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6 early warning signs of developing colon cancer

6 early warning signs of developing colon cancer

Cancer causes rapid growth and spread of unhealthy cells in the body that destroy healthy cells. It is called colon cancer when it develops in the intestinal tract leading to the colon or rectum. While colon cancer has no cure, identifying its symptoms in time can help doctors confirm its presence and recommend treatments to improve the patient’s quality of life. Here are some early warning signs of colon cancer to look out for.

Dark stools
Cancer destroys healthy cells in the colon and triggers bleeding. When the blood mixes with the stools during bowel movements, it changes the shade of the feces to a dark reddish tinge. This is a clear sign of bleeding in the intestinal tract or the rectum. Some patients also experience external bleeding while passing dark stools with aggressive colon cancer. However, since hemorrhoids can also cause rectal bleeding, it is vital to monitor the progression of this symptom. With hemorrhoids, the bleeding comes and goes with flare-ups. However, with colon cancer, the bleeding persists and worsens as the disease progresses.

Erratic changes in bowel movements
Since colon cancer develops in the intestinal tract connecting to the rectum, it affects the frequency of a person’s bowel movements. Consequently, one might experience sudden diarrhea with no underlying stomach infection or digestive discomfort. Similarly, patients could notice visible changes in their stools’ shape and size. For example, an individual may pass thin, pencil-like stools and struggle to evacuate the bowels completely. If any of these discomforts develop when there are no underlying health complications and persist, it is advisable to, at once, consult a proctologist. Early diagnosis can prevent severe progression of the cancer.

Pain in the abdomen
Colon cancer can trigger pain in the organs surrounding the digestive tract and random discomforts around the abdomen. It could also lead to cramps in the lower bowel region and bloating or enlargement of the stomach. These symptoms come and go when suffering from benign gastrointestinal ailments. However, persistent pain is a sign of tissue and cell damage caused by conditions like cancer, which should not be ignored.

Nausea and vomiting
Most digestive and intestinal disorders trigger nausea or vomiting. These symptoms occur as the body cannot properly digest foods and beverages, and the digestive organs enter a state of regurgitation. Cancer can also cause nausea or vomiting when a tumor presses against the bowel passage, forcing solid and liquid waste back up. The persistence of these discomforts is a key indicator of conditions like cancer.

Anemia
Commonly referred to as a lack of blood in circulation, anemia causes one’s red blood cell count to drop below what’s normal for the body. The RBCs are tasked with carrying oxygen to all extremities, and anemia severely affects this ability. Often, in cases of colon cancer, anemia occurs due to excessive blood loss through rectal bleeding and bowel movements. Weakness and fatigue also set in due to less oxygen circulating in the system. A blood test can confirm anemia and tell whether it is triggered by cancer progression.

Unexplained changes in BMI
A person’s BMI can fluctuate depending on their daily calorie intake, physical activity level, and metabolism. Numerous underlying health complications can also trigger rapid BMI fluctuations depending on their severity. If one’s BMI changes are inconsistent with the changes in their nutrition or activity levels, it points toward cancer. In some cases, persistent diarrhea can develop alongside colon cancer, causing rapid changes in BMI. Many people also lose their appetite due to digestive stress, resulting in a low-calorie intake that is insufficient for maintaining a healthy body.

Cancer is a progressive condition and can quickly spread to other organs in the body, primarily via the lymph node system. If it metastasizes, the chances of it infecting the brain increase. Although, statistically, only 3% of colon cancer patients are at risk of brain progression, patients must undergo brain metastatic CRC treatment as a preventive measure. Brain metastatic CRC treatment often includes a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and prescriptions to isolate and remove the infected cells. After assessing the patient’s symptoms and test reports, the doctor may be able to tell whether this treatment is necessary.

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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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Avoid these 3 breathing mistakes for healthy lungs

Breathing is a crucial and natural process for sustaining life. However, have you ever thought about the possibility of there being a correct or incorrect way of doing it? Though it may seem strange since breathing is usually something we do involuntarily, there are several tips for breathing correctly, as well as common mistakes that many of us make daily. This article aims to explore these mistakes and provide guidance on how to avoid them. Using your mouth Many people, including children and adults, breathe through their mouths. However, this can lead to crooked teeth, facial deformities, and stunted growth in kids. In adults, mouth breathing can cause gum disease and bad breath. Breathing through the nose is the proper way to inhale and exhale air. The nostrils in the nose act as filters that keep the air warm and humidified, which can be beneficial in cold and dry climates. It's important to remember that mouth breathing is not unnatural but is not the best way to breathe. So, it's advisable to make a conscious effort to breathe through the nose whenever possible. Not breathing through your belly To perform belly breathing, one must use the diaphragm, a muscle located above the stomach. The correct breathing technique involves inhaling air through the nose and allowing it to fill the stomach as the diaphragm contracts. This expands the lungs and creates a negative pressure in the chest, which enables air to enter the lungs efficiently. Therefore, the diaphragm's downward pull on the lungs allows for quick and adequate air intake. Some of the benefits of diaphragm breathing include: It improves muscle function during exercises and prevents strain Reduces heart rate and blood pressure Increases the amount of oxygen in the blood Helps relax It makes it easier for the body to release gas waste from the lungs Tense shoulders When it comes to breathing, many people make a common mistake. Tension in the shoulders and face can restrict deep exhalations, which are crucial for proper breathing. Therefore, you must ensure that you do not tense your shoulders. In addition, your overall posture plays a vital role in breathing correctly. If you have a hunched back, it contracts all your muscles and restricts space for deep breathing. Thus, maintaining a good posture is crucial for solving back and neck issues and promoting deep breathing. Otherwise, you may end up taking shorter and shallower breaths. Shallow breathing has been known to cause dry mouth and even fatigue, and it can even aggravate certain respiratory conditions. It can also become a panic attack if you are anxious and a precursor for heart issues. Skipping exercises Active movement every day is necessary because it keeps the heart and lungs in a healthy zone. Also, when exercising, you work on the muscles that can help improve deep breathing. It is especially advised to do yoga which focuses on not just the poses but also the breathing pattern with the poses. A yoga workout focuses primarily on breathing in and exhaling fully through the nose. In fact, yoga has many breathing exercises, like the most popular pranayama exercise. Here's how you can practice it: Sit in a relaxed pose with crossed knees and both hands on the knees. This exercise focuses on breathing in and out through the nose only but letting the breath go down in the belly. With eyes closed, take a deep breath, and let the belly expand. Keep your spine straight and body relaxed. Now breathe out slowly and exhale entirely through the nose. Do not retain your breath during this process. Continue with this breath work and then gently make the inhalation more slow and long to fill the lungs. Then start working on a gentle slow, long exhalation that empties the lungs. Proper breathing is essential every day, but it is even more important to do proper breathing if you are dealing with lung diseases. Anyone with lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma must practice deep breathing because it will help them manage the condition better. Apart from breathing, one must also lead an active and healthy lifestyle, eat well, and manage their mental health religiously.

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Everything you need to know about chronic fatigue syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition that causes extreme tiredness and fatigue that does not go away even after resting. The causes of the condition are yet to be known. However, there are some theories indicate several factors which include: Viral infection Stress Or several factors in unison Once the symptoms are identified and the condition is diagnosed, treatment can be taken to get relief from symptoms. Understanding all aspects of the condition, including its stages, diagnosis, symptoms, and prevention can help in managing it effectively. Different stages and phases of chronic fatigue syndrome The patients of chronic fatigue syndrome undergo four phases of the condition. Their response towards the treatment can also vary greatly depending on the phase that they are going through. These phases are: Phase I: Crisis or trauma Phase II: Stabilization Phase III: Resolution Phase IV: Integration During all the phases, a chronic fatigue syndrome patient undergoes some physical, psychological, and social changes that are easily noticeable. Diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome No one test can diagnose a patient with chronic fatigue syndrome. This is because the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome resemble several other health conditions. Therefore, a lot of patience is required for the diagnosis of the condition.
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What you should know about depression

Depression is a mental health disorder that results in bouts of continuous sadness. A clinical mood disorder can lead to physical and emotional suffering, and can also change one’s behavior. Frustration, anger outbursts, lack of energy, sleep issues, anxiety, disinterest in eating, concentration issues, and suicidal thoughts are also common symptoms of this disease. Depending on its severity, the illness can challenge one to lead a normal life, too. Diagnosis There are many different methods a medical professional can use to determine if one is affected by depression. Psychiatric evaluation is the most common way to determine if one is suffering from the disease. The mental health doctor will interview the affected person to understand their thought process, mood, and other symptoms. Some doctors may compare symptoms with the ones listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This makes it easier for them to understand the condition. A physical exam is also performed to determine if any physical health issue is caused due to this mental condition. Stages of depression Depending on the level of sadness, the stages of depression can be divided into five stages: Stage 1 Even though the signs of mental disease are hard to miss, for most people, it starts with denial.
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Important things you should know about diabetes

The pancreas is an important organ in our body that produces insulin. It is required to help the glucose pass to our cells from the blood. That is how energy is created, which is the fuel we require to function. When the pancreas is unable to produce insulin, the glucose level in one’s blood increases. This can result in diabetes, which can lead to organ damage. Types of diabetes There are mainly three kinds of this disease. Type 1 diabetes It can be most commonly seen in children and adolescents. Having said that, it can occur at any age. The insulin production of one’s body decreases with this condition, and they require daily injections to control their glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes Around 90% of people who have diabetes suffer from this type. It is most commonly seen in adults and results in one’s body failing to properly use the insulin that is produced. It can be kept under control by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but one may also require medicine in the advanced stages. Gestational diabetes This can be seen during pregnancy if the glucose level in one’s blood increases. It can affect both the child and the mother.
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