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Multiple Myeloma Causes, Signs, and Treatments

Multiple Myeloma Causes, Signs, and Treatments

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. The risk is always higher with advancing age.

Ethnicity
The risk of this cancer is also high among people of African American descent when compared to Caucasians in the general population.

Gender
In addition to ethnicity, the risk is higher for men, although women can also develop severe symptoms if a diagnosis is confirmed.

Signs and symptoms

Common symptoms of cancer tend to overlap with signs of many known existing health complications. These are the telltale signs of myeloma.

Bone pain
Bone pain in the back or behind the rib cage could indicate a serious bone marrow issue or underlying cancer development. The bones also become brittle and lose structural integrity, increasing the risk of fractures with the slightest impact. A heightened risk of bruising and bleeding under the skin also exists as the plasma cells are affected by the progression of myeloma.

Fatigue
Cancer greatly affects the body’s immune system. Compromised immunity cannot ward off any external attacks, thus triggering fatigue, lightheadedness, confusion, or dizziness. Low immunity also increases the risk of fever caused by bacterial or viral infections that tend to affect daily routine. As the fatigue sets in, one might also experience weakness and numbness in the arms and legs, which, in turn, will affect stability and balance as the skeletal structures get weak.

Nausea, vomiting, and shortness of breath
Hypercalcemia, a condition where calcium levels in the body drop below the required range, is another complication associated with multiple myeloma. It can further trigger nausea and vomiting as cancer begins to affect major organs and functions. Breathing may also get affected due to underlying fatigue and compromised immunity.

Changes in appetite
As cancer spreads, unexplained weight loss, an increased urge for thirst, and frequent urination are signs that need immediate attention.

In any case, immediate attention from a professional is advisable if the symptoms persist or progress rapidly, affecting daily routine. Swift diagnosis can ensure early and necessary care to improve the long-term outlook.

Diagnostic tests for multiple myeloma
Doctors suggest a combination of imaging and blood tests to confirm the presence of cancer, identify the stage, and evaluate any aggression of cancer cells based on organs affected in the vicinity.

Imaging tests
For most types of cancer, doctors suggest a combination of imaging tests to identify the spread or progression of the condition. These include Computed Tomography (CT) scans, Magnetic Resource Imaging (MRI) scans, and X-Rays to confirm the presence of cancerous cells in commonly known areas. Markers like more than 10% plasma cells in the bone marrow are the benchmark for confirming the presence of myeloma. These markers are cross-checked with high blood calcium levels, kidney function, low red blood cell count, and tumors with holes in the bones.

Blood and urine tests
The doctor will also recommend a series of blood and urine tests to confirm any abnormalities in cell functions. Common tests include complete blood count, blood chemistry tests, urine panel tests, quantitative immunoglobins tests, electrophoresis tests, serum-free light chains, and beta-2 macroglobulin tests. Additionally, doctors will suggest a bone marrow biopsy where a sample tissue is extracted for analysis in the lab. The tissue will highlight the presence of plasma cells that triggered the myeloma. Alternatively, a fine needle aspiration biopsy or core needle biopsy is done to collect more samples. These are usually taken from the tumor, lymph node, or bone marrow to help narrow down the stage or progression of myeloma.

Treatment options
A combination of therapies is suggested based on persona preference, the overall health of the patient, and outlook for the cancer diagnosis.

Prescriptions
The first suggested course of prescriptions can include proteasome inhibitors, corticosteroids, immunomodulatory agents, monoclonal antibodies, and histone deacetylase inhibitors.

FDA-approved therapies
Radiation therapy is where high-energy lasers are used to destroy the myeloma cells. In chemotherapy, cancer-fighting solutions are administered intravenously directly to stop cancer from spreading. Alternatively, in immunotherapy, the body’s immune system is programmed to identify and eliminate the cancerous cells. In targeted therapy, however, the focus is on blocking abnormalities by identifying their weaknesses. For cases where the myeloma has relapsed, doctors suggest CAR-T cell therapy. In this treatment, doctors extract a specific type of white blood cell and reprogram it by altering the genetic code in the laboratory to fight cancer. These cells are reintroduced into the bloodstream intravenously for maximum effect.

Note that treatment will vary depending on the severity of these symptoms and expected outcomes. At any given point, doctors may consider switching up therapies after considering the stage and progression of the cancer.

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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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Understanding Sleep Apnea, Its Causes, and Management

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. Anatomical characters Anatomical features like the size and positioning of a person’s tongue, jaw, tonsils, neck, and tissues surrounding the back of the throat can affect the airflow. People with enlarged adenoids and tonsils or thick necks may have narrow airways. It can make breathing difficult by blocking the airway. All of these might result in the development of obstructive sleep apnea. High body mass High body mass is one of the leading factors that can lead to the development of sleep apnea. The excessive fat deposition around the upper airway of the respiratory system presses on the muscles exerting pressure on the airway. The pressure might make it difficult to breathe normally. There have been studies that have shown an increased risk of sleep apnea caused due to rise in body mass. Sedatives Sedatives and certain other treatment options help relax the airway muscles and the throat tissue. However, this also increases the chance of developing obstructive or central sleep apnea. Genetics Family history is an important contributing factor here. A person with a family history of sleep apnea is at a higher risk of developing the condition than others. Nasal blockage Congestion makes it difficult to breathe comfortably. Nasal and airway blockage can further reduce the ability to breathe properly and be a cause of obstructive sleep apnea. Sleeping on the back Sleeping on the back causes the airway tissues to collapse and may cause blockages. This can cause restlessness, snoring, as well as obstructive sleep apnea. Health conditions Some medical conditions like type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, congestive heart failure, and high blood pressure can increase your risk of developing sleep apnea. Hormonal conditions Imbalanced thyroid or excessive presence of growth hormone may lead to an increased risk of one being susceptible to developing obstructive sleep apnea. It is because the hormones cause swelling of tissues around the airways and make breathing difficult. Signs and symptoms Some common signs and symptoms of sleep apnea include frequent and loud snoring, reduced breathing, and gasping for air while sleeping. Improper and restless sleep can result in symptoms like impaired motor skills, sleepiness, decreased attention, and daytime fatigue. Daytime fatigue Increased daytime fatigue is a common sign of sleep apnea in most cases. A person with sleep apnea might not even be aware that their fatigue might result from sleep apnea. This is a cause of concern as the quality of sleep of the patient is compromised and can also be accompanied by low energy levels, irritability, and drowsiness. Loud snoring Loud snoring is one of the primary and commonly occurring signs of sleep apnea. This is because the back of the tongue is resting over the soft palate of the throat resulting in the blockage of the airway. This blocked airway can cause loud noises when the person is breathing. The snoring is enhanced when the patient sleeps on their back, and the airway tissue collapses. Hypertension The blockage of the airways can cause a lack of oxygen in the body. Since the lung lacks proper oxygen supply, it is also insufficient in the blood. The drop in oxygen levels in the body can cause cardiovascular diseases. One of the problems with decreased oxygen supply is high blood pressure. Reduced air and oxygen supply can also cause the patient to abruptly awaken during the night because of gasping or choking. Night sweats A prevalent symptom of sleep apnea, generally seen in children, is sweating at night. Research suggests sleep apnea could result in increased cortisol levels or other stress hormones in the body. The body produces excessive cortisol to be able to breathe normally. This rise in cortisol can cause night sweats. Treatment Sleep apnea treatment is primarily aimed at keeping the airway open and maintaining proper airflow. However, the type of treatment the doctor recommends highly depends on the severity of the patient’s condition. Some common options for treatment include: Breathing devices A preferred type of treatment involves the use of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure or CPAP devices. It is commonly used for sleep apnea treatment. The device comes with a mouth mask that covers the mouth and the nose that supplies oxygen to the patient. The mask is connected to the motor by way of a tube that blows air into the mask preventing abnormal or obstructed breathing. Implants Patients that have chronic sleep apnea are suggested to have an implant. The treatment involves a minor surgical procedure that lets doctors place an implant device in the body. The device is approved by the FDA and can help regularize breathing. It can detect abnormalities in breathing patterns and stimulate the airways when the patient is sleeping. Nerve stimulators are also a viable option to treat sleep apnea. The simulator is installed in the hypoglossal nerve that helps control tongue movement.

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Top 7 Healthy Energy Bars

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