Hypertension or high blood pressure is the condition where the amount of force exerted against the artery walls when the blood flows through them is higher than usual. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), one in every three persons in the country over the age of 20 has high blood pressure. Without the right treatment, blood pressure may lead to many health problems including heart failure, stroke, vision loss, and kidney disease. Common symptoms of high blood pressure Hypertension is known as the silent killer as it does not exhibit any symptoms. When the blood pressure reaches 180/110 mmHg, it is considered a medical emergency. Some of the common symptoms of high blood pressure are as follows: Headaches It is one of the most common symptoms of high blood pressure. It may get worse because of factors like stress, migraines or sinusitis. High blood pressure can affect the blood-brain barrier, exert excess pressure on the brain, and lead to blood leaks from the blood vessels. The leaked blood causes swelling, which exerts more pressure on the brain and leads to headaches. Dizzy spells It is another symptom of high blood pressure, but its cause may also be anxiety, the side effect of some medicines, low blood pressure, or pregnancy. High blood pressure can cause the blood vessels in the brain to rupture, narrow or leak, sometimes blocking blood flow too. Due to this blockage, a patient may feel dizzy, and in the worst case, it may lead to a stroke as well. Facial flushing People who consume alcohol, eat hot and spicy food or are prone to food allergies show this symptom. Sometimes, hot flushes are associated with menopause as well. But high blood pressure can cause facial flushing due to the excess flow of blood when the patient is angry or anxious.

There are a variety of factors leading to the development of the symptoms of fibromyalgia, and it is important to determine the underlying symptoms. If anyone experiences symptoms of fibromyalgia, such as the ones listed below, a timely diagnosis has to be made before treatment can be initiated. Fibromyalgia symptoms checklist The following are some of the common symptoms of fibromyalgia: Widespread pain A dull ache that has persisted over 3 months is not supposed to be concluded as a symptom of fibromyalgia. The pain must be present on both the sides of the body as well as below and above the waist. Fatigue Even after getting sufficient sleep, patients who are suffering from fibromyalgia have complaints of fatigue when they wake up. In most cases, patients with fibromyalgia symptoms could be suffering from other disorders such as sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome. Difficulties with cognition Patients with fibromyalgia suffer from “fibro log” which leads to an impairment of the ability to focus, problems in paying attention, as well as concentrating on tasks involving the mind. There are certain coexisting health issues such as irritable bowel syndrome, various types of headaches including a migraine, interstitial cystitis which is also known as a painful bladder, as well as disorders of the temporomandibular joint, so these can be considered symptoms of fibromyalgia as well. Risk factors that can cause fibromyalgia There could be a plethora of factors that could lead to the development of fibromyalgia: Genetics : One could be prone to acquiring fibromyalgia through various gene mutations which tend to run in the family. Infections : Fibromyalgia can often be triggered by certain illnesses. Trauma : Traumatic incidents like car accidents could contribute to the development of fibromyalgia as well. It could also occur as a result of psychological stress.

Eczema, which is a skin condition in which the skin becomes red, dry, rough, cracked, and particularly itchy, occurs one in every 5 children. It is otherwise also known as atopic dermatitis. It generally can begin from birth itself but is often prominent when the child is around 2–3 months. It has been noted that one out of every ten mothers has to deal with this condition in their babies. However, there is nothing to panic as it generally goes away with age and it is not a chronic or persistent condition. It can be treated easily and is not an unusual occurrence among infants. They tend to outgrow it eventually. However, certain kids tend to continue to have dry skin even in their adulthood. An infant can be treated with a suitable baby eczema cream that suits the baby’s skin and eventually soothes the itchiness and redness of the skin. Understanding which cream is suitable is essential as a cream for treating eczema may suit one while not the other. This would depend on the trigger of the condition, skin type, and a few other factors. Generally, the condition is visible on the legs and arms and mostly on the cheeks. However, the condition can appear just about anywhere on the body. The condition can be triggered due to the presence of certain allergens, chemicals, or environmental surroundings such as pet fur, food allergy, pollen, and dust mites. Primary causes of eczema in babies Heredity – It can be passed to the infant through a parental gene. For instance, if one of the parents has it, then the infant is likely to contract the condition as well. Skin issues – Any other skin-related condition which results in germs and bacteria settling on the skin can be a trigger. Lack of ceramides – Ceramides are fatty cells of the skin that help moisturize the skin.

When the body loses bone mass faster than it can restore its bone health, this bone disease is known as osteoporosis. Osteoporosis causes bone loss and affects the mineral density that makes the bones weak and more susceptible to fractures. An estimated 10 million people in the country suffer from osteoporosis and 80% of the cases reported are women. Identifying the symptoms Osteoporosis is a “silent” disease as one may suffer from the symptoms and be completely unaware of the condition. There are a few ways to watch out for these osteoporosis symptoms that cause pain and can affect a person’s mobility. Some can be identified in the early stages while severe symptoms are only evident in the advanced stages. Symptoms in the early stages A developing condition of osteoporosis can be identified when even the slightest of impact from a fall or injury causes the bones to break. One can watch out for these osteoporosis symptoms in the early stages. Weak gums A receding gum line suggests the jaw is losing bone mass. The gums become weak and can no longer anchor the teeth. Low grip strength If one experiences trouble holding onto an object or maintaining a strong grip, it can be a result of a developing osteoporosis condition. Studies have associated low bone mineral density to reduced hand grip. Brittle fingernails Physical changes in one’s fingernails as a result of compromised bone health is another possible indicator in the early stages. Symptoms in later stages One can watch out for these osteoporosis symptoms in the advanced stages as the bone deterioration increases in intensity. Height loss Loss of height is the most noticeable symptom caused due to the compression of the spine as a result of bone loss. Fractures Fragile bones are more susceptible to fractures and some of the most harmless actions including a sneeze or cough can trigger a mild fracture.

Eczema affects both children and adults. It is a term commonly used to describe a group of skin conditions. These include atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis among many others. However, most of these conditions exhibit similar visible indicators of a developing condition. These include developing a rash or light yellowish-brown crusts and pus-filled blisters on the skin. Inflammation is one of the most persistent discomforts of Eczema and can aggravate the skin condition if left unchecked. Statistics indicate that over 31 million citizens suffer from some form of eczema. Despite that, it is not an extremely severe health complication and is quite manageable with simple natural treatments. Herein we discuss three common ways to manage flare-ups and counter symptoms with minimum side effects from the comfort of your home. Baths for eczema relief A simple hot water bath infused with home ingredients like baking soda, bleach, colloidal oatmeal, bath oils, Epsom salts, and vinegar proves to be an excellent topical remedy. Baking soda has soothing qualities and is rich in antibacterial properties effective for eczema relief. Bleach is another potent option that helps counter bacteria forming on the skin. Colloidal oatmeal, on the other hand, helps provide relief from the itching sensation and restores the pH balance of the skin. Gentle bath oils provide respite from the itching and go one step further to nourish and moisturize the skin. Using a salt bath is another great alternative for mild to moderate symptoms of the skin condition. You can use generic table salt, sea salt, or even Epsom salt for preparing the bath. Apple cider vinegar is another versatile ingredient rich in healing properties that helps reduce the bacteria forming on the skin. Topical home remedies Irritation of the skin is also one of the primary symptoms of eczema which is where topical remedies are effective.

Multiple myeloma is a kind of cancer that affects the plasma cells which are a part of the immune system. The condition causes those who suffer from it to lose their appetite and eat lesser, making it essential to ensure the required nutrition levels are maintained. It can leave individuals with weakened immunity, damaged kidneys, and even anemia. There are some particular nutrition strategies and simple diet tips that play a positive role in curbing multiple myeloma and contributing to one’s energy levels, overall strength, and health. The correct types of foods in one’s diet can give them the best balance of nutrients and help with multiple myeloma symptoms. The foods that one should eat are listed below: Foods rich in iron Anemia is caused by low levels of iron in the blood. The cancerous cells which build up in the bone marrow crowd out the healthy blood cells, causing complications. If one has developed anemia due to multiple myeloma, then an iron-rich diet will be helpful. A boost in iron levels can help one feel less tired and will also help the body produce more healthy red blood cells. Some excellent sources of iron include tropical fruits such as guava, pineapple, papaya, and mango, broccoli, sweet potatoes, Brussel sprouts, beans, kale, bell peppers, raisins, dark leafy green vegetables, and lean red meat. Plant produce Vegetables and fruits are full of antioxidants that help the body rebuild itself. They even help in fighting constipation, a possible side effect of some cancer treatments and pain medications. Patients with multiple myeloma are advised to stick to cooked vegetables as raw produce can increase the chances of one catching an infection, which is dangerous due to their weakened immune system. Fiber If one suffers from constipation due to chemotherapy, then they might have to boost the fiber levels in their diet.

Multiple myeloma is a cancer wherein the body’s plasma cells are affected. The American Cancer Society reports that over 30,000 people are expected to be diagnosed with the disease in recent times. Although the disease is not preventable, there are foods that help you to effectively manage multiple myeloma and its symptoms. Malignant plasma cells may cause anemia or other infections. While normal cells try to ward off infections, myeloma cells prevent healthy cells from working efficiently. Myeloma cells instead accelerate bone breakdown, and put off new bone development, thus making fractures and breaks very common. Conventional treatment includes chemotherapy, bisphosphonates, surgery, radiation, and stem cell transplant. Complementary treatments include special diets, herbs, vitamins, massage, and acupressure. Although there are no such proven diets to treat or fight multiple myeloma, a specific nutrition strategy might prevent other symptoms like anemia or kidney damage. It may also reduce the risks of cancer recurrence. Get adequate iron Foods that curb multiple myeloma symptoms contain iron. Multiple myeloma leads to anemia – a condition in which the body contains only a few red blood cells. As a result, it causes weakness and fatigue. Other causes of anemia include deficiency in iron, vitamin B12, and folate. Foods containing iron are an integral part of a diet that aims to help patients with the disease. Some good sources include: Raisins Lean red meat Bell peppers Kale Sweet potatoes Broccoli Brussel sprouts Tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, papaya, guava Foods containing essential folate, a B vitamin that contributes to the formation of white and red blood cells in the bone marrow, include: Asparagus Black-eyed kidney beans Beef liver Lentils Beans Spinach Broccoli Foods containing vitamin B12 work together with folate to help the body form more red blood cells. Vitamin B12 deficiency can affect the ability of the bone marrow to make as well as maintain red blood cells in patients suffering from multiple myeloma.

Arthritis is a medical condition where the musculoskeletal system, especially the joints where two or more bones meet, causing inflammation in the joints accompanied by pain, swelling, stiffness. There are various forms of arthritis- like bacterial, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, to name a few. Family history, obesity, immune system disorder, injury in the joints are some of the causes of developing arthritis. Treatment of arthritis depends on the type of arthritis one is suffering from. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and eating healthy foods can help in preventing or easing the symptoms of arthritis. The following food items will help manage the symptoms of arthritis. Foods rich in Omega 3 Fatty fish like mackerel, salmon, and sardines contain anti-inflammatory properties which help in easing the symptoms of arthritis. Consuming foods rich in omega-3 helps in keeping the bones and muscles strong and is also good for a healthy heart and brain. It also helps in reducing the discomfort caused in the joints, especially weight-bearing joints like hips, knees, and feet. Intake of omega-3 also helps in improving flexibility and quick recovery from arthritis. Omega-3 supplements in the form of capsules are also available. Garlic Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, garlic is a great source to ease the symptoms of arthritis. Garlic not only adds taste to the food but also helps in lowering the pain caused due to arthritis because of the properties present in garlic. Not only does garlic helps in easing the symptoms of arthritis but it also contains properties which help in fighting cancer cells, strengthening the immune system and lowering the risk of heart diseases. Garlic can be consumed raw or can be added to food while cooking. Broccoli An important source of carotenoids, fiber and vitamin C, present in broccoli helps in easing the symptoms of arthritis.

Since Crohn’s disease directly affects the digestive tract and causes irritation and discomfort in the alimentary canal, people suffering from this disease should take primary care of their regular diet. The amount of food consumed, the calorie intake, and many other factors should be taken into consideration when suffering from this condition. In certain cases, the symptoms could get worse if one fails to maintain a healthy diet. What is Crohn’s disease? Crohn’s disease is both rare and life-threatening. It is a chronic disease which requires long-term medical attention and is mostly incurable. It results in inflammation of the intestines and might be accompanied by scarring of the inner intestinal lining. It can occur in any part of the intestine; however, the colon of the large intestine and ileum of the small intestine are prone to get affected more easily. The condition often lasts for years but can be lifelong for some people. Crohn’s disease may also result in ulcers in the inner lining as well as fistulae, which is extremely painful. Laboratory testing, as well as abdominal imaging, helps detect the disease. Foods to ease the symptoms of Crohn’s disease Since Crohn’s disease is not easy to cure, people suffering from it are advised to take thorough care of their diet. Junk food should be strictly avoided. Some of the foods to ease the symptoms of Crohn’s disease are: De-caffeinated drinks and beverages If you suffer from Crohn’s disease, caffeine should be avoided as much as possible. These include coffee, tea, flavored sodas, etc. Additionally, one should only consume drinks with low sugar or zero added sugar content so that they do not experience sudden flare-ups. Peeling fruits and selective fruits People with Crohn’s disease have a restricted fruit diet and can only consume the ones with low fiber content.

Some seemingly insignificant lifestyle changes can go a long way in effectively managing COPD symptoms. Here are the steps that you can take. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung condition that creates difficulties in breathing. This disease causes an obstruction in the airflow from your lungs, resulting in troubled breathing. In most cases, COPD is caused owing to long-term exposure to certain pollutants such as dust, chemical gases, fumes, and cigarette smoke. Some other COPD symptoms include persistent coughing, wheezing, lack of energy, tightness in the chest, and shortness of breath particularly during physical activities. If you have COPD, it increases your risk of developing other health conditions, which include heart diseases and lung cancer. However, the good news is that COPD is a treatable disease. The proper medication and treatment can enable COPD patients to manage their symptoms well and have a comfortable daily living experience. In addition to doctor consultations and treatments, you can make some small lifestyle changes and incorporate certain habits that will go a long way in keeping your COPD symptoms under control. Here are some things that can make breathing easier for you, and reduce the discomfort caused by COPD symptoms. Quit smoking One of the chief causes of COPD is smoking, and if you are a smoker, kicking the habit can be an effective way of reducing your COPD symptoms. Being diagnosed with the lung condition and the manifestation of the COPD symptoms mean that your lungs have already suffered considerable damage owing to your smoking. Although this damage cannot be reversed, stopping smoking will prevent any further damage to your lungs. With time, you will notice that your COPD symptoms are reduced, and breathing is far easier than it was initially. Refraining from smoking will also benefit your overall health and help in faster healing.

What you eat can have a considerable influence on your stomach cancer symptoms. Here are some tips to help you choose the right foods. Stomach cancer, which is also referred to as gastric cancer, is the cancer that occurs in your stomach, and it can be of various types. Adenocarcinoma is the most commonly diagnosed form of stomach cancer, and it starts in the mucus-producing cells that are found on the inside lining of your stomach. The usual stomach cancer symptoms include feeling bloated after meals, stomach pain, nausea, severe and chronic heartburn, and indigestion. Along with the conventional treatment and following your doctor’s advice, some lifestyle changes can also contribute to reducing your stomach cancer symptoms. A healthy lifestyle is important, and what you eat forms a major part of this. Your diet can be significantly effective in reducing or worsening your stomach cancer symptoms, so if you have not been paying much attention to what you eat and don’t eat, it may be time to start doing so. There is no single specific diet that can prevent or heal the disease, but taking some care to know what works well for you and what makes your stomach cancer symptoms worse can go a long way in keeping the symptoms under control. Here are some tips about your diet that can help you battle stomach cancer and manage the symptoms well. However, remember that what worked for another stomach cancer patient may not be effective for you, so experimenting is the best way to know which foods are good for you and which aren’t. Also, ensure that you talk to your doctor before making any major dietary changes, as certain foods may cause interactions with the medications you are on and cause a flare-up of your stomach cancer symptoms.

Mold and mildew are types of fungi. The “seeds” called spores spread through the air. This usually happens in dry and windy weather; however, they also spread in fog or dew due to high humidity. A mold allergy is an overreaction due to breathing in mold spores. A person allergic to mold spores experiences itching and cough in eyes. In some people, mold allergy can be caused due to asthma. When people suffering from asthma are exposed to mold spores, they experience restricted breathing and other airway symptoms. This happens when the spores reach the lungs through the nasal tract. One may also experience symptoms of hay fever due to mold spores. Like symptoms of any other types of allergies, symptoms of mold allergy include sneezing, itching, runny nose, congested chest or a dry cough, and scaling of the skin. Here are some ways through which you can reduce the symptoms of mold allergy: To control the symptoms of mold allergy, take steps to limit your exposure to the spores, both indoors and outdoors. Pay attention to outdoor spore levels when they are high. Spore levels are more likely to be high in places like greenhouse, farms, flower shops, construction sites, and antique shops. If you still have to visit these places, make sure that you take your medication or wear a dust mask before you go in. If you are already experiencing symptoms of mold allergy, be aware of what to avoid. Wear a dust mask when you are near uncut fields and piles of damp leaves. Take a shower and wash away any mold spores that might have got stuck on your skin or hair. In order to control the symptoms of mold allergy, take measures to make the indoors less moisture friendly by controlling the amount of moisture in the air.