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8 peeing mistakes to avoid for a healthy bladder

8 peeing mistakes to avoid for a healthy bladder

The urinary bladder, an important organ located in the pelvic cavity, acts as a temporary reservoir or holding place for urine. Although it performs a vital function, one may not stop to think about it until it does not work as it should. Certain lifestyle choices can impact bladder health and function, leading to issues like painful urination or urinary incontinence. So, avoiding the following peeing mistakes can help one maintain bladder health:

Holding it in for too long
Sometimes, holding pee in is unavoidable. However, making a habit out of it can impact bladder health. Contrary to popular belief, urine is not sterile. It contains several microbes that can lead to infections. Additionally, holding urine in makes the bladder stretch too much, which can impact bladder control.

Not emptying the bladder
Not emptying the bladder can also impact bladder health by stretching the organ and increasing the risk of infection. At times, one may also be unaware that their bladder has not been emptied. This is known as urinary retention. It may be a result of blockages, treatments, infections, swelling, or even neurological conditions. Common symptoms of urinary retention include pain or swelling in the lower abdomen, frequent urination in small amounts, a continual urge to pass urine even after peeing, and a slow stream.

Ignoring recurring UTIs
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) develop when certain bacteria enter the urethra. They may affect the urinary tract, including the bladder and kidneys. As women have shorter urethra, they are more likely to develop UTIs than men. Among women, UTIs could be a result of sexual activity, anatomical issues, pregnancy, or menopause. Here, one may experience a painful or burning sensation during urination, frequent urination, a strong urge to urinate, and a foul smell during urination. Women who experience three or more UTIs a year must consult a doctor to examine the issue, and men must also visit a urologist when they develop the symptoms of a UTI.

Excessive caffeine intake
Caffeine is a known diuretic, that is, it increases urine production. Too much caffeine can lead to an overactive bladder, along with dehydration due to water loss, which increases the risk of kidney stones.

Mistaking an overactive bladder for a small bladder
An overactive bladder can be defined as urinating more than eight or nine times per day. Many people tend to mistake an overactive bladder for a small bladder when they discuss their ability to hold their urine. An overactive bladder may also be a sign of underlying health conditions like UTIs, kidney infections, bladder stones, or diabetes. However, the symptoms of these conditions may vary from one person to another, depending on age and lifestyle.

Ignoring changes in urine color
Urine color largely depends on the amount of water one has. For instance, darker-colored urine is associated with less fluid consumption and dehydration. What one eats could also affect the color of urine. Extremely pigmented foods such as beetroots may impart a pinkish or reddish hue to the urine. A change in urine color can also be caused by blood; this is known as hematuria, which could be a symptom of underlying conditions like a UTI, kidney disease, or an injury. Blood in the urine may also be a sign of bladder cancer and must be examined by a doctor immediately.

Excessive vitamin C intake
Vitamin C is known for its immune-boosting properties. However, one should have the nutrient in moderation, as too much vitamin C can negatively affect bladder health. This is because high levels of vitamin C in the urine turn into oxalate, which increases the risk of kidney stones. The recommended dosage of vitamin C for healthy adults is 90 mg per day.

Sitting for too long
People who are seated for long hours and have low physical activity can also put their bladder at risk of developing lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). These include incomplete emptying of the bladder, increased urinary frequency or urgency, weak urinary stream, or having to get up at night to urinate. Those with desk jobs must stand up and walk around for 5 minutes every hour or consider investing in a standing desk to reduce their chances of developing LUTS.

Avoiding these eight peeing mistakes may help one improve the health of their bladder over time and ensure it functions optimally.

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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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Never ignore these 7 critical signs of esophageal cancer

Esophageal cancer is a condition that develops due to the rapid and uncontrolled mutation of healthy cells in the esophagus. This mutation is triggered when the body mistakenly attacks its cells and tissue, impacting vital functions in the affected area. Cancer has no cure, and it is only possible to manage the spread and discomfort to a certain extent. Knowing these alarming signs of esophageal cancer and associated discomforts can help doctors decide the prompt course of action. Trouble with swallowing This cancer develops and affects the esophagus, so one will experience problems with swallowing. The healthy cells begin to mutate rapidly as cancer spreads and causes the passage to get constricted. Even the opening becomes too narrow, making it difficult to swallow food and beverages. Even after chewing properly, people might complain of pain while swallowing and morsels getting stuck midway due to constriction. And this symptom only becomes worse as the cancer progresses into the advanced stages. Developing a chronic cough The mutation of healthy cells in the esophagus also results in an excess buildup of mucus. This mucus formation is mainly triggered as an immune response by the body to keep the cells lubricated. Excess mucus further triggers a cough that persists and worsens with the spread of esophageal cancer. If cancer has affected the space where the esophagus (food pipe) and trachea (windpipe) connect, there is the added risk of developing a tracheoesophageal fistula. A fistula is an obstruction that blocks the airway and ultimately triggers a chronic cough. If the cancer further spreads to the lungs, it can also cause pneumonia to develop with varying levels of intensity. Discomforts in the chest Heartburn and chest pain are two of the most common and noticeable discomforts that indicate a physical problem. When the cancer or tumor begins to grow in the space behind the breastbone region, people will also experience chest pain that worsens with the progression. And since foods and beverages pass through this region, one will also experience a burning sensation similar to heartburn or acid reflux. In advanced stages of esophageal cancer, breathlessness is another possible symptom. This happens because of airway constriction and expanding cancer that puts pressure on the chest, restricting breathing. Hoarseness of the voice if cancer or tumor spreads and presses against the vocal cords behind the voice box, it will trigger voice changes that should not be ignored. Developing a hoarse voice with no other possible explanation or underlying condition could mean esophageal cancer in its early stages. Severe cancer also increases the risk of laryngeal nerve palsy, which develops due to the deterioration of nerves that connect the vocal cords. Pain and other discomforts of the throat in the region will only worsen as the cancer spreads. Noticing blood in vomit or stools Cancer destroys healthy cells and causes bleeding in the affected region as it spreads. The mutation gets aggressive with each passing stage. So, noticing blood in the vomit is also a common sign of esophageal cancer. The blood pools into the stomach from the esophagus and gets regurgitated once the affected person develops nausea and vomits. Alternatively, the excess blood can get mixed with the stools, causing a change in color that is dark red or even black. This is another sign of bleeding that should not be ignored. Loss of blood increases the risk of anemia among the affected patients as well. Changes in appetite and metabolism Cancer in the esophagus primarily affects a person’s ability to swallow foods and beverages. As a result, one might unknowingly decrease their intake to avoid the pain and discomfort. Reduced intake and lack of daily nutrition will only further impact a person’s body mass index and metabolism. Malnutrition further increases the risk of health complications that develop due to vitamin, mineral, and nutrient deficiencies. All these factors combined impact the metabolism and trigger rapid loss of body mass. If these changes persist, consult immediately with a physician to assess the underlying cause. Other metastatic symptoms Metastasis refers to the spread of cancer beyond the localized region. In this case, esophageal cancer can spread from the throat to the lungs and lymph nodes located in the respiratory organs. There is an increased risk of cancer spreading to the spinal cord and surrounding bones, causing pain and discomfort that should not be ignored. Many other alarming signs, including chest pain, breathlessness, swelling that causes pain, abdominal pain, headaches, and even seizures, can develop from complications of esophageal cancer. At any point, if any of the aforementioned discomforts persist, it is better to go for an immediate consultation and get a full body checkup done.

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