The body loses and replenishes hair regularly. It is a natural cycle that happens without you even noticing the hair fall. A few strands will get replaced by new growth every day. However, some people may experience severe hair fall, and this can be a cause for concern. Causes can range from vitamin deficiencies to more troubling medical conditions for which it is advisable to book an appointment with the doctor. Herein, we shall explore the most common medical conditions that trigger severe hair loss. Androgenetic Alopecia Also known as male or female pattern baldness, Androgenetic Alopecia is one of the most common causes of hair loss. This condition can trigger hair fall right after puberty hits and can worsen over a short period. While men tend to lose hair in more concentrated spots around the temple and the back, women lose hair all over the scalp, gradually leaving a thinner growth. Women may also experience rapid alopecia after experiencing menopause. The body undergoes hormonal changes during the transition and can trigger several uncontrollable chemical responses that can lead to hair loss. Telogen Effluvium Telogen is the body’s natural phase during which shedding happens in a normal growth cycle. Under any circumstances, the old hair falls out to make room for new follicles.

Heart disease can affect people of any age. So, it is essential to understand the underlying conditions and take the requisite steps to improve heart health. However, there are many misconceptions about the triggers of heart diseases and certain myths that need some elucidation before one can seek medical advice. Here are five common myths about heart health decoded to clarify the situation. Myth 1: Leading a sedentary lifestyle Often people would say one must take it easy, especially when suffering from heart disease. The assumption being since the organ is already in a delicate state, any form of exertion increases the risk of heart failure. However, leading a sedentary lifestyle due to fear of effort can do more harm as one’s physical condition deteriorates quickly. Inactivity can result in blood clots at vital points throughout the body. To avoid this, staying active helps strengthen the heart muscle that, in turn, promotes healthy blood circulation as the organ will pump blood more efficiently. Myth 2: Heart disease affects only older people Heart disease or any cardiovascular complication can happen due to several factors. Studies show that lifestyle choices have a significant impact on a person’s overall cardiovascular health, irrespective of age.

A lot of people in the country suffer from GERD, and it’s pretty common to experience heartburn once in a while. But how does one differentiate between the two? And how do you know when it’s time to see the doctor? Learning to identify the difference between the two is of key importance and it goes a long way in getting the right treatment at the right time. So, let’s begin by understanding what GERD and heartburn are. What is GERD? Heartburn and GERD are two completely different medical terms. GERD, or Gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a long-term and long-lasting form of acid reflux. If a person is experiencing acid reflux more than twice a week, chances are that they have GERD. Heartburn is a symptom of this GERD and acid reflux. What are the symptoms of GERD? As we know, GERD is a more chronic form of acid reflux. So, it tends to have similar symptoms, such as Heartburn Regurgitation Pain in the chest Swelling in the mouth Trouble with swallowing food Bad breath Damaged teeth Dry cough Of these, most of the people who suffer from GERD tend to have heartburn and regurgitation compared to other symptoms. What is heartburn?

“Allergy” is a word that we hear on a regular basis. We all know of at least one person who has some kind of allergy. But what are allergies? And how do we know if we are having an allergic reaction? Is it normal to have allergies? Should we be scrutinizing allergic reactions? Today, we will attempt to answer some of these basic queries for you. What is an allergy? The immune system adjusts to a person’s environment and it vigilantly fights off anything it considers harmful, by producing antibodies. This also includes foreign bodies or substances that are not typically considered dangerous. The causative agents of these reactions are called “allergens”, and the reaction the immune system produces upon their entry is known as “allergy”. Signs to look out for Allergies are of different kinds, with each presenting itself in a different way. It is possible that two people with the same allergy may not necessarily display similar symptoms. Depending on the allergen and degree of severity, the symptoms can affect a person’s nasal passages, sinuses, airways, skin, digestive system, and/or their lungs. In more acute circumstances, allergies can also give rise to a fatal reaction, which is known as anaphylaxis.

Chronic fatigue is also known as systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID) or myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). It is a disorder that leads to extreme tiredness or fatigue. The fatigue does not go away despite taking rest. There is no underlying medical ailment that causes chronic fatigue. Although it can occur in anyone, it is generally observed in women. Here are some of the commonly asked questions about chronic fatigue syndrome. What are the common causes of chronic fatigue? The cause of chronic fatigue syndrome or CFS is not unknown. There can be multiple contributing causes, including a weak immune system, hormonal imbalances, extreme stress, and viral infections. CFS is usually an after-effect of viral infection. Although no single type of viral infection is the only cause of CFS, some infections have been closely studied in relation to chronic fatigue syndrome, including Epstein-Barr virus, Ross River virus, human herpesvirus 6, and rubella virus. Another cause of CFS might be a genetic predisposition. What are the symptoms of chronic fatigue? The symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome are different based on the severity of the ailment. The symptoms also vary from person to person. One of the most common symptoms is severe fatigue. The fatigue is so extreme that it prevents a person from going about their everyday routine.

Cancer – the mere mention of this word is capable of sending shivers down the spine of many, but what exactly is cancer? Is it possible to prevent its occurrence? Is it genetic in nature? What stages does it present itself in and how is it tackled at different stages? If you’re unsure about these things, we’re here to give you the answer! What is cancer? There are two types of abnormal growth of cells in the body – malignant and benign. Out of these two types, benign cells are not harmful, but the malignant cells are what we know as cancer. The malignant cells can form anywhere and then divide constantly and spread into the tissues around it. How many types of cancer are there? There are more than hundreds of types of cancer each affecting a different area and part of the body – and nearly all of them are life-threatening. The major types are – sarcoma, melanoma, carcinoma, lymphoma, and leukemia. Sarcoma: These are cancers that form in the bones, fats, cartilage, muscle, and other forms of connective tissue. Melanoma: These cancers occur in the cells that create the pigments of the skin. Carcinoma: These are the most common cancers and occur in the glands and organs.

A blood disorder is a condition that impacts one or more parts of the blood and prevents it from functioning correctly. These parts are red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets. All these cell types form in the bone marrow, a soft tissue located inside one’s bones. There are various types of blood disorders, and their symptoms depend on the type. However, unexplained fatigue and weight loss are the two most common symptoms. Here are all kinds of blood disorders that affect a person’s overall health: Red blood cell disorders As the name indicates, this type of disorder affects one’s body’s red blood cells. These cells are responsible for carrying oxygen from one’s lungs to the rest of one’s body. There are several types of red blood cell disorders; these include: Anemia Anemia is a prevalent blood disorder caused by the lack of mineral iron in the blood. The most common types of anemia include iron deficiency, pernicious, aplastic, autoimmune hemolytic, and sickle cell anemia. Thalassemia It’s a group of inherited blood disorders caused by a genetic mutation, resulting in the interference of the natural hemoglobin production. Without enough hemoglobin, oxygen is not transferred to all areas of the body, which leads to complications.

Approximately one in three Americans suffer from high cholesterol, which is why it is considered a silent killer. The thing about cholesterol is that while it does not kill a person directly, it does increase the chance of one suffering from heart disease and stroke, both of which can be fatal. According to the CDC, these are the leading cause of deaths in the United States of America. So, before we understand how cholesterol leads to these dangerous diseases, let’s take a quick look at what it actually is. What is cholesterol? Cholesterol is an essential fat-like substance found in the cells of your body. It is required to make certain hormones, vitamin D, and other substances that help digestion. The human body or rather, the liver, makes all the cholesterol we need, which is known as blood cholesterol. The cholesterol that comes from food items is what is called dietary cholesterol. This form is found in animal meats, dairy products, seafood, and even poultry and eggs. Dietary cholesterol, when consumed in large quantities, can possibly increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, which can be fatal. Good and bad cholesterol Cholesterol that is either consumed or produced in the liver needs to travel throughout the body.