6 signs of Dupuytren’s contracture

The connective tissue in the palm, generally flexible and loose, may begin to abnormally thicken or tighten. This is known as Dupuytren’s contracture. Here, the fingers can begin bending toward the palm and are unable to straighten completely. The condition most commonly affects fingers away from the thumb—the ring and pinky finger and can affect one or both hands. Here are a few signs of the condition one should not ignore:

1. Nodules in the palm
The presence of lumps or nodules in the palm could be a warning sign of Dupuytren’s contracture. These nodules are generally observed at the base of the fingers, right where they meet the palm. One may be able to feel or even see a hard lump as an early sign. The appearance of nodules indicates that the condition is starting to spread through the connective tissue or the palmar fascia of the palm. The lumps could be painful or painless and may go away without any treatment. The lumps can also make the surrounding skin appear dimpled or puckered, leading to pits or grooves in the skin that are compressed by the contracted finger. These areas can become sore and lead to skin loss if they do not heal in time. One might not develop any other symptoms apart from the lump. However, one should keep an eye out for this sign and get it examined to prevent further complications associated with Dupuytren’s contracture.

2. Cords in the palm
Another sign of Dupuytre’s contracture is the presence of cords or bands on the palm. The nodules that initially develop due to the condition can thicken and stretch with time, turning into cords of tissues in the palm. These cords then pull on the fingers, bending them towards the inside of the palm. To treat this symptom, doctors usually use prescription treatment to dissolve the cords and help the hand relax.

3. Contracture
This is an advanced symptom that gives the condition its name. What happens here is that the cords on the palm can tighten and thicken over time, worsening the pull on the fingers. When it becomes impossible to extend or straighten the affected fingers away from the palm, it is called a contracture. This symptom can begin causing discomfort and interfering with day-to-day activities. While reaching this stage is not a given for everyone with this condition, over time, nodules and cords can worsen, leading to a contracture.

4. Inability to flex the palm
When dealing with Dupuytren’s contracture, one may have a hard time stretching their palms flat on any surface. The presence of nodules or cords can keep their palms loosely or tightly cupped for long periods. This might even make it difficult for one to carry out everyday tasks like eating, drinking, taking a shower, or holding objects. One can identify and confirm this sign using the tabletop test. All they have to do is try to place their palm on a flat surface. If they are unable to do so, they should consult a doctor.

5. Tenderness and itching
Dupuytren’s contracture may not always cause pain in the palms. However, some people with the condition may experience discomfort to an extent. Some may also experience tenderness, itching, pressure, and burning sensation in the palms, which are rare signs of the condition. This can also be accompanied by inflammation and swelling. Upon noticing such signs, one should consult a doctor.

6. Issues moving the hands
As the condition impacts the normal position of the fingers, it can affect the movement of palms and fingers. The hand may also not work as it normally would. So, tasks like washing the face can become harder, although not completely unachievable. However, Dupuytren’s contracture does not make one entirely unable to hold or grip things. One may still be able to form a fist. Nevertheless, they may experience a limited range of motion in both the fingers and the hand. So, they may need to make some changes and figure out how to hold things differently. Due to the inability to flex the palm and bend the fingers, one may be unable to wear gloves. As one may also be unable to move their fingers closer or farther away from each other, they may find it difficult to put their hands comfortably into a pocket or wallet.

The condition typically develops without warning. However, it is important to note that Dupuytren’s contracture is progressive in nature and can take years to worsen. In some cases, it can take as long as decades. The condition is more common among men than women and typically affects those over 50 years of age. But, a family history of the condition can make one more likely to develop Dupuytren’s contracture. Unhealthy lifestyle choices can also increase the likelihood. Further, those with diabetes may be at a higher risk of developing the condition. Nevertheless, the condition can affect anyone. So, one should keep an eye out for the abovementioned signs and consult a doctor to find an appropriate course of action. While there is no permanent cure for the condition, its symptoms can be managed in a few ways.

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Reasons to avoid tap water and drink purified water

Most countries provide the public with easily available tap water drinking stations, and this water is usually considered safe for consumption. The government and health bodies have a testing and treatment process in place to ensure that tap water meets regulatory standards provided by them. However, water can have a certain potential to cause harmful side effects for people. Here are some reasons why one must avoid drinking tap water and switch to purified water. Microbial contamination Improper treatment of drinking water can lead to the water being contaminated with parasites like bacteria and viruses. And prolonged exposure to these microbes can lead to health issues like stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. Fluoride exposure Fluoride is added to drinking water sources to prevent dental decay. However, if there is an excess amount of fluoride present in the water source, it can also cause dental fluorosis. The condition can cause defects in tooth enamel and lead to discoloration of the teeth. Increased intake of fluoride can also increase the risk of skeletal fluorosis, leading to symptoms like bone pain, stiffness, and fractures. Exposure to nitrates and nitrites Groundwater sources can turn septic because of system leakage. It can be caused because of the introduction of nitrates and nitrites in the water. Agricultural runoff might also prove to be a contributing factor in the matter. When this water makes its way into the tap water supply channel, it can create problems. Excess exposure to nitrates can decrease the body's ability to carry oxygen, increasing the risk of health complications. Exposure to chlorine byproducts Chlorine is added to water as a source of disinfection. It is present not just in swimming pools but also in drinking water sources. The chlorine then reacts with some components in the water that can give rise to some byproducts. Prolonged exposure to these compounds can increase the risk of health concerns. Contaminant exposure Depending on the treatment the drinking water receives, there is a possibility of it being exposed to heavy metals. These include arsenic, lead, and multiple industrial pollutants. Increased exposure to these contaminants on a repeated basis can cause neurological issues. Metal contact Tap water can easily come in contact with metals like copper, lead, and cadmium. It can occur when the water is in repeated contact with corroded plumbing. Chronic exposure to these metals can hurt a person's health. These complications can include cardiovascular issues, kidney damage, and neurological impairment. To avoid this, individuals must regularly get their water infrastructure tested to check for metal contamination risks. It is important to note that tap water undergoes multiple treatments to ensure it is fit for drinking. However, sometimes, the trials might not get the desired results. In these rare cases, microbial activity inside the body can give rise to various health complications that can result in adverse conditions. To overcome these issues, people should add water purifiers to their taps and gain access to safe drinking water. Here are a few reasons why using water purifiers is better for individuals: Improved water quality Despite its multiple purification treatments, the possibility of contamination present in tap water is high. Water purifiers are specifically designed to help eliminate these contaminants and provide individuals with safer, cleaner, and better-tasting drinking water. These purification systems can work against various contaminants, eliminating leftover chlorine, bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, sedimentation, and other chemical pollutants. When individuals switch from tap water to purified water, they gain access to drinking water that is not just visibility clean but also free of harmful parasites and chemicals. Improved health Improved health is one of the most significant reasons individuals should invest in a water purifier. It helps remove harmful contaminants from the tap water and ensures that the water used to drink and cook is safe and pure. Using a water purifier can reduce the risk of gastrointestinal complications, water-borne diseases, as well as long-term health complications that can be associated with prolonged exposure to contaminated water. Cost-effective Cost-effectiveness is one of the significant improvements when switching from bottled water to purified water. Although the initial investment for a water purifier might seem like a hefty price to pay, in the long run, bottled water can save an individual a lot of money. Additionally, people no longer have to worry about storing and disposing of countless plastic water bottles and harming the environment. With a purifier installed, it is easier to access tap water for drinking, cooking, and other purposes. Convenience With the availability of water purifiers at home, individuals do not have to constantly be worried about stocking bottled water or being exposed to contaminants present in tap water. An alternative method for individuals is to boil the drinking water. However, this can be an exhaustive process. Instead, using a water purifier gives individuals access to safe and clean drinking water right from the tap. People can also find advanced purifiers in the market that can help control water temperature, automatic filtration, and also provide smart monitoring options. Eco-friendly A huge chunk of the population depends on bottled drinking water. Most of these bottles are made from plastic and contribute to the mounting amounts of plastic waste that is impacting the environment. Water purifiers, on the other hand, are better for the environment. Their production and distribution process does not leave behind vast carbon emissions, causing increased environmental pollution. Therefore, choosing water purifiers can help people decrease their carbon footprint and also reduce their contribution to plastic landfills.

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8 common signs and symptoms eosinophilic esophagitis

The esophagus or food pipe transfers food to the stomach. However, it can get inflamed due to conditions like eosinophilic esophagitis (EOE). In EOE, eosinophils release substances in surrounding tissues that lead to inflammation. This causes the organ to contract and abscesses or ring-like projections to form. EOE can be triggered by acid reflux or food allergies. To manage the condition, here are some signs and symptoms of EOE that one should not ignore: Symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis (EOE) The symptoms of EOE may vary among adults and children, although certain symptoms are common in both. So, here are the signs and symptoms of EOE among children and adults: Symptoms of EOE in adults Studies have shown that EOE in adults usually shows up in the form of strictures, rings, and narrowing of the esophagus. As a result, adults with EOE may have these symptoms: Difficulty swallowing One of the classic symptoms of EOE is difficulty swallowing. The technical term for this symptom is dysphagia. In usual circumstances, one may face dysphagia if they gulp down their food, but the symptom shows up for those with EOE even when they chew their food well. Acid reflux Acid reflux is usually a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a health condition closely related to EOE. But in many cases, those with EOE also experience GERD symptoms like acid reflux, wherein stomach acid flows back to the esophagus and causes irritation. Food impaction As eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) accumulate in the food pipe, food may become stuck in one’s throat when one has EOE. This might lead to choking and severe discomfort. Chest pain Symptoms like dysphagia and food impaction may cause severe chest pain among those with EOE. Although chest pain may also be a symptom of other conditions, it may indicate EOE if one experiences its other signs. Symptoms of EOE in children Unlike adults, children with EOE usually experience edema, furrowing, and white exudates in the esophagus. Consequently, the symptoms of EOE in children may differ from those among adults: Refractory reflux Refractory reflux is classified as a type of GERD (refractory GERD), but many children with EOE also deal with this symptom. Children with refractory reflux due to EOE may suffer from chronic cough, chest pain, voice hoarseness, etc. Abdominal pain Children with EOE may also complain of abdominal pain, which, when accompanied by other EOE signs, may be a symptom of this condition. Vomiting Vomiting is another common symptom of EOE among children, and the regurgitation of food may cause it because of the buildup of eosinophils in the food pipe. Stunted growth Children require several essential nutrients as they grow physically and mentally, but EOE symptoms can make it difficult for them to have nutrient-rich foods. Consequently, the growth of many children with EOE may be stunted, and they may suffer from malnutrition if the condition is left untreated. Triggers and management techniques for EOE As mentioned before, eosinophilic esophagitis is triggered as an allergic reaction in the body. This means that the body produces excess eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, to fight the allergen that enters the body. So, the best way to heal from EOE is to identify this trigger or allergen and eliminate it from one’s meal plan. Since food is one of the main triggers of this condition, doctors usually suggest an elimination method to identify the allergen. Here, one needs to wean off a certain food group and add it back to check whether it is the cause of the condition. Here are some foods that may trigger one’s EOE: Wheat Gluten, a type of protein found in wheat and wheat products, is a substance that many people are allergic to. It is an active ingredient in breads, cakes, and other confectioneries. But it may also be found in foods like ice creams, oats, and barley. So, to identify if gluten is the EOE trigger, one should eliminate all such foods containing wheat or traces of it for a few days and add them back in later. During this time, one should remember to pick foods with a “gluten-free” label. Soy For some people, soy may trigger EOE. To test if soy is triggering the condition, one should steer clear of all foods containing soy, like soya chunks, soybeans, soy sauce, tofu, soybean oil, etc., for some days. Soy is an ingredient in several packaged, ready-to-eat foods, so one should carefully check the ingredients list. Eggs Sometimes, one may develop EOE as an allergic reaction to eggs. So, during the testing phase, one should avoid all foods containing eggs, including baked items and other egg preparations. Fish and shellfish Fish and shellfish may also cause EOE, so it is essential to eliminate them in all forms when identifying EOE triggers. These ingredients are also included in common packaged foods like Worcestershire sauce, so one should remember to avoid all such foods. Nuts Nut allergies may also be the underlying cause of EOE. Thus, it is important to avoid all forms of tree nuts, including nut butters and oils, for a few days to determine whether nuts are the triggers. Dairy Finally, dairy could be the culprit for EOE, so one should avoid all dairy products, including milk, cheese, butter, and yogurt, for some days to check for dairy allergy.