One of the prominent causes of lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is prolonged exposure to certain household products. Since most household items generally appear harmless, people use them frequently without realizing the long-term effects on their health. It is important to be aware of the hidden dangers of such products. This is especially true for people at high risk of COPD, including those with a family history of lung conditions or infections. Here are 11 household products that harm the lungs and cause COPD. Cleaning products with harsh chemicals Household products such as floor, bathroom, and window cleaners are commonly used to keep a house sanitized. While the chemicals in these products work successfully in eliminating bacteria and dirt, they can also have certain side effects on one’s health. These side effects occur due to the presence of strong chemicals such as chlorine, ammonia, and volatile organic compounds. When one is exposed to these chemicals continuously over a long time, it can harm the lungs and contribute to the development of COPD over time. Further, those who work with cleaning products in poorly ventilated spaces are more vulnerable to COPD. Pesticides and insecticides Some of the most commonly used household pest control products contain volatile organic compounds and other potent chemicals. When inhaled continuously, these can cause damage to the lungs and trigger respiratory disorders, including COPD. Using natural or non-toxic alternatives is usually recommended to protect respiratory health. Wood-burning stoves and fireplaces Many people install fireplaces and wood-burning stoves in their homes for a cozy atmosphere. While these can be useful during colder months, they may increase the risk of lung damage. This usually happens when the space where the fireplace or stove is placed is not well-ventilated. Also, those who spend more time in front of burning fireplaces and stoves may experience symptoms of lung conditions such as COPD.

Prurigo nodularis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes painful, firm, and itchy bumps on the skin called “nodules”. The bumps generally develop in easy-to-scratch areas such as the arms, legs, back, and abdomen. They are accompanied by an uncontrollable urge to scratch, leading to more inflammation. This article explores some of the common signs of prurigo nodularis to help in recognizing the condition and seeking medical intervention in time. Itchy skin Skin can begin to feel itchy and irritated before the bumps appear. This symptom may be long-lasting or limited to short episodes. The area where the itching develops may vary; for instance, for some, it may be restricted to a certain body part, while for others, it may affect most of their skin. Burning or stinging sensation Some may even experience a stinging or burning sensation instead of itching as a sign of prurigo nodularis. On rare occasions, people have also said that they have experienced a feeling akin to bugs crawling on their skin. Itchy bumps (nodules) As the common signs of prurigo nodularis lead to repeated scratching and rubbing, raised, itchy nodules start to develop. These generally appear on both sides of the body about 6 weeks after the itching or burning sensation sets in. These bumps may be different for everyone, but generally have the following characteristics: Shape: The bumps may cause the appearance of dome-shaped lesions. Size: The lesions could be 0.5 to 2 centimeters in diameter. Texture: The bumps are generally firm and may appear above, below, or level with the surface of the skin. Color: The rash may match the skin tone or be pink, red, brown, or black. Once healed, the lesion may also leave behind a skin discoloration. Distribution: One can have anywhere between a few to hundreds of lesions across the body.

Lifestyle and daily habits can have a huge impact on eye health. In fact, there is a close connection between what one eats and the health of their eyes. Certain foods, like green leafy vegetables, fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, nuts, and carrots, are great for eyesight. On the other hand, a few foods can contribute to poor eye health and worsen existing vision-related issues, making it important to limit or avoid them. French fries The intake of fried foods, in general, is bad for the body in the long run. This is why one is likely to find fried foods often included on all kinds of “worst foods” lists. When it comes to eye health, snacks like French fries or deep-fried chicken contain trans fats that accelerate age-related eye diseases such as macular degeneration. Multiple studies have linked high trans fat intake with the development of this condition in those over 50. In fact, such studies found that even when healthy, anti-inflammatory foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids were added to daily meals containing fried snacks, the benefits of those healthy fats were overshadowed by the prevalence of fried foods. Sunflower oil Several studies have found a link between linoleic acid, a type of unsaturated fats, and retinopathy and AMD. Some cooking oils that are rich in linoleic acid are corn oil, safflower oil, soybean oil, sesame oil, and sunflower oil. Processed foods Hyper-processed foods often come in packages or covers serving as quick meals. However, packaged cookies, chips, and candy are among the worst foods one can choose for their health. These foods contain a large amount of chemical preservatives to prolong their shelf life. Many studies have found the negative impact such preservatives have on the eye health. Additionally, packaged cookies also contain unhealthy fats and inflammatory ingredients that can cause a range of cardiovascular and digestive issues apart from eye-related issues.

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition that causes the colon (large intestine) to get inflamed. Consequently, it is also called an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Besides inflammation, the disorder can lead to sores in the innermost lining of the colon and rectum. Common symptoms include diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal cramping, rectal pain, and fatigue. Healthy nutrition is vital to cope with this condition. Here are 16 foods that may help manage ulcerative colitis flares. Ripe bananas Soft, ripe bananas may be tolerated well during ulcerative colitis flares. They are also a great source of carbohydrates, providing much-needed energy. Canned fruits Soft fruits like canned pears or peaches (without added sugars) may be easy to digest during a flare. White rice People who cannot handle other foods during a flare-up can consider plain, cooked white rice. One may add turmeric for flavor. Turmeric’s main active ingredient, curcumin, may help relieve ulcerative colitis symptoms. Oatmeal Finely ground, low-fiber oats are a nutritious breakfast option for patients with this disorder. However, one must pick varieties low in sugar as the body may not tolerate sweetened oatmeal. White bread White bread is a low-residue food; it does not leave behind a lot of waste that must pass through the colon. Other processed grain products, like white pasta, semolina, buckwheat, and sago, may also be tolerated. Applesauce Applesauce is soft and easily digestible, making it a great choice during a flare. However, patients must pick an unsweetened variant, as added sugar may worsen inflammation. Alternatively, one can make applesauce at home by cooking and pureeing peeled, sliced apples. Skinless poultry Proteins are vital for tissue repair. Skinless chicken and turkey cuts are rich protein sources that most people with ulcerative colitis may tolerate. Patients can also opt for other low-fat meats that are lean and easy to digest.

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a movement disorder that causes uncontrollable, abnormal, and repetitive movements in certain body parts. It is generally triggered by treatments that block dopamine receptors. Common symptoms include blinking rapidly, grimacing, lip smacking, repeatedly sticking out one’s tongue, repetitive finger movements, and pelvis thrusting. While addressing the underlying cause is crucial for managing tardive dyskinesia, the following lifestyle changes may also help improve one’s quality of life. Manage other conditions Comorbidities like diabetes, HIV, and brain injury may worsen the symptoms. Hence, patients should schedule routine visits (once every three months) with their healthcare provider. The expert can help manage these comorbidities to ensure they do not aggravate tardive dyskinesia. The doctor can also help prevent new conditions from developing. Patients must track their daily symptoms and inform the healthcare provider about any changes during the visit. Eat the right foods Patients must alter their eating habits based on the treatment plan. Some may benefit from lowering their protein intake at certain points of the day. Those struggling with nausea may eat non-protein crackers or other carbohydrate-rich snacks to control this symptom. Studies have also reported the importance of vitamin E in reducing tardive dyskinesia symptoms. Including more of this vital vitamin in one’s daily eating plan may help in the long run. Vitamin E can be found in foods like avocados, almonds, sunflower seeds, peanuts, and sweet red peppers. Reduce stress levels Since the symptoms tend to worsen with stress, those with tardive dyskinesia must work with an expert to recognize the stressors in their lives and avoid them. Patients may also manage stress better by practicing deep breathing exercises, meditating, or taking a class on mindfulness-based stress reduction. Spending time with loved ones or taking up a hobby class, such as art, music, or pottery, may help some people reduce stress levels.

Dental implants are a revolution when it comes to dental restorations. They have the natural appearance of a tooth, helping people restore their smile and confidence. They are one of the most popular solutions to missing teeth. Moreover, dental implants are custom-made for every patient and are surgically fit into their jawbones by dental surgeons. So, one must take a few precautions and avoid these common mistakes with dental implants. Not choosing the right dental surgeon When it comes to a surgical procedure like dental implantation, it is crucial to go to a trustworthy and experienced dental surgeon. A general dentist who may not have the necessary knowledge, experience, or training in surgery may make an error during the procedure. This can further cause more complications or pain. So, it is essential for patients to choose a certified dental surgeon who has expertise in surgery and can ensure complete safety during and after the procedure. Not discussing all lifestyle habits with the dental surgeon Often, people have a lot of lifestyle habits that can severely impact the dental implant after the surgical procedure. These can include habits like teeth grinding and jaw clenching, which can affect the dental implant. Disclosing such habits to the dentist will ensure that they take those into account. They can then offer a solution that can prevent those habits from causing any damage to the implant. Not disclosing medical history before the surgery Before opting for dental implant surgery, it is extremely important for a patient to disclose their medical history to the dental surgeon. There are chances that a person may have certain medical conditions that make it unsuitable for them to undergo the dental implantation procedure. Further, the surgeon may devise a custom treatment plan to avoid any possible risks that may arise due to one’s existing medical condition.