Tuberculosis is a serious and infectious disease that resulted in the deaths of 1.3 million people worldwide as of last year. What’s more striking is that humans have been affected by tuberculosis for thousands of years, and scientists recently discovered tuberculosis present in a 9,000-year-old skeleton. This only says that tuberculosis is a resilient and dangerous health condition, against which one needs to take all possible precautions. Caused by bacteria, this infectious disease mainly affects the lungs and is often transmitted from one person to another in the form of tiny droplets of saliva and mucus, which are released into the environment as the patient coughs. Warning signs of tuberculosis Tuberculosis was once localized to developing nations with poor quality healthcare, but given the virulence of this infectious disease, that is no longer the case. Currently, according to WHO, nearly 10 million cases were reported worldwide, with an increasing number of drug-resistant tuberculosis cases being reported as well. The onset of tuberculosis has some warning signs: Frequent coughing : If one has been coughing persistently for over 2 to 3 weeks, there are chances that they could be suffering from tuberculosis Coughing up blood : If one coughs up blood, it’s an indication that they are affected by TB.

Ulcerative colitis is a serious health condition where the inner lining of your colon gets inflamed, and you may even develop small ulcers in the colon. It can cause you to experience abdominal pain and a need to empty your bowels at regular intervals. Doctors are still not sure what causes ulcerative colitis, but there are various treatment options to mitigate some of the symptoms. Your doctors may want you to opt for a certain diet so as to mitigate some of the symptoms. Dietary tips on what to eat and what not to eat Lean meats and proteins: You will need to consume more lean meat and proteins such as skinless chicken, fish, turkey etc. Since ulcerative colitis is an inflammation of the colon, it makes sense to opt for food items that can help to reduce the inflammation. For example, fish contains Omega 3 fatty acids that are quite effective in reducing inflammation. Keep in mind that your diet can help improve your chances of remission. Cooked food: It is important that you consume well-cooked food at all times. Unevenly cooked food or consuming half cooked meat or vegetables can cause you to experience gas and bloating, which can cause discomfort and abdominal pains.

Hemorrhoids, also known as piles are primarily swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus that often occur due to various reasons. If you are currently suffering from hemorrhoids, then you will be experiencing an itching sensation in the area, and an inability to sit still. You may also experience burning pain, but it is important that you seek medical attention right away, so as to get treated for the same as soon as possible. Piles or hemorrhoids can also be indicative of a more serious health condition, in which case, you would require immediate medical attention. If the hemorrhoids are left untreated, they can become larger and cause rectal bleeding leading to dizziness and fainting. Symptoms of hemorrhoids If you have hemorrhoids, then you are bound to have the following symptoms. Rectal bleeding You may experience rectal bleeding, especially during a bowel movement. This depends more on the location of the hemorrhoids. Rectal bleeding is indicative of something more serious and warrants medical attention. Itching, irritation, and discomfort in the anal region You may experience bouts of an itching sensation along with pain and discomfort in the anal region, as a result of the hemorrhoids. Swelling around the anus If you have external thrombosis hemorrhoids, then you are likely to experience swelling on the outside of your anus.

Have you ever encountered someone whose mood swings leave you stunned? One moment the person may be talking very normally, while the next moment the person starts a tirade of abuses. The person may be suffering from bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is a psychiatric disorder that is characterized by severe, unpredictable mood swings. This is also referred to as manic depressive disorder due to the alternating moods of mania and depression. The mania and depression episodes may last for a few hours to a few days. In some cases, the cycles last up to several weeks or months. The American Psychiatric Association classifies bipolar disorder into four types: Bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, cyclothymic disorder, and bipolar disorder due to other medical conditions. Causes of bipolar disorder There is a clear understanding of what causes bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder could be a genetic disease. Many patients of bipolar disorder are known to have relatives affected by the same. Studies conducted at John Hopkins University revealed that 40% of the 47 first-degree relatives of those affected with bipolar I and bipolar II disorder were also affected by the same condition. Also, a child with parents affected by bipolar disorder is likely to develop the condition.

The sores that develop in the lining of the lower esophagus, stomach or small intestine are called peptic ulcers . They are a common health problem which occurs due to a bacterial infection, which causes inflammation, or due to the erosion of the organs from stomach acids. Types of ulcers Peptic ulcers can be categorized into three types depending on their location. The sores that develop inside the stomach are called gastric ulcers. The ulcers inside the esophagus are called oesophageal ulcers, and the ulcers present in the upper part of the small intestine called the duodenum are named as duodenal ulcers. The common causes of peptic ulcers are excessive smoking and drinking alcohol, stomach cancer, Helicobacter Pylori infection, frequent use of anti-inflammatory drugs and radiation therapy. Nausea, change in appetite, indigestion, bloody stools, chest pain, and vomiting, are some symptoms of the disorder. The treatment depends on the underlying cause of the disease. Tips to prevent peptic ulcers Peptic ulcers can be prevented by making some changes in your lifestyle and diet. Here are some useful tips to prevent peptic ulcers. Avoid sharing water bottles and food from people suffering from ulcers caused by H.Pylori bacterium. This bacterium spreads through the saliva and feces of the infected person.