Multiple myeloma is an uncommon and rare cancer, typically diagnosed in adults. With any form of cancer, the cells in the body mutate and grow out of control. In myeloma, cancer specifically affects plasma cells in the bloodstream. These cells are a vital immune system component found in the bone marrow. Myeloma develops slowly and destroys plasma functioning, thus compromising immunity. Here is everything one must know about myeloma and its progression. Major causes of multiple myeloma Genetics is one of the main trigger factors linked to conditions like multiple myeloma. Research suggests that a mutation in the plasma cells triggers the rapid and uncontrolled multiplication of cells in the area. Mutations are known to activate oncogenes or deactivate suppressor genes, resulting in cancer development. In addition to changes in the cell, missing chromosomes from the genetic code directly impact the progression of cancer. This includes missing chromosome 17 or the translocation of chromosomes where they switch characteristics. Any abnormalities in the bone marrow can also make the cancer progress faster and become more aggressive. Other known risk factors Advancing age Multiple myeloma affects a very small group of young people as it is mainly diagnosed among older adults above the age of 65.

Sleep apnea is a condition that causes abnormal breathing patterns while the patient is sleeping. It is among the most common sleep disorders and affects 22 million people in the country. While the symptoms might make the disorder seem manageable, it can be life-threatening. The relaxed or collapsed muscles of the airway can cause breathing difficulty and might cause choking. It is important to be aware of the symptoms and treatment options to deal with the condition. Causes Both physical and other health conditions can be causes of sleep apnea in patients. A higher body mass is one of the contributing factors to this condition. Excess amounts of fat in the neck region can be a cause of airway obstruction. The sleep apnea caused by such obstruction is known as obstructive sleep apnea. Alternatively, sleep apnea might also be caused due to endocrine disorders such as acromegaly, PCOS, and hypothyroidism. Acromegaly can swell up the throat and the tongue that obstructs the airway. Some people might even develop sleep apnea that results from interference in transferring brain signals to the respiratory system. Some causes of sleep apnea are: Age Age is a major contributing factor to increased chances of developing both obstructive and central sleep apnea.

People diagnosed with sleep apnea experience several stops and restarts in their breathing while they nap. As a result, their body does not get enough oxygen while asleep. Such people may show specific symptoms, including snoring or gasping while sleeping, inadequate sleep, and excessive fatigue during the daytime. Sleep apnea is a health condition affecting nearly 18 million people in the country, but it can be kept at bay with the help of many remedies.  Changing sleeping position Making slight modifications to the sleeping position enables a person to reduce sleep apnea symptoms subtly. It can help such people sleep soundly at night and prevent morning fatigue. Several research studies indicate that one’s sleeping position influences most obstructive sleep apnea. Healthcare experts generally suggest people avoid sleeping on their back (known as the supine sleeping position), which often worsens sleep apnea in individuals living with it. Meanwhile, certain studies point out that the supine position is better for reducing sleep apnea symptoms for kids while they sleep. Essentially, patients need to discuss body positioning during sleeping with a healthcare expert to get the best advice. Using a CPAP machine Many sleep apnea patients have found a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine helpful in fighting the symptoms.

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a type of arthritis that affects individuals with psoriasis. It advances in stages and can impact people differently. For instance, some experience a gradual worsening of symptoms, while others notice the rapid development of severe discomfort. The condition usually occurs between the ages of 40 and 50 years. Although psoriatic arthritis does not have a cure, patients may experience periods of remission where their symptoms improve significantly. Early stages of psoriatic arthritis Psoriatic arthritis usually begins after a person has had psoriasis for a while. Psoriasis is a skin disorder characterized by scaly, itchy, and red skin flare-ups. In the early stages of psoriatic arthritis, one may experience the following: Pain and swelling Pain and swelling may develop in smaller joints, such as the fingers and toes. Some people also report swelling in larger joints, such as the knees and ankles. The swelling is called dactylitis when it affects the whole finger or toe. The extent of the pain and swelling may differ from person to person. Changes in the nails According to statistics, more than 80% of patients with this condition develop nail changes. These changes are often considered early signs of joint disease. In some cases, this symptom may occur several years before the development of psoriatic arthritis.

Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory condition where one experiences swelling in one’s joints and areas where the tendons and ligaments link to the bones. Psoriatic arthritis is a long-term autoimmune disease, which means one’s immune system works against one’s body. The disease causes stiffness and fatigue. Left untreated, it may lead to pain and discomfort even while conducting simple physical tasks. Here are some ways to manage it and lessen its impact on one’s daily life. Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis In psoriatic arthritis, one’s immune system releases a protein called cytokines. The body releases the same proteins when battling the common cold or flu. Those proteins cause inflammation all over one’s body. Psoriatic arthritis symptoms like swelling and pain fluctuate between mild to severe and can be triggered at any point. These symptomatic periods are called flare-ups and may cause chronic fatigue or exhaustion. Apart from inflammation and energy loss, one may also have trouble concentrating and face issues with one’s weight. Sleeplessness may not be a direct symptom of psoriatic arthritis, but the pain in the tendon, joint, and ligament may interfere with one’s sleep. It’s advisable to consult a doctor if one experiences any signs of getting a detailed, customized treatment plan and avoiding complicating the disease further.

LASIK, or laser eye surgery, is one of the best-known and most commonly performed laser refractive surgeries to correct vision problems. LASIK (or laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is an alternative to wearing glasses or contact lenses. However, this is only one type of corrective laser surgery, and the term is often used to refer to other procedures, regardless of the method. So, here is everything one should know before getting vision correction surgery. Types of vision correction surgery Vision problems can be corrected using lasers or surgical tools in several ways.  Conventional LASIK: Conventional LASIK is one of the oldest and least expensive forms of laser vision correction surgery that uses a microkeratome (blade) to create an opening in the cornea. This opening is then folded back so that a laser can reshape the cornea to correct the vision problem. Once this is completed, the flap is replaced. Custom LASIK: This is a modern approach to LASIK that uses corneal mapping tools for improved accuracy and precision during the procedure. All-laser or blade-free LASIK: This procedure is similar to conventional LASIK but requires the use of a femtosecond laser instead of the blade. It is often known to offer better results and fewer complications.

Convenient and innovative technological advancements in modern healthcare have allowed patients to explore suitable treatments that improve their quality of life. Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis, or LASIK surgery is one such option that helps fix refractive errors and improve vision. Those who suffer from blurry vision or cannot see near and distant objects well can certainly consider getting a LASIK surgery to restore perfect eyesight. Here are the key benefits and factors to consider beforehand. Convenience One of the main advantages of getting LASIK eye surgery is the convenience of the procedure. Traditional surgical procedures have many risks and complications that might affect vision in the future. The recovery time for such procedures is also longer when compared to a simple LASIK procedure. LASIK surgery is a quicker and more efficient operation done using computer-powered lasers to correct vision. It is one of the better alternatives for those who don’t want to wear glasses or contact lenses for the rest of their lives. LASIK is generally recommended for moderate refractive errors to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. In over 96% of cases, the procedure can restore even 20/20 vision, including peripheral and night vision. LASIK corrects multiple vision problems LASIK eye surgery can correct multiple vision problems with painless and quick procedures.

Fatty liver disease, also called steatosis, is a common health condition caused by the storage of extra fat in the liver. In most cases, people do not show any symptoms, and it does not cause significant problems or complications. However, some may suffer liver damage due to inflammation. Scarring and liver failure are also possible in rare cases. The good news is that adopting healthy lifestyle changes can help prevent or reverse the condition. Foods to eat Fatty liver causes immense damage to the organ. It prevents it from removing blood toxins and making bile to aid digestion. When the liver cannot function properly and perform these tasks effectively, it might lead to other problems. One way to manage the situation is to follow a healthy meal plan consisting of the following foods: Garlic A staple in almost every household, garlic provides immense benefits for people with fatty liver disease. Research suggests that garlic powder supplements aid in the reduction of symptoms. It also inhibits oxidative stress and inflammation, which is highly beneficial for overall health. Besides these advantages, garlic adds a unique flavor to meals, making it a must-have food. Flaxseeds Researchers have found that people who add flaxseeds to their meals are less likely to develop this health condition.

Lupus is a long-term autoimmune disease that makes the body’s immune system become hyperactive and attack healthy tissue. This complex condition is also called the “disease of a thousand faces”. Every year, around 16,000 new cases of the disease are reported, according to the Lupus Foundation of America. While there is no permanent cure for the disease yet, its treatment focuses on preventing flare-ups, easing symptoms, and reducing inflammation. Types Doctors usually categorize the condition into the following types: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): This is the most common type, affecting multiple parts of the body, like the kidneys, skin, joints, heart, nervous system, and lungs. Symptoms of SLE may get worse during flares and improve during remission. Cutaneous lupus: This type is generally limited to the skin and can cause rashes and permanent lesions with scarring. It can be further categorized as: Acute cutaneous lupus: Here, one can observe a butterfly rash or a red rash appearing on the cheeks and bones. Subacute cutaneous lupus: This subtype causes the formation of a red, raised, scaly rash, generally in areas that have been exposed to sunlight. It typically does not lead to scarring. Chronic cutaneous lupus : Also known as discoid lupus, this subtype causes a red or purple rash and can lead to skin discoloration, scarring, and hair loss.

Lupus is one of the commonly diagnosed autoimmune diseases wherein the immune system attacks the body and healthy cells of different organs. Inflammation, one of the leading symptoms of lupus, can affect the heart, lungs, brain, skin, kidneys, blood cells, and major joints as the condition progress. Lupus can be managed with early diagnosis and treatment. Eliminating certain foods can help manage and reverse the progression of this autoimmune disorder. Here are eight such foods to avoid. Salt Salt is one of the most popular condiments that gives flavor to all foods and even some beverages. However, the sodium found in salt is bad for someone already suffering from lupus symptoms. Excessive sodium intake increases the risk of high blood pressure and heart attack linked to lupus. It is better to control salt intake once the condition is diagnosed. Nutritionists recommend ordering sauces and appetizers without salt so that some can be added when necessary while serving the food. Salt should be consumed in moderation or substituted for some other condiment that adds flavor to the food. Popular alternatives include pepper, lemon, herbs, curry powder, and turmeric. Processed meats Precut meats, deli meats, and other types of red meats bought off the shelves in the supermarket are laced with additives and preservatives and are high in saturated fat content.