Arthritis, in simple language, refers to joint disease causing joint pain. Arthritis is not a single disease; doctors have been able to discover more than 100 types of arthritis. Arthritis is not age-specific, which means it can happen to anyone, at any age, any sex, and any race. In America, it is the major cause of disability where more than 300,000 children and 50 million adults suffer from arthritis. The body of a person suffering from arthritis is in an inflammatory state. Certain foods are to be avoided with arthritis as they not only increase inflammation but also push the person towards obesity and other chronic diseases such as heart attack and disabilities. Even though arthritis does not have a specific diet cure, certain foods to avoid with arthritis have shown to trigger inflammation, affect bones, and damage the immune system. There are different kinds of food that have the ability to promote or control inflammation. When anti-inflammatory food options are made a part of daily diet, pain resulting due to arthritis can be crushed to a great extent. Certain inflammation triggers in foods that can lead to arthritis and attached pain and swelling. Here is a list of foods to avoid with arthritis. Fried and processed foods – Researchers have proved that by lowering consumption of fried food and frozen meals, inflammation can be reduced and natural defenses of the body can be restored. Red meat – Red meat is loaded saturated fats well as omega-6 fatty acids and can trigger inflammation. This food should be avoided if you have arthritis. Patients have reported that after avoiding red meat, they have noticed a drastic improvement in the symptoms. Sugar and refined carbs – High sugar level results in inflammation. It is best to avoid processed food, candies, cakes as well as cold drinks loaded with soda.

When nasal mucosa produces mucus in excess, it causes PND or post-nasal drip. It is a common problem under such circumstances. All the glands in the lining of your throat, nose, and airways produce mucus continually. These glands work toward cleaning and moistening the nasal membranes, clears and traps inhaled foreign particles, humidifies the air in the airways, and fights with infections. You do not realize its presence, but you swallow it unconsciously all through the day. However, when mucus production happens in abundance, it starts dripping from the back of your nose thereby causing post-nasal drip. The symptoms of post-nasal drip include coughing, sore throat, congestion, feeling weak, and difficulty in swallowing. A lot of things can trigger post-nasal drip. These include flu, common cold, sinus infection, allergies, excessively dry air, cold temperature, medications, spicy food, hormonal changes, perfumes, chemical fumes, smoke, cleaning products, and other similar irritants. You can treat most cases of post-nasal drip with home remedies. You would find all the ingredients in your kitchen to get rid of it. Following are certain ways of treating post-nasal drip: Salt water gargle The best way to relieve the uneasiness caused due to post-nasal drip is gargling with salt water. It thins out the mucus that lets you get rid of the same. It also flushes out the irritants from the nasal passages. Process for this treatment option for post-nasal drip: – Mix ½ teaspoon of salt and 1 cup of warm water together – Keep stirring until the salt dissolves – Gargle a couple of times daily with this solution for 2–3 days Steam inhalation You can use steam post-nasal drip treatment with or without essential oils to prevent the production of mucus in excess which causes post-nasal drip. The process of steam inhalation: – Boil water and transfer it to a bowl – Add a few drops of essential oil if you have any – Cover your head with a towel and hold your face over the bowl of hot water – Inhale the steam deeply for around 10 minutes and then blow your nose – Follow this process a couple of times till you completely recover Taking a warm shower also helps in breaking up the mucus.

Swelling can cause pain in any part of the body. Your feet and ankle support your whole body weight as you stand or move around. If your feet and ankles suffer from inflammation and pain, look for possible causes and consult your doctor on how to treat the condition. Causes of swollen feet and ankles There can be many reasons for your feet and ankle to become swollen and painful. A few of them are listed below: Pregnancy Pregnancy puts pressure on the abdominal region and causes various pains and discomfort. One of these can be fluid retention in the legs. It is a normal occurrence. However, if there is excessive inflammation, consult your doctor. It could indicate a condition called Preeclampsia. Preeclampsia could lead to high blood pressure and buildup of protein in the urine. If your ankle swells and you experience headaches and abdominal pain, you need immediate medical attention. Infected wounds If you have injured your feet resulting in open wounds, these could get infected and cause swelling. In addition to this, if you have a chronic condition like diabetes, it can complicate matters further. Diabetes can cause nerve damage which can affect the sensation of pain. So, wounds may go unnoticed, and then the swelling and infection can advance quickly. Therefore, always inspect your feet for injuries. Chronic diseases A heart, kidney or liver condition could also cause swelling in your feet and ankles. Heart diseases can lead to fluid retention in the body, especially in the extremities. Kidney failure is another cause of fluid retention. The kidneys get rid of wastes and toxins in the body through urine. When they fail, a fluid buildup occurs. The liver produces a special protein called albumin. Albumin prevents fluid from leaking out of blood vessels. When the liver does not produce albumin, fluid leaks outside from blood vessels.

One of the most common types of heel pain is caused by a condition called Plantar Fasciitis, which is the swelling of a ligament called Plantar Fascia on the underside of your foot. A whopping 10% of the people in the entire world suffer from this condition. Sometimes, the pain can even become chronic. However, there are simple ways to deal with it. Read further to find out treatment of plantar fasciitis at home. Plantar Fasciitis: An Overview This condition is caused whenever you put excessive strain on your feet. It is most common in middle-aged people, but it can also affect younger adults who are on their feet for long periods, like athletes. Repeated straining can cause small tears in the ligament which can lead to chronic pains. Home Treatment Of Plantar Fasciitis Even when you visit a doctor, the first solution they give you is steps you can take to treat the pain on your own. Some of these are mentioned below. Rest Your Feet: Ensure that you give your feet ample amount of rest. If any activity is causing pain, avoid it. Support Your Feet: The best way to do this is by wearing supportive footwear that has a good heel cushioning and arch support. You can even buy shoe inserts to put into your footwear instead of buying expensive shoes for treatment of plantar fasciitis. Use A Cold Pack: Using ice or a cold pack can reduce the inflammation and ease the pain. Don’t apply ice directly on your feet, always wrap it in a towel. You can also alternatively use frozen peas or grapes wrapped in a towel for the same effect. Give It Some Heat: If ice doesn’t help with the symptoms even after two or three days, you can try a heating pad or a hot water bag to relieve pain.

There can be many causes for swollen fingers, but when it occurs, it causes a lot of pain and discomfort. It becomes difficult to flex and move your fingers. Even simple tasks like picking up a pen, or writing becomes difficult. Swelling can occur due to injuries, allergies and also as symptoms of other diseases like arthritis. It can also be because of fluid retention. Blunt force injuries, injuries that cause a hematoma, a condition in which packets of blood accumulate outside the blood vessels after a finger trauma. Injuries can also occur if a thorn, a wood splitter or if other foreign objects penetrate your skin. Strains, fractures, sprains and other traumatic injuries on the hand, can also cause swollen fingers. Other causes may include – Animal bites on the finger can cause wounds and swelling. Insect bites and stings can also trigger finger inflammation. Tight gloves, rings that have become a tight fit on your finger, and other such constrictions can interrupt blood flow and cause swelling. Paronychia and Cellulitis are infections that can occur in the region of the hands and fingers, and cause swelling and pain. Septic Arthritis is caused by bacterial infection in the joints. This can also affect finger joints. Septic Bursitis can be another main cause. Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs near your joints. These cushion the muscles, tissues, and tendons and prevent friction in the joint regions. When there is inflammation of the bursae, it is called bursitis. Bursitis in your finger joints can be extremely painful. Lymphedema is a condition, where the Lymph fluid does not drain out of your body properly and starts collecting in places like your feet and hands. This can lead to the swelling of your hands and fingers. Heat can cause blood vessels to expand, leading to inflammation, redness, and soreness in the fingers and hands.

What is Blood Pressure? Blood pressure is the force that transports blood through our circulatory system. It is a life force which pushes oxygen and nutrients around our circulatory system to feed tissues and organs. Blood pressure is also important because it distributes white blood cells and antibodies for immunity, and hormones such as insulin. The fresh blood that gets delivered also gathers the toxic waste products of metabolism along with the carbon dioxide we breathe out, and the toxins we clear through our liver and kidneys. The heart builds up blood pressure by pumping out blood when it contracts with every heartbeat. Biology Our blood pressure is highest at the commencement of its journey from our heart, and it is lowest at the end of its journey along smaller branches of arteries. That pressure difference is what causes blood to flow around our bodies. The condition of the arteries effect on the blood pressure and flow. What does Blood Pressure Values denote? Measurement of your blood pressure will give two readings. Your blood pressure will have two numbers, e.g., 120/80 mm. Hg. The number which appears on the left-hand side, being the highest number, is called systolic. The number which appears on the right-hand side, being the lowest number, is called diastolic. Systolic blood pressure denotes the highest pressure registered during the time your heart pushes the blood in your body system. Diastolic blood pressure denotes the lowest pressure registered, at the moment your heart rests between beats. Which number is more important? Typically, systolic blood pressure (the left side number) poses the main risk agent for cardiovascular disease for people over 50. In most people, systolic blood pressure rises incrementally with age due to the increasing rigidity of arteries. Blood Pressure Chart The blood pressure chart maps out levels of blood pressure at different times.

Know about the New and Existing Treatments for Psoriatic Arthritis Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that is a type of inflammatory arthritis. It causes a long-term condition in most people and may become worse with time, especially if left untreated. When the person suffering from this disease is not given proper treatment or when the treatment is prolonged, it can cause serious damage to the joints in the body. To avoid serious and permanent joint damages, it is important to get an early diagnosis. Learning and knowing the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis is hence important to get the right diagnosis and timely treatment. Psoriatic arthritis may develop post a psoriasis disease. Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes scaly patches that develops on the skin. Not all types of psoriasis lead to psoriatic arthritis; however, in some cases of psoriasis can lead to an onset of psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis can affect any joint in the body. When psoriatic arthritis occurs in the spine, the condition is called spondylitis. It causes a stiffness in the neck or back, causing difficulty to the person while bending. People who have psoriatic arthritis may also get tender spots in the tendons. This causes a pain in the feet or the back of the heel. Most people fear a permanent joint damage that could be caused by psoriatic arthritis; however, it is not entirely true. Psoriatic arthritis can cause permanent joint damage; however, this can only happen when it is left untreated or when the treatment is provided too late. An early diagnosis and treatment can cure psoriatic arthritis and not cause any harm to the joint. There are different types of treatments available to cure psoriatic arthritis. To know about them, read on! Existing treatments for psoriatic arthritis Patients with psoriatic arthritis undergo several types of treatments, some of them include doses of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medicines.

Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition wherein the skin gradually loses color or pigment. White patches, in particular, are a common warning sign of vitiligo. These patches result from skin depigmentation and can occur anywhere on the body, such as the face, hands, neck, arms, elbows, feet, wrists, ankles, and groin. Doctors may recommend several treatment options to manage the symptoms and ensure they do not worsen or lead to health conditions. 1. Topical creams Doctors prescribe topical creams or ointments with special ingredients to vitiligo patients for skin repigmentation. One can ask the doctor which cream would work best for their case and apply it as they recommend. 2. Light therapy With the help of light therapy, vitiligo patients can achieve repigmentation successfully. Here, patients are made to stand in a light box that directs UV rays toward the affected skin. These rays restore pigmentation and help prevent new patches from forming. Phototherapy exposure times can vary for each patient. The treatment is most effective for restoring pigmentation on the face and neck. 3. Oral treatment Some vitiligo treatments are to be taken orally to slow down the development of patches and spots on the skin and stimulate repigmentation. Doctors decide on a possible treatment after discussing viable options with the patient. 4. Surgery Vitiligo patients who do not improve with other treatments may be prescribed surgery. Here, a surgeon might perform a skin graft procedure by covering the patches with healthy skin from another region. Alternatively, a cell transplant surgery can be performed, where cells are extracted from healthy or pigmented skin and administered into the skin patches to stimulate repigmentation. Treatment results can take some time. Additionally, it is best for those with vitiligo to talk to their doctors before using any products. Some products may exacerbate their condition, so a patch test is always recommended.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors or GISTs are tumors formed in the digestive system organs, such as the small intestine and stomach. This is a severe form of cancer that affects individuals worldwide. But, here is some good news: GIST is treatable and manageable. Patients can avail various treatment methods and manage the condition by following a healthy diet and lifestyle. This article focuses on both of these aspects in brief. Treatment modes of GIST Surgery GISTs are typically small and not very aggressive. This makes surgery one of the topmost and primary modes of treatment. Studies have shown that doctors can eradicate the tumors in 85 percent of cases. Once the tumor has been removed, doctors study it under a microscope to check for chances of redevelopment and reoccurrence. Targeted therapy Depending on the severity of the condition and the tumor’s size, doctors can also suggest targeted therapy to treat GIST. This therapy uses certain medications to identify and attack the cancerous cells in the gastrointestinal tract. Supportive care Surgery and targeted therapy may be accompanied by supportive care. This method closely monitors a patient and manages any side effects or psychological problems that might arise during treatment. It is crucial to remember that GIST can reoccur within the first two years of removing the tumor. However, patients can reduce the risk of redevelopment by maintaining the right diet and following proper nutrition. Managing GIST with diet and nutrition Living with GIST is not easy as its symptoms can impact day-to-day life. Individuals can experience pain in the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, and may feel fatigued. This makes eating the right foods very essential. Here are some diet tips for managing GIST better: Ensure to get the proper amounts of vitamins and minerals from the diet. Avoid eating high sugar foods as they can worsen the symptoms.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are soft tissue sarcomas that develop in the stomach or small intestines. They first occur in specialized cells found in the walls of the digestive system, and the condition is often diagnosed in adults between the ages of 40 and 70. Individuals with this disease experience discomforting symptoms, such as abdominal swelling, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and tarry stools. This article attempts to shed light on the risk factors associated with the condition. These influence the tumor’s development; however, they do not always directly cause the disease. Risk factors Old age Those aged between 40 and 70 are at an increased risk of developing GISTs. However, they can occur in rare cases in those younger than 40. Gender: Research states that men are more likely to develop GISTs than women. There are only a few known risk factors for the condition. In most cases, GISTs don’t have a distinct cause, but certain genetic mutations can lead to the disease. Some of these genes and conditions that increase the chances of GIST are mentioned below: Familial gastrointestinal stromal tumor syndrome This rare syndrome occurs when a parent passes on an abnormal KIT gene to their child, and it can be a risk factor for GISTs that form at a young age. Neurofibromatosis type 1 A defect in the NF1 gene causes the disease, and it may be passed on from parent to child. That said, it’s not always inherited. Those with this condition are at an increased risk of developing non-cancerous tumors in nerves at an early age. They can lead to the formation of dark spots on the skin and freckling around the groin or underarms region. The disease also increases the risk of developing GISTs. Carney-Stratakis syndrome The inherited syndrome is caused by a mutation in the SDH (succinate dehydrogenase) genes.

Rotavirus is a specific type of virus that causes a wide range of gastrointestinal disorders in children and adolescents. This may often lead to symptoms like watery diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain. This virus is transmitted via contact with infected surfaces, and it is most commonly passed through fecal-oral contact. The best way to avoid getting infected is by getting the rotavirus vaccine. If your child is infected by rotavirus, the doctor may recommend immediate hospitalization to prevent any further complications. The following are a few treatment methods that can be opted for when treating a rotavirus infection: Oral rehydration therapy One of the biggest problems that a child suffering from a rotavirus infection may face is the loss of fluids, which can lead to severe dehydration. If an infant is suffering from such an infection, they must be given small amounts of fluids at regular intervals or must be nursed frequently. It is also recommended to use an oral rehydration solution to avoid severe dehydration. If the child is severely dehydrated, they may need to be provided with extra fluids through intravenous or intraosseous lines. Probiotics A child who is infected with this virus can experience a weakened immune system that needs to be remedied to avoid any further infections and diseases. Regular intake of probiotics is known to be effective in improving immunity in children and preventing foreign antigens from entering the body. Moreover, these probiotics may also help improve gut health in children. Other medications There are several other medications that might be prescribed to treat protozoal or helminthic infections in the intestines. These infections are a common occurrence in children suffering from rotaviral gastroenteritis, and are usually treated by prescribing medications containing nitrothiazole-benzamide compounds. Although such children may suffer from watery diarrhea, antidiarrheal medications are usually not given to them.

Skincare products are formulated to help cleanse, exfoliate, and counter surface odors. But most of these daily-use sunscreens, moisturizers, and creams are made using synthetic compounds. Regularly using such products intensifies chemical concentration on the skin and triggers irritation and allergies. People with sensitive skin or a disorder like eczema usually switch to organic products to protect the skin. This article elaborates five skincare ingredients that can be quite aggravating for those with eczema. Parabens A lot of beauty products come with a “paraben-free” disclaimer. This ingredient is one of the most used preservatives in almost all cosmetic products in the market, especially fragrances. Compounds like propylparaben and Iosbutylparaben will increase the shelf life of the product but are quite harmful to sensitive skin and people with eczema. Moisturizing agents Lanolin, propylene glycol, and petroleum jelly are largely used in moisturizing products and protective lotions. Any skin care product with these ingredients worsens the symptoms of atopic dermatitis or eczema. Improper refining processes trigger a release of irritants like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). Synthetic fragrances Fragrances are formulated to mask body odor and have a long-lasting effect even on hot days. But a lot of these fragrances are made with chemicals and added scents that may smell good but trigger irritation in eczema patients. Many everyday skincare products are also laced with such fragrances to mask the smell of the base formula. Even unscented products contain some strong ingredient that was added to mask the original smell of the product. Essential oils Daily use of essential oils made with tea tree, mint, citrus, and lavender oils can trigger irritation and dryness. Many products feature these natural oils in their formula. The risk is high when mixed with other synthetic fragrances and odor dampeners used in daily skincare products. Preservatives Shampoos, shower gels, and soaps are mostly filled with preservatives and skin bleaching ingredients.