Insomnia Symptoms
People with insomnia should be thoroughly examined by the doctor to know the deeper factors of this disorder. Insomnia can manifest itself in the following symptoms and signs that can last for a week or more.
Sleeping Difficulty
This is the most obvious and primary symptom. A person who has a hard time feeling sleepy or finds it very hard to fall asleep even if he does feel sleepy for days or weeks can be considered as suffering from insomnia. He may also find it hard staying asleep because he frequently wakes up and then finds it very hard to resume his sleep. He may also wake up very early in the morning feeling tired and exhausted due to lack of real sleep.
Symptoms of insomnia seen in the daytime (from poor quality of sleep or inadequate sleep)
- Poor responses to external irritations and lowered ability for alertness
- Emotional instability and confusion
- Lack of energy and mood changes
- Poor memory function
- Muscle aches and headaches
- High risk for errors and accidents – High risk of machinery and motor vehicle accidents
- Poor focusing, paying attention and concentration
- Offensive and irritable social behavior
- Depression and anxiety – They can be insomnia symptoms and the causes of insomnia as well.
- Fatigues and daytime sleepiness
Duration of Symptoms
How long the symptoms last depends on the kind of insomnia of the person. A transient type of insomnia lasts for a few nights; short-term insomnia can endure for less than a month; chronic or long-term insomnia can show symptoms that can last for several months. A detailed illustration of the symptoms and discussion with the physician can help the physician formulate a correct diagnosis leading to a treatment plan that relieves the patient of his insomnia.
Causes of Psoriasis
Psoriasis has a tendency to accelerate about five times faster the age of your skin. Moreover, the skin affected by psoriasis accumulates on the skin’s surface unlike healthy skin that sloughs off when it dies.
Scientists still have no answer as to what really causes psoriasis. They suspect, however, that genetic factors and triggers for psoriasis play a major role in its development. Scientists think that psoriasis happens when something inadvertently triggers the immune system. Environmental factors and genetics are the major reasons for psoriatic arthritis, a condition that affects the joints of the body.
Immune System Dysfunction – The Underlying Reason for Psoriasis
Doctors now know that a malfunction or an abnormality of the immune system can cause the occurrence of psoriasis. T cells, which are one form of white blood cells become abundant and attack the skin part where psoriasis has developed. The immune system rather than protecting the body from the effects of psoriasis worsens it by inflaming the affected skin area and causes accelerated skin cell growth.
When the immune system dysfunctions, the cytokines the body produces signal skin cells to reproduce and mature skin at a faster than average rate . This causes other negative reactions like inflammation and the production of more cytokines. This leads to a cycle where skin cells develop very fast, traveling to skin surface and accumulating as dead skin cells (white scales). The epidermis thickens up and blood vessels multiply and expand leading to the redness of the affected skin.
About one in 10 individuals carry genes that increase their likelihood for developing psoriasis. Interestingly in spite of psoriasis being suspected a genetically passed-on disease a lot of people with psoriasis say they don’t have a relative living with the disease. Scientists say psoriasis is not a genetically acquired disease per se but some people have problems in DNA chemicals that may result in misplaced, misshapen or missing proteins that can lead to immunological reactions that eventually lead to psoriasis symptoms.
A large number of the US population has the genes that can cause psoriasis; however, only about 3% of the population at the most will end up with psoriasis. Doctors think the predisposition toward psoriasis need involve specific triggers to fully develop this condition.
Psoriasis Triggers
A broad scope of triggers is associated with the flare up or development of psoriasis. These triggers can differ from person to person and can involve:
- Injuries
- Infections
- Medicines
- Stress
Injuries can generate psoriasis at the injury site. Even surgery can lead to psoriasis along the scar line. This development is termed the Koebner phenomenon and it can arise following cuts, sunburns, bug bites or vaccinations. About 50% of psoriasis sufferers experience this occurrence and it serves as a stern reminder to properly care for the skin particularly during the months of summer.
Certain drugs can contribute to a flare up of psoriasis. They can include:
- Indomethacin – An anti inflammatory nonsteroidal medication
- Quinidine or Inderal – These and other heart and high blood pressure medicines can trigger psoriasis flares.
- Antimalarial drugs
- Lithium – Utilized for different kind of psychiatric issues
Diseases like strepcoccal infection in the throat can also trigger psoriasis flare ups.
Other psoriasis triggers can include:
- Heavy alcohol intake
- Cigarette smoking
- Cold and dry weather
- Diet
- Allergies
Galina Semyonova is a licensed acupuncturist and massage therapist in New York City. She has studied extensively in the fields of biofeedback therapy, SCENAR therapy, Chinese herbal treatments and Chinese and Western nutrition.
PMS Complications
A lot of complications can arise due to premenstrual syndrome (PMS). A woman’s social life can be greatly affected as well as her mood and when she suffers from PMS symptoms she may avoid the company she usually interacts with. This company can include relatives, neighbors, friends and even her children. This article will talk about the complications that may arise from premenstrual syndrome.
Suicide Ideations
Medical experts have stated that about 10% of women who suffer from complications connected to PMS have thoughts of suicide. Suicide for them seems to be the only way of being released from the feelings of anxiety, frustration and depression they have to endure. A lot of these women, in fact, have actually attempted to kill themselves.
Some women have successfully overcome this problem and they as well have been able to avail of much needed help that made them come out of this problem alive, well and happy. Women who either try to commit suicide or have pondered killing themselves are more likely to attempt it when they are in the first week of their period or right before their period.
Substance Abuse
A lot of women who experience severe symptoms or severe depression that is the result of their PMS can take to substance abuse to help relieve their symptoms. Many of them may experiment with painkilling medications and pain pills while some may try using mood enhancing medicines and alcohol.
Unhealthy eating habits are also a complication arising from PMS symptoms. Many women who experience substance abuse and smoking as ways to relieve their PMS symptoms have also suffered from poor eating and sleeping habits. A woman with PMS symptoms may eat too little, eat too much or not eat at all. A woman’s regular sleeping cycle may also get disrupted due to PMS. As a result some of them may have extreme levels of fatigue that usually affect their regular daily lives.
The Rise of Health Complications
Females who suffer from severe complications resulting from their PMS may likewise suffer from other health issues. Those who are already suffering from health issues may experience even more severe PMS symptoms during their menstrual cycle. This situation is referred to by health experts as “menstrual magnification”.
PMS can also cause increased severity and flare ups of chronic health conditions during your menstrual cycle. These conditions can include irritable bowel syndrome, lupus, fibromyalgia, asthma, arthritis, migraines and diabetes.
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Rash Symptoms
Rashes can develop on any part of the body. There are rashes that are localized which means only one area of the body is affected and there are rashes that spread out to all parts of the body. Rashes that are widespread are caused by an allergic reaction or by a virus. There are rashes that develop all of a sudden (like allergic rashes) and there are rashes that gradually develop over a period of time because of constant exposure to harmful chemicals such as detergents.
The most common symptoms of rashes are:
- Itching – Itching often is a result of an insect sting or bite or it may be to contact dermatitis, other environmental allergens, hay fever or eczema. Infants and children are more prone to the itching symptoms of rashes and will scratch their skin to attempt to relieve the itchiness. Too much scratching can result in skin damage and thus can lead to infection, bleeding, oozing of fluid, discomfort, swelling, redness and inflammation of the skin.
- Hives – Hives are skin spots that are itchy, reddish in color and are raised on the skin. These rash symptoms often occur on the arms, hands, chest and face. Hives can be caused by chemical allergens as well as by animal dander and fur, hay fever and food allergies.
- Inflammation – Contact dermatitis, eczema and skin allergy often come with skin inflammation. Inflammation makes the skin swollen, tender, reddish and hot to the touch. Chemical allergens and pollen are the most common culprits that cause skin inflammation.
- Swelling – Raised or swollen skin often is a reaction to an allergen. It can also come from contact skin dermatitis and severe eczema. Skin swelling can worsen by persistent scratching irritated and itchy rashes. Skin swelling often is accompanied by discomfort, redness and inflammation.
- Dryness – This rash symptom can again be due to skin allergy and other skin diseases like contact dermatitis and eczema. Contact to chemical allergens can cause dryness symptom.
Other symptoms of skin rash can include:
- Oozing or weeping
- Warmth
- Scaling
- Lesions – wheals, pustules, papules and blisters
- Flaking
- Crusting
- Cracking
If rashes are allowed to remain untreated for a long time, the affected skin areas can be infected by viral infections and secondary infections. Exposure to moisture or heat, scratching and stress, can aggravate uncomplicated simple skin rashes.
Besides the aforementioned symptoms, other rash symptoms may signify a more serious health problem. They include the following:
- Reddish streaks in the skin
- Tightness or soreness of the throat
- Shortness of breath
- Joint pain
- Fever
- Serious swelling
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Dandruff Preparing for Your Appointment
Prior to your doctor’s or dermatologist’s appointment for your dandruff problem, you can make your appointment extremely fruitful and productive by preparing well for the appointment. Make sure you do the following measures:
Examine Your Dry Skin Well
You may need to let your doctor or dermatologist know the length of time you’ve been having dandruff problems and the severity and extent of the condition. Observe closely the speed it appears on your head after you have bathed and shampooed. Observe as well if you notice any dry skin in other parts of your body. You need to inform your doctor/dermatologist what kinds of creams, conditioners and shampoos you have been using including the effectiveness of the product.
Likewise prepare a list of all the medicines (prescription and over-the-counter) you are taking including any steroids, supplements and herbs you’re currently using. They may have an effect on the level of moisture in your skin.
Ready your skin and scalp for your appointment and examination time by abstaining using dandruff shampoos two days before appointment and not washing your hair a day before appointment. You likewise should not apply perfumes, ointments, creams or lotions on you on or wear any jewelry or watch on the day of the appointment. Wash your skin with a mild soap that contains no perfumes, scents or any other heavy chemicals the night before your appointment. On appointment day, wear comfortable clothing that is loose that is easy to remove if the doctor/dermatologist needs to examine the skin in your body. If you have already started using new kinds of hair care products, bring them with you to the appointment so their contents may be reviewed by the doctor/dermatologist. If you forgot or don’t want to bring them you need to mention them to your doctor so he may know if these products may or may not be causing you to have dandruff.
Dandruff is considered a minor problem that easily can be addressed with topical and/or oral medication. It can also be a sign of a more serious medical problem so you may need to consult with your doctor if you find that your dry skin is quite extensive.
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Colitis Risk Factors
Colitis risk factors can include:
- Medical conditions
- Age
- Psychosocial stress and depression
- Family history
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs
Medical conditions – Ischemic colitis has a wide spectrum of injury ranging from transient and mild ischemia to acute fulminant colitis. Individuals suffering from health issues like atrial fibrillation, hyperlipidemia, diabetes and hypertension are highly susceptible to develop ischemic colitis. This type of colitis is the most common kind of intestinal ischemia and for the elderly is one of their most typical large intestine health problems. Other typical high risk factors for ischemic colitis for the elderly are congestive heart failure, shock and atherosclerosis.
Age – A person over 50 years of age has an increased risk of developing colitis although this condition can also begin before the age of 30. Colitis can actually begin at any age. For people who have developed colitis at 50 years of age and after, the common culprit is ischemia. Also, an inaccurate diagnosis of idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease among a significant number of patients can be the answer as to why colitis has been observed to react differently among the elderly compared to younger patients.
Psychosocial stress and depression – Stress, depression and anxiety play a large role in people developing ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. The likelihood for getting Crohn’s disease is more though among emotionally stressed people than for them developing ulcerative colitis.
Family history – Individuals who have a close relative or family member with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis are at high risk of having colitis.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs – Although no studies have been able to establish a direct link between NSAIDs and ulcerative colitis, use of these medications cause signs and symptoms similar to those of colitis. Moreover, studies have shown that patients with colitis who use NSAIDs have had far worse colitis symptoms than colitis patients who have not taken these types of medications.
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Low Blood Pressure Complications
Low blood pressure even in its moderate form can not only result in weakness and dizziness but also can cause fainting episodes that may result in great risk of injury from falls. A severe type of low blood pressure can cause even more serious complications like the reduction of the amount of oxygen your body takes in so much so that the body is not healthy enough to perform its normal functions resulting in damage to your brain and heart.
Some very serious complications associated with low blood pressure or hypotension arises from shock caused by severe illness or injury. They may include:
Loss of consciousness – Temporary loss of consciousness may occur because of anemia especially if the patient’s blood is severely deficient in hemoglobin or iron. In the case of accident or injury, these can cause one to lose consciousness, either from the shock experienced due to blood loss or injury or due to the pain caused by the injury. When loss of blood is not compensated (by transfusion) or if the injuries are left to linger without proper treatment, it may lead to coma or death.
Coma – This may occur from a very serious injury that leads to shock, substantial loss of blood and damage to the major organs (especially to the brain).
Death – A hypotensive person who has suffered from a very serious injury resulting in shock, severe blood loss and irreversible damage to the organs usually ends up dying. A hypotensive person suffering from multiple organ failure caused by a very serious illness or injury and subsequent shock may also end up dying.
Aiyana Acupuncture & Chinese Herbs
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Definition of Allergies
Allergies are the body’s atypical reactions to commonly harmless substances. The sensitizing materials known as allergens can come into contact with the skin, swallowed or inhaled. Allergens that often gives people a lot of problems include the environment (cold or hot temperatures), medications, bacteria, viruses, latex rubber, insect spores, plants, insect stings or bites, foods, animal dander, house dust mites, mold spores and pollens.
Description
Typically, the body adapts well to different experiences it encounters. This is known by medical science and that is why they utilize vaccination to built immunity. Allergic responses happen after the immune system erroneously recognizes harmless foreign materials as potentially hostile to the body.
Due to a certain genetic predisposing factor, a person’s immune system overreacts to say, for example, ragweed pollen. When he inhales this pollen his body creates abundant numbers of antibodies called IgE which are specially tweaked to react to ragweed pollen. These antibodies bind themselves to cells in the person’s upper respiratory tract and nasal passages. These cells are called mast cells and possess chemicals termed mediators, which histamine is the best known of these.
Later, when the person inhales another ragweed, proteins from the ragweed attach itself to the IgE antibodies on the mast cells and this causes the mediators to explode from inside the mast cells damaging the surrounding tissues and destroying the pollen. This act causes the classical symptoms of allergy: red, watery eyes; stuffed up head; sniffling and sneezing.
Colitis Prevention
Sanitation measures and strict hygiene when you handle, cook and eat food can be important steps in preventing the development of colitis associated with infectious germs. The integration of diet changes as well as a healthy lifestyle in your daily normal activities makes your body resilient to many kinds of diseases including colitis. Again, the inclusion of a healthy diet like limited amounts of animal-origin foods but lots of water, vegetables, fruits, lentils and whole grains combined with moderate exercise is the best way to protect yourself from colitis and almost all kinds of diseases.
Colitis – Diet Recommendations
Your diet is probably the most important factor to consider when you want to properly manage colitis. Considering that in colitis you can lose substantial amounts of fluids, be sure then to drink about two to three liters of water each day and copious amounts of fluids like lemonade, lemon tea or light soups in order to stave off dehydration. Do not eat fatty or greasy foods.
Also high-fiber foods, highly seasoned foods and alcohol can worsen your colitis condition so it’s best to avoid them. When you are in a naturopathic type of treatment, a three to five days juice fast based on juices of vegetables and fruits like sweet gourd, carrot, cabbage and papaya is recommended. After the diet, you can have a post-diet of plain yogurt, soft fruits and steamed vegetables. Properly digest all what you eat by chewing all your foods thoroughly.
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Definition of Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a lung condition when one or both lungs are infected by fungi, viruses or bacteria causing inflammation of the air sacs of the lungs. The lung sacs known as alveoli is filled with pus or fluid resulting in symptoms like cough combined with phlegm, breathing difficulty, chills and fever.
The signs and symptoms of pneumonia can range from mild to severe and certain factors come into play that determines the kind of pneumonia the person has. These factors can include the person’s overall health, age as well as the type of germ causing the infection.
Types of Types of Pneumonia
- Community-acquired pneumonia – Or CAP for short, this is a type of pneumonia that develops outside health care settings. CAP sufferers can get the germ when they breathe it in, oftentimes during sleep. The germs causing CAP may reside in the throat, nose or mouth. This type is the most common pneumonia found in pneumonia sufferers and often arises during wintertime. Each year about 4 million people suffer from CAP in the United States alone.
- Hospital-acquired pneumonia – As suggested in the name, hospital-acquired pneumonia or HAP is a type of pneumonia that is caught in hospitals. A lot of people infected with HAP get this disease when they’re on a ventilator. People who get HAP often are already sick and the germs that cause HAP are more resistant to antibiotics than the other types of pneumonia.
- Health care-associated pneumonia (HCAP) – Health care settings such as outpatient clinics, dialysis centers and nursing homes are where patients and others can get this type of pneumonia.
Some Other Types of Pneumonia
- Aspiration pneumonia – You can get this type of pneumonia if you accidentally convey materials such as saliva, vomit, drink or food from your mouth into your lungs. This situation often occurs if your gag reflexes dysfunctions due to too much drug abuse or alcohol, swallowing difficulty or brain injury. Aspiration can cause lung abscess since it tends to enable pus to form in a lung cavity.
- Atypical Pneumonia – This is one form of CAP that may be a combination of one or more types of bacteria. These bacteria may include: Chlamydophila pneumoniae, mycoplasma pneumonia and legionella pneumophila. Atypical pneumonia is a communicable disease which means it can be passed from one individual to the other.
Daniel Haun is a licensed acupuncture practitioner and the clinical director of Bailey & Haun Acupuncture in Oceanside, CA.