The human body is wired in such a manner that it can protect itself to a certain degree from various infections and diseases. However, there are instances when the body succumbs to these diseases if it’s stronger than our immune system. Also, certain disorders are a result of some malfunctioning of the organs of our body, especially when something interferes with its functioning. The human body has the ability to show that there’s something wrong with it by showing certain symptoms. When these symptoms are deciphered at the right time, the disease can be cured easily. Similarly, the presence of blood in urine indicates that there’s something seriously wrong with the body, and neglecting this symptom of the presence of blood in urine can lead to grave problems in future. Hematuria or blood in urine is a symptom of some serious underlying disease. The symptom of blood in urine occurs due to the following reasons. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)- One of the most common symptoms of urinary tract infection is the appearance of blood in urine. When bacteria lodges itself on the lining of the urinary tract and they multiply at a faster rate, it leads to UTIs. In addition to the symptom of blood in urine, a person suffering from UTI also shows symptoms such as- frequent urination, burning sensation while urinating, foul-smelling urine, etc.

Commonly affecting athletes who frequent activities include running and jumping, heel spur is caused due to calcium deposits on the underside of the heel bone. The symptoms include inflammation of tissues and tendons near the spur, pain while walking or jogging, formation of calluses, swelling or redness of the affected part of the heel. The pain that is experienced is often sharp and stabbing. Sometimes that pain can go away to be replaced by a dull throbbing that aggravates while doing activities such as walking, jumping, jogging, or running. The initial treatments for heel spur relief involve a lot of conservative and non-invasive methods. Doctors may recommend cortisone injections, anti-inflammation medications, or ice compressions to get heel spur relief, especially to get relief from pain. To alleviate pressure on the affected muscles and ligaments, orthotic devices such as heel pads, insoles, heel cushions, and special shoes can be used. These non-invasive treatments for heel spur relief are done for a period of 9 to 12 months. If there is no relief from the inflammation or pain after this period of treatment, surgery is recommended. To make the non-invasive treatments of help spur relief effective, the following natural tips can be followed:

The relationship between a person diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and their caregiver is a two-way street. It is important to remember that both the patient and caregiver have their individual needs that should be communicated clearly. Irrespective of whether the primary caregiver is a parent, friend, or someone who has been hired to take care of the SMA patient, there are a few important things to consider for a healthy relationship between them. Below are three tips for SMA patients to maintain a healthy relationship with their caregivers- Informing the caregiver in advance about any schedule changes SMA patients should remember that their caregivers, whether family, friends or professional caregivers, have their own schedules and needs. One needs to ensure that they don’t make any last-minute changes without informing the caregiver well in advance. A caregiver plans everything according to the SMA patient’s schedule, and any sudden changes might cause problems with the caregiver’s schedule and routine. It is important to remember that the caregiver is likely to have other jobs, people to meet, and other personal errands of their own. Hence, it is essential to inform the caregiver in advance if there are any changes to one’s schedule.

Cancer in any form is quite fatal. It can be treated only when diagnosed in the initial stages. In the later stages, cancer treatments are directed towards managing the symptoms and providing relief to the patient. Life becomes quite difficult for cancer patients as their body starts deteriorating, preventing them from carrying out their daily activities. However, this is where cancer caregivers step in. These caregivers look after most of the patient’s day-to-day tasks. Cancer caregivers can be one’s partner, family members, or friends. One can even hire a professional cancer caregiver for this very purpose. Cancer caregivers ensure that the patient experiences some normalcy in their life. They also play a vital role in providing emotional support to their patients whenever needed. The duties of a cancer caregiver include giving medications, managing the side effects, and informing the doctor about any problems faced by the patient. Cancer caregivers provide around-the-clock care to cancer patients but face certain hurdles while doing so. The common obstacles experienced by cancer caregivers are as follows: Shifting roles A cancer caregiver can be one’s spouse, sibling, or any other relative, and this means that the caregiver has to play multiple roles. A caregiver has to dedicate their time to several duties such as accompanying the cancer patient to their next chemotherapy appointment, ensuring that all the bills are paid, etc.

A progressive genetic disorder, spinal muscular atrophy or SMA is a condition that affects the muscles and the nervous system.  The muscles are controlled by the nerve cells which are in the spinal cord. This fact accounts for the name of the condition i.e spinal muscular atrophy. The condition is rare and is commonly found to affect babies. Spinal muscular atrophy can cause the muscles to become weak and shrink, thus, making it difficult to control movements of the head, sit without taking help, walk, and much more. There are four types of spinal muscular atrophy. The seriousness of the condition and the symptoms will greatly depend upon the type. While the first 3 types are common during the first years of one’s life, type 4 is a possibility upon reaching adulthood. Type 4 of spinal muscular atrophy comes with symptoms that include twitching, breathing issues, and muscle weakness. The symptoms stay throughout one’s life, however, the impact can be controlled. The life expectancy for type 4 spinal muscular atrophy is much longer than with the other types. Patients can live a long and fulfilling life that may be further enhanced through certain practices. Here are 3 measures that can increase the life expectancy of people with Type 4 spinal muscular atrophy and lessen the effects of the symptoms.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition which stems from a problem with the immune system. When your immune system is healthy, it has the ability to fight infections. When it comes to rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks the cells in the inner lining of the joints and causes them to get inflamed. They become stiff and swollen and cause immense pain. The problem is that some people may not experience any symptoms at times, while at other times, the pain is unbearable. While the main symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are stiffness and joint pain, there are some early warning signs you may experience before these symptoms occur. These signs correlate to how one is feeling overall, while at times these signs relate specifically to the joints. It is absolutely essential to spot these warning signs and seek treatment as soon as possible. Here are some of the early symptoms rheumatoid arthritis patients may experience: Fatigue You may feel extremely tired at all times, even in case you have not exerted much physically. Slight fever A slightly raised temperature may become a common norm for people affected by rheumatoid arthritis. Weight loss You may experience sudden weight loss, without you putting any effort to control your weight.

According to a report, around 80% of Americans experience pain in the lower left side of their back. There are multiple reasons for experiencing left side back pain. Although there are some minor issues, such as muscle strains, in the case of which the body can heal itself within a certain time. However, if the pain persists, then you may require the attention of a specialist. Let’s have a look at the three common reasons behind experiencing back pain on the left side of the body. Muscle strain This is perhaps the most common reason for the left side back pain. When your muscles in the back get overworked due to a fall or any such reasons, you will feel this pain. In most cases, torn muscles are the cause of the pain. So, your doctor will begin your treatment by asking about your medical history and checking for the following: Weakness in the muscles Some signals that will indicate a rupture in the muscles Feeling of discomfort during multiple range motion exercises Localized tenderness The bottom line is that left side back pain due to muscle strain can be really painful, but within a few days, it will go away.

Being a parent is one of the most beautiful feelings in the world. Of course, your baby may cry all night and your children may be annoying, but it is hard to put aside the fact that we too were kids at one point of time and our parents went through the same! Being a mother is a special feeling, especially if it is your first time. You may not know you are pregnant and there are certain signs that may make you aware of the fact. Once you do know that you are going to have a baby, you are filled with joy and your journey into motherhood begins. Here are a few of the first week signs of pregnancy! First Week Signs of Pregnancy Tender and swollen breasts Your breasts may start to feel a little tingly, tender and sore. They may also feel fuller and heavier. Fatigue The levels of progesterone soar during the early days of pregnancy. At times they can be so high that they can put you into a deep sleep! Slight cramping or bleeding Slight vaginal bleeding is one of the first symptoms of pregnancy. You may experience cramps similar to menstrual cramps as well.

Your brain and head need a constant supply of blood to function efficiently. However, there are times when blood vessels get clogged due to deposits of fatty acid known as plaques. This condition is called carotid artery disease. This is a dangerous condition as patients with this disease face a high risk of strokes as well. However, it is hard to understand when one has this illness as there are no definite signs of carotid artery disease in the early stages. The development of carotid artery disease is slow, and that’s the reason why the signs of carotid artery disease show up after a lot of time has passed. A transient ischemic attack (TIA) or a stroke is the first and the most apparent sign of this disease. TIA is the temporary shortage of blood flow to one’s brain. A stroke takes place when a blood clot obstructs a blood vessel or when the artery has narrowed down due to deposits of fatty acid. Here are some other signs that can help people find out whether they have the carotid artery disease. Sudden numbness: One of the first signs of carotid artery disease is that one may feel a sudden numbness or weakness in one part or side of the body.

Hyponatremia is a medical condition in which the sodium level in the bloodstream becomes abnormally low. Under normal circumstances, the sodium level ranges between 135-145 milliequivalents per liter (meq/L). When sodium reaches below 135 meq/L, doctors call it as hyponatremia. Sodium is essential for the functioning of the muscles and nervous system of the body. It also helps to maintain the blood pressure level within the standard range. A person may require immediate medical intervention if hyponatremia becomes critical. Read on to know more about the causes of hyponatremia and a few ways to prevent it: Causes of Hyponatremia Here are few medical and lifestyle factors which are probable causes of hyponatremia. Side-effects of medication : Certain medications such as diuretics, analgesics, and antidepressant pills may alter the functioning of specific hormones and kidney, which may ultimately lower the sodium level in the blood to 135 meq/L units or less. Heart, liver, and kidney disorders : Individuals suffering from heart, liver, and kidney disorders have a high probability of developing hyponatremia. These medical conditions lead to fluid accumulation in the body which may dilute the sodium concentration and ultimately lower its level in the bloodstream. High level of Anti-Diuretic Hormone (ADH): There is a medical condition known as “syndrome of inappropriate anti-diuretic hormone (SIADH)” where the anti-diuretic hormone (ADH) gets stimulated.

Cancer is a very dangerous and fatal disease which often leads to a long-term treatment that may or may not succeed. It is a disease which occurs from the unwarranted growth of cells which later go on to form malignant tumors in several parts of the body. If not treated, it spreads very quickly to all parts of the body, thereby blocking functional body systems. There are four stages of cancer, and as far as cancer symptoms and their recognition go, it normally does not come to the fore before the second stage. After the detection of cancer, which is usually always preceded by a biopsy report, treatment should start immediately because it does not take long to spread. There are many cancer treatment options of which a few include: Surgery This is one technique when it is used to treat cancer, often turns out to be very effective, especially in the country. It’s very well-known and one of the largely practiced cancer treatment options. Surgery is a procedure wherein the surgeon operates and removes the cancerous tumor from the body. You can browse the Internet to find out different ways the surgery is used against cancer and what you can expect before, during, and after surgery.