Congestive Heart Failure – Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Congestive Heart Failure – Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Congestive heart failure is a disease characterized by a problem that affects the pumping power of the heart muscles. It is a chronic progressive disease and is also referred to as heart failure. Congestive heart failure (CHF) refers to the stage in which there is a build-up of fluid around the heart. This causes an ineffectiveness in pumping blood. The heart has four chambers. The lower half of the heart has two ventricles which pump blood to the body’s organs. The upper half of the heart, however, consists of two atria which receive the blood circulated back from the rest of the body. The ventricles cannot pump enough blood to the body due to congestive heart failure. This leads to blood and other fluids filling up the liver, lungs, lower body, and the abdomen. Treatment for congestive heart failure must be done immediately as the disease could be life-threatening. Causes Congestive heart failure may arise from other health conditions that directly impact the cardiovascular system. It is important to get check-ups on a yearly basis to determine the possibility of the onset of any such disease. Lowering the risks which cause heart health problems can go a long way in ensuring one does not develop the disease. Listed below are a few common causes of congestive heart failure. Hypertension leads to the narrowing of the arteries. This makes blood flow much more difficult and can result in the onset of congestive heart failure in the long run. Consider changing the diet if one is suffering from this disease to restore normality or to keep high blood pressure at bay. Valve conditions can directly impact the heart and could lead to its failure. The heart valves regulate the flow of blood to and from the heart by opening and closing the valves.
Best Treatment Options for Osteoarthritis of the Knee

Best Treatment Options for Osteoarthritis of the Knee

Osteoarthritis is a chronic disorder which affects the joints. Osteoarthritis of the knee occurs when the cushion or cartilage between knee joints breaks down, causing stiffness, pain, and swelling. Usually, doctors recommend different treatments to help with the swelling and pain. Treatment options depend on a variety of factors such as the level of pain, the impact of osteoarthritis in your daily life, and your medical history. In most cases, treatment consists of some healthy lifestyle changes and a combination of therapies. Let’s have a look at some of the treatment options for osteoarthritis of the knee: Healthy habits A change in lifestyle can be helpful if you have osteoarthritis of the knee. A doctor can recommend the incorporation of some changes in your treatment plan such as: Regular exercise Workout is necessary as it can help you cope with osteoarthritis. It helps with weight loss (to ease the strain on your joints), improves muscle strength, reduces joint swelling and pain, and preserves the range of movement in joints. Experts typically recommend low-impact aerobic workouts like walking, biking, or swimming. Another great option you can explore is water aerobics because it alleviates pressure on your joints and allows you to enjoy the benefits of an aerobic workout. In case your osteoarthritis is severe, avoid high impact exercises like step aerobics or running. Ensure to talk to a doctor about a suitable exercise regimen. Healthy weight For people who are overweight, losing weight can be beneficial because it reduces the strain on the joints, thus alleviating their symptoms. Other than exercising regularly, one should eat healthy foods. Below are essential tips for a balanced diet: Get at least two servings of fish each week Limit the intake of salt, saturated fats, and sugar Avoid fried foods Ensure your diet contains vegetables, proteins, fruits, fats, and carbohydrates Eat red meat only two times a week The key here is to maintain a healthy body weight according to your body type and needs.
Ways to Treat Tinnitus Naturally

Ways to Treat Tinnitus Naturally

Tinnitus is not a disease but a symptom or sign of something wrong with the auditory system which includes your ear, the auditory nerves connecting the inner ear to the brain and the parts of the brain that are responsible for processing sounds. There are a variety of conditions that can cause tinnitus out of which the most common is the noise-induced hearing loss. Tinnitus is usually described as a ringing in one or both the ears, but it can also sound as clicking, hissing, roaring or buzzing even when no external sound is present. The sound can be very soft, loud or even high or low pitched. People experiencing severe tinnitus face various problems with hearing, working or sleeping. But before you go to the tinnitus natural cure discussion, let’s talk about the various sounds people hear and the possible underlying causes behind it. Clicking: People hear this type of sound in bursts when the muscle contracts in and around the ear which may last from several seconds to a few minutes. Rushing or humming: This type of sound is usually vascular in origin which you may notice during exercising or changing positions during a workout. Heartbeat: In this case, the sound of your heartbeat gets amplified in your ears if you have blood vessel problems such as high blood pressure, tumor or even the blockage of the ear canals or the eustachian tube. Low-pitched ringing: Meniere’s disease is responsible for producing low-pitched ringing in one or both the ears. Sometimes, these low-pitched sounds become intense during a vertigo attack. High-pitched ringing: Getting exposed to very loud noises or a blow to the ear can cause a high-pitch ringing in the ears that may stay from few hours to a few days. However, hearing loss due to long-term noise exposure or age-related health issues can make tinnitus permanent.
All You Need to Know about Neuropathy Foot Pain

All You Need to Know about Neuropathy Foot Pain

There are various ways to resolve neuropathy foot pain including medication and several therapies, but it is important to identify the underlying cause first. It occurs when there is damage to any of the peripheral nerves. Symptoms of Neuropathy foot pain Neuropathy foot pain is a result of some affected nerve of the peripheral system. The type of nerves that are involved include: Sensory nerves Sensations such as pain, temperature, touch, vibration through the skin are picked up by the sensory nerves. Motor Nerves The movement of the muscles is regulated by these nerves. Autonomic Nerves The heart rate, blood pressure, bladder, and digestion are controlled by the autonomic nerves. The signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are as follows: Numbness or tingling A feeling of numbness or tingling that starts at your hands/feet and radiates to your arms and legs. Pain A feeling of sharp, burning, throbbing or freezing pain. Sensitivity You become extremely sensitive to light touch. Coordination Problems with balance occur as a result of poor coordination and sometimes you could fall. Muscle weakness If there is an impact on the motor nerves, there could be a resultant weakness of muscles or paralysis. Heat intolerance This occurs if there is an effect on the autonomic nerves. The sweating pattern is altered. Digestive problems Another side effect of the autonomic nerves that are affected is digestion problems. Bowel and bladder problems also arise. Dizziness Affected autonomic nerves are also responsible for dizziness along with changes in blood pressure. When only one nerve is affected due to peripheral neuropathy, it is referred to as mononeuropathy. When there are multiple nerves involved, it is known as polyneuropathy. Causes of Neuropathy in feet Neuropathy in feet can occur due to the presence of multiple diseases. The reasons for neuropathies are: Alcoholism There are vitamin deficiencies due to poor choice of diet in the cases of people suffering from alcoholism.
Things to Know about Helicobacter Pylori

Things to Know about Helicobacter Pylori

Helicobacter Pylori or H. Pylori is a common type of bacteria that usually causes the infection of the digestive tract. About 60 percent of the adult population of the entire world is affected by H. Pylori, and it is commonly seen in the western developed countries. “Helico” means spiral, and the name comes from its spiral shape. This shape makes it easy to penetrate the stomach lining, causing ulcers in the stomach. If the treatment for Helicobacter Pylori is not done on time, the complications can be life-threatening. Here are a few things related to the H. Pylori. The signs and symptoms of Helicobacter Pylori In about 85% of the cases of Helicobacter Pylori, there are no symptoms and complications. When there’s already an ulcer in the stomach, one can start feeling abdominal pain at night or a few hours after meals when the stomach is empty. This is a troubling pain that is timely, and it goes off on its own. Some other symptoms associated with H. Pylori infection are as listed: Excessive burping A feeling of bloating Nausea Heartburn Fever Decreased appetite Weight loss In the later stage of H. Pylori infection, some of the symptoms are trouble in swallowing, anemia, blood in the stool, vomiting, black spots on the face, and so on. Causes of Helicobacter Pylori The H. Pylori infection is known to spread from one person’s mouth to another. When a person does not wash their hands properly after using the bathroom, there are chances of the infection spreading. Also, it can spread through contaminated food and water. The H. Pylori bacteria penetrates the stomach’s mucous lining and forms the element that neutralizes the stomach acid. This stomach acid irritates the stomach lining and causes stomach ulcer. Risk factors for the Helicobacter Pylori infection The risk of developing a disease of H.
Lower Back Pain and Its Causes

Lower Back Pain and Its Causes

Lower back pain on the right side can be a sudden cause of concern for many people. The reasons for this pain can be many. However, most of the time, it is just caused by muscle pain because of your back getting hurt by some physical exercise or being stretched to the point of getting hurt. In such a case, the back pain will subside on its own, without you having to do anything. If the problem persists, you can apply an ointment or pain reliever cream or use sprays that are available in every local drug store. However, the main cause of back pain can be more serious or even life-threatening if not looked into. Kidney issues Apart from the kidneys, no other organ is located in that part of the body. If the problem is caused due to the kidney, it may not be just limited to urinary tract infections or kidney stones. While the former is easy to treat, the latter can be very painful but is still treatable with good outcomes. Kidney infections are also a common cause of pain in the kidneys, and, by extension, it can also lead to back pain, on the left or the right side. The other causes of kidney pain can be the direct impact a recent penetrating/blunt trauma may have had on the area. Such cases are called the lacerated kidney. If a woman is pregnant and experiences these issues, she should immediately consult her doctor. Symptoms of kidney pain can include fever, painful urination, flank pain, and nausea or vomiting. Other causes of back pain on the right side can be the following: Appendicitis The small tube that is attached to the large intestine and is sitting in the lower right side of the body is called the appendix.
Most Effective Treatment Options for Rosacea

Most Effective Treatment Options for Rosacea

If you find visible blood vessels and redness on your face, you can suspect rosacea. This skin may also form tiny, red-colored pus-filled bumps. These symptoms may last for a few weeks or months, and then, they disappear for some period. It can be easily mistaken for skin allergy or acne. Anyone may get affected by rosacea. There is no permanent cure for this skin condition but you can control the symptoms to a great extent. What is the best treatment for rosacea? Home remedies for rosacea Use of essential oils Melaleuca and Lavender essential oils are good options for addressing this skin condition. Since both these oils have anti-inflammatory properties, healing becomes fast and effective. 1 tablespoon of almond, avocado or coconut oil should be mixed with 2 drops Melaleuca or Lavender essential oil in a roller bottle, and this mixture needs to be applied on the affected area before going to bed. Green Tea offers the best relief You need to prepare one cup of green tea, and it should be placed in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Then, you need to take a cloth, and it has to be soaked in the chilled tea before applying the cloth to the rosacea-affected areas. Green tea controls inflammation and redness because of the high anti-inflammatory properties, and you can drink green tea to get good relief because of the presence of antioxidants. Apple cider vinegar is an excellent choice Apple cider vinegar also is known as ACV helps you achieve balanced pH levels inside your body, and this aspect makes it a good option for eliminating the symptoms of rosacea. One cup of water must be mixed with one teaspoon of organic apple cider vinegar, and it should be taken orally. You can add honey to make the taste better.
8 Useful Treatments for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

8 Useful Treatments for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

A prevalent digestive disorder, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) currently affects millions of individuals in the country. This chronic condition causes abdominal pain and distress in the large intestine causing unusual bowel movements. The common symptoms of IBS include diarrhea, constipation, diarrhea with constipation, intestinal cramps post meals, bloating, etc. However, these symptoms can vary from person to person. Interestingly, IBS is more common in women. However, the precise reason behind it is still not known. Although there is a combination of issues that can trigger IBS such as food allergies, pain sensitivity, bacterial infections, an imbalance in body chemicals, hereditary factors, psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, etc. There are three types of IBS, i.e., IBS with diarrhea, IBS with constipation, and IBS mix (diarrhea with constipation). You can seek the help of your doctor for irritable bowel syndrome treatment, based on the type of your IBS distress. To help you understand your options better, here are some of the common irritable bowel syndrome treatments implemented. The remedies mentioned below are a combination of medical assistance and personal initiatives to improve your IBS condition. Medications – Under your doctor’s guidance, you can begin a course of prescription drugs. These may include antispasmodics, antidepressants, antibiotics, etc., which can assist in alleviating some of your symptoms. Your doctor will recommend any one of these or a combination of medications. For instance, antispasmodic medicines are for relieving spasms and abdominal pain. Moreover, antibiotics will be apt for an irritable bowel syndrome treatment for controlling bacterial infections. However, always remember you should not consume any medications without your doctor’s knowledge. Apart from prescription drugs, there are certain over-the-counter medications which can aid in decreasing your digestive woes. Psychological assistance – If the onset of IBS has led to depression or anxiety, then you should visit a therapist who could counsel you about stress management.
External Hemorrhoids – Causes and Treatment

External Hemorrhoids – Causes and Treatment

Hemorrhoids refer to swollen veins which develop in the lower part of rectum and anus. These veins or walls of blood vessels stretch thinly, resulting in bulging of the veins, which causes irritation in them. This condition is referred to as piles. Difference between internal and external hemorrhoids Internal hemorrhoids occur deep inside the rectum and are not visible. In this condition, the pain is minimal since the presence of pain-sensing nerves is also negligible in this region. This kind of hemorrhoids can only be identified through bleeding, as and when it occurs. In contrast, external hemorrhoids are found in the skin which surrounds the anus area. This region has more pain-sensing nerves, and therefore, it tends to bleed more often. Causes of external hemorrhoids One of the most common causes of external hemorrhoids has been found to be straining while undergoing bowel movement. This condition develops when the vein of rectum gets dilated or enlarged. This condition develops when the person is experiencing severe diarrhea or constipation. Pregnant women also face the risk of hemorrhoids as they experience pressure from the uterus on their veins. How to recognize symptoms External hemorrhoids have a range of symptoms. These symptoms tend to vary according to the severity of hemorrhoids. The most common of the symptoms of external hemorrhoids include itching that occurs around rectal region or anus. Pain around the anus and lumps found near the anus are also common symptoms of this disease condition. External hemorrhoids’ treatment External hemorrhoids’ treatment also depends on its severity. In fact, doctors often ask the patients about the preferences for medications or treatments which they might prefer to get rid of external hemorrhoids. Medication for external hemorrhoids’ treatment For patients who face only mild discomfort, the doctor might recommend over the counter medications. Ointments which contain lidocaine also help the patient in getting some relief.
Factors Causing Atopic Dermatitis and Treatments for it

Factors Causing Atopic Dermatitis and Treatments for it

Have you ever felt rashes on your skin that leave you itchy and irritated? Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, might be the reason. It is a common skin disease that affects a majority of individuals without their knowledge. What seems as dry, flaky skin caused by weather changes may be a symptom of this eczema. It may look normal, but isn’t and can get worse with the passage of time. Atopic dermatitis, or atopic eczema, is characterized by the swelling of the skin tissue. In children, the outbursts can be found on cheeks. In adults, they are found in front of the elbows or behind the knees. Eczema itself is not infectious unless there is a secondary skin infection. The condition gets aggravated periodically, especially during the change of seasons. The rest of the year, it subdues and becomes less prominent. A person suffering from atopic dermatitis might also occasionally experience hay fever or asthma. There is no specific cause behind the onset of this ailment. However, the following factors may contribute towards atopic dermatitis or eczema: Heredity – An individual is likely to be affected by atopic dermatitis or eczema if it is present in his genes. Environment – In some cases, exposure to dust, pollens, and other allergens can trigger this eczema. Food – A few individuals are sensitive to certain food items, for, example, wheat. Consumption of these can cause atopic dermatitis or eczema outbursts. Humidity – People living in areas having dry climate are more prone to this disease. Low humidity can suck moisture away from the skin. Hard water – Hard water, containing a high level of carbonates of calcium and magnesium may also inflame the skin. Atopic dermatitis or eczema symptoms include dryness of the skin which may be accompanied with flakes. Red patches around the neck and on the eyelids are a common sight.
All You Need to Know about Testosterone Home Test Kits

All You Need to Know about Testosterone Home Test Kits

As you age, your testosterone levels come down. It is a natural process and all men have to have to go through this phenomenon. Nevertheless, reduced testosterone levels can be linked with men of younger age as well. You can easily smell an underlying health problem if your testosterone levels decrease unnaturally and it can be an injury, obesity, an issue in the pituitary gland or some other health disorders. Patients undergo cancer treatments also have low testosterone levels. Most common symptoms of reduced levels of this hormone are concentration problems, reduced sex drive, hot flashes, erectile dysfunction, physical fatigue, reduced body hair growth, decreased sex drive and lowered muscle mass. You have to see your doctor if you are experiencing these symptoms. How can you confirm that testosterone levels are below the standard levels? That is where the importance of testosterone test kits comes in. How to check testosterone levels without a blood test? If you see a doctor, you have to undergo a physical examination to check the hormone levels. The doctor will assess the symptoms and then, you will be asked to undergo a blood test determine the hormone levels. The hormone levels fluctuate throughout the day and they will be at the highest point during the morning time. That is why doctors take the blood sample in the morning. Even without taking a blood test, you can come to know whether you are experiencing low levels of testosterone with the help of test kits. Home test kits You can come across different types of testosterone test kits to check your hormone levels at home. All these testosterone test kits check your saliva instead of blood and the sample can be collected at home with great ease. The method of collecting saliva and the number of samples to be taken rely on the specific product you purchase.
Cough from Allergies – Tips and Cure

Cough from Allergies – Tips and Cure

Coughing and sneezing are some of the common illness symptoms in children. Yet, it affects the adults as well. Though coughing is commonly associated with cold and flu diseases, it can be an allergic symptom as well. Therefore, before taking any medicine, it will be ideal for you to diagnose the condition properly and find the underlying cause. Some simple tips and care suggestions for coughing from allergies have been mentioned below: Air pollution- Increased level of pollutants in the air is a major cause of different diseases and one of them is coughing. Irritants and pollutants present in air can at times cause coughing or even choking symptoms. It may also lead to lung irritation or phlegm in some. Medical attention is generally not needed in case of short-term coughing. Yet, for prolonged coughing or breathing difficulties, patients may need to seek the help of a doctor. Allergy from molds- Coughing can also be intrigued from mold allergies. Generally, coughing from mold allergies also cause wheezing symptoms and is common in people, who have mold infestation in their house. It is also a common problem observed in flood or storm hit regions. Asthmatic allergy- Long bouts of cough along with tightness of chest, wheezing and shortness of breath can be an indication of asthmatic allergy. This type of a cough starts as soon as the person is exposed to the allergen and it’s severity increases till the condition is treated. Asthma can begin at any age. Yet, in most of the cases, it starts from the childhood and gets cured as one grows up. However, the condition can trigger at any time. There can be varied factors triggering asthma, pollution and dust being the most common. Pollen, pet dander and even exposure to strong smell for a prolonged period of time can lead to asthma.