Hepatitis – types and contributing factors Hepatitis is described as an inflammation in the liver. Inflammation is essentially any tissue’s natural response to injury or irritation, and the general effects of inflammation are swelling, redness, and pain. There is a wide range of causes of the condition, but they differ based on the type of hepatitis that one is affected with. For example, various types of viral hepatitis involve viral infections rather than any other disorder in the body. Hepatitis can be acute or chronic depending on the severity, and there are various types: Types Hepatitis A This type of hepatitis does not result in chronic infections and typically involves no complications. It is one of the most common food-borne infections, and the liver takes approximately two months to properly heal from hepatitis A. In rare cases, hepatitis A can lead to liver failure, which can be fatal. The most common prevention method for hepatitis A is vaccination. Hepatitis B Above 70% of all diagnosed occurrences of hepatitis B have been found in young people from the age of 15 to 39. It usually takes people 6 months to completely recover from the illness, but some may suffer from a life-long, chronic infection, which leads to ongoing liver damage.

Kawasaki disease is also sometimes referred to as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome. It was first detected in Japanese children in the 1960s. It is a rare disease that typically affects children under the age of five. This rare disease affects 9-20 children among 100,000, which makes it more crucial to know its causes and look for the following symptoms. Causes of Kawasaki disease Although the exact cause of the disease is not known, doctors believe that Kawasaki disease can be a result of bacterial or viral infection. Having a low immune response can also increase the risk of the disease. Since Kawasaki disease is an infection, it is contagious and spreads from one person to another. Some doctors also suggest that Kawasaki disease may also be caused due to toxic substances called bacterial superantigen, which is produced by a particular type of bacteria called streptococci or staphylococci. These bacteria may trigger the immune system, leading to infiltration of blood vessels. As a result, this may cause vasculitis or blood vessel inflammation, increasing the risk of cardiovascular damage. Kawasaki disease can also be inherited genetically, as it can pass from one generation to another. Symptoms of Kawasaki disease Children suffering from this disease may exhibit symptoms in the following phases:

Hyperhidrosis is a condition that causes excessive sweating in one or many parts of the body. The symptoms of this condition can get severe to the point where one may need a frequent change of clothes. For some people, this condition can trigger serious psychological problems like anxiety and depression. It is therefore essential to understand what causes hyperhidrosis and its symptoms. Symptoms of hyperhidrosis The common symptoms of hyperhidrosis are mentioned below: Excessive sweating This is the most common symptom associated with hyperhidrosis. A person may sweat excessively to the point where their clothes get soaked up. There is no apparent reason for excessive sweating, which can even disrupt one’s daily activities. Those with this condition may spend a large amount of time each day changing sweat-soaked clothes, wiping and placing napkins or pads under the arms, and wearing loose or dark clothes. Body odor When a person perspires excessively, and the sweat mixes with the bacteria on one’s skin, it can cause body odor. Skin problems Hyperhidrosis can trigger a variety of skin problems. Bacterial skin infections, cracks or wrinkles, skin paleness, and discoloration are a few skin problems caused by the condition. Another symptom of hyperhidrosis is maceration, which is usually seen on the soles of the feet.

An overactive bladder (OAB) is a group of symptoms that affect the bladder and mainly trigger urinary incontinence. In most cases, frequently passing excessive urine is one of the glaring symptoms. Following are the five most common factors that can lead to an overactive bladder. Hormonal changes This is one of the main reasons why women are at a higher risk of experiencing problems with their bladders. Menopause, pregnancy, and menstruation problems trigger hormonal imbalances that affect the pelvic floor muscles. Moreover, with advancing age, these health complications also increase the risk of urinary tract infections. Neurological disorders Any mental illnesses or damage done to vital neural networks can interrupt the proper flow of messages from the bladder to the brain and vice versa. The lack of control over the pelvic floor muscles can result in urinary incontinence. Neurological problems can also hinder your ability to pass urine normally. This risk is equally high among men and women. Old age Age is one of the main risk factors for OAB. Studies indicate that loss of bladder control is highly possible with advancing age. Old age affects your physical and mental ability to control the pelvic muscles. Loss of muscle control forces the bladder to expand and contract without any warning.

Leukemia is classified on the basis of two factors: the speed at which it progresses and the type of cells it affects. Acute myeloid leukemia is an aggressive form of leukemia that spreads rapidly and affects the functioning of the White Blood Cells (WBCs). The WBCs, which are disease-fighting cells of the immune system, grow abnormally under the effect of this condition, and it can turn fatal if left unchecked. Keeping track of the symptoms can facilitate an early diagnosis and timely treatment. What are the symptoms of acute myeloid leukemia? The condition often seems like the flu in the early stages as it causes similar symptoms like fever and fatigue. That said, it can also lead to other symptoms like: Shortness of breath Bone pain Easy bruising Small red spots under the skin Excessive sweating Loss of appetite and weight loss Swollen gums Frequent infections What causes acute myeloid leukemia? The causes of all types of cancer, including Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), remain unknown. That said, researchers do know that AML causes abnormalities in the DNA, which is the building block of cells and carries information about their functioning and behavior. The condition affects the DNA, interfering with the normal production of blood cells and causing the bone marrow to develop immature cells that divide rapidly.

Psoriasis is an unusual skin condition that influences the skin cells to multiply a lot faster than usual. It is marked by the development of red, bumpy patches covered in white scales. The condition usually occurs during early adulthood and affects either a small or large area of the body. Here are the symptoms and causes of psoriasis, as well its treatment options, that you must be aware of: Symptoms The symptoms of psoriasis are diverse and differ from person to person. Here are some of the most common signs of the condition: Tiny, scaly spots on the skin Thickened or ridged nails and nail pitting Unusual itching, soreness, or burning in affected areas Psoriatic arthritis, in which the joints swell and stiffen Cracked, dry skin that may itch and bleed Causes There isn’t much clarity on what causes the abnormal generation of skin cells. However, based on research, psoriasis tends to be hereditary and can skip generations before affecting a biological member of the family. Some studies suggest that apart from genetics, environmental factors also trigger the condition. Here are some known causes of the condition: Strep throat or skin infections Extremely dry or cold weather conditions Physical, psychological, psychosocial, and psychospiritual stress Excessive alcohol consumption Cigarette smoking and secondhand smoke Skin issues that include cuts or scrapes, bites from bugs, and severe sunburns Blood pressure medications, such as beta-blockers Treatment There is no cure for the disorder, but there are treatments that can greatly help reduce its symptoms.

Stomach cancer, also called gastric cancer, is an illness characterized by the development of cancer cells within the lining of the stomach. It is a relatively rare type of cancer that may show absolutely no symptoms in the early stages, making diagnosis difficult. That said, the condition is associated with discomfort and pain when symptoms do start to surface. This article looks at the symptoms and causes of gastric cancer. Symptoms of gastric cancer Frequent heartburn People may normally experience acid reflux due to certain foods or lifestyle habits. That said, an individual with gastric cancer may experience frequent heartburn. Difficulty swallowing This symptom of stomach cancer can occur due to a tumor’s location, or it could be a side effect of the ongoing treatment. Lack of appetite and easily feeling full The tumor in the stomach may cause irritation and swelling, and cancer may change the way the stomach breaks down food in the advanced stages. This change in metabolism can manifest as a loss of appetite. Even small meals could make the patient feel full easily, hampering their nutrient intake. Sudden weight loss A constant feeling of fullness and bloating can cause an individual to eat less and compromise their daily nutritional intake, leading to weight loss.

All those suffering from seasonal or environmental allergies may have noticed that by night time, the symptoms get worse. This is quite common in many individuals. Its severity may depend on the type of allergen, geographical location, air quality, and weather conditions. Let’s take a look at some common causes to manage night-time allergies and their symptoms in a better way. Dust mites These minute-sized bugs are found all over your bedding, pillows, curtains, carpets, sofas, bedsprings, or anything that collects dust. They thrive in warm environments and feed on dead skin cells. Their droppings can cause sneezing, wheezing, or a runny nose, especially among children. Dust mites are a common night-time allergen, and to prevent its symptoms. It’s best to wash and clean your furniture periodically. Pet dander One of the common causes of night-time allergies in the country is pet hair or dander. If your pet sleeps with you in your bed, it may trigger symptoms like wheezing, coughing, or a runny nose. These are not only activated by cats and dogs but also caged animals like guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters, or gerbil. Reduce allergen levels by bathing your pets frequently with a non-allergen shampoo. Pollen During warm or hot weather, the quantity of pollen in the air is higher outdoors.

Shingles or herpes zoster is an infection that leads to blisters, causing painful rashes. This can affect any part of the body but is mostly first seen as a single stripe of blisters around the torso. It is similar to chickenpox, wherein the first sign of infection is visible around the torso. The similarity in the symptoms is probably due to the varicella-zoster virus, which is the common cause of these two illnesses.  Symptoms of shingles  Knowing about and identifying the common signs and symptoms of the disease can make it easy for patients to know when to visit the doctor for timely diagnosis and proper treatment. Some early signs usually affect only one side of the body. These include skin sensitivity, pain, tingling, burning, and a numbing sensation. A few other common symptoms are a rash following the aforementioned signs, itching, and pus-filled blisters. Fever, fatigue, headache, and sensitivity to light are some other signs that point toward the condition. Pain is the most common early sign of the illness, and while the intensity can change from person to person, it is usually extreme. If the pain is not followed by a rash, the illness can most likely be misdiagnosed.

Whooping cough, medically known as pertussis, is a respiratory condition occurring in people of any age. This disease is caused due to infection by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. These bacteria often start growing in the upper respiratory tract and lead to inflammation in the airways. Although this disease is highly contagious, the spread of whooping cough has been brought under control because of the TDAP (combined tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis) vaccine. Some of the most common causes and modes of transmission of whooping cough are described as follows: Bacterial infection As mentioned earlier, whooping cough or acellular pertussis occurs when the bacterium Bordetella pertussis enters the body. Thus, being exposed to an infected individual or being exposed to an epidemic can be extremely dangerous and may result in the contraction of whooping cough. Non-vaccination A vaccine is the most efficient way of preventing any contagious pathogen from entering the body. Several vaccines are administered to babies or toddlers over a few years that protect them from such harmful diseases. One of them includes the TDAP vaccine, which is the most efficient in preventing tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis. Some of the common signs and symptoms of whooping cough are as follows:

5 common asthma triggers you should know about As per statistics, one out of every thirteen people suffers from asthma. If you are also one of them or are acquainted with somebody who is affected with asthma, here are some common asthma triggers you should know of. Knowing about the possible triggers can help you prevent serious incidents from taking place. Tobacco smoke As we all know, smoking tobacco is one of the most unhealthy habits to have. It is extremely harmful to everybody, especially those who have asthma. This not only harms the people smoking it but also those around them, especially if they have asthma. In fact, passive smoking is one of the most common asthma triggers that you should know about. For people who have asthma, staying away from places that have high exposure to secondhand smoke is highly advisable. Dust mites Dust mites are extremely tiny bugs which are found in nearly every home. For people with asthma, dust mites can be one of the biggest triggers. In order to prevent attacks due to dust mites, use clean mattress covers as well as pillow covers. Your sheets should be cleaned at least once a week and washed in hot water.