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What is Rheumatoid Arthritis and How to Manage its Symptoms

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis and How to Manage its Symptoms

Rheumatoid arthritis is a painful chronic condition. Although the onset can occur between the ages of 30 and 60 years, this condition generally affects people above the age of 65. RA is a condition where the immune system attacks the tissue lining the joints on both sides of the body, causing inflammation and pain in the fingers, hands, wrists, knees, ankles, and feet. It can also affect the lungs, heart, and eyes.

What is rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an auto-immune, inflammatory disease that causes the lining of a joint to become inflamed, causing damage to the joint tissue. This damage can cause chronic pain, lack of balance, and deformities.

Early RA tends to affect the smaller joints, such as fingers and toes first. As the disease progresses, this pain and discomfort can extend to the wrists, knees, elbows, hips, and shoulders. About 40% of people experience symptoms that do not affect their joints. Affected areas may include the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, kidneys, salivary glands, nerve tissue, bone marrow, and blood vessels. However, the symptoms of RA vary from person to person and can come and go. A period of increased inflammation and pain is known as a flare, and a period of little-to-no symptoms is known as remission.

What are the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?
Common signs and symptoms of RA include:

  • Tender, warm, swollen joints
  • Joint stiffness, especially in the mornings or after periods of inactivity
  • Fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite
  • Low BMI levels
  • Weakness

People facing persistent discomfort and swelling in their joints must visit their doctor and get tested for RA.

What causes rheumatoid arthritis?
RA is an auto-immune disease, where the body’s immune system (which is supposed to protect the body from infection and disease) begins to attack the healthy tissue in the joints. While the exact cause for RA remains unknown, certain risk factors associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis are:

  • Gender: Women are more likely to develop RA.
  • Age: Middle-aged and older people are more likely to develop RA.
  • Family history: People who have an immediate family history of the condition are more likely to develop it at some point.

Having RA can increase the chances of developing or worsening other conditions such as osteoporosis, rheumatoid nodules, dry eyes and mouth, carpal tunnel syndrome, abnormal body composition, heart problems, lung disease, lymphoma, and infections like influenza, pneumonia, and shingles.

What are the popular treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis?
RA can be effectively managed with the help of healthcare intervention and self-management strategies. Popular therapy options aim at slowing the progress of the disease and preventing joint deformities. Formal treatments include:

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory treatments (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs decrease pain and inflammation and are available both over the counter and by prescription. They can also help reduce joint swelling. Depending on the individual situation, doctors may need to prescribe COX-2 inhibitors, which have fewer bleeding side effects on the stomach compared to typical NSAIDs.

Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are fast-acting treatment options to help control inflammation and pain.

Disease-modifying antirheumatic treatments (DMARDs)
Available as pills, infusions, and injections, DMARDs can slow down the progress of RA in the body. They may be prescribed alone, or in conjunction with other therapies.

Biologics
In case a patient does not respond to DMARDs, doctors may feel the need to prescribe stronger treatments such as biologics. Biologic therapy acts fast, with most patients feeling a difference in their symptoms within two to six weeks. Many healthcare providers believe that the biologic therapy is more effective, as it attacks the cells at a more specific level.

What are some home remedies to manage rheumatoid arthritis?
While therapies can help soothe the symptoms of RA, certain home remedies can aid this process. These are not a replacement for formal treatments, but they can supplement the road to remission. Before adopting these alternative therapies, it is best to check with a healthcare provider.

Stretching & exercise
Light stretching and low-stress exercises such as swimming and cycling can help reduce the symptoms of RA, as they strengthen the muscle around the affected joints. Speak with a doctor or a physical therapist to design a personalized stretching or exercise program.

Heat & ice compressions
Applying heat or ice packs to the joints can provide temporary pain relief. Based on individual symptoms, people’s bodies may respond better to one or a combination of heat and ice.

Nutrition
Following a plant-based meal routine can help reduce inflammation for some people. Focus on foods like beans, broccoli, cherries, citrus fruits, walnuts, ginger, green tea, olive oil, soy, turmeric, and whole grains. Fatty fish like salmon, herring, sardines, mackerel, and tuna are rich in Omega-3, which can help with RA pain and morning stiffness. People experiencing gut issues can consume probiotics like yogurt and pickles to help with inflammation. Avoid red meat and dairy products, oils rich in Omega-6 (like corn oil, sunflower oil, and safflower oil), excessive salts, sugar, and processed and/or fried foods to keep symptoms of RA under control.

Supplements
People with RA generally have low levels of vitamins B6, B12, C, D, and E and other minerals like magnesium, selenium, and zinc. Apart from these, Omega-3 fatty acids, turmeric, and frankincense can help reduce inflammation. Doctors may recommend eating vitamin- and mineral-rich foods, or taking supplements, depending on individual needs.

Although RA is a complex disease, there have been many advances in treatments in recent times. A chronic illness can be a life-changing event, therefore, it is important to be careful about developing symptoms and have them checked regularly. Trained rheumatologists can help one identify and diagnose arthritis and other diseases of the muscles, bones, and joints. Since RA does not have a definitive treatment plan, patients need to learn how to effectively manage the symptoms and pains associated with the disease and prevent it from worsening, as this can significantly improve a person’s quality of life.

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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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Key Things to Know About Hepatitis C

The hepatitis C virus primarily causes inflammation in the liver, and it affects an estimated 58 million people around the world. The hepatitis C infection can be chronic or acute, depending on the progression of the disease. This is one of the few viral infections that does not have a vaccination yet. However, it is possible to identify the signs, understand risk factors, and learn about preventive measures and treatments to manage the condition better. Causes and risk factors Hepatitis C spreads through contact, and a person can get infected in multiple ways. The infection from an already affected person can spread after coming in contact with their blood— through an organ transplant or by sharing personal grooming items. It is possible to contract the virus even while getting a tattoo if infected needles are used. Also, engaging in unprotected physical contact or mothers passing down the infection to the fetuses are possible modes of transmission. Earlier, there was also an elevated risk of contracting the virus through blood transfusion carried out for surgical procedures. However, it is not possible to transmit the virus by sharing food or coughing and sneezing. The transmission is also unlikely when an infected mother nurses a child. Any form of regular skin-to-skin contact does not cause the infection to spread. Common symptoms Symptoms of hepatitis C are broadly classified as chronic or acute depending on the progression of the disease. Acute hepatitis C takes up to 6 months to develop after one comes in contact with the virus. But the following symptoms may start to show up as early as two weeks after the affected person has been exposed: Pain: Joint pain or stomach aches are common discomforts during the initial stages of the disease. Fever: One may develop random bouts of fever as the virus starts affecting the immune system. Changes in appearance: One can observe visible color changes in the eye where the white portion turns yellow. This change could also be seen in the skin, indicating jaundice risk as the disease progresses. The infection could also result in a rash or swelling and trigger irritations or lesions on the skin. Nausea and fatigue: A persistent feeling of nausea, fatigue, and unexplained loss of appetite are all common signs of hep C infection. Changes in bowel movement: Dark urine or pale gray stools can indicate that the infection is spreading rapidly. Anywhere between 55% and 85% of people who contract the hepatitis C virus (HCV) tend to develop chronic hepatitis C. The symptoms will be similar to those experienced during the acute phase of the infection and will develop with increased intensity. With chronic hepatitis C, one is at a major risk of developing liver complications that trigger indigestion, swelling in the feet, skin problems, and cognitive problems affecting memory and concentration. At any point, if the symptoms begin to progress rapidly or cause unbearable discomfort, one should seek professional help. Diagnosis Routine blood sample collection and analysis is the first step in diagnosing HCV infection. A blood test will confirm the presence of antibodies in the bloodstream. Note that these antibodies take several months to develop, so there is a chance that the blood test may also show a false negative in the early stages of the disease. A follow-up PCR-based test can further confirm the presence of this disease in the bloodstream. As hepatitis C also affects the liver, doctors may recommend a liver biopsy. Here, a sample tissue of the organ is extracted for assessment under the microscope. If the tissue presents any abnormal traits, it could primarily indicate HCV infection. In addition to these tests, doctors also order a complete workup with liver function tests and genotype tests to identify the strain of the virus. Treatment options Multiple combinations of prescriptions can be given as a primary course of treatment to tackle the virus. These prescriptions are designed to target a specific enzyme or protein that may trigger complications linked to the progression of the viral disease. Certain oral prescriptions are designed to contain the virus and stop it from spreading within the body and are available in the form of liquids or tablets. A course of direct-acting antivirals is the next line of defense, as this option directly attacks and blocks the infection. Most types of prescriptions for managing an HCV infection work by preventing the infected cells from multiplying, helping contain the spread. In some cases, doctors also suggest the use of interferons along with direct-acting antivirals to counter the disease. The primary objective of treatment is to help contain the virus from spreading and eliminate it from the bloodstream before other health complications begin developing. Prescriptions can result in multiple side effects, so doctors continually monitor the progress and modify the course to get desired results. Preventive measures A vaccine is yet to be developed for the complete cure and eradication of the hepatitis c virus. Till then, doctors recommend the following precautions to reduce the risk of contracting and spreading the infection: Healthcare professionals should use sterile gloves when treating open wounds, as viruses can directly spread with infected blood. It is better to avoid sharing razors, nail clippers, toothbrushes, and other personal grooming items with anyone, as there is no telling who may or may not be infected with the virus. During treatments or even while getting a tattoo, one should ensure that the nurse or tattoo artist uses a fresh needle or syringe. Additionally, one should insist that the professionals use a new needle every single time. If one observes one or more symptoms of the HCV infection, they should ensure regular doctor visits to get an early diagnosis and a suitable treatment plan.

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Contact lens users can choose from a range of categories of lenses. Among the different types, a popular choice is monthly disposable contact lenses, requiring minimum cleaning and easy handling. You can wear a pair of monthly lenses for 30 days before replacing it. But with several options available online, it can be challenging to find a suitable pick. For your convenience, we’ve discussed a few things you can consider before buying disposable lenses online. Popular monthly disposable lenses available online Purchasing a pair of high-quality contact lenses is imperative to ensure good eye health. We have listed six popular lenses from different brands that you can pick from online. Note that each lens for your left and right eye is designed based on a prescription from an eye doctor. Alcon AIR OPTIX® NIGHT & DAY®AQUA® Approved by the FDA, the AIR OPTIX® NIGHT & DAY®AQUA® flexible lenses are designed to sit comfortably in the eyes for 30 consecutive days and nights as you can sleep in these lenses. A box of six lenses costs about $95.99. The product boasts a SMARTSHIELD® Technology – a protective layer of moisture that repels unwanted deposits that may irritate the eye. Moreover, it is one of the softest and most breathable lens options.
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Top 7 Healthy Energy Bars

With energy bars gaining immense popularity, it comes as no surprise that their market is expected to grow by $1.09 billion this decade in the continent alone. These protein bars have become the go-to choice for a quick and healthy snack as people become increasingly conscious about their food choices. These nutritious mini-meals are highly preferred by young people and athletes alike. Let’s look at some of the leading healthy options for you. Boom If you are among those who love to start their day with a caffeine kick, Boom bars help you just the right amount of that jolt. A single energy bar contains about 150mg of caffeine, which is more than that in a single espresso shot or a regular cup of coffee. Not only that, but they also contain 11g of protein, making it a filling snack. Understandably, they cater to a niche market that specifically enjoys the deliciousness of edible coffee. Boom focuses on highlighting why eating caffeine makes for a smoother experience than simply drinking it. A box of 7 bars costs about $24.  GoMacro These are vegan bars made from sustainably sourced ingredients. These healthy energy bars are organic, Kosher, gluten-free, non-GMO, and even soy-free.

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Overactive Bladder – Common Causes and Management Techniques

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