Causes, symptoms, and treatment of periodic paralysis Paralysis is a health condition that people usually associate with old age or near-fatal accidents. However, there’s a condition called periodic paralysis that is known to affect people irrespective of their age groups. Periodic paralysis or primary periodic paralysis is a group of rare diseases that can temporarily make the muscles weak, stiff, or unable to move. These episodes of periodic paralysis can last up to a few minutes to a few days and depend on the type of periodic paralysis one has. The major types of periodic paralysis include hypokalemic periodic paralysis (hypoKPP), hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (hyperKPP), paramyotonia congenita, and Andersen-Tawil Syndrome (ATS). The type of periodic paralysis one develops depends on the problem that cells have with their channels for sodium, chloride, calcium, or potassium. To function normally, one needs the right balance of these minerals inside and outside of the cells as this helps the muscles to move the way they should. Any problem with the channels for these key minerals can lead to either type of periodic paralysis. Causes of periodic paralysis Periodic paralysis is a condition that is caused by flaws in the genes that control sodium, chloride, potassium, and calcium channels in the muscle cells.

5 major causes of dilated pupils The human body is quite intricate, and every part, irrespective of how small it is, has vital functions to perform. For instance, the pupils in our eyes, which are the black circles in the eyes, gather light and bring it to the retina, another part of the eye to form images. These pupils widen or dilate in response to low light in a bid to collect more light. This is how pupils function under normal circumstances. However, there are instances when the pupils dilate independent of the presence of light in the environment. In fact, the pupils can stay dilated even in a bright environment. This unusual pupil dilation is termed as mydriasis. Mydriasis or pupil dilation can become a cause for concern when the pupils continue to stay dilated in a bright environment and it occurs frequently. It is essential to visit a doctor to determine the underlying cause of pupil dilation. Some of the prominent causes of mydriasis are as follows: Anticholinergics Anticholinergics are components that are found in prescription medications. These substances prevent certain chemicals from being transmitted to the eyes, muscles, and certain glands. They cause the pupils to become more dilated, and can even cause dry mouth, constipation, and decreased sweating.

Skin conditions often require immediate attention as a majority of these conditions are contagious. One such skin condition that is known to cause immense distress and can spread quickly is scabies. Scabies is a form of skin infestation that is caused by a mite called Sarcoptes scabiei, and this mite can survive on the surface of the skin for months. They can reproduce quickly on the surface of the skin and burrow themselves into the skin and lay eggs. Scabies is characterized by itchy, red rashes that appear on the surface of the skin. Scabies is so widespread that approximately 130 million cases of the same have been reported at any given time. As this condition is highly contagious, it can be passed on easily from one person to another through direct skin contact. To prevent an outbreak of scabies, it becomes essential to treat the condition right away. Read on to learn more about certain home remedies that have proven effective in treating scabies without any detrimental side-effects. Tea tree oil Essential oils have been used as a part of home remedies for a long time. Tea tree oil is one of the most potent essential oils that has proven to be quite effective in treating scabies.

Understanding the different types of Castleman disease Castleman disease is named after Dr. Benjamin Castleman who first described the condition in the 1950s. Alternatively known as giant lymph node hyperplasia and angiofollicular lymph node hyperplasia, Castleman disease is not cancer. It is a group of three heterogeneous inflammatory disorders that produce excess molecules primarily affecting the lymph node system. The condition also exhibits flu-like symptoms, lymph node enlargement, and can result in vital organs becoming dysfunctional. There are two primary types of Castleman disease with the number of lymph nodes affected taken as the basis for the classification. Further, each primary type has a subtype of the lymph node condition as the lymph tissue is found in many places throughout the body including the lymph nodes, thymus, spleen, tonsils & adenoids, bone marrow, and digestive tract among other locations. Note that there are no known causes of Castleman’s disease. It is a rare disorder that prompts an overgrowth of the lymph nodes in various parts of the body that can lead to further complications. In most cases, the Human Herpesvirus 8 is identified as the main trigger of Castleman’s disease. However, there are significant risk factors that can aggravate the unnatural overgrowth of cells in the lymph nodes without warning.

Understanding the causes and symptoms of a brain hemorrhage Hemorrhage is the medical term for blood loss. The condition results in significant bleeding which can be life-threatening in many cases. The bleeding is mainly classified into internal and external hemorrhage depending on the source of the blood loss. Common external bleeds occur from the mouth, lips, tongue, and the nose. Anything and everything from a simple papercut to injuries can cause external bleeds. Knees, ankle, elbow, and joints are the more common areas where internal bleeding is possible. A hemorrhage can also occur in large muscle groups as a result of an injury or medical condition. Brain hemorrhage is one of the more severe and possibly life-threatening conditions when it comes to the sudden loss of blood. It is a type of stroke caused due to the bursting of an artery in the brain resulting in localized bleeding in the surrounding tissues. The sudden and unexpected blood loss irritates the brain tissue and causes swelling. The blood pool puts additional pressure on nearby brain cells blocking vital blood supply points that results in the deterioration of healthy cells. Mentioned below are some of the causes of a brain hemorrhage: There are several risk factors and triggers that increase the chances of a brain hemorrhage.

Common risk factors of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis Fibrosis is a condition that results in the thickening and scarring of the connective tissue. Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a lung disease that causes the scarring of the lungs thus impairing normal function. The lungs are made up of soft connective tissue designed to absorb oxygen and gradual scarring can cause the tissue to harden and degrade. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis mainly affects the interstitium which is the tissue and space around the air sacs in the lungs. The tissue damage results in breathing problems as the lungs cannot expand normally to absorb fresh oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide at the same time. There is no known cause or direct trigger that can cause idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. However, there are multiple risk factors that increase the chances of developing this condition which is why attention must be given to the following triggers to advise immediate medical attention. The risk factors of IPF are mentioned below: Age Old age is a major factor that increases the chances of suffering from IPF. It is not uncommon for major organs in the body to deteriorate as one ages which is why it is also necessary to monitor the first signs of discomfort that could be very well a result of scarring in the lungs.

Here is what you need to know about an anal fissure A tear in the tissue lining of the anal canal is termed as an anal fissure. The tear and break in the tissue lining can cause severe pain resulting in bleeding when a person is having a bowel moment. A person suffering from anal fissure experiences blood in stools. An anal fissure can be both acute and chronic and can occur at any age. An acute anal fissure doesn’t need medical intervention and heals quickly as they are superficial. However, a chronic anal fissure does not heal for more than a month and tends to have deeper cuts, requiring medical attention. Causes There are a plethora of causes that can lead to anal fissure. Some of the common causes include: Chronic constipation and diarrhea can often tear the skin in and around the anal area. Straining during childbirth or bowel movements can also lead to episodes of an acute or chronic anal fissure. An anal fissure could also be the result of decreased blood flow to the anorectal area and overly tight or spastic anal sphincter muscles. It could also be a result of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as the Crohn’s disease.

Glaucoma has been a leading cause of blindness among people who are 60 years or above. Although it can occur at any age, it has been observed to be more common among older adults. Comprising of a group of several eye conditions, glaucoma causes damage to the optic nerve. The damage is a result of the eye being subjected to abnormally excess pressure. The optic nerve is quite important for a good vision. Most forms of glaucoma are progressive and begin with no early warning signs or symptoms. A person with glaucoma does not experience any change in vision until an advanced stage is reached. There is an extremely gradual change in the vision. Moreover, it is not possible to recover from vision loss caused by glaucoma. This is why it is important to undergo regular eye examinations. The eye examinations for glaucoma should include measurements of eye pressure. This will help in early diagnosis and appropriate treatment to slow down the progress of glaucoma. Treatments are usually given for the rest of the patient’s life since there is no permanent cure for this disorder. Read on to know more about the various types of glaucoma, its symptoms, and risk factors.

Causes, symptoms, and treatment for hypokalemia There’s a major reason why we are asked to consume a balanced diet, our body needs nutrients to perform all its functions and eating healthy food is a fool-proof way of ensuring that all its needs are met. When one doesn’t consume certain food groups, there are high chances that they can suffer from one or the other form of nutrient deficiency. Essential nutrients include vitamins and minerals that strengthen the immune system and actively protect the individual from falling prey to illnesses. When the body doesn’t get the required amount of nutrients, the deficiencies can have a drastic impact. One such condition that arises due to low levels of potassium in the blood is called hypokalemia. Hypokalemia can have disastrous consequences as potassium is an essential nutrient which the body needs to function normally. Potassium is vital as it helps the muscles move, enables the cells to receive nutrients they need, and ensures the nerves are able to send signals throughout the body. Moreover, potassium plays a major role in preventing the blood pressure from rising. Causes of hypokalemia There are several reasons why people suffer from hypokalemia. One of the major reasons for low potassium levels in the body is that too much potassium leaves the digestive tract.

Popular home remedies to treating diarrhea Diarrhea is a common type of gastrointestinal condition which causes excessive, frequent, and abnormal passing of watery stools. Symptoms lasting for a couple of days indicate acute diarrhea whereas week-long symptoms can be a case of chronic diarrhea. The most common causes of diarrhea include bacterial and viral infections, toxins, parasites, and food allergies. One of the major risks associated with diarrhea is dehydration as it makes the body lose a lot of water and minerals such as sodium. Acute diarrhea which lasts for a couple of days might be treated at home, but chronic diarrhea would need medical intervention. There are some home remedies and treatments that can help ease the symptoms of diarrhea. These include: Eat bowel-soothing foods that are easy to digest Eat light. Eating oily foods in excess makes it harder for the digestive system to process the food. Hence, it is advised to eat small amounts of food throughout the day. Opt for bland foods such as apples, bananas, whole grains, and rice for the first few days as they act as binding agents to firm up the watery stools. Studies have also shown that flaxseeds reduce the duration of diarrhea.