6 Physical and Mental Ailments that are Growing Widely These Days
It’s no surprise that the world has become an exalted space of ailments, both physical and mental. A massive number of diseases are becoming more and more common due to mainly an inactive lifestyle and poor diet.
In this article today, I’m going to highlight the common physical and mental ailments that are growing widely these days. In case you or any of your loved ones have the symptoms mentioned below, there’s a high chance that something’s not right; hence, a timely diagnosis is mandatory.
I’ve also listed the treatment options for all the prevalent diseases so that you know what you need to do next. Have a look:
Arthritis
Arthritis is a joint disorder that affects millions of people in the world annually. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 54.4 million adults in the US are diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis every year.
Similarly, 32.5 US adults are affected by osteoarthritis. Life with arthritis can be daunting. Although there are different kinds of arthritis, the symptoms between both the common types remain the same.
Symptoms of Arthritis
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Decreased range of motion
- Joint edema
- Redness around the affected joint
- Persistent fatigue that doesn’t go away
Treatment Options for Arthritis
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Analgesics or capsaicin
- Immunosuppressants
- Topical pain relievers, such as CBD oil
- Lifestyle changes, including regular exercise
Major Depressive Disorder
Ranking second is a psychological disorder, major depressive disorder, also known as clinical depression. As mentioned by the World Health Organization, more than 264 million people from around the world have depression.
It’s one of the most severe mood disorders that affects everyone, regardless of age and gender. The worst part being, it’s often confused with everyday life stress, the reason it remains undiagnosed in many cases.
Symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder
- Persistent feelings of sadness and pessimism
- Loss of interest in everyday life activities
- Fatigue, muscle tension, and body aches
- Binge eating or the loss of appetite
- Hypersomnia and insomnia
- Suicidal thoughts or possible attempts
Treatment Options for Major Depressive Disorder
- Antidepressants or benzodiazepines
- Muscle relaxants or painkillers
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Plants and herbs, such as dried shrooms and passionflower
- Lifestyle rehabilitation, including a healthy diet and increased physical activity
Bipolar Disorder
Here’s another prevalent ailment, also known as manic depression, bipolar disorder is a serious mental health disorder. It is said that bipolar disorder forms a bridge between mood and psychotic disorders.
Bipolar disorder manifests in three different episodes, including mania, hypomania, or major depressive episode. The symptoms of the disorder vary as per the episode and severity of the issue.
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
- Excessive talkativeness (Mania)
- Melancholy (Hypomania)
- Decreased need for sleep or hypersomnia
- Appetite issues and fatigue
- Delusions and visual hallucinations
- Withdrawal with family and friends
Treatment Options for Bipolar Disorder
- Antipsychotics or antidepressants
- Mood stabilizers or anti-anxiety medicines
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Electroconvulsive shock treatment (ECT)
- Lifestyle changes like a healthy sleep pattern and a balanced diet
Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease is an umbrella term for all the issues related to the cardiac system. It is generally linked to the accumulation of fatty deposits inside the arteries that usually increase the risk of a heart attack.
As per statistics, one in four people dies of a heart attack in the US. It is further stated that approximately 655,000 Americans lose their battle to life due to cardiovascular disease. It affects both genders equally, regardless of age.
Symptoms of Cardiovascular Disease
- Chest pain or tightness
- Heart palpitations (racing or pounding)
- Nausea and abdominal pain
- Fatigue, dizziness, or frequent fainting
- Trouble catching your breath
- Numbness or pain in your arms and legs
Treatment Options for Cardiovascular Disease
- Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol medications
- Beta-blockers and blood thinners
- Cardiac rehabilitation, including exercise and meditation
- Bodyweight management and a healthy diet maintenance
- Valve repair or coronary artery bypass as the last resort
Obstructive Lung Disease
Obstructive lung disease is another collective term used for diseases related to the lungs. Lung diseases are quite prevalent, mostly among adults who are compulsive smokers and industrial workers.
As mentioned in the WHO fact sheet, 3.23 million people died in 2019 due to obstructive lung disease, making it one of the leading causes of death in the world. Sadly, obstructive lung disease is more common in younger adults compared to elderly people.
Symptoms of Obstructive Lung Disease
- Chest tightness and pain
- Unintended weight loss and loss of energy
- Recurring respiratory infections
- Frequent cough and excessive production of mucus
- Wheezing and shortness of breath
Treatment Options for Obstructive Lung Disease
- Bronchodilators for regular use
- Antibiotics or corticosteroids
- Pneumonia or flu vaccines
- Oxygen therapy
- Pulmonary rehabilitation, including exercise and behavioral intervention
- Lung repair surgery in severe cases
Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease that is caused due to abnormally high blood sugar levels also called blood glucose. Blood glucose is the primary source of energy and it comes from the food one eats. It’s an ailment that requires lifelong treatment.
According to the American Diabetes Association, 34.2 million people in the United States have diabetes, out of which 26.8 million people were readily diagnosed while the remaining 7.3 million people weren’t diagnosed for a long time.
Symptoms of Diabetes
- Numbness or tingling sensations in hands and feet
- Uncontrollable thirst or hunger
- Losing weight without trying
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Fatigue and blurry vision
- Dry skin and other skin-related disorders
Treatment Options for Diabetes
As sad as it is, but there’s no permanent cure for diabetes. Insulin is recommended to normalize the blood glucose level in the body. However, they say diabetes can be reversed with an organic diet and an appropriate workout routine. Losing weight is also recommended for those in the pre-diabetes stage as it can help lower blood sugar levels naturally.
Besides the ones mentioned above, many other physical ailments like stroke, tuberculosis, and cancer as well as mental health disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and social anxiety disorder have become quite common. What you need to remember is that health is a blessing. Thus, you must go the extra mile to take care of your health. I wish you well, my friends!
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
