The risk factors for infectious or non-infectious hepatitis are to be first determined based on the history of the patient. A physical examination is necessary to determine hepatitis. Gentle pressure on the abdomen could reveal an enlarged liver, tenderness, or pain, which will be noted by the physician. Also, the color (yellow) of the skin and eyes would be checked for jaundice. To test the efficiency of the liver, blood samples are taken to conduct a liver function test. An abnormal result would be the first indication of a problem. When the liver enzyme level is high, it may indicate a damaged or stressed liver or a nonfunctional liver. In the case of abnormal liver function test results, other blood tests will be done to find the source of the problem. It is done to check the type of virus that causes hepatitis. It could be used to check for antibodies in conditions like autoimmune hepatitis. An abdominal ultrasound is used to take a close look at the liver and other organs in proximity. It reveals the image of the organs within the abdomen. It also reveals fluid in the abdomen, liver tumors, liver damage or enlargement, or gallbladder abnormalities.

A muscular dystrophy is a group of disorders affecting the muscles that control our movements. It occurs when the voluntary muscles in our body become weaker progressively. There over 30 different forms of muscular dystrophy that affects the muscles in the different area of the body. Each of these forms shows different signs and symptoms that tend to appear at different ages. Most people with muscular dystrophy lose their ability to move around and are confined to a wheelchair as the disease progresses. The main cause of muscular dystrophy is mutations in the X chromosomes. The type of muscular dystrophy one has depends on which set of chromosomes have the mutations. However, all of these mutations prevent the production of dystrophin, a protein responsible for building and repairing muscles. Symptoms of muscular dystrophy The most common sign and symptom of muscular dystrophy is the progressive weakness of the muscles. Each form of muscular dystrophy leads to different symptoms that begin at different ages. Below are the most common types of muscular dystrophy and their common symptoms. Duchenne muscular dystrophy The signs and symptoms of this form of muscular dystrophy may appear in early childhood. These include – frequent falling, muscle pain, muscle stiffness, walking on the toes, trouble with running and jumping, learning disabilities, large calf muscles, and a waddling gait.

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is a condition where a person feels an uncontrollable urge to move their legs. This is due to uncomfortable sensations that usually occur later in the evening and when sleeping, sitting, or even driving. The sensations ease temporarily with movement. The syndrome can begin at any age and worsen with increasing age. It interferes with daily activities due to the lack of sleep caused, and the main symptom is an uncontrollable urge to move the legs. Common characteristics of RLS The uncomfortable sensation that begins after lying down or sitting for a long time, especially during travel. Movements, like stretching, pacing, walking, and jiggling one’s feet, can lessen these uncomfortable sensations. The symptoms of RLS usually occur during the night, beginning in the evening and worsening with time. A more common condition called periodic limb movement causes twitching in the night, or even kicking all night, even while sleeping. Symptoms It is described that the typical symptoms of RLS are abnormal and unpleasant sensations, sometimes accompanied by pain. These sensations could occur in the arms as well, but the instances are rare. Even though it is difficult to explain the actual feeling of the symptom, it does not match the sensation of a muscle cramp or numbness.

Despite being one of the high-risk conditions, without any definite cause or symptom, hypertension is one of the most preventable, curable, and manageable conditions. Both prevention and management can help one avoid the complications that can arise from primary, secondary, and sometimes malignant hypertension. Regular monitoring of blood pressure Every one in 3 persons in the country has high blood pressure. Earlier, one had to visit the local doctor or a clinic to measure this. Today, however, there are many devices which help measure blood pressure at home. They can be worn in the upper arm or wrist. You can measure your blood pressure twice a day, record it in your mobile, and share it with your doctor during your next visit. Some of the popular blood pressure monitor devices are Qardioarm, Omron Evolv, Kinetik®, Blipcare, etc. Wearable devices also are becoming popular with a goal to monitor blood pressure, thereby preventing heart attack, heart failure, and stroke for those who are under high risk. ASUS Vivo Watches BP is one of the first wearable watches that can track your blood pressure. It uses embedded sensors. More such wearable watches from Apple and Samsung are awaiting approval from the FDA.

Ulcers occur when stomach acid damages the lining of the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus. A peptic ulcer is generally developing a sore in the digestive tract, where the lining of the stomach or duodenum is damaged by the stomach acids and digestive juices. The treatment of ulcer is based on what’s causing the ulcer. The treatment options include antibiotics to kill the Helicobacter pylori bacteria in the body. Treatment also focuses on lowering stomach acid levels so that the ulcer can heal, and mainly focus on eradicating the H. pylori infection. The various treatment options are listed below: H. pylori infection treatment: The treatment of eradication of H. pylori requires a combination of several antibiotics combined with a proton-pump inhibitor, H2 blockers, or Pepto-Bismol in certain cases. The most commonly used antibiotics are tetracycline, amoxicillin, metronidazole (Flagyl), clarithromycin (Biaxin), and levofloxacin (Levaquin). The most common treatments for H. pylori infection include a proton pump inhibitor to reduce acid production, two antibiotics, and sometimes also bismuth subsalicylate (medication that is used to treat occasional upset stomach, heartburn, and nausea). Eradication of this bacterium also decreases the risk of developing gastric cancer in the future. Antacids: Antacids are medications that help in neutralizing stomach acids.