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Showing posts with the label Causes and Symptoms

What’s the difference between the flu and COVID-19?

The symptoms of COVID-19, the flu, and allergies have some overlap, but are often different. The main symptoms of COVID-19 are: tiredness fever cough shortness of breath Sneezing is not typical. Flu symptoms are similar to COVID-19 including fever and body aches. But you may not find shortness of breath as a symptom with the flu. Allergy symptoms are usually more chronic and include sneezing, coughing, and wheezing. What are the symptoms of the flu? Here are some of the common symptoms of the flu: Fever The flu almost always causes an increase in your body temperature. This is also known as a fever. Most flu-related fevers range from a low-grade fever around 100°F (37.8°C) to as high as 104°F (40°C). Although alarming, it’s not uncommon for young children to have higher fevers than adults. If you suspect your child has the flu, see their doctor. You may feel “feverish” when you have an elevated temperature. Signs include chills, sweats, or being cold despite your body’s high te...

What Is a Secondary Headache?

A secondary headache is a type of headache that is a symptom of another underlying medical condition or disease. Unlike primary headaches, which are not associated with any underlying cause, secondary headaches are a result of an identifiable and usually serious underlying problem. There are numerous potential causes of secondary headaches, including: Head Injury: Traumatic head injuries can lead to headaches as a symptom. Sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinuses can cause pain and pressure in the head. Migraines: While migraines can be primary headaches, they can also be secondary if they are triggered by an underlying condition. Medication Overuse: Excessive use of pain medications, especially those containing caffeine or codeine, can lead to rebound headaches. Infection: Various infections, such as meningitis, encephalitis, or a sinus infection, can cause secondary headaches. High Blood Pressure: Hypertension (high blood pressure) can lead to headaches, especially if it is seve...

Know Your Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

When you have hypothyroidism, you may not realize it at first. The symptoms come on slowly. Some of them, like fatigue, happen when you have other conditions, too. You may mistake them for signs of aging or stress. Hypothyroidism can make you feel tired and sensitive to cold. You might gain a few pounds, too. Low thyroid levels can also affect your mood and thinking. For example, you might have: Depression Memory problems Trouble thinking clearly You may have pain, stiffness, and swelling in your: Muscles Joints FaceChanges in your skin can happen, too. It can become: Cool and pale Dry and itchy Rough or scaly Yellow-looking, especially on the soles of your feet, palms, and the "laugh lines" of your face Your nails may turn brittle or grow slowly. Your hair might change, too. It could become brittle or coarse, or you could have hair loss. Sometimes you can get thinning or loss of eyebrow ha...

What Are the Causes and Symptoms of Depression?

Depression is a complex mental health condition with various potential causes and a wide range of symptoms. It's important to note that individuals may experience depression differently, and not everyone will have the same combination of causes or symptoms. Here are some common causes and symptoms of depression: Causes: Biological Factors: Brain Chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters (chemical messengers in the brain) like serotonin and dopamine can contribute to depression. Genetics: A family history of depression can increase the risk. Psychological Factors: Personality: Certain personality traits, like pessimism or low self-esteem, can make a person more susceptible to depression. Past Trauma: Experiencing traumatic events, such as abuse, neglect, or loss, can increase the risk. Stress: Chronic or significant stressors, such as work-related stress or financial difficulties, can trigger depression. Environmental Factors: Life Changes: Major life events like divorce, job l...