Acid reflux during pregnancy: Symptoms and lifestyle changes to avoid them Acid reflux is a condition wherein one experiences pain in the lower chest area, which is commonly referred to as heartburn. When the acids of the stomach travel back to the esophagus, this condition arises. During pregnancy, hormonal changes may cause the LES or lower esophageal sphincter to not function properly; this is the valve to carry food to the stomach. Also, towards the second and third trimester, the fetus grows and puts more pressure on the stomach, thereby causing food to re-enter the esophagus from the stomach. Signs and symptoms Some of the common signs and symptoms of acid reflux that one may experience during pregnancy are: A burning sensation in the chest near the area behind the breastbone just after eating Chest pain experienced because of bending over, lying down, and eating Burning sensation in the throat or the aftertaste of a sour or salt-tasting fluid towards the back of the throat Belching Prolonged coughing Hoarseness in the throat Symptoms similar to asthma It must be noted that the occasional heartburn is usual and the pain may cease in some time. However, if the pain is persistent, this might be a cause of worry. A possible reason may be gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, which is the next stage of acid reflux, or it may even be gastritis. Almost half of the women complain about heartburn during pregnancy. However, if it becomes more frequent, that is when a doctor should definitely be consulted for treatment. Suggested lifestyle changes There are several lifestyle changes that may be adopted in order to avoid heartburn or acid reflux, and make the pregnancy very safe for the mother as well as the baby. Here are some of the steps one can consider taking:

Hemophilia is a rare genetic condition where a person experiences a deficiency in blood clotting proteins called clotting factors. If one injures themself, these clotting factors create a sticky paste to stop the bleeding eventually. In hemophilia, people experience an excessive amount of bleeding both internally and externally. The signs and symptoms of hemophilia depend on the severity of the condition. In this article, we will be discussing the symptoms of hemophilia based on its severity. Mild deficiency People with mild hemophilia do not usually experience any major symptoms. However, if they undergo surgery or injure themselves by falling, they experience excessive bleeding. During childbirth or menstruation, women may encounter excessive bleeding. Children born with this condition might not even notice any symptoms until their adulthood. Moderate deficiency People with a moderate deficiency bruise easily and bleed excessively when bruised. They also experience spontaneous and unexplainable bleeding. Unusual bleeding over everyday things such as an injection may also be a sign. People whose joints have been affected experience irritation and pain. If joint bleeds are not treated immediately, it could lead to consequences like severe pain. Mild symptoms like easy bruising are noticeable in children who have moderate hemophilia. Severe deficiency Symptoms of severe hemophilia are similar to those of moderate hemophilia. However, as the problem intensifies, the pain, discomfort, frequency, and seriousness increases. People may experience spontaneous, frequent, and unexplainable bleeding from their nose, joints, and gums. Neglecting this condition can cause severe consequences like internal bleeding, soft tissue bleeding, and joint deformities. Spontaneous bleeding is a symptom in children with severe hemophilia. Brain hemorrhage: A complication of hemophilia Sometimes, when people with severe hemophilia suffer a minor hit on their head, it can cause internal bleeding. Although it is rare, a brain hemorrhage is a possibility. It is a serious emergency that needs immediate medical attention.

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease that affects the lungs and the digestive system. This condition is associated with cells that produce mucus, sweat, and digestive juices and impels them to turn the fluid into a thick and sticky one. The fluid clogs up the lungs and possibly obstructs the pancreas, causing discomfort. In some cases, it can even cause fatal symptoms. Let’s take a look at the symptoms and causes of cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis can also be life-threatening, and people with this condition have a shorter span of life. The symptoms associated with this condition include: Cough The obstruction in the lungs, tubes, and passageways can lead to chronic cough with phlegm or blood. Respiratory problems Obstruction of the windpipe can cause fatal respiratory issues like pulmonary hypertension, shortness of breath, acute bronchitis, wheezing, or sinusitis. Abdominal pain Bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine, malabsorption, intestinal dysfunction, and constipation can lead to abdominal pain. Gastrointestinal issues The thick and sticky fluid in the pancreas can interfere with the digestive system, resulting in heartburn, diarrhea, severe constipation, or bulky stools. Stunted developmental growth Children and teens with cystic fibrosis can be a victim of slow growth, delayed structural development, and prolonged puberty. Fatigue Shortness of breath and incapability of the lungs to produce optimal levels of oxygen can interfere with the function of the body. It’s common for people with cystic fibrosis to feel weak or tired despite getting quality sleep. Nasal polyps This is a condition that is associated with the development of a grape-like benign growth on the lining of the sinuses. Cystic fibrosis patients are most likely to manifest nasal polyps, which could further lead to nasal airway obstruction, anosmia, rhinorrhea, and exacerbation of rhinosinusitis. Weight loss Many studies conclude that people with cystic fibrosis are significantly underweight despite an excessive appetite.

Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. Bone marrow is a soft, spongy tissue that produces red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Typically, leukemia affects the leukocytes or white blood cells, making them function abnormally. These blood cells play a crucial role in protecting the body against external bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other foreign substances. Read on to learn about the symptoms, causes, and risk factors of leukemia. Signs and symptoms There are several types of leukemia, and the symptoms vary depending on the type. While certain forms of leukemia do not show symptoms in the early stages, others progress much more quickly, and symptoms may aggravate in a short time. Leukemia symptoms include the following. Excessive perspiration or sweating at night Fever or chills Prolonged fatigue, weakness Loss of appetite Frequent or severe infections Bone pain and tenderness Swollen lymph nodes, enlarged liver or spleen Abdominal discomfort Headaches Easy bleeding or bruising Shortness of breath Frequent infections Petechiae, or tiny red spots under the skin If cancer cells affect the central nervous system, a wide range of symptoms can occur. These include nausea, vomiting, confusion, loss of muscle control, seizure, and headache. The cancer cells can also damage other parts of the body, such as the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, heart, kidneys, and testes. Causes and risk factors The exact cause of leukemia is unknown. However, researchers believe that genetic and environmental factors play a role in its development. Researchers have also found out that leukemia occurs when the DNA of a single cell in the bone marrow changes and starts functioning abnormally. Following factors have also been linked to an increased risk of developing leukemia. Previous cancer treatment: Cancer patients that have received radiation therapy or chemotherapy for other forms of cancer are at a higher risk for certain types of leukemia.

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: Phase 1 The phase lasts for up to two weeks, and it is generally considered acute. Children may have a high fever, or the body temperature may fluctuate. Sometimes, the fever may not respond to typical medications used to subside it. Some patients may also develop skin rashes. The skin on their fingers and toes may harden, turn red, and also exhibit swelling. These symptoms can be painful to touch, as the child may become reluctant to walk or crawl. Other parts of the body that show similar symptoms include the lips, mouth, and tongue.

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. It is caused when excessive amounts of fluid, such as sweat, remains in contact with the skin for a long time. Inflammation and itching Excessive sweating can cause certain problems. A few symptoms that point toward hyperhidrosis are excessive itching, pain, irritation, or skin inflammation. Social problems Sweating caused by hyperhidrosis is noticeable. This tends to make some people feel anxious, embarrassed, and very self-conscious. Some refrain from any form of physical contact and social interaction, which may lead to depression. Causes of hyperhidrosis When a person’s sweat glands work overtime, they lead to excessive sweating.

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. These underdeveloped cells soon outnumber the healthy cells in an organ, causing it to malfunction. What triggers these changes in the DNA is not yet known, but certain risk factors have been identified. They include: Cigarette smoking Cigarette smoking increases the risk of several diseases, including AML. Benzene is the culprit in this case as it promotes the development of cancerous cells over time. Age AML is commonly diagnosed in older adults, and the median age of diagnosis is 67. That said, the disease is rarely seen in children and is uncommon among people below 45.

Lupus is an autoimmune condition that causes the body’s immune system to be hyperactive and attack healthy tissue. This complex condition has rightly earned the moniker “a disease with a thousand faces”. Research shows that at least 1.5 million individuals in the country suffer from lupus. Symptoms of lupus This condition can affect many organs and its symptoms differ from person to person. But to understand it better, experts have been able to pinpoint the most common symptoms that occur during lupus flares. Here are a few of them: Fever Individuals who suffer from lupus often experience fever higher than 100 degrees fahrenheit. This is typically a result of inflammation or infection in the body. Most individuals can tackle this symptom with the help of medication. Hair Loss Hair loss that leads to patchy or bald spots is also typical of lupus. At times, this could also be a result of infections or certain medications. Rashes A common sign of lupus is a butterfly-shaped rash that appears across the face. Rashes can also appear on areas exposed to the sun, such as the arms, hands, and feet. Mouth sores Mouth sores or ulcers are also common symptoms of lupus. They may appear on the roof of the mouth, gums, inside the cheeks, and even on the lips. They may or may not be painful. Kidney troubles Almost 50 percent of those who suffer from lupus also have a kidney condition known as lupus nephritis, which is the inflammation of the kidney. Common signs of this condition include swelling in the ankles, poor kidney function, and even weight gain. Memory loss Studies have shown that those who suffer from lupus also experience loss of memory, forgetfulness, and confusion. These are collectively known as lupus fog. Anemia and fatigue Most individuals who suffer from lupus also feel extremely fatigued.

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. Some of the common treatment options include: Corticosteroids These are medications commonly prescribed by doctors to treat mild to moderate psoriasis. They come in the form of ointments, creams, lotions, gels, foams, sprays, and also shampoos. Vitamin D analogs Vitamin D in synthetic forms, such as calcipotriene and calcitriol, can help slow the growth of the cells responsible for the condition.

The immune system protects the body against harmful pathogens. When potentially dangerous agents enter the body, the immune system acts promptly to nullify their effects. However, at times, the immune system acts strangely and attacks the healthy cells in the body. Diseases caused due to this effect are called autoimmune diseases. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one such autoimmune disease, which affects the brain and spinal cord. In MS, the immune system disrupts the communication between the brain and spinal cord by attacking myelin, an insulating sheath that protects the nerves in the two organs. When the myelin sheath gets damaged, the nerves within it also suffer, leading to a range of problems. Since there is no definitive cure for MS, managing symptoms is the only way to help someone recover. Getting the symptoms diagnosed early can also help prevent the condition from worsening. Here are some of the earliest symptoms of MS to watch out for. Vision concerns The optic nerve sends visual signals to the brain, which then converts into image impulses, helping us see the things that we do. MS, though, has a profound effect on the brain. Hence, by extension, it also adversely affects vision, causing problems like double vision and loss of vision. Problems with movement This again stems from the effects of MS on the central nervous system. The brain and spinal cord are together responsible for coordination, balance, and awareness. By damaging the myelin sheath, MS disrupts communication between the two pillars of the central nervous system, causing dizziness, vertigo, and balance problems. Numbness Nerves carry signals throughout the body. When they’re damaged, the signals they send also suffer. Alternatively, they might not send signals at all, further causing numbness. It is one of the most common symptoms of MS, so look out for it.