5 Major Warning Signs of Lupus
Health

5 Major Warning Signs of Lupus

Lupus is a complex autoimmune disease that can be challenging to diagnose due to its wide range of symptoms. However, recognizing the warning signs early on can lead to better management and improved quality of life. Treatment medications such as lupkynis, voclosporin, and Benlysta have shown promise in managing lupus symptoms and slowing disease progression. In this article, we’ll explore the major warning signs of lupus and discuss some effective treatment options. 1. Persistent fatigue One of the most common symptoms of lupus is persistent fatigue. This isn’t just feeling a bit tired after a long day; it’s a debilitating exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest. Patients often describe it as feeling drained or lacking energy for everyday tasks. Fatigue can significantly impact one’s quality of life, making it difficult to work or engage in social activities. It’s crucial to discuss this symptom with a healthcare provider, as it can be managed with lifestyle changes and medications. 2. Joint pain and swelling Lupus often causes joint pain and swelling, which can be mistaken for arthritis. This pain can be felt in the hands, wrists, and knees, and it may come and go or be persistent. The inflammation in the joints can lead to stiffness, making movement painful and challenging.
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Lung Cancer Symptoms That Are Often Overlooked
Health

Lung Cancer Symptoms That Are Often Overlooked

Lung cancer, a leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, often goes unnoticed in its early stages. This is largely due to the fact that many of its symptoms are easily overlooked or mistaken for less serious conditions. In recent years, advancements in treatment medications such as Zepzelca, tecentriq, opdivo, yervoy, atezolizumab, and Nivolumab have shown promising results in the fight against this deadly disease. However, early detection remains crucial for successful treatment. Let’s explore some of the most commonly overlooked symptoms of lung cancer and how they can be treated. 1. Persistent cough A cough that doesn’t go away or worsens over time can be a sign of lung cancer. This is often mistaken for a common cold or allergies. If you’ve had a persistent cough for more than two weeks, especially if it’s accompanied by blood or a change in mucus, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional. 2. Shortness of breath Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath is another symptom that is often overlooked. This can be due to a tumor blocking the airway or fluid build-up in the chest caused by lung cancer. If you find yourself frequently short of breath, especially during activities that didn’t previously cause you to struggle for breath, it’s worth getting checked out.
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6 Foods to Avoid With Medical Treatments and Medications
Health

6 Foods to Avoid With Medical Treatments and Medications

Certain foods can interact negatively with medications and medical treatments, potentially causing adverse effects or reducing their effectiveness. It’s essential to be aware of these interactions to ensure you’re not unwittingly sabotaging your health. Here are six foods that can cause adverse reactions when mixed with certain medications and medical treatments: 1. Cured meats Cured meats like ham, bacon, and salami contain high levels of nitrates, which can interact with medications used to treat angina and other heart conditions. These interactions can lead to dangerously low blood pressure levels and other adverse effects. 2. Leafy green vegetables If you’re taking blood-thinning medications like warfarin, eating too many vitamin K-rich foods can interfere with their effectiveness. Leafy green vegetables like kale, spinach, and broccoli should be consumed in moderation to avoid potentially dangerous blood clotting. 3. Grapefruit Grapefruit contains compounds that can interfere with the metabolism of certain medications, leading to higher-than-intended levels of the drug in your bloodstream. This can be particularly dangerous with statins, which are commonly used to lower cholesterol levels. 4. Alcohol Alcohol can interact negatively with a wide range of medications, including painkillers, antibiotics, and antidepressants. It can increase the risk of side effects, reduce the effectiveness of the medication, and even lead to dangerous interactions that can damage your health.
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5 Common Causes of Narcolepsy
Health

5 Common Causes of Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, and it often includes symptoms such as sudden episodes of muscle weakness, also known as Cataplexy, sleep paralysis, and hallucinations. Health professionals will recommend treatments such as Wakix, Lumryz, and Sunosi that they have listed as treatment medications. While the exact causes of narcolepsy are not fully understood, there are several factors and potential causes associated with the development of narcolepsy: 1. Autoimmune factors One of the leading theories is that narcolepsy may be an autoimmune disorder. In many cases, individuals with narcolepsy have lower levels of hypocretin (orexin), a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in regulating wakefulness. It is believed that the immune system may mistakenly attack and destroy the cells that produce hypocretin. 2. Genetic predisposition Narcolepsy can run in families, suggesting a genetic component. Specific genes, such as the HLA-DQB1*06:02 allele, are associated with an increased risk of developing narcolepsy. However, not everyone with these genes will develop the condition. 3. Environmental triggers Some environmental factors, such as infections (particularly streptococcal infections) and exposure to certain toxins, may trigger or contribute to the development of narcolepsy. Infections can lead to an autoimmune response that affects hypocretin-producing cells.
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Early Warning Signs of Multiple Myeloma and Medication Treatments
Health

Early Warning Signs of Multiple Myeloma and Medication Treatments

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that forms in the plasma cells. Plasma cells are cells that are found in the bone marrow and are an important part of a person’s immune system. While there is no cure for cancer, there are treatments those with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma can try. These include carfilzomib, Kyprolis, SARCLISA, and Ninalaro. Other than medications it’s recommended that patients lead a healthy life with a good diet and lots of rest and exercise. Here are some warning signs of multiple myeloma that you should look out for: 1. Extreme thirst One of the warning signs of multiple myeloma is hypercalcemia, which develops when there is a high level of calcium in the blood. Hypercalcemia forms when the bones release too much calcium into the bloodstream due to multiple myeloma. Hypercalcemia can cause a patient to become extremely thirsty and cause more frequent urination. 2. Bone pain Bone pain caused by multiple myeloma is usually focused on the back, ribs or hips of the patient. The pain tends to be a persistent dull ache, which can be made worse when moving. Bone pain is caused when myeloma cells grow in the bone marrow and cortical bone, causing local bone damage or generalized thinning of the bone (osteoporosis) which leads to pain and discomfort.
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Top 5 Traditional Hot Spots for Respiratory Illnesses
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Top 5 Traditional Hot Spots for Respiratory Illnesses

Respiratory illnesses can be incredibly frustrating, painful, and difficult to deal with. From asthma to pneumonia, there are many different kinds of respiratory illnesses that can be caused by germs lurking in the surrounding environment. Thankfully, there are ways to treat and manage respiratory illnesses such as throat lozenges, inhalers, allergy medication, and more. Home remedies, such as getting rest and drinking lots of fluids, can even help treat respiratory troubles such as infections. However, there are also flu vaccines as prevention options such as Fluzone and Flublock, provided by companies like Moderna. Aside from all of these treatment and prevention options, it’s important to know about some of the top traditional hot spots for respiratory illnesses in order to take proper precaution. Keep reading to learn more: 1. Regions heavy with tobacco In areas with high tobacco rates—such as parts of Southeast Asia—respiratory illnesses are more common. The higher smoking rates cause higher rates of respiratory illnesses related to smoking. These include chronic bronchitis, emphysema, lung cancer, and likewise. 2. Polluted areas Higher levels of polluted air in Urban areas can result in increased respiratory issues. Two examples of this are chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. But why?
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10 Things You Need to Know About STIs/STDs
Health

10 Things You Need to Know About STIs/STDs

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are more common than you might think. In the United States alone, there are about 20 million new cases of STDs each year. With treatment medications like Valtrex, Valacyclovir, and Acyclovir, treating herpes and other STDs has become more manageable. Furthermore, advancements in medical technology have made std testing more accessible, with std testing at home becoming an increasingly popular option. Here are 10 things you need to know about STIs/STDs. 1. Understanding the difference between STIs and STDs While the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a slight difference between STIs and STDs. An STI refers to an infection that hasn’t yet caused symptoms or disease, while an STD refers to an infection that has led to disease. Essentially, all STDs start as STIs. 2. Common types of STIs/STDs The most common types of STIs include human papillomavirus (HPV), chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, and HIV/AIDS. Each of these infections has different symptoms and requires different treatment methods. 3. The importance of regular testing Regular STD testing is crucial in maintaining your sexual health. Many STIs/STDs can be asymptomatic, meaning they show no symptoms. Regular testing ensures that any infections are caught early and treated promptly.
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7 Foods To Skip For Smooth Sailing
Health

7 Foods To Skip For Smooth Sailing

Cruises can be whatever you want them to be—whether that’s relaxing, luxurious, adventurous, enriching, and so on. However, the last thing you want to be on a cruise is sick, which is why it’s so important to ensure you’re careful about what you eat while you’re afloat. So, whether you’ve done a Turks and Caicos Beaches booking or are setting sail with Silversea Cruises, Princess Cruises, or Mississippi Cruise, ensure your health and safety come first by being aware of what to avoid on the buffet tables. Here are 7 foods to skip for smooth sailing: 1. Cold desserts and treats The dessert section may beckon with sweet temptations, but exercise caution with items requiring refrigeration. Cakes, mousses, and other chilled treats could pose health risks if not kept at the correct temperature. When in doubt, opt for freshly prepared desserts or those with minimal perishable ingredients, ensuring a delightful end to your dining experience. 2. Raw sushi or raw seafood While the allure of sushi bars may captivate your taste buds, exercising caution with raw sushi on cruise buffets is paramount. The challenge lies in maintaining the necessary temperature of 40 degrees or colder for raw foods, and buffet settings make this a challenge.
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7 Causes of AFib to Know
Health

7 Causes of AFib to Know

Atrial fibrillation (or AFib) is an arrhythmia that arises when the heart’s upper chambers fail to contract in tandem. The left and right atria often contract unevenly, causing rapid-onset episodes. A “fluttering feeling” in your chest and shortness of breath are some signs of AFib. The symptoms may increase or decrease over time as your body’s natural rhythm fluctuates. Here are seven known causes of AFib: 1. Heart attack A heart attack can be the beginning of AFib. After its occurrence, scar tissue forms in the heart muscle. Sometimes this scar tissue can lead to the formation of an electrical circuit that mimics normal atrial impulses and sets up a fluttering in the upper chambers of your heart. 2. Uncontrolled high blood pressure High blood pressure (HBP) is a prevalent cause of AFib. It occurs when the pressure in the artery that carries blood to the heart rises. It makes it harder for the heart muscle to beat steadily and rhythmically. High blood pressure is usually caused by excess salt in your diet, too much fat, aging, smoking, stress and genetics. 3. Sleep apnea Sleep apnea is a condition that stops your airways from opening and closing correctly during slumber.
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5 Symptoms of Huntington’s Disease
Health

5 Symptoms of Huntington’s Disease

Symptoms of Huntington’s disease typically begin between 30 and 50 years old, however they can start much earlier or much later in other cases. Austedo, Deutetrabenazine, and Ingrezza as treatment medications can all be prescribed to alleviate some of these symptoms. If you or your loved one has Huntington’s, there are a bunch of symptoms you may notice. Keep reading to learn more about 5 of these identifiable symptoms: 1. Chorea Experiencing writhing or jerking movements that are involuntary could be a sign that you or your loved one has Huntington’s. Chorea is a major symptom of Huntington’s due to the disease attacking areas of the brain that work to control voluntary movement. 2. Gait abnormality Those with Huntington’s may experience gait abnormality—also known as irregularities in walking—as well as an impaired balance and posture. Individuals may notice a higher level of clumsiness and stumbling. While being clumsy and stumbling is typical of all of us from time to time, these things in excess can be an indication of Huntington’s. Thus, it might be worth getting evaluated by a medical professional if you or your loved one is experiencing gait abnormality. 3. Difficulties with speaking, breathing, and swallowing Individuals with Huntington’s might find that they face challenges when it comes to speaking, breathing, and swallowing.
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