3 things to know about myelodysplastic syndromes
Cancer

3 things to know about myelodysplastic syndromes

Caused due to malformed blood cells or malfunctioning blood cells, myelodysplastic syndrome is a group of disorders. These disorders occur due to a deficiency in the bone marrow. It is a form of cancer for which there is no permanent cure. Treatments are geared towards alleviating the symptoms or preventing the various complications that may arise over time. In some cases, treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes involves bone marrow transplant or chemotherapy. Read on to know more the types, symptoms, causes, and risk factors of these disorders. Types of myelodysplastic syndromes Myelodysplastic syndrome with excess blasts : There are two types: type 1 and type 2. This syndrome occurs when there is a very low count of white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets. Also, any of these cells will appear abnormal under the microscope. Also, the presence of blood cells that have not matured completely can be found in the bone marrow and blood. Myelodysplastic syndrome with multilineage dysplasia : In this type of myelodysplastic syndrome, two to three types of blood cells among platelets, red blood cells, and white blood cells are found to be abnormal. Myelodysplastic syndrome with unilineage dysplasia : In this type of myelodysplastic syndrome, either platelets, red blood cells, or white blood cells are found to be low and appear abnormal when observed under the microscope.
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Things to know about organ transplant
Lungs

Things to know about organ transplant

With organ donation, an unhealthy or malfunctioning organ of one person can be replaced with a healthy organ of another person. Diseases and disorders related to the heart, liver, and kidneys that lead to organ failure often necessitate organ transplant. Due to medical advancement over the years, there have been 9 types of organ transplants recognized worldwide: heart transplant, lung transplant, liver transplant, pancreas transplant, cornea transplant, trachea transplant, kidney transplant, skin transplant, and vascular tissues transplant. The organ donor can be a living person (in most cases, friends or family), or a recently deceased person. Organ transplantation is lifesaving and, in many cases of organ failure, the only hope for the recipient. However, organ transplant is a complicated process with a number of risks attached. Once a doctor has made the diagnosis for organ failure, a patient is referred to an organ transplant center. It is a medical facility that will perform the recommended type of organ transplant. A patient and their family are then prepared for an organ transplant. The process usually starts after a considerable waiting period until a suitable match and donor is found. Read on to know more about organ transplant. The waiting list After getting a reference to a transplant center, a patient’s health will be evaluated.
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Understanding the early signs of Parkinson’s disease
Brain Disorders

Understanding the early signs of Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s is a disease of the central nervous system that affects a person’s movement and behavior over the years. The symptoms of Parkinson’s are subtle and develop slowly with some so faint that they are difficult to identify and associate to the condition. The symptoms are mild during the initial developing years but become severe due to the progressive nature of the condition. The central nervous system is the primary means of communication connecting the brain to all parts of the body wherein neurons or active nerve cells carry and process the signals sent back and forth to trigger a certain response from the body to control motor skills or other associated activity. A decrease in the production of dopamine results in the nerve endings losing their functionality, leading to Parkinson’s disease. There is no known cure for it so most people focus on palliative care once the disease progresses to the worst stages. The symptoms of Parkinson’s are subtle and develop over time. However, it is possible to identify the following early signs that might indicate a developing condition including tremors, rigid movements, and changes in behavior. Weight loss Mild to moderate weight loss can indicate subtle physical changes in the body.
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Popular treatments for anxiety disorder
Mental Health & Addiction

Popular treatments for anxiety disorder

Anxiety disorder refers to a group of mental illnesses that causes distress while carrying out day-to-day activities. There are multiple treatments that are available for anxiety disorder. While some people may respond to the treatments quickly, others may take time, depending on the severity of the condition. Some of the popular treatments for anxiety disorder are: Prescribed medications Therapies Natural remedies Medications prescribed It is always advisable to go for medications that are prescribed by your specialist or physician. There are a number of medications that are available for treating anxiety disorders. Most of these prescribed medications are given along with therapy. One can also be prescribed a combination of medications. Two of the most general medication types used for treating anxiety disorders are: Medications for anti-anxiety Antidepressants Medications are considered cheaper than therapy but the former alone cannot treat anxiety disorder completely. It has been observed that a combination of both medications and therapies will help in treating the disorder. Therapy Research shows that therapy has been an effective treatment for anxiety disorders. Different types of therapies are known to treat anxiety completely unlike medications, in which the symptoms may reoccur. Here are some of the therapies that are considered as a part of the popular anxiety treatment.
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Easy ways to manage irritable bowel syndrome
Digestive Health

Easy ways to manage irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a disorder that affects the large intestine. The symptoms of IBS include everything from abdominal pain, gas and bloating to severe constipation and diarrhea. It can severely affect one’s daily routine as the symptoms in most cases are persistent in nature. One needs to know that there is no known cause of irritable bowel syndrome; however, there are multiple triggers that can result in health complications. A thorough diagnosis is necessary to identify the trigger for effective treatment. Alternatively, IBS is also manageable without extensive treatment by making changes to one’s diet and lifestyle to counter its effects. Here are a few easy ways to manage the known symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Identifying the trigger Insoluble fibers, gluten, dairy, fried foods, beans and legumes, caffeinated drinks, processed foods, sugar-free sweeteners, chocolate, garlic and onions, broccoli, cauliflower, and alcohol are among the common triggers of irritable bowel syndrome. Identifying the triggers will help one plan their diet and avoid such foods thus reducing the risk of IBS. Identifying food triggers will also help one assess tolerance levels to reduce or maintain consumption accordingly. One must consult with a nutritionist to ensure there is a proper balance of vital nutrients and minerals in the new diet to reduce the risk of nutrition deficiencies.
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6 medical conditions that cause different levels of pain
Chronic Pain

6 medical conditions that cause different levels of pain

Pain is a feeling of distress caused due to various internal or external stimuli. Medical professionals describe any pain as an unpleasant sensory or emotional experience that is often a symptom of an underlying medical condition. It is also one of the most important reactions of the nervous system that alerts the body to a possible injury. Pain signals travel from the brain to the area of distress at any point throughout the body. Pain is one of the most common symptoms of a medical condition and often subsides when the injury or distress heals. However, there are some cases where pain can be chronic in nature with symptoms that persist as the brain continues to send signals to the affected area. Chronic pain can range from a few weeks, months, to even a couple of years in some cases with no proper recourse available in order to treat it. A headache, post-surgical pain, post-trauma pain, lower back pain, cancer pain, arthritis pain, neurogenic pain, and psychogenic pain are some of the most common types of pain. However, you must identify the common cause behind each individual trigger and that includes knowing the following medical conditions: Fibromyalgia It is one of the most common causes of widespread pain in various muscle groups and bones in the body.
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Common symptoms and treatments of oral thrush
Infectious Disease

Common symptoms and treatments of oral thrush

Oral thrush is caused by the unrestricted growth of a fungus known as C.albicans. A healthy and balanced immune system keeps the growth of this fungus under control. If the balance is disturbed, the immune system becomes weak and the fungus starts to multiply, leading to infection. Taking certain medications causes the immune system to become weak. These medications affect the growth of good microorganisms that are responsible for preventing infections. Cancer treatments and diseases such as HIV and leukemia also make the body susceptible to thrush. Another cause of oral thrush is diabetes. In the case of uncontrolled diabetes, the saliva will have a high level of sugar. The excess sugar gives impetus to the growth of C.albicans, leading to thrush. In some cases, newborn infants get oral thrush from their mothers, who may have vaginal yeast infections. This happens because oral thrush and vaginal yeast infection are caused by the same fungus. Here are a few common symptoms of oral thrush and ways to treat them. Common symptoms The early signs and symptoms of oral thrush are barely noticeable. Usually, one may observe creamy white lesions on the inner cheeks, tonsils, gums, tongue, and roof of the mouth.
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Common symptoms and causes of urinary retention to know about
Women's Health

Common symptoms and causes of urinary retention to know about

Urinary retention occurs when the bladder does not empty completely despite being full. A person with urinary retention often feels that they have to urinate constantly. There are two types of urinary retention: acute and chronic. Urinary retention is observed in men as well as women. However, it is more common in older men. It is recommended to diagnose and treat this disorder as early as possible. Otherwise, it may cause kidney disorders, high blood pressure, and leg swelling or edema. Read on to know more about the symptoms and causes of urinary retention. Common symptoms The symptoms depend on whether a person has acute urinary retention or chronic urinary retention. Acute urinary retention is a medical emergency and can be life-threatening. A person will feel the urgent need to urinate but will be unable to do so. Immediate medical care is recommended in such cases to release the excessive build-up of urine. Chronic urinary retention happens over a period of time. A person is able to urinate, but the bladder is not completely emptied. There are no initial symptoms, so there is no awareness that chronic urinary retention is building up. However, it does lead to a lot of complications.
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4 major lifestyle changes that can reverse erectile dysfunction
Men's Health

4 major lifestyle changes that can reverse erectile dysfunction

Human beings are intricate beings and experience a whole array of emotions and needs that are integral to their nature. One of the most basic emotions that humans feel is love and their most basic need is connected to this emotion—sexual gratification. Men and women are not just meant to procreate, they are wired to make the most of this experience. However, there are instances when one’s sexual life suffers a setback due to certain unforeseen circumstance. One such factor that interferes with one’s need for an eventful sexual life is erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction is characterized by the individual’s inability to have an erection or sustain it throughout the sexual act. This problem can affect anyone irrespective of their age and is temporary. The causes of erectile dysfunction can be dealt with easily, and the condition is reversible. Mostly, over-indulgence in alcohol, stress, anxiety, and depression are linked to erectile dysfunction and dealing with these conditions can help one deal with erectile dysfunction. The following tips will help one treat erectile dysfunction and lead a satisfying sex life. Exercise daily A sedentary lifestyle can have a major impact on one’s sex life and often indirectly leads to erectile dysfunction.
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5 ways to ease pain caused by menstruation
Women's Health

5 ways to ease pain caused by menstruation

All women have at least once in their life suffered through menstrual cramps and will unanimously agree that they can be dreadful. The constant throbbing and the immense pain is reported by most women, at least during the first few days of the menstrual cycle. Also known as dysmenorrhea, pain during menstruation is normal and not a sign of a health condition, however, it can put a wench in the daily activities. The uterus contracts during menstruation to aid in expelling the lining. The construction of the uterine muscle is triggered by a hormone substance known as prostaglandins. These hormones are also involved in causing inflammation and pain. When there is a higher level of prostaglandins secretion, the pain during menstruation is much more severe. Many women may find that the cramps even interfere with their lifestyle. The pain can be managed with the help of some effective and safe home remedies such as: Heat pack A remedy always sworn by is the application of a heat pack to relieve the intense menstrual pain. Heat aids in relaxing the contracted muscles in the uterus – the main trigger of pain during menstruation. Letting the warmth stay against the abdomen will instantly bring relief.
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