Symptoms and Risk Factors of Breast Cancer in Males

Symptoms and Risk Factors of Breast Cancer in Males

As far as the symptoms of male breast cancer are concerned, a specific cause has not been identified yet. Men are susceptible to breast cancer if there is a strong family history or the presence of an abnormal gene inherited from their parents. What are the symptoms of male breast cancer? When you find you that you are displaying certain signs and symptoms that show no signs of abating, it is important to consult your doctor. Symptoms of male breast cancer include: The breast tissue has some kind of thickening or the presence of a painless lump. The skin that covers your breast shows some changes like redness, wrinkling, scaling or dimpling. There are certain changes that take place in your nipple like redness or scaling. There is an inward turning of the nipple. The nipples let out some kind of discharge. Causes of male breast cancer A specific cause as to the occurrence of breast cancer in men has not been found. According to doctors, breast cancer in men occurs when certain cells in the breast divide faster than healthy cells. These cells then assemble together and a tumor is formed, which spreads or metastasizes to the nearby tissue and follows the lymph nodes. Then, they spread to the remaining part of the body. Both men and women have breast tissue in small quantities. The breast tissue has glands or globules which produce milk and ducts which transport the milk to the nipples and fat. There is more breast tissue development in women than in men at the time of puberty. As the amount of breast tissue in men is little, there is a possibility of developing breast cancer. Types of male breast cancer Diagnosis of breast cancer in men falls into the following categories: Cancer originating in the milk ducts or ductal carcinoma:
Shingles – Symptoms, Risk Factors, and Treatments

Shingles – Symptoms, Risk Factors, and Treatments

Shingles is an infection caused by a virus. It is characterized by a painful rash. The same virus that causes chickenpox leads to this viral infection. It results in the development of a stripe of blisters, usually on one side of the body. This rash is very painful, and usually, patients need to adopt some remedies to get relief from shingles. Symptoms and diagnosis of shingles Shingles is characterized by pain and a burning sensation. You may also experience a tingling or numbing sensation in or under your skin. It may lead to the appearance of red blisters which are very painful. Shingles is also accompanied by other symptoms such as fever and headache. You may experience itching and irritation as well as fatigue due to shingles. Your doctor may diagnose shingles through its tell-tale symptoms and signs. When you have red blisters that tend to sting, itch and burn, you probably have shingles. These signs alone help your doctor in the diagnosis of this problem. It is essential to get the right diagnosis to find the right remedies and treatments for shingles. Risk factors The varicella-zoster virus which causes chickenpox is responsible for shingles as well. If you have had chickenpox at any point of time in your life, you face the risk of developing this condition. Once this virus enters your system, it stays dormant for a long time. It may get activated by exposure to infections when your immunity levels are low. Though shingles itself is not contagious, the varicella-zoster virus is communicable. Exposure to open sores of other shingles patients can put you at the risk of developing this infection. You are at high risk of developing shingles after you turn 50. Some diseases like HIV, AIDS, as well as cancer, can put you at risk of developing this problem.
Scabies – Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Scabies – Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Scabies is a highly contagious skin condition that spreads easily among people who live in crowded areas or close-knit communities. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the development of serious complications. What is scabies? Scabies is a skin condition with symptoms like severe itching and a rash that can spread all over the body. It is caused by a small mite that burrows just underneath the skin, leading to the formation of tiny bumps all over the body. Scabies can lead to complications if it is not detected and treated on time. You can run an internet search for photos of scabies rashes to understand how these rashes look. You can see a widespread rash and reddened skin in these scabies rash photos. What’s not visible to the human eye is the infestation by a microscopic mite housed underneath the skin. Symptoms of scabies The most common signs and symptoms of scabies are extreme itchiness that may worsen at night and small, red blisters or bumps all over the skin. In adults and older children, these bumps are all over the body but mostly in the area around the fingers, armpits, waist, wrists, knees, breasts, buttocks, and male genitalia. In infants or babies, this condition is seen on the scalp, face, feet, or palms. A search for photos of scabies rash in babies will show you the areas in which this rash typically forms. Symptoms may not appear for up to six weeks after a person has been infected. However, in the case of people with a prior scabies infestation, the signs may show up after a few days. The condition can worsen even if symptoms are not visible. In the initial stages of the condition, scabies may often mimic other skin rashes caused by acne or mosquito bites. The main difference is the constant itching a person will experience.
A Guide to Using Probiotics for Treating the Symptoms of IBS

A Guide to Using Probiotics for Treating the Symptoms of IBS

Probiotics are ideal for resolving the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. These symptoms include bloating, abdominal pain, and bowel movements. Probiotics contain microorganisms that supplement the natural bacteria of the intestine. What are probiotics and IBS? Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) refers to a common ailment of the intestine which is quite challenging to treat. It is characterized by diarrhea, constipation, or a combination of both. Other symptoms include abdominal cramps, protruding belly, and excretion of abnormally hard stool. Probiotics help in restoring the balance of the intestinal flora. The natural bacteria of the intestine are supplemented by microorganisms known as probiotics. These probiotics are available as supplements. Probiotics with a strain of bacteria known as Bifidobacterium infantis seem to be the most effective when it comes to resolving symptoms of IBS. Categories of probiotics for treating the symptoms of IBS One cannot only depend on probiotics for treating IBS. They should use it in combination with regular medication before or after following a FODMAP diet. Probiotics are bacteria which are beneficial for our health. There are bacteria in our gut or large intestine known as gut microbiota. These microbiota comprise numerous species of bacteria which are further made up of individual strains. Probiotics can contain a single species or strain or multiple species and strains. It is vital to understand the correlation between the species of bacteria present in your gut and the species that you are consuming. As far as IBS is concerned, the best probiotics are: Bifantis® (Bifidobacterium infantis 35624): This bacteria is supposed to be present in the intestine, and the strain required is 35624. A lot of people don’t have this strain of Bifidobacterium infantis in their large intestine. VSL#3®: This probiotic mixture consists of eight strains including Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium infantis, and Lactobacillus casei. Several clinical trials have proved its effectiveness.
Bladder Infections – Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Bladder Infections – Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

If one has been taking several trips to the bathroom within a few hours and is experiencing a burning sensation while passing urine, then one probably has contracted a bladder infection. A bacterial infection within the bladder is termed as a bladder infection. A weakened immune system invites yeast and bladder infections. Bladder infections may be contracted by using unhygienic toilets where Escherichia coli bacteria thrive. In some cases, the bacteria can move from the intestines to the urinary system. Bladder infections treatment is fairly easy. Once a proper diagnosis is done to confirm bacterial infection in the bladder, the physician may prescribe antibiotic medication. Apart from medication, one may need other home care remedies to completely heal from the infection. When left untreated, a bladder infection may turn into a life-threatening condition when it spreads to the kidney or bloodstream. Symptoms of bladder infections A urinary tract or bladder infection symptoms vary with the severity of the infection. Common symptoms are as follows: Pain or burning sensation while urinating Bloody or clouded urine Foul smell from urine Frequent urination Frequent urge to urinate Pressure or cramps in the lower abdomen and back. Causes of bladder infections As mentioned above, bladder infections are caused due to E. coli bacteria. This bacterium enters the bladder through the urethra or from the anus. Once it enters the bladder, it attaches itself to the walls of the bladder and multiplies rapidly. Using unclean toilets is one of the main ways of contracting the E. coli. Consumption of unhygienic food could also result in intestinal infections, which in turn, causes a build-up of E. coli bacteria. Treatment for bladder infections Bladder infections treatment varies with the severity of the infection. From drinking plenty of water to heating pads, there are a number of simple home care techniques to fight bladder infections.
Causes and Symptoms of Drop in Blood Sugar Levels

Causes and Symptoms of Drop in Blood Sugar Levels

A low glucose level leads to several problems in your body and thus you need to maintain a normal blood sugar level to ensure good health. People with diabetes who are taking medications or insulin to lower their blood sugar levels are at high risk of facing this condition. Insulin is produced in the pancreas that helps your body break down glucose, getting energy for the whole day. However, people with abnormal production of insulin suffer from diabetes. People who are consuming more glucose get it stored in the muscles and liver in the form of fat, which is used as energy when needed later. Symptoms of low blood sugar Mentioned here are the symptoms of low blood sugar: Blurry vision Blurry vision is a common symptom of low blood sugar, and you may feel like you are losing your consciousness. Pale skin You may get pale skin that comes as a prime symptom of low blood sugar levels, and it’s important to consult your doctor in such a case. Nervousness Feeling nervousness can also be an indication of low blood sugar levels, which leads to you feeling anxious, followed by emotional instability. You may get an outburst of emotions that lead to other health problems, reducing the quality of life. Continuous hunger Low blood sugar levels lead to continuous hunger as if you have been starving. Your body’s need for glucose gives rise to a feeling of hunger. Severe shakes You may get severe shakes that are one of the symptoms of low blood sugar. The central nervous system starts malfunctioning in releasing catecholamine, which are the chemicals that boost the glucose production, and this leads to low blood sugar and its symptoms. Difficulty while sleeping You may face difficulty while sleeping, which indicates low blood sugar. You may get nightmares, causing tremendous emotional disturbances, which may even lead to sleepwalking.
Abdomen Pain Symptoms That Hint at Other Disorders

Abdomen Pain Symptoms That Hint at Other Disorders

The abdomen forms the part of the body also called the torso. Usually, the whole of the belly region is called the abdomen. It is one of the most vital parts of the body (other than the skull). It holds in it the whole digestive system and therefore holds the organs responsible for the proper functioning of the human body. This article is aimed at providing a short guide to the most common abdomen pain symptoms. The abdomen consists of the small intestine, large intestine, stomach, cecum, appendix, gallbladder, liver, pancreas, spleen, and kidneys. Not only is the abdomen vital for digestion but is also important for various other activities such as breathing, childbirth, urination, defecation, coughing, etc. Due to the existence of so many organs and due to the various functions that the abdomen performs, it is susceptible to various issues of which the most common one is abdominal pain. There are innumerable reasons for abdomen pain. As all the organs are tightly packed in the abdomen. it becomes difficult to figure out the reasons for abdominal pain. There are various diagnostic procedures that are performed to determine the type of abdominal disorder that the abdomen pain symptoms are pointing towards. The diagnostic procedures are as follows and are to be performed in this order: Gathering history: involves studying the medical state of the person before they are admitted. Performance of physical examination: the concerned doctor examines the abdominal region for swelling and other symptoms that are evident. Additional investigations that help the diagnostic process: performing a blood test, Urine test, X-Ray scanning, Electrocardiogram, etc. Advanced investigations: computed tomography, abdominal or pelvic ultrasound, endoscopy, colonoscopy etc. The major cases of abdomen pain symptoms as well as stomach pain causes are portrayed by the following: Gastroenteritis ( about 13% of the patients come with this issue):
Heartburn – Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Heartburn – Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Heartburn is a condition that results from a disturbed digestive system. In this condition, the acidic contents of your stomach end up going back up through the esophagus pipe as a result of reflux. This leads to an uncomfortable feeling that is characterized by a burning sensation in the chest, which is commonly known as heartburn. Heartburn – Main causes, signs, and symptoms The lower part of the esophagus, or the food pipe, opens up to release food into your stomach. The lower esophageal sphincter, which is the lower part of the food pipe may sometimes end up opening abnormally to release acidic contents back into the esophagus. It could be caused due to indigestion of certain foods or even due to the consumption of spicy foods. This results in the feeling of a strange, burning sensation in your chest, which can be characterized as one of the main heartburn signs. In other words, every time the lower esophageal sphincter gets too relaxed, the stomach juices go upwards, thereby causing this condition. As mentioned above, the occurrence of heartburn signs and symptoms can be attributed to the intake of certain kinds of drinks and foods. The intake of spicy foods, in particular, can lead to the onset of heartburn symptoms. It can also be triggered by consuming certain fatty and fried foods. The lower esophageal sphincter ends up weakening as a result of consuming large meals as well. Certain foods like the tomato sauce and ketchup may also cause certain signs and symptoms of heartburn to appear. Certain citric products can also be responsible for causing heartburn symptoms. Beverages that have high caffeine content and alcoholic drinks are also known to be a leading cause of heartburn symptoms. Even peppermint and chocolate can be responsible for triggering heartburn. Typical heartburn symptoms and signs There are certain heartburn symptoms and signs that are characterized by a burning sensation and pain in the chest usually when you lie down or after eating.
Enlarged Prostate – Symptoms and Natural Remedies

Enlarged Prostate – Symptoms and Natural Remedies

The prostate is the muscular gland in the reproductive system of men, which is very small in size. Almost 50% of men who are in their 60s face prostate enlargement, and this percentage reaches 90% for those who are 85 years old or above. The first sign of prostate enlargement is frequent urination at night. This condition of an enlarged prostate is also called BPH or Benign Prostate Hyperplasia. This condition takes place when the number of cells in the prostate gland begins to multiply, and the additional cells prevent the flow of urine by squeezing the urethra. Here are some of the causes and natural remedies for prostate enlargement. Causes of an enlarged prostate Enlarged prostate or BPH is a common medical condition for men who are aging, and men above 80 are the most likely to face some symptoms of BPH. However, the exact cause or the reason for BPH is still unknown. One of the factors for this could be the changes that occur in the generation of the male sex hormone with aging. Sometimes, prostate problems could be hereditary as well. Also, if there are any issues with the testicles, the person might also face the risk of developing BPH. Moreover, men whose testicles have been removed previously will not be facing the problem of an enlarged prostate. Symptoms of BPH Before proceeding further to know the remedies for prostate enlargement, you should be aware of the symptoms that are associated with BPH. These symptoms are mild at the beginning. However, they become more and more critical as time passes by. Therefore, it is extremely important to take the required action as soon as you face the following symptoms: The bladder is not getting emptied properly Urinating more than two to three times every night Weakened urinary stream Urge for urination out of nowhere Dribbling toward the end of urination Pain while urinating Blood coming out while urinating If you are continuously experiencing such serious issues, you need to seek advice from your doctor straight away.
Dupuytren’s Contracture – Its Symptoms and Causes

Dupuytren’s Contracture – Its Symptoms and Causes

Dupuytren’s contracture, a deformity, is triggered in the hand. It develops when a layer of tissue beneath the skin in the palm forms knots. These knots then go on to create a thick cord that pulls one or more fingers, causing them to bend. Unfortunately, this condition can make everyday tasks difficult like shaking hands, using gloves, and holding objects. Symptoms of Dupuytren’s contracture Typically, the two fingers that are farthest from the thumb are affected by Dupuytren’s contracture. Since this condition progresses at a very slow pace, it is quite difficult to understand or detect it early on. However, some of the symptoms that are most likely to be noted include: Thickening of the skin that covers the palm of the hand. Overtime or with further development of the condition, the skin on the palm may appear dimpled. There may be a lump formation in the palm. The lump tissue feels thicked against the skin and there may also be sensitivity when touched. However, one may feel no pain. Over the advanced stages, the cord knots in the fingers begin to pull much tighter. The fingers are pulled closer towards the palm, causing them to bend further. As a result, one may have difficulty using their hands for basic functions. In rare cases, Dupuytren’s contracture can affect even the index and middle finger. Sometimes, the thumb too be may be affected. The condition may also occur in both hands; however, one hand usually suffers a more severe impact. The symptoms of Dupuytren’s contracture can range anywhere between mild to severe, depending on the progression of the condition. Despite intense medical research, professionals are unable to point out the main cause of Dupuytren’s contracture. Currently, there is no evidence that points out specific factors that lead to its development. However, there are some factors that are believed to increase the risks of developing the condition with time.
7 common symptoms of acid reflux in infants

7 common symptoms of acid reflux in infants

7 common symptoms of acid reflux in infants Acid reflux is a condition in which the acid produced by the stomach moves to the esophagus, causing a burning sensation of the stomach and discomfort in the chest that we normally refer to as heartburn. If you experience acid reflux twice a week or more, you may be suffering from a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Infants may, however, be more highly susceptible to acid reflux as their lower esophageal sphincter (LES) may be weak. LES is a ring at the bottom of the esophagus where it connects with the stomach. It has been estimated that close to 50% of infants experience acid reflux due to weak or underdeveloped LES. Usually, infants at four months experience this condition the most and it tends to mellow down and vanish when they are around 12 to 18 months. Here are the common signs and symptoms of acid reflux noticed in infants: Vomiting or spitting While spitting is normally considered normal in infants, forceful spitting may often be a sign of GERD. It is an important symptom in infants that are over a year old and still spit forcefully shortly after having meals. Also, spitting blood or any fluid that is green or yellow in color is a cause for worry. While usual spitting is painless, forceful spitting because of GERD may cause pain and discomfort. Difficulty in eating and swallowing food When partly digested particles from the stomach go back towards the esophagus, infants may become irritable and refuse eating or drinking at all. This is an important sign of acid reflux. Hiccups and wet burps An infant may also spit out liquid when he or she burps, which is among the signs and symptoms of acid reflux. Though not very common, this may also be a sign of GERD.
Follow this diet to manage symptoms of cervical cancer

Follow this diet to manage symptoms of cervical cancer

The American Cancer Society estimates that over 13,240 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer and of these 4,170 women have died. Eating various vegetables and fruits will protect you from cervical cancer. This cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). A diet that is high in folate, flavonoids, carotenoids, and antioxidants helps fight the HPV infection and also prevents this infection from turning the cells into lesions that are cancerous. Research has proved that a plant-based diet, which is a mix of vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and beans, is the best to fight cervical cancer. To prevent the onset of cervical cancer, you’ll have to find ways to include all these food types in your diet. You can follow this basic pattern for your breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast: You can eat granola, yogurt, cantaloupe, and orange juice. Lunch: You can add zucchini, mushrooms, carrots, and red peppers in your vegetable cheese toast sandwich. Dinner: Diced tomatoes, chicken, black beans, spinach, whole wheat pasta, and grapefruit can be added in your tossed romaine salad. Flavonoids are chemical compounds that are found in fruits and vegetables. One can add foods rich in flavonoids to their diets. These include lettuce, garlic, spinach, soy, onions, lima beans, cranberries, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, black beans, asparagus, and apples. Folate is a B vitamin that is soluble in water. Foods that have folate are strawberries, romaine lettuce, orange juice, lentils, cereals and breads, chickpeas, and avocados. Apart from folate, carotenoids are also highly beneficial in managing symptoms of cervical cancer. Carotenoids are a source of Vitamin A and are found in winter squash, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, carrots, and beans. Diet is just part of the solution for avoiding risk of cervical cancer. A healthy lifestyle helps to reduce the risk of cervical cancer and requires getting vaccinated for HPV, getting pap smears, not smoking, and being monogamous.