Huntington’s Disease (HD) is a rare neurological disease affecting the part of one’s brain that controls bodily movements. Due to the disease, the affected nerve cells weaken, break down, and die over time. The physical and neuropsychiatric symptoms and their progression may vary from one person to another. HD is diagnosed by closely studying one’s medical history, neurological exams, diagnostic imaging, and genetic tests. Let’s learn more about its symptoms and who it affects primarily. Who does Huntington’s Disease affect? Since HD is an inherited or genetic disorder, it is more likely to affect those whose family members or close relatives have this condition. It is primarily triggered by a mutation in the gene responsible for producing the huntingtin protein. Usually, the HD symptoms start to show in middle-aged individuals after their 30s or 40s, but if one shows signs before 20, it’s termed juvenile Huntington’s disease. Common symptoms of Huntington’s disease Early signs of HD, especially in the case of juveniles, might be more tricky to diagnose, enabling the condition to progress rapidly. If left undetected and untreated, the symptoms may worsen. Involuntary movements The most common symptom is involuntary, jerky movements, and may manifest in ways like: Muscle jerking Muscle rigidity Sudden muscular contractions or tremors Frequent falls, stumbling, and difficulty in walking Seizures, more commonly seen in juvenile cases Uncoordinated eye movements, which can be slow or seem unusual These symptoms may worsen when the person feels a surge of intense emotion, including stress or anxiety, and significantly affect one’s ability to carry out daily tasks or hold conversations.

Atrial fibrillation (Afib) is a type of arrhythmia or abnormal heartbeat because of irregular beats from the heart’s upper chambers. The heart may abnormally beat up to 400 beats per minute. The condition results from electrical impulses firing from multiple sites in both atria. However, there are treatments to help manage the condition. There are also trigger factors, such as these six foods, which one must avoid to reduce the risk of worsening the condition. Salt We add salt to food, usually while preparing meals, to help enhance flavor. However, the ingredient contains sodium, a potential trigger that may worsen Afib episodes. Consuming excessive salt may elevate blood pressure levels and consequently trigger the symptoms of Afib. It is better to exclude the sodium-rich property from meal regimes or significantly reduce intake. Candy bars Many people enjoy eating candy bars, but knowing their high sugar content is important. For those with Afib, consuming too many candy bars can lead to a spike in blood sugar levels and increase the risk of developing heart disease. Additionally, candy bars can cause digestive issues such as constipation, leading to bloating and gas buildup. This, in turn, may stimulate the heart muscles and potentially trigger AFib.

Cancer is characterized by the uncontrolled mutation of cells that can develop in any body part. Bone cancer or osteosarcoma is one such cancer type triggered when unhealthy cells invade the bone marrow or develop over the surface of any bone. While most bones are vulnerable to this cancer, it commonly affects the pelvic or long bones that make up the arms and legs. Here are five common early signs of bone cancer explained. Pain and swelling Bone cancer will cause pain to develop gradually over time and spread around the affected area. This pain is different from the type that is caused due to injury. Along with pain, spreading cancer will trigger inflammation and cause swelling to affect the bone minerals. If pain and swelling develop around the joints, it will be evident from the discomfort caused during simple movement. Pain is worse during the day but can persist overnight. Tenderness over the bones If a bone is painfully tender to touch and triggers sharp shooting discomfort upon contact, it could indicate the spread of underlying cancer. This happens mainly due to the increased sensitivity of nerves that come in contact with the swelling and inflammation on the surface or inside the bone marrow.

Esophageal esophagitis (EoE) is a health condition characterized by the accumulation of eosinophil, a type of white blood cell, in the esophagus. It commonly involves symptoms like regurgitation, abdominal pain, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. An allergic reaction to food groups or certain environmental factors causes this health condition. Determining food triggers of this condition involves eliminating certain food groups from one’s meal plan. Some foods that may likely cause EoE are listed below. Eggs In some cases, egg allergies may cause or aggravate EoE symptoms. Specifically, the body produces antibodies to fight against the proteins in eggs, causing an allergic reaction. So, individuals with EoE should avoid eggs in all forms, as well as baked foods and other preparations containing eggs, for a few days to determine whether eggs are causing the condition. Soy Soy may also trigger EoE in some individuals. Hence, people with this condition should avoid all foods containing soy, such as tofu, soybean, soybean oil, soy milk, and soy sauce, adding these back gradually to detect an allergic reaction to this ingredient. One should also carefully check the ingredients of ready-to-eat and packaged foods, as some may contain soy or soy products. Wheat Gluten is a type of protein found in wheat and wheat products and can trigger an accumulation of eosinophils in the esophagus for some individuals.

A person experiences a heart attack when there is a severe reduction or blockage of the normal flow of blood to the heart. The blockage occurs because of the accumulation of cholesterol, fat, plaque, or other substances in the arteries of the heart. Also known as myocardial infarction, a heart attack requires immediate expert attention. So, it is important to determine the cause and monitor symptoms if one is at risk. Pain and discomfort in the chest This is one of the most common early warning signs of heart attack. A person who is having a heart attack experiences pressure, tightness, and pain in the chest. It may feel like a heavy object has been placed over the chest. Some people also experience a burning or pinching sensation in the chest. These sensations last for more than a few minutes. Pain radiating from the arms Another common early sign of heart attack is pain that starts from the left side of the body. This pain radiates from the chest. It gradually moves outwards. In some cases, the pain is restricted only to the left arm. It does not spread to the entire left part of the body. Feeling light-headed The onset of a heart attack can make one feel faint.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also known as COPD, is a lung condition that affects millions of people in the country. It’s a progressive disorder that often starts subtly and worsens over time, making early detection crucial for effective management. If an individual is at risk for COPD, understanding the early warning signs can make all the difference in maintaining a high quality of life. Ten such early symptoms of COPD are listed below. Persistent Cough One of the common early signs of COPD is a persistent cough that lingers for weeks or even months. This cough may produce mucus. If someone has a chronic cough, they should consult a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation. Shortness of Breath Feeling breathless during everyday activities like climbing stairs, walking, or even while at rest is a common early sign of COPD. The person may also notice a gradual decrease in lung capacity, making it harder to catch their breath. Increased Mucus Production People with COPD often experience an increase in mucus production in their airways. It can lead to frequent throat clearing and coughing. If one notices a persistent change in mucus production, it is time to seek a health expert’s advice.

Skin cancer is a serious concern and the most common type of cancer in the country. While many are aware of the more obvious signs, like unusual moles or changes in existing ones, certain silent signs of cancer often go unnoticed. It is crucial to learn about and recognize all the indicators to allow for timely intervention and better management of the disease. So, here are a few silent signs of skin cancer: Persistent itching or pain Skin cancer does not always manifest as a visible mark or mole. In some cases, it may begin as persistent itching or pain in certain spots. Sometimes, the itching sensation may keep returning. One might dismiss it as dryness or irritation, but if the itching or pain persists without an obvious cause, it is essential to consult a dermatologist. This is because skin cancer can sometimes develop beneath the surface before becoming visible. Changes in nail beds The nails can reveal more about skin health than one might think. Skin cancer can develop in the tissues surrounding the nails, causing subtle changes, like unusual dark streaks, discoloration, or growths under the nails. These can be signs of melanoma, a particularly aggressive form of skin cancer.

Alzheimer’s disease, one of the most serious medical conditions, affects one’s memory, ability to think, language skills, problem-solving ability, mobility, and personality. This disease is a progressive condition that worsens with time. The symptoms and progression rate may vary from person to person, but the trajectory is almost the same for everyone. Stages of Alzheimer’s disease The progress of Alzheimer’s disease can be broken down into seven stages. Stage 1 Cognitive decline does not occur in this stage, and the disease remains undetectable. Stage 2 During this stage, one starts to forget little things, like where they kept certain things. However, it is hard to detect the condition at this stage as most people start to forget things as they age anyway. Stage 3 The third stage of Alzheimer’s disease results in forgetfulness, and one may find it hard to concentrate or find the right words when having a normal conversation. Sometimes, work performance also deteriorates. Stage 4 Early-stage dementia occurs in patients during this time. They start to forget more things, including recent events. Focusing on something becomes harder and they cannot manage to perform challenging tasks. Socialization becomes harder during this period, too. Stage 5 Stage five is when one starts to forget important things, like their contact information and address.