Huntington’s disease is a life-threatening disease, related to neurodegeneration, which is caused by an imbalance in nucleobases such as cytosine, adenine, and guanine. This leads to a repeated expansion of the Huntington gene, which is commonly known as the HTT, and leads to the production of very toxic chemicals, which is known as the Huntington protein—mHTT. This mutant HTT (mHTT) protein is responsible for progressively destroying neurons in the brain. This greatly affects neuromuscular and cognitive abilities that start rapidly declining. Therefore, it is important to know some essential facts about Huntington’s disease. In this way, you can be better informed about this condition and how it can be managed. Statistics of people affected It has been reported that Huntington’s disease affects about 1 in 10,000. There are about 30,000 people in the country who have shown the symptoms of the disease. Moreover, there are about 200,000 people in the country who have the chances of inheriting this deadly disease. Family history Every human being has the gene that is responsible for causing the disease, in their body. However, this disease can only be developed by people who have inherited it and can even potentially pass on to the next generation as well. Anyone who inherits the expanded Huntington gene has a chance of developing Huntington’s disease. Solution for newborns For newborns, there are screenings that can help in searching or detecting any kind of serious health condition. There will be relevant treatment options available for that as well, which can provide a clear advantage. The testing will be state-run. Complications of the disease Deaths caused due to this disease mainly occur due to the complications that are caused by the disease, and not due to the disease itself. The most common symptoms that occur as a result of this disease is difficulty in swallowing.

All You Need to Know about Eczema Eczema is a skin condition that is characterized by patches of skin that become inflamed, rough, itchy, cracked, and red. Sometimes, even leading to blisters. Different stages and types of eczema affect almost 31.6% of people in the country. The word “eczema” is also used to specifically talk about “atopic dermatitis”, which is the most common type of eczema. Types Eczema has many types. These types can be identified with the help of eczema photos and also the symptoms. Some of the common types of eczema are: Atopic dermatitis Atopic dermatitis is a health condition that has a genetic base. It is one of the most common types of eczema. Atopic dermatitis does not have an allergic base. This disease has a tendency of beginning early in the life of those who have a predisposition to inhalant allergies. The characteristics of this condition are rashes on the cheeks, neck, elbow and knee creases, and ankles. Allergic contact dermatitis In the case of contact dermatitis, there are two types. One of these is irritant based which occurs because of a direct reaction to an allergen. The second type is allergic, and this occurs because of a delayed reaction to an allergen. Seborrheic dermatitis This is another type of dermatitis where you can see rashes on the face, scalp, ears, and in the case of adults, the mid-chest area as well and which easily identified as you look at eczema photos clicked during the screening. This is different for infants. It produces a weepy, oozy rash behind the ears and can be quite extensive at the time, wherein it involves the entire body. Dyshidrotic dermatitis Dyshidrotic dermatitis causes itchy, scaly patches of skin that become red, cracked, painful, and also flaked. It affects the fingers, soles of the feet, and also palms of the hand.

Colitis is an extremely uncomfortable condition caused by the inflammation of the colon. The severity of the disease ranges from mild to severe and individuals suffer from several symptoms. The symptoms of colitis include feeling constipated, abdominal pain and cramping, experiencing small bowel movements which are frequent in nature, and experiencing diarrhea which may or may not have blood. If you are experiencing these symptoms, visit a doctor immediately and seek treatment. There are several different causes of colitis and each underlying cause is treated differently. The different types of colitis include the likes of microscopic colitis, infectious colitis, ischemic colitis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis, among others. After reviewing your history, a physical examination, imaging tests, laboratory tests, and a colonoscopy, your doctor will conclude that you are suffering from the disease and suggest treatment for its underlying cause. Here are a few of the most common causes of colitis. Causes of Colitis Infectious Causes There are millions of good bacteria living in the colon. They do the body no harm and cause no symptoms whatsoever. When some viruses, parasites, and bacteria invade the small or large intestine, it may lead to some infections. These infections may occur when you eat contaminated food. The symptoms include diarrhea with or without blood, dehydration from water loss, abdominal cramp, numerous watery bowel movements, and pain. Other organs in the body can be infected by the infection as well, or by the toxins produced by the bacteria, viruses or parasites. Ischemic Causes The colon is like a hollow muscle that requires a normal flow of oxygen-rich blood to function properly. When the colon loses its supply of blood, it may become inflamed. Ischemia causes the inflammation of the colon and may lead to the appearance of several symptoms of diarrhea with or without blood, pain, and fever.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal disorder. The condition results in acute abdominal discomfort, gas, diarrhea, as well as changes in the patterns of one’s bowel movement. IBS with constipation is one of the most common scenarios that can greatly affect your quality of life. According to a study, the IBS affects more than 10% of the population in the country. The reason for the occurrence of IBS is unknown, which is why there is no specific cure for the condition. However, certain kinds of food items, stress, and hormonal changes are known to flare up the symptoms of this disease. Understanding these symptoms and following some basic steps that ease IBS can help to manage the condition in an effective way. Here are some ways to manage IBS. Making dietary changes Simple changes in the diet can help to relieve the troublesome symptoms of IBS. There is no specific diet for the same as some foods may cause IBS symptoms in one person whereas, on the other, they may not. Eliminating certain foods According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive Kidney Disease, certain items have shown to trigger the IBS symptoms: Dairy products High-fat products Caffeine Alcoholic drinks Broccoli, beans, and cabbage Drinks containing artificial sweeteners Chocolate and nuts Increasing dietary fiber Increasing your fiber intake is especially helpful in alleviating the symptoms of IBS with constipation. Doctors suggest consuming 22 to 34 grams of fiber each day. There are plenty of food items that are rich in fiber such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, etc. It is important to note that fiber should be added gradually to the diet, little by little. For instance, 2 to 3 grams should be added each day. Adding too much fiber in one go can cause bloating and gas, and further, aggravate the IBS symptoms.

While irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) does not necessarily lead to other illness related to the colon, it does stay with a patient for a long time and requires a modification of lifestyle. Gastroenterologists and primary-care providers found that 28% and 12% of total patient visits were for symptoms relating to irritable bowel syndrome, though most patients try to avoid treatment for it. There are both indirect and direct costs related to irritable bowel syndrome due to leaves from work as well as the cost of hospital visits. The quality of the patient’s life gets severely compromised, and the disease needs medical intervention for complete resolution. What are the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome? When one has irritable bowel syndrome, they may exhibit symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, or a combination of both. A patient may also have pain or cramps in the belly due to this condition. One may feel this pain mostly in the lower part of the belly, and it will intensify after meals. The patient often feels bloated and may get some relief with bowel movements. The belly protrudes, and the stools are either hard or soft. The symptoms get worse due to stress. Some patients also have problems with urination and sexual performance. The types of irritable bowel syndrome Irritable bowel syndrome can be of four types: The first kind is irritable bowel syndrome with constipation or IBS-C The second type is irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea or IBS-D The third category of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea and constipation occurring alternately. It is known as mixed diarrhea or IBS-M. When the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome do not fall into any of the above categories, they are usually known as unsubtyped IBS or IBS-U. Risk factors for irritable bowel syndrome Women are more susceptible to this condition than men.

Affecting the small intestine, bowel disorders affect the way in which food is digested and absorbed by human body. Bowel disorders not only affect small intestine but also other parts of the digestive tract. It is important to note that bowel sickness is curable. However, first, it’s essential to have a clear idea of the problem that you are facing. Common symptoms of bowel disorders are constipation or diarrhea. Other symptoms include: Discomfort or pain in abdomen Abdominal bloating Bleeding from back passage Blood in stool Alteration in bowel habits Lump in the tummy Tiredness and unexpected weight loss It is best advised to make an appointment with the doctor if any of the above-mentioned systems persists. They can help diagnose the disease better and accordingly recommend a treatment plan. There are different types of bowel disorders depending on the symptoms. Common ones are: Celiac Disease Crohn’s Disease Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Intestinal Obstruction Celiac Disease – It is an autoimmune disorder wherein gluten generates an undesirable reaction. In this type of bowel disorder, when food having gluten, a type of protein, is consumed, the immune system attacks the inner lining of the small intestine. In such cases, a person consuming grains such as barley wheat and rye feel uncomfortable and experience unexplainable pain in the tummy. Crohn’s Disease – An autoimmune disorder, Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease. In this disorder, the body is seen to attack its health tissues, thus injuring tissues in mouth, intestines, and anus. IBS – Another type of bowel disorder, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, also known as IBS, affects both small as well as the large intestine. It is a group of intestinal symptoms that usually happen together. Gastrointestinal problems are common when suffering from IBS. This type of bowel disorder is also known as irritable colon, spastic colon, spastic colitis, and mucous colitis.

If you suffer from a burning sensation or acute discomfort that travels up from your stomach into your chest and the regurgitation of food that you recently ate along with a sharp and sour taste of acid, these symptoms are native to acid reflux. While the occasional experience of acid reflux need not worry you, if it becomes regular, more intense, and disturbs your sleep, you must visit your doctor. Food that enters the stomach is retained by means of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is a muscular ring, and it must close immediately as it may become weak or damaged. If it doesn’t close fully or remains open too often, it causes digestive acids to move up into the food pipe or esophagus. This causes the typical symptoms of heartburn, sour taste in the mouth, regurgitation, dyspepsia or burning sensation in the stomach, nausea, upset stomach, bloated feeling, difficulty swallowing, burping, dry cough, and a sore throat. Sometimes, the symptoms are so severe that they can be mistaken for a heart attack. If symptoms persist and are left untreated, you can develop gastroesophageal reflux disease. Relationship Between Food and Acid Reflux Your diet has a significant impact on acid reflux. Foods that are acidic in nature contribute to the increase of acids in the stomach and there are more chances of these causing reflux through a weak or damaged LES. There are many such trigger foods, and along with the medication, exercise and lifestyle changes that your doctor recommends, avoiding such foods can help you manage and eliminate your symptoms. Eating heavy meals close to bedtime and lying down immediately after a meal can trigger an attack. Being obese or pregnant, bending over after a meal, snacking close to bedtime, smoking, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin, ibuprofen and muscle relaxants, certain antibiotics, and blood-pressure medications can set off acid reflux symptoms.

If you’ve experienced the unpleasant irritation of restless leg syndrome, you know how hard it is to manage. Home remedies for restless leg syndrome are the best option to get you a good night’s sleep. Restless leg syndrome is a neurological syndrome that causes an uncontrollable and irresistible need to move the legs. It is also called Willis-Ekbom disease and the attacks usually occur while the person is trying to sleep. Occasionally, the arms may also be affected but in most cases, this syndrome affects only the legs. Restless leg syndrome can be chronic, with periods of relative ease and no symptoms. Home remedies for restless leg syndrome is a great way to manage this long-term condition. These remedies are often combined with medications and therapy for a more holistic approach to treat the chronic condition. Symptoms Of Restless Leg Syndrome The characteristic symptom of restless leg syndrome is an urge to move the legs due to apparent feelings of discomfort or pain. The strange sensations subside when the legs are moved and resume when the legs are at rest. The sensations have been described as an ‘itch you can’t scratch’ deep in the legs. This symptom can occur with varying severity in different people, from a mild annoyance to cause major disruptions to a person’s life. This sensation is alleviated with movement and worsened with rest. Symptoms typically occur at night and not during the day. Causes Of Restless Leg Syndrome Most cases of restless leg syndrome have no discernable cause. This is known as idiopathic or primary restless leg syndrome. In 20% of cases, the condition is caused by an iron deficiency. Kidney failure is another common cause. This is called secondary restless leg syndrome. Restless leg syndrome also tends to worsen during pregnancy. Treatment for Restless Leg Syndrome The first step to treat a restless leg syndrome is to identify any underlying cause.

GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease is a health condition that occurs when the stomach contents flow upwards or reflux into the esophagus, thereby irritating it. GERD or acid reflux happens due to the weakening of muscles at the end of the esophagus. A person suffering from GERD might feel a burning sensation in the chest or throat, which is usually referred to as heartburn. They also feel the taste of stomach acid in the back of their mouth. Other symptoms that might be associated with this health condition include dry cough, difficulty in swallowing, and asthma. GERD can affect anyone, even infants and children. If not treated in due time, the symptoms can worsen and result in the narrowing of the esophagus, esophageal ulcer, and even precancerous esophagus. Hence, apart from making lifestyle and dietary changes, GERD symptoms need to be treated with specific medications. Some medications are mentioned below: Nexium (Esomeprazole) Nexium or Esomeprazole is used for certain GERD symptoms such as ulcers and inflammation in the esophagus. It also helps in treating bacteria. Esomeprazole helps in preventing ulcers due to consuming NSAIDs. It is also more effective in controlling the amount of acid produced in the stomach compared to other proton pump inhibitors. The average retail price of the Esomeprazole is around $285, but GoodRx offers the same at $12.21, which is almost a 95% discount. And with GoodRx Gold , Esomeprazole can be bought at $10.61. Prevacid (Lansoprazole) This medicine is available in the form of a capsule and is used for treating GERD symptoms, heartburn, and gastric and duodenal ulcer. It works similarly to proton pump inhibitors by reducing the acid level in the stomach. There are dosage levels of Lansoprazole. GoodRx offers 30mg Lansoprazole capsules at the lowest price of $10.36, which is a 90% discount on its original price.

Crohn’s disease affects thousands of people in the country every year. This painful condition can be life-threatening if not treated in time. Knowing about the symptoms and diagnosis of Crohn’s disease, the treatment can go a long way in helping a person lead a normal life. What Is Crohn’s disease? This condition is categorized as an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In this condition, the digestive tract gets inflamed leading to severe stomach pain, diarrhea, loss of weight, extreme tiredness, malnutrition, and other symptoms. The inflammation is not only contained in the digestive tract but goes deep in the layers of tissue in the bowels. A person with the condition experiences severe pain and incapacitation. If not treated in time, this condition can develop into deadly complications. The cause of Crohn’s disease is not known. An unhealthy diet and stress may worsen the condition, but doctors think a weakened immune system and hereditary factors have an important role to play in its occurrence. People with a family history of Crohn’s disease are at a greater risk of developing the condition, but this is not always the case. Other risk factors may include age, ethnicity and lifestyle factors. While the condition can develop at any age, Crohn’s disease is diagnosed in most people before they turn 30 years old. Caucasian and people of Eastern European Jewish descent seem to be at a greater risk of developing the condition. However, it affects people of all ethnicities. Cigarette smoking, taking certain anti-inflammatory drugs, and environmental factors such as living in a developed country can also contribute to the occurrence of this condition. Signs and symptoms of Crohn’s disease For most people, stomach pain and diarrhea are common conditions that go away after a few days. However, if the abdominal pain is severe and frequent, Crohn’s disease is most likely the cause of the same.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS is a common condition associated with the large intestine of our body. It affects around 25-45 million Americans. People in their late teens to the early 40s are likely to get affected by this condition. A person with IBS often experiences a mix of belly discomfort or pain along with trouble in bowel habits. Some other symptoms are cramping, bloating, mucus formation in the stool, and gas. Although it isn’t a life-threatening disease, it requires long-term management, a healthy lifestyle, and proper treatment to get rid of IBS. Mostly, healthcare professionals categorize IBS into three categories which are as follows: IBS-D where diarrhea is the predominant symptom IBS-C where constipation is the predominant symptom IBS-M where predominant symptoms can be a mix of diarrhea and constipation Factors that lead to IBS-D Though the precise causes of IBS-D are still unknown, let’s have a look at some of the factors that play a vital role in the development of this condition: Intestinal muscle contractions The intestinal walls have muscle linings that allow food to pass through the digestive tract through its contraction and relaxation movements. If the intestinal contractions are stronger than the average levels, it can lead to the formation of gas, bloating, and even diarrhea. At the same time, if the muscle contractions are weaker than usual, food passes slowly through the digestive tract, which can lead to the formation of hard and dry stool. Nervous system Abnormalities in the nerves in your digestive system can cause your body to overreact to changes. Thus, it could result in discomfort, pain, or even diarrhea and constipation. Intestinal inflammation Some people with IBS-D develops an increased number of immune-system cells in the intestinal walls which leads to inflammation of these walls. This condition plays a role in the formation of more serious digestive abnormalities including diarrhea and constipation.

IBS or irritable bowel syndrome is a condition where patients experience discomfort or pain in the belly along with unusual bowel habits. For some, the bowel movements might be more or lesser than usual, and for others, they might pass a different kind of stool. Almost 25 to 45 million people in the country suffer from irritable bowel syndrome or IBS. Among them, the majority are women. An individual is more likely to be affected by IBS between their late teens and early 40s. The symptoms of IBS include abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and the passing of mucus during bowel movements. This complex motility and sensory disorder has physical as well as stress-related dimensions. Some people are able to control their IBS symptoms by managing their diet, altering their lifestyle, and controlling stress. Others might need the support of medication or counseling. Here are the various treatment options for IBS: Changing the lifestyle and diet Note that your dietary intake, as well as the stress-related factors, can worsen the symptoms of IBS. Discuss measures to reduce or avoid these symptoms with your health care provider or dietitian. Sometimes, even eating smaller quantities in frequent intervals helps reduce abdominal discomfort. Avoiding caffeine and including fiber in one’s diet can help one battle the symptoms of IBS. Adequate rest and exercise reduce stress levels, stimulate the regular contractions of the intestines, and increase positivity. If followed diligently, this can be one of the best treatment options for IBS. Medication If lifestyle changes don’t work, there are numerous medications available in the market that can provide relief from the symptoms of IBS. Even though antispasmodics have limited benefits, if you have the symptoms soon after eating, then such medication helps in relieving the abdominal pain. Consuming anti-diarrheal agents helps in reducing the diarrheal symptoms, but it might not be helpful for the pain associated with IBS.