Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) is high blood pressure in the arteries that run from the heart to the lungs. It is a serious health condition that can severely affect an individual quality of life. Early diagnosis can facilitate proper treatment, preventing flare-ups and complications. Identifying these signs and symptoms of PAH can help an individual get timely medical assistance. 1. Breathlessness Most people usually have the condition long before they realize that something is amiss. One of the first signs and symptoms of PAH is shortness of breath with everyday activities. This occurs due to blocked or narrowed arteries in the lungs that render the body unable to receive adequate fresh, oxygenated blood. This can especially cause issues when exercising, when the heart needs to work much faster than usual. Consequently, simple tasks like cleaning the housing, walking a few blocks, or climbing the stairs may leave an individual breathless. 2. Dizziness and fatigue Feeling fatigued or out of shape may be one of the first signs of this condition, so PAH might often be misdiagnosed as several factors can lead to fatigue. When the lungs cannot get adequate blood flow, the brain and the body do not get ample oxygen supply either.

UTI or urinary tract infection is caused by microbes, such as bacteria associated with the body’s defenses in the urinary tract. These bacteria can damage the bladder, kidney, as well as the underlying tubes between them. UTI is one of the most prevalent kinds of infection. But if you want to know what causes UTI, read on. 1. Sex Most women tend to get UTI after sexual intercourse because the motion during intercourse can result in the transfer of bacteria from the vaginal cavity or the bowel into the urethra. To lower the risk of developing UTI following a sexual encounter, you should pee within 30 minutes of sexual activity. Generally, washing up after sex is not a harmful activity. However, refrain from using too many soap products. Further studies suggest that the use of spermicides and diaphragms can heighten your risk of developing UTI.   2. Abnormal anatomy The risk of developing a UTI is more if the urinary tract is abnormal or if you recently had a device installed in the tract. The device may be a tube that drains the fluid from the body. More so, if you cannot pee normally because of some blockage, your risk of developing a UTI is more.  Further, the anatomical abnormalities found in the urinary tract may also cause UTI.

Prostate cancer, one of the most prevalent kinds of cancer, is hugely common among males. While in the early stages, prostate cancer is treatable. The cancer starts in the prostate gland that sits between the bladder and the penis. The prostate has several functions, such as producing fluid that transports and nourishes sperm, secretion of the prostate-specific antigen, and enabling proper urine control. Here, we have covered the causes of prostate cancer, followed by its risk factors. Causes There is no clarity on the causes of prostate cancer in men. However, doctors know that prostate cancer starts when the cells in your prostate form change in the DNA. The DNA of the cell has information, which instructs the cell what to do. These mutations trigger the cell to multiply rapidly. Unfortunately, abnormal cells live longer than normal cells. Consequently, unusual cells form a tumor, which can grow further to invade the nearby tissue. Over time, certain abnormal cells metastasize and spread to other body parts. Risk factors 1. Family history There are a few cases wherein the mutations that result in prostate cancer are inherited, mainly when you have a history of prostate cancer in your family. This increases your susceptibility to developing the disease yourself, as there is a possibility that you may have inherited the unhealthy DNA.

Acid reflux or heartburn occurs when stomach acids travel back into the esophagus, irritating its lining. The symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe, but it’s important to determine what causes acid reflux to administer proper treatment. This article lists a few common causes of the condition. 1. Obesity Obesity is a major risk factor for numerous health conditions, and it can also contribute to acid reflux. Additionally, it heightens the risk of chronic acid reflux or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and associated complications like Barrett’s esophagus. Abdominal, visceral obesity is particularly responsible for causing acid reflux.  Excess fat in the abdominal area increases the pressure on the stomach, causing the acids to flow back into the esophagus. Obesity-induced acid reflux can be managed by losing the excess pounds, and following a healthy diet and an active lifestyle is the best way to do this naturally. 2. Smoking cigarettes Smoking cigarettes can severely damage the digestive system, and chewing tobacco or even inhaling second-hand smoke can trigger acid reflux. Smoking relaxes the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES), which is the group of muscles that separates the food pipe and the stomach to keep the acids contained in the stomach. The relaxation of the LES is what causes acid reflux in some people as it allows the stomach contents to flow backward.

Coping with depression is extremely challenging. Even normal day-to-day activities can become difficult to accomplish. Having said that, with the support of family and friends and few tips, you can easily cope with depression. In this article, we are going to talk about six tips for living with depression. 1. Change negative thoughts to positive Negative thoughts are one of the most important causes of depression. So, the first tip for living with depression is to reframe any negative thoughts that come to your mind. You can always take the help of a therapist who can help you identify any disrupting and negative thought patterns and change them into something more positive and affirming. 2. Build a support group or network Building a strong social support group can help a person living with depression to coping with it. This can be done by developing stronger ties with family and friends so that they can, in turn, help manage the symptoms of depression. You can also look for a community support group that can meet your needs. 3. Improve your sleep and wake cycle Studies have found that almost 80% of people suffering from depressive disorders experienced sleep disturbances. You can do several things to improve your sleep hygiene so that you can avoid any sleep disturbances.

Cancer can occur when changes known as mutations occur in the genes that regulate cell growth. In someone with cancer, the mutations make the cell multiply and divide in an uncontrolled manner. When such mutations take place in the breast cells, it leads to breast cancer. In this article, we will study the different types and symptoms of breast cancer. 1. Types Broadly speaking, there are two kinds of breast cancer, and these can be broken down into two key categories–non-invasive or in situ and invasive. The former spreads within the original tissue, while the latter spreads from the breast glands or ducts to the other areas of the breast. Mentioned below are a few common types of breast cancer: Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) This is a non-invasive cancer in which cell growth is curtailed to the ducts in the breast. In this type of cancer, the cells don’t invade the surrounding breast tissues. Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) This is cancer that develops in the breasts’ milk-producing glands. In this kind of cancer, too, the cancer cells do not damage the nearby tissues. Invasive ductal carcinoma This is the most prevalent kind of breast cancer. It originates in the milk ducts and affects the surrounding tissues in the breast.

The second step after the diagnosis of colon cancer is to check the stage of the condition. The course of treatment depends on the severity of the cancer. It is also influenced by whether or not it is a recurrence of the previously treated cancer, your general health, and the stage of colon cancer. Following the initial diagnosis, the doctor will assign a stage to your disease. Let’s understand the stages of colon cancer  Stage of colon cancer 1. Stage 0 This is the initial stage of colon cancer. It suggests that there’s a presence of cancer cells in the colon’s mucosa (innermost layer), which has not yet multiplied. This stage of colon cancer is known as carcinoma in situ.  A polypectomy procedure is performed to help cure this stage. This treatment option helps eliminate all the malignant cells. When the cells affect the larger parts of the colon, the surgeon may perform an excision, a minimally invasive surgery, which takes place during the colonoscopy.  2. Stage I In this stage, the cancerous cells have already invaded the submucosa and the mucosa. The submucosa is the second layer of the colon. However, in this stage, the cancerous cells have still not entered the lymph nodes.  To cure the cancer in Stage 1, partial colectomy (surgery) is performed in the affected area.

You are likely to be diagnosed with dry eye syndrome if your eyes do not produce adequate tears or cannot maintain a normal tear layer that coats them. There is a higher susceptibility to bacterial infection, cornea scarring and inflammation. Though uncomfortable, dry eye syndrome will never lead to a permanent vision loss. So, what causes dry eyes? Let us find out. What causes dry eyes and what you can do about it 1. Aging Anyone can suffer from dry eyes, but the condition is more prevalent in older people. Dry eyes usually affect people over 50 years as the tear production declines with age. This is a natural cause of dry eyes, and there is no way for you to prevent it. However, to lower the impact and irritation that it causes, you can use artificial tears on a routine basis. This can offer additional lubrication to coat the eyes and relieve dryness. 2. Medications Some medications, such as decongestants, antihistamines, antidepressants, hormone replacement therapy, and medications for birth control, blood pressure, and Parkinson’s disease, can be the cause of dry eyes. 3. Sitting in front of the computer for long hours Most of our work nowadays happens online, wherein it is a prevalent practice to sit for long durations in front of the computer.

DVT or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition that results in a blood clot in the deep veins of the body, usually in the leg (thigh and the calf area). Treating DVT on time is crucial because it puts you at risk of a pulmonary embolism if neglected. Although medications are a must to treat it, you can also opt for some natural treatments for DVT simultaneously. 4 natural treatments for DVT 1. Hydrate well One of the most effective natural treatments for DVT is keeping yourself hydrated. When you are dehydrated, your blood thickens. This can put you at risk of developing a blood clot. To be well-hydrated, women must consume approximately 91 ounces of water every day, and men must drink around 125 ounces of water every day. One of the most markers for checking your hydration levels is to note your urine color. If the color is clear or pale yellow, you are drinking adequate water. However, if the urine is darker or amber-colored, then you must increase your daily water intake. 2. Cayenne pepper Another natural blood thinner is cayenne pepper. The food item seems to have an incredible impact on your body because of the presence of salicylates in it.

Cancer is a genetic disease in that it is caused by genetic changes that control cell function, particularly changing how they grow and multiply. Genes are present in the DNA of every cell in the body, and certain gene changes can lead cells to become cancerous. This article addresses the complex link between cancer and genetics. 1. Genes that cause cancer Most genes that lead to cancer development fall into three key categories: Tumor suppressor genes These are guarding genes that usually curtail cell growth by repairing mismatched DNA, controlling when a cell dies, and supervising the division of cells into new ones. When these genes mutate, they cause cells to grow uncontrollably, which can result in a tumor. Oncogenes These genes convert a healthy cell into a cancerous cell, and these mutations are not known to be inherited. DNA repair genes These genes normally perform damage control in the case of mistakes during DNA replication, and many of them operate as tumor suppressor genes. An error in the DNA repair gene causes the mistakes to stay uncorrected. These errors then take the form of mutations, which can lead to cancer. 2. Cancer and genetic mutations Mutations are common and may be beneficial, neutral, or harmful, depending on where in the gene the change occurs.