Lupus, an autoimmune disease has serious complications in the later stages. It attacks kidneys and produces Nephritis. Efficiency of kidneys reduces and toxins and other wastes accumulate in the blood. One may suffer from hematuria or blood in urine. Hypertension and swelling in lower legs set in. Untreated it can lead to End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
Lupus also causes early morning lower leg swelling. Over the counter medication may not offer relief. The swelling starts mild and often goes unnoticed. Meet the doctor for appropriate treatment. It is necessary to eliminate ailments like arthritis.
Effect on gastrointestinal systems are dry mouth as the salivary gland is affected. Patients may develop another autoimmune disease called Sjogren’s syndrome, a condition where salivary, tear and vaginal glands are damaged. Other symptoms are heart burns or acid reflux. Over the counter drugs are initially effective. Not lying down immediately after meals help. A more serious condition is protein leak from the intestines, causing nutritional deficiency, and diarrhea creating further complications. The condition is called protein losing enteropathy.
Lupus patients run increased risks of heart and coronary artery diseases, coagulation of blood in the body leading to thromboembolism which very serious depending on the location of the embolism. This is due to antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. This also increases miscarriage in women.
Advanced treatment involves the use of over the counter NSAID and later prescription level stronger NSAIDs. They have the side effects of gastric hemorrhage, kidney problems and increased risks of heart diseases. Antimalarial drugs are found to be effective in controlling the inflammation. They have the side effects though like stomach bleeding and damage to retina. Other more advanced treatments involve the use of corticosteroids. They are effective in controlling inflammation but have major side effects like weight gain, hypertension, osteoporosis, easy bruising, increased risk of infections and their going out of control diabetics etc. Another avenue is immunosuppressants. They suppress the immune system and have increased risks of infection, liver damage, cancer and decreased fertility. The best option is early detection and treatment which avoids the requirement of advanced avenues of treatment.
From the home remedy perspective, turmeric is effective in controlling inflammation and useful in refractory lupus nephritis. Ginger with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help relieve joint swelling and pain. Omega 3 fatty acids reduces inflammation and probiotic food reduces flare ups and reduces their frequency. Confirmation from the doctor is a prerequisite.
Stuffy nose can often leave you frustrated, because it can make breathing an extremely difficult task. This leaves you mulling over one question, what can I do to clear a stuffy nose? An answer to that, here are some measures that you can take to effectively clear your stuffy nose.
Consult a doctor
At times, self-medication or home treatments are just not a good idea! Why? The former might be harmful to your health, and the latter might take some time to work. If you happen to be looking for an effective and a quick fix then visit your doctor. He/she will accurately diagnose you and prescribe you with appropriate medication which can instantly relieve you.
Hot shower
Taking a hot shower can clear out your nasal congestion. Although this can be a short-term remedy, you will still end up feeling refreshed, as it will improve your breathing. You can also inhale steam from a bowl of boiling water, if you don’t want to bathe.
Humidifier
A humidifier can add some extra moisture in the air, easing the congestion in your nose by reducing the inflammation of the mucus membranes located in the nose. While using the humidifier make sure that it is clean, as any presence of bacteria in it can only aggravate your health condition.
Warm compress
You can use a warm compress to cover your sinuses to loosen up the mucus inside. Place the compress over the nose while you are lying down, and it will gradually loosen up your stuffy nose. Just make sure that the warm compress is not soaked in super-hot water as it can burn your face. So, remember to check the water temperature before you use it.
Extra pillow
While you sleep at night make sure that you place an extra pillow under the head. This is because if you sleep with your head at a 180 degree angle, then it can make your condition worse. An elevated position will help you enjoy a sound and uninterrupted sleep, as it provides a better posture for congestion free breathing.
Neti pot
A possible amalgamation of a teapot and watering can, Neti pot is increasingly gaining popularity as an effective remedy for stuffy nose. The purpose of a Neti pot is to basically rinse your membranes in the nostrils to facilitate easier breathing. Although, make sure that you avoid it if you have had any recent nasal injuries or if you are already suffering from an ear infection.
A good night’s sound sleep is a sign of good health. Irregular sleep causes many health issues. OSA (obstructive sleep apnea) is one such common disorder which has been seen in increasing numbers amongst people in the last few decades. It later leads to more complicated health issues. Snoring is one such issue, which mostly happens due to OSA. It also gives birth to health issues like diabetes and blood pressure. Hence, sleep apnea needs to be cured early on.
Some of the health risks due to OSA are:
High blood pressure is one of the biggest risks that occur because of OSA. If blood pressure already exists, then sleep apnea gets worse, with one even experiencing stressful times during sleep when the blood pressure tends to spike. Oxygen levels in the body could also decrease, leading to breathing difficulties. For most people, treating sleep apnea will also control blood pressure levels greatly.
Keeping the heart healthy is one of the greatest challenges for being healthy. People with OSA are more likely to get heart attacks. The reason is because of low oxygen and a stressful time at night. Sleep apnea also causes the oxygen circulation to the brain and in arteries to be uneven.
80% of people with sleep apnea are more likely to be affected by Type 2 Diabetes. Going further, people with both OSA and type 2 diabetes are more likely to be obese and struggle to tackle with obesity in their lives later. Not getting enough shut-eye also leads to diabetes.
Gaining extra pounds or sudden weight gain also leads to a person acquiring sleep apnea. This condition can also make it tough to slim down. Sleep apnea also increases the levels of the hormone ghrelin, which causes sugary cravings, leading to sudden weight gain.
Sleep apnea also causes tiredness and indigestion, exhausting a person physically as well as mentally.
Treating OSA not just takes care of it, but can also end up making a person feel energetic and fit, and also end up improving one’s sleep.
Health issues because of sleep apnea are great in numbers, yes, but if one treats it at the early stages, it can put a stop to many possible future problems. One of the most effective ways to treat sleep apnea is via a masked device called CPAP. It is connected to the nose and helps a person breathe freely with proper pressure in the airway, thus improving one’s sleep.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic, incessant medical disorder, usually associated with extensive pain in the muscles and bones, areas of tenderness, coupled with tiredness. Fibromyalgia affects individuals physically, emotionally and socially. These symptoms are considered subjective as they can’t be determined or measured by tests. Till now, there isn’t a clear known cause, and in fact, fibromyalgia has been misdiagnosed as another ailment now and then. People who have fibromyalgia process pain in a unique manner and the way the patient’s cerebrum recognize pain signals makes them excessively sensitive to touch and other stimuli.
Earlier, the condition used to be known as fibrositis because many specialists believed the pain was brought about by inflammation all through the body. However, in 1976, the disease was renamed as ‘fibromyalgia’ from the Latin word fibro signifying fibrosis tissue and the Greek terms myo (muscle) and algia (pain).
What to expect when affected by fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a real condition that can meddle with your day-to-day activities. The condition is additionally long-haul; so once you develop symptoms, they may last a long time. The reassuring news is that fibromyalgia doesn’t harm your joints, muscles, or tissues. Additionally, it is not life-threatening. Seek medicinal assistance, if you encounter pain or unknown origins that last for over three months. With the right treatment and lifestyle changes, you can adapt to the illness and manage the symptoms quite well.
What can you do to prevent fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia can’t be avoided. Appropriate treatment and lifestyle changes can help lessen the recurrence and seriousness of your symptoms. Individuals with fibromyalgia can aim to forestall flare-ups as opposed to preventing the disorder itself. A few precautions can be taken to avoid worsening of your symptoms.
Improve sleep
The absence of restorative sleep is both a side effect of fibromyalgia and a reason for flare-ups. Poor sleep makes a cycle of more agony, making it harder to rest, which causes more pain. Break this cycle by going to bed at a particular time every day consistently and practice good sleep habits. Switch off the TV and other electronic gadgets and relax one hour before bed. Reading or reflecting are all great approaches to loosen up and get ready for more profound rest. Your specialist may prescribe a sleeping aid in case you have persistent problems falling or staying asleep.
Reduce stress
The symptoms of fibromyalgia get aggravated with stress. Reduce the flare-ups by limiting the factors that cause stress. Eliminating sources of stress such as unhealthy relationships or tense workplaces is one approach. You may also learn coping techniques that can help minimize the effects of stress. These stress-busters include meditation, relaxation, and deep breathing techniques.
Yoga and moderate intensity exercise are very effective in minimizing stress. There are many people who turn up to alcohol and drugs to cope up with stress. However, this is counterproductive and may give rise to serious health complications. Exercise regularly to keep your muscles and joints healthy. However, avoid strenuous exercises. You may try walking as it is a good way to stay healthy and active without much effort. Also, have a balanced diet, avoid junk food, and monitor your symptoms time to time.