What causes cough?

What causes cough?                                                       Home

A cough is an action the body takes to get rid of substances that are irritating to the air passages, which carry the air a person breathes in from the nose and mouth to the lungs.

A cough is a reflex action to clear your airways of mucus and irritants such as dust or smoke. It's rarely a sign of anything serious.

A cough is considered "acute" if it lasts less than three weeks. It is considered "chronic" if it lasts longer than eight weeks (four weeks in children).

Causes:

• ·        Asthma
• ·        Allergic Rhinitis
• ·        Common Cold
• ·        Tuberculosis
• ·        Sinus Infections (Sinusitis)
• ·        Chronic Bronchitis
• ·        Emphysema
• ·        Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
• ·        Types of Acid Reflux
• ·        Tonsillitis
• ·        Pulmonary Edema
• ·        Hookworm Infections
• ·        Pneumonia
• ·        Lung Cancer
• ·        Bronchiectasis
• ·        Pulmonary Fibrosis
• ·        MRSA (Staph) Infection
• ·        Laryngitis
• ·        Croup
• ·        Swine Flu
• ·        Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
• ·        Dissection of the Aorta
• ·        Allergies
• ·        Collapse of the Lung (Penumothorax)
• ·        Infectious Mononucleosis
• ·        RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) Infection
• ·        Systemic Sclerosis (Scleroderma)
• ·        COPD
• ·        Swallowed (or Inhaled) Foreign Object
• ·        Pleurisy
• ·        Small Cell Lung Cancer
• ·        The Catastrophy of Cardiac Tamponade
• ·        Heart Attack
• ·        Fluid in the Chest (Pleural Effusion)
• ·        Cystic Fibrosis
• ·        Chickenpox
• ·        Measles
• ·        Sarcoidosis
• ·        Cor Pulmonare
• ·        Encephalitis
• ·        Goodpasture syndrome
• ·        Respiratory Acidosis
• ·        Mitral Valve Stenosis
• ·        Costochondritis (Tietze's Syndrome)
• ·        Histoplasmosis
• ·        Empyema
• ·        Pulmonary Actinomycosis
• ·        Asbestosis
• ·        Acute Mountain Sickness
• ·        Valley Fever (Coccidioidomycosis)
• ·        The Plague
• ·        Absence of Gamma Globulin in Blood
• ·        Anthrax
• ·        Bird Flu
• ·        Aspergillosis
• ·        Nicotine Dependence
• ·        Goiter
• ·        Esophagitis
• ·        Mitral Valve Prolapse
• ·        Ischemic Cardiomyopathy
• ·        Marijuana Dependence
• ·        Hypertensive Heart Disease
• ·        Fifth Disease
• ·        Laryngeal Cancer
• ·        Thyroid Cancer
• ·        Neutropenia
• ·        Achalasia
• ·        SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome)
• ·        Esophageal Cancer
• ·        Kaposi's Sarcoma
• ·        Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy
• ·        Weils Disease
• ·        Leishmaniasis
• ·        Silicosis
• ·        Malignant Hypertension (Arteriolar Nephrosclerosis)
• ·        Transfusion Reactions
• ·        Actinomycosis
• ·        Caplan's Syndrome
• ·        Heart Failure
• ·        Hypersensitivity (Allergic) Vasculitis
• ·        Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
• ·        Peripartum Cardiomyopathy
• ·        Metastatic Lung Cancer
• ·        Thyroid Nodule

 References:

- http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Cough/Pages/Introduction.aspx

- http://www.healthline.com/symptom/cough

- http://www.emedicinehealth.com/coughs/article_em.htm

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Fruits With Amazing Health Benefits & Free Calorie calculator

Fruits With Amazing Health Benefits                                              Home




Try to eat fruits in whole form, including their skin if it is edible, in order to gain the benefits of high fibrous content present in them. This promotes healthy digestion and prevents constipation.

• The maximum nutritional value in fruits can be derived when eaten raw. Cooked or preserved fruits usually lose some of their important nutrients due to high heat and extended shelf life, respectively. Thus, fresh fruits are the most advantageous for your diet.

• Never eat fruits along with your main meal; this can result in severe acidity and digestive problem because fruits are usually mildly acidic in nature. Always eat fruits before or after your meals, usually leave an hour or two of separation

• Fruits compose of many anti-oxidants such as poly-phenolic flavonoids, vitamin-C, and anthocyanins. These compounds, firstly, help human body protected from oxidant stress, diseases, and cancers, and secondly; help the body develop capacity to fight against these ailments by boosting our immunity level. Many fruits, when compared to vegetables and cereals, have very high anti-oxidant values.

• Fruits are low in calories and fat and are a source of simple sugars, fiber, and vitamins, which are essential for optimizing our health.

• Fruits provide plenty of soluble dietary fiber, which helps to ward off cholesterol and fats from the body and to help in smooth bowel movements as well as offer relief from constipation ailments.

• Vitamin C is important for growth and repair of all body tissues, helps heal cuts and wounds, and keeps teeth and gums healthy.

• Folate (folic acid) helps the body form red blood cells. Women of childbearing age who may become pregnant should consume adequate folate from foods, and in addition 400 mcg of synthetic folic acid from fortified foods or supplements. This reduces the risk of neural tube defects, spina bifida, and anencephaly during fetal development.

• Diets rich in foods containing fiber, such as some vegetables and fruits, may reduce the risk of heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.

• Fruits rich in vitamin-C like oranges, limes, lemons, and grapefruits are excellent for your overall health.

Click here: Calorie Calculator 

References:

- http://www.nutrition-and-you.com.

- https://www.choosemyplate.gov/fruits-nutrients-health

- https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit

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Fast facts on hypertension

Fast facts on hypertension                                                    Home 

• high blood pressure is considered to be 140 / 90mmHg or higher

• ideal blood pressure is considered to be between 90 / 60mmHg and 120 / 80mmHg.

• low blood pressure is considered to be 90 / 60mmHg or lower

• Modern lifestyle factors are responsible for a growing burden of hypertension: physical inactivity, salt-rich diets with processed and fatty foods, and alcohol and tobacco use.

• Lifestyle measures are used first to treat high blood pressure, including salt restriction and other dietary changes, moderation of alcohol, and stress reduction.

• Primary or essential hypertension accounts for 90-95% of adult cases, and secondary hypertension accounts for 2-10% of cases.

• Normal: Systolic lower than 120 mm Hg, diastolic lower than 80 mm Hg
Prehypertension: Systolic 120-139 mm Hg, diastolic 80-89 mm Hg
Stage 1: Systolic 140-159 mm Hg, diastolic 90-99 mm Hg
Stage 2: Systolic 160 mm Hg or greater, diastolic 100 mm Hg or greate

• is a major risk factor for stroke, myocardial infarction, vascular disease, and chronic kidney disease.

• You're at an increased risk of high blood pressure if you:
 are over the age of 65
 are overweight or obese
 are of African or Caribbean descent
 have a relative with high blood pressure
 eat too much salt and do not eat enough fruit and vegetables
 do not do enough exercise
 drink too much alcohol or coffee (or other caffeine-based drinks)
 smoke
 do not get much sleep or have disturbed sleep

References:
- http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/241381-overview#a4
- http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/150109.php.
- http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/basics/symptoms/con-20019580
- http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/blood-pressure-(high)/pages/introduction.aspx

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Signs and symptoms of insomnia

Signs and symptoms of insomnia                                   Home

Insomnia symptoms occur in approximately 33% to 50% of the adult population; insomnia symptoms with distress or impairment (general insomnia disorder) in 10% to 15%. Consistent risk factors for insomnia include increasing age, female sex, comorbid (medical, psychiatric, sleep, and substance use) disorders, shift work, and possibly unemployment and lower socioeconomic status.

Symptoms of Insomnia

According to guidelines from a physician group, people with insomnia have one or more of the following symptoms:

• Difficulty falling asleep at night
• Waking earlier than desired
• Still feeling tired after a night's sleep
• Daytime fatigue or sleepiness
• Irritability, depression, or anxiety
• Poor concentration and focus
• Being uncoordinated, an increase in errors or accidents
• Tension headaches (feels like a tight band around head)
• Difficulty socializing
• Gastrointestinal symptoms
• Worrying about sleeping
• Difficulty falling asleep at night
• Waking up during the night
• Waking up too early
• Not feeling well-rested after a night's sleep
• Daytime tiredness or sleepiness
• Difficulty paying attention, focusing on tasks or remembering
• Increased errors or accidents
• Ongoing worries about sleep

• Sleep for only short periods

References:
- http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/insomnia/symptoms-causes/dxc-20256961
- http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/9155.php
- https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/inso/signs
- https://sleepfoundation.org/insomnia/content/symptoms
- http://www.aasmnet.org/Resources/ClinicalGuidelines/040515.pdf

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10 Reasons Why Cellphones Are Bad For Your Health

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10 Reasons Why Cellphones Are Bad For Your Health   

1. Cancer Risk: A new study from Sweden suggests decades of cell phone use can triple your chances for brain cancer.

2. Sleep less: individuals with smartphones in the bedroom sleep less each night. In addition, microwave radiation from cell phones is much riskier for kids than originally thought. One study noted a child's brain tissue and bone marrow actually absorbs significantly more than those of an adult.

3. Disease Carriers: a recent study noted cell phones could be as dirty as public toilet seats, and that the heat phones generate makes a perfect breeding ground for bacteria.

4. Cell phones actually interfere with normal socialization: a team of researchers found cell phones actually interfere with normal socialization. The near constant use even creates learned compulsive behaviors (like self-importance).

5. Spinal Misalignment: constant tilting down to look at your phone screen can take its toll, leading to neck and back pain as well as migraines.

6. Negatively affects emotions: The presence of a cell phone while two or more people are talking face-to-face can generate negative feelings toward the person who has his or her device visible. In two studies conducted at the University of Essex in the United Kingdom, researchers studied the effects of a mobile device during a nose-to-nose conversation. In the first study, 37 pairs of strangers were asked to spend 10 minutes talking to each other about an interesting event that happened in their lives within the past month. Half of the participants were seated in a secluded area with a mobile device present on a desk nearby whereas the other half remained without a cellphone. The results of the study showed that those who had a mobile device nearby were perceived less positive by the stranger, compared to the other participants without a cell phone presen

7. Ncreases stress levels: In a study researchers found high mobile phone use was associated with stress and sleep disturbances for women, whereas high mobile phone use was associated with sleep disturbances and symptoms of depression in men. Overall, excessive cell phone use can be a risk factor for mental health issues in young adults.

8. Increases risk of eye vision problems: Screens on mobile devices tend to be smaller than computer screens, which means you are more likely to squint and strain your eyes while reading messages.

9. Road accidents: studies show that using a mobile phone while driving greatly increases the risk of traffic accidents.

10. Scientists in countries around the world have published their own results on other health problems that appear to be a result of increasing cell phone usage. the following health problems connected to cell phone radiation:

• salivary gland tumors
• dizziness and migraines
• less sleep and poor sleep quality
• changes in production of specific proteins in human cells
• decreased sperm count and quality
• skin irritation, especially on the face (this is a condition known as electrohypersensitivity)
• behavioral problems and increased chance of cancer tumor development in children.

References:
- http://center4research.org/healthy-living-prevention/products-with-health-risks/can-cell-phones-harm-our-health-2/
- http://www.medicaldaily.com/5-reasons-why-cellphones-are-bad-your-health-247624
- http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/5-ways-cell-phones-harm-health/
- https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/mobile-phones-and-your-health

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) ... Symptoms ... What not to eat and What to eat ?

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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) ... Symptoms ... What not to eat and What to eat ?

Irritable bowel syndrome is a condition that affects the function and behavior of the intestines. Normally, the muscles lining the intestines intermittently contract and relax to move food along the digestive tract. In IBS, this pattern is disturbed, resulting in uncomfortable symptoms. More than 40 million people are affected by IBS. It is important to remember that patients with IBD can also have IBS.

Risk factor
• Age> 50 years
• Short history of symptoms
• Documented weight loss
• Nocturnal symptoms
• Male sex
• Family history of colon cancer
• Anaemia
• Rectal bleeding
• Recent antibiotic use

Symptoms
• Cramping
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Gas
• Diarrhea
• Constipation

The hallmark of IBS is abdominal pain or discomfort associated with either a change in bowel habits or disordered defecation. The pain or discomfort associated with IBS is often poorly localized and may be migratory and variable. It may occur after a meal, during stress or at the time of menses. In addition to pain and discomfort, altered bowel habits are common, including diarrhea, constipation, and diarrhea alternating with constipation. Patients also complain of bloating or abdominal distension, mucous in the stool, urgency, and a feeling of incomplete evacuation. Some patients describe frequent episodes, whereas others describe long

symptom-free periods. Patients with irritable bowel frequently report symptoms of other functional gastrointestinal disorders as well, including chest pain, heartburn, nausea or dyspepsia, difficulty swallowing, or a sensation of a lump in the throat or closing of the throat. Patients with IBS are generally classified according to the type of bowel habits that accompany pain. Some patients have diarrhea-predominant symptomatology, others constipation-predominant, and still others have a combination of the two. Some patients alternate between different subgroups.

Symptoms may vary from barely noticeable to debilitating, at times within the same patient. In some patients, stress or life crises may be associated with the onset of symptoms, which may then disappear when the stress dissipates. Other patients seem to have random IBS episodes with spontaneous remissions. Still others

describe long periods of symptoms and long symptom-free periods.

In general, the symptoms of IBS wax and wane throughout life, but the majority of patients seen by physicians is 20-50 years old. In approximately 50 of patients, symptoms begin before age 35. The disorder is also recognized in children, generally appearing in early adolescence. Many patients can trace the onset of symptoms

back to childhood. The prevalence of IBS is slightly lower in the elderly, and in this patient population organic disorders must be excluded.

WHAT NOT TO EAT
According Stanford Primary Care Clinics:

FOODS'TO'AVOID
1. Raw fruit
2. Raw vegetables: (Esp. Broccoli, cabbage, Brussel sprouts, cauliflower, onions, radish, eggplant, celery).
3. Popcorn
4. Fried Foods
5. Nuts and seeds
6. Tomato Sauce, Spicy'foods
7. Mayonnaise, Miracle Whip
8. Most "fast foods" (e.g. Frenchfries, hamburgers, hotdogs, potatochips)
9. Rich foods (e.g. chocolatecake, cookies)
10. Beans (pintobeans, redbeans, chili, burritos)
11. Salads (orany foods that contain lettuce, cucumbers, etc.)
12. Whole wheat product
13. Sugarless products (candy, gum)
14. Fructos' containing products

 DRINKS'TO'AVOID:
1. Soda (esp. From a bottle)
2. Milk, Ice Cream
3. Alcohol
4. Caffeinated beverages (i.e., coffee, tea, etc.)

 MEDICINE'TO'AVOID:
1. Aspirin
2. Non - steroidal medication (i.e, Advil, ibuprofen, alleve, etc.).


WHAT TO EAT

Foods:

1. Cooked canned vegetables (except cabbage)
2. Meat, poultry and fish (not deep fried, beef Rarely).
3. Dairy-Chesse, Yougurts, etc. (Limited amount)
4. Toast, rice, muffins, bagels
5. Soup
6. Most sandwiches (turkey, chicken, bread)
7. Tofu

Drinks

1. Juice (without pulp).
2. Water
3. Iced tea

Medication
1. Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

References
- http://sim.stanford.edu/resources/smg_patient_info/IRRITABLEBOWEL09-09.pdf
- http://s3.gi.org/patients/gihealth/pdf/ibs.pdf
- http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/gastroenterology_hepatology/_pdfs/small_large_intestine/irritable_bowel_byndrome_ibs.pdf
- http://www.ccfa.org/assets/pdfs/ibd-and-irritable-bowel.pdf
- http://www.healthline.com/health/irritable-bowel-syndrome/causes-risk-factors#1

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