Shingle is an infection which is caused by the same virus that gives you chickenpox and it appears as a painful rash which generally persists for 4 weeks at most. The condition causes an itching sensation, burning, all-around discomfort, and immense pain in its duration. While the symptoms of the disease are quite hard to handle, they can be managed and put to rest with effective treatment and by practicing home remedies. The best course of action is generally getting a cream to tackle shingles. Following the shingles virus, you may suffer from an extremely painful condition called post-herpetic neuralgia. The condition is characterized by pain occurring in the areas of the body where the rash was once present. It may or may not occur before the onset of the rash that characterizes shingles. The pain generally follows a nerve’s path on one side of the body. Here are a few ways you can manage nerve pain from shingles and lead a pain-free life. Pain from shingles To treat nerve pain that has preceded the appearance of the shingles rash, or which is ongoing during its appearance and treatment, it is necessary to manage shingles by following the below-mentioned methods first. Avoid scratching your blisters: When you are suffering from painful and itchy blisters, abstaining from scratching them is a task in itself. To effectively manage nerve pain from shingles, you need to try to keep from scratching your blisters. They will eventually crust over and fall off on their own terms. Scratching them only makes things worse as they will open up and become much more susceptible to infection. You may also end up spreading bacteria if you keep scratching your blisters. If you have accidentally scratched them, wash your hands immediately to avoid the spread of harmful infection-leading bacteria.

Type 2 diabetes is a manageable disease that can be cured after consulting a doctor. Most people diagnosed with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes. It is more common in people who are 45 years and older. If diabetes is complicated then it can lead to diseases such as stroke, blindness, heart disease, and kidney disease. Diabetes is known to be one of the major causes of death. Some of the symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination, cuts, and sores that do not heal, and fatigue and blurry vision. With the right Type 2 diabetes treatment, you can live a healthy life. Diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes The tests mentioned below essentially measure the blood sugar amount. Glycated hemoglobin test: This test helps your doctor in finding out about your blood sugar level in the past few months. It measures the blood sugar percentage that is attached to the hemoglobin. If the test result is high then it means that your blood sugar amounts are also high. A sample of your blood will be taken and sent to a laboratory for test. This test is extremely convenient. It does not require you to fast before the test. The A1C test of 6.5% and higher indicates diabetes. That between 5.7 to 6.4 means prediabetes and less than 5.7% means that the blood sugar level is normal. Fasting plasma glucose test: It so happens that the A1C test is not valid at times. But for a proper Type 2 diabetes treatment, you need to be diagnosed. Your doctor might recommend this alternative test. For this, you are not supposed to eat anything overnight after which your blood sample is collected the next day. The result of this test also varies in case you have stress. If it is 126 mg/dL or higher then diabetes is indicated.

Things often do not go according to your plans and situations may force you to opt for something you never thought about. Kidney dialysis is something no one would like to go through if it is not the last option. We will talk about the need for this therapy and how it can save one’s life. People with damaged kidneys often find it almost impossible to defuse their waste and opt for dialysis as an alternative to carrying out the natural processes artificially. The process of dialysis is also known as RRT (Renal Replacement Therapy). The primary function of our kidneys is to control the water level of our body and eliminate waste. In the natural process, kidneys produce some essential substances that are vital for metabolism. However, this does not happen in the process of dialysis. Let us talk about the importance of dialysis and why one should prefer this treatment. The importance of dialysis If a person’s kidneys have lost more than 90% of their functionality, the person should opt for dialysis. A recently conducted study has revealed that more than 14% of the population is suffering from various kinds of kidney diseases. If the kidneys have stopped its natural functioning, then the affected person will need an effective alternative to stay alive, and that is where the dialysis therapy works. Our kidneys purify nearly 150 quarts of blood each day, and if they do not work properly, then wastages will start polluting the blood. If an immediate action has not been taken in such a situation, the affected person will either die or go into a coma. Dialysis therapy prevents wastage from reaching dangerous levels. It also removes drugs and toxins from the blood in an emergency situation. Common types of dialysis therapy There are three common types of dialysis therapy.

Both men and women produce testosterone. Low levels of testosterone in the body can be an indication of an underlying health issue. Having too low levels of testosterone can impact bodily traits in both men and women. The substance is responsible for traits such as strength, body hair and muscle mass. Too little of it in men can cause a reduction in these traits, while too much of it in women can cause these traits to be more predominant in appearance. If you are suffering from the symptoms of low testosterone levels in the body, you can choose to either visit a doctor to get yourself tested, or make use of testosterone test kits. Taking a test to determine your testosterone levels is recommended so that you can take a course of action to get it back on track as it can be having a telling impact on your day to day activities and routine. It may affect your mental health as well. In this article, we will explain the utility of testosterone test kits and why you need to purchase one today. Testosterone Test Kits There are several testosterone test kits available in the market today. These devices are used to test your testosterone levels at home before visiting a doctor to seek treatment in case your testosterone levels are low. Unlike tests conducted by doctors, testosterone test kits do not involve the drawing of blood. These test kits make use of your saliva for testing purposes and are just as effective as conventional blood testing procedures. You will need to collect saliva samples for testing and the number of samples you need may be dependent on the product you buy. Once you have collected saliva samples, you are required to mail these collections to a lab for testing.

Tennis elbow is a painful condition in which the exterior of the elbow becomes painful and tender. Medically known as lateral epicondylitis, this condition happens when tendons in the elbow are overburdened by repetitive action of the arms and wrists. In such circumstances, the movement of the arms and wrists becomes difficult and there is a persistent pain in the elbows. However, elbow braces can go a long way to help you manage this condition. Read on to know more about the symptoms and treatment options for tennis elbow and how elbow braces can help the sufferer. Symptoms and treatment options for tennis elbow The usual symptoms include pain while extending the arms fully, pain on the outer part of the elbow which may become worse over a period if not treated, and pain while gripping things and movements of the wrist. A popular treatment method is going for physiotherapy, which involves progressive arm exercises. Rest, cold therapy, and medication are other ways to manage the condition. Wearing tennis elbow braces can be especially helpful. What is a tennis elbow brace and how does it help? Elbow braces are considered to be the most effective way of treating tennis elbow. It helps protect the damaged tendon during the healing process. The elbow brace is gentle and works on injured elbows by firmly compressing the upper forearm. It absorbs the forces spread through the soft tissues, thereby changing the force exerted on the tendon attachment, allowing the injury to heal better. Choose a well-fitting brace and wrap it on your arms properly to resume daily activities soon. How to choose the right braces for tennis elbow Choosing an elbow brace can be confusing as there are a plethora of options available. You can consider the following tips when choosing an elbow brace:

Lower back pain is a problem that almost everyone experiences at some point in their life. Characterized by severe pain, it may need treatment until it subsides on its own. The severity of lower back pain may vary from case to case. Some people may experience a dull ache, while some other may get a sharp, shooting pain. Sometimes, the pain is so severe that you may find it difficult to stand straight or even stand-up. You may experience acute back pain due to injuries caused by sports or as a result of heavy lifting. If you face symptoms like loss of control over the movement of your bowels, inability to control your bladder, a fever, or pain while coughing or urinating, along with pain in the lower back, you must visit a doctor. Common causes of lower back pain If one experiences lower back pain, it is advisable to visit a doctor, especially if the patient has lost weight unexpectedly, has a family history of cancer, or other such complications. Lower back pain may result from a muscle strain that leads to bulged discs which will cause pain from your hips down to your legs. Lower back pain may also be associated with lifting objects every day, pulling things down and other such tasks which could a part of a patient’s job. At the same time, sitting at the same place for a long time, in a slouching posture, can also contribute to lower back pain. Going overboard while working out can also lead to lower back pain. People also face a high risk of lower back pain-related problems if they are overweight. One may need to perform exercises for lower back pain regularly if they have a sedentary lifestyle. Lower back pain can also be attributed to some chronic problems such as fibromyalgia and spinal stenosis.

The diverticular disease was sporadic before the 20th century but now it is quite common especially in the western countries. Diverticulitis is the most severe kind of diverticular diseases. The diverticula or pouches are formed in the intestinal wall, they are bacterially infected and inflamed and they form diverticulitis. The diverticulitis often comes with many complications. The diverticulitis treatment guidelines should be followed to combat diverticulitis; otherwise, it can lead to some serious health complications. Here are a few things related to diverticulitis. The common symptoms of diverticulitis There are several stages of diverticulitis. They vary from mild to severe with simple to complicated symptoms. These are: Abdominal pain occurs typically in the lower left side of the abdomen Fever Nausea Vomiting The increased urge for urination, frequent urination, or feeling of a burning sensation at the time of urination Constipation Diarrhea Blood in stool The causes of diverticulitis There are multiple factors responsible for causing diverticulitis. These are: A low-fiber diet The lack of dietary fiber in food is considered one of the main reasons for diverticulitis. Heredity From research, it is seen that there is a link of heredity with diverticulitis. There is at least 50 percent of the potential risk of diverticulitis which comes from genetics. Obesity Obesity is one of the main reasons for diverticulitis. It raises the risk of diverticulitis and its bleeding. Lack of physical workout The lack of physical exercise and living a sedentary life always increase the chance of diseases like diverticulitis. Smoking From studies, it is proven that smoking can cause diverticulitis and its complications. Certain medications Regular intake of aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like NSAIDs may raise the chance of diverticulitis. The opiates and steroids can increase the risk of the perforation, the severe difficulty of diverticulitis. The deficiency of vitamin D From the studies, it is proven that people with less amount of vitamin D are more prone to diverticulitis and its complications.

Post nasal drip cough is a common condition among children and adults. This condition can affect the normal functioning of a person’s life by causing sleeplessness and severe exhaustion. With the right diagnosis and early treatment, this condition can be brought under control. What is post nasal drip cough? The glands that line the nose, airways, throat, and the stomach produce mucus every day. Mucus helps keep foreign objects away from the nose and throat by trapping and destroying any bacteria or viruses. It also greases and cleans the passages leading from the nose to the body. Usually, this mucus mixes with the saliva and trickles down the throat, and a person might barely notice it. However, when the body produces more mucus due to an allergy or infection, the mucus begins to thicken. The excess mucus comes out of the nose, and this condition is commonly referred to as a runny nose. Some of the mucus drains at the back of the throat, resulting in a condition known as post nasal drip. A post nasal drip cough occurs due to the thickened mucus blocking the throat. It can affect a person for eight weeks or more if not treated properly. It is important to check with your doctor about the best treatments available. Symptoms and causes of post nasal drip cough A post nasal drip cough can cause severe irritation to the throat and nose. You may constantly experience a feeling of clearing your throat, and this feeling may be accompanied by pain while swallowing, headaches, an ear infection, a sinus infection, a hoarse voice, a scratchy feeling in the throat, a shortness of breath, and, in serious cases, it may even lead to coughing up blood. There are several possible causes for this condition. Some of the causes are flu, allergies, sinus infection, certain types of medications for treating blood pressure and birth control, changing weather, dry or cold air, an object caught in the nose of a child, spicy food, or inhaling smoke or chemical fumes.

The formation of small pouches along the intestinal walls is called diverticulosis. When these small pouches are inflamed or infected, it could cause several problems. As far as diverticulitis is concerned, there is no conclusive evidence to suggest what its exact cause is. However, the symptoms of diverticulitis are well known, and it is necessary to identify the foods that trigger diverticulitis. Foods that trigger diverticulitis Here are some food items that trigger diverticulitis, and one should avoid them at all costs. Spicy foods Eating spicy foods may cause discomfort. Chinese or Indian food, as well as red chilies, may worsen your digestive problems. You could exhibit signs like vomiting, diarrhea or other complications due to an inflammation of the digestive system. Broccoli If you have diverticulitis, broccoli could be a problem for you. Broccoli causes flatulence and discomfort in the lower abdomen. Though broccoli usually smoothens the bowel movements, in some cases, it could lead to hardening of the stools. Cabbage You could experience flatulence while eating cabbage if you are suffering from diverticulitis. As the body breaks down the cabbage, it could lead to gut inflammation. Thus, you tend to belch or release gas, and this could be embarrassing if you are in a formal setting. Corn Complications with digestion occur in people suffering from diverticulitis. Along with fiber, corn contains a high amount of sugar. If you enjoy it, then you should limit the amount that you consume. You could try processed cream corn as it has a lower concentration of sugar and fiber. It is the combination of both sugar and fiber in corn-based foods that trigger diverticulitis. Dairy products Diverticulitis compromises the efficiency of your digestive system, and though you might not have lactose intolerance, you could end up with flatulence and gas. Diarrhea could be one of the side effects as well.

Constipation is a common problem and can be caused due to consuming certain types of food, medication or living a particular lifestyle. Constipation is when you experience less than three bowel movements per week. There are several other symptoms that are associated with the condition such as discomfort when you use the washroom, abdominal pain and bloating, and stools that are difficult to pass. Constipation can definitely affect your day to day life and can cause a lot of frustration. The situation is even worse when you experience severe constipation. Below are a few ways in which you can deal with the condition. Drink plenty of water Constipation is also caused by being dehydrated. This is why it is necessary to drink a significant amount of water. Sparkling water helps a lot in case you are facing severe constipation. According to studies, sparkling water is more effective than tap water and helps a lot in relieving constipation. However, you should not drink carbonated drinks like soda as it can make the condition worse. Keeping dehydration away is a great way of staying healthy and dealing with constipation. Eat fiber-rich food People who are facing constipation are often advised to eat a fiber-rich diet. Fiber helps in increasing the consistency of bowel movements as well as its bulk. This makes the stool pass easily. Insoluble fibers such as vegetables, whole grains, and wheat bran add bulk to your stools. Whereas soluble fiber such as nuts, lentils, beans, and peas soften the stools and helps with its consistency. One of the best ways of treating severe constipation is by consuming a mix of both- insoluble and soluble fibers. Exercise While exercising is not directly linked to constipation, it certainly helps in relieving the symptoms. Going for regular walks or running and doing yoga can help in staying healthy in general.

There are minerals and salts in urine which lead to the formation of stones in the kidney. There are ways to dissolve kidney stones naturally like drinking copious amounts of water, lemon juice and so on. What are kidney stones? One of the major reasons for the formation of kidney stones would be dehydration. Due to dehydration, the movement of fluid in the kidneys slows down with a higher possibility of salt and mineral compounds getting stuck together. In most cases, calcium oxalate forms hard deposits in the kidney. They can be found in other parts of the urinary tract as well. Kidney stones are also known as calculi. Depending on the size of the stone, surgical intervention may be required. How to dissolve kidney stones without medical intervention is what we’re going to find out. Ways to dissolve kidney stones naturally The process of the kidney stone exiting the body through the urinary tract is known as passing a kidney stone. This could be quite painful in some cases. Before using any methods to dissolve kidney stones naturally, it is important to determine if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or are on medications for some ailment. There are antibiotics, blood pressure medications, diuretics, cholesterol and liver medications which don’t agree with natural remedies. These natural remedies to dissolve kidney stones naturally are not monitored by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Water: Prevention and treatment of kidney stones can be easily done with water. It is recommended to have 8 glasses of water per day. If you increase it to 12 glasses per day, then the passage of the stones becomes smoother and the growth of deposits is also checked. Lemon juice: There is citrate in lemon juice which breaks down the deposits of calcium and impedes their growth.

Preterm Labor or premature labor is a condition where your body gets prepared to give birth before time. In case, you see the pain before three weeks before your due date; it is called Preterm Labor or premature labor. Preterm Labor or premature labor results in an early birth. There are different signs of preterm labor, and if you see any similar signs, you must consult your doctor immediately. Nowadays, doctors can delay early deliveries so that the child can avoid life-threatening health problems in near future. If you are wondering what the symptoms are of preterm labor; then this article is sure to help you to get an idea on the same. Symptoms of Preterm Labor You can identify the signs of preterm labor from different symptoms, and it depends from person to person. Usually, preterm labor begins 37 weeks prior to pregnancy; so if you feel any changing trends you should visit a doctor. You may also notice some additional signs like coughing and rashes on the skin. Some people also report a dizzy feeling or a sore throat too. If you notice similar signs, we recommend you to take the necessary actions. Some common signs of preterm labor include, You can feel a pressure in your lower belly or pelvis. It feels like the baby is pushing down and it causes pain You also notice increased vaginal discharge (watery, mucus or blood) than usual Many people report a dull backache during preterm labor. You are likely to feel low throughout this period You can notice contractions in your belly, but it won’t give you much pain Your water breaks during this period People also report belly cramps with or without diarrhea Vaginal bleeding is also another sign of preterm labor Vomiting or nausea can result in some cases.