10 Conditions You Think You Have, But Don't

When it comes to health, there are times when we jump to conclusions and assume the worst. What's more? Health issues in the news can lead to incorrect self-diagnosis and, possibly, a misdiagnosis by a doctor. Here's what you need to know to get the right information and the right treatment: 

 

1. Low testosterone

After the age of 30, testosterone levels drop with age at about 1% each year. But if they get too low, men can experience weight gain, fatigue, low libido, erectile dysfunction, and mood swings. Many other conditions can be the cause of those symptoms too, so be sure to visit a doctor. An expert says: “Assuming you are not on medications which can cause [these] side effects, depression, diabetes, and sleep apnea all can either mimic the symptoms or cause a drop in testosterone. Adding testosterone to any of these other primary conditions can make your symptoms worse, not better.” Taking testosterone can also increase your risk of a heart attack and blood clots, so proceed with caution and make sure therapy is truly necessary. 

2. Migraines

Chances are your splitting headache is not actually a migraine. A Dr. says “It is only really seen in about 12 percent of people. A migraine is usually associated with nausea and/or light or sound sensitivity and usually goes through stages.” Stages include irritability, depression, or euphoria up to 48 hours before a migraine, including seeing bright circles or hearing ringing in your ears, the throbbing headache itself and subsequent exhaustion. Nevertheless, it is a good idea to figure out what is causing your headache, especially if they are recurring. Dr. suggests creating a headache log: “A patient can write down when they have their headaches, what they are doing, the foods they ate, any possible triggers (stress, loud noises, bright lights), how long the headache lasts, any treatments tried and the effectiveness of the treatments.”

3. ADHD

According to studies, ADHD is overdiagnosed in children, and this can be a problem with adults as well. ADHD is often characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It impacts work and relationships and a diagnosis requires the presence of multiple symptoms. “Depression is more common in the general population,” says Dr., “and its signs—such as chronic forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, lack of motivation, mood swings, low self-esteem, procrastination, substance abuse, and workplace issues—are also seen in adult ADHD.”Before jumping to conclusions he suggests seeing your doctor. Other possibilities for ADHD-like behavior include anxiety, undetected seizures, thyroid problems, drug or alcohol use, and sudden life changes. 

4. Chronic fatigue syndrome

Feeling tired all the time? While it may feel like you have a chronic condition, it is unlikely that it's this one. Known as myalgic encephalomyelitis, chronic fatigue syndrome affects between 836,000 to 2.5 million Americans. Aside from experiencing exhaustion for at least six months, you are also likely to have flu-like symptoms, brain fog and unexplained muscle or joint pain. And you are likely to feel worse after mildly exerting yourself. So, what could your seemingly constant fatigue be attributed to? If your lifestyle doesn't seem to be a likely answer - e.g. too little sleep, too much stress or obesity - it may be a wide range of medical conditions, including a sleep disorder, a heart or lung problem, anemia, mononucleosis, lupus, or a mental health issue. 

5. Yeast infection

You may be surprised to learn that vaginal itchiness and abnormal discharge don't necessarily mean that you have a yeast infection. In fact, according to a study, out of 150 patients who thought they had a yeast infection, only 26% actually did. An incorrect self-diagnosis can lead you to take an over-the-counter medication that you don't need and a problem that won't go away. So, if you have the above symptoms, along with burning, redness, and swelling, you may have bacterial vaginosis, inflammation, dry skin, an allergy, or an STD like chlamydia or gonorrhea. Be sure to see a doctor. 

6. Rheumatoid arthritis
Are you one of the 1.5 million Americans who have rheumatoid arthritis? RA occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in your joints, causing swelling and pain. However, the more likely culprit for your joint pain is osteoarthritis, which affects 27 million people in the U.S. each year. But, how can you distinguish the two? “Rheumatoid arthritis tends to involve the smaller joints of the body and [present] symmetrically, left and right,” says Dr., he adds that multiple joints tend to be affected at the same time. “Osteoarthritis, which is wear and tear, tends to hit the joint with more use first.” Be diagnosed accurately is essential because the primary method of treatment for RA involved medications. Lupus, gout and psoriatic arthritis are other conditions that can be mistaken for RA.  

7. Bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorders are usually characterized by extreme mood and energy fluctuations, but it is often diagnosed because there is medication to treat it. The problem here is that medications used to treat it can increase the risk of developing high cholesterol and diabetes, among other health issues. Other conditions that exhibit bipolar-like symptoms include depression, anxiety, ADHD, borderline personality disorder, metabolic or brain disorders, and substance abuse. 

8. Chronic sinusitis
If an ER doctor or a primary care physician diagnosis you with chronic sinusitis, you will want to get a second opinion from an ENT. According to a study, more than 99% of patients diagnosed with this condition by someone who wasn't an ENT didn't actually have it. Chronic sinusitis tends to last for more than three months and usually requires an endoscopy or CT scan to diagnose. It also calls for different treatment, including a longer course of antibiotics and oral steroids. It may not even be sinusitis at all. It could be a viral infection, an allergy, or even a migraine or tension headache. 

9. Acute bacterial sinusitis

Acute sinusitis affects 1 in 8 adults per year. But, there's a good chance you don't have the type that requires antibiotics. A Dr. says, “The vast majority of sinusitis, which is inflammation of the sinuses thus resulting in nasal discharge, face paint, and pressure, is viral in nature. We suspect it is bacterial only if symptoms have persisted for at least 10 days. Taking antibiotics for viral sinusitis does nothing for the condition, but can cause diarrhea, a secondary infection [caused by a bacteria] called Clostridium difficile, or leads to resistance of bacteria to antibiotics in the future.”

10. Chronic kidney disease 
Chronic kidney disease may not cause any symptoms early on, though you might get tested for it should you have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease or a family history of kidney issues. You may experience swelling in your legs, feet, and face, along with dry skin, increased or decreased urine production, nausea, and trouble concentrating. CKD may be over-diagnosed due to new guidelines that were designed for early intervention. According to doctors, many people's condition never progresses to full-fledged, symptomatic kidney disease. This means that they should never have had that early diagnosis to start. Though not going into kidney failure is a good thing, the diagnosis itself may lead to unnecessary stress, tests, and treatments. 

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                    PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/                                                                                                                                                         FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                  https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/           

                                                                           FOR CROCHET DESIGNS                                                                                                                                                                                                  https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com

Plants that May Kill You

As beautiful as nature may be, it does have its dangerous points too. However, we very much assume that the dangerous stuff looks scary, while the harmless stuff looks beautiful, or at the very least, unassuming. But it may come as a surprise to learn that plants and flowers - often beautiful - rank among the most dangerous on the planet. Take a look: 

 

Rosary Pea

This pretty flower is native to tropical areas. It was given the name for the jewel and prayer rosaries that were created using its berries, which very much resemble pomegranate seeds. But, you cannot eat them as it contains a poison which weeds its way into the body's cells, preventing them from creating essential proteins, which, if left untreated can lead to death. 

White Snakeroot
During the early days of American settlement in Indiana and Ohio, it is estimated that up to half of the deaths of the early settlers, including Lincoln's mother, Nancy, were caused by ingesting tremetol found in White Snakeroot. In fact, it is considered to be one of the most poisonous plants. Cattle and other livestock who ate White Snakeroot would quickly develop a muscular degenerative disease known as the trembles. The tremetol would then end up in the animal's milk and anyone who drank it would get deathly ill.

Deadly Nightshade

As the name implies, this plant is deadly. This is due to the atropine and scopolamine in the stems, leaves, berries, and roots. The plant is incredibly poisonous to the body, eventually causing paralysis in the involuntary muscles of the body - including the heart. Rubbing up against the plant can cause irritation of the skin. 
Water Hemlock
It's unlikely that you are familiar with the plant's claim to fame: killing Socrates. The plant contains the toxin cicutoxin, which when ingested, acts directly on the central nervous system, causing violent convulsions. 

Lily of the Valley

This outdoor ornamental herb is a popular staple of outdoor gardens but it can be incredibly toxic due to the cardiac glycosides and saponins present in the plants which can affect the heart if eaten. The Lily of the Valley is so toxic that cases have been reported of people and animals falling ill by merely drinking water the plant happened to be in. 
Rhubarb
While rhubarb pie tastes great, ingesting large amounts of the plant's leaves can kill you as it contains deadly oxalic acid which if ingested in high amounts can cause kidney failure. Best avoid eating the stems and leaves altogether. 

Foxglove

This plant produces digoxin, an active ingredient in digitalis, a heart failure medication. Ingesting it is like taking an unregulated dose of heart medicine, which can inversely cause heart failure. Keep this plant far away from kids and pets. 
Hydrangea
Only the flower buds are truly harmful if ingested. Humans can experience an upset stomach, skin irritation, as well as convulsions and coma. Still, pesky rabbits who manage to avoid the plant's poisonous wrath do love hydrangeas. 

Philodendron

These plants are low-maintenance and require little care, which is why they have become a popular houseplant. But, there is a toxin in their leaves called calcium oxalate, which can cause inflammation of the mucous membranes or the mouth and throat when ingested, While it's not deadly in adults, it can prove fatal to small kids and pets. 
Daffodil
Ingesting daffodils won't kill you if treated quickly. But if left untreated they can be fatal to small children and pets. Parts of the daffodil contain the toxic chemical lycorine, which can do the most damage to your body including severe burning of the lips, throat, and tongue. If throat pain, difficulty swallowing, and severe drooling persist after a few hours get to a doctor. 

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                    PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/                                                                                                                                                         FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                  https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/           

                                                                           FOR CROCHET DESIGNS                                                                                                                                                                                                  https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com

This could be the reason, for not getting sleep at night

Finding it hard to sleep at night? If so, blame your genes, say researchers, who identified 57 genes associated with symptoms of insomnia, affecting 10 to 20 per cent people worldwide.

"Our findings confirm a role for genetics in insomnia symptoms and expand upon the four previously found gene loci for this condition," said lead author.

All of these identified regions help us understand why some people get insomnia, which pathways and systems are affected, and point to possible new therapeutic targets."

The study, associated 57 gene sites with self-reported insomnia, associations that were not affected by known risk factors such as lifestyle, caffeine consumption, depression or recent stress.

Instead the genomic regions identified include genes involved in ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis -- a process by which proteins are tagged for destruction -- and those expressed in several brain regions, skeletal muscles and the adrenal gland, the researchers noted.

The team also found evidence that increased insomnia symptoms nearly doubled the risk of coronary artery disease. They were also linked to symptoms of depression and a reduced sense of well-being.
"Insomnia has a really significant impact on millions of people worldwide. We've long known there's a link between insomnia and chronic disease. Now our findings suggest that depression and heart disease are actually a result of persistent insomnia," said

a researcher.
 
For the study, the team analysed data from more than 4.5 lakh participants, 29 per cent of whom reported frequent insomnia symptoms.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                    PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/                                                                                                                                                         FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                  https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/           

                                                                           FOR CROCHET DESIGNS                                                                                                                                                                                                  https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com

7 Reasons Why You Might Be Having Frequent Sinus Problems

10-30% of people worldwide suffer from sinus infections each year, and for many people, sinus problems tend to recur every year or even every season. This alarming tendency of frequent painful and debilitating sinus infections is not a simple task to wrap your head around.
Is there a reason why you or your loved ones suffer from recurrent sinusitis? It turns out there is a whole host of causes of chronic sinus infections, and in this article, we review the 7 most common ones.
Sinusitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the mucous membrane of the sinuses. An illustration of the area affected by the infection can be seen below.

A person suffering from sinusitis may exhibit the following symptoms:

• thick nasal mucus
• a plugged nose
• facial pain
• fever
• headaches
• a poor sense of smell
• a sore throat
• a cough

Now let's finally discuss the 7 most common causes of chronic sinus infections.

1. A Deviated Septum

A nasal septum deviation is a disorder, which involves the displacement of the arch of the nose called septum. When you have a deviated septum, you are at a higher risk of developing a sinus infection because there is an obstruction blocking your nose.

Keep in mind that some people have a naturally bent nose, or simply a narrow nasal passage, so not only trauma can cause a deviated septum. In fact, about 80% of the population have a deviated septum without ever suspecting this.

2. Allergies

An allergic reaction commonly manifests itself in the form of a blocked or runny nose and watery eyes, because the allergen irritates your nose, causing the mucous membrane in your nose to swell up.

This swelling and discharge from your eyes and nose can spread to your sinuses as well, and this can lead to the inflammation of the area. If you know that you’re at risk of developing sinusitis, avoid the allergen at all costs and take your allergy medications to reduce the swelling.

3. Asthma

According to some estimates, 3 out of 4 asthma sufferers have chronic sinus infections.

Luckily, if you have asthma, you are most likely already taking antihistamines and steroids that can help prevent a sinus infection. If not, it is a necessary measure to prevent respiratory infections. In fact, you have to be especially careful at preventing inflammation in your sinuses, as sinusitis can worsen your asthma symptoms.

4. Pollution

For those of you who are urban dwellers, it may be interesting to know that there is a strong correlation between air pollution and sinusitis.

A 2017 animal study even managed to mimic chronic sinusitis symptoms in mice by exposing them to pollutants. So make sure to wear a mask if you know that the air is polluted in your area and you’re prone to sinus problems.

5. A Weakened or Compromised Immune System

Individuals who have a weakened immune system have a greater likelihood of developing all kinds of chronic respiratory infections, including, but not limited to bronchitis, pneumonia, and sinusitis.

This category includes infants, children, pregnant women, the elderly, people with other chronic conditions, patients with transplants, and many others. Make sure to prevent any colds or other infections, as your immune system will likely not be able to resist the germs.

6. Frequent Colds

The common cold is the leading cause of an acute sinus infection, as a stuffy nose or an infection in your nose can quickly and easily spread to your sinuses.
So, if you sneeze and blow your nose all winter, you’re at a higher risk of developing a sinus infection. If you have a cold that persists for longer than 10 days, it's best to talk to your doctor, as you may have a sinus infection.

7. Nasal Polyps

Nasal polyps are growths in your nasal cavity that can obstruct the air passageway and cause inflammation in the nose and sinuses.

What’s worse, nasal polyps themselves can mimic sinusitis and nasal congestion symptoms, such as a stuffy nose and a decreased sense of smell. The polyps have to be treated or removed surgically, otherwise, they can develop and obstruct the nasal cavity almost completely.

A friendly reminder that we urge you to talk about all of your health concerns with a doctor. The information is provided in this article for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose an illness.

 

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                    PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/                                                                                                                                                         FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                  https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/           

                                                                           FOR CROCHET DESIGNS                                                                                                                                                                                                  https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com