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5 foods that trigger symptoms of hereditary angioedema

5 foods that trigger symptoms of hereditary angioedema
Hereditary Angioedema (HAE) is a rare genetic disorder that affects roughly 1 in 50,000 people worldwide. This condition is characterized by recurrent episodes of swelling anywhere in the body, including the face, throat, feet, genitals, and abdomen. While HAE attacks can be triggered by various factors, including stress and trauma, certain foods have been identified as potential triggers for some individuals with HAE. Knowing the foods that may exacerbate its symptoms is essential to managing the condition. What it is HAE is primarily caused by a genetic mutation that leads to inadequate levels or malfunctioning of the C1 inhibitor protein in the body. This causes fluid retention and leakage outside blood vessels, leading to inflammation, itching, breathing issues, and discomfort. If left untreated, the condition can potentially be life-threatening. Foods to avoid for hereditary angioedema While not all individuals with HAE experience symptom exacerbations due to food triggers, some patients have reported that certain foods increase their susceptibility to attacks. Here are some foods that have been known to worsen HAE: Spicy foods Spices like chili peppers and hot sauces can cause blood vessels to dilate and potentially contribute to swelling in individuals with HAE. The capsaicin found in these foods may trigger the release of a component that may cause swelling and lead to angioedema.

Common early signs and symptoms of hereditary angioedema

Common early signs and symptoms of hereditary angioedema
Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare genetic disease. It is known to be diagnosed in about 1 in 10,000 to 50,000 people globally. The condition affects the immune system’s ability to manage inflammation in the body. This results in several symptoms that affect the skin, airway, and gastrointestinal system. Most of these symptoms are similar to allergic reactions. Therefore, it is important to recognize the early signs of HAE to enable timely diagnosis and treatment. Early signs Before the onset of the symptoms, one can experience several of these early signs of HAE: Extreme fatigue Painless and non-itchy rash Muscle ache Skin tightness Tingling skin Headache Anxiety Abdomen pain Hoarseness of voice Mood changes or irritability Common symptoms The early signs are often followed by an HAE attack. During this, a person experiences swelling in different areas of the body. This leads to the start of the following symptoms: Swelling of the skin This is one of the most common symptoms of HAE. Its early signs are tingling and tightness of skin, which progress to painful and extreme swelling of the skin. If not treated on time, the swelling may subside in a couple of days. It is always recommended to seek medical care to avoid other severe symptoms from occurring.

10 foods that worsen MAC lung disease

10 foods that worsen MAC lung disease
Food is fuel for the body. However, not all daily foods and beverages are considered good for health. Also, there has to be a balance between fresh and packaged foods that form part of daily nutrition. Overconsumption only increases the risk of diseases and immune responses that affect one’s overall health. Here are 10 types of foods, beverages, and condiments nutritionists suggest avoiding or consuming in moderation to prevent flare-ups linked to MAC lung disease. Excessively salty foods Salt contains sodium, which causes the excess retention of fluids in the lungs and worsens inflammation or bloating symptoms. The extra pressure on the organ can cause breathing difficulties. Most packaged food items bought off the shelves in the supermarket contain excess sodium and should be avoided. Sugary foods and beverages Artificial sugar is empty calories and does not add any nutritional value. Adding too much sugar to daily nutrition increases the risk of diabetes complications associated with MAC lung disease. One must avoid sodas, fruit juices, and sugary confectionery. Processed meats Processed meats are laced with preservatives and additives. Further, cooking these meats on high heat releases nitrates that are bad for lung health and can worsen symptoms. Seafood Some types of seafood, like crab, shrimp, and lobster, contain high amounts of purine that are broken down by the body upon consumption.

5 benefits of using mouth tape

5 benefits of using mouth tape
Mouth breathing can lead to several issues. While this action can be controlled when awake, it is more challenging to control when sleeping. Many people involuntarily sleep with their mouths open, leading to bad breath, dry mouth, and snoring. Here is where mouth tapes come in. These tapes are designed to tape a person’s mouth shut during sleep to encourage nose breathing. Read on to learn more about the uses and benefits of mouth tapes. What is mouth taping? The idea of mouth-taping slowly grew popular as a home remedy to prevent breathing via the mouth during sleeping. The idea of the step is to tape the mouth shut to encourage nose breathing, which is known to have several positive effects on one’s sleep. Mouth tapes are small tapes that are specifically designed for this purpose. They are easy to apply and safe for the skin. Uses and benefits of mouth tapes Applying mouth tape over both lips right before sleeping helps one keep one’s mouth shut while sleeping. Its benefits include: Reduces snoring Snoring is a major sign that indicates mouth breathing. Snoring can not only disrupt one’s own sleep but can also affect one’s partner’s sleep. Mouth taping can prevent snoring by keeping a person’s mouth closed and encouraging nasal breathing.

6 things one should never clean using paper towels

6 things one should never clean using paper towels
For the sake of convenience, many people turn to paper towels as a quick and disposable solution for various cleaning tasks, from wiping hands to tackling common household messes. While paper towels are undoubtedly versatile and convenient for spills and drying, there are specific surfaces and items that they may not be well-suited for. Here are some common areas that are best cleaned with other alternatives to ensure the best outcome of one’s cleaning efforts. Delicate glassware Paper towels may seem like a logical choice for cleaning glass surfaces due to their absorbency and lint-free nature. But they can leave behind tiny paper fibers and streaks when used on delicate glassware. These imperfections can affect their appearance and require additional cleaning to correct. Instead, one can opt to use microfiber or lint-free cloth specifically designed for streak-free glass cleaning. Windows and mirrors Like glassware, cleaning windows and mirrors with paper towels can result in lint residue. One can instead reach for eco-friendly alternatives like an old cotton t-shirt or a piece of microfiber cloth for a more effective cleaning solution. Electronic screens Modern homes are filled with electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and computer monitors, all of which have sensitive screens.

7 household items that may harm the lungs and worsen COPD

7 household items that may harm the lungs and worsen COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung condition that significantly impacts one’s quality of life, particularly affecting breathing. Individuals often struggle with limited airflow, persistent coughing, and shortness of breath. While many factors may contribute to COPD flares, certain household products are lesser-known contributors. These products can release harmful chemicals, causing airway inflammation in individuals with compromised lung function. Here are seven household products that patients with COPD must avoid. Bleach and ammonia-based cleaners Known for their disinfectant properties, these products release strong and potentially harmful fumes when they come into contact with surfaces and the air. The inhalation of these fumes can lead to immediate respiratory irritation, triggering coughing and exacerbating COPD symptoms. These products can include oven cleaners, rug cleaners, and more. Spray and floor cleaners Many window cleaners and all-purpose sprays may be convenient, but they contain fine mist and chemical disinfectants that can exacerbate COPD or asthma. Similarly, floor cleaning products often contain a mix of chemicals and fragrances that can risk lung health. Individuals with COPD should consider using low-VOC or fragrance-free cleaners and ensure proper drying and ventilation after cleaning. Perfume Perfumes often contain a mixture of chemicals, including VOCs, that create their pleasant scent.

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5 things to avoid doing in hotels

One of the joys of traveling is getting comfortable hotel accommodation for your stay. Just as we expect great service from these hotels, they expect the guests to follow certain protocols to make the experience pleasurable. It is important to understand this tacit agreement. On that note, here are some vital tips to remind you of things that you should avoid doing when you are staying in a hotel. Keep the bathroom door shut Taking a hot shower at the end of the day and sliding into the comfy blanket is one of the perks of being in a hotel. However, make sure you keep the bathroom door shut. The steam from the shower can enter the room and trigger the fire alarm. Don’t cover the smoke alarms Almost all hotels always have a smoking room available for their guests, as they understand it is a requirement for some. However, some guests will take a room that comes with a smoke alarm and cover the smoke alarms whenever they wish to indulge in activities that may set off the alarm. Avoid using the throw pillows Some hotels have these delicate items in the room, like throw pillows to add some personality to the room. However, if you notice, a lot of these items do not have a sleeve cover, and many hotels do not clean these pillows after every guest’s departure. These items could be a hotbed of germs, so it is best to avoid these throw pillows altogether. Stealing bathrobes is a big no-no It is normal to pack the shampoo, conditioner, and tea sachets from hotels. Most people do it, and it is quite acceptable as the customers pay for them. However, some may try to grab other items like bathrobes or coat hangers. Make sure to keep these items in the room after using them.

6 hotel booking mistakes to avoid for the best deals

Planning your travel itinerary is one of the most critical tasks to pay attention to, especially while reserving bookings online. Holiday deals and bundled packages might be tempting at first glance. But there are certain rookie booking mistakes and not-so-obvious pitfalls to avoid losing money. It doesn’t matter if you are a veteran traveler or a first-timer. Pay attention to these 6 common booking mistakes and get the best deal on the first attempt. Not reading reviews When you have website reviews available for reference, use them before comparing cheap hotels in Orlando or other locations. Filter hotels by best reviews and read a few for the chosen place of stay. Learn about their service and quality of amenities, and see whether it is worth booking in the first place. Not booking a refundable room Travel plans can change, so you need to account for contingencies that affect your booking dates. Always book a refundable room even if your plans change on the spur of the moment. Not using the hotel’s website Booking through third-party websites may fetch you cheap hotels in Orlando. But booking a room through the hotel website that offers the same discount or price match can be more beneficial. Guests get assigned the best rooms with better views and even upgrades for using the hotel’s official website. Booking at the wrong time Hotels usually try to fill up as many rooms as possible with advance booking while reserving some rooms for last-minute travelers. Book rooms well in advance, especially if you make plans for the holiday season. Hotels can double or triple their room prices for tourists who fail to book in advance. Not signing up for hotel rewards Hotels offer loyalty programs and membership benefits to frequent travelers. Loyalty points can be redeemed at the hotel front desk or online to book free stays and travel on your next vacation.

4 tips to manage flea and tick infestations in dogs

Flea and ticks are common parasites that carry different types of diseases. These pests thrive in soft and warm environments, and the pet’s fur is a perfect home for them. If left unchecked, they can cause severe complications. But there are simple ways to control and prevent this problem. Here are some effective preventive treatments, plants that repel parasites, changes in daily foods, and DIY remedies to manage the infestation: Effective treatments Simparica TRIO oral chews are suitable for dogs eight weeks and older, weighing at least 2.8 lbs. The tablet should be given once a month.  K9 Advantix II, on the other hand, is another popular monthly flea protection treatment that is effective within the first 12 hours of consumption. K9 Advantix is suitable for dogs seven weeks or older, weighing at least 4.4 lbs.  Bravetco® is a more long-lasting alternative as one tablet can prevent flea and tick infestations for 12 weeks. Bravetco® is available in five dosing options, depending on the size and weight of the dog. Some heartworm prescriptions like Advantage Multi® topical solution and Trifexis® oral chews also help counter flea and tick infections. Immunity boosting meals and foods Consult with a vet to better understand what dogs should eat daily to develop more resilience and fight flea and tick infestations. For example, garlic can ward off parasites and is safe to include in small quantities for most breeds. But ensure the garlic is always freshly chopped. Honey pairs well with this garlic mixture and boosts immunity to combat common allergens that trigger flea infestations. Helpful plants that repel parasites Swapping out old plants for pet-friendly plants can actually help repel fleas and ticks. Basil, catnip, chamomile, chrysanthemum, eucalyptus, plantain, garlic, lavender, lemongrass, marigolds, mint, pennyroyal, rosemary, rue, sage, tansy, thyme, wormwood, and yarrow are all acceptable choices.

3 tips that may help prevent and manage prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed forms of cancer. It is estimated that one in eight men is at risk, and the number gets higher in those above the age of 65. Thankfully, modern treatments and prescriptions have made it easier. Also, certain lifestyle changes, healthy eating habits, and effective measures for prevention lower the risk. Here is how early diagnosis, treatments, and simple suggestions can improve the quality of life. Prescription treatments Xofigo contains a radioactive element called radium RA 223 dichloride. The injection works well in a short-range radius to counter the spread of prostate cancer in the bone. Enzalutamide, marketed under the brand name XTANDI, is an alternative treatment option. Those who don’t respond well to hormonal or surgical treatments can consider these injections to lower and manage testosterone levels. XTANDI works by actively inhibiting androgen receptors to prevent or reduce cancer cell growth. Prescriptions aside, doctors suggest cryotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy for those who respond to regular treatments. However, the treatments vary depending on the spread of cancer and the severity of the symptoms. Best foods for prevention Tomatoes and watermelon are rich in lycopene and beneficial for prostate cancer prevention. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, brussels sprouts, kale, cabbage, and cauliflower contain phytochemicals that help combat cancer-growing cells. Additionally, citrus-rich fruits, including oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes, help boost immunity. Tofu, chickpeas, lentils, sprouts, and peanuts contain isoflavones, which help lower the risk of prostate cancer. Note that daily foods must also supplement omega-3 fatty acids and folates sourced from fatty fish, leafy greens, and fortified whole foods. Overall, nutritionists recommend including more foods rich in antioxidants to fight oxidative damage. Effective lifestyle changes Exercise is one of the most significant changes to implement in daily routine. Any form of physical activity, including walking, running, jogging, and weight training, can help maintain a healthy body weight.

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4 ways to overcome an overactive bladder

4 ways to overcome an overactive bladder

Overactive bladder or OAB is a health condition that causes frequent and sudden urge to urinate. Statistics suggest that close to 35 million people in the country suffer from overactive bladder. Some people also experience urinary incontinence or unintentional loss of urine. It can be embarrassing to deal with the condition, as it can limit one’s social and professional life. The following tips can be used to effectively manage an overactive bladder: Typical treatment options Before we discuss tips for managing an overactive bladder, it is important to be aware of some treatment options. GEMTESA (vibegron) is one such treatment option. It activates beta-3 receptors, thereby allowing the bladder to relax and provide relief from being overactive. Apart from this, Myrbetriq can also be used for treating an overactive bladder, as it smoothens the muscles around the urinary bladder, increasing its storage capacity. Other options include TOVIAZ and INVOKANA®. Add cranberries to your food regimen  Cranberries are widely used to treat problems associated with bladder control. Similarly, other berries like strawberries and blueberries are also abundant in vitamin C, which can neutralize bad bacteria and prevent urinary tract infections. Berries also have high water content, which maintains hydration levels and helps manage bladder control. Cranberries can be eaten alone or can be added to smoothies, salads, and other delicious recipes. Limit washing and wiping Sanitary hygiene is essential. However, it can be counterintuitive going overboard. Women with overactive bladder experiencing menstruation might feel the constant need to clean themselves. However, excessive cleaning with soap can make the area dry and itchy, and it can aggravate symptoms of an overactive bladder. Hence it is recommended to avoid going overboard on washing and wiping or use hydrating cleaning products to retain the moisture. Practice exercises for bladder control Changes in certain habits related to urination can ease the symptoms or help retain bladder strength in the long run.
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5 tips to manage migraine attacks

5 tips to manage migraine attacks

Migraine is characterized by throbbing, lingering pain on either side of the head. It is common among those between 30 and 40 and more prevalent among women than men. According to research, at least 39 million people in the country live with migraine. Many people with this condition are sensitive to light and sound. Fortunately, lifestyle changes can reduce the frequency of migraines. Here are some effective ways that can help cope with migraines: Treatments People with migraines need to keep medications handy. Some of the common medicines used by adults for migraine attacks are UBRELVY™, Excedrin, Nurtec® ODT, and QULIPTA™. They block pathways in the brain that are responsible for migraine attacks. A doctor might also recommend preventive medicines if one experiences frequent and severe headaches that don’t respond well to treatment. These medications might reduce how often one gets an attack and reduce its severity. Foods to eat Fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds are high in antioxidants and fat and are great for keeping overall health in check. Magnesium-rich foods like avocados, apricots, almonds, cashews, and brown rice help the blood vessels relax and prevent headaches. Other items that help prevent headaches include leafy greens, dairy, and calcium-rich foods. Those who experience frequent migraine attacks are also often recommended to reduce the intake of high-sodium foods. Lifestyle choices Having a healthy sleep cycle is very rewarding. It’s good for one’s physical and mental health. Getting quality sleep every night can significantly reduce the frequency of migraine attacks. Migraines usually occur when the body doesn’t get enough rest and is stressed. Hydration and cold compress It’s essential to be hydrated at all times to help reduce the frequency of migraines. The body requires a certain amount of electrolytes and fluids to work its best. When one doesn’t replace these fluids and electrolytes, it causes dehydration, triggering migraine.
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