Schizophrenia is a chronic brain disorder that can affect thoughts, feelings, and behavior. The condition affects less than 1% of the country’s population. The symptoms associated with the disorder can change the ability to think and act, leading to problems in carrying out day-to-day activities. Typically, those with schizophrenia may require lifelong treatment. However, early detection can help in symptom management. So, here are a few early signs of schizophrenia that one can recognize: Disorganized thinking and speech When dealing with schizophrenia, one may experience difficulties in concentrating and maintaining a train of thought. Usually, this sign leads to speech problems. For example, the individual can respond to a question with a completely unrelated answer, repeat words and phrases, or rapidly move from one topic to another. Lack of emotional expression The lack of emotional and facial expressions, also known in psychology as “flat affect,” has often been associated with schizophrenia. It refers to emotional numbness, where one can have some trouble trying to feel and express emotions. For instance, one may be delighted, but due to any lack of expression on their face, observers may believe otherwise, leading to misunderstanding and miscommunication. Social withdrawal or isolation People with schizophrenia may experience bouts of social withdrawal, which can be triggered by fear and confusion. Alternatively, the urge to withdraw can stem from a loss of interest in social activities and situations. If left unchecked, this sudden loss of social interest can lead to a reduction in social and emotional support. This can further increase anxiety, paving the way for prolonged social withdrawal. Inappropriate behavior One of the early signs of schizophrenia is disorganized or inappropriate behavior. A few signs that can indicate such disorganization are a lack of inhibition and impulse control and unpredictable emotional responses, which can seem bizarre or inappropriate to others.

Muscular dystrophy is a group of debilitating health conditions that progressively cause muscle mass loss and weakness. It is caused by abnormal gene mutations which disrupt the production of natural proteins in the body. This makes building healthy muscle mass difficult. Most hidden signs of muscular dystrophy start in childhood. But for some types of muscular dystrophy, the symptoms do not show up until adulthood. Here are some common signs based on the type of muscular dystrophy. Duchenne type muscular dystrophy This is one of the most common types of muscular dystrophy. The symptoms start showing during childhood. Some of the known signs include the following: Falling frequently Finding it difficult to get up from a sitting or lying down position Difficulty in jumping or running Waddling gait Walking on the toes Enlarged calf muscles Muscular stiffness and pain Delayed growth Becker muscular dystrophy The symptoms of this type are mostly the same as that of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. However, the severity of the symptoms is mild. Moreover, the symptoms progress slowly over time compared to Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Also, these symptoms are usually experienced during the teen years. But in some cases, there are no symptoms until the mid-20s or later. Myotonic muscular dystrophy This type of muscular dystrophy has symptoms such as the inability to relax the muscles after contractions. In this, the muscles of the face and neck are affected in the initial stage. It is characterized by a long and thin face structure with drooping eyelids and swanlike necks. Facioscapulohumeral (FSHD) muscular dystrophy In this type, muscle weakness begins in the shoulders, hip, and face. The shoulder blades tend to bulge whenever the arms are raised upwards. These symptoms usually start during the teen years. But in some cases, the symptoms may become evident during childhood or even after 50 years of age.

Any type of allergy can be exhausting. Most allergies can make the strongest of us feel weak and worn down. Sinus allergies are some of the most excruciating ones. These allergies can overwhelm most people and can make even the most trivial day-to-day tasks seem overwhelming. Studies have shown that allergies if left untreated can worsen. This can cause infections as well as complicate the functions of the body in numerous ways. These range from stomach ailments to complicated heart issues. This is why doctors recommend treatment as soon as possible. The recommended approach towards allergies has always been prevention. Protecting the body means preparing and understanding allergies. The first crucial step towards combating allergies would be to understand what the possible sinus allergy signs are. Once the sinus allergy signs have been identified, the next step is symptomatic treatment. This means treating the symptoms to help weaken the overall allergy. The ideal situation for this form of treatment is that the allergy itself will become manageable and heal itself. However, if the body doesn’t recover naturally, medication is recommended. It is crucial to identify key sinus allergy signs by recognizing the symptoms of the possible allergy when it begins to manifest at an early stage. Here are some of the key sinus allergy signs. Nasal identifiers The first sign of any allergy is any kind of irritation inside the nose. These irritations can manifest in different ways. Watch out for any itching inside the nostrils. This itchiness can escalate to sneezing which is the second sinus allergy sign. Provided the itch and sneezing persist, the third sign of an allergy is a stuffy nose. Sinus allergy signs initially are similar to those of a common cold. The final nasal identifier for sinus allergies is a runny nose. If all four symptoms persist over a period of time, it might be an indication of an allergy.

Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths among women. Knowing the early signs and ovarian cancer symptoms can help you seek treatment at the earliest. When malignant (cancerous) cells are formed in the ovaries, a woman develops ovarian cancer. Although the exact cause of this disease is unknown, it is a life-threatening condition that affects around 23,000 women each year in the United States alone. What makes fighting this disease difficult is that the early signs are easy to overlook. Ovarian cancer symptoms are often mistaken for pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) or other not-so-serious health problems like bowel problems. According to the American Cancer Society, early detection of this cancer happens only around 20 percent of the time. Owing to this reason, the cancer goes undetected often until it has already metastasized to the abdomen and pelvis. If the disease is diagnosed when still limited to the ovaries, it is more likely to be treated successfully. One way in which you can ensure prompt diagnosis when ovarian cancer is still in its initial stage is by keeping an eye out for early ovarian cancer symptoms and signs. For this, you need to know these symptoms, and if you notice any changes in your body that are persistent, consult a doctor immediately to determine whether they are ovarian cancer symptoms or something else. Here are five of the early ovarian cancer symptoms and signs that you should watch out for. 1. Abdominal bloating and constipation Any bloating and constipation are generally disregarded as a stomach upset or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). If these signs are occurring around the time of your period, you may tend to brush them off as PMS signs. However, if these symptoms occur more than a few times a month and particularly if you are above the age of 40 years, a gynecologist visit may be the right thing to do.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term autoimmune disorder that mainly affects and causes chronic inflammation of joints, making it swollen and painful, and also leads to their stiffness. The wrists and hands are most commonly affected by the same joints involved on both sides of the body. The disease may also affect other body parts, resulting in inflammation around the lungs and heart and a low red blood cell count. The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are such that they appear slowly at first as minor symptoms, which come and go, and over a time span of weeks and months, they gradually progress. The symptoms also vary from person to person. One must start interpreting the early signs of rheumatoid arthritis to start the medications on time to prevent a degradation of their condition. Following are the early signs of rheumatoid arthritis: Fatigue Experiencing an unusual amount of fatigue is one of the most subtle and earliest signs of rheumatoid arthritis. The presence of fatigue is there throughout all stages of rheumatoid arthritis, especially when the joint inflammation is active. Fatigue can also be caused by a reaction to the medications, poor sleep, anemia, and inflammation. This early sign of rheumatoid arthritis can hurt emotions, moods, relationships, and happiness, thus sometimes initiating depression. The presence of fatigue varies from person to person, and from day to day. Morning stiffness Morning stiffness has been noticed to be an early sign of rheumatoid arthritis. Stiffness lasting for a few minutes is often a symptom of degenerative arthritis, but the stiffness that’s last for several hours is a typical symptom of rheumatoid arthritis. The stiffness may also be experienced after prolonged periods of inactivity such as sitting or napping. Doctors tend to measure the severity of the active joint inflammation by the duration of morning stiffness.

All You Need To Know About Signs Of Pollen Allergies Pollens are a yellow, powdery substance emitted by plants. These get transported from one plant to another by birds or by wind or by insects and/or animals. About 10 million Americans get pollen allergies as a result of exposure to this powdery yellow substance. Signs of pollen allergies start appearing when you are exposed to grass pollens, tree pollens, and weed pollens. Common Causes Behind Pollen Allergies Pollen allergies are primarily caused by the exposure to pollen grains in the air. Certain plants and trees like oak trees, ragweed and grasses produce a fine yellow powder, pollens, as a part of the reproductive process of the plants. When these travel through the air, you may come in contact with these pollen grains leading to signs of pollen allergies. Your body has a tendency to produce antibodies to protect your immune system from harmful substances. Chemicals are released in the process in your bloodstream. These chemicals may cause your body to show reactions in the form of pollen allergy signs. Typically, signs of pollen allergies would develop or aggravate during only certain times of the year. Such allergies may be triggered by tree pollens in spring. These could also be caused by grass pollen around summer season and late spring season. Pollens from ragweed may cause you to develop pollen allergies during the fall season. Risk Factors The main risk factors associated with the development of pollen allergies are being in an environment where you get exposed to allergy-causing substances. So, if you are exposed to dust mites or to animal dander, you are at a risk of developing pollen allergies. If you have asthma or any other allergies, you can be more susceptible to pollen allergy symptoms. Even if you have a blood relative with a tendency to develop asthma or other allergies, you can be at a risk of developing the tell-tale signs pollen allergies.

Pneumonia is the infection of the lungs, which can be caused by bacteria, viruses or even fungi. People suffering from pneumonia might experience heavy coughing, fever, and experience hard time breathing. It makes it difficult to transfer oxygen to the blood. Pneumonia is a condition that causes inflammation in the air sacs of the lungs, called the alveoli. In this condition, the alveoli of the lungs get filled with mucus or pus, which makes it very difficult to breathe. Before we head to find out the signs and symptoms of pneumonia, let us look at the causes of the same in brief. It usually starts when one begins to breathe in germs into the lungs. The onset of the disease usually begins after the person suffers from cold or flu. Cold and flu make it hard for the lungs to fight back, resulting in infections. Hence it becomes easier to get affected from the signs of pneumonia. Suffering from chronic conditions like heart disease, asthma, cancer or even diabetes can also lead to pneumonia. Signs and symptoms of pneumonia Signs of pneumonia can be mild to life-threatening. It depends on the severity of the infection. The most common symptoms of pneumonia include: Coughing that produces phlegm (mucus). Because the alveoli in the lungs get filled with mucus, it affects the immune system of the body and the person suffers from mild to high-grade fever, chills and also experiences sweating. And because of the same reason, there is little or no room for the inhaled air to occupy for the lungs, thus the person suffers from shortness of breath. These above-mentioned conditions eventually lead to one common symptom, which is chest pain. There are symptoms that vary according to the severity of the condition and is based on factors like age and general health of the individual.

Heartburn is a condition that results from a disturbed digestive system. In this condition, the acidic contents of your stomach end up going back up through the esophagus pipe as a result of reflux. This leads to an uncomfortable feeling that is characterized by a burning sensation in the chest, which is commonly known as heartburn. Heartburn – Main causes, signs, and symptoms The lower part of the esophagus, or the food pipe, opens up to release food into your stomach. The lower esophageal sphincter, which is the lower part of the food pipe may sometimes end up opening abnormally to release acidic contents back into the esophagus. It could be caused due to indigestion of certain foods or even due to the consumption of spicy foods. This results in the feeling of a strange, burning sensation in your chest, which can be characterized as one of the main heartburn signs. In other words, every time the lower esophageal sphincter gets too relaxed, the stomach juices go upwards, thereby causing this condition. As mentioned above, the occurrence of heartburn signs and symptoms can be attributed to the intake of certain kinds of drinks and foods. The intake of spicy foods, in particular, can lead to the onset of heartburn symptoms. It can also be triggered by consuming certain fatty and fried foods. The lower esophageal sphincter ends up weakening as a result of consuming large meals as well. Certain foods like the tomato sauce and ketchup may also cause certain signs and symptoms of heartburn to appear. Certain citric products can also be responsible for causing heartburn symptoms. Beverages that have high caffeine content and alcoholic drinks are also known to be a leading cause of heartburn symptoms. Even peppermint and chocolate can be responsible for triggering heartburn. Typical heartburn symptoms and signs There are certain heartburn symptoms and signs that are characterized by a burning sensation and pain in the chest usually when you lie down or after eating.

What are seizures? A seizure refers to a burst of electrical activity taking place in the human brain. It may last up to 30 minutes, and sometimes, the seizures may disappear within a few seconds. If you experience seizures repeatedly, you are exposed to epilepsy or seizures. Most people get early signs of seizures that may last a few minutes or a few hours or a few days. The warning signs can be described as ‘pre-ictal.’ Fundamentally, seizures can be classified into two categories, namely focal seizures and generalized seizures. When it comes to focal seizures, they begin in a specific area of your brain, and the seizures is named after the part on which they occur. You will experience physical as well as emotional effects, and the focal seizures also make you hear or see things that do not exist. Around sixty percent of people, who are suffering from epilepsy, experience this kind of seizure. These seizures are also known as partial seizures, and there is a chance of mistaking the partial seizures symptoms with mental illness or nerve disorder signs. The nerve cells located on the two sides of your brain misfire when you experience generalized seizures: You may fall, blackout or experience muscle spasm during the period of experiencing a generalized seizure. What are the major signs of seizures? Strange or unusual feelings Many people often have a strange, odd or unusual feeling before a seizure. You may experience it days or hours before the attack of seizure. It is something like feeling disoriented or confused, and a sense of detachment is experienced from the environment. Some people are found completely lost, and there can be a daydreaming tendency as well. Auras Auras are one of the common signs of seizures. It has been found out some people experiencing a strange smell, and many have to deal with a weird taste in their mouth.

7 common symptoms of acid reflux in infants Acid reflux is a condition in which the acid produced by the stomach moves to the esophagus, causing a burning sensation of the stomach and discomfort in the chest that we normally refer to as heartburn. If you experience acid reflux twice a week or more, you may be suffering from a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Infants may, however, be more highly susceptible to acid reflux as their lower esophageal sphincter (LES) may be weak. LES is a ring at the bottom of the esophagus where it connects with the stomach. It has been estimated that close to 50% of infants experience acid reflux due to weak or underdeveloped LES. Usually, infants at four months experience this condition the most and it tends to mellow down and vanish when they are around 12 to 18 months. Here are the common signs and symptoms of acid reflux noticed in infants: Vomiting or spitting While spitting is normally considered normal in infants, forceful spitting may often be a sign of GERD. It is an important symptom in infants that are over a year old and still spit forcefully shortly after having meals. Also, spitting blood or any fluid that is green or yellow in color is a cause for worry. While usual spitting is painless, forceful spitting because of GERD may cause pain and discomfort. Difficulty in eating and swallowing food When partly digested particles from the stomach go back towards the esophagus, infants may become irritable and refuse eating or drinking at all. This is an important sign of acid reflux. Hiccups and wet burps An infant may also spit out liquid when he or she burps, which is among the signs and symptoms of acid reflux. Though not very common, this may also be a sign of GERD.

Myasthenia gravis is a condition that weakens the voluntary muscles, making them tire easily. It develops when the communication between nerves and muscles breaks down. While there is no permanent cure for myasthenia gravis, treatment can help ease the symptoms. Further, recognizing the signs and seeking an early diagnosis can help one better manage the condition. So, here is a look at some of the key signs of myasthenia gravis: 1. Drooping eyelids More than half of those with myasthenia gravis experience eye-related issues as the first sign of the condition. Here, drooping of one or both eyelids, called ptosis, can be a common sign. One may also experience other symptoms associated with the eyes, like diplopia (double vision), which could make one see dual horizontal or vertical images. 2. Difficulty with speech Speech-related issues could indicate the onset of myasthenia gravis. This could include a hypernasal voice or slurred speech (dysarthria), which is usually observed in younger people diagnosed with the condition. 3. Trouble chewing Difficulty eating or chewing can be a sign of myasthenia gravis. Here, the muscles that help one chew food can tire halfway through a meal. This symptom can seem more prominent while eating something hard to chew, like a steak. Another symptom associated with the face includes a change in expressions; say, a smile can look like a snarl. 4. Breathing issues Myasthenia gravis can cause weakness of the chest wall muscles, leading to breathing problems. Here, one may feel like they are not getting enough air or find inhaling uncomfortable. If one notices persistent breathing issues without any physical exertion, they should consult a doctor. 5. Trouble walking Another common sign of myasthenia gravis is a change in how one walks. As the condition causes weakness in the arms and legs, it could make walking difficult, changing the gait.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common disorder where an individual’s joints are attacked by their immune system. The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis usually affect the wrists, feet, and hands, and spotting the signs early enough can make it possible for a person to get an early diagnosis and the necessary treatment. Through early and consistent management of RA, it becomes possible for a person to prevent permanent joint damage and disability. Such small measures also help to lead a comparatively pain-free life. Let us know a bit more about rheumatoid arthritis, early signs of rheumatoid arthritis, and when you should see a doctor. What is rheumatoid arthritis? This condition occurs when joints become inflamed because the immune system of a person isn’t functioning properly. However, the immune system in people with RA attacks the body cells causing joint inflammation and making the joints painful, stiff, and swollen. At the moment, RA doesn’t have a cure, but through proper treatment, the flares of RA can be reduced. If this condition is not treated or signs of rheumatoid arthritis are ignored, the cartilage, joints, and bones in the affected area become damaged. Early signs of rheumatoid arthritis Since spotting the warning signs of RA can help you seek treatment earliest possible, you need to know the signs you should look for. Rheumatoid arthritis signs usually include the following. Fatigue This is a general symptom in people who are suffering from RA especially if they are experiencing joint inflammation. It is one of the most common early signs of rheumatoid arthritis. The fatigue is caused by the reaction of the body to poor sleep, inflammation, anemia, and treatment. It occurs when the body lacks enough energy and this can affect a person’s mood and emotions, relationship with people, occupation, attentiveness, sex drive, productivity, creativity, and happiness.