Health Articles

Polymyalgia does not affect the joints or bones but instead it causes the muscles to become sore, tender, and stiff with inflammation. As mentioned, this disease affects the hips, thighs, lower back, shoulders, and neck. It is the muscles that are affected, and special attention must be given to particularly supportive muscles like around the neck and the lower back.

What is known is that the disease causes blood cells in the muscle become swollen. When the muscle has been inactive for long periods the swelling tends to be heavier, resulting in muscle being unable to respond appropriately. The stiffness causes the restriction in limb movements, and the pain is the result of pressure forming in the muscle as the body forces new blood to the limbering area.

Weakness is not a factor although many interpret the limb restriction as weakness. It is possible to experience low energy, fatigue, and loss of appetite. And there may be nights with slight fever, and sweating in some cases. Fever may also come and go during the day. Other conditions to watch for are Anemia and depression. The one to watch is depression. Its a depressing disease and it can affect the mental wellbeing of anyone. Depression will severely impact the capacity of the body to cope with this disease.

Demographic distribution is mainly white people over 50 years of age, women twice as likely as men, and predominantly in western society. As there are other symptoms that may be present or become present because of PMR, it is critical to seek medical assistance at the first signs. The illness can lead to serious complications and also possible impairment if not treated promptly.

If your doctor believes you have this disease he or she will refer you to a rheumatologist or specialist who specializes in diagnosing such conditions. A preliminary quick test is the EMG test. This test will pass an electric current through the muscles and the readings from this may indicate PMR possibility. However full diagnosis may require further test combinations usually with blood samples

As there is no known cure as yet, treatment is specific to swelling and pain reduction until the disease leaves on its own. The point to note is that the disease may develop rapidly in some people. This can be quite frightening, especially with the early morning partial incapacitation. The absence of knowledge to explain this also causes much concern.
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PMR symptoms are bilateral, and as a result individuals may complain of fatigue, especially if they are unable to perform normal daily activities. A gradual encroachment of the disease will give rise to this perception, with everyday become significantly more obvious than the previous. Watch also for wight loss, loss of appetite, and a malaise (general ill feeling). And sleep deprivation is likely, and this will impact on the elderly in a number of ways. By now you should see that although the disease it self is not life threatening, possible by-illness has the potential to be, especially if compounded by 1 or more of these factors.

If the individual reports having pain in the sides of the head, especially when chewing, then this is likely to be GCA (Temporal Arthritis). Again the doctor should be consulted at the earliest possible sign.
Sarah Haynes is leading the charge to alleviate the suffering caused by Polymyalgia Rheumatica. With an unknown cure and an unknown cause, it is high time that the medical world got stuck in to discover solutions to both cure and cause, as it becomes known worldwide to be more prevalent in elderly people than Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Definition

Restless leg syndrome is a condition where patient experience unpleasant feelings affecting mainly the legs (rarely arms). This feeling usually occurs at rest and often there is a strong desire to move the affected limb. Movement of limb will result in temporary relief of the unpleasant feelings.

This unpleasant sensation may range from crawling sensation, or tooth like feeling or like water running down the leg to jumpy or twitchy legs. The symptoms are usually occurs in the evening and for some, it may affect their sleep.

Even though this condition is recognized in 17th century, it was first fully described by a Doctor called Karl Ekbom in 1945. Hence this condition is sometimes called as Ekbom’s syndrome.

Incidence

Around 3% of the adult population are known to suffer from restless leg syndrome, although actual percentage might be higher as many people might be suffering from this condition without proper diagnosis. One study estimated that at least one in ten people may suffer from this condition at some point in their life. Even though the onset of this problem occurs before the age of 20, in around 40% of cases the symptoms are more pronounced in middle age. Some believe that a part of the so called growing pain in children might be due to this condition.

Women are more likely to have this condition compared to men. Symptoms are often worse in the evening and at night.

Restless Leg Syndrome Causes

The exact reason for restless leg syndrome is unknown. Human brain contains a chemical called dopamine which affects the movement of the human body. Research so far suggests the restless leg syndrome might be related to an imbalance of this dopamine.

Types

Primary

Here there is no actual cause found. It most commonly starts in early adult age. Most of them suffer from very mild symptoms. But the symptom may become more frequent and sever after 50 years of age. Interestingly, in people who developed this condition before the age of 45, around half of the immediate family members also suffer from this condition. Research has identified the area of chromosomes where genes for RLS may be present.

Secondary

Here, RLS occurs secondary to an existing condition or due to some medications. Most common conditions associated with this type are – pregnancy, chronic alcoholism, kidney failure, diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, polyneuropathy (condition affecting multiple nerves of the body) and iron deficiency anaemia. Some of the medications that are prescribed for blood pressure, depression and for sleeping are found to have an association with RLS.

One of the most important organs we have in our bodies is our heart and keeping it running well is the most important thing we can do. It is kind of like if you put bad gas in your cars gas tank it does not run as well so it is better to go ahead and put the premium grade. This works the same way with your heart and to avoid getting heart disease you want to keep your heart healthy by living and eating the right way. You always want to eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables and try to get at least 30 minutes of some form of exercising a day.

Heart Disease Remedies

HDL cholesterol is know as a good form of cholesterol and it can be good for your heart. This type will keep your arteries clear and this is very important because you do not want plaque to build up on them because it can eventually cause you to have a blockage and a heart attack. Eating right and making sure your weight is under control is the best way to make sure your body is getting enough good cholesterol.

Natural Heart Disease Cures

Remember that if you want to avoid having heart disease and problems with your health in the future it is important that you start now with a great diet. Make sure that you are eating the right foods to keep your weight under control. Also you need to find an exercise that you enjoy doing so that you will stick with it each day for 30-45 minutes. It will make all the difference in your health and how your body reacts.
Source:http://www.articlesbase.com

Toe nail fungus usually comes from public places when the feet come into contact with the fungus such as swimming pools, saunas and gym locker rooms. Men contract toenail fungus at a higher rate than women, and especially men with weak immune systems.

The nail looks yellow and begins to break and split in different areas, although there is no pain on the actual nail surface. Another name for nail fungus is “onychomycosis”. Athletes often contract this nail disease and that is why to protect their feet many wear sandals or flip flops in places where their feet are exposed to the bare floor.

Gels, Creams and Oral Cures

Some anti-fungal oral medicine is effective in getting rid of nail fungus, but the side effects could be worse such as diarrhea, vomiting and in a worst case scenario, liver disease. That is why they are usually prescribed by a physician for no longer than 3 months. Many effective over-the-counter gels and topical creams can also be applied locally to get rid of the fungus.

Natural remedies or home remedy for nail fungus is also available and can be obtained either at a doctor’s office, a pharmacy or can be found in your own kitchen or medicine cabinet at home.

Vicks Vapo-Rub – A successful approach to fighting toe nail fungus is applying a daily dose of Vicks onto the infected surface. The nail will first turn black before it looks and feels normal again.

Grapefruit Seed Extract – Many antifungal creams and lotions contain as a main ingredient the grapefruit seed extract. It works as an antiviral remedy and can put an end to a fungal infection of the nail.

Melaleuca Allternifolia – A plant found in Australia and Tea Tree Oil is made from this plant’s leaves. The plant smells quite strong and the oil is similar to an antiseptic which will kill and remove nail fungus after several direct applications to the nail. In cream form it can also work as an antifungal cream.
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Vinegar as a Cure – Apple cider vinegar is often used as a home remedy and helps get rid of a nail infection caused by fungus. A cotton ball should be immersed in some apple cider vinegar and patted gently onto the infected nail on a regular basis. Vinegar will make the nail turn acidic and so the fungus will begin to die and heal.
Toenail Fungus Home Remedies

Young children do get toddler yeast infections contrary to popular belief that only adults get them. Here, we will discuss some helpful solutions to combat this overlooked dilemma.

Diaper Rash or Yeast Infection?

Toddler yeast infections may very well be present with a diaper rash. Don’t confuse the two as they are not the same. A diaper rash will usually clear up within 48 hours of diaper rash treatment; while the latter will only begin to show signs of infection. It will also have a more deeper and pronounced redness, in addition to spreading up into the abdomen area. You will notice a more scaly appearance to the rash as well as a slightly raised sore. If the bumps become pus-filled, it probably isn’t diaper rash.

Causes of toddler yeast infection
If your child is on antibiotics or the mother breastfeeding is on them, a baby is very susceptible to getting thrush or a yeast infection in the diaper area.

An infant’s immune system is not as developed as an adults: it is very easy for yeast to grow wild without the extra protection of ‘good’ bacteria in the system to keep the yeast in check.

Thrush in a baby can easily develop into a yeast infection in the diaper area because yeast is in the digestive tract. The food that the infant eats will end up as stool in the baby’s diaper eventually. The wet and moist environment is just what yeast loves, so it’s not hard to understand why a baby will get them there.
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Preventing toddler yeast infection

The same protocol for diaper rash should be applied here. Clean and dry is the key element. Change the soiled diapers as soon as you know they need changing. Put the diaper on snugly and not too tight so air can circulate.

Wash your hands well so you don’t spread bacteria to the rest of the baby’s body-yeast live everywhere, even in the skin folds.

Treating a Toddler Yeast Infection

There are topical anti-fungal creams available over-the counter. Apply to the areas that are infected-don’t worry about the baby’s gender, the anti-fungals work on all infants.
You will want to visit your pediatrician if you don’t see results or changes within 3 days to rule out any other type of infection.
By Ellen Dole

Childhood obesity can lead to some severe diseases in children, which can be detrimental for their health and will also lead to severe issues in their adult life. It has been seen that childhood obesity increases the risks of cardio vascular diseases in the later stages of life. Such people also suffer from early symptoms of diabetes and fluctuations in blood pressure. There are various other dangerous diseases, which may be caused if obesity levels are not controlled and the consumption of unhealthy foods are not restricted.

The number of overweight children has risen dramatically over the past two decades and the diseases, which had once been common diseases found in middle-aged adults, are being seen in children. These include the type “2″ diabetes, gallstones and liver failure, which are now prevalent in children and have been fatal in many cases. Children today are seen to be aging before their time and they are also showing symptoms of breathing disorders, sleep problems and bone-and-joint complications and hypertension.

It has been proven through researches that more than 34 percent of children in the U.S., between the ages of 6 – 19, are overweight. This has been revealed by the National Center for Health Statistics, which has also stated that these children are at greater risk of developing heart disease and cancer. It has been seen that obesity in adulthood is likely to be more severe, if the problem of being over weight begins before age 8. Type “2″ diabetes, which had formerly known as adult-onset diabetes, is now being seen in children.

Statistics reveal that 45 percent of new diagnoses of diabetes have been seen in children and adolescents. Unlike juvenile diabetes, which is mainly type 1, this type 2 diabetes is linked to weight and can be fatal if not controlled. The Future of Children and National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys show that almost 18% of the children in the U.S are obese. About 8% of the elementary schools have physical education classes while the others don’t. Almost 20% of the children consume more than four sodas a day.

Here the parents should realize they have the responsibility to alter the poor eating habits in their children and urge them to eat healthy. This can be done with just a few changes, and foods like macaroni and cheese or pizza, should be made healthier and can be cooked at home. Avoid refined flour and opt for whole wheat bread and pasta also the portion sizes need to be considered as well. Even the cereal should be checked for sugar and calorie content and only the required portion should be served.

You should also remove the calorie-rich temptations from home and these include ice creams, sodas and chocolates. Restrict these eating temptations to weekends and make sure that they get the same during weekends, or else they might steal and eat these foods or have them without your knowledge. These are some of the factors that parents should consider to ensure that their children eat healthy foods and are able to remain free from childhood obesity diseases.

Chronic sinusitis is the persistent form of sinusitis that continues unabated for a long period of time. It has been observed that this disease generally sets in after the incidence of a bout of acute sinusitis but thankfully, its occurrence is much rarer. Here’s a chronic sinusitis treatment guide for your reference.

Chronic sinusitis is generally persistent for 90 or more days and is a very stubborn form of affliction that is generally caused by repeated incidence of sinus problems. Sometimes it also causes damage and change to the mucus lining of the nasal passage with extremely harmful effects to personal health.

Chronic sinusitis Causes: The onset of this disease is preceded by bouts of acute sinusitis. There are many causes of this. For one, nose allergy that is allergic rhinitis is said to be a primary reason as it causes blocking of the inner lining of the nose leading to nasal passage blockage. Asthma and cystic fibrosis also cause chronic sinusitis. Acute immunity problems like those in AIDS are also quite responsible for chronic sinusitis as the body is unable to fight infection and inflammation over prolonged periods of time.

Chronic sinusitis Symptoms: Runny nose where the mucus drips out incessantly is a primary symptom of this disease. Cough and fever can also be observed along with reduced sense of smell due to nasal passage blockage. The nasal region could also experience pain. In many cases headache, toothache, fullness in the ears and random tiredness may be observed too. In kids, feeding difficulty, irritability and mouth breathing can be observed.

Chronic sinusitis Treatment: Various medical treatments can be prescribed for tackling chronic sinusitis. If the cause is asthma, it must be treated. Prolonged dosage of antibiotics may be called for as also usage of steroid nasal sprays. If fungal infection has occurred, anti fungal treatment is required. In very severe cases, there may be need for surgery where an endoscope may be inserted in the nasal region and clearing of the passage done by the surgeon.

Very few people are aware of the fact that heartburn is not at all interrelated to heart. This ailment is actually linked with the digestive tract. The condition called heartburn is experienced when the acid present in the stomach escapes through the opening in lower esophagus. As soon as the acid enters the esophagus, the patient experiences a burning pain in the middle of the chest. Those looking for how to cure heartburn must read below given information:

Causes of Heartburn

Some common foods that are known to increase acid production are:

1. Spicy foods such as Peppers, jalapenos, hot sauces, picante sauces etc
2. Acidic fruits like lemons, limes, oranges, etc.
3. Tomato juices and tomato because they contain high amount of acid.
4. Alcohol, chocolate, peppermint, high fatty foods and coffee.

How to cure heartburn

There are many cures available to sufferers of heartburn. Most of the times people look at manmade cures such as medications, to solve their heartburn woes. The worst part of using medications is that they treat the symptom and not the cause of the problem.

Doctor has prescribed to me an over the counter medicine. It worked for the being of time, but he advised me that I needed to do other things in order to prevent its return:

1. Lose weight
2. Change my eating habits
3. Exercise
4. Change the foods I ate and when
5. Eating some raw vegetables regularly
6. Take Aloe Vera juices regularly
7. Drinking milk regularly before and after the meal

The most significant changes I made in order to reduce my heartburn. It is the need of time that there should be a change in the lifestyle of common people. Hope this works for those who want to find answer to the common question – how to cure heartburn?

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Chronic fatigue syndrome is considered to be a disease which was 1st named in 1980’s. Till now, as maximum numbers of individuals have been diagnosed with the CFS, numerous individuals outside and inside health field still have doubt regarding its presence or preserve that it is psychological ailment. Individuals who were healthy in the past and were filled with energy, might have to go through different types of symptoms, which are inclusive of weakness, headaches and superior fatigue and face problem while concentration and painful muscles, lymph nodes and painful muscles. Characteristically chronic fatigue syndrome follows the viral infection and at times is found after the mononucleosis infections.

No specific symptoms of tiredness, aches, fatigue and exhaustion make CFS critical to diagnose as well as similar to the other conditions like lyme disease, lupus, multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia. Individuals with Chronic fatigue syndrome are frequently unable to execute normally at their home as well as work due to their enduring fatigue and the problems with interim memory. The stamped symptoms of Chronic fatigue syndrome are over powering weakness and fatigue which makes it highly critical to perform daily routine and tasks, such as dressing, eating and getting up from bed. This illness could seriously affect work, leisure activities, school and can cause emotional and physical symptoms which could last for weeks or months or years.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome’s causes:

Few of the CFD’s common causes are alterations in the hormones levels that are generated in the pituitary glands, adrenal glands or hypothalamus.

- Low blood sugar – Hypoglycemia
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Viral infection like human herpes virus or Epstein – Barr virus
- Low blood pressure
- Dysfunction in immune system
- History of allergies

CFD’s symptoms are:
-Headache
- Persistent fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue from effort
- Fatigue
- Not able to concentrate
- Tiredness
- Painful lymph nodes

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome’s treatment:
- Altering the daily routine in order to have normal sleep patterns could help
- Treatment to cure anxiety by making use of anti – anxiety drugs

Without a prescription painkillers could support to ease joint and muscle pain as well as for headaches. Powerful painkillers could even be recommended by the GP, even though these have to be used for a short period. Antidepressants could be used by the individuals having depression with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Treatments To Decline Discomfort, Fever And Pain Pacing is considered to be a significant way if you want to control the symptoms. It actually means searching a balance amongst the rest and activity and ignoring huge bursts of the exercise which might hold you back. Learning the concept, like in which way your energy could be used to the fullest and could surely support you to maximise the amount that you could do.

CBT (full form is Cognitive behavioural therapy) might identify the feelings and thoughts which are resulting in certain behaviour as well as you generate fresh coping ways. This is considered to be the most strong and powerful medications for chronic fatigue syndrome.

The sinus infection, or sinusitis, is an inflammation of the sinuses and nasal passages which causes misery for millions of people around the world.

If you are one of them you can get some comfort from knowing that there are some effective home remedies to alleviate your sinus pain.

Some of the symptoms of a sinus infection include headache or pressure in the eyes, cheeks, nose, or on one side of the head.
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Other symptoms may include nasal congestion with thick nasal secretions, cough, fever or bad breath or even tooth ache.

Anyway, back to the cures for sinus and keeping a healthy sinus system.

How to Cure Sinus & Sinusitis

Apart from a course of antibiotics, sinus can be alleviated by maintaining a healthy sinus system by keeping the sinuses moist & the cilia, the tiny hairs in the nose that propel mucus & bacteria out of the respiratory tract before infection can set in, functioning properly.

An effective way of achieving this is to inhale water vapor a few times a day every day.

Doing this simple thing for about 5 minutes at a time, can be bring significant relief from the sinusitis condition as inhaling steam or vapor from hot water will clear the sinus and nasal cavities, which is the sinus sufferer’s main objective.
Also, by inhaling the vapor this practice will not only reduce inflammation but will also kill the bacteria responsible for the infection.

Adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil, effective in treatment of sinus infections, will contribute to the unblocking of your nasal passages.

When practiced daily this treatment will soothe your nasal cavities, making breathing easier and relieve you headaches & other sinus symptoms.

This practice will help achieve the following;
-Improve drainage of mucus and reduce swelling in the sinuses
-Relieve the sinus pain & pressure
-Clear up sinus infections
How to prevent sinus infections
So before you allow your life to be ruined by the effects of sinus, practice the above sinus treatment every day and you should get significant relief from your sinus infection & pain.