Know about the Types, Causes, and Treatments of Congestive Heart Failure

Know about the Types, Causes, and Treatments of Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure is a chronic heart problem which affects the pumping ability of the heart muscles. The heart fails to pump efficiently which causes heart failure. Congestive heart failure is high-risk and a life-threatening problem. Treatments for congestive heart failure work wonders to help people struggling with it. What is congestive heart failure? The human heart has four chambers, with the upper chambers known as atria and the lower chambers are known as ventricles. Blood is pumped to different body parts through the ventricles. The atria receive impure blood from the body. Congestive heart failure can be defined as the stage when the fluid accumulates around the heart. The fluid disables the ventricles to pump enough blood to the body. What are the different types of congestive heart failure? The left-sided congestive heart failure occurs when the left ventricle fails to pump blood effectively. Fluid can build up in the lungs and cause difficulty in breathing. Left-sided congestive heart failure is of two types: Systolic heart failure: The contraction of the left ventricle results in the improper pushing of blood for circulation due to the lack of force thus making pumping inefficient. Diastolic failure: The stiffness in the left ventricles doesn’t allow the muscles to relax. In this condition, the heart fails to pump the required level of blood. Right-sided congestive heart failure, however, occurs when the right ventricle pumps blood to the lungs inefficiently. Blood accumulates in the blood vessels and results in fluid retention. The congestive heart failure has four different stages: Class I, Class II, Class III, and Class IV. What are the common symptoms experienced in the different stages of congestive heart failure? Class I: No specific symptoms (although one tends to feel tired quickly). Class II: Shortness of breath and palpitations during physical activities.
Atopic Dermatitis – Treatment Options That Can Be Tried at Home

Atopic Dermatitis – Treatment Options That Can Be Tried at Home

Atopic dermatitis is an unusual skin condition which causes strong itching and leads to the formation of red rashes. In some cases, these red rashes form bumps which look much similar to blisters. It can be a long-term chronic skin problem for some people and requires a combination of treatments. When infants suffer from this problem, it affects their cheeks, front portion of knees, and the back of their elbow. Atopic dermatitis is also known as eczema or atopic eczema. For atopic dermatitis, treatment varies as per the condition and usually depends on the kind of rash that a person has. People who have mild cases of atopic dermatitis can be treated at home and can use skin barrier repair moisturizers. When used on a regular basis, these moisturizers help in controlling the itching in a span of three-weeks. Serious rashes including oozing rashes which have fluid-filled sores that cause fluids to ooze out might require medical intervention. This kind of rash indicates the presence of skin infection and adequate treatment might be needed. Similarly, scaly dry and itchy rashes might also need medical help. If severe rashes persist, doctor’s intervention might be needed, and the patient would be required to use bleach bath and wet wraps. If medical treatment is sought at an early stage, it will help the situation from turning worse. In case the rashes do not get better with time, it requires some medical intervention, and the treatment might include the following: – Use of topical corticosteroids or oral corticosteroids is advised. These can be used in situations when rashes cover a large area of the body. Similarly, these can also be used in the case of serious skin infections. – Another treatment option is to use a bandage or dressing which is usually wrapped around the skin that has been affected.
7 Swollen Ankle Treatment Options You Should Know

7 Swollen Ankle Treatment Options You Should Know

There comes a time in the life of some people when they experience pain in the ankles or feet. Swelling in the ankles is a common condition among women who are pregnant. There is more than one reason that causes swelling in the ankles. Some of those include spending long periods walking or traveling that may hinder any moment of legs restricting blood circulation or surgery. Swollen ankles is not a serious problem. There are ways to deal with it. Swollen ankles and feet cause discomfort while walking or moving around. Podiatric physicians believe that there are ways to get rid of swelling and prevent the condition from occurring. The condition of swelling in the body is medically known as edema. It occurs when your body retains fluid in any part of your body. Retention of bodily fluid also occurs in the legs and feet. This causes the ankles to swell. There is no need to panic, as swelling in the ankles is not an emergency situation. The condition should be addressed with patience and care, as it can go away itself with the required care. Swollen ankle treatment options Swelling in the body, be in any part, would require attention in order to get relief from it. Following are a few effective, yet popular swollen ankle treatment options that can be considered to get relief from it. Compression socks Compression socks can be bought from a nearby pharmacy. Compression socks are a way to get relief from the pain and discomfort and also prevent fluid from collecting into your legs, feet, and ankles. They are found in all kind of weights: light, medium, and heavy. Always make sure that you buy a pair that fits well and is not too much tight. It is often recommended to buy lightweight socks that measure somewhere between 12–15 mm and 15–20 mm of mercury.
10 Tried and Tested Treatment Methods for Curing Nasal Congestion

10 Tried and Tested Treatment Methods for Curing Nasal Congestion

Nothing irritates a person more than sniffling throughout the day, and the very fact that it is the harbinger of other diseases should make you wary of it. What starts as an itchy throat can lead to a full-fledged case of nasal congestion. The human body has the ability to protect itself from various diseases, and the immune system is what helps it in this endeavor. However, due to poor diet or the magnitude of the disease, at times, the immune system fails to protect the body from the onslaught of diseases. Nasal congestion is one such infection which the body’s immune system couldn’t ward off. Though various treatments for nasal congestion are available, it causes great discomfort till the time it lasts. There’s not just one cause of nasal congestion; it stems from different sources. Irrespective of what is the source of nasal congestion, the treatment for nasal congestion is directed towards curing it of the roots. The causes and symptoms of nasal congestion Usually, common cold has been identified as the cause of nasal congestion. The common cold is known to give the individual a runny nose, which is a symptom of nasal congestion. However, one cannot simply limit the causes of nasal congestion to the common cold. Nasal congestion occurs when the nasal passage is blocked since the membrane lining of the passage is swollen due to inflammation of the blood vessels. It’s not just a common cold that results in such condition; there are other factors that cause nasal congestion. They are as follows: Various elements in the environment can irritate the individual when he comes in contact with it. These are often responsible for triggering nasal congestion. Nasal congestion is also caused due to a deviated septum. Another cause of nasal congestion is hay fever.
Here Are a Few Things to Know about Ear Tinnitus Treatment

Here Are a Few Things to Know about Ear Tinnitus Treatment

Tinnitus is not as less known as it used to be. The disease has found the attention of the masses and the main question these days is how to go about stopping the same. The constant rings and buzzes in the ears sometimes get so bad that many people look for treatments that can be effective. Then again, sadly, there is no permanent cure for tinnitus. Remedies, medications, and psychological acceptance are all treatment options; however, none of these permanently eliminate the problem. Read on to see how you could cope with tinnitus better. We know that the buzz and the hiss or even the roar in the ears could be frustrating. These might bother a person a lot; the discomfort level varies between individuals. Many simply tend too live with tinnitus and make it a part of their everyday lives. There are few again who are in despair about the disorder. Often, there is disillusionment when it is assumed that tinnitus is curable. Unfortunately, it is not. Making some modifications to your environment as well as lifestyle could make things easier. Tinnitus is a disease that is impactful internally without any visible external manifestations; this fact plays a huge role in the management of this disease. The condition causes a constant hiss or buzz in the ears of those inflicted with the disease. There are several medical approaches and hearing aid-based approaches available for tinnitus. There are also many easy strategies and home remedies. According to popular mass media, there are natural cures, new injections, and alternative treatments that give relief from tinnitus. However, these are simply temporary measures that could drown just down the buzz. These methods have not been known to be foolproof. The home remedy cures for tinnitus are without side effects, and in case, these manage to give any relief even for a short span, it is better to try these remedies and see the results.
Here’s How Cherries Help in Gout Treatment

Here’s How Cherries Help in Gout Treatment

Gout, which is also sometimes referred as the gouty arthritis is a condition, which typically affects the small bones of the body. It is caused due to a faulty metabolic system, gout leads to joint swelling, stiffness and burning pain in the small bones of the body. Even though this arthritis condition can affect anyone, men have more risks of getting gouts than women. Gouts can harm any joints of the body yet it mostly affects the big toe. Neglecting gouts in the initial stages can aggravate the condition. Treatment can be done by getting the condition diagnosed by a doctor. To ease the pain, patients can also consider taking home remedies like cherry juice. Cherry juice can relieve gout pain Research works conducted by the experts have proven the fact that consuming cherry juice for gout on a regular basis can help in treating gout-related problems significantly. As per the studies, consuming one cup of cherry every day can help in checking the risk of gout attacks by at least 35 percent. That means, increase in cherry consumption will decrease gout pain proportionately. Cherry juice has a simple measure to relieve pain. The juice consumed breaks down into anthocyanins and bioflavonoids, which in turn help in reducing the inflammation as well as the uric acid level of blood. Regular consumption of cherry juice can help in relieving the symptoms of gout pain in a couple of weeks by stabilizing uric acid level. Though cherry juice for gout is an excellent choice for relieving the pain, just consuming any amount will not serve the purpose. To curb the increased uric acid level in blood, you need to take two servings of cherry juice each day. Depending on your preference, you can mix cherry juice with apple cider vinegar and drink.
Neuropathy Foot Pain – Symptoms, Causes, Treatments and More

Neuropathy Foot Pain – Symptoms, Causes, Treatments and More

The nervous system is responsible for control and coordination of the body. It connects all the nerves in the brain and spinal cord to other parts of the body such as face, feet, legs, hands, and face. Signals are carried by the nerves to the brain. Peripheral neuropathy disorder causes the dysfunction of the nerves. Damaged nerves don’t function properly and even transmit the pain signals to the body. Infection, injury, and genetic disorders cause the peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy disorder affects the three nerves an they are sensory, motor and autonomic nerves. The sensory nerves connect to the skin. Autonomic nerves connect to the internal organs, and the motor nerves are connected with the muscles. This problem impacts the normal functioning of these nerves. Symptoms of the Neuropathy Foot Pain: You will feel tingling sensation and pain in feet Numbness Thin Skin Constipation Decrease in the blood pressure Diarrhoea Excess Sweating on foot Sharp pain in foot Feeling of shock in the foot Heavy feeling in leg causing locking of legs Causes of the neuropathy foot pain Different factors cause the neuropathy disorder. If you have a family record of the disorder, you may likely have the problem. Apart from other causes of the foot pain are mentioned below. Chronic diabetes causes numbness and pain in feet due to the damaged nerves. Obese people or people suffering hypertension are also prone to the problem. Lack of essential vitamin which is responsible for good nerve health may aggravate the problem. Kidney failure results in the build-up of toxins and damages the nerves. Excess thyroid levels increase the fluid retention which exerts more pressure on the nerves. Prolonged inflammation obstructs the functioning of the nerves. Fractures and injuries can damage the nerves. Maintaining the same position for long hours increases the pressure on the nerves.
Things You Should Know about Meniscus Tear Treatment

Things You Should Know about Meniscus Tear Treatment

Both our knee joints have a meniscus, which is a cartilage that acts as padding between the femur and tibia. This piece of cartilage can be damaged or torn while performing activities that exert pressure on the knee joints. For people who play games like football, basketball, soccer, and tennis, a meniscus tear is quite common. However, it is not necessary that only athletes get a meniscus tear, just a sudden and careless movement of standing from a squatting position, a pivot turn, or heavy lifting is good enough to cause a meniscus tear. Meniscus tear treatment, of course, then depends on the severity of the injury, which may vary from home remedies to surgery. However, being a little careful while exercising or playing goes a long way to help prevent injury to the menisci. Who is more prone to a meniscus tear? Children, adolescents, as well as aged people, anyone can get a meniscus tear. Children and adolescents can injure their menisci while playing organized or competitive sports. As the meniscus also tends to weaken with age, tears are more widespread in people who have crossed the threshold of 30 years. Someone with weak menisci, weaker and thinner cartilage can even get it injured from squatting or misstepping. People with osteoarthritis are also at a high risk of injuring the knee cartilage. Symptoms of a meniscus tear are many, starting right from pain, swelling, difficulty in movement or bending the knee, knee giving way, and a knee locking and popping sound coming from the area around the knee joint. In case you find any of these symptoms, it’s advisable that you see your doctor. The diagnosis of a meniscus tear is done through various ways like a physical exam, image tests, knee x-ray, MRI, Ultrasound or arthroscopy depending on the condition of the knees and symptoms.
H. Pylori Infection – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

H. Pylori Infection – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Helicobacter pylori are one of the most common types of bacteria to cause infection in the stomach lining and upper part of the small intestine. It’s the primary cause of ulcers across the globe, and about two-thirds of the world population have it inside their body. It is infamously referred as the “ulcer bacteria,” however with it can be avoided efficiently with healthy habits. Until the discovery of Helicobacter pylori, researchers believed spicy food, stress, smoking and other bad lifestyle habits are responsible for ulcers. But in 1982, experts found that this bacteria attacks the stomach lining that protects the stomach from acids which help in digesting food. It produces a cytotoxin named vacuolating cytotoxin A. After damaging the lining, it may bleed or cause infections and even keep food from moving through the alimentary canal. How can H. Pylori enter the body? Typically, this bacteria can enter the body via contaminated food or water. It’s most predominant in developing and underdeveloped nations where a shortage of proper facilities and infrastructure which ultimately leads to lack of basic sanitation. It is contagious and easily infects other people. Both adults and children are susceptible to this condition. The H. Pylori infection symptoms don’t arise instantly. So the condition can stay in a dormant state for years. What are the H. Pylori infection symptoms? In several cases, symptoms of infection don’t manifest. However, acutely infected people may have symptoms like: Belching Bloating Burping Loss of appetite Nausea Vomiting, in severe cases the person might throw up blood Abdominal uneasiness Chronic abdominal pain In case of ulcers, a burning sensation may come and go and mostly when the stomach is empty. Ulcers bleed the linings of stomach and duodenum, thus show some symptoms like: Bloody, dark red or black stools Fatigue without no reason Anemia Breathing problems Diarrhea Dizziness Feeling full even eating minimal amounts of food Unexplained weight loss How are H.
Here are Some Lower Back Pain Relief And Treatment Options

Here are Some Lower Back Pain Relief And Treatment Options

Lower back pain can be caused due to an injury to the spine, muscles, or ligaments in the lower back area of the body. In some cases, it can also be caused by the compression of nerves coming out from the spinal cord, due to some medical condition or accident. Tearing or damage to the lumbar discs can also cause severe back pain and inflammation, that needs immediate attention. Sometimes, pain in the lower back region can also result due to some degenerative condition like arthritis or osteoarthritis . It can also be caused due to tumors, infections or any other bone deformity. The severity of the back pain depends on the degree of injury sustained by the spine. If the spine is badly bruised or injured in an accident, you must visit a doctor and get a check up done for any serious complications. However, if the pain is mild and is caused by sudden twisting or bending, it can be treated at home. The treatment you opt for the Lower back pain relief depends on the nature and severity of the cause. Following are some of the treatment options available for Lower back pain relief. Home remedies Home remedies like hot or cold treatment are effective in alleviating back pain, by numbing the area or blocking the nerves from delivering the pain signals to the brain. You can also increase the blood flow in the area to reduce any swelling. An ice pack or a hot compress can be used to treat lower back pain. Antibiotic Medication If the home remedies do not work for you, you can consult a doctor and can follow a treatment course. Muscle Relaxants to relax the muscles that surrounds the lower back and to ease the pain. Anti-Inflammatory Drugs to reduce inflammation caused by injuries.
Everything You Need to Know About the Best Gout Treatments

Everything You Need to Know About the Best Gout Treatments

A gout is a form of arthritis that that causes inflammation in the joints because of high levels of uric acid in the blood. It usually affects the big toes, fingers, knees, and elbows and is characterized by symptoms of pain, stiffness, redness, and inflammation in the affected joints. If appropriate treatment for gout is not taken, then the attacks can occur consistently. When this condition remains unattended for a long time, it increases the risk of permanent joint and tissue damage. How is gout diagnosed? Your doctor will start by assessing your symptoms by conducting a physical examination. Sometimes, a sample of fluid from the joint is extracted to evaluate the uric acid crystals closely. It is the best method for diagnosing gout. Additionally, the doctor may also ask for a blood test for estimating the uric acid levels in your blood. What kind of medications are used for treating gout? The best treatment for gout is starting a course of medications to lower the uric acid quantity in the blood quickly. When it comes to the gout medications, they can be classified into two categories, i.e., short-term and long-term medications. Short-term medications for treating gout Short-term drugs provide relief from pain and they also lower the inflammation while having an acute attack. These types of medications also play a vital role in preventing the recurrence of a severe attack. One of the best treatment for gout includes the use of NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Most common choices are naproxen, indomethacin, and ibuprofen. Your doctors might also recommend corticosteroids which are available in the form of pills or shots. During an attack, most doctors recommend a maximum daily dose of one or two medicines as a part of short-term treatment. This is a feasible type of treatment when the gout symptoms are not that severe.
Dry Eye Disease – Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Dry Eye Disease – Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Chronic dry eye disease is a condition in which the eyes do not produce adequate tears to facilitate lubrication in the eyes. This condition is also known as dry eye syndrome, chronic dry eye syndrome, and Keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure for the dry eye disease, but it can be treated. Symptoms of dry eye disease People develop one or more of the following symptoms, especially when their eyes are exposed to the computer screen for a long time or when they’re enclosed in an air-conditioned or an air compressed environment. In almost all cases, both eyes show up these symptoms. Stinging, burning, and scratching sensation in the eyes Watery eyes Sensitivity to light Redness in the eyes A sticky mucus formation in and around the eyes Blurred vision Hampered nighttime driving Difficulty in wearing contact lenses If the symptoms of dry eye disease persist, it’s best to get advice from an ophthalmologist at the earliest. Causes of dry eye disease Tears are a mix of water, fatty oils, and mucus. This mixture not only helps to keep the eye surface smooth but also keeps the eyes free from infection. The main cause for dry eye disease is usually a decrease in production, increased evaporation of tears, or imbalance in the composition of the tears. The cause varies from person to person. Decrease in tear production Medically referred to as Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, the common reasons for decreased tear production include: Aging Damage to the tear glands due to inflammation or exposure to radiation Medical conditions like diabetes, lupus, thyroid disorders, vitamin A deficiency, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, and Sjogren’s syndrome Medications like decongestants, antihistamines, antidepressants, and drugs that are used to treat high blood pressure, acne, and birth control pills Laser eye surgery can temporarily cause dry eyes Increased tear evaporation Your eyes may be producing adequate tears, but if the tear evaporation rate is high, dry eye syndrome can start manifesting.