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.
“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.
If you notice bleeding from your gums after brushing, it may indicate gum disease, which occurs due to the buildup of plaque on teeth and gums. Early-stage gum disease is called gingivitis, characterized by symptoms such as bleeding gums, redness, and swelling.
Sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI) refers to the sudden and unexpected death of a baby less than 12 months old, where the cause is not immediately obvious. This term encompasses various potential causes, including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and fatal sleeping accidents.
Burping, also known as belching or ‘bringing up wind,’ is a natural process where the body expels air from the upper digestive system through the mouth. It typically occurs when a person swallows excess air while eating or drinking. When babies burp, the air they release primarily comes from the esophagus before it reaches the stomach. If not expelled through the mouth, this air can pass through the digestive system and exit through the baby’s bottom. Additionally, gas can form in the baby’s gut as a result of milk breakdown during digestion.
Varicose veins occur when blood vessels become enlarged and swollen, often appearing blue or purple beneath the skin. During pregnancy, hormonal changes and increased blood volume can lead to varicose veins, affecting up to 4 in 10 pregnant individuals. These veins commonly develop in the first trimester and can cause discomfort or pain.
Thrush is an infection caused by a yeast called Candida, which often affects the vagina and vulva. If you’re breastfeeding, it can also affect your breasts or nipples and your baby’s mouth or bottom. Symptoms include itching, soreness, and a thick, white discharge resembling cottage cheese. Thrush is common during pregnancy due to hormonal changes that create a more favorable environment for yeast growth.
