<ul><li>As India struggles hard with the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, cases of new fungal infections have gone up.</li><li>The central government has asked all the states to declare black fungus infection as an epidemic.</li><li>More than 5,400 cases of mucormycosis or black fungus have been registered so far in 18 states.</li></ul>Disclaimer: This should not be considered medical advice. Please check with your doctor on medical procedures. As India struggles hard with the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, cases have been registered of these new fungal infections, which can be as deadly as the Coronavirus. Till now, three types of fungal cases have been reported in the country i.e., black, white and yellow. The central government has asked all the states to declare black fungus as an epidemic. States like Rajasthan, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu have already declared it as a notifiable disease under the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897. More than 5,400 cases of mucormycosis or black fungus have been registered, so far, in 18 states -- with the majority from Gujarat and Maharashtra, said the Union health ministry. People suffering from diabetes and who are taking steroids are more prone to these fungal diseases. What is black fungus or ‘mucormycosis’? Black fungus or ‘mucormycosis’ is a life-threatening disease, which has infected COVID-19 patients and recovered patients as well. The fungus is caused by mucormycetes -- a type of fungi -- present in the environment. The fungus surrounds the blood vessels and destroys them resulting in tissue necrosis (death of body tissue) and can even lead to death. Common symptoms - <ul><li>Nasal blockage</li><li>Bleeding</li><li>Discharge from nose</li><li>Facial pain</li><li>Swelling</li><li>Numbness</li><li>Blurring of vision</li><li>Double vision or watery eyes</li></ul>How can you protect yourself from Black fungus? While in hospital — <ol><li>Maintain good hygiene and cleanliness in your surroundings.</li><li>Maintain oral hygiene care with mouthwash, povidone-iodine gargles.</li><li>Use sterile water for humidification while administering oxygen, there should be no leakage from the humidifier.</li><li>Steroids usage should be limited not more than necessary with strict blood glucose control.</li><li>Avoid unnecessary use of broad-spectrum antibiotics or antifungals, can result in growth of unwanted bacteria or organisms.</li></ol>After recovering from COVID-19 — <ol><li>Maintain your surroundings clean and free from dust and dampness.</li><li>Maintain your oral and nasal hygiene.</li><li>Try to stay indoors and do regular exercise or workout.</li><li>Avoid construction areas, fields and grounds.</li><li>Avoid gardening as soil and plants abound with fungi. Use rubber gloves, masks, and boots, if unavoidable.</li></ol>What is white fungus or aspergillosis? White fungus is deadlier than black fungus, say experts. It spreads to several parts of your body and severely damages your lungs. Severe effects can be seen on the kidney, mouth, skin and brain. According to Dr. Kaushal Verma, professor at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), the white fungus begins from the tongue or private parts, it makes the tongue white, and then it spreads to other parts like lungs, brain and food pipes. Symptoms of white fungus - <ul><li>Cough</li><li>Fever</li><li>Diarrhoea</li><li>Dark spots on lungs</li><li>Reduced oxygen level</li><li>White patches in oral cavity</li><li>Skin lesions</li></ul>How can you protect yourself from white fungus? <ol><li>People with low immunity are more prone to these fungal diseases, so it is necessary to maintain a healthy immune system.</li><li>Maintain your surroundings clean and free from dust.</li></ol>First case of yellow fungus was reported in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad. Experts say yellow fungus can be scarier than black and white because of the manner it affects the body’s internal organs. What is yellow fungus? Unlike black and white, yellow fungus starts internally, causes pus leakage, and leads to slow healing of wounds. In some serious cases, it could further lead to devastating symptoms like organ failure and acute necrosis (cell injury). Symptoms of yellow fungus <ul><li>Lethargy</li><li>Poor appetite or no appetite</li><li>Weight loss or poor metabolism</li><li>Sunken eyes</li></ul>How can you protect yourself from yellow fungus? <ol><li>Fungal infections generally spread through bad hygiene, so it is important to have good hygiene habits.</li><li>Keep your surroundings clean.</li><li>Remove stale food from the house to prevent the growth of fungus or bacteria.</li><li>Humidity also plays an important role, so keep your humidity level between 30% to 40%.</li></ol>SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/zeta-is-indias-newest-unicorn-with-1-45-billion-valuation/articleshow/82930353.cms">This banking tech startup is the newest Indian unicorn with a $1.45 billion valuation</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/what-is-total-lunar-eclipse-blood-moon-on-26th-may-2021/articleshow/82929937.cms">A total lunar eclipse explained, and you can see one soon enough</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/whatsapp-says-it-will-wait-for-the-indian-government-to-pass-the-personal-data-protection-law-before-limiting-features/articleshow/82931362.cms">WhatsApp says it will wait for the Indian government to pass the Personal Data Protection law before limiting features</a>

Black, white and yellow fungi — all you need to know about symptoms and prevention

<ul class="summary-list"><li>To use an inhaler correctly start by standing up straight, shaking the inhaler several times, and then exhaling all of the air out of your lungs.</li><li>To clean an inhaler, remove the medication canister and then rinse the mouthpiece and cap with warm water.</li><li>Be sure to replace your inhaler if you run out of numbered puffs or if your inhaler expires.</li><li>This article <a href="https://www.insider.com/insider-medical-review-board" target="_blank" rel="noopener">was medically reviewed</a> by <a href="https://www.providence.org/doctors/profile/759045-omid-benjamin-mehdizadeh" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Omid Mehdizadeh</a>, MD, otolaryngologist and laryngologist at the Pacific Neuroscience Institute's Pacific Eye, Ear &amp; Skull Base Center at Providence Saint John's <keyword id="6354750" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="health">Health</keyword> Center in Santa Monica, CA.</li></ul>Inhalers may be prescribed to people who have a variety of health conditions both chronic and acute, including <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/symptoms-causes/syc-20369653" target="_blank" rel="noopener">asthma</a>, <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000025.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)</a>, and <a href="https://www.aafp.org/afp/2010/1201/p1345.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bronchitis</a>.If you're new to using inhalers, no matter your condition, here are some tips for how to get the most out of your inhaler and how to care for it properly, so you'll be on your way to breathing easy. <h2>Step-by-step instructions on how to use an inhaler</h2>When using an inhale, it's important to follow your doctor's exact instructions to get the most benefit. According to <a href="https://medicine.yale.edu/profile/elaine_fajardo/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Elaine Fajardo, MD</a>, Medical Director for Respiratory Therapy and Pulmonologist at Yale Medicine, and Assistant Professor at Yale School of Medicine, these are the general step-by-step instructions to using your inhaler properly: <ol><li>Stand up straight or sit upright.</li><li>Shake the inhaler three times to agitate the solution inside the canister. The canister contains both medicine and propellant, which helps push the medicine out. Shaking an inhaler helps mix the two together to make sure you get a good ratio of both. </li><li>Remove the inhaler's cap and attach a spacer (a tube-like device that goes between the inhaler and the patient's lips) if one is available. If you don't have a spacer handy, then just inhale straight from the mouthpiece.</li><li>Exhale deeply and completely, depleting as much air from your lungs as possible. This is important because it ensures that you'll be able to take a deep breath when you use the inhaler and fill your lungs with the medication. </li><li>Place the inhaler to your lips.</li><li>Inhale sharply while you push down on the canister to spray. If you are using a spacer, spray into the spacer and then inhale deeply.</li><li>Hold your breath for 10 seconds, or as long as comfortable, to ensure that enough medication is deposited in your lungs. </li><li>Exhale slowly to allow the medicine to continue to settle into your lungs, according to the <a href="https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/asthma/patient-resources-and-videos/videos/how-to-use-a-metered-dose-inhaler" target="_blank" rel="noopener">American Lung Association</a>. </li><li>If your doctor has prescribed you to take two puffs, be aware of how long it says to wait before administering the second dose. Usually, it is one minute, then, repeat steps three through six.</li></ol>Quick bonus tips for inhaler use:<ul><li>Know whether or not you should use a spacer. Fajardo says spacers are not meant for use with dry powdered inhalers, since they have a differently shaped mouthpiece that won't fit in a spacer. Discuss with your doctor if a spacer would be beneficial or not for you. </li><li>If your inhaler contains a <a href="https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/conditions-dictionary/inhaled-corticosteroids" target="_blank" rel="noopener">corticosteroid</a>, Fajardo recommends rinsing your mouth out immediately after use in order to prevent <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/oral-thrush/symptoms-causes/syc-20353533" target="_blank" rel="noopener">thrush</a>, an oral yeast infection. This is because corticosteroid is a steroid, which can slightly make you more prone to this fungal oral infection. Corticosteroid is common in inhalers prescribed to people with <keyword id="6465125" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="asthma">asthma</keyword>. Some <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/in-depth/asthma-medications/art-20045557" target="_blank" rel="noopener">inhaler brands that have corticosteroids</a> are Fluticasone, Budesonide, Mometasone, Beclomethasone, and Ciclesonide. </li><li>Do not share your inhaler with others, because you risk contracting or spreading anybacterial or viral infection.</li></ul><h2>How to store and clean your inhaler</h2>Cleaning an inhaler is easy. Fajardo says you can remove the medication canister, leave that aside, and then <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000042.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">rinse the mouthpiece and cap with warm water</a>, no soap. Simple as that. Fajardo recommends doing this daily or after a few usages to prevent medication or other debris drying up and causing a blockage.After cleanings or general usage, Fajardo says to store the inhaler with the cap on, at room temperature. You also want to be sure to keep it away from direct sunlight, hot temperatures, and anything that could puncture it. <h2>When to replace your inhaler </h2>Many inhalers have a dose counter that tells you when your inhaler is running low on medication. This should let you know how many doses are left so that you can call your doctor to get a replacement. But aside from running out of puffs on your inhaler, there are some other signs that your inhaler should be replaced. Fajardo recommends looking out for the following red-flags:<ul><li>Expiration date</li><li>Rust</li><li>Cracks</li><li>Melted areas</li></ul>If your medication isn't dispensing from the inhaler and you don't see any of the above signs, your inhaler might just need a cleaning, Fajardo says. Remove the canister and clean the mouthpiece as directed above. If the medication still won't dispense, call your doctor to get a prescription for a new one.<h2>Related articles from our <a href="https://www.insider.com/health-reference" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Health Reference</a> library:</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/is-it-a-cold-or-allergies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Is it a cold or allergies? How to categorize your symptoms and treat them appropriately</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-get-rid-of-a-runny-nose" target="_blank" rel="noopener">How to get rid of a runny nose from both allergies and illness</a></li></ul>

How to use an inhaler: A step-by-step guide to use and care

By Frank Jordans Berlin, Mar 15 (AP) Italy's medicines regulator on Monday announced the precautionary, temporary ban on using AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine amid new reports of people developing dangerous blood clots after taking the shot. Italy's Aifa said the decision "was taken in line with similar measures adopted by other European countries." It added that "further looking into the matter is currently underway." The announcement followed by a day the latest known death of a person in Italy shortly after receiving the vaccine. A 57-year-old clarinet teacher, who received the vaccine in the northern Piedmont region on Saturday evening, as part of a national rollout for teachers, died at home early Sunday morning. Autopsies have been ordered for that death, as well as to a handful of other deaths last week of others in Italy who had received the vaccine. France and Germany also suspended the vaccine's use on Monday. AstraZeneca and global health authorities insist the shot is safe. French President Emmanuel Macron says that France is suspending the use of the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine use out of precaution. Macron told a news conference Monday that French authorities have decided to suspend shots at least until Tuesday afternoon, when the <keyword id="114599" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="European-Medicines-Agency">European Medicines Agency</keyword> will issue its recommendation over the vaccine. He didn't elaborate on the reasons for the decision. He said France hopes to be able to vaccine again with AstraZeneca shots "soon." Other countries, including Germany on Monday, said it would temporarily halt the use of the vaccine as a precaution amid reports that some people developed blood clots after receiving the shot. AstraZeneca and global health authorities insist the shot is safe. Germany on Monday became the biggest country in Europe to suspend use of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine over reports of dangerous blood clots in some recipients, though the company and European regulators said there is no evidence the shot is to blame. The country's health minister said the decision was taken on the advice of Germany's national vaccine regulator, the Paul Ehrlich Institute, which called for further investigation into seven reported cases of clots in the brains of people who had been vaccinated. "Today's decision is a purely precautionary measure," Jens Spahn said. Several countries, starting with Denmark last week, have temporarily halted use of the <keyword id="9356489" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="astrazeneca-vaccine">AstraZeneca vaccine</keyword> in recent days to investigate cases of blood clots that occurred after vaccination. They include Ireland, Thailand, the Netherlands, Norway, Iceland, Congo and Bulgaria. Last week, Germany was one of several nations that stuck by the shot. Blood clots can travel through the body and cause heart attacks, strokes and deadly blockages in the lungs. AstraZeneca has said that there is no cause for concern with its vaccine and that there were fewer reported thrombosis cases in those who received the shot than in the general population. The European Medicines Agency and the <keyword id="43588" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="World-Health-Organization">World Health Organization</keyword> have also said that the data does not suggest the vaccine caused the clots and that people should continue to be immunized. Spahn, the German health minister, said of the decision to suspend the AstraZeneca shot: "The most important thing for confidence is transparency." Spahn said the European Medicines Agency would determine whether and how the new information will affect the authorization of the vaccine across the continent and expressed hope that the Amsterdam-based regulator would make a decision on the issue this week. According to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Germany has received slightly over 3 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine. Spahn said about 1.6 million doses of the shot have so far been administered in the country. (AP) <keyword id="6371473" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="CPS">CPS</keyword>

Germany, France, Italy also suspend use of AstraZeneca vaccine

<ul class="summary-list"><li>During a Brazilian butt lift (<keyword id="1755403" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="BBL">BBL</keyword>), a surgeon will use liposuction to remove fat from your body.</li><li>Surgeons then inject this fat into your butt, resulting in a larger behind and a slimmer appearance.</li><li><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28369293/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A 2017 report</a> found that 3% of surgeons had a patient die after a BBL, usually from a fat embolism.</li></ul>As years go by and beauty standards change, <keyword id="6397377" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="plastic-surgery">plastic surgery</keyword> trends change with them. More and more people have been desiring bigger butts, which is why some have turned to surgery to enhance their appearance. In fact, a <a href="https://www.isaps.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/ISAPS-Global-Survey-2019-Press-Release-English.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2019 global survey</a> found that since 2015, there has been a whopping 77.6% increase in the number of buttock lifts performed - and one of these types of lifts is the infamous Brazilian butt lift, or BBL. Related Article Module: 7 ways you can learn to love and feel positive about your bodyHowever, if you're considering getting a BBL, it's important to be aware of the risks associated with the surgery, since some data suggests it's one of the most dangerous <keyword id="785457" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="cosmetic-procedures">cosmetic procedures</keyword> out there.Important: Like other cosmetic procedures, a Brazillian butt lift may help improve your self-esteem if you are insecure about your body's appearance. However, procedures like this are not a cure for more serious underlying mental <keyword id="6354750" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="health">health</keyword> issues like depression or anxiety. Here's what you need to know about what a Brazilian butt lift is, how it's performed, and the risks that come with it. <h2>What is a Brazilian butt lift?</h2>A Brazilian butt lift is when a doctor removes excess fat from your abdomen, arms, inner thighs, love handles, or anywhere else and injects it into your butt. The BBL not only slims down the area of the body where the fat was removed but also increases the size of your posterior, says <a href="https://www.buttsbymendieta.com/about/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Constantino Mendieta MD, FACS</a>, board-certified plastic surgeon at <a href="https://www.buttsbymendieta.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">4Beauty Aesthetic Institute</a>.Unlike some other butt-boosting procedures that insert silicone implants, a BBL can offer a more natural result, says Mendieta. Plus, getting implants doesn't come with the added bonus of slimming down your other body parts. What does a BBL cost? The national average cost of a BBL is around $6,500, Mendieta says, but prices vary by surgeon, geographical location, and overall complexity of the case. <h2>The Brazilian butt lift procedure</h2>Different surgeons may have slightly different techniques for how they perform a BBL, but <a href="https://www.aestheticmdr.com/about/dr-luis-macias/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Luis Macias MD</a>, a double board-certified plastic surgeon at <a href="https://www.aestheticmdr.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aesthetic MdR</a>, says the procedure is usually as follows:<ol><li>Before the surgery begins, the surgeon will mark the patient to confirm the areas of liposuction and fat grafting.</li><li>The patient will be placed under general anesthesia.</li><li>The surgeon injects a tumescent solution into the liposuction areas. This is an IV fluid that includes adrenaline and lidocaine, allowing for easier separation of fat, less bleeding, and a less painful recovery. </li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/what-is-liposuction" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Liposuction</a> will be performed in the agreed upon locations. Once the fat is removed, it is separated from the tumescent solution.</li><li>The fat is injected into the hip dips and buttocks.</li></ol>The recovery and healing time are relatively long. Mendieta says BBL patients need about 10 days of downtime to rest and recover before returning to work. The incision sites will take about two to three weeks to heal, and it will take three to four weeks for a patient to start feeling normal, says Mendieta. It is typical to experience swelling and bruising during this time.Your surgeon will give you specific care instructions, and you must follow them diligently for the best results. "It is imperative that the patient undergoes the recommended number of massages, wears the appropriate garments, and follows all necessary directions," says Mendieta. Warning: Mendieta says a patient may have body contour irregularities if they do not wear the appropriate compression garments or if they sleep incorrectly during the healing period. These risks can be avoided by diligently following the aftercare instructions provided by your surgeon. <h2>The risks of a Brazilian butt lift</h2>Every surgery comes with risks, but the BBL is particularly controversial due to accounts of death associated with the surgery.<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28369293/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">A 2017 report</a> surveyed 692 surgeons from around the world and found that 3% (about 21) of them experienced a patient death following a BBL. The researchers of this study concluded that "significantly higher mortality rates" seem to be associated with BBL-like surgeries than any other cosmetic surgery.<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28369293/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a>Note: According to <a href="https://journals.lww.com/prsgo/fulltext/2020/05000/assessing_cosmetic_surgery_safety__the_evolving.35.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a 2020 report</a>, the average mortality rate for outpatient cosmetic surgeries is 0.25-0.50 per 100,000 procedures.One of the major risks of BBLs is fat embolism, says Macias. This is when fat enters the bloodstream, moves through the blood vessels, and eventually causes a blockage of the lungs, which can be fatal. Autopsies of BBL patients have revealed that fat embolism occurred when fat was injected into or under the patient's muscle, Macias says. Therefore, it's important that patients are aware of this risk and choose a surgeon whose technique involves only injecting fat into the subcutaneous layer of the buttocks, above the muscle. You can reduce your risk by going to a board-certified plastic surgeon who is experienced in the procedure.Other risks of the BBL are those associated with many other surgeries like blood clots and infection, says Mendieta. <h2>Insider's takeaway</h2>A Brazilian butt lift can enhance the size and shape of your butt while also contouring your body parts with excess fat. The new look may result in more confidence and better self-esteem.However, it's important to note that this surgery comes along with risks, so you must take your decision very seriously if you decide to go forward with it, and be sure to get the procedure done by an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon. <a data-type="60d5f5b3f8805a5ba12e4ee6">A guide to breast implants: What they cost, benefits, and what to expect from the procedure</a><a data-type="60ca1df7d00d021ff06198a8">Here's how a $10,000 rhinoplasty procedure can dramatically change your nose</a><a data-type="5e60f347a9f40c1da724cba2">How to reduce swelling after liposuction and speed up recovery</a><a data-type="608c28b80c26755a705d8c2e">A lip flip can give you fuller, poutier lips in 20 minutes: Here's how the Botox procedure works</a>

A Brazilian butt lift has one of the highest mortality rates of any cosmetic procedure - here's why it's risky

<ul class="summary-list"><li>A new paper describes four <keyword id="1754604" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="coronavirus">coronavirus</keyword> patients with severe disease who experienced <keyword id="6371970" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="skin">skin</keyword> discoloration and lesions and accompanying blood clots. </li><li>Other studies and anecdotes suggest the virus commonly affects the skin and may be linked to blood clots. </li><li>The findings add to a growing list of complications of the coronavirus, which seems to be able to affect any organ. </li></ul>Patients with severe coronavirus may experience rashes and lesions indicative of underlying blood clots, a new report suggests. In the paper, published in <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/fullarticle/2768760">JAMA Dermatology</a> Wednesday, researchers described four New York City patients who were intubated with severe coronavirus and had skin complications.All experienced "acral fixed livedo racemosa," or <a href="https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(17)32045-5/fulltext">discolored, sometimes broken skin</a> on the extremities, and "retiform purpura," or uneven skin lesions caused when red blood cells leak into the skin, according to the researchers from from NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical College.The two complications are "hallmark manifestations" of <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/blood-clots-in-coronavirus-autopsies-nyu-study-2020-7">skin blood clots</a>, they wrote.Indeed, even though all patients received therapy to help prevent blood clots when they were admitted, all developed clots in their skin and were thought to have pulmonary embolisms, or an artery blockage in the lung. It's unclear if or when the patients were discharged. The researchers weren't able to identify exactly when the rashes first appeared and didn't use the type of imaging they'd like in order to spare staff exposure.But the findings are a lesson to other healthcare professionals to take skin manifestations as a potential sign of abnormal underlying blood clots, which can <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-strokes-heart-attacks-skin-issues-involve-blood-clots-2020-6">lead to strokes, heart attacks, pulmonary embolisms</a>, and other potentially fatal complications. <h2>The list of coronavirus manifestations continues to grow </h2>The paper is far from the first to note the coronavirus may cause complications in the skin, with patients reporting <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/covid-toes-frostbite-coronavirus-skin-lesion-discolored-swollen-feet-2020-4">"COVID toes," or purple, swollen toes that look like they've been frostbitten</a>, early on. In a Facebook group for coronavirus patients and survivors, people have reported fluid-filled blisters, full-body rashes, hives, red and purple spots, patches of skin that burn, chicken-pox like bumps, and more. In some of these cases, the skin changes may be due to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/unusual-skin-problems-coronavirus-symptoms-rash-toes-blister-2020-5">blood clotting</a> in the skin's small blood vessels. The skin is just one of the organs that can populate with blood clots, a common denominator among some of the most poorly understood and dangerous <keyword id="8613661" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Coronavirus-symptoms">coronavirus symptoms</keyword>. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/blood-clots-in-coronavirus-autopsies-nyu-study-2020-7">In fact, blood clots were found in "almost every organ" of coronavirus patients' autopsies</a>, a NYU pathologist said.<h2>Skin abnormalities are among the growing list of non-respiratory ways the coronavirus seems to manifest</h2>Doctors are increasingly understanding that the coronavirus is far from "only" a respiratory condition.While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's list of potential symptoms slowly grows, including issues like hair loss and clogged ears, a <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5e8b5f63562c031c16e36a93/t/5f25b5bfb3f4f86b1bf4d5f5/1596306894541/2020+Survivor+Corps+COVID-19+%27Long+Hauler%27+Symptoms+Survey+Report+%28revised+July+25.1%29.pdf">recent survey</a> of more than 1,500 patients found hundreds reporting other complications ranging from dizziness to flashes of light in vision to weight gain to nerve sensations. The wide-ranging ways the disease appears to manifest starkly sets it apart from any other virus Dr. Anthony Fauci has seen in his 40 years, the infectious disease expert <a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2020-08-03/fauci-we-will-get-back-to-normal-but-the-pandemic-is-far-from-over">said in a webinar</a> hosted by US <keyword id="6355005" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="news">News</keyword> &amp; World Report last week. "I've never seen anything that has such a broad range of manifestations from a certain percentage of people," he said, noting that up to 40% have no symptoms, many have minor symptoms, some get hospitalized, and some die. "You go from nothing to death," he said. "It's very, very unusual."

Some coronavirus patients develop rashes, skin-reddening, and lesions that may be signs of underlying blood clots

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Bethany Nesbitt, a 20-year-old psychology student at Grace College, was <a href="https://twitter.com/stephenjnesbitt/status/1323666185611862016/photo/1">found dead in her dorm room</a> after testing positive for <keyword id="8763838" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="covid-19">COVID-19</keyword>. </li><li>"Bethany was the baby of our family, the youngest of nine," Stephen Nesbitt, a writer for The Athletic and Bethany's older brother, <a href="https://twitter.com/stephenjnesbitt/status/1323666185611862016">wrote in a statement on Twitter.</a> "She loved Jesus. She loved memes. And she loved her family and friends until the very end."</li><li>The college third year <a href="https://twitter.com/stephenjnesbitt/status/1323665713815576576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1323666185611862016%7Ctwgr%5Eshare_3&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fpeople.com%2Fhealth%2Fcollege-student-found-dead-in-dorm-room-while-quarantining-for-covid-19%2F9%2F">suffered a pulmonary embolism</a>, the result of <keyword id="30946" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="blood-clots">blood clots</keyword> which are a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-strokes-heart-attacks-skin-issues-involve-blood-clots-2020-6">common and deadly complication of COVID-19.</a></li><li>It's not yet clear why COVID-19 causes so many patients to develop <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-strokes-heart-attacks-skin-issues-involve-blood-clots-2020-6">blood clots</a> but doctors are treating the complication with blood-thinners. </li></ul>Bethany Nesbitt, a 20-year-old psychology student at Grace College in Winona Lake, Indiana, <a href="https://twitter.com/stephenjnesbitt/status/1323666185611862016/photo/1">was found dead in her dorm room</a> on October 30, 1o days after developing symptoms of COVID-19. According to a statement put out by her family, Nesbitt suffered a <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pulmonary-embolism/symptoms-causes/syc-20354647#:~:text=Pulmonary%20embolism%20is%20a%20blockage,body%20(deep%20vein%20thrombosis).">pulmonary embolism,</a> a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries of the lungs, caused by a blood clot.Blood clotting is <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-strokes-heart-attacks-skin-issues-involve-blood-clots-2020-6">a common and deadly complication of COVID-19,</a> the disease caused by the novel <keyword id="1754604" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="coronavirus">coronavirus</keyword>. The third-year student started experiencing symptoms of the week of October 20 and got tested for the virus on October 22, but an "unknown clerical error" meant she did not receive the results of that test, her family said.For the next four days, Nesbitt stayed in close contact with her family, and was monitored by campus staff, but on October 26 her oxygen levels dipped. She was taken to the emergency room, where doctors said they strongly suspected she had COVID-19, but that they considered it a mild case and sent her back to her dorm room to rest.She was tested again October 29, and Nesbitt told her family she'd had no fever for over a day. She then "watched Netflix and went to bed."Nesbitt was found dead at 10 AM the next morning. Later that day, her COVID-19 test came back positive."Bethany was the baby of our family, the youngest of nine," her older brother Stephen Nesbitt, a writer for The Athletic, <a href="https://twitter.com/stephenjnesbitt/status/1323666185611862016">wrote on Twitter.</a> "She loved Jesus. She loved memes. And she loved her family and friends until the very end."<h2>Doctors have been alarmed by how many young people have developed blood clots from COVID-19</h2><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/blood-clotting-complications-are-showing-up-in-covid-19-patients-2020-5">Since the start of the pandemic,</a> blood clots have emerged as a common and deadly complication of what was initially thought to be a solely respiratory disease.Research from New York University published in July found the disease can <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/blood-clots-in-coronavirus-autopsies-nyu-study-2020-7">cause blood clots in every single organ</a> of the body. It remains unclear why the novel coronavirus causes blood clots, but it could be the blood vessels' reaction to the virus' invasion of the body, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-causes-strokes-inflammation-in-blood-vessels-clots-2020-4">Aylin Woodward reported</a>. Doctors are also unsure as to why <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-blood-clots-strokes-young-patients-2020-4">otherwise healthy young people are developing clots</a>. Thomas Oxley, a neurosurgeon at Mount Sinai Hospital, told <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/22/health/strokes-coronavirus-young-adults/index.html">CNN in April</a>: "Our report shows a sevenfold increase in incidence of sudden stroke in young patients during the past two weeks. Most of these patients have no past medical history and were at home with either mild symptoms (or in two cases, no symptoms) of COVID-19."<h2>Blood clots are linked to many of COVID-19's most deadly symptoms</h2>Clots can inhibit the flow of blood by blocking arteries, thickening blood, and hindering movement through veins entirely. Researchers believe clots are also responsible for conditions like <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/covid-toes-frostbite-coronavirus-skin-lesion-discolored-swollen-feet-2020-4">"COVID toes"</a> — purple, swollen toes linked to COVID-19 — as well as the many <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-strokes-heart-attacks-skin-issues-involve-blood-clots-2020-6">strokes, heart attacks, and pulmonary embolisms</a> being recorded in COVID-19 patients.Clots have also led to long-lasting symptoms in <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/long-term-coronavirus-symptoms-patients-sick-for-months-2020-7">"long-haul" patients</a>, including kidney failure, heart inflammation, and immune system complications.Read More:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-strokes-heart-attacks-skin-issues-involve-blood-clots-2020-6">Many of the coronavirus' most mysterious and dangerous symptoms have one thing in common: blood clots. This isn't solely a respiratory infection.</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/blood-clots-in-coronavirus-autopsies-nyu-study-2020-7">An NYU pathologist says blood clots were found in 'almost every organ' of coronavirus patients' autopsies</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/blood-clotting-complications-are-showing-up-in-covid-19-patients-2020-5">Blood clots are a common and deadly complication of the coronavirus, and doctors are stepping up their efforts to prevent them</a>

A 20-year-old college student died while quarantining in her dorm room after developing symptoms of COVID-19

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">Chuck Burton/APSerena Williams takes a selfie with husband Alexis Ohanian and their baby, Alexis Olympia.</div></div></div><ul><li>Serena Williams reveals that she almost died giving birth to her daughter, Olympia.</li><li>In a first-person account for CNN, Williams detailed the pulmonary embolism she suffered and the other complications that followed after her emergency C-section.</li><li>Williams told her story in an effort to raise awareness for the high rates of childbirth-related deaths among black women and the poor.</li></ul> <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/20/opinions/protect-mother-pregnancy-williams-opinion/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">In a first-person account for CNN</a>, Serena Williams reveals that she almost died following the birth of her daughter in September."I almost died after giving birth to my daughter, Olympia," Williams wrote.Williams suffered a pulmonary embolism, the blockage of an artery in the lungs, after having an emergency C-section. Williams has a history of blood cot issues and knew to immediately seek medical help when her breathing became difficult, however, the embolism led to other complications.<a href="https://www.vogue.com/article/serena-williams-vogue-cover-interview-february-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener">During an interview with Vogue in January</a>, Williams revealed that she had to convince the doctors and nurses to look for blood clots in her lungs."She walked out of the hospital room so her mother wouldn't worry and told the nearest nurse, between gasps, that she needed a CT scan with contrast and IV heparin (a blood thinner) right away. The nurse thought her pain medicine might be making her confused. But Serena insisted, and soon enough a doctor was performing an ultrasound of her legs. 'I was like, a Doppler? I told you, I need a CT scan and a heparin drip,' she remembers telling the team. The ultrasound revealed nothing, so they sent her for the CT, and sure enough, several small blood clots had settled in her lungs. Minutes later she was on the drip. 'I was like, listen to Dr. Williams!'"The blood cot led to "intense coughing," which in turn caused Williams' C-section wound to pop open. When she returned to surgery, doctors discovered a large hematoma (clotted blood) in her abdomen. This led to another procedure to keep any additional clots from traveling to the lungs.Williams says she was confined to a bed for six weeks after the birth of her daughter.The 23-time Grand Slam champion wrote about her experience to help bring awareness to the higher rate of childbirth-related deaths among black women and people in poor countries.Williams wrote that she considers herself "fortunate" and "grateful," noting she had access to good doctors and nurses, and was in a hospital with state-of-the-art equipment. She also knows many others aren't as well-off."According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, black women in the United States are over three times more likely to die from pregnancy or childbirth-related causes," Williams wrote. "But this is not just a challenge in the United States. Around the world, thousands of women struggle to give birth in the poorest countries. When they have complications like mine, there are often no drugs, health facilities or doctors to save them."Williams called on people to demand governments, businesses and health care providers do more to help and for people to donate to organizations such as UNICEF. <div class="margin-top"> <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/suki-kim-north-korea-sent-hundreds-cheerleaders-olympics-2018-2">Why North Korea sent hundreds of cheerleaders to the Olympics</a></h3> <div> </div> </div>

Serena Williams: 'I almost died after giving birth to my daughter'

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="3318" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Rihanna">Rihanna</keyword> reportedly sent a ventilator to her father's home in Barbados after he was diagnosed with <keyword id="8763838" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="covid-19">COVID-19</keyword>, along with other resources for his treatment.</li><li>Ronald Fenty has since recovered, and he said he did not yet use the ventilator.</li><li><keyword id="3939429" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="ventilators">Ventilators</keyword> and other breathing machines are a primary method of treating COVID-19 patients but they are complex, technical equipment that need to be set up and monitored by medical professionals. </li><li>If used incorrectly, ventilators can be harmful, and there may be more effective, less risky ways to treat coronavirus patients. </li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/?hprecirc-bullet">Visit Insider's homepage for more stories</a>.</li></ul>Rihanna's 66-year-old father, Ronald Fenty, was afraid for his life when he tested positive for the novel coronavirus.Being the parent of a pop star has its perks, though. Rihanna, who real name is Robyn Fenty, immediately sent a ventilator, and other resources, to his Barbados home to help him recover from COVID-19, he said in an interview with <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/11366478/rihanna-dad-positive-coronavirus-ventilator/">The Sun</a>. Ventilators, medical machines that assist respiratory patients in breathing, are in short supply across the world, since they're needed to used to treat patients with severe respiratory problem such as those caused by COVID-19.Not everyone has access to these machines (although <a href="https://www.insider.com/celebrities-coronavirus-donations-pandemic-relief-efforts-2020-3#taylor-swift-said-that-she-donated-to-world-health-organization-and-feeding-america-among-others-23">Rihanna has also donated money, medical equipment, and other resources to help organizations battling against the coronavirus</a>).But, more importantly, they require medical expertise to use, so even the most well-connected of fans should not rush to get one into their home."People are under the impression that, if I put you on a breathing machine, it's going to do everything for you," New York City ER doctor Cleavon Gilman <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/new-york-er-doctor-describes-a-hospital-day-covid-19-2020-4?r=US&amp;IR=TIR=T">previously told Business Insider</a>. "That's not true, you have to tell the machine how many times to breathe, how large are the breaths going to be, how much oxygen? Even putting in a breathing tube is hard, you've gotta paralyze a person."<h2>Ventilators require the insertion of a breathing tube</h2>In order for the breathing machine to work, the patient needs to be hooked up with a breathing tube that's inserted through their nose or mouth and into the throat. And in some cases, if patients will need the machine long-term or has blockage in their throat, it <a href="https://www.thoracic.org/patients/patient-resources/resources/mechanical-ventilation.pdf">requires a surgical incision in the neck through which the ventilator is connected, according to the American Thoracic Society</a>. Both of those processes can potentially cause side effects such as injuries or infections. They can also be risky for healthcare staff, since the procedure requires close contact with the infected patients, exposing medical workers to tiny, contagious viral particles. To safely intubate COVID-19 patients, the procedure has to be done quickly and carefully, and medics have to wear sufficient personal protective equipment, according to recent <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32102726">expert recommendations published on the subject</a>. The ventilator can also require use of muscle relaxing medications for the intubation process and sometimes for the use of the machine itself, so the ventilator can do the work of breathing for the patient. <h2>Ventilators are reserved for the worst cases of respiratory illness, and often patients still don't survive</h2>Given the risks and work to keep patients on a ventilator, they're often used for patients with the worst symptoms of respiratory illness. And even if everything goes right, a ventilator isn't a cure-all: 40% to 50% of patients with severe respiratory issues, die while on ventilators, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-ventilators-some-doctors-try-reduce-use-new-york-death-rate-2020-4">Business Insider previously reported</a>.That number could be even higher for coronavirus patients — up to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-ventilators-some-doctors-try-reduce-use-new-york-death-rate-2020-4">80% of coronavirus patients on ventilators in New York City died</a>, according to reports for the <a href="https://apnews.com/8ccd325c2be9bf454c2128dcb7bd616d">Associated Press</a>. For that reason, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ventilator-high-flow-oxygen-coronavirus-patients-ards-dying-2020-4">some doctors have actually begun to turn away from ventilators to treat coronavirus patients</a>, looking for alternatives that may have fewer risks and better outcomes. "We know that mechanical ventilation is not benign," Dr. Eddy Fan, an expert on respiratory treatment at Toronto General Hospital, <a href="https://apnews.com/8ccd325c2be9bf454c2128dcb7bd616d">told the AP.</a> "One of the most important findings in the last few decades is that medical ventilation can worsen lung injury — so we have to be careful how we use it."Read more:<a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-wash-contaminated-clothes-exposed-to-coronavirus-2020-4">How medical workers decontaminate their clothes when they get home from treating coronavirus patients, and why you don't have to do the same</a><a href="https://www.insider.com/everything-to-know-about-masks-and-the-coronavirus-2020-4">Everything we know about masks and the coronavirus, from who should wear them to how to make one</a><a href="https://www.insider.com/video-shared-by-jk-rowling-deep-breathing-coronavirus-2020-4">JK Rowling shared a video of a doctor's breathing techniques to help with coronavirus symptoms. Experts say it's good advice.</a>Read the original article on <a href="https://www.insider.com/rihanna-dad-ventilator-covid-19-medical-expertise-2020-4">Insider</a>

Rihanna sent her dad a ventilator when he was diagnosed with COVID-19, but breathing machines are highly technical and need medics to operate them

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div></div></div><ul><li>Scientists just figured out how to shrink tumors using robots built from DNA strands.</li><li>Their new technique was tested on breast, skin, ovary and lung cancers in both mice and pigs.</li><li>It's a win because the robots can find and attack cancer cells, starving them of fresh blood supply, without hurting the rest of the body.</li></ul> Look out cancer cells: here comes a tiny robot, and it's armed with tumor-shrinking drugs.&#xa0;A team of scientists from Arizona State University and&#xa0;The Chinese Academy of Sciences just figured out how to build a tiny, unfolding DNA jack-in-the-box style tumor attacker. The robot can travel through the body's blood stream, hunting for tumors, without doing any harm to healthy cells along the way.&#xa0;The team's research, released Monday in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nbt.4071">Nature</a>, comes after five years of development. In that time, the molecular chemists have built a folding, origami-inspired, DNA-based system that&#xa0;carries blood-clot causing enzymes on the inside, shielded outside by tumor-hunting pieces of DNA. They slip this tiny machine into the body of a mouse or pig via intravenous (IV) injection. When the cancer-sniffing, cylindrical robot floats its way to the site of a tumor, the otherwise harmless machine immediately&#xa0;attacks, unfurling its cancer-finding shell and dumping out a potent enzyme called thrombin. Then the thrombin gets to work, making a blood clot, and suffocating the tumor.The process, which takes place at a scale smaller than 1/1,000th of a human hair, starts out like this:&#xa0;As you can see in the animation above from <a href="https://asunow.asu.edu/20180212-discoveries-cancer-fighting-nanorobots-seek-and-destroy-tumors">Arizona State University</a>, it takes just two to four of those invisible thrombin molecules, packed inside a hollow DNA tube, to create the killer nanorobot. Their clot blocks off the supply of fresh blood to the tumor, and causes visible tissue damage in 24 hours time.&#xa0;That kind of blockage can eventually "lead to tissue death and shrink the tumor," Baoquan Ding, a Chinese co-author on the paper, said in a statement.Watch the thrombin enzyme completely close off this blood vessel wall, suffocating the cancerous tumor on the other side.&#xa0;&#xa0;In the lab, the researchers have tried this technique out on dozens of mice and at least nine miniature pigs, including animals who'd been injected with breast, lung, skin and ovarian cancers. The average survival times of their mice doubled. And in at least three mouse skin cancer cases, the treatment lead to complete tumor regression."This technology is a strategy that can be used for many types of cancer, since all solid tumor-feeding blood vessels are essentially the same," DNA origami expert Hao Yan, who co-authored the study, said <a href="https://asunow.asu.edu/20180212-discoveries-cancer-fighting-nanorobots-seek-and-destroy-tumors">in a statement</a>.&#xa0;But there's still one major hurdle for the tiny tech to clear: scientists haven't tested it out in humans.Origami has helped <keyword id="41551" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="science">science</keyword> and technology in innumerable ways: laying the foundation for how we create life-saving airbag folds, helping <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/origami-inspired-surgical-tools-2016-3">NASA send solar panels into space</a>, and building <a href="https://www.mddionline.com/origami-prototype-stent">prototype collapsible stainless steel heart stents</a>, to name just a few. But the ancient art isn't quite ready to shuttle and dispatch drugs around the human body - yet.<div><div style="position:relative;padding-bottom:54%"></div></div><div><div style="position:relative;padding-bottom:54%"></div></div> <div class="margin-top"> <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/dna-animation-perception-human-body-2017-7">This 90-second animation will change your perception of the human body</a></h3> <div> </div> </div></hr>

Scientists just created tiny, tumor-shrinking robots over 1,000 times smaller than a human hair

Understanding the dangers of high cholesterol and how to keep your cholesterol levels in a healthy range

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The most common signs of <keyword id="137391" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Broken-heart-syndrome" source="Orion">broken heart syndrome</keyword> are chest pain and shortness of breath.</li><li>The condition can be caused by a distressing event as well as intense feelings like grief.</li><li>Though it's short-term and treatable, you should seek medical help to prevent lasting <keyword id="24479" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="heart" source="Orion">heart</keyword> damage.</li></ul>A <keyword id="31289" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="broken-heart" source="Orion">broken heart</keyword> may conjure up bittersweet stories and love songs — but experiencing a traumatic event may actually cause cardiac consequences. Broken heart syndrome, also known as <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/takotsubo-cardiomyopathy-broken-heart-syndrome" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Takotsubo cardiomyopathy</a>, occurs when someone experiences sudden and acute physical or emotional stress, which can <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-science-behind-broken-heart-syndrome-201202144256" target="_blank" rel="noopener">rapidly weaken the heart's left ventricle</a>. Here's what you need to know about the causes, symptoms, and treatment for broken heart syndrome.<h2>Understanding broken heart syndrome </h2>Broken heart syndrome, which was <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/a-different-kind-of-heart-attack" target="_blank" rel="noopener">first described in Japan during the 1990s</a>, is a condition where the left ventricle — the heart's primary pumping chamber — balloons out, while the base of the heart contracts. This may be dangerous because it negatively impacts <a href="https://www.svhhearthealth.com.au/conditions/takotsubo-cardiomyopathy#:~:text=Takotsubo%20cardiomyopathy%20is%20a%20temporary,ability%20to%20pump%20blood%20effectively." target="_blank" rel="noopener">the heart's ability to pump blood</a> properly. Conversely, a heart attack happens when blood flow, which brings oxygen to the heart, is <a href="https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/about-heart-attacks#:~:text=When%20a%20heart%20attack%20occurs,heals%20by%20forming%20scar%20tissue." target="_blank" rel="noopener">restricted or entirely cut off</a>. Although heart attacks and Takotsubo cardiomyopathy are both types of muscle heart failure that can cause similar symptoms, there are some key differences worth noting. According to <a href="https://health.usnews.com/doctors/jay-woody-40422" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jay Woody</a>, MD, an emergency medicine physician and chief medical officer of <a href="https://www.iheruc.com/about-us/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Intuitive Health</a>, heart attacks are often caused by blockage from fatty build-up known as <a href="https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/about-cholesterol/atherosclerosis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">plaque</a> in the wall of the arteries — which can lead to a clot in the blood vessel that impedes blood flow to the heart muscle. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, meanwhile, is triggered by a severe emotional or physical response that affects the heart muscle directly. Broken heart syndrome can set in even if you're otherwise healthy, according to <a href="https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cardiomyopathy/what-is-cardiomyopathy-in-adults/is-broken-heart-syndrome-real" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the American Heart Association</a>, which is why it's important to understand the causes and symptoms. <h2>What causes broken heart syndrome?</h2>According to Woody, the name "broken heart syndrome" refers to the fact that the condition can be brought on by emotionally traumatic events that <a href="https://www.insider.com/can-stress-cause-a-heart-attack" target="_blank" rel="noopener">negatively impact the physical heart</a>. He says the most common example of a stressor that can lead to this condition is <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-are-the-stages-of-grief" target="_blank" rel="noopener">grief</a> from losing a loved one but notes that intense feelings of fear, anger, surprise, and other emotions can also be a trigger. Some <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/takotsubo-cardiomyopathy-broken-heart-syndrome" target="_blank" rel="noopener">other events</a> that might cause this condition include:<ul><li>A significant and distressing medical diagnosis (or other bad news)</li><li>A car accident</li><li>A tense or explosive argument</li><li>Devastating financial loss</li><li>Domestic violence</li><li>Severe illness</li></ul>A <a href="https://newsroom.clevelandclinic.org/2020/07/09/cleveland-clinic-researchers-find-rise-in-broken-heart-syndrome-during-covid-19-pandemic/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2020 study</a> discovered an uptick in patients diagnosed with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy since the coronavirus outbreak — reaching 7.8% compared to 1.7% before the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, patients with this condition during the pandemic were found to have a longer hospital stay than those hospitalized pre-pandemic. Researchers noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has added multiple layers of stress into people's lives — not only are many dealing with economic changes, emotional issues, loneliness, and isolation, but they're also grappling with constant concerns about themselves or their loved ones becoming ill. They concluded that this additional stress can have physical effects, as evidenced by the increasing diagnoses of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.Broken heart syndrome can also be <a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/broken-heart-syndrome" target="_blank" rel="noopener">caused by physical stressors</a>, including:<ul><li>Difficulty breathing (due to an <a href="https://www.insider.com/am-i-having-an-asthma-attack" target="_blank" rel="noopener">asthma attack</a> or <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-are-the-symptoms-of-copd">emphysema</a>)</li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/what-is-hypoglycemia" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Low blood sugar</a></li><li>A drop in <a href="https://www.insider.com/low-blood-pressure" target="_blank" rel="noopener">blood pressure</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/what-is-a-stroke" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stroke</a></li><li>Seizure</li><li>High <a href="https://www.insider.com/fever-temperature-symptoms-treatment" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fever</a></li><li>Significant blood loss</li><li>Severe injuries</li></ul>Even positive events, like walking into a surprise party or winning the lottery, can bring on Takotsubo cardiomyopathy."Regardless of the cause of stress, the body's response is similar: to secrete a large amount of the <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/understanding-the-stress-response" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stress hormone adrenaline</a>," says <a href="https://www.columbiadoctors.org/jennifer-h-haythe-md" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jennifer Haythe</a>, MD, a critical care cardiologist at Columbia University Center. "In some instances, this can lead to Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, which can mimic a heart attack."While Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is seen in men and younger women, a <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1406761?query=featured_home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2015 study</a> found that a staggering 89.8% of cases occurred in women between the ages of 58 and 75. The most common triggers were found to be physical (36%), followed by emotional shock (27.7%). Notably, a trigger could not be found in 28.5% of patients. The study also revealed that patients with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy were almost twice as likely as those with <a href="https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/about-heart-attacks/acute-coronary-syndrome" target="_blank" rel="noopener">acute coronary syndrome</a> (such as heart attack) to have a psychiatric or neurological disorder. Latest research: A <a href="https://www.cedars-sinai.org/newsroom/broken-heart-syndrome-is-on-the-rise-in-women/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">study</a> published in 2021 found that diagnoses of broken heart syndrome are increasing much more among women ages 50 to 74 than younger women or men of any age. Scientists say this illustrates that women middle-aged and older are at increased risk of developing the condition. <h2>Common signs and symptoms </h2>"Patients who have broken heart syndrome may experience chest pain, shortness of breath, and low blood pressure very shortly after an extremely stressful event," says Woody.According to <a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/broken-heart-syndrome" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Johns Hopkins Medicine</a> and the<a href="https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cardiomyopathy/what-is-cardiomyopathy-in-adults/is-broken-heart-syndrome-real" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> American Heart Association</a>, other symptoms and signs of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy include:<ul><li>Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats)</li><li><a href="https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/cardiogenic-shock#:~:text=Cardiogenic%20shock%20is%20a%20serious,shock%20is%20a%20heart%20attack." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cardiogenic shock</a></li><li>Diaphoresis (sweating)</li><li>Dizziness</li></ul>These symptoms may set in anywhere from minutes to hours after someone has gone through a physically or emotionally stressful event."Some people describe it as feeling like an elephant is sitting on their chest," says Haythe. "Sweating, jaw pain, left arm pain, nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, palpitations, and <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320317" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mid-epigastric discomfort</a> are all possible symptoms as well."If you feel any new symptoms in your chest, or have crushing chest pain or shortness of breath, experts urge you to seek medical attention immediately."<a href="https://www.insider.com/what-are-the-signs-of-a-heart-attack" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Heart attacks</a> have similar symptoms as broken heart syndrome, so it's important to get a diagnosis because heart attacks can be fatal," says Woody.When a patient experiences symptoms similar to broken heart syndrome, medical professionals will typically <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/a-different-kind-of-heart-attack" target="_blank" rel="noopener">rely on imaging studies</a>, blood tests, and cardiac biomarkers to observe any potential abnormalities before making an official diagnosis. Woody says that clinicians often use a <a href="https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/cardiac-mri" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cardiac MRI</a> or administer an echocardiogram (cardiac ultrasound) that determines whether or not there is <a href="https://academic.oup.com/ehjcimaging/article/9/1/136/2403130" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ballooning in the left ventricle</a>, thus signifying Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. They may also use coronary angiograms, a procedure that uses X-ray imaging, to rule out a heart attack.<h2>Can you die from a broken heart? </h2>A <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1406761?query=featured_home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2015 study</a> revealed that the rate of death for patients with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy was 5.6% per year. While death is rare, heart failure occurs in roughly <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/takotsubo-cardiomyopathy-broken-heart-syndrome" target="_blank" rel="noopener">20% of patients</a>. While it can take up to two to three months to <a href="https://www.texasheart.org/heart-health/heart-information-center/topics/recovering-from-a-heart-attack/#:~:text=Most%20patients%20stay%20in%20the,a%20return%20to%20normal%20activities." target="_blank" rel="noopener">recover after a heart attack</a>, Woody says a person will typically recover from broken heart syndrome within one to six weeks, making a full recovery within one to two months.Treatment for broken heart syndrome will depend largely on which symptoms the patient is experiencing, and that, according to Woody, will dictate the severity of the condition. He states that clinicians will often recommend medications like <a href="https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/t/takotsubo-cardiomyopathy.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and diuretics</a>. They may also give aspirin to patients who show plaque buildup in their artery walls. Beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors can be effective in reducing the effects of stress hormones, thereby helping to prevent a recurrence. <a href="https://www.insider.com/morning-meditation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Meditation</a> and <a href="https://www.insider.com/does-exercise-make-you-happy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">exercise</a> are also proven to be <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/exercising-to-relax#:~:text=Exercise%2C%20health%2C%20and%20stress&amp;text=Many%20forms%20of%20exercise%20reduce,and%20reduce%20your%20blood%20sugar." target="_blank" rel="noopener">effective strategies for reducing stress</a>, which may play a role in triggering the disorder.Some of the complications that can result from broken heart syndrome, according to Woody, include fluid in the lungs or irregular heartbeat. Obstruction of blood flow from the left ventricle and <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/takotsubo-cardiomyopathy-broken-heart-syndrome" target="_blank" rel="noopener">rupture of the ventricle wall</a> are also possible, though rare."Symptoms can be treated effectively by medical professionals and are usually not long-lasting," he adds. "Broken heart syndrome can be dangerous, but the condition improves rapidly, which means patients with a naturally strong heart shouldn't experience lasting effects."<h2>Insider's takeaway</h2>Broken heart syndrome can be brought on by both physical and emotional stressors. The most common signs of this condition are chest pain and shortness of breath — and you can experience these symptoms regardless of whether or not you have any history of heart disease. Although broken heart syndrome is short-term and easily treatable, Woody says it's still important to seek medical support to prevent it from causing lasting heart damage, which can lead to other symptoms.Haythe says that people who have experienced one episode of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy are at risk for a recurrence. However, with quick recognition, exclusion of other causes, and proper treatment, she says this condition has an "excellent prognosis," with most patients making a complete recovery.

Can you die from a broken heart? How physical and emotional stress can cause broken heart syndrome

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="55632" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Sleep-Apnea">Sleep apnea</keyword> is a common <keyword id="6372996" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="sleep">sleep</keyword> disorder that can lead to serious <keyword id="6354750" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="health">health</keyword> complications if left untreated. </li><li>To treat sleep apnea, you may need to use a CPAP machine, a special oral appliance, or make a few key lifestyle changes. </li><li>Here's how to identify the symptoms of sleep apnea and get the proper treatment. </li><li>This article <a href="https://www.insider.com/insider-medical-review-board" target="_blank" rel="noopener">was medically reviewed</a> by <a href="https://www.doctorrajd.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Raj Dasgupta, MD</a>, an associate professor of clinical medicine in the division of pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine at Keck School of Medicine of USC. </li></ul><a href="https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/sleep-apnea" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sleep apnea</a> is a condition where people stop breathing, fully or partially, while they are sleeping. There are two main types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type, affecting 26% of American adults ages 30 to 70 and nearly 1 billion people worldwide. If left untreated, it can increase your risk of long-term health problems, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. This article will focus on obstructive sleep apnea and teach you how to recognize the warning signs and seek proper treatment.<h2>What is obstructive sleep apnea? </h2><a href="https://www.sleepapnea.org/learn/sleep-apnea/obstructive-sleep-apnea/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Obstructive sleep apnea</a> (OSA) is the most common type of sleep apnea. It occurs when the tongue falls back onto the soft palate (the area at the back of the mouth and top of the throat). The soft palate pushes to the back of the throat, fully or partially blocking the airway. OSA is associated with poor long-term health outcomes. This includes a higher risk of<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3096276/#:~:text=Undetected%20obstructive%20sleep%20apnea%20can,appliances,%20and%20several%20surgical%20procedures." target="_blank" rel="noopener"> many health complications</a>, such as high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, depression, and early death. And it can also pose short-term health dangers. "The increased sleepiness from OSA can also lead to increased<a href="https://www.sleepapnea.org/learn/sleep-apnea/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> motor vehicle accidents</a> and work-related injuries," says<a href="https://aeroflowinc.com/about/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Kelli Randell</a>, MD, a medical advisor for Aeroflow Healthcare, a medical equipment manufacturer.<h2>Obstructive sleep apnea symptoms</h2>The main<a href="http://sleepeducation.org/essentials-in-sleep/sleep-apnea/symptoms-risk-factors" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> symptoms of OSA</a> include:<ul><li>Loud snoring</li><li>Choking during the night</li><li>Daytime sleepiness because of sleep interruptions</li><li>Morning headaches</li><li>Trouble sleeping all night</li></ul>You might also notice other medical conditions like high blood pressure getting worse, says<a href="https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/find-a-doctor/steven-holfinger-md-79606" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Steven Holfinger</a>, MD, a sleep medicine expert at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. For example, your <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-read-blood-pressure" target="_blank" rel="noopener">blood pressure readings</a> may increase as a result of OSA. If you're experiencing these symptoms, "You should talk with your primary care doctor or see a sleep specialist for further care," Holfinger says. In most cases, physicians will conduct a<a href="https://www.sleepapnea.org/treat/getting-sleep-apnea-diagnosis/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> sleep study</a> to diagnose sleep apnea. During the sleep study your breathing will be monitored and doctors will measure two main factors:1. Apneas where you do not breath for at least 10 seconds.2. Hypopnea where you have restricted breathing for at least 10 seconds at a time.If you have<a href="https://www.sleepapnea.org/treat/getting-sleep-apnea-diagnosis/"> five or more apneas or hypopneas</a> per hour, you will likely be diagnosed with sleep apnea. If you have 30 or more you'll be considered to have severe sleep apnea. <h2>How to treat sleep apnea </h2>After diagnosis, you should work with your doctor to learn how best to treat your sleep apnea. Treatment commonly includes a mix of lifestyle changes, therapies, appliances, or surgeries, such as: <h3>Lifestyle changes</h3>A few key lifestyle changes can help lessen the symptoms of sleep apnea. In most cases, your doctor may recommend these steps on top of other medical treatment: <ul><li>Losing weight. Sleep apnea is closely linked with obesity: about<a href="https://obesitymedicine.org/obesity-and-sleep-apnea/#:~:text=About%2070%25%20of%20adult%20OSA,to%20their%20normal-weight%20peers." target="_blank" rel="noopener"> 70% of people</a> with OSA are obese. In fact, losing 10% of your body weight is linked to a<a href="https://obesitymedicine.org/obesity-and-sleep-apnea/#:~:text=About%2070%25%20of%20adult%20OSA,to%20their%20normal-weight%20peers." target="_blank" rel="noopener"> 20% reduction</a> in OSA symptoms. </li><li>Reducing alcohol intake. Consuming alcohol is associated with an<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5840512/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> increased risk</a> for sleep apnea, and avoiding alcohol can help reduce OSA symptoms and prevent it from getting worse. </li><li>Changing <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-is-the-best-sleeping-position" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sleep position</a>. Specifically, you'll want to avoid sleeping horizontally on your back to help keep your airway clear and treat OSA.<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5700252/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Elevating your head and upper body</a> during sleep — or even<a href="https://jcsm.aasm.org/doi/10.5664/jcsm.4458" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> taping a tennis ball</a> to the back of your shirt to avoid sleeping on your back — can lead to significant short-term improvements for sleep apnea. </li></ul><h3>CPAP therapy</h3>A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is a mask that fits over your face and lightly blows air into your soft palate as you sleep. This gentle pressure is enough to keep the airway from falling closed in patients with OSA, and sometimes, it's the only treatment you'll need. "It's the most effective, nonsurgical treatment for patients. CPAP is considered first-line treatment," Randell says. "Most patients will experience better sleep and quality of life with use of CPAP by itself."Since CPAPs are currently the best treatment for OSA, people with the condition should ideally use this machine diligently until their sleep troubles resolve.However, many people do not use CPAPs as prescribed because they find the machines bothersome or uncomfortable. A <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4992257/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">scientific review</a> from 2016 found that more than 34% of people with a CPAP machine didn't adhere to the use their doctor had prescribed. <h3>Oral appliances</h3><a href="https://www.sleepapnea.org/treat/sleep-apnea-treatment-options/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Oral appliances</a> are worn like a mouth guard or a retainer while sleeping. These can push the lower jaw forward and help keep the airway open."A moderate number of patients have successful treatment with these devices," Randell says. "The biggest complaint about oral appliances is discomfort." However, some people may find them more comfortable than CPAP machines.There are more than 100 of these appliances approved by the FDA for sleep apnea treatment. Your doctor will be able to guide you best when selecting and getting fitted for one of these oral appliances. <h3>Surgical treatments</h3><a href="https://www.sleepapnea.org/treat/sleep-apnea-treatment-options/sleep-apnea-surgery/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Surgical treatments</a> for sleep apnea can be effective, especially for those who have tried a CPAP machine or oral appliances and found that they were too uncomfortable to use consistently. Surgery — which usually includes removing the tonsils — is a common treatment for sleep apnea in children, Holfinger says. "For adults, surgery is much less common but may be necessary when sleep apnea is severe and other treatments have failed," Holfinger says. "The surgical options are meant to either remove or reposition tissue to further open the airway." Here are common surgical options, according to Randell:<ul><li>Nasal surgeries are used for patients who have a nasal obstruction contributing to OSA, but they are not considered effective for patients without that specific contributing factor. </li><li>Upper airway surgeries, like <a href="https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-treatments/p/palate-surgery/types/uppp.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">uvulopalatopharyngoplasty</a> (UPPP), removes extra tissue from the upper airway, while a <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/15605-tonsillectomy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tonsillectomy</a> removes the tonsils. The effectiveness of these surgeries depends on the patient, and can range from 30% to 80%, Randell says. </li><li>Lower pharyngeal and laryngeal procedures, such as tongue reduction or advancement, mandibular advancement, or epiglottis replacement change the structure of the mouth and palate to prevent blockage of the airway. These often require more than one procedure and are effective in 35% to 65% of patients, Randell says. </li><li>Tracheostomy allows the lungs to access air from a hole in the throat, bypassing the airway. This is an extreme but very effective surgery, usually reserved for the most severe cases of sleep apnea. </li></ul><h2>The bottom line </h2>Learning to treat and manage your OSA is an important step for protecting your long-term health. If you suspect you have sleep apnea, you should speak with your doctor and find a treatment that works for you to avoid the more serious health complications of sleep apnea, like high blood pressure or heart disease. "Generally, sleep apnea should be considered a treatable condition, as there are multiple approaches available to control it on a nightly basis," says Holfinger. <h2>Related articles from <a href="https://www.insider.com/health-reference" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Health Reference</a>:</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/why-am-i-always-tired" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Why am I always tired? The main causes of sleepiness and fatigue</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/is-too-much-sleep-bad" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Is too much sleep bad? How oversleeping could signal something is wrong</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/natural-remedies-for-insomnia" target="_blank" rel="noopener">5 natural home remedies for insomnia that can help you get better sleep</a></li></ul>

How to treat sleep apnea and prevent long-term health complications

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<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div></div></div>The feet do a lot more than simply carry us from place to place. They can also provide important clues about our health, from showing us if we're dehydrated to pointing to bigger problems, like impaired circulation or lung disease.
Changes in how your feet look or feel can be the first sign of serious issues that, if caught early, could save your life. Because they're so far from our hearts, the feet are the last body parts to receive a fresh supply of blood and the first to show symptoms of circulation-related distress.
Alex Kor, a practicing podiatrist and the director of the American Podiatrist Association, can spot a variety of conditions within minutes of walking into an exam room with a patient, from whether she smokes to if she's developing kidney disease or diabetes. If one of Kor's patients suspects trouble but can't come in for a visit, Kor has her text him a photo of her feet. If the problem isn't too severe, he can usually provide some insight based on what he sees. "My patients say, 'How'd you know that?' and the truth is I just look," says Kor. (To make a more serious diagnosis, Kor always advises patients to come in for a visit.)
Here are some of the irregularities that can show up on on your feet first - and may hint at something more serious.
<h3>Cold Feet</h3>
<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"></div></div></div>If your feet can never seem to get warm, it could be a symptom of hypothyroidism, a condition in which your thyroid gland fails to make enough of certain important hormones.
Hypothyroidism can cause you to feel <a href="http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003095.htm">more sensitive to the cold</a>. It <a href="http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0733862713001338">can also cause</a> hair loss, fatigue, depression, or unexplained weight gain. While these symptoms alone are <a href="http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025712512000065">not enough to make a diagnosis</a>, they might prompt a doctor to test you for hypothyroidism, which is usually <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypothyroidism/basics/treatment/con-20021179">easily treated</a>.
<h3>Rounded Toes</h3>
If we press the faces of two fingernails together, most of us can see a tiny diamond of space between our fingertips. If that space is absent, it could mean you have digital clubbing, a telltale sign of a more serious issue. Digital clubbing is often associated with pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and cystic fibrosis, according to a <a href="http://www.turner-white.com/pdf/hp_sep03_club.pdf">clinical review</a> by University of Texas Medical Branch professor of internal medicine Bernard Kath and the <a href="http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003282.htm">National Institutes of Health</a>.
<h3>Unhealed Sores</h3>
Have a sore that just won't go away? It could be a red flag for diabetes, says Kyle Schonick, a podiatrist with the Foot and Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic.
When your blood sugar levels rise and fall uncontrollably, as they often can in people with diabetes, your nerves can bear the brunt of the damage. As a result, you might not feel the cuts and scrapes that stick around, but you can still see them. Talk to a doctor if you have <a href="http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001214.htm">a scrape or sore that hasn't visibly improved in a few weeks</a>.
<h3>Hairless Toes</h3>
The toes should bristle with a healthy amount of hair. If they don't, it might suggest a circulatory problem. Healthy hair follicles require a constantly renewing supply of blood <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2001/02/010215074636.htm">to stay healthy</a> and rooted in your skin. If your toes aren't getting enough blood, the hair that grows on your lower digits is probably falling off.
Circulatory problems are usually accompanied by problems maintaining body temperature, so having <a href="http://www.webmd.boots.com/foot-care/cold-toes-numb-feet-poor-circulation">frequently cold feet</a> as well could signify trouble.
<h3>Red Or Swollen Big Toe</h3>
<div class="KonaFilter image-container float_right click-to-enlarge" style="width:463px"><div class="image"><a title_source="Wikimedia Commons" title_caption="In his 18th-century drawing, artist James Gillray depicts the pain of his gout as a demon." class="zoomin" href="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5432ac9b6bb3f7d376d2a564-960/the_gout.jpg"></a><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b8/The_gout_james_gillray.jpg">Wikimedia Commons</a>In his 18th-century drawing, artist James Gillray depicts the pain of his gout as a demon.</div></div>
If your largest toe is <a href="http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Gout/gout_ff.asp">uncharacteristically bloated</a>, it could be a sign that you have <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gout/basics/definition/con-20019400">gout</a>, a painful form of arthritis that occurs when a certain type of acid - found naturally in foods like liver, anchovies, mackerel, dried beans and peas, and beer - builds up in the body.
<h3>Numbness Or Tingling</h3>
Frequent numbness or a feeling of pins and needles in your hands and feet could be a sign of diabetes, a serious disease in which the body's blood sugar levels are difficult to control.
It can be helpful for a doctor to tell you whether your symptoms are a result of numbness, which can be a sign of a more serious neurological condition - or just bad circulation, which can result from a blockage that can often be removed, says Kor.
<h3>Dry, Flaky Skin</h3>
Dry skin can suggest a number of problems elsewhere in the body, from athlete's foot to an allergic reaction. That's why taking a thorough patient history is key to narrowing down the potential causes of a troubling symptom.
If a patient with diabetes shows up with dry skin on her feet for example, Scholnick says he becomes extra cautious. "In someone with a history of another condition or disease, a symptom like dry skin can be very significant," Scholnick says. In people with diabetes, dry skin could be a sign of a more serious condition known as <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12716821">autonomic neuropathy, when the nerves that carry information from the brain to the heart, sweat glands, and blood vessels become damaged</a>.
<h3>Cramps</h3>
<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right click-to-enlarge"><div><div class="image on-image"><a title_source="Tomas Bravo / Reuters" title_caption="Foot cramps can signal dehydration or potassium deficiency, while heel pain can be a sign of plantar fasciitis." class="zoomin" href="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5437e622ecad04ce5ce71698-960/foot-feet-massage-podiatry-podiatrist.jpg"></a>Tomas Bravo / ReutersFoot cramps can signal dehydration or potassium deficiency, while heel pain can be a sign of plantar fasciitis.</div></div></div>Foot cramps are typically a sign that <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/muscle-cramp/basics/causes/con-20014594">you haven't had enough water to drink or enough potassium to eat</a>.
Fortunately, this problem has a pretty easy solution: Drink more water and start snacking on some potassium-rich papaya or banana.
<h3>Heel Pain</h3>
If you experience sharp, shooting pain in the back of your foot whenever you get out of bed in the morning or stand up at your desk, you could have a condition known as <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/plantar-fasciitis/basics/definition/con-20025664">plantar-fasciitis</a>.
Plantar-fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. It happens when strain on the flat band of tissue connecting your heel to your toes causes the ligament to become inflamed. Your podiatrist will probably suggest you take a break from the gym, get some more comfortable shoes, and stretch regularly. Heel pain could also be a sign of a problem with the bone structure of your foot, says Scholnick. If one part of the foot isn't structured properly (if you have <a href="http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001261.htm">high arches</a>, for example), it could be putting other bones and muscles under stress, leading to pain elsewhere.
<h3>Swollen Ankles</h3>
<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right click-to-enlarge"><div><div class="image on-image"><a title_source="Flickr" title_caption="A swollen ankle, like the one on the right here, can mean kidney trouble." class="zoomin" href="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5437e76b69bedda71d1a07b4-960/swollen-right-ankle.jpg"></a><a href="https://flic.kr/p/7cWfS7">Flickr</a>A swollen ankle, like the one on the right here, can mean kidney trouble.</div></div></div>Swollen ankles can suggest <a href="http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Kidney-disease-chronic/Pages/Symptoms.aspx">kidney trouble</a>. When the kidneys, your body's nutrient-filtering-machines, aren't functioning properly, fluid can build up throughout the body. Since we spend most of our time upright, much of that fluid accumulates in the ankles and feet.
"When I walk into the exam room, I typically know the patient has a longterm history of kidney problems before they even open their mouths," says Kor.
Checking in on your ankles and toes regularly is a good way to spot the signs of potentially serious health problems, from diabetes to kidney disease, before they become life-threatening. While they might be the farthest from our brains in physical distance, they shouldn't be farthest from our minds when it comes to taking care of our health.

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