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Leukemia – Causes, warning signs, and management

Leukemia – Causes, warning signs, and management

Leukemia is a form of cancer affecting the lymphatic system and the bone marrow – the tissue responsible for producing red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets that support and promote immunity. Leukemia starts in the bone marrow and can quickly spread to other organs. Cancer compromises immunity, making it hard for the body to fight infections. Here’s a brief overview of leukemia, its causes, warning signs, and how to manage it.

Risk factors and causes
Leukemia develops slowly and progresses gradually, triggered by several risk factors.

  • Repeated exposure to high levels of ionizing radiation during radiation therapy for treating other underlying health conditions
  • Chemotherapy
  • Exposure to strong petrochemical fumes
  • The risk is higher for people who have immediate relatives with leukemia.
  • Down syndrome is also a significant factor that increases the chances of leukemia.
  • Many unhealthy lifestyle choices and habits also increase the risk of blood cancers.

Signs and symptoms
There are five primary types of leukemia, so the signs and symptoms will vary depending on the type, severity, and stage of the condition. Common overlapping symptoms, however, include the following-

Nosebleeds
Nosebleeds happen when the blood vessels in the nasal cavity burst and result in an overflow. Persistent nosebleeds are a sign of underlying leukemia.

Frequent infections
The blood disorder also compromises the body’s immune system making a person vulnerable to frequent infections that persist. One might also develop flu-like symptoms like night sweats and chills.

Fever, fatigue, and weakness
Developing fevers with chills frequently, experiencing fatigue without doing any strenuous activity, and struggling to perform routine tasks due to weakness are all signs of developing blood disorders.

Red spots on the skin
Commonly referred to as petechiae, these tiny red spots develop under the membrane of the skin, indicating internal bleeding. Easily bruising or bleeding with the smallest of injuries is also a sign of developing blood disorder.

Other symptoms
Bone pain, swollen lymph nodes, enlarged spleen, and muscle cramps are all common indicators of this disorder.

Management
Once the type of leukemia and its stage is confirmed, health experts will suggest a combination of therapies to prevent cell damage.

Prescriptions
Doctors will suggest a combination of prescription treatments depending on the type, stage, and severity of the cancer.

Therapies
Chemotherapy involves the use of chemicals to destroy cancerous cells. Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to eliminate cancer-causing cells or prevent their growth. Targeted therapy and CAR-T cell therapy are modifications done to genes in the body to fight mutation and prevent cancer from spreading.

Stem cell transplant
Stem cells taken from eligible donors are transplanted into the affected person’s bone marrow to replace the cancerous cells.

Besides these treatments, healthcare professionals will also suggest a combination of palliative care treatments to improve outlook and cope with the therapy. Note that the outlook for managing leukemia will vary from patient to patient. For example, some people can achieve a state of remission where the cancer stops spreading rapidly. However, others might require aggressive treatment to manage even the early stages depending on the type of leukemia.

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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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5 triggering factors of lupus to avoid

Lupus is a health condition that develops when the body's immune system attacks the tissues and organs. The disease is often difficult to diagnose because its signs and symptoms are similar to the ones triggered by other diseases. But like most health conditions, the symptoms of autoimmune diseases like lupus can be managed with treatments. Moreover, one should also be mindful of these five factors that trigger the ailment and avoid them to manage lupus. Exposure to sunlight for long periods Sunlight is known to cause rashes and flares, which are common symptoms of lupus. Therefore, one should avoid spending too much time exposed to direct sunlight. One can also take precautions if they must stay outdoors by applying sunscreen with an SPF of at least 70. The product should also contain Helioplex, an ingredient that blocks UV-A and UV-B rays, both of which are harmful to people with lupus. Carrying a hat, sunglasses and wearing clothes that cover most areas of the body outdoors may also help reduce exposure to the harmful rays of the sun. Eating garlic Garlic is used in traditional remedies, including to suppress or manage the development of cancer. However, the herb is not too safe for people who suffer from lupus. This is because garlic boosts the immune system by enhancing the activity of white blood cells such as macrophages and lymphocytes. And since someone with an autoimmune disease like lupus already has an overactive immune system, the inclusion of garlic in meals could make the symptoms worse. So it is imperative to cut down on garlic from meals or exclude it completely. Stress Someone with an autoimmune condition like lupus might be sensitive to physical and emotional stress. Someone who is fatigued, or has experienced an injury, is more at risk of triggering the ailment's symptoms due to stress. Higher stress levels may cause the symptoms of the ailment to flare up. Moreover, the phenomenon could result in inflammation across various parts of the body, including the organs and joints. So one should look for ways to manage stress, such as regular exercise, yoga, and tai chi. Speaking to a friend, family member, or counselor may also help manage stress and keep lupus symptoms in check. Lack of sleep A person with lupus might be susceptible to several sleep disturbances when symptoms flare up. The lack of sleep may lead to symptoms like fatigue, making the individual feel lethargic when they wake up the next day, which also worsens the signs and symptoms of the ailment. Therefore, one needs to develop healthy sleeping habits to maximize the amount of rest their body gets. Using fresh blankets and pillows, following an exercise routine, and maintaining a bedtime routine are a few tips for getting a better night's rest. Neglecting health checkups Another factor that may contribute to the development of lupus and its symptoms is neglecting health checkups. Since lupus is not easy to diagnose, people often ignore its early signs in anticipation that it will subside. However, the delay may eventually worsen the ailment and its symptoms. Therefore, one should ensure that they make regular appointments with their healthcare providers. During these visits, the expert may conduct a series of tests to check if the individual is at risk of health complications. If diseases like lupus are detected, they could help with treatment options to curb its symptoms at the earliest.

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