Respiration is among the essential processes the body carries out without one realizing it. Here, the inhaled air fuels the body with oxygen, which travels through the bloodstream and is transferred to various organs and tissues to carry out basic functions. Normal respiration rates for adults are about 12 to 18 breaths per minute, but the following breathing mistakes might affect this rate and the overall functioning of the lungs. Breathing through the mouth There are two ways to inhale air: through the mouth and the nose. Breathing through the mouth could come in handy if one is experiencing sinus congestion or indulging in strenuous physical activity. However, only the nostrils can filter, warm up, and humidify the air. So, as a rule, one should avoid mouth breathing if possible, as it can increase the risk of dry mouth and conditions like asthma. Not exercising One may lead a sedentary lifestyle, which could affect the quality of their lungs. By indulging in routines like cycling, walking, or running, one can ensure their heart and lungs work well, which could contribute to improved circulation. Exercising may also help strengthen the tissues around the lungs. At the same time, one should avoid keeping their shoulder and neck tense while exercising as it could limit the efficiency of their respiratory system.

Ignoring certain types of aches and pains in the body can be dangerous. Certain body aches may indicate a more serious underlying condition requiring immediate attention. These conditions can worsen and cause further damage to the body if left untreated, and may even lead to life-threatening situations. Ignoring these symptoms and pains may worsen them, resulting in more discomfort and a lower quality of life. Here are a few aches and pains to keep an eye out for. Chest pain Sudden chest pain may indicate a heart attack, which is an emergency. If someone has chest pain that lasts more than a few minutes and is accompanied by sweating, shortness of breath, or nausea, one should visit the hospital immediately. A doctor can help one make the best decisions and avoid serious complications. Headaches While headaches are common, they may indicate a more serious condition such as a stroke, brain tumor, or meningitis, if they are severe or appear suddenly. One should seek treatment if a sudden, severe headache strikes, particularly if other symptoms like confusion, dizziness, or altered vision accompany it. Abdominal pain Abdominal pain is a common symptom of several diseases, including pancreatitis, appendicitis, and gallstones. Anyone with persistent or severe abdominal pain should see a doctor, particularly if it is accompanied by vomiting, nausea, or a fever.

Pain is a normal sensation everyone experiences from time to time. It is also the body’s way of letting us know something isn’t right. Various factors like illness, injury, or other chronic conditions can trigger pain. Some types of pain are easily manageable with self-care, lifestyle changes, and prescription treatment. However, some pain symptoms, when they are ignored, could give rise to serious health concerns and chronic pain that lasts from weeks to months. Numbness or tingling Nerve damage is one of the more common reasons for numbness or tingling sensation in any part of the body. It might even be an indication of a stroke or multiple sclerosis. If numbness or tingling persists, a doctor must be contacted immediately. Fatigue Anemia, stress, and sleep are the common factors that can give rise to fatigue as a symptom. The mental and physical energy a person utilizes to manage the pain can give rise to fatigue. In some cases, chronic and persistent fatigue that lingers even after weeks might be a sign of chronic fatigue syndrome or cancer. In such cases, seeking a health expert’s advice is crucial. Shortness of breath Health concerns like COPD, asthma, and pulmonary embolism can all give rise to shortness of breath.

The immune system comprises various organs and cells that aim to protect the body from viruses, parasites, bacteria, and cancer cells. However, when one has an autoimmune disorder, the immune system attacks the body instead of protecting it. Today, there are over a hundred autoimmune diseases, including lupus, Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and ulcerative colitis. Keep reading the article to learn more about autoimmune diseases, their symptoms, and management techniques. Symptoms of autoimmune diseases In most cases, the early signs of autoimmune diseases can be very similar and are relatively easy to ignore, and here are some early symptoms to look out for. Body pain Usually, persistent pain in the muscle and joints that cannot be explained is a sign of multiple autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. So, if one experiences pain all over the body, one should not ignore it as an effect of a workout. Instead, they must focus on blood tests and X-rays to diagnose the underlying condition. Unexplained rashes on the skin In most cases, the skin mirrors the inflammation inside the body. So, when the level of inflammation increases, it can lead to red blotchy, itchy, and even scaly skin rashes on the body.

Esophageal cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the inner layers of the esophagus, the tube that allows food to move into the digestive system. The symptoms won’t be detectable in the early stages of this condition. As cancer slowly grows outward, it spreads through the esophageal wall, reaching the lymph nodes, the blood vessels in the chest, and other nearby organs. Keep reading to learn about the warning signs of this condition. Pain in the chest One of the most common signs of esophageal cancer is a pain in the middle region of the chest. The pain can radiate to just below the throat, between the shoulders, or behind the breastbone. This discomfort is similar to feeling pressure or a burning sensation inside the chest. However, this symptom is often ignored since it is similar to those caused by certain benign health conditions such as heartburn. Trouble swallowing Due to the growth of the cancerous cells, the wall of the esophagus becomes narrow. It makes it difficult for the food to pass through the esophagus. As a result, a person will experience trouble swallowing food. This symptom is relatively mild in the beginning. But as cancer progresses, it worsens over time.

Headaches often result from poor lifestyle habits, a lack of proper sleep, or overworking. In most cases, a few additional hours of shut-eye every day are enough to alleviate such aches. However, sometimes, a headache could last longer and be a precursor to something much more severe, like diabetes, migraines, or, in a worst-case scenario, a brain tumor. Here are some alarming signs of a severe headache that should not be ignored. Nausea Nausea is often a symptom of a migraine—an unbearable, ear-splitting headache that can go on for hours. Migraines are incredibly common and often feature among the top ten causes of disability globally. Vomiting and a general, unrelenting sensation of nausea often come with, after, or before a bad migraine attack. So, if someone experiences an overwhelming feeling that they are about to throw up, it could be a sign of an impending migraine headache. Stiff neck A stiffened neck is sometimes followed or accompanied by a headache. While it may not be a cause for concern, one should see a doctor if the discomfort does not go away. Neck pain accompanied by a headache is one of the symptoms of meningitis, a bacteria- or virus-driven condition that affects the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

The benefits of drinking enough water and keeping the body hydrated are well-known. More than two-thirds of the human body consists of water. This is why timely hydration is necessary to keep one’s bodily functions ticking along without stoppages. Therefore, not consuming at least two to three liters of water daily can adversely affect a person’s overall health and bodily functions. Here are some of the common side effects of insufficient water intake: Fluid imbalance in the body The blood becomes thicker when the body is deprived of water for longer periods. As a direct result of this, blood circulation gets labored, and the heart needs to expend more energy than usual to ensure that vital nutrients and elements such as oxygen and iron reach all body parts. This sluggishness of the circulatory system translates into nutrient and fluid imbalances in the body. Essentially, the loss of balance and equilibrium with about 1 to 2% bodily fluid loss causes further issues like intense thirst, discomfort, and loss of taste. If fluid loss reaches 3 to 4%, one may experience difficulty concentrating, excessive shaking, and vomiting. Wrinkled skin The skin’s moisture content is severely affected by insufficient water intake. Essentially, the above-mentioned blood circulation problem caused by less water intake obstructs the flow of nutrients to the skin, making it lose its luster and elasticity.

Becoming a parent can be overwhelming. With so much information online and offline, it can be challenging to know what to do and what not to do. Sure, making mistakes is a part of learning, but some mistakes can have severe consequences. Keeping this in mind, we have listed the baby care errors parents should avoid. First-time parents who require extra guidance on their baby’s holistic health needs may consult a pediatrician. Not burping the baby Babies tend to swallow air while feeding, which can lead to discomfort and fussiness. So, parents should burp the baby after every feeding to help them expel excess air. Overfeeding or underfeeding Babies have tiny bellies, and feeding them too much or too little can be harmful. Overfeeding can lead to health issues, while underfeeding can result in malnutrition and developmental delays. Neglecting oral hygiene Babies may not have teeth, but it is essential to keep their gums clean. Parents may use a clean, damp cloth to wipe their gums after every feeding. Neglecting oral hygiene can lead to gum disease and other oral health issues. Not supporting the baby’s head Newborns cannot keep their heads and necks in place, so parents must provide adequate support when carrying them.

Dementia is a group of conditions characterized by loss of cognitive functions, affecting thinking, memory, language, and problem-solving ability. Alzheimer’s disease is among the most common causes of dementia. Although there is no definite cure for most types of dementia, early diagnosis and intervention can help control its symptoms. Several psychiatric and psychotherapeutic interventions can be used to help people with the condition lead healthy lives. Here are some warning signs to recognize: Disorientation People with dementia often experience disorientation, even in familiar environments. Consequently, they may lose their way home if left unattended or wander away and not be able to find their way back. This issue may worsen with time and requires consistent intervention for symptom control. Memory loss Memory loss associated with the condition is brought on by brain damage and can affect the areas of the brain that deal with memory. Memory problems may grow as the disease progresses, leading to major issues with daily functioning. Visual hallucinations People with dementia may experience visual hallucinations, that is, seeing objects that do not exist in reality. This symptom is particularly prevalent among those with Lewy body dementia, though it may also be observed in other forms of the disease.

Ataxia is a neurological disorder that affects movement coordination and balance. Various factors, including genetic mutations, trauma, infection, or exposure to toxins, can lead to the condition’s onset. The condition is progressive and can lead to significant disability and reduced quality of life if left untreated. However, early detection and intervention can slow down the progression of the disease and improve outcomes. Therefore, it is crucial to recognize the early warning signs of ataxia. Gait disturbance Ataxia affects balance and coordination, leading to difficulty walking or running. People with ataxia may experience unsteady gait, stumbling, staggering, falling, or maintaining balance. They may also have difficulty initiating movements, making quick turns, or walking on uneven surfaces. Tremors Ataxia can cause involuntary tremors or shaking of different parts of the body, such as the hands, head, or legs. These tremors may worsen with movement or stress and interfere with daily activities such as eating, writing, or holding objects. Speech difficulties The illness can affect the muscles used for speech production, leading to slurred or slow speech, changes in pitch or volume, or difficulty articulating words. People with ataxia may also have trouble swallowing or controlling saliva, leading to choking or drooling.  Eye movement abnormalities Ataxia can affect the muscles that control eye movements, leading to nystagmus (involuntary eye movements), double vision, or difficulty tracking moving objects.