Inflammation of the inner lining of the large intestine, or colon, is medically termed as Colitis. This inflammation can be caused by bowel diseases (Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis), infections or allergic reactions. The condition can cause symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain, that can be extremely belittling. Given below are a few home remedies for colitis management. Dietary changes When dealing with colitis, it is important to understand how diet can cause adverse effects on your symptoms. Sugars (refined carbohydrates) in our food-intake breaks down; it can cause the pH in the bloodstream to spike to abnormal levels. This highly acidic environment harms the good bacteria and can lead to repeated episodes of diarrhea. Sugars harm the lower intestines when certain bacteria or fungi (similar to yeast), start to feed off them. With the growth and multiplication of these microbes, the chances are that the colon might get infected, and make your condition even worse. So, you should start off with cutting out refined carbohydrates from your diet, to help relieve symptoms. Replace the refined carbohydrates in your diet with high-complex forms, as these add more fiber and promote better bowel movement. Add a good quantity of vegetables, fruits and whole grains, that help to alleviate the condition, by providing relief to the constipated bowels. When picking options for a high fiber diet, make sure you are not allergic to foods like wheat, dairy products or corn. The reaction to these allergens is known to be one of the causes of colitis. Also, public drinking water that has chlorine and other chemical agents, could be an irritant to lower bowels. Switch to making use of boiled or distilled water. Nutrition Recurring episodes of diarrhea can cause a serious loss of nutrients from the body. Also, the inflammation in the lower intestines hinders the process of nutrition absorption from food.

Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in the anal canal. External hemorrhoids refer to enlarged vein beneath the surface of the anal skin and internal hemorrhoids refer to an enlarged vein of the anal skin. You can see and feel external hemorrhoids as the blood clot surrounds the surface of the anus. A hemorrhoid is generally not serious but is a painful condition. The most common causes of hemorrhoids are long sitting in the toilet, chronic constipation, and straining during the bowel movements. These enlarge the veins of the surface of the anus causing hemorrhoids. This is because they disturb the blood flow to and from anus resulting in swollen blood vessels. Constipation tightens the muscle of the anal canal that is generally smooth in nature. This strain causes pain and bleeding during the bowel movement. The connective tissue that connects the anus muscle also weakens with age thereby increasing the swelling outside the surface. When you pressurize the veins of the pelvic and rectal area, it can also lead to hemorrhoids as the muscle tightens. There are four main symptoms of hemorrhoids Itching: Itching around the surface of the anus. This is because hemorrhoids cause swelling and irritation in the rectal area, making you itch to feel better. However, the symptoms get worse with itching as we don’t know how clean our hand is and disturbing the swelling makes the anus grow further. Pain: Constant pain around the anus. The hemorrhoids result in affecting the anus and rectal areas. Since they are external in nature, you will feel the pain outside during bowel movements or strain. The pain is not serious but can get unbearable at times. Swelling: Swelling of the anal skin causes lumps. These lumps are blood clots that cause swelling and pain. However, because they are external, they can be seen and felt.

There are 4 stages of breast cancer—stage I, II, III, and IV. Stage IV breast cancer is also known as metastatic or even secondary breast cancer and is the most advanced stage of breast cancer. If left untreated for a long time, then cancer metastasizes (spreads) beyond the breast. Most often, metastatic breast cancer spreads through the lymphatic system to the liver, bones, lungs, and brain. This, in turn, can result in life-threatening morbidity including myocardial infarction (MI). The size of the tumor varies from one person to another. Approximately more than 154,000 women residing in the US have metastatic breast cancer. Many women diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer had suffered from breast cancer before. However, for some, metastatic breast cancer may be their first diagnosis of breast cancer . Treatment Coping up with the most advanced stage of breast cancer is quite tough and challenging as an advanced stage of breast cancer remains incurable. Only an oncologist can treat patients diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer. A lot of factors such as age, medical history, and general health are considered. Moreover, the biology of the growth of tumor and metastasis comes into the picture. Your medical oncologist will encourage effective treatment. He will also recommend you to undergo the one best for you out of the four effective treatment options. The four options are as follows: Breast cancer chemical therapy or chemotherapy (chemo) This is the first systemic treatment for hormone receptor-negative and hormone receptor-positive (but no longer responds to hormone therapy) stage IV breast cancers. Chemical therapy is better known as chemotherapy. The term “chemotherapy” is often put forward as an overarching definition. In chemotherapy, the cancer cells shrink much faster than that in hormone therapy. In this treatment option, you can even control the growth rate of cancer cells in the body for several years.

Diabetes is a condition characterized by high blood sugar levels due to the inability of the pancreas to secrete sufficient insulin or the body’s inability to effectively use the secreted insulin. In fact, diabetes mellitus is a silent killer, and if a person suffers from high blood pressure along with diabetes, it can prove to be fatal. Studies have reported that approximately 37% of the global population is diabetic and these figures are rising due to increased incidence of obesity and other lifestyle habits. An Insight Into Diabetes Diabetes can manifest in two types. People usually develop type 1 diabetes or diabetes mellitus in adulthood. Sufferers of type 1 diabetes are completely insulin dependent. Type 2 diabetes is more common and in this condition, the body does not produce enough insulin or body cells are insulin resistant. There is an increased incidence of juvenile diabetes and gestational diabetes. Medications and lifestyle changes can help manage the conditions effectively. Diabetes is a cause of adult blindness. Also, diabetics are at an increased risk of suffering from a fatal stroke. Moreover, they are prone to infections that do not heal quickly, resulting in amputation of the limbs. Hence, it is essential that blood sugar levels are constantly monitored with the help of a blood sugar chart. These charts serve as tools to determine the quantum of sugar that has accumulated in the blood. What Is A Blood Sugar Chart? A blood sugar chart helps track your blood glucose levels. The chart contains columns that keep a track of the date, and fasting and post-meal blood glucose levels. It also shows target readings which will help you conclude your current levels vis-a-vis the normal blood glucose levels. The normal blood sugar levels before meals range between 70-130 mg/dl. Post meals, that is about 2 hours after meals, the blood sugar levels should be below 180 mg/dl.

The term ‘neuropathy’ itself speaks about what it essentially means. Neuro means related to nerves or the nervous system and pathy denotes disorder in a specific part of the body. Hence, neuropathy, popularly known as peripheral neuropathy, refers to the disorder of nerves. This disorder could be caused when certain injury or disease damages your nervous system. Originating from your brain and spinal cord, these peripheral nerves extend to your muscles and tissues. The peripheral nervous system is the primary source of all communication between the body and brain in the form of electrical impulses. There are three types of nerves: Motor nerves Sensory nerves Autonomic nerves Each nerve comprises of neurons, which transmit information throughout the body in the form of electrical and chemical impulses at very high speeds. Thus, damage to the nerve cells results in damage to the communication link. Neuropathy is a rapidly growing condition which is being researched extensively to understand the various causes and treatments for the same. Did you know? The leading cause of deaths among senior citizens is due to accidental falls. Some people fall because of the condition of neuropathy and hence are unable to feel their feet. They try to stand but because of the numbness, don’t get a proper standing posture, and as a result trip and fall over. Causes of neuropathy There are a number of causes that could lead to the development of this condition in an individual. The most common causes include: Trauma Metabolic system anomalies Out of range glucose levels Inflammation of specific body parts, e.g. hands, feet Diabetes Chemotherapy Treatment for neuropathy The most significant concept to remember here is; it is essential to diagnose the underlying cause and provide symptomatic relief by eradicating that cause itself. Based on the root cause of the nerve damage, the treatments for neuropathy can vary.

High blood pressure is a hazardous condition that is unfortunately prevalent today. If left untreated it can cause a stroke and heart disease. If your blood pressure reads above 140/90 mmHg, then you have a high blood pressure. The cause for high blood pressure cannot be tracked in some cases. However, you can control it if you follow a strict regime for an extended period. You can control your blood pressure naturally with a proper diet and healthy lifestyle. You will not have to take medications either. By following these suggestions, your blood pressure will be under control in no time. These remedies will also not have any adverse effects on your body. Healthy Body Weight Losing weight is one of the most efficient ways to control your blood pressure. Excess body weight has shown to increase the blood pressure. Sleep apnea is a common condition in those who are overweight. Disrupted sleep can also cause a rise in the blood pressure. Obesity is known to cause stress in the joints and poor blood circulation. It adds stress and affects the blood pressure. Losing weight is the first thing you should do if you are diagnosed with high blood pressure. Exercise Regularly Any physical activity for a minimum of 30 minutes, 4 to 5 times a week will help you reduce your blood pressure level. It is best not to overdo it either as it may have adverse effects. For best results stick to a regime and exercise regularly. However, do not stop with the exercise as it may cause your blood pressure to shoot up again. If you have mild hypertension, you can prevent it from getting worse with a regular workout. On the other hand, if your condition is severe, you can reduce the levels and bring it to a safe level.

Living with pets can be a pleasure. Their company helps you relax and enjoy life as they do, by living in the moment. However, there is always the possibility that you or someone in your family might have an allergic reaction to pets. Common pet allergies symptoms Pet allergies symptoms can affect the respiratory tract and manifest themselves in the form of common cold symptoms. You may also develop allergic reactions on the skin, which is also known as dermatitis if you come into contact with an animal. If you suffer from asthma, pet allergies could also aggravate the symptoms. Regular pet allergies symptoms Sneezing Nasal congestion Runny nose Itchy, watery eyes Facial pain due to congestion Coughing Dark patches under the eyes Dermatitis symptoms caused due to pet allergies Skin inflammation Itching Rashes or hives Pet allergies symptoms in asthma patients Disturbed sleep Chest tightness Breathing problems Wheezing Repeated inflammation of the nasal passage can create obstructions in the sinuses. This increases the chances for bacterial infections like sinusitis. Pet allergies can also be a serious threat to asthma patients. It can aggravate their problems to such an extent that it might need emergency medical attention. Confirm your allergy While a large number of people suffer from pet allergies, cat allergies are estimated to be twice as common as dog allergies. However, there are more pet cats than dogs in American households. If you feel you are allergic to dogs or cats but want to get a pet, you can try spending a day with a friend’s dog or cat. You can spend a day in the company of that animal to see how you react over a period of 24 hours. Get a medical test confirmation You can consult with an allergist who can help you make sure whether you have an allergy to a dog or cat.

Hernia refers to the medical condition when a fatty tissue or an organ squeezes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle. All hernias are the result of a combination of a weakness or opening in the muscle or fascia and extreme pressure. Causes Of Hernia: Lifting heavy objects without taking proper care Persistent sneezing and/or coughing Diarrhea and/or constipation Hernias differ from one another, depends on the organ or body part affected. Hence, the treatment for hernia pain relief varies. It is difficult for you to diagnose the form of Hernia you’re suffering from. Some of the most common forms of Hernia are: Types Or Forms of Hernia: Inguinal (inner groin) Hernia: The bladder or intestine pushes across the abdominal lining and enters into the groin’s inguinal canal. Incisional Hernia: At the site of a previous abdominal surgery, the intestine pushes across the abdominal lining. Femoral (outer groin) Hernia: When the intestine protrudes through the canal carrying the femoral artery to the upper thigh. Umbilical Hernia: A part of the small intestine squeezes the abdominal lining near the navel. Hiatal Hernia: Occurs when the upper portion of the stomach protrudes through an entrance in the diaphragm, called the hiatal. Methods For Hernia Pain Relief Hernias are extremely discomforting, if not painful. To ease the pain there are a number of methods that one may use. But it must be understood that all the following methods of hernia pain relief are temporary and one must go for further medical advice: Usage of ice packs When experiencing mild discomfort and uneasiness, it is advisable to apply an ice pack at the site of the hernia for hernia pain relief. The ice pack should be applied for 10 to 15 minutes only. You can perform this method of hernia pain relief, once or twice a day, but only after approval from the doctor.

UTI occurs when there is an uncontrollable growth of bacteria in the bladder. This is an infection that can happen to anyone. However, it is most commonly seen in women. Before we know the about how to cure urinary tract infection, let us know about its causes. Bacteria enter through the urethra and attach to the bladder. The infection starts spreading as the bacteria multiply. This causes symptoms like frequent urination, cramping in the abdomen, and pain while urinating. You need to treat these symptoms with medication or home remedies. If you treat it at home, you will not have to worry about having any side effects. These home treatments are very simple and will get you feeling better in no time. You need to know how to cure a urinary tract infection at home. Here are nine ways in which you can fight the infection and recover quickly. Drink More Fluids One of the most common solutions yo how to cure urinary tract infection is consuming more fluids. This will help flush out the bacteria. You can either drink plenty of water or have fruit juices. Urine is filled with waste from the body and is acidic. Drinking more water will dilute it. This way you will not experience pain while urinating. Have a glass of water before every meal. Have at least 12 glasses of water a day. This is sure to help treat the UTI. Heating Pads If your bladder infection is severe, you are sure to have a mild pain in the abdomen. This will cause you discomfort as it is persistent and may be severe in some cases. If the other methods or medication is not helping, you can use heating pads to soothe the dull ache caused by the UTI. Urinate Frequently It is best not to hold it when you need to urinate.

Diabetes patients who require regular insulin shots have a difficult time managing the medications. While they could give themselves the needed insulin injections at home, they had to keep the syringes, vials, and disposable needles ready. One also needs to be careful about the dosages and the times they need to give themselves the medications. If they need more than one type of insulin medication, that complicates the matter even further. Keeping track of the times, dosages, and the paraphernalia needed could be hard. To solve this purpose, insulin pens were designed around twenty years back. The pens made the medications easy to take and keep track of. Insulin injections Insulin is a hormone that is secreted by the pancreas. In diabetes patients, insulin production is reduced, causing more sugar to collect in the blood. This can affect various organs in the body eventually. To offset this, patients are advised to take insulin shots. It compensates for the reduction in natural insulin levels in the body. There are many types of insulin medications used in the shots. These differ by the time to take effect (onset), the time when the medicine is most effective (peak), and the period it stays in effect (duration). Thus, there are Short-Acting Insulins, Rapid-Acting Insulins, Intermediate-Acting Insulins, Long-Acting Insulins, and Pre-Mixed Insulins. Insulin pens for diabetes Diabetics were allowed to self-medicate after instructions from their doctor. It helped save several trips to a medical center. However, handling syringes and giving themselves injections was still a difficult task. Especially for people with joint problems or other afflictions that curbed dexterity. The invention of insulin pens made life easier for diabetes patients. The pens came preloaded with several units of insulin, and they just had to insert a disposable needle into the pen for each shot and inject themselves.