Poison ivy is a toxic plant widely found throughout the country. This plant, upon contact with human skin, causes a painful rash, known as contact dermatitis. The rash is caused by an allergic reaction to an oily resin, called urushiol, which is found in the leaves, roots, and stem of the plant. If you come in contact with the oil, wash your hands immediately to avoid the rash. In case it develops, it may be extremely itchy and last for weeks. Mild cases of poison ivy rash can be treated at home, using cool baths and soothing lotions. However, if the rash becomes widespread and severe, you may require proper medical evaluation and suitable medication. Common symptoms of poison ivy rash Usually, the rash appears after 12 to 48 hours of the contact and lasts up to 2-3 weeks. The most common symptoms include: Swelling Redness Itching Blisters Difficulty in breathing. This usually happens if you have inhaled the smoke produced from the burning of poison ivy. The severity of the rash depends upon the amount of urushiol that comes in contact with your skin. If this oil is more, the rash will be more intense. Usually, the rash looks like a straight line because of the way the plant brushes against your body. If you come in contact with urushiol through pet fur or some piece of clothing, the resultant rash will be more widespread. This rash can be spread to other parts of your body through your fingers. Treatment of poison ivy rash There is no specific poison ivy treatment available on prescription. The rash generally clears up on its own with 2-3 weeks. However, there are some options that can help to lessen the severity of the symptoms. Changing clothes and showering It is important to take a shower and wear fresh clothes after coming home from outside.

Cancer is a life-threatening condition that typically forms particularly in one area or region of the body and this region is known as the primary site. Cancer cells can travel to other parts of the body, breaking away from its primary site through the bloodstream or the lymph system and is called metastasis. Metastatic lung cancer occurs when cancer cells break away from a tumor formed in the lungs and travel to other parts of the body through the blood or the lymph system. Even though the cancer cells have traveled and spread to a new location in the body, it is still named after the body part from where it all started. It is common for lung cancer to metastasize even before it is diagnosed, as symptoms generally do not show up when the lung cancer is already present. The most common sites of metastasis for lung cancer are the other lung, adrenal gland, bones, brain, and liver. Metastatic lung cancer is very different from recurring lung cancer, as recurring lung cancer affects the same part of the lung after being treated rather than moving to some other parts of the body. A metastatic cancer is always caused by the cancer cells developing in some other regions and traveling to another part of the body. Symptoms of metastatic lung cancer The symptoms of metastatic lung cancer are related to the area to which cancer spreads and these symptoms can be general. These general symptoms are often confused with some other issues. Hence, this condition is very difficult to identify as it does not always cause discernible symptoms. However, we have listed some of the common symptoms which are related to the site where a new tumor has developed: Bones Patients with lung cancer have a 40 percent chance of developing bone metastases which include symptoms such as pain.

Pneumonia is the infection caused in one or both the lungs. It can be caused due to viruses, fungus, or bacteria. The disease causes your lungs to be filled with fluid or pus, thus making it difficult to breathe. The symptoms that you might experience for pneumonia are coughing with mucus, sweating and chills, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Pneumonia can be caused due to germs or location and the treatment of each disease depends on a variety of factors. Most of the pneumonia is known to be contagious. However, you can get cured with the right treatment for pneumonia. Symptoms of pneumonia The symptoms of pneumonia essentially vary from being mild to severe. It also depends on your age as well as health. The most common symptoms of pneumonia include mild or high fever, shaking chills, cough, and falling short of breath while doing hectic activities. Some other additional symptoms of pneumonia can also include a stabbing chest pain that gets worse when you are breathing heavily. You might experience a headache, a very clammy skin, and excessive sweating in some cases. Your doctor will recommend the correct treatment for pneumonia based on your symptoms and diagnosis. When the condition gets worse you might feel a loss in your appetite and in energy accompanied by fatigue. Older people might also experience confusion. As pneumonia can be bacterial and viral, the associated symptoms also vary accordingly. In case you have bacterial pneumonia, your temperature might go as high as 105 degrees Fahrenheit. This type of pneumonia is known to cause sweating and a rapid increase in the pulse rate and breathing. Due to the lack of oxygen, the lips and nail beds can turn blue. The patient might also feel a loss of focus. When it comes to viral pneumonia, the symptoms are similar to influenza.

Cholesterol levels play a vital role in defining our overall health. It differs from person to person depending on their age, gender, and weight. Cholesterol levels change gradually, and we should check it frequently. Excessive cholesterol can adversely harm your health, and once you cross the age of twenty, you should check your cholesterol levels from time to time. Excessive cholesterol often results in plaque that blocks the arteries. Therefore, you should keep an eye on these levels. Recent studies have shown that nearly one million Americans die due to heart diseases, and one of the primary reasons for these diseases is excessive cholesterol. Why should one maintain healthy cholesterol levels? After getting a cholesterol test, one can check if their cholesterol levels are in the healthy range by consulting a cholesterol level chart, but there are some points that one needs to keep in mind while checking this chart. Generally, cholesterol is measured in three different categories that include total cholesterol, LDL or bad cholesterol, and HDL or good cholesterol. The primary challenge begins with the maintenance of these levels. Experts suggest keeping the total cholesterol and LDL levels low. High cholesterol can increase the risk of stroke and heart diseases among patients. Therefore, it is essential to maintain to maintain one’s cholesterol levels to reduce the risk of heart-related illnesses. The connection between age and cholesterol levels Cholesterol levels have a close relationship with an individual’s age. Excessive cholesterol can lead to several diseases. Moreover, unmanaged cholesterol is tough to treat. Hence, experts suggest maintaining healthy cholesterol levels from an early age. Cholesterol generally affects men after older than 20 years, and usually, children don’t suffer from high cholesterol. You don’t have to check a child’s cholesterol levels more than twice before they turn 18. It is quite rare for children to suffer from high cholesterol, and you should only monitor their cholesterol levels after consulting a doctor.

Eczema is a common type of skin problem that could cause itchiness and redness to your skin. Sometimes, the condition of eczema is referred to as atopic dermatitis which is an allergy. Those who have this issue will generally have asthma and allergies along with the red and itchy skin. Eczema is not a contagious disease. However, the exact cause of eczema is still to be procured. Types of eczematous dermatitis Atopic dermatitis This is one of the most common types of eczematous dermatitis . Although it generally starts in childhood, it will go away as one becomes an adult. Hay fever, asthma, and atopic dermatitis form a triad which means someone who has atopic dermatitis will have the other two conditions as well. Symptoms Rashes in elbows and knees Rashes turning lighter or thicker or even darker The appearance of small bumps which could start leaking once you scratch them Rashes on the scalp or the cheek of the babies Contact dermatitis If the itchiness and the redness of your skin are due to a reaction caused by a substance you touch then you might be having contact dermatitis. This type of eczematous dermatitis has two other types which are allergic contact dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis. Symptoms Skin tuning red and itches, burns, and stings starting to appear Hives appearing on your skin Blisters filled with fluids Scaly and leathery skin Dyshidrotic eczema Dyshidrotic eczema is a common type of eczematous dermatitis seen more in women than men. It will cause the formation of small blisters on your hands and feet. Symptoms Blisters filled with fluids The blister that will hurt and itch Scaly skin with crack and flake Hand eczema This type of eczematous dermatitis only affects your hands. If you are a hairdressing or a cleaning expert, then you might get hand eczema.

All of us know what constipation is, but not many know how to treat it. People often get anxious as they don’t know how to prevent this condition. This article aims to help readers understand what constipation is, what are its causes, and what foods one should consume if they are constipated. What is constipation? Constipation is the partial, or in rare cases, complete inability to pass stools or have bowel moments. It may also cause mild to extreme pain. Constipation can occur to anyone at any time, and generally, it is common in young people below the age of 20. The problem usually goes away in a day, though sometimes, in severe cases, it may take weeks to cure this condition. What are the causes of constipation? While the causes of constipation can vary depending upon one’s diet, age, and location, the common causes of constipation are as follows: Sudden changes to your diet or activities Inadequate consumption of water or fiber Eating a lot of dairy products Not being active Resisting the urge to have bowel moments Stress or tension Overuse of laxatives Medications such as strong painkillers, narcotics, antidepressants, iron pills, and any supplement taken in bulk Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) Pregnancy Aging Other changes in the routine like the excessive intake of carbs or fats Other forms of disorders and diseases What should one do if they experience these bowel problems for more than a day? If you don’t wish to visit the doctor and want to treat your problem at home, it’s rather easy. Adopting a diet for constipation can go a long way of not only curing the problem but also preventing it in the future. What should one consume if they have constipation? Water If you have constipation, you should drink a lot of water, irrespective of how severe your condition may be.

A medical condition characterized by a sudden, uncontrollable urge to urinate is called overactive bladder (OAB). An overactive bladder leads to involuntary passage of urine, also known as urge incontinence. Apart from physical discomfort, an overactive bladder causes embarrassment for the affected person. Healthy functioning of the bladder requires a healthy urinary tract. Also, the communication channels between the nerves and the bladder muscles need to be uninterrupted. An improper communication passage or unhealthy urinary tract causes involuntary contractions of the urinary bladder. These involuntary contractions trigger overactive bladder symptoms. Causes of Overactive bladder Involuntary contractions of the bladder lead to urge incontinence. It may not always be possible to pinpoint the exact cause of these contractions. Based on the accompanying symptoms, the doctor may identify overactive bladder causes as the following: Neurological conditions Conditions like Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and multiple sclerosis cause interruption between your nerves and bladder, which leads to urine incontinence. Damage to nerves Any damage to the nerves leading to the bladder causes overactive bladder. These nerves may be damaged due to an injury to the spine, abdomen or pelvis. In some cases, surgery to these parts may accidentally damage the nerve leading to the bladder. Urinary tract infection An infection of the urinary tract affects the activity of the bladder wall. As a result of the infection, the bladder becomes overactive causing urine incontinence. Medication Side effects of certain medicines cause OAB. Consumption of water pills or caffeine pills or diuretics causes increased bladder activity. Blockages Obstructions in the urinary tract could trigger symptoms of OAB. Enlargement of the prostate, tumors, and bladder stones are overactive bladder causes. Pregnancy The uterus of pregnant women expands to accommodate the fetus. Expanded uterus pressurizes the bladder, which in turn causes frequent urination. For some women, urge incontinence continues even after childbirth.

Things often do not go according to your plans and situations may force you to opt for something you never thought about. Kidney dialysis is something no one would like to go through if it is not the last option. We will talk about the need for this therapy and how it can save one’s life. People with damaged kidneys often find it almost impossible to defuse their waste and opt for dialysis as an alternative to carrying out the natural processes artificially. The process of dialysis is also known as RRT (Renal Replacement Therapy). The primary function of our kidneys is to control the water level of our body and eliminate waste. In the natural process, kidneys produce some essential substances that are vital for metabolism. However, this does not happen in the process of dialysis. Let us talk about the importance of dialysis and why one should prefer this treatment. The importance of dialysis If a person’s kidneys have lost more than 90% of their functionality, the person should opt for dialysis. A recently conducted study has revealed that more than 14% of the population is suffering from various kinds of kidney diseases. If the kidneys have stopped its natural functioning, then the affected person will need an effective alternative to stay alive, and that is where the dialysis therapy works. Our kidneys purify nearly 150 quarts of blood each day, and if they do not work properly, then wastages will start polluting the blood. If an immediate action has not been taken in such a situation, the affected person will either die or go into a coma. Dialysis therapy prevents wastage from reaching dangerous levels. It also removes drugs and toxins from the blood in an emergency situation. Common types of dialysis therapy There are three common types of dialysis therapy.

Many people suffer from a headache on a daily basis. A headache is caused due to various reasons like stress at work, common cold and it can even pop up without any reason. But at times, a headache may be more persistent and irritating than always. One of the reasons for this to happen could be a sinus. A sinus headache is usually accompanied by a runny nose, facial pain, and nasal congestion. It is a chronic or an acute disease that has affected the daily lives of countless people. You can also be among them if you don’t take precautions to prevent it. For more information about the causes and remedies for sinus, please read on. What are sinuses? These are empty glands that are connected to the hollow cavities of the skull. The common misunderstanding that people possess about these glands is that there are only two of these present at the beginning of the bridge of the nose. Actually, these glands are present over the entire nasal path and vary in size. This misconception of only two sinuses arose as sinus headaches were acute at two points residing at the starting of the nose bridge. These are actually the Frontal Sinuses. There are sinuses between your eyes and even in the bones behind your nose. The largest sinuses, the maxillary sinuses are located in your cheekbones. Their main purpose is to help humidify and filter the air. Their purpose is still a hypothetical statement. Even experts don’t know the reason for the existence of the sinuses. Symptoms of sinus headaches The sinus infection (Sinusitis) is caused due to the inflation in the nasal cavity. This causes blockages and eventually severe headaches. Before deciding the remedies for sinus, one needs to know the symptoms that indicate a presence of sinusitis.

Diabetes is a grave disorder that can give rise to various complications. It affects several parts of the body by initially targeting the nerves. Some of the initial signs of diabetes are leg pain and cramps. Along with these, the high blood sugar levels in the long term can cause nerve damage. In medical terms, this condition is known as diabetic neuropathy. According to a survey, several times, the patients will continue to deal with the symptoms of diabetes without knowing that they have this condition. Sometimes, they only receive a diagnosis when the pain becomes unbearable. Usually, people who have peripheral neuropathy undergo severe conditions such as damage to the nerves in the arms or legs. It is a chronic condition that occurs when a patient’s body is unable to access the hormone insulin. Leg pain is a common sign of diabetic neuropathy along with other symptoms that affect the nerves running through the limbs, hands, and feet. RIsk factors for diabetic neuropathy The risk factors which can give rise to uncontrolled blood sugar levels are: Alcoholism Infections such as Lyme disease or shingles Autoimmune diseases Vitamin deficiencies Repetitive motions Signs of diabetic pain that affects the legs Some of the most common symptoms that patients exhibit are: The leg muscles become weak Muscle cramps along with numbness Ulcers that are not able to heal Itching or burning sensation in the legs Shiny skin and loss of hair or slow hair growth on the legs Change in the color of the legs (it could get a bluish tinge, or a pale or dark red to purple color) along with the development of black patches High blood glucose levels are an unfavorable condition which can result in the damage of cells, nerves, as well as blood vessels. So, it is vital that one gets an adequate supply of glucose to all the cells so that the blood glucose levels can be adequately regulated.