Gout is one of the most frequently recorded medical conditions over the past years and throughout the history. A kind of arthritis, gout is caused when uric acid crystallizes in the body, and these crystals accumulate in joints. This happens when the body produces too much uric acid or fails to remove it, which results in increased levels of uric acid in the body. The uric acid crystals deposited in the joints cause an attack of sudden burning pain, stiffness or swelling (usually in the big toe). There are several cures for gout. Symptoms of gout The symptoms of gout include: Sudden increasing pain in the affected joint Heat in the afflicted area Joint swelling A reddish bruise or coloring on the skin Joint tenderness These painful spells can last for hours, days, or sometimes weeks. Usually, this swelling or stiffness involves joints in the lower extremities, but severe gout can affect many joints at once. This is known as polyarticular gout. The painful attacks may frequently repeat, which can harm the joints, tendons and other muscle tissues in the afflicted area. The presence of a tophus, a hard nodule of uric acid deposit under the skin, is another sign of gout. Tophi indicates a substantial overload of uric acid levels in the body. Cures for Gout At the onset of gout, when the pain attacks are mild and infrequent, dietary and lifestyle changes must be made right away. This can be an effective way to treat gout. Guidelines to be followed are: Maintain high fluid intake – 2-4 liters a day Maintain a healthy body weight Eat a balanced diet – avoid fish, meat, and poultry Avoid alcohol But if the condition becomes severe, medications are necessary to lower the uric acid content. There are three approaches to medicinal cures for gout.

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.

One of the most crippling diseases that can affect the lungs today is pneumonia. Of course, as with any infectious disease, there are many steps that you can take to avoid such an infection, but they aren’t always 100% efficient. Also, like with most other infections, bacteria are often the biggest culprit in adults. The infection in itself causes difficulty in breathing because it blocks the air sacs in the lungs and fills them with fluid or pus. Here are the symptoms, causes, and, most importantly, treatments that one can follow. Understanding Pneumonia Symptoms The symptoms of the infection depend greatly on how long the infection has been manifesting. This is why when these symptoms ever surface, one should get the possibility of Pneumonia ruled out as soon as possible. The symptoms can also be mild, severe, or life threatening. General pain around the chest area Coughing with phlegm and other types of mucus discharge A high body temperature that fluctuates Sweating and chills accompanied by shortness of breath Remember that these are just the basic symptoms of the infection. Depending on the state of your general health and well-being, your age, your symptoms may include other things as well. Symptoms influenced by age differ greatly for infants. They have difficulty eating, drinking, or swallowing in general. They are also likely to show a lack of energy and vomit frequently. People on the other end of the spectrum will probably suffer from a body temperature that falls dangerously low during the infection. However, by far, the most interesting collection of symptoms come from the kind of infection that has plagued you. Viral pneumonia is likely to show the above-stated symptoms and resembles flu when it comes to the same. It also includes wheezing, but bacterial pneumonia is different. Bluish lips and a blue tint in the nails along with a general sense of confusion are only some of the symptoms that are involved when it comes to bacterial pneumonia.

Formerly known as manic depression, bipolar disorder refers to a mental health condition wherein the patients have extreme moods swings, from emotional highs (bipolar mania/hypomania) to emotional lows (depression), with such mood swings occurring multiple times a year. Such mood swings (which are symptoms of bipolar disorder) tend to affect the patient’s ability to think clearly, perform daily activities, and exercise good judgment. It is typically diagnosed in the teenage years or early twenties. However, these bipolar mania symptoms can continue throughout the patient’s life. In bipolar mania, a person tends to demonstrate extreme behavior, particularly an abnormally good mood, strong bursts of energy, hyperactivity, and strongly increased creativity or aggression. The bipolar mania symptoms manifest differently in different people and can last for anywhere from days to a week. Sometimes, attacks might last as long as a few months; usually, they require hospitalization or medication to be kept in check. Manic episodes are often interspersed with periods of depression where the person suffers from exhaustion, hopelessness, and sadness, in other words, the opposite of mania. These are also strong symptoms to watch out for. Bipolar patients may also experience hypomania, which is a milder form of mania and, generally, a more manageable symptom. What are its causes? While some people have a genetic predisposition to developing bipolar disorder, research shows that there is no clear-cut cause for it. Some studies indicate that abnormal thyroid functioning, imbalances in neurotransmission, disturbances in the circadian rhythm, and high levels of the cortisol hormone could be the possible causes. There are also environmental and psychological factors that could trigger episodes of bipolar mania. Some of them are as listed: Substance abuse : While substance abuse does not actually cause bipolar disorder, drugs such as ecstasy, cocaine, and amphetamines can trigger attacks of mania.

Caused by a virus that infects the liver and spreads through the blood, hepatitis C has been known to affect approximately 3 million people in the country as per studies conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, nearly 75% of the affected people are unaware of the presence of hepatitis C virus in their body. A virus can be present for years or decades before any symptoms become evident. This is the reason why hepatitis C is also known as the “silent killer.” Since the virus remains undetected for a long time, the disease is often diagnosed at a late advanced stage. The CDC estimates that nearly 15,000 of people die every year due to liver disease related to hepatitis C. This mortality rate due to hepatitis C is more than that of HIV. Here are some common hepatitis C FAQs. What does hepatitis mean? This is a common hepatitis C FAQ as many aren’t aware of what hepatitis C is. The inflammation of the liver is called as hepatitis. Hepatitis can be caused by viral or bacterial infection, excess consumption of alcohol, exposure to toxins, and certain medications. The group of viral infections that damage the liver is known as hepatitis. Hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C are the common types of hepatitis. Each of these types of hepatitis is caused by different factors, and each of these has different symptoms. What is the difference between hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C? Hepatitis A: Hepatitis A is caused by the consumption of contaminated food, specifically food contaminated by raw shellfish and fecal matter. There is no permanent liver damage caused by hepatitis A, and there is no occurrence of chronic disease. Once diagnosed and treated, recovering from hepatitis A is possible in three to six weeks.

IBS, irritable bowel syndrome is a condition that affects the colon. IBS is accompanied by pain in the abdomen and change in the bowel movements. It is diagnosed based on the severity of the symptoms of IBS. Since IBS is a collection of symptoms, therefore it is called a syndrome. IBS is of different types depending on its symptoms, such as IBS-D for diarrhea, IBS-C for constipation, IBS-M (both diarrhea and constipation) and IBS-U (neither diarrhea nor constipation). Signs of IBS: Diarrhoea, gas, bloating, rectal bleeding, weight loss, constipation, and muscle in stool are some of the probable symptoms of IBS. Causes of IBS: There is no specific reason for the IBS. It is assumed IBS is caused by an infection. The intestines swell up. The problem may even continue for a lifetime. In some cases, the intestine muscles contract and relax during the digestion process. The causes and effects of IBS are different among people. Contractions in IBS may cause bloating, diarrhea, and gas. Weak contractions make it difficult for the food to pass which causes constipation. Activators of IBS: Different factors such as stress, hormones, and foods cause IBS among individuals. Some food products such as cabbage, fats, beverages, alcohol, chocolate and milk products cause IBS problems. The IBS problems accentuate during stressful durations. Stressful situations at the workplace, home or office can cause IBS frequently. Women suffer from IBS more than men, and the problem worsen during the menstrual periods. Effects of IBS: Regular instances of constipation and diarrhea lead to the development of hemorrhoids. Restricting the intake of several food products can result in loss of essential nutrients. IBS worsens the life quality. People with IBS generally feel high stress and anxiety. Once if IBS is diagnosed, you need to visit the doctor for tests and treatments.

Alcoholism is a drinking and alcohol abuse disorder, characterized by an uncontrollable urge to consume alcohol repeatedly. There are no known causes of alcohol abuse or addiction and the condition is influenced due to peer pressure and certain mental illnesses. In many cases, alcohol abuse is an indirect remedy taken up to counter the symptoms of depression or anxiety. Alcoholism is also a chronic condition and there is no proper cure. The condition can only be managed with proper treatment, medications, and therapy to avoid a relapse. In alcohol abuse, your genes can also boost the power of alcohol and simultaneously curb the symptoms of a hangover thus increasing your body’s resistance to these drinks. When resistance increases, addiction replaces habit and alcohol abuse can grow out of control. It is estimated that nearly 13% of the population suffers from mild, moderate, and severe symptoms of alcohol addiction. Symptoms of alcohol addiction The known symptoms of alcohol addiction will vary depending on the severity of the addiction. Here are some common warning signs you should look out when it comes to alcohol abuse. Increased tolerance to alcohol and reduced effects of a hangover Increased number of drinks consumed throughout your day Drinking out of control and blacking out as a result repeatedly Worrying about the quantity of alcohol left and restocking the bar more than usual Decreased productivity in many areas of life due to increased alcohol consumption Experiencing withdrawal symptoms while attempting to stay sober In case you experience any or even one of the aforesaid symptoms for prolonged periods, it is advisable to visit an alcohol addiction treatment center and assess the severity of the condition. Risks associated with alcohol addiction Alcohol abuse can result in several health complications including; Risk of developing a cancer Damage to the liver and internal organs Problems during pregnancy or complications during labor Homicidal and suicidal thoughts due to mental instability as a result of alcohol abuse Alcohol addiction treatment One in eight adults are addicted to alcohol and the number is increasing every year.

Eczema is one of the skin conditions caused due to an inflammation of the skin. This condition causes itchiness, redness, and dryness to the skin; the skin also becomes leathery and cracked. There is no specific part of the skin that usually gets affected by eczema. It can appear anywhere on the body. Most people face this problem when they are young or in their infant stage. Eczema can also give rise to other allergic conditions like asthma or hay fever. Eczema is also known as dermatitis. There are no solid causes of eczema as in most cases it is genetic and runs through families. The gene can also cause some people to have extra sensitive skin. In some cases, defects in the skin barrier can trigger eczema. These defects let the germ in through the skin by letting the moisture out. There are other factors that contribute to eczema: Dry skin Stress Sweat and heat Cold or dry climate Contact with woolen and synthetic fabric that have irritating substances. Sometimes, even soap. Before you can diagnose any medical condition, there are symptoms that are identified; it is always wise to do so before the condition becomes serious. Here are some of the symptoms you should be able to identify after knowing: There is always itching before any rash appears that later becomes an eczema rash or a dermatitis rash. Watch out for any itchy sensations especially when it doesn’t seem to stop. If there is itching and you know about the family history of eczema, then there is a good chance that itchiness is a symptom of eczema and not a regular itching. If there is any yellowish, pus-like formation on the place you have been itching, it is a sure sign of eczema and needs medical attention. There are other treatments for eczema.

Huntington’s disease where the mental ability of the individual gets affected is a genetic disorder. It is characterized by neurodegeneration that leads to a gradual loss of neurons. Uncoordinated body movement, degradation in the reasoning ability, and memory loss are other common symptoms of this disease. It is named after George Huntington, who conducted extensive research to give a more accurate description of this disorder. A dominant mutation in the Huntington gene causes this disease which belongs to the noncurable category. Proper treatment can only alleviate the problem and make it more manageable. The onset of Huntington’s disease usually takes place after the age of 30 years. However, a patient having a family history of this ailment may show signs even before 20 years of age. The symptoms of Huntington’s disease include: Initial stage – In the beginning, there can be slight uncoordinated movements, decreased cognitive ability, aggression, and depression. A person may make mistakes while performing even the simplest of tasks. This stage often gets ignored due to lack of awareness. Intermediate stage – By the time the individual finds out abnormalities in his behavior, the disease reaches the second stage. The symptoms get aggravated and include involuntary actions (chorea), sleep disorders, and distorted speech. Trouble in swallowing may also be experienced. Final stage – This stage is marked by complete dependence on caretakers. Acute weight loss, inability to speak, difficulty in comprehending the situation, and seizures are some of the symptoms in this stage. A person may also suffer from severe memory loss. It is extremely important to diagnose Huntington’s disease before it reaches the final stage. The following methods may be used to diagnose Huntington’s disease: Physical examination – It helps in gauging the outset of the disease through a thorough examination of the abnormalities in physical behavior such as chorea.

While it is common to feel pain in your feet every once in a while, persisting pain in the feet is generally not a good sign. There are several causes of foot pain. If you feel pain in your heels while running, jogging, or walking over a large distance for an extended period of time, it is normal. If the pain continues to persist even after having rested amply, you are likely to be suffering from plantar fasciitis. Heel spurs are another condition affecting the feet. They can lead to immense pain in the feet and can make walking a task in itself. Heel spurs usually occur along with plantar fasciitis. Wearing specialized shoes and taking medications can help you to treat your condition and maintain its progress. If you are suffering from foot pain over a period of time along with the appearance of the symptoms of diseases associated with foot pain, visit a doctor immediately. We have made the process of knowing the causes of foot pain much easier for you. Causes of Foot Pain Here are a few of the most common causes of foot pain Heel Spurs Some people may suffer from heel spurs, yet never know about it, the less fortunate experience its symptoms in its full wrath. The condition causes immense pain as it causes bony growths to affect the bottom of the heel. They are tricky to deal with as these growths are directed toward the arch of the foot. Treatment is a necessity when it comes to heel spurs. Wearing customized shoes with additional foot space is another option worth exploring for additional comfort. The condition is generally caused due to the excessive build-up of calcium deposits on the underside of the heel bone. The pain usually kicks in after several months of its building up.

Metastatic lung cancer is when cancer cells from the other areas of the body spread to your lungs. There are various methods that are used in the treatment of this form of cancer. Read on to know more about the metastatic lung cancer prognosis. Usually, cancer develops in one area of the body and this area is known as the ‘primary site’. Cancer cells have a unique ability to break free from these primary sites and travel to the other parts of your body either through the bloodstream or through the lymph system. A cancer is termed as metastatic cancer, when it spreads from the primary sites to the other parts of the body. You suffer from metastatic lung cancer, when cancer in the other areas of your body spreads to the lungs. Some of the primary tumors that can cause metastatic lung cancer are breast cancer, bladder cancer, sarcoma, prostate cancer, kidney cancer, colon cancer, and neuroblastoma. Metastatic lung cancer may not always show up in signs and symptoms. Even when you do start experiencing the symptoms, it may be quite difficult to identity this form of lung cancer, because the symptoms are similar to several other medical conditions. Some of the symptoms of metastatic lung cancer include chest pain, weakness, a persistent cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, and sudden weight loss. If your doctor suspects metastatic lung cancer, you may have to take various tests to confirm the diagnosis of metastatic lung cancer. These tests are a bronchoscopy, a CT scan, a chest X-ray, and a lung needle biopsy. There are several methods available for the treatment of metastatic lung cancer and the main aim of these methods is to relieve the symptoms as well as to control the cancer growth. The treatment plan that is ideal for you depends on a number of factors that include your overall health, age, medical history, the number of tumors, the location and size of the tumor, as well as the type of the primary tumor.

The virus varicella-zoster that causes chickenpox is also responsible for causing shingles. It is a viral infection that causes painful rashes on the skin. Usually, those who have been infected with chickenpox are more likely to acquire shingles. It appears as a stripe of blisters typically on the neck, face, or torso. In most cases, shingles take two to three weeks to clear up. Usually, if a person gets shingles once, it rarely happens again. According to various medial study reports, shingles is so common in the country that it affects almost one in the three people at some point in their lifetime. Here is a list of some of the most common symptoms of this viral infection along with the ways of how to treat shingles. Symptoms of Shingles The most common symptom of this viral infection is burning and pain. It can be a constant gnawing, stabbing, or sharp pain that comes and goes. Along with this pain, the affected person may experience blistering skin rash. The characteristics of the rashes may include red patches, itching, rashes on the ears and face, rashes wrapped around the torso starting from the spine, and blisters filled with fluid that breaks out easily. Some shingles-affected patients can experience symptoms beyond these rashes and pain. Some of these symptoms are chills, fever, fatigue, headaches, muscle weakness, and sensitivity to light. Other than all these abovementioned signs and symptoms of shingles, it can involve some rare as well as serious complications. Intense pain in one of the ears or loss of hearing, loss of taste on the taste buds, dizziness etc. All these can be the symptoms of the Ramsay Hunt syndrome. Rashes and pain, which involve the eye. To avert permanent damage of the eye, it is important to know how to treat shingles.