s take a look at some of the common causes of left breast pain: Injuries Injuries to the breasts, come with scar tissues and this can cause pain in those regions. The elastic layer protecting nerve endings is sensitive, and injuries to this layer can cause pain. Surgeries Surgeries related to the left breast can cause pain due to the development of scar tissues and fat necrosis. This takes time to heal, and pain is caused during this process. The healing of incisions due to augmentation, reduction, or reconstruction, can also lead to left breast pain. Hormonal Imbalances Hormonal changes or imbalances in the female body can lead to breast pain. This typically occurs during menstrual cycles, or if the woman is consuming hormonal pills or undergoing hormone replacement therapy. Taking certain oral contraceptives and infertility treatment procedures can also cause left breast pain in women.