An overview of the treatment options for breast cancer
Health

An overview of the treatment options for breast cancer

Breast cancer is an uncontrollable and abnormal growth of mutated cells that develop in the breast and hinder the growth of healthy cells. The symptoms include changes in the skin on the breasts and lumps in the breasts or armpits. This cancer is mostly genetic but can also be acquired due to lifestyle choices. Treatments for breast cancer There are quite a few treatment options for breast cancer, and they depend on factors like the following: The subtype of the tumor The stage of the cancer The age and lifestyle of the patient The presence of known mutations Types of breast cancer treatments Surgery : Surgery is the process of removing the cancerous tumor by cutting it out surgically. The types of surgery for breast cancer are lumpectomy and mastectomy: Lumpectomy : This type of treatment is generally recommended when the tumor is quite small. It involves the removal of the tumor and a small margin of the healthy tissue surrounding it. At the end of the surgery, the affected breast looks as similar as possible to how it looked before. Mastectomy: This surgical procedure involves the removal of the whole breast. This can ensure the removal of the entire tumor and the potential infection of the surrounding cells.
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All you need to know about the types of ulcers
Health

All you need to know about the types of ulcers

Ulcers are recurring painful sores that heal very slowly. They interfere with the normal functioning of the organ in which they occur. They’re quite common and occur in many parts of one’s body. There are many ulcer types. The most common ones are: Peptic ulcer Arterial ulcer Venous ulcer Mouth ulcer Genital ulcer Peptic ulcer These ulcers develop on the inner lining of the stomach, esophagus or the upper part of the small intestine. They generally occur when the digestive juices get in contact with the walls of the stomach and damage it. They are mainly caused by the inflammation that occurs due to the long term use of strong medications and due to infections caused by Helicobacter pylori bacteria. Types of peptic ulcer Gastric ulcers (stomach wall) Esophageal ulcers Duodenal ulcers (small intestine) Symptoms Nausea Chest pain Vomiting Bloated feeling Weight loss Heartburn Treatment for peptic ulcer Treatment for ulcers caused by H. pylori infection can be done by antibiotics to kill the bacteria. For the ulcers formed by prolonged use of drugs and medications, another medication is prescribed to coat the walls of the stomach to avoid acid damage. Arterial ulcers This is one of the types of ulcers that is characterized by open sores that occur on one’s ankles, feet, and heels.
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A guide to the differences between Parkinson’s dyskinesia and tremors
Health

A guide to the differences between Parkinson’s dyskinesia and tremors

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder of the central nervous system that affects body movements. It can lead to symptoms like tremors, impaired posture and balance, and changes in speech, among others. It is vital to get timely treatment to slow down the progression of this disease. But the treatment can lead to certain side-effects like dyskinesia. People often confuse Parkinson’s dyskinesia with tremors. Read on to know more about these signs and the differences between them. What is Parkinson’s dyskinesia? Parkinson’s dyskinesia is a medical condition characterized by involuntary movements. It is a side effect of treating Parkinson’s disease with levodopa (a medication used for treating Parkinson’s disease). Dyskinesia can affect any part of the body. It can either involve the entire body or just one body part like the arm or the leg. It leads to sudden body movements like wriggling, jerking, swaying, or rotating or bobbing the head uncontrollably. Dyskinesia mostly occurs when other symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, like tremors, stiffness, and slow action of nerves, are under control. Severe stress or excitement can also bring out the symptoms of dyskinesia in a patient. Generally, this condition is not noticeable in the start, but if it gets severe or persists over time, it can get in the way of the day-to-day life of an individual.
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Natural Treatments For Acid Reflux and Bowel Disease
Health

Natural Treatments For Acid Reflux and Bowel Disease

There are various natural treatments for acid reflux, as well as more traditional treatments for bowel disease that can help reduce flare ups and symptoms. If symptoms of acid reflux persist, you may be experiencing a more serious underlying health condition, like bowel disease. So it’s important to talk to your doctor to avoid complications and get relief. What is acid reflux? Acidity is one of the problems most people face. Excess acid can cause heartburn and, in most cases, can result in the acid getting pushed up into the esophagus. This is known as acid reflux or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). It can cause irritation, and repeated instances of this can damage the esophagus. The common treatment for acid reflux is antacids, which block acid production. However, prolonged use of these medications can cause side effects; as a result, natural treatments are advisable. Natural treatments for acid reflux include: The natural treatments for acid reflux that are effective and useful to alleviate symptoms include the following: Fruits Fruits like banana and papaya can be helpful to reduce the effects of the acid. Banana, in particular, can be a natural antacid. It can create a lining of the stomach to reduce acid.
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Overview: Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)
Health

Overview: Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic lung disease that causes the tissue in the lungs to become stiff and scarred, making it difficult to breathe naturally. IPF is known as interstitial lung disease, an umbrella term for a large group of disorders that cause scarring in the lungs. The word “idiopathic” is a means of describing that doctors can’t identify the cause of pulmonary fibrosis. IPF affects nearly 100,000 Americans, making it a rare disease. The damage caused by IPF is progressive and irreversible. 1. IPF causes The causes of IPF are not fully understood and doctors are unsure why some people get it, hence the idiopathic label. There are a few risk factors that might make some people more likely than others to contract this disease, including cigarette smoking, having acid reflux, age, and breathing in wood or metal dust at work or home. Research has also shown that genetics may play a part. Nearly 20% of IPF patients have another family member with an interstitial lung disease. 2. IPF symptoms There are patients with IPF that may not notice symptoms and may only notice when the scarring in the lungs gets worse. As the disease progresses, patients may notice symptoms like a dry, hacking cough that doesn’t go away and shortness of breath while walking or performing other activities.
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Foods for Nasal Congestion
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Foods for Nasal Congestion

Nasal congestion is when your nasal passages become blocked, usually due to an inflammation of blood vessels within the sinuses or nasal polyps. This can be due to a variety of reasons, including allergies and the common cold. Sinus congestion can make hearing and speech more difficult, as well as inhibiting good sleep due to an increase in snoring. If you are experiencing common cold symptoms, you may be wondering if there are any foods that relieve nasal congestion. The good news is there are many different foods that can help ease sinus congestion: 1. Spicy foods Anything spicy will assist in clearing out your sinuses, at least temporarily. The capsaicin present in peppers and other spicy foods can break up mucus and cause a runny nose, a blessing when you are all stuffed up. Adding cayenne pepper or jalapenos to a meal is a way to easily clear out sinuses and breathe easier. However, be sure not to overdo your intake of capsaicin, it can also work to increase mucus production leaving your nose runny instead of stuffed. 2. Ginger Ginger can also help relieve congestion. Ginger tea or even bottled ginger ale can have the same impact. Anything containing real ginger or ginger extract, not just ginger flavor, can help soothe your pain.
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Symptoms of Lung Cancer That Can’t Be Ignored
Health

Symptoms of Lung Cancer That Can’t Be Ignored

Lung cancer is the type of cancer affecting the lungs. It is one of the leading cancer killers in both males and females in the United States. Compared to other types of cancer, the survival outlook for lung cancer is not very promising. The five-year survival rate is only 17.7%, which is lower than the rate of other common cancers, including colon, breast, and prostate. One of the main reasons why the survival rate is so low is that in most cases lung cancer is diagnosed too late. Therefore, it is important to know the early symptoms of lung cancer and not to ignore them: 1. Coughing Usually, a cough is associated with respiratory infections. However, a persistent cough that doesn’t go away might be a symptom of lung cancer. It doesn’t matter if your cough is dry or has a mucus, if it lasts for more than a few weeks, it is a reason to see a doctor. 2. Changes in breathing If you are experiencing shortness of breath or get winded very easily, it might a sign of some changes occurring in the lungs, including lung cancer. Shortness of breath might occur due to the blockage of the airways by the tumor or building up the tumor fluids in the lungs.
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Top 5 Odors that Cause Migraines
Health

Top 5 Odors that Cause Migraines

Everyone at some point in their life has experienced a headache, whether they be relatively minor or extensive. However, unlike headaches a migraine is a more severe and throbbing head pain that is often triggered by one’s senses. Not only do they come with this acute pain, but some symptoms of migraine are vomiting, nausea, and sensitivity to sight, sound, or even smells. Here are some of the main odor triggers for migraines that you should look out for if you know you are prone to them: 1. Food smells Strong odors from foods can be an intense trigger for a migraine. One’s diet could also be a significant cause for a migraine. Foods commonly known to trigger migraines are alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, cheese, or any pickled foods that contain an amino acid called tyramine. Smells are one of the main triggers for migraines due to nerve pathways within a person’s nose. People who are overly sensitive to smell may develop migraines, and during a migraine they become even more sensitive to these smells. 2. Cleaning products Various cleaning products can contain chemicals or toxic odors that will trigger a migraine. These chemicals are called volatile organic compounds, or VOCs.
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Foods to Help Prevent Asthma
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Foods to Help Prevent Asthma

Asthma is a chronic disease that causes inflammation of the gas pipes in the lungs. Persistent asthma is usually characterized by the sudden recurrent contraction of the muscles lining the bronchioles and blockage of airflow that cannot be reversed. Some of the symptoms of persistent asthma include; coughing, rough whistling sounds from the airway, dyspnea, and chest tightness. Some common triggers include; smoking of tobacco, pollen and dust mites that reside in dusty houses. Many foods can actually help relieve asthma symptoms and prevent asthma attacks, such as: 1. Fatty fish Fatty fish, for example, Salmon, contain high levels of fatty acids called omega 3. These fatty acids have many health benefits, including restricting inflammation, which is the main pathology in persistent asthma. Omega 3 fatty acids activate the free fatty acid receptor 4 in the lungs, which relaxes the constricted airways. Moreover, the Omega 3 fatty acids lower the release of immunoglobulin E, which are antibodies responsible for the reactions that occur in an asthma patient. 2. Tree nuts Tree nuts like almonds contain vitamins like vitamin E. Vitamin E has a component by the name tocopherol. Alpha-tocopherol is usually in low levels in asthma patients. By consuming them, patients with asthma raise their alpha-tocopherol levels to lower asthma inflammation.
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Treatments for Opioid-Induced Constipation
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Treatments for Opioid-Induced Constipation

Opioid-induced constipation is also known as OIC. Opioids, which can be used to manage pain, have been shown to delay the emptying of the stomach. It can also increase the absorption of fluids. This can cause your stool to harden, which can make it difficult for you to pass it. Some of the OIC symptoms include dry, hard stools, a constant urge to go to the bathroom and stomach content retention. Treatments for OIC often include the following: 1. Stimulants Senokot is a type of stimulant of laxative. It typically helps the body produce a bowel movement within six to 12 hours. They help increase the bulk and motility of your stool. Keep in mind that laxatives are only meant to be used for occasional constipation. 2. Stool softeners Stool softeners make it easier for your body to pass the stool. It adds moisture to the stool in order to soften it. It will be more comfortable for you to make a bowel movement because you won’t have to strain. The stool softener will probably trigger a bowel movement within 12 to 72 hours. 3. Suppositories A suppository is a small object that is inserted into your rectum. It delivers medication to your bloodstream and melts inside of the body.
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