Causes, symptoms, and treatment options for shingles One in three people in the country suffers from shingles once in their lifetime. Shingles can also result in health complications if not checked and treated on time. Immunity plays a pivotal role in managing the symptoms of shingles. Read on to find out more about the causes, symptoms, and popular treatment options. What are the risk factors associated with shingles? Shingles is common in people who are older than fifty and have previously suffered from chicken pox. Associated risk factors that contribute to the developing condition include diseases that weaken the immune system. Ongoing treatment for cancer including radiation and chemotherapy can decrease resistance to the diseases and can also trigger symptoms. For people who have undergone an organ transplant, medications are prescribed to prevent the rejection of the new organ. However, prolonged use of these medications and steroids increase the chances of shingles. What causes shingles? The varicella-zoster virus that causes chickenpox is also the chief trigger of a developing shingles condition that mainly affects nerve endings in the skin. The virus stays dormant after an episode of chicken pox, but there is a high possibility of shingles developing after many years.

Four factors to know about lower back pain and its treatment The lower back is also known as the lumbar spine that is amazingly structured to interconnect the bones, the nerves, the joints, the muscles, and the ligaments. All of these works together to provide strength, flexibility, and support to the lower back. However, the structure is complex and easily prone to pain and injury. Lower back pain can start suddenly or it can begin slowly and increase in its intensity gradually over time. It can be chronic or acute. Depending upon the cause and the extent of the injury to the lower pain, the pain can range from mild to severe to debilitating. Below are the four factors to know about lower back pain and its treatment. What causes lower back pain? Mechanical issues and soft-tissue injuries are the common causes leading to lower back pain. There can also be various other causes of lower back pain, they include- Carrying heavy weight – Even if one is carrying a purse, a briefcase, or a backpack, it is the lower back that supports the upper body. Carrying an overstuffed bag can put a strain on the lower back, especially, if one is carrying a heavy bag every day for long hours.

Five frequently asked question about NSCLC and its treatments There are two main types of lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). The most common type of lung cancer is non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) which constitutes about 80 to 85 percent of all cases. NSCLC is a condition where cancer cells are formed in the tissues of the lung. NSCLC causes uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in one or both the lungs. Metastatic NSCLC is the most advanced stage of lung cancer. In this stage, cancer has spread to both the lungs and the fluid in the area around the lung. It also spreads to other parts of the body like liver, brain, etc. Below are five frequently asked questions about NSCLC and its treatments- What are the symptoms of early stages of NSCLC? In most cases, lung cancer signs and symptoms take years to develop and, in many cases, don’t show up until the condition has advanced. Below are the common early symptoms of NSCLC- Change in the color or volume of sputum Pain in the shoulders, back, or chest which is unrelated to the pain from coughing Persistent or intense coughing A hoarse voice or a change in one’s voice Coughing up blood, phlegm, or mucus Recurring lung problems like pneumonia or bronchitis Shortness of breath What are the symptoms of metastatic NSCLC?

4 factors that impact the diagnosis of prostate cancer Prostate cancer is one of the most common kinds of cancers diagnosed among men around the world. The prostate is a small-sized male gland that resembles a walnut and plays a pivotal role in the nourishment and transportation of sperm. Prostate cancer is triggered when there is an abnormal growth of cancerous cells in the prostate. In the beginning, cancer grows at a very gradual pace and is confined within the gland. During this course, an individual does not face a huge risk. However, when the growth is uncontrolled and spreads aggressively, there may be grave repercussions. Thus, prostate cancer can be successfully treated when it is genetically screened or diagnosed in the early stages. Prostate cancer can be of numerous types, and the aggressive kind spreads much faster as compared to the rest. The condition is commonly detected among older males and is rare in men younger than the age of 40. The thought of being diagnosed with any kind of cancer can be overwhelming. However, dealing with the condition is easier if diagnosed in the initial stages. Here are four factors that impact the diagnosis of the disease: What are the symptoms exhibited in prostate cancer?

Four effective tips for weight loss Obesity or simply being over one’s ideal body weight has been linked to various health conditions. It is not only about looking good from the outside but feeling good from the inside. Our body is a machine and food is the fuel for running it, so if one consumes healthy food, the body stays fit and vice versa. Losing weight is a battle where the leading warrior is the diet one is following. Many researchers say that weight loss depends 70% on what one eats and 30% on their workout. Hence, unlike what most people think, one cannot feed their body junk and workout to burn the extra calories to lose weight. To lose weight in a healthy manner, a right mindset, a healthy diet, and being active, all the three factors are important. A good workout with a healthy diet can help one to even lose up to 30 pounds in a month. Below is some information about the four effective ways to lose weight quickly. What foods are great for losing weight fast? Different foods have a different effect on one’s hormones, hunger, and the number of calories they burn. Below are some foods that are great for quick weight loss:

4 things to know about the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease The chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD is a lung condition that is characterized by inflammation of the lungs. It leads to an obstruction of the airflow from the lungs, triggering a slew of respiratory ailments. The most common conditions that are included under the umbrella of the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease include chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma. An individual suffering from the given conditions may experience increasing breathlessness, frequent wheezing, coughing, and production of mucus. The disease is progressive, and the symptoms can become severe if not treated effectively. The chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is treatable and with the right management, afflicted individuals can achieve good control over the symptoms and enjoy a decent quality of life. Effective prognosis of the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease will also reduce the risk of developing other serious health conditions. What are symptoms of the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease? The condition is not likely to exhibit any symptoms until there is a significant damage to the lungs. A patient may also experience episodes called exacerbations on some days. It is during this time that the symptoms become worse over several days. A patient must give the physician a detailed explanation of the symptoms, as it is essential for the prognosis of the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Everything you need to know about allergies Allergies are a type of immune response of a body to substances (called allergens). These allergens could be in the form of a particular food, pollen, dirt, etc. causing allergic reactions like coughing, stuffy nose, watery eyes, and other symptoms. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI), around eight percent of the adults across the country suffer from some type of allergy. The following article provides information about some of the most common queries asked about allergies like rhinitis, pollen allergy, and asthma. What are the symptoms of allergic rhinitis? Otherwise known as hay fever, allergic rhinitis is an allergic response to specific allergens like pollens, dust mites, mold, and even cat saliva. The symptoms usually occur due to change in the seasons. Some of the allergy symptoms include the runny and stuffy nose, an itchy nose, itchy eyes, sore or scratchy throat, frequent headaches, hives, and excessive fatigue in some cases. Some people might also develop an allergy cough symptom that might last for more than a month. Some people might also experience eczema type symptoms like an itchy skin causing blisters. A person suffering from allergic rhinitis might experience these symptoms only rarely or when exposed to allergens in large quantities.

Four questions to ask before treating symptoms of an allergy cough Seasonal allergies can cause great discomfort if not met with proper treatment and prevention methods. Allergic symptoms can be very similar to a common cough and cold. The following article answers some of the most common questions about allergy symptoms, its home remedies, prevention, and how the symptoms of an allergy cough are different from that of a common cold. How to differentiate between a cough caused by a common cold and allergies? Listed below are some characteristic differences between a cough caused due to common cold and allergies: A cough caused by a common cold can last from three to three weeks, while an allergy cough might last for even a month or as long as the person is in the contact of the allergens. A common cold can be contracted at any time of the year, but a person is most susceptible during the winters. A cough as a symptom of an allergy can happen at any time of the year depending on the seasonal allergens. Symptoms of a cough due to common cold might appear a few days after days after contracting the infection, whereas symptoms of an allergy cough can be noticed immediately.

Here is what you need to know about portable oxygen concentrator systems A portable oxygen concentrator system is a piece of equipment that aids breathing by filtering and purifying the oxygen from the surrounding air. Doctors recommend these devices to people who are unable to breathe well on their own. The portable oxygen concentrator can help one get more oxygen with less effort. It is easy on the lungs and heart, thus ensuring that these organs function efficiently. What are the benefits of using portable oxygen concentrator systems? One can stay fit easily. People can perform high-intensity workouts with the help of the portable oxygen concentrator systems. The whole body suffers when one gets insufficient oxygen supply. The portable oxygen concentrator system helps all the organs work efficiently by supplying the oxygen they need. Portable oxygen concentrator systems improve one’s stamina because they deliver much-needed oxygen supply. One can travel stress-free. Traveling can be fun again, and one does not have to worry about carrying heavy oxygen tanks with them wherever they go. What factors should one consider before investing in a portable oxygen concentrator system? There are many factors that one needs to think about before investing in an oxygen concentrator system.

A practical guide to consulting laser spine surgery doctors If you’ve suffered chronic back pain over an extended period of time, you’re not alone. A study conducted by Statistia – The Statistics Portal says that nearly 50% of Americans have experienced back pain for more than 5 years. The most common problems are herniated or bulging discs, pinched nerves, bone spurs, malformation of the spine, sciatica, and such. Surgery is usually the last resort to relieve pain, tingling, numbness, and mobility restrictions caused due to spinal problems. How is traditional spine surgery different from laser spine surgery? In the traditional spine surgery method, the surgeon makes a large incision and opens up the area to access the spine. When using lasers, a small incision of 1 to 5 inches is made, and an endoscopic video camera is inserted for greater precision and accuracy. The laser beam is targeted at the specific area to be operated on. Traditional surgery is an in-patient procedure requiring hospitalization and general anesthesia. Laser spine surgery doctors conduct it as an outpatient procedure, however. Traditional spine surgery may require extensive post-operative care. There may be complications and risk of infection. Laser procedures are minimally invasive and therefore more convenient.

In pursuit of healthy coffee creamers – Making your own For most of the country, the day starts with a hot cup of coffee. While this can boost your activity at the start of the day, it is not always healthy when creamer is involved. Traditional coffee creamers are known to add a myriad of flavors, but they are quite unhealthy for you. These creamers come added with a lot of sugar and contain way more calories than you would ever want. If this is an eye-opening fact, you can consider choosing healthier options. You can opt for healthy coffee creamers, or you can simply make a coffee creamer by yourself at home and stay healthy. Can you really make your own healthy coffee creamer at home? Many people have the misconception that healthy coffee creamers in stores are the healthiest options out there. The truth is that you can make coffee creamers that are a lot healthier than even the so-called healthy options available in the market. You may think this is a herculean task, but that is simply not true. You can easily make healthy coffee creamers at home with a few simple ingredients. You should only be prepared to devote some time to the process.