Medical conditions come in multiple forms and can range from mild to very severe. They can start in childhood, or they can develop over the course of time. In some cases, they are preventable and treatable, and other times they are not. Lifestyle, heredity, age, eating habits and activity levels are all risk factors for developing a medical condition.
GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is caused by an overabundance of acid in the stomach. This acid backs up in the esophagus and throat, causing a burning sensation. This condition can also be accompanied with chest pain, heartburn, coughing, hoarseness and difficulty swallowing food.
Gout
Uric acid is a chemical substance that normally gets evacuated from the body through urine. When it does not, it forms urate crystals that pool at joint locations. This is a condition called gout, or gouty arthritis. Symptoms of this condition include pain, swelling, inflammation, redness and stiffness.
IBS
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a digestive condition characterized by the muscles in the digestive tract not working properly. This causes food to get passed along too slowly or quickly, leading to alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation. Other symptoms that can be seen with this condition include gas, bloating, abdominal pain and appetite loss.
Tendinitis
Muscles are attached to bones by way of strong, fibrous cords of tissue called "tendons." When a joint is overworked for long periods of time, the tendons that meet at that location can become irritated and inflamed. This is a condition known as tendinitis.
Arteriosclerosis
Arteriosclerosis is characterized by the arteries becoming hard. This is caused by a buildup of a fatty substance called "plaque." Over the course of time, this condition can lead to aneurysms, carotid artery disease and peripheral artery disease. In addition, your chances of suffering a heart attack or stroke increase.
Sciatica
The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body and runs from the lower back all the way down the legs. When this nerve gets irritated from a disc pressing against it, a condition called sciatica can develop. This can cause pain, numbness, tingling sensations and cramping in the back of your legs.
Hypertension
High blood pressure is known medically as hypertension. This condition is characterized by having a blood pressure reading of 140/90 or higher. Risk factors for high blood pressure are family history, smoking, drinking, age and race. Complications that can arise from this condition include damaged arteries, memory problems, stroke and heart attacks.
Obesity
Obesity is characterized by having an excessive amount of fat and being way above your normal weight range. The medical diagnosis for obesity is having a body mass index of 30 or higher. Body mass index is a relationship of your weight in kilograms divided by your height in meters squared. Symptoms that can be seen with obesity include snoring, difficulty sleeping, pain in the joints, depression and rashes.
