Dehydration can occur for various reasons, such as sweating excessively, not drinking enough water, or vomiting and diarrhea. Most people know that some common symptoms of dehydration include thirst, dry mouth, and dark urine, but other unusual and hidden signs may point to this condition. Ignoring these signs of dehydration may lead to health issues in the long run. If one experiences any of these symptoms, increasing the intake of water and other fluids is best. Bad breath When the body becomes dehydrated, it produces less saliva. Saliva is important in washing away food particles and bacteria from the mouth. Without enough saliva, bacteria can thrive, causing bad breath. Muscle cramps When the body is dehydrated, it can lead to an imbalance of electrolytes, which are essential minerals that help regulate nerve and muscle function. This can cause muscles to contract involuntarily, resulting in painful cramps. Dry or dull skin Dehydration can cause the skin to become dry, dull, or less elastic. Wrinkles and fine lines may also be a result of dehydrated skin. Headaches Dehydration can cause headaches or migraines in some people. When the body is dehydrated, it can decrease blood volume, which can cause blood vessels in the brain to narrow, leading to headaches.

Respiration is among the essential processes the body carries out without one realizing it. Here, the inhaled air fuels the body with oxygen, which travels through the bloodstream and is transferred to various organs and tissues to carry out basic functions. Normal respiration rates for adults are about 12 to 18 breaths per minute, but the following breathing mistakes might affect this rate and the overall functioning of the lungs. Breathing through the mouth There are two ways to inhale air: through the mouth and the nose. Breathing through the mouth could come in handy if one is experiencing sinus congestion or indulging in strenuous physical activity. However, only the nostrils can filter, warm up, and humidify the air. So, as a rule, one should avoid mouth breathing if possible, as it can increase the risk of dry mouth and conditions like asthma. Not exercising One may lead a sedentary lifestyle, which could affect the quality of their lungs. By indulging in routines like cycling, walking, or running, one can ensure their heart and lungs work well, which could contribute to improved circulation. Exercising may also help strengthen the tissues around the lungs. At the same time, one should avoid keeping their shoulder and neck tense while exercising as it could limit the efficiency of their respiratory system.

Breathing is an involuntary process that is often taken for granted. However, how one breathes can significantly impact one’s health, particularly lung health. Many people make common breathing mistakes that can affect their lung capacity and overall respiratory function. By understanding these mistakes and taking steps to avoid them, one can promote healthy lung function and improve mental health and clarity, reduce stress, and even strengthen immunity. Chest or shallow breathing Chest breathing involves taking short and shallow breaths, limiting the air that reaches one’s lungs, especially the lower part of the organ. Stress is another factor that leads to taking shallow breaths. So, breathing like this involuntarily can bring a false sense of stress in the body and cause other problems. To remedy this, one can practice deep, mindful breathing exercises such as diaphragmatic breathing for a few minutes daily to improve one’s lung capacity. Mouth breathing Nose breathing lets the body filter and humidifies the air from dust and allergens. Mouth breathing, on the other hand, may cause inflammation in the airways or make one more vulnerable to infections. Mouth breathing can also lead to various health problems, including sleep apnea, dry mouth, snoring, and bad breath. If one feels congested or has trouble breathing through the nose, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional for potential causes and treatment options.

The urinary system is an integral part of the body that helps to eliminate waste and excess fluids. Many people, however, make certain common urination mistakes that can harm their bladder health. It is important to maintain bladder health by avoiding these errors and seeking expert attention if there is any discomfort while urinating. Besides bladder health, it also benefits one’s general well-being. Here are six peeing mistakes to avoid to keep your bladder healthy. Mistakes to avoid while peeing Holding it in for too long Holding urine for long periods can lead to urinary tract infections and other bladder-related issues. It can also cause bladder muscle stretching, which can impair bladder control. Therefore, it’s important to urinate as soon as the urge strikes and not to wait too long. Rushing while peeing Rushing through the urination process can also be bad for the bladder. Rushing through the process can result in incomplete bladder emptying, leaving behind leftover urine and causing infections and other bladder issues. Therefore, it is essential to wait and ensure the bladder is empty while peeing. Not drinking enough water Dehydration can cause concentrated urine which irritates the bladder lining and leads to infections and other bladder issues.

The esophagus is an elongated muscular tube that connects the throat and the stomach. The prevalence of esophageal cancer has been rapidly increasing, with approximately 22,000 new cases diagnosed annually in the country. Despite a growing awareness of it, the condition can prove to be difficult to detect in its early stages. Thus, it is crucial to be vigilant about some common and alarming signs that indicate the presence of the condition. Warning signs of esophageal cancer Chest pain Patients with esophageal cancer might experience chest pain or discomfort, which is especially noticeable when swallowing. It might even feel like a tightness or burning sensation in the chest. Some patients might feel the pain radiating to the neck and back. Chronic cough Chronic cough or hoarseness that does not go away might also result from esophageal cancer because the condition affects the vocal cords and irritates the throat. Regurgitation Regurgitation is the involuntary return of food and fluids from the stomach to the esophagus. Persistent regurgitation may occur as a sign of esophageal cancer as it can cause blockage in the esophagus, preventing food from moving further down the stomach. Vomiting blood Hematemesis, or throwing up blood, is one of the alarming signs of esophageal cancer to look out for.

If you have suffered from a debilitating headache that prevented you from going about with your day, you are not alone. Statistical data suggests that headaches affect 16.5% of the population each year. Headaches are often accompanied by symptoms affecting other body parts, including the eyes and the stomach. While headaches are often not severe and can be cured with proper care, some early warning signs of the condition should not be ignored. Nausea and vomiting Nausea, vomiting, and digestive problems are common indicators of migraine headaches. These signs and symptoms often develop before a migraine attack and are called “aura.” Therefore, it is important to understand the underlying cause of a migraine, which can help doctors prescribe a suitable treatment course. Hence, one must consult a doctor immediately in case of migraine signs and symptoms like nausea and vomiting. Fever and body stiffness Patients with meningitis or encephalitis typically develop fever, body stiffness, and blinding headaches. Encephalitis refers to an inflammation of the brain, whereas meningitis is characterized by inflammation of the membrane surrounding the brain. Such inflammation may trigger flu-like symptoms. Individuals experiencing headaches along with fever and body stiffness must seek a doctor’s guidance at the earliest.

It is common to experience pains and aches after cardiovascular activity or weight training. This type of pain is usually how our bodies are conditioned to enhance endurance and strength. However, there is a difference between the pain resulting from a healthy workout and the pain symptomatic of an underlying health condition. For example, if there is a frequent occurrence of a specific type of pain, it is essential to consult a doctor as soon as possible. Here are a few types of aches and pains one shouldn’t ignore. Eye pain It is common to experience eye pain due to vision changes or any related issues. However, sudden eye pain should not be ignored. If one frequently experiences acute or chronic eye pain with or without vision changes, it can indicate a severe health problem. Occasionally, eye pain occurs due to a detached retina, a blocked blood vessel, internal bleeding, or acute glaucoma. In other cases, it can be an early symptom of viral infections such as shingles. Chest pain In most cases, chest pain is caused by something as benign as heartburn. However, in older adults, chest pain can be a symptom of an underlying health condition and should not be ignored.

Pain is felt when nerve endings present in the affected body tissues transmit information to the brain about the damage caused to the body. Often, these nerve fibers send such signals to the brain in case of injuries, accidents, and any other damage caused by an external stimulus. However, sometimes, one may experience sudden pain, which may be a cause for concern. Here are some types of pain that should not be ignored. Debilitating headaches Headaches may have various underlying causes, including migraine, strokes, meningitis, and encephalitis. Based on the symptoms, a healthcare professional can diagnose the health condition and suggest a treatment course. So, one must consult a doctor immediately in case of blinding or persistent headaches. Chest pain Although chest pain may not always indicate a heart attack, it is one of the most prominent symptoms of a heart attack and should not be ignored. Often, a heart attack takes place gradually, starting with fatigue, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Thus, detecting it early can help cardiologists suggest the necessary steps to prevent its onset or alleviate its effects. Thigh or calf-muscle pain Pain in one of the thighs or calf muscles may be a sign of deep-vein thrombosis (DVT), wherein a blood clot is formed in one or multiple deep veins in the body.