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Tag: symptoms aches and pains

Why are my breasts sore?

October 6th, 2020 by The Hello Doctor Team

Breast pain and tenderness are very common symptoms. But breast pain is frightening for women – they immediately think of something serious, like cancer. Luckily, more often than not, the pain is caused by hormonal changes and is not cause for alarm. Breast pain is seldom a symptom of breast cancer!

As doctors we like to put things into groups, and with breast pain (or Mastalgia as it is also known), it can be grouped into 2 types:

  1. Cyclical Breast Pain – this means that it’s part of your hormonal cycle
  2. Non-Cyclical Breast Pain – this means that it is outside of your hormonal  cycle

Cyclical breast pain

  • This means that the pain/tenderness/heaviness occurs at a regular and predictable time in your monthly cycle, and it’s usually worst in the week before your period.
  • The discomfort can be in one or both breasts and can move into the armpit. Once your period starts the pain goes away.
  • This is the most common type of breast pain
  • It is due to hormonal changes
  • It is most common in women in their 20’s-40’s
  • It also occurs during perimenopause
  • It can be associated with “lumpiness” of both breasts when at the most tender (just before your period)

Non-cyclical breast pain

  • This means that the pain does not change with your monthly cycle – it is either there all the time, or it happens at random times and is not related to your period.
  • It is usually only in one breast, and the pain is burning or stabbing
  • The exact cause is not known
  • It is most common in women in their 40’s and 50’s
  • Sometimes the pain is not actually coming from the breast, it is coming from the chest wall! Your doctor will be able to find this on examination

Not sure if your pain is Cyclical? It can help to keep a diary: when you get the pain, make a note, and count the days of your cycle. Day 1 of your cycle is the day after your period ends, and the last day of your cycle is the last day of your period. Take note of when you get your pain. If it’s mainly in the week before your period, it’s most likely due to your hormones!

When should I see my doctor?

  • If you are unsure of what type of pain you are having
  • If you feel any lumps in your breasts or armpits
  • If you have a discharge from your nipple/nipples
  • If you see any changes in the skin of your breasts
  • If there are signs of infection: redness/warmth/swelling of the breast

I have seen my doctor and all is well, but how can I manage my pain?

Often it’s all we need to be told that the pain is nothing serious and it becomes easier to bear without any more treatment. Anxiety about pain can often make the pain feel worse. If, however the pain or discomfort is worrying you, try this:

  • Use an anti-inflammatory when needed, such as ibuprofen (remember to follow the instructions!)
  • Use something for pain as needed, such as paracetamol
  • Make sure your bra fits properly! Many women wear bra’s that do not give enough support and this can lead to pain.
  • Speak to your doctor about the pill- this can help with cyclical breast pain by controlling the hormonal changes that happen during the month
  • Evening Primrose oil, a supplement, can be very helpful in managing breast pain in some women. It must be taken daily and often a difference is only felt a month or so after starting to use it

If you still feel anxious about any breast pain you may be experiencing, see your doctor for an examination.

Author:  Dr Lynelle Hoeks

Why is my nose runny? 

February 24th, 2020 by The Hello Doctor Team

Your nose and sinuses constantly produce mucus to keep the nose moist. This mucus protects the inside of your nose and stops germs and viruses from progressing further into your respiratory system. A runny nose, also known as rhinorrhoea, happens when excess mucus is produced and drains from the nose. The fluid can be either thin or thick, or clear or cloudy, and the flow can be irregular or constant.

Common causes include:

  • Colds and flu: Mucus from illnesses can fill the nasal cavity and cause temporary nasal obstruction.
  • Crying: When you cry, tears drain through the tear ducts, into the nasal cavity, and then into the nose.
  • Cold weather: Cold conditions can sometimes cause a reaction that produces mucus.
  • Sinuses infection: The sinuses, or cavities of the face that drain into the nose, can fill with infected mucus resulting in sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses).
  • Allergic rhinitis: Allergies or a nasal reaction to allergens like pollen or pet dander.
  • Non-allergic rhinitis: An irritant like smoke or pollution, or the body’s reaction to cold weather or hot food.

How can you relieve a runny nose?

Antibiotics aren’t needed to treat a runny nose, as it usually gets better on its own. Sometimes, an over-the-counter decongestant may help. However, it might not be appropriate if you have certain conditions or take other medications. Check with your doctor to see which over-the-counter medicines are suitable for you.

The best treatments for a runny nose typically include:

  • Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water
  • Rest
  • Eating well
  • A saline nasal spray to help relieve symptoms
  • A cool-mist humidifier at your bedside to help with congestion that’s worsened by dry air

How can you relieve a runny nose due to an allergy?

  • Stay indoors when pollen count is high – usually in the early morning and on windy days.
  • Keep windows closed during allergy season, and use air conditioning if possible.
  • Wear a dust mask if you’re working outdoors, change your clothes, and take a shower after coming indoors.
  • Avoid contact with cats and dogs if you are sensitive to animal dander.

Fortunately, there are many safe and effective over-the-counter medications such as nasal steroid sprays and oral antihistamines available to help control allergy symptoms.

If your symptoms are severe, your doctor may refer you to an allergist for testing. If not, they may prescribe medication to help relieve symptoms.

Prevent the sniffles

These tips can help stop germs from spreading:

  • Wash your hands often.
  • Throw away used tissues after blowing or wiping your nose.
  • Keep away from those who have colds or infections.
  • Eat well and exercise regularly to help boost your immune system.
  • Cough and sneeze into the inside of the elbow, not into your hands.
  • Clean and disinfect tables, countertops, door handles and your mobile phone

References:

Weird medical treatments from 100 years ago

January 27th, 2020 by Content Editor

When you’re sick and in need of treatment, you pretty much know what you’re in for: Medication and bed rest or at worst, an injection in your behind!

Back in the day though, scarier treatment options were common. Here are some hilarious and even downright creepy medical treatments from 100 years ago.

Heroin for cough

Most of us know that the drug heroin isn’t good for our health. If you had a bad cough in the 19th century though, it was highly likely that you’d have been prescribed some heroin! Yikes.

It was marketed as a treatment for coughs, wheezes and even morphine addiction. The company who marketed it as such, had to take it off the shelves once it was discovered that heroin converts into morphine in the human body, essentially making it a fast-acting form of morphine!

Today: Over-the-counter cough suppressants or antibiotics (if a bacterial infection is the cause).

Bloodletting for headache

Do you have a pounding headache? Feeling stressed out? Have an STD? In the 19th century, you’d probably have been told to lose some blood. Back then, it wasn’t yet discovered that blood circulates. Instead it was believed that it would stagnate in certain parts of the body and could cause illness this way.

Another belief was that the body contained four different substances called humours (blood, black bile, yellow bile and phlegm). What’s more, it was thought that if there was an excess or shortage of any of these, it would result in illness. Due to this, bloodletting would balance out the humours.

Today: Over-the-counter pain killers, a trip to your doctor for medication or lifestyle changes to help with stress

Mercury for wounds

While today known as a toxic, poisonous substance, in the past, mercury was often used as a treatment for wounds and ironically, prolonging life. One Chinese emperor, Qin Shi Huang was obsessed with eternal life and ingested mercury given to him by doctors and scientists. He, of course, didn’t live a long life and was killed by the so-called “miracle elixir”.

Today: Antibiotic ointment to prevent any infection in the wound and a clean bandage.

Trepanation for evil spirits

Having a hole drilled into your head sounds terrifying, but as far back as 7 000 years ago, it was a sure way to cure certain illnesses. This ancient surgery involved literally boring a hole into the skull. The common theory was that the hole could release evil spirits that caused illnesses. It was also used as a method to treat headaches and blood clots.

Today: Today, surgeons may perform brain surgery to remove tumours, or give medication for epilepsy: a condition that was previously thought to be caused by evil spirits.

References:

Is your dizziness caused by cardiomyopathy?

January 27th, 2020 by Content Editor

Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that makes it harder for your heart to pump blood to the rest of your body.

It affects those of all ages and develops either because of genetics or an underlying condition.

Factors that can increase your risk of cardiomyopathy include:

  • A family history of heart failure and sudden cardiac arrest
  • Long-term high blood pressure
  • Past heart attacks
  • Coronary artery disease or an infection in the heart
  • Obesity
  • Long-term alcohol abuse
  • Drug use
  • Certain chemotherapy drugs and radiation therapy for cancer
  • Diabetes, an under- or overactive thyroid gland, or a disorder that causes the body to store excess iron (hemochromatosis)

In some cases, the cause of cardiomyopathy isn’t known. This is often the case when the disease develops in children.

Other types of the disease are called “unclassified cardiomyopathy.” Another type is “stress-induced cardiomyopathy,” also known as broken heart syndrome.

Symptoms

There may be no symptoms in the early stages of cardiomyopathy. However, as the condition advances, the following signs usually appear:

  • Breathlessness
  • Swelling of the legs, ankles and feet
  • Bloating of the abdomen due to fluid build-up
  • Coughing while lying down
  • Fatigue
  • Rapid, pounding or fluttering heartbeats
  • Dizziness, light-headedness and fainting
  • Chest discomfort or pressure

Symptoms tend to get worse unless treated. In some people, the condition worsens quickly; in others, it is a gradual process.

Treating cardiomyopathy

Treatment is aimed at the cause of heart failure. Once you have been diagnosed, the main goals are to improve cardiac function, reduce symptoms and to help prevent complications.

Your doctor will also recommend lifestyle changes that reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

When to see a doctor

Because some types of cardiomyopathy can be hereditary, your doctor might advise that your family members be checked too.

See your doctor if you have one or more signs associated with cardiomyopathy, like severe difficulty breathing, fainting or chest pain that lasts for more than a few minutes.

In many cases, you can’t prevent cardiomyopathy, but let your doctor know if you have a family history of the condition.

You can help reduce your chances of cardiomyopathy and other types of heart disease with a heart-healthy lifestyle that includes:

  • Controlling high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes
  • Avoiding the use of alcohol or drugs
  • Eating a heart-healthy diet
  • Being regularly active
  • Getting enough sleep
  • Reducing stress

Teaser: Make heart-healthy choices

References:

I’m always tired. Could it be Addison’s disease?

January 13th, 2020 by Content Editor

It’s not even 7am and you’re already exhausted… you didn’t even have a late night! Perhaps a third cup of coffee will help keep you alert?

If you’ve been feeling fatigued lately or experiencing pain and/or unexplained weight loss, it’s possible you could have Addison’s disease.

Your adrenal glands, located on top of your kidneys, produce many of the hormones your body needs to function at its best. When your adrenal glands are out of whack, Addison’s disease develops because your body can’t produce enough of the hormones cortisol and aldosterone. These hormones are important because they’re in charge of giving instructions to almost every tissue and organ in your body.

The symptoms for Addison’s disease usually develop slowly over a few months, and include extreme fatigue, low blood pressure, decreased appetite, salt cravings, darkening of the skin, nausea and weight loss. You may also experience muscle and abdominal pain, depression and body hair loss.

You could be at risk for Addison’s disease if you:

  • Take blood-thinning medication (anticoagulants)
  • Have a chronic condition like tuberculosis
  • Had surgery where a part of your adrenal gland was removed
  • Have an autoimmune disease like Type 1 diabetes or Graves’ disease
  • Have cancer

Prevention

Although Addison’s disease itself cannot be prevented, taking steps to prevent those conditions associated with it could lower your risk.

Managing these risk factors may prevent Addison’s disease:

  • Treating fungal infections.
  • Treating diabetes.
  • Identifying cancer symptoms to prevent cells from spreading into the adrenal glands and bloodstream.
  • Treating bacterial infection like tuberculosis

How is Addison’s disease treated?

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of your condition, but both lifestyle change and medication are used to manage the condition.

Untreated Addison’s disease may lead to a severe case of the disease. Once you have your treatment plan, you must follow it correctly.

If you develop other conditions related to Addison’s disease like high blood pressure, your doctor will need to treat that too.

Medications

Usually prescribed to decrease inflammation in the body, medications are taken for the rest of your life to effectively manage your disease. In addition, hormone replacements may be prescribed to replace any hormones your adrenal glands are struggling to produce.

Home care

It’s crucial that you always keep your medication on you. Make sure you have an emergency kit with you and add a medical alert card to let others know about your condition.

Lifestyle changes

Manage your stress levels and keep an overall healthy lifestyle. Talk to your doctor about stress-relieving techniques like yoga, Tai Chi or meditation. Simple exercises like walking or jogging are excellent stress busters too.

References:

What is this fluid coming from my ear?

November 24th, 2019 by Content Editor

Earwax’s job is to keep your ears healthy and prevent dust and foreign objects from getting inside. If you didn’t have earwax, your ears would be itchy, dry and could easily become infected. Sometimes, infection or injury can lead to a fluid discharge.

Common discharges from the ears include:

Trauma

Trauma to the ear canal can be caused by:

  • Pushing a cotton swab too deeply in your ear when cleaning it
  • Increase in pressure when flying
  • Loud noises, which may rupture your eardrum

Middle ear infection

The middle ear is behind the eardrum. It contains three bones called ossicles which are vital to hearing. Infection commonly happens when bacteria or viruses make their way into the middle ear, causing fluid to build up behind the eardrum. If there is too much fluid, there’s a risk of damage of the eardrum, which then leads to ear discharge.

Swimmer’s ear

This happens when bacteria or fungus infects your ear canal, typically when you spend long periods of time in water. The excessive moisture inside your ear can break down the skin on the walls of your ear canal, allowing bacteria or fungus to enter and cause an infection.

If you have a skin condition, such as eczema, you may also be at risk of developing swimmers ear. Eczema can easily break the skin in the ear canal, allowing germs to get in.

Other types of ear discharge include:​

  • Yellow and soft​

New earwax

  • Dark and firm like tar

Old earwax​

  • Flaky and pale

Older earwax that has moved to the outside of the ear or side effect of wax removal

  • Runny and cloudy

Ear infection

  • Cloudy fluid or pus draining

Ear infection. The pus drainage is a result of a small tear in the eardrum.​

  • Black

Earwax build-up, foreign object in the ear, and impacted earwax.

  • Blood

This could be an injury to the ear. Usually, it’s just a minor scratch of the lining of the ear canal.

Cleaning your ears

Earwax isn’t formed in the deep part of your ear canal; it’s made in the outer section. So when you chew and move your jaw, you help move old earwax out of the ear canal to the ear opening. That’s where it usually dries up and falls out.

The only reason you’d have an earwax blockage up against your eardrum, is if you had tried to clean your ears with a cotton bud or something similar and pushed the wax in deeper.

Swabbing or sticking pointy and sharp objects inside your ear can cause other serious problems like:

  • Infections
  • Rupture of the eardrum
  • Hearing loss

If your problem isn’t as serious, but you feel like you have too much earwax build-up, gently clean the outside of your ears with your washcloth.

You also can try putting a few drops of baby oil, mineral oil, olive oil or glycerine in your ear to soften the wax.

When to see a doctor

Ear discharge happens for many reasons and can sometimes be a sign of something more serious, especially after a recent head injury. Should you notice any unusual ear drainage after a head injury, see a doctor immediately.

If earwax build-up has caused discomfort and home remedies have not been helpful, your doctor might need to physically and safely remove the earwax. Untreated build-up can lead to hearing loss, irritation, pain in the ear, dizziness, ringing in the ears and other problems.

References:

I have a lump in my armpit – what do I do?

October 21st, 2019 by Content Editor

Armpit lumps are common and are usually caused by a swollen gland or lymph node. Lymph nodes are small, oval-shaped structures found in your body’s lymphatic system. They play a role in your immune system.

Armpit lumps could also be caused by cysts (a growth), an infection or irritation from shaving or antiperspirant use.

The most common causes of armpit lumps are:

  • Bacterial or viral infections
  • Fat tissue growths.
  • A fibroadenoma (noncancerous fibrous tissue growth)
  • Allergic reactions
  • Bad reactions to vaccinations
  • Fungal infections
  • Breast cancer
  • Lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system)
  • Leukaemia (cancer of the blood cells)

Symptoms

Although the obvious symptom is the armpit lump itself, the kind of lump could help you to find out the cause. The texture and size of the lump is good indicators.

For example, a cyst, infection or fatty growth may feel soft to the touch. Cancerous tumours or fibroadenomas may feel stiff. Painful lumps are usually caused by an allergic reaction or a lymph node infection. Besides the lump, infections commonly include other symptoms like a fever and night sweats.

For women, an armpit lump may mean breast cancer. Women should do monthly breast self-exams and tell their doctor about any lumps immediately. Clogging and inflammation of the glands under the armpit could also be the cause of lumps. These lumps are usually painful and boil-like lumps which may be filled with pus.

Diagnosing armpit lumps

As there are many possible causes for armpit lumps, your doctor will ask you questions. You’ll be asked about any changes in the lump and if you’re experiencing any pain in the area.
Your doctor will examine the lump to check the texture and lymph nodes in the area. If it isn’t harmful and will clear up, the diagnosis would end. If your doctor suspects it’s more serious, treatment will be given.

Treatment

In most cases, armpit lumps don’t have to be treated and will disappear over time. Home remedies such as warm compresses and over-the-counter pain relievers may be advised to ease discomfort.

Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the armpit lump. For allergies, medication is also prescribed, and you’ll need to avoid certain allergy triggers.

If the cause is a bacterial infection, your doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics to fight it. Within a few days, the armpit lump should start to disappear. In serious cases, if antibiotics don’t work, you may need to be hospitalised for treatment.

References:

What is this bump on my gum?

October 9th, 2019 by Content Editor

Although it may ring alarm bells, a bump on your gum is usually harmless. Common culprits include a bacterial infection or a build-up of excess plaque.

Sometimes though, there could be other offenders. Here are some common reasons why there could be a bump on your gum.

A dental cyst

Cysts are small bubbles usually filled with liquid, air or other soft materials. They form around the roots of dead or buried teeth. Dental cysts rarely cause symptoms but if they become infected, they start to swell and become painful. If you suspect you have a cyst, it’s important to let your doctor know. If a cyst is large, it could put pressure on your teeth and weaken your jaw over time.

How is it treated?

Dental cysts can be removed with simple surgery. Your doctor will remove the cyst and treat any tissue that may cause it to grow again.

Abscess

If you develop a bacterial infection in your mouth, you could end up with a periodontal abscess. An abscess feels like a soft, warm, painful bump in your mouth.

Common symptoms include:

  • Pain on one side that spreads to your jaw, ear and neck.
  • Throbbing pain that comes on suddenly and gets worse over time.
  • Redness and swelling on your face and gums.

How is it treated?

If you think you have an abscess, see your dentist immediately. Any pus in the growth will be drained and the abscess will be removed. If the infection is severe, a tooth may need to be removed too.

Tumour

A tumour is a kind of bump that can form on the gums, and the sides of your cheeks, tongue and lips. It’s an abnormal swelling and the most common kind is called fibroma. It usually forms if you injure your gum or if it’s irritated from oral fittings like braces or dentures. They aren’t usually painful and look like hard, smooth lumps or skin tags.

How is it treated?

Fibromas don’t require treatment in most case. If it grows large though, see your doctor so he can remove it.

Canker sore

If you have a growth in your mouth with white or yellow spots and redness around it, you could have a canker sore. Cankers sores are small mouth ulcers that can be found at the base of your gums. Canker sores are usually harmless but often painful. They’re usually raised, tender bumps that are especially sore when you eat or drink.

How are they treated?

Canker sores often heal on their own so treatment isn’t necessary. Over-the-counter ointments or gels can help with the pain. Ask your pharmacist for help.

Oral cancer

Although most mouth bumps are generally harmless, in severe cases, a bump could unfortunately mean cancer. Oral cancer can form in any part of your oral cavity, including your gums. It may look like a small growth, lump or thickened skin.

Some symptoms:

  • A bleeding sore.
  • Tongue pain.
  • Jaw pain.
  • A white or red patch on your gums.
  • Loose teeth.
  • A sore throat and pain when swallowing.

How is it treated?

If you suspect you could have oral cancer, talk to your doctor immediately for treatment. To test if the bump is cancerous, your doctor will take a sample of tissue from the bump and check it for cancer cells. If it’s cancer, treatment could include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

See your doctor immediately if you have a mouth bump along with:

  • Throbbing pain.
  • A sore that won’t heal.
  • A fever.
  • A foul taste in your mouth.
  • A lump that doesn’t clear up after a few weeks.
  • Bleeding.
  • Red or white patches.

References:

10 home remedies for common symptoms

October 6th, 2019 by Content Editor

Whether you have heartburn or dry skin, here are some home remedies for those pesky day-to-day issues.

If you’re constipated

Prunes may not be anyone’s snack of choice, but if you’re struggling to poop, it’s just the ticket. Prunes are dried plums and rich in insoluble fibre. Insoluble fibre doesn’t dissolve in water which means more bulk so that waste in your body can be pushed out of the digestive system. It also contains sorbitol and dihydrophenylisatin which act as natural laxatives. To give your constipation a kick, eat one or two prunes a day.

If you can’t sleep

Fresh, zesty kiwi has a hidden talent – it can help you catch some much-needed z’s. Research found that people who ate two kiwis about an hour or two before bed had better sleep quality and duration. This could be because kiwi contains high levels of serotonin. Furthermore, this fizzy fruit also contains folate. If you’re deficient in folate then you could struggle to sleep. Slice up some kiwi before bed to kick-start your serotonin levels.

If your skin is dry

Skip expensive exfoliating scrubs and check your cupboard for a remedy. The thick grains of sea salt make a great exfoliator if you’re suffering from dry skin. Mix one cup of sea salt with half a cup of a natural oil of your choice (e.g. coconut oil). Combine it in a bowl until the mixture is moist, like wet sand.

If you have PMS

The mood swings and irritation before your period are the worst and as many as three out of four women experience it. The good news is that upping your calcium intake can help. A study of women taking 500mg of calcium twice a day for three months found that they experienced fewer symptoms than women who didn’t take a supplement. Ask your doctor about a calcium supplement if you experience PMS. You can also try eating calcium-rich almonds, broccoli, leafy greens and dairy products.

If you have IBS

The inflammation caused by irritable bowel syndrome can cause painful symptoms, but fennel could help. It’s packed with an essential oil called anethole, which is anti-inflammatory. This can combat the stomach cramps and other pain from IBS. Try sipping on fennel seed tea or sprinkle fennel seeds on salads and cooked foods.

If you have heartburn

Good news: an apple a day keeps the heartburn away. This crunchy fruit contains a soluble fibre called pectin which is a pro at absorbing stomach acid. Prevent or remedy heartburn by munching on red and golden delicious sliced or whole apples.

If you have an infection

Thanks to a super compound called curcumin, turmeric is known for being a remedy for infections and even wounds. Curcumin has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which helps with healing and cleansing. A study in the Biochemical journal found that curcumin can prevent bacteria from multiplying. If you have a cut or scrape, try dabbing a little turmeric on it instead of bacterial ointment. You can also use half a teaspoon of turmeric powder with a drop of water to make a paste. If the wound is still bleeding, it’s best to only use powder.

If your eyes are puffy

Placing slices of cucumber on your eyes may seem like a silly beauty trick, but it actually works. Cucumbers are 95% water and when chilled can offer a cooling sensation which can reduce inflammation. What’s more; cucumber slices fit perfectly to the shape of your eyes, making them a better choice than ice packs. If you need to reduce swelling on your eyes, place slices of cucumber on your eyes for 10 minutes.

If you’re nauseous

Swap your nausea medication for ginger. Ginger is filled with active ingredients like gingerol and shogaol which are said to help with inhibiting the parts of the brain that control vomiting. A study of 2000 naval cadets found that those who were given one gram of ginger suffered less seasickness and cold sweat than those who were given a placebo. To ease nausea, motion or morning sickness, chop or grate fresh ginger and use it in tea or your cooking.

If you have a toothache

Sesame seeds contain pain-relieving properties that can ease aches like toothache. To use this remedy, put four teaspoons of sesame seeds into a cup of boiling water and leave it to cool. Apply the liquid to your gums or teeth with a cotton bud. It should take up to an hour for you to get some relief.

References:

When should you worry about your back pain?

August 10th, 2019 by Content Editor

The main symptom of back pain is usually an ache or pain anywhere in the back. Sometimes this can extend all the way down to your legs and buttocks. Depending on the underlying cause of the pain, it can also be referred to other parts of your body.

Your back is made up of ligaments, muscles, tendons, disks, nerves and bones. All work together to help you move. Damage to any of these structures could result in pain.

Common culprits include injuries, medical conditions, poor posture and strain. As you get older, you’re more likely to experience back pain. While back pain is common and easily treatable, it can sometimes also be a symptom of another conditions.

In some cases, back pain, along with other symptoms, point to a more serious conditions. It’s important to remember that even if back pain isn’t intensely painful, it still indicates that something is amiss. Sometimes, serious conditions come with the least painful aches.

Some signs that you should see a doctor immediately include:

Cauda equine syndrome

If you struggle to hold in urine, feel weakness or numbness in your hips, crotch and legs, you should see your doctor immediately. These symptoms could point to a condition called cauda equine syndrome. It’s usually caused if the nerve sac in the lower spine is severely compressed. Over time, it could cause severe spinal damage.

Cancer

Cancer wreaks havoc all over the body, but severe back pain could mean a tumour has developed in or near your spine. This kind of pain grows steadily and feels worse if you do anything that involves weights. At night, the pain may become worse. If you experience other signs like unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite, it may suggest cancer.

Spinal infection

This is difficult to detect, so it’s important to pay attention to the signs. This kind of back pain starts off with a tender sensation, but which grows into a deep, constant pain. This may be accompanied by a fever and other illness. In rare cases, spinal infections can cause an epidural abscess to develop (a pus-filled cavity). This abscess presses on the nerve structures in your cervical spine (neck) and thoracic spine (upper back). The pressure could damage your gross motor functions and result in paraplegia (leg paralysis) or even quadriplegia (paralysis of all the limbs).

Abdominal aneurysm

This happens when a large artery next to the spine balloons and causes sudden, throbbing back pain. People at high risk for heart disease and who have diabetes are most at risk. Quick onset lower back pain with no obvious cause could be a symptom of the enlargement of the aorta (large artery) in your abdomen. This is called abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Ankylosing spondylitis

If your back pain has become long-term and started way before you’re middle-aged, it could mean ankylosing spondylitis (inflammatory arthritis of the spine and pelvis). The back pain associated with this condition progresses over time. It’s more common in men.

References:

Pregnancy piles? Here’s how to treat them

June 17th, 2019 by Content Editor

Piles, or haemorrhoids, are described as varicose veins in your bottom, and they can be painful. When these vessels are swollen, they’re likely to cause aggravation and may hang out of the anus after passing a stool. The sizes of piles vary too.

The good news is that there’s treatment for your piles which has no risk to your baby.

Piles are usually caused by strain on the area due to:

  • Constipation or diarrhoea.
  • Pregnancy.
  • Difficult bowel movements causing straining.
  • Sitting on the toilet for long periods.
  • Obesity.
  • Anal intercourse.
  • A low-fibre diet that can cause difficult bowel movements.

Why are piles during pregnancy so common?


Piles is a very common condition for women during pregnancy or labour. You’re more likely to be effected by the condition when you’re pregnant due to the change of hormones, particularly progesterone. This hormone relaxes the walls of your blood vessels and makes piles more likely to develop. Fortunately, they often clear up in days or weeks after giving birth.

Another cause for the condition is the weight of your baby as it grows. Your baby puts more pressure on your veins and along with constipation; it increases the likelihood of developing piles. If you’re concerned about the length of time you’ve had piles, speak to your doctor or midwife.

Symptoms include:

  • A hard and painful lump around the anus.
  • After passing a stool, you may experience the feeling that the bowels are still full.
  • Visible bright red blood after a bowel movement.
  • Itchy, sore and red area around the anus.
  • Pain during passing a stool.

Piles can worsen into more severe conditions like:

  • An infection.
  • An inability to control bowel movements.
  • Anal fistula (an infected tunnel that forms between the skin and anus).
  • Excessive anal bleeding which could possibly lead to anaemia.

Avoid getting piles in pregnancy

  • Be sure to drink enough fluids to avoid dehydration and constipation.
  • Eat a diet that’s high in fibre which includes fruit, veggies and wholewheat bread.
  • Exercise regularly to improve circulation.
  • While on the loo, don’t strain, take your time or try again later after drinking some water.

How to treat piles in pregnancy

  • Place a towel that’s been dipped in ice-cold water on the piles to relieve the pain and irritation around your bottom.
  • Carefully clean the area around your bottom after going to the loo. It might be easier to use moist toilet wipes rather than toilet tissue. It’ll also help to pat rather than wipe.
  • You may try and gently push the piles back into the rectum using a lubricating gel when in the bath or shower.
  • Speak to your doctor or midwife who can prescribe ointments or medication to help soothe the symptoms.

References:

Home remedies for fibromyalgia

May 13th, 2019 by Content Editor

Fibromyalgia is a disorder that causes pain, tenderness, and fatigue in the muscles of specific parts of the body. It usually affects the neck, shoulders, back, hips, arms, and legs. You experience pain whenever someone puts pressure on these areas.

Common symptoms include:

  • Tender and painful joints.
  • Sleep problems.
  • Fatigue.
  • Numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, legs and arms.
  • Body stiffness.
  • Anxiety or depression.
  • Headaches.
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Doctors and researchers don’t fully understand what causes fibromyalgia. Those most affected by the condition are middle-aged men and women, and those with a history of rheumatoid arthritis.

Although there isn’t a cure for fibromyalgia, there are ways to manage it using specific lifestyle changes, natural remedies and certain medications.

Try to:

Wind down

Like most things, feeling stressed out can make you feel worse, so it’s important to manage your stress levels. Get to a good mental state with stress-busting techniques. Start writing in a journal to let go of your thoughts and feelings in a healthy way. Round up some friends and join a relaxing yoga class or go jogging. You could also join a fibromyalgia support group. Being around those who can relate to your condition can make you feel good and less alone.

Catch regular Zs


Sleep is vital for everyone, but particularly those with conditions like fibromyalgia. The condition can make you feel drained, so a good night’s rest each night will help combat fatigue. To ensure you’ll have proper sleep you should:

  • Avoid napping during the day.
  • Limit light and noise before bed.
  • Leave two to three hours between eating a heavy meal and going to bed.
  • Avoid using screens (phones and laptops) before bed.
  • Don’t drink alcohol and caffeine before bed.

Move more


If you have fibromyalgia, you may avoid exercise if you often experience pain with movement. At first, exercising may be difficult, but over time, it will get easier and you’ll reap the health benefits. It becomes easier because exercise provides a natural anti-inflammatory effect, as well as strengthening up muscles. Talk to your doctor before trying any new workouts, but swimming, walking and cycling are good choices.. What’s more is that these kinds of exercise can help reduce pain, stiffness and fatigue.

Try acupuncture


Acupuncture therapy works by lowering your anxiety, pain and fatigue levels. Many people with fibromyalgia find relief with this technique.

Have a massage

A massage can help with the constant pain you feel with fibromyalgia. According to researchers from the Touch Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine, massage therapy can improve sleep, lower joint pain and keep stress hormones at bay. Book an appointment for a massage to help you cope with any pain. Why not have a couple’s massage with a loved one so it can be a fun, relaxing activity?

Talk to your doctor


If home remedies aren’t helping to ease and manage your symptoms, talk to your doctor. He may prescribe certain medication. Common medications are muscle relaxants, fatigue medication and painkillers. Don’t try any medication or home remedy unless your doctor gives the go-ahead or prescribes it to you.

References:

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