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Common signs of pregnancy

Common signs of pregnancy

From fatigue to nausea and weight gain, several symptoms can indicate pregnancy. The entire pregnancy can last for about 40 weeks, and for some women, it may even sound scary. Having said that, understanding the symptoms of pregnancy and what to expect during this period can help make this period smooth and comfortable for women.

Common symptoms of pregnancy

Among the first things women should know are the signs that can help them understand that they are pregnant. Although the symptoms of pregnancy may differ among women, here’s a list of the most common ones:

  • A missed menstrual cycle : The most common and among the earliest signs of a pregnancy is a missed menstrual cycle. However, this is not a sure sign as irregular or delayed menstrual cycles can also be a result of ill health.
  • Tender breasts : Tender and sensitive breasts can also be a sign of pregnancy as they are caused by hormonal changes that occur during the early stages of pregnancy.
  • Nausea and vomiting : Nausea is a common symptom of pregnancy, and it generally starts a month after a woman conceives. However, it may occur earlier for some women, while others may not develop this symptom at all. This symptom is commonly known as morning sickness, but women may experience it at any time of the day.
  • Increased urination : Increased urination is another common symptom of pregnancy as a result of increased blood flow in a woman’s body. This leads to the kidneys working overtime to process more fluid and eliminate toxins, which increases the urge to urinate among pregnant women.
  • Fatigue : Exhaustion and fatigue are among the most common signs of pregnancy. The production of progesterone increases significantly among women during the early stages of pregnancy, which causes fatigue and sleepiness.

Other than these symptoms, pregnancy may lead to bloating, mood swings, cramping, constipation, and sudden dislike for certain foods among women, even to the extent of throwing up at their sight or smell.

Stages of pregnancy
The stages of pregnancy are known as trimesters. By the 12th week, the baby starts developing muscles and nerves, along with the head. The second trimester lasts from week 13th to 28th, and the bone marrow of the baby starts creating blood cells during this time. Also, fingerprints and footprints form, the hair on the baby’s head starts growing, and the baby grows to around 12 inches long in the second trimester. In the third trimester, the organs of the baby start functioning on their own.

Prevention of unwanted pregnancy
Several birth control methods can be used by women with an active sex life if they do not wish to conceive. The most common contraceptive methods are condoms, cervical caps, oral contraceptive pills, and IUDs.

If a woman notices any of these symptoms of pregnancy, she must take a pregnancy test. Modern home pregnancy tests can give a 99%-accurate result, but visiting a doctor can help women get a confirmation. The urine or blood test performed by a medical professional can confirm a pregnancy.

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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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Types of skin problems and how to treat them

Skin problems are of different kinds. They vary vastly in terms of both severity and the type of symptoms they show. Skin-based disorders can be temporary or permanent, and the pain they inflict upon an individual varies from person to person. If not treated upon immediately, they can continue to grow and can be life-threatening too. Different forms of skin problems along with their treatmentsAcne (Acne Vulgaris)For ages, acne has turned out to be the most commonly occurring skin problem across the country. It is a disorder, which is mostly found in teenagers, though adults suffer from it too. Apart from pimples, the presence of blackheads, nodules, and cysts indicate that a person is suffering from acne. One can get acne on one’s back and chest along with one’s face. It would help if one reached out to a dermatologist as soon as one sees any of these symptoms. A medicinal cream called Adapalene Topical (Differin) is found in most medical stores and can be purchased without providing a prescription. If one is suffering from severe acne, doctors may recommend them using Tretinoin topical drugs.Shingles (Herpes Zoster)This is a kind of a virus, which causes a red-colored rash that can also be described as a blister. It is found mostly around one’s torso but can develop on other parts of the body as well. Its appearance on the body is often followed by fatigue, fever, or headache. The United States has long-tested and authorized two specific vaccines to prevent shingles. Zostavax (zoster vaccine live) is a subcutaneous injection to avoid the occurrence of shingles and is recommended to be used by people above the age of 60. Shingrix (herpes zoster subunit vaccine) is recommended for individuals who are above 50. This skin condition can be quite painful. However, treatment at an early stage with an antiviral medication like Valtrex can undoubtedly reduce the symptoms of this skin problem.Atopic dermatitis (Eczema)This is a kind of skin problem mostly found in children or infants. The exact cause behind this disorder has not been found to date, but experts believe that it is either a result of a genetic disorder or is derived from the environment children are in. Its symptoms show up on the face, feet, hands, or in the creases of one’s skin. People who suffer from allergies are most susceptible to this disease. An FDA-approved injection named dupilumab (Regeneron’s Dupixent) has proved to be very effective in curing it. Taking this drug also needs to be accompanied by therapy, which lasts for weeks. Depending on the condition, Dupixent can be consumed with or without topical corticosteroids.RosaceaA visibly prominent swelling on the face characterized by the appearance of pimples and blood vessels is referred to as rosacea. Though this disease mostly affects women above the age of 30, it is also found in men. Different kinds of issues with the immune system or the veins can result in this skin problem. It is also caused by being exposed to pollution in the environment and other external factors. Antibiotics like oral doxycycline or metronidazole cream are very effective in minimizing its effects. The azelaic acid gel is useful for curing inflamed pimples. In case of severe cases, doctors recommend a drug called isotretinoin.

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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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