Long Term Condition – HealthWasp

Acid Reflux

contributor — Thu, 07 Feb 2019 02:50:43 +0000

Acid reflux disease, also called Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic symptom caused by stomach acid entering into the esophagus from the stomach. Stomach acid or bile can flow into your food pipe, and the backwash of acid irritates the esophagus lining causing GERD. Between 10-20% of people in the Western world are affected by acid reflux. Lifestyle changes, medications, and (rarely) surgery are used to help treat it.

Symptoms

Acid reflux is known to cause severe heartburn. Heartburn is a discomfort or burning pain that can start in your stomach and move up through your chest to your throat. Regurgitation is another symptom of acid reflux. Regurgitation causes a bitter or sour-tasting acid to back up into your mouth or throat. Other symptoms of acid reflux include bloating, burping, bloody vomiting, black or bloody stools, dysphagia (the sensation of food being stuck in your throat because your esophagus narrows), nausea, dry, wheezing cough, hiccups that don’t stop, weight loss despite eating the same, chronic sore throat, and hoarseness. Johns Hopkins Medicine has more information on acid reflux and its various symptoms.

Causes

When you eat food and swallow, the lower esophageal sphincter relaxes and allows liquid and food to move easily down into the stomach before closing up again. If the valve ends up being weakened or relaxed, it’s possible for stomach acid and bile to flow the wrong direction and back up the esophagus. This can certainly disrupt a person’s daily life by causing frequent heartburn, and the constant backwash of acid can irritate your esophagus’ lining, inflaming it. Over time, this inflammation can lead to breathing or bleeding problems as it erodes your esophagus. Other risk factors include being obese or overweight, eating large meals, bending over at the waist after eating, eating certain foods such as chocolate, citrus, garlic or onions, eating close to bedtime, drinking certain beverages like carbonated drinks, alcohol, or coffee, over the counter pain killers, and smoking.

Prevention

Luckily, acid reflux is preventable by making a few lifestyle changes. Reduce or avoid entirely the consumption of beverages and foods that contain caffeine, peppermint, chocolate, and alcohol. Decaffeinated and caffeinated coffees also increase acid secretion. If possible, avoid all carbonated drinks, and try to cut down on saturated fats. Increasing your protein intake can help strengthen muscles in your esophagus, so try choosing skim or low-fat dairy products, fish, and poultry. Make sure your diet is rich in vegetables and fruits, but try to avoid lemons, oranges, pineapple, grapefruit and tomatoes, which are all acidic. After meals, try to take a walk or remain upright for a period of time, and avoid snacking right before bedtime. When you go to sleep, try to sleep in a tilted position. This will help keep acid in your stomach through the night.

Treatment

If lifestyle changes do not cure your acid reflux, you may need medical treatment. Antacids can help neutralize stomach acid.

Maalox, Rolaids, Mylanta and Tums can provide quick relief and are available over the counter. Your doctor may prescribe you medications to heal the esophagus and block acid production or reduce acid production. There are also medications available to help make the lower esophageal sphincter stronger. They help your stomach empty more rapidly and help tighten the valve between the esophagus and stomach. If these medications are not effective, you may need surgery. There are a variety of surgery options available, such as surgery to create a barrier preventing the backup of stomach acid, surgery to reinforce the lower esophageal sphincter, and surgery to make the lower esophageal sphincter stronger. There is also a medical procedure available that causes scar tissue to form in the esophagus to help stop the backflow of stomach acid or bile.

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Congenital Heart Defect

contributor — Thu, 07 Feb 2019 02:48:07 +0000

People with a congenital heart defect (CHD) suffer from a birth defect to their heart. The defect is in the structure of the heart, and specifically within the vessels. There are many different heart defects, most are caused by issues with blood flowing through the heart in an odd of abnormal way. Obstructions occur and the blood doesn’t get where it needs to go correctly. Other defects work to affect the heart’s normal rhythm and pace. Heart defects are the number one cause of death caused by birth defects. They are also among the most widespread and common birth defects. About 9 babies in 1000 get born with a heart defect. The good news is that a lot of heart defects are not actually going to need treatment. Those that do are typically treated with medicines or with some heart surgery.

Symptoms

The type of symptoms people will see depend on the severity and type of CHD. Some CHDs go undetected due to a lack of symptoms throughout a person’s life, but most symptoms are present right in the beginning. The most common symptoms and signs are a bluish tint to the skin, fingernails, and lips, a heart murmur, shortness of breath or fast breathing, poor weight gain in infants or poor feeding, and fatigue during activity or exercise. Older children with CHDs may get tired easily or become short of breath during physical exertion. Most CHDs cause the heart to work harder than it should, which can eventually lead to heart failure. The Heart and Stroke Foundation provides information about CHD and its symptoms.

Causes

Potential causes of CHD may be either environmental or genetic. They may be a combination of the two factors. Many of the identified causes of CHD are unexpected genetic changes. This includes focal mutations and the addition/deletion of segments of DNA. It’s also possible for specific microscopic abnormalities in chromosomes to cause CHD. Genetics and a person’s heredity can be responsible for some versions of heart defects. A parent who has a CHD may be more likely than other people to have a child with a CHD, although it is rare for more than one child in a family to be born with a heart defect. Women who choose to smoke during pregnancy have also shown a correlation with CHD.

Prevention

During the first trimester of pregnancy and before a woman becomes pregnant are the critical times for preventing a congenital heart defect. Prior to pregnancy, every woman should check to make sure she is immune to rubella. The best way to find out is to be tested, and if no immunity is shown, to be vaccinated. All women should avoid using street drugs during pregnancy. Women should also control their exposure to alcohol, strong chemicals, x-rays, and prescription medications during pregnancy. Women who suffer from seizures or diabetes should also talk with their physicians before attempting to conceive to help minimize or eliminate any risk to the developing fetus. For parents with other children or other familial relations with a CHD may want to look into genetic counseling before making a decision on trying to conceive another child.

Treatment

There is some good news. There are cases where CHD improves without serious treatment, and some defects are tiny and don’t need any treatment whatsoever. Sadly, most cases of CHD are very serious. Treatment will included medication, leading to surgery if that isn’t enough.

Common medications will usually start to try and help the body eliminate water and salts as well as a medication designed to strengthen the heart contractions. Some defects may require surgery to attempt to restore a person’s circulation to a more normal level. The treatment generally depends on the type and severity of heart defect, and also depends on the child ’s age, general health, and size. Most patients prefer catheter procedures over surgery because they are much easier on the body, and because of this they are becoming more common. Catheter procedures involve a needle puncture in the skin where the flexible, thin tube is inserted into an artery or vein. Thus, doctors do not need to operate directly on the heart and thus do not need to open the chest, making the recovery much easier and quicker. Catheter procedures have become the preferred way to repair many simple heart defects. Many patients will have to undergo a lifetime of specialized treatment and cardiac care. It will begin by seeing a cardiologist specializing in children. Following that, they will see a congenital cardiologist later for adults later in life. There are over 1,800,000 adults in the world who have to live with CHD.

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Tooth Decay

contributor — Thu, 07 Feb 2019 02:40:49 +0000

Tooth decay, also called dental caries or simply a cavity, is an infection that creates destruction and demineralization of the hard tissues in the mouth. If demineralization surpasses saliva and other remineralisation factors from fluoridated and calcium toothpastes, these hard tissues can break down and produce tooth decay. If left untreated, the disease can lead to tooth loss, severe pain, and infection. There are numerous treatments available however, that can restore teeth to proper function, form, and aesthetics.

Symptoms

Symptoms generally do not occur until you have an infected tooth or cavity. The most common symptom is a severe toothache. You might also experience a foul taste in your mouth or have bad breath. There may be gray, white, black, or brown spots visible on the teeth or you may have loose fillings. The toothache may become worse when you eat cold or hot foods, eat sweets, drink cold, hot, or acidic liquids (citrus drinks for example), chew gum or food, brush your teeth, or breathe in cold air. Severe tooth decay may cause an abscess to form in the bone at the base of your tooth. This abscess may cause symptoms such as swollen glands, fever, a deep and throbbing pain, or a swollen jaw. Tooth decay might also cause pain when you bite down and release pus around the infected tooth.

Causes

Tooth decay is caused by a combination of food and bacteria. Plaque, a clear, sticky substance which contains bacteria, is constantly forming on your gums and teeth. This bacteria feeds on sugar from the foods you eat, and produce acids, which attacks the teeth after you have finished eating. These acids will destroy tooth enamel over a period of time, resulting in tooth decay. Tooth decay is more likely to occur if you do not take care of your teeth properly. This includes not flossing daily and not brushing your teeth after you eat or twice each day. Tooth decay is also more likely to occur if you eat foods that contain large amounts of sugar. If tooth decay is not treated, the acid and bacteria move to the inner tooth material (called pulp) that contains blood vessels and nerves. The bacteria causes the pulp to become irritated which can potentially lead to serious complications.

Prevention

Good dental and oral hygiene can help you avoid tooth decay and/or cavities. It is important to brush a minimum of two times each day, and if you can, after every meal. Brushing after drinking or eating helps you keep your teeth clean and removes bacteria and acid. You will also want to rinse out your mouth frequently, preferably with fluoride if possible. It is important to visit your dentist on a regular basis to receive professional tooth cleanings. These tooth cleanings help remove plaque and tartar that may not have been removed at home. You may also want to look into dental sealants. A dental sealant seals off the chewing surface of the back teeth that collects food and makes it more likely for you to get a cavity. Eating healthy foods, such as fresh fruits, cheese, and vegetables, can also help protect your tooth from tooth decay, as can avoiding frequent snacking. The American Dental Association provides more information.

Treatment

There are many treatments available to help stop tooth decay as well as fix cavities. At the beginning stages of tooth decay, fluoride treatments are administered.

Fluoride treatments help restore your tooth’s enamel. If the decay has progressed beyond the early stages, a filling is the main treatment option. A filling replaces decayed areas of your teeth after the damage becomes permanent. The decayed part of your tooth is drilled away by your dentist, and the gap is filled with the filling. If you have weakened teeth or extensive decay, a crown may be installed. It is a custom-fitted covering which replaces your tooth’s natural crown. If decay reaches your tooth’s inner material, a root canal may be required. This is a painful procedure that replaces the tooth pulp with a filing. For teeth that are severely decayed, removal might be the only remaining option.

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Irregular Heartbeat

contributor — Thu, 07 Feb 2019 02:40:24 +0000

An irregular heartbeat (also known as an arrhythmia) is any of a heterogeneous and large group of conditions in which there is an abnormal level of electrical activity in the heart. The heartbeat may be too slow (called bradycardia) or too fast (called tachycardia). It can occur in the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles) or upper chambers of the heart (atria). Most irregular heartbeats are not a life-threatening issue, although some are capable of causing a person to suffer from cardiac arrest. In fact, it can be a common cause of death when someone is heading to a hospital for treatment. There are many different types including Premature Ventricular Contractions (among the most common arrhythmias and occur in people with or without heart disease), Ventricular fibrillation (disorganized, erratic firing of impulses from the ventricles – medical emergency), Heart block (a complete block or delay of the electrical impulse as is travels to the ventricles, causing the heart to beat more slowly), and Bradyarrhythmias (slow heart rhythms).

Symptoms

An irregular heartbeat can be silent and not cause any symptoms, and people can live their entire lives without experiencing any symptoms. A physician can identify an irregular heartbeat during a physical exam through an electrocardiogram or by simply taking your pulse. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, symptoms may involve palpitations (a feeling of skipped heart beats), pounding in your chest, fainting, dizziness, shortness of breath, feeling light-headed, fatigue, chest discomfort, and general weakness. Patients may also suffer a loss of consciousness and mental confusion.

Causes

An irregular heartbeat may be caused by many different factors, including electrolyte imbalances in your blood (such as potassium or sodium), coronary artery disease; injury from a heart attack; changes in your heart muscles; and during the healing process post surgery. It may occur in normal hearts. A slow or fast heart rate does not necessarily mean your heart rhythm is abnormal. Heart rate is also related to activity, anxiety, medications, or other natural causes. An irregular heartbeat may be caused by disorders that damage the heart and its valves, such as rheumatic fever, myocarditis, and endocarditis, or disorders of the thyroid gland. Some drugs, including stimulants, digitalis, and diuretics may also cause an irregular heartbeat, as well as overdoses of anti-depressants or recreational drugs. The risk of an irregular heartbeat increases with smoking, advancing age, kidney disease, high blood pressure, general stress, and an excess consumption of alcohol or caffeine.

Prevention

You can help reduce your risk for irregular heartbeat by engaging in regular physical activity, avoiding excessive amounts of caffeine and alcohol, staying away from illegal drugs, and quitting smoking. You may also want to stay away from stimulants used in cold and cough medications. These lifestyle changes are the best way to help prevent an irregular heartbeat from occurring, and are good for your heart and overall health in general. For people who suffer from an irregular heartbeat, there are numerous treatment options available to them.

Treatment

A variety of drugs are available to help treat an irregular heartbeat. Antiarrhythmic drugs help control heart rate and include beta-blockers.

Antiplatelet and therapy drugs decrease the threat of blood clots. In non-emergency situations, an electric shock may be administered to correct an irregular heartbeat. You receive anesthesia and then an electrical shock which synchronizes the heart and helps the normal rhythm restart. If the physician is able to pinpoint certain regions of the heart that are causing the abnormal rhythm, then a catheter ablation (an outpatient procedure) can be performed. This procedure uses radio wave energy to destroy these areas and removes damaged heart tissue. For people who have a dangerously slow heartbeat, a pacemaker may be implanted in the chest. A pacemaker is a small device that works to supply regular electrical triggers into the heart. This helps it speed up when it beats too slowly. In some rare cases, heart surgery may be needed to correct heart disease that could be causing the irregular heartbeat.

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Leukemia

contributor — Thu, 07 Feb 2019 00:58:13 +0000

Leukemia is a type of cancer of bone marrow or blood characterized by an abnormal increase of white blood cells. When you have leukemia, your bone marrow generates a lot of leukemia cells, which are irregular white blood cells. These leukemia cells crowd out regular blood cells, causing cancer and other serious problems like anemia, infections, and bleeding. Leukemia can affect people at any age, although about 90% of leukemia cases are diagnosed in adults. The name comes from the Ancient Greek meaning “white blood”. In the United States, there are almost 50 000 new cases of leukemia diagnosed each year, and about 24 000 deaths a year caused by leukemia.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of leukemia vary depending on what type you are diagnosed with. Common symptoms include fever, chills, and night sweats, bone pain or tenderness, headaches, joint pain, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, or groin, a painful or swollen stomach because of an enlarged spleen, feeling tired or weak, easy bruising, and losing weight. People who have leukemia may also see tiny red spots appear on their skin, and are much more susceptible to suffering from various infections and viruses. The National Cancer Institute has more information about leukemia and the types of symptoms that come with the disease.

Causes

There is no one single known cause for leukemia, or any of its specific types. The few known causes are usually caused by factors beyond a person’s control, and account for only a few cases. Leukemia is caused by mutations in DNA, just like all cancer. Some mutations can trigger leukemia. These mutations may happen as an outcome of exposure to carcinogenic substances or radiation, or may happen spontaneously. There are several risk factors, however, that can increase your chances of getting leukemia. If you are exposed to certain chemicals (like benzene) or large amounts of radiation, if you have genetic problems like down syndrome, if you have undergone specific types of chemotherapy to treat another form of cancer, or if you are a chronic smoker. There are four major types of leukemia: acute myelogenous leukemia, acute lymphocytic leukemia, chronic myelogenous leukemia, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Prevention

Unfortunately, most cases of leukemia cannot be prevented by lifestyle changes or taking medication. Researchers have been able to identify a few risk factors associated with leukemia, however. Smoking is one of these risk factors. Smoking puts you at risk for many types of cancer, such as acute myelogenous leukemia. Exposure to benzene also increases your risk for leukemia (benzene is a chemical product of petroleum and coal).

Treatment

The type of treatment you need depends on many factors, including the type of leukemia, how far along it is, and your overall health and age. Acute leukemia requires immediate treatment to prevent the rapid advance of leukemia cells.

In most cases, the treatment for acute leukemia makes it go into remission (not completely cured because there is still a chance it may come back). Chronic leukemia is rarely cured, but there is treatment available to help you control the symptoms and the disease. Chemotherapy is the main treatment used for almost all types of leukemia. It uses powerful medicines to eliminate cancer cells. Radiation treatments are also used. It uses high dose X-rays to shrink an enlarged spleen or swollen lymph nodes, and remove cells affected by cancer. Stem cell transplant can also be used. Stem cells boost your immune system and restore your supply of normal blood cells. Often chemotherapy or radiation is used first to make room for the new stem cells by destroying cells in the bone marrow. Other treatment options include biological therapy, which uses special medicines to improve the body’s natural defenses against cancer, and clinical trials.

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Blood Clot

contributor — Wed, 06 Feb 2019 19:59:45 +0000

A blood clot (also called a thrombus) is created by the body as a normal response to a damaged blood vessel. The main purpose of a blood clot is to seal the link in the broken blood vessel. This protects the person from bleeding and stops blood from leaking out. Blood clots can be hurtful however, especially when they block arteries and stop oxygen and blood from flowing to vital organs. Clots that block blood flow are responsible for most strokes and heart attacks.

Symptoms

Blood clots can cause a heart attack, and can cause all the symptoms associated with a heart attack, including pain in the chest, back, left arm, and jaw. It may also include tightness in the chest, nausea, shortness of breath, and fainting. Blood clots can also result in a stroke. This may result in a loss of feeling on one side of the body, including the face, leg, and arm. In the case of Deep Vein Thrombosis, a blood clot may cause serious pain, redness, swelling, and a warm sensation over the affected area. DVT usually occurs in the leg and can lead to serious complications. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services has more information about symptoms of a blood clot, and how to prevent and treat it.

Causes

There are many different reasons behind a blood clot forming. An irregular heartbeat can lead to a blood clot, as the irregular pumping can cause blood to remain and clot in the heart chamber. Blood clots can also form in a narrowed artery, which can tear over time, allowing the clot to completely block the artery, causing serious health complications. Blood clots can also form in people who have had recent surgery, who take hormone supplements (including birth control), have a broke bone, are over 65, are confined to bed or have a serious lack of mobility, have bad veins, have a family history of blood clotting or have had a blood clot before, have heart trouble, and have taken a long trip (such as on an airplane or in a car).

Prevention

There are ways to prevent blood clots from forming. It is important to stay healthy and exercise frequently. You may want to wear loose-fitting clothing, and change your position constantly, especially if you are taking a long trip in a car or on an airplane. Try to avoid standing or sitting for more than 1 hour at a time. Eat less salt, do not use pillows under your knees, and raise the bottom of your bed to help influence blood flow. Prevention of blood clots is the best way to deal with the problems of stroke and heart disease. Lifestyle changes can help with this. Controlling high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels, quitting smoking, and avoiding high consumption of caffeine and alcohol are all ways to improve your lifestyle and prevent clotting, as well as other serious health risks.

Treatment

Treatment for blood clotting usually comes in the form of medication. This medication can prevent the clot from worsening, or moving to affect other organs or the lungs.

There are several popular blood-thinning medications. They thin the blood which helps reduce the risk of clotting. Some can also be used as a long-term treatment to help stop new blood clots from forming. To relieve discomfort and mild inflammation, the affected area should be kept warm and elevated. Moist packs should be applied to the area for 15 minutes at a time, and should be done so multiple times throughout the day. If the symptoms and inflammation last for over a couple of days, it is important to see a physician as soon as possible. Blood clotting can also be caused by an infection, and this can usually be cured by antibiotics. In rare cases, surgery may be required to remove the inflamed portion of the vein.

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Amnesia

contributor — Wed, 06 Feb 2019 17:18:31 +0000

Amnesia is the loss of memory, caused by disease, brain damage, or psychological trauma. It is usually permanent, but can be caused temporarily by the use of hypnotic drugs and various sedatives. Depending on the extent of damage that was caused, the memory may be either partially or totally lost. People who have amnesia can generally recall immediate information, and sometimes can still form new memories. There is a severe reduction in the ability to retrieve old information however, as well as in the ability to learn new material. Sometimes a person may lose only a couple of months of memory, while others may have memory loss that extends back decades.

Symptoms

There are two main features of amnesia: the impaired ability to recall previously familiar information and past events (called retrograde amnesia), and the impaired ability to learn new information (known as anterograde amnesia). Most people who suffer from amnesia have difficulties with short-term memory. Deeply ingrained memories may be spared, while recent memories are more likely to be lost. For example, a person may be able to name past presidents, but forget what they had for breakfast in the morning. Sometimes this affects their ability to retain new information. Amnesia usually does not affect a person’s ability to write, speak, or communicate in any way, and people with amnesia usually understand that they have a memory disorder. Other symptoms of amnesia may include confusion or disorientation, false recollections (possibly made up of past memories misplaced in time, or completely invented), and neurological problems such as tremors or uncoordinated movements. Johns Hopkins Medicine offers more information on amnesia and its various symptoms.

Causes

There are three categories in which a person can acquire amnesia: head trauma, traumatic events, and physical deficiencies. Head trauma is a very broad range and it deals with any kind of active action or injury toward the brain which might cause amnesia. This includes hitting the head during a fall or car accident, or any kind of physical blow to the head that may damage the brain. Traumatic events are much more subjective. They depend entirely on the individual and what that person experiences. A traumatic event is an event where something is so distressing the mind decides to forget the event entirely rather than deal with the stress the event brings. This may include a violent car crash or disturbing childhood memory. Instead of dealing with the difficulties the particular event brings, the brain decides to block it off completely. Physical deficiencies are similar to head trauma, although they lean more toward passive physical issues as opposed to physical blows. Other possible causes of amnesia include brain inflammation, stroke, tumors in the areas of the brain that control memory, long-term alcohol abuse, and degenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

Prevention

Amnesia is caused by some kind of damage to the brain. Thus, it is important to take steps to reduce the risk of brain injury. While driving, make sure to always wear a seat belt. When riding a bike or motorcycle, always wear a helmet. Seek immediate medical attention if you have any symptoms that suggest a brain aneurysm or stroke, and treat any infection right away to make sure it doesn’t spread to the brain. While some causes of amnesia cannot be prevented (such as experiencing traumatic events), the risk can be reduced by following proper safety measures.

Treatment

Unfortunately, there are no medications available at the moment for treating most types of amnesia. While some forms of amnesia fix themselves, others will never go away.

Thus, individuals with amnesia need to develop ways to cope with memory loss. One of these ways is through occupational or cognitive therapy. Therapy will help patients develop any memory skills they might still have and try to regain some they may have lost. Amnesiacs do this through various techniques that help create new retrieval paths and retrieve memories. This includes implementing strategies for organizing information, such as using a digital device to keep track of day-to-day tasks. Low-tech memory aids like notebooks, photographs, and calendars can also help with memory.

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Diabetes

contributor — Wed, 06 Feb 2019 16:19:31 +0000

Diabetes (medically referred to as diabetes mellitus) is a group of metabolic diseases that causes a person to have very high blood sugar. This may be caused because the cells do not respond to , or because the pancreas does not produce enough hormones to handle the sugar in the blood stream. There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 DM and Type 2 DM. Type 1 results from the body’s failure to produce hormone from the pancreas, while Type 2 occurs from resistance in the cells. There is a third type, called gestational diabetes, which occurs when a pregnant woman who does not have a prior diagnosis of diabetes develops a high blood glucose level. This usually resolves after delivery. Since manufactured versions of pancreatic hormone became available in 1921, all forms of diabetes have been treatable, although both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are chronic conditions that cannot be cured.

Symptoms

The typical symptoms of diabetes that is left untreated are increased thirst (polydipsia), frequent urination (polyuria), increased hunger (polyphagia), and weight loss. These symptoms may develop quickly (in months or even weeks) in Type 1 diabetes, but develop much more slowly in Type 2 diabetes. People with Type 1 diabetes tend to feel very tired and suffer from severe weight loss despite maintaining a normal or even excessive appetite. People with Type 2 diabetes tend to have a persistent thirst, may suffer from blurred vision, feel fatigued and have to urinate frequently. Diabetes is a major cause of heart disease, and can lead to kidney failure and blindness in adults. People with diabetes may also have to undergo foot amputations later in life because of circulatory problems. The American Diabetes Association provides more information about diabetes, its symptoms, and how to control them.

Causes

Type 1 diabetes is what is known as an autoimmune disorder. It is widely accepted that a combination of certain factors and genetic predisposition provoke the immune system into attacking and killing certain cells that are located within a pancreas. There is a different causes for type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is caused by a body showing an increased hormone resistance. This means the body cannot use the hormones it produces properly, no matter how much is made. This means glucose is unable to be transferred from blood into a person’s cells. In turn, this excess sugar in the blood will damage and poison the pancreas over time. In turn, this means it will produce lower levels of hormones, which makes it even more difficult to make sure the blood glucose stays under control. Genetic factors also play a role in causing Type 2 diabetes, as does obesity. Other risk factors include being over the age of 40, high blood pressure, HIV infection, high cholesterol, blood vessel disease, the use of certain medications, and mental health disorders.

Prevention

There are a number of ways you can help reduce the risk of being diagnosed with diabetes. One way is to get more physically active. There are numerous benefits to regular physical activity, and exercise can help you lower your blood sugar and lose weight while boosting your sensitivity to pancreatic hormones. This ensures your blood sugar stays within a normal range. Both resistance training and aerobic exercise can help control diabetes. You also want to make sure you get plenty of fiber in your diet. This lowers your risk of heart disease and improves your blood sugar control. It also makes you feel full, encouraging weight loss. Whole grains help maintain blood sugar levels and have been known to reduce the risk of diabetes. It is also important to lose any extra weight you may have. According to a recent study, overweight adults can reduce their diabetes risk by 16% for every 2.2 pounds they lose.

Treatment

The major goal behind treating diabetes is to minimize the elevation of blood sugar, while still maintaining necessary levels of blood sugar in the body. Type 1 diabetes is treated with exercise, hormone injections, and a specific diabetic diet.

Type 2 diabetes is treated by having the patient lose weight, a specific exercise program, and a diabetic diet. Medications are extremely effective at treating diabetes, reducing the long-term effects of the condition, and controlling symptoms.

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Lymphoma

contributor — Wed, 06 Feb 2019 03:22:55 +0000

Lymphoma is a form of cancer in the blood. This disease is contracted when T or B lymphocytes live longer than they are supposed to or divide quicker than normal cells. T or B lymphocytes are white blood cells that protect the body from disease and infection and make up some of the body’s immune system. The cancer may develop in the many areas. This includes the lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, blood or some other organs. In the United States, 7000 people are diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma and 54 000 people are diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma annually.

Symptoms

Cancer symptoms vary from case to case, and depend on where the cancer has spread, where it was originally located, and how big the tumor is. Lymphoma usually begins with swelling under the arm, in the neck, or the groin. There may also be additional swelling in the spleen or any other area where lymph nodes are located. These enlarged lymph nodes can cause more swelling in the legs and arms, or a sense of numbness and tingling. It may also cause people to lose their appetite. Other symptoms include chills, a fever, night sweats, weight loss, itching and lethargy. The National Cancer Institute has more information about lymphoma and its encompassing symptoms.

Causes

Lymphoma, like all cancer, happens when cells grow uncontrollably and do not die. Regular cells follow a constant path: they grow, divide, and die. When this process breaks down, the result is cancer. Scientists do not know the exact cause of lymphoma, but have identified a few potential risk factors. One of these risk factors is genetics. A genetic predisposition that causes lymphoma can be inherited from previous family members. You may be born with a fault in a gene or other genetic mutations that make it more likely for you to develop cancer such as lymphoma. Another risk factor is carcinogens. Carcinogens refer to a class of substances that aid or promote cancer and damage DNA. This includes exposure to certain herbicides, pesticides, and solvents that have been linked with lymphoma. Other medical factors include infection with hepatitis B or C or HIV, old age, autoimmune disease such as lupus, and other immunodeficiency diseases.

Prevention

Unfortunately, there are no known ways to prevent lymphoma. It is important to avoid viral conditions or infections that suppress the immune system. This means maintaining a healthy lifestyle to avoid viral infections, such as washing your hands, getting enough sleep and maintaining healthy sleeping patterns, eating properly and exercising daily. This also means avoiding viruses like HIV. HIV is caused by drug users sharing contaminated needles and unprotected sex, and can severely damage your immune system. Avoiding drugs and using protection are excellent methods to prevent HIV and thus reduce your risk of lymphoma. Some studies suggest that being obese or overweight may lead to lymphoma, but this has not been confirmed. Nevertheless, staying at a healthy weight and exercising frequently will help your health in general.

Treatment

Cancer treatment depends on the stage of the cancer, the type of cancer, how much it has spread, and the age and health status of the patient (as well as other characteristics). Lymphoma treatment is intended to completely remove the disease.

Common lymphoma treatments include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and biological therapy. Radiation destroys cancer by using high-energy rays on the cells affected by cancer. Side effects include nausea, mild skin changes, fatigue and diarrhea. Chemotherapy targets cancer cells and all cells that are dividing rapidly. Side effects include nausea, hair loss, vomiting, and fatigue. Most aggressive forms of lymphoma can be treated and symptoms can be controlled. Patients who have a poor response to therapy however, have a worse prognosis. Patients with certain types of lymphoma live relatively normal lifespans (although the disease is incurable, and can never be completely removed). When the cancer has metastasized however, the survival rate drops to 59.9%.

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