The Four Health Problems That the Average Person May Not Know

The average person is usually aware of most if not all the major health problems that are common in their world. Heart disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity; these are known to most people and may even be a concern to them. However, what about the lesser-known issues? As a group, though, they can cause a large portion of total deaths worldwide each year. Here’s a list of four health problems that you should know about:

1) Rheumatic fever

Rheumatic fever is a complication of strep throat that can cause damage to the heart, joints, skin, and brain. It is most common in children and young adults but can occur at any age. Symptoms include fever, joint pain, rash, and chest pain. Treatment includes antibiotics to kill the strep bacteria as well as medications to help relieve symptoms.

2) Pulmonary embolism

A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that forms in a vein in the leg or arm and travels to the lungs. This can block blood flow and cause difficulty breathing, chest pain, and even death. Risk factors for pulmonary embolism include surgery, cancer, obesity, smoking, and bed rest. Treatment typically includes medications to dissolve the clot and blood thinners to prevent future clots.

3) Acute coronary syndrome

An acute coronary syndrome is an umbrella term for a sudden onset of multiple heart problems, including unstable angina, heart attack, or even cardiac arrest. Risk factors include high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, family history of early heart disease, and the male gender. Symptoms include chest pain that may be relieved by rest or medication and shortness of breath or nausea/vomiting. Treatment includes medications to decrease inflammation and lower cholesterol as well as life-saving procedures like stenting or CPR if needed.

4) Dengue fever

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause severe illness, including hemorrhagic fever. It is most common in tropical and subtropical areas but has been increasing in other parts of the world as well. Symptoms include high fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, and rash. There is no specific treatment for dengue fever, and it can be fatal in some cases. Prevention includes avoiding exposure to mosquitoes and using insect repellent.

Conclusion:

The list above shows just a few of the lesser-known health problems that may be affecting your life or those around you. There are many more, and awareness is the first step to prevention and treatment. Know the risks and symptoms and visit your doctor if you think you may be experiencing one of these problems.