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Understanding gastritis – A common stomach condition

Understanding gastritis – A common stomach condition

The stomach has three main functions: storing food and liquids, producing digestive juices, and sending food to the small intestine, but stomach conditions can disrupt its functioning. Stomach-related disorders, including gastritis, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), peptic ulcer, viral gastroenteritis, hiatal hernia, gastroparesis, and stomach cancer, can cause severe pain and extreme discomfort, and they require immediate medical attention.

Types of gastritis – A common stomach condition
Gastritis is one of the most common stomach conditions and affects 25-35% of the country’s population. It has two primary stages: acute and chronic. The former is characterized by sudden swelling or inflammation in the stomach lining and can be caused by injury, a viral or bacterial infection, stress, and ingestion of irritants like alcohol, steroids, NSAIDs, or spicy food. It leads to the development of symptoms like a loss of appetite, black stools, indigestion, nausea, bloody vomiting, and abdominal pain.

On the other hand, chronic gastritis develops over time and is generally caused by bacteria, alcoholism, certain medications, stress, or immune system disorders. This condition inflames the stomach lining and destroys some of the protective cells in the lining. Chronic gastritis can last for several years and slowly weakens the stomach lining. It can also lead to other diseases like dysplasia or metaplasia, and its symptoms include pain in the upper abdomen, indigestion, bloating, nausea, vomiting, belching, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Chronic gastritis can be categorized into three types: type A is caused by an immune system disorder, type B is caused by the Helicobacter pylori bacteria, and type C is a result of irritants like bile, alcohol, and NSAIDs.

Diagnosis of gastritis
Doctors examine a patient’s medical history and symptoms before prescribing patients to undergo certain medical tests to diagnose gastritis. Here are some common tests prescribed for the diagnosis of this common stomach condition:

  • Tests for H. pylori : Bacterium H. pylori tests are done to determine its effects, and this can be tested from the blood, stool, or breath.
  • Endoscopy : A lens attached to a flexible tube is inserted through the patient’s mouth to check for inflammation in the esophagus, small intestine, and stomach. If the doctor finds any issue, a biopsy is conducted for testing.
  • X-ray : A series of X-rays of the esophagus, small intestine, and stomach help doctors check for signs of abnormalities that can indicate gastritis.

Preventing gastritis
Stomach conditions like gastritis can be prevented by making certain lifestyle changes. One must avoid smoking and alcohol consumption to lower their risk of developing gastritis. Also, certain foods can cause stomach irritations and lead to gastritis, so it is advisable to limit the consumption of fatty or spicy food, along with citrus fruits and foods with acidic content. Apart from that, if one experiences an upset stomach after taking certain medications like NSAIDs, they must consult a doctor for alternative prescriptions.

An individual should visit a doctor at the earliest if they notice any symptoms. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are extremely important to manage this stomach condition and prevent any complications.

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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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Diagnosis, stages, and prevention of heart diseases

Heart disease is a serious health condition, and it is also one of the main causes of death in the country. Irrespective of what kind of heart-related issue one has, they can be diagnosed with the help of certain tests. Once these are carried out, and a proper diagnosis is arrived at, the heart specialist, also known as a cardiologist, treats the condition accordingly. Diagnosis of heart diseasesHeart-related conditions can be diagnosed via chest X-ray and blood tests. However, these are not the only available options that doctors use to determine the cause of the problems. Here is a list of some common tests that are also an option. Electrocardiogram (ECG)Holter monitoringEchocardiogramStress testCardiac catheterizationCardiac computerized tomography (CT) scanCardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)Different stages of heart failureHeart failure is a heart disease with different types and stages. There are mainly four stages known as A, B, C, and D. Stage A exposes one to the risk of heart failure. It can develop due to family history, hypertension, diabetes, alcohol abuse, coronary artery disease, and metabolic syndrome, among others. Stage B is more serious, as one starts to develop pre-heart failure conditions. During this stage, systolic left ventricular dysfunction occurs, which can lead to heart failure in the future. Stage C is when one is first diagnosed with heart failure. The various symptoms of this stage include shortness of breath, fatigue, inability to exercise, weakening of legs, waking up for urination regularly, and swelling in the abdomen, lower legs, feet, and ankles. Stage D is the last stage of this heart disease wherein the patient shows advanced symptoms of this health condition. The symptoms of this stage do not respond to medical treatments. Prevention of heart diseasePeople who have a history of heart disease in their family are more likely to develop certain heart conditions themselves. On the positive side, one can do various things to keep their heart-healthy. Below is a list of things that can be done to prevent heart-related issues.Keep the blood pressure under control People who have high blood pressure are more likely to develop heart conditions. It is essential for one to get their blood pressure checked at least once a year. If the doctor prescribes medicines and lifestyle changes, these must be followed accordingly. Control the cholesterol level Coronary artery disease is a serious heart condition, which is a result of clogged arteries. If one can keep their cholesterol levels under control, they immediately lower the chances of developing heart diseases. This can be successfully done with medicine and lifestyle changes. Follow a healthy diet: There is no better way to prevent heart diseases than maintaining a healthy diet. Food items that are high in sugar, sodium, and saturated fat should be avoided. One's diet should include whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. The right diet not only keeps the heart healthy, but it also helps one prevent blood pressure and high cholesterol.Other than these, maintaining overall good health also helps to prevent heart diseases. One can achieve this by exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and stopping smoking or drinking alcohol.

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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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