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6 subtle warning signs of lymphoma

6 subtle warning signs of lymphoma

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in the lymphatic system. The complication occurs when abnormal lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, begin to multiply uncontrollably. The two primary categories of lymphoma are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. In either case, one might experience certain subtle hints of the condition that could help them seek treatment as soon as possible. Here are six warning signs of lymphoma that one should know of.

Fatigue and weakness
A person might experience fatigue and weakness due to various health conditions. These signs may also result from excessive physical activity or a busy lifestyle. But if the symptoms persist even after the body is well rested, it could indicate a possible underlying issue. The body might spend significant energy battling cancerous cells caused by lymphoma, triggering persistent fatigue, lethargy, and weakness.

Itchy skin (Pruritus)
The persistent itching might be a sign of a skin rash caused by genetics or a reaction to foods or other environmental conditions. However, the subtle symptoms may also be an indicator of lymphoma. The itchy skin might not be restricted to one area and is usually unrelated to visible skin conditions or allergies. It may occur all over the body and result from chemicals released by the lymphoma cells. One should speak to a professional if the itching persists. A doctor’s intervention may also be needed when the symptom is intermittent but severely impacts the individual when present.

Enlarged lymph nodes
One of the common traits of lymphoma is enlarged lymph nodes. The nodes start to swell in the neck, groin area, and armpits as part of the body’s immune response to infection or inflammation. However, it might indicate an underlying issue when the lymph nodes remain enlarged for an extended period without an apparent cause. While the nodes might be painless, it is important to get them checked by a healthcare professional immediately.

Abdominal pain
Someone affected by lymphoma may also experience pain in the abdominal region because of the spread of cancerous cells. One might also notice abdominal swelling or feel full even after eating small food portions. These signs are common due to large lymph nodes or the involvement of organs like the spleen or liver. If one experiences abdominal pain, one must get it diagnosed by an expert and seek treatment at the earliest.

Shortness of breath
Since lymphoma can potentially affect the lymph nodes in the chest, it might result in symptoms like shortness of breath and chest pain. The signs might initially be subtle and misidentified for other respiratory issues. But if the symptoms persist or worsen over time, one should speak with a healthcare professional. The warning sign might be particularly visible during physical activity or rest. As for chest pain, one may experience pain that ranges from a slight ache to a sharp, stabbing sensation.

Night sweats
Night sweats – profuse and unrelated to environmental factors like room temperature – might require an expert’s intervention. The sweats might indicate the onset of lymphoma and might also be severe enough to disrupt one’s sleep when combined with other symptoms. People suffering from night sweats associated with lymphoma may often find themselves drenched and might require frequent sleepwear and linen changes.

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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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7 Common Flu Hotspots to Avoid

As the winter season approaches, the chances of catching a cold or flu will increase, as respiratory illnesses are common during the colder months. Therefore, individuals must be extra careful, as certain everyday items, places, and surfaces can be breeding grounds for certain viruses that cause flu. Identifying these hotspots is crucial for taking preventive measures and minimizing the risk of disease. Below are some common flu hotspots that individuals should steer clear of. Faucet handles Almost all household members use the bathroom faucet handles to wash their hands. It makes the handles potential hotspots for viruses, as people touch them before washing their hands, likely transferring viruses to the surface. Additionally, the faucet handles of kitchen sinks can also carry a lot of germs. Hence, it is a good idea to disinfect faucet handles regularly to reduce the risk of flu transmission in the house. Office desks Shared workspaces and desks can also be hotbeds for germs and viruses. Frequently touched surfaces and objects on shared desks, such as the keyboard, mouse, etc., may harbor viruses that can cause illnesses like the flu. Hence, when using shared devices or shared desks, one can quickly clean them with disinfectant wipes to ensure safety. Door knobs Door knobs and door handles are touched by numerous people throughout the day, which makes them highly susceptible to harboring germs and viruses. Since it is not ideal for one to disinfect every door knob or door handle that they need to use, they should sanitize their hands after touching door knobs. The door knobs at home, however, must be regularly cleaned to ensure everyone's safety. Handrails Numerous people touch the handrails of escalators, staircases, etc., in public places throughout the day. Because of this, these surfaces could be harboring flu viruses and other germs. Hence, one should avoid touching handrails in public places when not necessary. If one does touch them, they must ensure sanitizing or washing their hands afterward to steer clear of infections. TV remotes TV remotes could be shared among family members and guests, making them potential carriers of flu viruses within the households. Hence, it is essential to regularly clean and disinfect TV remotes to prevent the spread of germs and protect family members against the flu. Shopping carts Shopping carts at supermarkets are also shared and touched by many people, so they can easily become contaminated with flu viruses. To avoid infections or disease transmission, many stores now provide sanitizing wipes for cart handles. If a store does not provide them, shoppers must ensure that they practice good hand hygiene after using shopping carts to prevent catching any infections. Smartphone screens Constant smartphone use, especially in public spaces, exposes users to germs and viruses. Smartphone screens can harbor germs that easily travel to a user's hands or face when using the phone. Hence, users must regularly clean their smartphone screens with disinfectant wipes, which can help reduce the risk of flu transmission.  Maintaining good hygiene practices is crucial in preventing the spread of flu and other respiratory illnesses. As the colder months set in, people tend to spend more time indoors, creating an environment conducive to transmitting viruses. Regular handwashing, covering while coughing and sneezing, and regularly cleaning the frequently touched surfaces can significantly reduce the risk of infection.  

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What you should know about depression

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