Hemophilia – Diagnosis, Symptoms, and Management

Hemophilia – Diagnosis, Symptoms, and Management

Hemophilia is a rare disorder where the blood in a person’s body does not clot effectively. It occurs due to the lack of clotting factors in the blood. Those who have hemophilia tend to bleed for a lot longer compared to someone who does not. In severe cases of hemophilia, internal bleeding can be life-threatening. It is mainly a genetic disorder, and treatments are available that focus on improving clotting and reducing symptoms. Symptoms The symptoms of hemophilia can vary from person to person. It is normal because the symptoms depend on the level of clotting factors present in the blood. If the level of clotting factors has reduced only mildly, the individual may only bleed after surgery or trauma. But, if there is a massive deficiency in the blood clotting factors, the individual can bleed easily and sometimes for no reason. Some of the common signs and symptoms of spontaneous bleeding include: Sudden and unexplained bleeding Bleeding from cuts and other injuries without it stopping Unexplained bruises that tend to last for a long time Bleeding after taking a vaccination Nosebleeds with no cause Passing blood in stool and urine Pain and swelling in the joints Unexplained irritability in small children and infants With hemophilia, minor injuries can also lead to profuse bleeding, which is why those with hemophilia should also be very careful about getting injured.
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10 Foods to Consume for Hormonal Balance

10 Foods to Consume for Hormonal Balance

One might not give hormones much importance, but these chemicals profoundly affect emotional, physical, and mental health. They play an extremely important role in appetite and mood. Usually, the body produces enough hormones to function properly. Still, sometimes a sedentary lifestyle or food intake may affect the hormonal levels, and some people may experience a drastic decrease compared to others. So, read further to learn how to maintain hormonal balance. Maintaining hormonal balance – Foods to eat As for any illness, food plays a significant role in maintaining hormonal balance. One may also notice changes as one pays more attention to gut health. Hence here are some of the best foods to consume to help regulate hormones and fuel the body with much-needed nutrition. Eggs A staple in almost every household in the country, eggs are packed with nutrients that are good for hormonal support. Eggs possess selenium, an antioxidant that removes free radicals that can cause premature aging of the thyroid glands. Additionally, eggs are highly beneficial to the endocrine system and are also known to reduce the risk of certain cancers. Moreover, eggs have also shown a positive impact on insulin and ghrelin hormones that control blood sugar and appetite.
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Causes, Signs, and Management of Heart Failure

Causes, Signs, and Management of Heart Failure

Heart failure occurs when one’s heart muscles are unable to pump sufficient blood and oxygen to support other organs. It does not mean that the heart stops beating entirely. Simply put, the heart is just unable to function optimally. This condition is the leading cause of death in the country, affecting roughly 5.1 million people. Here are some common signs and conditions that lead to heart failure and treatment options for it Causes of heart failure The following are some of the health conditions that are known to cause heart failure, also termed as congestive heart failure. Coronary artery disease Coronary artery disease is caused when cholesterol or fatty deposits accumulate on the walls of the arteries and restrict the blood flow to the heart. Narrowed arteries can also lead to chest pain, heart attack, and weakened heart muscle. Cardiac amyloidosis Cardiac amyloidosis, also known as stiff heart syndrome, is a condition where proteins get abnormally deposited in and around heart muscles, thus thickening the heart walls. This protein build-up damages the heart and may lead to heart failure. Hypertension Hypertension is a condition where one’s blood pressure is consistently higher than usual. It can be brought on by a sedentary or unhealthy lifestyle and excessive coffee consumption.
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Things to Know about Small Fiber Neuropathy

Things to Know about Small Fiber Neuropathy

Small fiber sensory neuropathy is a neuromuscular disorder that leads to a tingling sensation in the feet and then slowly travels through the rest of the body. This condition is a type of peripheral neuropathy, which means that it affects the peripheral nervous system of the body. Other conditions in peripheral neuropathy can affect nerves outside the brain and also the spinal cord. Let us understand small fiber sensory neuropathy and its treatment options better. Causes This is a condition that occurs when the small fibers of the peripheral nervous system get damaged. These are the nerves that carry pain, temperature, and other related symptoms to the brain or the spine, and they are also responsible for controlling digestion, heart rate, and blood pressure. These damaged nerves affect the sensory nerves, sweat glands, blood vessels, gastrointestinal system, and also the heart. It is understood that often those experiencing small fiber neuropathy also have diabetes, which could be a cause of this condition. Other conditions that may cause this disease include fabry disease, hypothyroidism, endocrine and metabolic disorder, hereditary disease, metabolic syndrome, hereditary amyloidosis, tangier disease, immune system disorders, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, Gullain-Barre syndrome, lupus, HIV, Lyme disease, vasculitis, infectious diseases, Sjogren’s syndrome, scleroderma, mixed connective tissue disease, and hepatitis C.
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Key Lifestyle Factors that Influence Thyroid Cancer

Key Lifestyle Factors that Influence Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer accounts for 4% of all newly diagnosed cancers across the country. This incidence has risen at a steady rate of 4.5 percent over the past 10 years. Symptoms that may indicate thyroid cancer include hoarseness, dysphagia or odynophagia, and adenopathy. However, adjusting lifestyle factors can significantly reduce the risk of thyroid cancer. Food and exercise are the essential pillars of preventing cancer and living a long, healthy life. Factors that increase the risk of thyroid and other types of cancer in the body: Insulin resistance is associated with a high risk of thyroid cancer. Women are twice as likely to develop thyroid cancer than men. Storage of excess fat in the body. Head and neck radiation exposure, especially during childhood, significantly increases the risk for all thyroid cancers. Increased fat mass around the thyroid gland. Decreased muscle mass is associated with decreased recovery rates for many types of cancer. Relatives of thyroid patients are ten times more likely to develop the condition. The thyroid gland’s primary function is the production of T3 and T4 hormones that manage the body’s metabolism. The World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research recommend the following general guidelines about food and fitness to minimize the risk of cancer:
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Knee Pain – Causes, Diagnosis, and Management

Knee Pain – Causes, Diagnosis, and Management

Knee pain is a medical condition that can make walking, bending, or climbing stairs difficult. Numerous conditions can cause knee pain, but arthritis, overuse, and accidents are the most common. Although it can happen at any age, osteoarthritis, a condition caused by joint degeneration, is most prevalent in older people. However, there are methods for treating and managing pain that can eliminate these issues. Here are the causes, symptoms, and treatments for knee pain. Causes of knee pain A variety of illnesses and accidents can cause knee pain. Typical problems include: Knee overuse/wear and tear Some repetitive motions, such as running, can cause pain, causing soreness beneath or around the kneecap. Overuse can also cause swelling in the shinbone below the kneecap in children. Playing basketball or other repetitive jumping activities can lead to knee pain later in life. Injury A knee joint can sustain damage from sudden stress. Typical knee injuries include: Medial collateral ligament (MCL) This injury damages the knee’s primary stabilizing ligaments. Bursitis This is the swelling and inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that protect the knee joint. Kneecap dislocation Movement of the kneecap out of position (the bone that covers the knee). Meniscus tear This refers to cartilage damage in the knee (slippery tissue that helps bones move together smoothly).
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Top Tips to Find the Best Rheumatologists

Top Tips to Find the Best Rheumatologists

Rheumatologists are experts in diagnosing and treating immune-related diseases such as arthritis. They treat patients with pain in joints, muscles, tendons, bones, or other connective tissue. These illnesses are complex, change over time, and are difficult to diagnose. Choosing the right specialist is critical for keeping the joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles healthy. A few factors to consider include insurance coverage, knowledge, and area of specialization. Here is some advice for choosing a rheumatologist. Tips for choosing a rheumatologist Get referrals A good doctor-patient relationship can greatly benefit the patient by creating a healthy communication channel for all health issues. This bond is built on open communication and mutual trust. One can start looking for a specialist in this area by starting with a list of references from the primary care physician. This list will likely include rheumatologists who can work closely with the primary care physician to coordinate therapy and care. Obtain referrals from loved ones, close friends, and other healthcare professionals. Consider experience level A specialist’s experience is required when dealing with difficult, ambiguous, and severe rheumatic symptoms to maximize recovery. The more experience a specialist has with the condition or procedure, the better the treatment results are likely.
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Steps to Find the Best Primary Care Physician

Steps to Find the Best Primary Care Physician

From treating a common cold to repairing a fractured bone or even caring during pregnancy, people tend to rely more on family doctors for various health issues. Such doctors are well-acquainted with family histories, making it easier to identify risks of getting diseases such as diabetes or heart ailments. Over time, various specializations have evolved, and the work of primary healthcare physicians has been shared among general practitioners, internal medicine doctors, and family medicine doctors. What does a primary healthcare physician do? Health insurance plans demand members choose a primary care physician (PCP). A PCP is the first point of contact for all health problems. Even when you require a specialist, the primary care provider recommends you to one, generally within your plan’s provider network. Why do we need a primary healthcare physician? A PCP is an integral part of managing a person’s daily health. As generalists , they care for many problems and serve as a home base for all our healthcare needs. One can consult them for common healthcare problems such as headaches, flu, or infections. They also help with routine health exams and screenings. For many people, PCPs also help manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or certain mental health issues.
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Bladder Cancer – Types, Symptoms, Management, and More

Bladder Cancer – Types, Symptoms, Management, and More

A common type of cancer, bladder cancer, begins in the urothelial cells of the bladder and then begins to grow out of control. As these cells can also be found in the kidney and ureters, urothelial cancer can also happen in those parts. However, the condition mainly affects the bladder. In most cases, bladder cancer can be diagnosed early, but even early-stage cancers can reappear post-treatment. Read further to know more about bladder cancer. What are the types of bladder cancer? Mainly there are three different types of bladder cancer, each of which has been named for the cells they affect. However, there are other rare types of bladder cancer as well. They are: Transitional cell carcinoma One of the most common types of bladder cancer, about 90% of bladder cancers are transitional and are known as urothelial bladder cancer. This cancer starts in the transitional cells of the bladder’s inner lining. In this type of cancer, the cancerous cells spread from the inner lining to the other bladder layers. In rare cases, it may even spread to the surrounding fatty tissues. Squamous cell carcinoma Squamous cells are the thin and flat cells lining the bladder’s inside. It has been found that this type of cancer accounts for about 5% of all bladder cancers.
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10 Foods That Trigger Sinusitis and Congestion

10 Foods That Trigger Sinusitis and Congestion

Sinuses are four paired spaces or cavities in the head that are filled with air and connected by narrow passages. The primary function of these sinuses is to produce mucus that aids in clearing out the passages and keeps the nose clean. Further, the mucus also helps to drive out allergens, bacteria, and other harmful pathogens to reduce irritation. However, these structures can be inflamed due to allergies, viral and bacterial infections. As mentioned previously, sinuses are often prone to irritation. This can cause swelling and inflammation of the sinus tissue lining, leading to nasal congestion ( blockages), pressure, and facial pain. Fortunately, apart from treatment options, one can also make certain lifestyle and food modifications to manage the conditions. This can include avoiding certain foods. Some of them have been mentioned below. Chocolate This particular food item contains refined sugar, which must be avoided due to its inflammatory properties. Therefore, if one is experiencing sinus issues such as congestion or even sinusitis, one must steer clear of sweet foods that contain added sugar. This can help effectively avoid the worsening of the symptoms. However, patients must keep in mind that the signs may subside gradually. So, cut down on sugary foods like pastries, cookies, chocolates, and cakes, and check for any changes in health.  Monosodium Glutamate ( MSG) MSG, a flavor enhancer, is often used in processed foods, deli meat, soy sauce, and salad dressings.
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