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Multiple Myeloma – Uncommon Signs and Key Facts

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that develops in the plasma cells. Healthy plasma helps the body fight infections by making antibodies, but for those affected with multiple myeloma, this plasma in the bone marrow is crowded out by cancerous cells. These cells produce abnormal proteins that can lead to complications. About 100,000 people in the country seem to be affected by this rare form of blood cancer.

Uncommon signs
The progress of multiple myeloma leads to the development of other conditions like amyloidosis, hypercalcemia, and anemia. This can lead to the following lesser-known multiple myeloma signs:

Amyloidosis: This causes a buildup of proteins in the body that can injure organs and interfere with their functioning. In addition to the common symptoms of myeloma, amyloidosis also includes p urple spots on the skin, s wollen tongue and other issues with swelling, n umbness or tingling sensation in the limbs, p ainful joints, d iarrhea, clay-colored stools, or other digestive problems.

Hypercalcemia: Damage to the bone structure from myeloma can lead to the release of excessive amounts of calcium in the blood, also known as hypercalcemia. This can exhibit signs like n ausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, c onstipation and other digestive issues, t witching of muscles, or restlessness.

Anemia: Overpopulation of cancerous cells in the bone marrow can crowd out other healthy blood stem cells that produce red blood cells, leading to anemia or a low red blood cell count. Symptoms of anemia include e asy bruising or bleeding, c ognitive issues, such as trouble thinking or getting easily confused, and a f eeling one’s limbs are weak or easily fatigued.

Kidney failure: Amyloidosis, hypercalcemia, and excess M-protein and antibodies released by growing plasma tumor cells can damage organs like the kidneys, nerves, heart, muscles, and the digestive tract. Multiple myeloma can lead to kidney failure and damaged peripheral nerves in the limbs. Signs of kidney failure are h igh blood pressure, f luid retention, s welling of the legs, feet, or ankles, h eadaches, i tching, m uscle cramps, and s tiffness of fluid in the joints.

Common signs
Initial signs of multiple myeloma may be mild manifestations or even undetectable. This precursor stage is known as smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) and needs to be monitored closely. The symptoms worsen with the growth of abnormal cancer cells in the body. These cells crowd out the healthy plasma cells affecting the bone structure and releasing antibodies, M-protein, and other proteins that thicken the blood. While multiple myeloma signs can differ for every person, common symptoms are:

Pain in the bones of the back or the ribs: Bone damage associated with MM usually occurs around the rib cage, spine, and pelvis. This increases the risk of spinal cord compression, which can lead to pain, numbness, and weakness in the body and needs to be treated immediately.
Bones that fracture easily
Fatigue and weakness
Shortness of breath
Dizziness
Frequent infections and fevers
Frequent need to urinate
Extreme thirst
Weakness or numbness in the legs
Mental fogginess or confusion
Loss of appetite
Constipation

Those experiencing one or more multiple myeloma signs must consult a doctor immediately. Trained professionals can help create personalized treatment plans based on the type, stage, and personal health history of each individual.

Risk factors
Factors that can increase a person’s likelihood of developing multiple myeloma are:

Age: The risk of multiple myeloma increases with age, with most diagnoses in the mid-60s age group.

Sex: Men are more likely to develop the disease than women.

Ethnicity: People of African descent are more likely to develop multiple myeloma than others.

Family history: People with an immediate family history of multiple myeloma are at an increased risk of developing the disease.

Personal history: Multiple myeloma often starts as monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). People with this condition are at a greater risk of developing the disease.

Complications
Apart from kidney failure and anemia, complications caused by multiple myeloma are:

Frequent infections: The growth of cancerous cells inhibits the body’s ability to fight infections.

Bone problems: Multiple myeloma can affect the bones, leading to bone pain, thinning bones, and broken bones.

Diagnosis
Multiple myeloma is diagnosed after a thorough clinical examination, an inspection of one’s detailed patient history, and various specialized tests. The most commonly used tests are:

Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy: This involves the removal and examination of a small sample of the bone marrow.

Blood Tests: These are meant to detect low levels of red and white blood cells in the body.

Imaging tests: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and positron emission tomography (PET) scans can help detect any characteristic changes in the bones.

Electrophoresis: This test uses electric currents to detect levels of M-protein in the blood or urine.

Treatment
Those with SMM may not require treatment right away. With the progress of the disease, the following standard treatment options may be recommended:

Targeted therapy: Targeted treatments focus on specific weaknesses within cancer cells to block abnormalities and kill these cells.

Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy interferes with the body’s immune system to fight cancer.

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses antidotes to kill fast-growing cancer cells. High doses of chemotherapy are used before a bone marrow transplant.

Bone marrow transplant: For those with advanced multiple myeloma, a bone marrow transplant may be recommended to replace diseased bone marrow with healthy bone marrow.

Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy involves the use of high-powered energy beams such as X-rays and protons to kill cancer cells. It may be used to shrink myeloma cells in a specific area.

Further, certain prescription treatment options can regulate the immune system to control inflammation in the body. In addition to traditional therapies, research is being conducted to come up with several new treatment options. One should consult a doctor to learn about access to these clinical trials.

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 cellâs 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 cellâs 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 bodyâs 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.

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 personâs 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, Parkinsonâs 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 patientâs 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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Invisible Braces – Benefits, Costs, and Top Brands

Braces are the go-to option most people choose for straightening teeth and jaws. This treatment provides aesthetic benefits, helps improve oral health, and relieves pressure from the joints. Traditionally, the base material used to be metal, but the latest developments in dental technology have given us a new option. This article gives you in-depth details about what makes invisible braces so popular, how much these products cost, and the best brands. What are invisible braces? Invisible braces, commonly known as clear aligners, are transparent dental trays that are used to correct your bite. These trays are usually worn for 20 to 22 hours a day. As the teeth shift, you have to make a new invisible tray every one or two weeks. Invisible braces are quite similar to retainers, but the former is used the slowly align your teeth while the latter keeps your teeth in place. Benefits The biggest benefit of invisible braces that’s quite evident at first sight is the fact that they are transparent. Factors like the lack of wires, bands, and brackets make these braces suitable for people of all ages, especially adults. Unlike the metal and ceramic counterparts, these braces can be removed at any time, which makes them easy to clean as well.

Overactive Bladder – Common Causes and Management Techniques

Those suffering from an overactive bladder experience an increased urge to urinate. Such an uncontrollable need significantly compromises one’s quality of life. Issues that arise from this condition may lead the patient to compromise or rearrange their daily routine around their diagnosis. One may even suffer from bladder-related symptoms due to complications from other diseases like diabetes. This article highlights the significant causes as well as management techniques of an overactive bladder in patients: Causes Overactive bladder can result from various reasons such as unhealthy lifestyle choices, age, and underlying health conditions. Here are some of the common causes that lead to the development of this urological condition: Poor pelvic muscle strength Pelvic muscles provide the lower abdomen with the necessary support. As a person ages, their muscles tend to lose strength. Weak muscles are, thus, a common causative factor that leads to the development of an overactive bladder. Factors like pregnancy and childbirth are also known to weaken the pelvic floor muscles. Nerve damage This cause of an overactive bladder is quite common as the nerves can sustain damage from conditions like multiple sclerosis and herniated discs. This damage affects the signal transfer among the brain and other body parts, including the bladder.

Top 9 Life Alert System Providers for Seniors

A medical alert system consists of life-saving devices that instantly connect the user with emergency help with the push of a button. Such equipment helps seniors live independently and offers peace of mind to their loved ones and caregivers. A good-quality life alert system for seniors has several useful medical features like fall detection, GPS tracking, and professional monitoring. In this article, we’ve listed the best medical alert systems for seniors out there today. Medical Guardian Founded in 2005, Medical Guardian is known for designing best-in-class life alert devices and systems. Depending on the lifestyle of a senior individual, they can choose between different types of On-The-Go and In-House systems. Almost every Medical Guardian life alert system for seniors features its state-of-the-art fall detection technology, along with other essential features like GPS location tracking, extra neck/wrist buttons, and water resistance. This company’s medical alert products have the longest battery life (up to 168 hours) and furthest signal range (up to 1300 feet) compared to any other product on the market. Medical Guardian also has a highly reliable monitoring center that operates 24/7. Bay Alarm Medical With over 70 years of experience in life alert devices, Bay Alarm Medical is one of the most trusted providers in the country.

Dental Implants – Its Types and Associated Costs

The ability of dentures or implants to mimic natural teeth is so impressive that it has changed millions of lives worldwide. These prosthetics are used when natural teeth have significant issues. With a little maintenance, they can be an efficient and long-lasting solution. So, if you are planning to get them yourself, the following article can help you know the factors to consider and the prices of dental implants and dentures. How do dental implants work? Before discussing dental implant prices, it is essential to understand how they work. Dental implants consist of three different pieces that serve distinct functions, as given below: Implant post Also known as the fixture, this small, cylindrical screw acts as an artificial root for the tooth. Abutment This piece connects the implant post and the crown. There are various types of abutments depending on the prosthetic type requiring support. Crown The final piece of the entire prosthetic, the crown rests on the top of the abutment. It can be made from porcelain, metal, resin, or ceramics. Porcelain or ceramic crowns look the most natural. Costs of dental implants Depending on one’s needs, there are four types of dental implants. Given below are average costs for the same:

Dental Procedures That Don’t Need Braces for Teeth Alignment

If your teeth alignment has always made you conscious of your smile, you need to address the issue. Crowded or crooked teeth and crossbites can majorly affect your facial profile and the way you chew your food. The insecurity and complications of a crossbite only grow with age. If you’re contemplating ways to align your teeth, and you want to achieve that without braces, you’ve come to the right place. This article discusses teeth alignment options that are possible without prominent braces. Invisalign It is one of the most popular ways of teeth alignment without braces. The treatment involves using a set of clear retainer trays made to fit the moving teeth. You will be given a set of new retainer trays every two weeks to make the desired changes. They can be removed when eating, but one needs to ensure they have them on for at least 22 hours in a day. The treatment tenure depends on the severity of the case and takes approximately around 12 to 24 months to align teeth. Advantages They are invisible, so you won’t have to avoid social gatherings or feel awkward They are removable, which makes cleaning the trays and teeth easy These can be removed when having a meal, which means fewer restrictions when eating Disadvantages Invisalign is a more expensive option The flexibility of removing trays can elongate the treatment if not worn for prescribed hours Some may develop a lisp or speak awkwardly with trays Inman Aligner This is another efficient way of teeth alignment without braces.

Signs and Remedies of Pulmonary Fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis is a severe lung disease that occurs when the lung tissue is damaged and scarred. The scarring leads to thickened, stiff tissues and makes it difficult for the lungs to work efficiently. Several factors may cause pulmonary fibrosis. However, doctors cannot assess what triggers the condition. While the damage to the lungs is irreversible, there are several remedies that can help. So here are the signs of pulmonary fibrosis and some remedies. The signs of pulmonary fibrosis Before getting into the remedies of the condition, let’s learn about the signs of pulmonary fibrosis. Doing so can ensure proper diagnoses and care at the earliest. The first sign of pulmonary fibrosis is getting out of breath. The symptom occurs when the person exerts themselves through physical exercise. When the condition progresses, the affected individual may find it hard to breathe even with little to no physical activity. Older people who experience shortness of breath often confuse the condition as a sign of aging, failing to diagnose the disease early. Other signs of pulmonary fibrosis include: A dry cough. The sudden loss of weight. Fatigue. Pain in the muscles and joints. Clubbing, a condition that results in the widening and rounding at the tips of the fingers or toes.

Multiple Myeloma – Uncommon Signs and Key Facts

Known Signs of Hemophilia and Anemia

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