Category: Symptoms

How To Track Your Autoimmune Disease Symptoms To Better Understand Your Health

Posted on by Chloe M.

The body is such a wonder because it can protect itself from foreign bodies. It has the immune system which is essential for survival. This vast network of tissues and cells is on-call 24/7 checking for viruses, bacteria or even parasites that may threaten the entire body. It is the immune system’s job to keep us healthy as we go on with our lives which may be filled with pathogens.

The body’s defenders

The immune system is composed mainly of the lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, lymphocytes, leukocytes, and thymus. Each has its own role in protecting the body and attacking anything unusual that’s bound to happen. The immune system is divided into innate and adaptive immunity. The innate immunity is present at birth and consists of barriers that keep foreign threats outside the body. Main components are the skin and stomach acid, as well as the enzymes found in skin oils and tears. Mucus and the cough reflex are also part of the innate immunity which is non-specific. Substances such as interleukin-1 and interferon are also part of the body’s innate defense.

The adaptive or acquired immunity, on the other hand, is more complex as it targets the specific threats to the body. Before these “fighters” do their job, the body needs to process and recognize the threat before creating antibodies which are specifically designed to that threat. Once the threat is neutralized, this immunity remembers it and responds similarly and more effectively when the threat shows up again in the future.

When the immune system mistakenly attacks your body, a condition called autoimmune disease occurs. It releases autoantibodies that target healthy cells instead of foreign bodies. In the world, there are over 700 million people estimated to acquire such disease. Autoimmune diseases cases have risen through the years and should not be taken for granted.

Risks of autoimmune diseases

Medical professionals and researchers cannot pinpoint why for some people,  the immune system does not function properly. But according to statistics, women get autoimmune diseases more than men. About 78% of autoimmune diseases occur in women. This usually occurs during the woman’s childbearing years, ages 14 to 44. Other experts believe that it must be due to higher levels of hormones in women as compared to men.

Another thing that experts say is that there are certain groups that are most likely hit by this disease like lupus affects African-Americans and Hispanic individuals than Caucasians. There are over 23.5 million Americans diagnosed with autoimmune diseases at present. Race and ethnicity, though not yet fully backed up with research, may increase the risk of getting the disease.

Researchers also say that autoimmune diseases are hereditary. So those who have this disease will put the succeeding generations at higher risk in acquiring it. Though genetics alone is not enough to cause the disease. There may be other factors that work together with genetics to make the immune system attack itself.

Exposure to chemicals and infections are some of the environmental factors that make the immune system dysfunction.  When your body detects danger from an infection, the immune system wakes up and attack the foreign bodies. However, during this “battle”, there are actually healthy cells and tissues caught up in the middle, and this is when an autoimmune disease occurs. An example would be rheumatoid arthritis, in which the body itself attacks the cells in the joints.

Another probable risk is an injury. According to medical professionals, when a certain part of the body experiences high levels of stress, an autoimmune response occurs. An example would be the runner’s heel. This is an area in which the muscle is always pulling the bone to create some movement. Due to repeated stress and if the tissue is exposed (like a wound), blood cells will normally try to heal it. Otherwise, an abnormal immune response will make the joints and tendons inflamed.

There may be a lot of research about how an autoimmune disease occurs, but medical experts still cannot prove it black and white.

Symptoms to watch out for

There are early signs and symptoms if one has an autoimmune disease such as:

  • Sore, achy muscles
  • Fatigue
  • Redness and swelling
  • Low-grade fever
  • Numbness and tingling in the feet and hands
  • Rashes
  • Hair loss

Since there are over 80 autoimmune diseases to date, each has its own unique symptoms. An example would be psoriasis, symptoms usually come and go and have flare-ups or remissions.

Aside from consulting with the best autoimmune doctors in your area, there are experts who developed a health app for iOs and Android, such as CareClinic. With advanced technology, creators of the app have made it convenient for patients and doctors to work with each other in creating an appropriate treatment plan. This may be used for food and symptom tracking when you suspect you have an autoimmune disease.

The app is able to store valuable data, such as measurements that are needed in making a treatment option. Symptoms may be accurately tracked every day and medications will be prescribed well. With the app, it is easy for you and your doctor to make some adjustments to your therapy depending on your records. 

How hard to get diagnosed?

There is no single examination to rule out autoimmune diseases. That’s why patients find it frustrating if they are not diagnosed properly. The first test done to most patients is the antinuclear antibody test or ANA. When the test is positive, it means you have an autoimmune disease but there is no clear confirmation as to what exact disease you have.

Patients also undergo a thorough physical examination and should accurately disclose their family medical history. Biopsies and x-rays may also be done to rule out autoimmune diseases.

Most patients can go to up to 5 doctors until properly diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. This is because the symptoms may overlap with other autoimmune diseases and non-autoimmune diseases.

Treatment options

If it is hard to diagnose an autoimmune disease, treating it would also be very tricky. Most doctors, though, focus on controlling the autoimmune reaction with the following:

  • Corticosteroids – this is given to reduce inflammation in the body such as acute flares
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs – to alleviate pain and inflammation
  • Painkillers – paracetamol and codeine are usually prescribed
  • Immunosuppressants – to inhibit the activity of the immune system
  • High dose immunosuppression – this is given when intervention is done at an early stage to gain promising results
  • Treatment for the specific deficiency – insulin injections to diabetic patients

Aside from being given synthetic medications, doctors would also suggest physical therapy to increase mobility. For severe cases, surgery is recommended especially for those having Crohn’s disease. Surgery is performed to treat bowel blockage.

Having a healthy diet is also one way of alleviating the symptoms, but this has to be first approved by your specialist to rule out some allergies and other conditions you might be having. According to experts, having a plant-based diet can significantly improve the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis or RA. To have a healthy gut, taking healthy probiotics can make a big difference. Anti-inflammatory food and those that maintain the immune system include leafy greens, mushrooms, onions, squash, turnips, and rutabaga. Spices also play a major role in boosting the immune system. Ginger, cayenne pepper, garlic, cinnamon, and turmeric can help minimize inflammation.

Stay on track with CareClinic

Everything may seem so hard when it comes to managing an autoimmune disease and living with it is indeed a challenge. Morbidity rates do not look good that’s why science and technology must be doing something about it to lower it down. But if you have CareClinic, you might be able to relax and let the app do the tracking for you. It helps patients monitor symptoms on a daily basis. There is also an option on putting a scale on a particular symptom so that your doctor will be able to take note of your symptoms accurately. Color coordination is very helpful to avoid confusion with different symptoms that you may be experiencing simultaneously.

Aside from that, CareClinic has a medication reminder in which periodic or daily notifications pop up or vibrate on your smartphone. Even if the medications are only to alleviate the symptoms, strict adherence must be done by patients. This ensures that the full dose is taken at the right time. Missed medications will result in ineffective treatment or your body will not respond well anymore. This is also one of the reasons why a lot of people live their life suffering from the disease even more.

Aside from medication reminders, the app also sends notifications on when your next clinic visit or physical therapy is. Following a schedule is crucial in making your therapy effective. At the end of the month, all significant information that you have logged in can be printed into a report. You can bring this health summary to your doctor and discuss changes or adjustments in your treatment plan. CareClinic was not only created to record details regarding your specific autoimmune disease, but also an aid to living a healthy life.

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Managing Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and IPF Symptoms with Apps

Posted on by Chloe M.

In the world, the incidence of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is around 10.7 cases per 100,000 person-years. It is also found to be higher in men aged 55 years and above as compared to women. According to studies, IPF shows a poor prognosis with a mean survival of 2-5 years from onset of diagnosis. It Read more about Managing Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and IPF Symptoms with Apps[…]

Managing Generalized Anxiety Disorder with 1 Mood Tracking App

Posted on by Chloe M.

There is no single day that a person does not worry. In fact, worrying is part of a normal life. When the time comes that you worry over petty things so much, then it is time to collect yourself and have yourself checked by a medical professional.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is defined as excessive and persistent worry that interferes with feelings, thoughts and even behavior. Patients having this disorder may be overthinking about work, family, money or almost everything in life. The condition is very exhausting in all aspects and patients find it hard to control their worries.

GAD affects over 6.8 million people in the US every year which is approximately 3.1% of the American population. According to studies, women are more affected as compared to men. GAD comes on gradually and may begin at any point in the life cycle. Though the risk is actually highest during childhood and middle age.

There are a lot of treatment plans given by specialists of this disorder. Therapy and SSRIs are the main options and these can be very overwhelming during the first few days. To have an assistant when it comes to planning and setting a schedule, check out CareClinic. This generalized anxiety disorder app helps in monitoring moods, tracking symptoms and sends out notifications on when to take next the dose of the medicine. It also comes with a health journal to help you manage and control the disorder.

How Anxiety Disorder Apps helps manage your feelings, thoughts, and behavior

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) mainly requires treatment and it may be through synthetic medications and/or therapy. Relaxation activities such as yoga, meditation and mindfulness may help significantly. CareClinic sends out notifications regarding the therapy schedule at present. Aside from that, the app generates medication reminders so that missing a dose is never possible. The alarm reminder may also help by changing it according to the doctor’s treatment plan.

With this medication reminder, you will be able to take medications which alleviate the condition, as well as preventing side effects. The app’s bar code scanner can immediately get the details of the medication and upload right away. After doing this, the app will practically do the rest which gives patients ample time to relax and sleep.

Another great feature of CareClinic is having a digital health diary to store moods and symptoms which help control anxiety and stress. Aside from that, all the data placed in the tracker will then be converted into a monthly report in which your specialist may take a look and probably make some adjustments in your treatment plan. The data will also show the progress that comes along with treatment. With this, CareClinic only makes the lives of GAD patients better.

The team at CareClinic takes feedback well and from time to time, they update the app. If you have privacy issues, the app is secured as you can create a passcode so that no one else can use it for whatever reason. This feature makes all data saved in the app protected.

Worrying too much is not okay

GAD is a long-term condition that is characterized by excessive worrying without any validated reason. If you apparently have this condition, you may be so concerned about a lot of things and even anticipate disasters that will happen. This type of worry is irrational and unrealistic and find it close to impossible to control. As this condition persists, this eventually affects work and all activities of daily living.

GAD symptoms are very detrimental to your behavioral, emotional and physical well-being. These are the following:

Physical symptoms
  • Feeling tense, muscle tightness, body pain
  • Problems falling asleep or staying asleep
  • Stomach problems, nausea, diarrhea
  • Excessive sweating
  • Headaches
  • Trembling
  • Being easily fatigued
  • Muscle tension and aches
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dizziness, sickness
  • tachycardia
Behavioral symptoms
  • Inability to relax
  • Difficulties concentrating
  • Avoiding situations that can cause or increase anxiety
  • Delaying tasks because of feeling overwhelmed
  • Irritability
Emotional symptoms
  • Constant and uncontrolled worrying
  • Inability to tolerate uncertainty
  • Feelings of apprehension or dread
  • Restlessness

Aside from these usual symptoms, some GAD patients also have phobias and panic disorders. This is also the reason why diagnosing GAD is difficult because most of the symptoms are the same as other mental health illnesses. Most specialists rule out GAD once the symptoms persist for more than 6 months.

What are the usual triggers?

No known cause nor cure, Generalized Anxiety Disorder only has some known triggers. It may be one or a combination of genetics, brain chemistry and external factors. If you have a family history of GAD, there is a higher risk of the disorder to manifest on you. Abnormal functioning of certain neurons focusing on emotions and thinking is also a possible trigger. An imbalance of serotonin and noradrenaline is very common in patients with GAD, as these are responsible for mood regulation.

Aside from these intrinsic factors, traumas and stressful life experiences are also known to contribute to the development of having GAD. Alcohol abuse, drugs and violence are also some of the factors that can trigger the disorder.

What can be done

Generalized Anxiety Disorder does not have a cure but there are medications and treatments which help alleviate the dreaded symptoms. After diagnosis, specialists check all aspects before creating a treatment plan. As for severe cases, medications are given to patients when the disorder already affects activities of daily living.

The different types of medicines specific for GAD are:

  • Benzodiazepines –  sedative for severe cases of GAD and should not be taken for more than 4 weeks because of addiction
  • Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) – antidepressants which are safely taken for a long time as it increases serotonin levels in the brain. (Citalopram, Fluoxetine)
  • Serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) – antidepressants which increase serotonin and noradrenaline levels. (Duloxetine, Desvenlafaxine)
  • Pregabalin – an anticonvulsant usually given to epileptic patients

Aside from synthetic medications, GAD may also be treated with cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) which targets physical symptoms and behavior. This is one of the most effective forms of psychological treatment. A positive outcome has also been observed with the Acceptance Commitment Therapy and mindfulness-based approaches. These type of therapies help patients change their relationship with their GAD symptoms. These are very effective and help anyone burdened with GAD to understand the nature of their anxiety; to be stronger in the presence of anxiety, and be able to make independent choices amidst anxiety.

Psychological treatments are as effective as medications. These just vary between different patients as GAD is a case-to-case basis. When you have CareClinic, it is easy to jot down the information you learn from your specialist. Once you have input your moods, symptoms, and triggers, that data will be stored in the app. On your next visit to the clinic, be sure to print a copy so that your doctor can accurately create treatment options for you.

Just like any other disorder, there is no one treatment. There is a combination of therapies and medications that will effectively help alleviate the symptoms of the disorder. GAD is a very exhausting and disappointing illness that is so real like Diabetes Mellitus and other severe disorders. It should not be taken lightly and for granted as it can affect your way of life by a great deal. Once the symptoms start to take place, be sure to record them in your health tracker app and consult your doctor.

Have a peace of mind with CareClinic

Having Generalized Anxiety Disorder is tough and it may crush anyone’s life eventually. Too much thinking and concern over all the things in life may be too much for someone suffering from this disorder. So remembering when to take medications on time, as well as the exact dosage may be an added burden to the patient. So CareClinic, one of the best android apps, has devised a way to keep track of the medications.

CareClinic has a mood tracking feature in which you can record your mood at different times throughout the day and check out the results to determine such triggers. These triggers are the ones responsible for having mood-related disorders as well as anxiety and depression.

There is also a diary where you can input your thoughts or moods to help you “unpack” and lessen the burden of keeping everything in.  This also makes anyone feel relaxed and better after jotting it down in the health tracker app. Recording moods will also help monitor your medication intake, especially the PRN ones. The medication tracker will send notifications so that you will not stress over a missed dose.

Aside from that, the mood tracker serves as a self-care technique in which you can take some cautionary steps on your own even if the doctor is away.  The health journal also encourages you to have an in-depth understanding of your condition. Your doctor will also find this very helpful in preparing or adjusting treatment options.

CareClinic is more than just the usual health tracker app. It is created to be part of your GAD journey.  Every feature of this app makes you less worried and have a more relaxed and fruitful life ahead.

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How To Track & Manage Your Anxiety Effectively Using a Diary

Posted on by Alexandra V.

In simple terms, anxiety can be defined as a feeling of worry, often complicated by uncertainty. While everyone will experience anxiety at some point in their lives, when this feeling becomes generalized and affects the quality of life, we are talking about a disorder.

Anxiety can manifest itself in many different ways, affecting one’s ability to work, travel or interact with others. It can be accompanied by chronic stress, depression and other medical problems, such as a chronic disease (diabetes, heart disease, cancer). It requires long-term management and the careful monitoring of associated manifestations.

Tracking Anxiety Using a digital Anxiety tracking Diary

The CareClinic app can be used as an effective anxiety tracker app, allowing you to track and manage your anxiety-related symptoms. You can also record information about your habits, discovering potential triggers of anxiety/panic attacks. For example, these can be brought upon by working too many hours, sleep deprivation or stress intensification.

Thanks to the anxiety tracking log, you can see a pattern in your behavior and use that information to identify better management solutions. For example, you can record which activities or situations make your throat feel tight or the stomach to be all knots. It is helpful, as it can also be used to see the things making you feel better, such as spending time outdoors or seeing a friend.

Why is it so important to record your symptoms? The answer is simple. Because you will find information on what causes your anxiety to even appear in the first place. It might be that you are not satisfied with your job, or perhaps you have family issues that need to be resolved. What matters is that you keep tabs on various days and see the major anxiety triggers.

Once you know these triggers and understand how they appear, you will find it easier to deal with your anxiety and find the best therapies for your needs. Of course, you can use CareClinic’s app, which is available on iPhone and Android smartphones, to record additional manifestations (feeling stressed, depressed or angry).

How to track panic and anxiety attacks?

Anxiety tends to show its worst side when you are vulnerable. Panic/anxiety attacks can leave you depleted of energy and have a negative impact on your life, preventing you from functioning as a healthy individual. With CareClinic’s health app, you can log the symptoms of these attacks and also take notes on how you were feeling during the attack.

Thanks to the regular logging of these attacks, you will be able to notice potential triggers. In turn, this will help you predict when an anxiety attack might occur and take measures to reduce its intensity, or even avoid it altogether. As you become more aware of these potential triggers, you will feel better prepared to deal with the state of panic.

A diary to record intimate thoughts and feelings

Anxiety is first and foremost an emotional disorder. It causes you to give in to negative thoughts, to experience days when your self-esteem is at its lowest and makes you feel like everyone else knows how to live. This spiral of thoughts can be interrupted by putting your thoughts into writing.

Using CareClinic as an anxiety diary app, you can record such thoughts and feelings as journal entries. If kept inside, these thoughts will only become more powerful and get a hold of you. On the other hand, by writing them, you will see that they are just thoughts and you will be able to control your reactions in an effective manner.

You can rely on the anxiety diary to record how you are feeling and keep track of your emotions. You can also mention life events that made you feel anxious and track your mood in different periods.

Reminders for everything necessary for optimal well-being

Living with anxiety, your mind might be preoccupied with so many thoughts, that you will have difficulties remembering anything. You might forget to take your medication (if prescribed) or even skip doctor appointments. Once again, the CareClinic health app is here to help.

You can easily set up reminders for your medication, entering the date and time, as well as the dose. The application will send pop-up notifications and even offer a snooze feature, in the situation you failed to take your treatment at the right moment. These reminders can be just as easily set for doctor or therapy appointments so that you can get better and improve the quality of life.

Recording useful information into the application

The journal of CareClinic can be used to record useful information about your anxiety management. For example, you can include entries on guided meditation, various therapies for stress relief, self-help techniques for managing anxiety/panic attacks and cognitive behavioral therapy solutions. All of these things will help you challenge negative thoughts and deal with anxiety in a useful manner.

The app also comes with a health diary, in which you can record information about your sleep schedule, current treatment plan, and even your energy levels. You can use the app to keep track of your menstruation cycle, as well as to record your weight, blood pressure and other potentially-useful health measurements.

Monthly health reports available

All the information saved within the application is compiled into a health report at the end of the month. You can use this in the electronic version or, if you prefer, as a printable anxiety tracker. The report can be shared with your therapist, doctor or other healthcare professionals, as it offers valuable information on your condition.

The report can offer information on the prevalence of panic attacks, identifying specific symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, dizziness, feeling like choking or experiencing heart palpitations, profuse sweating. You can understand that these symptoms were not manifestations of an acute condition but only psychosomatic changes caused by anxiety.

Anxiety does not seem so overwhelming when using a health app

A mood disorder such as anxiety can make you feel overwhelmed by even the simplest of tasks. However, thanks to CareClinic’s health app, you can successfully manage your condition and feel more in control. You can use its different features to calm your mind and put things into perspective, tracking thought patterns and potential triggers.

The application can be used to record relaxation techniques and reach more peaceful thoughts. You can log information on alternative therapies, such as acupressure, useful for stress and tension relief. The personal diary can be relied on to enter worries and overcome panic attacks, as well as to feel less stressed about daily life.

You can trust CareClinic to record and observe a pattern whereas sleep is concerned. Once you know that triggers your insomnia and how these factors are connected to your anxiety, you can take specific measures to improve sleep quality and quantity (thus escaping the vicious cycle).

The application allows you to monitor stress levels, which we all know to share a direct connection with anxiety. Based on this information, you can make changes regarding stress processing and resilience. You can even get to the root of your anxiety and finally bring your emotions into alignment.

Perhaps the most important advantage is that you will be able to determine what places your brain in the “fight-or-flight” response. You will thus be able to develop effective and healthy coping mechanisms, reducing the intensity and frequency of your attacks.

Quick Facts on Anxiety

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health problems in the world, affecting millions of people. It can appear as a generalized disorder or take the form of social anxiety. Panic/anxiety attacks can prevent one from working, engaging in social activities or even leaving the house. The person will prefer a predictable pattern of living, being thrown off by new or unexpected situations.

Outside the actual attack, the person suffering from anxiety will be defined by a general feeling of worry. He/she will experience a state of panic upon being forced to be in particular situations; anxiety is often connected to various phobias, involving hospitals, traveling by plane or engaging in a new activity.

Even though medication might be prescribed for the management of anxiety, this is often reserved for severe cases. In the majority of the cases, the condition can be kept under control with the help of meditation, relaxation technique, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

The most important thing is that one gets to the root of the problem and understands why anxiety has even appeared in the first place. Many people develop anxiety as a result of a major life event, such as the death of a parent. Therapy can help them recover from the inherent trauma and associated anxiety, returning to a healthy lifestyle.

If you are living with anxiety, do not hesitate to use CareClinic’s health app to manage your condition and improve the overall quality of life. Take advantage of its many different features and rise above your anxiety. It does not define you and you should never let it! You can live a good life and overcome your anxiety, but you need to be willing to put in all the effort.

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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Management with Apps

Posted on by Alexandra V.

The chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, often abbreviated COPD, is a complex medical condition, which includes a number of pathological changes. The person in question might suffer from emphysema and chronic bronchitis, as well as from non-reversible asthma.

Facts on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Those who suffer from this condition experience breathing difficulties and have a chronic cough, which often leads to the production of sputum (excessive production of mucus). Wheezing might also be present in COPD patients. In the majority of the cases, the symptoms are caused by the presence of emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

The good news is that the manifestations of COPD can be kept under control with proper management. It is important that the patient follows a strict treatment plan, often consisting of medication, physical therapy and oxygen administration. Left untreated, the condition can cause organ damage, including of the heart and lungs.

According to the World Health Organization, there are approximately 65 million people who suffer from different forms of COPD (ranging from moderate to severe). Health specialists, however, draw attention to the fact that there are many more other people out there who are not aware of suffering from this condition (despite the manifestations).

COPD is a condition which can lead to life-threatening complications and even death if left untreated. The overwhelming majority of the deaths occur in underdeveloped or developing countries. The number one risk factors is cigarette smoke but air pollution and the presence of irritating gases can lead to this condition as well.

For a long time, it has been believed that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is diagnosed only in smokers. This belief has been demoted and, today, it is a known fact that COPD can be easily diagnosed in those who have not smoked once in their lives (but live in polluted airs, for example, or have an occupational hazard, such as a job in the mine).

With the right treatment plan, often based on the regular intake of prescription medication, the condition can be managed and, in some cases, even treated. The main idea is to find adequate treatment/management solutions, so as to improve the overall quality of life.

CareClinic, a useful tool for the management of COPD

If you have been diagnosed with this condition, you can rely on CareClinic as your COPD app. It will be useful for managing every aspect related to the disease and also serve as a highly-effective medication reminder.

A chronic condition can have a severe impact on your life. As you will deal with so many symptoms and find yourself to be less able to handle everyday activities, you might feel overwhelmed. Moreover, you might have difficulties staying organized, remembering doctor appointments and when to take your medication. CareClinic can help with all that and even more.

You can rely on the COPD care app to manage your health in the context of a chronic condition. The application can be accessed through a smartphone or through a regular computer (web interface is just simple and easy to use). You can use even use it to simplify your treatment plan, taking advantage of the daily checklist.

Speaking about accessibility, you have two options available, depending on your smartphone: the COPD app android or iOS. Regardless of the smartphone from which you will access the application, the features offered are the same. Also, the application is available for free, with no in-application purchases.

A reminder for all – doctor appointments, medication

How can you be sure that this is the right application for you? Well, first and foremost, it will serve as a medical reminder. You can set up reminders for different types of medication and receive push notifications for each. If desired, you can set up the time when the notification will be sent. There is also the snooze feature, which can be used to keep on reminding you about a particular dose (in case you did not take it at the intended time).

The pill reminder is more than necessary for someone who suffers from such a complex condition as COPD. You might have to take several pills for the different manifestations, perhaps at even various moments in the day or week. You can organize reminders for your entire treatment, receiving alerts on when and how the medication should be taken.

It is useful to know that the reminder function can be used for other reasons as well, including doctor appointments. Imagine that you have several appointments in the week, for a diverse number of specialists.

Some might be in the same location but the hours will certainly differ. You need to stay organized and the CareClinic app can help you with all of those things, serving as a functional COPD treatment log.

You can also upload the medication you are currently taking into the application, customizing your treatment plan accordingly. Thus, you will be able to review your treatment at any moment and even discuss potential adjustments with your treating physician. What matters is that thanks to this application, you will be less stressed and find it easier to deal with the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Health Journal – a way to keep track of your condition & progress

The health journal of CareClinic is one of the most exciting features, helping you manage your condition in an effective manner. You can record symptoms in the journal, as well as medication, potential side-effects and response to certain treatments or therapies.

It is possible to add information about your current diet, as well as physical activities and sleep quality/frequency. A comprehensive health report will be created based on the information you have entered at the end of each month.

Apart from recording and monitoring your COPD symptoms, you can trust the health journal to keep track of important measurements. For instance, you can record your breathing frequency and volume – these are highly-essential parameters for someone who suffers from a respiratory disease. Of course, you can also record your blood pressure, respiratory gases values and other useful measurements.

The health report, which is generated from the data you have logged, can be shared with the doctor quite easily. You can either export it as a PDF document or print it out, using it to improve the communication with different healthcare professionals. Together, you can establish the best treatment regimens, suited to your medical needs.

Better breathing with CareClinic’s app

You can improve your breathing with the help of CareClinic. Using it as a COPD breathing app, you can make entries regarding the correct management of inhalers and even add breathing exercises of your health journal.

For a person diagnosed with COPD, inhaled medicine might be a part of the daily routine. However, this will only work its effect upon being correctly administered. You can make recordings of proper techniques, in accordance to your inhaler type and also program the dosing schedule. Of course, you can set up reminders to use the inhaler at specific moments in the day.

COPD Management and Treatment

Based on the above-mentioned symptoms and with the help of standardized investigations, such as spirometry, imaging studies (X-ray, CT, MRI) and arterial blood gas testing, one can make the diagnosis of COPD. Depending on the severity of the condition and the pre-existing conditions, the doctor might recommend a number of treatment solutions.

Medication is often prescribed for the management of this chronic condition. Bronchodilators, either to be inhaled or in the form of tablets, are recommended to improve breathing and reduce the production of mucus. Common choices include beta-2-sympathomimetics and theophylline. The dilatation of the bronchial tubes can also be obtained with anticholinergics, which offer similar benefits in terms of breathing capacity/quality.

If the patient experiences acute respiratory distress, beta-2-sympathomimetics are commonly administered. In accordance with the exhibited manifestations, the doctor might prescribe medication with short-term effects, such as Salbutamol, or drugs with a longer period of action, including Indacaterol, Formoterol or Salmeterol.

Theophylline is a medication which is often kept as a last resort. It can dilate the bronchial tubes but it can also lead to a number of serious side-effects. Cortisone has potent anti-inflammatory properties and it can be inhaled, but it can cause the patient to become dependent.

Specific medication is administered to reduce the production of mucus and make the chronic cough less severe/frequent. Apart from mucolytic medicine, bronchodilators might be recommended, especially with a slow-acting effect (for example, one can administer Tiotropium). These are suited to those who do not exhibit an improvement of symptoms after being treated with beta-2-sympathomimetics.

Additional treatment/management solutions include:

  • Vaccination (influenza, pneumococcal disease)
  • Oxygen therapy
  • Beta-blockers (reduce the risk of life-threatening heart conditions, such as myocardial infarction)
  • Physical therapy
  • Patient education (inhalation techniques)

CareClinic is constantly improved by a complex team of specialists

A complex team of specialists works to consistently improve the CareClinic application and adapt it to the needs of those suffering from chronic conditions, COPD included. The application is meant to be easy to understand and use, suited to patients of all ages and occupations. Moreover, you can add a caregiver or more, and save their information for future reference.

It is also worth mentioning that the strictest privacy laws are respected, with your information being protected at all times. You can opt for additional information security by setting a password for your application.

To manage your COPD, click here to sign up and create a care plan.

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Managing Psoriasis Effectively Using a Health Diary

Posted on by Chloe M.

Managing Psoriasis Effectively With a Health Tracker App

Probably one of the most challenging diseases that affect all aspects of a person’s life is psoriasis. This is a chronic, autoimmune disease that often comes and goes with periods called flare-ups and remission.

This typically affects any location of the body’s skin and has been linked to other conditions as well. Psoriasis is linked with type 2 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, heart disease, and psoriatic arthritis. It is characterized by inflammation and redness around the scales. Psoriasis affects about 3% of the world’s population and has still no cure discovered.

No cure but researchers have created ways on how to manage and alleviate its symptoms. Treatment plans range from topical ointments to light therapy that targets the body’s immune system. Just like any other disease, one must adhere strictly to any treatment plan so as to alleviate the symptoms of psoriasis.

Taking medications or undergoing therapy on a busy day is a challenging task and frustrating if you miss a dose. That’s why special health apps such as CareClinic may play a major role in preventing the symptoms from getting worse each day.

CareClinic is one of the top medication reminder and health tracker apps that has been developed for those suffering from chronic diseases. This is perfect for those who need a skin tracking app which stores data needed by your specialist.

The app lists down the name of the medicine and will remind you of the exact time you need to take it, as well as the process on how to take it. These reminders do not look complicated as it is simplified in a to-do-list form. All the patient has to do is input valuable data and the app will do its job to make your life easier. Setting a passcode on this app is also possible if ever you have privacy issues.

Aside from that, it also has a psoriasis journal to help you manage the symptoms of the disease itself. Setting fitness goals and therapy may also be done to help improve the quality of your life. At the end of each month, all information stored in the app will then be converted into a health record in which you can bring to your next doctor’s appointment. This report will also show you if you are doing well with the treatment plan or not.

Just like any other app, CareClinic is up to date and feedbacks are taken seriously. It is easy to use and understand, which is perfect for any age. Anybody with psoriasis can use it to improve symptoms and achieve remission right away.

The scaly reality of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is the product of a sped-up skin production process and typically, the cells grow deep in the skin and then it rises slowly to the surface. The skin does not have time to fall off and the rapid overproduction leads to a buildup of more skin cells. Scales develop mainly on elbows, knees, and other joints.

Psoriasis has five types:

  • Plaque psoriasis ( the most common type in which 80 percent of people with psoriasis has this type)
  • Guttate psoriasis ( common in childhood and second most common form)
  • Pustular psoriasis (common in adults)
  • Inverse psoriasis (causes bright areas of red, shiny inflamed skin)
  • Erythrodermic psoriasis (severe and very rare type)

The dreadful symptoms

Psoriasis is one of those diseases that occurs in episodes and no one can predict on when it lasts. There are periods of remission that ranges from days, weeks and even years. Here are the common symptoms with regards to the type of psoriasis a patient has:

  • Plaque psoriasis: dry, raised, red skin lesions covered with silvery-like scales.
  • Guttate psoriasis: small sores that appear on the back, arms, legs, and scalp.
  • Inverse psoriasis: smooth, shiny patches of red, inflamed skin found usually in the armpits, under the breasts, behind the knee, or groin. These are usually very sore and only appear in the folds of the skin.
  • Pustular psoriasis: reddish, swollen patches on the hands, feet, or fingertips that develop quickly with pus-filled bumps. This form of psoriasis can be hazardous and a physician must be called to check on its prognosis.
  • Erythrodermic psoriasis: a red, peeling rash which can cover the entire body. The skin becomes itchy and painful and looks almost like a bad sunburn.

Aside from the usual symptoms, there is also what you call psoriatic arthritis. This is the inflammation of the skin around the joints of the ankles, knees and feet. Patients usually feel pain, swelling, warmth and stiffness. According to medical experts, 20-30% of psoriasis patients develop psoriatic arthritis.

What causes Psoriasis?

The main cause of this autoimmune disease is still unclear at this point in time. But according to researchers, the disease is related to white blood cells known as T – cells which mistakenly fight off skin cells in the body.

This “wrong attack” causes skin cell production to speed up causing new skin cells to develop fast. These are then pushed to the surface and little by little, pile up. The piles that we see are actually the plaques and are characterized by red, inflamed areas.

Medical experts believe that the T-cells malfunction due to genetics and other environmental factors. Anyone can develop psoriasis, but these factors/ triggers may increase your susceptibility to it:

  • Body infections (tonsillitis and middle ear inflammation, tooth and nasal sinus infections, gastrointestinal infections, sexually transmitted diseases)
  • Skin irritation caused by severe sunburn, cuts, injuries, bug bites, or tattoos
  • Metabolic disorders/anomalies
  • Fluctuations of hormones
  • Medications (beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, lithium salts, interferons, chloroquine, certain NSAIDS)
  • Allergy-causing substances
  • Injury
  • Stress
  • Excessive consumption of alcohol
  • Smoking
  • Unhealthy diet

This autoimmune disease is also associated with other health conditions, like cancer, metabolic syndrome, depression and cardiovascular diseases.

In almost all cases, diagnosing psoriasis is pretty direct. Your physician will check your medical history, rule out other conditions, such as eczema, skin fungus or syphilis.  He or she will then examine your skin, scalp, and nails.

The specialist will also take a small sample of skin (biopsy) and have it examined under a microscope. Most specialists may also opt to use MRI scans and radiographs to diagnose psoriasis specifically.

Treatment options

While there is currently no certified cure for psoriasis, there are a number of effective treatments available. These treatments aim to minimize the inflammation and clear the skin and can be divided into three main categories:

  • Topical treatments: creams and ointments are good for treating mild to moderate psoriasis. In more severe cases, creams are combined with oral medication or light therapy. Topical psoriasis treatments include corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues, anthralin, topical retinoids, calcineurin inhibitors, salicylic acid, coal tar, and moisturizers.
  • Light therapy (phototherapy): this treatment makes use of either natural or artificial UV light, and can include using sunlight, UVB phototherapy, narrow band UVB phototherapy, Goeckerman therapy, psoralen plus ultraviolet A, and excimer laser.
  • Oral or injected systemic medications: these are mainly used in severe cases of psoriasis which include retinoids, methotrexate, cyclosporine, and drugs that alter or suppress the immune system.

Your physician will choose a treatment plan/therapy best suited to your needs and type of psoriasis. You will be given mild medications at first before gradually proceeding to stronger ones. Some doctors may also try to combine different types of treatment to reduce the symptoms fast. But this actually depends on the patient’s case. Some may be using the same treatment their entire lives while some have changes in their treatment plans along the way.

Aside from taking medications, having a balanced diet helps in alleviating symptoms of this disease. Losing weight is a good start as it reduces the severity of the condition. Others also choose to eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein.

Drinking less alcohol lowers flare-ups so make sure to abstain from drinking. Avoiding trigger foods such as red meat, refined sugar, dairy and processed products. Taking multivitamins helps strengthen the immune system, lowering the risk of having severe psoriasis. All of this information can then be inputted in the app to have a constant reminder of eating a healthy meal every day.

Psoriasis: Less of stress with CareClinic

Having psoriasis is tough and challenging for most people. It’s something that stays physically for a long time and may even affect the socio-emotional aspect of your life. But CareClinic has amazing features that facilitate with any treatment plan available.

It has a psoriasis journal in which you can input your symptoms, medications, triggers, and mood on a daily basis. It also has an option to compile it into a monthly report for your doctor.

This allows your specialist to come up with a relevant treatment plan or therapy for your condition. The medication reminder may also be used to set up notifications for your specialist’s appointments, light therapy, and other activities.

CareClinic indeed has a lot of features to help curb the challenging life of having psoriasis. At the palm of your hand, this app will surely make a big difference and make each day bearable as possible.

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Track The Symptoms of Lupus with this Symptom Tracking App

Posted on by Alexandra V.

Lupus can be defined as an autoimmune disease, which is primarily characterized by the hyperactivity of the immune system. What happens is that healthy tissues are attacked by the body’s own immune system, affecting major organs (kidneys, heart and lungs), but also the joints, blood circulation and skin.

According to the World Health Organization, there are at least five million of people diagnosed with lupus (different forms). The condition is most often diagnosed in women, especially those at childbearing age. However, lupus is encountered in men and children as well.

Why should you consider an app for tracking the effects of Lupus?

The symptoms caused by lupus can vary tremendously from one person to the other, and even from one period to the next. You can use CareClinic’s app as your lupus app, keeping track of the different manifestations you might experience over the course of time.

The health tool can be used to record the presence of a skin rash, along with its characteristics (color, texture and how far it has spread), as well as arthritis-like symptoms – joint pain, inflammation and stiffness. You can mention the periods when you felt more tired than usual, had difficulties concentrating or remembering information.

Moreover, as lupus is known to cause skin sensitivity to the sun, you can record such problems as well. Other manifestations – oral ulcers, chest pain with breathing, fever with no known cause, general discomfort and hair loss – can be recorded in the health journal of CareClinic. You can then share all this gathered data with your doctor and reach better treatment strategies.

Upon trusting the CareClinic app as the lupus android app to track symptom changes, you will feel less stressed during your doctor visits. We all know that the time for each appointment is limited and, in a state of panic, you might forget everything you wanted to talk about.

The application, which is also available on iOS, can be used to record all of your manifestations and even more. In fact, the lupus app iPhone version has the same features to offer and it is just as complex as the one available on the other platform. Both versions are free to use.

If you are wondering how to track your lupus symptoms, you should consider CareClinic as the answer to your question. For each of the manifestations, be sure to record the day and time, as well as the type of symptom (fatigue, pain in your joints, muscle spasms, etc.).

In case of pain, you should rely on the rating scale to record how severe it was. Do not hesitate to use descriptive words for your symptoms; for example, you can mention a throbbing headache or a stabbing pain in your joints. As for the characteristic lupus rash, you can mention its color and size. It will also be useful to specify the location of each symptom (rash on your face, a frontal headache and so on).

Monthly health reports – monitor your condition effectively

Health reports are generated on the basis of your entries, allowing you to get a complex perspective on your overall health. You can see spikes in different manifestations, such as pain, fatigue or skin rashes, and identify potential triggers. Moreover, you can arrange a calendar to contain all of your appointments and receive reminders for these as well.

Better Understanding Your Condition

The lupus symptom tracker app can make your life easier, allowing you to gain a better understanding of your condition. As you will use CareClinic to track your symptoms, you will also begin to notice certain particularities. You can record changes in your health and make journal entries about the impact they had on your life.

The CareClinic app also comes with a journal, in which you can make notes about your condition and your emotional manifestations. Many people find it therapeutic to write about their illness, not to mention these journal entries can serve as a chronological reference.

The general idea behind this application was to offer lupus patients with an effective way to manage their condition. Apart from being able to record symptoms, one can also use the pill reminder feature and even add medical records to the application. It is possible to add information regarding the current diet and level of physical exercise as well.

Preventing flare-ups with the lupus log app

People who suffer from lupus present a higher risk of skin manifestations, with the rash being the most common. You can rely on CareClinic’s app as your lupus log app but also enter additional information, such as the UV index for each day. In this way, you will know when sun exposure is more dangerous, reducing the risk of skin flare-ups.

As you will use the application as a medication log, among other things, you will be able to also enter the different side-effects your medication has caused. You can then go to the doctor and use these logs to request a change in your medication. Together, you can find the best treatment solutions, especially in terms of medication (what works and what does not have a positive result on your manifestations).

With each new medication, you can record the day and time when the treatment started. Be sure to mention the clear name of each drug, as well as its strength and dose. This will be useful information for future references and potential adjustments to the treatment plan.

One of the major benefits of CareClinic’s app is that it allows you to track symptoms over any period of time. You can use your own entries to identify patterns and the way you felt from one day to the other.

For example, you might find not that difficult to remember your head hurt the previous day. However, it will not be as easy to recount how many days included headaches and how severe these were. With the health journal, you can easily refer to such data.

 

The pill reminder, helping you stay on the right track with your medication

As lupus is an autoimmune condition, the treatment mainly consists of immunosuppressive drugs. The doctor might prescribe different corticosteroids or hydroxychloroquine, as well as methotrexate in various doses. Depending on the severity of your lupus manifestations, you might find yourself having to follow a complex treatment plan.

CareClinic can be indeed considered as the best lupus app, helping you stay on the right track when it comes to your medication. You can organize reminders for each type of medication and receive notifications at the desired time. If you have difficulties following these notifications, you can also activate the snooze feature and keep on receiving alerts until you have actually taken your treatment.

You can add details about the right dose and the frequency with which the drug must be taken. In this way, you will ensure that you have taken the medication at the right time and also in a correct manner. Living with a chronic illness can be difficult to remember all your medication; CareClinic comes to the rescue, with its highly-useful pill reminder.

Period tracking, an important issue to consider

As lupus is a common condition diagnosed in women of childbearing age, it might be useful to use CareClinic to also keep track of your period. This will offer additional information to your treating physician, aside from the medical records and tracking of various manifestations.

By noticing the changes associated with the menstrual cycle – for example, some women feel more tired or experience soreness – you can identify additional patterns and find a more suitable treatment. The doctor might decide to adjust the treatment plan in order to minimize the flare-ups associated with menstruation.

Other features worth knowing

People who suffer from chronic conditions have to pay a lot of attention to their general well-being. The CareClinic app can be used for diet monitoring, among other things. You can rely on it to track your food intake, recording the foods that make you feel better or, on the contrary, worse (as well as make sure you are getting enough calories/you are not overeating). Moreover, you can use the application to follow a balanced diet and maintain the best possible state of health.

The application also allows you to record your physical activities. You can opt for simple activities, such as walking or climbing stairs, using CareClinic to keep track of your level of activity and general progress. Once again, the journal will be useful to identify activities that worsen your condition, as well as those that are beneficial.

A brief summary of lupus treatment solutions

As you have already read above, immunosuppressive medication is regularly prescribed to those who have been diagnosed with different types of lupus. Belimumab is one of the most recent medications to be indicated for the management of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Due to the psychological and social impact of this chronic condition, patients are advised to opt for cognitive behavioral therapy. This can help them find the best coping strategies, reducing the intensity and frequency of emotional manifestations (stress, anxiety, and depression).

Get started with CareClinic to make managing Lupus better for yourself, your caregivers and your loved ones, by clicking here.

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How To Benefit From Using a Fibromyalgia Symptom Tracker

Posted on by Alexandra V.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition, which is characterized by widespread pain, as well as a state of general malaise. Those who are diagnosed with this condition might experience constant fatigue, sleep disturbances and mood swings. The exact cause behind fibromyalgia has yet to be found and the condition can be difficult to treat (it is rather kept under control).

Technology helps with the management of fibromyalgia

The CareClinic app can be used as a fibromyalgia symptom tracker in order to keep track of the experienced manifestations. It is a known fact that the symptoms of fibromyalgia can come and go, which makes it difficult for someone to recall when these were more severe, how frequent they were and if the medication was beneficial or not.

As you will be able to use CareClinic to register your manifestations, you will no longer feel so frustrated with regard to your condition. Moreover, you will be able to form a better perspective on your health status and discover useful coping strategies. You will feel in control, acknowledging the fact that it is possible to live a life without pain.

Thanks to technology and the existence of symptom-tracking tools, you can track chronic manifestations and manage your fibromyalgia in a highly effective manner. You can even upload photos and save them in the application for further use. Moreover, you can share your health history with your doctor, using the information for changing treatments or finding new, more efficient medication.

What are the features of the fibromyalgia symptom tracker app?

The fibromyalgia symptom tracker app has a number of interesting features to offer. For example, it allows one to dissect the different parameters associated with chronic pain (major manifestation of fibromyalgia). Thanks to the chronic pain tracking, one can observe a pattern regarding the intensity, frequency and location of the pain (pain metrics).

The user-friendly app can also be used to track flare-ups and identify behavioral patterns. Moreover, as you will log in these flare-ups into the application, you will find it easier to identify potential triggers (and learn how to avoid them in the first place). By learning how to go around certain situations, you will no longer aggravate your condition and, thus, improve your quality of life.

Apart from tracking your symptoms, you can keep a diary of your condition, entering additional information: mental state, health measurements (blood pressure, weight, etc.), weather influences, other symptoms, treatments and so on. Fibromyalgia is a complex condition and it is great to have such a tool, which will allow you to understand your pain history and determine whether a particular treatment works or not.

The interesting thing about the CareClinic application is that it allows you to enter as much information as you want. You can enter your medical history, make notes about environmental factors – trauma, infection, stress – that can lead to flare-ups and list your treatment solutions.

The more information you enter, the easier it will be to form an idea about your current status. You will be able to monitor behaviors, associated triggers and come up with the best strategies to make your symptoms less severe or, at least, rarer.

By sharing the accumulated information with the doctor, you will allow this specialist to provide an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment solutions.

The CareClinic health diary, a chronological recording of your condition

Fibromyalgia is a condition which is primarily characterized by chronic pain. But you should never imagine pain just appears out of the blue, without any additional manifestations. There are numerous things that can influence the severity and frequency of this pain, including weather changes, stress, and even daily activities.

Thanks to the CareClinic health diary, you can keep track of all the things that impact your pain. You can use the application entries to get a better understanding of what makes the pain worse, avoiding potential triggers. You will also learn how your body reacts to certain treatments and find more effective solutions for pain management. Basically, you will have a simple way to track your progress.

You can rely on the health diary to record additional medical problems, which might influence your fibromyalgia. For example, there are many people who suffer from depression and anxiety, presenting this condition as well.

Those who have been diagnosed with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) might present fibromyalgia as well. The diary can help you keep track of pain episodes and how intense these were, guiding the pain-relieving medication in the right direction.

CareClinic medical reminders, excellent tools against forgetfulness

Upon being diagnosed with fibromyalgia, you might begin to experience cognitive impairment and memory loss. Forgetfulness is one of the major complaints in those suffering from this chronic condition, as it prevents them from functioning normally and handling everyday activities.

The CareClinic application is not only useful for keeping track of one’s symptoms but to also to receive medical reminders. You can add medical appointments to the health calendar and receive corresponding reminders. Moreover, as fibromyalgia is a chronic illness which can be kept under control with medication, you can use these reminders to follow your treatment to the letter.

Many of those diagnosed with fibromyalgia find it difficult to remember about their medication, often skipping doses or even the treatment in its entirety.

CareClinic may be used to overcome such challenges, the app provides reminders to take various medications at specific times. One can also add the required quantity, so as to ensure that the required dose is taken.

Additional benefits to consider

A chronic condition such as fibromyalgia requires a healthy and nutritious diet. If you are already struggling with pain, memory loss and other discomforting symptoms, your diet might be the last thing to worry about. Thanks to CareClinic, you can record information about your diet and ensure that you are only eating healthy meals.

You can trust the symptom tracker to keep track of your mood, as fibromyalgia is often associated with depression, anxiety and mood swings. Once again, you can resort to the health diary to record how you are feeling and use the monthly report to identify a mood pattern.

Of course, you can also make detailed notes about how you are feeling, which will also serve to the emotional release (necessary for someone suffering from a chronic disorder).

Effective fibromyalgia management with the personalized symptom tracker

Once you have logged onto CareClinic, you can create a new post about your condition and register specific symptoms in that post. You can mention when the symptoms – for example, fatigue or forgetfulness – have occurred and rate how intense they were. You can always add new symptoms to that post or create another one, depending on the moment of the day or manifestations (flare-ups).

The fact that you can personalize your CareClinic profile is one of the biggest advantages to consider, contributing to the effective management of your condition. You can record your symptoms as they happened and use these posts as your personal health records. These symptoms can be then connected to specific care plans or analyzed in concordance with additional medical problems, allowing for an efficient way to keep track of your medical requirements.

CareClinic Symptom Reports, providing an overview of your Chronic Illness

When a condition is described as chronic, it means that it will be present for an extended period of time or, in certain cases, throughout the entire life. The diagnosis of fibromyalgia can mean that, at some point, you might experience muscle spasms, weakness in your limbs and nerve pain. In other periods, your symptoms might include palpitations, headaches and cognitive dysfunction.

As there are so many different symptoms falling under fibromyalgia, coming and going without any warning, it can be difficult, if not impossible to keep track of them and get a general perspective on your condition. Using the CareClinic symptom tracker, you will be able to identify all of your symptoms and how they are spread over time. More importantly, thanks to the symptom reports, you will be given a clear overview of your health status.

Based on the entries regarding your symptoms, treatments and other information, you will receive health reports regarding your condition. The symptom report is particularly useful, as it can be created for every manifestation in particular. You can then notice, for example, when you felt fatigued the most and what the potential triggers behind this symptom were.

Fibromyalgia is a condition that can be kept under control

Despite extensive research, there is no specific treatment for fibromyalgia at the moment. The condition can be managed by addressing the symptoms, with medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, and nutritional supplements being among the current options.

Those who suffer from depression associated with fibromyalgia can benefit from taking antidepressants, as well as anti-seizure medication for pain relief.

Cognitive behavioral therapy can lead to an improvement in the manifestations of fibromyalgia, as well as physical therapy which can bring relief from physical symptoms. The condition is not life-threatening but it can have a negative influence on the overall quality of life if not properly managed.

[…]

Why You Need to Use a Chronic Pain Management App

Posted on by Alexandra V.

Chronic pain can be defined as the type of pain extending over a long period of time, generally over 12 weeks. It can be caused by acute trauma or appear as a result of nerve damage, persisting for months or even years.

This type of pain can have numerous underlying causes, being difficult to treat and having a negative impact on the overall quality of life.

CareClinic pain diary, a useful resource for managing chronic pain

The CareClinic’s app can be used as a chronic pain tracker app, is one of the most useful resources available for those suffering from conditions associated with this kind of pain. The application allows one to keep track of the pain history and communicate this kind of information to the treating physician.

In a lot of cases, chronic pain cannot actually be treated but rather kept under control. The application developed by CareClinic will allow you to create a self-care action plan, where you will have all of your medical information gathered under one roof: medication, diet, physical activities, and therapies. You can review all of that information with your doctor and make the necessary adjustments/changes to your treatment plan.

Imagine a typical visit to your doctor. You will have probably a limited amount of time to describe your symptoms in the last few weeks. The doctor will want to know how bad the pain was, where it was localized and how it actually felt. He/she might also inquire about the effects of medication.

Given the fact that you won’t have too much time to recall all those details, you might concentrate on the symptoms you are experiencing at that moment. They will not offer an accurate reflection of your pain history. By using CareClinic’s app as a chronic pain app, you will be able to overcome this problem and present your doctor with the necessary information.

What are the advantages of using CareClinic’s app as a CP management app?

The application is simple to use and it allows you to keep track of various pain parameters. It will also offer an objective analysis of the diary entries, compiling health reports you can further communicate to your doctor. If you have entered your medication into the application, it will even use advanced algorithms to show potential negative interactions.

Chronic pain is a complex notion and there are a lot of factors associated with it. What makes CareClinic the best app for chronic pain? Well, it allows you to track a diverse number of pain metrics, if you need to track and monitor acute pain that can be done with CareClinic as well. You can use it to record and observe a pattern of pain triggers, to describe your pain in detail and to rate the intensity of the pain.

The application allows you to develop a health diary, with journal notes regarding the duration and location of the pain, treatments taken (including medication) and even onset speed. You can use it to enter your mental state, level of physical activity and bowel movements.

Add the sleep history to determine a connection between your pain and lack of sleep. Use the application to record bowel movements, blood pressure and body weight, as well as other health measurements you might find useful. You can record additional symptoms, weather conditions that affect your general status and treatment milestones.

Is this something I really need?

If you are suffering from chronic pain, you might also be confused about what is happening to you. In order to understand your medical problems, you need to document them first. Chronic management apps – either available on android or iOS – can help you do just that. And CareClinic is indeed a resource that can help you get the best possible perspective on your condition.

You can use the application to record details about your condition on a regular basis. With the help of the pain trackers, you can actually develop a pain diary and identify certain patterns regarding your overall health. The diary can be customized as you desire, as you are allowed to add any piece of information you might find useful.

Various reports can be developed based on your entries

The data analysis is perhaps one of the best features CareClinic has to offer. Using your entries from the health diary, the application will compile a report that can be further shared with treating physician. The report can either be used as a virtual document or in its printed version.

This report might contain graphs, shedding light on the characteristics of your pain over a given period of time. By communicating the results of this report to your doctor, you will actually improve the medical relationship and reach new solutions regarding your treatment. It will reveal information regarding pain level fluctuations, usage of different medications and underlying conditions (as well as how these influence your chronic pain).

The report will demonstrate an objective overview of your pain. You have the possibility to rate the pain in different moments of the day, using a scale from 1 to 10.

This attribution will allow you to understand the pattern of chronic pain and see the exact triggers behind it. You can also use the application to see major events that have had an influence on your pain; for example, a major surgery that was successful (progress monitoring).

The report created can be used to compare different periods and analyze your chronic pain accordingly. You will easily notice the changes in the pain metrics and be able to understand the factors contributing to them. For instance, you might have changed your medication, tried a new therapy or even had surgery. Both you and your treating physician will have a better idea of how your condition changed from one period to the other.

The health calendar, an interesting feature to benefit from

The health calendar can be a valuable tool when it comes to managing diverse aspects related to chronic pain. It can remind you of doctor appointments, provide information on treatment adherence and help you access journal entries with ease.

With the help of advanced filters, you can browse through the different symptoms and see specific treatment changes. As the calendar is interactive, you can return to previous entries with ease and see how you adhered to the treatment plan. You can add notes directly on the calendar, finding it easier to cope with everything that has to be achieved with regard to your condition.

Medical reminders help you stay on the right track

When you suffer from chronic pain, you might find it difficult to keep track of everything that has to be done. If you feel like you cannot handle all, you might also begin to experience pressure and stress, which can make the pain worse.

CareClinic serves as an excellent medical reminder and helps you stay in check with everything, including medication, doctor appointments and so on.

You can set daily reminders for upcoming appointments and medication to be taken. The application allows you to enter daily/weekly treatments, the dose of your pain medication and even refill reminders. This will ensure that you will always have the treatment available; the reminders can be sent through the e-mail, appearing as notifications on your phone.

What are the causes behind chronic pain?

It is important to understand that chronic pain can appear as a result of nerve damage, as it often happens in neuropathies. For example, people diagnosed with diabetes can present such health problems. However, chronic pain is encountered in those with disc hernias, arthritis, gout and fibromyalgia.

Migraines are associated with chronic pain, preventing one from functioning normally or engaging in everyday activities. Life-threatening conditions, such as cancer, are always accompanied by pain. In the last stages, when the patient also suffers from metastasis and the treatment is only palliative, chronic pain can become severe and the patient will begin to rely solely on morphine.

How is chronic pain managed?

Chronic pain is managed through pain medication, which can be adjusted according to the level of pain experienced by the patient. The treating physician will monitor the patient constantly, as some drugs can cause liver damage upon being administered on a long-term basis. Moreover, the medication recommended for severe pain presents a high risk of addiction.

Psychotherapy, either in the form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, can help the patient develop coping strategies and find a way to move forward. Relaxation techniques, including muscle relaxation and mindfulness, are definitely helpful.

Physical therapy is another great solution when it comes to chronic pain. It can help one maintain flexibility and it prevents the condition from becoming worse. The physical therapist might also recommend other forms of activity, including swimming or hydrotherapy. Walking remains one of the easiest forms of activity to be engaged in, including when suffering from chronic pain.

Of course, it is always important to address the underlying condition and find a suitable treatment (where possible). Complementary therapies, including acupuncture, massage therapy and osteopathy, can help with the management of chronic pain.

[…]

IBS Symptom Management Made Easy with Apps

Posted on by Chloe M.

Keep Everything Under Control with CareClinic – A reliable for managing IBS

In the world, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders with a prevalence rate of 10-15%. It mainly affects the large intestine which can cause the following symptoms such as abdominal pain, flatulence, bloating, cramping, diarrhea and/or constipation. But among those having this disorder, only a few patients experience severe symptoms.

IBS is also referred to as irritable colon, mucous colitis and spastic colitis. It is basically a group of intestinal symptoms that happen together and varies from one patient to another. These symptoms last at least three months, for at least three days every month.

There are several conditions that present similar symptoms with IBS and these should be ruled out to be able to come up with a diagnosis. Once an individual has IBS, close monitoring of symptoms and triggers is very important.

There are a lot of treatment options available which include diet and lifestyle change, stress management, counseling and medication. That’s why there are health apps created to help you develop a routine and even make necessary lifestyle changes. Paying close attention to when symptoms improve or worsen can also be facilitated with such health apps.

CareClinic has a feature that of as an IBS app which helps individual track symptoms, as well as set health and exercise goals on a daily basis. This comes with a comprehensive digital health diary which may also record measurements and track mood swings.

Aside from that, the IBS symptom tracker reminds you to take medications at the right time, as well as use it for appointments and counseling sessions.  All the data recorded in the app is then compiled into a monthly report which may serve as a health record used by your doctor. But before jumping into the details of this iOS / Android app, getting a deeper knowledge of IBS is essential.

What are the symptoms of IBS?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is not at all life-threatening, but a condition which is long-lasting that may ultimately change your life. According to statistics, women get IBS more than men and experience the symptoms first during the ages 20-30. Women usually experience it around menstruation, and those in the menopausal stage have fewer symptoms.

With regards to symptoms, the severity varies from different patients. IBS mainly has four types:

  1. IBS with diarrhea
  2. IBS with constipation
  3. IBS with constipation and diarrhea
  4. IBS (others not falling in the three categories)

The most common type is IBS with constipation which affects 50% of IBS patients. Second in rank would be IBS with diarrhea affecting one-third of IBS patients, and 20% have IBS with alternating periods of constipation and diarrhea.

Symptoms of IBS may be the same with other gastrointestinal disorders, but the most common that makes it definitive of IBS are:

  1. Abdominal pain (cramping and burning)
  2. Bloating and flatulence
  3. Diarrhea (soft and fluid-like, several times per day)
  4. Constipation
  5. Obstructions
  6. Changes in bowel movements
  7. Food intolerance
  8. Permanent Fullness
  9. Visible inflation
  10. Fatigue and difficulty in sleeping

These are common of IBS but if there are severe symptoms such as fever, sudden loss of weight or blood in the stool, it’s time to consult a physician immediately. These are usually not conclusive of IBS but may link to other serious conditions.

The unknown cause

There are no conclusive studies showing the main cause of IBS. Even if this condition’s triggers and symptoms are known, only assumptions are made as to how IBS came to be. Colon hypersensitivity is one top assumption as this pertains to how the colon reacts to mere mild stimulation. When the bowel muscles do abnormal squeezing, this may end up becoming IBS. When the body functions, chemicals such as serotonin and gastrin are secreted which are also linked with this particular disorder.  Individuals having a disturbed immune function or infections are also susceptible to IBS.

Risk factors such as age, sex, family history and even mental health status are also associated with IBS. That’s why it is hard to pinpoint the etymology of IBS due to profound factors occurring.

Triggers of IBS

A lot of people wonder what triggers IBS and are actually experienced in our day-to-day activities. Food is the most obvious since anything we eat gets through our gastrointestinal tract. People notice a change in their IBS symptoms when they consume dairy, wheat and carbonated beverages. Hormones are also considered as triggers for women especially during their menstrual cycle. Aside from that, in periods of high stress, IBS symptoms are most pronounced for both men and women.

What to do once diagnosed

A patient will never really know up until he or she sees a gastroenterologist. Seeking medical advice is important to avoid self-medication, which usually worsens the condition.  Other gastrointestinal disorders have to be ruled out by the specialist and IBS is determined by differential diagnosis. So disclosing your family history of illness as well as undergoing physical and diagnostic examinations is important.

Oftentimes, the doctor can already diagnose based on the symptoms.  But if these are not enough, specialists usually let you undergo a stool exam to rule out infection. Aside from that, requesting for a blood test is done to check for the possibility of anemia, as well as to rule out celiac disease. Lastly, a colonoscopy is deemed important if your doctor suspects the symptoms you have are caused by inflammatory bowel disease, colitis or cancer.

If you are indeed diagnosed with IBS, the primary treatment is usually focused on alleviating and preventing the symptoms from getting worse. Pain and cramping are one of the top symptoms of IBS and can naturally be treated with plant-based concoctions. Hot compression has also been known to give temporary relief.  Synthetic medications such as butylscopolamine, nifedipine, or mebeverine are taken with medical supervision.

To get rid of obstructions, consuming considerable amounts of liquids is part of any IBS treatment. Laxatives may also be taken in the form of suppositories.

For those having IBS with diarrhea, tannins, bicarbonate or anti-diarrheal medications (loperamide, cromoglicic acid) are commonly used. Of course, these medications should only be taken if prescribed by the physician.

A note in taking loperamide though – it should not be for long-term use. Furthermore, since IBS with diarrhea entails losing a lot of fluids in the body, proper rehydration must be done to replace lost fluids.

Having a gassy stomach or flatulence can be very uncomfortable. To get rid of this, fennel, peppermint oil or caraway may be used. If medications are needed, drugs such as dimethicone or simethicone help relieve these symptoms.

For those who have IBS and experience great amounts of stress, different relaxation techniques must be done. It could be yoga, meditation or autogenic training. Diet change also helps in improving the dreaded symptoms.

Modifying or eliminating certain foods such as dairy, beans and indigestible sugars may help in reducing the symptoms.  There are some patients who have reported that adding some herbs and spices also alleviates the condition. Then again, have your doctor check this first to avoid complications.

IBS resulting from psychological disorders may also be alleviated by taking antidepressants or psychotherapy, as prescribed by the physician.

Knowing the treatment plans of IBS is crucial in significantly alleviating the symptoms. The regular and proper taking of medications prescribed, as well as following dietary and therapeutic plans can be made possible by using the IBS diary app.

The essence of the IBS Symptom Tracking App

Nowadays, everything is almost digitally advanced even on healthcare. CareClinic has been developing apps such as the symptom tracker to help patients get through their lives. Managing and taking medications on time may sound easy, but pretty hard to do in a busy schedule. There will always be a tendency to miss out on one dose or two if you are not careful. That is why having a medication reminder is very helpful.

CareClinic, as a health tracker app may serve as a valuable tool in improving the quality of your life. The IBS symptom tracker helps in monitoring triggers, moods and symptoms on a daily basis. This app may also be used to set your daily health goals in life.

This app is very useful for IBS patients who need to be reminded regularly when to take their medication or remind of upcoming health appointments/therapy sessions. Taking control over IBS takes a lot of hard work so adhering strictly to a therapeutic plan is a must.

Since this app saves valuable data, compiling a monthly health report can be shared with your physician so that he or she will be able to have a good grasp on your condition. You may be able to get rid of those dreaded symptoms as this IBS app is bound to make a difference in your life completely.

CareClinic is available on Android, iOS, and the web, and you can start using it now by clicking here.

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