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5 warning signs of migraine that need attention

5 warning signs of migraine that need attention

A migraine is an inflammation-driven headache that differs from normal headaches. It can start at any age due to various causative factors. There are many obvious symptoms of migraine attacks, such as feeling nausea, throbbing pain in the temples, and hearing weird sounds now and again. However, migraines also have many underrated symptoms that people should know. Here are some warning signs of migraine that one must not take lightly:

Lack of sleep
It is prevalent for people with a history of migraines to have trouble falling asleep during the night. When they do find sleep, they cannot sustain it for longer. Conditions like sleep apnea are also seen in those living with migraine. Insomnia is a common indicator of several diseases. Therefore, people may not even know that they have migraine when they simply cannot find any sleep day after day, week after week, and year after year.
Sleep disturbances are some of the most commonly cited triggers of migraine, as reported to healthcare professionals across the country.

Anxiety and depression
Abrupt mood changes are a classic migraine trait. Like the first symptom on this list, depression, and anxiety, two mental health issues, also begin in the prodrome stage of migraine. The prodrome stage of migraine tends to start several hours or days before the aura or headache phase begins in people. This stage occurs over several hours or even days. People with a possible incoming migraine attack will have feelings of low self-worth and foreboding for unknown threats more times in a day than is normal.

Stuffy nose and watery eyes
The inflammation that causes migraines could also affect other areas of the body. For instance, people’s tear ducts and sinuses can suffer from inflammation and other problems, such as perennially watery eyes and stuffy noses. Some other problems similar to these are clear nasal drainage, droopy eyelids, tearing up on unusual occasions, and pain in the eyes and nose.
Often, stuffy eyes and watery noses in people are considered signs of a common cold, which is why many people do not consult a healthcare professional when they experience these symptoms. However, people should not ignore these symptoms as they are likely to be followed by other, more severe symptoms like bad headaches, auras, and a debilitating sensitivity to light and loud sounds felt at every possible instance.

Neck pain
The pain associated with migraine sometimes begins at the neck and back of individuals. Neck pain can be felt generally or while doing tasks like craning the neck or tilting the head from one side to another. Neck pain makes head movements painful for people with migraines.

Frequent urination
One of the least known and spoken about symptoms of an oncoming migraine attack is frequent urination. People who need to urinate often usually experience throbbing headaches next, and other migraine symptoms follow that. Frequent urination is usually experienced in the prodrome phase of migraine. Alternatively, people may experience fluid retention, a condition in which water and other fluids accumulate in the body’s cells, tissues, and cavities, causing swelling in certain places.

Some other warning signs include belly issues, chocolate cravings, and abdominal pain.

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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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Eosinophilic esophagitis – Common warning signs and management options

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EE or EoE) is an allergic reaction in the esophagus usually triggered by allergens, such as dust, mites, germs, and certain foods. During an episode, the immune system releases white blood cells called eosinophils. These cells cause the esophagus to become inflamed, so it cannot contract properly. Over time, the esophagus becomes narrow, developing abscesses or rings. As this happens, certain warning signs of eosinophilic esophagitis become evident. Warning signs of eosinophilic esophagitis In most cases, the early signs are similar to other health problems like reflux and GERD. The signs start showing up only when the inflammation of the esophagus becomes severe. Often, the symptoms are more severe in children than in adults. Signs in adults The warning signs of eosinophilic esophagitis in adults include: Difficulty swallowing (also known as dysphagia) Impaction or food getting stuck in the esophagus as it becomes narrow Occasional mild to severe pain at the center of the chest that does not go away Frequent regurgitation or backflow of undigested food Signs in children Parents may notice the following signs in children and infants: Trouble feeding infants Difficulty eating among children Frequent instances of vomiting Mild to severe abdominal pain Dysphagia or difficulty in swallowing (similar to adults) Impaction or food getting stuck in the esophagus after swallowing The ineffectiveness of GERD treatments Failure to meet growth and developmental milestones When should one consult a doctor? Seeking expert attention is essential as soon as the warning signs of eosinophilic esophagitis start to show. Visiting a doctor is especially important if one is experiencing the symptoms for the first time. It is helpful to consult a primary care doctor if one is experiencing mild to severe chest pain accompanied by shortness of breath or jaw or arm pain. Management options for eosinophilic esophagitis An excellent way to manage the condition is to first understand what's causing the allergic reactions and then work toward avoiding the triggers. Allergens in food are a common culprit, so many patients consider following an elimination meal plan. It involves avoiding foods that are known to trigger the symptoms. Individuals usually avoid one triggering food at a time and wait to see whether the symptoms disappear. If the symptoms do not show up after stopping a particular food, it becomes evident that the eliminated food or food groups are the culprit. While this approach helps manage eosinophilic esophagitis, individuals should speak to an expert before trying it out. The professional can advise one on how to go about following an elimination meal plan safely. Individuals should note that eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic relapsing disease. Also, most allergic reactions usually appear in a few days to a few weeks after exposure to the allergen. So, one must continue the management and treatment plans for a sustained period to understand which ones are really working. Along with elimination meal plans, doctors may suggest treatments for esophageal dilation. Patients should follow the expert's advice to avoid complications and achieve the best outcome.

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Everything you need to know about chronic fatigue syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition that causes extreme tiredness and fatigue that does not go away even after resting. The causes of the condition are yet to be known. However, there are some theories indicate several factors which include: Viral infection Stress Or several factors in unison Once the symptoms are identified and the condition is diagnosed, treatment can be taken to get relief from symptoms. Understanding all aspects of the condition, including its stages, diagnosis, symptoms, and prevention can help in managing it effectively. Different stages and phases of chronic fatigue syndrome The patients of chronic fatigue syndrome undergo four phases of the condition. Their response towards the treatment can also vary greatly depending on the phase that they are going through. These phases are: Phase I: Crisis or trauma Phase II: Stabilization Phase III: Resolution Phase IV: Integration During all the phases, a chronic fatigue syndrome patient undergoes some physical, psychological, and social changes that are easily noticeable. Diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome No one test can diagnose a patient with chronic fatigue syndrome. This is because the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome resemble several other health conditions. Therefore, a lot of patience is required for the diagnosis of the condition.
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What you should know about depression

Depression is a mental health disorder that results in bouts of continuous sadness. A clinical mood disorder can lead to physical and emotional suffering, and can also change one’s behavior. Frustration, anger outbursts, lack of energy, sleep issues, anxiety, disinterest in eating, concentration issues, and suicidal thoughts are also common symptoms of this disease. Depending on its severity, the illness can challenge one to lead a normal life, too. Diagnosis There are many different methods a medical professional can use to determine if one is affected by depression. Psychiatric evaluation is the most common way to determine if one is suffering from the disease. The mental health doctor will interview the affected person to understand their thought process, mood, and other symptoms. Some doctors may compare symptoms with the ones listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This makes it easier for them to understand the condition. A physical exam is also performed to determine if any physical health issue is caused due to this mental condition. Stages of depression Depending on the level of sadness, the stages of depression can be divided into five stages: Stage 1 Even though the signs of mental disease are hard to miss, for most people, it starts with denial.
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Important things you should know about diabetes

The pancreas is an important organ in our body that produces insulin. It is required to help the glucose pass to our cells from the blood. That is how energy is created, which is the fuel we require to function. When the pancreas is unable to produce insulin, the glucose level in one’s blood increases. This can result in diabetes, which can lead to organ damage. Types of diabetes There are mainly three kinds of this disease. Type 1 diabetes It can be most commonly seen in children and adolescents. Having said that, it can occur at any age. The insulin production of one’s body decreases with this condition, and they require daily injections to control their glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes Around 90% of people who have diabetes suffer from this type. It is most commonly seen in adults and results in one’s body failing to properly use the insulin that is produced. It can be kept under control by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but one may also require medicine in the advanced stages. Gestational diabetes This can be seen during pregnancy if the glucose level in one’s blood increases. It can affect both the child and the mother.
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Gout – Diagnosis, stages, and prevention

Gout or gouty arthritis is a form of arthritis that commonly occurs in the joint located at the base of one’s big toe. It can also be seen in other joints and results in swelling, sudden pain, and tenderness. It can happen to anyone and occur at any moment, even suddenly in the middle of the night. The good news is that it can be prevented and treated. Diagnosis of gout Multiple medical tests can be used to determine if one has this form of arthritis. Below is a list of the most common tests. Joint fluid test The doctor uses a needle to collect fluid from one’s joint and test the same under a microscope. If urate crystals are found in the fluid then they have the condition. Blood test For gout detection, the doctor may suggest a blood test. The amount of creatinine and uric acid present in one’s blood indicates if they have it or not. However, the result of the blood test may not always be conclusive. X-ray imaging If one has joint inflammation, the doctor can use X-ray imaging to determine if it is caused by any other reason or gouty arthritis. Ultrasound A musculoskeletal ultrasound test is used to determine if one has gout or any other form of arthritis.

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