Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It results in the loss of muscle control and tends to worsen over time. The exact causes of the disease are yet to be identified, but experts can recommend certain treatments and therapies that help improve the quality of life of those affected. Following are 11 early warning signs of ALS. Muscle weakness Someone who develops muscle weakness out of the ordinary might be at risk of ALS. One may notice the development of symptoms in a specific limb, leg, or arm. Motor neurons are gradually lost, due to which the muscles controlled by them gradually become weak and non-functional. This results in weaker muscles and disability, which eventually turn worse. The loss of muscle strength could also affect everyday tasks, such as climbing stairs, lifting objects, or holding a cup. Trouble swallowing The process of swallowing involves a number of muscles that work together, including the tongue, jaw, lips, and throat. If they are affected by ALS, it could disrupt the harmony and make it tedious for them to swallow, which is termed dysphagia.

Certain factors can make any city a hotspot for migraines. Lifestyle elements such as the average overtime hours worked, frequency of air travel, lack of vigorous exercise, insomnia, and sunburn can all play a role in causing or worsening migraines. Additionally, environmental factors and the food consumed by the people living in the city can also contribute to migraines. Here are a few cities deemed migraine hotspots and why they are on this list. St. Louis, Missouri St. Louis is a booming metropolitan city that is densely populated and forever bustling with people. Its dense population and traffic make it one of the worst cities for people with migraine. Also, certain studies have found that people in this city exercise very little. People of St.Louis mostly commute or drive themselves to work every day. On top of all these, St. Louis has unpredictable weather and occasions on which the temperature is incredibly high. Apart from these factors, the people of this city frequently and excessively consume inflammation and migraine-inducing foods such as hot dogs, sausages, smoked meat, chocolate, coffee, cheese, and junk food. All in all, factors such as low frequency of exercise, poor choice of foods consumed by the city’s people, erratic and inconsistent weather, and the dense population make St.

MAC lung disease refers to a lung infection caused by a bacteria group called Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), which is part of a large group of nontuberculous bacteria (NTM). Thus, MAC bacterial infection is the most common cause of NTM lung disease in the country. Typically, MAC lung disease occurs when one inhales these bacteria, commonly found in soil and water. Here are some warning signs of this condition that should not be ignored: Warning signs of MAC lung disease Chronic cough Patients with MAC lung disease may experience chronic cough and may sometimes cough up blood or mucus. Chronic cough is classified as the most common symptom of MAC infection. Swollen lymph nodes The body’s lymph nodes typically swell up when it tries to fight off germs or bacteria. Consequently, swollen lymph nodes among patients with MAC lung disease may be a sign that the body is trying to fight against the infection. Inability to clear mucus In some cases, MAC lung disease may lead to a condition called bronchiectasis, which involves damage to the bronchial tubes. Patients with this condition may not be able to clear mucus easily, causing them to experience constant discomfort in their throats. Changes in appetite Patients with MAC lung disease may experience loss of appetite, abdominal pain, or diarrhea if the infection spreads to other parts of the body.

Daytime sleepiness can profoundly impact daily activities and overall quality of life. It can arise as a complication of various sleep disorders. And can prevent individuals from leading a regular and productive life. It is important to look for some practical tips to help individuals overcome daytime drowsiness and regain their energy and focus. However, before adopting any practices, it is imperative to consult a doctor to get the right diagnosis and determine the steps and strategies needed to deal with it. Prioritize consistent sleep patterns Establishing a regular sleep-wake schedule is paramount in regulating the body’s internal clock, known as the circadian rhythm. This rhythm dictates when we feel naturally awake and drowsy. By going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, individuals can reduce daytime sleepiness. This practice should extend to weekends to maintain consistency. One should set a fixed bedtime and wake-up time, ensuring they allocate sufficient hours for quality sleep. Creating and maintaining a relaxing bedtime routine, such as reading a book or practicing gentle stretches, can signal the body that it’s time to wind down. Create a sleep-inducing environment The sleep environment plays a substantial role in the quality of rest obtained.

Bladder cancer is a type of cancer in which the cells in the bladder region grow uncontrollably. This organ stores urine in the body and works together with the kidneys to remove toxins from the body. Bladder cancer starts to affect the functioning of this organ, and as it spreads, it starts to affect the other tissues and organs nearby. Some symptoms can help diagnose the disease at an early stage. Here is what to know: Signs and symptoms Usually, bladder cancer can be detected early on because it causes blood in the urine, which can easily be spotted. Other uncomfortable urinary symptoms can help identify the disease early on. Here are a few signs and symptoms to know about: Blood in urine This is one of the first signs of bladder cancer. Hematuria, or blood in the urine, can easily be spotted during a bathroom visit, making it easy to recognize the symptoms. Sometimes, the color of the urine may change to orange, pink, or even dark red depending on the amount of blood in the urine, so always be observant of the same. However, there are times when the amount of blood is too low, so only blood spots are found during a urine test but not otherwise when using the bathroom and relieving the bowel.

Hypoglycemia, commonly known as low blood sugar, is a condition where blood sugar levels drop below 70 mg/dL. This health issue is more prevalent among individuals with type-1 diabetes. Low blood sugar can be caused by several factors, such as taking excessive insulin, not having enough carbs when on insulin, hormonal changes like menopause and puberty, and fluctuating weather conditions. It is crucial to recognize the early signs of low blood sugar to ensure timely intervention. Symptoms of low blood sugar levels Lightheadedness Persons with low blood sugar levels may experience varying levels of lightheadedness, from mild to debilitating dizziness, that may occur even when one is standing still. Extreme hunger Low blood sugar may cause one to experience extreme hunger pangs, especially when one is on insulin and has insufficient carbohydrate intake. In such cases, it is important to control one’s food intake, as overeating may aggravate the situation and trigger or worsen related health issues like cholesterol and cardiovascular diseases. Tremors Research studies suggest that the autonomic nervous system is overly activated during spells of low blood sugar, causing tremors and shaking among patients. Sweating It is estimated that a whopping 84% of persons with hypoglycemia experience sweating.

Influenza or flu is a condition that occurs suddenly and often during a change in season. The symptoms can range from mild to severe, so it is crucial to get them checked early to avoid complications. Understanding the warning signs of the condition, like constant cough, excessive fatigue, and gastrointestinal problems, will aid in its early detection and timely diagnosis. Keep reading to learn more about the early signs and symptoms of flu in detail. Excessive fatigue Excessive fatigue is one of the first symptoms to appear before any of the other signs follow. It comes on suddenly and quickly, and while conditions like the common cold share this symptom, fatigue during the flu is more severe. Limiting physical activities, resting at home, and strengthening the immune system to fight off the oncoming illness are some preventive measures individuals can opt for. Cough A persistent dry cough is another indicator of influenza, so be vigilant about these signs. For some people, the cough may also be wet with mucus or phlegm, depending on the severity of the infection, and some may experience tightness in the chest and wheezing. Anyone with any respiratory issues like asthma or emphysema should speak to a health professional to get a check-up and ask for any management or treatment options immediately to avoid further complications.

Respiratory viruses are highly contagious infections that spread through the air or by contact with contaminated surfaces. For instance, one may be infected if they are in the same space as a person with a respiratory infection. Similarly, if one touches a surface that someone with a viral infection has touched, one may also contract the infection. Due to this mode of transmission, certain places and venues pose a higher risk of getting infected. High-risk public places for respiratory viruses Hospitals These are among the largest public spaces with a high risk of respiratory infection transmission. Due to the presence of numerous sick individuals, it is easy to come in contact with surfaces that may contain particles or droplets carrying the virus. Additionally, the enclosed space with air conditioning increases the risk of circulating airborne viruses throughout the facility. Public transport Using public transport like buses, cabs, trains, or airplanes can increase the risk of respiratory infection. When traveling on public transport, one is not only sharing the same space with other people who might be infected but also touching surfaces such as doors and handlebars that may have viral residues. Therefore, it’s important to be cautious and take necessary precautions to stay healthy and safe while traveling.