The simple description of asthma is that it is a condition that affects the bronchioles in the lungs. Every now and again these tiny airways that are the bronchioles constrict in individuals who have asthma, and it is this that causes the typical symptoms of the condition. How much these tiny airways narrow, and the duration of each “attack” varies a great deal.

Asthma is actually caused by an inflammation in the bronchioles but it hasn’t been recognized up to now why this actually happens. It is this inflammation that affects the muscles that surround the bronchioles and causes them to constrict. This constriction then makes it difficult for air to enter and leave the lungs.

Asthma

Asthma can manifest itself at any age, but usually starts during childhood. In western society, an average of one in ten children and one in twenty adults suffer from asthma. Although the condition does run in families, there are still plenty of people who have it while no other members of their family are affected.

The most common types of symptoms suffered are coughing and wheezing accompanied by breathlessness and a tightening of the chest. These symptoms can also vary from mild to severe in different individuals.
Nearly all asthma sufferers are treated with inhalers and these are small devices that deliver tiny doses of drugs directly into the airways, which relieves irritation in turn helping the airways to expand, making it easier to breathe.

Nail fungus is a common condition that causes nails to become thickened and rather unsightly, sometimes being painful as well. There are a lot of reasons for contracting nail fungus. These include catching it from another fungal condition present on the body, athlete’s foot for example; catching a fingernail fungus from toenail fungus, and vice-versa; fingernail infections can occur if the hands are washed frequently or are immersed in water a lot – this damages the protective skin at the base of the nail, making it easier for infection to enter; a recently damaged nail; having a general poor state of health or other conditions such as diabetes, psoriasis or circulatory issues; more common in hot and humid regions; and, smoking.

Nail Fungus

Commonly, just one nail is infected with the condition, but several can become affected. Initially, infection is painless and the nail may appear discolored and thickened. Usually, this is all that occurs with no other symptoms, but it does, and can, look unsightly. Occasionally though, the infection can become worse. When this happens the whole nail could come away; bits of the nail could fall off; skin adjoining the nail can become inflamed; and, patches could form under the nail. Left untreated, the fungus could destroy the nailbed and the nail itself, while being very painful.

Treatments for nail fungus include antifungal tablets, antifungal nail paint, or nail removal to allow a new nail to form.

People with personality disorders may have conditions such as not being able to live with others, not being able to maintain relationships with other people, finding it difficult to control emotions or upsetting other people when distressed.

Causes of personality disorders can include genetic makeup, mental or emotional state or brain problems. There are three types of personality disorder: suspicious, emotional and impulsive, and anxious.

Suspicious personality disorders are where the sufferer is often paranoid of other people, and finds it difficult to interact with others, preferring their own company instead.  The person with a suspicious personality disorder is often seen by others as strange or peculiar.

Emotional and impulsive personality disorders are where the sufferer is indifferent to other people’s feelings and can be quite aggressive.  They often find it difficult to control emotions and will do this spontaneously without thinking about the consequences.  Sufferers will also self harm if they feel really bad about themselves.

Anxious personality disorders are where the sufferer worries about everything.  They are very indecisive and worry constantly about doing the wrong thing.  Anxious sufferers are overly sensitive to criticism and can often feel worthless or incompetent.

There are therapies which can help such as psychotherapy or cognitive behavioral therapy.  There is also medication available to help with the different groups of personality disorders.  Antipsychotic drugs can help those in the suspicious group while antidepressants can help to relieve the symptoms of those in the emotional group.  There are also some antidepressants which have been shown to help those in the anxious group such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI).

Personality Disorders