4 questions to ask when consulting an ophthalmologist

4 questions to ask when consulting an ophthalmologist

Going for regular eye checkups is an important part of maintaining eye health. Such examinations provide insights into the overall health of one’s eyes and create a healthcare history for future reference. Ophthalmologists are health experts with professional training and experience in diagnosing and treating eye-related conditions. When consulting ophthalmologists for eye examinations, one must also ask important questions concerning eye health to understand eye-related conditions and make informed decisions about treatment and care. What are the tests being conducted? Eye examinations can often trigger anxiety among individuals, mostly concerning tests conducted by ophthalmologists. Even the eye drops these professionals administer into the patients’ eyes to dilate their pupils – can cause discomfort. However, these remedies are important because they help doctors by allowing them to examine one’s eyes better by dilating the pupils. To clear any doubts about eye exams, patients should communicate with their ophthalmologists about the tests planned for them and why they are important. This helps individuals understand eye examinations better and relieves anxiety before checkups. Is there a risk of any eye disease developing? Once the test results of the eye examination are in, individuals must ask the doctor if they are at risk of developing an eye-related condition.
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6 warning signs of sleep deprivation

6 warning signs of sleep deprivation

Sleep deprivation occurs when one gets less sleep than what their body needs. Health experts say adults require at least seven hours of sleep, while children might need about nine hours. The amount of sleep needed can also vary depending on pre-existing health conditions, activity levels, and other factors. When one does not sleep enough, it affects memory and blood pressure and causes tiredness and other symptoms in the long run. Gradual changes in sleep patterns Sleep pattern changes are often one of the first signs of sleep deprivation. These changes occur slowly over time. For instance, one may fall asleep when they do not intend to, such as while reading the newspaper or watching TV. Sometimes, one may sleep for long hours during the weekend or take multiple naps without intending to. This is quite normal once in a while or when recovering from illnesses like the flu. But, when these patterns occur repeatedly over time, it could mean one is not sleeping enough at night. Changes in energy levels and mood With sleep deprivation, the body does not get enough rest. A lack of rest can increase cortisol and other stress-related chemicals in the body. When that happens, one may consistently feel irritable, have sudden mood swings, and continuously have low motivation levels.
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4 benefits of gut health supplements

4 benefits of gut health supplements

Poor gut health can be the cause of several health issues such as eczema and diabetes. One of the best ways to keep the gut healthy is by ensuring the gut microbiome is balanced. Probiotics play a huge role in maintaining gut health, and while they are present in certain foods, one can boost their intake by taking supplements. These supplements, also called gut health supplements, can help manage digestive issues and other conditions. Replenishes good bacteria in the gut Probiotics are live bacteria, also called the “good” bacteria. These good bacteria are present in the gut and are responsible for aiding digestion and maintaining good gut health. Often, these good gut bacteria get killed due to certain health issues and the treatment options required for them. If the bacteria is not replenished in time, certain harmful bacteria and viruses can take their place in the gut. In such cases, taking gut health supplements can be very beneficial. These supplements replenish good bacteria in the gut and help restore one’s gut health. Helps reduce digestive disorders Several studies have shown that probiotics help in digestion and aid in tackling digestive issues such as diarrhea. Most digestive issues occur due to an imbalance in gut bacteria.
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9 glaring signs of developing psoriasis

9 glaring signs of developing psoriasis

Psoriasis is a skin disease characterized by inflammation in the body. Dead skin cells build up on the skin’s surface, causing itching, burning, or stinging sensations. Psoriasis can appear in small spots or cover larger areas around the ears, feet, hands, eyelids, nails, scalp, or genitals. Sometimes, it may appear in more than one place at once. When it affects areas like the face or hands, it can significantly reduce the quality of life. Glaring signs of psoriasis Plaque development Plaques are another most common sign of psoriasis. They are red, thick, raised patches on the skin that can be covered with a thin, silvery-white coating known as scale. The size of plaques may also vary, and they may join together to form larger patches. Most commonly, plaques may appear on the scalp, elbows, knees, or lower back. Dry skin The plaques or scales in psoriasis can disrupt the skin’s moisture and often lead to dry skin. In cases like erythrodermic psoriasis, the skin may even look burnt. Persistent itching Itching around and on the thickened skin is another common sign of psoriasis. However, one should avoid scratching the affected areas since it can thicken the patches and worsen symptoms.
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8 early warning signs of Crohn’s that shouldn’t be ignored

8 early warning signs of Crohn’s that shouldn’t be ignored

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes the digestive tract to become irritated and swollen. Patients experience several symptoms, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. While these symptoms may not always point toward Crohn’s disease, it is important not to ignore them but to consult a doctor for a timely diagnosis. Although the condition has no cure, one can manage its symptoms with treatment and care. Abdominal pain Pain and cramps in the abdomen are some of the most common tell-tale signs of Crohn’s disease. They occur as soon as the condition develops and persist through its advanced stages. The pain often appears as a dull ache in the lower right side of the abdomen, with cramps in the same region. Diarrhea Another common early warning sign of Crohn’s disease is diarrhea. Diarrhea must be addressed if it is chronic or occurs frequently because it can worsen the inflammation and irritation in the bowel. The increased inflammation and irritation may lead to a constant urge to move the bowels, causing the stool to be runny and loose. Bloating Crohn’s disease also causes bloating. Due to this, one may feel full even without eating a complete meal.
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5 warning signs of high blood pressure

5 warning signs of high blood pressure

High blood pressure occurs when the force of blood against artery walls is too high. This can lead to severe complications in the body, such as strokes and heart attacks. It is important to note that high blood pressure can be a concerning health issue because it often does not display any symptoms, particularly in the early stages. Individuals may not even realize they have high blood pressure until it becomes severe. Severe headaches One of the most telltale symptoms of high blood pressure, or hypertension, is experiencing severe headaches. It is also a very commonly observed sign. As per a study, headache is a symptom experienced by more than 20% of those with high blood pressure. Headaches occur when blood exerts too much pressure on the arteries in the brain. If one experiences severe headaches, one should consult a healthcare professional on priority. Chest pain Experiencing chest pain is a common symptom of high blood pressure. This occurs when the blood pressure is so high that the arteries in the heart do not get enough blood supply. One may even experience heart palpitations as a warning sign of high blood pressure. However, it’s worth noting that chest pain may not necessarily be caused by high blood pressure and could indicate other medical conditions.
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Excessive daytime sleepiness – 10 triggers and causes

Excessive daytime sleepiness – 10 triggers and causes

Even after sleeping well at night, some people may struggle to stay awake during the day. There are often many underlying causes for this, from biological, psychological, and psychological reasons to even external factors. Hypersomnia , as daytime sleepiness is also called, affects one’s cognitive function and alertness, thus heightening one’s risk of accidents or mistakes. While some causes can be worked with and managed, some triggers may be beyond one’s control. Common causes of excessive daytime sleepiness Here are a few common causes of excessive daytime sleepiness: 1. Sleep deprivation The most common cause is inadequate sleep during the night, leading people to want to take naps during the day. 2. Vitamin B12 deficiency Recent studies have found that those deficient in vitamin B12 may experience unnatural fatigue or tiredness, which can result in feeling sleepy all the time. B12 affects red blood cell production and cell oxygenation. 3. Mental health issues Depression, anxiety, or general stress can rob one of their energy and lead to a constant sense of sleepiness during the day. 4. Sleep disorders or other medical conditions Those who have sleep disorders like sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, narcolepsy, sleepwalking, and insomnia may all experience excessive daytime sleepiness.
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4 warning signs of hemorrhoids

4 warning signs of hemorrhoids

People with swollen veins in the lowest part of their rectum and anus are medically diagnosed to be experiencing hemorrhoids. The irritation in these veins due to bulging and the stretching of blood vessels in the region causes various symptoms and warning signs in people with this health condition. Hemorrhoids are treatable at every stage, but doing so at an early stage makes everything simple and quick for people with this condition. Warning signs of hemorrhoids Difficulty in defecating Hemorrhoids can cause discomfort and pain in the anal area, even in the early stages. Due to this, people with this condition can find it mildly difficult to pass stool without a degree of pain. In addition to the pain, the passage of stools is also disrupted, making it even harder for individuals to defecate. As a result, people with this condition may avoid using the toilet to pass stools, causing the excreta to accumulate within the body. This warning sign of hemorrhoids is extremely common and concerning. If people face this issue, they need to visit a gastric healthcare professional and begin the process of treating their hemorrhoids at an early stage. Blood loss The anal region plays a crucial role in a person’s daily life.
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