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Numbness of the lips and left hand would be unusual symptoms of an over active thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). The most common causes of numbness or tingling in the lips and hands is hyperventilation or a low blood calcium level. Since hyperthyroidism increases a person’s metabolic rate and can sometimes lead to faster breathing, it’s biologically plausible to make the connection between these symptoms and hyperthyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism means that there is abnormally high amounts of thyroid in the blood stream. Hyperthyroidism can happen when the thyroid gland either makes or secretes excess thyroid hormone or when people take a higher dose of thyroid pills than they need. Although some observational studies suggest hyperthyroidism may increase the risk of infection, hyperthyroidism should not make a person immunocompromised.

Blood that is low in oxygen turns blue giving the skin, lips, and nail beds a bluish-purplish hue.  This change in color is called cyanosis. Cyanosis is neither a disease nor a symptom but is typically a sign that someone has an underlying problem with their heart, lungs, blood, or poor circulation.

Oliguria is the medical term for very low urine output. In adults, it is defined as urinating less than about one-and-three-quarters cup a day. Oliguria will happen if someone becomes dehydrated because the kidneys will conserve water. But oliguria can also be a sign of acute kidney injury or kidney failure. Oliguria not rapidly resolved by drinking more fluids requires immediate medical attention to help preserve kidney function.

Leukocytosis refers to a white blood cell count that is above the normal range. There are several different types of white blood cells and each of the types will increase for different reasons. For example, white blood cells called neutrophils (granulocytes) typically increase when a person has a significant bacterial infection. Another type called lymphocytes might increase during a viral infection.

Encephalomalacia means softening or loss of brain tissue. Any brain injury due to trauma, a stroke or brain infection can lead to permanent loss of some brain tissue. A person may show signs of mild encephalomalacia on a brain imaging test and yet may show no signs of cognitive impairment. There is no specific treatment that can reverse encephalomalacia.

Here are some home remedies to help stop a cough from a cold or viral bronchitis. Drink plenty of fluids to keep the mucus thin, watery and easy to cough up. Warm, moist air also can loosen sputum and make coughing and breathing easier by:
•    Using a vaporizer or humidifier  
•    Standing in or near a hot shower  
•    Drinking hot tea or soup  
•    Breathing in the steam from a sink or pot filled with hot water. You can catch more of the steam by tenting a towel over your head while bending over the water. For safety reasons, do not breathe from a pot of boiling water that is still on the stove.  

With sudden onset shortness of breath, take a minute to see if you can relax enough to slow down your breathing. But if you have one or more of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical care.
•    severe shortness of breath
•    difficulty talking in full sentences
•    chest pain with shortness of breath
•    swelling in the face or abdomen with shortness of breath (a possible allergic reaction).

To reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease you want to concentrate on lowering levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides. Both can be reduced by eating a Mediterranean style diet and becoming more physically active. To lower LDL cholesterol, you want to limit saturated fats. A good goal is to consume a diet with less than 7% of calories from saturated fats. The main ways to lower triglycerides are calorie reduction and avoiding alcohol.

The most common type of arthritis in the spine is osteoarthritis. This is sometimes called degenerative joint disease and tends to affect the neck and lower spine in older adults.

 

Exercises that may be helpful include:

 

• Hip and lower back stretch – Lie flat on your back with legs extended. Keep your neck on the floor but look down toward your chest. Bend both knees and clasp them with your hands, pulling your knees toward your shoulders as far as they will comfortably

go. Breathe in deeply and exhale, bringing the knees closer as you breathe out. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds while breathing normally. Repeat at least twice more.

 

• Lower body rotation – Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Keeping your shoulders on the floor, gently lower your knees to one side and turn your head to the opposite side. Hold for 15 seconds. Bring your knees back to the center and repeat on the other side. Continue alternating stretches to each side 3 times.

 

• Bridge – Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Place your palms flat on the floor next to your hips. Keep your back straight as you lift your buttocks as high as you can off the mat, using your hands for balance only. Hold for 5 seconds, then lower your buttocks not quite to the floor, then lift again. Repeat three times.

 

• Neck rotation – While sitting or standing, keep your chin level and turn your head to the left as far as you can comfortably go; hold it there for 15 seconds. Then turn to the right for 15 seconds. Repeat for a total of 3 times for each side.

 

• Neck flexion and extension – While standing or sitting, pull your shoulders back and gradually bend your neck forward toward your chest. Hold it there for 15 seconds. Repeat twice more. After a minute or so, raise your chin up slowly as far as you can comfortably. Hold it there for 15 seconds, then bring your chin back to level. Repeat twice more.

These can be repeated throughout the day. Discontinue any exercise that causes significant discomfort and talk to your doctor about seeing a physical therapist who can recommend an individualized exercise program for you.

Other types of spine arthritis include ankylosing spondylitis or axial spondylitis associated with psoriasis. For these, medications that alter immune function may be needed.