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Causes and Symptoms of Lupus
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Causes and Symptoms of Lupus

Lupus can cause severe swelling and inflammation in various parts of the body. It is one such autoimmune disease that can affect almost everyone in a different way. Some people might experience severe symptoms whereas other might experience milder ones. The symptoms will generally surface in adulthood till the person reaches their 30s. Common causes of lupus skin rash The exact cause of lupus skin rash is yet to be found. Apparently, it has been noted that a combination of environmental triggers and genetics play a pivotal role in causing this disease. Moreover, this disease is not contagious which means it cannot pass from person to another. Some of the potential causes of lupus include the following: Sunlight: Too much exposure to sunlight may trigger lupus skin rash to those who have a genetic factor that could lead to the development of this disease. Infections: If one has some kind of infection, then that could cause skin rashes due to lupus. Medications: Certain blood-pressure medications, antibiotics, and anti-seizure medications can also trigger lupus. Those who develop lupus because of the medication they take will see an improvement in the condition once they stop using the medicine. Common symptoms of lupus skin rash Fatigue Almost 90% of people in the country who suffer from lupus skin rash have experienced fatigue. Taking a nap in the afternoon helps many of them to get rid of that fatigue but sleeping for a more extended period of time during the day will cause insomnia. However, if one lives an active life, then they will be able to keep up their energy levels throughout the day. Unexplained fever One of the earliest symptoms of lupus skin rash is an unexplained fever. The temperature of the body will be around 98.5° F to 101° F. Therefore, one should consider visiting a doctor.
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All You Need to Know about Atrial Fibrillation
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All You Need to Know about Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation, which is more commonly known as AFib, is a typical heart condition where the heart beats at a much faster rate than usual. More precisely, the heartbeat is often irregular and more than 100 beats or less than 60 beats per minute as compared to the normal heartbeat rate of 60 to 100 beats per minute, when you are in a resting and a relaxed position. Such fast heartbeats can cause serious complications like a stroke or a blood clot in the heart. Thus, it needs to be treated immediately before the situation goes out of the control. Thus, AFib treatment at the right moment is very important. In this article, we’ll discuss some important facts about AFib that can help you to take the right decision before it’s too late. Causes of AFib Normally, when your heart beats it contracts and relaxes with a regular rhythm to pump blood in and out of the chambers of the heart. But with AFib, the upper chambers of the heart, which is known as the atria, contracts randomly at a much faster rate; thus, the heart muscles fail to relax in-between such fast contractions. As a result, the efficiency of the heart is compromised. People who are above 65 years of age are the most common ones to suffer from this heart abnormality. This complication can be triggered by habits of smoking and drinking. But at times, AFib may also occur without any underlying abnormalities in the heart. For example, lifestyle diseases like overactive thyroid or diseases like pneumonia and pulmonary embolism can also trigger Afib. These conditions are often found in young adults. The symptoms of AFib like feeling tired or dizzy may be ignored or misread, but they may be still suffering from AFib. There are various degrees of AFib, depending on the severity of the condition.
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All You Need to Know about Diverticulitis
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All You Need to Know about Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is one of the leading causes of hospitalization in the case of old people. It’s a treatable condition provided that the patient gets early and appropriate intervention. What is diverticulitis? It is a condition where there is an inflammation or infection in the diverticula or small pouches that develop in the lining of the intestine. According to the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy more than 50% of people above 60, and nearly everyone over the age of 80 has diverticula in their intestines. These pouches may not pose a health risk provided that they don’t get inflamed or infected. Uncomplicated diverticulitis If diverticulitis does develop, it may be a minor irritant, and one can treat it with a course of antibiotics. In more than 75% of cases, there are no severe complications, and a routine CT scan can confirm the diagnosis. About one-third of the total patients experience a recurrence of symptoms, and in younger patients, intervention and testing procedures are necessary. Serious cases Sometimes, the condition can become chronic, and surgery may be required. In about one-fourth of the cases, patients develop complicated diverticulitis with the formation of abscesses, fissures, obstruction, fistula, and obstruction of the bowel. Perforation of the bowel is a major complication because the patient faces the risk of developing peritonitis. Causes Though the direct causes are not known, some factors do seem significant. Age affects the elasticity and strength of the intestine walls. Patients find it difficult to pass stools, and there is more strain on the colon which results in the formation of diverticula. Undigested food collects in these pouches, causing inflammation and infection. This condition is quite common among people who are over the age of 80. Lack of exercise, smoking, obesity, and eating a fiber-deficient diet could be some of the causes.
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All about Toe Pain Relief
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All about Toe Pain Relief

Arthritis can be one of the key causes of toe pain. Arthritis is mainly a disorder of the joints due to inflammation of one or more of the same. There are more than hundred different types of arthritis, and arthritis in the toe is one among them. Arthritis in the toe is often associated with joint pain or arthralgia. However, the source of the pain can be a number of other factors too. The pain can either be a direct consequence of an injury or an abnormality in the toe. The skin on and around the toe, the blood vessels and nerves in it, the soft tissues, bones, and so on are prone to getting injured due to movement or locomotion. Athletes are more prone to getting their toe injured. Symptoms of pain in the big toe It is rightly said that small things can get us into big problems. Here are a few symptoms of pain in the big toe: A feeling of numbness in the toes, a burning sensation, or experiencing warmth around the area can make you consider toe pain. If you get your big toe injured, you will have immense trouble and discomfort as you walk. There is bound to be swelling if there is a hairline crack or similar issues. Painkillers can temporarily relieve the pain, but it is important to consult a doctor for permanent toe pain relief. Misalignment of bones or a fracture can cause immense and writhing pain. Needless to say, you’ll be unable to walk with such pain. A tender feeling in the toe or even a discoloration or bruise can be seen. Bumps are common due to ingrown toenails, corns, and so on. Etiology of toe pain Unhealthy and ingrown toenails, blisters, bunions, corns, cuts, calluses, and scrapes are some of the most common causes of toe pain.
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Facts and Signs of Ingrown Hair
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Facts and Signs of Ingrown Hair

Ingrown hair affects everyone, irrespective of the gender. The hair on our skin naturally grows outward and above from the skin. There are two principal layers of our skin – the epidermal layer and the dermal layer. Hair grows from the dermal layer of the skin, which also contains rough connective tissue, sweat glands, blood vessels, and so on. Skin hair that rises to a certain extent from the dermal layer of the skin but ultimately curls around and recesses into the same instead of growing outward is known as ingrown hair. Fun facts about ingrown hair Ingrown hair can be found in all age groups. This is a very common and harmless skin disorder that affects people irrespective of their age or gender. Individuals who have curly hair on their body are most likely to experience the problem of ingrown hair. The same can aggravate hair follicles and result in irritation. Ingrown hair is a common problem for people who have tight and thick curling hair and have recently shaved it. A person with ingrown hair is generally advised to not go for a very close shave for removal, as it might aggravate the situation. An effective way of ingrown hair removal is to opt for laser hair removal techniques. Not only does it effectively remove the ingrown hair, but it also helps prevent the same from growing back. Ingrown hair seldom terminate on their own without any medical aid for removal. If laser techniques do not work properly on some stubborn ingrown hair, an aggregation of treatments might prove essential to achieving top-grade results. When ingrown hair appears as a dark cast on the skin, it might resemble tan. However, this only happens if the quantity and quality of the same are thick. Red bumps are also common in this case.
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Bladder Infections – Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
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Bladder Infections – Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

If one has been taking several trips to the bathroom within a few hours and is experiencing a burning sensation while passing urine, then one probably has contracted a bladder infection. A bacterial infection within the bladder is termed as a bladder infection. A weakened immune system invites yeast and bladder infections. Bladder infections may be contracted by using unhygienic toilets where Escherichia coli bacteria thrive. In some cases, the bacteria can move from the intestines to the urinary system. Bladder infections treatment is fairly easy. Once a proper diagnosis is done to confirm bacterial infection in the bladder, the physician may prescribe antibiotic medication. Apart from medication, one may need other home care remedies to completely heal from the infection. When left untreated, a bladder infection may turn into a life-threatening condition when it spreads to the kidney or bloodstream. Symptoms of bladder infections A urinary tract or bladder infection symptoms vary with the severity of the infection. Common symptoms are as follows: Pain or burning sensation while urinating Bloody or clouded urine Foul smell from urine Frequent urination Frequent urge to urinate Pressure or cramps in the lower abdomen and back. Causes of bladder infections As mentioned above, bladder infections are caused due to E. coli bacteria. This bacterium enters the bladder through the urethra or from the anus. Once it enters the bladder, it attaches itself to the walls of the bladder and multiplies rapidly. Using unclean toilets is one of the main ways of contracting the E. coli. Consumption of unhygienic food could also result in intestinal infections, which in turn, causes a build-up of E. coli bacteria. Treatment for bladder infections Bladder infections treatment varies with the severity of the infection. From drinking plenty of water to heating pads, there are a number of simple home care techniques to fight bladder infections.
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Causes and Symptoms of Drop in Blood Sugar Levels
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Causes and Symptoms of Drop in Blood Sugar Levels

A low glucose level leads to several problems in your body and thus you need to maintain a normal blood sugar level to ensure good health. People with diabetes who are taking medications or insulin to lower their blood sugar levels are at high risk of facing this condition. Insulin is produced in the pancreas that helps your body break down glucose, getting energy for the whole day. However, people with abnormal production of insulin suffer from diabetes. People who are consuming more glucose get it stored in the muscles and liver in the form of fat, which is used as energy when needed later. Symptoms of low blood sugar Mentioned here are the symptoms of low blood sugar: Blurry vision Blurry vision is a common symptom of low blood sugar, and you may feel like you are losing your consciousness. Pale skin You may get pale skin that comes as a prime symptom of low blood sugar levels, and it’s important to consult your doctor in such a case. Nervousness Feeling nervousness can also be an indication of low blood sugar levels, which leads to you feeling anxious, followed by emotional instability. You may get an outburst of emotions that lead to other health problems, reducing the quality of life. Continuous hunger Low blood sugar levels lead to continuous hunger as if you have been starving. Your body’s need for glucose gives rise to a feeling of hunger. Severe shakes You may get severe shakes that are one of the symptoms of low blood sugar. The central nervous system starts malfunctioning in releasing catecholamine, which are the chemicals that boost the glucose production, and this leads to low blood sugar and its symptoms. Difficulty while sleeping You may face difficulty while sleeping, which indicates low blood sugar. You may get nightmares, causing tremendous emotional disturbances, which may even lead to sleepwalking.
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Diarrhea – Causes, Treatment, and Preventive Measures
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Diarrhea – Causes, Treatment, and Preventive Measures

Occasional bowel movements that are watery and loose are not uncommon in most people. However, if this condition lasts for extended periods of more than a few weeks, it needs to be taken seriously and has to be treated accordingly. If left untreated, it can be life-threatening. Statistics show that at least two billion cases of diarrhea occur annually worldwide and it has been the cause of death of nearly 1.5 million children below the age of five. What is diarrhea? Frequently passing loose, watery or soft stools, with or without accompanying stomach cramps, flatulence, bloating, and stomach pressure, which is excreted suddenly is termed as diarrhea. This condition may also be complicated when there is blood in the stools, severe pain, fever, nausea, and uncontrollable urge to pass stools. It can happen to people of any age, but children and senior citizens are at a higher risk. Complications The most serious complication of diarrhea is dehydration—loss of water and electrolytes in the body—which happens because the water passes out from the body without getting absorbed by the intestines. Drinking copious amounts of water does not always compensate for the corresponding loss. Types of diarrhea The condition is classified into the following types: Chronic: This typically lasts for more than two weeks Enteritis: It involves the inflammation of the intestine Gastroenteritis: It involves stomach flu, with nausea and vomiting Dysentery: It involves loose stools with pus, mucus, and blood Common causes of diarrhea The most common chronic causes of diarrhea and acute diarrhea include microbial attacks by viruses, bacteria, or certain microorganisms that enter the intestinal tract. Viruses: They cause various mild to moderate symptoms. These may last for 3–7 days and comprise watery, frequent stools, stomach cramps, and a mild fever. Common viruses include rotavirus (common in children), Norwalk virus, cytomegalovirus, adenovirus, and hepatitis virus.
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Red Eyes – Common Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
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Red Eyes – Common Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Red eyes refer to a condition in which the white portion of the eye, known as sclera, becomes reddened or “bloodshot.” The redness occurs when the vessels in the eye become inflamed or irritated. Redness in the eye can manifest in various ways ranging from the occurrence of squiggly pink dots on some part of the sclera to the development of lines in the entire sclera. Red eye can happen in either one or both the eyes. A few symptoms associated with red eyes are as follows: Irritation Dryness Itching Pain Watery eyes Blurry vision Burning sensation Sensitivity to light Common causes of red bloodshot eyes There are several allergens present in the environment that can trigger red eye. These allergens include the following. Airborne allergens Pollution in the air caused by smoke Dry air in airplane cabins, closed office buildings, or arid climate Dust Airborne fumes generating from gasoline or solvents Chemical exposure caused by chlorine in swimming pools Excessive exposure to sunlight, for example, going out without wearing UV-blocking sunglasses Some serious eye conditions that can cause red eyes are as follows: Eye trauma or injury Eye infection Conjunctivitis Recent eye surgery including cosmetic eye surgery or laser treatment Scleritis, in which the sclera becomes excessively swollen and red Uveitis Acute glaucoma Corneal ulcer Few lifestyle factors can also trigger red eyes, such as the following. Smoking marijuana or tobacco Excessive alcohol consumption Continual use of digital devices Inadequate sleep Red eye treatment Simple measures can help treat red eyes. Some of these measures are as follows: Avoid rubbing eyes as it promotes mast cell degranulation and histamine release. Instead, you can use cool compresses to alleviate itching. In order to ease mild red eye symptoms, you need to close your eyes and splash cold water several times a day onto your eyelids.
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Hip Bursitis – Causes, Risk Factors, Symptoms, and Treatment
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Hip Bursitis – Causes, Risk Factors, Symptoms, and Treatment

The hip joint is one of the strongest joints of the human body. It helps us to stand and walk and absorbs the impact when we jump. However, it is not immune to wear and tear. Hip bursitis or the inflammation of a bursa in the hip is one of the common causes of hip pain. Prescription medication is not always required for relief from hip bursitis. What is hip bursitis? Sacs filled with fluid that reduce the friction between tissues as they move are known as bursae. The major bursae are located at large joints such as the hips, shoulders, elbows, and knees. There are two bursae in the hip, the trochanteric bursa on the outer hip and the iliopsoas bursa on the inner side of the hip. Inflammation of the bursa is known as bursitis. This is not infectious but it may become infected. Causes of hip bursitis It becomes easier to seek relief for hip bursitis if one understands the factors causing it. The most common causes of hip bursitis are as follows: Injury to the hip Falling on the hip or banging the hip on a hard surface can lead to blood being filled in the bursa and inflammation of the bursa lining. While the blood may be later reabsorbed by the body, the lining stays inflamed for much longer. This is also known as traumatic bursitis. Repetitive hip trauma Sometimes even minor trauma to the hip can cause hip bursitis if it occurs repeatedly. These are known as mini-traumas . People who run or bike have a higher risk of hip bursitis caused by such mini-traumas . Gout and rheumatoid arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis affects the outer lining or the synovial membrane of the bursa. Similarly, gout causes the accumulation of urate crystals in the synovial membrane.
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