Hepatitis is a condition characterized by the inflammation of the tissue of the liver. It can be caused due to a plethora of factors, including alcohol abuse, an overactive immune system, virus, and more. So, even if you’ve been vaccinated against hepatitis, you might have many questions about the same. Here are some facts worth knowing about the most common kinds of hepatitis – B and C. Viral hepatitis is of 5 kinds The acute hepatitis A often goes away on its own and spreads mainly via the oral-fecal route. The acute/chronic hepatitis B spreads via bodily fluids like semen and blood. Hepatitis C majorly spreads via blood and, more often than not, develops into a chronic condition. Hepatitis D and E are less common, and hepatitis E spread just like hepatitis A. Hepatitis D, on the other hand, can only be contracted if the individual already suffers from hepatitis B. They’re usually found to happen in underdeveloped countries. Non-viral hepatitis can be caused by many factors Even if one is vaccinated against viruses, catching a virus isn’t the only way of contracting hepatitis. One can contract hepatitis from alcohol abuse, OTC or prescription drugs, or even exposure to toxic chemicals.

Treating cancer can involve many procedures. Some involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy. Every treatment’s goal is to completely cure the disease but in certain situations, it is not possible to completely cure the disease and at that point in time the main goal is to curb the growth of cancer or worse case slower the rate of growth. However, these treatments can sometimes have the main side effects of cancer in some patients. Let us take a look at some of the main side effects of chemotherapy, that is one of the most common cancer treatments. Chemotherapy affects the cancer cells as well the normal cells that grow and divide quickly like the new blood cells in the bone marrow, skin, hair, stomach and even the reproductive system. Some of the most common side effects are as follows. Fatigue Feeling tired post the chemotherapy sessions is the most common and the main side effect of cancer treatment. Exhausted throughout the day, confused, lack of focus and drowsy are some of the most noticeable side effects. These side effects of the cancer treatment hinder the daily routine making the individual frustrated. It can later develop into depression that is harmful.

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that affects the melanin forming cells in the skin. This type of skin cancer can be prevented. But, there are risk factors that include genetic factors like family history, race, age, among others. However, there are things you could do to lower your risk of getting melanoma. But before that, one needs to know how to be able to identify and treat melanoma, in case such a travesty occurs, and signs to watch out for. They are listed below: Symptoms of Melanoma The most important sign of melanoma is an already existing spot on the skin changing color, shape, or size, or a new spot arising on the skin. Another important symptom is a spot that looks different from all other spots on the skin. Treatment options for melanoma Treatments for melanoma depend on the stage and size of the cancer and the overall health of the patient. That being said, the following treatments are usually followed for melanoma: Treatment for early-stage melanomas usually includes surgery to remove the affected place. Treatment for melanomas which have spread beyond the surface of the skin include surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, biological therapy, and radiation therapy.

The red blood cells (RBCs) in the body are the transport system that carries the oxygen to the tissues in the body. When one has anemia, the body does not make enough RBCs, or the RBCs do not work as well as they should be working. So, one ends up feeling tired, weak and suffering from shortness of breath. This is how anemia manifests and it comes in many forms. Here are the common and different types of anemia. Iron deficiency anemia This is the most common type of anemia that generally happens due to chronic blood loss due to menstruation. When the demand for iron in the body increases, in cases such as adolescence, children undergoing rapid growth spurts, and fetal growth in pregnancy, then that could also cause iron-deficiency anemia. The most common symptoms of chronic anemia include a fast heartbeat, shortness of breath, weakness, and tiredness. The tongue could also become inflamed, shiny, and smooth – a condition called glossitis. Treating this type of anemia depends on the severity and the cause of the condition. Treatments could include surgery, medicines, supplements, and dietary changes. Aplastic anemia Aplastic anemia is a blood disorder wherein the bone marrow in the body does not make enough new blood cells.

Getting the best mattress for yourself is critical for your health, especially for your back. However, how would you choose a mattress that is best for you? There are many companies selling mattresses especially for back pain. You need to keep a few things in mind before choosing the right mattress for back pain. Lower back support This is a common problem when the mattress is not right. Before choosing the right mattress for back pain, you need to understand that the mattress needs to be soft, gentle and at the same time take care of your back. When you sleep, you should not put pressure on your back. You may be confused by seeing a plush or soft mattress, which comes with great support. In addition, if your bed is firm it does not mean it will give support to your back. There should be adequate support from the mattress, which helps to align the spine properly. The bed should be comfortable. Firmness The sensation you get when you lie down is called firmness. The mattress with medium firmness is the perfect firmness that one needs for back support. Make sure you understand this before choosing the right mattress for back pain.

Nasal polyps is a condition where soft, painless, non-cancerous grape-like mass grows on the lining of the nasal passage. Polyps hang like a bunch of grapes and are responsible for chronic sinusitis and nasal blockage. Small polyps don’t exhibit any kind of symptoms, however larger ones can block the nasal passage eventually leading to breathing issues. In some cases, individuals even lose the ability to smell and are prone to infections frequently. Polyps can affect anyone particularly younger kids and middle-aged individuals. The most common symptoms and warning signs of nasal polyps is irritation and swelling of the nasal passage and lining. Since they lack sensation, most of the smaller ones go unnoticed and once they pile up, they block the nasal pathway. Some of the common symptoms and warning signs of nasal polyps are as follows: People suffering from nasal polyps always have a watery and runny nose due to the immune response from the body. Constant stuffiness of the nasal pathway is a common sight of an individual suffering from nasal polyps. Postnasal dripping is another symptom associated with nasal polyps. People with nasal polyps tend to have a reduced sense of smell owing to the blockage. In chronic cases, individuals completely lack a sense of smell.

Deciding what kind of treatment one needs for ovarian cancer is decided by a dedicated team of doctors and other professionals. This team includes a gynecologic oncologist specializing in cancer surgery in women, an oncologist, who is a medical cancer specialist as well as a gynecologic cancer specialist nurse. Treatment for ovarian cancer depends on a certain set of factors, which include the kind of cancer, how far it has spread and grown, or where cancer exactly is. This article discusses the main ovarian cancer treatments according to the stages of cancer: Stage 1 Usually, doctors class early ovarian cancer as stage 1 cancer. This means that the cancer is restricted to and contained within the ovaries until now. Surgery Surgery is the main treatment for this stage of ovarian cancer. The specialist surgeon removes the cancerous tumor. One might even require their womb, including the cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries removed as well. The surgeon also examines the inside of the abdominal organs as well as the abdomen of the patient for signs of cancer. Chemotherapy Post surgery, the doctor could end up suggesting that the patient undergo chemotherapy. This is known as adjuvant chemotherapy and is done to reduce the risk of cancer’s remission.

Cancer is a condition when the cells start multiplying without control. Cancer can occur anywhere in the body and can spread to any part as well. One such cancer is the lymphoma which affects the white blood cells called lymphocytes. There are two types of lymphomas namely: Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. These two types perform, spread and respond to treatments in unique ways hence it is important to diagnose the type of lymphoma before any treatment starts. Let us understand Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and various types. Where does the Hodgkin’s Lymphoma start? Hodgkin’s lymphoma affects the lymph tissues and there are seen in several parts of your body. So, practically it can affect the following parts. Lymph node The bean-sized collection of lymphocytes & various other cells which form a part of the immune system is the most obvious place where Hodgkin’s can occur. Lymph vessel Lymph vessels are tiny tube-like structures that connect the lymph node and they are carriers of immune cells via a clear fluid called lymph. Lymph is collected from various parts of the body that gets deposited into the bloodstream. Spleen Spleen is located below the lower left side of the ribs. Spleen produces immune cells and contributes to the immune system of the body.

An allergy is an outcome when the immune system of the body identifies a particular substance as harmful and in response reacts causing an allergic reaction. The substance responsible for allergy is called an allergen. There are different types of allergies and some are even seasonal and worst even life long. Allergens can be present anywhere and in many cases not even visible to the naked eyes. Managing allergy is a huge challenge but it is not impossible. Identifying the right allergen that triggers the allergy and staying away from it is the best solution to manage an allergy. Let us take a look at some of the most common allergens to present indoors. Insect allergy Dust Mite The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma Immunology claims that dust mites are microscopic insects commonly responsible for asthma symptom triggers. Dust mites feed on human skin flakes and are known to thrive when the humidity of the room is above 40% and the temperature is above 70 degrees. They are usually present on bedding and soft furniture. Dust mites can be controlled by washing the linen in hot water and encasing the pillows and mattresses with allergen-proof coverings. Dust mites don’t bite humans unlike bed bugs hence they widely go unnoticed.

Cervical cancer was the leading cause of death in women until the 1940s. The Pap test was introduced by Dr. George Papanicolaou, which analyzed the collected cells from the cervix under a microscope. This test succeeded in reducing the death rate by cervical cancer by almost half. Even today, the deaths are prevented by regular testing and following an effective treatment plan. It takes many years to turn normal cells into cancer cells hence regular screenings are important either by HPV or Pap test or in some cases both. The risk factors in your life may increase the chances of cervical cancer. These risks are smoking, being exposed to the drug that prevents miscarriage, weak immune system, sexually transmitted disease infections, having sex from an early age, and have had or have multiple partners. Here are some early warning signs of cervical cancer you need to look out for. Age This cancer is not seen in women younger than 20 years and is a part of the midlife crisis. The risk also exists for women as they continue to age. 15% of the cases happen in women over 65 years of age. Women are more likely to develop this disease than men.