6 side effects of therapies for leukemia

6 side effects of therapies for leukemia

Leukemia is a kind of cancer that impacts blood cells, including the bone marrow and the lymphatic system. The goal of treatment is to eliminate the cancer cells that take over the normal function of the blood cells. However, treatment for leukemia may have several side effects that vary in type and intensity depending on the type of treatment. Here are a few of the side effects of leukemia treatment to know about. Effects on the bone marrow Chemotherapy reduces the ability of the bone marrow to produce enough blood cells. A low platelet count can result in easy bruising and bleeding. A platelet transfusion often reduces the risk of bleeding until the count improves. Nausea and vomiting Chemotherapy and some types of radiation therapy can cause nausea and vomiting. Before and for a few days following chemo, the doctor may prescribe anti-sickness remedies. Also, eating smaller meals throughout the day over a few large ones can help to prevent nausea and vomiting. Consuming soft, chilled foods like custard and jelly can also relieve such symptoms. After treatment, a patient can drink soda water, ginger ale, and have dry toast to feel full and light. Bowel changes Chemotherapy has the potential to cause some damage to the lining of the intestinal wall.
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Warning signs of deep vein thrombosis

Warning signs of deep vein thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition in which a blood clot develops in deep veins, usually in the leg. It can lead to complications such as pulmonary embolism, where a blood clot travels to the lungs and blocks blood flow, which can be fatal. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the warning signs of deep vein thrombosis so you can seek immediate help from professionals for treatment. Let’s discuss three warning signs of DVT. Swelling One of the most common warning signs of DVT is swelling in the affected area. This swelling is usually accompanied by pain, tenderness, and warmth in the affected leg. It can be localized (specific areas) or generalized (throughout the body), affecting the entire leg. In some cases, the affected leg may feel heavier than the unaffected leg, and you may notice that your clothes or shoes feel tighter than usual. It is essential to understand that swelling in the leg can have many causes, and not all cases of leg swelling are due to DVT. Redness and warmth Another warning sign of DVT is redness and warmth in the affected area. The redness may be patchy, spread, and more pronounced in the area around the clot.
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5 mistakes to avoid while taking supplements

5 mistakes to avoid while taking supplements

Consuming food with low nutritional value excessively has led to nutritional deficiencies in many people. This has further led to people taking supplements to fill the nutritional gaps in their meal plans. However, taking supplements is not as easy as it seems. Many people do not reap the full benefits of the supplements by taking them inappropriately. Therefore, before taking any supplements, learn how to take them and avoid common mistakes that people generally make. Ignoring the doctor’s consultation If one doubts having a deficiency, it is best to consult a doctor before taking supplements. The doctor may suggest some diagnostic tests to detect the exact supplements one needs to consume in case of a deficiency. Ignoring the consultation will exacerbate certain conditions and adversely affect one’s health. Depending on supplements for all the nutrition People tend to use supplements to fix their unhealthy eating patterns. Eating all kinds of unhealthy foods and then popping in supplements thinking it’ll fix all the nutritional deficiencies will not work. It is important to have a healthy lifestyle and nutritious meal plan along with supplements to fill in the nutritional gaps for maintaining good health. This way, one can get the best out of the supplements, enhance skin health, and promote hair growth.
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6 mistakes that can damage the lungs and ways to avoid them

6 mistakes that can damage the lungs and ways to avoid them

Our lungs are critical organs of our body. But we often tend to ignore maintaining our lung health. Like other parts of the body, the lungs tend to become less flexible over a period of time. This can lead to breathing issues. Engaging in certain practices might unknowingly be bad for your lungs. Let’s spare some time and understand the mistakes that can damage the lungs and how to avoid them. Untidy houses and buildings Untidy homes and buildings can give rise to mold and dust mites, both of which can cause respiratory issues. These problems can be avoided with regular cleaning and sufficient ventilation. Also, the common carpets used at home can gather dust and allergens over time, especially if you have pets around. It is essential to vacuum them often and seek professional cleaning services on a regular basis. Exercising in heavy traffic areas Exercising in congested areas such as a city park might be harmful. To prevent the hazards connected with high-traffic regions, one should exercise in a safe and less crowded location, such as a gym. Additionally, the time of the day matters. The quality of the air can vary greatly depending on which time you choose to exercise.
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Common warning signs and symptoms of herpes

Common warning signs and symptoms of herpes

Herpes is a viral infection caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). This condition is classified into two categories depending on where the symptoms occur: genital herpes and oral herpes. In both cases, the warning signs may not be evident early on. Also, in certain cases, the virus remains dormant for a long time, and the symptoms start showing after many years. Here are some of the warning signs of herpes and common signs and symptoms: Warning signs Some people have experienced a severe outbreak of herpes symptoms without any warning immediately after the infection. But some only go through mild episodes. In either case, a person may have the following warning signs after the initial infection: A tingling sensation in the infected area Constant itching or burning in the infected area Formation of sores or blisters around the mouth or genitals In most cases, the warning signs progress to full-fledged symptoms that last longer. These symptoms can occur anywhere between 2 and 20 days after the first exposure to the virus. Common symptoms of oral herpes Oral herpes can cause blisters to be found around or inside the mouth and the lips. These blisters are also known as cold sores or fever sores.
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5 foods to avoid for managing herpes

5 foods to avoid for managing herpes

Herpes is a common viral infection caused due to the herpes simplex virus or HSV. While the virus affects people differently, its primary symptom is the appearance of blisters around one’s genitals or mouth. There’s no known cure for the condition, but studies show that maintaining a healthy lifestyle and eating the right foods can minimize its impact and alleviate its symptoms. Here are some foods that are best avoided for managing herpes better. Peanuts Peanuts are rich in arginine, an amino acid that can promote the growth of the herpes virus. Hence, those with the condition should avoid snacking on these nuts. Arginine is also found in chickpeas, soybeans, turkey and chicken breasts, pork loin, pumpkin seeds, and chocolate. While these foods are not inherently harmful, they can trigger herpes outbreaks. French fries Highly processed foods, including French fries, chicken nuggets, chips, pretzels, fast food, processed meat, and particular snacks, can weaken the immune system and promote inflammation. This can, in turn, lead to herpes flare-ups. Hence, patients should avoid these foods and instead opt for whole grains, quinoa, legumes, and millets. Eggs, fish, and avocados can also boost one’s immunity, making them suitable for those with herpes. Candy High sugar intake can lead to an imbalance in blood sugar levels, making it easier for the herpes virus to activate.
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Top 4 reasons for unnatural hair loss patterns

Top 4 reasons for unnatural hair loss patterns

Hair loss is a natural process that automatically gets rid of old tissue and hair to promote new growth. So don’t be alarmed when you do find a few strands of hair tangled in your comb. However, a clearly visible scalp and a receding hairline are indicative of developing the problem of permanent hair loss. There are several internal and external factors that can accelerate hair fall, leading to pattern baldness in both men and women. Here are the top four reasons that trigger unnatural hair fall. Stress Stress ranks among the top risk factors associated with many medical conditions. In fact, one way or the other, taking physical or psychological stress harms the body more than you can imagine. For hair loss, especially, excessive shedding starts right after the body undergoes physical or psychological distress. A few examples include experiencing high fever, blood loss due to accident or injury, or even post-surgery recovery can result in stress that causes hair loss. Stress, coupled with anxiety, results in accelerated hair loss. To cope with this problem and reduce its effects, stress management is of crucial importance. Hormonal changes Men and women both experience hormonal changes throughout their lifetime. However, an imbalance associated with various conditions can trigger hair loss.
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Learn about these 3 types of hearing loss

Learn about these 3 types of hearing loss

Hearing loss, deafness, or impairment is the partial or total inability to hear sounds. People with low to moderate hearing impairment face challenges in understanding what the other person is saying in a noisy environment. Whereas, people with severe deafness cannot hear anything, and rely completely on lip-reading and sign language skills. There are three main types of hearing loss: sensorineural, conductive, and a combination of both. Let’s understand these types in detail and learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatments of each type. Sensorineural hearing loss It’s the most common type of hearing loss. Sensorineural is permanent hearing loss often caused by damage to the tiny hair cells that line the inner ear or the auditory nerve. The damage stops or weakens the transfers of nerve signals to the brain. These signals are essentially the intensity and clarity of sounds. Causes: Aging and exposure to loud noises for a long period of time are the most common cause of the damage. Certain medications and illnesses can also increase risks. It can even be genetic, and pass on to the child in the mother’s womb. Treatment: There is no medical or surgical treatment available to repair the tiny hair cells once they’re damaged.
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Simple lifestyle changes that reduce the risk of heart diseases

Simple lifestyle changes that reduce the risk of heart diseases

The heart is the most crucial organ in the body and as the system will cease to function if the heart stops or loses momentum pumping fresh oxygenated blood. This is why it is vital to not neglect your heart health at all and responsibly maintain a healthy, stress-free, and more importantly, a happy lifestyle. Here are a few simple lifestyle changes that will help support a healthy heart function. Switch to a healthy diet Avoid eating foods that are rich in trans and saturated fats. Most foods you find on the shelves of the supermarket contain large quantities of one or the other. Instead, switch to low-fat high fiber alternatives to help manage cholesterol. Maintaining a healthy cholesterol level in the body automatically reduces the risk of heart diseases. The simple reason for this is that fats that normally block major arteries and blood vessels are eliminated from these foods choices. It is also advisable to limit the salt (sodium) intake to control blood pressure and sugar to reduce the risk of diabetes simultaneously. Change certain lifestyle habits Reduce the number of alcoholic or carbonated drinks you have regularly. For men, it is advisable to have not more than two drinks and day and women must have only one.
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How to distinguish between heartburn and GERD

How to distinguish between heartburn and GERD

Heartburn is an unpleasant, burning sensation in the chest that is more common than a lot of individuals realize. Pregnant women, older men, and even young adults experience it frequently. Despite it being such a prevalent experience, not many know that heartburn has actually nothing to do with the heart and everything to do with the stomach and the esophagus. Unsurprisingly enough, heartburn is also used interchangeably with GERD. But, before we get to deciphering heartburn and GERD, let’s understand what acid reflux is. What is acid reflux or GER? Acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter or LES becomes weak, allowing the contents of the stomach to travel in the wrong direction, back up the esophagus. Acid reflux is also called GER or gastroesophageal reflux as it involves the stomach and esophagus. This condition can usually be resolved with over-the-counter medication. What is heartburn? Heartburn is a burning or painful sensation that is experienced in the chest. Since the lining of the esophagus is not as strong as the lining of the stomach, the acid from the stomach can cause a burning sensation in the chest. This pain or burning sensation that is heartburn can often be misconstrued for a heart attack.
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