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8 Signs You Might Have Kidney Stones

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.

You Might Have Kidney Stones
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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:

  1. 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. 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.
  3. Struvite:These stones are less prevalent and are produced by upper urinary tract infections.
  4. 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.

You might also like: 10 Serious Signs Your Kidneys Need Help

8 Signs of a Heart Attack Seniors May Feel

lung cancer chronic
Photo by Dragana Gordic from shutterstock.com

If you notice any symptom of a heart attack, immediate medical attention is crucial to save one’s life. The most common disorder among the elderly is a heart attack, especially in the U.S. Because a this usually occurs unexpectedly, there is little that can be done to prepare.

Heart attack symptoms vary between individuals; no two are similar. They are especially different between men and women. Some people may not have all of the symptoms at the same time.

And if you’ve had a heart attack previously, you may have different symptoms. With a fragile group like the elderly, it’s up to people around them to pay attention to any warning indications.

You can save a senior’s life or even yours if you pay attention to the frequent signs and symptoms.

Don’t wait for symptoms of a heart attack to appear in order to get informed on this matter, since this common issue among Americans is quite deadly. So keep reading to find out more about the risk factors, symptoms and what to do in case of a heart attack. 

Eye Exams: 10 Worrying Signs You Need One NOW

How Important Are Eye Exams?

…Did you know that your eyes can tell a lot about your health and that sometimes, an eye exam is the best thing you could do?

We all know that it’s extremely important to go to the doctor when we notice that there is something going on with our health. This rule applies to all of your health conditions, especially when it comes to your eyes.

They help you see the world around you, help you work, drive, and so many other things.

Adults should go to an eye exam at least once every two years, but if you wear glasses or contacts, your ophthalmologist might recommend for you to come for a check-up sooner.

Over time, your eyes can get a lot more sensitive and tired, due to several factors, such as age or working all day on a computer and you should pay attention to every single change that might occur.

With that being said, here are 10 signs that you should pay your doctor a visit and ask for an eye exam!

eye exam
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1. You Experience Eye Pain

According to experts, if you experience mild pain rarely, it’s not a reason to panic, because it might be a symptom of tiredness. However, if you have frequent eye pain that is uncomfortable and intense, you should definitely ask for an eye exam.

There is a possibility that this pain you feel is actually a sign that your eyes are infected, or could be a symptom of a more serious health issue.

2. You Have Blurry Vision Or Trouble Focusing

If you experience blurry vision or have trouble focusing all of a sudden, it might be time to call your ophthalmologist, because it might indicate that there is something going on there.

If your vision comes and goes or it happens in one eye only, you should immediately schedule a typical appointment with your doctor.

If your vision is getting blurrier and blurrier over time, you don’t have to panic. It might indicate the fact that your eyes are changing and you might have to use a prescription to see better. Whatever the symptom might be, don’t neglect it and book an eye exam!

3. You Don’t See At Night 

In conformity with experts, it is normal for people to experience night blindness (having difficulty seeing when it’s dark) when they get older. However, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take care of it.

You should definitely call your doctor and ask for an eye exam because over time, night blindness can actually turn into cataracts.

This health condition is severe and it usually needs surgery to be cured, but you can talk to your doctor about different methods and things you can do to prevent or slow the progression of cataracts.

…Meanwhile, here’s a trusted little sidekick to help you read at night!

4. You Have Migraines

Changes in vision usually happen over time, so patients might notice them after a longer period of time. However, if you experience frequent migraines, it might indicate that there are some changes in your vision and your eyes are affected as a result.

…How often do you go to your ophthalmologist for a regular eye exam?

eye exam
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5. You Have Light Sensitivity

There are many people who suffer from light sensitivity without knowing about it. Many experts say that this symptom might indicate a few more serious infections, eye disorders, and diseases, such as photophobia.

This is a type of eye trouble that occurs in bright light when the cornea gives permission for light to enter the eye.

As the light goes through the eye the iris modifies its shape by enlarging and letting more light through or compressing and allowing less light through to change pupil size.

6. You Experience Double Vision

Double vision is also known as diplopia and can be either monocular, which means that only happens in one eye, or can occur in both eyes. This health issue can be caused by several things, such as keratoconus, astigmatism, or dry eye.

In addition to that, there can be other factors that might trigger this, such as abnormalities in the lens, brain, cornea, retina, and nerves. Diplopia can also be caused by the fact that the eyes are not able to coordinate the way they are supposed to.

This phenomenon is called binocular double vision and patients who are diagnosed with this can see perfectly with each individual eye, but they can’t see well with both of their eyes used at the same time.

One of the most common reasons binocular double vision happens is because the eyes are somehow pointed at different angles, which can result in them transmitting different images to the brain.

Given the fact that this is not an easy symptom and it can get dangerous pretty quickly, you shouldn’t waste time and go for an eye exam as soon as possible.

Photo by Pearl PhotoPix from shutterstock.com

7. You Have Dry And Itchy Eyes

If you suffer from allergies or if you spend time the majority of your day working on your computer, it is understandable that your eyes feel itchy and dry.

However, besides being a side effect, dry eye is also a chronic condition that can be kept under control with the help of many non-invasive treatments.

…Make sure to book an appointment with your eye doctor to get an eye exam find out more about this health issue! 

8. You Suffer From Diabetes

Diabetes is a severe health issue that can affect patients in many eyes, including their eyes. When the levels of sugar in a patient’s body are way too high, it can cause issues to the fragile blood vessels in the retina. As a result, all these things can cause diabetic retinopathy.

Studies have discovered that people who are diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes have a higher risk of developing the disease previously mentioned.

If you want to make sure that you won’t be a victim of this dangerous health condition, make sure to respect what your ophthalmologist tells you and go to your eye exam at the right time.

eye exam
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9. You Have Troubles With Near Or Distant Vision

If your eyes aren’t the way they used to be and now you find yourself squinting to read road signs when you’re in the car or holding your phone at arm’s length to be able to read a text message, you should call your doctor right NOW and get ready for an eye exam!

Even though you don’t notice any major changes, this doesn’t mean that you should wait around until your vision gets worse.

If you don’t have a prescription already, but you do one of the things or even both previously mentioned, it might be an indicator that you need glasses.

If you already wear glasses or contacts, this means that your prescription has changed and you need an eye exam to determine how much and what you can do.

10. You Went A Long Time Ago

Just like you need to go to the dentist from time to time to have a regular check-up, you have to take care of your eyes as well.

In conformity with the Canadian Association of Optometrists, adults who are between 40 and 64 years old should go to an ophthalmologist every two years, and people who are over the age of 64 should make this appointment a priority and go every year.

…When was the last time you had an eye exam? 

CONCLUSION 

It doesn’t matter if you work on a computer every single day, if you’re 40 or seventy years old, or if you don’t experience any of these symptoms. You shouldn’t neglect your health, especially when it comes to your eyes.

Make sure to respect all the indications the experts give you and go to the ophthalmologist for an eye exam if you believe that your vision has changed. Don’t wait until things are bad, because it might be too late to prevent it!

Keep in mind that it is always better to prevent a health condition rather than treat it!

…If you liked this article and want to know some more about health and wellness, check this one out: Top 12 Foods That Are Bad for Your Skin!

If One of My Parents Had Diabetes, Will I?

If you or a member of your family has been diagnosed with diabetes, you may be wondering if it is hereditary. There are several forms of diabetes, each with its own set of risk factors that contribute to the disease’s development.

If you have a diabetic father, mother, brother, or sister, you are more likely to have the disease than someone who does not. Although, diabetes is not only driven by genetics, and having a relative with the condition does not guarantee that you will develop it.

In certain cases, such as type 2 diabetes, lifestyle factors play a role, and early detection can prevent or postpone disease progression.

Identifying genes may also aid researchers and clinicians in predicting diabetes diagnoses and developing tailored treatment strategies that are ideal for glucose management and disease progression.

Learn more about the impact of genetics on diabetes development, screening, activities you may take to avoid or postpone specific forms of diabetes, and how environmental factors may play a role in different types of diabetes.

If One of My Parents Had Diabetes, Will I?
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Role of Genetics in Diabetes

Diabetes is more likely to develop in persons who have certain genetic predispositions. However, just because you have genetic risk factors for diabetes does not guarantee that you will get the disease.

Researchers have discovered a link between specific genes and the development of diabetes over time. Types 1 and 2 diabetes are thought to have complicated genetic etiologies, with over 40 and 90 genes/loci implicated, respectively, that interact with environmental/lifestyle variables.

The discovered genes have a variety of activities and tasks that can impact blood sugar regulation. These roles include regulating the expression of other genes, directing insulin release, pumping glucose into cells, and accelerating glucose breakdown.

However, something in the environment must induce diabetes to become active in addition to genes.

For example, among children with a genetic predisposition to type 1 diabetes, researchers discovered that viruses, colder weather, early food introduction, and whether they are breastfed are all factors that may play a role in the development of type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune illness in which the body destroys the beta cells of the pancreas, which makes the patient dependent on insulin infusions or injections to survive. Type 1 diabetes affects an estimated 1.6 million people in the United States.

People who are genetically inclined to have type 1 diabetes have a higher chance of having it, but this doesn’t guarantee that they will.

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), if you’re a man with type 1 diabetes, your child’s chances of having diabetes are 1 in 17. If you have type 1 diabetes and have a kid before the age of 25, your child’s risk is 1 in 25; if you have type 1 diabetes and have a child after the age of 25, your child’s risk is 1 in 100.

Researchers also discovered that among first-degree relatives, siblings of persons with type 1 diabetes are at a greater risk than kids of type 1 diabetes parents (both fathers and mothers).

According to the ADA, the majority of White persons with type 1 diabetes have HLA-DR3 or HLA-DR4 genes, which are connected to autoimmune illness. Other ethnic groups’ suspect genes may put them in greater danger.

Scientists believe that the HLA-DR9 gene, for example, may put Black individuals in danger, whereas the HLA-DR9 gene might put Japanese people at risk. While certain genes are more prevalent predictors of type 1 diabetes than others, over 40 gene markers have been confirmed.

Type 1 diabetes is not caused only by a genetic predisposition. And some people can get type 1 diabetes despite having no family history of the disease. According to estimates, 85 percent of patients with type 1 diabetes do not have a family history of the condition.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes gets characterized by insulin resistance and increasing loss of beta-cell activity (beta cells are pancreatic cells that produce insulin), which can result in high blood sugar levels.

Many persons with type 2 diabetes have other underlying health issues, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and belly fat. Type 2 diabetes was formerly known to be adult diabetes, but we now know that it may also afflict youngsters.

The genetic component of type 2 diabetes is complicated and evolving. Many genes have been found in persons with type 2 diabetes.

Some genes are associated with insulin resistance, whilst others are associated with the beta-cell activity. Scientists are still investigating the genes involved in the development of type 2 diabetes, as well as their function in disease progression and therapy. Several studies have found a large range of variations in the heritability of type 2 diabetes, ranging from 20% to 80%.

Persons who have a parent with type 2 diabetes have a 40% lifetime chance of having the disease, and 70% if both parents are afflicted. People with a first-degree relative’s family history are also three times more likely to get the condition.

However, genetic factors are not the sole danger. Risk can be influenced by environmental variables, behavioral factors, and the shared environment.

According to the American Diabetes Association, even though type 2 diabetes is more closely linked to a family’s history than type 1 diabetes, environmental and behavioral variables also play a role, and intervention methods can assist to avoid or postpone a diabetes diagnosis.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy when blood glucose levels rise. The placenta supplies nutrients to the baby, allowing it to grow and thrive. Pregnancy also generates a range of hormones.

Some of these hormones inhibit the action of insulin, making post-meal blood sugar regulation more difficult. This usually happens between 20 and 24 weeks of pregnancy, which is why patients are evaluated for gestational diabetes at this time.

The American Diabetes Association recommends diabetes screening in women:

  • Those who are thinking about having a baby, especially if they have risk factors
  • Are pregnant with risk factors (test before 15 weeks)
  • Are pregnant and have not had a preconception screening (at the first prenatal visit)

To compensate for hormonal insulin resistance, the pancreas normally produces more insulin. Some persons are unable to keep up with insulin production, resulting in high blood sugar and a diagnosis of gestational diabetes. The majority of people will not have any symptoms.

The cause of gestational diabetes is assumed to be a mix of hereditary and environmental risk factors. Because of its clusters in families, genetic susceptibility has been proposed.

Several genes have been discovered in those who suffer gestational diabetes. There appears to be a link between gestational diabetes and the genes for young-onset diabetes mellitus (MODY).

Many persons who have gestational diabetes have a close family member with the condition or another kind of diabetes, such as type 2 diabetes.

It is crucial to remember, however, that having genetic susceptibility does not guarantee you will develop gestational diabetes. Other risk factors include to mention a few, gestational age, weight, activity level, nutrition, previous pregnancies, and smoking. Maintaining sufficient blood sugar management is critical for the mother’s and baby’s health.

Genetic Testing

Diabetes genetic testing is challenging since tiny mutations of multiple distinct types of genes can lead to a diagnosis in some types of diabetes, such as type 2 diabetes.

When they are used to identify certain monogenic (mutation in a single gene) types of diabetes, such as neonatal diabetes and MODY, genetic testing is helpful and can aid in successful treatment. In these cases, genetic testing is critical since persons with MODY are frequently misdiagnosed.

When a diabetes diagnosis appears to be out of the ordinary, doctors frequently propose genetic testing. For example, a person around the age of 25 who has high blood sugars but no conventional risk factors for type 1 or type 2 diabetes may have MODY.

MODY genetic diagnostic also enables the identification of at-risk first-degree family members, who have a 50% probability of acquiring a gene mutation.

However, one issue is that insurance occasionally rejects reimbursement for genetic testing even when persons meet the requirements, causing clinicians to miss a MODY diagnosis. Researchers are always looking for methods to reduce the cost of genetic testing.

Certain genes and antibodies can aid in the prediction of type 1 diabetes. If you believe that you or your child is at elevated risk of developing type 1 diabetes, you should know that you might be eligible for a risk screening through the TrialNet Pathway to Prevention Study.

This risk screening, which utilizes a blood test to detect danger before symptoms occur, is free for families of persons with type 1 diabetes. People who are discovered to be in the early stages of developing type 1 diabetes may be eligible for preventative research as well.

Inquire with your doctor about genetic testing and how useful it is in predicting if you will get diabetes.

As of yet, experts don’t believe that genetic testing is useful in the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.

Because there are so many different gene variations and subtypes of type 2 diabetes, they believe that improved methodologies and more study are needed before putting it to practical use.

Pregnant women are often evaluated for gestational diabetes between the ages of 20 and 24 weeks.

However, genetic testing is not yet therapeutically effective in polygenic gestational diabetes, as it is in type 2 diabetes, due to the very modest percentage of risk explained by known genetic variations.

Researchers, on the other hand, believe that genetic testing for monogenic types, notably MODY, can help select therapy and pregnancy management.

Can You Reduce Your Risk?

While having a family history can increase your risk, having a genetic predisposition does not guarantee you will get diabetes. There are strategies to lower your chance of getting gestational diabetes or type 2 diabetes if you have a family history of this condition.

To decrease risk, maintain a healthy weight or lose weight if you are overweight, especially in the stomach area. Even a small weight decrease of 5% to 10% of your body weight can lessen your risk. Gaining weight gradually rather than rapidly during pregnancy can assist to prevent gestational diabetes.

Continue to be active. Try to get two and a half hours of activity every week and avoid sitting for extended periods.

Eat more plant-based foods including fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. This is also linked to a lower chance of getting type 2 diabetes.

Regular checkups and health maintenance are essential. If you’ve suddenly gained weight or feel sluggish and exhausted, you may have high blood sugar, which is caused by insulin resistance.

Screening

Because type 2 diabetes may take years to pop up, people might have impaired glucose tolerance (insulin resistance) or prediabetes for years without realizing it. If you discover this disease early, you may be able to prevent or postpone the onset of diabetes. Screening is advised if you have any of the risk factors listed below:

  1. Over 45: If your findings are normal, testing should be repeated at least once every three years, with more frequent testing considered based on initial results (those with prediabetes should be tested yearly).
  2. Excessive BMI: A BMI greater than 25 kg/m2 or a waist circumference greater than 40in. in males or 35in. in women is a risk factor. Asian-Americans have a lower BMI cut-off (23 kg/m2).
  3. Belong to a high-risk population: Prediabetes is more common in Black Americans, Native Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic/Latinx Americans, Alaska Natives, and Pacific Islanders.
  4. Diabetes in the family: This includes having a parent or sibling who has diabetes.
  5. Gestational diabetes: Having a history of gestational diabetes or giving birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds are both risk factors.
  6. Lifestyle: A physically inactive lifestyle is typically a risk factor.
  7. Hypertension: This is defined as blood pressure equal to or more than 140/90 mmHg or the use of hypertension medication.
  8. High levels of fat and cholesterol: You are at a higher risk if you have lower levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol or higher levels of triglycerides.
  9. Predisposing conditions: Risk factors include acanthosis nigricans, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
  10. Medication: Atypical antipsychotics and glucocorticoids raise the risk.

Various noninvasive tests can detect if you are at high risk of acquiring type 2 diabetes. Hemoglobin A1C, blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides are a few examples.

Final Words

Diabetes development has a hereditary component, although it is not the sole factor. Lifestyle factors, environmental triggers, and other health issues can all contribute to the disease’s development.

Because there are several varieties of diabetes, your risk is determined by the type of diabetes to which you are genetically inclined. If you have any concerns about your family’s history with diabetes, make sure to discuss them with your medical team.

In certain cases, genetic testing may not be useful; nonetheless, you may be checked for the condition. You will be informed about your specific risk, things to take to avoid or delay it (if feasible), and coping skills.

You might also like: Top 10 Foods Suitable for Diabetics

Anxiety vs. Depression – Symptoms and Treatment

The words “anxious” and “depressed” are commonly used in general conversation. Anxiety and sadness are both common feelings that emerge in reaction to high-stakes or possibly dangerous events (in the case of anxiety) or disappointing, miserable conditions (in the case of depression).

The link between these emotions—and the clinical problems that go along with them, such as anxiety disorders and mood disorders—is complicated and distinctive.

Anxiety can lead to avoidance and isolation in certain people. Isolation can lead to a lack of joyful experiences, which can contribute to a depressed mood.

Others may experience feelings in the other direction. Feeling sad may sap one’s vitality for activities they normally like, and attempting to re-engage with the rest of the world after a long absence can be nerve-wracking.

Understanding the differences between the two emotions and determining the severity of the problem will help in determining how to improve your mood.

Anxiety vs. Depression - Symptoms and Treatment
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The Relationship Between Anxiety and Depression

Both anxiety and depression share a biological basis. Changes in neurotransmitter activity are implicated in long-term anxiety or depression, such as that experienced by people with clinical anxiety and mood disorders. Low serotonin levels and other brain chemicals like dopamine and epinephrine, are considered to have a role in both.

While the biochemical roots of both issues are identical, anxiety and depression are experienced differently. In this sense, the two states may be viewed as two sides of the same coin.

Anxiety and/or depression can occur sequentially (one after the other) or concurrently. When anxiety and mood issues reach the clinical diagnosis threshold at the same time, the particular illnesses are referred to as comorbid conditions.

Mental Differences Between Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety and depression each have different psychological characteristics. Their mental markers (symptoms or manifestations of the disorder) differ.

Mental Markers of Anxiety

People who suffer from anxiety may:

  • Be concerned about the immediate or long-term future
  • Have racing, uncontrolled thoughts of things going wrong
  • Avoid circumstances that may induce worry so that sensations and ideas do not consume you.
  • Consider death in the sense of fearing death as a result of the perceived threat of bodily symptoms or predicted harmful results.

These mental signals might differ depending on the nature of the anxiety. A person suffering from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), for example, maybe concerned about a wide range of topics, events, or activities.

A person which suffers from social anxiety disorder (SAD), on the other hand, is more likely to be afraid of unfavorable appraisal or rejection by others, as well as to be fearful of meeting new people or other socially stressful circumstances.

Obsessions are irrational ideas or mental urges (often with a magical character) that go beyond ordinary concerns. They are the most common mental manifestation of anxiety in patients suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Mental Markers of Depression

People suffering from depression may:

  • Be pessimistic, believing that nothing good will happen in the future for oneself, others, or the world.
  • Believe that it is pointless to try to think or feel differently because of this hopelessness.
  • Have a sense of worthlessness, as though who they are or what they do is unimportant.
  • Consider suicide because of a constant perception that life isn’t worth living or that the individual is a burden to others. Suicidal thoughts might be more particular in situations of moderate to severe depression.

These sorts of thoughts are prevalent in major depressive disorder (MDD) throughout most of the day and, sometimes, for weeks on end.  If a person’s mood swings between very low and very high, he or she may have bipolar disorder. The style of thinking described above is likely to define a low mood state in any version of a mood illness.

Physical Differences Between Anxiety and Depression

The physical symptoms of anxiety and depression can be tiring for the person suffering from them.

Physical Signs of Anxiety

The physical condition of anxiety might be described as heightened alertness in general. Some of the signs of anxiety are down below:

  • Difficulty getting or keeping asleep owing to racing thoughts or other physical symptoms
  • Difficulties concentrating as a result of excitement or racing thoughts
  • Dizziness
  • Discomfort in the intestines (e.g., nausea, diarrhea, or constipation)
  • Muscle tension
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sweating occurs, heart rate, and blood pressure are all higher.

Physical Signs of Depression

Depression is essentially defined by changes in normal physical processes from baseline, such as:

  • Difficulty concentrating, focusing or remembering things because of ruminative thinking processes or other physical signs
  • Physical achiness without reason
  • Sleeping way more or much less than normal owing to ruminative mental processes or poor energy
  • Lack of energy
  • Loss of appetite or a considerable rise in hunger
  • Moving or speaking at a slower pace than normal

Symptom Severity

It isn’t uncommon to feel down or anxious for a short time, especially in reaction to specific life circumstances (For example, the death of a loved one, the diagnosis of a physical disease, the start of new work or a school, financial difficulties, and so on).

Symptoms must be persistent (typically for many months) and debilitating to reach the diagnostic threshold of an anxiety disorder.

To determine the intensity of your symptoms, do the following:

  • Ask yourself some crucial questions regarding how much your symptoms interfere with your day-to-day functioning. You might also ask trustworthy friends and family members whether they’ve observed any changes in you or your conduct, and if so, what they’ve noticed.
  • Learn about the usual manifestations of mild, moderate, and severe depression or anxiety.
  • Be sure to track your psychological and physical symptoms for a week or two to acquire an accurate picture of mood and anxiety changes.

Treatment for Anxiety and Depression

Even if you’ve determined that your anxiety or mood problem is minor, it is still worthwhile to work on. Consider how much it’s interfering with your life and how it is interfering in what ways to identify what kind of therapies would be beneficial.

Self-Help Approaches

If your symptoms are minor and ebb and flow, or if you have already had formal treatment and are concerned about recurrence, self-help approaches might be a good place to start.

Self-help books and phone applications that adapt evidence-based psychotherapies or provide a means to practice skills that target a symptom are examples of these techniques (such as mindfulness meditation for anger or anxiety).

Psychotherapy

There are several sorts of talk therapy for those suffering from depression and/or anxiety. The treatment method for anxiety and depression in organized psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), might differ slightly.

CBT will teach you how to work with problematic thought traps for both difficulties. And, for any condition, CBT will most certainly require you to do more behaviorally.

The purpose of anxiety treatment is to reduce avoidant behavior and assist you in disconfirming a feared result. The objective of depression is to assist you with feel-good emotion, a surge in energy (even if it is fleeting), or another form of pleasurable contact with the world.

The argument is that engaging activity, even if your energy or mood is poor, might result in some kind of pleasant reward.

Sessions for anxiety and depression in psychodynamic talk therapy may appear more identical than different. You will be invited to speak openly about the past and present to become aware of any unconscious ideas or conflicts that may be behind your symptoms.

Do not be disheartened if you believe you have separate, co-occurring anxiety and mood problems. Effective psychotherapies for these issues have some overlap.

Medications

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a type of drugs that have been demonstrated to aid with both anxiety and depression. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and anti-anxiety drugs are some other medications that may be utilized based on your symptoms.

  • Many persons with depression discover that using antidepressants, or prescription drugs, can help them improve their mood and coping abilities. Talk to your doctor to see whether they are appropriate for you. If your doctor prescribes an antidepressant, be sure you understand how to use it. Please notify your doctor if you are presently using nicotine replacement therapy or any medication to assist you in quitting smoking.

There are a variety of antidepressant drugs to select from, so you and your doctor can make an informed decision. Be patient if it takes a few trials to locate the best drug and the perfect dose for you. Also, keep in mind the following vital details:

    • It is critical to follow the dosage guidelines when using these drugs. Some patients begin to feel better a few days after beginning the medicine, but it might take up to about four weeks to get the maximum effect. Antidepressants work well and are generally safe for most individuals. But it is still vital to consult your doctor if you have any negative effects. Side effects normally do not interfere with everyday living and frequently disappear as your body responds to the medicine.
    • Do not discontinue an antidepressant without first consulting your doctor. Stopping your medication abruptly might create withdrawal symptoms or aggravate your depression. Work with your doctor to carefully alter the dosage.
    • Some antidepressants might be dangerous during pregnancy. Consult your doctor if you’re pregnant, suspect you are pregnant or want to become pregnant.
    • Antidepressants will not be able to treat all of your difficulties. If you feel that your mood is worsening or that you are thinking about harming yourself, you should contact your doctor right away.

Smoking cessation will not interfere with your mental health therapy or worsen your depression. Indeed, studies suggest that quitting smoking might enhance your mental health in the long run.

Other approaches

While these therapies aren’t intended to replace regular therapy or medicine, they may be beneficial as part of your overall treatment strategy.

Alternative approaches could include:

  • Depression or anxiety supplements
  • Hypnotherapy
  • Acupuncture

Is There A Relationship Between Smoking and Mental Health Issues?

Adults with mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, are substantially more likely to smoke than the overall population.  Persons with mental health disorders smoke approximately three out of every ten cigarettes smoked by adults in the United States.

It’s unclear why smokers are more prone than nonsmokers to suffer from sadness, anxiety, and other mental health issues. More study is required to ascertain this. Smoking is not a cure for sadness or anxiety, regardless of the cause.

Getting therapy for sadness and anxiety, as well as quitting smoking, is the most effective approach to feeling better.

How to Seek Help

Begin by consulting with your health care physician if you are looking for more structured assistance for anxiety or depression.

Remember that while successful treatment for anxiety or depression does not have to be a long-term commitment, it is likely to necessitate regular, ongoing sessions, at least in the near term (say, six to 12 months). As a result, it is vital to locate a specialist you can confide in and with whom you feel comfortable discussing your symptoms.

It is also critical that you choose a doctor who is within your financial means. Before committing to continuous care, you should speak with a handful of clinicians to get a sense of their therapeutic styles and treatment suggestions. You can then use this knowledge to select which direction to take next.

The bottom line

Anxiety and depression are very frequent mental illnesses. Anxiety is characterized by excessive anxiety and dread, whereas depression is characterized by a sense of helplessness and despair. Both disorders can happen at the same time in some people.

Anyone who sees a change in their mood or has anxiety or depression symptoms should seek medical help.

Both anxiety and depression may be treated in the same way by doctors. They may, for example, prescribe CBT or psychodynamic talk therapy in addition to antidepressant medicines like SSRIs or benzodiazepines.

Anxiety, depression, or both can be treated with aid and support from online and in-person support groups. It is important to realize that you are not alone and that assistance is accessible.

You might also like: 10 Active Ways to Beat Depression

What’s Behind My Frequent Bowel Movements 

The frequency of bowel movements varies from person to person, so what is typical for one person may not be normal for another. However, if you happen to have more than three bowel movements in a day, this is considered frequent.

Frequent bowel movements can be caused by a variety of circumstances, including a person’s lifestyle, viruses, infections, prescription side effects, food sensitivities, and certain medical problems.

Learn more about the reasons for frequent bowel movements, as well as the treatment choices and preventative techniques available to you.

What Is Considered Frequent?

A condition in which a person defecates (eliminates waste from their intestine) more frequently than normal is known as frequent bowel movements. There is no such thing as a “normal” amount of bowel movements.

Healthy bowel movement frequency might range from three times a day to three times a week, according to several healthcare practitioners. Your ‘typical’ system, on the other hand, may deviate from these figures.

The fact that a person’s bowel movements have grown more frequent is based on an increase in that person’s normal pattern, not on a universal definition.

Constipation (fewer than three bowel movements each week) and diarrhea (more than three movements of loose stools in a day) are the two most common bowel movement disorders.

Related Symptoms

Frequent bowel movements might be associated with a variety of other symptoms. These will differ depending on the underlying reason for the frequent bowel movements.

Among the possible symptoms are:

  • Soft or loose stools
  • Weight loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Cramps
  • Nausea
  • Dehydration
  • Fever

What causes frequent bowel movements?

Frequent bowel movements can occur for a brief period and are not a reason for concern. These can be caused by stomach discomfort from eating rotten, fatty, or spicy food, an intolerance to a meal, or an intestinal “bug” that clears itself in a day or two.

Other possible reasons for frequent bowel movements include increased physical activity, certain drugs such as antibiotics or metformin, or a dietary change (more fiber, water, fats, or sugars). After the person adjusts to the alterations or makes dietary changes, his or her bowel movements may return to normal.

Additional causes may exist when the person has other symptoms in addition to the increased quantity of bowel movements, such as the following:

1. Diet

What you eat becomes you, and what you consume becomes feces. Spicy Thai cuisine or a large raw salad might result in a few more trips to the bathroom. It’s also scientifically shown that eating a vegetarian diet leads to greater defecation. Plant foods are high in fiber, which makes you feel full.

It’s even more common among vegetarians. The 30% of plant-based participants in nutrition and bowel movement research had a greater pooping frequency. Spicy foods might irritate your stomach, causing you to go to the bathroom more frequently (especially hot lava style).

Furthermore, consuming bad food might make you ill, causing you to use the toilet far more frequently than usual.

2. Exercise

There’s a reason why experienced runners advise “never trust a fart.” Running, for example, can start things flowing. Researchers attribute gym-goers’ increased defecation to the digestive system constricting and stretching, as well as secretions and reduced blood flow.

Furthermore, what you consume in conjunction with exercise might cause problems with your colon. According to a 2015 research, triathletes who drank coffee, energy, or carbohydrates before the race were more likely to have greater GI stress during training.

Competitors who took coffee in the morning experienced considerably greater GI irritation when they began running.

3. Lactose Intolerance

Eating foods that conflict with your body might also cause you to use the restroom more frequently. If you’re lactose intolerant, consuming dairy can result in some fairly explosive dookies, or if you’re lucky, simply an increase in the number of trips to the restroom.

This is because lactose intolerant people are unable to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and milk products, including cheese and yogurt.

Lactose intolerance can run in a person’s family and is more frequent among Asian, African, Mexican American, and Native American populations.

4. Illness

More trips to the porcelain palace are frequently associated with a disease. This might be bacterial, viral, parasitic, or issues from body functions or organs that are causing you to get ill.

C. difficile (which can be fatal if not treated), worms or protozoa, diverticulitis, pancreatitis, gallbladder difficulties, H. Pylori, or intestinal disorders are some of the ailments connected with frequent defecation.

5. Celiac disease and gluten

People nowadays have a lot of reasons to dislike gluten, but if you’re pooping a lot, gluten might be the cause. Gluten sensitivity in people who aren’t have celiac disease can lead to GI discomfort, which can lead to gas and frequent bowel movements.

Celiac disease is far worse than gluten sensitivity. The disease is essentially an autoimmune disorder in which gluten triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine. In the long term, this may lead to very significant problems.

According to the Celiac Illness Foundation, one in every 100 persons worldwide has the disease. Keep track of what you’re consuming, and if you see a link between gluten-containing items and your BMs, see your doctor.

6. Period

That time of the month may also wreak havoc on a restroom schedule. In a 2014 study of 156 women, 73% reported GI irritation before or after their period, and 28% had diarrhea.

When Aunt Flo comes to visit, the body produces hormone-like compounds known as prostaglandins, which aid in uterine contraction (hello, cramps!). Prostaglandins can also cause your gut muscles to contract more, resulting in additional trips to the toilet.

7. Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease which can cause the digestive system to become inflamed. It can also expand to the layers of your gut tissue, producing more discomfort and complications.

Crohn’s disease can produce a variety of unpleasant symptoms, such as stomach discomfort and diarrhea. Bloody stools are also a sign of Crohn’s disease and should be reported to your doctor as soon as possible (Crohn’s can cause life-threatening complications).

Crohn’s disease, like IBS, has yet to be cured. Make an appointment with your doctor if you feel this is the cause of your frequent defecation.

8. Coffee

Do you feel compelled to use the bathroom after drinking your grande cold brew? Coffee makes you go faster for a variety of reasons, the most important of which is caffeine.

According to research from the University of Iowa College of Medicine, individuals who drank caffeinated coffee had 60% higher colon activity than those who drank water, and 23% more than those who drank decaf.

Additional research has found similar outcomes when giving people caffeinated coffee throughout the years, leading to the popular assumption that caffeine consumption makes you desire to go to the bathroom.

9. Medication

Medications can also affect your bowels and stimulate your colon. Aside from the obvious laxatives and stool softeners (duh), there are a few drugs to be aware of:

  • NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen
  • Antibiotics
  • immune system suppressing drugs like mycophenolate
  • medicines for heartburn and stomach ulcers (uncommon, but possible)
  • chemotherapy drugs
  • antacids
  • metformin (diabetes medication)

Any new drug might mess with your body’s toilet habits. If things do not return to normal and you experience alarming symptoms such as fever, stomach discomfort, nausea, vomiting, or bloody stools, contact your doctor immediately.

10. IBS

You may have stomach discomfort and bowel movement changes such as diarrhea, constipation, or a mix of the two if you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). So, if you have IBS and have a regular pooping routine, the two may be linked.

The bad news is that physicians are still unsure what causes IBS and will most likely recommend that you adjust your dietary habits or take medication. Food allergies and stress have been linked to IBS flare-ups in certain people.

11. Drinking

After a night out of drinking, most of us have undoubtedly experienced the beer sh*ts. The toilet excursions after drinking 12 White Claws, often known as day-after-drinking stool (or DADS for short), maybe a nightmare.

Beverages with a low alcohol level, such as wine and beer, speed up the emptying of your GI tract. Bending the elbow also increases your ethanol consumption, which is the chemical ingredient in alcohol that causes GI motility to speed up when ingested in big amounts.

12. Stress

Stress can disrupt a variety of bodily functions, including hormones, weight, and the immune system. It’s no surprise that it might have an impact on your bowel movements.

Stress might cause you to poop more because it can upset your digestive system, resulting in increased poops and diarrhea.

13. Traveling

There’s a reason why seasoned travelers have Imodium on hand. Traveling to another nation might increase your desire to defecate and cause traveler diarrhea.

Traveler’s diarrhea is typically caused by consuming infected food or drinking polluted water while abroad. Furthermore, minor things such as temperature or sanitation might disturb your bowels.

A 2017 study of 628 international tourists from the Boston region discovered that 33% had traveler’s diarrhea.

How are frequent bowel movements diagnosed?

In circumstances when the cause of frequent bowel movements is unknown, the doctor will ask you the following questions:

  • When was your last bowel movement?
  • How frequently do you urinate?
  • The consistency of the feces (watery or shaped)
  • If there is blood in or near the stool
  • If you have rectum bleeding
  • If you feel dizzy or have cramps, discomfort, fever, or nausea
  • What meals and beverages do you eat?
  • If you have recently changed your weight.
  • The drugs you are taking
  • If and when you have recently traveled

A physical examination will be performed by the doctor, who may also prescribe blood and stool tests, urinalysis, and X-rays.

How to get your bowels under control

Once you’ve identified some probable causes for your frequent defecating, you can restore normalcy to your plumbing system using one of many methods:

  • Alter your diet by consuming less fiber-rich or irritating/spicy foods.
  • Reduce your coffee usage (we promise you can survive on one cup a day).
  • Be mindful of what you consume in the hours leading up to a workout.
  • When going overseas, take certain food-related precautions.
    • Before drinking, brushing your teeth, or rinsing with tap water, be sure it’s safe.
    • Never consume raw fruits or vegetables without first washing them in clean bottled water.
    • Be cautious and only consume fruits and vegetables that have been cooked or have a peel that you can remove yourself.
  • Reduce your alcohol consumption.
  • Consider meditating or seeing a therapist if you’re tense or nervous.
  • Examine the meds you’re currently taking.

Make an appointment with your doctor to address any ailments, disorders, or dietary allergies that may be to blame.

When should I consult a physician regarding frequent bowel movements?

If you experience frequent bowel movements and any of the following symptoms, consult your doctor:

  • Stools that are bloody or rectum bleeding
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Acute severe diarrhea following hospitalization or antibiotic use
  • Severe or chronic (long-term) diarrhea
  • Painful, puffy, or inflated abdomen
  • Stools with a strong odor
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Incontinence (inability to regulate bowel movements)
  • Body aches
  • Constipation that hurts
  • Fever
  • Nausea
  • Chills
  • Vomiting

What are the risks of having frequent bowel movements?

Because frequent bowel movements can be a sign of a serious condition, failing to seek treatment might lead to major consequences and lasting harm. Once the underlying reason has been identified, you must adhere to the treatment plan that you and your doctor devised particularly for you to limit the risk of potential problems such as:

  • Anemia (low red blood cell count)
  • Intestinal blockage and intestinal wall rupture
  • Spread of cancer
  • Spread of infection

Summary

The frequency of bowel movements varies from person to person, but more than three bowel movements per day are considered frequent. This can be caused by particular foods or dietary variables, but it can also be caused by viral or bacterial infections, drug side effects, and certain medical disorders. Treatment is not always required.

However, it may include addressing the underlying problem if one exists.

Read also: Everything You Need To Know About Your Gut Microbiome

10 Diseases You Can Catch By Kissing Someone

kiss
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Don’t you love a good smooch? Especially that type of kiss that makes you feel so alive, the one that so many songs and fairytales are preaching. When it’s about a good, loving kiss, the world suddenly stops rotating, and nothing else even matters at the moment.

That’s only because you’re sharing a sweet kiss with someone, someone you really love and care about. Naturally, when it’s smooch time, the last thing on your mind is the thought of any contagious diseases you might get.

However, they’re still there, you know. contagious and stuff! The last thing on my mind is to scare you away from kissing, but I thought you might want to know what diseases you might get after a kiss:

Blood Clot Signs: 3 Symptoms of Important Body Parts You Should Look After

All of us have seen a blood clot before. It happens every time we accidentally get a paper cut, or when we nick ourselves with a knife or with a razor: the blood congeals and stops the bleeding, only to break up and disappear after the cut has been healed. In such instances, they save the day! However, there are a lot of moments when they become a problem instead of being the hero of the day.

If they don’t end up breaking apart, they can enter your bloodstream and lead to various, dangerous medical conditions. The worst thing is that you can get them virtually anywhere in your body, so knowing the signs of potentially having one can make the difference between saving someone (or yourself) or seeing someone have a stroke in front of you.

Despite the general rumor, you can get blood clots both in your arteries (which are responsible for getting oxygen from your heart to everywhere else in your body, and a blockage can lead to the aforementioned stroke) and in your veins (which bring the blood back to the heart from the body). The only difference between them is that the symptoms show up slower when it comes to the veins, but they are by no means any less troublesome.

We found some of the most common signs you may have a blood clot and categorized them by body part, so they would be easier to spot. This way, you will know when your body is starting to warn you and you can get the medical help you need as fast as possible. But keep in mind that sometimes these clots can be silent problems, as they don’t always cause symptoms.

Either way, we have to warn you that given how serious some of these symptoms are, they’re also common among various medical conditions. You should make an appointment with your doctor if you happen to have any of them!

cancer symptoms, blood clot
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Lungs

Similar to other parts of the body (about which we will discuss later), the clots that appear in your lungs aren’t developed in the lung, but rather they have originated elsewhere. In most cases, the clots travel from a deep vein located in your leg or arm after they break off, and that’s how they make it all the way to your lungs.

When the blood clot reaches your lungs, it turns from just being a clot to you developing pulmonary embolism. This is a very dangerous disease as it blocks the blood vessel it ends up in, thus cutting off the blood supply to your lungs. You should be on the lookout for any of the following symptoms, so you know when to go see the doctor: developing pains in your chest or a cough; feeling short of breath or suddenly having problems breathing; feeling dizzy; or beginning to sweat out of the blue.

It’s better to make an extra visit than to be too late!

Brain

Unfortunately, the brain seems to be the place in the body that has the most ways in which blood clots can appear. From them being caused by fatty deposits on the walls of various blood vessels (which are responsible for bringing the blood all the way up to your brain), to them appearing because you got a concussion, and the blow caused a blood clot to appear.

Other times, the clot could travel all the way up to your brain, after forming somewhere else in the body (like the neck or chest, or even in the heart). It just didn’t cause any problems until it used the bloodstream to travel to the brain, where it would cause a stroke! Strokes are very dangerous, and some people never recover from them, not to mention that fainting due to one can cause other types of problems if you fall badly.

This is why you should watch out for these most common symptoms: a general feeling of weakness, problems with your speech or vision, and a seizure.

Heart

There is a chance of a blood clot developing in your heart or anywhere around it. However, if that happens, there’s a high chance of having a heart attack as there won’t be enough blood to pump due to a blockage. You should watch out for sudden sweating, severe pain in your chest or arm, and trouble with breathing. Heart attacks are no joke, and you shouldn’t minimize the symptoms if you have any.

Read more about heart disease symptoms you may be ignoring here!

blood clot
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Kidney

With how common other types of blood clots are, the ones that happen in the kidneys are less frequently in the memory of people. Yet, this doesn’t make them any less dangerous! If you develop a clot in your kidneys, it might impair your body’s ability to remove toxins and waste from your body. This can lead to you developing high blood pressure and it can even lead to kidney failure.

We don’t have to spell out just how critical it can be to have kidney failure, and with how long the waiting list for a kidney transplant is, you have to keep these signs in mind when considering a blood clot.

The most severe symptoms are blood in your urine, high fevers, and pain in the side of your stomach, thighs, or legs. However, other symptoms might include nausea (often accompanied by vomiting), sudden and severe leg swelling, high blood pressure, and even having trouble breathing. If you notice any of these, even in the slightest capacity, and especially if they’re persisting, you should make a medical appointment as soon as possible.

Stomach area

A less common fact is the one that you can develop blood clots in the veins that are responsible for draining the blood from your intestines. Moreover, they can be caused by various factors, including birth control pills and even other medical conditions such as liver diseases or diverticulitis (which cause inflammation pouches to appear in the intestines).

Because there are so many diseases that cause problems in the stomach area, it can be pretty hard to pinpoint symptoms associated with clots in the stomach. However, you should investigate further if you happen to have any of the following problems: severe belly pain, especially after you just ate, nausea or vomiting, bloody stools; even diarrhea, or feeling bloated for a longer period of time.

blood clot
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Most common blood clot areas: Arms and Legs

Since we generally nick or hit our legs and arms more often, there is a high chance of a blood clot forming in any of the deep veins that travel all through our limbs than in any other places. When these form, there is a chance that you could have deep vein thrombosis (or DVT), which is what causes the blood clots to form and then travel to your lungs or heart.

Generally, DVT appears after you haven’t moved around for a really long time, during a really long plane trip, or even after surgery. The most common symptoms of having DVT are quite easy to spot if you know them, so if you think any of the following applies to you, get medical help as soon as possible.

It can happen that the area where the blood clot forms swells, or you could see your whole arm or leg starting to swell suddenly. At times, the affected limb might even change color, to red or blue hues, and start itching. Other times, you may notice (and feel) your veins swell, and they may be painful to the touch as a result of the increased pressure.

If you experience any type of persistent pain that is occasionally accompanied by throbbing pain, sudden edema on your skin, or any lower leg cramps that happen over a period of time, there is a high chance you may have DVT.

However, if you start having problems breathing, or if you happen to start coughing up blood, you have to call 911 as soon as possible. This symptom, together with pain in your chest and potential dizzy spells, can mean that the blood clot traveled up to your lungs and you should get help as soon as possible!

10 Subtle Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

rheumatoid arthritis
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Rheumatoid arthritis might have many symptoms, but the most common are stiffness, painful joints, and fatigue. Given the fact that this disease might cause inflammation in many other body parts, you might confuse its symptoms and believe they have nothing to do with rheumatoid arthritis.

But some of these are signs of more serious complications that could put your organs, or even life, at risk. If you happen to notice any of these symptoms, the last thing you should do is try to deal with them on your own. The safest thing to do is to call your doctor, especially if you recognize more than 5 of these signs.

Subtle Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Fragile bones

Your bones become weaker because of rheumatoid arthritis and medications that treat it, such as steroids. When both of these two are in the equation, you are way more likely to break a bone when you fall. However, by keeping an active life, exercising, and walking, you can enhance your bone strength.

Also, in some patients with old rheumatoid arthritis or even other rheumatoid disorders, stress fractures and insufficiency fractures aren’t so uncommon. They might be caused by osteoporosis that the patient is stuck with after suffering from corticosteroid therapy, joint stiffness, or deformity of their joints.

Luckily, a minimum of 30 minutes of daily walking could prevent all that.

Chest pain

Patients who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis are more at risk of developing heart disease. So as time passes, there’s a possibility of having build-up plaque in their arteries. Doctors are calling this atherosclerosis, and it can lead to a heart attack. Another common symptom is also chest pain.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a possible reason for suffering from another painful heart problem known as pericarditis. Pericarditis happens when thin layers of tissue around your heart are inflamed. You can experience severe chest pain that’s similar to a heart attack. While it might not be a heart attack, if you feel this pain, call 911.

Rheumatoid arthritis
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Dryness

Rheumatoid arthritis can cause dry eyes, which makes you more likely to get an eye infection. People with this disease are at risk of developing another autoimmune condition known as Sjögren’s syndrome, which is an autoimmune disease.

Your immune system is attacking some parts of your body by mistake. The glands that make tears and saliva are attacked, which causes a dry mouth and dry eyes. You might also have dryness in other places that need to be moisturized, like the nose, throat, or skin.

Sjögren’s syndrome might attack other parts of the body too, such as joints, lungs, kidneys, digestive organs, nerves, and blood vessels.

Eye problems

Although this complication is rare, rheumatoid arthritis can cause sclera, which is an inflammation in the white part of your eye. Two of the most common symptoms are redness and eye pain. You can also experience blurry vision.

Dry eyes can get infected, especially if they’re left untreated. Suffering from dry eyes can damage the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped surface of the eye that makes your eye focus. They can also be a symptom of Sjögren’s syndrome.

If you have been experiencing any of these symptoms, visit your ophthalmologist for a proper evaluation. Early treatment can prevent these vision-threatening complications.

Fever

Fever usually sets in when there’s an infection in the body. Rheumatoid arthritis medications such as biologics and steroids are good against the disease, but they also slow down the immune system. While they’re efficient when it comes to joint pain and swelling, it’s a bit harder for your body to fight off unpleasant surprises such as the flu.

Rheumatoid arthritis makes you prone to infections, just because it directly affects your immune system. You might also experience mild fever, as a symptom of a rheumatoid arthritis flare up. This is the moment when you know that the inflammation has gotten out of control. If your fever gets too high, the first thing your doctor will do is to look for an infection.

rheumatoid arthritis
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Difficulty hearing

Rheumatoid arthritis is known to increase the risk of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss occurs when there’s some damage to the outer and middle parts of the ear, which makes it difficult for the ear to properly conduct the sound.

Sensorineural hearing loss is when the damage in your ear is deeper, and it affects the inner ear and nerves. This specific type of hearing loss doesn’t allow the brain to interpret sound. You can also experience mixed hearing loss, which means you’re at risk of suffering from both types of hearing impairment.

Up until this day, researchers haven’t succeeded in finding out why rheumatoid arthritis causes hearing loss.

Mood changes

And as if it weren’t enough, rheumatoid arthritis is also linked to depression, anxiety, and many other mood problems. Given the fact that this disease causes a lot of pain, fatigue, and even stiffness that makes everything harder, depression and anxiety are expected to be presented.

They might also come from the pain caused by inflammation. For example, some people with rheumatoid arthritis suffer from fibromyalgia. This disease is responsible for causing muscle pain and sometimes even leads to depression and anxiety.

On top of that, stress makes all of your symptoms way worse. If you notice that you experience constant mood swings, talk to your doctor.

Numbness or tingling

Rheumatoid arthritis can affect the small nerves located in your hands and feet. You might feel your hands or feet a bit numb or as if you’re being stuck on pins and needles. If these little blood vessels in your hands or feet are shutting down, your fingers or toes might feel colder or number.

They might even change color when there are colder temperatures outside, turning either white, red, or blue. Rheumatoid vasculitis, which affects blood vessels, is responsible for causing numbness, tingling, burning, and pain in your hands and feet caused by damaged nerves.

If you feel like your hands or feet are numb, or if you notice that they drop or go limp when you try to raise them, visit your doctor.

Stomach pain/ indigestion

Rheumatoid arthritis and the medicines used to treat it are directly linked to mouth and stomach ulcers, stomach bleeding, acid reflux, diarrhea, and constipation. Painful diverticulitis, which is the scientific term for inflamed pouches in your GI tract, and colitis, also known as the inflamed colon, are also in the equation when you have RA.

RA drugs such as NSAIDs often cause ulcers or an upset stomach. Also, sometimes belly pain might come as a sign of RA complication, also known as rheumatoid vasculitis. It’s when inflammation grows in your blood vessels. Among other symptoms, you can also experience weight loss and a lack of appetite.

Difficulty breathing

If you experience trouble breathing and you don’t know why, maybe you should blame rheumatoid arthritis. Some people that suffer from this condition, especially men who smoke or used to, are more likely to suffer from serious lung problems.

When rheumatoid arthritis inflammation is causing scar tissue to form in your lungs, you will notice chronic cough, shortness of breath, weakness, and a constant feeling of tiredness. RA can also inflame the tissue that lines the lungs, and this may lead to shortness of breath or pain and discomfort when you breathe.

If you have unusual breathing problems or coughs, visit your doctor right away.

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