Parkinson’s disease affects a patient’s nervous system and their body’s movements. Most people have heard of this illness, but not many know about the stages of Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive condition that worsens with time. One can consult a doctor to understand the stages involved in detail. This article will aim to give a brief overview of this condition’s stages. However, since this disease affects the brain, the stages and their symptoms may differ from one individual to another. Some patients exhibit severe signs while others can continue to function normally. The speed at which it progresses also differs. One can understand the stages briefly on the basis of the Hoehn and Yahr scale. Physicians also use this scale. It is quite easy to classify and treat patients according to it. Here are the five stages of Parkinson’s disease: The first stage The symptoms of the first stage differ for different patients. However, if one identifies the signs in the early stages, it becomes easy to treat the condition. One may only observe some symptoms in the beginning, and these occur on one side of the body. Known as unilateral involvement, it doesn’t hamper one’s ability to function normally. At times, these mild signs might go unnoticed by the doctor as well as the patient. The most common symptoms in the first stage are: Tremors Rigidity in the hand Clumsiness in the hand or leg Rigidity or clumsiness on one side of the face None of these symptoms are apparent, and hence, doctors might wait it out before diagnosing it as the first stage of Parkinson’s disease. The second stage The signs or symptoms may not be apparent even in the second stage of Parkinson’s disease. This stage is a part of the early stages, and therefore it isn’t all that obvious that one has Parkinson’s disease.

Have you ever thought about taking care of the liver, the largest solid organ in your body? In most cases, we do not care about it until our doctors ask us to do so. More or less, you should learn about the functions of the liver and signs that can indicate any dysfunction. Before we initiate a discussion, we should know how vital the organ is for us and how it helps our body to work healthily. The liver carries out some critical functions such as generating essential fats, protein, and carbohydrates. Our liver also helps our body to remove harmful biochemical wastes and detoxify toxins, alcohol, and drugs. An under-performing liver can cause plenty of disorders. Here we will discuss the liver damage signs that you should learn early to prevent further damage. Some important facts about the liver Our liver comes with a number of special features. The liver is connected to the intestines and gallbladder by some tubes. Bile produced by the liver transports to the gallbladder through these tubes. The bile comes to the gallbladder when we do not take meals and later it goes to the intestine to help with the digestion process. Our liver is located at an appropriate place in our body, and it receives blood coming from the intestines. During the process of metabolism, the liver absorbs nutrients. Since the liver performs a number of biochemical functions, it is often called the biochemical factory of the human body. In addition, our liver comes with dual blood supply system. One supply comes through the portal vein while the other comes through the hepatic artery that also brings oxygenated blood from the lungs to the liver. Oxygenated blood carried by the hepatic artery nourishes the liver cells and bile tubes. Following a number of vital processes, the liver finally sends the blood back to the heart and lungs through hepatic veins.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disorder and does not have any cure. It is only possible to reduce the severity of the symptoms, which offers the patient a better quality of life. Rheumatoid Arthritis primarily affects the joints. It can also affect the lungs, voice box, and eye. Symptoms The distinguishing feature of Rheumatoid arthritis is that it affects both hands and both legs. There is swelling, pain, redness and tenderness in the finger joints, wrist, elbow and knee. The feet, hip, neck and even the jaw can be affected. Unfortunately, the exact cause for Rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. A gene alteration is the most likely cause of this autoimmune disorder which predominantly affects women. As the symptoms show up differently in each person, a combination of tests help to draw the conclusion that a person is suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis. Most often, the evident Signs of Rheumatoid Arthritis help to diagnose the condition. There are some signs when rheumatoid arthritis affects the joints. Inflammation is accompanied by: Stiffness There is decreased mobility in the joints. Especially during mornings, it gets pretty difficult to use your joints. The stiffness lasts for a long time, and may last more than an hour, before you find your joints loosening up. Redness and Warmth The affected joints appear red and you can feel a warmth when you touch the joints. Swelling Swelling is a characteristic of any form of arthritis. When it comes to signs of rheumatoid arthritis, the fluid enters the joint and makes it puffy. Pain Pain in the joints is unavoidable. Inflammation inside the joint makes it tender and sensitive. Over a period of time, the joints experience damage and results in pain. Rheumatoid arthritis can not only affect the joints, but the entire body as well. In such cases, the symptoms manifest as fatigue, muscle ache, sickness, diminished appetite that can lead to weight loss.

RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is a common virus that affects the respiratory system of babies, young children, and adults by triggering infection. In infants, RSV is often associated with pneumonia and bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lungs). Generally, an infection due to RSV causes mild warning signs similar to the common cold. But sometimes, the RSV symptoms can be quite severe and cause complications, especially in children under five years. Signs of RSV in infants RSV signs usually manifest after around two to five days of contact with the virus. Initially, the warning signs of RSV in infants are quite mild. Often, it seems like the baby has a common cold. But as the infection moves to the lungs, it triggers coughing and wheezing. In some infants, the infection may cause severe respiratory disease that requires urgent care at the hospital. This usually happens in the case of babies born premature or those with preexisting or congenital conditions related to the lungs, heart, or immune system. In general, these are some common signs of RSV in infants: Runny nose Fever Cough Apnea or short periods without breathing Difficulty swallowing, drinking, or eating Wheezing Flaring of the nostrils Straining of the stomach or chest while breathing Difficulty breathing Breathing quicker than usual The skin around the fingertips and lip begin to turn blue Ways to manage RSV warning signs in infants Along with treatment options recommended by a pediatrician, certain other management methods can help relieve discomfort caused by the infection. 1. Keep up the intake of fluids With airways blocked, infants find it difficult to feed as usual. Because of the discomfort caused by the congestion, many infants don’t show interest in drinking and feeding. As a result, they become easily dehydrated, worsening RSV symptoms. So, it is important to help infants stay hydrated as much as possible by ensuring they drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.

One of the most widespread health conditions, diabetes is an autoimmune disease that affects the body’s ability to produce enough insulin which is responsible for breaking down the sugar in the blood. As a consequence, the sugar starts to accumulate in the blood, which can cause severe complications. Therefore it critical to identify the early diabetes symptoms, so that it can be treated effectively. However, the initial diabetes symptoms can be quite subtle, so there is a possibility that they might go unnoticed or be considered as trivial. Here are some of the important early signs of diabetes that one shouldn’t miss: Fatigue and hunger The food a person eats is converted into glucose by the cells and is used for producing energy. The cells, however, need insulin to allow this process to happen. If the body is unable to make enough insulin or if cells resist insulin which the body generates, a person will feel tired and famished unusually. Frequent urge to urinate A person often urinates four to seven times on an average in a day. However, if a person has diabetes the need to urinate arises more frequently. This happens because in normal circumstances the body reabsorbs glucose for generating energy but for a person with diabetes, the body doesn’t convert the glucose into energy, and it ends up accumulating in the blood. So the only way left for the body to get rid of the excess sugar is via urine. Urinating often even makes the person thirstier than usual. Consequently, the intake of water increases too. Dryness of mouth and itchy skin In diabetes, most of the fluids in the body is used to make urine so that the unused glucose can be eliminated. Naturally, the amount of water required for other activities decreases substantially in the body.

Here are the top 6 food allergies in cats and dogs Food allergies are exceedingly common among cats and dogs. However, more often than not, the symptoms of a food allergy can go unnoticed by the pet’s parents. If you notice your pet is scratching incessantly or is frequently suffering from problems related to the digestive system, there is a high likelihood that your feline or canine companion is experiencing food allergy. This type of allergy occurs when the immune system of the cat or dog reacts negatively to a particular ingredient in the food. Pet parents should always be on the lookout for food allergy signs and symptoms. In case of a suspicion of a food allergy, a visit to the vet is highly recommended. The vet will then conduct a series of tests including physical examination and blood work. Once done, the vet will conduct an elimination diet trial to determine the food allergen responsible for the troubling symptoms. The elimination diet trial may last for weeks to determine the food allergen that is causing the reactions in the immune system and leading to the development of food allergy. Once the source of the food allergy has been diagnosed, you may have to make required modifications in your pet’s diet and buy cat or dog food that does not have the food allergen. Symptoms of food allergies in cats and dogs You should seek expert advice as soon as you notice the listed symptoms in your pet. Gastrointestinal signs like flatulence, vomiting, or diarrhea Dermatological signs like hair loss and skin redness, itchiness, inflammation, and rashes Chronic ear or foot problems Weight loss Respiratory system issues like coughing, wheezing, sneezing Behavioral problems like scratching and biting fur, restlessness, and frequent shaking Here’s a list of the most commonly reported food allergies in cats and dogs that can cause the aforementioned signs and symptoms in your pet.

The thyroid gland is situated at the base of the neck. It helps produce hormones to regulate crucial body functions like heart rate, body temperature, and blood pressure. An uncontrolled growth of cells in this gland is known as thyroid cancer. While most thyroid cancers are curable, it is vital to identify the symptoms early for effective treatment. Here are seven must-know silent warning signs of thyroid cancer that help diagnose the condition. Sleep changes Abnormal cell growth in the thyroid gland can cause it to produce excess amounts of hormones like triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These hormones overstimulate the central nervous system and lead to insomnia. Therefore, if an individual’s sleep patterns change abruptly, it could indicate thyroid cancer. Fatigue The human body often tires after a hard day’s work or strenuous physical activity. But those with thyroid cancer may experience fatigue upon waking up after a good night’s sleep. It is because an underactive thyroid may lead to lesser production of the hormones necessary to stay energetic. Bowel irregularities The thyroid gland helps keep the digestive tract running smoothly. So, someone with thyroid cancer may have subtle signs of an underactive thyroid, including poor hormone production, which may lead to regular constipation. On the contrary, an overactive thyroid may lead to symptoms like diarrhea. Increased sweating The thyroid gland helps regulate the body’s energy production. However, cancerous cells in the gland may lead to higher hormone production. This phenomenon may increase the body’s metabolism, causing people to feel warmer and sweat. Therefore, people who sweat without exerting their bodies should get checked for thyroid cancer. Mood changes Mood changes are another silent warning sign of thyroid cancer. For example, a person might feel sudden bursts of anxiety even if they have never experienced these symptoms before. Voice irregularities It is normal for people with the common cold to experience temporary voice changes.

The dog is man’s best friend, and lucky are those, who have a canine at their home. However, just domesticating a canine is not enough. You need to take proper care of the dog and ensure to provide it with proper healthcare facilities. Like humans, dogs too fall prey to different diseases and need different medications as well as vaccination from time to time. That’s not all. A pet owner needs to keep an eye for the allergies of dogs. Allergies in some cases can turn fatal for the canine. That is why it is important to start the treatment as soon as you find the first symptom of an allergy. Here are some common d og allergies symptoms you must not ignore. Itchy or moist skin – Even if you do not check out the skin of your pet every day, it is necessary for you to look into his skin minutely at a regular interval. In most of the cases, dogs suffer from different types of skin infections like redness or itchiness of the skin. Apart from that, some dogs also complain of scabbed or wet fur and skin. However, in case of flea allergies, the entire coat is not affected. It is the tail’s base or back side of the canine that shows the symptoms of the condition. Excessive scratching – In many cases, pet owners cannot detect the d og allergies symptoms with their naked eyes. That is the reason; it is important to keep an eye on the activities of your pet every day. Give special attention if you find any behavioral changes in the animal. Scratching is one of the common d og allergies symptoms and should be taken proper care right from the initial stage, or else it can affect the skin significantly.

Esophagus is the muscular tube that connects the throat and the stomach. Esophageal cancer is a form of cancer that affects this muscular tube. It is rare cancer that can also lead to life-threatening complications. Most patients are diagnosed with this condition in its advanced stages as this type of cancer does not show symptoms in the initial stage. Keep reading to learn more about some common alarming signs of esophageal cancer. Warning signs of esophageal cancer Difficulty swallowing Also known as dysphagia, facing trouble swallowing is one of the most common signs of esophageal cancer. Dysphagia can occur because of a tumor that makes it difficult for food to pass through by obstructing the esophagus. The pain and difficulty in swallowing may be because of damage to the nerves that control the movement of esophageal muscles. Alternatively, it can also happen because of physical obstruction. As the tumor grows, the patient might experience increasing pain and difficulty swallowing solid food and eventually face problems with liquids. However, this symptom can also be attributed to several other health conditions. Acid reflux Acid reflux is considered one of the common indicators of esophageal cancer. It occurs when the contents of the stomach or the hydrochloric acid in the stomach go back up into the esophagus. It can cause irritation and inflammation of the food pipe. Chronic acid reflux can result in Barrett’s esophagus. It is a condition in which the esophageal lining changes, making it more susceptible to developing cancer. Chest pain Another symptom of esophageal cancer is chest pain. This results from cancer cells have invaded the chest or the back wall. This chest discomfort can be constant, or it may come and go. Some might even experience worsening pain over time. However, various other conditions share this symptom, so it is important to have yourself examined by a health expert immediately.

The liver is one of the vital organs in our body. Located in the upper right part of the abdominal cavity, the liver performs multiple functions and plays a significant role in ensuring the metabolic processes are carried out by the body. Functions of the liver The main function of the liver is to filter the blood coming in from the digestive tract, before the blood moves to the rest of the body. The liver is a detoxifying organ. A lot of toxins get into our body through the food we ingest. The liver detoxifies the chemicals and metabolizes drugs. Bile, an enzyme that is needed to break down the fats, is secreted by the liver. The liver also synthesizes proteins that are needed for blood clotting and other important functions. Conditions that damage the liver Like other organs, the liver is also prone to infections. Conditions that affect the liver are hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver cancer, liver failure, ascites, primary biliary cirrhosis, gallstones, hemochromatosis, and primary sclerosing cholangitis. Common liver damage signs Low platelet count When you accidentally cut your hand, the blood flows stop and its clots. It is the function of the platelets to help in clotting. Platelets are minute, disk-shaped cell fragments in the bloodstream that help the blood to clot. If a person suffers from liver damage, one of the signs is that his/her platelet count would bound to be low. Medically, this condition is known as Thrombocytopenia. A complete liver study is accomplished through a blood test and a low platelet count is one of the key liver damage signs. Nausea Nausea is a sensation where there is an urge to vomit. Persistent nausea not only causes discomfort but can also be debilitating. When the liver malfunctions, nausea occurs. Nausea is one of the first liver damage signs, along with lethargy and fatigue.

Nasal polyps are noncancerous growths that occur in the nose or sinuses. These growths are shaped like tear drops, and can be found in the area where the sinuses meet the nasal cavity. Those that are small in size usually cause no trouble and need minimal treatment. Large nasal polyps can often affect breathing and block the drainage from the sinuses. Nasal polyps occur due to long-term inflammation in the nasal cavity and sinuses. Genetic predisposition is another factor that plays a role in the development of nasal polyps. Common symptoms of nasal polyps Those who suffer from nasal polyps can experience a wide range of signs and symptoms. These include blocked nasal passages, sneezing, a runny nose, headaches, and losing sense of smell, among others. Individuals may also develop sinus infections and allergies that can arise from a number of factors, such as sensitivity to dust and fumes. In certain cases, individuals with nasal polyps have also been known to develop allergies to aspirin and certain dyes. A severe case of nasal polyps can even cause long-term sinusitis and nose deformities. How do nasal polyps affect allergies? Nasal polyps are often linked to allergies. Studies have shown that those who have nasal polyps experience breathing troubles that are usually a result of allergies, chronic sinusitis, and even asthma. There has been some speculation about the connection between allergies and nasal polyps. In fact, some experts think that the symptoms and signs of allergies can lead to the development of nasal polyps. Two of its key symptoms include sneezing and an itchy, runny nose. Treating nasal polyps There is no fixed cure for nasal polyps, but there are certain modes of treatment that help keep the signs and symptoms at bay. Doctors usually prescribe nasal corticosteroid sprays that help shrink the size of the polyp in the nose.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a form of arthritis that can affect your mobility and your lifestyle. This autoimmune disorder begins with little signs that progress rapidly. It is essential to detect the early warning Rheumatoid arthritis signs and consult your doctor as soon as possible. Rheumatoid Arthritis RA is an autoimmune disorder which occurs when the body’s defense mechanism—the immune system starts to malfunction. The immune system, which is supposed to defend the body against foreign organisms, turns against the body itself. It begins to see certain healthy body cells and tissues as invasive substances and begins to destroy them. In Rheumatoid arthritis, the problem begins when the immune system begins to attack the synovium. The synovium is a lining of soft tissue, which protects the joints, bursae, and tendon sheaths. The synovial membrane covers the entire inner surface of the joints, except where the cartridge provides a lining. In RA, the immune system perceives the synovial cells as an enemy and initiates inflammation in these tissues. This results in inflammation of the joints, redness, tenderness, and pain. The synovium thickens and eventually, affects the surrounding bones and cartilage, destroying them too. As the condition progresses, the strain put on the ligaments and tendons weakens them. They stretch and bend, and the joints also become misaligned and deformed. Rheumatoid arthritis affects the patients in bouts. There are periods when the disease is very much obvious with pain, swelling, and stiffness. These active periods are called flares. Then the disease enters a period of quiet inactivity when there is no obvious swelling, and there is less pain, and discomfort. This period is known as remissions. Rheumatoid Arthritis Signs You can detect several early signs of the disease. Though many of these are common to other forms of arthritis, and other diseases, if you detect the Rheumatoid arthritis signs, go for a medical checkup at once.