Sickle cell disease is characterized by cells becoming curved and losing their flexibility. As a result, they can get stuck in small blood vessels and prevent oxygen flow to vital parts of the chest, joints, and belly. There are a couple of warning signs that may indicate the development of this disease. Here are six symptoms to look for. These can help one seek immediate treatment and diagnose the condition at the earliest possible time. Shortness of breath An individual may experience breathing problems due to allergies, asthma, infections, or inflammation. But this may also occur because of health complications like sickle cell disease. The phenomenon can be triggered when the abnormal cells block blood and oxygen flow from reaching the lungs. Other symptoms associated with the chest include coughing and chest pain. Fatigue The smaller size of the red blood cells may restrict oxygen flow to other parts of the body compared to healthier RBCs. The lack of oxygen may lead to fatigue, the constant feeling of no energy, and tiredness. Headache Individuals may experience acute and chronic headaches from sickle cell disease. This might occur due to lower oxygenation of organs such as the brain. Others may also be susceptible to symptoms like dizziness.

Nasal congestion causes things such as the inability to smell, changes in one’s voice and taste buds, and, in many cases, headaches. Nasal congestion is often a symptom of other health issues, such as sinusitis and the common cold. Certain foods, such as ginger and green leafy vegetables, tend to reduce the severity of nasal congestion. On the other hand, some foods simply make the symptoms worse. Here is a list of some such foods. 1. Tacos When discussing the foods that worsen nasal congestion, spicy foods are among the top ones. Tacos are delicious but make people’s ears ring and their noses run for hours. Spicy foods like tacos create a lot of histamine in a person’s body. This chemical can cause allergic reactions and inflammation in the sinus area. As a result, if someone already has a congested nose, eating a taco is destined to worsen matters. 2. Milk Although dairy products may affect different people differently, many regular milk drinkers have found increased mucus production in their lungs and noses. There is a significant correlation between chronic sinusitis flare-ups and milk consumption. In many individuals, milk facilitates the production of nasal polyps, a common precursor to sinusitis and congestion.

Heart diseases encompass a range of cardiovascular disorders that affect the functions of the heart. Some common heart diseases include blood vessel disease, heart valve disease, arrhythmias, or even heart failure or heart attack. In many cases, the early symptoms of heart disease may not be obvious, like sharp chest pain. Thus, it’s essential to make note of some early signs, as mentioned below, and seek immediate professional help to rule out potential heart issues. Minor chest discomfort This can feel like a tightness in the chest, minor throbbing pain, or pressure in that area. Oftentimes, it may be a result of having bad food, indigestion, or acid reflux, but if there are no lifestyle changes and one still experiences persistent chest discomfort, it’s best to get it checked. Also known as angina, this symptom is more common in heart valve disease and coronary artery disease, where plaque or cholesterol deposits cause blockages in major blood vessels. Heartburn or nausea At times, heart issues can cause gastrointestinal problems like heartburn or nausea, especially for women. Pain in the arms Those suffering a tingling pain that travels down the left side of one’s arm need to get immediate professional help since it can indicate a heart attack.

Antidepressants are a type of treatment option that may be suggested for symptoms of depression. However, antidepressants, like most treatments taken over a prolonged period, may have certain side effects. Sometimes, these may be severe and need professional intervention. So, it is important to observe any noticeable changes in the body once the prescription is being taken. One must consult with the doctor immediately and ask for the treatment to be modified. The effects of SNRI and SSRI Called Serotonin-Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors and Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors respectively, they are the most common type of antidepressants used in the treatment of symptoms of depression. Taking them can lead to some common side effects and some uncommon ones in individuals. It is also normal to experience some of the common side effects for a couple of weeks when treatment starts, which then subside over time. However, one must always keep the doctor updated on how the body is reacting. Side effects of antidepressants Some of the common side effects of this type of treatment plan include dizziness, blurry vision, anxiety, nausea, dry mouth, feeling exhausted, tremors, encountering sexual problems, headaches, and increased sweating. Also, one must note that all these side effects are typically not experienced together.

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a rare genetic disease that causes the progressive weakening of muscles in the body. This occurs due to the loss of motor neurons, which are responsible for controlling muscle movement. Depending on when the symptoms begin to appear, this condition is categorized into four distinct types, from severe to mild. Read on to find out more about this condition, its symptoms, diagnosis, and recommended treatment plans. Symptoms of spinal muscular atrophy Some of the typical symptoms of this condition include: Floppy or weak arms or legs Mobility problems, such as difficulties in standing up or walking Tremors or muscle twitching A curved spine (scoliosis) Swallowing problems Breathing difficulties Individuals with this condition experience progressive muscle weakness, which can also give rise to complications such as bone fractures, hip dislocation, pneumonia, respiratory infections, malnutrition, and dehydration. Diagnosing spinal muscular atrophy Doctors begin with a thorough physical exam along with a detailed examination of one’s healthcare history. Depending on these results, they may recommend one or more of the following: An enzyme and protein blood test to check for levels of creatine kinase. High levels of this enzyme in the bloodstream signal deteriorating muscles. A genetic test to identify problems with the SMN1 gene.

The sensation of indigestion can be challenging to live with. Unlike in the cases of certain types of discomfort, one cannot simply brush off or take their mind off certain things indigestion makes them feel. In the long run, people must eat healthy and exercise to keep indigestion episodes at a minimum. However, for immediate resolutions, here are some options that provide instant or near-instant relief from indigestion-related sensations like bloating and pain: Having baking soda Many studies have found direct links between baking soda consumption and immediate digestion improvement in people who experience indigestion. Sodium bicarbonate’s high pH levels neutralize the acid levels in one’s stomach and alleviate indigestion-related problems like upper GI discomfort, gas, bloating, and pain. For the best results, one can mix one-half teaspoon of baking soda in around 4 ounces of water before consuming the mix. Do not consume baking soda as a solution excessively, as that causes side effects like stomach cramps, constipation, diarrhea, and nausea. Older people must not use too much baking soda as it may have profound health implications. Consuming peppermint or chamomile tea Peppermint is an effective digestive agent to reduce abdominal pain and cramps. Moreover, peppermint tea is an effective and healthy food that relieves those with an upset stomach.

The US Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, is an organization that is responsible for the drinking water regulations in the country. And while tap water may be safe for some, it may not be the recommended choice for many. There could also be some side effects from drinking tap water, which are mentioned below. This article also highlights why a water purifier is recommended. Tap water regulations and side effects According to the EPA, anything other than water molecules found in the water is termed a contaminant. However, the EPA suggests that some contaminants are not as harmful at certain levels. The contaminant list includes bacteria, viruses, parasites, industrial runoff, lead, mercury, arsenic, and pesticides. Radium or uranium deposits in the soil could also contaminate the water in some areas. Here are some of the side effects of drinking tap water: In tap water, these contaminants are at deficient levels, and it is not that they are always present. However, if they reach the human body in huge quantities, it can lead to many health issues. Arsenic is known to trigger partial paralysis in some people, vomiting, numbness in hands and feet, stomach pain, diarrhea, discoloration of the skin, and blindness.

Dupuytren’s contracture is a health condition in which one or more fingers bend toward the palm. These fingers cannot straighten entirely because tissue knots are formed under the skin, which pull the fingers into a bent position. To manage the problem, one must first identify its existence. Here are four common signs and symptoms of Dupuytren’s contracture that one could keep an eye out for and bring to a healthcare professional’s notice. Bump in the palm One of the first symptoms individuals notice is a bump or a nodule in the palm. This unusual mass indicates that the connective tissue in the palm has become infected or diseased. It is observed that the growth almost always starts on the pinky finger. This bump is not cancerous but benign, so one may not worry too much. However, individuals should still see a doctor because treating Dupuytren’s contracture in the early stages is important. Not doing so can cause the condition to get worse. Inability to open one’s palm People with Dupuytren’s contracture often complain about having difficulty opening their palms to perform everyday tasks. Some say their palms do not open up entirely while washing the face, so their fingernails poke the skin.