The onset of spring and summer is meant to be all about sunshine, colors, and outdoor trips. But is that not the case with you? Do you associate change of seasons with watery eyes, loss of voice, red nose, and going through endless boxes of tissues? Do you notice that there is a pattern to your allergy and you see them arrive at the same time every year? If you nodded for the above questions, then you are highly likely to suffer from a pollen allergy, hay fever, or as the doctor’s like to address it, allergic rhinitis. But the good news is that you are not alone. It is estimated that more than 25 million Americans suffer from signs of pollen allergies. It is also observed that kids are more vulnerable to catch season allergies than adults. You might be looking for ways to make your life allergy friendly by looking up treatment methods. But if you want to know the best reliefs, you must need to know more pollens, its causes, and the signs of pollen allergies. Let’s start by knowing what are pollens and how do they affect us. What are pollens? Pollens are powdery substances found in flowering plants, which help the plants reproduce their own species. Though some of the population is neutral to these pollens, there is a whole different set of people who are highly sensitive to them. Note that not every flowering plant causes pollen allergy. This is because only some plants like ragweed, oak, maple, etc., transfer pollens by releasing it in the air. Other plants use insects as the medium to transfer the pollen. Symptoms and signs of pollen allergies The signs of pollen allergies can be as simple as sneezing and coughing to something as fatal as tightness in chest and difficulty in breathing.

Bed bugs are nocturnal insects that are flat and shaped like an almond. They feed on human blood, and are generally found in household furniture like bed, couch, upholstered chairs and other such items. If the infestation is severe, signs of bed bugs can be found in cupboards, wall-mounted furniture, table lamps, screw holes, light fittings and other places around the house. Bed bugs generally come out at night, to feed on their host. Therefore, it becomes very difficult to spot them in the day. Their small size helps them to hide in plain sight, without raising any alarm. Adult bed bugs are as small as 1 to 7mm in size. The eggs and nymphs are even smaller. Their eggs and nymphs are so tiny, that they can be mistaken for dirt particles. This makes it easy for them to hide along the seam lines of mattresses, and at other places without being caught. The eggs of these stealthy bed bugs are covered in a shiny and sticky substance, that helps them stick to the surface of the mattress. This makes it hard to remove them, even after taking appropriate cleaning measures. Bed bugs are also difficult to spot because of their feeding pattern. Each bed bug goes through six stages before reaching adulthood. For every stage, they need to feed at least once, before reaching the next stage. This means that they don’t need to feed daily. The bite marks, are not consistent and you can not guess if it’s because of bed bug infestation. Bite marks appear days after the bedbugs bite a human being, because they inject a small amount of anesthesia into the body before biting. This gives the bed bugs enough time to infest your house completely, before you realize that there is a pattern to the bite marks you have.

Autism is a complex neurological and developmental disorder that can affect socialization and range in severity from person to person. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), one in 44 children is on the autistic spectrum today. While there is no explained cause for autism yet, experts generally believe that it results from environmental and genetic factors, such as premature birth, low birth weight, delivery complications, geriatric pregnancies, etc. Developmental milestones in children To be able to recognize the early warning signs of autism in children, it is important to know the important developmental milestones they need to achieve by a certain age. According to the CDC, these are the milestones that most children between the age of six months to four years tend to achieve: By 6 months, children generally begin to respond to their own name, respond to people’s emotions, and often seem happy, copy sounds, and enjoy playing with others, especially their parents. By the time children are 12 months old, they are generally able to use simple gestures such as shaking their head “no” or waving at others, saying simple words like “mama” and “dada,” playing games like peek-a-boo, and responding to simple spoken requests. By the age of 18 months, most children can point at objects to show others something interesting, enjoy handing things to others as play, say several single words, and play simple pretend games such as feeding a doll. When a child reaches 2 years of age, most children can say sentences with two to four words, follow simple instructions, get excited around other children, and point to things and pictures when they are named. Three-year-old children generally can show affection for friends and family without prompting, carry on conversations using two to three sentences, copy adults and friends, and play make-believe with dolls, people, and animals (scenarios such as tea parties, doctor’s office, etc.) By the age of four, children generally begin to start telling stories, prefer to play with their friends (instead of playing alone), and learn how to cooperate with other children.

Myelofibrosis is a form of chronic leukemia (or blood cancer) that develops in the bone marrow. The condition is associated with the formation of too many abnormal blood cells. While myelofibrosis does not show any signs initially, it leads to the formation of scars called fibrosis in the affected regions over time. Certain mutations in bone marrow cells are considered responsible for this condition, but the precise trigger for these mutations remains unknown. Common signs The effects of myelofibrosis become visible when normal blood cell production decreases. Common symptoms include fatigue, easy bruising and bleeding, night sweats, fever, bone pain, itching, and feeling full quickly. A high blood count is a common issue observed in the initial stages of myelofibrosis. Here, a high platelet count increases the risk of blood clots, which can then cause issues like slurred speech, weakness on one side of the body, drooping on one side of the face, sudden chest pain, and painful or swollen limbs. Those affected may also cough up blood, experience blurred vision or loss of sight, and notice sudden pain in the stomach along with signs of jaundice. Myelofibrosis can also lead to low blood count, which can cause anemia, increased risk of infections, and unusual or heavy bleeding. One may also develop an enlarged spleen, which causes discomfort in the belly and nausea. Diagnosis Healthcare professionals may recommend several tests to diagnose myelofibrosis. The process may begin with a physical examination, wherein the healthcare professional will check vital signs such as pulse and blood pressure and examine lymph nodes, spleen, and abdomen. Then, a complete blood count (CBC) helps doctors check for any abnormalities in the levels of red and white blood cells and platelets . Imaging tests, like MRIs and X-rays, may be required to get more information about the disease progression.

Vitiligo is a common skin condition affecting about one percent of the population worldwide. It is characterized by the loss of skin color or discoloration. It commonly begins to appear on the face, arms, hands, and feet, but it can affect any part of the skin. While the condition can affect one at any age, over half of the people with vitiligo notice skin lightening before the age of 20. Signs of vitiligo The most noticeable sign of vitiligo is the patchy loss of skin color. Other symptoms include patches of hair on the body that turn silver, gray, or white, loss of color in the mucus membranes (nose and mouth), and/or changes to one’s eye color. Causes of vitiligo Vitiligo occurs when the melanocytes, or the pigment-producing cells in the body, stop producing melanin or die. While the exact cause of this condition is not known, many healthcare experts believe that it may be a result of an autoimmune condition, a genetic mutation, trigger events such as stress, sunburn, or trauma, or environmental factors like exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation or toxic chemicals. Treatment options for vitiligo Topical treatment for repigmentation Certain ointments may be prescribed to help with skin repigmentation when dealing with non-segmental vitiligo. These options can be used on the affected areas of the skin. One should consult a doctor regarding the frequency of use. Light therapy Phototherapy or light therapy using medical-grade UVB lasers might also be used to restore skin color and reduce the appearance of vitiligo patches. Depigmentation therapy In this line of treatment, the leftover pigment in the skin is removed to match the color of the affected skin and help achieve an even skin tone. Surgery Doctors may suggest surgeries such as skin grafts or blister grafts to cover or treat the vitiligo-affected areas of the skin.

Lupus, like many other autoimmune diseases, affects women more than men. Young women between the age group of 15 to 34 have been found to be suffering from lupus. However, no known cause of Lupus has been found. A mixture of genetic and environmental reasons has been attributed to Lupus. Lupus can affect any part of one’s body and the symptoms might vary from person to person. Some people show severe signs of Lupus while others might show only mild signs of this infection. Below are listed some of the common lupus symptoms in women, and an indication of any of these symptoms should be taken as a sign that one would be suffering from Lupus. Taking adequate precautions will always lead to signs of lupus getting weakened. Swelling in joints and pain One of the lupus symptoms in women is a pain, swelling in the joints, and stiffness in these parts in the morning. Pain and swelling in wrists and fingers indicate that lupus is on the way. However, this symptom is often confused with rheumatoid arthritis. However, the difference between lupus signs and rheumatoid arthritis can be understood from the fact that while lupus affects joints on one side of the body whereas, in rheumatoid arthritis, joints on both sides are affected. Moreover swelling in the case of Lupus is not permanent and might wither away with time. However, in rheumatoid arthritis, this swelling leads to disfiguring. Lupus also occurs in young women only and signs in older women do not develop to an advanced stage. Rashes on the face When exposed to the sun, lupus symptoms in women would include skin rashes. This is a characteristic feature of lupus. This kind of rash is typically known as butterfly rash and usually extends from bridge reason of the nose, goes through the cheekbone, and then further percolates to the jawbone.

Diabetes is a grave disorder that can give rise to various complications. It affects several parts of the body by initially targeting the nerves. Some of the initial signs of diabetes are leg pain and cramps. Along with these, the high blood sugar levels in the long term can cause nerve damage. In medical terms, this condition is known as diabetic neuropathy. According to a survey, several times, the patients will continue to deal with the symptoms of diabetes without knowing that they have this condition. Sometimes, they only receive a diagnosis when the pain becomes unbearable. Usually, people who have peripheral neuropathy undergo severe conditions such as damage to the nerves in the arms or legs. It is a chronic condition that occurs when a patient’s body is unable to access the hormone insulin. Leg pain is a common sign of diabetic neuropathy along with other symptoms that affect the nerves running through the limbs, hands, and feet. RIsk factors for diabetic neuropathy The risk factors which can give rise to uncontrolled blood sugar levels are: Alcoholism Infections such as Lyme disease or shingles Autoimmune diseases Vitamin deficiencies Repetitive motions Signs of diabetic pain that affects the legs Some of the most common symptoms that patients exhibit are: The leg muscles become weak Muscle cramps along with numbness Ulcers that are not able to heal Itching or burning sensation in the legs Shiny skin and loss of hair or slow hair growth on the legs Change in the color of the legs (it could get a bluish tinge, or a pale or dark red to purple color) along with the development of black patches High blood glucose levels are an unfavorable condition which can result in the damage of cells, nerves, as well as blood vessels. So, it is vital that one gets an adequate supply of glucose to all the cells so that the blood glucose levels can be adequately regulated.

Bed bugs are troublesome little pests that sneak into your bed, furniture, and furnishings. They bite you when you are sleeping. These small, oval-shaped insects have a reddish-brown color. They are approximately 1-7 millimeters long and do not have wings. Bed bugs feed on humans. They are most active at night where they bite their victims while they are asleep. If you see any signs of bed bugs in your house, you must hire a pest control service to stop these pests from feeding on you. What do bed bug bites look like? A lot of people do not experience any symptoms of a bed bug bite as their body does not react to it. Those who experience symptoms are most likely to exhibit the following signs of a bed bug bite: A raised, itchy bump with a dark red center and swollen surrounding area Bites grouped together in a small area Small red bumps in a line or zigzag pattern Development of hives or blisters at the site Areas of skin with flat or raised patches that may or may not be inflamed White or clear skin, shed by nymphs as they mature Bed bugs can attack any area of the body. However, bug bites mostly occur in exposed areas such as the arms, legs, and face. Some common symptoms and signs of bed bugs bite Bed bug bites do not cause any symptoms instantly. Sometimes, it may take a few days for any sign to appear. The most common sign of bed bug bites is that the bite site is quite itchy. It may also cause a burning and tingling sensation on the skin for a few days. If you scratch the area, it may result in a mild infection, causing bleeding and swelling. Before bed bugs bite into your skin, they excrete a small amount of anesthesia into the body, which is why a person doesn’t feel any discomfort while these pests feed on you.

Meningitis is an inflammation (swelling) of the protective membranes covering the brain and the spinal cord. Since it is a serious health condition, it requires immediate medical intervention. Causes of meningitis The swelling may be caused due to viral or bacterial infections. However, in some cases, injuries, cancer, certain drugs, and other types of infections can also lead to meningitis. Commonly, acute viral and bacterial infections cause the inflammation of tissues. Fungal meningitis is rare which causes chronic meningitis. The signs of meningitis vary from person to person, depending upon his or her age and the cause of the infection. Bacterial meningitis is a serious illness and can be life-threatening. It spreads to the brain through nasal mucus and throat secretions. It can build up in over a few hours or several days. In infants, the most common causes are Group B strep, E. coli, and Listeria monocytogenes. Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) and Neisseria meningitides (meningococcus) are often the causes of meningitis in adolescents. If left untreated for long, many complications may arise. The possible complications might include: Loss of hearing Epilepsy Brain damage which can cause learning disabilities in children Memory problems Renal failure Gait issues Hydrocephalus or fluid buildup and brain swelling Myocarditis or inflammation of the heart muscles (only if the infection reaches the heart) Viral meningitis is the most common type of meningitis and is often less severe than bacterial meningitis. There is no report of severe long-term issues associated with viral meningitis. Affected people recover on their own (without any medical treatment). There is no specific treatment as antibiotics do not help viral meningitis. However, they are crucial in treating bacterial meningitis. Viral meningitis is a communicable disease. Signs of viral meningitis are cold, diarrhea, fever, blisters, sore throat, and influenza. The most common virus that causes viral meningitis is a group known as enteroviruses or common stomach viruses.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease. It causes swelling or inflammation along with varied symptoms. Different people are affected in different ways with this disease.While some may have fewer mild symptoms, others may have severe symptoms. People who develop lupus experience symptoms between their early teens and 30s. Since early signs of lupus are similar to other conditions, people do not quite realize that they may have lupus. However, having those symptoms may not necessarily mean you have lupus. Some early signs of lupus are as follows: Fatigue One of the major and common early signs of lupus is fatigue. About 90% of people experience this if they have lupus. Though, napping in the afternoon help people with fatigue but too much sleep during the day lead to sleeplessness during the night. If you want to keep up your energy levels, you would have to maintain a daily routine and remain active. This is difficult for people to do but it is worth the effort. If you are living with unbearable fatigue, talk to your physician so that the root cause of fatigue can be taken care of. Unexplained fever If you have lupus, you will experience a low-grade fever for no reason at all. Since the fever would be around 98.5˚F to 101˚F, you may not consider seeing a doctor. On and off, you would experience such kind of fever. A low-grade fever also means infection, inflammation or imminent flare-up. This is one of the early signs of lupus and if it happens frequently, you must consult a physician. Hair loss One of the early signs of lupus is hair thinning. Hair loss is caused due to inflammation of the scalp and skin. Lupus makes people shed hair by the bunch. Some people may face slow but consistent hair loss.

Keeping an eye out for these common bladder cancer symptoms can be effective in early diagnosis and treatment of the disease. The bladder in your body is a balloon-shaped organ that stores urine, and it is located in your pelvic region. When cancer cells start to develop inside this organ, the condition is termed as bladder cancer. Since the bladder holds urine until it is passed out of your body, it plays an important role as part of the urinary tract. Hence, developing bladder cancer can have a serious effect on the function of your body (particularly the kidneys and bowel), and if left untreated, it can spread fast to other parts of your body. This disease affects both men and women, although men are more likely to develop it. Also, old age increases your chances of developing bladder cancer as it is more commonly diagnosed in people over the age of 65. Bladder cancer usually starts developing when healthy cells in the lining of your bladder change and starts to multiply at a rapid pace. This forms a mass called a tumor, which can either be benign or malignant. A benign tumor is one that can grow in size, but will not spread to other areas, whereas a malignant tumor refers to a cancerous growth that can affect other parts of your body. The types of bladder cancer are broadly categorized depending on the extent to which the disease has invaded your bladder wall. The two types of bladder cancer are– Non-invasive : This type of the disease is basically a cancer that is still contained in the inner layer of cells in the bladder (the transitional epithelium), and has not progressed into the deeper layers. This type is easier to treat. Invasive : This type of bladder cancer means one that has the potential to spread to other parts of your body, including the lymph nodes, liver, and the lungs.

Many people in the world have asthma. However, now there are a number of treatments that help in efficient management of asthma as well. It is significant to follow all the Action Plan involved with asthma in coalition with a doctor. More importantly, you need to avoid the triggers for asthma as well as take medication on time but also following up on appointments regularly. Despite all the precautions, it is possible that asthma attacks can occur all of a sudden and could create quite an emergency. The trick to remember is that an asthma attack and never goes away on its own and unless you get the patient hospitalized things could not get out of hand. In case you have used an inhaler or a nebulizer, and yet these don’t provide any help, you need immediate medical attention. In case you have to glucocorticoid medicine, it can be immediately taken on the way to the hospital but then do not shy away from making the trip. Popularly, you could be hearing about severe asthma attacks known as asthma exacerbation or status asthmaticus. Discovering severe asthma symptoms The top symptoms for those having severe asthma attacks include the following: – Shortness of breath – Inability to complete sentences – A sense of breathlessness even while lying down – Tightness in the chest area – Blue tint on the lips – Inability to focus or concentrate – Having neck and abdominal muscles that are strained – Sense of unease while sitting A surprising fact to hear is that severe asthma symptoms might not cover excessive coughing or wheezing. You might be surprised that you might not sneeze more if you show severe asthma signs. Therefore, you cannot judge the intensity of the attack based on your wheezing or coughing frequency. In fact, extremely severe attacks might affect the airways to the extent that you will not even get ample sir supply into and outside of your lungs to produce a cough or a wheeze.