Paying attention to abdominal health is imperative for leading a healthy and fulfilling life. GERD and other digestive disorders can affect the quality of your life. Knowledge about such issues is an important tool that can guide you towards having a strong stomach. The right way to prevent digestive disorders like GERD is to maintain an active lifestyle and follow a disciplined meal plan. Here are the most common digestive disorders that affect people worldwide. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) GERD is a digestive disorder that needs prompt treatment to prevent complications. This condition is triggered by gastric acid that flows persistently from the stomach back up into the food pipe to the mouth. Weakening of the ring of muscle that lies between the esophagus and stomach is the cause. Symptoms of this health condition include heartburn, indigestion, bad breath, trouble swallowing, and, in some cases, issues with breathing. A few factors such as a high body-mass index, consuming too much caffeine, overeating, and eating a lot of chocolate and spicy foods can trigger or worsen the symptoms of this condition. Contact your healthcare provider when a digestive disorder like GERD starts interfering with your everyday life. The treatment of this condition aims to reduce the amount of reflux of stomach acid. While GERD is not a life-threatening disorder, chronic inflammation of the esophagus can lead to serious digestive issues.

What does it mean to have high blood sugar, and what does it have to do with diabetes? The two issues are interlinked as people with diabetes have high blood sugar levels, i.e., the disease results in excessive amounts of sugar in one’s blood. Diabetes affects 537 million adults, however, one in two people with the condition remain undiagnosed. So, understanding the disease is a crucial first step in dealing with the symptoms. Understanding high blood sugar and diabetes Diabetes is a serious metabolic disorder that is one of the most common health concerns around the world. The food we eat is broken down into sugar in our body, and this sugar is released into the bloodstream. The pancreas then releases a hormone called insulin to respond to the increase in blood sugar (or glucose). Insulin prompts the cells to use the blood sugar as energy or fuel to carry out different processes and life-sustaining activities in the body. However, when affected by diabetes, the body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot adequately utilize the insulin. This results in the accumulation of sugar in the bloodstream, and over time, this build-up of glucose can lead to serious health problems.

You may think that the cough you’ve had for the past few days is not a huge concern. But, a persistent cough, if not taken seriously, may result in quite a few chronic respiratory conditions. Respiratory diseases and conditions are quite common in the country. It is crucial to recognize what to look for and when to see a health care provider. This article lists some common symptoms and respiratory diseases and conditions. Common symptoms There are various common signs to look for in respiratory diseases and conditions. Some of the common symptoms are: Difficulty breathing Any difficulty in breathing should be evaluated and treated by the physician. Chronic cough If you have a stubborn and chronic cough that has not subsided in months, it may be an indicator of some respiratory ailment. Stubborn Mucus If you have been coughing up phlegm or there is drainage in the chest for more than a month, you need to get it treated by a health care expert. Severe chest pain If you experience sudden, severe, and lingering chest pain for more than a month, it may be a symptom of some respiratory conditions. Coughing up blood Coughing up blood is a serious concern, and it should be treated by a healthcare professional.

The cold and flu are contagious upper-respiratory illnesses caused by different viruses. Cold symptoms are milder than the flu and develop slowly. Flu symptoms often come suddenly and are typically more intense. Some cases of the flu can cause complications like sinus and ear infections and pneumonia. As the cold and flu share so many symptoms, it is important to know what you are dealing with before taking any treatment options. Causes Viruses that can cause a common cold include Rhinoviruses These viruses are the most common ones to affect you, but they do not make you seriously sick. Parainfluenza This virus can cause severe conditions such as pneumonia, especially in young children. Coronavirus There are different types of coronaviruses, of which only three or four of them are harmful. The spread of the influenza virus causes the flu. When people with the flu are coughing, sneezing, or talking, the spread of fluid on a surface can also infect someone if they come in contact with it. Common flu viruses are Influenza A This virus is quite harmful and is known to spread rapidly; it can be found in humans, pigs, and birds. Influenza B This virus is less severe and is found in humans.

According to the Scientific Reports Journal, sleep disorders are experienced by approximately 56 percent of the world’s population at least once in their lives. So, what are these conditions, and do they have any signs and symptoms? Do they cause a more significant impact on your overall health? How can you prevent them? This article discusses all these questions to help you know more on sleep disorders, in general, and certain types of the condition. What are sleep disorders? Sleep is a basic human necessity that allows the body to function optimally. Most adults need around seven to nine hours of uninterrupted sleep each night. These disorders, also known as sleep-wake disorders, are conditions that impact the quality and amount of your sleep. Lack of sleep is also linked to other chronic health conditions such as cardiac problems, diabetes, and hypertension. Common sleep disorders and their symptoms Insomnia Insomnia is a sleep disorder that interferes with a person’s ability to fall or stay asleep. There are two types of insomnia. These include short-term and chronic insomnia. While the first one lasts only for a few days, chronic insomnia lasts for a longer time. It occurs at least thrice a week and lasts for three months or longer.

Nearly one-third of the world’s population suffers from various allergies, and it manifests differently across cases. An allergic reaction occurs when your body’s immune system reacts to a harmless substance that does not bother most people. These substances, called allergens, are perceived as a threat, and the body releases a chemical called histamine in response, which produces allergic symptoms. In severe cases, allergies can lead to dangerous and even fatal symptoms. Common types of allergies The body can be allergic to any substance, but there are some commonly identified allergens, such as food, pollen, and pet dander. Depending on their nature, they enter your body through the digestive, skin, or respiratory systems. Food allergy Food allergies occur when your body creates antibodies against one or more food substances. Though any food substance can cause an allergic reaction in vulnerable people, there are certain foods that are the cause of most allergies. These include eggs, milk, soy, shellfish, peanuts, and tree nuts. Some of the most common symptoms of food allergies that you should know are: Hives Itchy feeling in the ears, throat, or mouth Vomiting Swelling around the eyes, lips, or in the mouth around the tongue In more extreme cases, food allergies may cause a severe reaction known as anaphylaxis with serious symptoms that include:

Through decades of research, more than 300 agents that cause infectious diseases have been discovered. These agents significantly impact your health and are transferrable to other seemingly healthy individuals, increasing the risk of exposure. Knowing the common symptoms and risk factors of these infectious diseases and how to keep them at bay is crucial to keeping yourself and those around you safe. Here’s everything you should know about these common conditions: Causes and risk factors At any given point in time, millions of microorganisms live inside your body. They are beneficial for your health and perform functions such as breaking down food and building your immunity. However, not all microorganisms are beneficial for your health. Some invade your body’s immune system and cause diseases. Infectious diseases are caused by the invasion of pathogens like parasites, bacteria, viruses, and fungi. And these pathogens are transferrable through contaminated food, water, and soil, other infected individuals, and stings and bites from certain bugs and insects. Common infectious diseases Millions of people are affected by infectious diseases around the world. Here are the most common infectious diseases to be aware of: Staph infections Staph is one of the most common infectious diseases existing in the country. This is a condition caused by the Staphylococcus bacteria strain and usually affects the digestive system, skin, bones, lungs, and heart.

The endocrine system is responsible for the production of multiple hormones in the human body. These hormones regulate important functions that help the body to heal itself, control metabolic functions, regulate mood and sleep, and aid in growth and development. However, certain endocrine conditions result in disruption in the production of hormones and interfere with bodily functions, leading to more severe disease. Some of these endocrine conditions are discussed below: Endocrine system The endocrine system consists of various glands in the human body that produce hormones. The glands monitor the number of hormones produced and release these hormones into the bloodstream, from where they travel to various parts of the body. A few important glands and organs, as well as the hormones that are produced, include: Pituitary gland This is the most important gland that tells other glands what to do. It is located in the brain. It makes essential hormones, such as the growth hormone and the thyroid-stimulating hormone. Thyroid gland This gland, located in the neck, makes the thyroid hormone that controls metabolism and growth. Pancreas This is an organ that makes insulin and glucagon hormones that regulate blood sugar levels. The pancreas is located behind the stomach.

Overactive bladder (OAB) is an involuntary contracting of the muscles in the pelvic region. This creates an urge to urinate even when the bladder isn’t actually full. This urge can happen frequently, even within a small period of time. Symptoms of an overactive bladder are usually having an urgent need to urinate, waking up at night to urinate, or losing control of your bladder. Although the exact cause of an overactive bladder isn’t always clear, possible factors include: 1. Weak pelvic muscles If the pelvic floor muscles are not strong enough to fully empty the bladder, this can cause an overactive bladder. Weak pelvic muscles lead to urine that remains in the bladder for a longer period of time, especially at night when you’re lying down. As this happens, it contributes to the development of OAB, making the symptoms worse. 2. Nerve damage Nerves send messages to your brain about what’s happening in the bladder and control the muscles that allow you to pass urine, so if these are damaged it can lead to OAB. Nerve issues can be caused by conditions such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis (MS), stroke, and spinal injuries. 3. Estrogen deficiency after menopause Menopause causes a significant drop in the amount of estrogen that the ovaries produce, and estrogen is important for helping keep your bladder muscles relaxed.

Migraines are a type of headache that causes throbbing pain, especially focused on one side of the head. Migraine symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light, smell, and sound. While avoiding environmental migraine triggers (i.e., weather, smells, etc.) is key for prevention, certain foods or drinks can also trigger a migraine attack for about 10% of sufferers. Here are some common trigger foods for migraines: 1. Foods high in nitrates Nitrates are chemicals found in cured and processed meats like hot dogs, ham and bacon. These foods contain biogenic amines and preservatives that disrupt the body’s normal function. Consuming these foods releases nitric oxide into the blood. Nitric oxide dilates the blood vessels in the brain, which can then trigger a migraine. Foods high in nitrates are typically also high in sodium, which increases blood pressure and dehydrates the body. These could both contribute to a headache or migraine attack. 2. Dairy products Aged cheeses like feta, blue cheese and Gouda contain tyramine, a component which breaks down protein as cheese ages. Foods that are fermented, aged or stored for a long time end up with higher levels of tyramine. Unfortunately, tyramine can be a trigger for migraines.

Gout is a condition in which uric acid crystals build up in the joints, causing intense pain and inflammation. Gouty arthritis typically affects the joints in the feet, particularly the big toe, but it can occur in any joint, depending on the circumstances. The best way to manage gout and prevent frequent flareups is through lifestyle changes including eating habits, exercise, and stress reduction. The following are the top recommended lifestyle changes for managing gout: 1. Limit alcohol Since alcohol can contribute to gout symptoms, avoid drinking if you are suffering from gout. Alcohol is actually one of the top offenders when it comes to substances that aggravate gout symptoms. Not only have studies shown that drinking alcohol can drastically increase the amount of uric acid in your blood, but also that alcohol is one of the top risk factors for gout. 2. Avoid foods rich in purines Uric acid is really only half the story when it comes to gout. You see, foods rich in the chemical compound purines are what break down into uric acid, leading to the formation of urate crystals. Some foods that are naturally high in purines include red meat, refined sugars, processed foods and refined carbs, and seafood and shellfish.