Diverticulitis is one of the leading causes of hospitalization in the case of old people. It’s a treatable condition provided that the patient gets early and appropriate intervention. What is diverticulitis? It is a condition where there is an inflammation or infection in the diverticula or small pouches that develop in the lining of the intestine. According to the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy more than 50% of people above 60, and nearly everyone over the age of 80 has diverticula in their intestines. These pouches may not pose a health risk provided that they don’t get inflamed or infected. Uncomplicated diverticulitis If diverticulitis does develop, it may be a minor irritant, and one can treat it with a course of antibiotics. In more than 75% of cases, there are no severe complications, and a routine CT scan can confirm the diagnosis. About one-third of the total patients experience a recurrence of symptoms, and in younger patients, intervention and testing procedures are necessary. Serious cases Sometimes, the condition can become chronic, and surgery may be required. In about one-fourth of the cases, patients develop complicated diverticulitis with the formation of abscesses, fissures, obstruction, fistula, and obstruction of the bowel. Perforation of the bowel is a major complication because the patient faces the risk of developing peritonitis. Causes Though the direct causes are not known, some factors do seem significant. Age affects the elasticity and strength of the intestine walls. Patients find it difficult to pass stools, and there is more strain on the colon which results in the formation of diverticula. Undigested food collects in these pouches, causing inflammation and infection. This condition is quite common among people who are over the age of 80. Lack of exercise, smoking, obesity, and eating a fiber-deficient diet could be some of the causes.

If one is looking to identify the early signs of diabetes, it is important to note that diabetes is a metabolic disorder. When the food digested by the body is not properly converted to be used for growth as well as energy, this phenomenon is what triggers diabetes. What are the early signs of diabetes? The early signs of diabetes are generally mild and mostly ignored by most people. A higher than average level of glucose is found in the blood. With type 2 diabetes, there are no significant manifestations until the effects of long-term damage are felt. As far as type 1 diabetes is concerned, there are early manifestations that occur within a couple of days or weeks. The severity is more complicated as well. Early signs that are common to both types of diabetes Hungry or fatigued The glucose needed by the cells come from the food that we eat. The body converts food that we eat into glucose. However, to ensure that the glucose reaches the cells, insulin is required by the body. When the body cannot manufacture enough or any insulin at all, or if the insulin present is resisted by the cells, they don’t get the glucose they need. Thus, leaving one with no energy. This could lead to one to feel more hungry and fatigued. Thirst and frequent urination The frequency of urination for normal people is between 4 and 7 times a day. This frequency goes up much higher in patients who have diabetes. The reason this happens is that there is complete glucose reabsorption by the body when passing through the kidneys in normal cases. The blood sugar levels rise due to diabetes. There is greater urine production by the body, and hence, more fluids are needed by the system. It is a vicious cycle, as one can feel more thirsty and so they drink more water resulting in frequent urination.

MRSA is an infection caused by bacteria that are resistant to most common antibiotics. These skin infections can be painful and it can even lead to other complications if the bacteria enter the bloodstream. However, this condition can be treated, if identified quickly. Read on to find how to treat MRSA. What is MRSA? Staphylococcal Aureus is a bacteria that is part of the microflora in the human body. It is present in the respiratory tract, the nose, and the skin. MRSA or Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) is a form of the Staph aureus that has become highly resistant to many of the common antibiotics that are used in treating bacterial infections. If you have any cuts or abrasions on the skin, this bacteria can cause a skin infection which is also referred to as MRSA. MRSA can be a Healthcare-Acquired condition or Community Acquired. In HA-MRSA, people who are admitted to hospitals for surgery or other procedures like IV tubing are vulnerable to this condition. In community-acquired or CA-MRSA, the bacteria spread through contact, i.e skin to skin. Children at school, childcare workers, people who work in crowded environments can be at risk. However, this is not a cause for panic, because most people have this staph bacteria in their body without getting or causing an infection. In fact, CA-MRSA is much milder than HA-MRSA. According to recent data, both HA and CA MRSA are on the decline. But, it is still a common skin infection and is also one of the most common causes of infections in the bloodstream. MRSA can be treated with certain select antibiotics. Symptoms of MRSA Symptoms of MRSA are red bumps on the skin that are painful to touch. They may be swollen and filled with fluids that begin to leak out.

While irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) does not necessarily lead to other illness related to the colon, it does stay with a patient for a long time and requires a modification of lifestyle. Gastroenterologists and primary-care providers found that 28% and 12% of total patient visits were for symptoms relating to irritable bowel syndrome, though most patients try to avoid treatment for it. There are both indirect and direct costs related to irritable bowel syndrome due to leaves from work as well as the cost of hospital visits. The quality of the patient’s life gets severely compromised, and the disease needs medical intervention for complete resolution. What are the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome? When one has irritable bowel syndrome, they may exhibit symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, or a combination of both. A patient may also have pain or cramps in the belly due to this condition. One may feel this pain mostly in the lower part of the belly, and it will intensify after meals. The patient often feels bloated and may get some relief with bowel movements. The belly protrudes, and the stools are either hard or soft. The symptoms get worse due to stress. Some patients also have problems with urination and sexual performance. The types of irritable bowel syndrome Irritable bowel syndrome can be of four types: The first kind is irritable bowel syndrome with constipation or IBS-C The second type is irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea or IBS-D The third category of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea and constipation occurring alternately. It is known as mixed diarrhea or IBS-M. When the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome do not fall into any of the above categories, they are usually known as unsubtyped IBS or IBS-U. Risk factors for irritable bowel syndrome Women are more susceptible to this condition than men.

There are various ways to resolve neuropathy foot pain including medication and several therapies, but it is important to identify the underlying cause first. It occurs when there is damage to any of the peripheral nerves. Symptoms of Neuropathy foot pain Neuropathy foot pain is a result of some affected nerve of the peripheral system. The type of nerves that are involved include: Sensory nerves Sensations such as pain, temperature, touch, vibration through the skin are picked up by the sensory nerves. Motor Nerves The movement of the muscles is regulated by these nerves. Autonomic Nerves The heart rate, blood pressure, bladder, and digestion are controlled by the autonomic nerves. The signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are as follows: Numbness or tingling A feeling of numbness or tingling that starts at your hands/feet and radiates to your arms and legs. Pain A feeling of sharp, burning, throbbing or freezing pain. Sensitivity You become extremely sensitive to light touch. Coordination Problems with balance occur as a result of poor coordination and sometimes you could fall. Muscle weakness If there is an impact on the motor nerves, there could be a resultant weakness of muscles or paralysis. Heat intolerance This occurs if there is an effect on the autonomic nerves. The sweating pattern is altered. Digestive problems Another side effect of the autonomic nerves that are affected is digestion problems. Bowel and bladder problems also arise. Dizziness Affected autonomic nerves are also responsible for dizziness along with changes in blood pressure. When only one nerve is affected due to peripheral neuropathy, it is referred to as mononeuropathy. When there are multiple nerves involved, it is known as polyneuropathy. Causes of Neuropathy in feet Neuropathy in feet can occur due to the presence of multiple diseases. The reasons for neuropathies are: Alcoholism There are vitamin deficiencies due to poor choice of diet in the cases of people suffering from alcoholism.

A pulmonary embolism can have many symptoms that are associated with other medical conditions like heart disease. However, if you do identify any of these symptoms in yourself or others, contact your nearest medical emergency services as it can be a life-threatening situation. What is a Pulmonary Embolism? A pulmonary embolism is a block in blood vessels associated with your lungs. These blockages can restrict blood supply to the lungs and deplete oxygen levels in the body because the lungs are affected. It can also lead to other complications. Mostly, pulmonary embolism is caused by blood clots, and a major cause of these blood clots is deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Deep Vein Thrombosis DVT is a condition in which a blood clot develops in a vein that is deep in your body and not near the surface. These blood clots commonly begin at the calf muscles or thighs. However, these deep-vein blood clots can also begin somewhere else in the body. Wherever they begin, they can travel through the bloodstream and reach vital organs in your body, like your lungs. When the block occurs in a blood vessel that is connected to the lungs, it is a pulmonary embolism. Some of the most common causes of DVT are as follows: A leg fracture that damages a blood vessel which leads to blood clotting Obesity which can exert pressure on your legs A catheter inserted into a vein Hereditary – Other members of your family, previous generations, have had DVT Smoking Hormone medications Hormone fluctuations like pregnancy Being seated for a long time Some medical conditions like cancer, heart disease, and irritable bowel syndrome Surgery can also result in blood clots Pulmonary Embolism Symptoms and Diagnostic Tests A pulmonary embolism is caused by a blockage in the arteries that supply blood to your lungs.

An overactive bladder can make you feel the urge to relieve yourself several times in a day. It can also lead to incontinence and leakage. An overactive bladder could be a warning sign of an underlying medical condition. Luckily, there are some ways in which you can get things back in control. Overactive Bladder (OAB) If you have an overactive bladder disorder, you may feel the need to urinate about eight or more times every day. It is not just a medical condition, but it can also affect your work and social life. You might even begin to avoid social gatherings as well as your friends to save yourself from embarrassing situations. However, there are some ways to train your bladder and get it back under control. You can also try some traditional remedies for an overactive bladder. What causes overactive bladder? Medical conditions: Sometimes, diseases like diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, kidney failure, among others can cause OAB. Age: As you age, your muscles start to weaken. Older people, especially those above the age of 60, are more likely to have OAB. Menopause: Women going through menopause experience several changes in their body. Sometimes, they also face the problem of incontinence. The drop in estrogen levels is believed to be one of the causes of this condition. Pelvic muscle weakness: When your pelvic floor muscles are damaged or weakened, it can distort the bladder and can result in OAB. UTI: Urinary tract infections can also cause OAB. Sometimes, OAB can occur without any identifiable causes. Symptoms Urge to urinate several times a day, both during the day and night Incontinence Urine leakage OAB and your lifestyle Those who suffer from an overactive bladder and incontinence may feel its effects in many aspects of their lives. They may be embarrassed by the frequent trips to the restroom.

Sinus blockage occurs when there is a swelling and congestion in the sinus tissues. This can occur due to an infection or it can be caused by allergies. Clearing the congestion is the best way to get relief from the pain and discomfort caused by sinusitis. Sinusitis There are small hollow spaces in the skull, around the nose, known as sinuses. These spaces are filled with air and are lined with thin tissues. These sinuses secrete mucus. The mucus helps clear the nasal passages, making it easier for you to breathe and preventing pollutants from blocking up the airways. However, an infection like cold or flu or an allergy could cause an inflammation in the sinuses. This condition is referred to as sinusitis. This blocks up the cavities, and as a result, air and mucus get trapped inside. This exerts pressure on the facial bones and muscles, causing nasal congestion, and all of this results in pain and discomfort. Sinusitis can be acute or chronic. In the former case, the condition lasts for up to a month. In the case of chronic sinusitis, the problem can persist for several months, maybe even years. Symptoms of sinusitis Listed below are some of the common symptoms of sinusitis: Facial pressure Headaches Difficulty in breathing Aches in the cheeks, around the nose, and behind the eyes Nasal discharge Fever Tiredness Treatment for sinusitis Sinusitis is mostly caused due to a viral infection like cold or flu. However, you can also get bacterial sinus infections. In addition, sinusitis can also occur due to an allergy. Medicines For a bacterial infection, the doctor might prescribe certain antibiotics. If an allergy has triggered your sinusitis, you may be prescribed with antihistamines. You can also take some over-the-counter or prescription pain medications. Decongestant medications are also a popular choice. Nasal irrigation and steam treatment:  You will need to get rid of the thickened mucus to free your sinuses and nasal air passages in order to get relief from the discomfort.

The Talented Mr. Ripley, Becky Sharp in Vanity Fair, or lago in Shakespeare’s Othello —are fictional characters, but they’re drawn from real life templates. If they ever visited a psychiatrist, they’d be diagnosed with a sociopathic personality disorder or antisocial personality disorder. They share certain unmistakable symptoms and traits that mark this personality disorder. The sociopathic personality disorder is a category of mental disorders that are identified by distinctly harmful and maladjusted patterns of behavior, cognition, and inner life that deviate from the person’s culture. People suffering from these disorders experience disruption and deviation in their personal, social, and professional life. Antisocial personality disorder People affected by this condition display consistent behavior patterns that usually involves difficulty in differentiating between right and wrong. They show no awareness, sensitivity, or empathy for the feelings of the people they interact with. Their interpersonal dealings are conducted with either indifference or disregard for emotions. There is no feeling of guilt or remorse when they hurt people. For this reason, many of them end up becoming criminals and they are unable to fulfill normal roles in the family, society, or at work. These behavior patterns generally emerge in childhood and develop through adolescence and adulthood, where it affects the person’s quality of life and functioning. Traits There are different categories of sociopathic personality disorder. They are classified under three main categories: Odd/Eccentric Dramatic/Emotional/Erratic Anxious/Fearful Each of these categories has its own cluster of behavioral traits. Psychiatrists and psychologists also use many other classifications to distinguish one type of antisocial personality disorder from another. Common traits may include aggressive/cruel behavior towards vulnerable people/children/animals, deceit/theft/lying, disregard for rules, destruction of property, etc. Some may be narcissistic, obsessed with wealth acquisition, feel that they are self-important, can easily change demeanor to suit the occasion, and don’t take responsibility for their actions.