At one time or another, we all experience symptoms that may range from simply annoying to frightening. Although most of the time, these symptoms do not signify a serious illness, they may cause great anxiety when they occur. The following article will help to explain some of the common symptoms you may experience, and when to seek medical care.
Crackling Joints
Many people experience this phenomenon upon certain movements. Common joints affected are the knees and ankles, although it may occur in other joints as well. There are three schools of thought on what causes joints to "crack". Your joints are bathed in a fluid called synovial fluid, which acts as a lubricant for the joint. This fluid contains certain gases: oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide, which are released when the joint capsule is stretched. These gases can accumulate and be released when the joint moves, resulting in a cracking noise or sensation. Another theory is that tendons which support your joints get moved out of place when you move the joint. When the tendon moves back to its normal position, you may hear a crack, and experience a snapping sensation. Arthritis is a common cause of crackling joints. The hallmark of arthritis is the loss of smooth cartilage, which results in a roughened joint surface. When bones that have lost this cushion of cartilage rub together, they can produce cracking or popping sounds. Experts agree that if you are experiencing pain when your joints pop or crack, you should seek advice from a medical professional.
Ringing in the Ears
This common phenomenon can be very frustrating and bothersome. Also known as tinnitus, ringing in the ear is the perception of sound in the ear without a corresponding sound externally. Tinnitus may occur in one or both ears, or in the head. People may describe the sound they hear as ringing, whining, buzzing, whistling, or other variations. The sound may come and go, or may be present constantly, causing considerable distress. Tinnitus may be short-lived, or may be related to an underlying cause, such as an ear infection, wax build-up in the ears, damage from loud noise, or may even be a side effect of certain medications. Determining the cause is the key to treating tinnitus. If you suffer from persistent ringing in the ear(s), you should see your doctor for evaluation and treatment.
Eye Twitching
Eye twitching (blepharospasm) is the common, involuntary movement of your eyelids. Most people will experience this at one time or another. Although annoying, it is usually not serious. Common causes of this phenomenon are fatigue and stress. People who suffer from Tourette's syndrome or other neurological conditions may suffer a more severe form of this symptom. The portion of the brain which controls movement is the basal ganglion, and twitching of the eyelids is thought to arise from abnormal function in this area, which may be exacerbated by fatigue, stress, and anxiety. Other causes of the condition are prolonged staring (as in long hours on a computer) and an injury to the cornea of the eye. Occasional twitching is not cause for concern; however, if the twitching is constant or very bothersome, medical advice should be sought. In some countries, Botox is used to paralyze the eyelid muscles, thus putting an end to this annoying symptom. In other severe cases, medications such as muscle relaxants may be prescribed.
Jaw Clicking
Many people experience occasional clicking of the jaw with chewing or yawning. Generally, jaw clicking in itself is not a cause for concern unless accompanied by other symptoms, such as facial pain, headache, or jaw locking. Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint which connects your lower jaw to the side of your head. It allows you to perform activities such as talking, eating, and yawning. Muscles surround this joint and hold it in correct allignment. If these structures are not aligned properly, jaw clicking may result. If jaw clicking is accompanied by facial pain, headache, and chewing difficulties, the term temporomandibular disorder (TMD) may be used. If these symptoms accompany jaw clicking, seeing your doctor or dentist is advised.
Itching
Itching is perhaps one of the most annoying symptoms to experience. Itching, also called pruritus, is a skin irritation which causes the urge to scratch. It may be a minor irritation, or can be intense and overwhelming, depending on the cause. Common causes of pruritus include skin conditions, such as dry skin and eczema, allergic reactions, chemical irritation (such as might be caused by using a new laundry detergent), insect stings and bites, parasites that live under or on the skin (such as scabies and lice), pregnancy, rash from illness such as chickenpox, or reactions to medications. A more serious cause of pruritus is liver disease. To soothe itchy skin, cold compresses to the affected area can be tried. Medicated lotions and lukewarm baths are also sometimes helpful. Oral medication may be necessary in some cases. If you are suffering from itchy skin, try to avoid scratching the area, which may cause secondary infection of the skin. You should also avoid becoming over heated, which may make the itching worse. Your doctor should be consulted if you have itching to your entire body, if you have numerous hives to your body, and if itching is persistent and no cause can be determined.
Tummy Noises
It is normal for your abdomen to make rumbling noises. Most people associate rumbling in the abdominal area with hunger, and the noise can be quite loud at times. Borborygmus is the medical term for the rumbling of gas through the intestines. This is a normal part of the digestive process. Borborygmus can sometimes signal a more serious problem if it is accompanied by abdominal pain, bloating, nausea and vomiting, or inability to pass wind (gas) rectally. Borborygmus in these circumstances may signal a problem in the gastrointestinal tract, such as a bowel obstruction. In this case, medical attention should be sought.
Hot Flushes
Hot flushes are frequently experienced by women as they transition through menopause, and are probably the biggest reason for women seeking medical care for menopausal symptoms. Some women are hardly bothered by them, while others have frequent flushes that interfere with quality of life. Hot flushes give the sensation of intense heat throughout the body, and may feel most intense in the neck and face. Many women also experience sweating with flushes, which adds to the discomfort. Flushing episodes may last for seconds or minutes, and may occur sporadically or frequently. Flushes may be accompanied by other symptoms commonly associated with menopause, including sleep disturbances, depression, memory disturbances, and inability to concentrate. Over the past several years, debate has focused on the best way to manage menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes. The use of hormones is controversial, and women considering taking hormone replacement therapy need to weigh the pros and cons individually with their physicians. Allowing for extra rest, exercise, and a well-balanced diet may help alleviate hot flushes. Many common symptoms that people experience have benign causes and are short-lived. There are, however, exceptions to every rule. If any of the above symptoms occur, and are bothersome, it is usually wise to seek advice from your physician.
No comments:
Post a Comment