Bipolar Disorder – Types, Signs, and Management

Bipolar Disorder – Types, Signs, and Management

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that can cause severe symptoms like hypomanic episodes (emotional highs) or depressive episodes (lows). When affected by depressive episodes, one may feel gloomy, hopeless, and uninterested in most activities. When the mood shifts to mania or hypomania, they can feel incredibly joyful, energized, or irritable. Such intense feelings can affect focus, judgment, behavior, and sleep. Here is a look at the causes, signs, and management of the disorder:  Types Here are the four primary kinds of bipolar disorder that doctors use for a precise diagnosis: Bipolar I disorder: People with this condition experience one or more manic episodes that last for seven days or require hospitalization. Although a depressive episode is not required for diagnosis, the majority of those who have this condition experience both manic and depressive episodes at various points in their lives. The depressive episode can last at least two weeks. People with bipolar I can experience symptoms of both episodes simultaneously. Bipolar II disorder: Here, one experiences depressive and hypomanic episodes that can last a few days. One does not experience a complete manic episode, which makes it different from bipolar I. Here, one usually experiences hypomania, a less severe form of mania.
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Important Things You Need to Know about Cervical Cancer

Important Things You Need to Know about Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer involves the aggressive growth of malignant cells in a woman’s cervix, the lowermost portion of the uterus, and a critical reproductive organ. If such an abnormal growth of cells is left unchecked or untreated, this cancer can spread to surrounding areas too. Cervical cancer is highly common. Every year, about 13,000 women develop this disease, and approximately 4,000 die. Here are some details regarding cervical cancer: Cervical cancer symptoms Fortunately, cervical cancer does not spread as rapidly as some other cancers. So, healthcare experts can diagnose it and opt for any of the effective treatment alternatives based on the following typical symptoms: Vaginal bleeding after intercourse Symptoms in the initial stages of cervical cancer are not as obvious as those in the advanced stages. Therefore, detecting this condition in women can be challenging in these stages. However, doctors and patients have the best chance of effectively treating cervical cancer in these stages. One of the more typical indicators of cervical cancer is frequent vaginal bleeding. Bleeding is especially profuse right after the person with cervical cancer has intercourse. Apart from that, women with this condition also frequently experience bleeding after their periods. If a woman experiences frequent, unexplained, and painful episodes of bleeding, then they must consult their local healthcare professional immediately to screen for cervical cancer.
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Kidney Cancer – Signs, Stages, and Management Options

Kidney Cancer – Signs, Stages, and Management Options

According to the American Cancer Society, kidney cancer is a rare but severe disease that people have a 2 percent chance of developing. And the risk is more prevalent in those who follow an unhealthy lifestyle, have bad food habits, or are exposed to asbestos and benzene chemicals. Nonetheless, the disease is easier to treat if diagnosed before stage 4. The survival chance increases if one recognizes its early signs and receives proper medical treatment. Early warning signs of kidney cancer The tumor results from an abnormal mutation in a single cell that begins to multiply and develop exponentially over time. Early signs of kidney cancer are often unrecognizable. Kidney cancer can be fully curable if the disease is diagnosed early on. But since the organ is deep into one’s body, the symptoms don’t usually show until the tumor has grown or spread already. Here are some prevalent early signs that could indicate a kidney tumor. If one experiences these signs, it’s advisable to seek medical help immediately. Blood in urine Finding blood in one’s urine doesn’t immediately mean one has kidney cancer. Urinary tract infection (UTI), bladder or kidney stones may also cause bloody urine, also known as hematuria.
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Eating Habits That Help Manage Parkinson’s Disease

Eating Habits That Help Manage Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder leading to complications, including uncontrollable movements like stiffness or shaking, which can cause balance and coordination difficulties in an individual. Symptoms of this condition take time and develop gradually but worsen with time. It may reach a point where the patient may have difficulty walking and talking, and swallowing food. As a caregiver, it is crucial to know how to make eating easier and the right foods to introduce. Patience is the key When caring for those with Parkinson’s disease, it is necessary to know that patience is paramount and that taking it slow is the anthem of caregiving. Since the disease affects brain activity, it leads to movements getting slower and slower by the day, including walking, talking, and even eating. Chewing needs the use of muscles, and this activity can become frustrating with difficulty in controlling muscles. So give the patient time and be aware of their eating routine. If it helps, you can encourage smaller meals frequently rather than three big meals throughout the day. It may help them get adequate nutrition and not frustrate them with one activity for too long. Noticing the swallowing patterns Since chewing and swallowing become difficult with Parkinson’s disease, it is also necessary to keep a tab on any changes in eating habits over time.
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Ulcerative Colitis – Causes and Management

Ulcerative Colitis – Causes and Management

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that leads to inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the colon. It is only present in the sigmoid colon and the rectum, but it can slowly damage the entire colon because of inflammation. Some symptoms patients experience are pain and abdominal cramping, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. The condition mostly starts in 15 to 25 years of age but can be seen outside the generally affected age range as well. Causes The exact cause of ulcerative colitis remains undetermined to date. Earlier, it was considered to be a result of high-stress levels and unhealthy eating habits. However, recently it has been discovered that these factors contribute to worsening the condition but are not something that directly causes the occurrence. That said, there is a small list of factors that can act as contributing factors, a combination of which might act as a causative factor for the condition: Genetics Genetics or hereditary factors play an important role in ulcerative colitis. Some studies have shown that 1 out of 7 patients with ulcerative colitis have a family member that was previously diagnosed with the disease. Immune system dysfunction Ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune condition.
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6 Tips for Managing Bipolar Disorder

6 Tips for Managing Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition in which mood swings vary from depressive episodes to manic episodes, each potentially lasting for weeks or months. Each episode has unique symptoms, and some people with the disorder may experience emotional symptoms between episodes. The treatment for the disorder includes lifelong care involving regular therapy and prescription options. Here are some of the key bipolar disorder management options for dealing with the symptoms on a regular basis: Monitor symptoms and mood It is essential to understand and recognize the signs and symptoms associated with the illness. Before experiencing a full-blown manic episode, one should be attuned to early signs that precede the episode. Some of the most common triggers include stress, financial difficulties, a fallout or argument with loved ones, seasonal changes, lack of proper sleep, and problems at school or work. Signs of a depressive episode: Not interacting or being social with friends, craving sugary things like chocolate, frequent headaches, being indifferent to other people, desire to sleep more, and taking naps during the day are common signs of a depressive episode. People may also become irritable and lose the will to cook and participate in other activities.  Signs of mania or hypomania:
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6 Natural Remedies for Ulcerative Colitis

6 Natural Remedies for Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that usually causes inflammation or ulcers in the digestive tract. It affects the innermost lining of the large intestine, but those with the condition can also experience symptoms in the rectum. For many, the symptoms of ulcerative colitis develop gradually. The condition does not have a permanent cure but can be managed. One such natural treatment option is at-home remedies that can help relieve symptoms.  Try probiotics As ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel condition, it affects the entire digestive tract, including the lining of the stomach and the intestines. One way to tackle inflammation and prevent other symptoms is to boost the health of the digestive tract using probiotics. This can be a great natural treatment for ulcerative colitis, as probiotics introduce and restore healthy gut bacteria, helping maintain the natural gut flora. This can help reduce the inflammatory response of the gut, helping people with ulcerative colitis stay in remission for a longer period. Make better food choices Another ulcerative colitis natural treatment option is introducing changes to one’s meals. Food can play a huge role in helping relieve and keep flare-ups at bay, as studies have found that avoiding certain foods can help reduce the inflammatory response and prevent ulcerative colitis symptoms.
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Cataract Surgery – Preparation and Precautions

Cataract Surgery – Preparation and Precautions

Cataracts refer to the clouding of the eye lens, affecting one’s ability to read, drive, and recognize facial expressions. Most cataracts develop gradually and do not require immediate surgery. However, for those whose vision becomes extremely blurry, cataract surgery may be recommended to remove the eye lens and replace it with an artificial one. The procedure helps one see better. Here are key things to know about the procedure and the condition: What is cataract surgery? The eye lens concentrates light so the brain and eye can convert the data into an image. Cataracts results in hazy vision and symptoms like glare and halo effects around bright lights. Cataract surgery is a procedure that removes cloudiness or haze from the eyes. It involves removing the clouded lens and inserting a clear artificial lens to restore vision. Cataracts can develop due to issues like retinopathy, a condition that affects people with diabetes, or age-related changes to the retina. Diagnosis As the first step, cataracts are diagnosed using a variety of tests, after which the doctor may determine if surgery is required. After reviewing the patient’s medical history and current symptoms, a healthcare professional may recommend the following tests: Visual acuity test:
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13 Effective Tips to Facilitate Hormonal Balance

13 Effective Tips to Facilitate Hormonal Balance

The human body is an intricately connected system; the hormones are its dedicated messengers. The hormones perform several bodily functions, from facilitating a healthy metabolism to regulating mood, growth, sexual function, and sleep. Hormonal imbalances are linked with various health conditions, including hypo- and hyperthyroidism, diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and Addison’s disease. On the bright side, here are some lifestyle tips that can help you balance your hormones and promote overall well-being: Limit or avoid sugary treats Studies suggest that increased sugar intake can increase testosterone levels in women and lower these levels in men. This hormonal fluctuation can trigger conditions like PCOS and acne among females and erectile dysfunction, and other health issues among males. Thus, it helps to limit or avoid fructose in all forms, including soft drinks, desserts, canned juices, and energy drinks. Regulate your sleep cycle Lack of sleep is a leading cause of hormonal imbalance, causing excessive secretion of cortisol in the body and production of surplus energy. Thus, experts recommend 7-9 hours of sleep per night as ideal for hormonal health and a well-functioning metabolism. Some simple lifestyle changes like avoiding screen time before sleeping, sleeping in a dark room, and investing in a comfortable mattress can help better one’s sleep schedule.
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Myelofibrosis – Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Myelofibrosis – Causes, Symptoms, and Management

People with myelofibrosis have development issues in their bone marrow cells. Myelofibrosis is a kind of bone marrow cancer that severely and adversely affects the body’s blood cell production. Individuals with myelofibrosis may either develop the condition primarily or have it because of other bone marrow or blood cell-related disorders. There is no permanent cure for myelofibrosis, but specific treatment alternatives can help keep the condition at bay. Here are some details about myelofibrosis: Myelofibrosis symptoms Oncologists and other kinds of healthcare experts can diagnose myelofibrosis when they detect some of the following signs and symptoms in individuals: Fatigue and shortness of breath Myelofibrosis is a condition that gradually worsens. Hence, detecting it is not easy in its initial stages. One of the most common symptoms of this condition is anemia, a disorder in which oxygen is reduced drastically in a person’s blood. Therefore, in myelofibrosis, an individual does not have sufficient red blood cells to carry enough oxygen to their cells and tissues. This results in such people frequently being tired and out of breath, even after performing the simplest tasks like climbing stairs or skipping a few times. Frequent bruising and bleeding Myelofibrosis-caused anemia also results in a person not having enough platelets in their body.
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