Prurigo nodularis is a chronic skin condition involving the development of itchy, hard bumps on the skin’s surface. These bumps, known as nodules, typically appear due to constant itching and rubbing of the skin, a common symptom of this condition. It has affected 72 per 1,00,000 persons nationwide and is a rare but distressing skin ailment that requires prompt intervention. Recognizing the early signs below of this disease can help seek timely treatment: Signs and symptoms Persistent itching Prurigo nodularis begins with intense, uncontrollable itching and rubbing of the skin. The cause of this symptom is unclear and usually triggers or aggravates the other symptoms of the disease. Development of hard, itchy bumps The constant itching characterizing this condition leads to hard, itchy bumps all over the skin, typically on the arms, legs, upper and lower back, abdomen, and buttocks. These nodules may be brown, red, or pink or, sometimes, of the same shade as one’s skin. Dark or light spots throughout the skin Individuals with prurigo nodularis may experience the development of dark or light spots on the skin as the itchy bumps clear. These spots may be lighter or darker than one’s original skin shade. Sleep issues Chronic itching and the development of itchy bumps may cause sleep issues among persons with prurigo nodularis.

According to CDC reports, asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects over 25 million people in the country. It is marked by chronic inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Along with treatments, doctors often recommend certain changes in food choices to help manage its symptoms and reduce the frequency of asthma attacks. Here are some foods to avoid for asthma. How certain foods affect asthma While studies regarding this are not entirely conclusive, certain foods have been shown to hinder or help one’s ability to breathe. For example, antioxidants and healthy fats are beneficial, while sugar and saturated fats can exacerbate breathing issues. When the body metabolizes food for energy, it requires varying oxygen levels. But foods high in carbs demand more oxygen and also generate more carbon dioxide, potentially impacting breathing. Conversely, healthy fats require less oxygen and produce less carbon dioxide, promoting better respiratory function. Foods to avoid for asthma Some foods that may trigger the condition include the following: Shellfish Shellfish is a common allergen that may trigger asthma symptoms, especially in individuals who are sensitive to these foods. Vinegar Vinegar contains sulfites, which can worsen bronchoconstriction and inflammation in individuals sensitive to these compounds.

Hemophilia is a health condition in which a person’s blood does not clot properly. Individuals usually inherit this disorder from their parents. Hemophilia results from lower levels of certain proteins in a person’s blood. These proteins, known as factor VIII and factor IX, facilitate blood clotting if people sustain cuts or wounds. To diagnose this condition, doctors look out for certain typical indicators in a person’s body, some of which include: 1. Wounds that do not heal The central problem in hemophilia is the body’s inability to heal wounds quickly. This is why people with this condition will lose a lot of blood whenever they sustain any kinds of bruises, cuts, or wounds. Additionally, the wounds and bruises in such individuals’ bodies remain fresh and, as a result, cause a lot of pain for extended periods. As this condition is primarily caused by a marked deficiency in factor VIII and factor IX levels in the body, treatments for this health condition also involve attempts to restore those levels for quick and efficient blood clotting. 2. Frequent cuts and bruises While cuts, wounds, and bruises are common in most people’s everyday lives, someone with hemophilia experiences them much more frequently than others without the condition.

For most people, overpowering or intense odors may just be a mild annoyance, but strong smells are prime triggers for those with migraines. Multiple studies have found that up to 95% of individuals with migraines also have osmophobia, a distinct sensitivity to specific smells, a condition that triggers or worsens migraine flare-ups when such individuals are exposed to certain odors. Keeping that in mind, here are some common smells that trigger migraine episodes in people: Cleaning products Cleaning products such as bleach and disinfectants have strong antibacterial and deodorizing properties. These properties give such products a strong, instantly identifiable smell that can be sensed from several meters away. The frequent use of bleach to clean homes, offices, auditoriums, and party spaces means its overpowering smell has become commonplace. Unfortunately, these powerful fumes are a prime trigger for migraine attacks in vulnerable people. It is not uncommon for someone with a migraine to feel a strong headache building up as soon as they breathe in the smell of cleaning products around them. In this way, the deodorizing elements in cleaning products ironically make them hazardous to migraine sufferers. Scented candles Scented candles contain several components and elements that trigger migraines. For example, heated sage or jasmine oils are among the chemicals that release irritants that cause sinus inflammation and nose and throat issues.

Contact lenses can be a lifeline for those who find wearing glasses regularly too cumbersome. They negate the need to clean the lens constantly and need barely any upkeep. Some might even prefer its aesthetic advantage, like allowing one to change the eye color. However, as contact lenses are closer to the eyes, one must take more precautions to maintain eye health. So, here are four ways to protect one’s vision while wearing eye lenses. Travel tips while wearing eye lenses When traveling, it is better to avoid wearing glasses all the time since they could prevent one from participating in activities like adventure sports and get fogged up or dusty. What one needs, thus, are eye lenses. However, if one isn’t careful, one may have to constantly deal with red, watery, and itchy eyes due to one’s contact lenses. Before one leaves on one’s travels, it is advisable to visit the eye care provider and ensure the prescription is up-to-date. During the trip, remember to take out the contact lenses before showering or swimming. Removing them prevents germs in the water from getting into the eyes. Also, replacing the contact lenses as often as one’s eye lens provider advises is essential.

Migraine is a medical condition that leads to severe, throbbing headaches, usually felt on one side of the brain. It may be accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, sensitivity to light, and dizziness. They may be a result of hormonal changes, emotional triggers, eating habits, and environmental factors. Based on the prevalence of triggers, here is a curated list of some of the worst cities for individuals with migraines. These include: Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Cincinnati has a combination of triggers that grant it the top position on this list. The city is known for its erratic lifestyle, with factors such as high commute times, overtime work hours, and high stress levels. This is coupled with high levels of intake of trigger foods, and changes in weather (such as winter warming, heavy rains, and floods), increasing the likelihood of a migraine attack. Madison, WI Madison experiences several temperature changes around the year. This is known as seasonal temperature variance, and it could be one of the reasons behind more frequent migraines. The city also has high recorded levels of trigger food intake, such as chocolates and pizzas, leading to an increased frequency of migraines. Little Rock-North Little Rock, AR The city of Little Rock experiences rapidly changing weather and frequent changes in barometric pressure.

When cells grow out of control in one’s kidney tissues, it causes kidney cancer. Kidneys are the bean-shaped organs responsible for flushing out toxins, regulating fluids, maintaining electrolyte balance, and many other essential bodily functions. Tumor growth can disrupt these vital functions and cause different health complications. The condition does not usually show symptoms in its early stages, but here are some warning signs that may surface over time and indicate cancer growth in the kidneys. Warning signs of kidney cancer These are a few warning signs of kidney cancer to look out for: 1. Pain or discomfort in the side or back Kidneys are located behind one’s abdominal organs, one on either side of the spine. So, any tumor formation in the kidneys can cause persistent pain or discomfort in the side or lower back. This pain may come and go, but if it is recurrent and unrelated to any other apparent cause, it is better to discuss it with a healthcare professional. 2. Flank pain Flank is the region between the lower ribs and hips. Kidney cancer patients may experience discomfort in this area, and it may vary in intensity, from sharp or persistent to dull sensations that may surface occasionally.

Colon cancer, like many other malignancies, can be effectively treated and cured when it is localized to the bowel. To achieve that objective, diagnosing this condition in its earliest stages is imperative for both healthcare professionals and possible patients. Detecting colon cancer in its initial grades requires people to pay attention to certain signs and symptoms that their body is showing. Here are some of the early signs of colon cancer to help diagnose it quickly: Tenesmus One of the most common ways in which colon cancer manifests itself in people is through tenesmus. In this condition, a person will experience the desperate urge to use the restroom multiple times, even after they have defecated. This sign indicates that there is a kind of malignant pressure on the colon areas. This pressure makes a person constantly feel like their bowel movement is incomplete whenever they visit the toilet to pass stools. People experiencing this sign must visit a local healthcare expert as soon as possible to get themselves screened for colon cancer. Ongoing discomfort in the belly area The presence of a tumor in the lower intestine causes issues like pain, belly cramps, gas, or a wobbly feeling. These are generally considered to be red flags of colon cancer.

Viruses can be found in many places, including within the human body. While not all viruses are harmful, some can cause serious health issues. Viral infections occur when certain viruses start to thrive on the healthy cells of the body to replicate themselves. Some of these common viral infections include cold, flu, stomach flu, HPV, chicken pox, and herpes simplex viral infection. All of these infections start with a few common symptoms. These are early signs of viral infections. Flu-like symptoms A viral infection starts with the development of several flu-like symptoms, which include fatigue, fever, body aches, and headaches. The intensity of these symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on how far the infection has progressed. In most cases of viral infections, these symptoms develop suddenly. Therefore, it is crucial to seek immediate medical consultation to treat the infection before the symptoms worsen. Upper respiratory issues In some of the most common types of viral infections, the upper respiratory tract is affected. As a result, there can be persistent coughing, sore throat, sneezing, and nasal congestion. In addition, ear infections may also develop. Some people experience sinus infections as well. If medical help is not sought sooner, the infection may become severe, leading to extreme inflammation and sepsis in the lungs.

Nothing is more discomforting than managing a runny nose while doing daily chores. A runny nose or rhinorrhea is a classic symptom of common cold, flu, or allergic reactions. The fluid released from the nose may be thin and transparent or thick and yellowish. Addressing a runny nose’s underlying cause can help deal with this symptom effectively. So, here are some practical, quick tips to prevent oneself from a runny nose: Have warm beverages A warm beverage to stop a runny nose may range from essential warm water to soothing herbal teas, warm milk with some honey drizzled, comforting tomato soup, or clear chicken broth. Warm beverages soothe the throat and clear congestion, helping one recover from a runny nose. Moreover, warm beverages like tomato soup and chicken broth contain electrolytes, which help regain energy more quickly and accelerate recovery. Apply a warm, wet compress Applying a warm, wet compress on the forehead can clear up mucus, relieving nasal congestion and helping manage runny nose and cold-induced headaches. Inhale steam Studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of steam inhalation in loosening up mucus, relieving congestion, and managing a runny nose. One may inhale steam from a bowl of hot water or a vaporizer device for the best results.