The flu or a cold runs its course in a couple of weeks. But sometimes an individual may suffer from bronchitis as well. That’s when the bronchial tubes that carry air to the lungs get infected and swollen. One ends up with a nagging cough and a lot more mucus. An individual may get bronchitis in other ways too, usually, they are of two types, namely, acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis. Acute bronchitis is the more common type of bronchitis. The symptoms last for a few weeks, but it does not usually cause any more problems past that. Chronic bronchitis is more serious, and it keeps coming back or doesn’t go away at all. It’s one of the conditions that make up what’s known as the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Chronic bronchitis can be treated at specialized treatment centers for the condition. Understanding chronic bronchitis Chronic bronchitis is a persisting infection and inflammation of the bronchi—larger airways of the lungs. There are two main bronchi in the lungs, namely, the right bronchi and the left bronchi. These two bronchi divide from the trachea. Chronic bronchitis occurs as a part of the disease complex, COPD, which also includes small airways disease and emphysema. The bronchial tubes when inflamed produce a lot of mucus and this leads to difficulty in breathing and coughing. Chronic bronchitis refers to daily mucus production and a chronic cough for at least three months of two or more consecutive years. Smoking cigarette is one of the most common causes of chronic bronchitis. However, breathing in fumes, air pollution, or dust over a long period may also cause it. Chronic bronchitis is a long-term condition, which keeps coming back or never completely goes away. Risk factors for chronic bronchitis Chronic bronchitis can affect men and women of all ages, but it tends to be more common in middle-aged men.

Caused by a virus that infects the liver and spreads through the blood, hepatitis C has been known to affect approximately 3 million people in the country as per studies conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, nearly 75% of the affected people are unaware of the presence of hepatitis C virus in their body. A virus can be present for years or decades before any symptoms become evident. This is the reason why hepatitis C is also known as the “silent killer.” Since the virus remains undetected for a long time, the disease is often diagnosed at a late advanced stage. The CDC estimates that nearly 15,000 of people die every year due to liver disease related to hepatitis C. This mortality rate due to hepatitis C is more than that of HIV. Here are some common hepatitis C FAQs. What does hepatitis mean? This is a common hepatitis C FAQ as many aren’t aware of what hepatitis C is. The inflammation of the liver is called as hepatitis. Hepatitis can be caused by viral or bacterial infection, excess consumption of alcohol, exposure to toxins, and certain medications. The group of viral infections that damage the liver is known as hepatitis. Hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C are the common types of hepatitis. Each of these types of hepatitis is caused by different factors, and each of these has different symptoms. What is the difference between hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C? Hepatitis A: Hepatitis A is caused by the consumption of contaminated food, specifically food contaminated by raw shellfish and fecal matter. There is no permanent liver damage caused by hepatitis A, and there is no occurrence of chronic disease. Once diagnosed and treated, recovering from hepatitis A is possible in three to six weeks.

If you are one of the members of the senior category and are suffering from blurry vision, then you might have contracted cataract in your eyes. It is a condition common today among geriatrics and can be treated both naturally and surgically. Cataract is a condition which develops when there is excessive protein build up around your eye lens making your vision hazy. This condition if not treated in nascent stages might aggravate beyond the limit at times resulting in loss of eyesight. According to statistics over 22 million people across the world, suffer from cataracts. However, it is also alarming to know those specific symptoms of cataract are also noted in kids these days thanks to excessive exposure to gadgets and other light emitting mediums. Cataract can be explained like if you are constantly asked to see things around you through a dusted glass, is how one feels while suffering from cataract. Formation of cataract has been divided into four categories that are age-related, congenital, secondary and traumatic. Following are some cataract treatment options that patients can opt for: Contact lens and glasses If your cataract is still in the nascent stages and can be cured with the help of medication, then the doctor will recommend you eye drops and will ask you to wear glasses or numerical contact lenses which will help in giving you a clear vision. In addition to this, you need to mandatorily follow the doctor’s advice, by wearing the glasses or contact lenses regularly so as to avoid putting pressure on your eyes. Lazer treatment Thanks to advancements in technologies and the invention of new medical equipment, cataract treatment options can be administered in just a day. These surgeries are done through laser treatments wherein with the help of laser the surgeon will remove the natural lens and replace it with a humanmade one.

The frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis refers to pain, stiffness and restricted range of movement in the shoulder. Overuse of the shoulder is a major contributor and an injury can also result in frozen shoulder. Diseases like stroke or diabetes also make you vulnerable to this condition. When you develop frozen shoulder, the tissues that surround the joint feel stiffened and the formation of the scar tissue also takes place. In such a situation, shoulder movements become highly painful and difficult. You develop this condition gradually over a period of time and it goes away in a slow manner after a year or so. Major causes frozen shoulder Sometimes, you are compelled to stop using the shoulder joint normally and it can be because of injury, pain or severe health conditions like stroke or diabetes. This situation makes you vulnerable to frozen shoulder. Any type of shoulder problem can result in this condition if you do not make efforts to maintain a full range of motion. People suffering from chronic diseases are prone to frozen shoulder and it has been found out that this problem occurs mostly between 40 and 70 years of age. Women are more susceptible compared to men, particularly during the postmenopausal stage. Frozen shoulder treatment options The frozen shoulder treatment involves managing shoulder pain and maintaining an optimal range of motion in the shoulder. Popular painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications In order to eliminate or reduce the pain, there are over-the-counter painkillers available. The most popular ones are aspirin and ibuprofen and these medications also reduce inflammation linked with frozen shoulder. If the pain is severe, you can opt for stronger anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving drugs but they should be taken under the supervision of your doctor. Diagnosis of frozen shoulder When the physical exam reveals restricted shoulder movement, doctors suspect frozen shoulder.

Melanoma, or malignant melanoma, is a type of cancer that grows in the melanocytes and can develop anywhere on the skin. Although less common than other types of cancers, melanoma is the most dangerous condition because it can metastasize at a rapid pace and cause a serious illness, leading to death. Typically caused by overexposure to sunlight, the DNA in the skin cells get damaged and begin to grow out of proportion. The condition is widely diagnosed among a larger population of adults under the age of 40. Moreover, people with a lighter skin tone and females have a greater risk of suffering from melanoma. The condition also has a genetic link; people who have a family history of melanoma are likely at risk to be affected. When melanoma spreads to other parts of the body or is at an advanced stage, it is considered as metastatic melanoma. It may also popularly be referred to as stage IV melanoma. In metastatic melanoma, the disease often spreads to the lungs, liver, brain, skin tissues, and lymph nodes. Melanoma occurs on the surface of the skin and thus, it can be can be seen. However, in the early stages, there are no signs and can lead to late detection. In metastatic melanoma, patients are often the first to recognize and diagnose the condition. If one views a spot that changes in appearance over time, he/she must show it to the doctor without any further delay. It is better to take the necessary precautions than be sorry. The symptoms of metastatic melanoma will be noticeable when the disease begins to spread to different body parts. Usually, the first symptom that is seen includes the feeling of hardened lumps of flesh under the surface of the skin. The lymph and nodes appear to be swollen and one will experience pain.

Cancer can affect any organ and all forms of cancer follow the similar modus operandi. However, the time taken for cancer to progress can vary according to the type of cancer. One of the deadliest forms of cancer manifests itself in the form of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer that affects the tissue lining of the internal organs and is considered to be quite fatal. Although there are several mesothelioma treatment options available, for those diagnosed at a later stage the treatment is rendered useless. Usually, mesothelioma only affects the tissue that surrounds the lungs (pleura), and this form of mesothelioma is known as pleural mesothelioma. The rare types of mesotheliomas affect the tissues in the abdomen, around the heart, and the testicles. When an individual is affected by mesothelioma, several symptoms start surfacing. The signs and symptoms of mesothelioma are as follows: Shortness of breath Chest pain under the rib cage Painful coughing Unexplained weight loss Presence of unusual lumps of tissue under the skin on the chest When these symptoms begin to surface and after a confirming the presence of this illness with a diagnosis, the doctor would recommend the patient to undergo either of the effective mesothelioma treatments depending on the stage at which the cancer is diagnosed and the location of the cancerous tumor. As mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer, a complete cure isn’t always possible. However, several mesothelioma treatment options are devised to control the patient’s cancer and make them more comfortable. The following mesothelioma treatments have proven to be effective in controlling cancer and relieving its symptoms: Surgery – When diagnosed at an early stage, the doctor might recommend removing the tumor through surgery. In some cases, this can even cure cancer. However, there are instances when removing the cancerous tumor is not possible, and in such cases, the doctor will ask the patient to undergo a surgery to reduce the symptoms of this deadly disease.

Congestive heart failure is a chronic heart problem which affects the pumping ability of the heart muscles. The heart fails to pump efficiently which causes heart failure. Congestive heart failure is high-risk and a life-threatening problem. Treatments for congestive heart failure work wonders to help people struggling with it. What is congestive heart failure? The human heart has four chambers, with the upper chambers known as atria and the lower chambers are known as ventricles. Blood is pumped to different body parts through the ventricles. The atria receive impure blood from the body. Congestive heart failure can be defined as the stage when the fluid accumulates around the heart. The fluid disables the ventricles to pump enough blood to the body. What are the different types of congestive heart failure? The left-sided congestive heart failure occurs when the left ventricle fails to pump blood effectively. Fluid can build up in the lungs and cause difficulty in breathing. Left-sided congestive heart failure is of two types: Systolic heart failure: The contraction of the left ventricle results in the improper pushing of blood for circulation due to the lack of force thus making pumping inefficient. Diastolic failure: The stiffness in the left ventricles doesn’t allow the muscles to relax. In this condition, the heart fails to pump the required level of blood. Right-sided congestive heart failure, however, occurs when the right ventricle pumps blood to the lungs inefficiently. Blood accumulates in the blood vessels and results in fluid retention. The congestive heart failure has four different stages: Class I, Class II, Class III, and Class IV. What are the common symptoms experienced in the different stages of congestive heart failure? Class I: No specific symptoms (although one tends to feel tired quickly). Class II: Shortness of breath and palpitations during physical activities.

Prostate cancer occurs when cells grow uncontrollably in the prostate gland. The prostate is a small gland between the base of the penis and rectum. While no specific food can cure prostate cancer, consuming lots of nutritious foods is crucial to improve the condition. Besides, eating healthy helps an individual deal with the side effects of various cancer treatments. Here, we’ve listed six foods that can help fight prostate cancer and improve overall health. Broccoli Broccoli is one of the healthiest vegetables. Not only is it loaded with a variety of beneficial nutrients, but it also contains certain phytochemicals that may target and destroy cancer cells in the prostate. The vegetable contains compounds that can reduce an individual’s risk of developing prostate cancer. Tomatoes When it comes to foods to help fight prostate cancer, tomatoes are one of the best choices. That’s because they contain a powerful plant compound called lycopene; it’s an antioxidant that may reduce cell damage and slow down the production of cancer cells. Those who don’t eat tomatoes can source lycopene from fruits like watermelon, guava, and papaya. Fatty fish Fatty fish are full of omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats have proven to reduce inflammation, and some studies also show that they can inhibit the growth of cancerous tumors. It’s best to choose fatty fish found in cold water, such as salmon, herring, mackerel, sardine, and trout. People with prostate cancer must try to consume fish at least two to three times per week. Green tea Green tea is chock-full of antioxidants. It contains certain chemicals that can prevent prostate cancer and also reduce the risk of advanced-stage prostate cancer. So, it’s an excellent drink for people who’ve been diagnosed with early-stage cancer. Aim to drink at least one cup of green tea per day.

According to the American Cancer Society, there have been about 236,740 lung cancer cases so far in the year 2022. The condition is commonly diagnosed in adults between 65 to 70 years of age; however, it may occur earlier too. Lung cancer can be classified into small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This article talks about the treatments for NSCLC and foods and remedies to manage lung cancer. Treatment methods for non-small cell lung cancer Once NSCLC metastasizes, it is challenging to find a complete cure for it; however, certain targeted therapies and kinase inhibitors may stump the progress of the condition or contain it successfully. Given below are some treatments for NSCLC at different stages. IMFINZI® IMFINZI® is an option for patients with Stage 3 lung cancer that cannot be treated via surgery. It is most commonly used to treat NSCLC in cases where the disease has not progressed after concurrent chemoradiation therapy. TAGRISSO® TAGRISSO® is a once-daily targeted therapy treatment for those with epidermal growth factor receptor (EFGR) plus NSCLC. It helps prevent lung cancer from recurring post-surgery. TAGRISSO® may be taken with or without food. GILOTRIF® GILOTRIF® is indicated as a treatment option for patients with metastatic NSCLC whose tumors have non-resistant EGFR mutations. It can also be used for patients with metastatic squamous NSCLC progressing after platinum-based chemotherapy. Foods that help manage lung cancer Fish Vitamin D is believed to be an important component for people battling lung cancer. Salmon, along with other fatty fish like mackerel and herring, contain an abundant amount of vitamin D. It is recommended to include salmon in meals regularly. Fruits and vegetables Fruits like pears and apples contain phytonutrients and antioxidants, which have powerful anti-cancer benefits. It is advisable to consume at least five servings of fruits and vegetables in a day.

What is Hepatitis C about? A disease of the liver, Hepatitis C is caused by the Hepatitis C virus. The severity of this disease varies from being acute to chronic depending on the virus. From making you feel sick for a few weeks to a lifelong disease, Hepatitis C can cause major health issues. Also, it is a known fact that Hepatitis C is difficult to detect and this makes it tougher to diagnose the same. The inflammation of the liver can be a serious issue and Hepatitis C is considered as the most serious of all other types of Hepatitis viruses. Things you did not know about the symptoms of Hepatitis C The symptoms of Hepatitis C occur intermittently; this, therefore, makes it tough to detect it. This virus affects the liver and the immune system and the symptoms reoccur for a lengthy period of time. It also becomes confusing to spot the disease solely from the symptoms of Hepatitis C as the signs are similar to those of flu and jaundice, to name a few. This is one of the reasons that the patient or even the doctor tends to oversee the signs and symptoms of Hepatitis C. That is why it is extremely important for us to understand the early symptoms Hepatitis C has. One should not wait until the liver starts malfunctioning and then later realize that one is detected with Hepatitis C. Therefore, Hepatitis C is also known as a silent killer; therefore, noticing the early signs will help find suitable medications and treatments. Let us now see at some of the early signs and symptoms of Hepatitis C. Symptoms of acute Hepatitis C The time during the initial months of the disease is known as acute Hepatitis C. Some of the most common symptoms Hepatitis C during this time are fatigue, pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, and vomiting, to name a few.

Gout pain can become unbearable if not treated properly. It might be an activity which requires a change in the lifestyle and also proper medications. There are some basic steps to get relief from an acute gout attack. First and foremost, one should put an ice pack on the affected area and drink more water. Sometimes stress can also be a cause of gout attack, so one needs to keep patience. With the increase in age, the pain gets more unbearable, and the chances of getting gout attacks are high. So a proper maintenance of lifestyle is very important along with regular doctor checkups and proper body examinations. Normally a gout attack stays for a week and then it goes away, sometime it may take more than a year. But even after getting relief after a gout attack, it may come back later sometime. So it is important to consult a doctor for further treatment and to maintain the lifestyle required to fight the pain. Some of the medicines often prescribed by doctors are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for quick relief from pain and swelling of the foot. If such medicines can be taken within 24 hours, they can be very effective. Also, there are corticosteroids, which can be both injected or consumed directly. It can be injected directly if other medicines fail to do the job. Normally, it also starts working within 24 hours after taking them. A 2000-year-old technique used to get relief from gout pain is the cochicine. It is obtained from plants. Just like all medicines used for treating gout, cochicine is also very effective and is still a popular remedy to fight the pain. An increase in the level of the uric acid in the blood is one of the main causes of a gout attack.

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.