8 common odors that cause migraines

8 common odors that cause migraines

A migraine is not just any other headache; it is an attack that causes severe throbbing pain on one side of the head. Migraines are accompanied by severe nausea, vomiting, and increased sensitivity to sensory triggers like flashing lights and loud noises. Different types of migraines develop depending on the underlying trigger; one such trigger is smell. Here are several types of odors that can cause this headache to develop when exposed: 1. Perfumes and colognes Fragrances used to counter body odor are also the most common triggers of migraine attacks among people. This type of headache is called an olfactory migraine attack, mainly triggered by the evaporation of strong chemicals at room temperature. Fragrances like perfumes, deodorants, and antiperspirants, for example, contain compounds that directly interact with the central nervous system. It can also affect blood pressure, brain function, and pulse rate. It will take a couple of hours, but perfumes can cause persistent headaches. 2. VOCs Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemicals found in a number of commonly used products in and around the house. Cleaning supplies like detergents, chlorine bleach, dishwashing liquids, rug cleaners, furniture polish, oven cleaners, and even dry cleaning liquids all contain toxic compounds that shouldn’t be inhaled.
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10 signs of vasculitis to look out for

10 signs of vasculitis to look out for

Vasculitis is a condition characterized by inflammation and swelling of the blood vessels, which can further cause severe complications by disrupting blood flow. There are several types of vasculitis, all of which can affect one or multiple organs in the body. Hence, it is crucial to recognize the signs of vasculitis. Its effective management and treatment can begin at the earliest. Here are a few common signs of vasculitis that one should look out for: 1. Digestive issues If vasculitis has affected a person’s digestive system, they can experience several digestive problems and gastrointestinal symptoms. This may include abdominal pain (especially after eating), nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and, in some cases, blood in the stool. While these signs can also indicate other health conditions, one must not dismiss them. Either way, they must consult a healthcare professional. 2. Tinnitus Tinnitus is the persistent ringing or buzzing sound that one experiences when there is discomfort in the ear. This happens when vasculitis affects blood vessels present in the ears. Besides tinnitus, vasculitis can cause other ear discomfort, including abrupt hearing loss or deafness. 3. Numbness of limbs A hallmark sign of vasculitis is numbness or tingling in the hands or feet. This occurs due to the disruption of blood flow caused by vasculitis.
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7 signs of kidney cancer that should not be ignored

7 signs of kidney cancer that should not be ignored

Kidney cancer develops in the kidneys, crucial in filtering waste products and excess fluids from the bloodstream. It is considered one of the top ten most common cancers and is more prevalent in men than women. Unfortunately, it is often asymptomatic during its early stages, making it challenging to detect until it has progressed. This article discusses the types, signs, causes, and treatment options available to help one manage the condition better. Types There are several types of kidney cancer, the most common being clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC), which accounts for almost 85% of all kidney cancer cases. It is often malignant, which means that it has the potential to invade and damage surrounding tissues or spread to other parts of the body. Other less common types include Wilms tumor, seen mainly in children, renal sarcoma that affects a kidney’s connective tissue, and Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). Benign kidney tumors are noncancerous and do not spread to other organs, but they may show specific symptoms similar to kidney cancer. Signs It’s crucial to understand that signs and symptoms of kidney cancer may vary significantly from one person to another, depending on the stage, size of the cancer, age, and overall health condition.
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10 common signs of eosinophilic esophagitis

10 common signs of eosinophilic esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a rare and chronic autoimmune disorder that was identified only in the early 1990s. It is known to affect approximately one in 2,000 people. In this condition, a type of white blood cell called eosinophils starts accumulating in the esophagus’s lining. As a result, the esophageal tissues become inflamed. Here are some known and common signs of eosinophilic esophagitis, causes, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment options. Common signs of eosinophilic esophagitis A person with EoE has an inflamed esophagus with a high number of eosinophils. When the inflammation is chronic, it leads to the development of several symptoms, difficulty in swallowing or dysphagia being the primary sign. Most other symptoms of the condition differ based on age. Common signs of eosinophilic esophagitis in adults: Food often gets stuck in the esophagus after swallowing, also called impaction. Chronic chest pain is experienced in the center of the chest. There is no relief from the pain even after taking prescriptions. There is regurgitation or backflow of undigested food through the esophagus. Common signs of eosinophilic esophagitis in children: Infants can experience difficulty feeding. Young children may find it hard to eat and swallow solid foods. There are frequent instances of vomiting and nausea.
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11 things to know about telehealth providers

11 things to know about telehealth providers

Telehealth refers to the use of electronic information and telecommunications technologies to extend care when patients and healthcare professionals are not in the same place at the same time. The technologies utilized for telehealth services include video conferencing, streaming media, store-and-forward imaging, and terrestrial and wireless communications. For those who are fairly new to this type of healthcare distribution, here are things to know about telehealth services before signing up with a provider: Is a safe option One of the biggest concerns with digital platforms is safety. For those wondering if communicating with a telehealth provider is safe, the answer is yes. Here, one meets an expert through video calls via an electronic device such as a tablet, computer, or smartphone. The provider is also required to comply with the same government requirements to protect patient privacy and confidentiality that are applicable for in-person visits. Offers various types of services One might be eligible for various types of services when they sign up with a telehealth provider. They could get access to lab tests or X-rays, care for health concerns including skin conditions, post-surgical follow-ups, and mental health care, including online therapy, counseling, and prescription treatment. Telehealth also offers remote monitoring services to help track health goals and manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
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10 worst cancer-causing foods

10 worst cancer-causing foods

People start developing cancer because of a combination of factors. Some of these factors are a lack of physical activity, ignoring visible symptoms when they first appear, other illnesses, being unknowingly exposed to carcinogens, certain lifestyle habits, and eating the wrong foods. That last factor is more of a contributing element to cancer than what many people may know about. To help readers know better, here are some of the biggest cancer-causing foods out there: Salted fish Salt can cause several health issues, especially for a person’s cardiovascular and circulatory health. Salt tends to absorb water from the body. So, excessive consumption of salty foods can lead to loss of fluidity in a person’s blood, causing circulation to become much more labored. Salted fish comes with nitrates that are used as preservative agents. These preservatives are used to boost the shelf life of fish. Nitrates are one of the prime carcinogens. They can cause several different kinds of cancer. While a small concentration of nitrates tends to be mostly harmless, regular consumption causes a cumulative effect and can eventually result in malignancy. Sugary drinks Sugar has several inflammatory properties. Consuming sugar-heavy foods can cause inflammation in various areas of the body.
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14 tips to deal with loneliness

14 tips to deal with loneliness

An individual may face multiple emotional barriers in life, one of which includes feeling lonely. Loneliness can be defined as “discomfort or uneasiness from being or perceiving oneself to be alone.” It can impact one’s physical and mental health. So, how does one deal with it? Some experts recommend various steps to help one cope with loneliness. These could help individuals connect with others and heal. Here are a few ways to overcome feelings of loneliness: 1. Praying People choose different avenues for coping with loneliness, and prayer is one such mechanism that could help. Praying during times of solitude can help one find comfort and solace. Confiding in an entity much larger and more powerful than oneself can give an individual much-needed emotional support. The process of prayer, which can include meditation, can help one feel more at peace with themselves, as an individual reassures themselves that there might be a higher entity that can understand their needs. Ultimately, it could be one of the factors that helps one filter out lonely thoughts. One could pray in various ways—by themselves or by listening to those who preach through mediums, including television, the Internet, or a dedicated place for prayer.
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13 foods to avoid to manage MAC lung disease

13 foods to avoid to manage MAC lung disease

MAC lung disease is caused by MAC bacteria (Mycobacterium avium complex) living in the soil and water. They generally affect people with compromised immunity and respiratory ailments, causing symptoms like chronic cough, hemoptysis, fatigue, low-grade fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, and anxiety, which may impede daily activities. Eating the right foods and avoiding the wrong ones is crucial to maintaining one’s quality of life. Here are 13 foods to avoid for MAC lung disease. Dairy People with MAC lung disease must avoid dairy products despite their rich calcium content. This is because dairy has been known to impact respiratory health. According to some studies, drinking milk may increase mucus production, leading to congestion. Consuming cheese may also lead to the release of histamines, which can cause airway inflammation. Salty foods Foods rich in sodium chloride (or salt) can lead to water retention in the body. This can lead to shortness of breath among those who live with lung disease. Apart from cutting back on table salt, one must also check the ingredients in packed foods, seasonings, and dressings. Confirm that these do not contain more than 300 milligrams of salt per serving. Alternatively, opt for herbs and spices to season food.
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