Everyone gets sick once in a while, but some healthy habits and preventive measures can help get sick less often. Due to the fast-paced life in metropolitan cities, many Americans don't pay much attention to their health and dietary intake—putting themselves at a higher risk of ending up at the hospital.

Here are some common health conditions affecting Americans followed by their symptoms, causes, and treatment.

Migraine

According to the Migraine Research Foundation, nearly 1 in 4 households has a migraine victim. 12% of the population-18% are women, 6% men, and 10% children. People between the ages of 18 and 44 are more likely to suffer from migraines.

Symptoms

Apart from nausea and vomiting, there are several migraine symptoms you should watch out for. These symptoms usually occur one or two days before the headache starts. This stage is known as the prodrome stage. The symptoms you might experience include the following:

• Depression
• Low energy
• Irritability
• Stiffness in the neck
• Food cravings
• Frequent yawning

If you're experiencing migraines with aura, the symptoms will start even before the prodrome stage. These include:

• difficulty communicating properly
• losing vision for a short time
• feeling a prickly sensation
• seeing shapes or bright spots

Causes

The causes of migraines are complicated, and they're not fully understood by doctors even today. What's commonly believed is that when you have a headache, specific nerves in the blood vessels send signals to the brain. This causes the brain to release inflammatory signals into the blood vessels of your head. However, it's not yet clear why that happens.

The following are some triggers that are said to cause migraines:

Stress: Emotional stress is one of the most common causes of migraine headaches. During stressful events, the brain releases a chemical to help us deal with the situation. This is called the flight or fight response. These chemicals can trigger a migraine. Other emotions, such as excitement or worry, can increase muscle tension and dilate blood vessels. This can cause your headache to become even worse.

Not Eating Properly: If you're missing a meal, it can cause a headache.

Caffeine: Over time, your blood vessels become sensitized to caffeine. So, if you stop taking it, a headache occurs. Some health experts encourage taking caffeine to treat acute migraines, but it shouldn't be done frequently.

Hormonal Changes: Some women experience migraines during their monthly periods. The drop in estrogen level triggers migraines. Moreover, women who take birth control pills might also experience migraines.

Treatment

While there is no cure for migraines, you can use medications or change your lifestyle to minimize their occurrence. By taking pain relievers such as NSAIDs, ibuprofen, and aspirin, you can manage the severity of the headache.

Some doctors might also prescribe melatonin as it has been shown to decrease migraine headaches.

Constipation

Constipation is a digestive condition that means difficult, dry, often painful, and infrequent bowel movements. Chronic constipation is one of the most common digestive disorders affecting Americans.

Causes

Constipation typically occurs due to insufficient fiber in a person's diet, dehydration, physical inactivity, disruption in their regular routine or diet, and certain medications' reaction such as antidepressants.

Symptoms

Symptoms of constipation include:

• fewer than three bowel movements per week
• dry or lumpy stool
• difficulty in passing stool
• abdominal pain or cramps
• bloating
• nausea

Treatment

Constipation can be avoided or treated by staying hydrated, frequently exercising, and increasing fiber intake. Over-the-counter (OTC) remedies such as laxatives from trustworthy brands can also be used as a temporary solution. If the constipation is chronic, you should seek medical advice.

Chronic Diarrhea

For every 100 Americans, around 6 to 7 suffer from chronic diarrhea. It is a gastrointestinal condition that lasts for more than four weeks. It is most common among people who are old, overweight, or have a mental health condition.

Symptoms

• frequent bowel movements
• watery and bloody stool
• abdominal pain
• nausea
• bloating
• fever

A bloody stool and severe rectum or abdominal pain are alarming—you must consult a doctor immediately upon the onset of these symptoms.

Causes

Some of the causes of chronic diarrhea include:

• high intake of sugar
• food intolerance
• bacterial infection
• menstrual cramps
• stress

Treatment

Chronic diarrhea is usually treated by pain relievers, steroids, antibiotics, immunosuppressants, and other medications depending on the underlying cause. A change in diet or lifestyle may also help in reducing the symptoms.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, is a gastrointestinal condition in which abdominal pain occurs before or after bowel movements. It affects around 20 percent of the US population.

Symptoms

The symptoms of IBS vary from person to person but are most common ones include:

• incomplete bowel movements
• changes in the appearance of stool
• white mucus in the stool
• abdominal pain, bloating, and cramps

Causes

Various factors can cause the symptoms, but it is commonly found in people who have a mental health condition or are allergic to certain foods or drugs.

Treatment

Laxatives, probiotics, and fiber supplements are used to treat IBS. To keep IBS under control, people can also make dietary changes and avoid or learn to cope with stress.

Allergies

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, over 50 million Americans suffer from allergies, making it the 6th leading cause for chronic illnesses in the country. As for what's an allergy: It's your body's reaction to things that might be harmful to it. There are various types of allergies, including:

• Nasal allergies
• Skin allergies
• Food allergies
• Drug allergies

Risk Factors

Ear Infections: Untreated nasal allergy leads to ear infections or sinus due to swelling and inflammation. Inflamed sinuses are the best place for bacteria to grow and induce infection.

Chronic Problems: Allergies can also worsen other chronic problems like asthma and various skin disorders.

Nephritis: Aggravating allergies can cause inflammation in the kidney or nephritis that may lead tofever, swelling in body parts, blood in the urine, etc.

Conjunctivitis: Rhinitis causes red, watery, or swollen eyes (conjunctivitis) that may lead to a grave eye infection if left untreated for a long time.

Stuffy and Runny Nose: Rhinitis also causes a runny nose which snowballs into nasal congestion, making it hard for you to breathe.

Treatment

Even though some of these reactions might lead to severe consequences, there are ways to prevent and treat your condition.

Avoiding your triggers: For pollen allergies, check the weather and climate before you step out, adorn a mask if you need to be out during season changes. Keep your windows closed at all times so no dust and pollen can get through. Vacuum your carpets or get rid of them entirely as they collect a lot of dust and can get infested by mites. For food allergies, read all the ingredients when you buy new products. If you're eating out in a restaurant, ask the waiter about the ingredients and inform them about your allergies. Most cafes and restaurants can alter recipes for allergies or inform their patrons about possible allergens.

Increase your Vitamin C intake: According to MedCare Clinic, vitamin C is a natural antihistamine; it protects your cells from any damage, reduces the severity of your allergic reaction, and helps you fight infections. Using vitamin C during allergy season significantly reduces your body's response to the environment as it decreases histamine's production in your body.

Wash your body: When you come in contact with an allergen, wash your hands, face, and body to reduce the reaction. It's also recommended to change your clothes and wash them immediately.

Drink warm liquids: If you're suffering from congestion and your nose won't stop running, drink some warm liquids like tea, soup, and broth to help you feel better. Drinking water will also help your immune system recover as dehydration increases the production of histamine.

Keep anti allergies with you: If you can't seem to find relief or cure for your allergies, keep anti-allergy pills and medication by your side. They provide comfort and reduce the effects of your allergic reaction, making you recover much faster.

Insomnia

About 70 million Americans suffer from a sleep disorder—30% of adults having short-term insomnia. Research shows that 50% of adults over the age of 65 experience insomnia. It's a sleep disorder that makes it difficult to fall and stay asleep.

Symptoms

Insomnia symptoms may include:

difficulty falling asleep at night

waking up during the night

feeling tired and drowsy during the day

stress, depression, or anxiety

difficulty in concentrating and recalling information

anxious thoughts about sleeping

Causes

Stress, poor sleeping routine, unhealthy eating habits, frequent traveling, smoking, drinking alcohol, and medical side effects are few common causes of sleeplessness.

Treatment

The treatment for insomnia depends on the severity and etiology. You need to make some lifestyle changes if you're experiencing insomnia due to stress or alcohol—such as sticking to a sleep schedule or avoiding pre-bedtime naps. Avoid heavy meals right before bedtime and exercise before going to bed are some great sleep-inducing techniques.

However, if symptoms persist, you can try cognitive behavioral therapy. It can help you get rid of negative thoughts and actions that keep you up at night. The relaxation techniques of progressive muscle relaxation, biofeedback, and breathing exercises will improve your heart's health, boost your mood, and release your muscle tension.

Besides therapy, your physician might prescribe sleep aid tablets to help you get a good night's sleep.

Influenza

The flu, also known as influenza, is caused by a contagious viral infection that affects the nose and throat. It's a respiratory illness that infects the lungs. Its symptoms range from mild to acute and can resemble those of the common cold.

Causes

Influenza viruses that infect the throat, lungs, and nose are responsible for the flu. Since these viruses are highly contagious, they can spread quickly through physical contact. They can also be transmitted when a person touches contaminated objects or surfaces or someone with the flu coughs sneezes or talks.

Symptoms

Initial symptoms of the flu are usually sudden and may include:

●fever

●dry cough and sore throat

●stuffy or runny nose

●headache

●fatigue and weakness

●cold sweats and shivers

Symptoms of the flu may go away without any complications, but sometimes people may develop a secondary infection such as acute respiratory distress syndrome, ear infection, pneumonia, or bronchitis.

Treatment

The treatment of the flu depends on your symptoms. For example, a decongestant treats sinus or nasal congestion. In addition, you can take an over-the-counter cough and cold relief with various combinations of antihistamines, decongestants, and antipyretics.

Other than that, you need to:

• Wear a mask when going out
• Wash your hands frequently
• Avoid going into crowds
• Stop drinking cold water

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