Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare genetic disorder that causes repeated and unpredictable episodes of swelling in the skin and upper respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. The episodes come and go, but if they affect the throat, one’s airways can get blocked, leading to life-threatening complications. People are born with the condition as it is passed on from the parents to the child. Here are a few common triggers of HAE. Food triggers for HAE attacks The following foods can lead to an HAE attack, characterized by rapid swelling in different areas of the body: 1. Tree nuts Tree nuts like almonds, cashews, and walnuts are excellent snacks that help keep one full for longer. However, experts recommend those with HAE to avoid these nuts as they can trigger the condition. 2. Food additives Food additives used for flavor are a potential trigger of HAE attacks. People with the disorder should reach for meals with fresh ingredients and avoid anything that has additives. 3. Shellfish Shellfish are known triggers for those with food allergies. The food can also cause an allergic episode of HAE, so patients should avoid it. 4. Spinach Spinach or arugula is a green leafy vegetable known for its health benefits.

Chronic Pulmonary Obstructive Disorder (COPD) and asthma are two diseases that currently do not have a cure. They share similar symptoms like shortness of breath, breathing difficulties, wheezing, heaviness in the lungs and chest, and difficulty while talking or laughing. Exposure to smoke, industrial pollution, environmental pollution, and genetic factors are some of the major causes of these conditions . Hence, prescription treatments, lifestyle changes, and regular medical screening are crucial to manage the symptoms of these conditions. Foods to avoid for asthma and COPD Asthma can begin at a very young age, while COPD can be triggered much later by food and other environmental allergies, extreme climate, physical exertion, stress, and anxiety. Along with short-term and long-term treatments, doctors advise patients to be careful and avoid triggers that can lead to breathing difficulties. While one may not be able to control environmental triggers, being mindful of what one eats can help prevent food-related episodes of asthma or COPD. Some of the foods that should be avoided for asthma and COPD include: Dairy products While preparing a meal plan for asthma or COPD, one rule of thumb is to avoid dairy and dairy products. They promote excessive mucus production and directly worsen asthma and COPD symptoms.

Before diving into the intricate world of health insurance, it is important to understand how it works and, more importantly, what it covers and doesn’t cover. While purchasing health insurance, many individuals end up making certain unintentional mistakes that can result in out-of-pocket expenses during emergencies and claim denials. Keep reading to learn more about the common mistakes to avoid while buying health insurance. Not knowing the terminologies One may misread or misinterpret a health insurance plan if one cannot comprehend the complex insurance and financial terminologies. Spend time learning the definition and scope of important insurance terminologies like- Not listing requirements and affordability Buying a health insurance policy without a proper plan or review is a big mistake. List down the number of members in one’s family, health risks, if any, and the age of each member. Understand how much a hospital charges for different healthcare treatments and services. Arrive at a coverage cost based on potential future healthcare-related expenses. Allowable charge Benefit and benefit level Claim Coinsurance Copay Coverage amount Deductible Effective date Exclusions Pre-existing condition Premium Provider network Not comparing multiple policies Sometimes, friends or family members recommend certain insurance plans, but one should not opt for the same without researching it beforehand.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a developmental disorder that develops in children around six and may last till adulthood. Inattentiveness is one of its primary symptoms. Children diagnosed with ADHD may be inattentive or hyperactive; they may talk too much and do or say things impulsively without thinking. A child may have one or more of these symptoms. Doctors treat ADHD using a combination of behavioral therapy and lifestyle modification to restrict the use of prescription treatments. Treatment options for ADHD ADHD can interfere with a child’s ability to participate in daily activities at home, school, or society. They get bored and distracted easily and show less interest in learning. Doctors recommend behavior management therapy for children less than six and a combination of behavior management therapy and pharmacological treatment for children between six and twelve. Doctors actively involve parents and teachers in these therapies to understand the child’s needs and manage them appropriately. Doctors use FDA-approved stimulants and nonstimulants wherever necessary. Some side effects of such stimulants include sleeping trouble, low appetite or interest in eating, mood changes, stomach ache, faster heart rate, and high blood pressure. Home treatments are beneficial in the long run as they reduce the dependence on pharmacological treatments.

Cancer that begins in the tissues of the lungs is called lung cancer. As it grows, it can cause various symptoms, like a persistent and worsening cough, wheezing, chest pain, and fatigue. If caught early, cancer can be managed with treatment options like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Further, some foods, even if they cannot prevent or get rid of cancerous cells, can aid treatment by helping improve overall health and managing symptoms. 1. Ginger Ginger can help reduce cough, a common lung cancer symptom. Ginger is also believed to help manage nausea— a side effect of chemotherapy. So, when dealing with the condition or undergoing cancer treatment, one can opt for ginger tea, ginger candies, or add ginger to soups to feel better. 2. Turmeric Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties; it also helps reduce cough. Research has also suggested that curcumin (a compound in turmeric) could potentially be an adjuvant therapeutic agent for lung cancer. So, one can opt for turmeric tea or add turmeric to their meals. 3. Fruits and vegetables Vegetables and fruits are two key sources of antioxidants and phytonutrients, which help prevent further damage to healthy cells in the body when dealing with lung cancer.