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4 early signs of a viral infection

4 early signs of a viral infection

In a world teeming with microscopic adversaries, staying vigilant for the early signs of viral infection is essential. By identifying these telltale indicators, we can take swift action, safeguard our health, and curtail the spread of contagious illnesses. Viral infections encompass a wide range of diseases, each leaving a distinct footprint on our bodies. They can manifest in various ways, presenting distinct symptoms. Understanding these early indicators empowers us to protect ourselves and others. Flu symptoms One of the primary indicators of a viral infection is the onset of flu-like symptoms. A sudden and persistent fever, often accompanied by chills, can be an early sign that your body is fighting off an infection. Alongside fever, you may experience head and body aches, ranging from mild to severe, causing discomfort and reduced energy levels. Fatigue and weakness are also common during viral infections. Upper respiratory symptoms Viral infections frequently affect the respiratory system, leading to a range of upper respiratory symptoms. Nasal congestion, accompanied by a runny or stuffy nose, can make breathing challenging and affect your comfort. A sore throat, characterized by pain, irritation, and inflammation, is another common sign of a viral infection. It may be accompanied by difficulty swallowing or a scratchy sensation.

Understanding the long-term impact of wheelchair usage

Understanding the long-term impact of wheelchair usage

Millions of people across the country use wheeled mobility devices such as wheelchairs, motorized wheelchairs, or scooters due to limited or complete loss of their ability to walk. While these devices help provide accessible mobility, they may also harm one’s health in the long term. Many wheelchair users face barriers when accessing preventive healthcare services and achieving physical fitness. Because of these reasons, they are more likely to develop the following: Shoulder overuse injuries: Maneuvering the wheelchair can put pressure on the upper body’s chest, shoulder, and back muscles, making them more susceptible to injuries and strains. Strengthening these muscles can help avoid such injuries. Look for wheelchair-friendly gyms, or try muscle-strengthening exercises at home using resistance bands. Urinary tract disorders: Accessibility to washroom facilities remains a struggle for wheelchair users, especially when out and about. This makes them more prone to developing urge or stress incontinence and other urinary tract disorders. Reduced bone density: Those living with a severely limiting condition or disease, such that they are immobile for six months or longer, are at a higher risk of experiencing bone loss or reduced bone density. This may eventually lead to osteoporosis. Muscle atrophy: Similarly, more extended periods of immobility have also been associated with reduced glycogen storage, which impacts the ability of the muscles to mobilize fatty acids.

5 early signs that indicate a gynecologist consultation

5 early signs that indicate a gynecologist consultation

Gynecologists are specialized doctors whose primary focus is women’s health and the reproductive system. These healthcare professionals can treat various health problems across menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth, obstetrics, hormone disorders, and more. Hence one must seek their advice during tough times. However, there are chances that one may not know the symptoms to look out for. Hence, here are some early signs that indicate a woman’s need to consult a gynecologist. Early signs that indicate a visit to a gynecologist Painful periods Many women feel discomfort during the menstrual period. While some can have stomach cramps, hot flashes, and sore breasts, others can experience low blood pressure, headache, and excess hunger. However, if one has unmanageable abdominal pain, this can be due to problems such as endometriosis – an extra buildup of tissue outside the uterus, or fibroids – abnormal growth of cells and tissue in the uterus. Abnormal vaginal bleeding While spotting between periods isn’t a cause to worry, one must look out for unexplained bleeding between periods and bleeding after menopause. Additionally, when one is pregnant and notices bleeding, it can signify issues with the pregnancy. In addition, if one experiences excess bleeding, it could indicate ovarian cancer. Breast pain or lumps Usually, women can notice tenderness in the breast area before the onset of their menstrual period.

4 common mistakes made when measuring blood pressure

4 common mistakes made when measuring blood pressure

Blood pressure measures the force or pressure of the blood in the arteries. These readings are given in systolic and diastolic numbers. The systolic pressure (top number) is the maximum heartbeat pressure, and the diastolic pressure (bottom number) is the amount of pressure in the arteries between beats. A typical healthy average reading is less than 120/80 mm Hg. When measuring blood pressure, one must be careful and avoid making common mistakes, such as: Using the wrong-sized cuff One of the most frequently occurring mistakes is using the wrong cuff size. A large cuff will give falsely low readings, while a smaller cuff will give falsely high readings. According to the American Heart Association’s blood pressure measuring guidelines, the length and width of the cuff should be 80 and 40 percent of the arm circumference, respectively. Generally, doctors carry three cuff sizes – large adult, regular adult, and pediatric – that fit a majority of the population. However, doctors working with younger patients may require multiple smaller-sized cuffs. Incorrect patient positioning Getting accurate blood pressure measurement also requires the patient to be seated properly. For instance, a poorly supported back or feet may increase a reading by six to ten points, an unsupported arm may raise it by ten points or more, and sitting with one’s legs crossed may raise it by two to eight points.

8 most common signs of poor kidney function

8 most common signs of poor kidney function

The kidneys play a vital role in maintaining the body’s equilibrium by filtering waste, regulating fluid balance and electrolyte levels, and producing hormones essential for various bodily functions. Any impairment in kidney function due to various reasons can lead to a range of symptoms. Some early indicators may suggest compromised kidney function. Understanding these signs can enable individuals to take proactive steps, seek medical assistance promptly, and minimize the risk of further complications. Signs of poor kidney function Changes in urine color, smell, and consistency If one notices any changes in the color, frequency, or smell of one’s urine, it is usually considered an early sign of kidney disorder. One may experience an increased need to urinate, especially at night, which can disrupt normal sleep patterns. Conversely, one may see a significant decrease in one’s urges to urinate, which leads to a buildup of waste products and fluid retention in the body. Similarly, if one’s urine smells foul or has changed color to dark, foamy, or bloody, it may be a cause for concern. Changes in appetite and taste Poor kidney function can impact the digestive system, and individuals may experience a persistent metallic taste in the mouth or a significant loss of appetite.

3 signs of liver damage to never ignore

3 signs of liver damage to never ignore

The liver performs several crucial bodily functions. For instance, it eliminates toxins, supports digestion, and helps store essential nutrients. However, specific lifestyle habits and underlying health conditions can affect the organ, lowering its performance and increasing the risk of severe complications. When that happens, one may develop numerous symptoms. Here are a few such signs of liver damage individuals should not ignore and immediately get a diagnosis from a healthcare professional. Jaundice Jaundice, characterized by the yellowing of the eyes and skin, is also called yellow fever. The ailment develops when there is a buildup of toxic compounds and waste products in the body, which the liver cannot filter out. Bilirubin is an example of such a toxic compound, formed when the body breaks down old or damaged red blood cells. When the liver cannot appropriately filter out bilirubin from the body, its buildup gives the skin, eyes, and even the mouth a yellow tint. One’s urine may also turn dark and the stool pale when suffering from jaundice. These are potential signs of liver damage that should never be ignored. Fatty liver disease Fatty liver disease is a common term for numerous illnesses that affect the liver when too much fat accumulates in its cells.

4 signs that indicate ulcerative colitis development

4 signs that indicate ulcerative colitis development

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that leads to the inflammation of the colon and the rectum in the body. There is no cure for this disease and it can get challenging to deal with the symptoms; however, there are some management techniques that can help relieve them. It is important to be observant of these signs that may indicate the development of ulcerative colitis to start the management plan immediately. Diarrhea This is a common symptom of ulcerative colitis, which is often also followed with pus or blood in the stool. This diarrhea is caused due to the inflammation in the digestive tract. It becomes difficult for the colon to process the food and the waste due to its inability to absorb the water from it properly. Due to this, the stool is loose and watery in nature. Some other signs to be careful of include abdominal cramps, urgency to use the bathroom, increased bowel movements both at night and day, and also the feeling of incomplete bowel movement simultaneously. Fatigue This is another common symptom experienced by people with ulcerative colitis. Due to the inflammation in the colon, the body is constantly responding to fix this, causing the energy to drain.

4 common signs of schizophrenia

4 common signs of schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a disorder that can significantly affect physical and mental well-being. The condition can influence how one thinks, feels, and behaves, making it difficult for one to carry out day-to-day tasks. If left untreated, the disorder can affect an individual’s personal, professional, and social relationships. So, it is important to learn about and recognize the early signs of schizophrenia and seek timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment for the disorder. Lack of emotional expression Also known as “flat affect”, lack of emotional and facial expression is a sign often associated with schizophrenia. Here, one may not have appropriate emotional expressions for the circumstances. For instance, one can continue to have an expressionless face even when they feel happy. This can often lead to miscommunication and misunderstanding. To address this symptom, one can consider opting for social skills training or cognitive behavioral therapy. Here, one works with a therapist to improve communication and keep up with their daily routine. Hallucinations One of the most common signs of schizophrenia is hallucinations, which involve hearing and seeing things that do not exist in reality. For someone dealing with the disorder, these hallucinations can appear completely normal and feel like a realistic experience. This can make it difficult for one to differentiate hallucinations from reality.

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Joint conditions – Symptoms, causes, and risks

Joint conditions – Symptoms, causes, and risks

Joint conditions refer to any condition or disease that affects the joints. Arthritis is the most well-known and commonly occurring joint disease, while there are several others that impact the health of individuals across the world. Diseases related to the joints can be both short-lived or they can turn chronic and require surgery and other serious treatment. This condition can be limited to a single joint or it can impact different parts of the body. There are two types in which joint conditions can be classified: inflammatory and non-inflammatory. However, one thing that is common with most joint conditions is that they’re very painful, especially inflammatory diseases. Symptoms of joint conditions There are several symptoms of joint conditions. While most of them will involve pain, some of them might just involve a difference in shape or a bulge around the joint. This will be the earlier stage of any joint condition, and if a person visits a doctor during this stage, treatment can be fairly simple. Let us understand the different symptoms of joint conditions: The area surrounding the joint is swollen or there is prominent redness in the area. If you touch it, and the area is warm, you might want to consult the doctor.

All you need to know about kidney and liver failure

Hepatorenal syndrome is a condition that is identified as a type of kidney failure that occurs in people who have serious damage caused to the liver, commonly due to cirrhosis. When the kidney stops functioning, toxins begin to accumulate in the body which leads to liver failure as well. Therefore, kidney and liver failures are co-dependent in this case. This condition is of two types: 1 and 2. In Type 1 the kidney failure is more rapid, while type 2 patients tend to move gradually toward renal failure and the symptoms are less aggressive. Symptoms The symptoms caused by the hepatorenal syndrome are a cause of medical emergency in most cases. If any of the symptoms associated with the condition occur, the patient must be rushed to a doctor without any delay. The common symptoms associated with the condition include Nausea Increase in body weight Confusion Reduced urination Change in the color of urine, which usually becomes dark-colored Swelling in the abdomen area Jaundice Dementia Vomiting Delirium Causes and risk factors In most cases, the hepatorenal syndrome is a complication associated with liver disease. Almost in all patients, the condition is caused as a result of liver cirrhosis. When a person suffers from cirrhosis of the liver, there are several factors that can cause the hepatorenal syndrome, such as Infections, especially the ones that affect the kidneys Digestive tract disorders such as gastrointestinal bleeding Use of diuretics, the substance used for increased production of urine The primary reason behind the condition is mostly any kind of disease related to the liver.

Menopause – Symptoms, causes, and risks

Menopause is a stage that marks the end of a woman’s menstrual cycles and fertility, and it is diagnosed when a woman doesn’t menstruate for 12 consecutive months. Usually, menopause occurs in women between the ages of 40s and 50s, but in some cases, early onset may cause a woman to reach menopause in her late 30s as well. Menopause can lead to the development of several symptoms and can cause a lot of discomfort, but no medical attention is required in most cases. This article outlines what you need to know about menopause. Symptoms of menopause The time that leads up to menopause is also known as perimenopause, and it can be accompanied by various symptoms, including the following: Irregularities in the menstrual cycle Vaginal dryness Hot flashes and night sweats Cold chills Sleep-related problems Mood swings Increase in body weight Reduced metabolism Hair thinning Skin dryness Reduced breast fullness The symptoms caused by menopause, including the irregularities in the menstrual cycle, can vary from one woman to another. During perimenopause, it is common as well as expected for a woman’s menstrual cycles to be irregular or skipped. Some women do not get their cycles for several months, followed by normal cycles for a few months.

Symptoms, causes, and risk factors of mental health issues

Mental health is a term that is collectively used to understand illnesses that include symptoms that might have an impact on the thinking, mood, and behavior of a person. Mental health problems might make it difficult for people to concentrate on work or maintain a positive work-life balance. There might even be problems pertaining to relationships when a person is dealing with mental health problems. While mental health and stress have a complex but definite relationship, the latter can gravely be worsened by the former. What is the solution? While some people resort to counseling for mental health problems, some might turn to medication. A combination of both can also be a good and effective solution for some. Symptoms of mental health problems The symptoms of mental health illness can vary depending on the individual, the depth of the problem, and how a person is looking to cope with the problem. There can be emotional and behavioral repercussions of mental health illness, and the best way to cure is to identify it early on and support the person suffering from mental health issues as well as possible. Some of the known symptoms of mental health illnesses include: Feeling sad or low Inability to concentrate on the job or even on leisure activities like watching TV or reading the newspaper Extreme feeling of guilt Irrational fears or worries, especially about the future Mood swings Withdrawal from family, friends, and all sorts of social activities Detachment from the real world and a sense of delusion or hallucinations Inability to keep up with daily tasks or powerlessness in handling the stress of simple jobs Difficulty in understanding people and situations Excessive alcohol use Sudden change in eating habits Change in sex drive for the worse Change in temperament and sudden hostile behavior and loss of patience Suicidal thoughts Physical symptoms such as stomach ache, back pain, and headaches Causes of mental health problems Multiple causes can be associated with the occurrence of mental health illnesses.

Oral health issues – Causes and tips to prevent them

Although maintaining oral hygiene is important for overall health, several mouth and teeth diseases can make it difficult to have the pearly whites you desire. This makes it important to be careful about oral hygiene and make regular efforts to maintain oral health. This article discusses the symptoms and causes of mouth and teeth diseases, followed by a few tips to maintain good oral hygiene. Symptoms Several mouth and teeth problems can be caused by oral health issues. Here are some symptoms that you need to keep in mind to help prevent oral diseases: Foul breath Bleeding gums Loosening of teeth Aches in the tooth, jaw, or gum These are the most common symptoms that are often overlooked, but ignoring them can worsen the pain and aggravate mouth and teeth problems. It’s best to consult a dentist at the earliest if any of these symptoms manifest. Causes The causes of mouth and teeth problems may vary from person to person, but let’s look at the most common causes: Smoking Smoking causes several health issues, and mouth and teeth problems are just one among those. It harms the tissues of the gums and the nicotine also stains the teeth. Poor dental history in the family If your family has a poor dental record, you should take extra precautions to maintain oral health as you face a greater risk of developing mouth and teeth problems.