Cancer of the plasma cells Multiple myeloma or plasma cell myeloma is the official name of cancer of the plasma cells. The white blood cells usually produce a normal number of antibodies. There are no symptoms of this condition, but if it reaches an advanced stage it leads to pain in the bones, bleeding, anemia, infections, and amyloidosis. Those suffering from this disease usually face a relapse of multiple myeloma after complete remission. Causes for multiple myeloma are also unknown but many factors contribute to it. These factors include family history, obesity, drinking, exposure to radiation, and chemicals. The main reason being abnormal plasma cells producing an irregular and uncharacteristic numbers of antibodies, causing thickness in the blood and kidney problems. This can form mass/masses in the bone marrow [the soft tissue]. The presence of more than one mass is called multiple myeloma. Multiple myeloma can be diagnosed through blood and urine tests that look for abnormal numbers of antibodies, conducting bone marrow biopsy, medical imaging to look for bone lesions, and high levels of blood calcium. Multiple myeloma can be treated but is not entirely curable and has the chance of being relapsed. Remission is possible only with steroids, thalidomide, chemotherapy, stem cell transplantation, lenalidomide, etc.

Best treatment options to get rid of psoriatic arthritis Psoriatic arthritis is a special case of arthritis. The undesired condition affects people already suffering from a condition that causes red patches of skin with silvery scales above them, known as psoriasis. In most cases, patients develop psoriasis followed by the symptoms of arthritis. However, in some cases, joint issues might appear before the skin lesions. Psoriatic arthritis can range from relatively mild to severe in terms of intensity. It can affect any part, ranging from the fingertips to the spine, of the human body. Unfortunately, there is no specific cure available for the condition but different types of psoriatic arthritis treatment do exist. These psoriatic arthritis treatments are used to control symptoms and lessen the damage caused by the condition. In psoriatic arthritis, the disease flares might alternate with periods of remission. In the absence of an apt psoriatic arthritis treatment, the condition might result in disabling the person suffering from it. Hence, the treatment of psoriatic arthritis is essential. Best psoriatic arthritis treatment For psoriatic arthritis treatment, various medications, as well as injections and surgical procedures, are used. Choosing a particular treatment for psoriatic arthritis depends on the severity of the condition.

Popular treatment options for osteoporosis The weakening of bones and increased chances of bone fracture are the major characteristics of osteoporosis. Bones become unusually porous and compressible like a sponge. This weakens the structure of the skeleton leading to easy fragmentation of bones. People think that only older women are affected by osteoporosis, but it affects both the genders. The bone density starts reducing after the age of 35 to 40 years, and the decline is faster in women after menopause. Prime factors behind osteoporosis include genetics, the absence of certain hormones like estrogens in women and androgen in men, lack of exercise, lack of calcium and vitamins, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, history of rheumatoid arthritis, low body weight, and family history of osteoporosis. Diagnosis is mainly done by X-rays and confirmed by bone density tests. In the early stages of the disease, there might be a slight pain in the bones or muscles, specifically low back pain or pain in the neck. As the disease progresses, the pain starts suddenly for no apparent reason and does not extend to other areas. The pain might become more severe if more pressure is put on these areas. Best osteoporosis treatment is aimed at reducing the loss of minerals, enhancing the bone density, keeping in check the pain caused by the disease, and thwarting frequent fractures of bone.

  Symptoms and Treatment for Pneumonia   Pneumonia is an infection caused by bacteria, fungi, virus or mycoplasma. One or both the lungs get infected when someone is affected by Pneumonia. Adults suffer from bacterial Pneumonia other than any other type of Pneumonia. Pneumonia symptoms affects the lungs as they get inflamed in the air sacs which are called alveoli. The air sacs get filled with fluid or pus which makes it difficult to breathe. Early Pneumonia symptoms range from coughing, fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, sweating, feeling chilled etc. Everyone may not go through all the symptoms. The symptoms can vary from person to person based on the age, the kind of infection etc. Viral Pneumonia is caused by respiratory viruses. Viral pneumonia usually affects young children and older people. Viral pneumonia is less serious than Pneumonia caused by bacteria, virus or mycoplasma. The Pneumonia symptoms caused by the virus are similar to may start with flu-like symptoms which start with wheezing. After 12 to 36 hours, the person may suffer from high fever. Bacterial Pneumonia is caused by bacteria called Streptococcus pneumonia. Chlamydophila pneumonia and Legionella Pneumophila are two other kinds of bacteria which can cause pneumonia. The symptoms of pneumonia caused by bacteria can cause the high fever which can go up to 105°F.

How pneumonia can be prevented and treated What is pneumonia? Pneumonia is an inflammation of the alveoli or the air sacs in one or both the lungs. The alveoli or the air sacs get filled with fluid which leads to breathing difficulties. Pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, or virus or fungi, although bacterial pneumonia is the most common type. Depending on factors such as your physical health and immunity, pneumonia can range from severe mildly to life threatening. High-risk patients such as infants, young children, people above the age of 65 years or people with weakened immunity are susceptible to severe infections of pneumonia. People who smoke or have underlying medical conditions such as diabetes or heart ailments are more prone to pneumonia. The Pneumonia – treatment, is accordingly determined by the cause as well as the associated factors listed above. According to the CDC, it is the leading infectious cause of death in children younger than five years old worldwide. Symptoms of pneumonia Broadly the symptoms of any pneumonia infection resemble flu or cold but last longer and are difficult to treat. They include: A cough (that doesn’t respond to usual cough treatments and lasts longer) Phlegm or mucus discharge Chest pain and shortness of breath Fatigue Fever and chills Nausea/Vomiting Causes and types of pneumonia According to the CDC, viral pneumonia is commonly caused by influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) while bacterial pneumonia is usually caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus).

Causes, symptoms, and treatment of neuropathy pain Neuropathic pain is often a burning and shooting pain related to the nerves. Its causative factor is nerve damage or a malfunctioning nervous system. The affected nerves do not carry the impulses resulting in numbness. The pain follows an up and down cycle, with a change in intensity. Neuropathic pain is also caused due to peripheral nerve problems, such as spinal stenosis or diabetic neuropathy. Spinal and brain injuries can also lead to chronic neuropathic pain. Symptoms A combination of various symptoms is what helps doctors to find the origin of the pain. Based on an assessment of neuropathy pain, treatment options are weighed. There are only a few objective signs that patients exhibit. An analysis of the extent of pain and its nature, as described by the patient is what helps the doctor identify the condition. The pain can turn out to be sharp, tingling, burning, stinging, hot, cold, itchy, deep or sensitive. Some experience pain when the affected area is touched or pressure is applied. Tools such as visual scale and numeric graph help to understand the severity of the pain to help with diagnosis and neuropathy pain treatment. Description of pain, underlying health conditions, and a physical examination will help to arrive at the correct diagnosis.

Effective treatments for Non-Hodgkin lymphoma Non-Hodgkin lymphoma staging allows doctors and cancer researchers to approximate the extent of dispersal of the disease. The contemporary staging system for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) is identified using the Lugano classification in adults. It is based on the older Ann Arbor system. Various stages of the incurable disease are defined by means of Roman numerals from I to IV. While the lymph system is denoted by an extra (E), lymphomas belonging to stage I or stage II (collectively known as the limited stage) affect an organ outside, known as the Extranodal organ. Stage I Stage I of non-Hodgkin lymphoma is identified by one of the two conditions: Lymphoma is a single lymph node area or a lymphoid organ, such as the tonsils (I). Lymphoma is spotted only in one area of a single organ, outside the lymph system (IE). Stage II For stage II, there are two separate conditions: Lymphoma is in 2 or more lymph node groups on the same side, either above or below, of the think band of muscle that separates abdomen or chest, known as the diaphragm. Lymphoma is in a specific group of lymph node(s) in addition to being in one area of a nearby organ (IIE).

What you should know about multiple sclerosis brain lesions Multiple sclerosis brain lesions are the spots created in the brain due to an immunological attack, which makes the tissues surrounding the brain abnormal, thereby affecting its functioning. It happens when the immune system of the body mistakenly attacks the protein myelin (the one protecting nerve endings from damage). The immune system starts deteriorating the nervous system, resulting in the occurrence of such lesions. Multiple sclerosis brain lesions are caused when many such spots are created in the brain not simultaneously but after a considerable period of time has elapsed. They may or may not be life-threatening depending on the severity of the situation. The multiple sclerosis brain lesions are usually called scars or plaques. These can occur and pop in different areas of the brain. The multiple sclerosis brain lesions usually occur on the optic nerves, spinal cords, and on the brain stem or the cerebellum. What are the possible causes of multiple sclerosis brain lesions? Multiple sclerosis brain lesions are mainly caused by the attack of the immune system on the central nervous system which damages the nerves in the brain. However, in some cases, they can be caused due to deep trauma.

All about multiple sclerosis Multiple sclerosis, is an autoimmune disease. The immune system in humans is designed to protect the body from the ill effects of foreign invaders like viruses, bacteria, fungi, and pollens that can cause harm to the body. For some unknown and not fully understood reasons, the immune system becomes hyperactive and attacks one system or the other of the human body. Depending on the system affected, there are different names for the condition. However, all autoimmune diseases have the common trait of periodic flare ups alternating between periods of relative quiets or remittance. There is considerable variation in the symptoms multiple sclerosis and their intensity and is almost specific to each of the patients. Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder with a faulty immune system where the nerves of the central nervous system, the brain and spinal cord are potentially disabled. The protective sheath of the nerves, called as the myelin layer, is attacked and destroyed. This causes problems in the communication between the brain and the rest of the body. As the disease progresses the nerves themselves deteriorate or permanently damaged The symptoms of multiple sclerosis, as is with autoimmune diseases, vary considerably in patients.

Common symptoms and treatment of nail and toe fungus   Nail fungus affects many people and this condition is commonly seen in men than in women. Nail fungus starts at the tip of the fingernail or toenail as a white or yellow spot. Nail fungus causes the nail to discolor, thicken, and crumble at the edge when the infection becomes severe. Normally there are no nail fungus-treatments if the infection is mild and does not cause any pain. If the nail fungus becomes painful and thick, then medications may be necessary to cure the infection. The problem with nail fungus infection is that it can come back again even after it is cured completely. Symptoms of nail fungus are one or more than nails become thickened and the color of the nails change to yellow-brown. The nails become brittle; they become distorted. The infected nails can have a foul smell as the debris can get accumulated under the nails. Fungal nail infections and toenail infections are caused by various fungal organisms. Yeast and molds can also cause nail and toe infections. Fungal nail infection is more common in older people than adults or children. Toenail fungal infection can also be caused by athlete’s foot and the infection can also spread to other nails.

Everything to know about meningitis You may have heard of this disorder, and you might have a vague idea of how deadly it can be. Meningitis is one of the deadliest inflammation disorders to exist, because it can be quick in its progress, and if left untreated can wreak havoc. If not fatal, meningitis can leave the patients with severe side effects in the way that their brain functions. It’s so quick in its effect, that patients barely survive a day, let alone a few days. So what is it about this disorder that makes it so deadly? And what are meningitis symptoms anyway? Meningitis: what it is and what it isn’t Meningitis refers to the swelling and inflammation of the membranes and protective tissue around the brain and spinal cord. These membranes are known as Meninges. While it is most often caused by an infection, any number of triggers may set off its progress. Any physical injury, certain types of cancers, and even drugs may cause meningitis. For obvious reasons, meningitis is much worse in babies since they are unable to report any of the numerous symptoms. The most common and visible of all meningitis symptoms is the skin rash.