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An Overview of Crohn’s Disease

An Overview of Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes inflammation of the digestive tract, also known as the gastrointestinal tract (GI). The disease can affect any part of the tract from the mouth to the anus, but it most commonly affects the small intestine. It also affects the eyes, skin, and joints in some cases. Symptoms Crohn’s disease often causes diarrhea, abdominal pain, and cramps as the most common symptoms. People suffering from the disease also experience fever, fatigue, bloody stools, mouth sores, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Some other symptoms of the disease are inflammation of the skin, joints, eyes, liver, or bile duct. In children, the disease can lead to delayed growth or sexual development. Causes The exact cause of Crohn’s disease is unknown, but there can be several causes that aggravate the condition. Immunity and heredity issues can be two major factors that can lead to the development of the disease. A bacterium can trigger the disease where the immune system fights off the invading microorganism but an abnormal immune response results in an attack on the digestive tract cells as well. A family history of the disease can lead to an increased risk of an individual developing the disease.
Nasal polyps – Symptoms, causes, and management

Nasal polyps – Symptoms, causes, and management

Nasal polyps are teardrops or grape-like shaped growth on the lining of your nasal passage. These growths are soft and painless, and hence, go undetected for the longest time. A benign condition, this can affect anyone but is most common in adults. While these growths are painless, they lead to blocking the nasal passage, which naturally leads to inconsistent breathing and those suffering from it also experience a decreased sense of smell. This is also a cause of frequent infections. Some symptoms to look out for Nasal polyps often go unnoticed but there are some common signs and symptoms that will help you recognize this condition. If you have felt some irritation or inflammation in your sinuses that has lasted for more than 12 weeks, these symptoms could mean you have nasal polyps. Consistently runny or stuffy nose Postnasal drip Decreased sense of taste Absent sense of smell Headache or facial pain Pain in the upper teeth Frequent nosebleeds Snoring Pressure on your forehead or face These symptoms overlap with the signs of chronic sinusitis and common cold, and therefore, it is advisable to see your doctor for proper diagnosis of your condition. If the symptoms make it difficult for you to breathe, immediate medical attention is required.
Vertigo – Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Vertigo – Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Vertigo is a medical condition commonly associated with the feeling that the world or surrounding objects are spinning. This may be related to nausea, vomiting, sweating, or difficulties in walking. The signs of vertigo are barely noticeable, however, at times it may be severe, and the person experiencing it may find it difficult to maintain balance and perform everyday tasks. It usually occurs due to a problem in the inner ear but can also be caused by vision problems and other similar conditions. Vertigo involves the sensation of movement and is medically different from dizziness or lightheadedness. Vertigo can be classified into three different types – objective, subjective, and pseudo vertigo. Objective vertigo is described as the sensation of rotation of the surrounding stationary objects. Subjective vertigo is the feeling that the person himself/herself is spinning. Pseudovertigo is an intense sensation of rotation that the patient feels inside his/her head. Causes There are several conditions in the brain and the nervous system that may lead to vertigo. Peripheral vertigo occurs due to a disturbance in the balance organs of the inner ear whereas central vertigo results when there is a disruption in parts of the brain known as sensory nerve pathways.
What You Need to Know about Gallbladder Stones

What You Need to Know about Gallbladder Stones

Gallbladder pain symptoms trouble approximately 10% to 15% of the American population, and over $6.8 billion is spent for gallbladder treatment annually. Fortunately, the fatal cases of gallbladder problems have decreased from over 5000 in 1950 at a rate greater than approximately 50% in 2017. Having said that, with an estimate of 1.8 million check-ups each year, gallbladder pain symptoms seem to be the leading cause of hospital admissions with over 750,000 cholecystectomy operations taking place annually. However, out of the 10% American population, approximately only 1% suffer from serious gastrointestinal problems and the rest 9% get unnoticed throughout their entire lives. It is important to understand the anatomy of gallbladder pains to understand at which point one must visit the doctor for professional advice. Gallstones Formation of gallstones in the gallbladder gives rise to gallbladder pain symptoms, which one may experience. It is the size and composition of these gallstones, which describe whether there is a necessity of surgery or not. Most of the population carry gallstones with them from the age of 20, but might not require surgery. The common conditions of the gallbladder, i.e., gallstones, cholecystitis, gallbladder cancer, or gallstone pancreatitis, all originate from the formation of gallstones in the gallbladder.
Watery Eyes from Allergies – Causes, Types, and Treatment Options

Watery Eyes from Allergies – Causes, Types, and Treatment Options

Watery eyes aren’t usually an issue of concern; they can be treated with over-the-counter remedies too. However, sometimes, watery eyes can be caused by allergies, in which your eyes produce tears that roll down your cheeks. There are several reasons behind watery eyes from allergies. Read along to know more. What causes the eyes to water? There are many reasons why the eyes water. Some of these are listed below: The most common cause is the blockage of one of the tear ducts right below the tear sacs. This may be because of constant narrowing of the upper end of the tear duct due to repeated mild infections and inflammations. This not only causes excess tears in your eyes but the tears stagnant in your tear ducts can also become infected and cause a sticky discharge or painful swelling on the nose near the eyes. Sometimes, dry eye syndrome can also lead to watery eyes. When your eyes become dry, uncomfortable, and irritated, the lacrimal glands produce so many tears that it overwhelms the natural draining system of the eyes. A partially blocked duct may be too narrow to drain the tears, causing your eyes to water. This cause is less common; however, sometimes, one of the canaliculi may be blocked which are the small channels in the inner corner of your eyes.
Causes and Treatments of Persistent Dry Cough

Causes and Treatments of Persistent Dry Cough

A dry cough can be very troublesome. Not only is it irritating, but it takes a toll on your throat too. It feels like a thousand razor-sharp knives are piercing through your throat each time you cough. It is best to get persistent dry cough treated as soon as possible to get rid of the nuisance. In some cases, a persistent dry cough may be a result of inhaling some foreign substance. It is essential to consult a doctor straight away and a chest X-ray should be done to stay on the safe side. Some common causes and risk factors include medications, whooping cough, asthma, allergic rhinitis, sinus problems and oesophageal reflux of stomach contents. Here are a few causes as well as treatments for persistent dry cough. Cause – If it was not already obvious, cigarette smoking is the most common cause of persistent dry cough. Treatment – Avoid smoking if you are suffering from such a cough and visit a doctor for further check-ups. Smoking is extremely harmful to the body. The onset of a persistent dry cough may be an indicator of other health problems. You can try nicotine patches to quit smoking after consulting a doctor.
10 Common Causes of Leg Cramps at Night

10 Common Causes of Leg Cramps at Night

Does your sleep often get disturbed by painful leg cramps at night? These cramps are a common problem experienced by many adults in the country. These ill-timed cramps usually affect the foot and the calf, although they can also cause pain in the hamstring. Although this is a widespread condition, its causes and remedies are far from certain. As you do your research, you will come across many different opinions and theories, but not all of them are true. This article will outline some common causes of leg cramps at night time. Failing to stretch certain muscles Our modern lifestyle is to blame for this. Although our ancestors spent most of their time squatting and walking, our contemporary lives have removed the need for such physical movements. We hardly do any activities that stretch the leg muscles and tendons. Moreover, our sedentary lifestyle decreases tendon and muscle length and reduces flexibility, which could lead to cramping. Sleeping in awkward positions Experts have also noticed that when you lie in bed with your face down, your foot is usually in a “plantar flexion” position. Your toe points are away from you, and this shortens calf muscles. If the foot stays in this position for a long time, even small movements of the feet could trigger a cramp.
5 Common Causes of Pain Behind the Knee

5 Common Causes of Pain Behind the Knee

The knee is one of the biggest and most complex joints present in our body which is comprised of different types of bones such as the shinbone known as the tibia, the smaller bone that runs parallel to the Tibia is known as the fibula, the thigh bone known as the femur and the kneecap, which is known as the patella. Apart from bones, this knee joint is also a collection of different types of tendons, muscles, cartilage, and ligaments. The knee is considered to be one of the most injury-prone areas in our whole body, and that’s why most people experience leg pain behind the knee at some point in their lives. Sports and exercises can sometimes cause muscle strains, fracture the bones present in the knee joint, as well as some serious injuries to cartilages and ligaments. Some knee injuries gradually heal on their own over time, while some may require surgical treatments or other medical interventions. Whatever the case may be that’s causing a hindrance to your desired lifestyle due to knee pain, it shouldn’t be ignored. Thus, in this article we are going to talk about the major causes of knee pain, which are as follows:
Causes and Treatment Options for Severe Asthma

Causes and Treatment Options for Severe Asthma

An inflammatory lung condition which affects the passage of your lungs is called asthma. This condition is usually a chronic inflammation in the passage of the lungs. The airways of the lungs become narrow and start to swell, which in turn produce some extra mucus. This excess mucus makes it difficult for you to breath in a normal way and that will trigger wheezing, coughing and causes shortness of breath. For some people, an asthma attack is not a big problem as this does not disrupt their normal life. But for some people, asthma attacks are very common and that causes a problem in their daily activities as well. When you keep neglecting the problem of asthma, it can even become life-threatening as well. Proper treatments for severe asthma are very important and have to be done as quickly as possible. This is a condition which cannot be cured completely, but you need to make sure that you take proper treatment in order to control its symptoms and triggers. Causes of severe asthma The main and exact cause of asthma is not known, but there are many causes that trigger asthma. Based on the causes of asthma, the treatments for severe asthma are decided by the doctor.
Types, Causes, and Treatment of Joint Pain

Types, Causes, and Treatment of Joint Pain

The other name of joint pain or inflammation is known as arthritis, which can affect one or more joints present in our body. Presently there are almost 200 different types of joint pain or arthritis, but among them, the most common types are as follows: Inflammatory arthritis Degenerative or mechanical arthritis Soft tissue musculoskeletal pain Back pain Connective tissue disease Infectious arthritis Metabolic arthritis Though the symptoms of arthritis develop over a long time, they can also appear suddenly out of nowhere. It is most common in adults over the age of 65 years, but sometimes it can also develop in children, teens or younger adults. Moreover, arthritis is more common in women than in men. Also, people suffering from obesity or other conditions related to being overweight have greater tendencies to develop arthritis. Arthritis or joint pain causes Though there are no single joint pain causes of all types of arthritis. These may vary according to the type or form of arthritis. Possible causes of joint pain may include the following factors: Injury, leading to degenerative arthritis Abnormal metabolism leading to gout and pseudogout Inheritance such as osteoarthritis Infections Immune system dysfunction Some forms of arthritis or joint pain causes are due to the reduction in the cartilage tissues amount.
Causes of High Blood Pressure and Tips to Reduce it

Causes of High Blood Pressure and Tips to Reduce it

Blood pressure is the force exerted by the blood flowing in the blood vessels. Blood vessels carry blood pumped by the heart to all parts of the body. Proper supply of blood requires an optimum level of blood pressure and anything above or below this level is a cause of concern. Normal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg, where 120 is systolic pressure and 80 is diastolic. Blood pressure measuring 130-139/80-89 mmHg is considered as the first stage of hypertension, and pressures above 140/90 mmHg are considered as the second stage of hypertension. Pressure above 180/120 warrants immediate medical treatment. Prolonged hypertension results in thickening of the blood vessel walls (atherosclerosis). Other health complications caused by hypertension are a stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure. How to lower your blood pressure? This is an important question faced by those affected by hypertension. Read on to understand the causes of high blood pressure and ways to control high blood pressure. Causes of High Blood Pressure Hypertension is classified as primary and secondary hypertension. Primary or essential hypertension develops over time with no particular cause, whereas secondary hypertension occurs rapidly and becomes more severe than primary hypertension. Although the exact pressure cause of high blood pressure is not known, several risk factors are attributed to hypertension.