Symptoms and Treatment Options for Low Blood Sugar

Symptoms and Treatment Options for Low Blood Sugar

Low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia, means low blood sugar (glucose) levels in the body. It usually occurs in people with diabetes. It can be a side effect of insulin or other types of diabetes medicines. Generally, the acceptable range of blood sugar is 70 to 100 mg/dL. In case of diabetic patients, 70 mg/dL or less indicates low blood sugar. However, diabetes medication is not the only cause of low blood sugar. Medications that don’t suit your body, or any exercise or diet, can lead to low sugar levels. Therefore, you mustn’t be careless about your sugar levels and should keep a thorough record to prevent its diminution below the permissible limit. Also, the brain needs glucose to function efficiently and low sugar can cause loss of energy for brain function, leading to poor attention and cognitive function. The brain senses the drop in sugar. This biochemical process then alerts the person that they need food or water—if neglected or left untreated, it can lead to coma or death. In worse case scenario, an injection of glucagon is given to the affected person as the person finds it difficult to eat anything in a normal manner. The glycogen immediately raises the sugar levels to relatively normal. There are many symptoms that can help you recognize low blood sugar levels (they differ from person to person). Symptoms of low blood sugar Anxiety: One of the symptoms of low blood sugar is anxiety. In anxiety or stress, the blood sugar consumption increases which cause an adrenaline rush. This, in turn, causes low blood sugar due to the fluctuations in the energy levels. Hunger: Mild hypoglycemia makes you feel hungry while high or severe hypoglycemia leads to unconsciousness. Food then breaks down into sugar that enables functioning of our body. The sudden hunger pangs are one of the major symptoms of low blood sugar.
Nail Fungus – Causes, Symptoms, and Cure

Nail Fungus – Causes, Symptoms, and Cure

Nail fungus is a common condition that begins as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the fungal infection goes deeper, it may cause your nail to discolor, thicken and crumble at the edge. It can affect several nails. There’s a lot about nail fungus on the Internet. However, the article focuses on how to cure nail fungus. Before delving into how you can cure nail fungus, it’s essential to analyze what causes this nail attack. Causes of fungus Just as the term suggests, nail fungus related infections are the result of the infestation of microorganisms called fungi on your nails. There’s this particular family of fungi by the name of dermatophyte which has a significant stake in the nail attack mafia organization. Age is a detrimental factor of nail fungus too. As the nails on your hands or feet age with time, they are prone to dry and become brittle; paving the way for fungi to enter your nails. In other cases, poor blood circulation in feet, and a weak immune system could be possible reasons for nail fungus. However, it is important to know the symptoms before knowing how to cure nail fungus. Symptoms of nail fungus Sudden thickening of nails Visible discoloration (colors include whitish to brownish yellow). Brittle or ragged nails. A dark shade on the surface of your nail as a result of debris built up below the surface of your nails. How to cure nail fungus Visit the dermatologist This is the safest and quickest way to recovery. A professional dermatologist knows about nail fungus way more than most people, and it would be an entirely safe bet to shell out a few bucks and time to visit a dermatologist. If you think your situation isn’t that serious or if you have doctor-phobia, below is a list of home remedies to cure nail fungus.
A Brief Guide on Probiotics to Relieve Diarrhea Symptoms

A Brief Guide on Probiotics to Relieve Diarrhea Symptoms

Diarrhea is a type of gastrointestinal infection that leads to people suffering from irregular bowel motions which are sometimes accompanied by abdominal pain. Diarrhea usually results in dehydration, i.e., the loss of the required amount of liquids in the body. Diarrhea is generally categorized into two types, acute and chronic diarrhea. Acute diarrhea is common and may last for 2–3 days; however, chronic diarrhea is a serious condition that may last over a month and requires more attention as it may occur due to irritable bowel syndrome or poor absorbability of nutrients. Diarrhea symptoms Some of the symptoms of diarrhea include the following: – Pain in the abdominal area – Bloating – Cramps in the abdominal area – Recurrent bowel passing – Weakness – Nausea or dizziness Role of probiotics in treating diarrhea Probiotics are also known as “good bacteria” that help maintain a good health by multiplying themselves and dominating over problem-causing bacteria. Probiotics help in making digestion better, in better absorption of nutrients, and also the elimination of waste from our bodies. In patients suffering from diarrhea, the count of good bacteria in the gut reduces and this results in bowel irregularities. Probiotics help solve the issue by restoring the good and healthy bacteria that in turn balance the normal intestinal function. Benefits of using diarrhea relief probiotics There exist three primary benefits of consuming probiotics that provide relief from diarrhea – Diarrhea relief probiotics help restrain the growth of bad bacteria and prevent them from holding onto the intestinal walls. – Maintain a good count of healthy or good bacteria that in turn leads to good immunity. – Get relief from abdominal pain by wiping out the toxins discharged by the bad bacteria. Probiotics to get effective relief from diarrhea There are different types of probiotics that help in getting rid of diarrhea.
Meningitis – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Meningitis – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Meningitis is an inflammation (swelling) of the protective membranes covering the brain and the spinal cord. Since it is a serious health condition, it requires immediate medical intervention. Causes of meningitis The swelling may be caused due to viral or bacterial infections. However, in some cases, injuries, cancer, certain drugs, and other types of infections can also lead to meningitis. Commonly, acute viral and bacterial infections cause the inflammation of tissues. Fungal meningitis is rare which causes chronic meningitis. The signs of meningitis vary from person to person, depending upon his or her age and the cause of the infection. Bacterial meningitis is a serious illness and can be life-threatening. It spreads to the brain through nasal mucus and throat secretions. It can build up in over a few hours or several days. In infants, the most common causes are Group B strep, E. coli, and Listeria monocytogenes. Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) and Neisseria meningitides (meningococcus) are often the causes of meningitis in adolescents. If left untreated for long, many complications may arise. The possible complications might include: Loss of hearing Epilepsy Brain damage which can cause learning disabilities in children Memory problems Renal failure Gait issues Hydrocephalus or fluid buildup and brain swelling Myocarditis or inflammation of the heart muscles (only if the infection reaches the heart) Viral meningitis is the most common type of meningitis and is often less severe than bacterial meningitis. There is no report of severe long-term issues associated with viral meningitis. Affected people recover on their own (without any medical treatment). There is no specific treatment as antibiotics do not help viral meningitis. However, they are crucial in treating bacterial meningitis. Viral meningitis is a communicable disease. Signs of viral meningitis are cold, diarrhea, fever, blisters, sore throat, and influenza. The most common virus that causes viral meningitis is a group known as enteroviruses or common stomach viruses.
Know the Symptoms of Meningitis and Its Risk Factors

Know the Symptoms of Meningitis and Its Risk Factors

Meningitis refers to a medical condition in which the meninges or the membranes surrounding the spinal cord and brain get inflamed mostly due to viral infection. Fungal and bacterial infections may also lead to this health issue. Often characterized by the stiffness of the neck, high fever, and headache, meningitis can turn fatal, if not treated on time. In some rare cases, meningitis gets cured in a couple of weeks without any medication. However, it is never recommended to leave meningitis untreated and report to a doctor if you can find any of the below-mentioned symptoms of meningitis. General meningitis symptoms are- Symptoms of meningitis and flu are often quite similar, making it difficult to recognize at the very onset. However, some patients get many prominent meningitis symptoms in a few hours while others may take several days for developing the meningitis symptoms. Both adults and children have the risk of getting this infection. Anyone above two years of age is expected to show the following signs when infected by this disease germ. Getting high fever all of a sudden Neck stiffness, sometimes complete immobility of neck Developing concentration difficulty or confusion Difficulty in waking up, sleepiness in the daytime or excess fatigue Seizures or epilepsy signs Difficult to see in light or increased sensitivity to sunlight Low appetite and thirst Rad rashes on skin A severe headache accompanied by fever. In most cases, the pain is quite unusual than a normal headache. Many patients also get vomiting or nausea along with a headache Meningitis symptoms in babies below two years- Meningitis in infants below two years can be extremely difficult to diagnose and may turn fatal. Therefore, consult a doctor if you see any of the signs in your child. Constant crying accompanied by high fever. In most of the cases, the babies do not stop crying and might cry harder when trying to be consoled.
Eczema – Types, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Eczema – Types, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

The skin is the largest organ of the body by weight making about one-sixth of our total body weight. It’s a complicated structure and consists of three layers namely; epidermis the outermost one, the dermis which is a layer beneath the epidermis and the subcutaneous layer the deepest one. Eczema commonly called as ‘dermatitis’ is a skin disorder characterized by inflammation and intense itching. People suffering from eczema have extremely dry skin which is highly susceptible to bacterial, fungal or viral infections. The affected skin is not a smooth, protective barrier but patches of skin with rashness, red lumps or blisters. Eczema can affect people of all age group from infants or adults and continue to have symptoms throughout their life depending on the severity. Normally in infants, itchy rashes appear on the skin. The eczema photos show that these rashes can produce oozing, crusty condition majorly on the child’s scalp and face. Eczema is a recognizable health condition among a number of skin diseases and can be prevented by keeping the skin moisturized, nourished and healthy. Types of eczema Eczema is not considered as a contagious disease and cannot catch when in close contact. While the exact cause of eczema is unknown, researchers suggest that people develop eczema because of a combination of genes and environmental triggers. When an allergen gets activated, skin cells behave like a foreign agent causing an eczema flare-up. There are eight different types of eczema like atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, hand eczema, neurodermatitis, nummular eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and stasis dermatitis. It is possible to identify the types by looking for eczema photos online. Atopic dermatitis, which is severe and long-lasting is the most common one and can occur in combination at a time. All types of eczema cause itching, redness or blisters.
4 Popular Medications for Treating Depressive Symptoms

4 Popular Medications for Treating Depressive Symptoms

Depression is a mood disorder that manifests as persistent sadness and loss of interest. It affects an individual’s feelings, thoughts, and behavior, and it can trigger a variety of physical and mental issues like fatigue, anger, and hopelessness. Depression is much deeper than the feeling of sadness, and nobody can overcome it overnight. Most people require long-term treatment with medications, therapies, and lifestyle changes. Medications are a crucial part of depression treatment, and doctors usually prescribe antidepressants or antianxiety or antipsychotic medications. Let’s look at some of the common medications used for managing depressive symptoms: Zoloft (Sertraline) Zoloft is one of the most popular medications prescribed to people undergoing treatment for depression. It is a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI), a group of medications that work by boosting the serotonin levels in the brain, which elevates mood. Additionally, it is prescribed to people dealing with panic disorder, anxiety disorders, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). If one has a prescription for sertraline, they can sign up for a GoodRx Gold membership to get amazing discounts on both generic and brand versions of the medication. GoodRx Gold offers a whopping 88 percent discount on 30 sertraline tablets of 50 mg. If one is looking for the brand version of Zoloft, they can save up to 17 percent with the membership. Prozac (Fluoxetine) Prozac is another SSRI used to treat major depressive disorder, eating disorders, and a few other mental disorders. The medication affects neurotransmitters in the brain and helps people cope with panic, anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Fluoxetine is available in both generic and brand versions, and a GoodRx Gold membership offers up to 86 percent savings on 30 capsules of 20mg generic fluoxetine. If specifically looking for the Prozac brand, one can get up to 21 percent discount on the same dosage and quantity of the medication.
Rotavirus – Symptoms, causes, and preventive options

Rotavirus – Symptoms, causes, and preventive options

Rotavirus is a contagious virus that causes inflammation in the intestines and stomach. It is one of the most common causes of diarrhea in children. Although there is no cure for this condition, there are medications that help manage the symptoms. Understanding the symptoms of rotavirus can help one treat the condition immediately. In this article, we will be discussing the symptoms, causes, and prevention methods of rotavirus. Symptoms The symptoms of rotavirus start two days after the exposure to the virus. However, the symptoms can last for up to seven days. Fever and vomiting During the first three days, one may notice fever and vomiting. However, these symptoms may fade away by the fourth day. Dehydration Babies and younger children may experience severe dehydration. Irritability, lack of fluid consumption, little to no urine, and lethargy may be common symptoms of dehydration. Seek immediate medical help if you notice any of these symptoms. Watery diarrhea After the fever and vomiting fade away, one may experience watery diarrhea. This may last for up to seven days. Abdominal pain The diarrhea may be accompanied by abdominal pain. Nevertheless, the stomach pain should subside within a couple of days. Causes Rotavirus is present in the fecal matter of a person and spreads through hand-to-mouth contact. It may be present in the infected person’s stool for two days before the symptoms show up. If a kid or a parent does not wash hands after using the toilet or changing a diaper, the virus can spread easily. The virus can stay on surfaces that have not been disinfected for up to months at a time. Contracting the viral infection is possible even after getting vaccinated. Therefore, prevention is crucial. Prevention To prevent or reduce the risk of getting contaminated, one must wash their hands after using the washroom.
5 foods that help ease arthritis symptoms

5 foods that help ease arthritis symptoms

Arthritis is a health condition where one or more joints swell and become tender. This leads to symptoms such as stiffness and joint pain, which subsequently worsen with age. There are treatments to deal with different forms of arthritis that help reduce its symptoms and make life easier. Studies also show combining treatments with certain foods helps get rid of arthritis or reduces its symptoms. Leafy green vegetables Leafy greens contain high levels of vitamins E and vitamin C. A few leafy green vegetables are kale, spinach, cabbage, beet greens, collard greens, watercress, arugula, and Bok choy. Vitamin C helps produce collagen, facilitating joint flexibility. Vitamin E is known to ward off inflammatory molecules from the body. Berries When it comes to foods to help get rid of arthritis naturally, berries deserve a spot on your grocery list. Just like all fruits, berries are rich in antioxidants, which are known to help eliminate potential inflammations. Also, blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries contain anthocyanins that help reduce inflammation. Fatty fish Fishes like mackerel, salmon, and tuna help deal with the symptoms of arthritis. These are rich in vitamin D and contain Omega-3 fatty acids that can significantly reduce any inflammation in the body. While you should consider eating fish a couple of times a week, an alternative solution is consuming fish oil supplements. Extra virgin olive oil Unlike regular cooking oils – which undoubtedly carry several health hazards – olive oil is highly beneficial to the human body. It contains heart-healthy fats. Olive oil also shields the body from bone loss when combined with vitamin D. It also contains oleocanthal – a compound that prevents the production of inflammatory properties in the body. Nuts Nuts are replete with magnesium, calcium, fibers, zinc, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids. Nuts serve as anti-inflammatory agents that help deal with this condition.
Foods to eat for managing lupus and its symptoms

Foods to eat for managing lupus and its symptoms

Lupus is a chronic disease that causes inflammation and pain across the body. It occurs when the immune system erroneously attacks healthy tissues and organs, which means it is an autoimmune condition. Unfortunately, there is no specific meal plan for lupus. That said, eating and avoiding certain foods can help manage the symptoms and prevent complications. So, let’s look at what foods to eat to prevent lupus flare-ups. Flaxseeds It is considered a superfood by many nutritionists. Adding flaxseeds to your daily meals can avoid or reduce lupus flare-ups to a large extent. The alpha-linolenic acid present in it has atherogenic properties that can reduce inflammation associated with lupus. The lignans present in flaxseeds are platelet-activating factor (PAF) – receptor antagonists that can also be beneficial in treating lupus nephritis. Fatty fish Fatty fish such as mackerel, salmon, trout, and herring are rich in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and HUFA (highly unsaturated fatty acid), which are a type of omega-3 fatty acid. These nutrients are associated with decreasing inflammation due to autoimmune diseases like lupus. Other foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids that can reduce or avoid lupus flare-ups include Brussels sprouts, algal oil, chia seeds, walnuts, among others. Whole grains Metabolism plays an essential role in any disease management. In this case, a poor metabolism may lead to developing lupus. Refined grains reduce the body’s metabolism, which can increase the risk of lupus inflammation as they take longer to process. Nutritionists recommend eating whole grains like rye, barley, cracked wheat (bulgur), quinoa, and oatmeal as they are lighter on the digestive system and contain healthy fiber that aids in digestion, decreasing the risk of inflammation. Fresh fruits and vegetables Researchers believe that one of the reasons for autoimmune diseases like lupus is the lack of nutrients in daily meals. As the body processes the food we eat, it leaves behind free radicals.
6 herbs and spices for managing cancer symptoms

6 herbs and spices for managing cancer symptoms

Also called the emperor of maladies, cancer affects nearly 1 million people in the country. It is also the second leading cause of death globally, heart disease being the leading cause. Most of the time, cancer affects those people whose family has a history of cancer. Genes carrying cancer-triggering cells are passed down from one generation to the next. In other cases, prolonged exposure to radiation or toxic substances can chemically induce cancer. This exposure can be a result of occupational hazards, lifestyle choices such as smoking, or due to radiation therapy. Cancer can be of many types. We have listed 4 types of cancers below: Carcinoma is a type of cancer that mainly affects the epithelial tissue lining that covers most organs and the internal pathways and forms the skin layer. Major organs at risk include the esophagus, lungs, stomach, breast, pancreas, colon, rectum, and gland cells. Sarcomas mainly affect the bones and soft connective tissues in the body. There are over 70 different types of sarcomas that mainly affect the muscles, blood vessels, nerves, tendons, fat deposits, and also the lining of the joints. Leukemia is not a single cancer but a broad category of cancers that affect blood cells. Leukemia can either be acute or chronic, depending on whether white or red blood cells are affected and cancer’s progression. Lymphoma, on the other hand, develops and affects the lymphatic system of the body that stores and transports white blood cells to fight infections. Lymphoma is primarily classified as Hodgkin’s, where cancer spreads from one lymph node to the other, and non-Hodgkin’s, where cancer can randomly affect any part of the lymphatic system. In all of these cases, cancer prevention is very difficult unless all the risk factors are eliminated. But, more often than not, this is practically quite difficult.
Prostate cancer – What are the early symptoms

Prostate cancer – What are the early symptoms

Prostate cancer is a dangerous health condition in which the cells in a person’s prostate grow unnaturally, aggressively, and out of control. Like other malignancies, prostate cancer can assume life-threatening proportions if not diagnosed and addressed in its initial stages. However, healthcare professionals can treat the condition successfully if a person pays attention to the warning signs of the condition. Some of the leading indicators of prostate cancer are discussed below. Urinating difficulties Prostate cancer affects a person’s urination and the organs contributing to the process. So, people with this condition tend to have weakened or slow urine flow. Moreover, individuals with this condition also experience pain in the lower abdomen and urethra while urinating. Other issues, such as an excessive urge to urinate and a lack of control over how the urine flows, are common problems people face in all stages of prostate cancer. If people face pain while urinating or any other difficulty, they must immediately consult a doctor or oncologist for a cancer screening test. Frequent urination Besides pain during urination, prostate cancer patients might also experience irregular urination patterns in all stages of the condition. As the cells grow out of control into tumors, the adjacent cells and tissues soon start feeling the strain. Eventually, the aggressive cell growth grows into a toxin-filled tumor within the prostate of men with this condition. This tumor tends to put extreme pressure on the bladder and urethra of the individuals. Combined with all these factors, one of the earliest signs of prostate cancer is the frequent and urgent need to urinate. The frequency of such urges can get alarming, with a person feeling a urinating sensation multiple times per hour. Muscle loss without trying All kinds of cancer affect the supply of blood and nutrients to different parts of the body.