Have you ever wondered if there are some drug-resistant diseases you should be careful of?
Generally speaking, you should always be careful when it comes to drug-resistant diseases, but a lot of adults and seniors have the belief that these diseases cannot happen to them. The sad truth is that these drug-resistant diseases are not only very easy to contract if you are not careful, even in places you would not expect to get them and in circumstances you have no control over, but they are also becoming more prevalent among adults living in the U.S.
The story of these drug-resistant diseases starts back in the 1940s when the first antibiotics started to be used to treat bacteria-caused infectious diseases such as pneumonia and tuberculosis. Since then, antibiotics have not only been discovered at a pretty high rate since scientists looked at natural sources of extraction for them but the drugs have also been extensively used, sometimes even in cases where they should not have been. Because of that, certain types of bacteria have become resistant to these medicines, making the treatment less effective and sometimes useless.
Bacteria that have become drug-resistant have done so through certain mutations as they have been exposed to the antibiotics too often and have gained the ability to ignore them. By mutating with other types of bacteria, these types of diseases have evolved over the years.
While there are not so many drug-resistant diseases, there are a few types of conditions and illnesses that everyone should be careful of. Not only are they immune to certain drugs, but some of them can have disastrous consequences and are highly ingested as well!
Keep reading to discover some of the most common drug-resistant diseases and what causes them!
Have you ever health with any of these drug-resistant diseases? Share your experience with us in the comments!
…Have you ever wondered if there are any cancer symptoms people tend to ignore?
Cancer is the disease the majority of people are really scared of. We know that there is no simple cure that will help patients get rid of any type of cancer. Some of the treatments available might treat some people, while others might give them more time, even years or decades.
Screenings are really important for detecting a cancer tumor before the symptoms even begin. Some experts even say that you might be able to pick up on early warning signs by yourself if you pay attention to the unusual changes your body goes through. If you notice that there are some significant changes in your body that last several weeks, you should reach out to your doctor.
Of course, not every symptom can actually be cancer, but this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t pay attention to them. So if this is one of your biggest concerns, here are 10 cancer symptoms people usually ignore until it’s too late!
…Do you know what the main symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are?
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that happens when your immune system is confused and starts attacking your body’s tissue. In contradictory to osteoarthritis, a health condition that causes the wear and tear of joints, rheumatoid arthritis acts by infecting the lining of the joints, causing severe swelling and inflammation.
If it is not properly treated, over time, this can lead to joint damage and bone deterioration. Many people know that any type of arthritis can affect their bone and joint health, but there is some important information they don’t know: the bones and joints aren’t the only body parts that are damaged by rheumatoid arthritis. This health condition is way stronger and it can affect other parts of your body as well.
Here are 9 arthritis symptoms nobody warned you about!
Would You Be Able To Tell If You Had Colon Cancer?
According to the CDC, colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths among White, Black, and Asian women, right behind breast and lung cancer. While the risk is a bit lower for women, this doesn’t mean they’re not affected.
Colon cancer isn’t the most “glamorous” of cancers if you can even call cancer “glamourous.” I mean, it hasn’t been widely celebrated with ribbons and marches. This is probably because it involves a less-than-appealing part of the body.
So, many people run the other way when it comes to awareness and screening, using not-so-sophisticated but appropriate words like “Ewwww” and “gross.” But while no one wants to talk about it, let’s go over some facts!
Colorectal cancer refers to any cancer that begins in the colon or rectum, making up the large intestine in your gastrointestinal tract. Certain growths or polyps can form in your colon or rectum.
Most are undoubtedly benign, but particular types are at a high risk of becoming cancerous. By this, I mean: sessile serrated polyps, adenomatous polyps, and serrated adenomas.
Hyperplastic polyps and inflammatory polyps usually don’t develop into cancer. With all this, there IS a silver lining! Colon cancer, specifically, is one of the most preventable types of cancer if you catch it early.
So, what are the symptoms?…Keep reading to find out some more about the 10 main ones. But first, how much are YOU at risk?
Your mouth might have a lot to say…and not just in general, but also when it comes to your health. I know it might seem a bit weird to read it…but your teeth and gums might in fact have more to do with your lungs and heart than you could ever imagine!
How come? Well, they might actually tell you about some serious health conditions that might occur in your entire body, from lung cancer to heart disease and dementia.
If you want to know what are the chances for this to happen to you, read here:
What Your Teeth Problems Might Mean
It could be type 2 diabetes
Extremely severe gum disease, also known as periodontitis, might be an early sign of type 2 diabetes, as a February 2017 study showed. Researchers studied over 300 middle-aged adults, only to discover that those who were suffering from severe gum disease, which is roughly a quarter of participants, were more at risk of developing diabetes.
They were also more likely to be overweight, as they had an average BMI of 27 or evermore. Almost one in five of those who had periodontitis had suffered from undiagnosed type 2 diabetes, in comparison to 10 percent of those with mild to moderate gum disease and 8.5 percent with no gum disease.
You might wonder: what’s the connection? Well, people with diabetes are more prone to contracting infections, as the American Academy of Periodontology has concluded.
You could be pregnant
If you know you’re great when it comes to oral health, but you suddenly start noticing that your gums are all inflamed and bleeding, you’re probably freaked out.
Well, your bleeding gums might mean you are pregnant. As the American Pregnancy Association has explained, gingivitis is pretty common among pregnant women, as the hormonal changes might increase blood flow to the gum tissue, which causes your gums to be more sensitive, irritable, and swollen.
Even more, these new hormones might thwart your body’s capacity of fighting bacteria, which increases the risk of plaque buildup.
You could have Alzheimer’s disease
Those people who don’t put much emphasis on their oral hygiene or gum disease might be more at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, as a study conducted in 2013 shows.
The study found a greater presence of a so-called periodontal disease-related bacteria, also known as Porphyromonas gingivalis, in the brains of people who suffered from dementia.
The Alzheimer’s Association shows that gum disease doesn’t CAUSE dementia and that it’s way more likely for Alzheimer’s to make people forget to take good care of their teeth.
Photo by Popel Arseniy from Shutterstock
You might be deficient in some vitamins
Malnutrition and poor oral care might be interdependent, and each one could lead to the other. In a January 2013 analysis, it has been shown that without having enough vitamins, your mouth might have a lower resistance to the microbial biofilm that appears from plaque and a lower capacity to heal inflamed gum tissue.
A deficiency of vitamin D and A might have something to do with the enamel in your teeth, and a vitamin B deficiency might cause your lips to crack, your cheeks to develop ulcers, and your gum lining to become very inflamed. Plus, your mouth and tongue might develop a burning sensation.
You might have osteoporosis
There has been another 2012 study analysis that contained 17 studies, of which 11 proved that there’s a connection between those who had periodontal disease and might also have had osteoporosis.
The American Academy of Periodontology concluded that the link probably comes from the fact that osteoporosis exaggerates tooth loss by decreasing the density of the bone that sustains the teeth, which compromises the foundation on which the teeth are living.
You could have a sugar problem
Sugar is the only reason why the tooth or the cavities might decay, in both adults and kids, as a May 2014 study concluded. British researchers looked at the public health records from all over the world and discovered that 60 to 90 percent of U.S. school-age kids, alongside 92% of U.S. adults might have had a tooth decay problem at some point in their lives.
In comparison, only 2 percent of people in Nigeria, which is a place where sugar is almost completely nonexistent in the diet – have experienced tooth decay.
This is also sustained by a February 2012 study that discovered how obese kids are far more likely to suffer from cavities because they eat a lot of sugary and fast foods.
So the bottom line is, that the more you expose your teeth to a bunch of damaging substances, the higher the risk for cavities.
You might be at risk for lung cancer
People who suffer from gum disease might have an increased risk of developing lung cancer, at least that’s what a June 2016 study shows. Even more, if you’re known to have periodontal disease and diabetes, the risk of developing lung cancer increases even more.
Researchers don’t know why exactly, but one of the studies in this analysis speculated that oral bacteria might play a big role in cancer cells developing in the lungs, as another one suggests the treatment for the periodontal disease might help reduce lung cancer risk.
Photo by sitthiphong from Shutterstock
Or you might be at risk for heart disease
The American Dental Association shows that we now have more than three decades of research that confirm there’s a link between gum disease, plaque buildup, and cardiovascular disease.
In another February 2017 study from the American Stroke Association, there has been shown that even adults that have mild gum disease are almost two times more likely to have an ischemic stroke risk, than those that don’t have any oral health issues.
However, the jury’s still debating if the infectious and inflammatory gum disease process has anything to do with heart attacks and strokes, or whether the two might merely cross paths because of their mutual risk factors, such as smoking, age, and type 2 diabetes.
It could be an eating disorder
Your dentist might be the first person to discover that you have an eating disorder.
There are studies that show that up to 89% of patients with bulimia will show signs of tooth erosion because of all that bile acid that passes by their teeth so many times, as the American Dental Association proved. As time goes by, your teeth will change their color, shape, length, and sensitivity levels.
Spotting moles on your skin is usually caused by too much sun exposure or family genetics. Seniors generally get more of these blemishes than young adults. Suppose there is a suspicious skin blemish lurking around the skin. In that case, it’s time to see a dermatologist and take proper actions to identify and treat it as soon as possible. A biopsy can lead to proper identification of the growth.
Common moles are known as Nevus in the medical field. A collection or plural of Nevus is known as Nevi. There are many types of nevi. It can be raised or flat on the skin. It may have an oval or rounded shape depending on the growth type. Acquired melanocytic nevi are formed during childhood and usually stop at 30.
But wait! Don’t be scared. The majority of these blemishes that appear on the human body are harmless. If you have had a mole for a long period, it’s good to get it checked to be sure. It might be just a simple skin blemish or a cancerous kind. Treating it in the early stages is easier, and the good news is that melanoma is highly treatable.
So here are 9 things anyone should know about moles, especially seniors.
1. Moles come in different colors, shapes, and sizes
Photo by kwanchai.c from Shutterstock
Moles are usually dark in the shade and come in different colors like black or brown. They can be raised or flat depending on the growth type. Moles are formed on the skin by a cluster of cells that creates a substance called melanocytes, caused by melanin.
The substance typically gives color to our skin and eyes. If the mole has a different color, then there is a good chance that the mole might be cancerous, so you might want to get it checked out.
2. They can appear on the fetus
A baby can be born with moles on its body. These are known as Congenital Nevus. Even newborns without these skin blemishes can develop them early and continue to grow more as they make their way into adulthood. The Congenital moles get developed during fetal development.
This means the fetus grows those moles and surfaces into the world with it. The causes of such skin tags are due to the genetics of the parents. If the family members have a history of moles in their family, then the chances are that the baby will have them too.
The skin tags that grow on the human body during their lifetime are caused by environment rather than genetics. But there are high chances that you have had a mole since you were born.
3. They can be caused by sun exposure
Typically, when people are exposed to increased sunlight, a cluster of melanocytes is created through ultraviolet radiation. When the skin is exposed to sunlight, our skin starts producing a pigment called melanin.
In general, melanin causes our skin to get a darker shade of tan. The process is natural and causes melanocytes to grow in clusters. These clusters are the moles that we see in our bodies. If you have fair skin and a history of sunburn, it’s good to use sunscreen.
4. More moles equal higher chances of getting skin cancer
People having more than 50 moles on their bodies have increased chances of getting melanoma (a type of common yet serious skin cancer). The good news is that common skin tags rarely turns into melanoma.
Still, if you have a history of melanoma or anyone from your family has it, you should probably get it checked. If your mole is bleeding or oozing, has different shades of color, formed an uneven shape, the mole’s surface is scaly and itchy, or you feel a lump inside the mole, then it may be melanoma.
5. They can disappear spontaneously
Healthy moles can disappear suddenly. It is a common thing, but the process is gradual and rather lengthy. Some skin tags might dry out and fall from the skin, and others fade in the skin. Disappearing moles are not all normal. Even cancerous moles can disappear.
Typically, when cancerous moles disappear, it is a sure sign that cancer has spread across the skin. As moles are constantly evolving, some might confuse them to be cancerous. If the skin tags are atypical in growth or itchy and bleeding, then it might be worth getting checked out by a doctor.
6. Moles and freckles are not the same things
Photo by Wischy from Shutterstock
Although freckles and moles are both caused by UV radiation and genetics, they are two different types of skin growth. Freckles generally are flat and appear in groups on the skin, whereas moles are typically raised from the skin and grow individually.
Freckles are either one or two shades darker than the skin tone with either reddish or light brown, and moles are generally dark brown or black and often have texture on them. Because freckles and moles have different structures and causes, it is highly unlikely that freckles can transform into moles or the other way around.
7. They can form anywhere on the skin
Moles are typically formed where there is skin. Increased sun exposure causes melanin to be created excessively, causing a collection of cells that ultimately makes skin tags. Even the skin under the nails can grow a mole due to environment and family history. It can be cancerous as well. But to be fair, it is not so common.
There is a type of melanoma called Subungual Melanoma which appears under the nails of either hand or feet. Only 0.07% of people around the world have this kind of melanoma. Moles can appear on palms and heels and in the mouth region as well, but they are most likely to form on the arms or back.
If you have a mole that bothers you, try out this skin tag removal, but make sure to check with your dermatologist first.
8. Unusual moles can turn into melanoma
Photo by Inside Creative House from Shutterstock
Moles evolve on human skin and they come in different shapes and sizes. If a mole grows unevenly and shows different colors apart from the common black and brown, it might be melanoma.
Early diagnosis usually results in the successful treatment of the growth, butt is not possible to identify the type of mole just by sight. An in-depth diagnosis is required to be certain about the type. However, there are sure tell signs to see a doctor if a person experiences the ABCDE signs on the growth:
A – Asymmetric shape
B – Borders are uneven
C – The color is reddish or white
D – Diameter is larger than a quarter of an inch
E – The surface of the mole is raised and evolving rapidly
If these signs are visible, then one must take proper steps to identify the nature of the growth.
9. Tanning stations, beds, and lamps can cause moles
Tanning lamps and beds emit UV light directly on the human skin. The main ruling reason for mole formation is exposed UV radiation on the skin for excessive time. Tanning beds, booths, and laps generate UV rays and are not safer than the sun.
They cause clusters of melanocytes on the skin that ultimately forms into moles. According to scientists, safe tanning station, beds, and lamps do not exist. They increase the chances of getting melanoma by 20%, so we can consider these rather dangerous.
Takeaway
Moles disappear as we get old, but there are chances of moles turning into melanoma. It is an excellent step to keep it under check as melanoma is 99% treatable at its early stages of development. If you have a mole that does not seem normal, the safest option is to go to the doctor for an in-depth analysis to determine whether it is cancerous or not.
Have you had an unusual mole for a long time? You better make an appointment to the doctor. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comment hadsection below!
Our skin is the largest organ of our body and it protects us from infection, regulates our body temperature, stores water, and more. So when skin problems arise, they can have a major impact on our quality of life.
Skin conditions affect nearly everyone at some point in their lives, with some conditions, such as acne and psoriasis, affecting a large percentage of the population.
For the uninitiated, psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes raised, red, scaly patches to form on the skin. It most often occurs on the elbows, knees, scalp, lower back, face, palms, and soles of the feet but can affect other areas as well.
This disease affects about 2% of the U.S. population, or around 7 million people, which also includes celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Cara Delevingne.
While there is no cure for this skin issue, but there are treatments that can help to control the symptoms. Here are ten things you should know about psoriasis:
1. It’s Not a Rash
Photo by Vital Safo from Shutterstock
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes red, flaky, and scaly patches on the skin. It usually occurs on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back but can affect any area of the body, such as the nails, palms, and soles of the feet.
Psoriasis is not a rash; it is a chronic autoimmune disease. This means that it is a long-term condition that results from your body’s immune system attacking healthy cells. A rash is usually a short-term condition that is caused by an irritant, such as a new soap or detergent.
Many people also confuse this condition with eczema, but they are two different conditions. Eczema is also a chronic skin condition, but it is not an autoimmune disease.
2. There Is No Cure
There is no cure for psoriasis, but there are treatments that can help to control the symptoms. These treatments may include topical medications, such as ointments or creams, phototherapy (exposure to ultraviolet light), or systemic medications (oral or injectable medications that work throughout the body). You can use this cream to ameliorate the symptoms and reduce itchiness.
It is important to seek treatment for this skin condition if you are experiencing symptoms, as uncontrolled psoriasis can lead to other health problems. Treatment can help to improve your quality of life and help you feel more comfortable in your own skin. LITERALLY!
3. It’s Not Contagious
A common misconception about psoriasis is that it is contagious. This is not the case; this skin issue cannot be caught from someone else. You may have seen people with this condition covering their skin with long-sleeved shirts or pants, or wearing gloves, in an attempt to hide their condition.
Psoriasis is not contagious, so there is no need to avoid contact with someone who has it. In fact, many people with this skin condition find that their symptoms improve when they are around others who also have the condition.
4. There Are Multiple Types
There are several different types of psoriasis, each with its own set of symptoms. The most common type is plaque psoriasis, which affects about 80% of people with the condition. Plaque psoriasis is characterized by raised, red, scaly patches on the skin.
Other types of this skin condition include guttate psoriasis (small, drop-like lesions), inverse (lesions in skin folds), pustular (white blisters surrounded by red skin), and erythrodermic psoriasis (widespread redness and shedding of the top layer of skin).
5. There Are Triggers
Photo by Maridav from Shutterstock
Psoriasis flare-ups can be triggered by many different factors, including stress, skin injuries, excessive sunlight, infections, smoking, and alcohol.
Stress is one of the most common triggers for this condition. When you are stressed, your body goes into “fight or flight” mode. This can trigger the immune system to attack healthy cells, which is what leads to the development of psoriasis symptoms.
Skin injuries, such as cuts or scrapes, can also trigger a flare-up of this condition. If you have this skin condition, it is important to take care when shaving or waxing and to avoid scratching or picking at the lesions.
If you are experiencing a flare-up of symptoms, there are treatments that can help to control the symptoms and reduce the duration of the flare-up.
6. It Can Affect Any Part of the Body
This condition can affect any part of the body, including the face, scalp, hands, feet, and nails. In some cases, it can even affect the genitals.
The most common areas that psoriasis affects are the elbows, knees, scalp, lower back, face, palms, and soles of the feet. However, it can occur anywhere on the body.
Some people with psoriasis also experience nail problems, such as pitting, discoloration, and crumbling of the nails. And in rare cases, it can even cause genital lesions.
7. Symptoms Worsen in the Winter
Many people with this disease find that their symptoms worsen in the winter. This is likely due to the cold weather and dry air, which can aggravate the skin and make the symptoms worse. A lot of psoriasis sufferers stay indoors during the winter to avoid triggering a flare-up, but this also means missing out on the sun, which can help to improve psoriasis symptoms.
Some people find that their symptoms improve in the summer when it is warmer, and the air is more humid. This is because the natural Vitamin D and UVB from the sun can help to improve the symptoms.
However, everyone is different, and you may find that your symptoms vary from season to season.
8. 80% of People with Psoriasis Have Mild Symptoms
While psoriasis can be a debilitating condition, the majority of people with this skin condition (80%) have mild symptoms. This means that their condition does not significantly interfere with their daily life.
For people with mild forms, treatment may not be necessary. However, if you are experiencing any discomfort, there are treatments that can help to control your symptoms.
If the condition affects more than 5% of your body, or if you are experiencing joint pain, you may be classified as having moderate to severe psoriasis.
9. It Can Affect Your Quality of Life
Psoriasis can have a significant impact on your quality of life. The symptoms can be painful and uncomfortable and can make it difficult to do everyday activities. It can also lead to feelings of isolation and depression.
The condition can also cause psychological damage, as people with psoriasis may feel self-conscious about their appearance. This can lead to anxiety and depression. Most of the time, it’s the lack of understanding and ignorance of others that causes the psychological damage, rather than the condition itself.
If you are struggling to cope with your skin disease, there is help available. There are support groups and counseling services that can help you cope with the condition.
10. There Is Hope
Photo by Ternavskaia Olga Alibec from Shutterstock
Although there is no cure for this skin condition, there are treatments that can help to control the symptoms. With treatment, most people with psoriasis can find relief from their symptoms and live normal, healthy lives.
Some of the most common treatments for this disease include topical creams and ointments, phototherapy, and oral or injected medications. There are also lifestyle changes that can help improve symptoms, such as avoiding triggers, managing stress, and getting enough rest.
“Biologics” is another exciting treatment option that is now available. These are antibodies that target specific proteins involved in the development of this disease. They are taken as an injection or infusion and can be very effective at reducing symptoms.
If you are living with psoriasis, there is hope. Talk to your doctor about the treatment options that are available to you and find the one that works best for you.
Have YOU ever had to deal with a skin condition? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comment section below!
It’s not a huge issue if you get a lot of bites from small insects seeking for their next meal. You see a little red bump, which may or may not be irritating, and you go on. However, if you have a tick, you should be aware of it.
Tick bites are so common that you might consider them to be less dangerous than they actually are. But that is not really the case. Ticks spread a variety of illnesses, some of which are even deadly. Early therapy is usually the key to a complete and quick recovery if you want to avoid further complications.
However, learning how to detect a bite, how to prevent and control tick bites might help you avoid terrible illnesses including Lyme disease in the future.
Here are the warning signs and symptoms to look for, as well as how to get rid of them at home. So let’s learn more about ticks and find out why doctors are so concerned when it comes to tick bites.
How can you identify a tick bite?
Photo by AnastasiaKopa from Shutterstock
Ticks are tiny blood-sucking insects. They vary in sizes, especially as they eat more blood, but they generally are the size of a pea. Ticks have a total of eight legs and they are arachnids, which implies they are spiders’ relatives. Ticks also come in a variety of colors, from brown to dark red to black.
Ticks aren’t like other insects that sting you and then fly or move away. When one lands on your skin, it establishes a home base. It seeks for a food source, then digs its head under your skin to begin eating. And it’ll be there for a long time.
There are some parts of your body where ticks are most likely to strike: armpits, the back of the beck, scalp, on your waist, or around the ears. However, this is not always the case, and they can bite anywhere they can. But these should be the first spots you check after a long day outside.
Because the bite doesn’t sting and isn’t generally irritating, you’re unlikely to feel anything. These insects are frequently quite little, so you may not even see them. At first glance, it may appear to be a piece of dirt. It gets bigger as it eats, making it easier to detect.
When a tick bites you, you may develop a little red lump. Ticks cause 1 to 2 inches of inflammation around some people’s bodies.
Why are doctors so worried
You might find it surprising that doctors are concerned regarding a small tick bite, but the reason why this is dangerous is because you can develop many diseases that are hard to cure or even life-threatening. Here are some of them and how they manifest:
Lyme disease: The majority of patients with Lyme disease get skin rashes, but not everyone does. It might appear anywhere from 3 to 30 days after you’ve been bitten, although it normally takes little over a week.
Around the tick bite, you’ll see a circular or oval region of redness. It may appear to be a result to the bite initially, but the rash grows worse over extended periods of time. It usually reaches a width of around 6 inches. Although it may feel warm, it is hardly unpleasant or irritating.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever: is thought to be one of the most dangerous illnesses you can get from this insect and is very common in the United States. Even though this infection can be treated with antibiotics, the dangers are high, since it can also cause severe injury to the organs, or can even be fatal if not treated as soon as possible.
Of course, you can avoid this complication by taking the right safety measures when in nature, or removing the tick before it is able to do much damage.
This disease can also cause rashes on the skin or small red spots on different parts of your body, such as ankles, wrists, palms, or feet. This irritation usually manifests a few days after the fever and is likely to spread to your abdomen area as well.
A week after the tick bite, another type of rash can develop. This time, the rash has purple tints and indicates that the disease developed to a more serious stage, so it’s recommended to start treatment as soon as possible.
Tularemia: can be transmitted to humans by coming into close touch with an infected animal or by being bitten by certain insects, including ticks. Tularemia is classified into several types based on how the germs enter a person’s body.
Direct contact with the bacterium causes the most prevalent type of the illness. Inhaling the germs causes the most serious type of the condition. Antibiotics are frequently used to treat tularemia. Early intervention increases the chances of a full recovery. Even with medication, some severe instances can be deadly.
How to remove a tick
Photo by Alexander Raths from Shutterstock
1. Grab the tick by its head, or as close as possible to the skin
2. Apply constant pressure as you pull vertically and away from the skin and avoid bending or twisting the insect
3. Examine the bitten area to determine whether any of the tick’s parts remained in the affected spot. If this is the case, carefully remove them.
4. Clean the area with water and alcohol
5. Once you removed the insect, put it in alcohol to make sure it’s dead and take it with you to the doctor to see if it carried a dangerous disease or not.
How to stay away from these insects
The most important thing you should know if you want to prevent coming in contact with these insects is where they are most likely to be. Ticks are most likely to be found in long grassy regions, bushes, and woodland places. They can even be acquired by petting an animal that carries one. When you are fishing, gardening, hiking, or spending time outside, keep an eye out.
But if you are outdoors a lot and want to stay away from tick bites, you can try out this tick repellent spray and enjoy a sunny day in the woods. Another great tip is to walk in the center of trails, away from any tree or bush you can brush against. After a long day outside, you should probably check your skin in the areas where tick bites are most likely to occur and take a shower for extra safety.
When to seek medical attention
Photo by MakroBetz from Shutterstock
Careful removal of the tick is important to ensure you don’t experience any complications. So if you have trouble getting it out, it’s better to go to the doctor and have it taken care by a professional. If you encounter any of the following symptoms, you better get to the hospital right away: rashes, flu-like signs, redness or yellow fluid coming out of the tick bite.
If you were bitten in an area renowned for dangerous tick-borne illnesses, such as the West or Northeast United States, talk with your doctor right away and closely monitor your symptoms.
Have YOU ever experienced a tick bite? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comment section below!
Kidney stones, also known as nephroliths or renal calculi, are the most prevalent urinary system health problem. Every year, around 600,000 kidney stone cases are reported in the United States.
Stones are hard mineral pieces that can develop in the kidneys. They are frequently tiny enough to pass through your body through your urine. However, if they are extremely huge, you may require medical intervention to break them up or remove them.
Seek medical assistance right once if you suspect you have a kidney stone. A fever with a kidney stone or a urinary tract infection (UTI) with a kidney stone, in particular, are surgical emergencies.
When kidney stones are treated early, serious consequences are rare, but if left untreated, they can be fatal.
Continue reading to discover more about kidney stone symptoms.
By Albina Gavrilovic from Shutterstock
What are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are hard deposits of salt and minerals that are often composed of calcium or uric acid. They develop within the kidney and can spread to other areas of the urinary system.
The size of the stones varies. Some are smaller than the size of a period at the end of this sentence, a fraction of an inch. Others can reach a size of a few inches wide. Some kidney stones can become so enormous that they consume the entire kidney.
A kidney stone forms when your urine contains an excess of minerals from your body. Your urine gets more concentrated and contains more minerals when you are dehydrated. A kidney stone is more prone to develop when mineral levels are high.
Men are more likely to have stones. In the United States, around 11% of men and 6% of women will have kidney stones at some point in their lives.
Diabetes and obesity are other risk factors for kidney stones. Kidney stones can also be caused by cystinuria, a hereditary disease.
Smaller kidney stones that stay in the kidney are generally asymptomatic. You may not realize anything is wrong until the stone gets into your ureter — the tube via which urine flows from your kidney to your bladder.
If the stone is tiny enough, it will pass through your urethra and exit your body through your pee. The smaller the stone, the more probable it is to pass on its own and the faster the procedure.
Most stones will pass spontaneously in 31 to 45 days. If a stone does not pass within this timeframe, it is critical to seek medical assistance since the stone may raise the risk of kidney damage and other consequences.
To aid with this process, your doctor may encourage you to drink plenty of water. They may also ask you to strain your pee to collect the stone. The stone’s analysis can aid in determining the underlying reason.
Kidney stones are generally excruciatingly painful. The majority of stones will pass on their own without any treatment. However, you may require a surgery to break up or remove stones that will not pass.
Types of kidney stones
Stones are classified into four types:
Calcium oxalate: The most common type of kidney stone, formed when calcium and oxalate mix in the urine. They may form as a result of insufficient calcium and hydration, as well as other causes.
2. Uric acid:Another prevalent sort of kidney stone is this one. Purines are a naturally occurring chemical component found in high concentrations in meals such as shellfish and organ meats. When you consume a lot of purines, your body produces more monosodium urate, which can cause kidney stones under the correct circumstances. The creation of these stones usually runs in families.
Struvite:These stones are less prevalent and are produced by upper urinary tract infections.
Cystine:These stones are extremely uncommon and usually run in families.
What are the symptoms of a kidney stone?
If you have a minor kidney stone, you may not experience any symptoms while it goes through your urinary tract. However, if your kidney stone is huge, you will most certainly have some symptoms.
The following are 8 signs and symptoms of kidney stones.
1. Pain in the stomach, back, or side
Kidney stone pain, also known as renal colic, is one of the most intense forms of agony that can be imagined. Some people who have kidney stones compare the discomfort to childbirth or being stabbed with a knife.
The agony is severe enough that more than 500,000 people visit emergency rooms each year.
The discomfort usually begins when a stone enters the small ureter. This generates a blockage, which leads to increased pressure on the kidney. The pressure triggers nerve fibers in the brain that send pain sensations.
Kidney stone discomfort often appears out of nowhere. The agony shifts in position and severity as the stone travels.
The ureter contracts as it tries to force the stone out, which causes the pain to come and go in waves. Each wave may linger a few minutes before disappearing and reappearing.
The discomfort is usually felt along your side and back, just behind your ribcage. As the stone goes through your urinary tract, it may cause pain in your stomach and groin.
Large stones can be more painful than little stones, although the degree of the discomfort is not always proportional to the stone’s size. Even a little stone that shifts or causes an obstruction can be uncomfortable.
2. Pain or burning during urination
A kidney stone might be at blame if peeing aches. Some patients experience this sort of discomfort as a stone passes through the ureter and approaches the bladder.
However, any burning with urine is more likely to be caused by an infection, such as a urinary tract infection, rather than by kidney stones. According to one study, 8% of kidney stone patients had a UTI. (A foul-smelling odor is also an indication of a UTI rather than kidney stones.) People seldom mention that their pee smells bad when they have a stone.)
3. Urgent need to go
People who have kidney stones may feel the urge to pee often. This symptom is determined by the location of the stone. Bladder stones cause a variety of bladder symptoms, including frequency, urgency, wanting to use the restroom rapidly, and going in little amounts.
What’s the reason? Stones irritate the bladder walls, which manifests as the bladder constricting, making you feel the need to go.
If you don’t pass much pee, you could assume you’re having problems passing urine. However, bladder contractions can persist even when your bladder is empty. Unless the stone is in the urethra, there should be no difficulty peeing; you should always be making urine.
4. Blood in the urine
A typical sign of kidney stones is blood in the urine. Hematuria is another name for this disorder.
The hue of blood might be red, brown, or pink. Although blood cells are often too minute to view without a microscope (a condition known as microscopic hematuria), your doctor can analyze your urine to check whether it includes blood.
5. Cloudy or smelly urine
Urine that is healthy is clear and does not have a strong odor. An infection in your kidneys or another portion of your urinary system might cause cloudy or foul-smelling urine.
A UTI was discovered in roughly 16 percent of persons with acute kidney stones in research published in 2021.
Cloudiness in the urine indicates pyuria, or pus in the urine. The bacteria that cause UTIs may generate the odor. Urine that is more concentrated than usual might also produce an odor.
With or without a fever, a UTI with a kidney stone is considered a surgical urgency.
6. Getting very small amount at a time
The ureter can get clogged with large kidney stones. Urine flow might be slowed or stopped due to this obstruction.
You can only be able to urinate a limited amount each time if you have a blockage. A total stoppage of urine flow is considered a medical emergency.
7. Nausea and vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are frequent symptoms of kidney stones. These symptoms occur as a result of nerve connections between the kidneys and the GI tract. Kidney stones can stimulate nerves in the GI system, causing an unpleasant stomach.
Nausea and vomiting can also be your body’s method of coping with excruciating discomfort.
8. Fever and chills
Fever and chills are signs of a kidney infection or another illness in the urinary system or urinary tract infection (UTI). A kidney stone can cause this, which can be deadly. It might also be a sign of more serious disorders besides kidney stones. Any fever accompanied by pain needs immediate medical intervention.
Infections typically cause high fevers of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher. Fever is sometimes accompanied by shivering or chills.
If a stone blocks the flow of urine, people with kidney stones might develop a fever. If that’s the case, it’s a medical emergency. Antibiotics won’t go through a blocked kidney; therefore, you’ll have to remove the obstruction.
In certain circumstances, shock wave lithotripsy, which breaks stones into tiny fragments that you then excrete in your urine, can be utilized to eliminate the obstruction. Other times, physicians use a scope to enter the urinary tract and trap the stone or use a laser to break it up. Large stones can be removed with surgery that includes a tiny incision in your back.
How long do kidney stone symptoms last?
As previously stated, the duration of these symptoms might range from a week to a month and beyond. Even if it appears that your kidney stone pain has decreased, it is critical to contact your doctor because occasional discomfort is frequent with this illness.
While some kidney stones pass on their own, others necessitate treatment, such as drugs or treatments to break up the stone or surgical removal. Your doctor can run the necessary tests to determine if the stone will pass on its own or whether you will require treatment.
Furthermore, your doctor can assist you in managing the pain associated with passing the stone.
What are the variables that put you at risk for kidney stones?
Although anybody can have a kidney stone, several variables might increase your chances. Some risk factors are unavoidable, while others may be managed or reduced.
If you have any of the following conditions, you may be more likely to develop kidney stones:
You’re a male
You’re white and non-Hispanic
You’ve ever had kidney stones
If you or a family member has experienced kidney stones
You are not getting enough fluids
You eat a lot of protein, salt (sodium), and/or sweets in your diet
If you are obese or overweight
you’re diabetic
If you suffer from gout
If you’re suffering from polycystic kidney disease
If you take antacids or diuretics that include calcium (water pills)
You’ve undergone a gastric bypass or other gastrointestinal procedure
If you’ve had one or more pregnancies and are of reproductive age
You consume a diet that is heavy in red meat or oxalate
You have a condition that causes your urine to include excessive levels of cystine, uric acid, calcium, or oxalate.
When to see a doctor
If you experience any of the signs of kidney stones, contact your doctor. If you develop any of the following symptoms, which might signal an infection or other significant problem, get medical attention immediately away:
Intense agony that you can’t bear
Nausea, vomiting, fever, or chills in addition to the pain
Blood in your urine
Difficulty peeing
The bottom line
Kidney stones are hard deposits of salt and minerals that develop in the kidneys and can spread to other areas of the urinary tract.
Stones induce symptoms such as discomfort, difficulty urinating, hazy or odorous urine, nausea, and vomiting.
Some stones will naturally pass. Others need sound wave treatment or surgery to be broken apart or removed.
If you experience any of the signs of kidney stones, contact your doctor. The sooner you receive treatment, the less probable it is that kidney stones may cause difficulties.
