Stocking household essentials is a routine part of most homeowners’ weekly plans. While these items are indispensable to an optimally functioning household, not understanding their potentially harmful effects can cause several health hazards, including pulmonary issues. While buying household products, it is important to understand each product’s constituents and safe consumption practices to prevent them from causing health problems. This article lists household products that may be potentially harmful to one’s lungs if not used right: Household products potentially harmful to the lungs Hand sanitizer Hand sanitizers are highly effective in ensuring clean hands and destroying bacteria and germs, which may cause infections if ingested. However, sanitizers comprise several chemicals, including benzalkonium and methanol, and inhaling these chemicals can cause a host of health hazards, such as lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, loss of smell, chemical burns in the nasal cavity, and worsening of existing respiratory issues. Bleach spray Bleach spray serves a wide range of household functions, from eliminating mold and mildew from surfaces and fabrics to disinfecting surfaces and removing stains. However, bleach is a harmful chemical that can cause several health problems if not used properly. It is particularly known for increasing susceptibility to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) caused by blockage of airflow to the lungs.

Heartburn or acid reflux is a condition in which stomach acid flows back to the esophagus, leading to a burning sensation in the chest and throat. Certain foods, especially those that are spicy, processed, or fried, and several ongoing treatment options may contribute to heartburn or worsen it. Additionally, a few seemingly harmless daily habits can increase the risk of acid reflux. So, here are unhealthy habits that may trigger heartburn: Overeating Eating large meals or more than one requires is one of the biggest reasons for heartburn. When one eats, the food travels through the esophagus to the stomach. Between the mouth and the stomach, there is a muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES, which closes up when the food reaches the stomach. However, when one eats too much, the stomach stays distended, meaning it is unable to close due to the pressure of food inside of it. When the LES does not close, the extra food and stomach juices can easily travel back up through the esophagus, causing acid reflux or heartburn. Eating too quickly Being impatient with meals is another trigger for heartburn. Further, eating while lying down, eating too close to bedtime, having large meals frequently, and not maintaining enough gap between two meals to allow digestion are some other unhealthy habits that may trigger heartburn.

Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, originates in the colon (large intestine), the final part of the digestive system. But in some cases, it can also begin in the rectum. In most cases, this condition affects older adults. However, one can develop it at any age. Fortunately, if diagnosed in the early stages, colon cancer can be managed and treated fully in some cases. Hence, knowing its warning signs is essential. Warning signs of colon cancer Here are a few warning signs that one should know: Persistent changes in bowel habits Most symptoms of colon cancer remain unnoticed until the later stages. This happens because most signs of this condition resemble those of other gastrointestinal diseases. This also includes sudden changes in bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhea. Besides this, one can also look out for alterations such as changes in consistency or narrowing of the stool. If any of these are noticed, one must note the duration of these symptoms. One must seek immediate medical attention if these last longer than a few days. Blood in stool Usually, blood can appear in the stool due to irritated polyps, benign growths that may become cancerous over time. So, while the color of the stool can change depending on the foods eaten, one must be wary of any sign of blood while passing stool.

Parkinson’s is a neurological disorder that results in involuntary and unpredictable movements in the body, such as rigidity, tremors, and impaired balance and coordination. As the disease advances, these symptoms typically become more severe. Although there is currently no known cure for Parkinson’s, there are various strategies for managing the condition. Proper nutrition is a critical component of effective management, so consider the following dos and don’ts of nutrition and some promising new treatment options to explore. Role of nutrition While nutrition is important in general for a healthy life, those dealing with Parkinson’s should especially be careful of foods to eat and avoid. This is due to the complications that arise because of the disease. These can include complications like constipation. Due to the slowdown of the digestive system, constipation can be a regular occurrence in those suffering from this disease. Irregular bowel movements can be uncomfortable, but if constipation becomes severe, it can have a significant impact on the large intestine. Dehydration is another common concern of Parkinson’s patients, so extra care needs to be given to hydration needs. Dehydration can cause dizziness, tiredness, confusion, weakness, and kidney issues. When undergoing Parkinson’s treatment therapy, it is recommended to avoid high-protein meals.

Improved cancer screening and treatments have allowed people to live better lives even after developing cancer. However, even today, the condition is undiagnosed because people associate the early warning signs of cancer with another health complication. The symptoms of cancer may depend on where it grows. Mutations usually cause the growth to push against nearby organs, nerves, and blood vessels. Here are ten signs that may indicate the onset of the disease: Fatigue One of the most common signs of cancer is fatigue. However, people often associate this with a common sign of overworking the body, such as while playing a sport or after a strenuous day at work. But if one develops fatigue without physical exertion or even after appropriate rest, it might be an early sign of cancer. Cancer uses nutrients from the body to grow and advance, which affects the body’s ability to replenish healthy cells. This can lead to signs like extreme fatigue. Along with fatigue, it is common for an individual to notice a significant reduction in their body mass. Changes in a meal plan, taking prescriptions, or falling ill often because of cancer causes this. Fever One may develop a fever due to a cold or flu that may go away on its own over a few days or weeks.

Most people believe dementia to be a single, specific disease. That’s far from the truth. The term dementia is used to describe a group of symptoms that affect cognitive, memory, language, and thinking abilities. Further, its severity can differ from one person to another. This means the condition can be mild for some and severe for others. Dementia can affect older adults, but the condition is not a part of the aging process. Symptoms of dementia Generally, the symptoms of dementia occur when healthy neurons in the brain stop functioning, lose contact with other cells, get damaged, or die. While the decrease of neurons is normal as one ages, in the case of dementia patients, the loss can be extreme. Here are some signs of dementia to look out for: Memory loss affecting day-to-day activities Sometimes, people can forget names, appointments, and even phone numbers, only to recollect them later. But for those affected with dementia, memory loss can affect daily activities. For instance, in the earlier stages, one may not recollect information they had learned recently. Besides this, patients can experience issues processing information and making decisions based on them, thus affecting one’s quality of life. And as the condition progresses, memory loss can become severe enough to hamper relationships.

Kidneys are two bean-shaped organs found on both sides of the body. Their primary functions include blood purification and urine production to excrete fluids from the body. However, organ failure can result in fluid buildup and causes waste buildup in the body. Kidney failure primarily affects the production of red blood cells in circulation and triggers several discomforts that should not be ignored. Here are the common causes and signs of kidney failure explained. Primary causes of kidney failure Kidney failure is mainly triggered due to underlying health problems, such as the following given below. Diabetes and hypertension are the most common causes of kidney failure. Certain autoimmune diseases can also trigger problems with organ function. Genetic traits that trigger changes in organ function may lead to the development of chronic kidney diseases like medullary cystic kidney disease. Regular dosages of certain prescriptions given to manage chronic illnesses can also put pressure on the organ resulting in kidney failure. A condition called nephritis that results in the swelling of nephrons causing filtering units in the kidneys to malfunction. Bladder problems that cause the urine to flow back into the kidneys and can result in scarring of the tissue. Poor lifestyle choices and nutritional deficiencies can also affect the proper functioning of the organ resulting in permanent damage.

Visiting a gynecologist involves discussing intimate aspects of one’s health and body, which can lead to feelings of unease or embarrassment. But it’s crucial to remember that a gynecologist is a medical professional dedicated to patients’ well-being and is there to provide guidance and support. It’s important to ask certain unusual questions to ensure one receives the best care possible. Here are some of the uncomfortable questions one might be too embarrassed to ask their gynecologist: Why is sexual intercourse painful? Insufficient vaginal lubrication, yeast or bacterial infections, vaginismus, wherein the muscles of one’s vagina involuntarily contract, pelvic muscle injury, fibroids, muscle spasms, ovarian cysts, childbirth trauma, and other reasons can contribute to one’s experience of painful intercourse. Discussing the details of one’s experience with a doctor can lead to a proper diagnosis and treatment for one’s problem. Why is it hard to orgasm? Many physical and psychological factors contribute to one’s difficulty achieving orgasm. Some of these reasons include thyroid issues, low oxytocin levels, low libido, dehydration, hormonal deficiencies, lifestyle factors like a lack of exercise, or injuries or surgeries that affect nerves connected to the genital area. Similarly, mental stress or anxiety, a history of sexual trauma, a lack of emotional intimacy, mood disorders like depression, or sociocultural beliefs may influence an individual’s attitude and affect their sexual desire, intimacy, and pleasure.