The immune system is a natural defense mechanism of the human body that protects against harmful microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses. Although it functions well in healthy individuals, it may fail to work at times, making them more vulnerable to infections and illnesses. Additionally, an overactive immune system can result in autoimmune conditions like psoriasis and multiple sclerosis. Therefore, one must look for signs of a weak immune system to ensure necessary treatment. Common signs of a weak immune system High-stress levels According to American Psychological Association, when an individual goes through long periods of stress, it can adversely affect their immune system. This is because, as stress levels in the body increase, it leads to a simultaneous decrease in lymphocytes – white blood cells ( WBC) that aid in the fight against infections. Although this may seem harmless, this decrease in WBCs can cause one to be at an increased risk for virus or bacteria-related issues such as the common cold. Besides this, chronic stress or frequent episodes of stress can worsen autoimmune conditions like ulcerative colitis and rheumatoid arthritis. Persistent colds Most people can be affected by the common cold 2-3 times a year. In such cases, these individuals may bounce back to normalcy in a week or a maximum of 10 days.

Research suggests that almost 50% of people nationwide are missing at least one tooth. Dental implants are titanium replacements to teeth roots, used to hold false teeth in place. A dental surgeon fixes these implants using a screw-like tool and the artificial tooth is then secured on the implant. Individuals with dental implants should take certain care measures after the implantation. Furthermore, here are some mistakes to avoid after a dental implant procedure. Using a toothbrush with hard bristles Toothbrushes with hard bristles can hurt one’s teeth and gums, as the teeth are sensitive after a dental implant procedure. So, one should use toothbrushes with soft bristles, preferably nylon bristles, to avoid any damage to the implanted teeth. Having foods that are difficult to chew Food items like crackers, chips, nuts, and toasted bread have hard surfaces and can worsen one’s toothache. This is why dentists recommend that after a dental implant procedure, one should have soft, easy-to-chew foods like mashed potatoes, soft breads, porridge, cereals, and tender fruits like bananas. Neglecting basic dental hygiene practices Neglecting oral hygiene can cause dental health issues like tar-tar and cavities, increasing one’s discomfort after a dental implant procedure. Thus, individuals with dental implants should consistently follow dental hygiene practices like brushing two times a day and rinsing their mouth after meals.

“Gut health is the key to overall health.” After all, almost two-thirds of our body’s immune system resides in the gut. Whatever a person consumes forms the foundation of their overall health. And even a slight problem with gut health can cause many issues, ranging from skin conditions to poor mental health. However, despite its importance, people often find it embarrassing to openly talk to a gastroenterologist about their digestive health. It is essential, though, for everyone to understand that it is completely normal to ask questions and share things about their health with the doctor. Here are a few common questions about digestive health that people should not feel uncomfortable asking their gastroenterologist: 1. Why do feces have an unusual color? When it comes to digestive health, a lot of people feel uncomfortable talking about their feces and bowel movements. However, not discussing it with the doctor may do more harm than good. This is because if a person has noticed an unusual change in their feces, like its color, it may be a symptom of an underlying condition. Sometimes, the color of feces can also change based on the consumption of certain colored foods, although that is not always the case.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also known as COPD, is a term used by healthcare professionals to refer to a group of lung conditions, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Over time, COPD can cause patients to experience breathing difficulties. While one cannot reverse the lung damage, patients can make certain lifestyle changes to manage the condition and its associated symptoms. Continue reading to learn more about the symptoms and treatment alternatives of COPD. Symptoms of COPD Generally, the symptoms of COPD do not make an appearance until the condition has progressed significantly, leading to extensive lung damage. Furthermore, the continuation of certain poor habits can make the condition worse over time. Here are some of the signs of COPD mentioned below. Tightness in the chest One of the most common symptoms of COPD, chest tightness, can manifest in different ways across patients. While for some it can be noticed in the form of breathing difficulties, for others it can feel like a weight on the chest. This can increase the risk of pain while breathing. Some of the main causes of the issue are damage to lung’s air sacs, airway obstruction, respiratory infections, and bronchospasms. Wheezing This symptom of COPD is often accompanied by tightness in the chest.

Vasculitis is a group of diseases that cause inflammation in the blood vessels. The immune system attacks healthy blood vessels, leading to their narrowing and swelling, and may be triggered by an infection or underlying condition. It could also limit blood flow and damage the organs and tissues. Vasculitis can be classified into different types based on the cause and affected body parts. This article will discuss 16 types of vasculitis, their signs and symptoms. 1. Eosinophilic granulomatosis polyangiitis (Churg-Strauss Syndrome) This type of vasculitis mainly affects people between the ages of 38 and 54. Some common symptoms include: Asthma Allergic rhinitis High fever Muscle and joint pain Tiredness or fatigue Loss of appetite It may also affect the nerves, causing a pins-and-needles sensation or numbness. 2. Temporal arteritis (giant cell arteritis) This type of vasculitis occurs when the arteries of the head (temple) become inflamed. This condition primarily affects people over the age of 50. Common signs of temporal arteritis include: Aching and soreness around the temples Muscular pain in the jaw while eating Headaches Double vision or vision loss Polymyalgia rheumatica, or muscle pain and stiffness in the shoulders, neck, and hips 3. Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener’s granulomatosis) This type of vasculitis affects the blood vessels in the nose, sinuses, ears, lungs, and kidneys.

Thousands of women in the country experience a common yet debilitating discomfort known as menstrual cramps or dysmenorrhea. While this monthly ordeal is often regarded as a rite of passage for women, it’s essential to understand the underlying causes of period pain. By delving into the reasons behind menstrual cramps, let’s shed light on this often-overlooked aspect of women’s health and explore strategies to manage and alleviate the pain. Uterine contractions The uterus, a muscular organ, contracts during menstruation to help shed the uterine lining. These contractions may cause cramping sensations in the lower abdomen, ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain. The intensity and duration of these contractions could vary from one woman to another, influencing the severity of menstrual cramps. Prostaglandins These hormone-like substances, play a pivotal  role in regulating various physiological processes in the body, including  inflammation and blood flow. During menstruation, the release of prostaglandins triggers more muscular uterine contractions, which might lead to more painful cramps. Additionally, high levels of prostaglandins could cause other symptoms like diarrhea and nausea. Endometriosis Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which tissue resembling the uterine lining grows outside of the uterus. Over time, the tissue might become inflamed, causing intense pain during their period.