Multiple sclerosis or MS is a disease that affects the central nervous system and can cause disability. In this condition, the immune system attacks the protective sheath of the nerve fibers known as myelin. This causes an interruption in the communication between the brain and the body. As the condition progresses, it can cause permanent damage to the nerves. Read on to know more about the causes and symptoms of the condition. Causes of MS The exact cause of MS is yet to be known. However, according to scientists, four factors increase the chances of a person developing MS. These include the following: 1. Malfunctioning of the immune system MS occurs when the immune system does not function properly or starts attacking the central nervous system. It is also called an autoimmune disease. In such diseases, the immune system identifies parts of the healthy tissue as foreign invaders such as a virus or bacteria. This leads the immune system to attack healthy tissue in the body. 2. Genes Several genes are thought to contribute to the development of MS. A person’s chances of developing MS are higher if he has a family member, such as a parent or a sibling, suffering from the condition.

Worrying about detergents if you have sensitive skin woes is natural. Anyone prone to symptoms of sensitive skin knows how crucial it is to not come in contact with allergens, and picking the right laundry detergent goes a long way in determining the same. So to help you out, here is a list of some of the best dermatologist-recommended laundry detergents, which help you keep your sensitive skin issues at bay. 3 Laundry Detergents for Sensitive Skin 1. ECOS Hypoallergenic Laundry Detergent Built-In Fabric Softener This dermatologist-recommended product can put an end to your ongoing detergent and sensitive skin issues. It comes with an ultra-concentrated pH-balancing formula for removing stains from clothes and brightening them in the cleaning process. The formula is also perfect for the color protection of your clothes. The fabric-softener in the detergent helps you prevent static cling on your clothes and makes them soft. All the ingredients used in the detergent are plant-based. It also contains lily and magnolia essential oils for fragrance, which do not cause any allergic reactions. The laundry detergent can be used under all water temperatures and in all high-efficiency washing machines. The detergent is also paraben, phosphate, phthalate, gluten, and cruelty-free.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition where the stomach contents move up the esophagus, causing heartburn and pain. There are a lot of risk factors for GERD, a few of which are mentioned below. 1. Weight People who are overweight have excess fat deposits. These fatty tissues put pressure on the stomach and force the contents of the stomach to move up. Excessive weight is one very common risk factor for GERD. 2. Pregnancy Pregnancy is another risk factor for developing this condition. As pregnancy proceeds, the uterus grows and starts pushing the stomach higher. This can trigger heartburn. In fact, heartburn is one of the common symptoms of pregnancy. Thankfully, this condition will resolve by itself after delivery. 3. Smoking Smoking weakens the nervous system and the various muscles. It also weakens the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES is located at the end of the esophagus and helps prevent the flow of contents from the stomach to the esophagus. When this group of muscles get weak, up-flow becomes easy. Smoking is a preventable risk factor for GERD. 4. Existing hiatal hernia Hiatal hernia is a condition when a part of the stomach gets inflamed and bulges outside, pushing through the diaphragm.

The key to managing any significant disease is early detection, which is certainly the case with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This chronic disease is characterized by significant inflammation of the lung tissue. COPD is very common among smokers and people who are frequently exposed to irritants like insecticides and gaseous fumes. According to the American Lung Association, as many as 35 million Americans may be suffering from COPD, though only about a third of the cases have actually been diagnosed. If you are not sure if you have COPD, you might want to look for the following early warning signs: 1. Increasing breathlessness when active When you are participating in sports or strenuous activities, your heart rate increases, and your body has an increased need for oxygen. This causes your lungs to expand to take in the extra oxygen. If you have COPD, it would be typical for you to have increasingly more difficulty breathing as your heart rate goes up. With the inflammation caused by COPD, your lungs would have less capacity to draw in and hold air. 2. Persistent cough With lung inflammation, there is usually an increase in mucus build-up in the lungs. When this happens, coughing is the body’s way of loosening and trying to discharge the mucus.

Dementia is a cognitive disorder that causes both memory and cognitive difficulties. Dementia is not just one disease, but an umbrella term for many different conditions. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s Disease followed by vascular dementia. Common causes for this condition include head trauma, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke. While common risk factors for dementia include advanced age, excess alcohol consumption, diabetes, depression, smoking, and social isolation. If you or someone close to you shows signs of losing memory, it’s important to get a diagnosis from a healthcare professional. Let’s discuss the early warning signs of dementia and how they can be identified: 1. Memory loss Loss of memory is normal as we age and can be exhibited in many ways. Someone may struggle to remember familiar names, recent events, or where they put their keys, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that they have dementia. Forgetfulness is normal when we are stressed, tired, and as we age. However, if someone forgets important milestones or events in their life and happens more often than usual, this could be a sign of dementia. Patients with dementia may struggle to remember new information even after being told the same thing multiple times.