Ailments

There is no reason to live with common health ailments. While not every ailment can be completely eliminated, you can take steps to manage them and live more comfortably.

Here are a few common ailments and ways to treat or manage them:

Back pain: Back pain is one of the most common ailments out there. Symptoms take many forms, including muscle ache, stabbing pain and pain that you feel down your leg. Sometimes, back pain occurs when you bend, stand, walk or lift.

A doctor can run tests like X-rays or MRI scans to get a better understanding of what is causing your back pain and the best ways to treat it.

In addition to consulting a doctor, you may want to try some safe home remedies. Regular low-impact exercises such as walking or swimming can strengthen your core muscles and back muscles to help you avoid future back pain. You can also maintain good posture while standing, sitting and lifting to take some stress out of your back muscles.

Sleep apnea: Sleep apnea is a disorder that causes your breathing to stop and start while you are sleeping. It can lead to fatigue, heart problems, liver problems and even increase your risk of diabetes.

If you are experiencing sleep apnea symptoms, it’s a good idea to see a doctor. There are different types of sleep apnea, and it is important for a medical professional to identify the exact cause of your sleep apnea before treating it.

Treatments for sleep apnea include lifestyle changes (like losing weight or ceasing to use alcohol), using a CPAP machine to keep your airways open, surgery and dental devices.

Hearing loss: This is the third most common ailment in the U.S. It is usually caused by aging, but other factors, such as loud noise, injury, certain illnesses or even some medications can contribute to it.

As with any ailment, it is good to see a doctor before considering your treatment options. The best treatment option will depend on the type and cause of your hearing loss. Treatments include surgery, antibiotics, medication and hearing aids.

Scalp psoriasis: Scalp psoriasis is a disorder defined by raised, red-colored, scaly patches on and possibly around your scalp. These patches typically cause itchiness and soreness. In addition to the scales’ uncomfortableness, itching the scales can lead to temporary hair loss.

Since scalp psoriasis shares some things in common with dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis, it is important to consult a dermatologist before you begin treatment.

Topical treatments, such as shampoos, ointments and lotions, can help to minimize or eliminate psoriasis. You can get some of these over the counter, but your doctor may also prescribe you stronger topical treatments if necessary.

If your psoriasis is more serious, your dermatologist may recommend injections or oral medications, including steroids or strong doses of vitamins. A newer type of medical treatment is a group of drugs called biologics, which prevent your skin from creating too many cells.

Diabetes: Approximately 30.2 million American adults have diabetes. Managing diabetes is critical to avoiding complications, which can include very serious conditions like stroke and heart disease.

There are two main types of diabetes. Type 1 is the kind of diabetes you develop in childhood. It prevents the body from developing insulin. Type 2 diabetes develops later. People with Type 2 diabetes still produce insulin, but their bodies do not respond to it effectively.

Doctors can diagnose prediabetes, a condition that puts people at risk of developing diabetes. It is important to get screened for prediabetes, as there are healthy lifestyle changes you can take to prevent the further development of diabetes.

If you have diabetes, your doctor may recommend using insulin, changing your diet or losing weight to help you live comfortably and manage the disease effectively.