Migraine is a neurological disorder characterized by severe, pulsating headaches often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. While the exact cause of migraines remains elusive, various triggers have been identified, including certain odors. Odor-triggered migraines can be particularly challenging to manage and treat. Below are some familiar smells that may trigger the condition, simple strategies to cope with them, and other factors that can trigger migraines. Why do certain odors cause migraine? The phenomenon of migraine headaches due to odor sensitivity is called osmophobia or olfactory migraines. The exact mechanism by which odors trigger migraines is not fully understood, but several theories exist. One is sensory overload, wherein strong odors overload the brain’s sensory processing, leading to a migraine in individuals susceptible to sensory triggers. Some people may also have heightened sensitivity to certain chemicals found in odorous substances. When exposed to these chemicals, their bodies may react with a migraine. Lastly, odors can activate specific neural pathways in the brain, potentially triggering migraine pathways in those predisposed to migraines. Odors that may trigger migraine Perfumes and fragrances Perfumes and strong fragrances are among the most common migraine triggers. The synthetic chemicals in many perfumes can overwhelm the olfactory system, leading to migraines in susceptible individuals.

Most countries provide the public with easily available tap water drinking stations, and this water is usually considered safe for consumption. The government and health bodies have a testing and treatment process in place to ensure that tap water meets regulatory standards provided by them. However, water can have a certain potential to cause harmful side effects for people. Here are some reasons why one must avoid drinking tap water and switch to purified water. Microbial contamination Improper treatment of drinking water can lead to the water being contaminated with parasites like bacteria and viruses. And prolonged exposure to these microbes can lead to health issues like stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting.  Fluoride exposure Fluoride is added to drinking water sources to prevent dental decay. However, if there is an excess amount of fluoride present in the water source, it can also cause dental fluorosis. The condition can cause defects in tooth enamel and lead to discoloration of the teeth. Increased intake of fluoride can also increase the risk of skeletal fluorosis, leading to symptoms like bone pain, stiffness, and fractures. Exposure to nitrates and nitrites Groundwater sources can turn septic because of system leakage. It can be caused because of the introduction of nitrates and nitrites in the water.

The connective tissue in the palm, generally flexible and loose, may begin to abnormally thicken or tighten. This is known as Dupuytren’s contracture. Here, the fingers can begin bending toward the palm and are unable to straighten completely. The condition most commonly affects fingers away from the thumb—the ring and pinky finger and can affect one or both hands. Here are a few signs of the condition one should not ignore:  1. Nodules in the palm The presence of lumps or nodules in the palm could be a warning sign of Dupuytren’s contracture. These nodules are generally observed at the base of the fingers, right where they meet the palm. One may be able to feel or even see a hard lump as an early sign. The appearance of nodules indicates that the condition is starting to spread through the connective tissue or the palmar fascia of the palm. The lumps could be painful or painless and may go away without any treatment. The lumps can also make the surrounding skin appear dimpled or puckered, leading to pits or grooves in the skin that are compressed by the contracted finger. These areas can become sore and lead to skin loss if they do not heal in time.

The esophagus or food pipe transfers food to the stomach. However, it can get inflamed due to conditions like eosinophilic esophagitis (EOE). In EOE, eosinophils release substances in surrounding tissues that lead to inflammation. This causes the organ to contract and abscesses or ring-like projections to form. EOE can be triggered by acid reflux or food allergies. To manage the condition, here are some signs and symptoms of EOE that one should not ignore: Symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis (EOE) The symptoms of EOE may vary among adults and children, although certain symptoms are common in both. So, here are the signs and symptoms of EOE among children and adults: Symptoms of EOE in adults Studies have shown that EOE in adults usually shows up in the form of strictures, rings, and narrowing of the esophagus. As a result, adults with EOE may have these symptoms: Difficulty swallowing One of the classic symptoms of EOE is difficulty swallowing. The technical term for this symptom is dysphagia. In usual circumstances, one may face dysphagia if they gulp down their food, but the symptom shows up for those with EOE even when they chew their food well. Acid reflux Acid reflux is usually a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a health condition closely related to EOE.

Lymphoma is a cancer that grows in the body when white blood cells multiply. It is more common in adults than children, but cases in the latter can be cured with proper treatment. The causes of cancer in children are not known; however, if left untreated, it can lead to health complications. Therefore, early detection and prompt treatment are paramount to improving one’s chances of recovery. Here’s what one must know about lymphoma in children. What happens in lymphoma? The body has a lymphoid system in place, which forms a part of the immune system that ensures no pathogens can grow and cause harm. The lymphoid system primarily has specialized white blood cells called lymphocytes. They are located in the lymph nodes spread across the body, including the digestive tract and bone marrow. The lymph nodes filter foreign particles such as bacteria, viruses, and abnormal cells and stop the growth of cancer or other diseases. In lymphoma, lymphocyte growth is abnormal, which forms tumors and affects the lymph nodes. Since lymph nodes are spread throughout, the lymphoma can develop in any part of the body. Common lymphoma in children There are two types of lymphoma cancers in kids. They vary based on their characteristics and appearance under a microscope.

As individuals age, they may require additional care and support in their daily lives, including getting to doctor appointments, running errands, and cooking meals. In such cases, family members may take on the responsibility of providing the necessary care for their elders when required. However, if one is new to senior care, one may make a few mistakes when handling the needs of an elder. Here are 8 mistakes one should avoid when caring for seniors. Assuming one can do it all One of the most common caregiving mistakes family members make is assuming they can do it all. However, it is important to note that caring for seniors involves various responsibilities, such as preparing meals, scheduling healthcare appointments, ensuring timely prescriptions, and maintaining good hygiene. This might also be a 24-hour schedule, which might be difficult for family members to handle by themselves. One should speak to the senior members and understand their needs. For instance, some seniors might want to do some daily tasks by themselves and leave the rest to a professional caregiver. It is always a good idea to outsource senior care, especially if family members have other responsibilities, such as work. Lack of rest When providing care to seniors, one must ensure that one gets ample rest.

Bladder cancer is a form of cancer that originates in the bladder cells and may spread to other organs eventually. A family history of bladder cancer might be one of the causes of this health condition. However, environmental factors like contaminated water and diseases like chronic urinary tract infections may also be risk factors. Early detection of bladder cancer signs may help patients receive prompt treatment and manage their symptoms better. Blood in the urine One of the earliest warning signs of bladder cancer is blood in the urine, or hematuria, which causes urine to appear red. Around 80 to 90% of those with bladder cancer experience this symptom. Sometimes, blood may not appear in the urine, but it might be detected when one gets a laboratory examination done. The need to urinate frequently Patients with bladder cancer may feel the need to urinate very frequently. This symptom might not always indicate bladder cancer since many other health conditions share this warning sign. But if one’s urination patterns undergo a noticeable change, one should consult a healthcare professional without delay. Burning sensation when passing urine Cancer cells developing in the bladder might come together to form tumors, which might trigger a burning sensation when passing urine.

Chronic kidney disease, or CKD, is a severe condition that can lead to an eventual loss of kidney function over several years. The kidneys’ main function is to filter out toxins and maintain a balance of fluid and electrolytes. So, when the organ is affected by chronic kidney disease, one may notice symptoms arising from this imbalance. Recognizing the signs and symptoms at an early stage is crucial for effective and timely treatment. Dry and itchy skin One of the many functions of the kidneys is to maintain the right balance of minerals and electrolytes in the body. So, their ability to maintain this balance can take a hit when they are affected by the disease. An imbalance of minerals in the body can cause the skin to feel dry and itchy. Sometimes, the itchiness may become unbearable, so the individual may even find it difficult to sleep. This sign is usually noticed in the advanced stages of the chronic kidney disease. Blood in the urine Kidneys are very important for filtering toxins from the body via urine. In that process of making urine, kidneys make sure that they do not filter out blood cells. So, when the kidneys are affected by chronic kidney disease, their ability to keep blood cells in the body can be affected.

These days, medical technology isn’t limited to a distant machine available only at the doctor’s clinic. Wearable medical devices have redefined monitoring of body parameters, making it incredibly easy to ensure physical well-being right at home or even when traveling. Wearable medical devices have brought general healthcare closer to people and help prevent and diagnose any health issues early. However, buying the right wearable medical devices involves research and avoiding certain mistakes. 1. Not checking battery life Battery life is an important feature when checking wearable medical devices because it increases their convenience, especially if one travels and cannot charge them repeatedly. Also, if a person uses wearable ECG monitors and other devices, charging them frequently can be difficult. So, one should always ensure that such devices have long battery lives. 2. Overlooking the device’s resilience to different conditions People often have their wearable devices on themselves for almost an entire day. So, they might even have it on when stepping into the shower or stepping out during rain. Such wearable devices must be resilient to extreme weather conditions, including waterproofing, to avoid such issues. The manufacturers should be transparent about the materials used to manufacture the product and specify that the device is water and weather-resistant.

One might have a healthy meal plan and exercise regularly, but all such efforts are in vain without proper sleep. Because sleep is indispensable, diagnosing sleep conditions early and following a systematic treatment course is important. Sleep apnea is one  such  condition in which one’s breathing stops during sleep. Often, it causes symptoms like snoring and fatigue. Alongside consulting a doctor, avoiding  some  mistakes during treatment can help control the symptoms. Not having a fixed sleep  schedule A healthy sleep schedule is  the cornerstone  to  speedy  recovery from sleep apnea.  Although a healthy sleep pattern doesn’t suffice alone, it is essential in helping one feel refreshed and reducing fatigue. So, it is a good idea to sleep and wake up at fixed times as far as possible, ensuring that one gets at least seven to eight hours of sleep  at night . To help the body get accustomed to this schedule, one should follow certain healthy sleep practices, such as staying away from gadgets and electronic devices before bedtime, investing in a comfortable mattress, and sleeping in a dark room. Not having the right sleeping position C hanging  one’s sleep position might help control sleep apnea symptoms. The best sleep position for those with sleep apnea is to sleep on one’s side with one’s back straight.