GREAT SCHOLAR BLOG

The smell of urine often changes based on a person's diet or fluid intake. However, a strong fishy odor may be the first sign of a severe medical issue. If fishy-smelling urine is the only symptom, a person may want to wait for a couple of days to see if it clears up. If other symptoms are present and include pain in the lower back or difficulty urinating, a person should contact their doctor. In this article, we look at the causes, symptoms, and treatments for urine that smells like fish. Is it normal?   Vitamins and supplements can cause a fishy smell in urine, but this is not a cause for concern. A fishy smell is uncommon in urine. Many of the causes are not serious, but it can sometimes indicate a severe condition, such as damage to the kidneys or liver. In many cases, the culprit responsible for the smell of fish is a chemical called trimethylamine oxide. When a fish dies and bacteria begin to decompose the tissue, this chemical is released and converted to ...

Urine can feel hot for two reasons — either because the temperature of the urine is warmer than usual, or because urinating causes a burning sensation. Both symptoms point to a possible infection, so it is important to seek medical care, especially if there are other symptoms as well. In this article, we look at what a normal temperature should be, and what causes unusually hot or burning urination in men and women. We also look at when a person should see their doctor, and possible treatments for this symptom. What is normal? Urine is usually warm. However, if it is noticeably hot, then it may be because of an underlying condition. Urine is generally the same temperature as the body — on average 98.6°F. This means that when the urine comes out of the urinary tract, called the urethra, it can feel warm on the skin that it touches, including the genitals, hands, or legs. In cold temperatures, a person may observe steam rising from urine. Notici...

People with chronic kidney disease need to limit the amount of potassium they consume because their kidneys cannot process potassium properly, causing it to build up in the blood. Medications used to treat kidney disease can also raise potassium levels. One the best ways to manage potassium levels is by making dietary changes. This may mean avoiding high-potassium foods and replacing them with low-potassium alternatives. High-potassium foods to avoid A person with chronic kidney disease should avoid eating nuts. People with chronic kidney disease or CKD should avoid or limit foods that are high in potassium. High-potassium levels can cause serious symptoms, including an irregular heartbeat and muscle cramping. Low-potassium levels can cause muscles to become weak. A doctor or dietitian can help explain the right amount of potassium to consume for each person's unique situation. Some high-potassium foods that people with CKD should limit or a...

Blood pressure should be basically stable. If it regularly changes from very high to very low, a range of complications can result. It is normal for blood pressure to vary slightly throughout the day, but blood pressure that fluctuates from one extreme to the other should be monitored and managed. Home remedies, lifestyle changes, and some medications can help to regulate blood pressure. It is important to get it checked regularly because blood pressure can reveal a lot about a person's health. Causes of fluctuating blood pressure Below are five factors that can cause dangerous fluctuations in blood pressure. 1. White coat hypertension Fluctuating blood pressure may be caused by temporary changes or by long-term conditions. This term describes blood pressure that is higher at the doctor's office, often because the person is anxious about the appointment. A study published in 2013 concluded that people ...

Heart attacks pose a serious health risk and can be life-threatening. They occur when a blockage in the coronary arteries disrupts blood flow to the heart, which can cause permanent damage. Three types of coronary artery disease can lead to a heart attack . These are: ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) coronary artery spasm In this article, we describe these three types of disease, their risk factors, and how they are treated. What is a heart attack?   A heart attack occurs when a blockage develops in the coronary arteries. The coronary arteries carry blood to the heart, allowing it to function. A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when a blockage develops in the coronary arteries and restricts the flow of blood to the heart. Blockages occur when fat, cholesterol , and other substances build up, forming deposits called plaques in blood vessels. These plaques can become ...

Bleeding from the ear can be very alarming for a person. Many things can cause someone to bleed from the ear, including some emergency situations. Unless a person is sure they do not have a superficial cut, they should make an appointment with a doctor to determine why their ear is bleeding and undergo proper treatment. Anatomy of the ear Bleeding from the outer part of the ear usually occurs because of a superficial injury. The ear is the organ responsible for hearing and helping regulate balance. The anatomy of the ear is divided into the outer, middle, and inner ear. The outer ear is composed of the pinna or auricle, which is the visible outside part of the ear. The external auditory canal connects the outer ear to the middle ear. The eardrum separates the outer ear from the middle ear. The middle ear, known as the tympanic cavity, is composed of three connected bones called ossicles and a canal to the back of the nose known as the Eustachian tube. ...

A person's arteries can become clogged by a buildup of a substance called plaque. There are no quick fixes for melting away plaque, but people can make key lifestyle changes to stop more of it accumulating and to improve their heart health. In serious cases, medical procedures or surgery can help to remove blockages from within the arteries. A doctor may also prescribe medication, such as aspirin , or cholesterol-reducing drugs, such as statins. In this article, we take a close look at how to prevent plaque buildup, along with risk factors and complications when someone's arteries are clogged. What are clogged arteries? Plaque is a mixture of fat, calcium , cholesterol , and waste from the cells in the body. This mix can stick to the walls of the arteries, making these blood vessels narrower. When this happens, it is called atherosclerosis . Clogged or blocked arteries can stop fresh blood from reaching parts of the body, which can put a person at risk of a hear...