Breathing is an involuntary process that is often taken for granted. However, how one breathes can significantly impact one’s health, particularly lung health. Many people make common breathing mistakes that can affect their lung capacity and overall respiratory function. By understanding these mistakes and taking steps to avoid them, one can promote healthy lung function and improve mental health and clarity, reduce stress, and even strengthen immunity. Chest or shallow breathing Chest breathing involves taking short and shallow breaths, limiting the air that reaches one’s lungs, especially the lower part of the organ. Stress is another factor that leads to taking shallow breaths. So, breathing like this involuntarily can bring a false sense of stress in the body and cause other problems. To remedy this, one can practice deep, mindful breathing exercises such as diaphragmatic breathing for a few minutes daily to improve one’s lung capacity. Mouth breathing Nose breathing lets the body filter and humidifies the air from dust and allergens. Mouth breathing, on the other hand, may cause inflammation in the airways or make one more vulnerable to infections. Mouth breathing can also lead to various health problems, including sleep apnea, dry mouth, snoring, and bad breath. If one feels congested or has trouble breathing through the nose, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional for potential causes and treatment options.

The urinary system is an integral part of the body that helps to eliminate waste and excess fluids. Many people, however, make certain common urination mistakes that can harm their bladder health. It is important to maintain bladder health by avoiding these errors and seeking expert attention if there is any discomfort while urinating. Besides bladder health, it also benefits one’s general well-being. Here are six peeing mistakes to avoid to keep your bladder healthy. Mistakes to avoid while peeing Holding it in for too long Holding urine for long periods can lead to urinary tract infections and other bladder-related issues. It can also cause bladder muscle stretching, which can impair bladder control. Therefore, it’s important to urinate as soon as the urge strikes and not to wait too long. Rushing while peeing Rushing through the urination process can also be bad for the bladder. Rushing through the process can result in incomplete bladder emptying, leaving behind leftover urine and causing infections and other bladder issues. Therefore, it is essential to wait and ensure the bladder is empty while peeing. Not drinking enough water Dehydration can cause concentrated urine which irritates the bladder lining and leads to infections and other bladder issues.

The esophagus is an elongated muscular tube that connects the throat and the stomach. The prevalence of esophageal cancer has been rapidly increasing, with approximately 22,000 new cases diagnosed annually in the country. Despite a growing awareness of it, the condition can prove to be difficult to detect in its early stages. Thus, it is crucial to be vigilant about some common and alarming signs that indicate the presence of the condition. Warning signs of esophageal cancer Chest pain Patients with esophageal cancer might experience chest pain or discomfort, which is especially noticeable when swallowing. It might even feel like a tightness or burning sensation in the chest. Some patients might feel the pain radiating to the neck and back. Chronic cough Chronic cough or hoarseness that does not go away might also result from esophageal cancer because the condition affects the vocal cords and irritates the throat. Regurgitation Regurgitation is the involuntary return of food and fluids from the stomach to the esophagus. Persistent regurgitation may occur as a sign of esophageal cancer as it can cause blockage in the esophagus, preventing food from moving further down the stomach. Vomiting blood Hematemesis, or throwing up blood, is one of the alarming signs of esophageal cancer to look out for.

If you have suffered from a debilitating headache that prevented you from going about with your day, you are not alone. Statistical data suggests that headaches affect 16.5% of the population each year. Headaches are often accompanied by symptoms affecting other body parts, including the eyes and the stomach. While headaches are often not severe and can be cured with proper care, some early warning signs of the condition should not be ignored. Nausea and vomiting Nausea, vomiting, and digestive problems are common indicators of migraine headaches. These signs and symptoms often develop before a migraine attack and are called “aura.” Therefore, it is important to understand the underlying cause of a migraine, which can help doctors prescribe a suitable treatment course. Hence, one must consult a doctor immediately in case of migraine signs and symptoms like nausea and vomiting. Fever and body stiffness Patients with meningitis or encephalitis typically develop fever, body stiffness, and blinding headaches. Encephalitis refers to an inflammation of the brain, whereas meningitis is characterized by inflammation of the membrane surrounding the brain. Such inflammation may trigger flu-like symptoms. Individuals experiencing headaches along with fever and body stiffness must seek a doctor’s guidance at the earliest.

Pain is felt when nerve endings present in the affected body tissues transmit information to the brain about the damage caused to the body. Often, these nerve fibers send such signals to the brain in case of injuries, accidents, and any other damage caused by an external stimulus. However, sometimes, one may experience sudden pain, which may be a cause for concern. Here are some types of pain that should not be ignored. Debilitating headaches Headaches may have various underlying causes, including migraine, strokes, meningitis, and encephalitis. Based on the symptoms, a healthcare professional can diagnose the health condition and suggest a treatment course. So, one must consult a doctor immediately in case of blinding or persistent headaches. Chest pain Although chest pain may not always indicate a heart attack, it is one of the most prominent symptoms of a heart attack and should not be ignored. Often, a heart attack takes place gradually, starting with fatigue, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Thus, detecting it early can help cardiologists suggest the necessary steps to prevent its onset or alleviate its effects. Thigh or calf-muscle pain Pain in one of the thighs or calf muscles may be a sign of deep-vein thrombosis (DVT), wherein a blood clot is formed in one or multiple deep veins in the body.

It is common to experience pains and aches after cardiovascular activity or weight training. This type of pain is usually how our bodies are conditioned to enhance endurance and strength. However, there is a difference between the pain resulting from a healthy workout and the pain symptomatic of an underlying health condition. For example, if there is a frequent occurrence of a specific type of pain, it is essential to consult a doctor as soon as possible. Here are a few types of aches and pains one shouldn’t ignore. Eye pain It is common to experience eye pain due to vision changes or any related issues. However, sudden eye pain should not be ignored. If one frequently experiences acute or chronic eye pain with or without vision changes, it can indicate a severe health problem. Occasionally, eye pain occurs due to a detached retina, a blocked blood vessel, internal bleeding, or acute glaucoma. In other cases, it can be an early symptom of viral infections such as shingles. Chest pain In most cases, chest pain is caused by something as benign as heartburn. However, in older adults, chest pain can be a symptom of an underlying health condition and should not be ignored.

Ataxia is a condition that causes one to move in an uncertain, clumsy, or awkward manner. It is often an indicator of problems in the brain, ears, or nervous system. One of the primary causes includes damage to the parts of the brain that control coordination, mainly the cerebellum. However, it can also occur due to strokes, brain degeneration, and genetic disorders. Read on to know more about ataxia’s early symptoms. The condition can develop over a period of time or suddenly. Listed below are some of the early signs of ataxia. Problems with balance or coordination Usually, balance and coordination problems are one of the early signs. This is the most common and noticeable symptom as it can cause a person to stumble or fall due to a lack of muscle coordination. Ataxia can also cause problems with balance, and it can lead to clumsiness and an unsteady gait. Slurred speech In most cases, people with ataxia may experience problems with their speech along with using their hands and fingers. This can lead to slurred or unclear speech, which can often be incredibly difficult to understand. The patient can experience problems controlling their speech volume, pitch, and rhythm. Hence, if one experiences the development of this symptom, they must seek medical attention at the earliest.

Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological disorder that impacts the nerve communications controlling vital body movements and functions. Usually, the brain actively sends and receives electric signals through an intricate network of neural pathways connected to all extremities in the body. However, Parkinson’s attacks this network, disabling pathways and affecting automatic movements and reflexes. While there is no permanent cure for the condition, recognizing early symptoms can help one better manage Parkinson’s. Hand tremors The tremors here are involuntary shaking of hands that usually just start with the thumb or any finger of one hand. Tremors develop with varying levels of intensity during the initial stages, making them one of the most noticeable early signs of Parkinson’s. The symptom can start as resting tremors or develop abruptly, worsening with some form of activity. If left unchecked, these tremors can affect daily routine activities like writing, shaving, or any action that requires coordination and motor skills. Changes in speech and posture People with Parkinson’s disease may experience changes in their speech as the condition progresses. The nerve center of the brain is unable to control or modulate speech resulting in a monotone voice. Further, one might start talking slowly, mumble incomprehensively, and struggle with completing a sentence.