Health and Fitness

Chronic fatigue syndrome Overview Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complicated disorder. It causes extreme fatigue that lasts for at least six months. Symptoms worsen with physical or mental activity but don't fully improve with rest. The cause of ME/CFS is unknown, although there are many theories. Experts believe it might be triggered by a combination of factors. There's no single test to confirm a diagnosis. You may need a variety of medical tests to rule out other health problems that have similar symptoms. Treatment for the condition focuses on easing symptoms. Symptoms Symptoms of ME/CFS can vary from person to person, and the severity of symptoms can fluctuate from day to day. In addition to fatigue, symptoms may include: Extreme exhaustion after physical or mental exercise. Problems with memory or thinking skills. Dizziness that worsens with moving from lying down or sitting to standing. Muscle or joint pain. Unrefreshing sleep. Some peop...

Chilblains Overview Chilblains (CHILL-blayns) is a condition that causes inflamed swollen patches and blistering on the hands and feet. It's caused by exposure to damp air that's cold but not freezing. Symptoms may show up a few hours after being in the cold. Chilblains can be prevented by limiting your time in the cold, dressing warmly and covering exposed skin. If you do get chilblains, keeping the skin warm and dry can help ease the symptoms. Chilblains, also known as perniosis, usually clears up in 2 or 3 weeks, especially if the weather gets warmer. You may get the symptoms each cold season for years. The condition doesn't usually result in permanent injury. Symptoms Symptoms of chilblains include: Small, itchy areas on your skin, often on your feet or hands. Sores or blistering. Swelling. Pain or stinging. Changes in skin color. Causes Chilblains form after intermittent or prolonged exposure to cold or damp air. The cold air causes blood vessels near your skin’s surfa...

Catarrh Overview Catarrh is a build-up of mucus (phlegm) in your airways. It usually affects the back of the nose, the throat or the sinuses. It’s often temporary, but some people experience it for months or years. This is known as chronic catarrh. Catarrh is not harmful and there are treatments available. Symptoms Catarrh can lead to a: constant need to clear your throat feeling that your throat is blocked blocked or stuffy nose that you can’t clear runny nose feeling of mucus running down the back of your throat persistent cough headache facial pain reduced sense of smell and taste crackling sensation in your ear and some temporary hearing loss These problems can be frustrating to live with. They may affect your sleep, making you feel tired. Causes Catarrh is usually caused by the immune system reacting to an infection or irritation. This causes the lining of your nose and throat to become swollen and produce mucus. This can be triggered by: a cold or other infections hay fever or ot...

 Bronchiectasis Overview Bronchiectasis (“bronk-ee-EK-tuh-sis”) is a lung condition where your airways (tubes going into your lungs) get damaged and widen. Damaged airways can’t clear mucus like they're supposed to. Bacteria then grows in the mucus, causing more inflammation and damage to your lungs. This makes you cough a lot as your body tries to remove the infected mucus. What are the types of bronchiectasis? Healthcare providers categorize bronchiectasis based on what the damage to your airways looks like — cylindrical (or tubular), varicose or cystic. Cylindrical bronchiectasis is the most common and least serious form of bronchiectasis. Cystic bronchiectasis is the most severe form. Providers also categorize bronchiectasis as focal (in one area) or diffuse (in many areas throughout your lungs). Traction bronchiectasis happens when scarring in your lungs pulls your airways out of shape. Symptoms Symptoms of bronchiectasis include: Cough with lots of mucus and pus. Repeated col...

Bulimia nervosa Overview Bulimia (boo-LEE-me-uh) nervosa, commonly called bulimia, is a serious, potentially life-threatening eating disorder. People with bulimia binge eat. This means people feel like they've lost control over their eating. They eat large amounts of food in one sitting. This often occurs in secret, and they often feel very guilty and shameful. Then they try to get rid of the food and extra calories in an unhealthy way, such as vomiting or misusing laxatives. This is called purging. If you have bulimia, you probably focus on your weight and body shape even when you're trying to think about other things. You may judge yourself severely and harshly for what you see as flaws in your appearance and personality. Bulimia is related to how you see yourself — not just about food. It can be hard to overcome, and it can be dangerous. It's important to remember that an eating disorder is not something you choose. Bulimia is a complex illness that affects how your brai...

Bowel incontinence Overview Fecal incontinence — also called bowel incontinence — is when you can’t manage or control your bowel movements (pooping). Liquid or solid stool (poop) leaks out when you don’t want it to. Fecal incontinence may be as mild as having a little leakage when you pass gas or as severe as unintentionally passing solid stools. Several factors affect your ability to regulate bowel movements. The muscles in your pelvic floor, rectum and anus must be working correctly to hold poop and (when the time’s right) release it. Nerves have to work with these muscles so your body knows when it’s time to poop. Finally, you have to be physically able to reach the toilet in time. If any of these things go awry, you may have issues with fecal incontinence. Types of fecal incontinence There are two types of fecal incontinence: Urge incontinence: You feel the urge to poop but can’t make it to the toilet fast enough to prevent soiling yourself (having an accident). This is the most co...

Colon polyps Overview A colon polyp is a small clump of cells that forms on the lining of the colon. Most colon polyps are harmless. But over time, some colon polyps can develop into colon cancer. Colon cancer can be fatal when found in its later stages. Anyone can develop colon polyps. You're at higher risk if you are 50 or older, are overweight or are a smoker. You're also at higher risk if you have a personal or family history of colon polyps or colon cancer. Colon polyps don't usually cause symptoms. It's important to have regular screening tests because colon polyps found in the early stages can usually be removed safely and completely. The best prevention for colon cancer is regular screening for and removal of polyps. Symptoms Most people with colon polyps do not have any symptoms. You might not know you have a polyp until your health care provider finds it during an exam of your colon. However, some people with colon polyps may have: Change in bowel habits. Con...