Sickle cell crisis, also called vaso-occlusive crisis, is a painful and potentially life-threatening episode that occurs in individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD). This type of blood disorder is caused by an abnormal genetic mutation. The condition affects one’s hemoglobin and turns the shape of red blood cells into sickle-shaped cells, leading to restricted blood flow, anemia, and increased risk of infections. Understanding the warning signs of sickle cell crisis is important. Intense pain and headaches Sickle cell crisis brings excruciating pain, often accompanied by headache or dizziness. Individuals experiencing a crisis describe the pain as sharp, throbbing, and unbearable. This pain can occur anywhere in the body but is most commonly felt in the bones and joints. It can be so severe that it interferes with daily activities, making it impossible to ignore. Muscular weakness and swelling Muscular or general weakness can manifest in various parts of the body during sickle cell crisis, making it difficult to move some parts of one’s body or perform everyday tasks. It can also be due to swelling of hands and feet or localized swelling that can be tender or painful to the touch. These symptoms mainly occur because the sickle cells get stuck in the small vessels and block blood flow.

Those at risk of kidney cancer may find that while it begins in this organ, it may eventually spread to other body parts. Therefore, it is crucial to identify such mutations and seek healthcare assistance at the earliest. There are various tell-tale signs of kidney cancer that one may often overlook or mistake for another condition. On that note, here are nine early indicators of kidney cancer to help one manage it immediately. Hematuria This symptom is where one may notice blood in the urine, which could occur due to kidney cancer. Damage caused to the organ by mutated cells might result in bleeding, which gets mixed with urine. One may not always notice blood while urinating, so even the faintest indication may require healthcare attention. Lump or swelling As the kidney cancer progresses, it might become more physically present. It means one might feel a lump or swelling in the area of the kidneys. Sometimes, the cancer might be too small to detect and may require an ultrasound to detect it. Pain in the side between the ribs and hip One may experience pain in the side between their ribs and hip for several reasons, including an injury or infection.

Seizures are a serious neurological condition that occurs due to an imbalance of electrical activity in the brain. Many causal factors lead to the onset of seizures. Due to a seizure, one may even lose consciousness and be at risk of an injury. Recognizing the early signs of seizures is important so that one can take the necessary steps to manage the condition effectively and safeguard themselves from unprecedented events. Aura sensations Aura sensations can vary from person to person. These sensations can include a weird feeling in the stomach, experiencing unusual smells and tastes, experiencing visual distortions (of lights, colors, or shapes), or a strong sense of déjà vu. The déjà vu sensation refers to when one feels like they’ve been in the same situation before. This sensation can occur minutes or seconds before a seizure. Headaches Generally, headaches can occur due to various reasons. But if one experiences frequent headaches without any cause, it may likely be a warning sign of seizures. Often, headaches may also occur during and after the seizure episode. Constant stares Brief episodes where a person seems to “zone out” or stare into space without responding to their surroundings can be indicative of a seizure.

Sleeping is one of the most important parts of one’s day, and it plays a vital role in rest and recovery of the body. A good night’s sleep is also linked to several other health benefits. However, in today’s stressful environment and lifestyle, getting enough sleep can be challenging. Luckily, one can use several techniques, including home remedies, to help relieve stress and improve sleep quality. Here are some natural remedies for the same. Valerian root This is a herb that is commonly used in Asia and Europe as part of traditional healing methods. The root is usually used as a remedy to help manage stress, anxiety, and even depression in individuals. While the studies remain inconclusive of its direct benefits on sleep, there are some studies that do point towards the positive effects of this herb. Various small group studies involving 30 to 40 people found that taking 530 grams of valerian root before bed helped in sleep quality, latency, anxiety, and depression in individuals. These notes were taken from the participants’ perception of sleep quality and did not measure any quantitative data. While this root is known to be safe for adults, there may be minor, non-serious side effects, if any, in some people.

Sickle cell anemia is a rare genetic disorder that affects the red blood cells. responsible for carrying oxygen. Here, anemia specifically distorts the shape of some of the red blood cells, which are sickle or crescent moon-shaped instead of the natural round and flexible shape. This affects the movement of these cells in the body, disrupting blood flow. Recognizing warning signs of the condition can facilitate an early diagnosis and treatment, helping prevent further complications. Early signs Sickle cell anemia is an inherited disorder. So, in most cases, the early signs of to condition can be observed in infants at around six months of age. The symptoms can vary and also change over time as one gets older. However, here are some of the common early signs of sickle cell anemia: 1. Fatigue The first clear indication of the condition is anemia, as sickle-shaped red blood cells (RBCs), being generally weaker than regularly shaped RBCs, tend to break down easily and deteriorate. Normal RBCs live for approximately 120 days before being replaced by newer cells. However, sickle cells stay in the body for about 10 to 20 days, leading to a shortage of RBCs. Without an adequate number of these cells, there is a drop in hemoglobin that carries oxygen around the body, leading to fatigue.

Although unpleasant, nasal congestion is a common, and perhaps the most pervasive, allergy symptom for millions of people worldwide. It is also a common symptom indicating a cold or flu. Congestion can interrupt daily routine, so one can try management options to relieve this symptom and breathe better. Here, anti-inflammatory foods may help reduce the discomfort. So here are six foods that help fight nasal congestion, prevent excess mucus buildup, and relieve a stuffy nose: Tea Breathing in the steam from hot liquids like tea or broth can help make mucus thinner and relieve congestion. Additionally, green tea is also known for its anti-inflammatory compounds called polyphenols, which can help with swollen sinuses. Honey According to preliminary studies, honey can help soothe a sore throat. It may also help fight upper respiratory tract infections. Honey is generally safe to eat for people over the age of 1. One can add it to tea, use it as a salad dressing, or just eat a spoonful to relieve inflammation. Citrus fruits Vitamin-C-rich fruits such as limes, lemons, grapefruit, and oranges help boost immunity. They also have antioxidant properties, which can help relieve the pain and inflammation associated with nasal congestion. The combination of vitamin C and antioxidants can help thin mucus and reduce allergy-related congestion.

Acute respiratory infections refer to a broad category of illnesses, like bronchiolitis and pneumonia, that affect the lower and upper respiratory tract. A significant number of these infections are caused by respiratory viruses, posing a health risk to individuals of all ages. Common respiratory viruses include influenza, rhinoviruses, common cold viruses, and adenovirus. These viruses can invade the respiratory tract, leading to inflammation and a cascade of symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Early signs of respiratory infections Here are some of the early signs of severe respiratory infections caused by viruses: Fever If you experience a sudden onset of high fever, especially if it exceeds 103°F, could be a sign of viral infection. Fever is the body’s natural response to fight infections, indicating that the immune system is working to eliminate the virus. You may also experience chills along with fever. Congestion and sore throat Nasal congestion and a sore throat are among the initial symptoms of viral infection in the respiratory tract and can cause further discomfort. Cough A cough is often the body’s way of clearing the airways of mucus and foreign particles. Coughing may start as mild irritation and develop into a more severe, persistent cough over time as the infection worsens.

Medigap is additional insurance one can buy to cover costs that are not covered under Medicare. Also known as the Medicare Supplement Plan, Medigap helps one reduce out-of-pocket expenses, i.e., co-payments and deductibles. One can access these insurance services through private companies. However, one must already have a Medicare Part A and Part B plan to buy Medigap. To understand Medigap plans better, here are a few things to know: What is a Medigap plan? Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover all medical expenses. So, private companies can offer Medigap plans to help cover these costs. Nevertheless, Medigap plans generally do not offer long-term, vision, or dental coverage. They also do not cover the cost of hearing aids, eyeglasses, or private nursing. Medigap Plans are aimed at covering costs such as co-payments, deductibles, and coinsurance. Some specific costs that may be included in these plans are: About 20% of out-of-pocket expenses that are not covered by Medicare Part B Coinsurance for Part A Hospital coverage up to 365 days after Medicare benefits are used up Part A hospice or respite care copayment Some plans may also cover emergency medical care while traveling abroad. How much do Medigap plans cost?