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Symptoms, Risk Factors, and Health Complications of Psoriasis

Symptoms, Risk Factors, and Health Complications of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that speeds up the natural life cycle of skin cells. The condition causes healthy skin cells to multiply rapidly and grow over the existing skin thus creating red patches on the skin. There are no known causes of psoriasis; however, studies indicate that an imbalance in neutrophils (white blood cells) to aid the immune system fight off infections can trigger an overproduction of skin cells leading to psoriasis. Overactive T-cells originally designed to attack and destroy infections can turn against the immune system and attack the healthy cells inadvertently triggering an increase in the production of healthy skin cells to counter the attack. Psoriasis is the result of the rapid skin buildup forming the outer layer that can cause painful and sensitive skin patches. Infections, skin injuries including cuts, scrapes, bites, sunburns, stress, smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, vitamin D deficiency, and side effects of certain medications taken for managing high blood pressure can trigger a psoriasis infection. A family history of people suffering from obesity, viral, and bacterial infections also increase the risk of psoriasis infection. Plaque psoriasis is one of the most common types of psoriasis that results in dry and raised skin lesions covered with silvery scales.
A Guide to the Stages of Breast Cancer

A Guide to the Stages of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a disease in which the breast cells grow uncontrollably. There are different types of breast cancer based on the breast cells that turn malignant. Breasts are made of three main parts—connective tissues, ducts, and lobules. Lobules are the mammary glands that produce milk, and the connective tissue is made of fibrous and fatty tissues that hold the breast together. Most forms of breast cancer begin at the lobules and ducts. Breast cancer is said to have metastasized if it spreads to other parts of the body through the lymph vessels and lobules. The symptoms of breast cancer are based on its stages, and the signs of metastatic breast cancer signs are visible in stage IV. Stage-based symptoms of breast cancer Stage 0 In this stage, there is no indication of the tumor spreading to other parts of the breast or other parts of the body. This stage of cancer is non-invasive and is considered to be a precancerous condition that requires close observation but no treatment. Unlike the signs of metastatic breast cancer, breast cancer in stage 0 is difficult to detect as there are no major physical changes visible. Self-examination and routine screening can lead to an early diagnosis.
A Brief Overview of GERD

A Brief Overview of GERD

A chronic digestive disorder, GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease affects the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is located between the esophagus and the stomach. It occurs when bile or stomach acid flows into the esophagus and irritates the esophageal lining. People with GERD often experience heartburn or acid reflux. This condition is quite common, but it can be a cause for concern if a person suffers from acid reflux frequently. What causes GERD? Under normal circumstances, the LES relaxes when a person swallows. This allows food and liquid to flow into the stomach. The LES then closes up again. In some cases, the LES may relax in an abnormal way, or it may become weak. At such times, the stomach acid flows backward into the esophagus. Although this can be normal under some circumstances, it can cause problems if it happens too often. A constant backwash of acid will irritate the lining of the esophagus. The esophagus may become inflamed due to chronic GERD. An inflamed esophagus may make the food pathway narrow due to the formation of scar tissue at the lower end of the esophagus. At times, the tissue in the esophagus may wear away due to the constant flow of stomach acid.
Ulcerative Colitis – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatments

Ulcerative Colitis – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatments

Along with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis is one of the major types of inflammatory bowel disease. A chronic illness, ulcerative colitis causes long-lasting inflammation and sores in the digestive tract. It is estimated that around 1.3% of adults in the US are diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. Here are a few things to know about this health disorder. Common causes of ulcerative colitis (UC) There is no exact known cause of UC. According to multiple studies, there are three factors that play a critical role in the development of the condition. Genes Environment An overactive intestinal immune system Any of the above factors can trigger UC. Genes : In some cases, UC runs in the family. Based on some studies, it has been observed that some people with ulcerative colitis have abnormal genes. However, there have been no significant studies done to indicate a direct link between UC and genes. Environment : For some people, the environment can be one of the major triggers of ulcerative colitis. Environmental triggers include medications, foods, and emotional distress. Although there are few studies to suggest that stress causes UC, it definitely triggers a flare-up. Food and medication to an extent can contribute to the development of UC.
An Overview of Crohn’s Disease

An Overview of Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes inflammation of the digestive tract, also known as the gastrointestinal tract (GI). The disease can affect any part of the tract from the mouth to the anus, but it most commonly affects the small intestine. It also affects the eyes, skin, and joints in some cases. Symptoms Crohn’s disease often causes diarrhea, abdominal pain, and cramps as the most common symptoms. People suffering from the disease also experience fever, fatigue, bloody stools, mouth sores, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Some other symptoms of the disease are inflammation of the skin, joints, eyes, liver, or bile duct. In children, the disease can lead to delayed growth or sexual development. Causes The exact cause of Crohn’s disease is unknown, but there can be several causes that aggravate the condition. Immunity and heredity issues can be two major factors that can lead to the development of the disease. A bacterium can trigger the disease where the immune system fights off the invading microorganism but an abnormal immune response results in an attack on the digestive tract cells as well. A family history of the disease can lead to an increased risk of an individual developing the disease.
Nasal polyps – Symptoms, causes, and management

Nasal polyps – Symptoms, causes, and management

Nasal polyps are teardrops or grape-like shaped growth on the lining of your nasal passage. These growths are soft and painless, and hence, go undetected for the longest time. A benign condition, this can affect anyone but is most common in adults. While these growths are painless, they lead to blocking the nasal passage, which naturally leads to inconsistent breathing and those suffering from it also experience a decreased sense of smell. This is also a cause of frequent infections. Some symptoms to look out for Nasal polyps often go unnoticed but there are some common signs and symptoms that will help you recognize this condition. If you have felt some irritation or inflammation in your sinuses that has lasted for more than 12 weeks, these symptoms could mean you have nasal polyps. Consistently runny or stuffy nose Postnasal drip Decreased sense of taste Absent sense of smell Headache or facial pain Pain in the upper teeth Frequent nosebleeds Snoring Pressure on your forehead or face These symptoms overlap with the signs of chronic sinusitis and common cold, and therefore, it is advisable to see your doctor for proper diagnosis of your condition. If the symptoms make it difficult for you to breathe, immediate medical attention is required.
What are the signs of meningitis

What are the signs of meningitis

If you are having some trouble with your throat and are not able to understand what is wrong, the possibility is that you have meningitis. Meningitis is very similar to the flu, the symptoms seem to be the same, yet, it would be beneficial if you stay alerted and understand the symptoms and signs of meningitis. Symptoms and signs of meningitis Symptoms and signs of meningitis may develop within hours or even take days to understand that it has developed in the body. A severe headache, stiff neck, fever etc. are the main symptoms that can tell you that it’s meningitis. Some other signs of meningitis are as follows: Constant vomiting and nausea Disoriented and drowsy Highly sensitive to bright light Poor appetite Seizure, which may develop into a coma The symptoms in infants could be as follows:  Irritable syndrome Fever  Mal feeding  Lethargy crime A soft spot on the forehead which seems to be bulging When the meningitis infection enters the bloodstream, there are some other symptoms you may undergo, such as: Change in color of skin High stomach pain Ice cold feet and hands Muscle and joint pain Heavy breathing Chills What are the causes of meningitis? Meningitis is caused because of certain bacteria and viruses.
What You Need to Know about Deep Vein Thrombosis

What You Need to Know about Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a chronic ailment characterized by the formation of blood lumps in veins located deep inside the body. It is a severe condition and typically forms near the thigh or lower leg. DVT is called by other names also such as thromboembolism, post-thrombotic syndrome, and post-phlebitic syndrome. Risk factors associated with DVT Cases, where patients are prone to symptoms of DVT or the common risk factors related to DVT, are as follows: Vein injuries Obesity Family history of DVT Placing of a catheter in a vein Consumption of birth control pills Heavy smoking Hormonal therapy Staying seated for prolonged periods of time Hereditary blood clotting disorders Cancer Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) Heart failure or cardiovascular disease Surgery, especially joint-replacement surgery Pregnancy Symptoms of DVT The most common symptoms of DVT include the following: Inflammation of the ankle, foot or leg, especially on one side only Cramping pain in leg, which starts up from the calf Unexpected and unexplained pain in the foot and ankle A certain area of the skin that feels warmer than other parts Color changes in the skin with the skin turning pale or a reddish or bluish color over the affected area Treatment methods for DVT The symptoms of DVT can be treated using these common treatment methods:
Understanding the Symptoms of Huntington Disease

Understanding the Symptoms of Huntington Disease

There are a number of inherited diseases that may cause a breakdown of the cells in the body, in a progressive manner. This leads to a slowdown of many functions and a variety of symptoms as well. Huntington Disease is one of them, which causes a gradual degeneration of the nerve cells of the body. The symptoms that come from such degeneration include a number of issues like slow mobility, psychiatric issues, and even cognitive development problems. Let us find out more about Huntington Disease and its symptoms. To understand the symptoms in a better manner, you first need to understand that the various side effects and symptoms may not occur all at once. One or two of the major symptoms of Huntington’s disease may be dominant, while the others may not be extremely obvious. Therefore, it is imperative to go for a proper diagnosis done by a certified doctor who will refer the patient to a number of specialists for further diagnosis. This will also have a major bearing on the kind of treatment method that will be undertaken for the patient in question. Movement-Related Symptoms Some of the major symptoms of Huntington’s Disease have to do with the movement and mobility of the patient.
Understanding the Symptoms of Low Blood Sugar

Understanding the Symptoms of Low Blood Sugar

Diabetes patients have hypoglycemia or low blood sugar when their bodies stop producing enough sugar. Since sugar acts as a fuel for the body, it is essential to keep a check on one’s sugar levels. Low blood sugar displays several symptoms that depend on the severity of the drop in the blood sugar. While some symptoms such as dizziness, anxiety, and weakness remain constant, most symptoms low blood sugar displays usually vary. Often, blood sugar that is mildly low has symptoms that last for only a few seconds; however, people with severely low blood sugar may have life-threatening complications. Here are some common symptoms people with varying types of low blood sugar experience. General symptoms of low blood sugar Symptoms that are generally associated with all types of low blood sugar include a sense of ambiguity, dizziness, shakiness, extreme hunger, pale skin, trembling, irritability, headaches, racing heartbeat, and the like. Most of these symptoms can be diagnosed as the early signs and symptoms. In case these symptoms are undiagnosed and untreated, the disease may progress to give way to more severe symptoms like poor coordination, numbness, fainting, nightmares, and even coma. Mildly low blood sugar For people whose blood sugar has dropped under 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) usually have mild low blood sugar.
Things to Know about the Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Things to Know about the Narcissistic Personality Disorder

The narcissistic personality disorder is a mental condition where people gain an escalated perception of their importance, like an intense need for drawing attention, lack of sympathy for others, troubled relationships, and so on. In such a condition, people try to wear a mask of self-confidence, leaving their fragile personality behind. Such a disorder can badly affect one’s personal and professional relationships, and even education or financial affairs. People with this personality disorder can easily become disappointed when they do not get the respect or importance they expect from others. People, in general, prefer to stay away from such personalities as they always find them unfit for social customs and relationships. Here are the causes, symptoms, and the possible treatments of this mental disorder. The causes of narcissistic personality disorder It is very hard to say what actually causes this mental disorder. However, researchers believe that genetics and upbringing factors play key roles in developing the narcissistic disorder. Our personalities are inherited from our ancestors, and if someone thinks that they are different from the crowd and should be treated with special attention and admiration, the person may develop this mental disorder. Researchers have also found that parental neglect often leads to narcissistic disorder among children.