Multiple sclerosis(MS) is defined as being an aggressive immune related disorder. What this basically means is that our immune system mistakenly labels a certain section of our body as a threat, which it attacks, similarly to how it would work to attack and eliminate viruses in the body. The problem with MS is that it leads the immune system to attack the organs as well as the protective layers (or myelin) of our nerve cells. MS is described as unpredictable with an abundance of symptoms. However, there are several common symptoms of multiple sclerosis you should be aware of: 1. Weakness and fatigue Statistics indicate that as many as 80% of all patients will experience extreme weakness and fatigue. This usually occurs if the condition has led to your immune system attacking the nerves around your spinal column. However, it’s important to note that weakness usually starts in your feet before it spreads to the rest of your body. 2. Spasms and pain Another common symptom patients experience is involuntary muscle spasms as well as chronic pain. In fact, a study that was conducted by the National MS Society demonstrated that as much as 50% of all patients will experience muscle spasms or chronic pain.

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It leads to inflammation, ulcers, and irritation of the digestive tract. Moreover, the condition irritates the innermost layer of the large intestines and rectum. Ulcerative colitis occurs when the immune system dysfunction. The mechanism that is designed to protect your body, in turn, attacks it. With the condition, the immune system perceives food or good colon bacteria as intruders and initiates a defensive mechanism, thus causing inflammation and ulcers to the colon. The symptoms may not appear suddenly but over time. Currently, there is no known cure for ulcerative colitis. However, treatment and medication reduce signs and symptoms significantly. In severe cases, the disease can pose life-threatening complications. The most common risk factor is a family history if your family has a history of battling with the disease. Other factors include age (individuals from the age of 15 to 30 are more likely to be affected than individuals with 65 years). When diagnosed in the early stages, symptoms can be well managed. The following are some early signs and symptoms of ulcerative colitis that you should look out for: 1. Abdominal pain As indicated, the disease causes the immune system to attack the wall’s lining, causing inflammation.

Osteoporosis is a condition that causes the bones to become weak and brittle. Your body is constantly breaking down and building new bones. Osteoporosis occurs when the bones break down faster than the body can replace them. One of the keys to getting the proper treatment is to recognize the symptoms. There are a number of symptoms that you may notice if you have osteoporosis: 1. Receding gums Osteoporosis doesn’t just affect your bones. It can also affect your gums. You may notice that your teeth appear longer than usual. They may also bleed when you brush. Additionally, your teeth may become loose. The reason that osteoporosis causes your gums to recede is because it can also affect your jaw bone. There are a few things that you can do if you have receding gums. Your dentist can perform scaling and root planing. This is a procedure that removes bacteria and places the gum tissue back over the tooth root. 2. Loss of height If it seems like you are getting shorter, then this is not something that you should ignore. This problem is caused by compression fractures in the spine. It is normal for you to lose about a half-inch of your height every 10 years after the age of 40.

Migraines are so much more than just a headache as they disrupt daily life and have innumerous triggers. Symptoms include intense pain, flashing lights, sensitivity to light, dizziness, nausea, and so much more. Often, however, migraines can be prevented by avoiding the triggers that may cause them, including certain odors, whether good or bad. Below you will find a list of five of the most common odors that trigger migraines so that you can know what to avoid: 1. Cigarette smoke One of the most common unpleasant odors that trigger migraines is cigarette smoke. Even just being around someone who smokes at a distance may bring on those flashing lights that you know too well. The smell along with the nicotine can make your blood vessels smaller, including those in your brain. This can increase the tension in your brain, leading to the migraine that soon follows after the scent enters your nostrils. 2. Food odors There are certain food odors that may trigger migraines as well. You could be visiting someone who is cooking dinner or walking down the street as you pass a restaurant, and all of a sudden, you may feel a migraine coming on. The scent of spicy foods, for instance, reacts with the pain receptors in your nervous system.

Back in 1999, a global panel categorized multiple sclerosis (or MS) into different types. One of the most common forms they identified was relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (or RRMS). This MS type is characterized as such in patients who experience periods of MS symptom flare ups marked with periods of stability in between relapses. These MS relapses can be best described as new and worsening symptoms that last longer than 48-hours and don’t occur as a result of an infection or fever. Thankfully, healthcare providers offer several supportive tips for managing RMSS: 1. Keep a symptoms journal One of the most effective things patients can do is to keep a journal of all symptoms. While it may seem tedious at first, this record offers several benefits. It can help to raise patient awareness as well as to identify triggers and trends. By creating a journal it will give you a higher sense of control over your body and treatment plan as symptoms may become more overwhelming. The American Academy of Family Physicians suggests that documenting symptoms can actually save patients money because it produces a more thorough history, which has the potential to eliminate unneeded medical testing. 2. Maintain a support call list As a part of ongoing treatment solutions, most doctors recommend that MS patients should have a reliable support call list that consists of loved ones and expert support providers, such as Biogen Support Services.