Lung cancer symptoms may easily be misdiagnosed. An early diagnosis is important for your survival – you can’t afford to ignore these telltale signs. Lung cancer is defined as the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the lungs. Instead of developing into healthy lung tissue, these abnormal cells fail to carry out any of the functions of the lung. Their exponential growth is life-threatening as they may form tumors and prevent the healthy tissues from doing their job. Furthermore, these primary lung cancer cells may travel to other parts of the body. This results in metastatic lung cancer. Unfortunately, lung cancer signs and symptoms may take years to develop fully, and only manifest in later and more advanced stages of the disease. For approximately 40 percent of cases, diagnosis is only possible in advanced stages. Even though the disease gives you little to no warning, there are a few lung cancer symptoms that you can watch out for. Those who are at a high risk for lung cancer are advised to sign up for early screening. Early detection of lung cancer symptoms makes a huge difference in your survival rate. If any of the following innocuous-looking symptoms persist, do not ignore them, and instead, seek professional help immediately. Persistent Cough Most people tend to ignore a persistent cough by saying that it is “just a cough”, and nothing to worry about. This oversight may cost you dearly. In general, a cough associated with a cold or respiratory infection disappears within a week or two. If your cough seems more stubborn and lingers on for a while after that, see your physician immediately. It does not matter if your cough is a dry one or produces mucus; if it is persistent, it could be one of the lung cancer symptoms. Changes in Chronic Cough If you are a smoker, chances are that you suffer from a chronic cough.

There are various warning signs that may actually be an indication of Alzheimer’s, which you have been brushing off as old age-related problems or stress. Are you or a loved one displaying any of these Alzheimer’s symptoms? Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive condition that affects memory and important functions of the mind, usually affect the elderly, but can also appear in younger people. This mental disease causes the death of brain cells in a person, which can eventually lead to drastic personality changes and significant memory loss. Alzheimer’s disease is also the leading cause of dementia, a cluster of brain disorders that result in the loss of social and intellectual skills in people. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but the proper medications and treatment plan can help in keeping Alzheimer’s symptoms under control. Early detection of this health disorder is crucial as you can get the maximum benefits out of your treatment if you seek medical help during the initial stages of the disease. For this, it is important that you are aware of the Alzheimer’s symptoms, especially the ones that could be warning signs of the onset of the disease. Here are some of the early Alzheimer’s symptoms that you need to look out for in people close to you, whether it is a family member, friend, or even yourself. Memory loss that causes problems in daily life This is one of the most common Alzheimer’s symptoms, yet one that we tend to ignore easily. Every person experiences the occasional memory lapses wherein you forgot where you put your keys, to get the milk from the store, or the name of an acquaintance. However, if your memory loss is due to the onset of Alzheimer’s symptoms, it can be a persistent condition. Notice if you or a loved one constantly loses track of important information, big events, and names of friends and family members.

Statistics show that 1 out of 24 persons are at risk of getting colon cancer. Early diagnosis is paramount for a good prognosis – these are the colon cancer symptoms you should watch out for. Colon cancer is formed due to the growth of cancerous cells inside the large intestine. The longest part of the large intestine is called the colon, and its primary function is to extract water and salt from the solid wastes that exit the body through the rectum to be excreted from the anus. Colon cancer is also termed as rectal cancer, but that depends on where the tumor begins to spread. The inner lining of the colon or rectum is termed as a polyp, it is from here that most colon cancers begin to grow. There are two types of polyps – ‘adenomatous polyps’ (also known as ‘adenomas’, they are sometimes cancerous in nature) and ‘hyperplastic polyps’ (also known as ‘inflammatory polyps’, commonly found but are not pre-cancerous in nature). There are various factors that cause colon cancer such as polyps, mutations in the DNA, family genetics, and diet. These malignant tumors once fully formed then travel through the blood and spread in other body organs. Colon cancer cells continue to grow and multiply instead of experiencing programmed cell death. If the polyps are not removed during colonoscopy, they grow into malignant cancerous cells overtime. Metastasis (spread of the cancerous cells) results in a severe condition where the disease damages and invades the other healthy cells of the body which is extremely difficult to treat successfully. Gradually the uncontrolled growth of colon cancer cells leads to the shutting down of the system functioning, eventually leading to death. Quite often colon cancer symptoms appear after the cancer has begun to spread. Symptoms such as inflammatory or irritable bowels syndrome, infections, hemorrhoids, may be a result of some other illness altogether.

Most men are unaware of enlarged prostate symptoms. Learn what to watch out for to get early and effective treatment. The prostate gland is a gland that is the size of a walnut which surrounds the neck of the urinary bladder (urethra), and is located in front of the rectum and behind the bladder among males. The prostate helps in the production of semen, and is also responsible for carrying the sperm from the testicles during ejaculation. When the prostate gland grows in size, it creates an obstruction for the urethra, thereby posing difficulties while urinating. The size of the prostate gland increases with age, especially after the age of 40-50 years or so. In certain men, this problem may start at an earlier stage and may also result in an abnormally large growth of the prostate. This condition is medically termed as ‘benign prostate hyperplasia’ (BPH). Blockage caused due to the enlarged prostate can also cause urinary tract infections that could eventually lead to damage of the kidney or bladder. There are various enlarged prostate symptoms that you need to watch out for. If you notice one or more of these enlarged prostate symptoms, seek medical help immediately to avoid any further complications. The following are the enlarged prostate symptoms that must never go unnoticed: Nocturia Sleeping patterns change with age, and as one gets older, you may face difficulties in sleeping, for reasons unknown. Nocturia is a condition where the patient gets up more than two to three times in the night for urination. Disturbance or lack of sleep due to the frequent need to urinate is one of the initial enlarged prostate symptoms. Increased frequency of urination Early enlarged prostate symptoms include frequent visits to the toilet in the day. The frequency increases especially in the middle of the night.

Kidney cancer is one of the cancers that may or may not cause kidney cancer symptoms in the initial stages of the condition. This makes early detection and a good prognosis difficult. Be aware, and do not ignore these kidney cancer symptoms. Kidney cancer is a result of your kidney cells becoming malignant (cancerous). These cells then begin growing abnormally out of proportion to form a stubborn tumor. The medical term for this disease is ‘renal cell carcinoma’. In most cases, kidney cancers appear in the minute tubes of the kidney. The good news is that if detected at an earlier stage, before the cancer has metastasized (spread) to other organs, the chances of successful surgical treatments are much higher. However it is also true that the exact cause of this disease is unknown. This means that a very important piece of this Big C puzzle is missing. Added to this, there are little to no kidney cancer symptoms in the early stages. Furthermore there are some kidney cancer symptoms that you may mistake for signs of other conditions. Keep an eye out for these kidney cancer symptoms, and do not delay seeking help from a doctor at the earliest if you notice one or more of these symptoms. Weight loss The clue is to notice any kind of unexplained weight loss. If you have not changed your diet or appetite recently, but are still experiencing a drastic weight loss (about 5 to 10 percent of overall body weight), get off the weighing scale and get to your doctor to check for signs of kidney cancer symptoms or other conditions. Intermittent fever If you keep getting fever that lasts for a long time, and that has not been caused by any other infection such as cold, flu or any other disease, it may be one of the elusive kidney cancer symptoms.

Recent medical reports have revealed that life expectancy of the human race has deteriorated over the past few years, thanks to rising stress and poor health conditions. People within the age group of 25 to 45 suffer from serious medical conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, facial paralysis and so on due to excessive workload and ignorance of health. According to a health report released by World Health Organization (WHO), on a global platform there are approximately 7.5 million deaths caused because of high blood pressure. High blood pressure also known as hypertension results in medical risks like stroke and coronary heart disease. High blood pressure is a condition where the body puts intense pressure on the heart thereby straining the blood vessels. On the basis of a single reading do not consider that you are suffering from high blood pressure. Doctors need to take multiple readings, over a period of few weeks to understand that constant readings are over 140 or 90. Following are a few remedies which can help your blood pressure in control. Weight check Fast paced lifestyle has brought with it fast food which is not only unhealthy for the body but also is a prime reason of rising obesity cases. People with excess weight around the waist line are the prime targets for high blood pressure. Excess fat puts strains the blood vessels thereby obstructing smooth blood flow to the heart. Create a weight planner and ensure to cut down on excess weight to avoid high blood pressure. Power walks Doctors insist on regular walks to maintain good health. If you are suffering from high blood pressure a brisk power walk must be your mandatory health activity. Brisk walking helps release excess pressure on the heart and blood vessels thereby allowing smooth blood circulation. It also helps in proper circulation of oxygen throughout the body thereby keeping you energized.

The thyroid gland is located just below the Adam’s apple, on the front of your neck. This butterfly shaped gland produces thyroid hormones that regulates the body’s metabolism. Any disruption in the normal level of thyroid hormones in your body, can cause several symptoms associated with thyroid problems. Thyroid Hormone Production Hypothalamus is a section of the brain, that produces various vital hormones. The Hypothalamus secretes Thyrotropin Releasing Hormones (TRH), which travel to the pituitary gland. There, the TRH signals the pituitary gland to release Thyrotropin or TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone). The TSH sails through the blood vessels to the thyroid gland, where it boosts the release and production of two thyroid hormones— L-Thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). The thyroid gland needs an adequate supply of iodine to produce these two hormones. When the body detects that there is a good supply of the thyroid hormones in the blood, the production of TRH and TSH are reduced. This in turn reduces the production of thyroid hormones. Symptoms of thyroid problems occur when the regulatory mechanism of the hormone system is disrupted. Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism Hypothyroidism is the condition associated with the underproduction of thyroid hormones. The thyroid gland slows down and this causes the body metabolism to slow down too. Hyperthyroidism is the condition associated with the overproduction of thyroid hormones. This causes the metabolism to reach high levels.. Symptoms of Thyroid Problems Whatever kind of thyroid problem you have, there are various signs from which you can tell that your butterfly-shaped gland is not doing its job properly. Women are more prone to suffer from thyroid disorders than men. If you are a woman over the age of 35, you should regularly check for the signs of thyroid disorders. Here are some symptoms of thyroid problems: Exhaustion If you feel drained and tired even after a full night’s sleep, your body may not be producing enough thyroid hormones.

Pneumonia is an infection that targets one or both the lungs. This infection commonly causes an inflammation of the airspaces in the lungs. The air sacs in the lungs are known as alveoli. The inflamed alveoli get filled with pus and liquid, making it extremely difficult to breathe. Pneumonia and symptoms of pneumonia are caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi that lead to the formation of an infection. However, pneumonia can also be caused by noninfectious elements such as toxic elements and foreign matter that are inhaled through breathing. Pneumonia is a life-threatening condition, if not treated in time. A large population around the world loses the battle to pneumonia every year. This fatal disease can affect anybody, irrespective of their age or gender. However, elderly people and individuals who have a weak immune system are at a greater risk of suffering from this condition. It is more serious and difficult to treat when contracted by younger kids, old individuals, and people who already suffer from a medical condition. The condition and symptoms of pneumonia generally begin when one inhales a bad germ into the lungs. A person who is suffering from cold or fever is likely to get the disease as these infectious conditions make it difficult for the lungs to restrain and fight against the germs. Also, people who have chronic illnesses like diabetes or cancer may have a higher risk. Pneumonia is contagious and can spread through inhalation of droplets from the sneeze or cough of an affected person. However, there are some types of pneumonia that are not contagious and do not spread through contact or being around a patient. Symptoms of pneumonia can be easily noticeable and come quickly after the lungs are infected. The symptoms also differ on the basis of age and the type of pneumonia.

Neuropathy is a condition or a disease where the nerves are affected by either a disease or a malfunction. An injury or disease anywhere in the body can damage the nerves as they are present everywhere in the body taking the signals from central nervous system (that is located in the brain) and sending it to the end organ that has to act or react. Neuropathy is often classified based on the nerves that are affected because of an injury or a disease. Neuropathy affects around 8 percent of people after they turn 55. Here are some types of neuropathy that you should know of to be able to identify the problem based on the causes and symptoms: Peripheral neuropathy – When there is a problem in the nerves and the effect is seen on the nerves that are outside the brain and spinal cord, it is called peripheral neuropathy. You can identify this with neuropathy symptoms like weakness, numbness, and pain in the feet and hands. At times, it may also affect other body parts as well. Proximal neuropathy – There are twelve cranial nerves. When any one of the nerves gets damages, it can cause proximal neuropathy. Cranial nerves come straight out of the brain and hence cause damage in these nerves which in turn can cause problems like Bell’s palsy and third, fourth, and sixth nerve palsy in which your eyes are affected. Proximal neuropathy symptoms can be found out by noticing the functioning of eyes and ears, and if there is abnormality felt, it could mean that one of the cranial nerves are impacted. Autonomic neuropathy – There are nerves in the involuntary nervous system and when there is damage to those nerves, one suffers from autonomic neuropathy. Functions that are controlled by these nerves include blood circulation, digestion, bowel function, bladder function, perspiration, and sexual response.

Fewer than three bowels movements a week is referred to as constipation. Constipation also implies having to strain too much to create bowel movement or pass stools that are dry, hard and small. But once the s evere constipation causes are known, there are various steps and treatments that can be implemented to cure and prevent it. The main causes of severe constipation are usually associated with diet and lifestyle, although there may occur some medical conditions that can also become a cause. In terms of lifestyle, a poor diet and sedentary, inactive lifestyle are the common s evere constipation causes . The human digestive system suffers greatly when consumption of junk food is not monitored, and unhealthy eating habits can wreak havoc on the human digestive system. Factors directly linked to the diet that can create conditions for constipation are: Foods containing high levels of fat and sugar Low levels of water Low levels of other fluids Dairy products Lack of foods that contain high fiber like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Too much caffeine or alcohol Another very important factor is the importance of defecating as soon as the need arises, instead of putting it off for a more convenient time or place, since delays can make the body move into a phase of constipation. Sometimes, changes in the normal routine also cause digestive and bowel problems, as the human body is designed for routine. Sporadic use of bathroom, inconsistent activity, dietary changes, inadequate water consumption and general lack of exercise are some examples. It is therefore important while traveling or changing the schedule to eat high fiber foods that are healthy and drink enough water, along with a little bit of exercise to help the body maintain its physiological habits. Medications can be another cause of constipation since frequently prescribed medications can serve constipation as a common side effect.

The listed symptoms for meningitis are among those that are often difficult to diagnose. This results in a much critical condition for a patient that could be life-threatening if it is not timely addressed. Meningitis is often mistaken for a less critical condition because of its symptoms that are synonymous with symptoms of other illnesses. Therefore, it becomes very important to spot the common symptoms for meningitis to prevent this from becoming serious enough to be a threat to one’s life. The early signs of meningitis are same as that of a common seasonal flu. In fact, the disease begins like the flu or infection at the start. So, it is common for doctors too to fail to recognize it or mistake it for other common infection. If one knows how to detect if someone might be suffering from among the common or listed symptoms for meningitis, a lot of lives could be saved. There are many commonly listed symptoms for meningitis. Bacterial meningitis is quick to develop; it can take hours or a few days to develop. Moreover, viral meningitis is also quick to develop. It is important to know that there are two types of meningitis: viral meningitis and bacterial meningitis. Bacterial meningitis is more than the former. Viral Meningitis can be cured easily without much complication, but bacterial meningitis is most likely to remain uncured and can become more serious. The commonly listed symptoms for meningitis include fever, headache, and a stiff neck. However, there are more commonly listed symptoms for meningitis such as the following. – Vomiting – Nausea – Confusion – Drowsiness – Sensitivity to bright light – Poor appetite – Seizure – Patients may also go into a coma in more serious cases. Infants can show symptoms such as fever, poor feeding, lethargy, and irritation.

Kidneys are the filtering units of the human body. They filter the blood and expel the toxins which are flushed out of the body during urination. At times kidneys fail to perform their function. They become incapable to filer the waste from the blood. The kidney health deteriorates along with several other factors. Kidney trauma, chronic disease medications, and pollutants can aggravate the problem and cause complete kidney failure. This results in the overloading of toxins in the body. Kidney failure is life-threatening if it isn’t treated the right way. Kidney failure symptoms There are different symptoms of kidney failure. In the beginning, the kidney failure symptoms can’t be traced. As the kidneys weaken, symptoms such as reduced RBC production, imbalance of electrolytes, and uneasy waste clearance from the body arise. Some of the main kidney failure symptoms are: Lethargy, fatigue, and weakness Regular nausea and drowsiness Urine reduction Short breath Inflammation in ankles, feet, and legs caused by fluid retention Pain in chest Confusion Less appetite Congestive heart failure Metabolic acidosis High potassium levels in blood (hyperkalemia) High uric levels in the blood Irregular heartbeat rhythm Coma Causes of kidney failure Acute and chronic health problems result in the failure of the kidney. Some of the likely causes are: Acute renal failure: It occurs in quick successions when kidneys fail to function properly. Every human has two kidneys. If one kidney fails it can be operated and removed from the body. Single kidney continues to function normally. However, if both the kidneys fail, transplantation of kidney is the only viable solution. Pre-renal kidney failure: The pre-renal kidney failure is caused by the inefficient blood supply to the kidney. The pre-renal kidney failure symptoms are dehydration, fever, low blood volumes (hypovolemia), sweating, water loss and improper blood flow. Sepsis: Infections in the body affect the immune system.