Shingle is a viral infection that affects the nerve roots of at least 1 million people each year in the USA. Though most of them recover from the attack, the pain remains for at least 50% people over the age of 60 years who have not got the treatment. The pain can last for weeks, months, years and even a lifetime. This symptom is known as PHN or postherpetic neuralgia. Here the nerves of the skin have been damaged by the virus that caused shingles in the first place. While for some, the pain remains mild, but for other people, even the slightest breeze or touch from clothing can cause excruciating pain. PHN brings with it a great deal of agony and that too at high social costs. The condition can severely disturb people’s life. However, this condition can be prevented and treated too. Doctors are also making case studies about those who are more prone to developing this unbearable condition. Information about Shingles and Postherpetic Neuralgia Varicella-zoster virus is the reason behind shingles. The same virus is responsible for causing chicken pox. People who had suffered from chickenpox or had its vaccine are not free from the virus as it never goes away. It lies latent in the nerves of the body. Though in most cases, it remains that way but in some people, especially those with weakened immune system due to some disease or treatment, the virus can come back. This is most likely to occur years and even decades after the person suffered from chickenpox. When the virus comes back, it causes shingles, which is a kind of rash that looks like a band appearing on one side of the body. Early symptoms of shingles include: Light sensitivity Headache Flu-like symptoms The next symptoms include tingling, itching, and extreme pain within the developing area of the shingles.

Rosacea is a common skin disease. It starts with the skin getting more blush or flush than people not suffering. The redness can also spread to nose and cheeks, then chin and forehand. It can also spread to ears, back and chest too. Symptoms of rosacea depend on the color of one’s skin. It is different with people with rosacea on light skin and people with rosacea on dark skin. Rhinophyma is a type of rosacea which can be characterized by the following symptoms and signs. Here are some symptoms of Rhinophyma. Facial redness The disease causes persistence redness in the central part of the face. As a result, small blood vessels on nose and cheeks swell up and become visible. Swollen red bumps Many people suffer from the conditions and also have pimples on their face at the same time. These bumps may contain pus. They can make your skin feel hot and tender. Eye problems There are around half a people who are suffering from Rosacea with eye dryness, swollen, irritating and reddened eyelids. Some people may also suffer from skin problems in addition to rosacea. Enlarged nose In rare cases, rosacea can become thick and lead to skin disorders. It can lead the skin to thicken. This may make skin to appear bulbous. Consult a doctor In case you experience continuous redness on your face. You should see a doctor or do see a skin specialist or dermatologist. This action is advised for diagnosing and treating diseases. Causes of rosacea The causes of Rosacea are not exact. It is difficult to say exactly what causes rosacea. This can be due to a combination of environmental and hereditary factors. The condition is not caused by proper hygiene. There are a number of factors that can trigger rosacea as a result of increasing amount of blood flow to the skin’s surface.

A rare lung disorder, primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) is a case where the blood vessels in the lungs become narrow, thus causing high blood pressure in the lungs. Pulmonary arteries are responsible for carrying blood from the body to the lungs. It is in the lungs where carbon dioxide is traded for oxygen. Also known as idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension, PHN is a chronic disease and can lead to heart failure, if not treated on time. The pulmonary arteries are responsible for carrying blood from the body to the lungs, PHN is a disorder that is categorized by an abnormal/irregular increase in pulmonary artery pressure. Causes of primary pulmonary hypertension Although causes underlying primary pulmonary hypertension are unknown, there are some forms of PHN that can be linked to defective genes that run in the family. Researchers have established that gene mutation often leads to sensitization of blood vessels and theses can narrow, or constrict when exposed to such factors. The symptoms of PPH are as follows. Fatigue (extreme tiredness) and dizziness Loss of breath, trouble in breathing, especially during any physical activity. Persistent dry cough Swelling of the ankles or legs Bluish lips Angina (chest pain) High pulse Palpitations Hypoxia- the level of oxygen depletes in blood The above-mentioned symptoms usually get worse as the disease progresses. Less common symptoms of PPH Non-productive cough Exercise-induced nausea Vomiting Coughing up of blood The signs and symptoms of primary pulmonary hypertension are unrecognizable in its early stages, and often go unnoticed for months. Signs of primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) is often confused with other conditions that have an effect on the heart and lungs. While diagnosing pulmonary hypertension, doctors ask about the symptoms and risk factors, including family history and other medical conditions. Having a family member who has or had pulmonary hypertension increases your chances of developing the disease.

Diarrhea is an infectious disease that causes unrestrained liquid bowel movements, which may count up to 3 or even more times in a day. Diarrhea is a common disease, and it usually lasts only for a few days either on its own or through consuming over-the-counter medicines. Acute diarrhea occurs due to food intolerance, food allergy or bacterial infection. You may even develop a critical diarrheal condition known as Travelers’ Diarrhea. This occurs when you are frequently traveling and consume unhealthy food or water from various sources. If you are suffering from diarrhea, which does not get better and is persistent even after 4 weeks, it is a serious condition which is known as acute diarrhea. Chronic diarrhea is majorly anything that hinders your daily curriculum of activities. Chronic diarrhea may often lead to abdominal cramps, malnutrition, weight loss or even fever. While diarrhea may be caused due to several reasons, the main causes of chronic diarrhea have been listed below. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Irritable bowel syndrome is known to be the most common cause of chronic diarrhea and stays for at least 6 months. One interesting fact to notice is that the actual causes of IBS are not somewhat clear. IBS is known to be long lasting that may lead to changes in one’s lifestyle in a way which does not let them commit to their daily activities normally. IBS is often accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal cramps, bloating, uncontrollable bowel movements often leading to anxiety, depression or exhaustion. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Inflammatory Bowel disease is the cause of chronic diarrhea that leads to inflammation in the intestines of the patient. IBD occurs as a result of immune system working against the wellness of the body. In case of IBD, the immune system attacks the good or the friendly bacteria thus leading to inflammation.

Chronic diarrhea interferes with your life very seriously. In the case of some people, it can be managed with some diet changes and prescription medications. As far as some other people are concerned, it requires a combination of different approaches to find relief. The treatment for chronic diarrhea depends on the symptoms and the intensity of the problem and choosing the right combination treatment is the key to bring relief in a fast manner. Medications as an option of treatment for chronic diarrhea Earlier, medication options for treating chronic diarrhea were limited but new medications have been introduced into the market nowadays. Diarrhea associated with irritable bowel syndrome also called IBS-D is a common problem that many people have to deal with. The major symptoms of this condition are frequent bouts of loose and watery diarrhea and chronic abdominal pain. It can be described as a highly disruptive health issues. For relieving the symptoms and treating this condition, there are a good number of medications available. Popular over-the-counter medications If you are suffering from IBS-D, Imodium is one of the most popular over-the-counter medications available. You have to take Imodium orally, and it is a very well-tolerated medication. It reduces the speed of intestinal contractions and the fluid quantity in the large intestine is also lowered to make a speedy recovery. This situation leads to a reduced urgency and the stool becomes firmer. At the same time, Imodium does not play a vital role in reducing the abdominal pain. Some of the most popular and common prescription medications as treatment for chronic diarrhea include Xifaxan and Viberzi and the offer fast and long-lasting results. Xifaxan: Xifaxan is a good antibiotic that functions in a different way compared to other antibiotics. This medication is not absorbed in the stomach and that is why the actions of Xifaxan are supposed to occur in the small intestine locally.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term autoimmune disorder that mainly affects and causes chronic inflammation of joints, making it swollen and painful, and also leads to their stiffness. The wrists and hands are most commonly affected by the same joints involved on both sides of the body. The disease may also affect other body parts, resulting in inflammation around the lungs and heart and a low red blood cell count. The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are such that they appear slowly at first as minor symptoms, which come and go, and over a time span of weeks and months, they gradually progress. The symptoms also vary from person to person. One must start interpreting the early signs of rheumatoid arthritis to start the medications on time to prevent a degradation of their condition. Following are the early signs of rheumatoid arthritis: Fatigue Experiencing an unusual amount of fatigue is one of the most subtle and earliest signs of rheumatoid arthritis. The presence of fatigue is there throughout all stages of rheumatoid arthritis, especially when the joint inflammation is active. Fatigue can also be caused by a reaction to the medications, poor sleep, anemia, and inflammation. This early sign of rheumatoid arthritis can hurt emotions, moods, relationships, and happiness, thus sometimes initiating depression. The presence of fatigue varies from person to person, and from day to day. Morning stiffness Morning stiffness has been noticed to be an early sign of rheumatoid arthritis. Stiffness lasting for a few minutes is often a symptom of degenerative arthritis, but the stiffness that’s last for several hours is a typical symptom of rheumatoid arthritis. The stiffness may also be experienced after prolonged periods of inactivity such as sitting or napping. Doctors tend to measure the severity of the active joint inflammation by the duration of morning stiffness.

Have you ever felt a rash on your skin for which you couldn’t find a concrete reason? Did you ever experience abrupt sneezing followed by watery eyes? The reason behind most of these unexplainable symptoms is an allergy. Allergy is a condition that is initiated by an overreaction of the body’s immune system to an allergen in the surroundings. Normally, a bout of allergy is acute and occurs instantaneously. There are different kinds of allergens that affect individuals differently. A person who is allergic to mushrooms might not be allergic to dust mites, while someone might not be allergic to both. The typical forms of allergies include hay fever which is the most common type of allergy and is particularly caused by sensitivity to pollen.Dust and dry weather fuel the occurrence of atopic dermatitis. Just like hay fever inflames the nasal cavity, this eczema inflames the skin tissue. Asthma is an allergy that is activated by air pollution and low levels of air purity. The allergen, in this case, is the suspended particulate matter. Food allergy is triggered by a food product or a category of products such as eggs, wheat, milk, and seafood.Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic disease that is caused by an insect bite. It is not easy to determine the exact cause of the allergy since almost all the allergic reactions produce similar symptoms. You can inherit a particular allergy from your family and may find your siblings suffering from the same. Some individuals are also sensitive to changes in weather and animal dander. Most of the time, uneasiness is experienced due to undesirable effects of medicines. A distinct skin type or a specific race of individuals are also more responsive to allergens. Symptoms of a possible allergy are coughing and heavy breath followed by a running nose.

Cancer is one of the fatal diseases and has claimed several lives over the years. Today, a huge population is affected by this deadly disease and the inability to cure this disease in the final stages is nearly impossible. One of the most common forms of cancer to affect 1 in every 7 men in the United States is prostate cancer. 1 in 39 men have reportedly died of prostate cancer; the reason being that the condition was diagnosed in the advanced stages. Prostate cancer affects the prostate gland, which is situated under the bladder. The primary function of the prostate is to produce semen. The prostate gland is an integral part of the male reproductive system. The cancerous cells grow and multiply uncontrollably in the prostate gland, and this is when a man is detected with prostate cancer. When the cancerous cells grow and spread outside the prostate gland, it is defined as an ‘advanced’ stage. Like every other kind of prostate cancer, the condition is curable if it is detected in the early stages. However, treatment of advanced prostate cancer is complex, and there are no treatments available to cure this stage of cancer. Symptoms of advanced prostate cancer Men will notice symptoms quite early in the development of prostate cancer. Early detection can aid in better treatment options that those who notice symptoms when the condition is advanced. Typically, the first symptom will come in the form of difficulty during urination. When the cancer enlarges in the prostate, urinating becomes extremely uncomfortable and painful. This should immediately drive one to get a medical evaluation. An individual will also feel a sense of weakness due to disruption of red blood cells in the bone marrow. Severe pain is felt in advanced prostate cancer, and there may be fracture due to the weakening of the bone by the rapid spread of cancer cells.

Common dog allergies and their treatments You will find that dogs suffer from different kinds of allergies, like food allergies, skin allergies and even allergies from environmental allergens. What is more challenging when it comes to dog allergy is that symptoms are of various types, and they often overlap. Herein, we discuss the various allergies that dogs suffer from and the appropriate natural treatment options. Types of dog allergies Dog allergies can be of various types, prime among them are Skin allergy It is a common type of dog allergy wherein the allergen is a flea bite or food substance. Insect bite allergy can be an exaggerated response to stings or bites of specific insects such as spiders, ticks, fleas, deer flies, blackflies, horseflies, ants, bees, mosquitoes, wasps, and bees. Flea saliva is unarguably the most common allergen that triggers flea allergy dermatitis. Inhalant allergy The main inhalant allergens include tree pollen, grass pollen, molds, house dust mites, mildew, and weed pollens. Symptoms may include bronchitis in dogs but it usually manifests as itchy skin, the condition is known as inhalant allergic dermatitis. While symptoms can be controlled, a permanent cure is not possible. You can conduct skin tests to identify the allergens and try to protect your pet from getting exposed. But since most allergens are environmental, the allergy is likely to come back. Bathing your dog with hypoallergenic shampoo may soothe the itchy and inflamed skin. Bathing will also rinse out allergens on its coat. Food allergy This can occur as a reaction to any protein or carb in their food, more often in response to dairy foods, wheat gluten, beef, chicken eggs, lamb, chicken, and soy. This type of allergy will not respond well to medical treatment or corticosteroids. You must identify the responsible allergen and eliminate it.

Frozen shoulder is a painful condition that affects your shoulder joint. It causes excruciating pain and causes stiffness in the shoulder. Anatomically, your shoulder is made up of three bones: upper arm, shoulder blade, and collarbone. These bones collectively form the ball-and-socket joint that is held together with connective tissues. These tissues are known as the shoulder capsule. In a frozen shoulder, the shoulder capsule becomes excessively thick, thus restricting movement. The condition of a frozen shoulder may take anywhere between 1 and 3 years to cure. Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder The first and most prominent symptom of a frozen shoulder is pain and stiffness. You will persistently feel a dull pain in one shoulder, making it very difficult to move it. Gradually, the pain will spread to the upper arm as well. In most cases, the pain worsens at night. Typically, in a frozen shoulder, the symptoms experienced can be categorized into the following 3 stages as shown below: Initial or Freezing stage You experience a pain in your shoulder every time you try to move it. Gradually, the pain starts getting more intense, especially at night. The movement of your arm and shoulder gets restricted to a certain extent. T his stage generally lasts from 6 to 9 months. Frozen Stage The shoulder stiffness increases at this stage. The movement of the shoulder gets completely restricted and the pain interferes with your everyday activities. This stage lasts from 3 to 12 months. Recovery or Thawing stage At this stage, the symptoms begin to go away, and the range of motion starts to go back to normal. This may take between 6 months and 2 years. Frozen Shoulder Treatment The most effective treatment for frozen shoulder involves controlling pain and stiffness and preserving the range of motion in the best possible way.

A hemorrhoid is a condition that is caused by the movement or swelling of tissues found in the rectum and anus. Although it can be uncomfortable and painful, the hemorrhoid is not dangerous. There are primarily three types of hemorrhoids: internal, external, and mixed hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids are found inside the rectum, and they do not cause pain because the area doesn’t have any sensory nerves. On the other hand, external hemorrhoids are found under the skin near the anal aperture. Usually, they are itchy and they can be painful particularly during a bowel movement. Mixed hemorrhoids are a combination of both external and internal hemorrhoids. So how can you reduce the discomfort and pains that are associated with hemorrhoids? Keep reading to know more about hemorrhoid causes and ways to get a relief. Causes of hemorrhoids Anyone can suffer from hemorrhoids regardless of their age though this problem occurs more in people who are aged between 45 and 65 years. In young people, hemorrhoids occur in pregnant women or ladies who have just given birth. Although the exact cause of hemorrhoid is unknown, numerous factors enhance their development. You are at risk of suffering from this condition in case of the following situations. Lifting heavy loads frequently Lack of fiber in the diet Constipation or straining when passing stool Pregnancy and post delivery Sitting for a long time Obesity Symptoms linked to hemorrhoids include light bleeding, inflammation, burning sensation or pain, discomfort, and itching. So, what helps with hemorrhoid relief? Below are essential tips to help ease hemorrhoids symptoms and promote healing. Tips for hemorrhoid relief Increase your fiber intake – To get a hemorrhoid relief and prevent constipation you need to add fiber to your diet as well as increase your fluid intake. The best way to accomplish this is to take foods such as vegetables and fruits.

Bulging disc is a condition where the discs between your vertebrae tend to bulge outwards. When the outer fibrous region of your disc weakens, it causes a bulging disc. If a bulging disc is left untreated for a long time, it can lead to the problem of disc tears, which is known as a herniated disc. Causes for a bulging disc The primary reason behind the problem of a bulging disc is that of disc degeneration. Degeneration refers to the gradual wear and tear of your body’s discs. With age, the water content in your spinal discs tends to go down. As a result, your spinal discs start to lose flexibility. At such times, even a minor strain or small twist can make you prone to ruptures or tears. Lifting heavy objects can lead to the problem of a bulging disc as well. It occurs when you are not using your leg and thigh muscles, but the muscles of your back while lifting heavy objects. Risk factors Age is one of the risk factors behind the problem of bulging discs. With age, the water content in your discs tends to go down, and because of this, your discs become inflexible and brittle. As a result of gravity, the weakened cartilage tends to bulge towards your spinal cavity. Smoking cigarettes also put you at risk. Smoking leads to a weakening of your cartilage, thus causing your discs to bulge. In such instances, you will need the right treatment for a bulging disc. People who have a family history of spinal problems are at a higher risk of developing this condition. Injuries caused by accidents during physical exercises and workouts, weightlifting, car accidents, slipping on the pavement or poor movements can also lead to a bulging disc. Poor lifestyle choices also contribute to a bulging disc.