Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also known as COPD, is a term used by healthcare professionals to refer to a group of lung conditions, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Over time, COPD can cause patients to experience breathing difficulties. While one cannot reverse the lung damage, patients can make certain lifestyle changes to manage the condition and its associated symptoms. Continue reading to learn more about the symptoms and treatment alternatives of COPD. Symptoms of COPD Generally, the symptoms of COPD do not make an appearance until the condition has progressed significantly, leading to extensive lung damage. Furthermore, the continuation of certain poor habits can make the condition worse over time. Here are some of the signs of COPD mentioned below. Tightness in the chest One of the most common symptoms of COPD, chest tightness, can manifest in different ways across patients. While for some it can be noticed in the form of breathing difficulties, for others it can feel like a weight on the chest. This can increase the risk of pain while breathing. Some of the main causes of the issue are damage to lung’s air sacs, airway obstruction, respiratory infections, and bronchospasms. Wheezing This symptom of COPD is often accompanied by tightness in the chest. One of the best ways to differentiate wheezing from breathing difficulties is to look for a high-pitched whistling-like sound while inhaling or exhaling. Usually, this symptom is brought on by damage to the lungs and airways, where the body part swells and gets clogged by mucus. Some of the main reasons for this symptom are prolonged exposure to dust, polluted air, chemicals, and fumes. Chronic cough Another prevalent symptom associated with COPD is cough. Patients can experience a dry cough or cough accompanied by phlegm or sputum. In most cases of COPD, the cough is brought on by the inflammation and thickening of lung tissue.

Colon or colorectal cancer begins in the colon—the longest part of the large intestine. Along with the rectum, the colon makes up the lower end of the digestive system. Cancer in this region is the third most common form of the condition, with the American Cancer Society suggesting that 1 in 23 men and 1 in 25 women are at risk of developing the disease. Here, recognizing the signs can help one seek timely treatment.  Early signs The early stages of colon cancer rarely cause visible symptoms. However, one may experience some of these early signs for about a year or two before they get a diagnosis. Abdominal pain: Pain is a common cancer symptom. With colon cancer, one may observe tenderness in the lower abdomen as well. Rectal bleeding: One may observe bright, red blood in the stool and persistent diarrhea as early signs of colon cancer. Anemia: Colon cancer causes inflammation and blood loss, which results in iron deficiency, leading to anemia. As the cancer progresses, one may start to experience some of the following symptoms, usually observable between stages 0 and 2: Changes in bowel habits: Constipation and diarrhea are common early signs of the condition. Cancer in the colon can affect the frequency of bowel movements. Changes in stool: One may observe changes in the shape, such as narrowed stool and color of the stool due to blood.  Bloating and cramps: Abdominal cramps, gas, and bloating are gastrointestinal issues developing in the early stages of colon cancer. In the advanced stages, specifically in stage 3 or 4, symptoms like excessive fatigue, unexplained weakness, and loss of appetite. Further, the changes in stool may seem to last longer than a month. One may also experience constipation and a persistent feeling that the bowels aren’t completely empty. Vomiting is also a common symptom.

Blood cancer is a group of diseases that affect the production and function of blood cells in the body. The three primary types of blood cancer are leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. While many people are familiar with common symptoms of blood cancer, like frequent infections and unexplained loss of body mass, some uncommon signs can also be indicative of blood cancer. Let’s look at some signs that should prompt one to seek immediate medical help. What is blood cancer? There are three types of blood cells: red (RBCs), which carry oxygen to the body; white (WBCs), which fight off infections; and platelets, which help with blood clotting post injury. Any abnormal and excess production of these cells that affects their normal functioning is blood cancer. Leukemia often involves abnormal production of blood cells in the bone marrow, resulting in a low platelet count. Lymphoma affects the lymphatic system, which includes lymph nodes, spleen, and other lymphoid tissues. Multiple myeloma, on the other hand, affects a type of white blood cell called plasma, which is responsible for producing antibodies. Each cancer type is classified further based on several factors, including the part of the body where the cancer originates and the specific blood cells affected. Uncommon symptoms of blood cancer Unexplained itching Unexplained itching is one of the signs of blood cancer, particularly lymphoma. Itchy skin can occur due to various reasons, but when it is persistent and not related to any apparent external causes like allergies or dry skin, it may signal an underlying health issue. In lymphoma, the immune system is compromised, leading to the release of certain chemicals that can cause itching. This itching can be widespread or localized and is often accompanied by redness and a burning sensation. Petechiae Petechiae is a medical term for small red or purple spots under the skin, which are unraised and usually appear first on the legs.

The significance of a clean and hygienic mattress cannot be overstated. Beyond comfort lies a vital connection between mattress cleanliness and personal well-being. A dirty mattress not only compromises the quality of one’s sleep but can also pose potential health risks. This makes it imperative to understand the importance of a clean mattress. By doing so, individuals can enhance the quality of their sleep. Here are some practices that compromise mattress quality: 1. Skipping regular cleaning Regular cleaning is a key factor in preserving mattress hygiene. Over time, mattresses accumulate dust mites, dead skin cells, and other allergens that can affect sleep quality and respiratory health. By neglecting to vacuum the mattress every few months, individuals allow these unwanted guests to increase, potentially leading to discomfort and allergies. 2. Eating in bed The allure of a cozy breakfast or a late-night snack in bed is undeniable, but it comes at a cost. Crumbs, spills, and food particles can easily find their way into the mattress, providing a feast for dust mites and other unwelcome microorganisms. Apart from affecting mattress cleanliness, this habit can also lead to unpleasant odors and the formation of stains, compromising the overall sleep experience. 3. Ignoring stains Spills and stains are inevitable, but ignoring them can lead to more significant issues. Stains should be addressed promptly, whether it’s a coffee mishap or a bedtime snack gone wrong. Failing to do so not only jeopardizes the esthetic appeal of the mattress but can also create an environment conducive to the growth of mold and bacteria, potentially impacting health. 4. Failing to use a mattress protector A mattress protector is like a shield against spills, stains, and allergens. However, not using one is a common oversight. Investing in a quality mattress protector is a simple yet effective way to extend the life of the mattress and keep it in better condition.

Most of us make it a goal to keep our house clean and tidy. Cleaning the house may look like a straightforward task, but there are certain aspects that are generally overlooked. Cleaning is a time consuming and tedious activity. And most of us make common cleaning mistakes that do not provide us with the results we expect. So here is a list of cleaning mistakes to avoid for better results and a sparkling clean home. Mixing cleaning chemicals You may think mixing two or more cleaning products will increase the cleaning power. However, this can be very dangerous as it might release toxic fumes. For example, household cleaners like Clorox Pinesol should never be mixed with bleach as they can react together to produce hazardous chlorine gas or even chloroform. Similarly, Pinesol disinfectant should not be mixed with room spray sanitizer as the chemicals could react together to unleash a toxic cloud of gases that can trigger respiratory problems and even cause skin burns. Instead of mixing chemicals, use a single cleaning agent or solution and stick to a reliable brand. Alternatively, you can also enlist the help of a cleaning company, like Servpro Services, which offers a range of affordable home cleaning services. Using feather dusters A feather duster may seem very useful, but all it does is spread the dust from one surface to another. Instead of a feather duster, use a microfiber cloth or damp cotton cloth that will grab hold of dust particles. Using a dry rag also has the same effect; it moves the dust around and can even cause scratches on smooth surfaces. Reusing cleaning rags Using the same cleaning rags for multiple surfaces only helps spread dust and germs around the house. It also leaves messy-looking streaks on surfaces like countertops and tables. Even if the cleaning rag does not look old, it needs to be replaced regularly for effective cleaning.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a kind of cancer that forms in the plasma cells, a type of white blood cell. Plasma cells allow one to fight against infections by producing antibodies that attack any foreign substance entering the body. Multiple myeloma happens when cancerous plasma cells outnumber healthy blood cells in the body. Keep reading to learn about the warning signs of multiple myeloma to remember for an early diagnosis and timely treatment. Causes When a person has cancer, plasma cells accumulate in the bone marrow and outnumber healthy blood cells. Instead of producing normal antibodies, these cancerous cells make abnormal proteins, which cause several health complications. In multiple myeloma cases, the body might or might not show symptoms. Since the disease often does not cause symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage, an early diagnosis is difficult. Sometimes, it gets accidentally detected during a routine blood test by showing an abnormal protein level. Signs and symptoms of multiple myeloma Some early warning signs and symptoms of multiple myeloma are listed below. Symptoms Nausea – When cancerous plasma cells cause bone damage, bones break down, and calcium enters the bloodstream. Excessive calcium levels can trigger nausea. Bone pain, mainly in the chest and spine, is a common symptom of MM, triggered by bone damage due to the myeloma cell growth in the bone marrow. Loss of appetite – The abnormal plasma cells cause many changes to one’s hormones and metabolism, making one lose appetite.  Fatigue Excessive body mass loss Excessive thirst Numbness in legs – Abnormal proteins produced by cancerous plasma cells can cause nerve damage, leading to numbness and sometimes a “pins and needles” sensation in the legs. Constipation Brain fogginess Warning signs of multiple myeloma Here are some signs of multiple myeloma, in detail , that one should look out for.

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that causes swelling and inflammation of the airways. It is estimated that more than 339 million people worldwide suffer from this disease. It affects people of all age groups, and genders. However, it is more common in adult women than in men. Asthma has no specific underlying cause, but various allergens like pollen, dust, mold and even perfume can trigger asthma. Read on to learn more about the condition. What is uncontrolled asthma? Uncontrolled asthma is when affected individuals have persistent symptoms that interfere with daily life, even when they are on regular medication. It is estimated that over 60% of adults who are asthmatic suffer from uncontrolled asthma.  Causes of uncontrolled asthma Stress People may experience asthma attacks due to excessive stress and strong unpleasant emotions like unhappiness or crying. One must try to reduce one’s anxiety and stress. Underlying health condition Some respiratory health conditions like sleep apnea that block the upper airway while sleeping can lead to an asthma flare-up. Environmental allergies could also worsen asthma attacks. Weather change Moving from drier to humid air or warmer to colder air might cause asthma attacks. This condition can be brought on by minor weather changes or leaving a controlled environment.  Looking at the global statistics, the prevalence of asthma is observed more in the country. The below-mentioned cities were ranked based on parameters like asthma prevalence, asthma-related emergency room visits, and asthma-related deaths. Here are the top five cities in the country with the highest number of asthma cases: Detroit, Michigan Detroit is the largest city in Michigan and is the center of the automobile industry in the country. The metropolitan area is densely populated with 4.3 million people. The atmosphere of Detroit has high levels of pollen and particulate matter from the industrial facilities and power plants that run on coal.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), commonly known as lupus, is a chronic autoimmune condition. Here, the body’s immune system, which is supposed to fight infections, begins attacking healthy tissues and organs. This causes pain and inflammation. One may also experience symptoms like skin sensitivity, joint pains, rashes, and issues with internal organs like the kidneys, heart, and lungs. The condition does not have a cure, however, treatment options can help one manage its symptoms. Symptoms Here are a few symptoms one should recognize: Fatigue Most people with lupus experience fatigue, which can worsen with muscle and joint pain. Many may experience stiffness and swelling in the neck, thigh, and arms. While getting adequate sleep can relieve general exhaustion, when fatigue is accompanied by some sort of pain and discomfort, one should consult a doctor. Skin rashes The most common and prominent symptom of this disease is a butterfly-shaped rash on both cheeks and the nose bridge. Around 30% of people affected by lupus experience this symptom. The rash may appear suddenly before a flare-up or right after excessive sun exposure. For some, the condition also causes hives and non-itchy lesions all over the body. Some may notice discoloration in their toes or fingers.  Hair loss Hair loss and thinning hair are early signs of lupus. Here, the skin on the scalp gets inflamed making hair fall out. The hair may start thinning gradually or could even fall in clumps. Strands also become brittle and ragged when dealing with this condition.  Low-grade fever A low-grade fever for no discernible reason is another early symptom of lupus. The body temperature may linger between 98.5 and 101 degrees Fahrenheit, and this might be a persistent symptom.  Swelling and pain in joints People with lupus might experience stiffness, pain, and swelling in the joints, especially in the morning.

The COVID-19 pandemic and growing health conditions have made people understand the importance of staying healthy and fit. People search the internet for exercise routines, nutritious foods, and alternative methods to improve overall well-being. But despite following a better lifestyle, certain underlying conditions might trigger health complications. This is why getting a regular health checkup is imperative. One should cross-check certain factors during a checkup to get a clearer picture of their health. Health issue risks Health issues may stem from multiple underlying factors, including gender, age, and genetics. Unhealthy lifestyle habits are another contributing factor to the eruption of unsuspecting diseases. Therefore, one of the first things an individual should ask the healthcare professional, following a diagnosis, is if they are at risk of health issues. It is essential to get an honest opinion from the healthcare expert in this regard. Understanding stress Bringing up depression, stress, or anxiety problems isn’t an easy task. However, asking the healthcare expert about these mental health conditions may contribute to the routine checkup and make a better diagnosis. The patient could work with the doctor to look for new stress-related symptoms, which could help them develop ways to improve their condition. Complications with genetics Sometimes an individual might suffer from the same health conditions as a family member. The illness may occur more than once during their lifetime. Moreover, genetic factors may also play a part in the development of cancers. Such conditions may require closer supervision and additional evaluations followed by treatments. The expert may also suggest frequent tests if one has a family history of high cholesterol. Assessing if certain signs are normal One could be experiencing multiple signs and symptoms that may look normal but are linked to underlying health conditions. Therefore, during the doctor’s visit, they should ask if these signs are normal.

With increasing numbers of people prioritizing health and wellness, the fitness sector has been booming like never before. Several new as well as traditional fitness and wellness trends have been gaining traction across the globe. This is because there has been a seamless merger between the online and real-world as people pick up routines that use advanced technology while simultaneously taking them outdoors. Here are a few fitness and wellness trends to be explored. Wearable technology Wearable technologies have been trending for quite some time. Now, they are far more advanced and intuitive. From fitness trackers to smartwatches, these devices have become far more capable of storing personalized data to help keep track of fitness goals. Furthermore, these wearable techs can now be connected with several apps to have synchronized and fully connected workout experiences. Strength training using free weights Strength training has steadily become one of the leading fitness trends in recent years. Its popularity is because it is flexible enough to incorporate different routines. These include using weights, elastic bands, dumbbells, and weighted knuckles for full-body workouts to build resistance, strength, and core. Bodyweight training Bodyweight training involves using the body’s entire weight as resistance to perform different types of movements ranging from simple to complex. These movements can include running, push-ups, chin-ups, and even lunges. To do these, there is very minimal equipment required. Also known as calisthenics, this type of training is used to target large muscle groups. Functional fitness training Functional fitness training is best for those who like to make their body for everyday activities. Thus, it involves repeating the movements that you do on a day-to-day basis in a high-intensity and high-energy environment. The goal is to make the body stronger and fitter to do daily tasks such as bending over to pick up something or having a firmer grip to haul groceries.

Shortness of breath, also known as dyspnea, occurs when one feels they cannot get enough air into their lungs to breathe normally. It may occur when walking, climbing stairs, engaging in other physical activities, or doing nothing. It may develop suddenly or over some time. Sudden or unexpected breathlessness generally occurs due to health conditions and requires immediate attention from a doctor, especially when accompanied by chest pain, fainting, or nausea. Top causes for shortness of breath Carbon monoxide poisoning When one breathes in carbon monoxide, the chemical replaces the oxygen content in the body. This results in the vital organs being starved of oxygen, causing symptoms like shortness of breath, rapid breathing, chest pain, confusion, convulsions, dizziness, drowsiness, and fatigue. Young children, senior adults, people with lung or heart disease, and people at higher altitudes are at a higher risk of suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning. Heart conditions When the heart does not pump enough oxygen-rich blood through the body, the body responds by breathing faster to ensure an uninterrupted supply of oxygen to the vital organs, causing a sensation of shortness of breath. Heart conditions like angina, heart attacks, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and others are common causes behind the interruption of circulation of blood around the body, causing shortness of breath or breathlessness. Low blood pressure Severely low blood pressure impacts the circulation of blood through the organs as well. This is because lower blood pressure impairs heart and brain functioning, which can lead to shortness of breath. Other symptoms also include dizziness, lightheadedness, unsteadiness, fatigue, nausea, fainting, and pale, cold, or clammy skin. Asthma Those with asthma are more likely to experience shortness of breath, especially during a flare. This is because the muscles around the walls of the airways become inflamed and swollen, making it difficult to breathe.

Many people wish for healthy and glowing skin. However, achieving this goal is easier said than done. It requires effort, time, and money. Furthermore, today one will find the Internet filled with skincare tips and a few myths that can cause more harm than good. These myths can unnecessarily complicate one’s beauty regimen and, in some cases, even cause harm to one’s health. Keep reading to know more about these skincare myths. Popular skincare myths debunked Here are a few common skincare myths: Tight skin after cleansing equals clean skin Most people believe that the tightness of their skin after cleansing their face means clean skin. However, this skincare myth is far from the truth. This sensation of dryness is a negative sign. It indicates that the skin has been stripped of the necessary moisture and nutrients that are needed to keep it healthy and glowing. Furthermore, using common soaps can disrupt the pH level of the skin, leading to disruption of the skin barrier and skin damage. Hence, as an alternative, experts recommend using oil-based cleansers to keep the skin supple. The order of skincare products does not matter Although most people use several skincare products, such as cleansers, moisturizers, and toners, every day, sometimes they use them in the wrong order. This happens when people believe skincare myths that imply that their skincare products’ order does not matter. Even though improper usage of the products may not cause much harm, not using them in the right order will result in inadequate absorption of the products by the skin. This can cause the skincare products to not do their job efficiently. Hence, as a general rule, one must use products from the thinnest to the thickest. This allows moisture to be sealed in and keeps the skin hydrated. Oily skin does not need moisturizers If an individual has oily skin, they might skip applying moisturizer, as their skin is already slick, has better skin preservation, and has fewer wrinkles.