With age comes a variety of ailments. Even though a person might have tried their level best to maintain a healthy life, aging would make them vulnerable to various ailments. The common health issues that older adults face include joint pains, back aches, knee pain, etc. It is an accepted fact that with age, the wear and tear cause our joints to weaken, and we aren’t as strong as we were during our heydays. One of the most common ailments that affect a majority of the population above 50 years of age is spinal stenosis. What is spinal stenosis? Spinal stenosis is a disorder that affects the spinal cord, causing the spinal canal to narrow. The spinal canal is a passage of nerves that spread to the center of the back. When the spinal canal starts narrowing, it exerts a lot of pressure on the spinal cord and the nerves on the back, which in turns causes excruciating pain in the back, sciatica, and nerve-related problems. Causes of spinal stenosis Spinal stenosis is mostly the collateral damage caused by arthritis. Since arthritis causes thickening of ligaments, disc changes, and bone spurs, it would exert pressure on the spinal cord, and thereby cause spinal stenosis. The other causes of spinal stenosis are herniated discs, injuries, tumors, and Paget’s disease. The symptoms of spinal stenosis The symptoms of spinal stenosis manifest itself in the form of sciatica, which is characterized by a pain that begins from the legs and spreads to the lower back and buttocks. Other symptoms of spinal stenosis include foot drop, loss of bladder movement, and experiencing difficulty in standing and walking. Though there are various medical treatments for spinal stenosis, home treatments work better in the long run. Home treatment for spinal stenosis Regular exercise Though the person might suffer from a backache, this shouldn’t confine them to a sedentary lifestyle.

The blood sugar levels indicate the amount of glucose which is a source of energy in the body. It is the body’s ability to produce insulin and process sugar. Blood sugar is measured in milligrams per deciliter, or mg/dL. A person’s ideal blood sugar levels in a single day are measured using blood sugar level charts or blood glucose charts. This measure also includes blood sugar levels before and after meals. According to standard blood sugar level charts, the normal blood sugar level ranges from 70 mg/dL to 100 mg/dL. The blood sugar level can go up to 120 mg/dL after a meal. This usually comes down to normal levels in about two hours. The blood sugar level can be determined through a series of blood tests. These tests are conducted before a meal, which is known as fasting sugar value, and after a meal, which is known as post prandial or post meal value. The post prandial blood sugar level is measured two hours after a meal. Depending on the readings of the blood test, a person might suffer from low blood sugar or high blood sugar, if the sugar levels do not fall under the normal range. Here are a few diagnostic ranges that are given in every blood sugar level charts. The ranges are divided into three categories: normal, pre-diabetes, and diabetes. These ranges will indicate whether a person is at a risk of having diabetes or not. Normal: If the minimum fasting value is 70 mg/dL and the maximum fasting value is 100 mg/dL, along with the post prandial value falling below 140 mg/dL, the person has normal blood sugar level according to the blood sugar level charts. There is no risk of diabetes. Pre-diabetes: The fasting glucose level is between 101 mg/dL and 125 mg/dL.

Pneumonia is an infection that targets one or both the lungs. This infection commonly causes an inflammation of the airspaces in the lungs. The air sacs in the lungs are known as alveoli. The inflamed alveoli get filled with pus and liquid, making it extremely difficult to breathe. Pneumonia and symptoms of pneumonia are caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi that lead to the formation of an infection. However, pneumonia can also be caused by noninfectious elements such as toxic elements and foreign matter that are inhaled through breathing. Pneumonia is a life-threatening condition, if not treated in time. A large population around the world loses the battle to pneumonia every year. This fatal disease can affect anybody, irrespective of their age or gender. However, elderly people and individuals who have a weak immune system are at a greater risk of suffering from this condition. It is more serious and difficult to treat when contracted by younger kids, old individuals, and people who already suffer from a medical condition. The condition and symptoms of pneumonia generally begin when one inhales a bad germ into the lungs. A person who is suffering from cold or fever is likely to get the disease as these infectious conditions make it difficult for the lungs to restrain and fight against the germs. Also, people who have chronic illnesses like diabetes or cancer may have a higher risk. Pneumonia is contagious and can spread through inhalation of droplets from the sneeze or cough of an affected person. However, there are some types of pneumonia that are not contagious and do not spread through contact or being around a patient. Symptoms of pneumonia can be easily noticeable and come quickly after the lungs are infected. The symptoms also differ on the basis of age and the type of pneumonia.

Gout is a type of arthritis that is caused by the presence of excess uric acid in the body and extremely painful. The abnormal metabolism of uric acid results in the excess of it in the tissues of the body and blood. In case of an individual who suffers from gout, the body either produces too much of uric acid or the kidneys are unable to excrete it. Gout can be a primary condition or can be associated with other medical conditions. High levels of uric acid in the blood leads to the formation of urate crystals that get deposited in the joints. This causes excess inflammation and pain. Gout can affect anybody, irrespective of gender and age. However, men are more likely to suffer from this condition. Also, a large number of women are susceptible to gout after the period of menopause. Gout causes an attack that can be described as a string or severe burning. These gout attacks can occur at any time, however, they are more likely to spring-up in the middle of the night. During a gout flare, the skin looks red and there is severe swelling in the joint. The base of the big toe joint is the most common place for gout, followed by the ankle, knee, elbow, and wrist. The pain is in the joint can be so excruciating that the mere touch of the finger can send down a burning sensation. Gout comes with a few symptoms that begin with redness in the area and severe tenderness. A sudden attack can be the first sign and stop spontaneously after a while. The pain and swelling eventually disappear even without treatment but common returns after a few days in the same or another joint. As gout flares increase in frequency, the pain caused is much more severe and last longer.

Heartburn causes a lot of discomfort to those who experience it. It occurs when your stomach acid travels back up into the esophagus, thus causing an irritating and burning sensation. Apart from a burning sensation, one would most likely experience chest pain since the fluid tends to linger in the esophagus. The symptoms of heartburn may last for a long time. Before we can go on to understand heartburn signs and symptoms, here are a few facts: Acid reflux is a primary indicator of heartburn which leads to a burning feeling in your chest. This is one of the prominent heartburn symptoms. Acid reflux normally occurs after the consumption of certain foods or drinking certain beverages which did not get ingested properly into the system. Heartburn signs and symptoms generally include difficulty in swallowing, chronic cough, pain in the upper abdomen, sore throat, the regurgitation of anything you just ate or drank (which is the acid being thrown up into the esophagus with stomach fluid), or even persistent laryngitis. It is important to understand what causes a heartburn in order to diagnose it correctly and on time: A valve, known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), located below the rib cage keeps the stomach acid from being sent up the esophagus, leaving gravity to deal with the rest of it. The LES mainly functions to open the tube to allow food to be ingested into the stomach or allowing you to belch. It closes both times automatically. The only reason stomach acid tends to seep into the esophagus or gets thrown up due to some reason is the improper functioning of the LES. The causes of LES malfunction can be anything from obesity, pregnancy, constipation, or anything that tends to put too much pressure on your stomach forcing the valve to open.

Crohn’s disease is a complication that can be considered as a type of inflammatory bowel disease and affects parts of the gastrointestinal tract from mouth to the anus region. This inflammation of the digestive tract can result in abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss. Common Crohn’s disease symptoms Crohn’s disease affects different people in distinct ways. At times, only the last segment of ileum, which is also known as the small intestine, is affected. In some patients, Crohn’s disease affects the colon or large intestine. The last portion of the small intestine and colon are generally affected by Crohn’s disease. This disease can either be mild or severe. Mostly, the common Crohn’s disease symptoms develop at a gradual pace; however, in some cases, these symptoms come up suddenly. The most common Crohn’s disease symptoms usually include diarrhea, fever, fatigue, blood in the stool, and reduction in appetite and mouth sores. People who have reported severe Crohn’s disease symptoms suffer from inflammation of the skin, joints, and eyes and inflammation of the liver and bile duct. Delay in the growth in children is also an indication that the child might be suffering from signs of Crohn’s disease. Pain in the belly: This pain is intermittent and can cause cramps. The belly of the patient might feel sore when touched in such cases. This pain can turn into a constant ache and the condition of the patient can worsen with time. Diarrhea: Patients who suffer from an advanced stage experience Crohn’s disease symptoms of diarrhea ten to twenty times in a day. Such patients can also experience blood in their stool. Loss of appetite: Patients who experience Crohn’s disease symptoms may also suffer from loss of appetite and experience a reduction in the intake of food. High fever: Sometimes patients who experience Crohn’s disease symptoms might also suffer from high fever.

Affecting the small intestine, bowel disorders affect the way in which food is digested and absorbed by human body. Bowel disorders not only affect small intestine but also other parts of the digestive tract. It is important to note that bowel sickness is curable. However, first, it’s essential to have a clear idea of the problem that you are facing. Common symptoms of bowel disorders are constipation or diarrhea. Other symptoms include: Discomfort or pain in abdomen Abdominal bloating Bleeding from back passage Blood in stool Alteration in bowel habits Lump in the tummy Tiredness and unexpected weight loss It is best advised to make an appointment with the doctor if any of the above-mentioned systems persists. They can help diagnose the disease better and accordingly recommend a treatment plan. There are different types of bowel disorders depending on the symptoms. Common ones are: Celiac Disease Crohn’s Disease Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Intestinal Obstruction Celiac Disease – It is an autoimmune disorder wherein gluten generates an undesirable reaction. In this type of bowel disorder, when food having gluten, a type of protein, is consumed, the immune system attacks the inner lining of the small intestine. In such cases, a person consuming grains such as barley wheat and rye feel uncomfortable and experience unexplainable pain in the tummy. Crohn’s Disease – An autoimmune disorder, Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease. In this disorder, the body is seen to attack its health tissues, thus injuring tissues in mouth, intestines, and anus. IBS – Another type of bowel disorder, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, also known as IBS, affects both small as well as the large intestine. It is a group of intestinal symptoms that usually happen together. Gastrointestinal problems are common when suffering from IBS. This type of bowel disorder is also known as irritable colon, spastic colon, spastic colitis, and mucous colitis.

What are mold allergies? Molds are nothing but a form of fungus which can grow indoors as well as outdoors. Inside your house, molds usually thrive in bathrooms, basements, kitchen, etc. Although, moisture is the key element for their existence, so if bedroom happens to be damp, molds can quickly develop there. As the name suggests, mold allergies are caused by the mold spores (seeds) which enter your system via air. The immune system then responds to these inhaled allergens strongly, i.e., by repeated wheezing, sneezing, skin irritation, etc. The most common types of molds that can trigger allergies are Rhizopus, Penicillium, Fusarium, Helminthosporium, Aureobasidium, Cladosporium, Epicoccum, and Mucor. What are the symptoms of mold allergies? Identifying the symptoms of mold allergies can be a bit tricky as they can be similar to other forms of allergies. So, you must seek the counsel of your general practitioner to gain confirmation. The following are some of the most common symptoms associated with mold allergies. Runny nose Discomfort in the throat Eyes itching or watering regularly Chest congestion Persistent coughing Experiencing trouble while breathing Headaches or stomach pain Swollen eyelids Skin rashes The symptoms mentioned above vary from person to person. For certain individuals, they might be mild and for some extremely severe. For instance, if a person has asthma then these symptoms might get worse, so as soon as you experience these promptly seek medical help. Who has a higher risk of developing mold allergies? If air-borne allergies or asthma are a hereditary condition in your family, then you probably might suffer from mold allergies. If you have been living in an atmosphere which has been vulnerable to water leakages or humidity for the longest period, you might contract a mold allergy. Certain professions such as farming, baking, furniture production or repairs, logging, winemaking, etc.

A chronic inflammatory disorder, Crohn’s disease can cause inflammation to the gastrointestinal tract. It may develop anywhere between mouth and anus. Some brief points regarding Crohn’s disease information are listed below Crohn’s disease usually occurs at the end of the small intestine It appears in patches. This means, the inflammation will not be constant throughout the gastro intestinal tract, it would appear near the rectum and some patches of inflammation would be prominent in the mouth. Crohn’s disease sometimes extends through the entire thickness of the wall Crohn’s disease information available on the internet might confuse the reader as this inflammatory bowel disease has similar symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. The main difference between Crohn’s disease is that IBS is a disorder that it affects the muscle contractions of the bowel while Chron’s disease causes inflammation to the gastrointestinal tract. There is no information entailing the causes of Crohn’s disease. Several studies suggest it is caused by some factors that involve genetics, environment, and an overactive immune system. It is a misconception that Crohn’s disease is caused due to eating habits. Crohn’s disease characteristic information states that its severity is different for different people and may vary from time to time. It also depends on which gastrointestinal tract is infected. And since the symptoms vary from person to person, it might be harder to track the symptoms of Crohn’s disease. Some common Crohn’s disease symptoms include: Rectal bleeding Unexplained weight loss Fever Recurring Diarrhea Abdominal pain and cramping with reduced appetite Based on the area of inflammation there are five types of Crohn’s disease: Ileocolitis This Crohn’s disease affects ileum, which is the end of small intestine and colon which is the part large intestine. The symptoms include diarrhea, cramping flowed by pain in the right lower abdomen, and sudden weight loss.

A headache disorder, migraine is characterized by frequent headaches that can be moderate to severe. Migraines are those types of headaches that are pulsating in nature and affect one-half of the head. Also, migraines can last for up to 72 hours. Migraines are believed to be a mixture of environmental and genetic factors. Changing hormones are said to be one of the top migraine triggers. A post-puberty migraine usually affects women more than men. People experience a migraine due to some reasons. Some of the reasons include food habits, strong scent, flickering lights, weather changes. Migraine triggers are different for different individuals. This makes it difficult and frustrating to narrow down causes of a migraine. There are four phases of a migraine. Prodrome is an onset of a migraine. It lasts for two hours or two days. Its symptoms include altered mood, irritability, depression, euphoria, and fatigue. The second phase is called an aura which causes visual disturbances and partial alteration in vision which might cause difficulty to the person to read, write or drive. Auras occur in 30-40 percent of the people who suffer from a migraine. Pain phase is a chronic headache that is unilateral, throbbing and severe in intensity. The onset is gradual, and It increases with more physical activity. This phase lasts for 4 to 72 hours in adults. The pain phase is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, sound, and smell. Postdrome is a set of symptoms that a person experiences after the pain has subsided. People suffering from a migraine report a sore feeling after relieving from pain. Cognitive difficulties and gastrointestinal symptoms and general weakness are other forms of postdrome symptoms. Let us separate top migraine triggers based different factors: Environment A migraine can occur due to specific environmental conditions, both natural and man-made.