Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease that affects the central nervous system. The most common symptoms are fatigue and difficulties in motion. Some people also experience pain and cognitive issues. Diagnostic tests used for detecting Multiple sclerosis include MRIs, lumbar punctures, blood tests, and visual evoked potential (VEP) tests. It is a degenerative disease and cannot be cured. There are, however, many treatment options to manage symptoms. 1. Beta interferons Beta Interferons are the most commonly prescribed method to treat multiple sclerosis. It uses drugs to modify the way the immune system responds to infections. Interferons are naturally produced in the body by white blood cells. Beta interferons are injected either subcutaneously or intramuscularly. They help reduce the intensity and recurrence of flares and the disease’s deterioration. Some examples of beta-interferon drugs are Avonex, Betaferon, and Rebif. However, side effects include flu-like symptoms, fatigue, fever, chills and aches, redness, and swelling. Mood swings are also common, along with anxiety, irritability, and concentration problems. 2. Corticosteroids You can treat multiple sclerosis using oral steroid medication like prednisone or intravenous methylprednisolone. Some symptoms improve on their own, but your general physician may prescribe a short high dose of steroids. These medicines work by reducing inflammation in the nerves.

Seasonal allergies usually affect people at the start of spring and last until the onset of summer. Spring brings about active tree and grass pollination until summer, which can also greatly aggravate asthma. Spring and fall allergies are two common types of seasonal allergies that recur in the southern states, and the most common type of allergen pollen that plays a major role in seasonal allergies is ragweed. The following cities are listed as the worst for people with seasonal allergies and asthma: 1. Richmond, VA Allergic reactions in Richmond usually begin in two phases: a histamine reaction and a delayed response. A histamine reaction brings out allergies upon immediate exposure to allergens, while a delayed response causes severe allergies due to prolonged exposure. A simple histamine reaction causes mere temporary effects like itchy eyes, throat, nasal congestion, and eye irritation. On the other hand, a delayed response can cause chronic inflammation and heavy nasal congestion that worsens over time. The constant dry breeze during spring causes the spread of pollen like oak, maple, and river birch that bloom during this time. Summer brings about grass pollen allergies, and ragweed invasion is common during fall. 2. Scranton, PA The allergy season begins as early as February in Scranton and continues till July, and the ragweed season begins a month after.

Certain foods trigger certain conditions, like sugar for diabetes. However, there is not one blanket trigger food or food group that triggers migraines. One food may trigger a migraine once and might not the next time. Moreover, what is safe for you could be a definite trigger for another person. Most people with migraines are requested to maintain a journal to track and eliminate food triggers. Today, there are hosts of apps that help track migraines more effectively, and preventing food triggers is easier than ever. Foods that are potential triggers for migraines: 1. Caffeine This is a subject of discussion for many conditions, as caffeine can help relieve headaches. However, more than two or three cups can induce headaches. Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, cocoa, carbonated sodas, gum, and candy. Reduce the intake of caffeine to the barest minimum and pay attention to how much is consumed. If one has a chocolate craving, consider indulging in white chocolate. 2. Fruits Certain fresh fruits from the citrus family, ripe bananas, papaya, red plums, pineapple, and raspberries can trigger a migraine. Dried figs, raisins, and dates are triggers, too. 3. Vegetables Onions and pickled vegetables are potential triggers. Beans and peas, too, can contain triggers.

Asthma and other respiratory tract diseases share common symptoms. Common cold, COPD, or bronchitis can leave you with a cough, breathlessness and fatigue. While symptoms of other diseases will go away quickly, symptoms that indicate asthma will not. Asthma is a lifelong condition, and hence the symptoms will be persistent and will not go away unless you treat them. Observe symptoms, make a note of the frequency and its impact so that you can describe them in minute details. Along with other diagnostic tools, these distinctions help a doctor determine if it was asthma or not. Asthma attacks always come with a warning at least one or two days before a flare-up. The intensity and the type of symptoms might vary from one person to another, and it is important to pay attention to changes that you notice in your body. Refer to your written action plan and understand if you are in a safe, caution, or danger zone so that you can take necessary action accordingly. Green zone Doctors classify if you are in a green zone if you can breathe normally and do not have any early warning signs for asthma. Take the prescribed medications on time, and do not skip them because you do not have any warning signs.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition with no definite cure yet. And this is why paying the utmost attention to what you eat must be considered. Consuming medication for a long time can have side effects that can increase GERD symptoms; moreover, lifestyle modifications as well as the food we eat play a huge part in managing GERD. Here are some dietary tips on what to eat and what to avoid reducing GERD symptoms. 1. Foods to Avoid Avoid these foods if you suffer from GERD Fried Foods fried foods that are high in fat loosen the esophageal valve, thereby letting food sit in the stomach for longer. These foods also relax the lower esophageal sphincter, which is a risk factor for GERD, as it causes the stomach acid to escape from the stomach into the esophagus and cause heartburn. Raw Onions and Garlic Cloves Both these herbs are carminative and frusta, which means they cause the intestines to absorb water, leading to discomfort, bloating, and acidity in the esophagus. Spicy Foods Spicy foods contain capsaicin, which can slow the digestion rate, making the food stay longer in the stomach. If food stays longer in the stomach, it is a risk factor for heartburn.