Symptoms of Poor Circulation In this article, we will focus on the symptoms of poor circulation and when you should seek medical help. Signs of Poor Circulation 1. Varicose Veins If the valves in the veins of the legs are damaged, your blood will find it difficult to get back to the heart. This results in engorged veins and will eventually cause varicosities in the legs. Varicose veins are more common to those who regularly stand for long periods. 2. Painful Muscle Cramping The most common symptom of poor circulation is claudication, described as muscle discomfort or painful cramping, particularly in the legs. This is felt when you exercise or walk and usually disappears after resting your legs. The muscles that are most involved are the hips, thighs or calves. Claudication happens if there is a hindrance to the normal blood flow. For example, in atherosclerosis, where there is a buildup of cholesterol plaques in the blood vessels, the muscles cannot get enough blood during physical activity. The cramping pain is the muscle’s way of warning you that it is not getting enough blood during exercise to meet its increased demand. 3. Numbness or Weakness Reduced blood flow to different body parts may cause slow and irreversible damage to the nerves, which may be felt as tingling, numbness or weakness in that area. This is particularly alarming because having numbness on the extremities decreases your skin’s sensitivity to pain. As a result, there may be instances where your skin has already been damaged or wounded, but you cannot feel it. 4. Temperature Differences in the Extremities Poor circulation can lead to fluctuations in your skin’s temperature regulation. For example, reduced blood flow to your hands or feet may make them colder than the other parts of your body. To assess the temperature of your skin, you can use the back of your hands for a more accurate assessment. 5. Wounds That Do Not Heal or Heal Slowly Wounds heal by the different components and cells delivered through the bloodstream to the affected area. When blood flow is compromised, the healing process takes much longer and may even lead to infections. Even the slightest break in the skin may lead to catastrophic changes that could lead to amputation, especially in people with diabetes. 6. Change of Skin Color When there is insufficient blood flow, the skin may appear pale or blue (cyanosis). The change of color in the skin indicates that the oxygen-rich blood is unable to reach those tissues. The commonly affected body parts that may have this symptom are the toes, fingers, palms, soles and lips. [youmaylike] 7. Poor Hair or Nail Growth Hair and nails need the nutrients in your body to keep them healthy. Nutrients are delivered to the hair and nails through the blood. Therefore, any blockage or hindrance of the normal circulation of blood may affect the growth of healthy hair and nails, which can lead to hair loss or poor nail growth. 8. Shiny Skin on Legs Shiny skin on the legs can indicate that the skin stretched due to excess fluids in the legs. Poor circulation can cause blood pooling in the legs, resulting in fluid leakage from the blood vessels to the surrounding tissues. In turn, the skin will stretch, giving it a shiny appearance. 9. Weak Pulses When blood flow is restricted, the usual, brisk pulses on the extremities become weaker. Doctors usually include this in their physical examination to rule out any peripheral arterial disease. 10. Erectile Dysfunction in Men The penis is made up mostly of blood vessels. Penile erection happens because the arteries of the penis are filled up with blood to elongate and stiffen the organ. When there is poor circulation, blood cannot fill up the blood vessels in the penis. Most cases of impotence are a complication primarily of the arterial system. What is Poor Circulation? Poor circulation is not a condition in itself, but having any of its symptoms may indicate more serious conditions, such as: Peripheral artery disease (PAD). Uncontrolled diabetes. Blood clots. Atherosclerosis (buildup of fatty deposits in the vessels). Heart conditions. Having poor circulation may not be apparent initially. Still, whether you experience symptoms or not, it is important to be aware of them early on to help detect the underlying cause. For example, smoking, a sedentary lifestyle and obesity are all factors that increase the likelihood of a person experiencing poor circulation symptoms. In Review The symptoms of poor circulation may vary for each person. In general, conditions that cause poor circulation are easier to treat when your doctor detects it early. If you experience any of these symptoms and suspect that it may be caused by a dysfunction in your normal blood circulation, it is essential that you see your doctor for assessment and treatment right away.
What Are Dry Cough Remedies?
If your dry cough wakes you up in the middle of the night one more time, you’ll scream, then probably cough some more! Due to this, you may be wondering what some dry cough remedies are.
A rare, occasional dry cough is a natural reflex that clears your lungs or throat of any irritant. But, if you have a persistent dry cough that doesn’t go away, it can indicate something more serious.
So, what causes it? And how do you get rid of dry cough? In this article we will look at how to diagnose your cough, and some home remedies you can try to soothe the pain.
Diagnosing Your Cough
Before we begin, do you know exactly what a dry cough is?
A dry cough is like a tickle in the back of your throat. It does not bring up mucus or phlegm and is typically caused by an irritant in your throat.
Unlike a wet cough, which brings up mucus that cleans the irritant away, dry coughs are more annoying than anything, since it does nothing to expel the irritant.
Dry coughs usually occur at the tail-end of an infection. It could be a cold, or the flu, or the result of a sinus infection. Moreover, a dry cough could also occur if you are exposed to an irritant, such as dust, chemical fumes from cars, smoke, or cigarette smoke. Asthma and allergies can also trigger a dry cough.
Some serious health issues can also result in you experiencing constant dry coughing, such as:
- Sinusitis
- Chronic bronchitis or emphysema (Also known as a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- Lung infections (acute bronchitis or pneumonia)
Nevertheless, if you get yourself tested and don’t find any such cause, there are unfortunately dozens of more conditions that can cause chronic dry cough.
5 Natural Home Remedies for a Dry Cough
Luckily, there are some things you can try at home to help soothe your dry cough. However, if your symptoms do not go away, or get worse, be sure to make an appointment with your doctor.
Honey
A teaspoon of honey in warm water or tea is the best remedy for a temporary dry cough. Additionally, you could have a teaspoon of honey and sprinkle some black pepper flakes on top. This reduces the nagging tickle in your throat and works more effectively than your average cough medication.
Drink Turmeric
Turmeric is a classic cough remedy and has been used to treat bronchitis and other upper respiratory conditions in Ayurvedic medicine for a long time. Turmeric in warm milk serves as an antiviral and anti-inflammatory remedy. And to top it off, it tastes good too and warms you from the inside.
Chew on Peppermint
Peppermint is widely used to obtain a chemical compound known as menthol naturally. So, when you chew on a peppermint leaf, that menthol component goes to the nerve endings in your throat, numbing them. This reduces pain and provides relief from coughing. Peppermint also reduces congestion and has other antiviral properties.
If possible, use peppermint oil for an aromatherapy treatment, or chew on a peppermint leaf if you have a bundle in the fridge.
Use a Humidifier
If you live in a dry region, that may be to blame for the dry cough you’re experiencing. Dry air leeches away all the moisture in the air. But, if you keep a humidifier handy, that puts moisture molecules back. That moisture then makes its way to your sinuses, thus opening them up and allowing your throat to feel less dry.
Buy an Air Purifier
If you live in the city, near traffic, or have dust or smoke allergies, an air purifier is exactly what you need.
As the name suggests, this device purifies the air and gets rid of any airborne irritants. Your throat doesn’t experience as many triggers as it normally would, which lessens your need to cough by reducing allergens.
When to See a Doctor
If you’ve used all the above tips, have taken all types of cough drops and syrups, and still experience a bad dry cough, then only a doctor can help you fight the problem.
As stated above, dry coughing is a symptom that can indicate some other health issue. Going to a professional physician will ensure you that you’ve taken all steps necessary to prevent your dry cough. With the right medical help and a complete physical, you’ll be able to get a proper diagnosis, address any underlying health issues, and be given a treatment plan.