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Recognizing the silent signs of kidney cancer

Recognizing the silent signs of kidney cancer

Kidney cancer occurs when the cells in the organ mutate and spread uncontrollably. While there are different types of kidney cancer, renal cell carcinoma is one of the most common among adults. Our kidneys remove toxins from the blood and flush out excess fluids. Cancer can affect these functions and lead to several other complications. Here are a few silent yet concerning signs of kidney cancer that one must never ignore. Hematuria The kidneys’ primary function is to remove toxins from the blood. However, cancer can damage the organ’s tissue and affect this function. Consequently, the kidneys can release blood that gets mixed with the urine, causing it to turn dark red, pink, or cola-colored. It is one of the first signs of kidney failure caused by progressive cancer. Pain on one side The kidneys are located in the lower back. When the organ is damaged, it may unexpectedly trigger sharp pain in this region. If one does not have injuries or underlying health complications that could cause this pain, they should get checked for kidney cancer. The pain can develop on either side as two kidneys function simultaneously. Swelling A swelling in the ankles and feet is one of the more visible signs of kidney damage.

Innovative therapies to manage eosinophilic esophagitis

Innovative therapies to manage eosinophilic esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis, or (EoE) is a rare, chronic allergic condition affecting the esophagus. In this, several white blood cells, known as eosinophils, are found in the inner lining of the esophagus, where typically there are none. These cells release inflammatory substances, resulting in symptoms such as difficulty in swallowing dry or dense solid foods and loss of appetite. Although EoE is not curable, these innovative eosinophilic esophagitis treatments have been developed to manage the symptoms. Prescriptions This treatment involves the use of prescription-based antibodies, which are administered intravenously. This helps in lowering the inflammation caused by EoE. Furthermore, it improves the ability to swallow foods. This eosinophilic esophagitis treatment is usually used to treat persons above the age of 12 years or older. Dilation As EoE progresses, it causes the esophagus to become narrower. Over time, severe narrowing makes it difficult to swallow liquids as well. This is also referred to as stricture. In such cases, a person with EoE undergoes the process of dilation. In this procedure, a balloon is passed to the esophagus via an endoscopy. It is inflated in the area of the esophagus where the narrowing is severe. The inflation is large enough to stretch the esophagus just a bit without rupturing it.

Muscular dystrophy – Various types and symptoms

Muscular dystrophy – Various types and symptoms

Muscular dystrophy is a group of diseases that lead to muscle mass and progressive muscle and body weakness. The abnormal or mutated genes interfere with producing healthy proteins that make up the muscle. There is no permanent cure for muscular dystrophy, but there are treatment options that help in managing the symptoms and also help in slowing down the spreading of the disease. Here are the types and symptoms to be aware of. Types and symptoms Depending on the type of muscular dystrophy, the symptoms can vary. However, progressive muscle weakness is one of the disease’s most common and most significant indicators. Duchenne-type muscular dystrophy It is the most common type of muscular dystrophy and is usually much more common in boys than girls. Some of the symptoms of this type include: Frequent falls Trouble jumping and running Learning disabilities Waddling gait Difficulty in rising from a sitting or lying position Walking on toes Large calf muscles Muscle pain and stiffness Delayed growth Becker muscular dystrophy Becker muscular dystrophy This form has signs and symptoms similar to Duchenne’s. However, the signs and symptoms are milder, and the disease tends to progress more slowly than in Duchenne. While the symptoms may start in early teens, they are not visible until mid-twenties or even later in some cases.

5 food items that can worsen COPD symptoms

5 food items that can worsen COPD symptoms

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is an inflammatory lung disease involving the obstruction of air passage to the lungs. COPD is an umbrella term that comprises several progressive lung conditions, such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Research data suggests nearly 16 million adults nationwide grapple with COPD. Besides consulting a pulmonologist early, a healthy lifestyle is essential to combat the disease. Here are some foods one should avoid to manage COPD symptoms better. French fries One medium serving of French fries has about 260 mg of sodium, which comes from its high salt content. Salty foods elevate one’s blood pressure, increasing one’s risk of pulmonary hypertension, a common complication associated with COPD. Moreover, since it is deep-fried, it can aggravate stomach inflammation and worsen COPD symptoms. Hence, it is best to avoid French fries and other foods containing high salt levels while healing from COPD. Cured meats Studies indicate that cured meat sources like sausages, hot dogs, and bacon can increase one’s risk of COPD and lung dysfunction. It is possible that the presence of nitrites, i.e., preservatives contained in cured meats, are triggers of COPD. Thus, patients with COPD should replace processed or cured meats with fresh lean meat sources like chicken and turkey breast.

6 common warning signs of vasculitis

6 common warning signs of vasculitis

Blood vessels are channels that transport blood throughout the body. However, these vessels can sometimes get inflamed due to an autoimmune disease called vasculitis, which can disrupt blood flow and damage organ tissue. While most people can manage their symptoms with treatment options, they may often fail to notice the signs of this condition in the first place. So here are some symptoms to help individuals identify the disease and seek treatment early. Common signs of vasculitis Individuals who develop this condition might experience common symptoms that develop slowly over months. These may also surface quickly, within a couple of days. Furthermore, not all people will experience the same symptoms. General signs of vasculitis include loss of appetite, sudden loss of muscle mass, tiredness, fever, and general aches and pain. Since vasculitis may affect particular regions of the body, people may experience signs specific to that area. These are as follows: Skin spots: An individual suffering from vasculitis may notice spots that may burst, leaving open sores (ulcers). If the disease only affects the skin, its long-term effects are not severe. Therefore, it will subside once the inflammation has settled. Nosebleeds: Those who develop inflamed blood vessels in the nose may experience nosebleeds.

7 common mistakes to avoid with dental implants

7 common mistakes to avoid with dental implants

Dental implants have become a practical, safe, and effective way of replacing missing or damaged teeth with artificial tooth roots. This solution has enabled people to maintain oral health and restore functionality. Every year, about 3 million people get dental implants in the country. The success and longevity of an implant depend not just on the surgery and execution but also on its aftercare. Here are some common mistakes to avoid to ensure a successful implant. Skipping evaluation It is crucial to undergo a comprehensive health check-up before getting dental implants. Some patients may have underlying oral health problems, such as gum disease or bone loss, which must be treated before the implant placement. It is also important for those with diabetes or undergoing other treatments to inform their dentist. Assessing the patient’s suitability before the procedure is essential for the success of the implant. Being unaware of other options Before jumping into a dental implant procedure, exploring all the tooth replacement options is essential. Dental implants may not be suitable for everyone, and alternative treatments like bridges or dentures might better meet one’s needs. Consulting with one’s dentist to discuss these options can help one make an informed decision.

Huntington’s disease – Food management strategies

Huntington’s disease – Food management strategies

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a rare, inherited neurodegenerative disease. This brain disorder is a result of an inherited mutation in a gene for the protein called huntingtin. It is known to significantly impact one’s functional abilities, leading to the development of movement, cognitive, and psychiatric disorders. Those with Huntington’s have a higher risk of choking and developing eating and swallowing troubles. To ease this, the following tips may be helpful: Food management strategies for Huntington’s disease Rest one to two hours before mealtime. Create a calm and relaxed eating environment. Sit in an accessible spot on the table, just in case choking occurs and a carer needs to be involved. Sit in an upright position while eating. Avoid lying down. Instead of eating three spaced apart meals, eat smaller, more frequent meals. Choose foods that are easier to chew and swallow. Keep eating aids within reach. Use non-slip table mats and light utensils such as plastic knives and forks. Incorporate sauces and gravies to make foods easier to swallow. Avoid hard foods such as nuts and lollipops. Avoid food that separates into strings or sections during chewing, such as tomatoes and bacon. Opt for foods that have a higher nutritional value.

6 common dental implant mistakes and how to avoid them

6 common dental implant mistakes and how to avoid them

Dental implants are one of the game-changing advancements in the field of dentistry, providing a reliable and long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth. It involves implanting artificial tooth roots that improve oral health and reinstate the ability to bite and chew without discomfort. However, the success of dental implants largely depends on proper planning, execution, and aftercare. Avoiding a few common mistakes in these stages can help individuals prevent complications, pain, or implant failure. Choosing an inexperienced implant dentist Selecting the right dentist is crucial for the success of one’s dental implant procedure. It is advised to research a dentist’s credentials thoroughly, seek suggestions from family and friends, read patient reviews and testimonials, and before-and-after photos of previous implant cases. Going to a dentist who doesn’t have proper training and experience can result in incorrect placement, infection, and other post-implant complications. Not disclosing one’s health history People with existing health conditions, especially diabetes, cancer, or autoimmune diseases, should communicate the same to their dentist. In addition, one should also disclose any ongoing remedies or treatments to confirm if they will not interfere with one’s implant and affect the healing process. A dentist who is aware of one’s medical history can suggest a treatment plan that suits one’s needs.

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Joint conditions – Symptoms, causes, and risks

Joint conditions – Symptoms, causes, and risks

Joint conditions refer to any condition or disease that affects the joints. Arthritis is the most well-known and commonly occurring joint disease, while there are several others that impact the health of individuals across the world. Diseases related to the joints can be both short-lived or they can turn chronic and require surgery and other serious treatment. This condition can be limited to a single joint or it can impact different parts of the body. There are two types in which joint conditions can be classified: inflammatory and non-inflammatory. However, one thing that is common with most joint conditions is that they’re very painful, especially inflammatory diseases. Symptoms of joint conditions There are several symptoms of joint conditions. While most of them will involve pain, some of them might just involve a difference in shape or a bulge around the joint. This will be the earlier stage of any joint condition, and if a person visits a doctor during this stage, treatment can be fairly simple. Let us understand the different symptoms of joint conditions: The area surrounding the joint is swollen or there is prominent redness in the area. If you touch it, and the area is warm, you might want to consult the doctor.

All you need to know about kidney and liver failure

Hepatorenal syndrome is a condition that is identified as a type of kidney failure that occurs in people who have serious damage caused to the liver, commonly due to cirrhosis. When the kidney stops functioning, toxins begin to accumulate in the body which leads to liver failure as well. Therefore, kidney and liver failures are co-dependent in this case. This condition is of two types: 1 and 2. In Type 1 the kidney failure is more rapid, while type 2 patients tend to move gradually toward renal failure and the symptoms are less aggressive. Symptoms The symptoms caused by the hepatorenal syndrome are a cause of medical emergency in most cases. If any of the symptoms associated with the condition occur, the patient must be rushed to a doctor without any delay. The common symptoms associated with the condition include Nausea Increase in body weight Confusion Reduced urination Change in the color of urine, which usually becomes dark-colored Swelling in the abdomen area Jaundice Dementia Vomiting Delirium Causes and risk factors In most cases, the hepatorenal syndrome is a complication associated with liver disease. Almost in all patients, the condition is caused as a result of liver cirrhosis. When a person suffers from cirrhosis of the liver, there are several factors that can cause the hepatorenal syndrome, such as Infections, especially the ones that affect the kidneys Digestive tract disorders such as gastrointestinal bleeding Use of diuretics, the substance used for increased production of urine The primary reason behind the condition is mostly any kind of disease related to the liver.

Menopause – Symptoms, causes, and risks

Menopause is a stage that marks the end of a woman’s menstrual cycles and fertility, and it is diagnosed when a woman doesn’t menstruate for 12 consecutive months. Usually, menopause occurs in women between the ages of 40s and 50s, but in some cases, early onset may cause a woman to reach menopause in her late 30s as well. Menopause can lead to the development of several symptoms and can cause a lot of discomfort, but no medical attention is required in most cases. This article outlines what you need to know about menopause. Symptoms of menopause The time that leads up to menopause is also known as perimenopause, and it can be accompanied by various symptoms, including the following: Irregularities in the menstrual cycle Vaginal dryness Hot flashes and night sweats Cold chills Sleep-related problems Mood swings Increase in body weight Reduced metabolism Hair thinning Skin dryness Reduced breast fullness The symptoms caused by menopause, including the irregularities in the menstrual cycle, can vary from one woman to another. During perimenopause, it is common as well as expected for a woman’s menstrual cycles to be irregular or skipped. Some women do not get their cycles for several months, followed by normal cycles for a few months.

Symptoms, causes, and risk factors of mental health issues

Mental health is a term that is collectively used to understand illnesses that include symptoms that might have an impact on the thinking, mood, and behavior of a person. Mental health problems might make it difficult for people to concentrate on work or maintain a positive work-life balance. There might even be problems pertaining to relationships when a person is dealing with mental health problems. While mental health and stress have a complex but definite relationship, the latter can gravely be worsened by the former. What is the solution? While some people resort to counseling for mental health problems, some might turn to medication. A combination of both can also be a good and effective solution for some. Symptoms of mental health problems The symptoms of mental health illness can vary depending on the individual, the depth of the problem, and how a person is looking to cope with the problem. There can be emotional and behavioral repercussions of mental health illness, and the best way to cure is to identify it early on and support the person suffering from mental health issues as well as possible. Some of the known symptoms of mental health illnesses include: Feeling sad or low Inability to concentrate on the job or even on leisure activities like watching TV or reading the newspaper Extreme feeling of guilt Irrational fears or worries, especially about the future Mood swings Withdrawal from family, friends, and all sorts of social activities Detachment from the real world and a sense of delusion or hallucinations Inability to keep up with daily tasks or powerlessness in handling the stress of simple jobs Difficulty in understanding people and situations Excessive alcohol use Sudden change in eating habits Change in sex drive for the worse Change in temperament and sudden hostile behavior and loss of patience Suicidal thoughts Physical symptoms such as stomach ache, back pain, and headaches Causes of mental health problems Multiple causes can be associated with the occurrence of mental health illnesses.

Oral health issues – Causes and tips to prevent them

Although maintaining oral hygiene is important for overall health, several mouth and teeth diseases can make it difficult to have the pearly whites you desire. This makes it important to be careful about oral hygiene and make regular efforts to maintain oral health. This article discusses the symptoms and causes of mouth and teeth diseases, followed by a few tips to maintain good oral hygiene. Symptoms Several mouth and teeth problems can be caused by oral health issues. Here are some symptoms that you need to keep in mind to help prevent oral diseases: Foul breath Bleeding gums Loosening of teeth Aches in the tooth, jaw, or gum These are the most common symptoms that are often overlooked, but ignoring them can worsen the pain and aggravate mouth and teeth problems. It’s best to consult a dentist at the earliest if any of these symptoms manifest. Causes The causes of mouth and teeth problems may vary from person to person, but let’s look at the most common causes: Smoking Smoking causes several health issues, and mouth and teeth problems are just one among those. It harms the tissues of the gums and the nicotine also stains the teeth. Poor dental history in the family If your family has a poor dental record, you should take extra precautions to maintain oral health as you face a greater risk of developing mouth and teeth problems.