Do you feel pain in your heels while walking, jogging or running for a long period of time over a large distance? If the pain goes away after you have rested, it is of no cause of concern. If the pain persists, it is likely that you are suffering from plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a disease characterized by pain in the heels and it is the most common cause of heel pain. It is characterized by the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your toes to your heel bone. It results in a stabbing pain that usually occurs when you take your first steps in the morning. The pain tends to decrease as you move more, but it might return if you are standing for a long period of time, or if you rise after sitting for extended periods of time. If you are experiencing this pain, consult a doctor immediately and seek plantar fasciitis treatment. Here are a few causes, symptoms and common methods of treatment for plantar fasciitis. Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis As mentioned before, plantar fasciitis leads to the onset of stabbing pain in the bottom of your foot, and near the heel. The pain is normally the worst when you first wake up in the morning and take your first steps. It may also be triggered if you have been sitting in one place for a long period of time and suddenly stand up, or if have been standing in one place for a long period of time. While such pain generally subsides, if it continues to persist and comes back after periods of time, be sure to conclude that you are suffering from plantar fasciitis. The onset of this pain may also ensure when you are exercising or after you have completed exercising.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with diarrhea can be daunting. It affects your large intestine, and you might experience symptoms like bloating, cramps, gas, diarrhea, and even constipation. It is a common disorder, and people under the age of 45 are known to be prone to it. Moreover, the disease occurs among women more than men as their reproductive hormones influence their gut hormones. Luckily, today several medications are available to treat IBS. Some people wonder about the effectiveness of these medicines, and it is true that for several years pharmaceutical companies struggled with developing safe medication for diarrhea. However, recently, they have come up with new medications to treat IBS. The two medicines are eluxadoline and rifaximin. Eluxadoline is known to cause fewer bowel contractions and therefore eases diarrhea. Rifaximinis an antibiotic that focuses on changing your gut bacteria, thus leading to a reduction in the symptoms of diarrhea. Even though IBS does not cause any grave ailment, its symptoms are quite painful and can interfere with an individual’s daily life. Although medication for IBS can help with the condition, other ways to ease the symptoms are available. Here are some tips that will help you if you have IBS: Talk to a mental health professional Speaking with a mental health professional is a good idea if you are looking for ways to treat irritable bowel syndrome. Anxiety and pain are correlated and talking to a psychologist can help you deal with the disorder. Hypnotherapy Hypnotherapy can also help in alleviating the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. According to studies, over 40% of patients have experienced a reduction in their symptoms such as abdominal pain as well as bloating. A lot of professional therapists can help you go through the process of healing. They use the power of imagination for creating uplifting images in your mind.

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, about eight percent of Americans have an allergy that occurs in a particular season. Seasonal allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to an outdoor allergen (something that triggers an allergic response), such as pollen. The pollens that spread seasonal allergies are from wind-pollinated plants, such as trees, grasses, and weeds. The insect-pollinated plants are too heavy to remain airborne for long, therefore they are less likely to trigger an allergic reaction. The plants release their pollen at different times of the year. You may experience seasonal allergies in more than one season depending on where you live and your allergy triggers. There are some of the best seasonal allergy medicine options that you can opt for, but let us first take look at what triggers a seasonal allergy. Seasonal allergy triggers The most common seasonal allergy trigger is ragweed, a wild plant that grows especially on the East Coast and in the Midwest. Ragweed blossoms and discharges pollen from August to November. Some other plants that trigger seasonal allergies are Burning Bush, Cocklebur, Lamb’s-quarters, Pigweed, Sagebrush and Mugwort, Tumbleweed, and Russian Thistle. Climate factors can influence how badly your seasonal allergies are triggered. Tree, grass, and ragweed pollens grow during warm days and cool nights. Molds develop swiftly in heat and high humidity. Pollen levels tend to rise in the morning. Even though the rain washes the pollen away, pollen counts can rise after a rainfall. Airborne allergens are grounded on a day with no wind. The pollen counts rush when it is a windy and warm day. Symptoms of seasonal allergies Symptoms of seasonal allergies vary from very mild to severe. Some of the most common symptoms are sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, postnasal drainage, watery and itchy eyes, itchy sinuses, throat, or ear canals and ear congestion.

Rotavirus is a contagious virus that causes inflammation in the intestines and stomach. It is one of the most common causes of diarrhea in children. Although there is no cure for this condition, there are medications that help manage the symptoms. Understanding the symptoms of rotavirus can help one treat the condition immediately. In this article, we will be discussing the symptoms, causes, and prevention methods of rotavirus. Symptoms The symptoms of rotavirus start two days after the exposure to the virus. However, the symptoms can last for up to seven days. Fever and vomiting During the first three days, one may notice fever and vomiting. However, these symptoms may fade away by the fourth day. Dehydration Babies and younger children may experience severe dehydration. Irritability, lack of fluid consumption, little to no urine, and lethargy may be common symptoms of dehydration. Seek immediate medical help if you notice any of these symptoms. Watery diarrhea After the fever and vomiting fade away, one may experience watery diarrhea. This may last for up to seven days. Abdominal pain The diarrhea may be accompanied by abdominal pain. Nevertheless, the stomach pain should subside within a couple of days. Causes Rotavirus is present in the fecal matter of a person and spreads through hand-to-mouth contact. It may be present in the infected person’s stool for two days before the symptoms show up. If a kid or a parent does not wash hands after using the toilet or changing a diaper, the virus can spread easily. The virus can stay on surfaces that have not been disinfected for up to months at a time. Contracting the viral infection is possible even after getting vaccinated. Therefore, prevention is crucial. Prevention To prevent or reduce the risk of getting contaminated, one must wash their hands after using the washroom.

Most men are unaware of enlarged prostate symptoms. Learn what to watch out for to get early and effective treatment. The prostate gland is a gland that is the size of a walnut which surrounds the neck of the urinary bladder (urethra), and is located in front of the rectum and behind the bladder among males. The prostate helps in the production of semen, and is also responsible for carrying the sperm from the testicles during ejaculation. When the prostate gland grows in size, it creates an obstruction for the urethra, thereby posing difficulties while urinating. The size of the prostate gland increases with age, especially after the age of 40-50 years or so. In certain men, this problem may start at an earlier stage and may also result in an abnormally large growth of the prostate. This condition is medically termed as ‘benign prostate hyperplasia’ (BPH). Blockage caused due to the enlarged prostate can also cause urinary tract infections that could eventually lead to damage of the kidney or bladder. There are various enlarged prostate symptoms that you need to watch out for. If you notice one or more of these enlarged prostate symptoms, seek medical help immediately to avoid any further complications. The following are the enlarged prostate symptoms that must never go unnoticed: Nocturia Sleeping patterns change with age, and as one gets older, you may face difficulties in sleeping, for reasons unknown. Nocturia is a condition where the patient gets up more than two to three times in the night for urination. Disturbance or lack of sleep due to the frequent need to urinate is one of the initial enlarged prostate symptoms. Increased frequency of urination Early enlarged prostate symptoms include frequent visits to the toilet in the day. The frequency increases especially in the middle of the night.

Recent medical reports have revealed that life expectancy of the human race has deteriorated over the past few years, thanks to rising stress and poor health conditions. People within the age group of 25 to 45 suffer from serious medical conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, facial paralysis and so on due to excessive workload and ignorance of health. According to a health report released by World Health Organization (WHO), on a global platform there are approximately 7.5 million deaths caused because of high blood pressure. High blood pressure also known as hypertension results in medical risks like stroke and coronary heart disease. High blood pressure is a condition where the body puts intense pressure on the heart thereby straining the blood vessels. On the basis of a single reading do not consider that you are suffering from high blood pressure. Doctors need to take multiple readings, over a period of few weeks to understand that constant readings are over 140 or 90. Following are a few remedies which can help your blood pressure in control. Weight check Fast paced lifestyle has brought with it fast food which is not only unhealthy for the body but also is a prime reason of rising obesity cases. People with excess weight around the waist line are the prime targets for high blood pressure. Excess fat puts strains the blood vessels thereby obstructing smooth blood flow to the heart. Create a weight planner and ensure to cut down on excess weight to avoid high blood pressure. Power walks Doctors insist on regular walks to maintain good health. If you are suffering from high blood pressure a brisk power walk must be your mandatory health activity. Brisk walking helps release excess pressure on the heart and blood vessels thereby allowing smooth blood circulation. It also helps in proper circulation of oxygen throughout the body thereby keeping you energized.

Pneumonia is an infection that targets one or both the lungs. This infection commonly causes an inflammation of the airspaces in the lungs. The air sacs in the lungs are known as alveoli. The inflamed alveoli get filled with pus and liquid, making it extremely difficult to breathe. Pneumonia and symptoms of pneumonia are caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi that lead to the formation of an infection. However, pneumonia can also be caused by noninfectious elements such as toxic elements and foreign matter that are inhaled through breathing. Pneumonia is a life-threatening condition, if not treated in time. A large population around the world loses the battle to pneumonia every year. This fatal disease can affect anybody, irrespective of their age or gender. However, elderly people and individuals who have a weak immune system are at a greater risk of suffering from this condition. It is more serious and difficult to treat when contracted by younger kids, old individuals, and people who already suffer from a medical condition. The condition and symptoms of pneumonia generally begin when one inhales a bad germ into the lungs. A person who is suffering from cold or fever is likely to get the disease as these infectious conditions make it difficult for the lungs to restrain and fight against the germs. Also, people who have chronic illnesses like diabetes or cancer may have a higher risk. Pneumonia is contagious and can spread through inhalation of droplets from the sneeze or cough of an affected person. However, there are some types of pneumonia that are not contagious and do not spread through contact or being around a patient. Symptoms of pneumonia can be easily noticeable and come quickly after the lungs are infected. The symptoms also differ on the basis of age and the type of pneumonia.

Neuropathy is a condition or a disease where the nerves are affected by either a disease or a malfunction. An injury or disease anywhere in the body can damage the nerves as they are present everywhere in the body taking the signals from central nervous system (that is located in the brain) and sending it to the end organ that has to act or react. Neuropathy is often classified based on the nerves that are affected because of an injury or a disease. Neuropathy affects around 8 percent of people after they turn 55. Here are some types of neuropathy that you should know of to be able to identify the problem based on the causes and symptoms: Peripheral neuropathy – When there is a problem in the nerves and the effect is seen on the nerves that are outside the brain and spinal cord, it is called peripheral neuropathy. You can identify this with neuropathy symptoms like weakness, numbness, and pain in the feet and hands. At times, it may also affect other body parts as well. Proximal neuropathy – There are twelve cranial nerves. When any one of the nerves gets damages, it can cause proximal neuropathy. Cranial nerves come straight out of the brain and hence cause damage in these nerves which in turn can cause problems like Bell’s palsy and third, fourth, and sixth nerve palsy in which your eyes are affected. Proximal neuropathy symptoms can be found out by noticing the functioning of eyes and ears, and if there is abnormality felt, it could mean that one of the cranial nerves are impacted. Autonomic neuropathy – There are nerves in the involuntary nervous system and when there is damage to those nerves, one suffers from autonomic neuropathy. Functions that are controlled by these nerves include blood circulation, digestion, bowel function, bladder function, perspiration, and sexual response.

Kidneys are the filtering units of the human body. They filter the blood and expel the toxins which are flushed out of the body during urination. At times kidneys fail to perform their function. They become incapable to filer the waste from the blood. The kidney health deteriorates along with several other factors. Kidney trauma, chronic disease medications, and pollutants can aggravate the problem and cause complete kidney failure. This results in the overloading of toxins in the body. Kidney failure is life-threatening if it isn’t treated the right way. Kidney failure symptoms There are different symptoms of kidney failure. In the beginning, the kidney failure symptoms can’t be traced. As the kidneys weaken, symptoms such as reduced RBC production, imbalance of electrolytes, and uneasy waste clearance from the body arise. Some of the main kidney failure symptoms are: Lethargy, fatigue, and weakness Regular nausea and drowsiness Urine reduction Short breath Inflammation in ankles, feet, and legs caused by fluid retention Pain in chest Confusion Less appetite Congestive heart failure Metabolic acidosis High potassium levels in blood (hyperkalemia) High uric levels in the blood Irregular heartbeat rhythm Coma Causes of kidney failure Acute and chronic health problems result in the failure of the kidney. Some of the likely causes are: Acute renal failure: It occurs in quick successions when kidneys fail to function properly. Every human has two kidneys. If one kidney fails it can be operated and removed from the body. Single kidney continues to function normally. However, if both the kidneys fail, transplantation of kidney is the only viable solution. Pre-renal kidney failure: The pre-renal kidney failure is caused by the inefficient blood supply to the kidney. The pre-renal kidney failure symptoms are dehydration, fever, low blood volumes (hypovolemia), sweating, water loss and improper blood flow. Sepsis: Infections in the body affect the immune system.

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that causes skin irritation leading to oozing blisters and itchy rashes. This condition leads to leathery skin patches in later stages. This skin condition is common in younger children. There are environmental as well as hereditary triggers that might result in developing this skin condition. In some cases, eczema might be related to food allergies. Food products such as cow’s milk, eggs, soy products, gluten, nuts, fish, and shellfish have known to trigger or flare-up the symptoms of eczema. Thus, proper medications and eczema-friendly diet options can be a good alternative for eczema treatment. Let’s have a look at some of the eczema treatments in the form of dietary options that can provide relief from the symptoms of eczema. Fatty fish There are some cases where patients were able to get relief from the symptoms of eczema by eating fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, lake trout, sardines, albacore tuna, etc., that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Fatty acids help in reducing inflammation. People suffering from eczema can also consider consuming omega-3 fatty acids in the form of supplements. However, it is important to consult a health specialist before taking these supplements. Foods rich in quercetin Quercetin is a type of a flavonoid. It is a type of polyphenol that is found in a number of fruits and vegetables. It is a natural antioxidant and antihistamine as it reduces histamine levels as well as inflammation in the body. Foods that are rich in quercetin include apples, blueberries, cherries, broccoli, spinach, and kale. Probiotic foods Probiotic foods help in developing a strong immune system. This further helps in reducing flare-ups and allergic reactions occurring due to eczema. Foods rich in probiotics can be considered as a good option for eczema treatment. Some of the probiotic foods include sourdough bread, miso soup, naturally fermented pickles, soft cheeses, unpasteurized sauerkraut, kefir, and tempeh.

Huntington’s disease is a genetic disorder of the brain. This disease is untreatable and fatal due to cell damage of the nerves in the brain. The damage is usually severe and causes the nerves to dysfunction. In most cases of Huntington’s disease, the onset of the disease happens when the patient is in their thirties or forties. In some rare cases, symptoms are noticed in children as well. While there is no cure for Huntington’s disease, identifying Huntington’s disease symptoms early will help in the management of the disease. Here are the symptoms of Huntington’s disease. Early Symptoms The early symptoms of Huntington’s disease involve motor skills. These may include the following: Change in handwriting Difficulty in everyday physical activities Restlessness Clumsiness Mild twitching of fingers, toes, and even of the face Apart from these physical symptoms, there are also some subtle emotional and intellectual symptoms. Impulsiveness Short-term memory loss Bouts of depression and irritability Inability to manage new changes and schedules These symptoms are very generic and hard to diagnose as they can be mistaken for any other disease. There are many tests involved in the diagnosis of Huntington’s disease. Have a look at a few. Neurological Testing Reflex tests Muscle strength Co-ordination Balance Sense of touch Eye movement Hearing Neurophysiological Testing Memory Language function Mental agility Reasoning Spatial understanding Psychiatric Evaluation Behavioural patterns Judgement quality Substance abuse Coping skills Thought patterns Brain Imaging and Function Tests such as MRI and CT scans can be used to look for any structural changes in the brain. While these tests may not reveal much in the early stages of Huntington’s disease, it can be used to eliminate any other conditions that could be responsible for the symptoms. Genetic Testing If you do not have a family history of Huntington’s disease, then genetic testing is the most reliable option.

Diverticulitis is an infection/inflammation that occurs in the intestine of the digestive tract. Small pouches called diverticula start developing along the walls of the intestine. Diverticulitis is a serious condition that may even require surgery. In this condition, there could be a small abscess in the pouches and go on to cause a severe infection or a massive perforation of the bowels. Symptoms Diverticulitis starts to manifest by causing cramps on the left side of the abdomen. The pain eases after you move the bowels or pass gas. Bright red blood in stool is another indication of this condition. Prolonged infection can lead to bowel obstruction, which can cause abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, thin stools, nausea, and vomiting. Delay in treatment will require surgery. The surgery would be needed to treat abscesses and fistulas. In case of severe bleeding, a blood transfusion would be required. Causes An improper dietary pattern can be one of the causes of diverticulitis. Obesity, low level of physical activity, and how frequently you smoke can also determine if you are prone to this digestive disease. Diverticulitis diet Antibiotics are the first course of treatment to contain the infection. Changing your diet pattern is a long-term strategy to control the symptoms. Studies have found that following a prescribed diet can help those suffering from diverticulitis. The aim of following the best diet for diverticulitis is to ease the strain on the digestive system and help in the healing process. By following the best diet for diverticulitis, it is possible to reduce the symptoms and prevent any flaring. Listed below are some of the best diet for diverticulitis. Liquid diet If you exhibit any of the symptoms, it is best to switch to a liquid diet. Water, vegetable/chicken broth, tea, coffee (without milk/cream), clear soups, fruit juices (without the pulp), and popsicles.