Doctors and nurses know there is a limitless supply of diseases and illnesses to contract. Almost everyone will experience some medical issue at some point in their lives, and knowing the signs and symptoms of common conditions can help you stay informed and know what to do should you catch one. While it’s best left to the medical professionals to diagnose and treat more serious medical conditions, some issues may not require a visit with a doctor. Here’s the low-down on some of the most common medical conditions; you might already be familiar with a few.
The common cold
You’ve probably gotten the common cold, also known as rhinovirus infection at some point in your life. Many viruses can lead to you catching a cold, and our immune system does a pretty good job at clearing these out of our system. When you contract a cold, your symptoms may be a runny or stuffed-up nose, a cough, a sore throat, and feeling congested.
You likely don’t need to go to a doctor to address your cold, but if your symptoms don’t dissipate, it may be best to book an appointment to rule out infection or the development of pneumonia. To treat a cold, get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids to avoid dehydration and fluid blockage in your sinuses.
Erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is a disorder affecting males. Erectile dysfunction is the inability to get or keep an erection. A Massachusetts Male Aging study found that around 52% of male participants had experienced erectile dysfunction at some point in their life. The study shows how prevalent erectile dysfunction is among males. Erectile dysfunction is commonly caused by a psychological component but can be caused by other medical issues, such as heart disease.
Erectile dysfunction can be treated through therapy, given the issue is caused by something psychological. Otherwise, generally, ED is treated through prescribing medications such as Viagra, Cialis, or Sildenafil.
Chronic tremors
Chronic tremors, also known as essential tremors are neurological disorders causing involuntary shaking of some part of the body, most commonly the hands or fingers. Chronic tremors affect
both men and women, but most commonly affect people over the age of 65. The causes of essential tremors are not entirely unknown, but researchers believe a genetic component may play a role because they can affect more than one member of a family. In this case, these tremors are known as familial tremors.
If tremors are making it difficult to perform your everyday tasks, you may need the assistance of some treatment. Treatment for tremors may be performed at home by reducing stress, or you may be given a Primidone or Propranolol prescription depending on the severity of your tremors.
Headache
Cephalalgia, more commonly referred to as a headache, is when you feel discomfort in your head or neck. You’ve likely experienced a headache at some point in your life. Some people get more headaches than others, or headaches may even develop into migraines. There are many causes of headaches. Causes of headaches can include dehydration, lack of sleep, stress, and hormones. Environmental factors such as distinct smells or bright light can trigger a headache. When you get a headache, in addition to the pain, you may also experience nausea, pressure around your head and neck, dizziness, loss of balance and appetite, or blurred vision.
Generally, headaches are no cause for concern. Remedies for headaches include actions done at home. Headaches can be treated with a hot or cold compress, sitting in a dark or dimmed room, or through over-the-counter medications like Tylenol or Advil. If you experience frequent headaches or find your headaches worsening, be sure to consult your doctor.
Pink eye
Pink eye or sore eye is another common medical condition. Medically, pink eye is known as Conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis occurs when the conjunctiva becomes inflamed and reddened, caused by a bacterial infection. Symptoms of pink eye, other than your eye becoming red, include itchiness or irritation around your eye(s), discharge, or increased tear production of the infected eye.
If you develop pink eye, you should book an appointment with your ophthalmologist to ensure you get proper treatment. Pink eye is very contagious, so if you believe you’ve caught it, you should avoid interacting with others until your symptoms dissipate. Treatment for pink eye typically relieves uncomfortable symptoms and can include cleaning your eye regularly and applying a wet compress. If your pink eye is associated with an allergen, you may also be prescribed antihistamine eyedrops.
Menstrual cramps
Menstrual cramps, referred to as dysmenorrhoea in the medical field, affect those born with uteruses and typically occur around or during your period. You may get menstrual cramps one to two days before your period. Menstrual cramps can last around three days depending on the individual. Menstrual cramps are abnormal contractions of your uterus that result in pain or discomfort. If you experience menstrual cramps, you may feel pain in your lower abdomen or lower back which can lead to nausea, bloating, diarrhea, fatigue, or headaches.
Menstrual cramps are common, and causes include chemical imbalance, hormone disruption, or something more serious such as endometriosis or fibroids. To relieve period cramps, you may try applying a warm compress to your uterus and taking aspirin or Midol. There are also lifestyle changes you can make to decrease the chances of cramps occurring, such as avoiding tobacco, drinking lots of water, avoiding processed foods, and exercising.
Treating common medical conditions
Knowledge is power, and when it comes to medical conditions, it may make a difference in your suffering and help you find the proper treatment. Hopefully, now you know how to spot the symptoms of some of these common illnesses and know what you can do to help you feel more comfortable as you endure them. Whether you’ve caught a cold or have a case of awful period cramps, knowing the treatment you need can help you get back to feeling 100%.
Ashley Nielsen
Ashley Nielsen earned a B.S. degree in Business Administration Marketing at Point Loma Nazarene University. She is a freelance writer who loves to share knowledge about general business, marketing, lifestyle, wellness, and financial tips. During her free time, she enjoys being outside, staying active, reading a book, or diving deep into her favorite music.
