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Macular Degeneration – Causes, Symptoms, Management Options, and More

Macular Degeneration – Causes, Symptoms, Management Options, and More

Human bodies evolve at every stage of life, and as people age, their bodies begin to weaken, and various organs begin to slow down. One specific change with age is deterioration or loss of vision. Macular degeneration is an eye condition that worsens with advancing age and contributes to vision loss in those aged 50 and older. Here is all one should know about its causes, symptoms, treatments, and more.

Age-related macular degeneration
This is the most frequent cause of significant vision loss in people 50 years and older. The illness only affects the central vision. However, it is uncommon for people to go blind due to this damage. AMD impedes the ability to see tiny details and the center of the vision. The macula, a portion of the retina, is damaged in this condition. People in advanced stages lose their ability to drive, see faces, and read smaller print.

Types of AMD
The two main kinds of age-related macular degeneration are of two types:
The most prevalent form of AMD, accounting for about 80% of cases, is dry AMD. The specific cause of this is yet unknown; however, genetic and environmental factors may play a role in how it develops. It occurs due to the macula’s light-sensitive cells gradually deteriorating, usually one eye at a time. Here, vision loss happens gradually and slowly. This problem could also develop if a crucial support membrane beneath the retina is damaged.
Although less common, wet AMD causes more severe vision loss in patients than dry AMD. This occurs as a result of abnormal blood vessel development behind the retina. It results in leaky blood and fluid flow in the eye, creating a blind spot in the center of vision.

Causes of AMD
Older people are more likely to develop age-related macular degeneration. AMD is a hereditary eye condition, but the source of this degeneration is unknown. However, research indicates that some elements may have a role in its development. Here are some of these causes:

Age
Studies have indicated that AMD is more common in people over 60.

Genetic predisposition
People with specific genes associated with AMD in their family are more likely to contract the condition.

Cardiovascular condition
AMD is more likely to affect people with heart conditions or blood vessel problems.

Symptoms of AMD
Although each person’s symptoms may vary, these are typical signs observed:

  • Having hazy or blurry vision
  • Having trouble recognizing familiar faces
  • Straight lines appear wavy.
  • The center of the field of vision has a blind spot, a black, empty space.
  • Loss of central vision, which is required for close-up work, reading, driving, and recognizing faces

One of the most typical early signs of this condition is the development of microscopic yellow deposits called drusen in the retina. It may suggest the onset of severe AMD. However, some symptoms may be similar to those of other eye conditions. Therefore, it is critical to consult a doctor if someone has any of these symptoms to avoid complications.

Diagnosis of AMD
Through routine eye exams, this condition can be detected in its early stages, allowing the proper treatment to be administered at the right time. The doctor can also examine the retina and macula for changes. To diagnose AMD, an eye doctor may do the following tests in addition to a thorough medical history and eye examination:

Visual acuity test
This common eye chart exam checks vision ability at various distances.

Pupil dilation
Here, eyedrops enlarge the pupil to examine the eye’s retina up close.

Fluorescein angiography
This method includes injecting a specific dye into an arm vein to diagnose age-related macular degeneration. The doctor then photographs the dye as it travels through the retina’s blood vessels, enabling the doctor to assess whether or not the leakage is curable.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT)
This imaging tool captures precise pictures of the retina and macula. This process isn’t intrusive or uncomfortable. When a person stares into the lens, it simply takes a photograph of the eye.

OCTA (optical coherence tomography angiography)
This procedure uses laser light reflection and the OCT scanning instrument. It produces 3D images of blood flow through the eye in only a few seconds.

Treatment options
There isn’t a fully effective treatment for this problem. Only the initial symptoms can be slowed to lessen the severity of the condition. This disorder might sometimes recur even after comprehensive treatment. However, a few management options can be considered depending on age, general health, and medical history.
Programs for vision rehabilitation and low-vision equipment can improve visual abilities, create new routines for daily tasks, and help people cope with age-related macular degeneration.
Wet AMD is mainly treated with injections of anti-VEGF cure. High levels of VEGF in the eye lead to abnormal blood vessel formation. Anti-VEGF remedies are intended to slow the condition’s progression and lessen the adverse effects of these leaky abnormal blood vessels. They can also successfully stabilize vision in a lot of patients.
Natural supplements, such as a vitamin and mineral combination, have been shown in studies to reduce the growth of dry AMD. Supplements containing vitamins C and E, lutein, zinc, copper, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene can help alleviate symptoms.
In photodynamic therapy, excess blood vessels in the eye are destroyed using a laser and an injectable light-sensitive tool. This procedure can be combined with anti-VEGF treatment.

Prevention of AMD
Although this is a hereditary condition that can develop with age, some steps can be taken to avoid it, such as:

  • Consume plenty of vegetables like spinach and kale because they are high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These nutrients aid in preventing the cellular harm caused by free radicals, which can be a factor in eye illness.
  • Overexposure to harsh sunlight can harm the retina. Thus, wearing sunglasses and other protective gear can lower the risk.
  • Hypertension can also cause poor blood circulation, restricting blood flow to the eyes and causing AMD. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can fend off numerous illnesses, including AMD.
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Known Signs of Hemophilia and Anemia

Bleeding disorders refer to a group of conditions like hemophilia or anemia that interfere with normal blood functions in the body. Hemophilia affects the ability of the blood cells to clot naturally, while anemia lowers hemoglobin count in the red blood cells. These conditions exhibit a unique set of symptoms that can be identified. Early diagnosis helps doctors form a viable healthcare plan. So, it pays to know and identify the following symptoms. Hemophilia and Anemia: Understanding the difference Both conditions are common bleeding disorders. However, anemia & hemophilia signs are distinctly different from each other when it comes to the disease progression. The latter is a genetic disorder that affects the red blood cell’s ability to clot and close wounds. Certain clotting factors in the blood bind with the red blood cells to prevent uncontrolled bleeding. Anemia is a condition where the body lacks sufficient healthy red blood cells in the first place. Also, a low hemoglobin count affects the red blood cell’s ability to carry oxygen to vital organs and extremities via the circulatory system. Genetic mutation triggers most known types of hemophilia, while certain nutritional deficiencies in the body trigger common forms of anemia. Symptoms of hemophilia The absence of essential clotting factors in the blood can trigger a variety of noticeable and unusual symptoms. Uncontrolled bleeding Bleeding is one of the primary symptoms of hemophilia. It can happen under the skin or in the joints. As the red blood cells are unable to bind and clot, this pool of blood can trigger swelling, pain, and tightness in the joints. This symptom is most commonly noticeable in the knees, elbows, and ankles. Blood collecting under the skin can lead to buildups under the muscle and soft tissue to cause more painful bruising. This symptom is called hematoma in medical terminology. Frequent nosebleeds When the bleeding is triggered externally, it can result in frequent nosebleeds that can be difficult to stop. Note that external environmental factors and physical injuries generally cause nosebleeds. So, any unexplained bleeding could indicate a developing condition. Bleeding caused due to cuts, bruises, and vaccinations Lack of essential clotting factor VIII can trigger bleeding from the lightest of impacts, cuts, bruises, or even after losing a tooth. Some people experience sudden bleeding after taking a vaccination. This could be the body’s reaction to producing antibodies, but the strain could be too much to bear, resulting in bleeding from the extremities. Blood in urine or stool Excess blood in the urine or stool is a clear sign of disease progression. The urine and stools appear dark red or even blackish due to the presence of red blood cells mixed with the excreta. Immediate medical assistance is advisable for visual symptoms. Bleeding in infants Complicated pregnancies can be physically taxing for both the mother and the child leading to possible symptoms of hemophilia at birth. But in some rare cases, infants may experience internal bleeding in the head. Symptoms of anemia The most common types of anemia, including iron deficiency anemia and vitamin deficiency anemia, develop due to the lack of nutrients in the body. Therefore, anemia exhibits more physically taxing symptoms as the condition worsens. Tiredness Increased fatigue and weakness for no apparent reason is one of the main indicators of nutritional deficiencies. An unexplained decrease in overall stamina with no physical exertion or any activity during the day could mean low iron in the blood. Without iron, the body cannot produce enough red blood cells. And low hemoglobin means not enough oxygen is being circulated around vital organs in the body, thus resulting in fatigue induced by low energy levels. Respiratory symptoms Experiencing shortness of breath, chest pains, and even noticing an irregular heartbeat could indicate a possible anemic condition. An iron deficiency lowers hemoglobin count, and this means not enough oxygen is being circulated by the blood. Low hemoglobin affects the breathing rate as the body struggles to extract more oxygen resulting in shortness of breath. The heart must also put in extra efforts to pump the low hemoglobin blood forcefully, thus resulting in irregular heartbeats. Doctors refer to this condition as heart palpitations. These symptoms can also induce chest pains due to the sheer stress being put on the organ. Pale skin and damaged hair Skin and hair symptoms are visible indicators of a developing anemia condition. An iron deficiency results in low red blood cell production and indirectly affects the shade of the skin. Pale skin is noticeably visible around the face, gums, lower lips, lower eyelids, and even on the nails. This symptom is more visually obvious among people who flaunt a lighter skin tone. Also, hair thinning, hair fall, and a damaged scalp is a clear sign of iron deficiency. Treatment options Note that anemia & hemophilia signs never overlap. Once the primary indicators are confirmed, doctors quickly suggest blood tests to identify the leading causes or triggers. Knowing the differences can help with prompt diagnosis even though both the conditions are bleeding disorders. It is even possible to recover from common forms of anemia within 2 to 3 months. Hemophilia is a more serious bleeding disorder that is treated by introducing the missing clotting factors. Doctors also suggest prescriptions that help stimulate the body to release more clotting factors. However, a transfusion offers more promising results for moderate to severe progression. Effective preventive measures and home remedies can help lower the risk of bleeding. These conditions cannot be completely cured. But it is possible to improve the quality of life by incorporating healthy lifestyle habits. Prescriptions and treatments only help slow down the disease progression.

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Lung Cancer Symptoms, Causes, and Remedies

Lung cancer is caused by the development of malignant cells in a person's lungs. The cancerous cells can also spread to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body. The condition is common across the country, and results in approximately 130,180 fatalities every year. There are two primary types of lung cancer, known as small cell cancer and non-small cell cancer. Here are some more key details about the condition: Lung cancer symptoms Lung cancer can be addressed more efficiently if it is diagnosed in its early stages. Various symptoms may indicate the presence of this condition in patients, such as: Chronic cough If a person has a cough that does not reduce or go away after 2 to 3 weeks and just keeps getting worse, it may be a sign of lung cancer. However, apart from chronic cough, people with this condition can also develop recurrent pneumonia, bronchitis, and similar other lung conditions. Chest pain The aggressive growth of cells in and around the lungs results in a series of blockages in that area. As the tumor develops, it causes tightness in a person's chest and puts pressure on their nerves. This results in prolonged chest pain, especially during coughing, breathing deeply, or laughing. Constant fatigue Lung cancer prevents a person from breathing normally. Normally, people living with this condition find it hard to inhale and exhale long breaths. Due to the malignant blockages in their lungs, they can only take short breaths every now and then. Thus, such persons do not have the energy to do the simplest of tasks, such as sprinting a few paces, without getting fatigued. Wheezing The shortness of breath is accompanied by frequent wheezing, as the tumor in the lungs leads to a strain in the passage of fresh air. Loss of appetite Lung cancer brings about symptoms such as difficulty in swallowing food, feeling depressed, being breathless, feeling fatigued, and experiencing chest pain. As a result of these physical and mental factors, a person with lung cancer shows a drastic reduction in appetite. Coughing up blood Lung cancer causes bleeding in the airways of an individual. As a result, people with this condition may frequently cough up blood (a condition known as hemoptysis). Lung cancer causes Although there are a plethora of causes of lung cancer, certain things have been found to trigger the condition more frequently than others. Some such factors include: Heredity Researchers have frequently found the genetic makeup of an individual to be one of the major causes of lung cancer. If a person has a family history of lung cancer, they have a higher chance of developing the condition. So, if an individual's father or other relatives have had lung cancer (or any other type of cancer), then they will need to screen themselves on a regular basis for the condition. Exposure to particle pollution Particle pollution, or the pollution caused by small solid and liquid particles in the air, is a major risk factor for lung cancer and other respiratory ailments. These particles are present in the fumes coming out from a vehicle's exhaust pipes, household chimneys, emissions from factories, and other similar sources. If a person breathes in such particles on a regular basis, then they are likely to become vulnerable to lung cancer. Radon inhalation Radon is an odorless, colorless radioactive gas. Due to its commonly occurring nature (about 1 in 15 homes in the country are exposed to the gas), radon is a known cause of lung cancer. This gas exists naturally in soil and enters homes and buildings through small cracks and gaps. Exposure to hazardous chemicals Hazardous chemicals include uranium, asbestos, chromium, cadmium, arsenic, nickel, and some petroleum products. These chemicals are heavily used in various industrial operations. So, people who are frequently exposed to such chemicals due to their occupation, residential location, or other reasons, are likelier than others to develop lung cancer over the long term. Lung cancer remedies Treating lung cancer once it advances past its early stages is nearly impossible. In various stages, healthcare professionals can use the following treatment alternatives to address lung cancer in people: Surgery This is one of the most common treatment avenues to treat lung cancer. In this option, doctors surgically cut out the tumor, and several cells and tissue in the vicinity of the tumor are removed too. While this is an effective remedy for lung cancer, it does not eliminate the chance of a relapse. Patients can face the recurrence of cancer cells in the lungs or other body parts. Chemotherapy In chemotherapy, doctors use specific remedies and treatment combinations to treat early-stage lung cancer. They seek to inhibit the growth of cancerous cells in a person's lungs and eliminate existing cancerous cells. Radiation therapy Radiation therapy, also commonly known as radiotherapy, is a powerful and effective way to aggressively destroy cancer cells in a person's lungs. Powerful radiation pulses are used to destroy cancer cells and tissues. However, it is not ideal for every patient. Therefore, an intensive course of radiotherapy (called radical radiotherapy), is used against non-small-cell lung cancer if a person is not strong or healthy enough for a full-blown radiotherapy session. Targeted therapy Targeted therapy, also called precision therapy or personalized therapy, involves doctors identifying specific molecular targets that respond to this treatment. Upon identification, such targets are exposed to specific treatment options to thwart the growth of cancerous cells. Immunotherapy The procedure involves using the patient’s immunity to destroy lung cancer cells. In immunotherapy, doctors use specific treatment combinations to activate a person's immune system and responses and, by extension, destroy their lung cancer cells.

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