9 early signs of sickle cell anemia

9 early signs of sickle cell anemia
Sickle cell anemia is an inherited health condition in which the red blood cells of an individual are crescent or sickle-shaped. These cells block blood flow to various body parts, depriving them of essential nutrients and oxygen. If not addressed, sickle cell anemia can cause damaged organs and nerves. To avoid this outcome, everyone should be aware of some common early warning signs of sickle cell anemia. They are: Yellowish hue on the skin People with sickle cell disease often develop jaundice, a condition in which their eyes and skin turn yellow. This happens because the sickle cells’ lifespans are shorter than normal red blood cells and die out faster than one’s liver can filter them out. The yellow color stems from the build-up of bilirubin, a yellowish compound that the dead cells build up inside the body, causing jaundice. The yellowing of a person’s eyes and skin are early red flags of sickle cell anemia. As this health condition is inherited, people who experience this symptom must visit a healthcare professional immediately, especially if someone in their lineage has the disease. Frequent infections Sickle cells tend to damage the spleen, an important organ for protection against specific germs and infections.

Leukemia – Silent Signs, Causes, and Management Options

Leukemia – Silent Signs, Causes, and Management Options
Leukemia is cancer that affects the blood cells and bone marrow. It is a condition that requires prompt medical attention. While some forms of leukemia can be cured, others may require lifelong treatment to manage symptoms and prolong survival. Some symptoms of leukemia are obvious, such as fatigue and frequent infections, but there are also silent signs that may go unnoticed. Here are some common symptoms, causes, and treatment options for leukemia. What is leukemia? Leukemia is a cancer of the blood cells that affects the bone marrow, the spongy tissue inside the bones that produces blood cells. Leukemia occurs when the bone marrow produces abnormal white blood cells, which are known as leukemia cells. These leukemia cells do not function properly and can crowd out healthy blood cells in the bone marrow. This can lead to various health problems, including anemia, infections, and bleeding disorders. There are four main types of leukemia: chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Silent signs of leukemia Bruising and bleeding Leukemia cells can interfere with the body’s ability to produce platelets responsible for clotting the blood. As a result, people with leukemia may experience bruising and bleeding, even from minor injuries.

10 uncommon signs of dehydration explained

10 uncommon signs of dehydration explained
Over 75% of the human body is made up of water. And every day, the body loses fluids that must be replenished by simply drinking water or fluids. Water is critical for maintaining electrolyte balance, promoting blood circulation, and even helping the body flush out toxins through urination. If the fluids are not replenished as and when required, it increases the risk of dehydration. Here are unusual signs of dehydration one must be aware of. Dark urine Water helps flush out toxins from the body, where the kidneys purify the blood and evacuate fluids via the bladder. Regular urine is usually pale yellow or a lighter shade in color. But if one notices a darker shade of urine, it is indicative that the body requires more water to enable this process. Similarly, the frequency of urination can also indicate severe dehydration. If the person is not passing urine at all, it is a worrying sign of dehydration that should not be ignored. Dryness of the skin Drinking water helps the skin remain more supple. However, reduced water intake can affect this elasticity causing the skin to become dry and extremely rippled. Doctors advise taking a pinch test to see if the skin bounces back into its original texture after a quick pinch.

7 signs of kidney disease made worse by excessive blood sugar

7 signs of kidney disease made worse by excessive blood sugar
Chronic kidney disease is a health condition in which the kidney’s functionality is severely compromised. In fact, the kidneys of people with this disorder get progressively worse in terms of health and functionality. Moreover, high blood sugar, known as hyperglycemia has long been associated with kidney disease. Essentially, high blood sugar, if not controlled, may eventually cause kidney failure. Here are some signs of kidney disease caused due to excessive sugar in one’s blood. Increased urges to urinate One of the earliest indicators of kidney disease is urgency incontinence or an increased need to pee often during a given day. A frequent urge to urinate is seen in people who have stage 4 chronic kidney disease (CKD). This is an advanced stage of the health condition, followed soon by kidney failure. A frequent urge to urinate is a symptom that is accompanied by back pain and swollen hands and feet in individuals with kidney disease. People with elevated blood glucose levels also experience this symptom. Individuals with diabetes may experience incontinence with regard to urination quite commonly in all stages of the disorder. As diabetes causes kidney issues, this is a sign that should prompt people experiencing it to visit a healthcare professional for a checkup to diagnose the condition.

Learning the symptoms and management of COPD

Learning the symptoms and management of COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also known as COPD, is a term used by healthcare professionals to refer to a group of lung conditions, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Over time, COPD can cause patients to experience breathing difficulties. While one cannot reverse the lung damage, patients can make certain lifestyle changes to manage the condition and its associated symptoms. Continue reading to learn more about the symptoms and treatment alternatives of COPD. Symptoms of COPD Generally, the symptoms of COPD do not make an appearance until the condition has progressed significantly, leading to extensive lung damage. Furthermore, the continuation of certain poor habits can make the condition worse over time. Here are some of the signs of COPD mentioned below. Tightness in the chest One of the most common symptoms of COPD, chest tightness, can manifest in different ways across patients. While for some it can be noticed in the form of breathing difficulties, for others it can feel like a weight on the chest. This can increase the risk of pain while breathing. Some of the main causes of the issue are damage to lung’s air sacs, airway obstruction, respiratory infections, and bronchospasms. Wheezing This symptom of COPD is often accompanied by tightness in the chest.

11 uncommon signs of blood cancer to watch out for

11 uncommon signs of blood cancer to watch out for
Blood cancer is a group of diseases that affect the production and function of blood cells in the body. The three primary types of blood cancer are leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. While many people are familiar with common symptoms of blood cancer, like frequent infections and unexplained loss of body mass, some uncommon signs can also be indicative of blood cancer. Let’s look at some signs that should prompt one to seek immediate medical help. What is blood cancer? There are three types of blood cells: red (RBCs), which carry oxygen to the body; white (WBCs), which fight off infections; and platelets, which help with blood clotting post injury. Any abnormal and excess production of these cells that affects their normal functioning is blood cancer. Leukemia often involves abnormal production of blood cells in the bone marrow, resulting in a low platelet count. Lymphoma affects the lymphatic system, which includes lymph nodes, spleen, and other lymphoid tissues. Multiple myeloma, on the other hand, affects a type of white blood cell called plasma, which is responsible for producing antibodies. Each cancer type is classified further based on several factors, including the part of the body where the cancer originates and the specific blood cells affected.

Our
Blog.

5 styling ideas for women over 60

5 styling ideas for women over 60

Age is a number when setting a true style statement. Regardless of anyone’s perception, just because you are reaching the 60s doesn’t imply to stop working on your appearance and renounce your desires to look fabulous. Fashion is not just merely about trends; it is about how you express yourself through clothes as the myths of age must not limit your expression. So, here are a few best styling ideas for women over 60: Embrace your age One of the most typical fashion mistakes people make is choosing outfits that are supposed to make them appear younger than their actual age. The problem with such a choice is that you are paradoxically accentuating your age when you try to look younger by wearing an outfit that will be more appropriate for youngsters. For example, if you don high heels, short skirts, or flashy fashions that might be more appropriate for a person half your age, you are indirectly making yourself appear “older.” Instead, you can opt for clothes that are specially tailored for women your age. Sporting “age-appropriate” dresses will conceal your age and make others appreciate your other features like glowing skin or your build. And consequently, you will appear much younger than your actual age.
Read More
5 tips to prevent and manage ulcerative colitis

5 tips to prevent and manage ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a long-term inflammatory disease that triggers inflammation and ulcers in the digestive system. It impacts the colon and rectum’s innermost lining. The symptoms are typically produced over a period rather than unexpectedly. According to the latest studies, about 1 million people have ulcerative colitis, and if left untreated, it can be crippling and cause life-threatening conditions. So, here are 5 tips to prevent and manage ulcerative colitis: Get on with the treatment plan immediately Even though there is no concrete cure for ulcerative colitis, proper treatment can help ease the symptoms and signs of the condition and eventually provide long-term remission. If a patient feels that their bowel habits are consistently changing or if they experience any of the following symptoms and signs, they should immediately consult a doctor: Blood in stool Ongoing diarrhea that is not getting cured by any other types of treatments An unknown fever going on for more than a day or two Abdominal pain Diarrhea that wakes up the patient from sleep The treatments prescribed by the doctor will typically include a combination of oral therapy or surgery. As far as oral treatments are concerned, the doctor may prescribe any of the following types of therapies, depending on the patient’s existing condition:
Read More