Signs and Remedies for Ankylosing Spondylitis

Signs and Remedies for Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory condition that primarily affects one’s spine. The symptoms of the disease usually begin in adolescence or early adulthood and can affect one’s flexibility and mobility, leading to stiffness, pain, and a hunched posture. If the disease affects the ribs, one may have difficulty breathing. Although there is no known cure, various treatments and ways can help manage the symptoms and slow down its progress.

What is ankylosing spondylitis?
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a type of arthritis that typically begins in the area where the spine meets the pelvis. It can cause some of the bones in the spine to fuse. This fusing is a process where small bones of the spine interlock together and affect the flexibility of one’s back, AS is one of six illnesses in the spondylitis family that have some of the same symptoms.

12 signs of ankylosing spondylitis

Back pain
Since AS primarily causes inflammation in one’s joints of the vertebrae, it leads to dull pain in the back. The pain can also be felt in one’s buttocks, thighs, and can turn sharp or unbearable if left untreated. The pain may initially alternate between one’s left and right side, upper spine, neck, and even chest, eventually affecting one’s overall movement. Soreness in one’s heel or the foot arch and tenderness at the base of one’s pelvis may cause pain and affect one’s ability to sit or walk comfortably.

Stiffness
Individuals may experience stiffness in the lower back, especially after long periods of no activity, like after getting up in the morning. The stiffness may last for about half an hour and improve with physical movement. Doing light yoga or recommended exercises in the morning can also help alleviate the symptom.

Changed posture
Left untreated, AS may lead to a stooped back or curvature over a period of time.

Chronic inflammation
AS may lead to joint inflammation in one’s shoulders, knees, hips, ankles, and back. Inflammation in a patient’s aorta, which is the largest artery in one’s body, may lead to blocked blood flow.

Tightness in chest
If AS inflammation fuses the joints where ribs meet the spine, it may lead to tightness and pain in the chest. The inflamed chest wall may also hamper one’s breathing and cause pain during coughing or sneezing.

Stomach problems
If inflammation spreads to an individual’s gastrointestinal tract, it may lead to bloating, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal infections, which pose a major risk factor for AS. Some symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fatigue, and loss of appetite overlap between AS and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which is why about 10% of AS patients have both conditions.

Loss of appetite
Inflammation may lead to a false sense of a full stomach even after eating a small meal. One also runs the risk of developing a fever without any infection or trigger.

Anemia
The condition limits the body’s ability to use iron to make red blood cells. This leads to a higher risk of anemia, which impacts a person’s quality of life.

Vision problems
Approximately 1 in 3 patients suffering from AS face eye inflammation and vision problems due to the disease. AS can lead to acute eye inflammation between the cornea, at the front of the eye, and the lens. Inflamed eyes can cause redness and pain, which can intensify in harsh sunlight or bright light if left untreated. If one experiences sudden sensitivity to light, sore eyes, and blurred vision, they are advised to immediately consult a doctor to avoid any permanent damage.

Fatigue
Some people with AS commonly report mild to unexplained chronic fatigue as a symptom. Fatigue can be caused due to fever, loss of appetite and lowered food intake or a deficiency of red blood cells. The body may expend energy to fight inflammation and blood loss from inflammation in the intestine. To manage fatigue, try eating balanced meals, getting enough sleep, and living a healthy lifestyle.

Psoriasis
In rare cases, people with AS may also develop psoriasis. Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disease that leads to red, scaly patches anywhere on one’s skin, especially on one’s scalp, elbows, and knees. The condition may cause itchiness, soreness, and stinging.

Blood pressure
According to the Spondylitis Association of America, about 2 to 10 percent of Ankylosing Spondylitis patients run the risk of developing high blood pressure or other other cardiovascular conditions. This is due to the inflammation around one’s heart.

Diagnosis
Ankylosing spondylitis can be diagnosed via blood tests and physical examination to check one’s flexibility, breathing capacity, stiffness in the joints, and pain in the back, pelvic bones, chest, and heels. The examination also includes asking about an individual’s family history and any active symptoms of the disease. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and X-ray imaging can also help a doctor to track inflammation and suggest suitable treatment options.

Natural remedies for ankylosing spondylitis
Treatment revolves around easing pain, reducing inflammation, preventing permanent joint damage, and slowing down the progress of the disease. Some of the natural remedies to prevent AS are as follows:

Stretching
Stretching boosts one’s flexibility and releases pain. Patients can try yogic postures for lower back or rotations or stretches for the spine after waking up or during any time of the day.

Maintaining good posture
A good, erect posture is a key to maintaining good spine health. One is advised to use a hard mattress while sleeping so there’s less pressure on the spine. Concerned persons can also avoid using thick pillows. Sleeping straight on one’s back and avoiding slouching while standing, walking, or sitting can be beneficial.

Swimming
Swimming is one the most efficient and natural full-body exercises that can relieve soreness and maintain optimal health. A hot bath is also highly recommended for AS patients. It’s best to take doctor’s advice on the best exercises for those suffering from AS.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture, performed by trained professionals, involves inserting needles into predetermined areas on the skin that trigger the body’s natural pain-relieving hormones. According to some studies, acupuncture can aid with AS pain relief.

Apart from this, one can also consider TENS therapy and massage therapy for improved movement and sleep. It’s best to consult a doctor before opting for any remedies to avoid complications.

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Known Signs of Hemophilia and Anemia

Bleeding disorders refer to a group of conditions like hemophilia or anemia that interfere with normal blood functions in the body. Hemophilia affects the ability of the blood cells to clot naturally, while anemia lowers hemoglobin count in the red blood cells. These conditions exhibit a unique set of symptoms that can be identified. Early diagnosis helps doctors form a viable healthcare plan. So, it pays to know and identify the following symptoms. Hemophilia and Anemia: Understanding the difference Both conditions are common bleeding disorders. However, anemia & hemophilia signs are distinctly different from each other when it comes to the disease progression. The latter is a genetic disorder that affects the red blood cell’s ability to clot and close wounds. Certain clotting factors in the blood bind with the red blood cells to prevent uncontrolled bleeding. Anemia is a condition where the body lacks sufficient healthy red blood cells in the first place. Also, a low hemoglobin count affects the red blood cell’s ability to carry oxygen to vital organs and extremities via the circulatory system. Genetic mutation triggers most known types of hemophilia, while certain nutritional deficiencies in the body trigger common forms of anemia. Symptoms of hemophilia The absence of essential clotting factors in the blood can trigger a variety of noticeable and unusual symptoms. Uncontrolled bleeding Bleeding is one of the primary symptoms of hemophilia. It can happen under the skin or in the joints. As the red blood cells are unable to bind and clot, this pool of blood can trigger swelling, pain, and tightness in the joints. This symptom is most commonly noticeable in the knees, elbows, and ankles. Blood collecting under the skin can lead to buildups under the muscle and soft tissue to cause more painful bruising. This symptom is called hematoma in medical terminology. Frequent nosebleeds When the bleeding is triggered externally, it can result in frequent nosebleeds that can be difficult to stop. Note that external environmental factors and physical injuries generally cause nosebleeds. So, any unexplained bleeding could indicate a developing condition. Bleeding caused due to cuts, bruises, and vaccinations Lack of essential clotting factor VIII can trigger bleeding from the lightest of impacts, cuts, bruises, or even after losing a tooth. Some people experience sudden bleeding after taking a vaccination. This could be the body’s reaction to producing antibodies, but the strain could be too much to bear, resulting in bleeding from the extremities. Blood in urine or stool Excess blood in the urine or stool is a clear sign of disease progression. The urine and stools appear dark red or even blackish due to the presence of red blood cells mixed with the excreta. Immediate medical assistance is advisable for visual symptoms. Bleeding in infants Complicated pregnancies can be physically taxing for both the mother and the child leading to possible symptoms of hemophilia at birth. But in some rare cases, infants may experience internal bleeding in the head. Symptoms of anemia The most common types of anemia, including iron deficiency anemia and vitamin deficiency anemia, develop due to the lack of nutrients in the body. Therefore, anemia exhibits more physically taxing symptoms as the condition worsens. Tiredness Increased fatigue and weakness for no apparent reason is one of the main indicators of nutritional deficiencies. An unexplained decrease in overall stamina with no physical exertion or any activity during the day could mean low iron in the blood. Without iron, the body cannot produce enough red blood cells. And low hemoglobin means not enough oxygen is being circulated around vital organs in the body, thus resulting in fatigue induced by low energy levels. Respiratory symptoms Experiencing shortness of breath, chest pains, and even noticing an irregular heartbeat could indicate a possible anemic condition. An iron deficiency lowers hemoglobin count, and this means not enough oxygen is being circulated by the blood. Low hemoglobin affects the breathing rate as the body struggles to extract more oxygen resulting in shortness of breath. The heart must also put in extra efforts to pump the low hemoglobin blood forcefully, thus resulting in irregular heartbeats. Doctors refer to this condition as heart palpitations. These symptoms can also induce chest pains due to the sheer stress being put on the organ. Pale skin and damaged hair Skin and hair symptoms are visible indicators of a developing anemia condition. An iron deficiency results in low red blood cell production and indirectly affects the shade of the skin. Pale skin is noticeably visible around the face, gums, lower lips, lower eyelids, and even on the nails. This symptom is more visually obvious among people who flaunt a lighter skin tone. Also, hair thinning, hair fall, and a damaged scalp is a clear sign of iron deficiency. Treatment options Note that anemia & hemophilia signs never overlap. Once the primary indicators are confirmed, doctors quickly suggest blood tests to identify the leading causes or triggers. Knowing the differences can help with prompt diagnosis even though both the conditions are bleeding disorders. It is even possible to recover from common forms of anemia within 2 to 3 months. Hemophilia is a more serious bleeding disorder that is treated by introducing the missing clotting factors. Doctors also suggest prescriptions that help stimulate the body to release more clotting factors. However, a transfusion offers more promising results for moderate to severe progression. Effective preventive measures and home remedies can help lower the risk of bleeding. These conditions cannot be completely cured. But it is possible to improve the quality of life by incorporating healthy lifestyle habits. Prescriptions and treatments only help slow down the disease progression.

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Parkinson’s – Symptoms, Causes, and Management

Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative disease that affects the nervous system and other parts of the body controlled by nerves. The symptoms develop over a period of time and gradually grow in severity. Tremors are one of the most common symptoms of the condition, and one can also experience stiffness and slowing of movement. While the condition does not of a permanent cure, symptoms of Parkinson’s can be managed through treatment and remedies. Symptoms Parkinson’s is a progressive disease, i.e., its symptoms develop gradually over time. It often starts with a slight tremor in one hand. Some may also notice early signs such as stiffness in the body. Over time these symptoms can get increasingly severe, affecting one’s day-to-day activities. Some of the other symptoms of this condition are: Changes in movement Tremors Issues with coordination and maintaining balance, leading to one frequently falling over or dropping things Loss of sense of smell Changes in facial expressions brought on by changes in nerves responsible for facial muscles Change in gait, making one lean slightly forward while walking Changes in voice, like a softer voice or voice tremor Difficulty in writing leading to cramped or smaller handwriting Issues with sleep due to restless leg syndrome and other sleep disorders Rapid eye movement sleep disorder While the condition affects people in different ways, there are a few common symptoms reported by many patients. These include: Changes in mood due to mood disorders and depression Difficulty in chewing and swallowing foods Excessive tiredness and fatigue Constipation Skin conditions Dementia, hallucinations, and delusions can develop in the advanced stages of the disease Parkinson’s may not be diagnosed or detected in the early stages. This is because the early signs of the disease are similar to the early stages of other conditions like head trauma, encephalitis, stroke, multiple system atrophy, and progressive supranuclear palsy. Further, there is no test that helps accurately detect the disease in the early stages.  Causes and risk factors Parkinson’s disease is a neurological condition brought on by changes developing in one’s brain. The reason for these changes and the explanation of how they result in the development of this neurological disease is yet to be determined. But, experts have been able to figure out certain factors that could increase the risk of this disorder. Here are some of them:  Low levels of dopamine: The symptoms have been linked to low levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine, triggered by the death of cells that produce this brain chemical. Low levels of dopamine can also make it hard for one to control their movements.  Low levels of norepinephrine: Parkinson’s disease could damage nerve endings, affecting the production of another important neurotransmitter called norepinephrine. This chemical plays an important role in blood circulation and other functions, and low levels of norepinephrine may result in both motor and non-motor symptoms.  Genetic factors: Studies have found that several genes and mutations in genes are linked with the disease. More studies are needed to understand if this disease is hereditary in nature. Among individuals with early-onset Parkinson’s, genetic factors appear to be the cause behind a rather small number of cases.  Autoimmune conditions: Studies have found a link between Parkinson’s disease and autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.  Other risk factors for the condition are toxic chemical exposure, gender, age, certain treatments, and even traumatic brain injury.  Treatment options While there is no permanent cure for the disease, the treatment options focus on helping people live with the symptoms and control them. The treatment also focuses on improving the day-to-day life of the patient and helping them perform everyday tasks. For advanced cases, doctors may suggest surgery to relieve certain symptoms. They may also recommend lifestyle changes, physical therapy, speech therapy, and other management options to control symptoms like stiffness and changes in movement. Here are some of the common treatment options for Parkinson’s:  Prescription options: One of the most common ways to treat this neurological condition is prescription treatments. The options help manage symptoms like issues with movement and walking and can help reduce tremors. Most of these options can substitute dopamine in the brain or help in increasing the production of this brain chemical. Dopamine cannot be administered directly as it can not enter the brain. While these treatments show massive improvement in the beginning, the effects can diminish over time as the condition progresses.  Surgery: Many surgical procedures can help in the management of Parkinson’s disease systems. One of these procedures is deep brain stimulation, in which the surgeon implants electrodes in the brain. The electrodes are connected to a generator implanted in the chest. This electrode sends electrical pulses to the brain, which can help reduce the symptoms. When conducting deep brain stimulation, the healthcare professional will adjust the settings based on what is required to treat the condition. This treatment can help stabilize the treatment, reduce involuntary movements, improve tremors, reduce rigidity in the body, and improve overall movement. Other treatments: Many advanced and experimental treatments are recommended for people with the disease. These treatments are not widely available or intended for all patients but can help improve the symptoms in some patients. Some of these experimental treatments are stem cell transplants, neuron-repair treatments, and gene therapies or gene-targeted treatments.  In addition to treatment, patients may also try natural remedies like exercising, introducing changes in meals, and practicing techniques to improve balance. One may also try yoga to improve flexibility and movement. Certain studies have shown that those who practice yoga may have increased mobility, balance, strength, and flexibility. Additionally, massage therapy is a great choice for people affected by Parkinson’s disease, as yoga can help reduce common symptoms like muscle rigidity and tremors. 

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