Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by increased blood pressure in the arteries that go from the heart to the lung. This condition causes the arteries to get narrowed or blocked. This can lead to serious complications, and it is important to understand more about it. The article lists out some symptoms and causes of PAH. Symptoms Of PAH The symptoms of PAH usually take a long time to show up. This is because the narrowing of the arteries happens slowly. The earliest symptoms of PAH may be confused for other conditions. This makes it difficult to diagnose PAH. Some of the initial symptoms of PAH are: 1. Shortness of breath The narrowing of arteries in the lungs can cause difficulty in breathing. Feeling shortness of breath while doing activities like climbing stairs is one of the earliest symptoms of PAH. If this happens to someone who’s physically active, it could definitely be a sign of PAH. In severe cases, shortness of breath can even occur when the patient is at rest. 2. Fatigue Extreme tiredness is one of the primary symptoms of PAH. This is often accompanied by dizziness. Severe oxygen shortage can even cause a person to faint.

All menopausal women don’t necessarily develop breast cancer. But the risk is high. As women age, their risk of developing the condition increases. This article discusses seven breast cancer symptoms to watch out for. 1. Nipple discharge Any type of nipple discharge isn’t normal, and it can indicate breast cancer. This is especially true in the case of menopausal women. If one notices that they have a bloody or even clear discharge, it is time to contact the doctor as such signs suggest breast cancer. Even a nipple discharge of another color could be a symptom. 2. Tenderness and pain Breast tenderness and pain might be normal in menopausal women. However, these can also be a sign of breast cancer. This occurs due to changes in hormone levels during menopause. If one experiences these symptoms during menopause, they should speak to a doctor as it can point to early breast cancer, especially if accompanied by a prickly feeling. 3. Lump in the breast or underarm Doctors usually tell menopausal women that their breasts may feel lumpier due to hormonal changes. However, if one notices that the lump in their breast or your underarm remains no matter what, it may be a cause of concern.

Anemia is a disease that causes red blood cell levels to deplete. The reduction in the red blood cells affects oxygen supply causing many problems. The article lists some of the symptoms of anemia to help you understand more about this condition. Before knowing about the symptoms of anemia, it is important to understand more about this condition. Anemia can lead to a decline in the number of red blood cells in the body. Since it is the red blood cells that carry oxygen, anemia can cause weakness. There are different types of anemia. Each of these types has different causes. Anemia can cause complications and needs to be treated. It can be usually treated through supplements or by undergoing certain procedures. Types and causes of anemia Listed below are some of the common types of anemia and their causes: Iron deficiency anemia: As the name suggests, this anemia is caused due to deficiency of iron in the body. Hemoglobin deficiency is common in women. Vitamin deficiency anemia: This form of anemia occurs due to deficiency in Vitamin B12 and folate. These nutrients are important in the production of red blood cells. Aplastic anemia: This is a serious form of anemia which can be caused by infections, autoimmune diseases, and it leads to an acute shortage of red blood cells.

Colon cancer begins in the large intestine wherein small, non-cancerous clumps of cells called polyps develop. These can eventually turn malign and develop into cancer. Most of the symptoms of colon cancer can be mistaken for those of other diseases, which its diagnosis difficult. Hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel diseases, and infection of the colon or the anus can all be signs of several conditions. However, there are certain signs to look out for. Here are the telltale signs of colon cancer to be aware of Rectal bleeding This is probably the most common warning sign of potential colon cancer. It’s important to observe your stools to know what’s happening. If you notice bloody stools or blood on the toilet paper, it’s a sign that something’s not right. Whether the blood in stools appears bright or dark, it’s a sign that you must consult with your doctor immediately. The bleeding will be more significant than that which is caused by hemorrhoids or an anal cut. Passing narrow stools Stools are generally of a definitive size and firmness, indicating a healthy body. However, a significant change in your stool caliber involves the passing of much thinner stools. It’s a clear indication of a tumor in the colon.

One needs to understand that treatment options for cervical cancer largely depend on the type of cancer and the stage at which it is in. For instance, radiation and surgery are best suited when cancer is at an early stage but for advanced cases, a combination of chemotherapy and radiation works better. However, you must discuss all treatment options with your doctor including their aims and possible side-effects. Different treatment options for cervical cancer Surgery This entails the removal of the cancerous tumor as well as some of the healthy tissues around it through an operation. The surgical procedure is typically performed by a gynecologist and oncologist. There are different kinds of procedures, depending on the stage of cancer. For small tumors, one can remove it entirely through a cone bioscopy. This ensures that the woman can become pregnant later on. There can also be a trachelectomy surgery for early stages of cervical cancer where the cervix and surrounding tissues are taken out. Since the uterus remains, the woman can conceive if she wants to. Hysterectomy is where the uterus and cervix are removed. This is done for treating early-stage cervical cancers. However, since the uterus is taken out here, the woman cannot become pregnant.

Leukemia is also called blood cancer as it affects the blood and blood-forming cells. The two basic types of leukemia are acute and chronic and are further classified depending on the type of blood cell affected. The four types are; acute lymphocytic leukemia/acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute myelocytic leukemia (AML), and chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML). The line of treatment for leukemia is chosen based on the type, extent, history, and type of affected cells. Doctors determine leukemia treatment options based on the patient’s age and overall health and its spread. Read on to know more about six treatments for leukemia. Chemotherapy This is the most common of the treatments for leukemia. In chemotherapy, a concoction of various cancer-killing drugs is given to the patient. Chemotherapy can be given orally as well as intravenously, depending on the drug and the patient. Targeted therapy This treatment selectively targets and eliminates cancerous cells. Biological therapy Biological therapy boosts the body’s immune system to attack cancer cells. This is usually achieved using biological response modifiers (BRMs). Radiation therapy Radiation therapy is the application of high energy radiation to specific areas in the body to destroy cancer cells. For leukemia, this could be areas where there is a higher concentration of the leukemic cells.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease of the central nervous system. A disease of the central nervous system in which the immune system attacks the protective layers around the nerve fibers is called multiple sclerosis. This results in inflammation and lesions due to which the brain finds it difficult to send the signals to the remaining body parts. As the first symptoms show of this disease till the disease is treated, the process is a continuous one in which care is needed. With modern treatment facilities, there is a reduction in the relapses in the patients. The treatment module can include the following techniques: Treatment of the specific symptoms of the disease Treatment of the relapses of the disease Treatment to lower the number of relapses of multiple sclerosis Treatment of multiple sclerosis can be done by the following methods. Medications and subcutaneous Subcutaneous means ‘below the skin’. Mostly, these medications are given in the form of injections. Treatments by this methodology include: Glatiramer acetate Also known as Copaxone, Glatiramer acetate functions as a modulator of the immune system. It is given subcutaneously on a daily basis or thrice a week until the treatment is done. Side effects tend to include shortness of breath, chest pain, flushing, or rashes.

Knowing the telltale symptoms of deep vein thrombosis will help you get treatment promptly and even save your life. DVT or deep vein thrombosis should not be taken lightly. It is a serious condition where a blood clot develops inside a vein located deep within your body. It usually forms in the lower leg or thigh, but it may also develop in other body parts. When a piece of this clot suddenly breaks away and starts to travel upward towards the lungs, it can get lodged here and cause serious complications. Why is it important to watch out for early warning signs of DVT? An individual may not show any pulmonary embolism symptoms; however, it can be life-threatening if it happens. The primary risk factors for clot-forming are lack of mobility, a genetic tendency towards clotting, or any injury to veins and surrounding tissues. According to the CDC or Center for Disease Control and Prevention, telltale symptoms of deep vein thrombosis appear in only about 50% of the people who get this. The most noticeable and common symptoms, if they appear, are as follows. Swelling Swelling in the ankle, foot, or leg, and usually on one side only, can be an early warning sign for DVT Chronic pains Severe and unexplained pain in the affected ankle or foot that is affected by DVT Pain in calf muscles Cramping pains in the affected legs usually beginning at the calf muscles Skin sensitivity A patch of skin that starts to feel warmer when touched as compared to the skin on the surrounding areas Skin discoloration Red and darkened skin around the affected and painful area Veins Swollen veins that are stiff and sore when touched can be a sign that you have deep vein thrombosis.

Nasal polyps are commonly found as painless, soft growths that develop in the inner linings of the nasal passage. The specific causes of nasal polyps are hard to pinpoint because not everyone will suffer from the same triggers. These polyps resemble hanging grapes or teardrops and are the result of chronic inflammation. They can be associated with recurring infections, allergies, asthma, immune disorders, and drug sensitivity. While the small-sized nasal polyps will not show any symptoms, the larger ones can even block the nasal passage and trigger breathing problems, frequent infections, and a possible loss of the sense of smell. You may be prescribed medicines that can shrink these polyps but, at times, people may have to undergo surgeries to eliminate these completely. Incidentally, even after successful surgery, the polyps can recur. Allergens Nasal polyps appear in the inflamed tissues of your nasal mucosa. The latter is a wet layer that protects the inside of our nose and sinuses and humidifies the air that we breathe in. When there is an irritation because of an allergy or infection, this nasal mucosa tends to become red and swollen. It starts to release fluid that oozes out. When the irritation continues for a long time, a polyp may form.

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a group of genetic disorders that lead to a loss of control over the movement of muscles, following the loss of nerve cells in the spinal cord and the brain stem. It predominantly occurs in infants and children, and rarely occurs in adults. The neurological condition causes the weakening and wasting of muscles, with symptoms occurring within the first six months of life. In nearly all cases, SMA is the result of inadequate production of the protein called survival motor neuron. These neurons transmit impulses from the spinal cord to the skeletal and smooth muscles for controlling all muscle movements. Types of spinal muscle atrophy There are generally four types of spinal muscular atrophy. Each stage is primarily marked by the age at which the symptoms start to occur. Here are the four key types of spinal muscular atrophy: 1. Type 1 SMA This type is popularly known as infantile onset SMA, and is the most common and severe of all SMA types. It’s a serious condition, wherein an infant experiences breathing problems that can be fatal within a year, if left untreated. Muscle weakness and twitching are the common symptoms, including a lack of ability to move the limbs.