Cholesterol is a thick and waxy, fat-like substance widely found in every cell of the body. Produced by the liver, cholesterol is essential for the production of certain hormones, vitamin D as well as some substances that aid in digestion. Cholesterol is transported through the bloodstream by small particles called lipoproteins. Healthy cholesterol levels protect an individual against heart diseases. However, at the same time, if the level of cholesterol rises beyond a certain limit, it can build up in the arteries and become the cause for a heart attack or stroke. There are two types of lipoproteins — low-density lipoproteins (LDL), which causes heart diseases, and high-density lipoproteins (HDL), which returns the LDL cholesterol to the liver for elimination from the human body. If the level of LDL cholesterol is high, or the level of HDL cholesterol is low, fatty deposits can build up in the blood vessels, leading to a blockage of the arteries. This condition is called high cholesterol. Thankfully, there are plenty of treatment options that help in controlling the LDL cholesterol levels. Common symptoms of high cholesterol There are no visible symptoms of high cholesterol. So, an individual could have this condition and yet know nothing about it. If a person has high cholesterol, their body will store all the excess cholesterol in the arteries. Arteries are responsible for transporting blood from the heart to the rest of the body. A buildup of cholesterol in the arteries can result in plaque, which in turn makes these arteries narrow. If the cholesterol levels keep rising, it can lead to a blockage in the arteries. In case the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscles get blocked, a person can have a heart attack. Similarly, if there is a blockage in the artery that delivers blood to the brain, a person experiences a stroke.

IBS or irritable bowel syndrome is a condition where patients experience discomfort or pain in the belly along with unusual bowel habits. For some, the bowel movements might be more or lesser than usual, and for others, they might pass a different kind of stool. Almost 25 to 45 million people in the country suffer from irritable bowel syndrome or IBS. Among them, the majority are women. An individual is more likely to be affected by IBS between their late teens and early 40s. The symptoms of IBS include abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and the passing of mucus during bowel movements. This complex motility and sensory disorder has physical as well as stress-related dimensions. Some people are able to control their IBS symptoms by managing their diet, altering their lifestyle, and controlling stress. Others might need the support of medication or counseling. Here are the various treatment options for IBS: Changing the lifestyle and diet Note that your dietary intake, as well as the stress-related factors, can worsen the symptoms of IBS. Discuss measures to reduce or avoid these symptoms with your health care provider or dietitian. Sometimes, even eating smaller quantities in frequent intervals helps reduce abdominal discomfort. Avoiding caffeine and including fiber in one’s diet can help one battle the symptoms of IBS. Adequate rest and exercise reduce stress levels, stimulate the regular contractions of the intestines, and increase positivity. If followed diligently, this can be one of the best treatment options for IBS. Medication If lifestyle changes don’t work, there are numerous medications available in the market that can provide relief from the symptoms of IBS. Even though antispasmodics have limited benefits, if you have the symptoms soon after eating, then such medication helps in relieving the abdominal pain. Consuming anti-diarrheal agents helps in reducing the diarrheal symptoms, but it might not be helpful for the pain associated with IBS.

Health disorders that trigger a change in one’s bowel movements and habits are annoying. Frequent visits to the loo are no fun at all. People who work in an office or attend classes at school or college experience greater discomfort as these bowel problems are quite embarrassing. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition that impacts and restricts one’s diet. This gastrointestinal disorder presents itself as a group of symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, cramps, bloating, gas, nausea, etc. There are several types of this disease, and the condition varies from person to person. One needs to maintain a list of food items that trigger the syndrome so that they can avoid its consumption. In this way, one can lead a better and healthier life in the long run, devoid of the symptoms that encompass the scope of the disease. Triggers are those food items that cause a flare-up of symptoms and lead to the onset of the disease or its aggravation. Seeking treatment for irritable bowel syndrome is the best course of action. When it comes to choosing a treatment option for irritable bowel syndrome, here are some of the best options available. Treatment options for irritable bowel syndrome Here are some of the best ways to maintain and treat irritable bowel syndrome: Avoiding certain foods If one is suffering from IBS diarrhea, they should avoid the consumption of large amounts of insoluble fiber in their daily diet. Fiber found in the skin of vegetables and fruits are insoluble. One should also avoid taking sorbitol, fructose, caffeine and chocolate drinks. If one is suffering from IBS constipation, they should not eat food items that further trigger the condition. One should avoid processed food items, especially cheese, high-protein diets, bread and cereals, dairy products, coffee, and carbonated drinks at all costs.

Usually, an inflammation of the colon (also referred to as the large intestine) is known as colitis. It is a disease that has varied symptoms in different people. Colitis can be of different types such as: Microscopic colitis Ischemic colitis Inflammatory bowel disease colitis (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease) Chemical colitis Pseudomembranous colitis Infectious colitis such as food poisoning, and infections caused by bacteria or parasites Depending on the type of colitis you have, your symptoms can vary. To pick the right treatment for colitis, it is crucial to get an accurate diagnosis. Here is a list of some colitis symptoms that will help you understand when you should consult a healthcare professional. Symptoms of colitis According to various medical study reports, most of the times, colitis is associated with diarrhea and abdominal pain. Pain caused by inflammation The muscle layers undergo intermittent spasms due to colon inflammation. This intermittent spasm causes cramp-like or colicky pain, which comes and goes. Usually, the affected person feels this pain in the lower abdomen. However, you might feel this pain at any point along the course of the colon. Due to the colitis, the body is unable to reabsorb water properly because any ingested food or drinks move through the colon rapidly as the muscles cannot contract in their regular pattern. All of this leads to watery diarrhea. If the colon lining breaks down and becomes inflamed, the affected person might experience bleeding. In the case of ulcerative colitis, small ulcers form and cause bleeding. Pain caused by diarrhea Often, the pain caused by colitis that involves the distal colon (sigmoid colon and rectum) increases gradually preceding a bowel movement. The pain might subside after the diarrheal bowel movement, but it can return with the next diarrheal episode. Also, the affected person may get the urgent feeling of wanting to go to the loo.

Thick and voluminous hair seems like an elusive dream for most of us. Thinning hair and hair fall affect both men and women of all ages. Thinning hair or hair loss can occur due to a variety of reasons. Emotional stress, hormonal changes, unhealthy eating habits, side effects of medication and harsh hair treatment are some of the common reasons for thinning hair. Consultation with a dermatologist can help find the cause of thinning hair and help find the right thinning hair products. Using the most suitable thinning hair products and making appropriate lifestyle changes can help treat thinning hair and hair loss. Causes of thinning hair Before moving on to thinning hair products, it helps in understanding the various causes of thinning hair in order to find the right fit. Hair loss not only affects the scalp but the entire body as well. The common causes of thinning hair are as follows: Family history: People who have a family history of thinning hair are potential candidates for thinning hair or hair fall. Thinning hair usually occurs with aging in men and women. Receding hairline and bald patches in men, and thinning hair in women are very common. Hormonal changes: Pregnancy and menopause in women are phases where hormonal changes occur. During these phases, women are likely to experience thinning hair. Women with thyroid problems are also likely to have thinning hair. Scalp infections: Scalp infections such as dandruff, oily scalp or dermatitis also cause thinning hair and hair loss. Medical conditions: Health conditions like alopecia areata causes hair loss in patches. Scalp infections also cause hair thinning. Medication and supplements: Side effects of certain medication could lead to thinning hair. Consuming health supplements is another reason for hair loss. Radiation and chemotherapy: Radiation and chemotherapy are treatments for cancer.

It is quite hard to deal with nail fungus. It starts off as a yellow blemish and spreads to the entire nail if it is left untreated. It can cause discomfort, pain, and tenderness. Many home remedies can help you treat this issue, and the most popular item among them is hydrogen peroxide. Why is hydrogen peroxide effective at treating toenail fungus? Hydrogen peroxide is a household item that is applied to sanitize minor injuries and wounds. Its antifungal properties destroy the fungus, allowing the broken part of your nails to grow back again. This liquid has numerous applications as an antiseptic, disinfectant, oxidizer, bleaching agent, and as an antifungal agent. Depending on the severity of the infection, you can restore your nails within weeks or months with constant use of hydrogen peroxide. To prevent further fungal infections, it is advised to keep practicing this therapy for a few months even after your nail has recovered. Even though there aren’t many scientific studies proving the effectiveness of hydrogen peroxide for treating toenail fungus, several people have tried and tested this home remedy. Here are some treatments for toenail fungus that use hydrogen peroxide: Soak your feet in a hydrogen peroxide solution You will require 3% hydrogen peroxide, distilled water, plastic tub, and tissues for this method. Stir equal amounts of hydrogen peroxide and distilled water in a plastic tub. Make sure that the hydrogen peroxide that has a concentration of 3% or less, otherwise it may damage your skin. Dip the infected nails in this solution and wait for 30 minutes until they are soaked. Wipe and dry your nails with a tissue. Make sure that the affected nails are dry before you cover them. Repeat this method every day, even after the problem subsides. Getting relief from nail fungus is not that simple and will require a lot of patience and persistence.

Almost all of us snore from time to time, which is not a cause of concern. Sometimes a blocked nose may lead to snoring. However, regular snoring at night may hamper the quality of one’s sleep. It can also result in tiredness during daytime, health issues, and irritability. Regular snoring not only affects one’s own sleep but also that of their partner. Loud and excessive snoring may even lead to marital issues. Snoring is not just a nuisance but also causes serious health issues like obstructive sleep apnea. Partial obstruction of your airways causes snoring. Some other common causes are age, obesity, sinusitis, alcohol, sleep posture, smoking, and medications. The good news is that many anti-snoring devices are available for people who have a snoring problem. However, choosing the right one can be quite challenging. Factors to consider while picking an anti-snoring device Anti-snoring devices have gained popularity owing to the growing awareness among people about the ill-effects that snoring has on our health. Choosing the right equipment helps in combating the snoring problem effectively. Here are a few tips to pick the best anti-snoring device: Clinical evidence of effectiveness While choosing the anti-snoring device, one must consider the clinical evidence or expert reviews on its effectiveness. Medical and dental experts measure the effectiveness of these devices and provide data about them. One must consider this data before making a choice. Cost of an anti-snoring device Certain devices may cost much lesser than tailor-made devices. One must carefully evaluate the effectiveness against the price to decide on the right anti-snoring device. Comfortable fit One must feel comfortable and not experience any pain while wearing an anti-snoring device. An individual will only get a good night’s rest if they’re comfortable with using it. Another factor to consider is the design and clinical expertise of the anti-snoring device.

The pain caused due to shingles can be very severe and it can affect your normal day-to-day activities as well. Shingles are often caused when the chickenpox virus known as Varicella Zoster is reactivated. The virus then travels through the nerve fibers to cause a painful skin rash. Usually, the pain goes away along with the rash but can also persist sometimes. You can treat the pain after shingles using the following measures. Always consult a doctor if you are not sure which remedy to follow, or if you are suffering from any other disease. Painkillers Shingles cause nerve damage that is permanent and the pain is an after effect of it. To ease the pain of the effects of shingles, you can take painkillers that will effectively help with reducing the pain. Painkillers such as tricyclic antidepressants can help in dealing with the pain. Thoracic epidural injections Shingles are caused due to the nerve damage and if you reduce the nerve root inflammation, then the pain can also be reduced. For this, the anti-inflammatory medicine can be injected into the space that is near the spinal cord. This reduces the pain. Thus, thoracic epidural injections can be used for the treatment of shingles. Membrane stabilizers You can use membrane stabilizers to treat the pain after shingles. You can ask your doctor to prescribe medicines that will act as membrane stabilizers and will help you with the immense pain caused due to shingles. The pain can prolong even after shingles are gone and therefore fighting the pain is the only way. Natural remedies for treating the pain after shingles Healing baths When you clean the blisters every day, then the infection is less likely to spread. The itchiness and pain after shingles can be reduced with cool water baths. Since heat increases the blisters, you should avoid taking bath with hot water at all costs.

Catheters are thin, flexible tubes that are used for transporting fluids into and outside the body. Typically, those who experience trouble while passing urine or are unable to control urination, are fitted with a urinary catheter that helps in the urination process. Catheters for men are used for draining urine from the bladder. Catheters are used in the case of urine incontinence, urine retention, urinary surgery, and prostate problems. Catheters for men are hollow, partially flexible tubes that collect urine from the bladder and direct it to a drainage bag. Catheters may be made of silicone, plastic or rubber. They come in various sizes and types. Types of catheters for men Catheters for men are used until they are able to urinate by themselves. For some, it may be required for a short duration, and for others, it may be required for a long duration. Elderly or people with a permanent injury to their urinary system may need to wear catheters for a long duration or even on a permanent basis. There are essentially three types of catheters: indwelling, external and short-term catheters. In terms of usage, catheters are either one-time–use catheters or reusable catheters. Indwelling catheters: As the name implies, indwelling catheters are placed inside the body. These catheters are placed inside the bladder. The other name for an indwelling catheter is a Foley catheter. This type of catheter may be used for both short and long durations. Indwelling catheters are inserted into the bladder through the urethra by a qualified nurse. For some people, this catheter is inserted into the bladder through a tiny hole in the abdomen. This type of catheter is called a suprapubic catheter. While inserting the catheter, one end is fitted with a balloon inflated with water in order to prevent slipping of the catheter out of the body.

It is common knowledge that skin is among the most sensitive organs in the human body. Also, it is a shield of protection from various external factors like dust particles, microbial organisms, etc. Your skin is also prone to various disorders and problems from time to time. It is important to treat them before it gets worse and hard to cure. Of all the skin problems, the one common problem that a lot of people face is–rashes in the underarm region. This problem is annoying and can cause social discomfort especially if you are wearing sleeveless clothing. Though it might seem to be like a common rash or allergy, leaving it untreated can complicate the problem. So, if you are suffering from rashes in the underarm and looking for a solution, then you are at the right place–because remedies for underarm rash treatment are discussed here. But first, let’s take a look at the causes of rashes. Skin rupture In this case, the skin in the underarm or the armpit region tends to get ruptured due to the constant movement of the hands, sweat, bacteria, and dryness. So, the area shows rashes that makes you uncomfortable. If the skin rubs hard against itself for a longer duration, then irritation is likely to occur. Eczema In this condition, the skin turns red, dry, and scaly. Red patches might appear on the skin which can crack too. Usually, genetic factors, environmental factors or some foods can trigger this problem. If you notice this condition, you should stop using deodorants, roll-on etc., immediately. Eczema rashes are non-contagious and can last for more than a week. Skin care products or chemical treatments Often cosmetics, lotions, creams and skin treatments like a chemical peel or laser treatments can cause allergic skin reactions. So, it is best to undergo a patch test before you try out any new cosmetic or perfume or a skin care product.