Most of us are unaware of the disease named deep vein thrombosis as it hardly has any symptoms. To begin with, this disease leads to the formation of blood clots in our veins. This blood clot can be found in any part of the human body but is especially found in the thigh area. This disease is closely related to some other types of health problems which include post-phlebitis syndrome, thromboembolism, and post-thrombotic syndrome. There can be several causes of this disease. However, the symptoms of deep vein thrombosis can differ with the intensity and cause of the disease. Here are certain causes of deep vein thrombosis. Paralysis: Blood clots begin to form when our legs remain in a constant position for a longer period of time. If a person is a paralytic then he/she can easily fall prey to this disease. Pregnancy : During pregnancy, the pressure felt upon the veins of the legs or pelvis increases and this might result in a blood clot. In fact, a blood clot might remain for at least six weeks after delivery. Obesity: If you are overweight then the chances of a blood clot in your legs or pelvis might increase. Family history: Those who have a family history of deep vein thrombosis then there are chances that they might suffer from this disease. Each and every disease has some symptoms. Symptoms can give a clear idea about the occurrence of a disease. However, symptoms of deep vein thrombosis are very rare and only a few people can understand it. Nonetheless, there are some common symptoms that one may encounter if he/she suffers from this disease. Excessive pain in the affected areas of your leg and usual pain from the calf. The affected area becomes either bluish or reddish. The affected area seems to be quite warm in comparison to the surrounding areas of the body.

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

Diverticulitis is one of the leading causes of hospitalization in the case of old people. It’s a treatable condition provided that the patient gets early and appropriate intervention. What is diverticulitis? It is a condition where there is an inflammation or infection in the diverticula or small pouches that develop in the lining of the intestine. According to the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy more than 50% of people above 60, and nearly everyone over the age of 80 has diverticula in their intestines. These pouches may not pose a health risk provided that they don’t get inflamed or infected. Uncomplicated diverticulitis If diverticulitis does develop, it may be a minor irritant, and one can treat it with a course of antibiotics. In more than 75% of cases, there are no severe complications, and a routine CT scan can confirm the diagnosis. About one-third of the total patients experience a recurrence of symptoms, and in younger patients, intervention and testing procedures are necessary. Serious cases Sometimes, the condition can become chronic, and surgery may be required. In about one-fourth of the cases, patients develop complicated diverticulitis with the formation of abscesses, fissures, obstruction, fistula, and obstruction of the bowel. Perforation of the bowel is a major complication because the patient faces the risk of developing peritonitis. Causes Though the direct causes are not known, some factors do seem significant. Age affects the elasticity and strength of the intestine walls. Patients find it difficult to pass stools, and there is more strain on the colon which results in the formation of diverticula. Undigested food collects in these pouches, causing inflammation and infection. This condition is quite common among people who are over the age of 80. Lack of exercise, smoking, obesity, and eating a fiber-deficient diet could be some of the causes.

The prostate gland has a direct relationship with pelvic organs such as the rectum, bladder, and pelvic muscles along with the central nervous system. If you are facing the symptoms of enlarged prostate including frequent urination, urinary leakage, and urinary tract infections, among others, then it is vital to seek different remedies. Men with enlarged prostate also suffer from symptoms of anxiety, depression, and even insomnia. Initially, it is best to seek the opinion of a medical professional to establish the extent of the condition. In some cases, the enlargement of the prostate is indicative of an underlying health issue. Thus, it is essential to fully evaluate the treatment options for enlarged prostate before opting for natural treatments. Natural treatments for an enlarged prostate If your problem is at the initial stage and is not yet severe, treatment options may include acupuncture, prostate massage, herbal and nutritional supplements, medical hypnosis, and relaxation. However, if your condition is advanced, then you should depend upon the advice of an experienced health professional. Sometimes, surgeries may be required to remove excess prostate tissue. This procedure is vital to restore full urinary functioning. The traditional treatment, however, includes pharmaceutical medicines that help to alleviate the symptoms and address the root cause of the enlarged prostate. Keep in mind that these medicines may have potential side effects. So, it is best to opt for natural treatments for an enlarged prostate. These include: Adjustments in lifestyle It is only through improvement in your lifestyle that can you address the problem. Here are some natural lifestyle changes that can help with the treatment of an enlarged prostate: Shedding extra weight Eating a healthy diet which is rich in antioxidants Consuming lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains Increasing the intake of leafy, dark vegetables, and tomatoes Consuming products that contain phytoestrogens, such as soy foods, chickpeas, alfalfa, and fava beans Avoiding red meat, starchy refined foods, carbonated drinks, and nicotine Minimizing alcohol consumption to approximately two drinks per day Reducing caffeine consumption Consuming minimum water right before bedtime Staying hydrated by drinking at least two liters of water daily Walking regularly Incorporating a healthy exercise schedule Learning yoga techniques for reducing the size of the prostate Exploring herbal options Saw palmetto is one of the most common herbal treatments for an enlarged prostate.

Typically, cold and flu are not serious health issues. However, they can often prove to be frustrating as they bring down the body’s energy levels with a range of bothersome symptoms. This can negatively influence your health and even make routine tasks cumbersome. Such conditions can be treated with home remedies, but they might take a considerable amount of time to work. Therefore, to gain quick relief you can use cold and flu medicines. To understand your treatment options better, read further to get a gist of its signs. Identifying cold and flu symptoms You can develop cold and flu separately, or together. However, both of these conditions have different indicators. For instance, cold is characterized by signs such as a sore throat, sneezing, runny nose, chest congestion, cough, mild fever, etc. Moreover, flu symptoms can be comparatively more severe like fever, muscle pain, headaches, sore throat, etc. In few cases, patients can also suffer from additional issues like nausea and upset stomach. Although, the occurrence of these signs will differ from person to person. If any of the symptoms persist for more than three to four days, then you should immediately seek medical help. Types of medications for cold and flu Depending on the signs, you can seek the assistance of OTC (over-the-counter) medications or prescribed medications. There is a range of cold and flu medicines that can help alleviate various symptoms. The following are some of the common kinds of cold and medicines that you can consider using. Decongestants – If you are tackling a stuffy nose, then a decongestant might help. This drug shrinks the inflamed tissues and blood vessels in the nose that assist in getting rid of any nasal blockage. You can find this cold and flu medicine in the form of pills, syrups, nasal sprays, and nose drops.

Our body is capable enough of protecting itself from disease-causing agents to a certain extent. The immune system is what keeps harmful agents at bay. However, there are instances when the immune system isn’t strong enough to keep the body from harm’s way. In such situations, the viruses and bacteria enter the body and wreak havoc and the result is that you are bed-ridden for a few days. What might begin as symptoms of a common cold can turn into full-fledged nasal congestion in no time. Nasal congestion is a common ailment that affects children and adults alike. It causes a hindrance in breathing and worsens if left untreated. It starts as a normal common cold and, if left unchecked, can cause severe nasal congestion. Nasal congestion is a result of a variety of causes, but there are various treatments to relieve nasal congestion. If you wish to learn more about the same, keep reading. Various causes of nasal congestion Stuffy nose or nasal congestion occurs when the nasal passage is blocked. This blockage is the result of swelling of the membrane lining which is in turn caused by the inflammation of the blood vessels. In addition to causing great discomfort, nasal congestion affects the individual’s ability to breathe effortlessly. The common cold is usually the cause of nasal congestion, but there are a few other causes that are known to trigger nasal congestion. They are as follows: One of the common causes of nasal congestion is hay fever. Many times, a deviated septum is responsible for causing nasal congestion. People are usually allergic to certain substances in their surroundings. When the allergy is triggered, it can also lead to nasal congestion, especially if it involves a runny nose and sneezing. Exposure to certain chemicals can lead to nasal congestion.

Macular degeneration causes a loss of central vision in both eyes. It is a painless condition that normally affects people who are older than 50 years. It is commonly known as Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). There are also rare cases of Juvenile Macular Degeneration, which affects young people. Certain genetic disorders are the cause of the development of juvenile macular degeneration. When a person suffers from Macular Degeneration, the central vision is affected. So, there is difficulty in focusing on objects that lie straight ahead. The result is that everything appears blurred, it becomes difficult to read, the faces of people appear blurred and colors of objects around you look pale and dull. Causes The exact cause for macular degeneration isn’t known yet. Aging can cause a person to develop this condition. In older people, the macula, which is a central spot in the retina, develops a problem and causes age-related macular degeneration. AMD can develop as wet AMD or dry AMD. Dry AMD The macula has light-sensitive cells that gradually break down as you age. As the light-sensitive cells reduce in number, the central vision deteriorates. Waste products start to accumulate in the retina and cause small deposits called drusen. As the drusen increases in size, vision problems arise. Drusen is a characteristic feature of dry AMD. Wet AMD Tiny blood vessels form underneath the macula attempt to clear the drusen from the retina. These blood vessels cause fluid and blood to leak into the macula, leading to scarring and macular damage. This can lead to serious symptoms like blind spots and distorted vision. Symptoms Macular degeneration escapes attention, till you experience diminished vision. The primary symptom is blurred central vision. Faces, writing, and images get distorted in the central view. You lose visual acuity. You cannot see the fine details, and it becomes difficult for you to read and drive.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS is a disorder that causes a change in the pattern of bowel movements. IBS with diarrhea is known as IBS-D and it causes acute abdominal pain. It can also be termed as a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that inflicts pain and discomfort. There are four types of IBS based on the combination of diarrhea and constipation, both or none. They are IBS-D, IBS-C, IBS-M, and IBS-U. Depression, anxiety, and chronic fatigue are the other common disorders associated with IBS. This disorder is diagnosed with the study of its symptoms. Symptoms Of IBS-D The symptoms of IBS-D are painful and embarrassing. Most common symptoms that occur in the case of IBS are: Abdominal pain Diarrhea Constipation Frequent and loose stools Nausea Bloating Gassiness Headache Fatigue Causes Of IBS-D The exact causes of IBS-D are still unknown. However, irregularities in the gastrointestinal movements trigger IBS. Intestinal infection, pain, food sensitivity, and genetics are some factors responsible for IBS-D. Excessive consumption of alcohol and substances that cause inflammation are also known to increase the chances of IBS. Home Treatment For IBS-D Add Fiber To Your Diet Including fiber in your diet brings drastic relief with IBS-D. Soluble fibers found in certain food items and vegetables soak up the extra liquid content in your intestines. Hence, it prevents diarrhea. Oatmeal, beans, and certain fruits like apples, strawberries, and grapefruit are excellent sources of soluble fiber. Insoluble fibers help in resolving constipation. Insoluble fibers are mainly found in wheat, bran, and salad greens. Keep yourself well hydrated to help the fiber move swiftly through your body systems. Fiber helps in smooth functioning of the digestive system. Intake of Yogurt Yogurt contains a high amount of active bacteria that help in slowly decreasing diarrhea. Daily intake of yogurt helps in preventing the growth of harmful bacteria which cause IBS-D.

Crohn’s disease, a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), affects the gastrointestinal tract. The inflammation causes abdominal cramps (pain), fever, weight-loss, and diarrhea. In the case of a severe inflammation, the stool is accompanied by blood and the infection spreads deep into the layers of the bowel tissue. Besides the inner infection, other complications such as anemia, skin rashes, lethargy, eye inflammation, and arthritis may occur. The ailment debilitates you and can lead to grave complications if left untreated. The colon, a part of the large intestine and the last part of the small intestine are the areas that are more prone to developing this disease. Crohn’s symptoms and signs Depending on the affected area of the bowel and the severity of the infection, you may develop symptoms that can prolong over weeks and years. In its active state, Crohn’s symptoms and signs include: Diarrhea : Diarrhea is one of the first tell-tale signs. If you have inflammation in the small intestine, you experience a more, watery form of diarrhea. If the infection is rooted in the colon, then diarrhea carries blood with it. When the condition flares up, diarrhea can be severely afflicting. However, when the inflammation goes down, the condition gets better. Rectal bleeding : One of the major symptoms of this IBD is blood that might appear on or in the stool. The blood spots are typically bright red as the bleeding might be from the rectum or the large intestine. Sometimes if the inflammation is too severe you may experience only passing blood. If the bleeding seems to be acute and steady, you need to seek emergency medical attention. Fever/night sweats : People with Crohn’s disease develop a fever as a reactionary step, taken by the body to fight the inflammation flare up. Night sweats develop as the body temperature changes, indicating that the immune system has kicked into action and has actively engaged with the infection in the digestive tract Fatigue :

A common gastrointestinal disorder, irritable bowel syndrome or IBS, leads to a mixture of symptoms including abdominal discomfort, disturbed bowel movements, and abnormal stool texture. These symptoms last long and may be present for a minimum of three days every month over a period of three months. Also called as spastic colon, this disorder is not life-threatening and does not put you at a greater risk for other more serious intestinal conditions such as colon cancer and Crohn’s disease. However, the syndrome may impede normal lifestyle to the extent that sufferers may be confined to their homes. IBS is of two types, one accompanied by chronic or recurring diarrhea, and the other characterized by pain in the abdomen and constipation. In some cases, patients may experience both constipation and diarrhea in an alternating pattern. Unfortunately, research is yet to pinpoint the precise reason why IBS occurs. However, it is known that there are several factors, ranging from abnormally contracting intestinal muscles to psychological problems that act as the causes of IBS. Abnormal Movement of the Intestinal Walls Normally, the muscles lining the intestinal walls relax and contract in a coordinated fashion to help food from the stomach move through the entire length of the intestinal tract and reach the rectum. However, in patients with IBS, the muscles contract irregularly thus causing the symptoms of the syndrome. For example, if the muscle contractions are stronger than usual, they tend to last longer and lead to bloating, gas formation, and diarrhea. On the other hand, if the contractions are weak, movement of food through the intestines slows down, which causes the formation of hard and dry stools. One reason for the abnormal contraction of intestinal muscles is the flawed signaling between the gut and brain. Owing to miscommunication, muscle spasms occur that either hasten or retard stool passage through the gut.

A person with psoriasis must avoid all triggers. Doing so will manage the condition and avoid any unexpected flare-ups. Such triggers may include certain foods, so their complete removal from the food plan may help patients live discomfort-free lives. Also, as psoriasis is a chronic condition, its management becomes extremely difficult, but avoiding potential triggers may prevent the worsening of symptoms and flare-ups. Given below are food items that a person with psoriasis must avoid. Foods to avoid Patients with psoriasis and its accompanying symptoms should avoid food that can increase inflammation because immune system response and inflammation may lead to a flareup. Hence, here are some foods that a person with psoriasis must avoid. Eggs Eggs are considered harmful for people who have psoriasis. In this case, one factor that plays a significant role is the presence of a fatty acid known as arachidonic acid, a known trigger for psoriasis symptoms. Hence, patients are suggested to steer clear of eggs and avoid consuming them in any form. Wheat In most cases, celiac disease is characterized by an immune response to gluten. Research suggests that psoriasis patients have shown increased gluten sensitivity markers. Thus, cutting out all wheat-based products containing gluten is suggested, and opting for gluten-free alternatives such as buckwheat, quinoa, and rice is recommended. Tomatoes Popular belief suggests that nightshades such as tomatoes can trigger psoriasis flare-ups. Fruits and vegetables obtained from nightshade plants also contain solanine, which has been shown to hamper digestion and cause inflammation in the body. This may cause worsening of psoriasis symptoms and lead to increased discomfort to the patient.

Colitis is a chronic disorder that exists as inflammation and sores in the inner lining of the large intestine or the colon and inflammation of the rectum. Certain foods tend to aggravate the conditions associated with colitis, such as fatigue, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and increased urge to go for bowel movement. It is essential to eat foods that help to reduce flares and get essential nutrients also. Again, there are foods that should be avoided as they can act as a trigger. Here’s a comprehensive list of foods to avoid for colitis patients: Alcohol: Some people are intolerant to alcohol. It can trigger diarrhea as it can stimulate the intestines. Alcohol is a top food to avoid for colitis patients. Caffeine: Caffeine consumption often leads to frequent visits to the bathroom. Found in beverages such as coffee, tea, some carbonated drinks, and even chocolates, it is known to worsen the symptoms of colitis. Caffeine should be avoided by colitis patients. Carbonated drinks: Drinks such as beer and soda can irritate and trigger the digestive tract. They also contain sugar and caffeine. Dairy products: Dairy products should be avoided especially if you’re lactose intolerant. They tend to trigger colitis symptoms in some people but not everyone. Dried beans, peas, and legumes: These food items can increase bowel movement and can cause gas and abdominal cramps as they have high fiber content. Dried fruits: Fibrous foods that can stimulate bowel movement and trigger colitis symptoms should be avoided. Foods that contain sulfur or sulfate: These types of foods include milk, eggs, cruciferous vegetables, red meat, prunes, wheat pasta, and few others. They lead to increased gas production. Foods high in fiber: Similar to dried beans and legumes, they also cause abdominal cramping, gas and increased abdominal cramping. Meat: Meats, particularly red meat, may not be absorbed properly causing the symptoms to worsen during a flare-up.