Creatinine is a chemical waste product produced during body metabolism. The chemical is usually flushed out of the body through urine. Normal kidney function ensures that these waste products do not accumulate in the body and are regularly cleared out of the system. How Is Creatinine Produced? from amino acids like methionine and glycine are processed in the kidneys. It results in the production of guanidinoacetate acid. The acid travels to the liver, and here it is converted into another amino acid known as creatine. This creatine is stored and used in muscle tissues to produce energy. When you exercise your muscles, creatine in the muscles is used up and produces the waste product, creatinine. Creatinine tests show creatinine levels in the urine and blood. Normally, creatinine level in the urine would be higher than the level in the blood. This is because the kidneys usually remove the creatinine through urine. Knowing how to reduce creatinine levels will help mainatin a stability in its production. Normal creatinine levels in the blood for men and women: For men, blood creatinine level is usually in the range of 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL For women, blood creatinine level is usually in the range of 0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL Creatinine level in men is higher than women because of greater muscle mass. Kidneys and Creatinine If the kidneys are not functioning normally for some reason, many waste products, including creatinine, can build up in the body. If you have persistently high levels of creatinine in your blood, it may indicate an underlying problem. High creatinine levels in the blood beyond the normal range for your sex can lead to serious health issues. It can even result in life-threatening disorders like uremia. Before it gets too late, consider the following treatments to know how to reduce creatinine.

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.

If the changing seasons make you sneeze your head off, instead of putting a spring in your step, you might have a pollen allergy. Pollen allergies or hay fever is an allergic reaction to the pollen released by plants. Pollen is a fine powder released by plants during their reproductive cycles. Pollen is fine enough to travel through the air, which helps plants to reproduce. However, the protein in the pollen can be easily inhaled or ingested via the nose, mouth, ears, or eyes which can trigger an allergic reaction in some people. Approximately 30% of adults have some level of pollen allergy. Pollen is not only released by flowering plants but also by grass, trees, and weeds. Flower pollen allergies are more common in spring. Grass pollen allergies are more common in summer, and in autumn, pollen allergies from weeds are predominant. This makes pollen allergies a year-round ordeal for some people, that can be quite uncomfortable and impedes their daily lives. Pollen allergy signs and symptoms If you have a pollen sensitivity, every time you breathe in or come in contact with pollen, you might notice pollen allergy signs such as: Sneezing Itching Redness of the eyes A runny nose Coughing Watering eyes Difficulty breathing Pollen allergy signs can also include worsening of asthma and other respiratory conditions in people who are predisposed. Allergens such as pollen, trigger an immune response in the body. The immune system releases a chemical called Histamine, that works to eliminate this allergen, which is perceived as a threat to the body. Histamine causes the blood vessels to dilate which produces pollen allergy signs such as sneezing, runny nose, and redness of the nose and eyes. The nasal blood vessels also expand which can cause nasal congestion and sinus infections. Conversely, the veins of the face constrict in response to histamine, which causes characteristic pollen allergy signs called ‘allergic shiners’ like dark circles under the eyes.

Cholesterol is a naturally occurring substance, made by the liver. It performs many vital functions in the body, so it is not inherently harmful. However, there is good cholesterol and bad cholesterol. Cholesterol Functions Cholesterol is produced by the liver. A small percentage is made available through the food you eat. All cholesterol is not bad, it has many uses for the body. Cholesterol aids in the production of steroid hormones. A deficiency in these hormones can affect many aspects of health including sexual function, digestion, mental health, and bone health. Cholesterol is a component of cell structure. It helps maintain the structural integrity of the cell membrane. Cholesterol plays a vital role in digestion. It helps the liver produce and secrete bile, which is necessary to digest fat. Sunlight helps the body produce Vitamin D. However, the body needs cholesterol, along with sunlight, in order to make Vitamin D. The Good and The Bad Cholesterol travels through the bloodstream in the lipids. When you take a lipid profile test, it shows the total cholesterol level in your body, the LDL, HDL, and Triglycerides levels. There are three types of lipoproteins in the bloodstream- Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL), High-Density Lipoproteins (HDL), and Triglycerides. LDL is referred to as bad cholesterol because it has very low protein content and is high in cholesterol. HDL is low in cholesterol and high in protein content. Triglycerides are lipids that help the body store excess energy. However, a rise in triglyceride level is also bad for health. LDL and Plaque Buildup Consider LDL as a sort of capsule where the outer shell, made of lipoprotein, encapsulates cholesterol. As LDL particles are not as dense as other cholesterol particles, the cholesterol can break off and stick to the walls of blood vessels. Your white blood cells, try to destroy LDL particles.

Sleep is nature’s way of helping the body rest and recover after a day’s activity. Whether you lead an active or a sedentary lifestyle, your body and the various organs that keep you going have to perform their functions on a daily basis. When you sleep, most of the body’s internal as well as external organs either rest or slow down. It gives the various systems and the organs a chance to rest and get ready for a new day’s activity. If you do not get adequate sleep, it affects the entire system, and you feel tired and dysfunctional. Sleep Disorder Symptoms There are many types of sleep disorders, and their symptoms might differ. However, certain basic symptoms are common to all sleep disorders. These include: Experiencing difficulty in falling asleep at night. Tiredness after waking up. Feeling irritable and short-tempered. Feeling sleepy during the daytime or wanting to take naps. Falling asleep while performing an activity like driving. Forgetfulness. Lack of focus and concentration. Unusual behavior while asleep. Disturbed sleep, having nightmares, and night time fears. Sleepwalking. Slowed down reactions during waking hours. Feeling the need for stimulants like coffee to stay awake through the day. If you experience all or some of these symptoms, consult your doctor. They could be signs of a deeper problem. These could also lead to other problems. Different Sleep Disorders And Their Signs Based on sleep disorder symptoms, there are a number of sleeping problems, four of the most common are insomnia, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and narcolepsy. You can also experience Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders under certain circumstances. Insomnia Insomnia is the most common of sleep disorders. One in two people suffers from occasional bouts of insomnia, while a large number of people are victims to chronic insomnia. Common insomnia symptoms are:

In the past few decades, it has become increasingly difficult for retired seniors to manage their healthcare expenses. Realistically, in the near future, medical services are estimated to become more and more expensive. Even out-of-pockets costs like Medicare co-insurance and deductibles can hit day-to-day finances in a detrimental way. One way to resolve this problem is by enrolling in a Medigap plan. Also, known as Medicare Supplement Plans, Medigap is a form of health insurance that manages additional costs that are not covered under Original Medicare. These expenses include co-insurance, deductibles, and emergency medical expenses while flying overseas. Conversely, it doesn’t handle costs involving long-term care, private-duty nursing, vision care, eyeglasses, dental, and hearing aids. A few Medigap plans might reimburse for prescription medications. Unlike, the Original Medicare plans, which are rendered by federal agencies, Medigap plans are offered by private insurance companies. These plans are only for those individuals who are enrolled in Part A and Part B plans of Medicare. On the other hand, people having a Medicare Advantage plan are not eligible for Medigap policies. What factors can influence the price of Medigap? The premiums of a Medigap policy differ across providers and regions. Therefore, before one plans to opt for a Medicare Supplement Plan, it is essential that they identify the several factors that influence premiums and total out-of-pocket costs to settle for the best quote. Continue reading to know more. Type of Medicare Supplement Plan selected As Medigap policies are administered by private providers, they set their own premium rates. Apart from states of Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, all the other 47 states propose ten standardized Medicare Supplement Plans. Following are some common features offered by these plans: Co-insurance and co-payments related to hospice services Blood transfusions (first 3 pints) Co-insurance and co-payments for Original Medicare plans (Part A and Part B) Besides the basic benefits stated above, few Medigap policies may also enable the insured to access additional reimbursements.

Esophagus is the muscular tube that connects the throat and the stomach. Esophageal cancer is a form of cancer that affects this muscular tube. It is rare cancer that can also lead to life-threatening complications. Most patients are diagnosed with this condition in its advanced stages as this type of cancer does not show symptoms in the initial stage. Keep reading to learn more about some common alarming signs of esophageal cancer. Warning signs of esophageal cancer Difficulty swallowing Also known as dysphagia, facing trouble swallowing is one of the most common signs of esophageal cancer. Dysphagia can occur because of a tumor that makes it difficult for food to pass through by obstructing the esophagus. The pain and difficulty in swallowing may be because of damage to the nerves that control the movement of esophageal muscles. Alternatively, it can also happen because of physical obstruction. As the tumor grows, the patient might experience increasing pain and difficulty swallowing solid food and eventually face problems with liquids. However, this symptom can also be attributed to several other health conditions. Acid reflux Acid reflux is considered one of the common indicators of esophageal cancer. It occurs when the contents of the stomach or the hydrochloric acid in the stomach go back up into the esophagus. It can cause irritation and inflammation of the food pipe. Chronic acid reflux can result in Barrett’s esophagus. It is a condition in which the esophageal lining changes, making it more susceptible to developing cancer. Chest pain Another symptom of esophageal cancer is chest pain. This results from cancer cells have invaded the chest or the back wall. This chest discomfort can be constant, or it may come and go. Some might even experience worsening pain over time. However, various other conditions share this symptom, so it is important to have yourself examined by a health expert immediately.

The most common disorders of the nervous system are headaches—especially migraine headaches. Statistics show that nearly 15% of adults in the US experience severe headaches with an overwhelming majority of the people affected being women. One in four households has a person who is affected by a migraine. Americans who were surveyed reported that their migraine symptoms lasted between one to three days. It runs within the family genes and 90% of the migraineurs have a family history of the condition. Migraines are not just a headache It is a neurological condition with distinct debilitating neurological symptoms. Throbbing recurrent pain usually on one side of the head but both sides can be involved. Accompanying disabling symptoms include visual disturbances, heightened sensitivity to sound, smell, light, touch, numbness in limbs and face, weakness, nausea/vomiting, dizziness. Attacks may last between 4-72 hours. Impacts the quality of your life. Might be undiagnosed in children. Can cause depression, anxiety attacks, dependence on painkillers. A migraine as a disability The World Health Organization has classified severe migraine headaches as comparable to disabling illnesses like dementia, psychosis, and quadriplegia. Since it affects people largely in the age group of 18-55, the impact is on the productive years of a person’s life. 113 million workdays are lost due to a migraine and employers lose more than $13 billion annually. The annual economic burden for migraine sufferers in the US is approximately $78 billion. This means that chronic migraineurs must spend between $8500-9500 and episodic migraineurs must spend at least $2000 annually on medication, treatments, and healthcare. This figure also takes indirect costs into account such as—lost wages, productivity, etc. Treatments Mild attacks can be addressed with OTC pain relievers like aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, etc. Drugs like triptans are used specifically as remedies for migraines. Ergotamine/Caffeine combinations are also effective.

Sinus blockage occurs when there is a swelling and congestion in the sinus tissues. This can occur due to an infection or it can be caused by allergies. Clearing the congestion is the best way to get relief from the pain and discomfort caused by sinusitis. Sinusitis There are small hollow spaces in the skull, around the nose, known as sinuses. These spaces are filled with air and are lined with thin tissues. These sinuses secrete mucus. The mucus helps clear the nasal passages, making it easier for you to breathe and preventing pollutants from blocking up the airways. However, an infection like cold or flu or an allergy could cause an inflammation in the sinuses. This condition is referred to as sinusitis. This blocks up the cavities, and as a result, air and mucus get trapped inside. This exerts pressure on the facial bones and muscles, causing nasal congestion, and all of this results in pain and discomfort. Sinusitis can be acute or chronic. In the former case, the condition lasts for up to a month. In the case of chronic sinusitis, the problem can persist for several months, maybe even years. Symptoms of sinusitis Listed below are some of the common symptoms of sinusitis: Facial pressure Headaches Difficulty in breathing Aches in the cheeks, around the nose, and behind the eyes Nasal discharge Fever Tiredness Treatment for sinusitis Sinusitis is mostly caused due to a viral infection like cold or flu. However, you can also get bacterial sinus infections. In addition, sinusitis can also occur due to an allergy. Medicines For a bacterial infection, the doctor might prescribe certain antibiotics. If an allergy has triggered your sinusitis, you may be prescribed with antihistamines. You can also take some over-the-counter or prescription pain medications. Decongestant medications are also a popular choice.

Diarrhea is a condition that causes frequent bowel movements with a loose, watery stool. It can have many causes. Unless it is a severe condition caused by an infection or an underlying disease, a patient can treat it by making a few dietary changes and taking OTC medications. Causes of diarrhea Several factors can lead to diarrhea Infections: Stomach flu, bacterial gastroenteritis, and parasitical infections like intestinal worms can lead to this condition. Food poisoning: Adverse reactions to food can cause diarrhea. Medical conditions: Conditions like ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or irritable bowel syndrome or IBS can cause chronic diarrhea. Medicines: Some medications like NSAIDs and antibiotics can be the cause. There are other causes of diarrhea as well. Your doctor will get all the details of your condition, consider the medicines you are consuming, and check for any underlying ailment that could cause diarrhea. They may also ask you to go for blood and stool tests if you have severe diarrhea. Treatment of diarrhea Most of the times, diarrhea goes away on its own after three or four days. Some over-the-counter medicines like bismuth subsalicylate and loperamide can help. If you have severe diarrhea due to a bacterial infection, you may have to take antibiotics for treating the condition. If some other ailment like celiac disease or IBS is the cause, you may have to consult a gastroenterologist who will provide you with a treatment plan for chronic diarrhea. What should diarrhea patients eat and drink? When you have diarrhea, you have frequent bowel movements, and this causes dehydration. So, you should drink a lot of water. Your doctor may also suggest some special drinks like a sports drink to replace the electrolytes lost from your body. Stick to a balanced diet and avoid spicy foods. Usually, the diet plan followed for treating diarrhea is called BRAT.

An allergy is the response of the immune system to an irritating substance. These allergens could come from food, insects, pollen grains, drugs, and medications. When our body comes across any allergen, our immune system becomes active and creates specific antibodies called immunoglobulin to fight with the allergen. Immunoglobulins are present in our nose, throat, eyes, and lungs. These antibodies activate the mast cells in our body which cause the release of certain chemical substances in these zones called histamines. The release of histamine causes symptoms of an allergic reaction such as swelling in the nasal passage, runny nose, itching in the throat, burning eyes, and other such symptoms. Every person is different and so are their allergies. No two people are bound to have the same reaction to an allergen. A person can be allergic to one thing but might be completely non-responsive to the other. Though allergies are different in different people, there are be best allergy treatments people can use to cure all types of allergies. The allergies can also depend upon the amount of exposure. A limited amount of exposure might not harm an individual but if it crosses the threshold, it can cause the allergy to flare up. These reactions basically depend on upon our genetic disposition. If the parents have some kind of an allergy, the child having the susceptibility of having the same allergy might increase manifold. The most common causes of an allergy are mentioned below. Allergy from food – Food items like fish, nuts, and dairy products can cause allergic reactions in different individuals. These allergies could manifest itself in skin allergies or nasal allergic symptoms. Airborne allergies – Airborne allergies are the allergies which are spread through the air. The main causes of these allergies are pollen, that is shed by the trees during the springtime.