Allergies are caused when the body comes in contact with a harmless substance and identifies it as a danger. In cases like these, the immune system responds to the alarm and prepares antibodies against the allergen. So, the next time one is exposed to a particular allergen, antibodies signal the release of chemicals in the bloodstream leading to allergic symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Sometimes, it can lead to asthma attacks. Common triggers/allergens that can affect breathing Allergens can be a part of either indoor or outdoor environments. When one is exposed to them, it can trigger symptoms and lead to discomfort. Hence it’s essential to know the possible triggers and steer clear of them. Dander Hair and skin flakes are among the most common allergens. In severe cases, prolonged exposure to these allergens can lead to asthma attacks. One can decrease the exposure to these triggers by using an air cleaner with a HEPA filter and allergen-proof pillow covers and mattresses. Pollen Pollens are tiny grains or seeds found in flowering plants, grass, and trees. These seeds are often carried by the wind, and those exposed to them can either show a range of symptoms or none at all.

Over 50 million people live with allergies every year and many of them have seasonal pollen allergies. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) studies over 100 cities every year to curate a list of the best and worst cities for people with spring or fall allergies. Factors such as seasonal pollen scores, over-the-counter treatment use, climatic conditions, and availability of board-certified health professionals or allergists are taken into consideration. Based on these reports, here are the 10 worst cities for people with allergies to live in: Scranton, PA Scranton is surrounded by forests and grasslands, which are pushed into the city by the fall winds, causing higher-than-average pollen levels, making it one of the worst cities for allergy sufferers. Wichita, KS The city of Wichita is windy and flat. With pollen flowing down the plains and virtually no trees to stop them, the city is one of the worst places to live for people with allergies. McAllen, TX McAllen faces hot weather in the summer with abundant pollen and flowering plants. Over the last few decades, the city has also seen a stable rise in ragweed pollen, worsening the situation for allergy sufferers. Richmond, VA Richmond is known for its subtropical climate and excessive humidity.

There are numerous types of allergies, each with a different impact on an individual. Respiratory allergies are caused by airborne proteins that irritate the airways. Fumes which can be found both indoors and outdoors, can worsen breathing problems brought on by allergies. Allergens like pollen, mold, or dust mites can worsen allergic asthma in people. It is advantageous to be aware of allergens to prevent issues. Here are some examples of common allergens that make breathing difficult: Common allergens that cause breathing problems Pollutants People with allergies exposed to airborne pollutants may experience respiratory symptoms like coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing. Pollutants can irritate and inflame the lungs as well as the airways. Some asthma triggers are ozone, chemicals, cleaning products, odors, and smog. If these contaminants are inhaled from the environment, they can cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems. Indoor allergens Indoor allergens trigger asthma attacks in children and adults with allergies. These allergens include pet dander, mice, cockroaches, and dust mites. They are primarily found in homes, and can cause asthma flare-ups all year. Some solutions include using allergy-proof mattress covers and washing linens weekly in hot water to kill dust mites. A dehumidifier can also help prevent mold and mildew growth in the home.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic condition that affects the nervous system. This includes the spinal cord, optic nerves, and the brain. The condition’s symptoms may range from vision loss to muscle weakness and can differ from one person to another. Some people may experience mild symptoms, and in severe cases, it may result in paralysis. However, in most cases, the symptoms worsen during flare-ups and improve during the remission period. Early signs of multiple sclerosis (MS) Patients with multiple sclerosis may notice that no pattern of MS applies to everyone. Different symptoms are experienced at different times. However, the early signs of multiple sclerosis may be the same in both men and women. Hence, here are some early signs of the condition to look out for. Inflammation of the optic nerve One of the most common signs of MS, a person with optic neuritis may experience blurred vision, headache, and eye pain. Mainly, it occurs on one side and may lead to partial or total vision loss. Cognitive changes People with MS may experience a few cognitive changes, such as slowed processing. This might lead to difficulty finding words, short-term memory loss, and problems multitasking. Furthermore, one may also notice that they might have to read words a few times to understand them.

2023 is here, and it’s time to get on board with its trends. We decided to do so by first looking at the year’s most eye-catching fashion trends that are going to dominate this season. You might be intimately familiar with some of these predicted fashion trends and get a chance to stroll down nostalgia lane recreating your older fits. Some other fashion trends will help your creative juices flow, and style killer fits. Leather jackets Whether you are a minimalist or a maximalist, leather jackets are an absolute must-have when it comes down to maintaining a wardrobe. This is one piece of clothing you can rely on to avoid going out of trend and liven up any outfit. Leather jackets and leather skirts are some of the fashion trends for 2023 that we are most definitely looking forward to. This might also be the right time to invest in an elegant and chic leather coat you have had your eye on. Paint the town red If you were paying close attention to the fashion week events, you must have noticed the amount of red it covered. Red is set to make its mark in street fashion this year, and you might want to get ahead of the trend while you still have the time.

Fashion is ever-evolving; what’s in trend today may be out of style tomorrow. This constant change makes it challenging to buy and wear the right outfit. A wrong color, pattern, or even fit will deflate your style. Keeping this in mind, we’ve put together a few fashion mistakes to avoid. Whether you’re exploring the latest fashion trends for the first time or know your stuff, avoid these errors when dressing up for any occasion. Overdoing cartoon prints Minimalistic prints are fine as long as you don’t overdo it. But cartoon prints don’t really look good in an outdoor setting. Most of these prints are done on t-shirts, making the entire ensemble look casual. Cartoon prints can only be worn on denim or cargo outfits. You obviously cannot wear a cartoon t-shirt over formal pants and shoes. Besides cartoon prints, avoid t-shirts or hoodies with big lettering and bright quotes when stepping out for a more formal occasion. Stick to the classics instead. Wearing wrong colored socks White socks on black shoes is a serious faux pas, but most men just don’t see it. Always match the color of your socks to the color of your suit or pant so that they blend in with the outfit.

Lupus is an inflammatory autoimmune health condition wherein one’s immune system attacks healthy tissues and body organs. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), lupus caused due to some prescription medicines, and neonatal lupus are the types of this condition. Although the exact cause of lupus is unclear, the cell-death theory, proposing that such inflammation is a normal cell-renewal process, is a widely accepted explanation. Taking the necessary steps to heal from lupus begins with identifying its early signs: Butterfly-shaped rashes A butterfly-shaped rash that spreads across the face, typically covering the cheeks and the bridge of the nose, is a common symptom of lupus. Such rashes are often the result of exposure to UV rays and the consequent adverse reaction of immune-related cells in the body. Lung problems Pleuritis, pulmonary hypertension, “shrinking lung” syndrome, lupus pneumonitis, and acute lupus pneumonitis are the major lung problems due to lupus. Such lung issues are caused due to inflammation of the outer lining of the lungs, which worsens pain. Shortness of breath often results from such lung ailments. Swelling of joints Lupus can also lead to joint inflammation, causing acute joint pain, swelling, and stiffness in areas like the shoulders, neck, thighs, and arms. It also tends to affect joints in the body’s periphery, such as fingers, knees, ankles, and toes.

The one thing that unites people in all corners of the world by facilitating seamless interaction is the internet. Today, the world has become a global village, thanks to online connectivity and its endless possibilities. However, navigating the internet can require vigilance, as the goal here should be prioritizing user safety and understanding the consequences of your online activities. So, here are a few common mistakes internet users should avoid: Using easy-to-crack passwords Besides serving as gateways to your favorite websites and social media platforms, passwords protect you against fraudulent activities and the retrieval of personal information. Easy-to-crack passwords like “12345” or “ABCDE1234” can pose significant security risks, as these are no-brainers for hackers. You should also avoid using your date of birth as a password, as such information is often available on one’s social media profiles. A strong, unconventional, alpha-numeric password ensures optimal security. Not using VPN A virtual private network (VPN) helps one establish a secure connection between two networks and is particularly useful when using public or open Wi-Fi networks. VPN technology is used by many organizations today and is also recommended as a reliable option for private users, as it enables safe browsing. Using one password for all sites Coming up with a strong password and using it across multiple platforms and websites can seem like a good idea to remember passwords.