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.

Ataxia is a health condition characterized by a loss of coordination and muscle control. It affects certain body functions that rely on muscle groups to complete an action, such as walking, speaking, and seeing. The body’s inability to perform these functions affects a person’s daily routine. Ataxia can be caused due to several underlying health conditions, such as a stroke and brain degeneration. Identifying the condition’s signs can help individuals seek timely diagnosis and treatment. Trouble with balance One of the first signs of ataxia is a loss of balance. The brain sends and receives signals through a delicate network of nerves to control body movements. Ataxia affects this vital function, causing a person to struggle with abrupt movements and actions that affect balance. Poor coordination also affects the patient’s walking style and overall gait. Vision problems Slow eye movements are a noticeable sign of developing ataxia. They result from poor neural communication and faulty muscle movements that affect the eyeballs. Some people also develop nystagmus, a vision condition that causes repetitive, involuntary movements of both eyes. These eye movements can be vertical, horizontal, or even circular and are easy to notice as the condition progress. Trouble with speech Ataxia can also affect a person’s speech, with slurring noted as one of the early symptoms.

Bad breath, or halitosis, can prove to be incredibly difficult to manage. However, one does not have to look much further than their meal plan for a solution. To put it simply, one must avoid certain foods that may worsen bad breath, like garlic and onion. They should instead eat foods like raw fruits and vegetables to counter it. Read on to know more about which foods to eat to remedy bad breath. In addition to paying more attention to oral health, one can eat certain foods to banish bad breath. Some of these are mentioned below. Yogurt Researchers claim that consuming about three ounces of yogurt with probiotic bacteria twice a day can reduce bad breath. Eating yogurt reduces the levels of odor-causing sulfide compounds in the mouth. However, one must carefully read the labels and choose the sugar-free variety to get maximum benefits. Ginger Ginger is a spice that contains a compound known as 6-gingerol. This compound helps in the stimulation of an enzyme in the saliva to help break down sulfur compounds in the mouth. This effectively reduces bad breath and counters the effects of bad oral health. You can also use lemon juice, ginger, and warm water to develop a DIY mouth wash that can be used as per your convenience.

Water is an essential life force that regulates one’s temperature, supports food digestion, and flushes out toxins from the body. Additionally, it boosts energy levels and prevents dehydration. Studies have shown that insufficient water intake can lead to many side effects. While some can be immediately noticed, like headache and dry mouth, others can cause long-term health concerns like kidney stones. Here are some common side effects of dehydration that prompt one to drink water. Headaches Headaches can be caused due to temporary factors like lack of sleep. But it is also a symptom of dehydration caused due to fatigue and reduced oxygen supply to the brain. So, before one associates headaches with anything else, it is advisable to drink a large glass of water. Dehydration can also lead to poor concentration and affect one’s cognitive functions in the long run. Muscle cramps Without enough water or fluids, muscles tend to become more sensitive to cramps or spasms with every movement. Water helps to lubricate the joints and avoid the build up of any toxins in the body, thus reducing inflammation and ensuring good muscular health. Bad oral health Insufficient water intake leads to a dry mouth where enough saliva is not produced.

Fresh breath is a sigh of relief, signifying good oral hygiene and the absence of dental conditions. Conversely, bad breath can indicate poor dental care, accumulation of bacteria on the tongue, and dry mouth. Certain types of foods can also aggravate bad breath and contribute to poor oral health. Besides using dentist-certified dental products and following good oral hygiene practices, adding the following foods to one’s meals can help prevent and eliminate bad breath. Yogurt Yogurt is packed with calcium, an essential element in reducing bad breath. Moreover, yogurt can help reduce the levels of hydrogen sulfide (a major contributor to bad breath) in the mouth. Thus, some yogurt or buttermilk after one’s daily meals can help fight bad breath. Orange The body requires vitamin C to prevent the accumulation of bacteria in the mouth. Orange is one of the citrus fruits that is rich in vitamin C and can help prevent bad breath. One may consume oranges directly or in the form of fresh fruit juice, preferably fortified with vitamin C, to prevent bad breath. Apple An apple a day can not only keep the doctor but also bad breath away. A study demonstrated that apples can help alleviate the unpleasant odors caused by ingredients like onion and garlic.

Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the prostate gland. It is one of the most common types of cancer, but it can often be treated successfully. Some cases of the condition are confined to the prostate gland and may require minimal treatment. However, some types of cancers are aggressive and can spread rapidly. Hence, it is vital to know the warning signs of prostate cancer to pursue timely treatment. 6 warning signs of prostate cancer Weak or slow urine flow Most people with prostate cancer experience trouble urinating. Patients can experience troubles like slow or weak urine flow or even lose the ability to control it. Hence, it is suggested that when one experiences this warning sign of prostate cancer, they consult a doctor immediately. Pain or burning sensation while urinating This particular condition, also called dysuria, is most commonly associated with urinary tract infections. However, in rare cases, it can also be an indicator of an underlying health condition, such as prostate cancer. Frequent urination In some cases, a tumor in the prostate can put pressure on the urinary bladder and even the urethra. Hence, healthcare professionals suggest that people at risk of prostate cancer take note of the frequency of urination, especially at night.