Living with a chronic illness such as lupus can be challenging and unpredictable, with the condition changing daily. Knowing its early signs and symptoms is an important part of living with this disease since it allows for better management. This article will discuss nine common symptoms of lupus. Read on to explore the warning signs, from skin rashes to joint pain, and get in touch with a healthcare professional if you identify any of them. What is lupus? Lupus, also known as systemic lupus erythematosus, is a complex autoimmune disease affecting the body’s immune system, which normally protects it against foreign invaders such as bacteria and viruses. It is a chronic disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks its healthy tissues and organs. It can cause inflammation throughout the body, but mostly in joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, the brain, and other organs. Lupus can affect people differently; its symptoms range from mild to life-threatening. Systemic lupus erythematosus diagnosis often involves an assessment of a patient’s overall health history, physical exams, laboratory tests, and imaging studies like X-rays or ultrasounds. If you experience any of the symptoms detailed below, visiting your physician at the earliest is advisable. 9 early symptoms of lupus Light sensitivity Light sensitivity with lupus occurs when the skin breaks out in rashes or blisters in certain areas as a reaction to sunlight.

When it comes to vision health, conditions like macular degeneration must be taken seriously. Nearly 20 million people in the country are believed to be living with this condition. If left unchecked, this chronic eye disorder can trigger vision problems and may lead to blindness sometimes. However, by making changes to one’s nutritional regime, one can delay its symptoms. Listed below are some safe foods and unhealthy foods to avoid while dealing with macular degeneration. Macular Generation Macular degeneration is a severe eye condition that affects the retina’s central part, called the macula. The macula is responsible for the sharp, clear vision required for reading and driving. In macular degeneration, the cells in the macula start to break down, leading to a loss of central vision. It can make seeing fine details, recognizing faces, or reading small print difficult. Sometimes, vision loss can progress and become more severe with time. Macular degeneration occurs in two types- Dry macular degeneration, the most common type, is characterized by the slow breakdown of the macula over time. Wet macular degeneration is less common but more severe and is characterized by the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the macula that can leak blood and fluid and cause rapid vision loss.

Managing high blood sugar is essential to avoid serious health issues like diabetes or heart disease. However, you must first learn what high blood sugar (or hyperglycemia) is. Recognizing the signs of high blood sugar and the foods that can cause a spike helps prevent CKD type 2 diabetes. This article will discuss what constitutes high blood sugar levels and which foods to avoid to keep your numbers in check. What is high blood sugar? High blood sugar (or hyperglycemia) occurs when the blood has too much sugar (glucose). Glucose is the body’s primary energy source, but too much of it in the bloodstream can cause damage to the body’s organs and tissues. Usually, the hormone insulin helps to regulate the amount of glucose in the blood by allowing it to enter cells and be used for energy. However, when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or doesn’t use it properly, glucose can build up in the blood, resulting in high blood sugar. If left untreated, high blood sugar can cause serious health problems, including nerve damage, kidney damage, and even blindness. Thus, it’s essential to monitor blood sugar levels and consult a healthcare professional if you experience symptoms of high blood sugar.

Eczema is a prevalent health condition that causes skin dryness and itchiness. While the symptoms’ severity can vary from person to person, they are generally uncomfortable and frustrating. Health experts recommend various treatments, lifestyle changes, and home remedies to manage flare-ups. This post takes a closer look at the common symptoms that help identify eczema and a few simple home remedies to help patients relieve discomfort and improve their quality of life. What is eczema? Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition characterized by dry, itchy, and scaly patches that can appear anywhere on the body. As per estimates, one in ten individuals in our country is said to have some form of the disorder. Health researchers do not know the exact cause of eczema. However, they believe that allergens (like soaps and artificial fragrances), environmental irritants (like dust and pollen), genetics, and psychological stress play a role in its development. Treatment for this ailment often includes creams and moisturizers containing special ingredients and lifestyle changes like avoiding harsh soaps and stress. Early warning signs of eczema While eczema is generally a lifelong condition, it can be managed with treatment. Before starting treatment, one must have a confirmed diagnosis.

Exhaustion, shortness of breath, and persistent pain in the back or elsewhere in the body are potential signs of multiple myeloma—a common type of cancer that affects the bone marrow. Sadly, many people overlook these symptoms, leading to a delayed diagnosis and treatment. This blog takes a closer look at the signs of multiple myeloma and the foods one should eat and avoid with this condition for a better prognosis. What is multiple myeloma? Multiple myeloma is a variation of blood cancer that develops in the plasma cells of the bone marrow. These cells are responsible for producing antibodies to ward off infection and disease. When affected by this condition, plasma cells become abnormal and divide rapidly. They crowd out healthy blood cells with time, damaging surrounding bones, organs, and tissues. Sometimes, they also form tumors in the bone marrow and other body parts. The tumors can cause bone pain, weakness, fractures, and other symptoms like fatigue, recurrent infections, and anemia. What causes multiple myeloma is not fully understood, but genetics, environment, and lifestyle are said to play a role. Cumulative exposure to radiation, especially ionizing radiation, has been suggested as a prevalent cause. Research has also highlighted that age and gender are potential risk factors; the condition is more likely to affect people over 65, and men are more likely to develop it than women.  Signs of multiple myeloma The following are a few symptoms that might help identify the condition.

The thyroid is an essential part of the endocrine system responsible for hormone secretion. Thyroid cancer is a disorder that affects the thyroid gland and is frequently challenging to identify in its early stages due to the absence of obvious symptoms. Consequently, recognizing early thyroid cancer warning signals is essential for early detection and effective treatment. Thyroid cancer is one of the fastest-growing cancers among women today. This article covers 6 early warning signs of thyroid cancer. What is thyroid cancer? Thyroid cancer occurs when there is an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the thyroid gland, a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck. The thyroid gland produces hormones called thyroxine and parathyroid that regulate the body’s metabolism. Additionally, it regulates the amount of calcium in the body. In thyroid cancer, abnormal cells can form a lump or tumor in the thyroid gland. Some types of thyroid cancer grow very slowly and may not cause any symptoms for a long time, while others may grow more quickly and spread to other body parts.  Treatment for thyroid cancer may involve surgery to remove the thyroid gland, as well as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy, depending on the type and stage of cancer.

Hyperkalemia (high potassium in the blood) is a common condition caused by kidney malfunction, excessive potassium intake, or certain treatments. It’s important to monitor your potassium levels closely and take the necessary steps to prevent hyperkalemia from occurring. Eating the right foods can help manage the condition and reduce symptoms such as muscle cramps and fatigue. This article will explore the best foods for managing hyperkalemia and various aspects of the condition. What is hyperkalemia? Hyperkalemia is an electrolyte imbalance health condition where the amount of potassium in the bloodstream is elevated above normal levels. Its symptoms may include weakness, palpitations, nausea, abdominal pain, and difficulty breathing. Depending on the cause and severity of one’s hyperkalemia, it may be treated with food changes and treatments to help regulate the body’s potassium levels. Extreme cases can lead to health complications, including stopped heartbeats, heart attack, or cardiac arrest. Thus, you must talk to your physician if you suffer from the condition. What are the reasons for hyperkalemia? Kidney problems The kidneys play a vital role in regulating the level of potassium in the blood. If the kidneys are not functioning properly, they may not be able to remove excess potassium, leading to hyperkalemia.

Do you ever dread that time of the month, with period pain making it difficult to focus on anything else? It’s common for women to experience uncomfortable cramps and bloating before the start of their menstrual cycle. However, natural ways, such as hot water bags and certain foods, can help somewhat manage the discomfort. Check out ten healthy food items one can incorporate into one’s daily meal plan for managing period-induced cramps and body pain. What is period pain? Period pain (dysmenorrhea or menstrual cramps) is common for many women during their menstrual cycle. This pain varies in severity and tends to be felt in the lower abdomen and pelvic area. The primary cause of period pain is contractions of the uterus during menstruation, which may affect daily activities, such as walking, working out, or concentrating, if severe. In some cases, hormone imbalance (high prostaglandin levels) or heavy bleeding can contribute to the intensity of pain experienced. Period pain typically occurs in the days leading up to or during menstruation. PMS, or pre-menstrual syndrome, usually involves cramps and other uncomfortable physical symptoms such as bloating, fatigue, sore breasts, and headaches. Thus, managing this pain becomes imperative, especially when you have important events to attend, such as going to work/school or heading out for grocery shopping.