As the air pollution levels in the country continue to rise, more and more people are struggling with respiratory illnesses like asthma. Asthma is one of the most common resulting ailments, leading to many medical emergencies. This article will discuss the causes of uncontrolled asthma and 5 cities in the country with an unusually high spike in asthmatic emergencies and what’s causing such alarming statistics. Read on to learn more. What is uncontrolled asthma? Uncontrolled asthma is a health condition in which people experience constant and recurrent episodes of tightness in their chest, difficulty breathing, and coughing. While the exact cause is unknown, it can be triggered by irritants such as dust mites, pet hair, fumes, and air pollutants. It can also be caused by health conditions such as allergies, sinus infections, or acid reflux. Asthma attacks are generally more frequent at night due to cold temperatures and low humidity levels in the bedroom. Managing uncontrolled asthma requires adopting preventative measures such as avoiding triggers, keeping pets out of the bedroom, and taking long-term prescriptions. With careful monitoring and proper treatment, those with this health condition can live normal lives without symptoms. Causes Genetics Uncontrolled asthma can be caused due to certain genetic factors. Inherited genes may affect the immune system, making it more reactive to environmental triggers such as pollen, dust mites, or other irritants. Environmental triggers Certain environmental triggers, such as air pollution, dust, or pet dander, can exacerbate asthma symptoms and make it more difficult to control. Chronic inflammation Uncontrolled asthma may be caused by chronic inflammation in the airways, which can make breathing difficult and cause other symptoms such as wheezing and coughing. Underlying medical conditions Certain medical conditions, such as sinusitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or obstructive sleep apnea, can contribute to uncontrolled asthma. Psychological factors Stress, anxiety, and depression can also contribute to uncontrolled asthma, as these conditions can affect the body’s response to environmental triggers and exacerbate asthma symptoms.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic health disorder affecting millions worldwide. However, eating the right foods and avoiding unhealthy practices can greatly improve the quality of life. This article discusses common things individuals with RA should avoid to manage their condition better. This is because individuals with the condition can reduce inflammation, minimize joint pain and stiffness, and maintain overall health and wellness by consciously avoiding specific triggers and eating healthy. Things to avoid to manage rheumatoid arthritis Here are seven things to avoid to manage rheumatoid arthritis: Gluten-containing foods It is believed that patients with RA who adjust their meal plan to exclude foods containing gluten can find significant relief from their symptoms. Gluten, a protein found in wheat and rye, causes inflammation and has been linked to worsening arthritic pain. Removing these foods from the meal plan can help alleviate some uncomfortable symptoms and offer greater comfort regarding joint movement. You can replace gluten-containing bread, pasta, and snacks with almond flour, quinoa pasta, popcorn, vegetables, and fruits. High-fat and processed foods High-fat and processed foods cause inflammation, exacerbating RA symptoms. These foods are also typically high in calories and can lead to excess body fat, which puts extra stress on joints and makes it harder to manage RA. In contrast, a meal plan rich in whole, nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health. Sedentary lifestyle A sedentary (barely active) lifestyle can lead to weaker muscles and joints, making it more difficult to manage RA symptoms. Exercise can help improve muscle strength and flexibility, reduce inflammation, and improve overall health. However, note the need to be careful while choosing activities since not all exercises are appropriate for rheumatoid arthritis and might exacerbate symptoms. Stress Stress triggers RA flare-ups and can worsen symptoms in people with the condition.

We all know how important it is to drink water daily to maintain our overall health and well-being. You can drink it hot, ice cold, or in other ways to satiate your thirst. Some also enjoy it infused with fruit. But did you know that drinking water can significantly impact your body? So join us as we break down the top ten best times to drink water during the day to meet your hydration goals. When you feel hungry You may think you are hungry, but you might be thirsty. Often, people do not realize that they are thirsty when they feel hungry. The brain tends to recognize both of these triggers as similar. So, before you scour through your pantry, drink some water. Wait a few minutes, and you will see how it satiates your urge to eat. When you wake up Instead of reaching out for your morning coffee, drink a glass or two of water first. Naturally, you did not drink any water in your sleep. So when you wake up, you are already dehydrated. Hence, having water when you wake up can help. You can also have coffee after hydrating yourself. The good news is that coffee also counts as fluid, and while a caffeinated beverage is usually dehydrating, moderate quantities of it do not leave you dehydrated. That said, coffee cannot replace water. Before meals Drinking a glass of water before any meal can be an excellent strategy for anyone who tends to overeat. Drinking water makes you feel somewhat fuller, reduces the amount of food you have, and prevents overeating. It is better if it is iced water. It is because chilly temperatures slow down digestion and lower your appetite. During meals Drinking water during meals aids in digestion. It helps soften the food, making it easier to digest and also helps avoid constipation.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurological condition affecting around one million individuals nationwide. Studies suggest a hybrid of environmental and genetic factors is responsible for the condition. Though there is no cure, a combination of therapies can help improve the quality of life for patients with the condition. Understanding the early warning signs and symptoms of the disease can be helpful for an early diagnosis and better management of the condition. Tremor Rhythmic shaking or tremor typically starts in the limb, usually your fingers or hands. You may rub your forefinger and thumb back and forth. It is called the pill-rolling tremor. In people with Parkinson’s disease, the hands tremble while at rest. The shaking usually reduces while performing tasks. However, not everyone experiencing shaking may have Parkinson’s. In some cases, shaking might be routine, especially during stress, after workouts, or after injury. At times, shaking may also be an outcome of ongoing prescription treatments. Small handwriting A sudden change in your handwriting size might also be an early warning sign of Parkison’s disease symptoms. People with Parkinson’s cannot monitor their movements because of neurological changes. It can make motor skills, such as writing, more challenging. The condition is known as Micrographia. Patients with Parkinson’s disease usually have handwriting that appears cramped. Individual letters look smaller than usual, and words are spaced closely. Somebody with the condition may start writing a letter in regular handwriting but gradually switch to a smaller font. Difficulty walking Subtle changes in an individual’s gait are also early warning signs of Parkinson’s disease. People with Parkinson’s disease might walk at a slow pace or drag their feet while walking. This condition is widely known as shuffling gait. People usually walk at an irregular pace. It shifts from walking slower to faster or changing their stride length.

Dementia is a progressive disease that often begins with subtle changes in memory, mood, and behavior but can quickly lead to a loss of independence and cognitive function. In the following article, we will discuss six red flags that indicate the presence of dementia that one should not ignore and avoid in the future. Identifying the early warning signs of dementia is crucial to receiving an appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Warning signs of dementia Memory loss It is one of the commonly known signs of dementia. If your loved one seems to be forgetting important details about themselves, their family, or life events, it could indicate dementia. While everyone experiences some degree of forgetfulness as they age, significant memory loss that disrupts daily life is a red flag. They might forget recent events or conversations, repeat themselves frequently, and rely heavily on notes or reminders to remember basic tasks. In some cases, individuals with dementia might also forget important dates like birthdays or anniversaries or lose track of the season or year. If you notice your loved one is struggling to remember information that was previously easy to recall, it may be time to talk to a healthcare professional. Difficulty with everyday tasks Another alarming sign of dementia is difficulty with everyday tasks. Individuals with dementia may struggle with simple tasks such as dressing themselves, grooming, and even basic hygiene routines like bathing or brushing their teeth. This can be caused by forgetfulness, confusion, and lack of focus. Another task that can become challenging for those with dementia is preparing meals or handling money. This may result in forgetting to turn off the stove or leaving food uncooked, leading to safety concerns. They may also struggle with handling money, paying bills, or remembering how to operate household appliances. Sometimes, people with dementia may have difficulty finding their way around their homes or community, which can cause them to feel lost or disoriented.

Your bladder is an integral part of your body that deserves the utmost care. Maintaining a healthy bladder is a prerequisite for proper urinary function and overall well-being. Nevertheless, some common mistakes while peeing can damage an individual’s bladder and lead to various health problems. Therefore, in this article, we will discuss six pee-related mistakes that you need to sidestep to ensure a healthy bladder. So, let’s learn more about them. Not peeing when needed One of the most common pee mistakes people make is holding it in when they need to go. Whether you’re at work, on a long road trip, or just don’t want to move from your couch, ignoring the urge to pee can harm your bladder health. For example, holding in urine can cause your bladder to stretch beyond its capacity, leading to bladder infections, kidney damage, and incontinence. The preferable thing you can do for your bladder health is listen to your body and go when needed. If you’re in a circumstance where you can’t access a restroom right away, try to find ways to distract yourself or use relaxation techniques to help you hold on until you can go. However, it’s important not to hold in your urine for extended periods habitually. Instead, prioritize your bladder health and go when necessary, even if it interrupts your daily routine. Holding in your pee for too long One of the common mistakes people make regarding their bladder health is holding in their pee for too long. Whether you’re stuck in a meeting or on a long road trip, it’s crucial to prioritize your bladder health and listen to your body’s cues. Holding in your pee for too long puts unnecessary strain on your bladder muscles and urinary tract. Over time, this can steer to urinary tract infections, kidney damage, and even bladder cancer.