Coronavirus is a disease in itself which has also raised other health issues. Doctors are seeing growing health issues due to the pandemic. We have been stuck at our homes for long enough now. It is important to take care of ourselves, have healthy food, and get proper sleep. Here are some growing health issues that doctors have seen in individuals during the global pandemic.
Eye problems
Jennifer Wademan, an eye specialist in Folsom, California says, “I’ve definitely seen an increase in digital eye strain. Dry, tired, sore, watery eyes, blurred vision, and headaches. Due to increased time in front of smartphones, computers, and TVs in adults and kids as a result of working and schooling from home during COVID-19.”
For this, she suggested the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, remind yourself to take your eyes off the screen and see something that is in any event 20 feet away for at any rate 20 seconds.
She also added that you likewise should turn down the brightness level or use night mode on gadget screens. Also, to lessen the amount of blue light exposure, particularly during the evening hours.
Pain in the back and neck
Michael Richardson, a New York doctor at One Medical talks about how neck, back, and shoulder pain have been frequent issues for many people. After spending the past year working from home, and their workstation ― or lack thereof ― is typically the culprit. Kitchen counters, soft couches, and even beds have been the go-to workstations for many people. The effects of the repetitive stress caused by poor posture are starting to rear their ugly heads a year later.
In case you’re encountering this, Richardson suggested stretching often, shoulder shrugs, and, in some high-level cases, physical therapy.
Furthermore, he also added that on the off chance that you don’t have plans to get back to the workplace, presently is a fun opportunity to put resources into one of those extravagant seats and standing work areas or mastermind your workstation to decrease the weight on your shoulders.
High blood pressure or hypertension
Blood pressure problems are likewise on the ascent, as indicated by Richardson. “For some, it’s because the pandemic has prevented them from seeing their doctor and receiving primary care. For others, it’s due to a worsening diet and a lack of exercise in their work-from-home routine,” he says.
Stress is additionally a gigantic guilty party. “Intense work demands and social isolation can seriously take their toll on the body. I’ve been shocked to see how much of a role stress can have on blood pressure,” Richardson said. He suggested planning a physical with your doctor to monitor your wellbeing.
Diabetes and heart disease
These are conditions that Hemalee Patel, an internist in San Francisco, has been seeing more in her training recently. Outrageous weight gain, stress, and expanded liquor use joined with missed physicals, can put individuals at a higher danger of not catching and appropriately tending to both of these issues, Patel said. That is the reason it’s critical to make a meeting with your PCP for a test and complete the legitimate bloodwork straightaway.
Mental health issues such as depression and PTSD
“We are seeing a huge increase in anxiety, depression, and increased OCD [obsessive-compulsive disorder] symptoms due to COVID,” explained Yvette Visconte, the clinical director of behavioral health at Families Together of Orange County Community Health Center in California.
Visconte said more children and old individuals have been showing more indications of growing health issues like anxiety and melancholy. It is because of the feeling of confinement recently.
Also, individuals have been encountering pandemic-related post-traumatic stress disorder. Specialists are naming this particular kind “COVID PTSD”. Paul Kaloostian, a neurosurgeon in California, says he has been seeing COVID PTSD in numerous patients. Right from the individuals who had the virus to the individuals who lost a friend or family member to COVID-19. A mental health care professional can help you through this tough time. Book an online or offline appointment.
Dental problems
Dental problems are also growing health issues. “I’ve seen an increase in cracked teeth, cavities which need fillings, and jaw pain from patients who are avoiding the dentist,” said Jeffrey Sulitzer, a dentist and chief clinical officer at SmileDirectClub.
He noticed that these issues are due to the absence of oral cleanliness (as such, not appropriately brushing teeth or flossing consistently), tobacco items, expanded liquor utilization, and stress. That is the reason it’s indispensable to begin focusing on yearly arrangements and teeth cleanings once more. Teledentistry appointments can ensure patients are taking care of their teeth properly from home.”
Gynaecological issues
Natalya E. Danilyants, the co-founder of The Center for Innovative GYN Care in New York City, said a huge number of ladies experiencing complex gynaecological conditions, like endometriosis and fibroids, haven’t got the consideration they need in the course of the most recent year.
“Many surgeries to treat these conditions have been deemed ‘elective’ by hospitals and canceled as a result,” she said. “Timely treatment is critical, and delaying care results in more severe symptoms and complicated conditions over time.”
A specialist can assist you with getting the consideration you need and schedule the medical procedure. Connect when you’re capable, particularly if your symptoms have deteriorated.
Hair loss
“In the fall of 2020, primary care physicians and dermatologists started to notice a substantial increase in the number of people, particularly women, who were reporting that their hair was falling out in clumps,” said Alexa B. Kimball, the CEO and president of Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston and a professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School.
This wonder, called telogen effluvium, is a common problem due to stress, ailment, or pregnancy. She also added that when it occurs, the intrinsic hair clocks synchronize and result in shedding. It is similar to what happens to other mammals when the temperature changes.
Even though it is frightening, Kimball said the issue ordinarily disappears all alone. You need to endure it ― a hair growth cycle of shedding and development keeps going around four months. Be that as it may, on the off chance that you are concerned, make a meeting with a specialist. It could be a fundamental condition that needs medical attention.
Skin issues
“The diagnosis of ‘maskne,’ which is an entirely new term, has now become commonplace,” said Geeta Shah, a board-certified dermatologist in Washington, D.C.
“I encourage patients to wash their face twice a day with a gentle cleanser. Then use a hydrating moisturizer,” she explained.
Facial redness and rosacea flares have likewise been on the ascent. Masks can cause tension on the cheeks, jawline, and nose, which adds to an increment in redness, flushing, and broken veins. She noticed that it’s critical to keep wearing sunscreen since sun exposure can deteriorate redness.
Substance misuse
S. Monty Ghosh, an addiction doctor in Canada, has been seeing an increment in substance abuse (an increment in liquor abuse, specifically).
“Individuals who were initial social drinkers are reporting heavy alcohol consumption to the point that they cannot stop drinking for fear of withdrawal symptoms,” Ghosh said. He refers to isolation, a disturbance in work schedules, stress, joblessness, and the absence of everyday construction as a portion of the basic driving variables. Ghosh also explained that the way to moderating this is to perceive the disruption that the drinking is causing and looking for help, including medication, counseling, and social support.
Numerous liquor support bunches have rotated to online stages, which can be of advantage particularly for those worried about going to gatherings in their own towns or running into individuals they may know.
Cancer
“Our practice has seen an increase in the incidence of advanced-stage colon cancer since March 2020″, Austin Garza, a physician at Associates in Gastroenterology in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
He and his associates think this is an immediate after-effect of postponed care and blood work, with patients hesitant to look for clinical consideration because of COVID-19 concerns. Also, doctors note that it’s been something similar for different cancers in all cases. Staying aware of protection screenings, like colonoscopies and mammograms, is vital.