There are many different conditions and illnesses which can affect our health. Luckily though, if caught early on, many of these illnesses display symptoms which can help us manage and prevent them from causing too much long-term damage to our health. Acorn Stairlifts, provider of straight stairlifts, guides us through symptoms to be aware of for six of the most common types of conditions.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a condition that results from the breaking down of the tissue in the joints. This causes inflammation, pain and restricts movement of the affected area. Some of the other symptoms include apparent weakness in the affected joints, with the joints-inflammation and pain sometimes accompanied by a mild fever.
Arthritis can be managed, even though there’s no cure for it.
The Arthritis Foundation’s advice about living with arthritis has more information and support if you suspect someone you know is suffering from arthritis.
Breast Cancer
Granted, not every lump forming around the breast is necessarily cancerous, but it’s always a good idea to get it checked out by a doctor. Lumps or thickened breast tissue sections do indeed otherwise make for the first visible sign of breast cancer.
Some other symptoms of breast cancer may include:
- Pain around the breasts
- One or both breasts changing in their shape or size
- Dimpling on the skin of the breasts
- Discharge from either nipple (which might be streaked with blood)
- A rash on or around the nipple
Check out the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Screening Guidelines for helpful advice if you have any concerns about the possibility of breast cancer.
Dementia
Dementia is presented in any number of different brain disorders resulting in a decline in brain functionality. It affects people in different ways with common early symptoms including memory loss, difficulty maintaining concentration, difficulty completing routine daily tasks, and general confusion which creeps into otherwise normal activities.
There’s plenty of support available at The Alzheimer’s Association if you’re worried about someone you know showing early signs of the onset of dementia.
Diabetes
Diabetes forms when the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin. Common signs of diabetes include unexpected weight loss, more frequent use of the toilet (especially at night), more-than-usual thirst, fatigue, and wounds and cuts that take longer than usual to heal.
If someone you know displays symptoms associated with diabetes, The American Diabetes Association has guides on the treatment and care available throughout the US.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition which develops gradually over time and is involved with the weakening of the bones. Three main symptoms develop, including a stooped back that’s accompanied by a loss of height as the back loses its normal curvature, the experiencing of sudden or intense back pain, and what were perhaps seemingly minor fractures turning out a lot worse than initially suspected.
The National Osteoporosis Foundation has published this guide to treatment options for osteoporosis for anyone who is worried that someone they know is possibly suffering from this condition.
Prostate Cancer
With the exception of the tumour developing close to the urethra, in its early stages it’s often not possible to identify any visible signs or symptoms of prostate cancer. It is however good practice to visit the doctor for an annual prostate cancer check-up beyond a certain age to detect any potential cases of the cancer.
The American Cancer Society offers some great advice on various tests available for prostate cancer if you’re worried that you may have prostate cancer or have developed another issue with your prostate gland.
