Symptoms and Treatment of COPD

Symptoms and Treatment of COPD

The chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a collection of progressive lung diseases such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and refractory asthma. These COPD-based lung diseases cause trouble in breathing and limit the airways. Chronic bronchitis narrows down the bronchial tubes and causes inflammation. Also, it builds up mucus. In emphysema, slowly the air sacs in the lungs get destroyed. Well, until date, no sure cure for this disease is available. However, a proper and timely treatment can help to ease the COPD-based lung disease symptoms along with lowering the complications and improving the overall quality of life. In the country, almost 24 million people suffer from this chronic disease. The more worrisome fact is that almost half of these people or more simply remain undiagnosed. According to various research and medical studies, smoking is one of the major reasons, causing this fatal disease. However, studies have also reflected the fact that 1 in 4 people, who are suffering from COPD lung disease symptoms, has never been into smoking! Here is a list of the various symptoms of this disease along with the treatments available to ease them and help the sufferers lead a better life. Symptoms of COPD Lung Disease Now, this chronic lung disease has several stages. In the earlier stages, the COPD lung disease symptoms can be a bit mild. There is a high chance of confusing it with a cold. Here are some of the symptoms of COPD at the earlier stages. Occasionally, feeling shortness of breath. This can especially be experienced after exercising. Feeling the need for clearing throat every now and then. Having a mild cough that is recurrent as well. You might think that making subtle changes such as avoiding stairs or skipping some physical activities can actually help you but these symptoms can not only become progressively worse but also can become very hard to ignore.
Symptoms and Remedies for Sinus

Symptoms and Remedies for Sinus

Many people suffer from a headache on a daily basis. A headache is caused due to various reasons like stress at work, common cold and it can even pop up without any reason. But at times, a headache may be more persistent and irritating than always. One of the reasons for this to happen could be a sinus. A sinus headache is usually accompanied by a runny nose, facial pain, and nasal congestion. It is a chronic or an acute disease that has affected the daily lives of countless people. You can also be among them if you don’t take precautions to prevent it. For more information about the causes and remedies for sinus, please read on. What are sinuses? These are empty glands that are connected to the hollow cavities of the skull. The common misunderstanding that people possess about these glands is that there are only two of these present at the beginning of the bridge of the nose. Actually, these glands are present over the entire nasal path and vary in size. This misconception of only two sinuses arose as sinus headaches were acute at two points residing at the starting of the nose bridge. These are actually the Frontal Sinuses. There are sinuses between your eyes and even in the bones behind your nose. The largest sinuses, the maxillary sinuses are located in your cheekbones. Their main purpose is to help humidify and filter the air. Their purpose is still a hypothetical statement. Even experts don’t know the reason for the existence of the sinuses. Symptoms of sinus headaches The sinus infection (Sinusitis) is caused due to the inflation in the nasal cavity. This causes blockages and eventually severe headaches. Before deciding the remedies for sinus, one needs to know the symptoms that indicate a presence of sinusitis.
Understanding the Symptoms of Meningitis

Understanding the Symptoms of Meningitis

As far as inflammations are concerned, meningitis is understandably the most difficult one to treat and deal with. It is a condition that is well-researched and monitored. It is an infection of sorts, that means treatment isn’t very difficult to figure out. Meningitis is essentially an inflammation that occurs along with the possible swelling of the protective membrane that covers our spinal cord and brain. The swelling and inflammation can be caused by a number of reasons—but a common cause is a bacterial or viral infection on this covering. Here is a broader understanding of the meningitis symptoms and how you can deal with this disease. What and How As we already know what meningitis is—understanding the cause and treatment is far more important—the symptoms are fairly similar across the board. However, how it affects you is something that you need to understand. The most common cause of meningitis in the country is either a bacterial or viral infection. Interestingly, many cases of meningitis get resolved by themselves, but others can be life-threatening and deadly. They need to be treated with emergency antibiotics. That is why it’s never okay to risk not getting meningitis checked. Identifying meningitis symptoms, therefore, also takes prime importance. Here are a few different types of meningitis to help you understand the differences and levels of severity. Bacterial Meningitis This kind of meningitis starts with a bacteria invading your body that travels to the spinal cord and the brain region. This causes what is known as acute bacterial meningitis. However, another way this can occur is if the bacteria gets access to the meninges directly. This is often the case during a nasal, ear, or throat infection—but can also happen during skull fractures and even surgeries. Of course, there are some kinds of bacteria are more likely to cause acute bacterial meningitis than others.
Causes and Symptoms of Lupus

Causes and Symptoms of Lupus

Lupus can cause severe swelling and inflammation in various parts of the body. It is one such autoimmune disease that can affect almost everyone in a different way. Some people might experience severe symptoms whereas other might experience milder ones. The symptoms will generally surface in adulthood till the person reaches their 30s. Common causes of lupus skin rash The exact cause of lupus skin rash is yet to be found. Apparently, it has been noted that a combination of environmental triggers and genetics play a pivotal role in causing this disease. Moreover, this disease is not contagious which means it cannot pass from person to another. Some of the potential causes of lupus include the following: Sunlight: Too much exposure to sunlight may trigger lupus skin rash to those who have a genetic factor that could lead to the development of this disease. Infections: If one has some kind of infection, then that could cause skin rashes due to lupus. Medications: Certain blood-pressure medications, antibiotics, and anti-seizure medications can also trigger lupus. Those who develop lupus because of the medication they take will see an improvement in the condition once they stop using the medicine. Common symptoms of lupus skin rash Fatigue Almost 90% of people in the country who suffer from lupus skin rash have experienced fatigue. Taking a nap in the afternoon helps many of them to get rid of that fatigue but sleeping for a more extended period of time during the day will cause insomnia. However, if one lives an active life, then they will be able to keep up their energy levels throughout the day. Unexplained fever One of the earliest symptoms of lupus skin rash is an unexplained fever. The temperature of the body will be around 98.5° F to 101° F. Therefore, one should consider visiting a doctor.
Signs and Symptoms of Meningitis

Signs and Symptoms of Meningitis

Meninges are membranes that cover or envelope the brain and the spinal cord. There are three meninges—dura mater, arachnoid, and pia mater. The meninges protect the central nervous system. When bacteria affect these membranes, the condition is then called meningitis. Meningitis is of three types—bacterial, fungal, and viral. Bacterial meningitis is life-threatening and can also spread among people when they come in close contact with each other. Viral meningitis, however, is not as dangerous as bacterial meningitis and can be recovered without treatment. Fungal meningitis, on the other hand, is one of the rare forms of meningitis that occurs in those who have a weak immune system. Some of the causes of meningitis are: – Syphilis – Tuberculosis – Fungal infection – Autoimmune disorders – Cancer medications These are not the common causes but can trigger meningitis. Meningitis is more likely to attack people aged under 5, between 16–25, or over 55 years. If you do not know about this disease, then there is a good chance you will miss out on the symptoms and that is not good for a patient suffering from the same. The symptoms of meningitis can easily be confused with common cold, cough, and fever. Besides back ache, loss of appetite, and pale skin, here are some symptoms that should not be ignored when spotted: Light sensitivity If the eyes are suddenly sensitive to light or anything bright, it can then be a symptom of meningitis. If there has been a problem with bright light for a long time, then it does not necessarily have to be because of meningitis. However, if this is a new thing that you are seeing or something that suddenly started happening, then there could be a problem. Cold/common cold Common cold with other symptoms like fever, vomiting, or muscle pain can be a sign of meningitis and should be checked.
The Causes and Symptoms of Meningitis

The Causes and Symptoms of Meningitis

Meningitis, a rare infection, affects the delicate membranes—known as meninges—that cover the brain and spinal cord. People of all ages are susceptible to catch it. There are several types of meningitis, details of which have been briefly explained below. The early causes of meningitis may imitate the cold virus (flu); therefore, it may be difficult to self-diagnose it at first. Indications may last more than a few hours or over a couple of days. Conceivable causes of meningitis in anybody more than the age of 2 includes: • Sudden high fever • Stiff neck • Severe cerebral pain that appears to be not quite the same as should be expected • A headache with sickness or retching • Confusion or trouble concentrating • Seizures • Sleepiness or trouble waking • Sensitivity to light • No hunger or thirst • Skin rash The causes of meningitis in infants: Babies and newborn children may show these causes of meningitis: • High fever • Constant crying • Excessive tiredness or touchiness • Inactivity or drowsiness • Poor bolstering • A swelling in the fontanel of an infant • Stiffness in a child’s body and neck When to see a specialist or doctor after experiencing the causes of meningitis? When you see any causes of meningitis, you must immediately see the doctor. Similarly, if your relative or someone around you have this sickness, you should go to a doctor as you might have caught the disease from them. You may need to take prescriptions to avoid the disease from getting worse. The following are the different types of meningitis: Meningitis Viral contaminations are the most widely recognized reason for meningitis, trailed by bacterial diseases and, seldom, parasitic diseases. Since bacterial diseases can be hazardous, distinguishing the causes of meningitis is fundamental. Bacterial meningitis Microscopic organisms that enter the circulatory system and go to the mind and spinal rope cause intense bacterial meningitis.
Symptoms and Treatments for Gout

Symptoms and Treatments for Gout

Gout is one of the most frequently recorded medical conditions over the past years and throughout the history. A kind of arthritis, gout is caused when uric acid crystallizes in the body, and these crystals accumulate in joints. This happens when the body produces too much uric acid or fails to remove it, which results in increased levels of uric acid in the body. The uric acid crystals deposited in the joints cause an attack of sudden burning pain, stiffness or swelling (usually in the big toe). There are several cures for gout. Symptoms of gout The symptoms of gout include: Sudden increasing pain in the affected joint Heat in the afflicted area Joint swelling A reddish bruise or coloring on the skin Joint tenderness These painful spells can last for hours, days, or sometimes weeks. Usually, this swelling or stiffness involves joints in the lower extremities, but severe gout can affect many joints at once. This is known as polyarticular gout. The painful attacks may frequently repeat, which can harm the joints, tendons and other muscle tissues in the afflicted area. The presence of a tophus, a hard nodule of uric acid deposit under the skin, is another sign of gout. Tophi indicates a substantial overload of uric acid levels in the body. Cures for Gout At the onset of gout, when the pain attacks are mild and infrequent, dietary and lifestyle changes must be made right away. This can be an effective way to treat gout. Guidelines to be followed are: Maintain high fluid intake – 2-4 liters a day Maintain a healthy body weight Eat a balanced diet – avoid fish, meat, and poultry Avoid alcohol But if the condition becomes severe, medications are necessary to lower the uric acid content. There are three approaches to medicinal cures for gout.
Different Kind of Allergies and Their Symptoms

Different Kind of Allergies and Their Symptoms

It is very important to have an in-depth understanding and awareness regarding your allergies and their subsequent symptoms. Allergic reactions vary from mild ones to very serious type and at times, can even prove to be fatal. You need to take the necessary precautions and adopt preventive measures in order to avoid further complications. Allergy symptoms occur due to the instant activation of the white blood cells, generally called mast cells and basophils such as Immunoglobulin E, in response to exposure to even non-toxic and safe environmental elements. It is crucial to recognize the symptoms and the early signs of an allergy in order to prevent problems. Medical experts and allergists prescribe anti-histamines, steroids, and even immunotherapy so that the body’s response to the allergen can be desensitized. Some of the different kind of allergies are mentioned below: Food allergy Many people react to a large variety of foods including vinegar, soy, seafood, eggs, shellfish, cow’s milk, peanuts, wheat flour, etc., exhibiting mild to severe reactions. A reaction is generally triggered when the protein present in the food is erroneously identified by the body’s immune system as harmful. A food allergy will usually trigger some kind of reaction every time that typical food is consumed. Food allergy symptoms are common in children, but they can manifest at any age. You can even develop a reaction to safe foods, which you have eaten for years with no problems. Food allergens can stimulate the body to go into extreme reactions such as anaphylactic shock. It is best to avoid such foods and in case of emergency, immediately consult your allergist. Food allergy symptoms Upset stomach Constant pain in the stomach Vomiting Nausea Diarrhea Trouble in swallowing Shortness of breath Shock Dizziness A repetitive cough Dust allergy Dust allergy is caused by mites or microscopic organisms.
Symptoms and Complications of Multiple Sclerosis

Symptoms and Complications of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is an extremely dangerous disease that can lead to the potential disabling of the central nervous system and the brain. When it comes to multiple sclerosis, the immune system goes haywire. It attacks the myelin, the protective sheath that covers nerve fibers. This leads to functional problems between the brain and the rest of the body. The disease may progress rapidly and lead to the nerves to deteriorate or become permanently damaged as a whole. Multiple sclerosis symptoms vary greatly. While some people suffering from the disease may lose the ability to walk without any assistance, others may experience long periods of remission without the onset of any new symptoms. The worst part of this disease is the fact that there is no cure for it. While treatment can help you to achieve high-speed recovery from the attacks associated with the disease, there is no way to completely cure it. Medication can also help to manage its symptoms and modify the course of the disease. Here are a few of the symptoms and the complications associated with multiple sclerosis. Symptoms of multiple sclerosis Multiple sclerosis symptoms may vary greatly from person to person. Some people may experience it at a greater intensity, while others may not. It also depends on the location of the affected nerve fibers and over the course of the disease. Some of the most common multiple sclerosis symptoms you need to look out for include: You may feel sudden bouts of dizziness over periods of time. You may feel tired and fatigued at all times despite not doing much in due course of the day. You may experience problems controlling your bladder and bowel movement. There may be other problems with its functioning as well. You may not be able to speak as fluently as you once used to and experience slurred speech.
Symptoms and Treatment of Chronic Migraine

Symptoms and Treatment of Chronic Migraine

A migraine is a very painful, often a debilitating, form of a headache. It can be either episodic or chronic. Usually, the episodic migraine lasts for hours and several weeks to months can pass between two migraine episodes. However, chronic migraine symptoms not only last longer but also occur more frequently. If you have a chronic migraine, you will probably suffer from throbbing headaches at least 15 days a month. These severe and frequent attacks can make it difficult for you to live a normal life. An episodic migraine is much more common than a chronic one. Various medical research reports have shown that some people who suffer from an episodic migraine can eventually develop the symptoms of a chronic migraine! According to medical studies, 0.5% of men and 1.3% of women in the country experience chronic migraine symptoms. Other than taking medications, some healthy lifestyle changes can also help one in dealing with the symptoms of a chronic migraine. Here is a list of the symptoms along with some effective treatments for a chronic migraine. Chronic Migraine Symptoms Having chronic migraine is nowhere similar to having just a simple headache. In reality, it is much more than that! A chronic migraine may include the following symptoms: Vomiting Nausea Feeling dizzy Auras, which means seeing shadows, colors, lines, or flashing lights Tingling in the hands, feet, and face. These symptoms are accompanied by severe pain! While having it, one can also find the sounds, touch, smell, and bright lights very painful. Most of the times, the episodic migraine symptoms are almost similar to the chronic migraine symptoms. However, the major difference is in how frequently these attacks are occurring. According to the medical experts, this chronic migraine can be triggered by different factors. Sometimes, it runs in families. Sometimes, it happens due to the changes in the brain chemicals.
Causes and Symptoms of Gallbladder Disease

Causes and Symptoms of Gallbladder Disease

Gallbladder disease is caused by the accumulation of gallstones. Gallstones are structures formed by a combination of cholesterol, calcium, and bile salts. These structures are not stones but pieces of solid matter that form in the gallbladder, which is a small organ located under the liver in the upper right region of the abdomen. This pear-shaped organ stores bile produced by the liver to digest fat. It helps the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins and nutrients. In a healthy gallbladder, this process happens naturally without any discomfort or pain. However, when the gallbladder stops functioning well or if the bile ducts get clogged, it can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. Gallstones can develop in varying sizes ranging from as small as a grain of sand to as big as a golf ball. The pain may last from a few minutes to a couple of hours. Some people may develop a single gallstone, while others may get several gallstones at the same time. Statistics reveal that this disease has a high incidence in people who have weight problems, high blood cholesterol levels, and suffer from gastrointestinal disorders. Causes of gallstones According to observation, problems in the gallbladder arise because of improper diet and obesity. Gallbladder disease generally affects overweight people. The consumption of foods which are rich in fat also contributes to the development of gallstones. Thus, several people have to deal with the painful symptoms of gallbladder disease because of an inappropriate diet. Experiments reveal that the painful symptoms of gallbladder disease can get triggered due to allergic reactions to foods such as eggs, meats, dairy products, and citrus fruits. The consumption of chocolate, coffee, and carbonated soda can also trigger this condition. A few common reasons for the occurrence of gallbladder disease are: Genetic factors Excess weight Inappropriate diet Presence of excess cholesterol in bile If the gallbladder cannot empty properly, especially when you are fasting Pigment gallstones can occur in people with certain medical conditions, such as cirrhosis or blood diseases like sickle cell anemia.
Shingles – Symptoms and Treatment

Shingles – Symptoms and Treatment

The virus varicella-zoster that causes chickenpox is also responsible for causing shingles. It is a viral infection that causes painful rashes on the skin. Usually, those who have been infected with chickenpox are more likely to acquire shingles. It appears as a stripe of blisters typically on the neck, face, or torso. In most cases, shingles take two to three weeks to clear up. Usually, if a person gets shingles once, it rarely happens again. According to various medial study reports, shingles is so common in the country that it affects almost one in the three people at some point in their lifetime. Here is a list of some of the most common symptoms of this viral infection along with the ways of how to treat shingles. Symptoms of Shingles The most common symptom of this viral infection is burning and pain. It can be a constant gnawing, stabbing, or sharp pain that comes and goes. Along with this pain, the affected person may experience blistering skin rash. The characteristics of the rashes may include red patches, itching, rashes on the ears and face, rashes wrapped around the torso starting from the spine, and blisters filled with fluid that breaks out easily. Some shingles-affected patients can experience symptoms beyond these rashes and pain. Some of these symptoms are chills, fever, fatigue, headaches, muscle weakness, and sensitivity to light. Other than all these abovementioned signs and symptoms of shingles, it can involve some rare as well as serious complications. Intense pain in one of the ears or loss of hearing, loss of taste on the taste buds, dizziness etc. All these can be the symptoms of the Ramsay Hunt syndrome. Rashes and pain, which involve the eye. To avert permanent damage of the eye, it is important to know how to treat shingles.