Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), also sometimes called chronic myelogenous leukemia, is a type of leukemia that develops in the white blood cells (WBCs). The WBCs provide immunity to the body, helping fight illnesses and diseases. CML disrupts the formation and functioning of these cells, leading to the formation of immature WBCs, which grow uncontrollably and affect the number of other blood cells. According to estimates by the American Cancer Society, 9,110 people will be diagnosed with CML in 2021, with about 1,220 people losing their lives to it. So it is a serious condition that requires attention as soon as symptoms, such as bone pain, weakness, and night sweats, set in. Diagnosis of CML Early diagnosis of CML is crucial for reducing the risk of death. Here’s how the doctor diagnoses the condition. Physical evaluation The doctor will first examine what kind of symptoms one has and whether they are consistent with those of CML. He/she may check their vitals and also test whether the spleen and abdomen have enlarged. Blood tests Since CML causes a spike in the number of WBCs, a simple blood test can reveal whether or not one has CML. Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy Different parts of the bone marrow are evaluated in these tests. They’re fairly simple and can be done in the doctor’s office as well. Treatment of CML Once CML has been positively diagnosed, the doctor may choose any of the following treatment methods. Chemotherapy This is the most common way to treat cancerous cells. Specific medications used in this method travel through the bloodstream and kill the cells that cause CML. Bone marrow transplant In this procedure, cancerous cells causing CML are first killed using chemotherapy. Then, healthy cells from a donor are infused into the body, which grows with time and replaces the old cells.

Psoriasis sufferers know how frustrating the condition can get. But did you know that staying away from these causes of psoriasis breakouts can reduce and even prevent your symptoms? Psoriasis is an abnormality of the skin, and this recurring autoimmune disorder presents itself in your body as thick, scaly, and itchy patches of skin. The symptoms of psoriasis include red, itchy patches of thickened skin covered in silvery scales; dry and cracked skin prone to bleeding; tiny scaling spots; nails that are thickened or ridges; and stiff, inflamed joints. The patches of psoriasis on your skin can range from just a few ones to major outbreaks that spread across a large area. Psoriasis is not a curable condition. It is a long-lasting disorder that can get quite frustrating for patients, particularly those who have frequent and major eruptions. At times, these flare-ups can even be painful. While there are medications and treatments available to provide relief to your skin, preventing the occurrence of psoriasis breakouts can be a more effective way of reducing your discomfort. For this, you need to be aware of what causes psoriasis breakouts. These triggers are not universal, but knowing the specific causes of psoriasis breakouts for you can help you stay away from such triggers and prevent painful psoriasis flare-ups. Watch out for these causes of psoriasis breakouts. Stress Studies suggest that stress can worsen your psoriasis symptoms, as it acts as one of the major causes of psoriasis breakouts. Since your symptoms may also lead to you getting stressed, it may seem like an endless cycle. However, you can work towards reducing stress in your everyday life by making yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises a part of your daily routine. Also remember to focus on the positive, talk to friends, and have a healthy lifestyle—all of which can contribute to reducing stress.

Lower abdominal pain is very common in both men and women. The level of pain varies from patient to patient. Various reasons can cause abdomen pain. Diagnosing the reason for abdominal pain on your own is difficult. It is only a doctor who can identify the problem correctly. Find out below the most common reasons that lead to lower abdominal pain: Constipation: This is a common ailment. It is caused when the digestive system finds it difficult to evacuate the bowels. Thus, expansion of the intestine with waste materials causes abdominal pain. The pain is typically felt in the lower right abdominal area. Appendicitis: People between the age group of 11 and 40 years suffer from this ailment primarily. A sharp abdominal pain is felt on the lower right side accompanied by high fever, vomiting, and loss of appetite. A hernia: A hernia causes pain on the right side of the lower abdomen due to the weakening of the muscles of the abdominal wall. People feel pain in the upper thigh and groin area as well. Testicular Torsion: Twisting and coiling of the testicle can lead to intense pain radiating to the lower abdomen. This pain accompanies vomiting tendency, nausea, and testicular pain as well. Pain is sporadic but becomes persistent as the condition worsens. Many patients also experience pain below the belly button. Kidney Stones: Pain caused due to kidney stones is generalized and severe and is usually concentrated on the back side. This is because the stones are attempting to push along the kidney. A kidney stone is caused due to dehydration, certain diets, processed sugar and excessive consumption of animal protein. Food Poisoning: Contaminated food containing parasites and bacteria leads to intense abdominal and stomach pain. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. It can take as long as 48 hours for the pain to subside.

You can use bacteria for fighting bacteria! Confused? Some health disorders that are caused by bad bacteria can be directly treated or the symptoms can be eased to a large extent by consuming good bacteria, commonly referred to as probiotics. Before you know how they can help manage Crohn’s disease, you must know what it is all about. Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the functioning of the intestines. The immune system of those affected by this disease starts attacking the good bacteria present in the gut, resulting in a steep depletion of good bacteria. The term probiotics can be split into “pro” meaning for, and “biota” meaning life. Probiotics play a key role in the replenishment of good bacteria in the gut, which in turn improves digestion and overall health. Hence, consuming probiotics for Crohn’s disease may be considered as an effective treatment method. The role of good bacteria The bacteria present in our digestive system play a key role in digestion and immunity. A healthy gut maintains a delicate balance of good bacteria. This balance is essential for proper digestion and assimilation of food. Digestive disorders like Crohn’s or intake of antibiotics tend to upset this balance, resulting in inflammation of the intestines and poor digestion. Due to the depletion of naturally occurring good bacteria in the gut, there is a need for external replenishment by consuming probiotics. Probiotics for Crohn’s Disease A typical symptom of Crohn’s disease is alternating periods of flare up and inactivity. This is an autoimmune disease that has no cure, but symptoms can be managed by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Consuming probiotics for Crohn’s disease helps in managing the symptoms effectively. Ensuring a good supply of nutrients to the stomach and intestines helps bring about remission. Crohn’s disease diet plan must include probiotics, which have proven digestive benefits.

Ticks are found in the outdoors, living in grass, leaf piles and shrubs. They have a strong affinity for humans and their pets and easily migrate from one to the other. While these bugs may seem tiny and harmless, in reality, they literally suck your blood for sustenance. Ticks attach themselves to the victim and bite, drawing blood till their appetite is sated, growing in size, sometimes as big as a marble. Tick bites are mostly harmless, but some tick bites can cause allergic reactions and even more serious diseases, both in humans and their pets. A rash from tick bites is a major symptom of a more serious reaction. While a rash from tick bites can cause irritation, itching and a burning sensation on the affected skin, it’s often an indicator of a more serious, harmful disease’s onset. Below, we’ve mentioned some of the other consequences and diseases that a tick bite can leave you with. If you experience a rash from tick bites, keep an eye out for these diseases. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) RMSF is the most serious of all tick-borne diseases. It’s more common in the south-eastern parts of the United States. It is not contagious, but it can pass through ticks bites, from humans to their pets, and vice-versa. The symptoms appear between 2 to 14 days after the bite, and include: High fever persisting for 2 to 3 weeks Chills Fatigue Abdominal pain Nausea Muscle aches A headache The characteristic feature of Rocky Mountain spotted fever is the rash from the tick bite. The rash comprises of small red spots on the palms, ankles, wrists, and soles. The rash starts 2 to 5 days after the bite and spreads across the torso. This is usually coupled with a high fever. After a week of the infection, a second rash can develop from the tick bite.

A medical condition characterized by a sudden, uncontrollable urge to urinate is called overactive bladder (OAB). An overactive bladder leads to involuntary passage of urine, also known as urge incontinence. Apart from physical discomfort, an overactive bladder causes embarrassment for the affected person. Healthy functioning of the bladder requires a healthy urinary tract. Also, the communication channels between the nerves and the bladder muscles need to be uninterrupted. An improper communication passage or unhealthy urinary tract causes involuntary contractions of the urinary bladder. These involuntary contractions trigger overactive bladder symptoms. Causes of Overactive bladder Involuntary contractions of the bladder lead to urge incontinence. It may not always be possible to pinpoint the exact cause of these contractions. Based on the accompanying symptoms, the doctor may identify overactive bladder causes as the following: Neurological conditions Conditions like Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and multiple sclerosis cause interruption between your nerves and bladder, which leads to urine incontinence. Damage to nerves Any damage to the nerves leading to the bladder causes overactive bladder. These nerves may be damaged due to an injury to the spine, abdomen or pelvis. In some cases, surgery to these parts may accidentally damage the nerve leading to the bladder. Urinary tract infection An infection of the urinary tract affects the activity of the bladder wall. As a result of the infection, the bladder becomes overactive causing urine incontinence. Medication Side effects of certain medicines cause OAB. Consumption of water pills or caffeine pills or diuretics causes increased bladder activity. Blockages Obstructions in the urinary tract could trigger symptoms of OAB. Enlargement of the prostate, tumors, and bladder stones are overactive bladder causes. Pregnancy The uterus of pregnant women expands to accommodate the fetus. Expanded uterus pressurizes the bladder, which in turn causes frequent urination. For some women, urge incontinence continues even after childbirth.

Many people experience chest pain due to various reasons. In extreme cases, chest pain can be an indicator of a heart attack. But it can also be a sign of respiration issues, digestion problems, and other conditions. Chest pain should be taken seriously as it can lead to life-threatening conditions. Below are a few of the reasons why you might be experiencing chest pain. Angina : It is a condition wherein you feel pressure in your heart as if it is being squeezed. The blood is still flowing to the heart but its supply is exponentially reduced. You might experience dizziness or pain elsewhere in the upper body. Angina is very similar to a heart attack but does not cause permanent damage to the heart tissue. It is one of the common causes of chest pain. As soon as you feel the symptoms, you should consult the doctor to get professional medical help. Heart attack : When you feel a very sharp pain in the heart, then it is most likely a heart attack. A heart attack is caused when one of the arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle is blocked. There might be a sharp stabbing sensation along with pressure or tightness in the chest. Some other symptoms are shortness of breath, nausea, cold sweat, a lump in the throat, and numbness in the arm or hand. A heart attack is a medical emergency and the sooner you see a doctor the lesser will be the damage. Collapsed lung : A collapsed lung is the condition when the air gets in between the chest and the lung walls. This can cause a feeling of pressure when you inhale. In case of a collapsed lung, breathing in becomes really difficult. If you suspect this you should immediately see a doctor.

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a condition that makes one’s skin itchy and dry. Although the exact cause is unknown, some studies have linked this condition to an overactive response of the nervous system to an irritant. Although topical creams and other types of medications can help manage the condition, doctors may recommend certain types of foods and lifestyle changes to coexist with the condition efficiently. Who are at risk of developing eczema? People who have a family history of eczema are at risk of developing the condition. Moreover, children and infants who are born into families having a history of allergic diseases such as asthma or hay fever are also at an increased risk of suffering from eczema. Which are some foods that can be beneficial for patients with eczema? Since people with eczema often develop food allergies, one will need to examine their personal food preferences to make sure there are no further risks of the same. Some of the most common allergy triggers are usually associated with food items such as eggs, cow’s milk, gluten, soy products, fish, nuts, and shellfish. However, not everyone with eczema responds in the same way to these food items. It is important to understand that eating certain foods will not cause eczema per se, but it may trigger flare-ups in those suffering from this condition. So, it is recommended to follow an eczema-friendly diet to help manage the condition in a better way. No two patients with eczema will have the same reactions to certain types of foods. Some of the important components of an eczema-friendly diet are almost the same as an anti-inflammatory diet. Fish is a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids which are capable of fighting inflammation effectively. Some examples of fish that have high levels of omega-3 acids include tuna, mackerel, salmon, sardines, and herring.

The sluggish way of life and lack of planned routine is hampering human health thereby affecting the immunity level and paving the way for serious medical illness. The increasing fast-paced life has brought with its addiction to foods which directly harm primary organs of the body. Medical conditions which could initially be identified in geriatric people are now being seen in people falling within the age group of 30 to 45. Heartburn is one such condition which is commonly found in youngsters today thanks to binging disorders and haywire routine. Heartburn is a condition where contents of the stomach get pushed through the esophagus thereby leaving a burning sensation in the chest and throat. Heartburn is also commonly known as acid reflux. Repeated bouts of this acid reflux, if not treated on time can lead to severe gastro related medical conditions. Apart from consulting a doctor, here are a few remedies to help suffice pain and burn caused due to heartburn. Chewing gum Saliva is a natural healing element to it which helps in sufficing the burning sensation caused due to heart burn. Medical research has proved that people who are suffering from heartburn, chewed chewing gum and experienced pain relief caused due to heartburn. Constant chewing of chewing gums increases the production of saliva in the mouth which in turn helps in diluting the acidic elements caused by heartburn thereby leaving a soothing effect. Aloe Vera Herbal healing remedies are one of the finest and trusted forms of medicines when it comes to medical conditions like heartburn. Aloe has a natural soothing component which helps in cooling down the burning sensation caused because of stomach acids. If consumption of raw aloe is quite difficult for you, then you can find natural aloe juices in herbal medical shops. Consumption of a spoonful of raw aloe or half a cup of aloe juice on a regular basis will help to keep heartburn at bay.

Abdominal pain is one of the most common reasons associated with diverse illnesses and medical conditions. Many people suffer from this condition several times in their lifetimes, and it can be for various reasons. Read further to understand why abdomen pain symptoms occur. Constipation The normal cycle of bowel movements per week is from 5 to 15 times. If you have less stool than this in a week, then it means that you’re suffering from constipation. The easiest way to tell if you have constipation is by checking the number of bowel movements you have in a week. Other than this, you can even experience abdominal pain symptoms along with hard stools, bleeding from your rectum, straining during bowel movements, etc. Diarrhea Unlike constipation, diarrhea is a condition where you have bowel movements in excess and have relatively loose and watery stools. This is caused due to increased fluid secretion from your intestines. In worse case scenarios, you can experience extreme dehydration as this condition affects the amount of water that’s absorbed by the body. It generally accompanies extreme abdominal pain symptoms. Other symptoms depend on the cause of diarrhea. It can be both acute and chronic, and the treatment for each of these depends on the nature or type of infection. Irritable bowel syndrome This is another type of gastrointestinal disorder where you have irregular bowel movements. You can either have constant diarrhea, constipation, or both. You can recognize this condition after you experience abdominal pain symptoms along with other symptoms like growling stomach, increased gas in the belly, food intolerance, stomach cramps, etc. There is no exact reason as to why this occurs because it is a functional disorder of the digestive system. This means that there is no change in the form of the stomach or the intestinal lining.

Inflammation of the inner lining of the large intestine, or colon, is medically termed as Colitis. This inflammation can be caused by bowel diseases (Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis), infections or allergic reactions. The condition can cause symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain, that can be extremely belittling. Given below are a few home remedies for colitis management. Dietary changes When dealing with colitis, it is important to understand how diet can cause adverse effects on your symptoms. Sugars (refined carbohydrates) in our food-intake breaks down; it can cause the pH in the bloodstream to spike to abnormal levels. This highly acidic environment harms the good bacteria and can lead to repeated episodes of diarrhea. Sugars harm the lower intestines when certain bacteria or fungi (similar to yeast), start to feed off them. With the growth and multiplication of these microbes, the chances are that the colon might get infected, and make your condition even worse. So, you should start off with cutting out refined carbohydrates from your diet, to help relieve symptoms. Replace the refined carbohydrates in your diet with high-complex forms, as these add more fiber and promote better bowel movement. Add a good quantity of vegetables, fruits and whole grains, that help to alleviate the condition, by providing relief to the constipated bowels. When picking options for a high fiber diet, make sure you are not allergic to foods like wheat, dairy products or corn. The reaction to these allergens is known to be one of the causes of colitis. Also, public drinking water that has chlorine and other chemical agents, could be an irritant to lower bowels. Switch to making use of boiled or distilled water. Nutrition Recurring episodes of diarrhea can cause a serious loss of nutrients from the body. Also, the inflammation in the lower intestines hinders the process of nutrition absorption from food.

Dry eye is a chronic ailment that can happen to anyone, at any point in life. It is a syndrome commonly found in both men and women. It is a progressive condition where the eye loses the required amount of lubrication that is necessary for a healthy vision. This disease may or may not be completely cured, depending on the severity of the condition in a person. However, ophthalmologists state that in milder situations, patients are able to overcome many disturbing symptoms of dry eye and experience clearer vision and greater eye comfort with proper dry eye treatment. Dry eye can cause discomforts such as redness, irritation, itchiness, inflammation, and even blemish formation of the front surface of the eye. Dry eyes are common complaints among most people nowadays. No one usually ignores any issues with the eyes. Hence, dry eye treatment is a common phenomenon at a doctor’s clinic. Medically, dry eye syndrome is also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca or KCS. Troubleshooter for dry eyes Eyes are a highly sensitive organ in the human body. Any disturbance in your eye can result in serious disruptions in your daily activities and overall lifestyle. Tears are the important aspects of the eye. Tears are a mix of water, oils, mucus, and antibodies that help in maintaining the perfect functioning of the eyes, keeping infections at bay, and maintaining a healthy vision. Dry eyes often happen when the tear glands fail to develop enough tears. It might also happen that the tears evaporate leaving the eyes parched and dried up. Some common symptoms that signify dry eyes include the following: Itchy eyes Burning sensation Redness Dryness Sore eyes Blurred vision Heavy eyes Pain Eye fatigue Photophobia Watery eyes Inflamed eye The symptoms and severity vary ranging from mild to severe conditions in patients.