Hyperkalemia – Causes and Management Options

Asthma is a condition wherein a person’s airways become inflamed and swell, procuring extra mucus, making breathing difficult. Getting rid of asthma triggers from one’s house and workspace and protecting against external triggers outdoors are crucial factors in managing and treating asthma. In critical cases, doctors may suggest relocating to a new city with fewer asthma triggers. Since there is no cure for asthma, effective management becomes key in ensuring that the condition doesn’t worsen.

What is uncontrolled asthma?
When asthma symptoms become severe and start interfering with one’s everyday life, they might indicate uncontrolled asthma. These symptoms need urgent treatment. If left untreated, they could cause severe damage to one’s lungs. 

Causes of uncontrolled asthma
Stress
Chronic stress could lead to flare-ups of asthma symptoms. One must make an attempt to reduce stress and anxiety in life. Meditation and yoga could help a person deal with stress.

Underlying health conditions
Certain health conditions like environmental allergies and GERD could lead to asthma flare-ups. Other respiratory conditions like sleep apnea could block the upper airway while sleeping, leading to an asthma flare-up. 

Weather change
Moving from warmer to colder air or drier to humid air can trigger an asthma flare-up. It could also be brought on by simple weather changes or moving out from a controlled environment.

6 cities with the most asthmatic emergencies
Springfield, MA
Springfield has recorded the highest number of asthma-related emergency visits and has consistently been ranked as one of the worst cities in the country for asthma patients. In most other cities, while air quality could be the biggest trigger, pollen and household triggers are the leading causes in Springfield. Springfield also has a very high volume of old housing stock. The climate is also extreme, with extremely warm summers and below-zero-degree winters. These are major asthma triggers. Springfield’s asthma prevalence and emergency room visit rates are more than three times higher than the national average. It also ranks high on seasonal allergies and asthma. Springfield’s air quality, however, is good and falls within the quality limits and standards set by the Environmental Protection agency. 

Detroit, MI
Detroit is considered one of the most unfavorable cities in the country to live with asthma. The city has about 46% more asthma cases and four times more cases of hospitalization than the whole of Michigan state. The number of children requiring emergency care is twice the state average, and more than 58% of children with asthma filled prescriptions for inhalers. Detroit has dangerous levels of sulfur dioxide from factories, industries, and old diesel engines of automobiles. Over 57% of the houses are old, increasing the risk of asthma triggered by dust, mold, and mildew. The city also has more than recommended levels of ozone. There is a lack of medical care access as emergency care gets overcrowded during peak asthma season in the city. 

Cleveland, OH
Cleveland has higher than average rates in asthma prevalence, emergency room visits, and asthma-related deaths. Cleveland has high air particle pollution caused by the presence of oil, gas, and manufacturing industries and vehicle carbon emissions. The city also has higher poverty rates and unsafe ozone levels that cause a worsening of uncontrollable asthma symptoms that require urgent medical attention. Aging buildings and the high presence of mold, dust, and lead paint are common indoor triggers in Ohio, as the cost of rehabilitation or rebuilding is too high for families and governments. 

Allentown PA
Allentown metropolitan area is ranked high on the number of asthma-related emergency visits in the country. Allentown is a valley situated between two mountain ranges. When the winds are high, the pollen gets dispersed across the area triggering uncontrollable asthma. In the absence of wind, the mountain pollen stays in the air. Heavy truck traffic emissions, fumes from cement companies, and other incinerators hang in the air without getting driven away. Allentown also ranks low on the air quality rankings. 

Richmond, VA
Richmond ranks high on springtime pollen prevalence, one of the biggest environmental triggers of springtime, and seasonal allergies and asthma. Richmond also has a high growth of ragweed, creating a risk of higher asthma-related emergency room visits in the fall. The city is surrounded by power plants emitting chemicals like sulfuric, hydrochloric acid, and ammonia. Poor ventilation, old school buildings, and poor air conditioning are significant causes of high asthma prevalence in children. Richmond’s average for emergency room visits exceeds the national average. The high presence of particulate matter, unsafe ozone levels, and hot and humid summers add to the woes of asthma patients. 

Baltimore, MD
The average of asthma patients in Baltimore is more than double the state and national average. The rate of young children with asthma is 33.3%, which is also higher than the state average of 25.9%. It also has the highest hospitalization and emergency room visits in the state. Old housing stocks and air pollution is extremely high in the city, significantly adding to Baltimore’s asthma prevalence. 

Environmental and outdoor triggers of uncontrollable asthma
Doctors and patients agree that outdoor triggers are more likely to trigger uncontrollable asthma rather than food or household allergens. Avoiding exposure to triggers is an integral part of asthma management. Identifying and taking steps to avoid the triggers are as crucial as the treatment. Doctors advise patients to maintain a daily journal that can identify potential triggers in the long term. They may also prescribe provocation tests and irritant challenges that expose a person to triggers like smoke, perfumes, or household chemicals and analyze how one’s breathing and lung function change. Apart from food and household allergens, some of the most common asthma triggers include:

Ragweed pollen
Mold 
Risk of flu and cold due to weather conditions
Air quality
Vehicular and industrial pollution
Wildfire smoke

Inflammatory bowel disorders refer to conditions that cause inflammation and trigger complications in the digestive tract. This tract comprises various organs, from the esophagus to the rectum, which helps break down foods for energy consumption. IBDs like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease majorly affect organs in the digestive tract and remain undetected till those advanced stages when the symptoms flare up. Here is a brief overview of the diseases and the best foods for managing flare-ups.

Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease – An overview
Ulcerative colitis is classified as an inflammatory bowel disorder that develops ulcers in the organs of the digestive tract. These sores can affect the intestine’s inner lining, predominantly affecting the colon and rectum at the end of the digestive tract. In most cases, the symptoms and discomforts do not show up until the progressive changes of the disorder. Ulcerative colitis causes rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, cramps, diarrhea, increased incontinence, constipation, fatigue, and fever. The symptoms can flare up unexpectedly without any prior warning.
Crohn’s disease is another inflammatory bowel disorder affecting older adults, triggering inflammation in the digestive tract. While the disease can spread and affect any part of the digestive tract, in most cases, the small and large intestines are severely affected. Common discomforts and symptoms develop similar to that what one experiences with Ulcerative colitis. Outside of the intestinal tract, inflammation of the skin, vital joints, liver, bile ducts, and even the eyes are some unusual signs of developing colitis. Flareups can also trigger complications like kidney stones, iron deficiency, and delayed growth among young children.

Diagnosis and treatment options
Blood tests and stool studies help determine the type of inflammatory bowel disease. Further, endoscopic procedures like colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy are done to determine the condition’s severity and progression. Doctors also recommend imaging tests like X-Ray, CT scans, and MR enterography to locate the size and extent of inflammation in the small and large intestines. For Crohn’s disease, further Magnetic Image Resource testing is done to confirm the progression of the digestive disorder. Post-diagnosis treatments generally include a combination of prescriptions and surgery depending on the stage and severity of the condition. Apart from this, gastroenterologists will suggest healthy daily nutrition and lifestyle changes. These changes help improve the outlook of living with symptoms in the long run.

Superfoods to manage ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease
The following foods can help prevent and manage flare-ups during ongoing treatment.

Nutritious fruits
Fiber is one of the best nutrients to be consumed regularly to manage flare-ups associated with digestive disorders, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Low-fiber fruits are easy to digest and don’t pressure the organs excessively. Peaches, bananas, watermelon melon, honeydew melon, and cantaloupe are good sources of fiber, energy, and carbohydrates. These fresh fruits replace starchy foods and heavy proteins to ensure the body digests proper energy supplements. Small servings of assorted berries, including strawberries and blueberries, can boost antioxidant intake to counter inflammation and prevent healthy cell damage. Oranges can also boost immunity as the fruit contains vitamin C necessary for overall health.

Dense vegetables
Skinless mashed potatoes can help supplement the body’s daily potassium requirements without being too heavy on the digestive system. The vegetable pulp is low in fiber and provides a healthy source of carbohydrates to be broken down to supplement energy needs. Avocados are an excellent source of healthy omega-3 fatty acids that actively counter inflammation. Flareups of known chronic digestive disorders like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are generally triggered due to inflammation. Avocados are also rich in healthy B vitamins, Vitamin E and are a nutrient-dense source of soluble fibers that are digested quickly. Additionally, cooked carrots and spinach can supplement the body with essential vitamins A and K, both excellent fat-soluble vitamins that help manage discomfort linked to flare-ups.

Healthy probiotics
Gut bacteria in the digestive tract are critical in maintaining overall health. Any imbalance can cause chronic diseases to trigger flare-ups and, as a result, disrupt vital body functions. Introducing healthy dairy and supplement-based probiotics helps prevent several discomforts linked to ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease from flaring up. Yogurt is an excellent naturally derived probiotic-rich with live bacteria and helps restore gut microbiome balance. Also, calcium deficiency is one of the complications linked to Crohn’s disease. Yogurt can also substitute calcium loss by naturally introducing the nutrient with each serving. Fortified milk and cheese are also excellent sources of calcium to be consumed in addition to yogurt. In addition, plant-based soy milk can supplement the daily requirements if one suffers from lactose intolerance.

Lean proteins
Protein is one of the most crucial nutrients the body should digest for bone and muscle health. It helps overall growth and prevents bone loss and muscle deterioration caused due to chronic disorders. However, it is important to include only lean sources of meats and poultry to ensure these foods are digested easily. Chicken meat, turkey meat, and whole eggs are the best sources of heavy fat-free proteins that are digested easily. These meats also don’t release any triggering compounds when cooked on high heat, for example, grilling, making them a healthy alternative over red cuts of beef, pork, and lamb. Whole eggs are also rich in healthy omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, which counters inflammation and helps effectively absorb proteins and calcium.

Fatty fish
Healthy fats help manage flare-ups associated with known digestive disorders like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. And fatty fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring, sardines, and trout are excellent sources of natural omega-3s that actively counter the inflammatory responses. Grilling the fish makes it easier to digest than cooking on high heat with shallow or deep frying. Fish can also be baked to prevent the loss of nutrients and vitamins and retain its fatty goodness. It is, however, best to add sauces and condiments in moderation since these store-bought products contain preservatives and additives that upset digestion.

Heartburn or acid reflux is a condition in which stomach acid flows back to the esophagus, leading to a burning sensation in the chest and throat. Certain foods, especially those that are spicy, processed, or fried, and several ongoing treatment options may contribute to heartburn or worsen it. Additionally, a few seemingly harmless daily habits can increase the risk of acid reflux. So, here are unhealthy habits that may trigger heartburn:

Overeating
Eating large meals or more than one requires is one of the biggest reasons for heartburn. When one eats, the food travels through the esophagus to the stomach. Between the mouth and the stomach, there is a muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES, which closes up when the food reaches the stomach. However, when one eats too much, the stomach stays distended, meaning it is unable to close due to the pressure of food inside of it. When the LES does not close, the extra food and stomach juices can easily travel back up through the esophagus, causing acid reflux or heartburn.

Eating too quickly
Being impatient with meals is another trigger for heartburn. Further, eating while lying down, eating too close to bedtime, having large meals frequently, and not maintaining enough gap between two meals to allow digestion are some other unhealthy habits that may trigger heartburn.

Not engaging in physical activities
According to height and other individual characteristics, there is an ideal body mass for each everyone. When the body mass exceeds the normal range, one may be at a higher risk of heartburn. In fact, certain studies suggested that those who experienced heartburn issues typically had higher body mass than those who did not. However, exercise too can trigger heartburn at times. This may happen due to increased pressure in the abdominal region while working out, especially those who lift heavy loads while exercising. Cyclists are also known to experience heartburn the least, and runners usually notice mild symptoms of heartburn.

Ignoring treatment side effects
When dealing with health conditions, the treatment could have side effects like heartburn. Such health issues include high blood pressure, heart issues, asthma, osteoporosis, anxiety, insomnia, arthritis or other similar diseases, depression, Parkinson’s, cancer, muscle spasms, or pain. Certain treatments recommended for hormone therapy may also cause heartburn. So, it is important to understand the risks of treatment options and consult a doctor to help minimize such side effects.

Overlooking other underlying issues
Hiatal hernia is a condition in which the lower esophagus sphincter and the upper part of the stomach move above the diaphragm. The diaphragm is a muscular wall that separates the stomach from the chest and also helps in keeping the LES closed so that the stomach acid and food do not back up into the esophagus. However, when the stomach bulges through the diaphragm, it develops into a hiatal hernia. This is not brought on by unhealthy habits but due to injury in the region or any persistent and intense pressure around the muscles. So, vomiting, coughing, exerting too much pressure during bowel movement, or exercising with heavy weights with no proper posture can increase the risk of hiatal hernia, which further leads to acid reflux. It is usually difficult to diagnose a hiatal hernia as heartburn is the only symptom here, which can be confused with many other complications.

Tips for managing heartburn
Upon observing persistent heartburn, one should speak to a doctor first to eliminate the possibility of other health conditions contributing to the problem. In addition to treatment, the following tips can help one manage the condition:

Maintain a food journal: This can be especially helpful when one has not yet identified the foods that cause or trigger heartburn. Maintaining a food journal will help one keep track of foods and drinks that do not cause uneasiness and those that do. Doctors usually suggest limiting the intake of spicy food, as it seems to be a trigger for most people. Further, overly processed foods or fried foods can trigger acid reflux.

Eat alkaline foods: To lower the risk of heartburn, one can choose alkaline food like a ripe banana, which is known for its high potassium content and can help one manage acid reflux. One can also opt for melons, cauliflower, fennel, and nuts. However, unripe bananas are not as alkaline, so they may, in fact, trigger heartburn instead of helping relieve it. 

Wear loose clothing: This may seem to be unrelated, but wearing tight clothes contracts the muscles in the body and restricts proper movement. This can squeeze the stomach muscles, which may trigger acid reflux by sending stomach juices back up through the esophagus. So wearing loose clothes is usually encouraged to lower the risk of heartburn. Wearing comfortable clothes is usually better than tight outfits to also allow the skin to breathe properly.

Fix sleeping position: One should keep their head and chest elevated than the lower body so as to not allow the stomach fluid to flow back up through the food pipe. One can adjust their mattress in such a way that they stay in the same position while sleeping. Adding a foam wedge under the mattress near the headboard can help ensure the chest stays slightly elevated. One should, however, avoid opting for uncomfortable sleeping positions or making drastic changes if they are likely to develop neck or back pain due to such changes. 

Manage stress: Those experiencing chronic stress are also prone to physical changes in their body. The stress can slow digestion, letting food stay in the stomach for a longer period and allowing the stomach acid to back up into the esophagus. Also, stress can contribute to an increased sensitivity to pain, which can make heartburn seem even more painful.

Life insurance forms a critical aspect of all financial decisions one makes in their life. Getting life insurance gives one’s family financial security during any untoward event. It ensures that the family’s financial obligations are met, and this can include expenses like daily living costs, education loans, mortgage payments, and various other expenses. One should always buy life insurance after deliberating for some time. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when buying life insurance.

Underestimating the coverage amount
This is a very common mistake that one can easily avoid when buying life insurance. It is crucial that one takes into account all the financial needs of the family and figure out the amount of coverage needed. Do not underestimate their needs, as the family will require all the financial support they can get during a difficult time. One must consider all factors like any running debt, long term financial goals, income replacement and any other future expenses that can occur. One can also consult with a financial advisor to understand their needs and get an estimate on what an appropriate coverage amount should be.

Not considering unique needs
There are coverage packages available with life insurance companies, but one must understand that their needs may be unique, and the existing coverage details may not work well. Consider factors like age, marital status, financials, any dependents, income, and other factors that make your situation unique to you. Once you have assessed your situation and any future changes that can affect it, like having kids or career growth, only then consider the different coverage options available.

Ignoring term length
There are specific periods for which life insurance is offered; it can range from anywhere between 10 to 30 years. It may seem daunting to get coverage for 30 years, but it may just be what your family needs. However, choosing an excessively long term coverage could also result in some high premiums. So, one has to maintain a balance in catering to their own and their family’s needs.

Failing to compare quotes and policies
One should avoid simply choosing the first convenient option they get. Checking and comparing multiple quotes and policies from insurance companies is absolutely essential. If one fails to do their research, they may end up paying a high premium for coverage and they could miss out on some features as well. Once you have got a quote from the various insurance companies, you should also assess their financial stability. Also take a detailed look at their policy features, benefits, what are the exclusions and riders. Ask as many questions as necessary so that you fully understand the policy and take all the benefits from it.

Not disclosing relevant information
This is another common mistake that people make, thinking it is harmless. But making a full and honest disclosure at the time of buying a policy will help you get one that addresses your unique needs and can help your family. Withholding information about your lifestyle, occupation, and health may get you a low premium on coverage, but it may not be helpful in the long run. Additionally, if your information is not relevant or inaccurate, it can result in policy cancellation and the claims can also be denied, leaving your family stranded financially. If you have any pre-existing conditions, disclose it immediately, any lifestyle habits that put you at risk – disclose it immediately. If you have any occupational hazards, disclose it when filling the form.

Overlooking policy riders and add-ons
There are additional benefits and add-ons to the coverage policy. Some of the common riders can include things like disability income, death benefit, waiver of premium, or even critical illness. It’s a missed opportunity if one does not explore these additional features that may be applicable to them and can even be beneficial. If one has a specific circumstance and needs help with some additional benefits, they can contact the sales person and let them know about any additional needs. If the provider has any specific add-on for these needs, they will inform you.

Not reviewing and updating the policy
It is possible that at the time of purchase, one did not consider any life-changing factors. It is important that one reviews their policy again after a couple of years. It can be after a marriage, maybe a divorce, once you have kids, or if there is a significant increase in your income or other factors that could impact the policy. Reviewing your policy every couple of years is important so you can include these changes into your features. If you need to change the coverage amount of requirements, you can speak to the sales executive and let them know about the changes needed. They can then make the necessary adjustments to the existing policy.

Popular life insurance companies
There are many options available when it comes to life insurance companies. One can explore some popular names listed below and compare quotes and features.

Guardian Life has a diverse range of life products. They also have life insurance policies for those managing HIV. MassMutual is another popular option and some of the policies even earn a cash value at a set interest rate of 3.7 percent. They offer term policy, permanent policy, and a no-exam policy.

Northwestern Mutual sells whole life insurance with a flexible coverage, which starts at $50,000. New York Life is known to offer a variety of riders and helps in tailoring the payments as per the customers’ needs. State Farm is another company to check out; it has the option of paying off your coverage in one go rather than installments.

Eczema is a condition that affects the skin and causes redness, itching, and dryness. It can be very uncomfortable and can affect any body part. It can also cause psychological distress and can be challenging to manage. Thankfully, several guidelines can be followed to help keep skin healthy and avoid the symptoms of eczema. This article will discuss the causes of eczema, the signs and treatments, and a few guidelines for avoiding eczema symptoms and treatment.

Introduction to eczema
Eczema is a skin issue often characterized by redness, itching, flaking, and dryness. The situation is often accompanied by swelling, crusting, and even blistering of the skin. It can affect any body part, including the face, hands, arms, and legs. Eczema is not a contagious condition, but it can be uncomfortable and affect the quality of life.
People with a family history of eczema are more likely to develop the condition. Other d that may increase the risk of eczema include stress, allergies, and certain skin irritants.

What are the main causes of eczema?
The exact cause of eczema is a combination of genetic and environmental factors. People with a family history of eczema are more likely to develop the condition. Other well-known factors that may increase the risk of eczema include stress, allergies, and certain skin irritants.
It is also believed that certain factors may trigger the onset of eczema. These triggers include certain foods, environmental allergens, and even certain fabrics. Identifying and avoiding the triggers is essential, as they can worsen the condition.

Symptoms and treatment options 
The symptoms of eczema may vary from person to person, but the most common symptoms include redness, itching, flaking, and skin dryness. In severe cases, the skin may become inflamed, swollen, and even blistered. The skin may also become thickened, cracked, and scaly.
The treatment of eczema varies depending on the severity of the condition. Mild cases may be treated with over-the-counter creams and ointments. More severe cases may require topical prescription medications or oral steroids. In some cases, phototherapy may be recommended.

Guidelines for healthy skin and avoiding eczema

Symptoms and treatment plans for eczema
Eczema can be a complex condition to manage, but several guidelines can be followed to help keep skin healthy and avoid the symptoms of eczema. Here are seven guidelines for healthy skin and avoiding eczema symptoms and treatment.

Use a gentle cleanser
It is vital to use a gentle cleanser when washing the skin. Many cleaners are too harsh and can strip the skin of natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Identify cleansers that are specifically formulated for sensitive skin and use them.

Moisturize 
Get a moisturizer that is specifically formulated for sensitive skin. Moisturizing the skin is essential for keeping it healthy and preventing eczema symptoms. Choosing a moisturizer free of fragrances, dyes, and other irritants is also necessary. People who use make-up might face challenges such as eczema flare-ups when removing their make-up; in such cases, tinted moisturizers are a great option worth trying. Tinted moisturizers can cover up the rashes while healing them in the long run.

Wear loose-fitted clothes
Clothing that is too tight can cause skin friction and lead to irritation. It is important to wear loose-fitting clothing made of breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen. Avoid wearing synthetic materials such as polyester and nylon.

Avoid certain products
Certain products can irritate and worsen eczema symptoms. These include fragranced products, dyes, and products that contain alcohol. Avoiding these products and looking for products specifically formulated for sensitive skin is essential.

Avoid hot water and long showers
Hot water and long showers can dry the skin and worsen eczema symptoms. Limiting hot water use and showers to at most 10 minutes is essential. After showering, it is vital to apply a moisturizer to help lock in moisture.

Avoid irritants and allergens
Certain irritants and allergens can trigger an eczema flare-up. Common triggers include certain foods, pet dander, dust mites, and specific fabrics. Therefore, it is crucial to know triggers and avoid them.

Wear sunscreen
The sun’s UV rays can irritate and worsen eczema symptoms. It is essential to wear sunscreen containing an SPF of 30 or higher and repeat application over the skin every two hours outdoors. Choosing a sunscreen free of fragrances and irritating chemicals is also essential. A tinted sunscreen may be beneficial as it protects the skin from UV rays and blue light, unlike un-tinted sunscreen. Blue light emitted from computer and mobile phone screens can also cause eczema and dry the skin on your face. Identifying and choosing tinted sunscreens that contain the correct minerals is crucial. The tinted sunscreens help reduce premature aging and wrinkling and keep your face glowing.

Teen eczema treatment options
Teenagers who suffer from eczema may find it challenging to manage their condition. Thankfully, several treatment options are available for teens who suffer from eczema. These include topical medications, phototherapy, and even lifestyle changes.
Teens need to talk to their doctor about the best treatment options. The doctor can help them develop an individualized treatment plan that can help manage their condition and keep their skin healthy.

IUD acne treatment options
Women who use Intrauterine devices for birth control may face issues such as IUD acne flare-ups. However, getting a doctor’s opinion is crucial to see if the IUD is responsible for the acne flare-up. There are a few ways to treat the symptoms yourself:
a) Cleansing your face regularly, about thrice a day, with non-chemical cleansers is a must.
b) Eating a healthy organic meal consisting of vegetables and fruits while avoiding high-sugar foods is necessary
c) Preventing and reducing stress is required at all costs. Therefore, it is vital to try meditating and other relaxing methods.

Alternatives to traditional eczema treatment plans
In addition to traditional medical treatments, several alternative therapies can help manage the symptoms of eczema. These include dietary changes, herbal remedies, and lifestyle changes. For instance, dietary changes can help to reduce inflammation and limit flare-ups. Herbal remedies can help to relieve itching and dryness. And lifestyle changes can help to reduce stress and manage the condition.
Moreover, talking to a healthcare professional before trying alternative treatments is essential to ensure the treatments are safe and effective.