Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) refers to a problem that restricts the flow of air, leading to breathing problems. COPD is caused mainly due to smoking. The other causes of COPD include inhalation of gases, passive smoking, or exposure to pollution. COPD can be classified into three types. The common signs shown by people suffering from COPD are frequent lung infections, cough, and shortness of breath. Although COPD is not curable, it is preventable. Quitting the habit of smoking is the best way one can get relief of COPD. Other options include maintaining a healthy lifestyle and eating some energy-boosting foods that help lower the symptoms of COPD. Some energy-boosting foods which should be included for people suffering from COPD include: Whole grains Whole grains like millet, quinoa, and barley are a great source of energy-boosting foods for people with COPD. These grains are rich in vitamins, fiber, protein, and carbohydrates. Moreover, they do not have a high-calorie count. The carbohydrates present in whole grains help boost energy as they do not contain refined carbohydrates; these also provide a filling meal . Consuming whole grain foods help improve the digestion process and maintain a healthy weight. Fresh fruits and vegetables A healthy diet should include a good combination of fresh fruits and vegetables as it provides a lot of nutritional value. It is necessary to include fresh fruits and vegetables, especially if you have COPD, as it will help improve the symptoms. These are high fiber foods that possess antioxidant properties and help boost energy levels. Nuts Full of healthy proteins and unsaturated fats, nuts are perfect to boost energy for those suffering from COPD. Rich in calories, an intake of a handful of nuts helps to prevent COPD-related weight loss issues. Nuts are also rich in fiber and are a great source of vitamin E.

A form of arthritis, gout leads to extreme pain, redness, and inflammation of the joints. The condition is caused by an accumulation of uric acid in the bloodstream, leading to the formation of urate crystals. Uric acid formation takes place after the breakdown of purines, which are found in certain foods items and are also produced in the body. Gout flare-ups can occur suddenly. Eating foods with anti-inflammatory properties and eliminating foods with purines helps in dealing with the condition. Treatment methods using NSAIDs and corticosteroids can also help in the management of gout symptoms and flare-ups. Here are a few medicines that can be prescribed by the doctor for the same. Naprosyn (Naproxen) A popular medication, Naprosyn, is an NSAID available in different dosage combinations according to your prescription. This medicine is effective in dealing with muscle problems as well as severe joint pain. Furthermore, it helps in lowering inflammation and swelling. It is prescribed for gout and is also recommended for managing bursitis, tendinitis, and arthritis. Generic versions of Naprosyn are available for $16.13 on an average, but with a GoodRX Gold membership, a discount of up to 76% can be availed for a dosage of 30 tablets of 500mg. A different dosage configuration will avail a different discount. Some pharmacies may offer lower prices with coupons of substantial discounts. Zyloprim (Allopurinol) With an average retail price of around $19.62, Zyloprim is available at a discount of up to 69% via GoodRx Gold in dosages of 30 tablets, each of 300mg. Different quantities and dosages have different offers applicable for them. A form of xanthine oxidase inhibitor, this medication works well in dealing with inflammation, pain, and other symptoms of gout. Moreover, Zyloprim is also prescribed for the prevention and treatment of high levels of uric acid, resulting from certain forms of chemotherapy.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or IPF is a chronic lung condition where a patient experiences difficulty breathing due to scarred and strained lungs. The condition is generally seen in people aged 70 years or above. The exact cause of IPF is not known. However, there are measures that can be taken to manage the condition and lifestyle. While some foods help manage the condition and control its symptoms, there are foods that result in exacerbated symptoms. This article talks about the foods that are better avoided with IPF. Dairy Dairy is one of the food groups that should be consumed in small portions. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients must try to avoid it completely. Milk and other milk products can lead to increased phlegm and mucus production in the body. This can, in turn, contribute to difficulty in breathing for the patients. It can also lead to increased coughing and wheezing, exerting excessive pressure on the lungs. Daily consumption of dairy products like ice cream and butter should be avoided at all costs. Dairy alternatives like soy milk, tofu, almond milk, and other plant milk products can be used. Processed meat Processed meats have long been condemned for their potential to cause harm to an individual’s health. Foods like salami, sausages, and other cured meat are harmful to individuals for health concerns. These foods often contain added salts and preservatives like nitrates to increase the shelf life of the meat and make its color appear more appealing. The excess amount of salt in processed foods leads to water retention that can cause patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis to experience difficulty breathing. It is advisable to opt for nitrate-free options or avoid deli-meats in its entirety to avoid complications that arise from these foods. Sodas Sodas or other foods with added sugars are best avoided for patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Hemorrhoids, commonly known as piles, are responsible for severe swelling or enlargement of the veins in the lower part of the rectum. As we know, the walls around such organs comprise of thousands of blood vessels. A condition in hemorrhoids causes these very vessels to stretch out, leading to an unpleasant and painful experience. Although having hemorrhoids can be a dreadful situation, they can be easily treated with simple ointments, suppositories, and non-surgical options, if and when treated on time. What causes hemorrhoids? The enlargement of veins around the anus can be caused by the following factors: Aging : Such a condition usually occurs among adults aged between 40 to 65 years. This, however, does not mean that it cannot affect people at a younger age. Constipation : Chronic constipation triggers the formation of hemorrhoids due to excessive pressure on the blood vessels. Pregnancy : During pregnancy, the uterus enlarges, which puts additional pressure on the veins, causing them to bulge. Relief from hemorrhoids in such a condition can be incurred by consuming high fiber food like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Heavy lifting : Lifting heavy weights without proper padding and knowledge can trigger the enlargement of veins around the rectum area. Obesity : Diet-related obesity can cause hemorrhoids. Sitting for long periods : Long periods of sitting in one position, especially on a toilet seat, can trigger hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids can be of two types: Internal hemorrhoids : These occur deep inside the rectum. They are usually painless, but they can worsen if excessive straining activities are undertaken. They tend to protrude through the anus and are, hence, commonly called protruding or prolapsed hemorrhoids. Such type of hemorrhoids can be very painful. External hemorrhoids : These are visible abruptions and usually occur under the skin around the anus. They are far more painful than internal hemorrhoids due to the presence of more sensitive nerves around the rectum.

Pain in the lower back area could be the result of numerous factors. But is your lower back pain kidney related? Pain caused in the lower back may be due to kidney infection or kidney stones. Very often, when you have lower back pain, you may be confused about the exact cause. With this article, we will help you distinguish whether you have normal back pain or whether your lower back pain kidney related. If it is lower back pain induced by kidney related issues, you will experience sharp pain between the hips and flanks and ribs. Unlike normal pain in the lower back which is not very specific, the lower back pain induced by kidneys is concentrated around the hip area and below the rib cage or in the lower back sides. Difference between normal lower back pain and kidney-related lower back pain When the lower back pain is kidney related, it usually shows incidence in the form of specific, localized pain. A normal back pain, on the other hand, may tend to affect the areas from your neck to your back. If you experience a sudden, shooting pain in the lower part of your rib cage or on the lower sides on your back, it is pain induced by kidneys. Kidney pain may lead to pains in lower abdomen and inner thighs, whereas in the case of normal back pain, the pain may spread further to your hips, thighs, calves, or feet. Kidney-related lower back pain causes The most common causes behind lower back pain are kidney stones or kidney infection. Other causes behind the lower back pain include renal infarction, kidney cancer, glomerulonephritis. Kidney stones can be responsible for inducing pain in your lower back. When there is a movement of the stone in your left kidney, you tend to experience lower left back pain.

The human joints can be considered as engineering marvels that bear an enormous amount of stress. They are body parts that not only connect your bones but also support and carry the weight of your body and facilitate easy movement. Prolonged daily functions can impose a huge strain on them. As a result, they suffer wear and tear, injuries, and damage, causing symptoms like pain, and reduced mobility and flexibility. Statistics show that there are at least 30 million adults in the country who currently live with joint pain. It can be a debilitating condition that prevents you from carrying on daily activities, engaging in sports, entertainment, and recreation. If it is severe, it could affect your career and almost all parts of your life. Based on the underlying cause, severity, and available resources, there are a variety of treatment options that can help provide quick joint pain relief. They include medications, injections, dietary supplements or changes, alternative therapy, massage, yoga, chiropractic options, surgery, lifestyle changes, and exercise. Causes of joint pain Some of the common causes of joint pain include the following: Inflammation Diseases or infections like arthritis and chikungunya Aging and natural wear and tear Accidents and injuries Impact and trauma Nerve damage Poor posture Over-use of certain parts of the body Lack of exercise; sedentary job and lifestyle Being overweight Certain autoimmune disorders Breakdown of cartilage in the knee joints Hypothyroidism Rheumatic fever Dislocation, sprains, and strains Bursitis There are some medicinal and natural remedies one can resort to when looking to get quick relief from joint pain. While acute symptoms caused by accidents, injuries, and certain diseases can be treated with over-the-counter medications or a course of antibiotics, certain other s ymptoms that are caused by lifestyle factors can be treated with exercise regimes, yoga, and even weight-loss.

An extremely common type of heel pain, plantar fasciitis occurs when the flat band known as plantar fascia is strained. Stress on this tissue causes inflammation, weakness, and difficulty while you stand or walk. Usually, this condition is observed in individuals who are middle-aged. However, it is also common in younger people who are constantly on their feet, such as athletes or military personnel. Causes and symptoms of plantar fasciitis As mentioned earlier, an intense and prolonged tension can lead to tiny tears in the tissues, causing severe pain. This situation can be a result of Overexertion caused due to sprinting, standing, or walking for an extended period. Obesity which can cause pressure on the feet due to the upper body weight. Pregnancy, although the effects might only be witnessed in the later stages. Using inappropriate shoe sizes. Extreme pronation, i.e., the feet rolling inwards while walking. Having flat or high arched heels. Tight Achilles tendons. The primary symptoms of plantar fasciitis include pain and stiffness on the bottom of the feet. In most cases, it only affects one foot; however, it can develop in both the feet at the same time. For some patients, the pain can be dull, whereas, for other patients, it can cause burning or stabbing sensations. Such type of pain is experienced after waking up in the morning or after resting for a long time. The discomfort doesn’t flare up when you are involved in some physical activity. However, the swelling can intensify if you overdo workouts or are constantly on the move. Different treatments for plantar fasciitis To alleviate the symptoms of plantar fasciitis, you can use a blend of home and medical treatments. Usually, home treatments comprise the use of cold compression, exercise, and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Moreover, if home treatments fail, your doctor might recommend corticosteroids, prescription drugs, and physical therapy to ease the discomfort.

People sometimes suffer from allergies for some part in the year. The most common among seasonal allergies are: Spring allergies Fall allergies Winter allergies But there are cases where you end up suffering from allergies all through the year. This seasonal allergy chart can help you prepare for any kind of allergic reaction. Let’s take a look at the range of seasonal allergies which affect people, and the part of the year when you’re most vulnerable. January: Pollen allergies may not be an issue during the cold months of winter. But indoor heating makes your house a dust-allergen hot spot. Some basic preventive measures against house dust allergies are: Maintain home humidity below 55% Vacuum your home often Cover pillows and mattresses with dust mite-proof covers February: Dust could act as a year-round allergen for a large number of people. But if dust allergies are not a trouble for you, trees may still cause your allergies to peak. In some parts of the world, tree pollen appears as early as February. Trees that account for the most allergies are: Catalpa Elm Hickory Olive Symptoms of tree allergies are the same as those caused by spring allergies. These include: Watery eyes Congestion Colds and flu March: Tree pollen stays the most common allergens in March as well. The month could cause spring allergies if grass grows early. Further, the pollen count in the air is also high in March. After this, is when the seasonal allergy chart gets into the real problem areas. April: April represents the onset of spring season. The flowers are in full bloom with pollen count at an all-time high. The flowers and the pollen, unfortunately, increase incidents of spring allergy. In some places, grass pollen acts as a powerful allergen in April. As grass pollen combines with flower pollen, spring allergies peak around April.

The skin is the largest organ in the body and our first line of defense against the outside world. Since the skin is so visible, it is an important part of our identity, which is why skin conditions are often so hard to deal with. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that begins in childhood and often continues into adulthood. Atopic means a tendency to develop skin allergies, and dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin. Atopic dermatitis is a common condition that usually begins in the first year of life. It results in red, itchy, and swollen eruptions on the skin. These skin eruptions may exude a clear fluid when scratched. Atopic dermatitis is also called eczema or atopic eczema. In childhood and infancy, the rashes and eruptions can cover most of the body. In children and young adults, the rashes are concentrated over the knees, elbows, hands, and feet. Atopic dermatitis is an allergic reaction. It is commonly associated with asthma, hay fever, and other allergic conditions. In atopic dermatitis, the skin becomes red, dry, and inflamed. Often, these eruptions develop into blisters and may cause scarring. Atopic Dermatitis: Pictures Of Pain Atopic dermatitis usually manifests in early infancy or childhood. Sometimes the condition will subside for years and manifest again in adulthood. Symptoms of atopic dermatitis include: Dry, scaly skin all over the body Itchiness Raised, red lesions over the folds of skin like the elbows, knees, and neck Scratching the lesions releases a clear fluid If you think you may have atopic dermatitis, pictures and other visual comparisons may be helpful in judging if you have similar lesions. Atopic dermatitis lesions over the eyelids are characteristic of the condition. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation over the eyelids, cheeks, and neck is common. Atopic dermatitis pictures are a great way to familiarize yourself with the appearance of these signs.

Fibroids are benign growths in the outer uterine walls in women called the myometrium. Fibroids are also called myomas and can cause pain, pressure, and discomfort in the pelvic region. They are non-cancerous, benign tumors that tend to shrink after menopause. While most of the fibroids do not show any symptom, some can cause noticeable symptoms such as excessive menstrual bleeding, pain during menstruation, and pelvic, back and leg pain. Modern science has not found any specific causes of fibroids but there are certain factors and conditions that increase the risk of developing fibroids or increasing their growth. Some of these factors are hormonal imbalance, high blood pressure, and obesity. The treatment of fibroids requires a holistic approach that includes right diet, physical exercise, and medical supplements and medication. Here are some natural ways to shrink fibroids. Make Changes To Your Diet The basic rule to follow while making changes to your diet to reduce fibroids is to avoid foods which cause hormonal imbalance and high blood pressure and including healthy, organic food items that keep your body processes running. Here is a list of food items you should avoid and include in your diet to aid in fibroid reduction. Foods To Avoid: Food products like processed meat, refined carbohydrates, and sugar should be avoided as they lead to obesity and hormonal imbalance in the body. Processed meat often contains chemical additives that disrupt the natural chemicals in the body and hinder their proper function. Alcohol and caffeine should also be avoided as they put excessive pressure on the liver and lead to increased estrogen levels and inflammation. Foods To Include: Green Leafy Vegetables Green leafy vegetables are rich in vitamin K. This helps in blood clotting and reducing excessive blood flow during menstruation. Iron Rich Foods One of the symptoms of fibroids is excessive blood loss during menstruation.

If you think a spider has bitten you, it is harmless in most cases, and you don’t need to panic. Spiders are generally harmless and prefer to hide in the dark. They attack when they feel threatened or when exposed from their hiding space. You will not have to worry if you have a spider bite as most of these bites are harmless. Treating spider bites is very simple, and the bite marks can be easily taken care of with timely care and treatment. The first step is spider bite identification. Once this is done, you can go ahead and treat the wound. Why Spiders Bite A few spiders in the wild are known to be aggressive. These spiders are capable of attacking and causing harm. They are the poisonous ones. On the other hand, the non-poisonous spiders often bite as an act of self-defense. They prefer to hide in dark and isolated places. You may even come across harmless spiders in your home and be unaware of it. Spider bites cause itchy red spots on the skin. The spots clear up in a few days, and you will find no sign of it. Most of the spiders have fangs that are too short to penetrate the human skin. While most of the bites are painless, you may experience a sting in some. Spider bite identification is essential as you need to be aware if a poisonous spider has bitten you. The venom from the spider reacts differently in each person. Dangerous spiders can inflict bites and leave unnoticed. It is later that you start feeling its effect. Spider Bite Identification You can identify spider bites in no time. You may not notice it for a few hours, but once you do, you can easily tell. There will be swelling and skin damage on the spot where you have been bitten.

Consuming certain food items increase symptoms of asthma, and sometimes it could lead to a severe attack. Asthma patients do not suffer from breathing problems at all times. Some triggers or factors can suddenly cause an asthma attack. These triggers can also worsen symptoms the asthma patient is suffering from. Therefore, it is necessary to know what you can and can’t eat. Asthma Triggers There are many triggers for asthma attacks, such as pollen, dust, scent, and smoke. Food can also be a trigger causes an asthma attack. Asthma patients need to figure out which food items trigger an attack and avoid them. Some of these items include Sulfites Sulfites are preservatives used in some food products. In some asthma patients, they can act as a trigger for an attack; hence, they have to be avoided. Sulfites are found in food items like pickles, shrimp, wine, dried fruits, bottled lemon juice, and beer. You should avoid any of these food items if they cause a reaction. Eggs Egg allergy is common in children. It can cause skin disorders and breathing problems. Egg and egg products need to be avoided by those who are allergic. However, most children outgrow an egg allergy. Milk Some people find a glass of hot milk comforting in case of an asthma attack. Yet, many asthmatics experience breathing problems after consuming milk. These people may even face difficulties while consuming products made from milk, like cheese or butter. Gas-producing Foods Several food items produce an excess of gas in the stomach, which leads to the stomach puffing up. A bloated stomach puts pressure on the lungs, and this can cause breathing difficulties. Such a situation will be bad for someone who suffers from chronic asthma. Eating light meals is recommended for asthmatics. They should avoid food that causes gas like beans, carbonated drinks, fried foods, cabbage, broccoli, wheat, onions, lentils, and even milk.