Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a health condition that affects about 30% of people affected by psoriasis, bringing the number of patients in the country to around 2 million. Just like psoriasis causes inflammation of the skin, Psoriatic arthritis results in inflammation of the joints. The best way to manage this condition is a combination of medical treatment and lifestyle changes. Here are some essential management tips necessary to manage psoriatic arthritis and reduce flare-ups: Treatment options Doctors might have to go through various treatment plans since finding one that suits the patient isn’t easy. That said, there are some options that show substantial results and are commonly prescribed. These include the following. OTEZLA® Approved by the FDA, OTEZLA® is a prescription treatment option for patients with psoriatic arthritis. It acts by inhibiting the phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) enzyme that is the cause of the increased inflammatory response of the body. Regular use of OTEZLA® has proven beneficial for patients and can be combined with phototherapy or topical treatments. RINVOQ® RINVOQ® is an oral treatment option for active psoriatic arthritis patients. Doctors usually prescribe this treatment option when patients fail to respond to one or more tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers. It is an oral treatment option used for adult PsA patients only. Foods to eat and avoid Omega 3 helps lower inflammation in the body and improves bone health. Some foods that need to be included in regular meals are salmon, walnuts, and seeds. Fruits and vegetable portions also need to be increased as they provide the body with necessary nutrients and have anti-inflammatory properties. Similarly, foods with inflammatory properties can contribute to the worsening of symptoms in patients with PsA. These include foods like dairy and dairy products, sugar, processed meat, red meat, fried foods, and processed food products. Lowering the intake of these food groups can show improvement in the patient’s condition.

Meningitis is a disease characterized by the inflammation of the meninges surrounding your spinal cord and brain. Its inflammation triggers several symptoms. Some cases of the disease can be treated in a few weeks while others can be fatal and require immediate antibiotic treatment. It is absolutely necessary to seek immediate attention if you suspect meningitis. Early symptoms of the disease may mimic influenza and it may take a few hours or several days for the symptoms to develop. Early treatment for meningitis is key to boosting your chances of survival and can avoid certain complications. Before discussing the treatment methods for the forms of the disease, let’s discuss the common symptoms of meningitis and ways to treat it. Symptoms Most cases of the disease in the country are caused by a viral infection. Other causes include fungal and bacterial infections. Cancer and autoimmune disease may lead to the onset of the disease as well. Here are a few of the common symptoms and signs of the disease for anyone aged 2 years and above. Stiff neck Seizures Severe headache Sudden high fever Sensitivity to light Loss of appetite No thirst Skin rashes Sleepiness or difficulty in waking up Nausea and vomiting Vaccination Getting yourself vaccinated is the key to protecting yourself from the three most common bacteria that cause bacterial meningitis. These bacteria commonly affect adults and children alike. Meningitis vaccines can cure certain meningitis causing viruses as well so do try them out. Getting vaccinated is one of the easiest forms of treatment for meningitis. These vaccines though cannot protect you from non-infectious causes of meningitis, which include autoimmune disorders and cancer. Bacterial meningitis and its treatment Antibiotics are generally used to treat bacterial meningitis. You will be treated with one or more antibiotics. These target the bacteria causing the infection.

Gum disease or gingivitis is a common, non-destructive periodontal disease that happens due to inflammation in the tissues that surround and support the teeth. In gingivitis, a bacterial infection of the gums leads to the development of a sticky film called plaque, and this consequently destroys the gums. A hardened plaque will subsequently turn into a tarter, thus causing irritations and inflammation in the affected gums. Gingivitis is characterized by swollen and red gums which bleed. Prolonged gingivitis can destroy the bones supporting the teeth and might necessitate removal of the teeth. So, looking for a natural treatment for gum disease is essential if you do not wish to visit the dentist ever so often. Causes of gum disease: One of the most important causes is poor dental hygiene. A few other causes include stress, smoking, nutritional deficiency, excessive consumption of sugars and immune disorders such as cancer, diabetes, or AIDS. Dietary factors such as processed foods containing additives and sugars, hydrogenated oils which cause inflammation in gums can also cause gingivitis. Common symptoms of gingivitis are bad breath, tooth pain, bleeding, and inflamed gums. Treatment : There are several options for natural treatment for gum disease. A few are listed below: Diet : There are several dietary components which reduce the inflammation and provide essential nutrients. For example, wild-caught fish, fat-soluble vitamins, raw vegetables, and fresh vegetable juices are good for gum health. Oil pulling: It can be effectively employed as a natural treatment for gum disease. In oil pulling, the mouth is swished with coconut oil or sesame oil. This helps remove the harmful bacteria from the mouth by improving oral hygiene. Coconut oil, arimedadi oil, and tea tree oil are commonly used for oil pulling . Oral probiotics : Use of oral probiotics populates the mouth with “good, beneficial bacteria” which helps in removing the disease-causing bacteria.

Neck pain can be quite a nerve-racking experience. It can throw your life out of gear and cause considerable pain even with the slightest neck movement. Stiff neck or neck pain limits one’s overall mobility. People experience a sharp pain while driving or sleeping or simply turning their head. Causes of neck pain could be many, ranging from injury to the wrong posture. Irrespective of the cause of neck pain, one needs to get rid of the pain at the earliest in order to restore normalcy in daily activities. The neck is supported by bones, ligaments, and muscles. An inflammation, abnormality or injury to this support system causes neck pain. Neck pain or strain occurs when one or more fibers in a neck muscle strain or tear. This is also referred to as a pulled muscle. The pain varies based on the extent and location of the damage to the neck muscle. Mild neck pain usually subsides on its own with rest, but sharp or severe pain may require treatment. Before knowing how to cure neck pain, it is important to know what causes it. Causes of stiff neck Neck pain is usually caused by a strain or injury to the ligament, tendon or muscles supporting the neck. The neck vertebrae extend from the base of the skull all the way up to the upper torso. The neck area is made up of a network of tendons, ligaments, and muscles. Neck pain results from a damage or strain or stretching of any of these parts. Here are the common causes of neck pain: Muscle tension or strain : Neck muscles can get stretched or strained due to a wear and tear, bad posture, wrong sleeping position or jerky movement during exercise. Injury : The neck is prone to injury. Accidental fall or sports injury or sudden jerky movements cause injury to the neck muscles.

Drug abuse is a widespread problem in the country across different age groups. This often leads to addiction, causing a far-reaching impact on the addict’s personal and professional life. Relationships, work, and day-to-day activities can suffer immensely due to drug addiction. In such a scenario, checking into a drug rehab facility is the only option. Though it is not always possible to be sure of the effectiveness of this treatment, it is always best to try. The cost sometimes can feel a little intimidating, especially if one doesn’t know how helpful the treatment will be. However, the truth is if one loves their family, friends, job, and wish to lead a normal and healthy life, going to a drug rehab center is a plausible choice. At times, it is not enough to get help from peers or family if one wishes to put drug abuse behind them. Moreover, with the help of professionals, it can really make a difference when one is struggling with addiction constantly and trying to stay sober. The main truth about drug rehab is that the treatment or program will only cater to one’s specific needs. Therefore, the cost will be more affordable than one might think, and thus it will need the commitment from the individual’s side as well. Thus, before making the decision of going to a drug rehab center, the following are some of the most important things that one should keep in mind. How does a drug rehab work? The professional treatment that one will be getting for drug abuse will make a huge difference. When one checks into a drug rehab facility, the main aim will be to work towards a drug-free future. This should be the individual’s choice, and it will certainly help one in their journey to recovery and will also help in resisting any kind of future temptations as well.

Bowel problems can be extremely uncomfortable. From frequent trips to the loo to the feeling of uneasiness, bowel problems cause them all. Bowel problems are generally categorized by conditions affecting the small intestine. They may also affect other parts of the digestive system as well. They have a telling impact on the way the body absorbs and digests food and they can cause several unwarranted symptoms like constipation and diarrhea. If one is suffering from bloody stools, it is essential to visit a doctor immediately. While these problems can be treated effectively with the help of medications, if left untreated, they can lead to a series of further complications. A doctor will diagnose your condition and suggest treatment according to the condition you are suffering from. Bowel problems can be tackled with ease if detected early and treated immediately. Here are a few of the most common types of bowel problems and their causes. Types of bowel problems There are four major types of bowel problems. They include: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects both the large and small intestines. It affects your everyday life as it can lead to frequent gastrointestinal problems. According to the Clinical Epidemiology journal, IBS affects up to 11% of people in the world. Effective and early treatment can go a long way in ensuring that the disease does not complicate and become worsened. Crohn’s disease Crohn’s disease is another common bowel problem. It is an autoimmune disorder and an inflammatory type of bowel disease. In Crohn’s disease, the immune system starts attacking healthy tissues in the anus, mouth, and intestines. This can cause damage to these tissues and immediate treatment is the best course of action. Celiac disease Celiac disease has genetic roots. If someone in your family has suffered from the disease before, your likelihood of contracting the disease increases.

A headache is a physical condition, which every individual has to experience sometimes in their life. While a headache can be quite disturbing and get you impaired, it generally does not have a severe impact on your life. However, getting a migraine headache is something different. A migraine headache can get the affected person completely disabled for a minimum period of six hours to one day or even more. Some also complain of vision loss, while others get to see the halo, flickering lights, wavy lights, etc. Though it affects both men and women, reports indicate that women are at a higher risk than men. Even though a migraine headache is quite painful and can recur at any time, it can be controlled with treatment. Nowadays, you can find different treatments for migraine headaches, and you just need to act a bit carefully, to save yourself from the painful condition. As the condition gets triggered by different factors, it is essential for you to learn about abortive as well as preventive treatment for a migraine headache. Abortive treatment – As the name indicates, abortive treatment for migraine headaches helps in checking the migraine pain as and when it starts. It is always recommended to start with abortive treatment as soon as you feel the onset of the condition. Depending on the extent of your pain as well as the cause of your onset, doctors may prescribe medicine pills, nasal sprays, skin patch or self-injection. While the medications are mainly aimed to curb a headache, it also works wonderfully in controlling vomiting or nausea-related problems. However, the selection of medicines should be made only under the guidance of a doctor as each has different compositions meant for different purposes. Triptans are mostly used for controlling migraine headache, while Droperidol, Chlorpromazine, Prochlorperazine, and Metoclopramide are prescribed to treat nausea related conditions.

Addiction is a menace, a social-evil that has been ruining and claiming lives as you speak. People often trivialize the ill-effects of an addiction, calling it a habit instead of recognizing the risk it poses. People can get addicted to drugs, alcohol, gambling, sex, Internet, etc. It can be anything that the individual likes or relates to as a stress reliever. Substance abuse, more commonly known as drug abuse, is on the rise, particularly among teenagers and young adults who are more susceptible to adopt this destructive habit. However, everything’s not lost; you can always seek help for your loved ones at addiction rehab centers that are meant to help people overcome their addiction and embark on the route to sobriety. Here are some of the top addiction rehab centers that have amazing programs meant to help people return to normalcy and retaining the same even after they overcome the addiction. Recovery Centers of America Addiction to anything can traumatize the individual and their families. So, the onus lies on finding the best addiction rehab center for your loved ones. Recovery Centers of America has been hailed as one of the top addiction rehab centers, providing treatment for all types of addiction. Their individualized approach to treating the patients include drug and alcohol detoxification, individual and group therapy, case management, family counseling services for patient and the family, life-skills training, psychiatric care, and recovery resources meant to support the patients for life. Hazelden Betty Ford Center Another popular addiction rehab center that has its branches spread across the nation is the Hazelden Betty Ford Center. In addition to the traditional 12-step program that is a part of addiction rehab centers, this addiction rehab center provides evidence-based treatment, specialized programs for patients with undertones of mental disorders, and recommends 90 days of residential treatment, which has yielded favorable results; this organization has reported 80% rate of recovery.

Gout is a kind of arthritis which can cause a sudden attack of pain. The common symptoms of having gout can be realized from stiffness, burning pain, and swelling in the joint. If not treated at an early stage, gout can damage the joints and harm the tendons and other tissues. Gout foot pain is very common in men; it is caused by an excess of uric acid in the blood. The uric acid may harden and form crystals in the joint. Risk factors People who are obese may be susceptible to gout foot pain. Also consuming alcohol, meat, and fish can affect the body. Some medicines like water pills can also cause gout foot pain. The most common syndrome is night-time pain in the joint. Some people also get pain attacks on their knees, ankle, joints, foot, etc. and these can go on for an entire day or a week before one gets relief. Sometimes it the pain may persist for over a year also. Even if the pain is gone, it is advisable to see a doctor because sometimes even after the pain is gone the buildup of uric acid may still occur and can attack the joints. Gout foot pain is common in men. With age, the pain can become more unbearable, and the chances of getting gout attacks become high. So a proper maintenance of lifestyle is essential. With age, a person has less resistant power, less stamina to do physical work, and low patience. So a proper diet is important. A diet chart should be prescribed by a doctor or a nutritionist; without proper examination, a doctor or a nutritionist normally does not prescribe any medicine. So taking advice from the expert is advisable. Sometime the doctor may prescribe some easy exercises according to the capability of the patient.

When the immune system misidentifies and targets good gut bacteria, the cells that line the colon, and food, it can lead to ulcerative colitis. The condition drives the white blood cells to attack the colon lining and trigger symptoms like irritation, inflammation, and ulcers in the large intestine. While ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition, adding certain foods to one’s meals and following some treatment options may help manage the condition. Foods for ulcerative colitis Nut butters A good source of proteins and healthy fats, nut butters like peanut butter, cashew butter, and almond butter may help manage any flare-up that may result from ulcerative colitis. Peeled and cooked veggies Peeled and cooked vegetables are soft and contain less insoluble fiber, making them less irritating to the gut. A few foods to consider are carrots, spinach, parsnips, turnips, and potatoes. The vegetables are abundant in nutrients like vitamins A and K, which can help reduce the effects of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a type of ulcerative colitis. Yogurt Fermented foods like yogurt are rich in probiotics that contain healthy bacteria. Such bacteria aid the digestive system and reduce ulcerative colitis symptoms and flare-ups. But one must steer clear of flavored yogurt as its sugar content may worsen symptoms. Salmon Salmon is a rich source of protein and healthy omega-3 fatty acids. These properties are known to curb inflammation caused by ulcerative colitis. Other fish rich in omega-3s include shrimp and tuna. Treatments for ulcerative colitis Ulcerative colitis symptoms can be managed with certain treatment options, such as: STELARA® (ustekinumab) STELARA® is a prescription treatment for children who are six years and older and adults with moderate to severely active ulcerative colitis. Patients injected with the treatment may find quick relief from their symptoms within eight weeks. Entyvio® (vedolizumab) Adults with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis are given Entyvio when other treatment options do not work efficiently.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs), also known as cystitis, are fairly common, especially among women. In fact, half of all women in the world suffer from a UTI at some point in their lifetimes. UTIs occur when bacteria, that are usually found in your gastrointestinal tract and pelvic region, enter into your urinary system. The bacteria don’t have much to travel to infect the woman’s bladder. As a result, it causes the inflammation of the bladder. Although UTIs are mostly caused by bacterial infections, they can also be caused by several other factors, such as chemical irritants, fungal infections, foreign bodies (e.g., kidney stones), and trauma. Symptoms of urinary tract infections Typically, UTI symptoms include the following: – Suprabic pain, which is the pain in lower abdomen – Dysuria, which is pain or a burning sensation upon urination – Needing to urinate urgently and frequently – Sometimes, the urine could be bloody or even cloudy Having said that, the symptoms can differ by age. Infants suffering from a UTI usually develop a fever, become fussy or feed poorly. Moreover, the elderly might experience fatigue, become incontinent or may even develop dementia. Urinary tract infection treatment options Step 1: Diagnosis The first and foremost step for the treatment of a UTI is a positive diagnosis. According to the diagnosis, the appropriate cure is suggested. There are a few tests for diagnosis of a UTI: Urine analysis You might need to have a urine culture taken to be evaluated for a possible infection of your kidneys. Once you get a urinalysis done, there might be signs of Pyuria—the presence of white blood cells in the urine, which can make the urine appear cloudy. Having a couple of WBCs in the urine can be normal, however, if there are more than 5 WBCs per high powered field is considered abnormally high.

It is common knowledge that skin is among the most sensitive organs in the human body. Also, it is a shield of protection from various external factors like dust particles, microbial organisms, etc. Your skin is also prone to various disorders and problems from time to time. It is important to treat them before it gets worse and hard to cure. Of all the skin problems, the one common problem that a lot of people face is–rashes in the underarm region. This problem is annoying and can cause social discomfort especially if you are wearing sleeveless clothing. Though it might seem to be like a common rash or allergy, leaving it untreated can complicate the problem. So, if you are suffering from rashes in the underarm and looking for a solution, then you are at the right place–because remedies for underarm rash treatment are discussed here. But first, let’s take a look at the causes of rashes. Skin rupture In this case, the skin in the underarm or the armpit region tends to get ruptured due to the constant movement of the hands, sweat, bacteria, and dryness. So, the area shows rashes that makes you uncomfortable. If the skin rubs hard against itself for a longer duration, then irritation is likely to occur. Eczema In this condition, the skin turns red, dry, and scaly. Red patches might appear on the skin which can crack too. Usually, genetic factors, environmental factors or some foods can trigger this problem. If you notice this condition, you should stop using deodorants, roll-on etc., immediately. Eczema rashes are non-contagious and can last for more than a week. Skin care products or chemical treatments Often cosmetics, lotions, creams and skin treatments like a chemical peel or laser treatments can cause allergic skin reactions. So, it is best to undergo a patch test before you try out any new cosmetic or perfume or a skin care product.