Heart diseases encompass a range of cardiovascular disorders that affect the functions of the heart. Some common heart diseases include blood vessel disease, heart valve disease, arrhythmias, or even heart failure or heart attack. In many cases, the early symptoms of heart disease may not be obvious, like sharp chest pain. Thus, it’s essential to make note of some early signs, as mentioned below, and seek immediate professional help to rule out potential heart issues. Minor chest discomfort This can feel like a tightness in the chest, minor throbbing pain, or pressure in that area. Oftentimes, it may be a result of having bad food, indigestion, or acid reflux, but if there are no lifestyle changes and one still experiences persistent chest discomfort, it’s best to get it checked. Also known as angina, this symptom is more common in heart valve disease and coronary artery disease, where plaque or cholesterol deposits cause blockages in major blood vessels. Heartburn or nausea At times, heart issues can cause gastrointestinal problems like heartburn or nausea, especially for women. Pain in the arms Those suffering a tingling pain that travels down the left side of one’s arm need to get immediate professional help since it can indicate a heart attack.

Antidepressants are a type of treatment option that may be suggested for symptoms of depression. However, antidepressants, like most treatments taken over a prolonged period, may have certain side effects. Sometimes, these may be severe and need professional intervention. So, it is important to observe any noticeable changes in the body once the prescription is being taken. One must consult with the doctor immediately and ask for the treatment to be modified. The effects of SNRI and SSRI Called Serotonin-Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors and Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors respectively, they are the most common type of antidepressants used in the treatment of symptoms of depression. Taking them can lead to some common side effects and some uncommon ones in individuals. It is also normal to experience some of the common side effects for a couple of weeks when treatment starts, which then subside over time. However, one must always keep the doctor updated on how the body is reacting. Side effects of antidepressants Some of the common side effects of this type of treatment plan include dizziness, blurry vision, anxiety, nausea, dry mouth, feeling exhausted, tremors, encountering sexual problems, headaches, and increased sweating. Also, one must note that all these side effects are typically not experienced together.

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a rare genetic disease that causes the progressive weakening of muscles in the body. This occurs due to the loss of motor neurons, which are responsible for controlling muscle movement. Depending on when the symptoms begin to appear, this condition is categorized into four distinct types, from severe to mild. Read on to find out more about this condition, its symptoms, diagnosis, and recommended treatment plans. Symptoms of spinal muscular atrophy Some of the typical symptoms of this condition include: Floppy or weak arms or legs Mobility problems, such as difficulties in standing up or walking Tremors or muscle twitching A curved spine (scoliosis) Swallowing problems Breathing difficulties Individuals with this condition experience progressive muscle weakness, which can also give rise to complications such as bone fractures, hip dislocation, pneumonia, respiratory infections, malnutrition, and dehydration. Diagnosing spinal muscular atrophy Doctors begin with a thorough physical exam along with a detailed examination of one’s healthcare history. Depending on these results, they may recommend one or more of the following: An enzyme and protein blood test to check for levels of creatine kinase. High levels of this enzyme in the bloodstream signal deteriorating muscles. A genetic test to identify problems with the SMN1 gene.

The sensation of indigestion can be challenging to live with. Unlike in the cases of certain types of discomfort, one cannot simply brush off or take their mind off certain things indigestion makes them feel. In the long run, people must eat healthy and exercise to keep indigestion episodes at a minimum. However, for immediate resolutions, here are some options that provide instant or near-instant relief from indigestion-related sensations like bloating and pain: Having baking soda Many studies have found direct links between baking soda consumption and immediate digestion improvement in people who experience indigestion. Sodium bicarbonate’s high pH levels neutralize the acid levels in one’s stomach and alleviate indigestion-related problems like upper GI discomfort, gas, bloating, and pain. For the best results, one can mix one-half teaspoon of baking soda in around 4 ounces of water before consuming the mix. Do not consume baking soda as a solution excessively, as that causes side effects like stomach cramps, constipation, diarrhea, and nausea. Older people must not use too much baking soda as it may have profound health implications. Consuming peppermint or chamomile tea Peppermint is an effective digestive agent to reduce abdominal pain and cramps. Moreover, peppermint tea is an effective and healthy food that relieves those with an upset stomach.

The US Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, is an organization that is responsible for the drinking water regulations in the country. And while tap water may be safe for some, it may not be the recommended choice for many. There could also be some side effects from drinking tap water, which are mentioned below. This article also highlights why a water purifier is recommended. Tap water regulations and side effects According to the EPA, anything other than water molecules found in the water is termed a contaminant. However, the EPA suggests that some contaminants are not as harmful at certain levels. The contaminant list includes bacteria, viruses, parasites, industrial runoff, lead, mercury, arsenic, and pesticides. Radium or uranium deposits in the soil could also contaminate the water in some areas. Here are some of the side effects of drinking tap water: In tap water, these contaminants are at deficient levels, and it is not that they are always present. However, if they reach the human body in huge quantities, it can lead to many health issues. Arsenic is known to trigger partial paralysis in some people, vomiting, numbness in hands and feet, stomach pain, diarrhea, discoloration of the skin, and blindness.

Dupuytren’s contracture is a health condition in which one or more fingers bend toward the palm. These fingers cannot straighten entirely because tissue knots are formed under the skin, which pull the fingers into a bent position. To manage the problem, one must first identify its existence. Here are four common signs and symptoms of Dupuytren’s contracture that one could keep an eye out for and bring to a healthcare professional’s notice. Bump in the palm One of the first symptoms individuals notice is a bump or a nodule in the palm. This unusual mass indicates that the connective tissue in the palm has become infected or diseased. It is observed that the growth almost always starts on the pinky finger. This bump is not cancerous but benign, so one may not worry too much. However, individuals should still see a doctor because treating Dupuytren’s contracture in the early stages is important. Not doing so can cause the condition to get worse. Inability to open one’s palm People with Dupuytren’s contracture often complain about having difficulty opening their palms to perform everyday tasks. Some say their palms do not open up entirely while washing the face, so their fingernails poke the skin.

Urinary tract infection is a severe health condition that affects any part of the urinary system. This system includes organs like the kidneys, uterus, bladder, and urethra. However, the bladder and the urethra are usually the most affected by it. According to studies, women are at a higher risk of developing this condition than men. Here’s a detailed analysis of this condition’s signs and symptoms, causes, and possible treatment options. Causes UTIs occur when bacteria enter the body through the urethra and spread to the bladder. Although the urinary system is designed to combat these bacteria, it may be unable to do so occasionally, resulting in an infection. Certain risk factors contributing to this infection include a weakened immune system, catheter usage, recent urinary procedures, blockages in the urinary tract, and pre-existing urinary tract issues. Symptoms In some cases, the symptoms are not visible. However, there are a few signs to be aware of, such as: A burning sensation when urinating Urinating more than usual but passing only small amounts of urine A strong odor of the urine A persistent urge to urinate that does not go away Urine that looks cloudy Signs of blood in the urine, such as red, bright pink, or cola-colored A symptom that is felt explicitly in women is experiencing pelvic pain.

Overactive bladder, or OAB, is a group of symptoms that affect bladder control. It is known to be one of the most common urologic conditions. Yet, a lot of people are reluctant to seek treatment. This usually happens when a person feels embarrassed to discuss the symptoms with a doctor. However, it is crucial to treat OAB on time to prevent further complications. Here are some common causes, symptoms, and management options for OAB. Causes of OAB An overactive bladder is often caused by certain pre-existing conditions and injuries to the detrusor muscle. These are a group of smooth muscle fibers that line the wall of the bladder. Some of the conditions that cause OAB include the following. Injury or trauma to the abdominal muscles In certain situations, such as pregnancy and childbirth, the pelvic muscles are stretched and become weak. This causes the bladder to sag, triggering OAB symptoms. Nerve damage The damage or injury to nerves can occur due to pelvic or back surgery, radiation therapy, herniated discs, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, or a stroke. This causes nerve function to malfunction, with inaccurate signals sent to the brain and bladder, resulting in involuntary pee. Infection Often, infections such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) can lead to irritation and inflammation of the bladder nerves, triggering OAB.

Testosterone is an essential hormone that helps reduce the risk of diseases and improves sexual health in men. It is mainly produced by the testes and ovaries, with the adrenal glands also contributing in small amounts. Testosterone is required in greater quantities in males and considerably lower quantities in females. There are natural ways one can adapt, along with the use of doctor-approved supplements to boost testosterone production. These are as follows: 1. Stay active It has been discovered that not staying active can play an active role in low levels of testosterone in the body. Having a workout regime that helps maintain body mass and an active routine can help maintain healthy testosterone levels. Strength training and weightlifting can improve the body’s muscle mass. An increase in muscle mass can, in turn, help boost testosterone levels in the body. 2. Manage stress Prolonged stress levels can be quite harmful. Research has shown how elevated cortisol levels can impact individuals and their well-being. Both cortisol and testosterone work in inverse proportions. Increasing cortisol levels can bring down the body’s testosterone levels. When a person is dealing with increased stress levels, they also tend to develop unhealthy eating habits. It can lead to excess levels of poor-quality fat in the body.

Disability benefits include extensive financial assistance that covers the cost of living for people who cannot earn the same due to their disability. Navigating the application process for disability benefits can be challenging due to the series of benefits involved. Without proper guidance and research about the application process, individuals may make errors like incomplete documentation and misunderstandings regarding the eligibility criteria. Here are a few such mistakes to avoid while applying for disability benefits. Not checking the status of the claim regularly Once a claim is made, it takes some time for the documents to be verified and the application to move forward. During this waiting period, applicants need to constantly check the status of their claims to track progress and rectify any mistakes made during the application process. Doing so enables applicants to make corrections to their applications as soon as possible. Sometimes, the Social Security verification offices lose the paperwork sent to them and reject applications for this reason. To stay on top of such situations, people must contact their local Social Security offices regularly to communicate with their claims examiner to confirm whether the verification process is going smoothly or if there are any issues.  Exaggerating one’s disability Sometimes, applicants unnecessarily worry that their disability might not be perceived as severe enough, which is a common mistake.