Life Balance Hub: about family, life and health
Life Balance Hub is your guide to a harmonious life. Discover inspiration and practical tips on family, health, fitness, and achieving everyday balance.
Limb numbness, or paraesthesia, can stem from a variety of causes. The most frequent cause is temporary pressure on nerves, such as from sitting or sleeping in a position that compresses a limb. This usually resolves once you change positions and relieve the pressure.
Disorientation happens when you experience confusion about the time, your location, or even your own identity. This symptom can result from various conditions, ranging from temporary issues like fatigue or dehydration to more serious underlying problems such as neurological disorders or infections. Disorientation may also be a sign of psychological stress or trauma. If disorientation is frequent or severe, it is important to seek medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
Eye discharge refers to the secretion of mucus, pus, or other non-tear fluids from your eyes. This discharge can vary in color and consistency, ranging from clear and watery to thick and yellow or green. Eye discharge is often a sign of an underlying condition, such as an eye infection, allergies, or conjunctivitis. Monitoring the characteristics of the discharge, along with any accompanying symptoms like redness or itching, can help determine the cause and guide appropriate treatment.
Fluid or discharge from the ear, also known as otorrhoea, refers to any substance draining from the ear canal. This fluid might be ear wax, a natural substance composed of oils and solid materials that helps protect the ear by trapping dust and bacteria. However, otorrhoea can also indicate an underlying issue such as an ear infection, a perforated eardrum, or fluid buildup from conditions like otitis media. If the discharge is persistent, accompanied by pain, hearing loss, or other symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
You may have loose skin if you have lost a large amount of weight. Loose or saggy skin is a common problem after losing a significant amount of weight, particularly if the weight loss occurs rapidly or exceeds 100 pounds. While improvements in skin elasticity can occur over time, they may not be sufficient for everyone. Factors such as age, genetics, and the duration of time the skin was stretched can influence the extent of loose skin. In some cases, individuals may require surgery, such as a body contouring procedure, to remove the excess skin and achieve their desired look.
“Normal” bowel function varies from person to person, but many people find it challenging or painful to pass stools. If you experience constipation, your stools may become hard, dry, and difficult or painful to pass, often requiring you to push or strain. Some individuals with constipation may feel that their bowels haven’t been fully emptied, even after a bowel movement, leading to a persistent urge to go.
Incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine (wee), feces (poo), or gas, and it can range from minor leaks to complete loss of control over the bladder or bowel. This condition may manifest as urine leakage during activities such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising, or difficulty controlling bowel movements. It can also involve a sudden, urgent need to use the toilet, which can be challenging if a bathroom is not immediately accessible. Incontinence can result from various factors, including age, medical conditions, or childbirth, and effective management strategies are available through consultation with healthcare professionals.
Haemoptysis refers to the act of coughing up blood from the lungs or airways, which can present as anything from blood-streaked sputum to a significant amount of blood. Massive haemoptysis is a serious condition that can potentially obstruct airways, decrease oxygen levels in the blood, and result in dangerous blood loss. Immediate medical attention is crucial in such cases to manage the underlying cause and prevent complications that can threaten respiratory function and overall health.
“Brain fog” is a colloquial term used to describe difficulties with thinking, memory, and concentration. Healthcare professionals refer to it as “cognitive dysfunction” or “cognitive impairment.” It often accompanies various health conditions but is distinct from dementia or delirium.
Anosmia refers to the complete loss of smell, while partial loss is termed hyposmia. Our sense of smell plays a vital role in daily life, influencing experiences and even affecting taste perception. Anosmia can significantly alter how we perceive flavors in food and beverages, impacting enjoyment and nutritional intake.
Blood in your urine, known as hematuria, is a common occurrence that can be detected through a urine test or noticed visually. Normally, urine appears light yellow in color. When there is blood present, urine may appear red, pink, or brownish, or you may notice actual blood in the urine. Sometimes, blood in urine is microscopic and not visible to the naked eye.
Noticing blood in your stool (poo) after using the toilet can be alarming. You might also see spots of blood on the toilet paper or drops of blood in the toilet bowl. While a small amount of bleeding on one occasion is usually not serious, blood in your stool can indicate a range of issues, some of which could be serious.
