Nasal polyps – Causes, symptoms, and treatments explained

Nasal polyps – Causes, symptoms, and treatments explained

Nasal polyps are benign growths that cover the lining of the nose tissues and sinuses. A polyp is a bulging teardrop-shaped formation that blocks the nasal path, and it usually hangs from the nasal lining. Prolonged irritation of the sinus and inflammation of the lining can trigger the growth of these polyps, but the condition can be easily managed with medications. That said, a mild surgical procedure may be required in some cases to provide long-term relief. Read on for a brief overview of the condition. What causes nasal polyps to form? Inflammation, also referred to as chronic rhinosinusitis, is one of the primary triggers associated with this condition. Inflammation may be deemed chronic if it persists for over 12 weeks. Also, an abnormal response of the immune system and resulting problems in the mucus membrane can trigger the growth of nasal polyps. That said, the direct cause is unknown. What are the noticeable symptoms of nasal polyps? A person may initially experience difficulty breathing and struggle with a reduced sense of smell. Due to the blockage, a sensation of nasal congestion always exists, along with pressure in the forehead or face. Stuffiness can also result in excess mucus running back down the throat, a symptom that is medically referred to as postnasal drip. Congestion forces a person to breathe heavily through the mouth, and the stuffiness can result in the development of sleep apnea. Cough, itching around the eyes, facial pain, and headaches are also common indicators of nasal polyps, especially if a sinus infection accompanies these symptoms. What are the various treatment options for nasal polyps? The condition can be treated with Over-The-Counter (OTC) or prescription medications and surgery in severe cases. Medications Most OTC and prescription medications provide relief from the inflammation and relieve congestion to enable patients to breathe more freely.
Managing GIST – Treatment modes and diet tips

Managing GIST – Treatment modes and diet tips

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.
Myasthenia gravis – Signs, causes, and treatment options

Myasthenia gravis – Signs, causes, and treatment options

The skeletal muscles connect to the bones and help move the face, arms, and legs. Autoimmune conditions like myasthenia gravis can weaken these muscles, making it difficult to perform various tasks, like blinking, making facial expressions, chewing, or walking up the stairs. Muscle weakness can worsen after physical activity and improve after a while of rest rest. While myasthenia gravis may not go away, treatment can help control its symptoms. Signs A person with myasthenia gravis might experience various signs. Fatigue Droopy eyelids Limited facial expressions Trouble speaking, chewing, or swallowing Trouble walking Causes The condition usually develops when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks itself. Some experts believe this happens because specific immune system cells in the thymus gland have trouble differentiating threats like viruses or bacteria from healthy body components. Sometimes, genetic changes can result in a specific form of the condition called congenital myasthenia gravis. Similarly, children who receive antibodies from a birthing parent during pregnancy might be affected by neonatal myasthenia. Treatment options Those with myasthenia gravis might need to follow various expert-recommended treatment options to control the symptoms. Plasma exchange In this procedure, a machine is used to remove unwanted antibodies from the blood plasma and replace them with donor plasma. Sometimes, doctors suggest replacing existing plasma with a plasma solution. IV or SC immunoglobulin Some may receive infusions of donor antibodies or immunoglobulin over two to five days through the intravenous (IV) or subcutaneous (SC) route. This treatment may help manage specific types of the condition and even certain complications. RYSTIGGO® Healthcare professionals may use UCB’s RYSTIGGO® ( rozanolixizumab-noli ) to manage generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) in adults. In this type, harmful anti-AChR or anti-MuSK antibodies may interfere with signals between nerves and specific receptors on muscles. The complication may trigger a loss of signaling in the neuromuscular junction, where the nerves and muscles meet.
All you need to Know about Gout and Its Treatment

All you need to Know about Gout and Its Treatment

When there is an excess amount of uric acid in the bloodstream its crystals are formed in the joint, and that condition is termed as gout. Uric acid is present in many foods that we consume. When the body cannot handle the uric acid that is present in the bloodstream, the crystals formed can give rise to many health issues such as arthritis. These crystals block the kidney filter tubules, causing stones to form in the kidneys, which can also lead to the failure of kidneys. Gout is basically of two kinds: Primary gout if it occurs on its own it is called. Secondary gout if it is due to other medical conditions. Gout arthritis can cause sudden pain as well as red and hot swelling near the joints, especially near the toes. This kind of problem is more likely in men who have crossed the age of 40; some of the symptoms of gout are as follows. Symptoms of Gout You will feel pain in the joints of the affected area, along with red and hot discoloration, swelling, and tenderness. Most commonly, you will experience gout near the small joints of your toes. It might also affect other areas like ankles, wrists, knees, elbows, and fingers. The pain can be so intense in some people that even a feather touch can cause a lot of pain. This pain can last from a few hours to a day also, irrespective of whether you take medication. In very rare cases, the gout attack can also last for a week. Diagnosis of Gout When a patient reports frequent attacks of arthritis, especially in the toes, knees, or ankles, then the patient is tested for excess uric acid and uric acid crystals near the affected joints. Usually, some fluid is extracted from the joints of the patient using a needle and it is sent for testing.
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer – Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer – Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Non-small cell lung cancer or non-small cell lung carcinoma is the most prevalent type of lung cancer. There are mainly two types of lung cancers, which are non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer. Lung carcinoma is a condition in which the lung cells become abnormal, as a result, grow out of control. These abnormal or cancer cells develop rapidly and spread to other parts of the body. Prevalence and causes of non-small cell lung cancer Among the lung cancer cases in the country, almost 80-85% are of non-small cell lung cancer type, and only about 10-15% is of the small lung cancer type. The symptoms and treatment for these two types of lung cancer vary. There are many subtypes of NSCLC, namely, adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, large cell carcinoma, and sarcomatoid carcinoma. The NSCLC type is a serious condition that cannot be reversed but prevented from getting worse. Majority of those affected by this type of lung cancer are smokers or have been exposed to smoke. Exposure to radon, asbestos, air pollution, metal or mineral dust, or radiation is likely to cause this disease. Symptoms of non-small cell lung cancer It is difficult to detect this disease during the early stages because the symptoms are not easily detectable. Often, the symptoms are confused with those of other illnesses like pneumonia or collapsed lung. However, common symptoms of NSCLC are as follows: A cough that worsens or a persistent cough : Continuous bouts of a cough or coughing symptoms that worsen with time may be a symptom of NSCLC. This type of cough may not be associated with a recent spell of cold or flu or other infections. Chest pain : Another classic symptom that is often confused with other diseases. Chest pain due to NSCLC may increase with cough or when one takes deep breaths.
Congestive Heart Failure – Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Congestive Heart Failure – Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Congestive heart failure is a disease characterized by a problem that affects the pumping power of the heart muscles. It is a chronic progressive disease and is also referred to as heart failure. Congestive heart failure (CHF) refers to the stage in which there is a build-up of fluid around the heart. This causes an ineffectiveness in pumping blood. The heart has four chambers. The lower half of the heart has two ventricles which pump blood to the body’s organs. The upper half of the heart, however, consists of two atria which receive the blood circulated back from the rest of the body. The ventricles cannot pump enough blood to the body due to congestive heart failure. This leads to blood and other fluids filling up the liver, lungs, lower body, and the abdomen. Treatment for congestive heart failure must be done immediately as the disease could be life-threatening. Causes Congestive heart failure may arise from other health conditions that directly impact the cardiovascular system. It is important to get check-ups on a yearly basis to determine the possibility of the onset of any such disease. Lowering the risks which cause heart health problems can go a long way in ensuring one does not develop the disease. Listed below are a few common causes of congestive heart failure. Hypertension leads to the narrowing of the arteries. This makes blood flow much more difficult and can result in the onset of congestive heart failure in the long run. Consider changing the diet if one is suffering from this disease to restore normality or to keep high blood pressure at bay. Valve conditions can directly impact the heart and could lead to its failure. The heart valves regulate the flow of blood to and from the heart by opening and closing the valves.
Hip Bursitis – Causes, Risk Factors, Symptoms, and Treatment

Hip Bursitis – Causes, Risk Factors, Symptoms, and Treatment

The hip joint is one of the strongest joints of the human body. It helps us to stand and walk and absorbs the impact when we jump. However, it is not immune to wear and tear. Hip bursitis or the inflammation of a bursa in the hip is one of the common causes of hip pain. Prescription medication is not always required for relief from hip bursitis. What is hip bursitis? Sacs filled with fluid that reduce the friction between tissues as they move are known as bursae. The major bursae are located at large joints such as the hips, shoulders, elbows, and knees. There are two bursae in the hip, the trochanteric bursa on the outer hip and the iliopsoas bursa on the inner side of the hip. Inflammation of the bursa is known as bursitis. This is not infectious but it may become infected. Causes of hip bursitis It becomes easier to seek relief for hip bursitis if one understands the factors causing it. The most common causes of hip bursitis are as follows: Injury to the hip Falling on the hip or banging the hip on a hard surface can lead to blood being filled in the bursa and inflammation of the bursa lining. While the blood may be later reabsorbed by the body, the lining stays inflamed for much longer. This is also known as traumatic bursitis. Repetitive hip trauma Sometimes even minor trauma to the hip can cause hip bursitis if it occurs repeatedly. These are known as mini-traumas . People who run or bike have a higher risk of hip bursitis caused by such mini-traumas . Gout and rheumatoid arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis affects the outer lining or the synovial membrane of the bursa. Similarly, gout causes the accumulation of urate crystals in the synovial membrane.
Have You Tried these Natural Treatments for Type 2 Diabetes?

Have You Tried these Natural Treatments for Type 2 Diabetes?

Learn more about the herbs, supplements, and alternative treatment methods that form part of the natural treatments for Type 2 diabetes. Diabetes refers to a group of diseases in which elevated glucose (blood sugar) levels in your body occurs due to deficiency or ineffective use of the hormone insulin. There are two types of this disease– Type 1 and Type 2. In Type 2 diabetes, your body does produce insulin, but it is either not adequate enough or not used efficiently to ensure proper functioning. It is important that any type of diabetes is promptly treated by a doctor, as in the absence of treatment your diabetes can cause serious health complications. Seeking medical help to treat Type 2 diabetes is vital; but you can also consider trying some natural treatments for Type 2 diabetes. An increasing number of people are trying such remedies to battle their diabetes symptoms the natural way, and many studies done in recent years have shown potential links between the use of such natural treatments for Type 2 diabetes and improvement in blood sugar levels. Here are some of the natural treatments for Type 2 diabetes that can be effective in maintaining desired levels of glucose in your blood. Chromium Several studies indicate that taking chromium supplements can help insulin work well. It has been found that chromium improves glucose tolerance in people with Type 2 diabetes, and may also help reduce your risk of developing heart diseases. American Ginseng The consumption of this herbal remedy was found to lower blood sugar levels in people who have Type 2 diabetes. However, further research is needed to establish American ginseng as one of the sure shot natural treatments for Type 2 diabetes. Bilberry Bilberries contain flavonoids called anthocyanosides, which are strong antioxidants that can strengthen the capillaries in your body.
Fibromyalgia – Get a Closer Look at the Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Fibromyalgia – Get a Closer Look at the Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition wherein the person suffering from it feels constant muscle pain. Also known as fibrositis, fibromyalgia is often compared with rheumatoid which is the arthritis-type disorder. However, in fibromyalgia, there is no damage caused to the joints, muscles, or any other tendons or tissues but only severe muscle pain. People suffering from fibromyalgia often complain about a constant, sharp sense of pain. People suffering this chronic muscle ache fear that this health issue might worsen with time. But it is necessary to understand that fibromyalgia is not a progressive disease and does not become worse and affect any other part of your body over the period of time. There is no particular cure for fibromyalgia available yet, but there are surely some treatments that can help reduce the chronic pain and improve your quality of life. It is important to know the fibromyalgia symptoms in order to know when to consult a doctor and get the associated treatments. However, before we get into the different types of fibromyalgia symptoms, let us look at what are the causes of fibromyalgia and other related risks. Prevalence of fibromyalgia One of the most common chronic pain issues, fibromyalgia affects a large number of adults in the US. As per the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, there are about 5 million adults in the country who are affected by fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia can occur both in men and women but is more prevalent in women. As per the National Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain Association, anywhere between 75 to 90% of women are affected by fibromyalgia. The fibromyalgia symptoms can show up at any age but is mostly seen when a person is middle aged. However, in some cases, fibromyalgia can affect children too. Causes of fibromyalgia The cause of fibromyalgia is not exactly known to the researchers.
7 Effective and Popular Constipation Treatments You Can Try

7 Effective and Popular Constipation Treatments You Can Try

Anyone who has less than three bowel movements per week is said to have constipation. If this condition goes on for several months, it can be diagnosed as chronic constipation, and it would require a trained doctor to treat the ailment. Some of the common symptoms of constipation include hard stools, strained bowel movements, a general feeling of being blocked, inability to empty bowels, bloating, nausea, and constant abdominal ache. Before looking into constipation treatment, it is important that you delve into the factors that may be behind the symptoms. Some common causes of constipation have been recognized as inactivity, stress, overuse of or dependence on laxatives, surgery, medications, low fiber diet, and the like. It is a fact that constipation is experienced by many people on various occasions during their lifetime. If such a condition only occurs occasionally, constipation treatment can include home remedies or over-the-counter medicines; however, if the disorder persists, it requires serious medical attention and regular constipation treatment to ease the symptoms. Here are some constipation treatment tips and remedies that could help alleviate the discomfort and gradually bring positive results. Exercise Like most ailments, constipation can be controlled by regular exercise, short walks, basic stretches, and the like. Exercise can help patients with constipation feel relieved, lighter, and in a better position to handle constipation. People with constipation can begin walking for at least 20 minutes and gradually increase the time and pace. Stay hydrated Excess consumption of alcohol or caffeine can lead to dehydration which further aggravates constipation. Constipation treatment also includes having enough fluids at regular intervals throughout the day. Mostly, having ten glasses of water and some fresh juices are recommended to treat constipation. People with existing medical issues like heart failure or kidney problems must consult their doctors about the appropriate amount of fluids to be consumed.
Herbal Treatments For Prostate Enlargement That You Can Try Today

Herbal Treatments For Prostate Enlargement That You Can Try Today

The prostate is a small organ that wraps around the urethra in males. Prostate problems are fairly common in men, especially when they get older. The most common prostate issue in men is a prostate enlargement. This is called benign prostate enlargement or benign prostatic hyperplasia. The primary function of the prostate is to add fluid to semen to help in the mobility of sperm. Although the gland starts out small, as men get older there can be an increase in the number of cells in the gland which causes the prostate enlargement. This enlargement is often non-cancerous which is why it is said to be benign. Benign prostatic hyperplasia is not a life-threatening condition and can be managed efficiently. Lifestyle changes, medications, and herbal treatments for prostate enlargement are all useful in controlling this condition. Symptoms Of Prostate Enlargement The prostate gland is located behind the urethra just below the bladder. Any enlargement of the prostate will constrict the urethra. This will manifest as urinary symptoms. Common symptoms of prostate enlargement are: Frequent urge to urinate Difficulty initiating urination Incomplete voiding of the bladder Weak flow of urine Urinary incontinence (involuntary leakage of urine) Intermittency of urine flow (starting and stopping of the urine flow) Benign prostate enlargement is a progressive condition and will worsen over time. Effective management, including herbal treatments for prostate enlargement as well as medications, is necessary to prevent further complications. Treatment Options: Medical And Herbal Treatments For Prostate Issues Treatment involves a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and herbal treatments for prostate enlargement. Herbal treatments for prostate issues is an excellent way to supplement the effectiveness of medicines. Medications The most commonly prescribed medications for this condition are alpha blockers and 5alpha-reductase inhibitors. Alpha blockers cause relaxation of the smooth muscles of the prostate and bladder neck which eases the flow of urine.
6 Effective Pain Relief Treatments You Must Know

6 Effective Pain Relief Treatments You Must Know

An alarming amount of people suffer from chronic pain in the US. To be specific, one in five people have this condition. It makes working difficult. Spending time with family and enjoying social events are barred as times due to this pain. If you are suffering chronic pain which you have been experienced for three months or more and do not receive any pain relief from the treatment, it may so happen that your body has not stopped sending pain messages to the brain, even though there is a possibility that there is no pain at all in the area concerned. Pain can be linked with conditions like arthritis, sprain, injuries, and an end number of elusive causes. There are medicines, especially painkillers, to deal with nagging and chronic pain, yet people prefer the natural or holistic methods to get rid of the pain. However, some do not find medicines useful. They decide to opt for natural treatments alongside their standard treatments. If herbal therapy proves to be more effective, they even ditch their regular treatment strategy to be loyal to natural remedies. The most bizarre or weird thing is that doctors still do not understand what is chronic pain. They just know that the same remedy may not work for another person. It is important to find a solution for the issue by doing trials and errors until you are satisfied with the outcome. Next time, you have a chronic pain to bog you down, consider to follow the natural route to get relief from pain. And since no the level of pain experienced differs from individual to individual, check with your doctor for specifics about natural or alternative treatments. Some effective pain relief treatments are as follows: Exercise: Exercise has proved to be very helpful for people suffering from any pain.