The esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach. When one swallows food, it enters the esophagus and is pushed downward by rhythmic contractions of the muscles in the esophageal wall. The normal esophagus cells grow and replace old ones in a regulated and orderly manner. But when esophageal cancer develops, the cells grow and divide uncontrollably and form a tumor. Esophageal cancer is malignant and requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms of esophageal cancer Difficulty swallowing An alarming early sign of esophageal cancer is difficulty swallowing, the organ’s primary function. This may feel like food is getting stuck in one’s throat or chest, and it can happen even when taking small bites of food or liquid. This symptom can also lead to choking, coughing, or regurgitation of food. Chest pain or discomfort Esophageal cancer can cause chest pain or discomfort, especially when eating or drinking. The pain may feel like a burning sensation in one’s chest or upper abdomen and can be confused with heartburn or indigestion. Unexplained loss of body mass Cancer can affect one’s ability to eat and absorb nutrients. So, if one seems to lose body mass without trying, it could be a sign of esophageal cancer.

Respiration is a vital function for survival, but certain breathing habits can significantly affect lung health. The body has a natural defense system to prevent dirt, germs, and bacteria from entering the lungs, and the right practices can help you maintain optimal function. Further, you can take a few important steps to lower the risk of respiratory issues. So, here are common breathing mistakes to avoid for maintaining lung health: Shallow breathing Shallow breathing, or chest breathing, is a common error that involves taking quick, short breaths that only fill the top portion of the lungs. As a result, the lungs do not get enough oxygen, which can cause fatigue, dizziness, and even anxiety. To avoid shallow breathing, practice diaphragmatic breathing, i.e., taking deep breaths that fill your belly with air. First, inhale slowly through the nose, with one hand on the belly and the other on your chest, and feel your belly rise with each breath. Then, exhale slowly through the mouth and repeat for several minutes. Holding your breath Another common mistake you can make, especially when exercising, is holding your breath. This can lead to a lack of oxygen in the lungs, increasing the risk of fatigue, dizziness, and even fainting.

The bladder is a crucial organ that stores urine until it is released from the body. It is important to maintain good bladder health. However, many people make urinating mistakes that can affect their bladder and overall health. People of all genders and ages can experience bladder issues. But factors like childbirth, menopause can make women more vulnerable to bladder problems. Aging can further weaken the bladder. It hence becomes necessary to avoid peeing mistakes. Holding the pee in One of the most common mistakes is holding the pee in for too long. This can put extra pressure on the bladder and cause it to weaken over time. This can also lead to a range of other issues like urinary tract infections and kidney stones. To avoid this peeing mistake, take a bathroom break as soon as needed. If you do not have a bathroom around you, ensure you make a pit stop and relieve yourself immediately. Emptying the bladder halfway Another mistake that needs to be avoided is not emptying the bladder completely when going to the bathroom. Leaving urine in the system can increase the risk of infections and other related health problems. Try changing positions that help the urine flow out easily if you feel like your bladder isn’t completely empty.

Healthy breathing is a sign of a healthy heart and lungs. Conversely, troubles with breathing, including shortness of breath, chest tightness, and noisy breathing, often signify underlying respiratory and lung problems like asthma, lung infection, and pulmonary edema. Proper breathing from an early age can help reduce the risk of developing such conditions and promote overall physical and mental well-being. Here’s an insight into some common breathing mistakes one must avoid to ensure respiratory health. Breathing through the mouth One of the most common breathing mistakes is to breathe from one’s mouth. According to research, 30-50% of adults breathe through their mouth, particularly during early morning. The nostrils are more adept in filtering out allergens and toxins compared to the mouth. So, breathing through the mouth may cause toxins to accumulate in the lungs and eventually lead to lung diseases. Moreover, breathing through the mouth may lead to drying of the mouth, which can increase one’s risk of developing asthma. Thus, one must consciously try to breathe through one’s nose to avoid such consequences. Not practicing deep breathing Deep breathing entails a wide range of benefits, including better immunity, lowered blood pressure, better posture, and body detoxification. It also helps increase oxygen levels and enhance the functioning of the diaphragm.

As unassumingly simple as it may seem, there is a wrong way to pee! Making common peeing mistakes can impact bladder health and make one more susceptible to microbial infections, loss of bladder control, or urinary incontinence. That is why it is important to be aware and make certain lifestyle changes to improve one’s health. Here are six of the most common peeing mistakes one should avoid for a healthy bladder: Holding the pee in for too long Sometimes, one may need to hold their pee for too long at concerts or on long drives. However, making it a habit can cause urinary infections. Since urine isn’t sterile, holding it in for too long gives the bacteria a chance to grow and multiply, increasing the chances of infection. It can also cause a lack of bladder control over time. Not fully emptying the bladder when peeing Not fully emptying the bladder can also increase the risk of infections and loss of bladder control. This is also known as urinary retention. Blockages, infections, swelling, and neurological conditions may cause urinary retention and may warrant expert intervention. Increasing intake of caffeine Caffeine is a bladder irritant that increases the urge to pee.

Breathing is an essential function that occurs naturally and effortlessly. It is automatically monitored and regulated by the body and does not require constant intervention. However, many significant circulatory and metabolic functions depend on respiration. So, one must occasionally analyze how they breathe and look for irregularities. Experts have identified a few mistakes people make that affect their breathing and respiratory function. Individuals should avoid these breathing mistakes as far as possible. Breathing through the mouth It is common for people to inhale from their mouths without even realizing it. However, experts suggest breathing using the nasal passage. This passage has filters that clear out debris and allergens and humidify the air before it enters the lungs. Getting anxious about breathing Some people closely monitor every breath they take. Respiration is a process closely regulated by the body and requires no major intervention. Therefore, breathing should be monitored only when one experiences respiratory problems like shortness of breath or chest pain. Not using the diaphragm The best way to absorb oxygen is by using the diaphragm muscle located above the stomach. The American Lung Association recommends this technique as it creates negative pressure in the chest and enhances airflow. With training, it is possible to use the diaphragm for regular breathing.

Esophageal cancer is a severe type of cancer that occurs in the esophagus, the muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach. Esophageal cancer is frequently not discovered until it has progressed significantly, making treatment challenging. On the other hand, knowing the early warning signs of esophageal cancer can help improve the chances of diagnosis. Listed below are some symptoms and treatment options for esophageal cancer to be aware of. Warning signs of esophageal cancer Difficulty swallowing Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is one of the first symptoms of esophageal cancer. It can cause the sensation that food is stuck in the throat or not passing easily. If this symptom frequently occurs, especially when eating solid foods, it is best to consult a health expert immediately. Chest pain Chest pain can be caused by esophageal cancer, especially when swallowing food or liquid. This pain, which may feel like a burning sensation in the chest, may worsen over time. Therefore, it is important to distinguish this type of pain from other types of chest pain, such as heartburn, to receive appropriate treatment. Change in body mass Another common symptom of esophageal cancer is an unexplained change in body mass. As cancer spreads, it can make swallowing difficult, resulting in decreased food intake and body mass loss.

Headaches are a common health complaint worldwide. The general causes of headaches include lack of sleep, dehydration, eye strain, and sinus infection. While most headaches are not a cause for concern, some persistent ones may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. It is important to recognize the alarming signs of headaches to ensure that appropriate care is sought in a timely manner. Here are seven alarming signs of headaches one shouldn’t ignore. Sudden onset of severe pain If one experiences a sudden onset of severe pain, it could be a thunderclap headache. A thunderclap headache is a severe and sudden onset headache that reaches its maximum intensity within 60 seconds. This type of headache can be a sign of a ruptured blood vessel or bleeding in the brain. It’s best to seek medical attention immediately. Oftentimes, the condition can be accompanied even by seizures or fever. Headaches after a head injury Headaches that occur after a head injury could be a sign of a concussion or other traumatic brain injury. These types of injuries can be serious and may cause dizziness, issues with focus and memory, and ringing in the ear along with a headache. Headaches with fever, stiff neck, and confusion If one experiences a severe headache, which is accompanied by fever, stiff neck, nausea or confusion, it could be a sign of meningitis.