Aches and signs that should never be ignored
health

Aches and signs that should never be ignored

Ignoring certain types of aches and pains in the body can be dangerous. Certain body aches may indicate a more serious underlying condition requiring immediate attention. These conditions can worsen and cause further damage to the body if left untreated, and may even lead to life-threatening situations. Ignoring these symptoms and pains may worsen them, resulting in more discomfort and a lower quality of life. Here are a few aches and pains to keep an eye out for. Chest pain Sudden chest pain may indicate a heart attack, which is an emergency. If someone has chest pain that lasts more than a few minutes and is accompanied by sweating, shortness of breath, or nausea, one should visit the hospital immediately. A doctor can help one make the best decisions and avoid serious complications. Headaches While headaches are common, they may indicate a more serious condition such as a stroke, brain tumor, or meningitis, if they are severe or appear suddenly. One should seek treatment if a sudden, severe headache strikes, particularly if other symptoms like confusion, dizziness, or altered vision accompany it. Abdominal pain Abdominal pain is a common symptom of several diseases, including pancreatitis, appendicitis, and gallstones. Anyone with persistent or severe abdominal pain should see a doctor, particularly if it is accompanied by vomiting, nausea, or a fever.
Do not ignore these 8 pain symptoms
health

Do not ignore these 8 pain symptoms

Pain is a normal sensation everyone experiences from time to time. It is also the body’s way of letting us know something isn’t right. Various factors like illness, injury, or other chronic conditions can trigger pain. Some types of pain are easily manageable with self-care, lifestyle changes, and prescription treatment. However, some pain symptoms, when they are ignored, could give rise to serious health concerns and chronic pain that lasts from weeks to months. Numbness or tingling Nerve damage is one of the more common reasons for numbness or tingling sensation in any part of the body. It might even be an indication of a stroke or multiple sclerosis. If numbness or tingling persists, a doctor must be contacted immediately. Fatigue Anemia, stress, and sleep are the common factors that can give rise to fatigue as a symptom. The mental and physical energy a person utilizes to manage the pain can give rise to fatigue. In some cases, chronic and persistent fatigue that lingers even after weeks might be a sign of chronic fatigue syndrome or cancer. In such cases, seeking a health expert’s advice is crucial. Shortness of breath Health concerns like COPD, asthma, and pulmonary embolism can all give rise to shortness of breath.
Top 5 subtle signs of autoimmune diseases
health

Top 5 subtle signs of autoimmune diseases

The immune system comprises various organs and cells that aim to protect the body from viruses, parasites, bacteria, and cancer cells. However, when one has an autoimmune disorder, the immune system attacks the body instead of protecting it. Today, there are over a hundred autoimmune diseases, including lupus, Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and ulcerative colitis. Keep reading the article to learn more about autoimmune diseases, their symptoms, and management techniques. Symptoms of autoimmune diseases In most cases, the early signs of autoimmune diseases can be very similar and are relatively easy to ignore, and here are some early symptoms to look out for. Body pain Usually, persistent pain in the muscle and joints that cannot be explained is a sign of multiple autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. So, if one experiences pain all over the body, one should not ignore it as an effect of a workout. Instead, they must focus on blood tests and X-rays to diagnose the underlying condition. Unexplained rashes on the skin In most cases, the skin mirrors the inflammation inside the body. So, when the level of inflammation increases, it can lead to red blotchy, itchy, and even scaly skin rashes on the body.
Managing ataxia – 4 early signs to look out for
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Managing ataxia – 4 early signs to look out for

Ataxia is a condition that causes one to move in an uncertain, clumsy, or awkward manner. It is often an indicator of problems in the brain, ears, or nervous system. One of the primary causes includes damage to the parts of the brain that control coordination, mainly the cerebellum. However, it can also occur due to strokes, brain degeneration, and genetic disorders. Read on to know more about ataxia’s early symptoms. The condition can develop over a period of time or suddenly. Listed below are some of the early signs of ataxia. Problems with balance or coordination Usually, balance and coordination problems are one of the early signs. This is the most common and noticeable symptom as it can cause a person to stumble or fall due to a lack of muscle coordination. Ataxia can also cause problems with balance, and it can lead to clumsiness and an unsteady gait. Slurred speech In most cases, people with ataxia may experience problems with their speech along with using their hands and fingers. This can lead to slurred or unclear speech, which can often be incredibly difficult to understand. The patient can experience problems controlling their speech volume, pitch, and rhythm. Hence, if one experiences the development of this symptom, they must seek medical attention at the earliest.
6 alarming signs of esophageal cancer
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6 alarming signs of esophageal cancer

Esophageal cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the inner layers of the esophagus, the tube that allows food to move into the digestive system. The symptoms won’t be detectable in the early stages of this condition. As cancer slowly grows outward, it spreads through the esophageal wall, reaching the lymph nodes, the blood vessels in the chest, and other nearby organs. Keep reading to learn about the warning signs of this condition. Pain in the chest One of the most common signs of esophageal cancer is a pain in the middle region of the chest. The pain can radiate to just below the throat, between the shoulders, or behind the breastbone. This discomfort is similar to feeling pressure or a burning sensation inside the chest. However, this symptom is often ignored since it is similar to those caused by certain benign health conditions such as heartburn. Trouble swallowing Due to the growth of the cancerous cells, the wall of the esophagus becomes narrow. It makes it difficult for the food to pass through the esophagus. As a result, a person will experience trouble swallowing food. This symptom is relatively mild in the beginning. But as cancer progresses, it worsens over time.
5 signs of serious headaches that should not be ignored
health

5 signs of serious headaches that should not be ignored

Headaches often result from poor lifestyle habits, a lack of proper sleep, or overworking. In most cases, a few additional hours of shut-eye every day are enough to alleviate such aches. However, sometimes, a headache could last longer and be a precursor to something much more severe, like diabetes, migraines, or, in a worst-case scenario, a brain tumor. Here are some alarming signs of a severe headache that should not be ignored. Nausea Nausea is often a symptom of a migraine—an unbearable, ear-splitting headache that can go on for hours. Migraines are incredibly common and often feature among the top ten causes of disability globally. Vomiting and a general, unrelenting sensation of nausea often come with, after, or before a bad migraine attack. So, if someone experiences an overwhelming feeling that they are about to throw up, it could be a sign of an impending migraine headache. Stiff neck A stiffened neck is sometimes followed or accompanied by a headache. While it may not be a cause for concern, one should see a doctor if the discomfort does not go away. Neck pain accompanied by a headache is one of the symptoms of meningitis, a bacteria- or virus-driven condition that affects the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
5 side effects of insufficient water intake
health

5 side effects of insufficient water intake

The benefits of drinking enough water and keeping the body hydrated are well-known. More than two-thirds of the human body consists of water. This is why timely hydration is necessary to keep one’s bodily functions ticking along without stoppages. Therefore, not consuming at least two to three liters of water daily can adversely affect a person’s overall health and bodily functions. Here are some of the common side effects of insufficient water intake: Fluid imbalance in the body The blood becomes thicker when the body is deprived of water for longer periods. As a direct result of this, blood circulation gets labored, and the heart needs to expend more energy than usual to ensure that vital nutrients and elements such as oxygen and iron reach all body parts. This sluggishness of the circulatory system translates into nutrient and fluid imbalances in the body. Essentially, the loss of balance and equilibrium with about 1 to 2% bodily fluid loss causes further issues like intense thirst, discomfort, and loss of taste. If fluid loss reaches 3 to 4%, one may experience difficulty concentrating, excessive shaking, and vomiting. Wrinkled skin The skin’s moisture content is severely affected by insufficient water intake. Essentially, the above-mentioned blood circulation problem caused by less water intake obstructs the flow of nutrients to the skin, making it lose its luster and elasticity.
5 foods that can help fight bad breath
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5 foods that can help fight bad breath

Bad breath, or halitosis, can prove to be incredibly difficult to manage. However, one does not have to look much further than their meal plan for a solution. To put it simply, one must avoid certain foods that may worsen bad breath, like garlic and onion. They should instead eat foods like raw fruits and vegetables to counter it. Read on to know more about which foods to eat to remedy bad breath. In addition to paying more attention to oral health, one can eat certain foods to banish bad breath. Some of these are mentioned below. Yogurt Researchers claim that consuming about three ounces of yogurt with probiotic bacteria twice a day can reduce bad breath. Eating yogurt reduces the levels of odor-causing sulfide compounds in the mouth. However, one must carefully read the labels and choose the sugar-free variety to get maximum benefits. Ginger Ginger is a spice that contains a compound known as 6-gingerol. This compound helps in the stimulation of an enzyme in the saliva to help break down sulfur compounds in the mouth. This effectively reduces bad breath and counters the effects of bad oral health. You can also use lemon juice, ginger, and warm water to develop a DIY mouth wash that can be used as per your convenience.