Chronic Diarrhea- Its Causes and Treatment

Chronic Diarrhea- Its Causes and Treatment

Diarrhea is a condition characterized by frequent and watery bowel movements. It is caused by bacteria such as salmonella; viruses such as norovirus and rotavirus; or parasites like giardia. They infect the bowel and cause irresistible urges to use the toilet. This can also cause abdominal pain, bloody stool, vomiting, weakness, and tiredness. What Is Chronic Diarrhea? Usually, diarrhea gets resolved on its own within a week. But if the symptoms persist for more than four weeks, it is a case of chronic diarrhea. Chronic diarrhea can be dangerous especially when it leads to extreme dehydration. The frequent watery bowel movements cause excessive loss of water from the body, which leads to dizziness, reduced the amount of urine, lethargy and other problems. This can further lead to multiple infections in the body. What Causes Chronic Diarrhea? The recurring diarrhea episodes can be a result of an underlying health condition such as inflammation in the intestines due to gluten or lactose intolerance, bowel cancer, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or irritable bowel syndrome. Other causes of chronic diarrhea include certain antibiotic and anticancer drugs. How Is Chronic Diarrhea Diagnosed? Chronic diarrhea is diagnosed by examination of the blood and the stool. Sometimes sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy is advised to rule out the presence of the inflammatory bowel disease. How Can Chronic Diarrhea Be Treated? Treating Chronic Diarrhea At Home: If you are suffering from chronic diarrhea, it is essential to take proper care of yourself so that the symptoms do not aggravate further. You can make individual steps at home to treat chronic diarrhea or stop it from exacerbating. Avoid Dairy Products If your diarrhea is aggravated by lactose intolerance, try to avoid dairy products like milk and other milk products. This is a great way to treat chronic diarrhea. Go For Gluten Free Food Items If gluten is the cause of diarrhea, avoid foods such as pasta, bread, crackers, wheat starch, and semolina.
How to Address Neuropathic Pain

How to Address Neuropathic Pain

When a disease or injury makes a negative impact on the sensory system, the nerves situated within the sensory system become incapable of transmitting sensation to the brain. This situation results in lack of sensation or numbness. Nevertheless, in certain cases, when sensory system is injured, some people experience pain in the injured area. Neuropathic pain normally does not begin in a sudden manner and it does not go away immediately as well. It can be described as a severe condition that results in stubborn pain symptoms. As far as most people are concerned, the severity of the symptoms can increase or disappear throughout the day. Although this type of pain is believed to be connected with peripheral nerve issues like neuropathy due to spinal stenosis or diabetes; spinal cord injuries or brain injuries can also cause severe neuropathic pain. Right medications neuropathic pain need to be used to get relief from this condition. Major risk factors You have to deal with neuropathic pain when anything due to loss of function in the sensory nervous system. Carpal tunnel syndrome causes nerve issues and it always leads to neuropathic pain and other similar conditions also trigger this type of pain. Trauma due to injuries to the nerve can also invite neuropathic pain and other conditions that cause this pain are cancer treatments, shingles, multiple sclerosis, stroke, HIV, vitamin deficiency and diabetes as well. Symptoms of neuropathic pain Other neurological conditions can be identified in easy manner but neuropathic pain cannot be detected easily. When some symptoms become evident, doctors need to interpret a group of words that patients utilize for describing the pain. Patients may tell portray the symptoms as burning, itchy, stinging, hot or sensitive. In the cases of some people; they may experience pain with a small pressure or touch.
6 Daily Habits to Manage Psoriasis Better

6 Daily Habits to Manage Psoriasis Better

Did you know that few alterations in your life can help manage psoriasis symptoms much better? For those who are not acquainted with psoriasis, all you need to know is that it is an autoimmune skin disease that is characterized by elevated skin that is often itchy, inflamed, and flaky. The truth is that psoriasis has no single cure. The only thing that one can do in this case is to work toward reducing the frequency of the psoriasis flare-ups and try to find ways in which to manage the symptoms of the skin disease better. The good news though is that there are few simple daily habits and herbal remedies for psoriasis that will help in managing this skin condition better. Read on to find out about six such daily habits that one can use along with some other herbal remedies to ease the symptoms of psoriasis. Work toward building immunity – As psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disease, your immune system plays a great role in causing the disease in the first place. Though you cannot alter your genetics, you can aim for a strong immunity that will help you live better with the skin disease. The key to having a great immune system is eating right, indulging in physical activities, and staying fit. If you want to further enhance your immune system, then you can consider including immunity-boosting food items like garlic, onion, and turmeric that act as herbal remedies for psoriasis. These herbal remedies also help in soothing the inflammation that psoriasis brings along. Maintain a healthy weight – It is observed that people who are obese are at a higher risk of developing psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis as compared to the rest of the population. So, it is advised that you shed the extra pounds and maintain a steady healthy weight.
7 lifestyle changes that can help improve psoriatic arthritis

7 lifestyle changes that can help improve psoriatic arthritis

Psoriasis arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects the skin causing red patches, development of flakes and inflammation. Two to three percent of the world’s population has psoriasis, with about 8 million affected people from the US alone. Patients with psoriasis tend to develop an inflammatory form of arthritis called psoriatic arthritis. It affects about 1% of the population and can result in a poor quality of life. With that being said, here are seven lifestyle changes that can help improve psoriatic arthritis. Eat healthily Following a healthy diet is a lifestyle change that has to be incorporated into everyone’s life, be it someone suffering from psoriatic arthritis or not. Its importance cannot be reinstated enough with obesity being one of the rising concerns in today’s world. Eating healthy. Psoriatic arthritis patients should take care to consume food that is low in salt, sugar, and fat. Since psoriatic arthritis causes pain in the joints, being overweight does not help this at all. Drink lots of water and consume enough fruits and vegetables. Stay active An active lifestyle, similar to healthy eating is not specific to psoriatic arthritis patients but everyone in general. Daily exercise helps to reduce stiffness in the joints, which is one of its many symptoms. The rigor of the exercise should vary depending on the level of the symptoms. Exercising in groups or finding a physiotherapist can help ensure that there is no lack of motivation. Practice meditation Stress is one of the main triggers in Psoriatic Arthritis. Triggers usually cause flares, which cause a spike in the symptoms for a particular period. Practicing yoga and meditation can help reduce any possible stress triggers. Stop smoking and reduce alcohol consumption Smoking can aggravate breathing issues and also triggers psoriatic arthritis. Increased alcohol consumption also causes other issues that, when combined with psoriatic arthritis, can result in a very poor quality of life.
Popular treatment options for hemophilia

Popular treatment options for hemophilia

Hemophilia is a severe medical condition in which the blood doesn’t clot as it normally should. The bleeding disorder is usually inherited and identified by painful symptoms such as excessive bleeding, joint pain, and deep bruises. After diagnosis, in which the doctor focuses on clotting-factors, a treatment plan is laid out and must be followed to avoid unnecessary complications. Read on to know more in detail. How is hemophilia treated? Different types of this condition are treated in different ways. The most common ones include: Desmopressin The medication is commonly used in the treatment of mild hemophilia A and von Willebrand disease. The vasopressin works by increasing the plasma concentration of factor VIII, which is one of the clotting factors in the blood and whose deficiency is the reason behind hemophilia A. Desmopressin dose varies from one patient to another and comes in the form of both injections and nasal sprays. Nonacog alfa Hemophilia B is the second form of the wider condition, wherein clotting factor IX is absent in the patient’s blood. Doctors treat the ailment by injecting a purified protein called nonacog alfa. The medicine approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1997, temporarily corrects the deficiency, thereby reducing excessive bleeding. Fresh frozen plasma There are different ways to treat hemophilia C. Fresh frozen plasma is one of the most popular methods since one unit of this blood product contains all the coagulation factors. Factor XI deficiency is the defining cause of this form of ailment, and using fresh frozen plasma can help lower symptoms like prolonged bleeding. Hormone therapy is another useful treatment method for hemophilia. Fibrin sealants Fibrinogen and thrombin are the main components of this material. It is used as a hemostatic agent, and was first approved in the country in 1998.
5 ways to manage gastrointestinal stromal tumor

5 ways to manage gastrointestinal stromal tumor

Cancer becomes harder to manage with each passing day. It impacts patients both physically and psychologically, making every day a battle. While it’s impossible to say which type of cancer impacts the worst, gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is among the trickiest ones. This is because the disease is rare and isn’t treated like other types of cancer. Chemo and targeted drugs are two major treatment options, although both have painful side effects. Fortunately, you can manage GIST yourself and lower its consequences. Here are five tips that can help you. Eat smaller meals Digestion often becomes difficult after having surgery for GIST. However, you cannot skip eating either, as your body needs nutrition to heal. One way to address the problem is to lower the portion size of your meals. So instead of having three large meals in a day, break it down into 5-6 smaller meals. Avoid sugary foods and add more protein Sugary foods can increase acidity that might worsen symptoms. Proteins and carbohydrates, meanwhile, will have the opposite effect. Therefore, it makes sense to add more protein sources to your diet. That said, consult your doctor or dietitian before adding or subtracting foods from your diet. Don’t forget to exercise Cancer is definitely tiring and might make you feel fatigued. Staying in bed, though, is not the right thing to do as the condition will lead to emotional distress. Exercise will lift your spirits that can help your body recover faster. Begin with light exercise, and don’t increase the intensity without consulting your doctor. Get enough rest Compromising on sleep can adversely affect your symptoms. So ensure that you get at least eight hours of sleep at night. If possible, try and squeeze in a short nap in the afternoon as well. Seek help if you’re stressed Cancer is an extremely serious disorder that takes a toll on your physical and mental health.
4 asthma triggers you probably didn’t know about

4 asthma triggers you probably didn’t know about

4 asthma triggers you probably didn’t know about Many know of the external factors that trigger asthma but only a few know that emotional stress can also trigger episodes of asthma. In fact, any extreme emotion may lead to an onset of asthma. These could be emotions of sadness or even excessive joy. This is why people suffering from asthma often try to contain their emotions. Some of the uncommon emotional triggers of asthma include: Emotional events In a single experiment, researchers measured a section of the lung and how it functions after showing people pictures depicting extreme emotions. It was proven that people in the study group who looked at the images of injuries, catastrophes, and sad events found it harder to breathe than others. Later, the people from the same group were asked to rate their moods thrice a day. This experiment continued for three weeks. Here, the lung functioning was measured with the help of a peak flow meter. While the study was significantly small, it reflected that negative emotions could deteriorate the functioning of the lungs. Additionally, it was observed that it was even worse for asthmatic patients to endure over the long run. Stressful events There have been many studies conducted which showed that severe life events were often associated with asthma attacks. Children and adults were admitted for asthma complications around the time they faced serious life issues. Additionally, it was also observed that everybody involved in the study, irrespective of them having asthma or not, reported having aggravated respiratory symptoms. Ongoing depression and panic attacks It has also been observed that both anxiety and depression are a lot more commonly found in people who are affected by asthma. Patients who have a mental health disorder along with asthma may have no to little control over their asthma symptoms and frequent asthma attacks, Moreover, they are more likely to visit the emergency department.
Schizophrenia – Foods to eat and avoid

Schizophrenia – Foods to eat and avoid

It has been observed that those who have schizophrenia, a chronic psychological illness, usually have diets that are unhealthy, low in fiber and fruit, and high in saturated fats. Unhealthy eating habits typically lead to other health problems which can also put people with schizophrenia at high risk for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and more. According to research, dietary changes do really help manage schizophrenia. Here are some best and worst foods for schizophrenia. Foods to eat Fruits Many studies show that people with schizophrenia usually do not get enough fiber, and thus, need to eat fruits. Some of the best sources of fiber are apples, pears, and raspberries. Fiber not only helps reduce bad cholesterol but also helps in digestion, thereby reducing the chances of certain health problems associated with schizophrenia such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Vegetables Vegetables don’t have heart-heavy cholesterol, are packed with essential vitamins and fiber, and are low in calories and fat. Veggies like sweet potatoes, kidney beans, and lima beans contain potassium that could help in keeping blood sugar in check. The best food for schizophrenia is spinach as it is high in folate, which could help in easing symptoms of schizophrenia. Apart from spinach, folate can also be found in asparagus and black-eyed peas. Fatty fish Since omega-3 fatty acids cannot be produced by the body, one needs to get them through food such as fatty fish like salmon and mackerel. Omega-3 fatty acids not only ease but also prevent the symptoms of schizophrenia and even slow down the progress of the disease. Vegetarians can intake walnuts and ask their doctor to prescribe omega-3 supplements. Crab and oysters According to research, there could exist a relationship between schizophrenia and low levels of zinc, which can be found in lobsters, crab, and oysters, as well as fortified cereals and beef.
Healthy foods to keep bladder problems at bay

Healthy foods to keep bladder problems at bay

Good nutrition can turn around a person’s health, preventing varied illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. It helps improve the overall quality of life, enhancing productivity, agility, and mental health. This article discusses the foods that help improve bladder control and help manage the symptoms that come with the condition. Let’s take a look at this compiled list. Nuts, seeds, and legumes These foods are a potent source of fiber that helps enhance the work of the digestive tract. Quick digestion aids in lowering the pressure a full stomach can have on the bladder, which may multiply the symptoms of an overactive bladder. This category includes foods like black beans, chickpeas, kidney beans, split peas, lentils, peanuts, and pumpkin seeds, among others. The idea is to consume more plant-based foods over refined and overly processed ingredients. Non-citrus fruits and vegetables Citrus foods can irritate the bladder, leading to intense bladder control symptoms. Hence, foods like lime, lemon, oranges, grapefruit, citrons, etc., are best avoided. Foods recommended to add to one’s meals include sweet potato with skin, broccoli, pears, green beans, winter squash, and peas. Lean meat and fish Fresh lean meat and fish are a good choice for people with bladder control issues. Additionally, fish like mackerel, salmon, shellfish, and tuna are potent sources of monosaturated fats that are good for bladder health. If one doesn’t eat fish, they can opt for flax seeds and nuts. Oats, oatmeal, and homemade bread These are recommended staple options for one to add to their daily food regime. These whole grain options are easy on the digestive system and also come with the benefits of fiber, making them a great satiating option that’s good for the bladder. Eggs and cheese These two breakfast staples can be a part of the daily nutrition for a healthy bladder.
Treatment options and medications for managing rheumatoid arthritis

Treatment options and medications for managing rheumatoid arthritis

Treatment options and medications for managing rheumatoid arthritis A long-term, progressive and, disabling autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation, swelling, and pain in and around the joints and other body organs. It occurs when a person’s immune system mistakenly assumes the body’s healthy tissues as foreign invaders and, as a response, inflammation occurs in the target tissue or the organ. While this condition can occur in any joints, it usually affects the hands and feet in the initial stage. Treatment approaches for rheumatoid arthritis patients Unfortunately, currently there is no cure to treat rheumatoid arthritis, but there are treatment options that can help reduce inflammation in the joints, relieve the pain, and slow down the damage caused to the joints. Physical therapy The goal is to keep you moving, this therapy uses exercise and other methods that stimulate muscles, bones, and joints. Instead of planning your own personal exercise chart, it’s advisable to consult a professional therapist who is aware of the challenges occurring with rheumatoid arthritis patients and how to work around it to keep the patients fit. Occupational therapy Since rheumatoid arthritis can make daily tasks difficult to accomplish due to pain and swelling, this therapy comes as a rescue. The professional will determine the problems and provide solutions such as assistive devices or products that make activities like dressing, cooking, bathing easy. Surgery This is the last resort. If none of the alternative treatment approaches help you, a doctor will advise surgery to repair damaged joints, correct deformities and reduce pain. Medications The following medications have proven to be quite effective against rheumatoid arthritis. H.P. Acthar® A trade name for corticotropin, this medication is a hormone that is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Although corticotropin can only reduce the symptoms and is not a cure for this condition.
Herbal Treatments For Prostate Enlargement That You Can Try Today

Herbal Treatments For Prostate Enlargement That You Can Try Today

The prostate is a small organ that wraps around the urethra in males. Prostate problems are fairly common in men, especially when they get older. The most common prostate issue in men is a prostate enlargement. This is called benign prostate enlargement or benign prostatic hyperplasia. The primary function of the prostate is to add fluid to semen to help in the mobility of sperm. Although the gland starts out small, as men get older there can be an increase in the number of cells in the gland which causes the prostate enlargement. This enlargement is often non-cancerous which is why it is said to be benign. Benign prostatic hyperplasia is not a life-threatening condition and can be managed efficiently. Lifestyle changes, medications, and herbal treatments for prostate enlargement are all useful in controlling this condition. Symptoms Of Prostate Enlargement The prostate gland is located behind the urethra just below the bladder. Any enlargement of the prostate will constrict the urethra. This will manifest as urinary symptoms. Common symptoms of prostate enlargement are: Frequent urge to urinate Difficulty initiating urination Incomplete voiding of the bladder Weak flow of urine Urinary incontinence (involuntary leakage of urine) Intermittency of urine flow (starting and stopping of the urine flow) Benign prostate enlargement is a progressive condition and will worsen over time. Effective management, including herbal treatments for prostate enlargement as well as medications, is necessary to prevent further complications. Treatment Options: Medical And Herbal Treatments For Prostate Issues Treatment involves a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and herbal treatments for prostate enlargement. Herbal treatments for prostate issues is an excellent way to supplement the effectiveness of medicines. Medications The most commonly prescribed medications for this condition are alpha blockers and 5alpha-reductase inhibitors. Alpha blockers cause relaxation of the smooth muscles of the prostate and bladder neck which eases the flow of urine.
All You Need to Know about Scabies Infestation

All You Need to Know about Scabies Infestation

Scabies is an infestation caused by an itch mite known as Sarcoptes scabiei. It involves a high amount of itching, and this skin disease is a highly contagious one. Mites are parasites with small eight legs, and these tiny creatures make small holes to get into the skin which leads to severe itching. The itching tendency becomes really worse at night. You cannot see the scabies with your naked eyes and it can be seen only using a microscope or magnifying glass. These creatures only scrawl but they are incapable of jumping or flying. When the temperature levels are below 20-degree Celsius, they cannot move, but scabies can survive for an extended period of time even during hostile temperatures. If you want to know how this infection looks like, you can see a scabies rash photo online and it clearly reveals the exact nature of infestation. This problem is a worldwide phenomenon. Age, sex or race does not matter, and more than 300 million cases are being reported every year. Causes of scabies Skin contact is the most popular type of transmission and scabies remain very sensitive to the environment. It means that you get affected by this infestation when you are in close contact with an infected individual. It does not mean that you will get this infestation by shaking hands with an infected person or hanging your clothes next to an individual who is already an affected person. At the same time, you will get this skin disease easily with physical sexual contact. It is the most popular method of transmission when it comes to sexually active young people. Other types of physical contacts like a mother hugging her baby are adequate for spreading this infestation. Close relatives of the affected person are more vulnerable to this disease because of increased close contacts.