Shortness of Breath: Signs That Indicate You Should See a Doctor

If you feel a tightness in your chest with breathing difficulty, as if unable to get enough air in your lungs, you have just experienced shortness of breath or Dyspnea. While the feeling of gasping for air could be due to minor or temporary issues, it can indicate an underlying health complication or disorder of the heart, lungs, or other diseases.It is important to recognize the symptoms, as&nbsp;breathing problems could be a precursor of a serious condition. Let us thus, understand more about Dyspnea in detail.&nbsp;<h2>Understanding Shortness of Breath vs. Normal Breathing Issues</h2>While normal breathing issues can result from physical exercise, running, taking stress, or feeling anxious or too happy, the shortness of breath could be more contentious, and complicated:<ul><li>One possible condition is Sighing dyspnea, wherein you may take deep breaths after a lot of sighing to ease breathing. The other is Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND), after falling asleep you may get the feeling of inability to breathe for an hour or two.</li><li>If you are in a suffocating or enclosed space, you may have difficulty breathing, and that is normal. It is a natural body reaction if your heart races to pump more blood and help oxygen reach your organs.</li><li>However, shortness of breath causes may indicate a possible respiratory infection, dysfunction of lungs or other body systems, and asphyxiation.</li></ul>&nbsp;<h2>Difficulty Breathing: Common Causes and Serious Implications</h2>Here are some of the&nbsp;reasons for shortness of breath from minor to more serious ones:&nbsp;<h3>Minor Causes</h3><ul><li>Allergies are the reason for Dyspnea, as they cause blocked or narrow airways. It is best to avoid coming in touch with allergens or anything that may cause nasal irritation.</li><li>If you are sick, dehydrated, or have engaged in a workout regimen, problems with breathing may occur. Try to calm down and breathe slowly to overcome the condition.</li><li>Immediate consequence of&nbsp;breathing issues, is choking in the throat due to food or a foreign item stuck in the air passageway or the food pipe. Try to release the item at the earliest for relief.</li></ul>&nbsp;<h3>Severe Health Conditions&nbsp;</h3><ul><li>Some of the&nbsp;shortness of breath causes&nbsp;are respiratory infection, asthma, tuberculosis, fluid in the lungs, inflammation of the lungs, heart disorder, etc.</li><li>Collapsed lungs, pulmonary embolism, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other lung complications.</li><li>Other&nbsp;reasons for shortness of breath are arrhythmia, anemia, endocarditis, heart failure, pericarditis, cardiomyopathy, or myocarditis.</li><li>Broken ribs, sleep apnea, depression, obesity, and being in extreme temperatures may also cause&nbsp;shortness of breath in a few.&nbsp;</li></ul>&nbsp;<h2>Breathing Problems: When to Seek Medical Attention?</h2>Here is a list of signs and symptoms of difficulty breathing, which you must consult your doctor at the earliest:<ul><li>If you experience sudden chest pain with shortness of breath, you must get a doctor on call immediately.</li><li>If your nails, lips, or skin turn blue due to instant breathlessness, then seek urgent medical attention.</li><li>Irregular heartbeats, finding any&nbsp;breathing exercise&nbsp;persistently hard, swollen ankles or feet combined with&nbsp;difficulty breathing means it is time to consult a professional.</li><li>Wheezing or high-pitched sound during breathing is also an early warning sign of&nbsp;breathing problems and other health issues.</li></ul>&nbsp;<h2>Importance of a Breathing Test</h2>A&nbsp;breathing test is necessary if you encounter shortness of breath quite often. It can detect the actual cause behind the condition. Here are some of the diagnostic measures:<ul><li>You must get a physical exam to check your blood pressure and prescribed blood tests to track possible illnesses or anemia, resulting in difficulty breathing.</li><li>The healthcare provider may recommend a CT scan, chest X-ray, or special imaging test for your chest and lungs.</li><li>A lung function test is a breathing test most common and suggested by professionals, especially for those with a history of breathing troubles.</li><li>Or, he/she may ask you to use a stationary bike or treadmill for cardiopulmonary exercise testing. This can help detect your breathing pattern, the oxygen amount intake, and the carbon dioxide amounts you release during a workout.</li></ul>&nbsp;<h2>How to Manage and Improve Breathing?</h2>While&nbsp;shortness of breath may not always be a serious problem, there are a few ways to better your breathing process:&nbsp;<h3>Breathing Exercises</h3><ul><li>To enhance your lung capacity, try pursed lip breathing. It helps to widen the airways and let more air pass in and out of the nose.</li><li>Breathe in through the nose and feel your belly inflating, and after releasing the air from the mouth, you will feel the stomach deflate. This belly breathing exercise is quite useful for any common man.</li><li>Practice deep breathing exercises for 5-10 minutes every day. Sit in a comfortable position and relax your mind beforehand. This routine will facilitate oxygen circulation in the blood, and even unclog your airways.</li><li>If a steady workout causes shortness of breath, resort to interval training by taking gaps between physical activities.</li></ul>&nbsp;<h3>Lifestyle Changes</h3><ul><li>To reduce&nbsp;breathing problems, quit smoking and do not use irritants such as certain perfumes and aerosols.</li><li>Exercise physically regularly. Start with walking and light jogging. This will help manage your weight and improve your lung capacity and breathing.</li><li>Do yoga and meditation. Try to counter stress and manage anger, if you get disturbed or upset too soon and often.</li><li>Maintain a healthy sleeping pattern if shortness of breath is because of tiredness and lack of sleep.</li><li>Avoid oily food items as these are bad for your gut, heart, and overall well-being. Drink plenty of water and substitute alcohol with healthy fruit juices.</li></ul>&nbsp;<h2>Doctor on Call by First Response Healthcare</h2>First Response Healthcare offers a premium&nbsp;<a href="https://firstresponsehealthcare.com/ae/dubai/doctor-on-call">doctor on call</a> service, providing high-quality medical care at your doorstep, 24/7. Whether you're at home, in a hotel, or at your office, their team of DHA-licensed doctors is available to deliver prompt, personalized care for a wide range of health concerns. The service ensures convenience, eliminating the need to visit a clinic or hospital, while offering treatments such as flu vaccinations, diagnostics, and general consultations. With First Response Healthcare, you can trust that expert medical care is always just a call away, ensuring your health is never compromised.&nbsp;<h2>Conclusion: Coping with Shortness of Breath</h2>As respiratory diseases are on the rise everywhere, you must never avoid breathing issues and related health complications. As per&nbsp;<a href="https://www.doh.gov.ae/en/covid-19/about">Department of Health</a>, in the UAE shortness of breath is also one of the COVID-19 infection symptoms. Thus, if you encounter unusual changes in your breathing, seek timely medical intervention.&nbsp;<h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2>&nbsp;<h3>Q. What should I do if I experience sudden shortness of breath?</h3>It is advisable to seek immediate medical attention if difficulty breathing intensifies and the cause of it is unknown. Constant breathlessness for a long time can turn out to be fatal.&nbsp;<h3>Q. How do I know if my shortness of breath is bad?</h3>Persistent&nbsp;breathing problems are bad as they impact your organs and overall health. Early warning signs are palpitations, unable to breathe properly or fully, and weakness.&nbsp;<h3>Q. Can shortness of breath be cured naturally?</h3>The&nbsp;reasons for shortness of breath could be either minor or severe.&nbsp;And you must follow the advise given by the healthcare provider to deal with the condition naturally and medically.&nbsp;<h3>Q. How do I know if my shortness of breath is serious?</h3>If&nbsp;shortness of breath causes chest pain, dizziness, blurriness, confusion, headache, or concussion, then it can indicate a worse problem.&nbsp;<h2>References &amp; Citations:&nbsp;</h2><a href="https://www.doh.gov.ae/en/covid-19/about">Department of Health - COVID-19 Symptoms, Including Shortness of Breath</a> &nbsp;<h2>Related Blogs</h2><a href="https://firstresponsehealthcare.com/blog/how-to-identify-and-manage-asthma-symptoms-effectively">How to Identify and Manage Asthma Symptoms Effectively</a>? <a href="https://firstresponsehealthcare.com/blog/understanding-bronchitis-prevention-tips-and-natural-remedies-for-relief">Understanding Bronchitis: Prevention Tips and Natural Remedies for Relief</a> <a href="https://firstresponsehealthcare.com/blog/home-remedies-for-dry-cough">Home Remedies for Dry Cough</a>

Shortness of Breath: Signs That Indicate You Should See a Doctor | First Response Healthcare

Experiencing shortness of breath? Discover when it’s time to consult a doctor. Prioritize your health and take action today.

Strep Throat vs. Tonsillitis Key Differences and Symptoms to Watch For

Inflammation of the tonsils leads to&nbsp;tonsillitis, while&nbsp;strep throat or streptococcal pharyngitis is a throat inflammation caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes. As the&nbsp;tonsils are a part of the pharynx (throat), many confuse it with&nbsp;strep throat. To understand the difference, it is crucial to know the biology.&nbsp;<ul><li>The two oval-shaped, pink-colored small bumps, one each on either side of the throat are palatine tonsils.</li><li>The infection of this lymphatic system organ is&nbsp;tonsillitis.</li><li>However, throat infections caused by bacteria cause&nbsp;strep throat in adults and children.</li></ul>According to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK401249/">National Library of Medicine</a>, Sore throats typically result from inflammation caused by cold viruses, which can affect the tonsils. Tonsillitis, an inflammation of the tonsils, usually resolves within one to two weeks but may recur. Let us acquaint you with&nbsp;how to treat strep throat and&nbsp;tonsillitis, the symptoms, causes, complications, prevention techniques, and home remedies for such inflammation.&nbsp;<h2>Strep Throat: Symptoms, Causes, and Complications</h2>Know everything about&nbsp;strep throat infection:&nbsp;<h3>Causes of Strep Throat</h3>The group A Streptococcus (GAS), or S. pyogenes bacterium is often the cause for a&nbsp;strep throat. This bacterium also leads to 30% of&nbsp;tonsils problems.<h3>Symptoms of Strep Throat&nbsp;</h3><ul><li>The&nbsp;strep throat symptoms include painful swallowing, headache, fever, and pain in the abdomen.</li><li>You may also encounter bouts of vomiting, nausea, and sudden&nbsp;sore throat due to the growing&nbsp;throat infection.</li><li>Swelling of tender lymph nodes in the neck and an area of pus around red&nbsp;tonsils, which may also swell.</li></ul><h3>Complications of Strep Throat</h3><ul><li>If you do not seek&nbsp;strep throat treatment on time, inflammation can impact the joints, brain, heart, and skin.</li><li>You may suffer from rheumatic fever and kidney inflammation known as post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis.</li><li>A life-threatening infection of the deep muscle, blood, lungs, and fat tissue is known as an invasive GAS infection.</li><li>Scarlet Fever occurs when the strep bacteria produce a toxin, leading to a red rash, high fever, and a "strawberry tongue." While treatable, if ignored, it can result in more severe health issues.</li></ul>&nbsp;<h2>Tonsillitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Complications</h2>Here is all you need to know about&nbsp;tonsillitis:&nbsp;<h3>Tonsillitis Causes</h3>Most people get&nbsp;tonsillitis because of viral infection from rhinovirus. Other germs responsible are herpes simplex virus, influenza A (flu virus), and Epstein-Barr virus (mono).<h3>Tonsillitis Symptoms</h3><ul><li>The&nbsp;tonsillitis symptoms are&nbsp;sore throat, headache, cough, red and swollen&nbsp;tonsils with pus infection.</li><li>Painful swallowing, runny nose, fever, and bad breath.</li><li>The tender lymph nodes may swell in the neck. You may even get a postnasal drip.</li></ul><h3>Tonsillitis Complications</h3><ul><li>Apart from rheumatic fever,&nbsp;tonsillitis symptoms can worsen and give rise to post-streptococcal arthritis, jugular vein thrombophlebitis, necrotizing fasciitis, post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, and scarlet fever due to toxins in the body.</li><li>You can even get sinusitis and ear infection, as the germ can spread to the nose and eustachian tube of the ear.</li><li>Due to GAS, you may even suffer from toxic shock syndrome, brain abscess, and meningitis. When the&nbsp;tonsillitis&nbsp;is untreated for a long time, it can lead to organ failure and low blood pressure.</li></ul>&nbsp;<h2>Tonsils Inflammation and Strep Throat: Diagnosis and Testing</h2>To recommend&nbsp;wellness at home, the healthcare provider will check the person’s throat, neck, and head area. It is difficult to confirm the infection’s cause is a particular bacterium, GAS, or virus by looking at the affected area. Thus, here are the following diagnosis methods applicable:<ul><li>A throat culture or&nbsp;rapid strep test can detect the kind of infection. The doctor can check for viral inflammation by performing a rapid viral nasopharyngeal swab test.</li><li>Acute tonsillitis can affect individuals of any age, though it is more commonly observed in young adults and children. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination of the throat and an assessment of symptoms.</li><li>The doctor will swab the back of the&nbsp;tonsils and throat. The sample will be put in a container, where a solution will be added to track if&nbsp;strep throat and GAS bacterium are present. You can expect the result on the same day.</li><li>However, the&nbsp;strep throat rapid test result can be negative. If the healthcare provider feels further investigation is required, the sample will be sent for throat culture. Here, you can expect the results in 2-3 days.</li></ul>&nbsp;<h2>Strep Throat and Tonsillitis Treatment, Prevention, and Care Options</h2>Know the&nbsp;tonsil inflammation and&nbsp;strep throat treatment options. We will also discuss other prevention and care techniques like:&nbsp;<h3>How to Treat Tonsillitis?</h3><ul><li>In most cases,&nbsp;tonsils are caused by a virus. The healthcare provider may recommend antibiotics if the inflammation is from bacteria.</li><li>Usually, your immune system will fight the infection. But if the condition becomes recurrent or chronic, seek medical attention from an ENT (ears, nose, throat) specialist.</li><li>To treat persistent&nbsp;tonsillitis, you may have to undergo tonsillectomy. This is a type of surgery to remove tonsils.</li></ul>&nbsp;<h3>How to Treat Strep Throat?</h3><ul><li>The healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics for&nbsp;strep throat treatment or give a benzathine penicillin G shot. If you have a fever, it is advisable to rest for at least a day after using antibiotics.</li><li>Medicines like amoxicillin and penicillin also treat the condition. Another antibiotic alternative is erythromycin if you are allergic to penicillin.</li><li>For such a&nbsp;throat infection, you can also use cephalexin or cephalosporin through a prescription from a professional.</li></ul>&nbsp;<h3>Prevention and Home Remedies</h3>To get relief from&nbsp;tonsillitis symptoms and&nbsp;strep throat symptoms, you can take some preventive steps and follow home remedies as follows:<ul><li>If you are prone to throat problems, get help from a&nbsp;doctor on call and seek ready treatment, knowing the tips to manage and treat the condition.</li><li>Avoid intake of oranges, pineapples, and other citrus fruits to restrict the worsening of throat infection.</li><li>Submit to regular examinations annually if you have a history of issues related to&nbsp;tonsils and throat.</li><li>Avoid smoking and exposure to irritants like room fresheners, mouth fresheners, etc.</li><li>Drink a lot of water. You can also have honey and lemon tea or sip on warm and nutritious herbal teas.</li><li>Try soothing lozenges for&nbsp;sore throat and irritation.</li><li>Install a room humidifier if the bedroom air is dry.</li><li>To alleviate pain and fever, you may take ibuprofen or acetaminophen medication.</li><li>Do warm saltwater gargle to ease&nbsp;tonsils inflammation and throat issues. Repeat at least 2-3 times a day.</li></ul>&nbsp;<h2>Conclusion: Caring for Tonsils Inflammation and Strep Throat</h2>Be it&nbsp;tonsillitis or&nbsp;strep throat, treatment is possible if you take quick action. Seek medical assistance on time, and until then follow the recommended tips to manage the condition as mentioned in this blog and by your healthcare provider.&nbsp;<h2>Doctor on Call Service for Strep Throat and Tonsillitis</h2>If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of strep throat or tonsillitis and are unsure of the next steps, it’s crucial to seek medical advice promptly. With First Response Healthcare’s&nbsp;<a href="https://firstresponsehealthcare.com/ae/dubai/doctor-on-call">doctor on call</a> service, you don’t have to leave the comfort of your home. Available 24/7 across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah, our service ensures that you receive timely and professional medical care right where you are—whether in your home, hotel, or office. This is especially beneficial for those dealing with the discomfort of throat infections, as it allows you to get the necessary treatment without the added strain of traveling to a clinic. Whether you're in the heart of the city or a quieter residential area, our trusted doctors are just a call away, ready to help you recover quickly and safely. &nbsp;<h2>Frequently Asked Questions&nbsp;</h2><h3>Q.&nbsp;How to tell if you have strep throat without tonsils?</h3>Consult a doctor and get a&nbsp;rapid strep test and physical examination of the throat to know what type of&nbsp;throat infection you have.&nbsp;<h3>Q.&nbsp;How can we tell the difference between strep throat and viral infection?</h3>You can get a&nbsp;strep throat rapid test to understand if the inflammation of the throat is from a virus, bacterium, or any other kind of germ.&nbsp;<h3>Q.&nbsp;Do you cough with strep?</h3>Typically, coughing is not a symptom of strep throat, as it is more often associated with viral infections. However, if you experience a cough along with strep throat, it could be a sign of a secondary infection, such as pneumonia, which requires medical attention.&nbsp;<h3>Q.&nbsp;Can strep throat heal on its own?</h3>Yes, strep throat can technically heal on its own, but it is highly inadvisable to leave it untreated due to the risk of serious complications.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>Q.&nbsp;How to test for strep throat at home?</h3>Throat swab kits are available to test for&nbsp;throat infection at home. Follow the instructions on the kit label to perform the test. Results show within 5 to 15 minutes.&nbsp;<h3>References &amp; Citations</h3><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK401249/">National Library of Medicine</a>: Tonsillitis&nbsp;<h3>Related Blogs&nbsp;</h3><a href="https://firstresponsehealthcare.com/blog/home-remedies-sore-throat">10 Best Home Remedies for Sore Throat</a> <a href="https://firstresponsehealthcare.com/blog/home-remedies-tonsillitis">14 Effective Home Remedies for Tonsillitis: Quick Relief and Prevention</a>

Strep Throat vs. Tonsillitis Key Differences and Symptoms 

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Confused about strep throat vs. tonsillitis? Learn about the symptoms of each condition from First Response Healthcare and know when to seek medical care.


Strep Throat vs. Tonsillitis: Identify Symptoms and Key Differences

Foodborne Illnesses: Understanding Risks and Ensuring Food Safety

Eating contaminated foods containing harmful fungi, viruses, bacteria or particles can lead to&nbsp;foodborne illness or infection. They may have long-term or short-term consequences depending on the severity of the condition. It is advisable to follow&nbsp;food safety norms and seek treatment if you show signs and symptoms of the disease. Let us delve deeper into this topic.&nbsp;<h2>What is Foodborne Illness?</h2>Caused by viruses, bacteria, prions, environmental pollutants, parasites, and natural chemicals,&nbsp;foodborne infection incidents are more relevant these days. This is because of increased exposure to contaminated water, food, and other reasons. Have a look at more details below:&nbsp;<h2>Types of Foodborne Infectious Diseases</h2>Here are the common&nbsp;foodborne infection diseases and their types:&nbsp;<h3>Norovirus</h3>This viral&nbsp;infection from food spreads through food cultivated in water polluted with feces. Oysters and certain fruits and vegetables are among the risk items.&nbsp;<h3 style="margin-left:-18pt;">&nbsp; &nbsp;Botulism</h3>It can take several weeks for&nbsp;foodborne diseases caused by bacteria toxin to show symptoms such as impaired vision, difficulty breathing and swallowing, and muscle weakness. The reason behind the condition is improper fermented, canned, and preserved food or honey.&nbsp;<h3>Toxoplasmosis</h3>Caused by a parasite, this&nbsp;foodborne infection results from eating contaminated or undercooked venison, lamb, shellfish, or pork. It can take weeks to months to develop symptoms such as eye pain, blurred vision, miscarriage, muscle pain, etc.&nbsp;<h3>Giardiasis</h3>This parasitical&nbsp;food illness happens from consuming feces-infested food or water. It may take 2 to 6 weeks to show signs such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, flatulence, and dehydration.&nbsp;<h3>Listeriosis</h3>This&nbsp;foodborne illness is caused by bacteria found in deli meat, soft cheeses, hot dogs, vegetables, and fruits. It can take days or weeks for the initial signs to show such as muscle aches, headache, fever, vomiting, loss of balance, diarrhea, and fatigue.&nbsp;<h3>Campylobacteriosis</h3>This bacterial&nbsp;foodborne infection occurs when one drinks contaminated water or eats undercooked or raw seafood, poultry, or meat. It can take a week for the condition to develop. The symptoms include abdominal cramps, fever, and bloody diarrhea.&nbsp;<h3>Escherichia Coli</h3>Being another bacterial infection, you may experience&nbsp;foodborne illness symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, vomiting, and stomach cramps. The signs may surface after 5 to 7 days of having contaminated ground meat products, vegetables, raw milk, or drinking water.&nbsp;<h3>Anisakiasis</h3>With&nbsp;foodborne infectious diseases on the rise, you must avoid eating raw or uncooked squid and fish, the cause behind this is a parasite. It can take up to 3 weeks for symptoms such as anaphylaxis, abdominal pain and bloating, vomiting, and nausea.&nbsp;<h2>Causes of Foodborne Infections</h2>As understood, a&nbsp;foodborne illness usually happens due to the intake of polluted water, fruits, vegetables, seafood, and other food items.&nbsp; Here are some of the possible sources, causes, and high-risk foods associated with the disease:<ul><li>Toxins in cereal, corn, mushrooms, or mold on grains may lead to&nbsp;foodborne infectious diseases in people and animals.</li><li>Infections proteins i.e. prions found in parts of cattle infected with the ‘mad cow disease’. Eating the infected meat can result in&nbsp;food illness in individuals.</li><li>Environmental pollutants: Byproducts of plastic production and waste management, as well as heavy metals such as lead and mercury, are found in water and soil, can contaminate foods and lead to foodborne illnesses.</li><li>Pollutants such as plastic and heavy metals (mercury and lead) are present in soil and water. This can contaminate the food, causing a&nbsp;foodborne illness and its serious consequences</li><li>Uncooked and undercooked food can also lead to&nbsp;infection from food in people of all ages. Thus, it is advisable to eat only fully cooked meals.</li></ul>&nbsp;<h2>Recognizing Foodborne Illness Symptoms</h2>Here is an overview of the&nbsp;foodborne illness symptoms to know:<ul><li>Vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, fever, and stomach cramps.</li><li>Headache and dehydration are the common signs of the condition.</li><li>Weakness and loss of electrolytes from the body.</li><li>Problems with bowel movements, stomach flu, and joint pain.</li></ul>&nbsp;<h2>Differences Between General Food Illness and Food Poisoning</h2>Most of us use&nbsp;food poisoning and&nbsp;foodborne illness as interchangeable terms. But there are a few notable differences between the two:<ul><li>Every illness caused by the intake of food or drink polluted with pathogens is listed under the umbrella term —&nbsp;foodborne illness&nbsp;or disease.</li><li>Thus, the condition can happen due to toxins or infection from fungi, viruses, or bacteria. The germs in question then multiply in the gut, leading to&nbsp;foodborne illness symptoms ranging from mild to severe.</li><li>However,&nbsp;food poisoning symptoms occur due to toxin-containing food, which releases harmful pathogens afterward. Thus, the said food items may not contain any live germs in them.</li></ul>&nbsp;<h3>Foodborne Diseases and Food Poisoning: Prevention and Treatment</h3>Some of the&nbsp;food poisoning treatment and prevention options:<ul><li>Drink plenty of water with electrolyte salts and avoid caffeine. You can prepare hot tea made from herbs such as peppermint, chamomile, or dandelion.</li><li>Take OTC medicines such as Pepto-Bismol and loperamide (Imodium) to cope with nausea and diarrhea.</li><li>Your doctor can suggest a&nbsp;Food Intolerance Test if you feel abdominal discomfort from consuming any food or beverage to check if you have an infection, or if it is a case of food allergy or inability to digest a particular food component.</li><li>In worse scenarios, the affected person with&nbsp;food poisoning can be hospitalized and hydration through intravenous fluids.</li><li>The healthcare provider will first confirm the type of&nbsp;foodborne illness you have and prescribe medicines accordingly.&nbsp;</li></ul>&nbsp;<h2>What Are the Best Practices for Food Safety?</h2>Here are some of the tips for&nbsp;food poisoning treatment at home and in public places:<ul><li>Wash your hands with soap before and after consuming any food item or beverages. This will deter you from contracting&nbsp;foodborne illness issues.</li><li>It is suggested you eat only cooked food and restrict your intake of raw and uncooked vegetables and meat.</li><li>Wash raw meat, vegetables, and fruits well before cooking them. There are several organic antibacterial and antiviral solutions that you can add to the water when washing the edibles.</li><li>Ensure&nbsp;food safety by checking labels on canned and raw items and seeing the expiry date and the ingredients.</li><li>Try to have food cooked at home. Do not eat from roadside stalls or places that follow unhygienic practices of handling food. &nbsp;</li></ul><h2>Food Intolerance at Home Service | First Response Healthcare</h2>Understanding the risks of foodborne illnesses is essential, but it’s equally important to recognize the role of food intolerance in your overall health. At First Response Healthcare, we offer a convenient&nbsp;<a href="https://firstresponsehealthcare.com/ae/dubai/food-intolerance-test" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">food intolerance at home</a> service, allowing you to get tested without the need to visit a clinic. Our experienced medical professionals will come to your home, collect samples, and provide you with a comprehensive report. This service is ideal for identifying specific food intolerances that may be contributing to digestive discomfort or other health issues. By understanding your body's unique reactions to certain foods, you can take proactive steps to improve your diet and overall well-being.&nbsp;<h2>Conclusion: Managing Food Infection and More</h2>While foodborne illnesses can affect anyone, following the safety and prevention methods can protect you. As per&nbsp;<a href="https://services.dha.gov.ae/sheryan/wps/portal/home/circular-details?circularRefNo=CIR-2024-00000076&amp;isPublicCircular=true&amp;fromHome=true" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dubai Health Authority</a>,&nbsp; it has taken preventive measures in the UAE for early detection of infection from food and reduced the risk of spread through its epidemiological surveillance of Foodborne disease cases in Dubai. All health facilities and healthcare professionals under the Dubai Health Authority’s jurisdiction need to report gastrointestinal illness (transmitted through water or food) cases, within 4 hours from the time of infection or suspicion about it. Thus, at a personal level too, you must be careful and seek medical attention if you think you have a foodborne disease. &nbsp;<h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2>&nbsp;<h3>Q. Why is it important to understand foodborne illness?</h3>You must understand&nbsp;foodborne illness symptoms and causes for a better treatment plan for yourself and quicker recovery.&nbsp;<h3>Q. What are the 5 foodborne infectious diseases?</h3>As discussed above,&nbsp;food poisoning and illnesses are caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, natural toxins, and environmental pollutants.<h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>Q. Who is most at risk for foodborne infection?</h3>Those who consume contaminated food and beverages, along with a weak immune system are more prone to&nbsp;food illness and problems.<h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>Q. What are the first signs of food illness?</h3>The initial&nbsp;food poisoning symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea, fever, dehydration, body aches, stomach cramps, and muscle pain.&nbsp;<h3>References &amp; Citations</h3><a href="https://services.dha.gov.ae/sheryan/wps/portal/home/circular-details?circularRefNo=CIR-2024-00000076&amp;isPublicCircular=true&amp;fromHome=true">Dubai Health Authority: Surveillance of Foodborne &amp; Waterborne Illness in all Health Facilities in Dubai</a> &nbsp;<h3>Related Blogs</h3><a href="https://firstresponsehealthcare.com/blog/food-poisoning-causes-symptoms-treatments-and-prevention">Food Poisoning Causes, Symptoms, Treatments and Prevention</a> <a href="https://firstresponsehealthcare.com/blog/how-to-prevent-food-poisoning-during-summer">How to Prevent Food Poisoning during Summer</a>? <a href="https://firstresponsehealthcare.com/blog/how-can-i-book-lab-tests-at-home-in-dubai">How can I Book Lab Tests at Home in Dubai</a>?

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Worried about foodborne illnesses? Understand the risks and learn simple ways to ensure food safety in your kitchen. Take action for a healthier life!


Food Intolerance vs. Food Allergy: Key Differences and How to Manage Both

Do you know&nbsp;food allergy is different from&nbsp;food intolerance? While the former elicits a response from the immune system, the latter may cause digestive system issues. In both cases, the body releases antibodies. The symptoms of the two could be similar like stomach pain, uneasiness, nausea, etc. However, there are some clear distinctions between these health problems, which we will further discuss in the blog below.&nbsp;<h2>Food Intolerance: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Tests</h2>If you have a&nbsp;food intolerance, it means that your digestive system is unable to break down certain food components, leading to hypersensitivity to that item. Thus, when you eat that particular food, there could be signs of stomach discomfort. Let us take a closer look at food&nbsp;hypersensitivity:&nbsp;<h3>Common Causes of Food Intolerance</h3>People with&nbsp;food hypersensitivity do not produce a particular enzyme that is needed for the digestion of food. Gastrointestinal conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and celiac disease are more susceptible to food sensitivities. Other causes are:<ul><li>Histamine: Histamine is a natural chemical found in foods such as pineapple, bananas, cheese, chocolate, some white and red wines, and avocados. Those intolerant to histamine cannot produce enough diamine oxidase enzyme to digest the chemical.</li><li>Lactose: If you are intolerant to lactose, your system does not produce a sufficient amount of lactase enzyme to break lactose for digestion. Lactose is present in dairy products and milk.</li><li>Gluten: Gluten is a protein present in barley, rye, and wheat. Those with gluten sensitivity are a type of autoimmune disease, wherein the body cannot break down this protein.</li></ul>&nbsp;<h3>Symptoms of Food Hypersensitivity</h3>You may encounter some unpleasantness after consuming food you are sensitive to. Here are some of&nbsp;food intolerance symptoms commonly visible in the affected person:<ul><li>Stomach upset</li><li>Heartburn</li><li>Abdominal pain and cramps</li><li>Bloating and gas</li><li>Diarrhea</li><li>Nausea</li><li>Migraines and headaches</li></ul>&nbsp;<h3>Food Intolerance Tests and Diagnosis</h3>The most common&nbsp;food intolerance test is the hydrogen breath test. It can help identify lactose hypersensitivity. You may have to drink a beverage containing lactose and after every half an hour, breathe in a balloon-like container, for a few hours. In case of intolerance, the hydrogen levels will rise in your breath, and you may show signs of overreaction.<ul><li>As for histamine and gluten intolerance, there are no specific&nbsp;food intolerance tests. It is advisable to keep track of food items you have had an adverse reaction to for a ready reference.</li><li>You can even remove the food items that show intolerance symptoms, from your diet for a few weeks.</li><li>If the discomfort disappears, and returns after restarting the food consumption, it means you are hypersensitive to that item.</li></ul>&nbsp;<h2>Food Allergy: Common Allergens, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Tests</h2>If your immune system overreacts to any food component or item you consume, it can lead to serious consequences. If not addressed on time, it can even lead to death. Here is a detailed understanding of an allergic reaction to food items:&nbsp;<h3>Common Food Allergies List</h3>If your immune system reacts to a particular irritant or allergenic protein, you may notice&nbsp;food allergy rash, hives on the skin, breathing troubles, and other problems. Here is a&nbsp;food allergy list to know:<ul><li>Mustard</li><li>Tree nuts</li><li>Fish</li><li>Wheat and triticale</li><li>Eggs</li><li>Peanuts</li><li>Soy</li><li>Milk</li><li>Crustaceans and mollusks</li><li>Sulphite</li><li>Sesame seeds</li></ul>&nbsp;<h3>Food Allergy Testing and Diagnosis</h3>Your immune system produces allergy antibodies. This can be tested through a blood test. Also, allergy skin testing can detect your body’s response to allergens. You can choose&nbsp;at-home food allergy tests but it’s advisable to get a clinical examination instead. If you have lactose intolerance, then a hydrogen breath test is helpful.&nbsp;<h3>Symptoms of Food Allergy</h3>Your body can show some reactions to food you are allergic to. Here is a list of&nbsp;food hypersensitivity signs to watch out for:<ul><li>Body rash</li><li>Coughing</li><li>Hives</li><li>Food skin allergy like redness, itching</li><li>Anaphylaxis</li><li>Vomiting</li><li>Drop in blood pressure</li><li>Tightness in the throat</li><li>Breathing trouble</li><li>Stomach ache</li></ul>&nbsp;<h2>Food Intolerance and Food Allergy: Know the Differences</h2>People may use&nbsp;food allergy and&nbsp;food intolerance as interchangeable terms. But both are different in many aspects. Release of antibodies is common when reacting to foreign invaders, here are some distinctive characteristics:<ul><li>A&nbsp;food allergy produces IgE antibodies, giving rise to fast reactions with symptoms appearing immediately, while&nbsp;food intolerance releases IgG antibodies with slow reactions, where the symptoms show up late.</li><li>Allergy to a food is the result of a reaction from the immune system. However,&nbsp;food intolerance is related to issues digesting certain foods, irritating the digestive system.</li><li>You can consume small amounts of food safely in case of hypersensitivity to food, but that’s not true for allergens.</li><li>While&nbsp;food allergy symptoms are serious and could be life-threatening,&nbsp;food hypersensitivity symptoms are severe but not life-threatening.</li><li>Trigger foods causing&nbsp;food skin allergy and other symptoms are rich in fructose, FODMAP (items with a type of carbohydrate your body finds difficult to absorb), gluten, preservatives, and histamine.</li></ul>&nbsp;<h2>Managing Food Allergies and Food Intolerance</h2>It is important to deal with symptoms of allergy and intolerance to food as soon as possible. Here are some of the tips for managing a&nbsp;food allergy and&nbsp;food intolerance at home:<ul><li>To manage&nbsp;food hypersensitivity, you can eliminate or restrict problematic foods. If you want to remove mild symptoms, you can use OTC medicines such as antidiarrheal and antacids.</li><li>Those with lactose intolerance can consume dairy products and milk, free of lactose. You may even consider lactase enzymes from your pharmacist.</li><li>You may use lactase pills when having dairy items, or add lactose drops to milk to help digest lactose.</li><li>To manage an&nbsp;allergic reaction to food, avoid the allergen altogether. In case of a reaction, you may use epinephrine autoinjectors or antihistamines (combats congestion and itching).</li><li>To deal with a&nbsp;food allergy, you may depend on epinephrine (reverses effects of anaphylaxis) and corticosteroids (reduces serious allergic reactions and swellings). &nbsp;</li></ul><h2>Food Intolerance Test by First Response Healthcare</h2>For those dealing with food intolerances, First Response Healthcare offers convenient and personalized food intolerance testing services right in the comfort of your home. Their expert team provides comprehensive testing and tailored advice to help you identify specific food triggers and manage symptoms effectively. With professional support and a focus on individualized care, First Response Healthcare ensures that you receive accurate results and practical solutions to enhance your well-being and quality of life. To schedule a&nbsp;<a href="https://firstresponsehealthcare.com/ae/dubai/food-intolerance-test">food intolerance test at home</a>, simply contact First Response Healthcare and enjoy expert care delivered directly to your door.&nbsp;<h2>Conclusion: Living Healthy with Food Allergy and Intolerance</h2>According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482187/">NCBI</a>, About 6% of children experience food allergic reactions in the first three years of life, including approximately 2.5% with cow’s milk allergy, 1.5% with egg allergy, and 1% with peanut allergy. Studies have shown that peanut allergy prevalence increased over the past decade. Most children tend to outgrow milk and egg allergies by school age. In contrast, children with peanut, nut, or seafood allergies retain their allergy for life.While a food allergy and&nbsp;food hypersensitivity may cause health issues, you can reduce the incidences, and eliminate the problems by following the above-mentioned tips, prevention strategies, treatment, and precautions.&nbsp;<h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2>&nbsp;<h3>Q. What is the first step in the treatment of food Allergies?</h3>Avoid the allergen to protect from the&nbsp;food allergy, or if there is a reaction, then use emergency medicine such as epinephrine to recover from anaphylaxis.&nbsp;<h3>Q. How can you prevent allergic reactions from occurring?</h3>To prevent an&nbsp;allergic reaction to food, be mindful to read the ingredients on the food item’s label before purchase. When eating out, always let the cook know to avoid adding the items you are allergic to.&nbsp;<h3>Q. What is the difference between food intolerance and an allergy?</h3>As discussed above,&nbsp;food allergy causes a reaction from the immune system, while&nbsp;food intolerance causes digestive issues, leading to gas, bloating, stomach ache, etc.&nbsp;<h3>References &amp; Citations</h3><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482187/">NCBI: Food Allergies</a> &nbsp;<h3>Related Blogs&nbsp;</h3><a href="https://firstresponsehealthcare.com/blog/the-benefits-of-food-intolerance-testing-understanding-your-body-s-reactions-to-different-foods">The Benefits of Food Intolerance Testing: Understanding Your Body’s Reactions to Different Foods</a> <a href="https://firstresponsehealthcare.com/blog/understanding-food-intolerance-test">Understanding Food Intolerance Tests: What You Need to Know</a>

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Food allergies and intolerances can be tricky. Understand their key differences and find effective management strategies in our informative guide.

Top Home Remedies for Easing a Stiff Neck: Tips and Techniques

While a stiff neck can happen due to improper posture, sitting upright for long hours, or sleeping in the same position, it can indicate serious underlying concerns too such as inflammation of tissues, meningitis, etc. The neck sprain impacts the muscles and ligaments around the bones, causing muscle strain and contraction. The pain may go away on its own with home remedies, lifestyle changes, and exercise, but you may have to consult a doctor if the condition persists.In this post, we will take you through stiff neck causes, symptoms, remedies at home, things to avoid, prevention, and treatment. &nbsp;<h2>Understanding Stiff Neck: Causes and Symptoms</h2>Before understanding the stiff neck remedies, it is important to know the causes and symptoms of neck pain, which we are going to discuss further:&nbsp;<h3>Causes of Stiff Neck</h3><ul><li>Whiplash is when the neck moves aggressively in another direction (side to side, front to back, and vice versa) due to a tragic injury.</li><li>Poor posture at the workplace, constrained space to sit in, physical or mental stress.</li><li>Diseases such as meningitis (swelling in the brain), fibromyalgia, certain cancers, and neck arthritis.</li><li>You may encounter neck pain due to overworking the tissues in the neck, trauma or injury to it, stress, a disease, or arthritis. Especially, the strain on the shoulder and neck muscles due to using a phone for too long is a common reason for the problem.</li><li>Herniated disks or bone spurs can lead to nerve compression in the area, and cause stiffness.</li></ul>&nbsp;<h3>Stiff Neck Symptoms</h3><ul><li>Localized pain in the neck and surrounding areas with difficulty in moving around. Reduced mobility because of the muscle ache.</li><li>Muscle tension in the neck causes restricted movement and discomfort.</li><li>Radiating pain in the upper and lower back and swelling or inflammation of the neck muscles.</li><li>Soreness and tenderness at certain spots of the neck along with headache.</li><li>Trouble sleeping, tiredness, confusion, and concussion due to pressurized nerves.</li><li>A tingling sensation in the neck, shoulders, and arms, which repeats constantly.</li></ul>&nbsp;<h2>Effective Stiff Neck Remedies to Try at Home</h2>You can follow&nbsp;home remedies for stiff neck to get some relief. Here are some practical ideas that you can consider:1. Heat and Cold Therapy: Use hot and cold compress alternatingly on the affected neck area. Get an ice pack and heat pack for this purpose. These are available in the nearest pharmacies. Repeat once or twice every day for a few minutes.2. Gentle Neck Stretches and Exercises: Move your neck gently from side to side and back to front by applying light pressure to alleviate stiffness. Turn your neck 360 degrees clockwise and anticlockwise a few times when the pain is mild. Put your hands forward and at the side, and flap easily for neck pain relief and that of the spine and shoulder.3. Herbal Remedies and Essential Oils: Massaging with peppermint, marjoram, basil, and lavender essential oil on the neck and solving stiff neck problems. Take some drops on your fingertips and gently rub the oil on the affected spots. Take rest by lying down or being in a comfortable position thereafter.&nbsp;<h2>Best Practices for Preventing Stiff Neck</h2>Prevention is better than cure is the truth. So, apart from stiff neck treatment at home, you must rather focus on how to avoid the ‘pain in the neck’ at first:<ul><li>If you work for long hours by sitting at a place, then ensure that you sit upright with less strain over the spine, neck, and back. Take intervals to get up and walk around a bit.</li><li>Do not work in cramped places, especially if you have a desk job. Sitting in a cramped position can cause a stiff neck more often than not. Choose an ergonomic workspace instead.</li><li>Engage in regular physical activity to flex your muscles. This will get rid of any stiffness in the body and strengthen the muscles all over the body. Also, it will keep your weight in check, directly preventing neck issues.</li><li>Place a small pillow underneath your neck during sleep. This will give you neck pain relief and avert a more serious crisis of chronic pain.</li><li>Hot baths in Epsom salt water ease pain in many ways and rejuvenate you. It also improves blood circulation, which can help combat muscle and tissue-related ailments.</li></ul>&nbsp;<h2>When to Seek Professional Neck Pain Treatment?</h2>If the pain lasts for more than a few days, then it is time to seek stiff neck treatment by consulting your healthcare provider. Here are a few instances, when you must look for help from neck pain clinics:<ul><li>If you are unable to move your neck in any direction due to excruciating pain</li><li>If there is a constant headache because of soreness and pain in the neck muscles</li><li>If you feel you have sprained your neck and cannot lift your head</li><li>If none of the home remedies for stiff neck have worked.</li><li>If you feel a current-like feeling running down your spine on the slightest of neck movement.</li></ul>&nbsp;<h2>Stiff Neck Treatment at Home: What to Avoid?</h2>While a&nbsp;stiff neck treatment through massage, essential oils, and other techniques at home is convenient, here are some warnings and mistakes to avoid:<ul><li>Follow the advice of a professional when it comes to stiff neck exercises. You can watch video tutorials by therapists if you cannot visit one. But do not start any exercise without proper guidance.</li><li>When exercising, avoid overexertion, or it can lead to an injury to the neck. As for stiff neck remedies, yoga, and meditation are good to start with.</li><li>Whenever applying hot and cold compress for neck pain treatment, do not use overheated pads or very cold ice packs. Remember to alternate the compress and not to apply hard pressure.</li><li>Do not forget to take a neck pillow with you if you are traveling. You can even use a cushion for a stiff neck when sitting or lying down.</li><li>While practicing stiff neck treatment at home, do not let children ape you as some exercises may not be appropriate for kids.</li></ul>&nbsp;<h2>Conclusion: Ensuring Neck Pain Relief</h2>While stiff neck remedies at home can be helpful, specialized treatment techniques are being researched to deliver quicker and longer-lasting relief from the condition. According to the&nbsp;<a href="https://mohap.gov.ae/en/media-center/news/18/1/2022/uae-named-host-country-of-international-conference-on-otorhinolaryngology-ent-2023">Ministry of Health and Prevention</a>, in 2022, the UAE was named the host country of the International Conference on Otorhinolaryngology ENT 2023, with surgeons and medical professionals from all walks of life, along with those dealing with head and neck surgery.The country is taking great leaps in the advancement of medical science and treatment. As individuals, we must support these efforts by taking care of our health, and consulting a doctor if neck pain or other health issues persist.&nbsp;<h2>Physiotherapy at Home by First Response Healthcare&nbsp;</h2>For those suffering from a stiff neck, First Response Healthcare provides a convenient&nbsp;<a href="https://firstresponsehealthcare.com/ae/dubai/physiotherapy">physiotherapy at home</a> service, delivering expert care directly to your doorstep. Our DHA-licensed physiotherapists are skilled in alleviating neck pain and stiffness through customized exercises and techniques aimed at improving mobility and reducing discomfort. With personalized physiotherapy sessions conducted in the comfort of your home, you can address your neck issues without the need to visit a clinic, ensuring a quicker and more comfortable recovery. First Response Healthcare’s&nbsp;physiotherapy at home service makes managing neck pain more efficient and effective, all from the ease of your own space.&nbsp;<h2>Frequently Asked Questions&nbsp;</h2><h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>Q. Can a stiff neck go away on its own?</h3>Sometimes a stiff neck can ease on its own, especially if the injury or stress is mild. However, you can always try the&nbsp;home remedy for a stiff neck for added relief.&nbsp;<h3>Q. How long should I apply heat or cold therapy?</h3>Do not apply heat or cold pad for more than a few seconds at a time. Take turns for each compress and do not continue if there is discomfort.<h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>Q. Are there any specific exercises to avoid if I have a stiff neck?</h3>Any strenuous exercise is a big deal if you have a stiff neck, especially those that involve your neck, shoulders, arms, and back.<h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>Q. What are the best sleeping positions to prevent neck pain?&nbsp;</h3>You may sleep on the back or side for neck pain relief, as it will help with muscle stretching, and reduce tension on the shoulders too.&nbsp;<h3>Q. Can stress cause a stiff neck?&nbsp;</h3>Stress is one of the leading causes of stiff neck in individuals. Stress of any kind be it physical or mental is detrimental to health, and in this concern, your neck.&nbsp;<h3>References &amp; Citations:</h3><a href="https://mohap.gov.ae/en/media-center/news/18/1/2022/uae-named-host-country-of-international-conference-on-otorhinolaryngology-ent-2023">Ministry of Health and Prevention - UAE hosts ENT 2023 conference</a> &nbsp;<h3>Related Blogs</h3><a href="https://firstresponsehealthcare.com/blog/how-to-relieve-neck-and-back-pain-with-physiotherapy">How to Relieve Neck and back Pain with Physiotherapy?</a> <a href="https://firstresponsehealthcare.com/blog/top-8-benefits-of-musculoskeletal-msk-physiotherapy">Top 8 benefits of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy</a> <a href="https://firstresponsehealthcare.com/blog/benefits-of-physiotherapy-treatment-for-back-pain-at-home">Benefits of Physiotherapy Treatment for back pain at home</a>

Top Home Remedies for Easing a Stiff Neck: Tips and Techniques 

Stiff neck bothering you? Discover natural remedies and easy techniques to relieve tension. Find comfort today with our expert tips!


Discover how to spot asthma symptoms beyond just coughing and wheezing. Learn practical tips to manage symptoms effectively and start your journey to better health today!

From Coughing to Wheezing: Recognizing the Signs of Asthma Beyond the Basics

Asthma is a lung disease. It occurs due to narrowed and swollen airways from excess mucus. The inflammation of the lung’s lining makes it hard to breathe, causing chest tightness, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Being a chronic condition, you can keep it under control through medicines, inhalers, home remedies, and lifestyle changes. Let us further discuss asthma symptoms, causes, treatment, and more.&nbsp;<h2>Understanding Asthma: Causes and Triggers</h2>Researchers have found no particular cause of asthma. However, some triggers make&nbsp;asthma symptoms&nbsp;worse:<ul><li>Air pollution, living in regions susceptible to poisonous gases such as industrial areas.</li><li>Exposure to tobacco smoke, toxins, and viruses can make you vulnerable to symptoms of asthma easily.</li><li>Strong emotions such as sadness, laughter, stress, anxiety, etc.</li><li>Family history of asthma or allergic diseases indicating disturbed respiratory system.</li><li>Heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)</li><li>Infections such as flu, cold, and sinusitis may trigger signs of asthma in adults and children.</li><li>Exercise-induced breathing issues are usually seen during playtime or tough physical activity.</li><li>Certain medications such as aspirin. Sulfites and other food preservatives in pickles, shrimp, bottled juices, and dried fruits.</li><li>Allergens like pet dander, mold, dust mites, and pollen are what causes asthma commonly.</li><li>Sudden shifts in weather from cold to dry, hot, and humid conditions.</li><li>Irritants such as perfumes, air fresheners, or cleaning solutions.</li></ul>&nbsp;<h2>What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Asthma?</h2>Due to inflammation of the bronchial tube,&nbsp;signs of asthma go beyond difficulty breathing, coughing fits, and tiredness. Here are some of the common and more severe asthma symptoms to note:<ul><li>Heavy retraction with the area between rib and neck compressing due to breathing troubles.</li><li>Sweaty and pale face, especially during an asthma attack resulting in the skin/face/fingernails turning blue.</li><li>Snoring consistently and trouble sleeping, lead to sleeping disorders.</li><li>Less energy for activities, fatigue, and tiredness are other symptoms of asthma to consider.</li><li>Feelings of panic, nervousness, and anxiety along with extreme emotions.</li><li>Wheezing, a whistling sound because of strained breathing and blocked airways.</li><li>Coughing, especially after waking up or during sleep are also common signs of asthma.</li><li>Rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and the tendency to hyperventilate.</li><li>The inability to speak in complete sentences happens when asthma symptoms get severe.</li><li>A growing chest tightness and pain with pressure building around the ribs.</li></ul>&nbsp;<h2>Effective Asthma Treatment Options</h2>Depending on your age, trigger factors, and type of asthma you have, the healthcare provider will prepare an asthma treatment plan for quick relief and long-term relief:&nbsp;<h3>Quick-relief Asthma Treatment</h3><ul><li>Medicines include Short-acting beta2-agonists (SABAs), Systemic Corticosteroids, and Short-acting anticholinergics. They open the airways faster and ease breathing troubles.</li><li>Available as an injection or oral medicine, bronchodilators act quickly within minutes to widen airways by relaxing the tightened muscles. It reduces asthma symptoms and is often taken with a nebulizer.</li><li>You can also use bronchodilators with an inhaler for asthma so that a controlled dose of the medicine goes into your system at your own pace.</li><li>If you are active in sports and work a lot, then use an inhaler for asthma 20 minutes prior as it will soothe your airways.</li></ul>&nbsp;<h3>Long-Term Asthma Treatment</h3><ul><li>Your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids to fight inflammation of the airways. Another option is long-acting beta2-agonists (LABAs) that prevent the narrowing of the bronchial path. You can take it with inhaled steroids or corticosteroids.</li><li>You may use the hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) inhaler for asthma including with a spacer. This helps breathe the medicine in mist form and relaxes neck and chest muscles tightening.</li><li>Long-acting bronchodilators in combination with anti-inflammatory medications. Anticholinergics work in the same way to expand airways to let more air in.</li></ul>&nbsp;<h3>Other Asthma Treatment Considerations</h3><ul><li>If you think a person is having an asthma attack, then help them use a nebulizer or inhaler for asthma immediately. Make them sit upright beforehand and check the number of puffs to administer by reading about the dosage.</li><li>Doctors can prescribe biologics to prevent severe asthma symptoms in adults. The treatment targets certain antibodies that cause the inflammation. It is provided in the form of injection or infusion.</li><li>Depending on the signs of asthma, your healthcare provider may suggest bronchial thermoplasty, a new procedure. It uses a heated electrode within the airways and reduces the muscle size in the surroundings to prevent its tightening.&nbsp;</li></ul>&nbsp;<h2>What Should Asthma Patients Avoid?</h2>Asthma is a life-long condition. It does not go away but you can control the asthma symptoms by avoiding the following activities:<ul><li>Not wearing a face mask when going out during an outbreak of respiratory illness due to a contagious pathogen.</li><li>Being in closed places for a long time makes it harder to breathe.</li><li>Working in hazardous conditions that promote breathing problems.</li><li>Overexerting physically during work, play, or exercise.</li><li>Drinking too much alcohol if you already show symptoms of asthma.</li><li>Smoking or being near someone who is currently smoking.</li><li>Being in a place high in air pollution and toxins.</li><li>Using irritants and being in proximity of allergens.</li><li>Consuming food items you are allergic to, risking blockage or inflammation of airways/</li><li>Being in a space with very dry air without a humidifier.</li></ul>&nbsp;<h2>Conclusion: Keeping a Check on Asthma Symptoms</h2>According to the&nbsp;<a href="https://services.dha.gov.ae/sheryan/wps/portal/home/circular-details?circularRefNo=CIR-2013-SHN0453&amp;isPublicCircular=1&amp;fromHome=true">Dubai Health Authority</a>, in 2019, The International Family Medicine Conference &amp; Exhibition(IFM) was held with the intention of delivering better healthcare services and building stronger medical tourism in the UAE. One of the agendas included was about discussing the prevalence of asthma in the Middle East.Thus, most countries worldwide are tackling the growing concern of asthma and other respiratory diseases, which saw a spike after the recent pandemic. Thus, we should also try and manage asthma better in case the symptoms persist, and prevent the condition in the best possible way.<h2> Physiotherapy at Home by First Response Healthcare</h2>For those managing asthma symptoms, First Response Healthcare’s&nbsp;<a href="https://firstresponsehealthcare.com/ae/dubai/physiotherapy">physiotherapy at home</a> service delivers vital support right to your doorstep. Our skilled physiotherapists offer specialized care to alleviate asthma symptoms through targeted breathing exercises and techniques designed to improve lung function. With Physiotherapy at Home, you can address issues like wheezing and coughing more effectively, making it easier to manage your asthma and enhance your overall well-being.<h2> Frequently Asked Questions &nbsp;</h2><h3>Q. What are the early warning signs of asthma?</h3>The early warning&nbsp;signs of asthma are trouble sleeping, frequent coughing, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing during laughing or exercising, etc.&nbsp;<h3>Q. Can asthma symptoms change over time?</h3>Yes, asthma symptoms may change over time. The symptoms depend on your health, age, lifestyle, exposure to pollutants, and allergens.&nbsp;<h3>Q. How can you tell the difference between wheezing and asthma?</h3>Wheezing is a whistling sound when you breathe from constricted airways and is one of the common symptoms of asthma and could be a symptom of other respiratory problems too. However, asthma is a lung disease.&nbsp;<h3>Q. Can asthma go away naturally?</h3>No, asthma does not go away naturally. It is a chronic and progressive condition that requires ongoing management. Effective control of asthma typically involves medication prescribed by a physician.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>Q. Can children develop asthma, and how can it be managed?</h3>Yes, childhood asthma happens. It may affect children before the age of 5. Medicines and an inhaler for asthma are some of the ways to manage the condition.&nbsp;<h3>References &amp; Citations:</h3><a href="https://services.dha.gov.ae/sheryan/wps/portal/home/circular-details?circularRefNo=CIR-2013-SHN0453&amp;isPublicCircular=1&amp;fromHome=true">Dubai Health Authority - 2019 IFM Conference</a><h3> Related Blogs</h3><a href="https://firstresponsehealthcare.com/blog/how-to-identify-and-manage-asthma-symptoms-effectively">How to Identify and Manage Asthma Symptoms Effectively?</a> <a href="https://firstresponsehealthcare.com/blog/chest-physiotherapy-for-asthma">Chest Physiotherapy for Asthma</a> <a href="https://firstresponsehealthcare.com/blog/when-to-see-a-doctor-for-a-cough">When To See A Doctor For A Cough?</a>

Explore the link between obesity, public health, and economic stability. Understand the importance of tackling this challenge now for future generations.

How Does Obesity Impact the Future of a Nation's Health and Economy?

Having excessive body fat can lead to obesity in both adults and children. The condition causes chronic diseases and affects overall well-being. However, you can manage your weight and take prescribed medicines to reduce the flab in your body and live an improved life. In this blog, we will discuss obesity symptoms, types, causes, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and more.&nbsp;<h2>Understanding Obesity: What You Need to Know</h2>While fat is an important portion of your body, if it goes over a limit, then you may encounter several health problems. To understand if you are obese or not, the doctor can advise checking your Body Mass Index (BMI). The BMI takes into account several factors to measure the apt average body weight in favor of your height. A BMI of 30 or higher defines obesity in adults.&nbsp;<h2>BMI as an Indicator of Body Fat</h2><ul><li>If your BMI score is high, you don't need to be obese. For instance, athletes and bodybuilders have more muscle on them and a higher BMI score. However, the fat levels in their body could be low.</li><li>On the flip side, even those with optimal BMI scores may have a higher fat percentage in their body with a prevalence of obesity and related diseases.</li><li>Some even consider waist circumference (more than 40 inches in males and 35 inches in females), as a measure of being overweight.</li></ul>&nbsp;<h2>Types of Obesity</h2>The severity of being overweight classifies obesity types, for which BMI is the major measurement. A BMI between 25.0 and 29.9 kg/m² means you have excessive body weight. Here are the three categories defined by healthcare professionals:<ul><li>BMI 30 to &lt;35 kg/m² defines Class I obesity</li><li>BMI 35 to &lt;40 kg/m² translates into Class II obesity</li><li>BMI 40+ kg/m² means&nbsp;morbid obesity or Class III obesity</li></ul>&nbsp;<h2>Childhood Obesity: A Growing Concern</h2>Learn more about obesity during childhood:<ul><li>The term ‘childhood obesity’ is complex to define. It is determined as when a child has a weight more than what is considered a healthy weight for their height, age, and gender at birth.</li><li>The weight assessment is done using special growth charts as children's bodyweight comparison differs from adults.</li><li>The BMI measure is also different for kids as compared to adults. Thus, childhood obesity is when a kid has a BMI at or above the 95th percentile of gender at birth and age (2 years of age or more) of children.</li><li>Apart from food habits, lifestyle, and other shaping factors for a child’s growth, their weight is also influenced by genetic expression. For instance, if the mother has gestational diabetes, then the infant may grow to be overweight if preventive measures are not taken.</li></ul>&nbsp;<h2>The Leading Causes of Obesity</h2>Here are some of the common and serious causes of obesity to know:<ul><li>Regular consumption of food low in fiber and high in sugar and fat.</li><li>A sedentary lifestyle with a lack of physical activity and exercise.</li><li>Certain chronic diseases related to the immune system, metabolism, heart, liver, blood, joints, etc. affect the mobility and health of the person.</li><li>Medicines for diabetes, depression, seizures, and diabetes, along with steroids and beta-blockers.</li><li>Disability as it poses physical limitations in body movements, thus, limiting the scope of regular workouts.</li><li>Other causes of obesity include fatigue, hormonal imbalance, stress, food-eating disorders, etc.</li></ul>&nbsp;<h2>Obesity Symptoms and Risk Factors</h2>Your body may undergo noticeable changes if you are overweight. Let us study more about obesity symptoms and warning signs:<ul><li>If your metabolism slows down, then the body burns fat slowly as well. Moreover, it may not get the chance to spend the energy stored in the system and accumulate fat, even if your diet is nutritious and you regularly work out.</li><li>High blood pressure, chest pain, aching joints, negative impact on memory and cognition, coronary artery disease, gallstones, chronic kidney disease, fatty liver, and back pain.</li><li>Asthma, gout, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, thinner skin than before, infertility, and obesity hypoventilation syndrome.</li><li>Chronic inflammation, diabetes, high lipid levels (cholesterol and triglycerides), darkened skin patches at specific places of your body, dizziness, or tiredness.</li></ul>&nbsp;<h2>Diagnosis of Obesity</h2>While BMI calculation and waist size can indicate obesity, there are other tests and diagnostic methods to understand if a person is obese or not:<ul><li>Waist-to-hip comparisons</li><li>CT scans, ultrasounds, and MRI scans</li><li>Skinfold thickness test</li><li>ECG or EKG (electrocardiogram) and other heart tests</li><li>DEXA (dual-energy radiographic absorptiometry) scans</li><li>Liver function test</li><li>Blood test to note the glucose and cholesterol levels</li><li>Thyroid and diabetes test</li></ul>&nbsp;<h2>Treatment and Prevention Strategies</h2>Beyond ensuring&nbsp;<a href="https://firstresponsehealthcare.com/ae/dubai/wellness-at-home">wellness at home</a> through a healthy and nutritious diet, regular exercise, and stress reduction, here are some strategies to treat and prevent obesity:<ul><li>If your BMI is more than 35, then you already have&nbsp;morbid obesity, and in this case, your doctor can prescribe medicines to curb appetite or reduce fats in your guts.</li><li>Some medications slow down the digestive system and lower the gut’s power to absorb fats. While these medicines are effective, they may have some side effects. So, discuss your options with the healthcare provider.</li><li>Include exercise in your routine every day. To manage the&nbsp;prevalence of obesity, start with brisk walking, cycling, jogging, yoga, and aerobics before joining intensive workout sessions.</li><li>Focus on your mental well-being as many times disturbed mental state enhances&nbsp;obesity symptoms due to unhealthy habits such as eating disorders, overeating, poor diet, lack of physical activity or sleep, etc.</li><li>Your doctor may suggest weight reduction surgeries if none of the other methods work. You may go for gastric sleeve surgery, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, or gastric bypass surgery.</li></ul>&nbsp;<h2>Conclusion: Prevalence of Obesity and Steps Against It</h2>While every other nation is taking measures to counter obesity, According to the&nbsp;<a href="https://mohap.gov.ae/en/media-center/news/8/3/2022/national-uae-taskforce-on-obesity-discusses-developing-joint-roadmap-to-tackle-obesity-crisis">Ministry of Health &amp; Prevention</a>, the National&nbsp;UAE&nbsp;Taskforce has planned steps to tackle&nbsp;obesity in the UAE, especially in children of age group 5-17 years. The authorities are working hard to promote weight management, physical activity, healthy eating, and other practices. Thus, it is also crucial to take care of ourselves and maintain an optimum weight.<h2>&nbsp;</h2><h2>Frequently Asked Questions&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;<h3>Q. Why is obesity a problem worldwide?</h3>Due to a sedentary lifestyle, poor food choices, more screen time, and less time for physical workouts, most countries in the world are facing rising cases of obesity.&nbsp;<h3>Q. How will obesity rates affect people's future health?</h3>If obesity symptoms become more common in people, then health complications will increase in the affected people, as well as adversely impact the lifespan of the person.&nbsp;<h3>Q. How can we prevent obesity?</h3>Keep a check on obesity symptoms and follow a healthy lifestyle, eat nutritious food high in fiber and low in fats, exercise regularly every day, sleep well, and stress less.&nbsp;<h3>Q. How to reduce obesity quickly?</h3>Watch your diet and exercise daily. Talk to a healthcare provider if you have any chronic disease and get treated for any risk diseases that may lead to obesity.&nbsp;<h3>References &amp; Citations:</h3><a href="https://mohap.gov.ae/en/media-center/news/8/3/2022/national-uae-taskforce-on-obesity-discusses-developing-joint-roadmap-to-tackle-obesity-crisis">Ministry of Health &amp; Prevention - UAE Taskforce on Obesity Roadmap</a><h3> Related Blogs&nbsp;</h3><a href="https://firstresponsehealthcare.com/blog/global-conference-on-obesity-nutrition-and-health-disorders">Global Conference on obesity nutrition and health disorder</a> <a href="https://firstresponsehealthcare.com/blog/know-healthy-diet-plan-for-weight-loss">Know Healthy Diet Plan for Weight Loss</a> <a href="https://firstresponsehealthcare.com/blog/comparing-different-types-of-health-checkups-which-one-is-right-for-you">Comparing Different Types of Health Checkups: Which One is Right for You?</a> <a href="https://firstresponsehealthcare.com/blog/how-genetic-testing-can-enhance-your-weight-loss-journey">How Genetic Testing Can Enhance Your Weight Loss Journey</a>

How Does Obesity Impact the Future of a Nation's Health and Economy

Learn everything about HIV testing in Dubai with First Response Healthcare. Discover testing options, locations, and why early detection is crucial for your health!

Everything You Should Know About HIV Testing in Dubai

According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unicef.org/mena/reports/ending-aids-epidemic-among-young-people">UNICEF</a>, The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is one of only two regions in the world with rising numbers of people acquiring HIV. The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) estimates that about 20,000 people acquired HIV in the MENA region in 2022, a 54 percent increase since 2010.The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has a presence around the globe. Since the virus attacks the immune cells by causing acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, taking away the body’s ability to fight off infections, it is vital to get HIV testing early and prevent further complications. In this blog, we will talk about HIV infection and screening in Dubai, along with other details.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>HIV Virus Transmission, Causes, and Symptoms to Know</h2>If infected, you may fall sick often as the HIV virus destroys the CD-4 immune cells responsible for fighting infection. The condition may make you susceptible to chronic diseases and cancers, gradually causing a decline in the immune system and the beginning of AIDS.<h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>Transmission</h3>HIV spreads between humans through bodily fluids such as rectal fluids, blood, breast milk, vaginal fluids, pre-seminal fluid, and semen. There is no transmission through urine, sweat, saliva, touching objects touched by the infected person, pets, mosquitoes, or intimate contact with anyone having a stably undetectable viral load. You can always get an HIV test at home if you suspect having the condition.&nbsp;<h3>Causes</h3>The virus can spread to another individual if the bodily fluids come in contact with the bloodstream, damaged tissue like open wounds, or mucous membranes (inside of the vagina, rectum, penile organ, mouth, etc.). Risk behaviors are unprotected intercourse, sharing needles, reusing needles during tattooing, blood transfusion, breastfeeding, or through pregnancy. You can sign up for an HIV test in Dubai if you engage in any risk behaviors, and suspect an infection.&nbsp;<h3>Symptoms</h3>Some of the common HIV symptoms are night sweats, chills, fever, fatigue, cough and cold, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, hypertension, diarrhea, yeast infections, muscle and body aches, swollen lymph glands, heart problems, mouth ulcers, neuropathy, and others.&nbsp;<h2>HIV Testing Types and Where to Get It Done?</h2>With the chances of getting HIV in Dubai growing every day among people who partake in risky behaviors leading to this condition, it is essential to get the virus test done. Early detection means treatment on time, improving the quality of life, and negating the onset of AIDS. Here are the types of diagnosis for HIV in the UAE:&nbsp;<h2>Types of Tests for HIV in Dubai</h2><h3>Blood Tests:</h3>&nbsp;The virus contains antigens that elicit a response from the immune system, whereas antibodies are proteins to combat infections, and are produced by the body. You can get an&nbsp;HIV blood test to detect it at home or laboratory using a vein draw or finger prick method.<ul><li>A rapid HIV test&nbsp;tells if you have HIV antibodies within 15 minutes.</li><li>You can also get an antigen test as early as 10 days after the&nbsp;HIV virus attack.</li></ul>There is an&nbsp;HIV detection test for antibodies after 28 days of exposure as well.&nbsp;<h3>Lab Tests:</h3>To confirm the HIV viral load or genetic material of the HIV virus in your blood, choose the RNA or DNA test as it gives the result as early as 9 days from the infection. Lab tests are more accurate in contrast to other tests. They are also helpful to plan for HIV treatment better.&nbsp;<h3>Oral Tests:</h3>With rising cases of AIDS in Dubai, oral tests have become favorable as they identify HIV antibodies through saliva screening. Take a swab of gums using the test kit and put it in the provided solution. You will receive the result in just 20 minutes.&nbsp;<h2>Where to Get HIV Testing in Dubai?&nbsp;</h2>There are several private clinics and hospitals for diagnosis of&nbsp;HIV in Dubai and the UAE. You can also get tested at recognized government healthcare facilities for the same. Moreover, many community and non-profit organizations conduct an&nbsp;HIV detection test at minimal or no cost.<ul><li>Be assured of complete confidentiality while getting a test for&nbsp;AIDS in Dubai, as most healthcare units respect your privacy.</li><li>As the&nbsp;chances of getting HIV in Dubai are increasing, there is also strong legal protection regarding privacy for residents.</li></ul>Most of the time, a confirmatory&nbsp;HIV test in Dubai is done if a person tests positive for the virus. The results need to be communicated to concerned authorities, wherever necessary.&nbsp;<h2>What to Expect During an HIV Detection Test?</h2><ul><li>Before you get an&nbsp;HIV test at home, the healthcare provider may offer pre-test counseling over a telephone call or face-to-face consultation, to talk about your feelings, emotions, etc.</li><li>The healthcare professional will run you through the&nbsp;HIV detection test&nbsp;protocols, no matter whether you opt for the test at home or clinic.</li><li>Expect the lab person to wear protective gear adhering to proper sanitation and hygiene methods while conducting an&nbsp;HIV blood test, DNA test, etc.</li><li>After the result of the&nbsp;HIV test in Dubai is out, the report will be handed to you personally at your address, through digital communication details you shared and consented to, or you may choose to visit the facility to collect the report.</li><li>Post-counseling to manage&nbsp;HIV in the UAE could be provided by the facility, along with consultation for treatment options.</li></ul>&nbsp;<h2>HIV Virus Test Results Interpretations</h2><ul><li>If the result for your&nbsp;HIV test in Dubai is negative, either you do not carry the infection, or your body has not developed a sufficient viral load and antibodies for detection.</li><li>Pregnant women, healthcare workers, or those with exposure to risk behaviors as discussed above, especially should get tested for HIV and&nbsp;AIDS in Dubai and the UAE.</li><li>If a&nbsp;rapid HIV test gives a negative result, then go for a retest after 10-30 days of infection suspicion. An&nbsp;HIV blood test can give a proper indication of the virus attack.</li><li>If you test HIV positive, then consult your doctor soon for counseling, treatment, and medications, along with tips to alter your lifestyle, and diet for healthy living.</li></ul>&nbsp;<h2>HIV Treatment Options and Medications</h2><ul><li>There is no cure for HIV infection. However, antiretroviral therapy medicines (ART) reduce the viral load in your blood.</li><li>Your doctor may prescribe Nucleoside or nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) to control HIV and its complications.</li><li>Integrase inhibitors, Protease inhibitors (PIs), and entry or fusion inhibitors (restrict impact on the CD4 T cells), are among the other HIV medicines.</li></ul>&nbsp;<h2>Conclusion: Early Tests for HIV in Dubai Saves More Lives</h2>We encourage you to get HIV detection done at the earliest if you suspect the infection. Being aware will help prevent taking steps to avoid transmission, and observe practices that will improve the quality of your life.&nbsp;<h2>STD/HIV Testing by First Response Healthcare (FRH)</h2>Understanding your HIV status is an important aspect of maintaining your health. If you're experiencing any health concerns or need guidance on where to get tested, First Response Healthcare&nbsp;STD Testing at home service can assist you. Our experienced doctors and nurses are available for consultations to help you navigate your healthcare needs and can visit you in the comfort and privacy of your home to get the tests done. Contact us today to schedule a convenient appointment or to get more information on how you can use our&nbsp;HIV testing service.If you're feeling unwell, have a busy schedule, or are dealing with unfavorable weather, a&nbsp;<a href="https://firstresponsehealthcare.com/ae/dubai/teleconsultation">teleconsultation&nbsp;</a>can be a convenient option. You can receive the care you need, including advice on HIV testing and other health concerns, all from the comfort of your home.&nbsp;To book an appointment with our doctors who are available 24 hours in Dubai, you can call us at 0505050387 or 800DIALDOC. You can also make an appointment by visiting our&nbsp;<a href="https://firstresponsehealthcare.com/ae/dubai">website</a> or messaging us on WhatsApp. &nbsp;<h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2>&nbsp;<h3>Q. How do I prepare for an HIV test?</h3>Get an appointment for an HIV test at home or clinic, and know all the essentials like documents you have to carry, the test fee, etc. Ask for counseling, if you need it before and after the test.&nbsp;<h3>Q. Can I stay with an HIV-positive person?</h3>Yes, you can stay with an HIV-positive person without getting infected. Follow the prevention methods as advised by your healthcare provider to avoid transmission of the&nbsp;HIV virus to you.&nbsp;<h3>Q. What should I avoid before an HIV test?</h3>Avoid engaging in any risk behaviors discussed in the blog before an&nbsp;HIV test in Dubai, to avert the chance of an infection. Also, do not panic. You will receive the necessary support and guidance from your doctor.&nbsp;<h3>References &amp; Citations:</h3><a href="https://www.unicef.org/mena/reports/ending-aids-epidemic-among-young-people">United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund: Ending AIDS among young people</a><h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>Related Blogs</h3><a href="https://firstresponsehealthcare.com/blog/preventive-health-screenings-for-women">Preventive Health Screenings for Women</a> <a href="https://firstresponsehealthcare.com/blog/why-are-annual-health-checkups-important">Why Are Annual Health Checkups Important?</a>

Know why early diagnosis and prevention of diabetes are crucial. Learn how to manage and avoid complications with expert insights from First Response Healthcare.

Diabetes and Its Complications: Why is Early Diagnosis and Prevention Critical?

If your blood sugar (glucose) levels are high, you may have diabetes. It is a condition when your pancreas does not produce any or insufficient insulin, or when your system does not adequately respond to the effects of insulin. While diabetes symptoms can show up early, timely checkups can help you understand which type of diabetes you have, its symptoms, treatment, prevention, and how to keep the complications in check.&nbsp;<h2>What is Diabetes and Its Types?</h2>While most types of diabetes are lifelong, you can manage all forms of it through lifestyle changes and medicines. Your blood carries the energy source - glucose (sugar) to the body cells. But insulin (a hormone that the pancreas produces), is also necessary in the process. If the body does not utilize the insulin properly, or receive enough of it, the glucose level increases in the bloodstream, leading to hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). Here are the types of diabetes you should know about:&nbsp;<h3>Type 1 Diabetes</h3>This is an autoimmune disease, wherein the immune system destroys and attacks the cells producing insulin in the pancreas. This type of diabetes usually affects young adults and children. However, it can happen at any age.&nbsp;<h3>Type 2 Diabetes</h3>Your body cells may not respond to insulin normally (known as insulin resistance) if the body does not produce enough insulin. This condition is called Type 2 diabetes, which is also the most common type of diabetes affecting children and adults.&nbsp;<h3>Other Types of Diabetes</h3>Here are other forms of diabetes that you should be acquainted with:&nbsp;<h4>Gestational Diabetes</h4>Gestational diabetes occurs in pregnancy for some people and usually disappears after childbirth. However, those with gestational diabetes are also at a higher risk of developing symptoms of Type 2 diabetes in the long run.&nbsp;<h4>Prediabetes</h4>If your blood glucose levels are higher than normal, however, they are not that high to be diagnosed as Type 2 diabetes, then you have prediabetes. It is a crucial early warning sign for you to watch out.&nbsp;<h4>Type 3c Diabetes</h4>Damage to the pancreas other than that caused due to autoimmune disease, can affect insulin levels. Some of the causes of diabetes in this case are pancreatectomy, pancreatic cancer, hemochromatosis, pancreatitis, and cystic fibrosis.&nbsp;<h4>Brittle Diabetes</h4>This is a Type 1 diabetes form wherein, the person’s blood sugar level suddenly increases or decreases, leading to instability and hospitalization. Permanent diabetes treatment in this case is a pancreas transplant.&nbsp;<h4>Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA)</h4>LADA occurs due to an autoimmune reaction and affects people mostly after 30 years of age. The progression of LADA is slower than Type 1.&nbsp;<h4>Neonatal Diabetes</h4>Neonatal diabetes happens in infants usually within the first 6 months of life. Sometimes the condition goes away after the initial few months but returns later in life. For the rest 50% of infants, the disease is chronic, and known as permanent neonatal diabetes mellitus.&nbsp;<h4>Maturity-onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY)</h4>When genetic mutation affects insulin levels and its use by the body, the condition is called monogenic diabetes or MODY. There are more than 10 different types, usually affecting family members already at risk of genetic diabetes.&nbsp;<h2>Diabetes Symptoms to Watch for: The Early Warning Signs</h2>Early detection of diabetes is possible if you carefully notice the onset symptoms mentioned below:<h3>Common Diabetes Symptoms</h3><ul><li>Blurred vision.</li><li>Slow healing of cuts and sores.</li><li>Fatigue.</li><li>Dry mouth and increased thirst.</li><li>Unexplained weight loss.</li><li>Frequent urination.</li><li>Frequent vaginal or skin yeast infections.</li></ul>&nbsp;<h3>Type 1 Diabetes Symptoms</h3><ul><li>It can take just a few weeks or months for Type 1&nbsp;diabetes symptoms to develop.</li><li>When these symptoms become severe, the condition is called DKA (diabetes-related ketoacidosis).</li><li>Signs include stomach pain, labored breathing, vomiting, and fruity-smelling breath.</li></ul>&nbsp;<h3>Type 2 Diabetes and Prediabetes Symptoms</h3><ul><li>As prediabetes and&nbsp;Type 2 diabetes progress slowly, it is not always possible to note the early signs.</li><li>However, you may encounter urgency for urination, darkened skin, or skin patches on the body.</li><li>Routine examination may indicate high blood sugar levels.</li></ul>&nbsp;<h2>Causes of Diabetes: Understanding the Risk Factors</h2>Here are the major causes of diabetes, and the related risk factors:<ul><li>When the immune system attacks the cells that produce insulin in the pancreas. It is a common cause of LADA and Type 1 diabetes.</li><li>When cells in fat, muscles, and liver are not receptive to insulin as they should, leading to insulin resistance. It can cause Type 2 diabetes.</li><li>Hormone imbalance causing insulin resistance, Cushing syndrome, and acromegaly often result in&nbsp;symptoms of Type 2 diabetes&nbsp;in people.</li><li>Other&nbsp;causes of diabetes include long-term use of corticosteroids, and certain medicines, especially those for HIV/AIDS.</li><li>Genetic mutation can lead to neonatal diabetes and MODY, while pancreatic damage can give rise to Type 3c diabetes.</li></ul>&nbsp;<h2>Diabetes Test for Early Diagnosis and Other Complications</h2>Keeping track of symptoms of type 2 diabetes and others is possible through screenings:<ul><li>Fasting blood glucose test, wherein you don’t eat or drink (except water) for 8 hours, and then a&nbsp;diabetes test is run. After which you eat food, and then there is a repeat test.</li><li>You can also get a random&nbsp;diabetes test regardless of fasting.</li><li>HbA1C or glycated hemoglobin test informs about the average blood sugar level over the last 2-3 months. It is a&nbsp;prediabetes screening.</li></ul>High blood sugar can result in diabetes complications affecting the:<ul><li>Cardiovascular system, nervous system, and digestive system.</li><li>Several organs like the heart, eyes, feet, bladder, kidney, etc.).</li><li>It can cause neuropathy, coronary artery disease, periodontal disease, hearing loss, and more.</li></ul>&nbsp;<h2>Diabetes Prevention Strategies to Stay Healthy</h2>Here are the diabetes prevention strategies to follow:<h3>Lifestyle Changes</h3>Try to maintain a regular 8-hour sleep pattern. Quit smoking, reduce mental stress, learn meditation techniques for diabetes prevention, and lose excess pounds.&nbsp;<h3>Healthy Diet</h3>Consult a dietician for a diabetes-friendly diet and natural diabetes treatment food to include in meals. Avoid high sugar content items and processed/refined food.&nbsp;<h3>Regular Exercise</h3>Remain physically active and exercise daily for 30 to 60 minutes. Start with brisk walking, yoga, aerobics, cycling, and other simple exercises to manage weight.&nbsp;<h2>Diabetes Treatment Methods and Medications</h2>Here are the common diabetes treatment options and medications:<ul><li>Those who produce at least some insulin, especially people with&nbsp;prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes, can take Metformin and other prescribed medicines.</li><li>Those with Type 2 and Type 1 diabetes may inject synthetic insulin through a syringe (shot), insulin pumps, insulin pens, or rapid-acting inhaled insulin.</li><li>You may call a&nbsp;doctor at home to consult about&nbsp;diabetes treatment, monitor your blood glucose level, and get a list of suitable medicines.</li></ul>&nbsp;<h2>Conclusion: The Urgency of Addressing Diabetes</h2>According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4591392/">NCBI</a>, In UAE, diabetes is a significant health concern, with prevalence rates reaching 24% among citizens and 17.4% among expatriates. In 2007, the UAE had the second-highest diabetes prevalence in the world at 19.5%, with projections suggesting it could rise to 21.9% by 2025. A study in Al Ain revealed that 29% of people aged 30-64 have diabetes (diagnosed or undiagnosed), and 24.2% have pre-diabetes. However, there is a lack of data on the age-standardized incidence rates of diabetes in the UAE, which is crucial for planning effective prevention and control strategies.&nbsp;<h2>Final Thoughts on Diabetes Prevention and Management</h2>Be it any form of diabetes, early diagnosis can help control the condition and provide you with a better scope of life. If you have a family history of diabetes or an erratic lifestyle, it is best to run a routine diabetes test annually to keep track of your health.&nbsp;<h2>Doctor On Call For Diabetes Management | First Response Healthcare</h2>Managing diabetes effectively requires timely intervention and continuous monitoring. At First Response Healthcare, our<a href="https://firstresponsehealthcare.com/ae/dubai/doctor-on-call">&nbsp;doctor on call</a> service ensures that you receive expert medical care right at your doorstep. Whether you need regular check-ups or immediate assistance with managing diabetes-related complications, our experienced doctors are available 24/7 to support your health needs in the comfort of your home. Our doctors speak multiple languages, including English, Arabic, and Hindi, ensuring clear and comfortable communication. With First Response Healthcare, you receive professional and personalized care whenever you need it.To book an appointment with our doctors who are available 24 hours in Dubai, you can call us at 0505050387 or 800DIALDOC. You can also make an appointment by visiting our&nbsp;<a href="https://firstresponsehealthcare.com/ae/dubai">website</a> or messaging us on WhatsApp.&nbsp;<h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2>&nbsp;<h3>Q. Why is it Important to Take Care of Diabetes as Soon as You Are Diagnosed?</h3>Since diabetes affects vital organs such as kidneys, eyes, heart, etc., early diagnosis can help manage the condition on time and balance the blood sugar levels.&nbsp;<h3>Q. What Are the Risk Factors for Diabetes?</h3>The risk factors for diabetes are obesity, family history of suffering from the condition, growing age, physical inactivity, high blood pressure, and more.&nbsp;<h3>Q. What Happens When First Diagnosed with Diabetes?</h3>You may feel overwhelmed when diagnosed with diabetes. However, start with a nutritious diet as advised by your dietician, get enough physical exercise, stress less, and seek emotional support if necessary.&nbsp;<h3>Q. What is the First Complication of Diabetes?</h3>If you notice diabetes symptoms, the initial complications are reduced blood circulation to your feet, damage to blood vessels of the heart and kidneys, bladder, nerve and eye problems, etc.&nbsp;<h3>Q. How to Control Sugar Levels Immediately?</h3>Apart from lifestyle and diet changes, regular exercise, enough sleep, and managing stress, you can take fast-acting insulin medication to control sugar levels immediately.&nbsp;<h3>Q. What Drink Lowers Blood Sugar?</h3>Some of the drinks that may lower blood sugar levels are black tea, green tea, tomato juice, cow milk, black coffee, and unsweetened teas.&nbsp;<h3>Q. What is the Best Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes?</h3>While diet, exercise, and weight management can keep a check on Type 2 diabetes, you can undergo insulin therapy, and take the prescribed medicines on time for treatment.&nbsp;<h3>Q. Does Genetics Influence Diabetes?</h3>If your parents and siblings have diabetes, then you are at a greater risk of developing the condition. The risk is because of shared genetic factors and similar lifestyle and diet patterns.&nbsp;<h3>Q. Which Organs Can Be Affected by Diabetes?</h3>Diabetes can damage the eyes, heart, blood vessels, nerves, kidneys, skin, bladder, feet, genitals, etc. Thus, it is crucial to work on diabetes prevention strategies early.&nbsp;<h3>Q. How Can I Adapt to Living with Diabetes?</h3>Speak with your healthcare provider about the diet to follow and exercise schedule. Check your blood sugar levels at regular intervals, watch your sleep pattern, and stop smoking and drinking alcohol.&nbsp;<h3>References &amp; Citation:</h3><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4591392/">National Library of Medicine: Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes in United Arab Emirates</a> <a href="https://services.dha.gov.ae/sheryan/wps/portal/home/medical-directory/facility-details?facilityId=0000500">Dubai Health Authority: Dubai Diabetes Center</a><h3> Related Blogs:</h3><a href="https://firstresponsehealthcare.com/blog/care-of-diabetic-patient-at-home">Care of Diabetic Patient at Home</a> <a href="https://firstresponsehealthcare.com/blog/fasting-diabetes">Fasting &amp; Diabetes: Risks, Benefits, and How to Manage</a> <a href="https://firstresponsehealthcare.com/blog/managing-chronic-conditions-diabetes-hypertension-and-heart-disease">Managing Chronic Conditions: Diabetes, Hypertension, and Heart Disease</a> <a href="https://firstresponsehealthcare.com/blog/best-diet-plan-to-lose-weight-for-diabetic-patients">Best Diet Plan to Lose Weight for Diabetic Patients</a>

Diabetes and Its Complications- Why Early Diagnosis and Prevention Are Important?

Diabetes and Its Complications: Why Early Diagnosis and Prevention Critical?

Stay safe from the weather in UAE! Discover essential tips to protect your health during record-high Dubai temperatures. Learn more today!

Extreme Heat in the UAE: How to Safeguard Your Health During Record-High Temperatures?

Featuring a desert climate, the weather in the UAE and Dubai shifts quickly from pleasant mild winters to very hot, humid, and dry summers. The air sometimes lacks moisture, leading to scorching conditions. Also, rainfall is rare, and dust storms are common. Thus, temperatures are quite high in the afternoon. The weather patterns often lead to heat stroke in people of all ages. Heat-related illnesses are rising with the rise in temperatures, every year.&nbsp;<h2>Weather in the UAE and Dubai: Excessive Heat</h2>The&nbsp;Dubai temperature rises rapidly from July to September, while April and May are mostly warm and hot. The winters stretch from December to March, bringing warm and cool winds for the night. Let’s discuss the fallouts of the high&nbsp;UAE temperature on the residents:<ul><li>You may lose excessive amounts of salt and water due to sweating. This can lead to&nbsp;heat exhaustion and body discomfort.</li><li>If you stay outdoors for a long time in peak heat hours, then you may suffer from&nbsp;heatstroke, resulting in serious medical issues.</li><li>The heat wave can sweep your city, and raise the risk of sunburn,&nbsp;heat rashes, headaches, muscle cramps, dehydration, nosebleeds, and other health problems.</li></ul>&nbsp;<h2>Health Risks Associated with Heat Wave</h2>When your body overheats beyond 40°C (104°F), it can lead to heatstroke, a potentially life-threatening condition, especially common in Dubai’s intense summer heat. The arid climate in the UAE, with its extreme temperatures, can strain multiple organs, resulting in hyperthermia or other heat-related health issues. Early signs of heatstroke include delirium, balance problems, weakness, loss of consciousness, and hot, flushed skin. Heatstroke can develop rapidly, sometimes within just a few hours of exposure to high temperatures, and if untreated, can cause severe organ damage or even be fatal.Risk factors such as obesity, alcohol consumption, dehydration, blood pressure medications, and tight clothing exacerbate the dangers of heat exposure. Potential complications include brain swelling, nerve damage, kidney or liver failure, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Additionally, the risk of developing kidney stones and electrolyte imbalances is heightened in extreme heat. To manage these risks, treatment may include Energy Boost &amp; Hydration IV fluids to help restore electrolyte balance and provide essential hydration.&nbsp;<h2>Staying Safe During Record-High Dubai Temperature</h2>The Dubai climate is erratic with hot and humid weather predominantly affecting its regions. It is essential to stay healthy during extreme weather conditions. Here are a few tips for wellness at home to keep you safe.&nbsp;<h3>Rehydrate When Required</h3>To avoid health problems in hot weather, rehydration is mandatory. For infants under 6 months, breastfeeding can help rehydrate. The mother should also drink a lot of water. Add rehydration salts to your water and drink the beverage regularly. Mix the salt in partly cool and partly room-temperature water for a better cooling effect. If ORS is unavailable, dissolve sugar and a little salt together in a liter of cool water.&nbsp;<h3>Try to Cool Down</h3>The weather in the UAE and Dubai makes it necessary to stay cool wherever you are. Drink ample water regularly and carry rehydration salts with bottled water and a glass, every time. If you find anyone with a severe heat-related problem, lay down the person in a shaded area. Apply first-aid kid wet towels on their neck, head, groin, and armpits, and seek medical help if required.&nbsp;<h3>Wear Comfortable Clothes</h3>In hot weather, it is better to wear a single layer of clothing, if indoors. Wrap your head, mouth, and nose with a protective layer of clothing to deter heat rashes, when going outside. Wear protective eyeglasses or sunglasses to avoid dust, heat, and sun rays from affecting the eyes.&nbsp;<h3>Control the Temperature</h3>High UAE temperatures will require the use of air-conditioning to cool the surroundings. Ensure the air coolers are serviced beforehand for those to work properly in summer. Keep ice bags handy for compression at sensitive and affected spots on the skin. Stock on wet towels and tissues to wipe sweat and cool your body. Close to curtains to keep the sun rays out.&nbsp;<h3>Shower Everyday</h3>Grab a bath every day. Taking a cool shower can prohibit heat exhaustion and stress. Also, it will make you feel rejuvenated throughout the day. Use moisturizers if you have dry skin. You may need to bathe more than once a day, especially for office-going folks and school-going children.&nbsp;<h3>Regulate Body Heat</h3>If you miss bathing somehow, misting spray and a hint of cool body splash on the skin can help control the body temperature. Dip your feet in containers with cool water. This will allow you to regulate health, and beat extreme heat conditions.&nbsp;<h2>When to Seek Medical Attention for Heat Exhaustion?</h2>Watch out for heat exhaustion symptoms such as excessive thirst, fever, sticky mouth, dry lips, excessive sweating, cramps in legs or arms, weakness, nosebleeds, dizziness, small blisters, tiredness, vomiting, and nausea. While mild to moderate symptoms can be treated at home, you may have to seek medical help in case of:<ol><li>Fainting</li><li>Wet skin with no sweating but a burning feel</li><li>Too many&nbsp;heat rashes</li><li>Rapid breathing and heartbeat</li><li>Passing dark urine</li><li>No urination for over 8 hours</li><li>Confusion</li><li>High body temperature for more than 2 hours</li><li>Seizures</li><li>Coma, not waking up</li></ol>&nbsp;<h2>Conclusion: Extreme Weather in the UAE and Dubai</h2>While the Dubai temperature can be too high in summers with a lot of humidity, risks of heat stroke may accompany it. It is crucial to stay hydrated and cool to manage your body temperature. Wear the right clothing and install air-conditioning at home. Take all the measures to prevent heat exhaustion and related medical issues in advance, and stay safe.&nbsp;<h2>Doctor on Call by First Response Healthcare</h2>During extreme heat conditions in the UAE, First Response Healthcare’s&nbsp;<a href="https://firstresponsehealthcare.com/ae/dubai/doctor-on-call">doctor on call</a> service is an invaluable resource for managing heat-related health concerns. Our experienced doctors can provide immediate, expert medical consultation directly at your home, addressing symptoms such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, and other heat-related conditions. This service ensures you receive prompt care without the need to endure the heat or travel to a clinic, making it easier to stay healthy and safe during record-high temperatures. With a&nbsp;doctor on call, you can receive tailored medical advice and treatment right at your doorstep, ensuring your well-being in challenging weather conditions.&nbsp;<h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2>&nbsp;<h3>Q. How do you prepare your body for extreme heat?</h3>Keep a check on daily and weekly weather in the UAE and Dubai and plan for outdoor activities accordingly. Plan for work requiring you to venture outdoors, in the evening or when the temperature is lower.&nbsp;<h3>Q. What are the two ways to reduce heat stress?</h3>Use air coolers to stay cool. Be at home during peak temperatures. Hydrate yourself regularly by drinking water and electrolyte-based drinks. Wear thin cotton clothes.&nbsp;<h3>Q. What is the hottest temperature in the UAE?</h3>The highest average temperature in the UAE exceeds 43 °C (109 °F). The hot weather increases the risk of health issues.&nbsp;<h3>Q. Which month is hotter in the UAE?</h3>The months of July and August are hotter in the UAE. The chance of a heat wave is higher in these couple of months.&nbsp;<h3>References &amp; Citations</h3><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6969637/">National Library of Medicine - Heat Related Illness&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;<h3>Related blogs</h3><a href="https://firstresponsehealthcare.com/blog/how-to-reduce-body-heat-by-taking-cooling-food">How to Reduce Body Heat by Taking Cooling Food?</a> <a href="https://firstresponsehealthcare.com/blog/understanding-heat-stroke-causes-symptoms-and-prevention">Understanding Heat Stroke: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention</a> <a href="https://firstresponsehealthcare.com/blog/11-tips-to-stay-hydrated-in-summer">11 Tips to Stay Hydrated in Summer</a>

Extreme Heat in the UAE: How to Safeguard Your Health During Record-High Temperatures

Extreme Heat in the UAE: How to Safeguard` Your Health During Record-High Temperatures

Extreme Heat in the UAE: How to Safeguard Your Health During High Temperatures?

How Changing Weather in UAE is Affecting Children’s Health: A Focus on Stomach Flu | First Response Healthcare

How Changing Weather in UAE is Affecting Children’s Health: A Focus on Stomach Flu

How Changing Weather in the UAE is Affecting Children’s Health: A Focus on Stomach Flu | First Response Healthcare

Find out how weather changes in the UAE impact children's health, especially stomach flu. Get expert tips from First Response Healthcare and keep your child healthy.

MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) Awareness in the UAE

MERS Awareness in the UAE What You Should Know to Stay Safe

Viral respiratory diseases are becoming common every day, the most notorious being the COVID-19 situation. However, viral infection is not new to mankind. As for the UAE,&nbsp;the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome&nbsp;(MERS) has been present for more than a decade. It is most active in the Arabian Peninsula. The UAE government has implemented robust measures to control the spread of MERS, including strict surveillance, rapid response protocols, and public awareness campaigns. Through coordinated efforts with healthcare institutions and regular monitoring of potential outbreaks, the authorities ensure that the risk of widespread transmission is minimized. These proactive strategies have been key in keeping the population safe and mitigating the impact of MERS within the region.In this blog, we will discuss everything you need to know about the&nbsp;MERS virus, and how to stay safe from it.&nbsp;<h2>Understanding Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)</h2>As per&nbsp;<a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/middle-east-respiratory-syndrome-coronavirus-(mers-cov)">WHO</a>, the&nbsp;Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) was first detected in 2012 as a viral respiratory disease in Saudi Arabia. It is a part of the Coronavirus family and leads to problems such as common cold and cough, COVID-19, and SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome). Along with the UAE, the disease is now prevalent in the United States, South Korea, and other parts of the world.&nbsp;<h3>Transmission of the MERS Virus</h3>The&nbsp;Middle East Respiratory Virus can spread from animals to people and between humans. Thus, it is also known as a zoonotic virus. Let us understand how theMERS disease spreads across:<ul><li>The&nbsp;Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus has been found in many Member States in the UAE, South Asia, and Africa.</li><li>There is also a link between infections in dromedary camels and humans, as a possible transmission channel.</li><li>The&nbsp;MERS virus may also spread from human to human, especially when the infected people are near each other.</li><li>The&nbsp;MERS syndrome has affected healthcare settings predominantly, and there is a limited scope of transmission between humans when outside the healthcare setting. &nbsp;</li></ul><h2>MERS Virus Symptoms and Complications to Watch Out For</h2>Those who contract the&nbsp;Middle East Respiratory Virus can remain asymptomatic. But, in the case of signs, the early ones show within 1 to 2 weeks of the infection. Here are the common&nbsp;MERS cov signs and symptoms to know:<ul><li>Coughing</li><li>Shortness of breath</li><li>Runny nose</li><li>Fever</li><li>Muscle aches</li><li>Sore throat</li><li>Chills</li><li>Diarrhea</li><li>Vomiting and nausea</li><li>Bloody coughing</li></ul>&nbsp;<h3>Complications from MERS Disease</h3>People with weak immune systems or chronic diseases may encounter more severe&nbsp;Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus&nbsp;effects. Here are the possible&nbsp;MERS syndrome complications:<ul><li>Kidney failure or dysfunction of vital organs</li><li>Lung infection (pneumonia)</li><li>Respiratory failure</li><li>Septic shock from low blood pressure</li><li>Need to be on the ventilator &nbsp;</li></ul><h2>How to Stay Safe: MERS Disease Prevention Tips</h2>The&nbsp;MERS syndrome infection can occur when you contact with an infected human or camel. As of now, there is no vaccine available. Thus, do follow preventive measures to stay healthy and safe. Let’s have a look at how to prevent&nbsp;Middle East Respiratory Syndrome in the UAE:<ul><li>As there is no recognized&nbsp;MERS treatment, take precautions such as washing your hands with soap or using sanitizers that contain alcohol.</li><li>Do not come in contact with camels. Do not eat camel meat if undercooked. Also, do not consume unpasteurized camel milk.</li><li>Use good quality disinfectants to clean surfaces regularly.</li><li>The&nbsp;MERS disease can spread through animals. Thus, wash your hands after coming in contact with animals and always avoid touching sick animals.</li><li>This goes with sick people too, try not to come in touch with them. Avoid sharing drinks and food with others, especially if someone is unwell.</li><li>To restrict the spread of&nbsp;Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus, avoid mouth-to-mouth contact with sick people.</li></ul>&nbsp;<h2>MERS Treatment Options and Importance of Early Detection</h2>There is no clinically approved&nbsp;MERS treatment to date. Vaccination is still under development, and managing the symptoms is the only reliable way to combat the infection. Here are some ways you can deal with the&nbsp;MERS virus:<ul><li>If the symptoms are mild, follow&nbsp;wellness at home and get enough rest.</li><li>Build your immunity so that your body can fight the illness naturally.</li><li>If the symptoms are severe, you may need hospital care, including mechanical ventilation, intravenous fluids, and oxygen support.</li></ul>&nbsp;<h2>Early Diagnosis of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome</h2>If you experience&nbsp;MERS cov signs and symptoms, consult a healthcare provider. Do inform the doctor about the medicines you are currently taking along with your medical history. Also, share information about your recent travel, and if you had any contact with camels or sick people.In case of&nbsp;MERS virus symptoms, do not panic. Laboratory tests can detect the infection promptly. However, you may have to submit a sample for the MERS test:<ul><li>Upper Respiratory Tract Sample: The medical personnel will collect swabs inside of your upper throat or nose.</li><li>Sample from the Lower Respiratory Tract: The lab technician may ask you to cough up phlegm (sputum) into a clean container. Or, they may put a flexible and thin tube into your throat or lungs to get the phlegm sample.</li><li>Serum Sample: The healthcare provider may collect your blood sample to access the fluid serum. The sample is then spun in a centrifuge. The process separates the serum from platelets and red and white blood cells.</li></ul>&nbsp;<h2>Understanding MERS-CoV in the UAE: Its Connection to Coronavirus&nbsp;</h2>As per&nbsp;<a href="https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2023-DON478">WHO</a>, There have been cases of MERS-CoV in the UAE, and it is related to Coronavirus. The Ministry of Health and Prevention reports new cases every day. There have been a few deaths. However, the recovery rate is much greater.<ul><li>This&nbsp;new virus in the UAE is causing viral respiratory illness in people of all ages.</li><li>The government is already taking several steps to control the spread. It has also issued public health guidelines.</li><li>Thus, you must stay cautious and stay tuned to the updates related to&nbsp;MERS cov signs and symptoms, and how to prevent those.</li></ul>&nbsp;<h3>Risk Factors of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome</h3>According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7164784/">NCBI</a>, A study in Saudi Arabia found that certain factors made people more likely to catch MERS-CoV, the virus causing MERS. These risk factors include direct contact with dromedary camels, especially within two weeks before getting sick, and having heart disease. People who worked closely with camels, like shepherds and slaughterhouse workers, were much more likely to have antibodies against MERS-CoV, meaning they had been exposed to the virus. In Qatar, camel workers who trained or milked camels, had poor hand hygiene, or came into contact with camel waste were also at higher risk of infection.Globally, the total number of laboratory-confirmed MERS-CoV cases reported to World Health organisation since 2012 is 2605, including 936 associated deaths as of July 2023. The majority of the reported cases have occurred in countries in the Arabian Peninsula.&nbsp;<h2>Staying Informed About Middle East Respiratory Virus</h2>While scientists and healthcare providers are working on getting a positive breakthrough in the&nbsp;MERS treatment, you must stay informed about how&nbsp;MERS disease spreads. Learn about the precautions to take and practice personal hygiene. Also, if you encounter&nbsp;MERS virus symptoms, seek timely care for quick recovery.&nbsp;<h2>Doctor on Call by First Response Healthcare&nbsp;</h2>In the event of suspected MERS symptoms, immediate medical attention is crucial. With First Response Healthcare’s <a href="https://firstresponsehealthcare.com/ae/dubai/doctor-on-call" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">doctor on call</a> service, you can have a qualified doctor visit you at home, ensuring that you receive prompt and professional care without the need to visit a clinic or hospital. This service is especially valuable for managing potential MERS cases safely and efficiently. &nbsp;To book an appointment with our doctors who are available 24 hours in Dubai, you can call us at 0505050387 or 800DIALDOC. You can also make an appointment by visiting our&nbsp;<a href="https://firstresponsehealthcare.com/ae/dubai">website</a> or messaging us on WhatsApp. &nbsp;<h2>Frequently Asked Questions &nbsp;</h2><h3>Q. What Precautions Should Be Taken for MERS?</h3>The most crucial precaution for the&nbsp;Middle East Respiratory virus is to avoid contact with sick animals and people. Wash your hands regularly with soap and eat only fully cooked camel meat. Try to avoid raw camel milk, and maintain social distancing.&nbsp;<h3>Q. How to Diagnose MERS?</h3>If you are showing&nbsp;MERS virus symptoms, get a laboratory test and submit the required sample soon. Do not wait for reports, but start following home remedies immediately.&nbsp;<h3>Q. What is the Infectious Period for MERS?</h3>It can take 5 to 14 days for the&nbsp;Middle East Respiratory Syndrome symptoms to show. Also, the moment the infection establishes within your body, it is possible for another person to get infected if they come in contact with you or are nearby.&nbsp;<h3>Q. Is MERS Curable?</h3>Yes, you can recover from&nbsp;Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus by taking care of yourself at home. Do follow the remedies discussed above, and strengthen your immune system for better results.&nbsp;<h3>Q. Is There a Vaccine for MERS?</h3>There is no vaccine for&nbsp;Middle East Respiratory Syndrome as of now. However, medical professionals are working on that front, and hopefully, we may have a strong vaccine for&nbsp;MERS syndrome, someday.&nbsp;<h3>References &amp; Citation</h3><a href="https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2023-DON478">https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2023-DON478</a><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7164784/">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7164784/</a> &nbsp;<h3>Related Blogs</h3><a href="https://firstresponsehealthcare.com/blog/ramadan-dos-and-donts" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ramadan Do's and Dont's&nbsp;</a><a href="https://firstresponsehealthcare.com/blog/10-tips-to-prevent-cold-weather-diseases-in-dubai" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">10 Tips to prevent cold weather diseases in dubai</a><a href="https://firstresponsehealthcare.com/blog/health-tips-during-ramadan-for-patients-with-hypertension" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Health tips during ramadan for patients with Hypertension</a>

Stay safe from MERS in the UAE. Get key insights into the risks and prevention tips from First Response Healthcare to effectively stay healthy and safe.

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