Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), also known as Graves’ orbitopathy or ophthalmology, is a rare auto-immune disease that causes inflammation in the eye muscles, eyelids, tear glands, and the tissue behind the eye. As a result, the eyes seem to “bulge forward” or appear red and swollen. This disease occurs at a rate of 19 per 100,000 people per year in the country. Read on to learn more about its symptoms and treatments. Symptoms of thyroid eye disease While TED does not cause vision loss, it may lead to symptoms such as: Bags under the eyes Blurred or double vision (diplopia) Changes in the eye’s appearance Difficulty moving the eyes Trouble in closing the eyes completely, which could lead to the development of a sore in the cornea Dry or watery eyes Gritty sensation in the eyes Reduced tolerance to bright lights Pain around the eyes Redness of the lids and eyes Swelling of one or both eyelids One’s symptoms may be progressive for six to twelve months. To diagnose the condition, doctors need to conduct a physical eye exam. This may be followed by a blood test to check thyroid hormone and antibody levels, an ultrasound of the eyes, a computed tomography scan (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

The liver is a vital organ that filters out toxins, synthesizes proteins for cell structure, secretes bile to assist digestion, and metabolizes carbs and fats. Besides this, it also safeguards the body from many diseases and helps keep one’s energy up. However, unbeknownst to many, the liver is often overloaded with toxins and can cause long-term health problems if left ignored. Here are some ways to detox the liver to ensure its optimal functioning. Supplements to detoxify the liver There are several signs that show that one’s liver needs detoxification. Some common symptoms include persistent constipation and fatigue, dark urine (which also indicates low water intake), bloating or gas, acid reflux or heartburn without any reason, easy bruising, moodiness, and lowered appetite. Individuals experiencing these symptoms are advised to get their liver functioning checked. Alternatively, one can try out the following supplements for liver health- Potassium Health experts recommend a daily intake of 4,700 milligrams of potassium. This mineral can lower blood pressure and cholesterol and help cleanse the liver. One can include potassium-rich foods like sweet potato, tomato, beet greens, spinach, and bananas for a nutrient boost. Vitamins E and C Vitamin E and vitamin C are both usually recommended to help with the liver detox process and protect liver cells from damage and oxidative stress.

Typically intended for the management of mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, antidepressants can help relieve symptoms of these disorders. However, it is important to know exactly what to expect when one is prescribed this form of treatment. Given how powerful they are, antidepressants come with a few side effects—both minor and major. Here is a look at some of the common side effects to help one make an informed decision:  1. Drop in sodium levels Some antidepressants can trigger a severe drop in sodium levels in the blood, which is also called hyponatremia. This side effect is often more common among older adults, as fluid and sodium regulation becomes more difficult with age. The low sodium levels tend to cause a build-up of fluids inside the cells, an outcome that can lead to complications like headaches, muscle pain, a reduced appetite, sickness, confusion, agitation, psychosis, seizures, disorientation, and feeling tired and listless without engaging in any physical activity. Certain antidepressants tend to suppress the hormones that regulate sodium and fluid levels. 2. Diabetes Certain studies have found a link between long-term antidepressant usage and diabetes. According to the research, those on antidepressants are at a higher risk of developing type-2 diabetes than those who are not.

Chest congestion develops with an accumulation of mucus in the lungs, which can cause discomfort, cough, and, sometimes, pain. Congestion is a common symptom of seasonal illnesses like flu or cold, or it can indicate a chronic health condition. The treatment depends on the cause. Further, when brought on by a mild infection, congestion can be treated with simple home remedies. So, here are some treatment options and home remedies to relieve congestion: Management options Upon noticing persistent congestion, one should consult a doctor, who will determine the cause and recommend a suitable treatment plan. This could consist of prescription treatment to loosen the mucus. Some prescription options can fight the infection responsible for chest congestion. Alternatively, if dealing with a chronic illness, doctors may suggest prescription treatment to minimize the discomfort and relieve congestion. Apart from the abovementioned treatment options, certain at-home solutions can help in managing congestion. Home remedies 1. Salt water gargle Gargling with lukewarm water and some salt can help relieve cold-like symptoms, including chest congestion and throat pain. One can take a glass of warm water, add a quarter tablespoon of sea salt to it, and mix it. Then, one can take a big sip of this solution, tilt their head back slightly, and gargle for 30 seconds.

While not all heart problems have clear symptoms, many of them are often preceded by a series of early warning signs. Being aware of these early signs can be useful in seeking diagnosis and treatment on time. This is crucial since most heart diseases can be easily avoided if detected and treated before the symptoms become too severe. Those with increased risk factors need to keep an eye on these early warning signs of heart disease. 1. Experiencing pain in the chest Most people often have chest pain, which is one of the most common early warning signs of heart disease. It is not just an oncoming heart attack that causes severe chest pain, but many other heart-related problems. For example, a person may feel a shooting pain in their chest when they exert themselves. However, the pain may go away when they are at rest. This is usually a sign of angina. Whenever one experiences chest pain along with the feeling of extreme unease, it is best to consult a doctor as soon as possible. 2. Feeling nauseated Nausea can be an early sign of a lot of health problems. Yet, many people ignore it, assuming it will go away.

Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura, or TTP, is a rare but life-threatening blood disorder. In this condition, blood clots form in the small blood vessels throughout the body, which can limit the flow of blood and potentially block it from reaching the organs, such as the heart, kidney, and even the lungs. This means it can create serious complications and needs immediate treatment. Here are key things to know about the disease, its diagnosis, and the treatment options. Symptoms and causes TTP occurs when there is insufficient ADAMTS13 available in the blood. This protein is crucial in regulating how the blood clots. With the lack of this enzyme, excessive blood clotting can occur, leading to complications. This condition can be inherited from a parent’s gene or, in some cases, acquired by the person. Some of the symptoms of TTP include petechiae, which are small, flat red spots on the skin caused by the leaking of blood in the blood vessels. Purpura is another symptom in which the bleeding causes red, purple, or brownish-yellow spots. Other signs include fast heart rate or shortness of breath, headache, confusion, coma, stroke, seizure, nausea, fatigue, fever, and diarrhea. Diagnosis The healthcare provider may ask for the patient’s health history and family history to check for any inherited diseases.

Depression is a mood disorder that causes a constant feeling of sadness and a loss of interest. It is among the world’s most common mental health conditions to occur in individuals where more than 8% of the country’s adult population is affected by it. The symptoms of depression are severe, with intense signs that may include significant changes in an individual’s appetite, sleep, and overall health. Here are a few other symptoms to not miss: Increased fatigue Fatigue is a sign of various physical and mental health conditions. However, when the fatigue persists and is not accompanied by other physical symptoms, it can be attributed to depression. Low energy levels and high fatigue levels are some of the most commonly occurring warning signs of depression. Lack of focus Another warning sign of depression is the inability to focus, which can significantly impact a person’s daily routine and prevent them from completing tasks that would otherwise be relatively easy. Mundane activities such as paying attention in class or meetings, finishing homework, completing necessary chores, or reading a book can require tremendous effort. Regardless of the source of this lack of focus, it could be a warning sign of developing depression. Social isolation and withdrawal If someone is repeatedly declining invitations to social events or gatherings, it could indicate that they are beginning to experience depression.

Indigestion is a fairly common issue; however, some may experience it more frequently than others. The causes of indigestion can be varied, from choosing the wrong foods and eating too quickly to underlying health conditions. Certain treatments for other health issues may also cause indigestion. Upon noticing persistent gastrointestinal issues, one should consult a doctor and seek appropriate treatment options. Nevertheless, one can also opt for the following natural remedies to quickly relieve indigestion: 1. Try ginger tea Ginger does more than just add a unique flavor to foods and beverages. It is a well-known remedy for nausea and vomiting and regulates the speed at which food passes along the digestive system. So, it can help reduce gas, bloating, and a constant feeling of fullness. A cup of ginger tea in the morning or a ginger candy after meals can help aid digestion. 2. Chew on fennel seeds Fennel seeds can make the stomach alkaline, so they can help deal with acidity and heartburn. They also provide quick relief from bloating and gas and relax the intestinal muscles, which helps relieve constipation. Eating raw or roasted fennel seeds is the easiest way to have them, but one can also add them to boiling water, strain the solution, and have it warm.

For humans, water is vital for survival as it regulates electrolyte levels, lubricates joints, and transports oxygen and nutrients. For drinking purposes, tap water is often preferred since it is convenient and cost-effective. However, unbeknownst to many, tap water is also filled with invisible contaminants and can be quite dangerous for long-term use. Here are some of the side effects of drinking tap water and the reasons why one should purify it before consumption. Contains chlorine Chlorine, a chemical often found in tap water, is known for producing many corrosive acids. Chlorine is mainly used in water treatment facilities to disinfect the tap water. While it doesn’t show signs immediately, drinking chlorine water for a long time can put one at risk of developing chest and lung irritation, cough or sore throat, breathing issues, or even cancer. Presence of heavy metals or impurities Even though the local municipal authorities regulate tap water, one can often find small traces of chemicals or heavy metals like mercury, copper, lead, cadmium, and aluminum. If it has not been purified, it does not entirely eliminate all the toxic heavy metals. These metals, as they collect in the body over time, can cause brain deformities, kidney issues, high blood pressure, and other health concerns.

Cold sores (or fever blisters) that appear on or near the mouth are common symptoms of the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). These fluid-filled blisters can be extremely painful. While there is no permanent cure for this condition today, one can manage cold sores and relieve associated symptoms to improve their quality of life. Read on to learn about a few natural remedies that may help one get rid of cold sores: 1. Ice To manage pain associated with a cold sore, one should consider using an ice pack. It is important to wrap it in a towel before applying, as icing the area directly could damage the skin. 2. Sunscreen Direct sun exposure could trigger or worsen a cold sore. So, one should always wear sunscreen when heading out. 3. Aloe vera gel Aloe is well-renowned for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Using natural aloe on cold sores could be beneficial in fighting off viruses and helping the sore heal faster. 4. Apple cider vinegar A lot has been said about apple cider vinegar’s antimicrobial properties. It may help treat cold sores as well. However, it is best to dilute the vinegar in water before using it on the skin.