Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are soft tissue sarcomas that develop in the stomach or small intestines. They first occur in specialized cells found in the walls of the digestive system, and the condition is often diagnosed in adults between the ages of 40 and 70. Individuals with this disease experience discomforting symptoms, such as abdominal swelling, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and tarry stools. This article attempts to shed light on the risk factors associated with the condition. These influence the tumor’s development; however, they do not always directly cause the disease. Risk factors Old age Those aged between 40 and 70 are at an increased risk of developing GISTs. However, they can occur in rare cases in those younger than 40. Gender: Research states that men are more likely to develop GISTs than women. There are only a few known risk factors for the condition. In most cases, GISTs don’t have a distinct cause, but certain genetic mutations can lead to the disease. Some of these genes and conditions that increase the chances of GIST are mentioned below: Familial gastrointestinal stromal tumor syndrome This rare syndrome occurs when a parent passes on an abnormal KIT gene to their child, and it can be a risk factor for GISTs that form at a young age. Neurofibromatosis type 1 A defect in the NF1 gene causes the disease, and it may be passed on from parent to child. That said, it’s not always inherited. Those with this condition are at an increased risk of developing non-cancerous tumors in nerves at an early age. They can lead to the formation of dark spots on the skin and freckling around the groin or underarms region. The disease also increases the risk of developing GISTs. Carney-Stratakis syndrome The inherited syndrome is caused by a mutation in the SDH (succinate dehydrogenase) genes.

Dupuytren’s contracture is a condition that leads to the curling of the fingers and may result in crippling hand deformities. It affects the facia, i.e. the fibrous tissue underneath the skin of the palm and fingers. People suffering from Dupuytren’s disease experience the fibers in the fascia tightening or contracting over time. This causes the fingers to be pulled inward. What are the symptoms of the disease? One of the prominent symptoms includes the development of small lumps and nodules in the palm. While these may feel tender and sore in the beginning, the discomfort goes away over time. The disease progresses slowly, and as the condition worsens, the nodules lead to the formation of tough bands of tissue under the skin. These bands then cause the fingers to bend and curl forward, making it difficult for one to perform daily activities. It is important to be aware of such symptoms and get them treated before they worsen and hinder one’s lifestyle. Some of the methods to treat Dupuytren’s contracture are mentioned below: Non-surgical methods These methods are usually recommended for early stages of Dupuytren’s disease. Some doctors recommend stretching the fingers and palms in mild stages of the condition. One is also advised to consult a physiotherapist before using any stretching exercise to treat the condition. Anti-inflammatory medications These medications are injected into a Dupuytren’s module to reduce swelling. The treatment requires multiple doses of injection to considerably reduce the size of nodules and might not prove to be effective in the later stages, when more thickened tissues have been formed. Anti-inflammatory injections can slow the progression of the disease but will not help in uncurling the fingers if the contracture has already occurred. Enzyme medications If the fingers have become bent already, the doctors may recommend a mixture of enzymes to be injected in the affected area.

Fibromyalgia is a medical condition which results in pain throughout the body. This medical condition also causes fatigue and other such related issues. People who suffer from fibromyalgia are more sensitive to pain in comparison to those who do not suffer from this complication. Incidentally, fibromyalgia has been identified as a common chronic pain condition. According to the National Fibromyalgia Association, 10 million people have been thought to have been affected by this medical condition in the US. Though doctors have not been able to pinpoint the exact causes of fibromyalgia, there are several risk factors which lead to the development of this condition. Before we dwell on the causes of fibromyalgia, it is vital to understand the underlying symptoms which lead to its development. Symptoms of fibromyalgia There are various symptoms of fibromyalgia, and the most prominent ones of these are aching on both sides of the body, trouble in remembering and concentrating, trouble in sleeping, pain in the abdomen, anxiety, depression, painful menstrual periods, numbness in hands and feet, and sensitivity to light or temperature. Causes of fibromyalgia Though nothing much can be said with certainty on the causes of fibromyalgia, it is a combination of factors which is responsible for the cause and development of fibromyalgia. Pain signaling People with fibromyalgia suffer from the problem that the pain signals are not processed in the usual manner. Due to abnormal levels of chemicals in the brain and spinal cord, the nerves, which are the carrier of these signals, make people more sensitive to pain. This is one of the most common causes of fibromyalgia, in which a sufferer would experience excruciating pain even it would seem like a minor pain to a person who is not suffering from fibromyalgia. Imbalance in hormones Certain hormones including norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin help the body in processing the pain.

COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is an illness where the respiratory system is damaged, causing difficulty while breathing. Unfortunately this disease has no cure, it only gets worse if not paid attention to. Hence it becomes important to understand what COPD breathing machines can do to save lives. COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease that progressively causes difficulty in breathing. In this condition, the movement of air through your lungs becomes very difficult since the airways get damaged. The degree of severity of this disease worsens with age, if not treated immediately. COPD can be categorized into 2 types: Chronic bronchitis This is a condition where cough occurs regularly with excessive production of mucus, and lasts for a very long time. Chronic bronchitis is caused by excessive smoking or even by exposure to various bronchial irritants. Emphysema This is a condition where the lung tissues responsible for the passing of oxygen and carbon dioxide in and out of the body are damaged. This results in shortened breaths due to the over-inflation of the air sacs in the lungs which are known as alveoli. Emphysema is an obstructive lung disease where the airflow is slow on exhalation because of the over inflated alveoli which makes movement of air and exchange of gases difficult. As mentioned earlier there is no cure for COPD, but there are a few ways to treat the condition and make it manageable. The common treatment devices used are called COPD breathing machines that help by improving the symptoms and stopping the disease from getting too aggressive. There are various stages of COPD that determine the appropriate use of COPD breathing machines accordingly. The following are various types of widely used COPD breathing machines. Inhalers and nebulizers They help the medicines to reach directly into the lungs.

In meningococcal meningitis, the meninges or the lining of the spinal cord and the brain is infected. The infection can be caused by bacteria or virus. However, the meningococcus bacterium is more commonly known to cause meningitis as well meningococcemia. The bacterium is categorized into five groups known as serogroups: A, B, C, W, and Y. The bacterium is often present in the throat region of many people. It is quite benign. But, once it enters the bloodstream or the spinal fluid, the disease can cause a lot of damage. One way to protect against this disease is to get the meningococcal meningitis vaccine. Given below are a few things to know about meningitis and meningococcal meningitis vaccine. Although the meningitis bacterium is present in a lot of people, certain sections are more prone to this disease. The most common groups who are at a high risk of contracting this disease are Infants, teenagers, and young adults. It has been observed that people in a community setting, such as a college campus, are prone to meningitis. Also, people who lack a spleen in their body, have a deficiency of a complement component, or are infected with HIV can easily contract meningitis. Specific geographical regions such as the sub-Saharan African region have frequent outbreaks of meningitis. People who stay in or travel to such regions are prone to meningitis. Meningitis does not spread through casual contact or breathing. However, it is contagious through saliva or spits. Meningitis has been known to spread through secretions of the throat or the respiratory system. Anyone who is in close physical contact with a patient with meningitis is at a high risk of contracting the disease. Antibiotics treatment or meningococcal meningitis vaccine is advisable for such a person as a preventive measure. The meningococcal meningitis vaccine is used to immunize against all five serogroups of the meningococcus bacteria.

Who does not enjoy some sugary treats from time to time? A lot of people talk about having a sweet tooth. It is not always related to a preference for chocolates or sweets. Some people are habituated to eating something sweet after a filling meal, while others munch on candy to kill time. Today, almost all foods have some amount of sugar in them. Having a sweet tooth is not bad, but when it affects your health, you need to take it seriously. Everyone must try to maintain a normal range of blood sugar levels. One should not consume products with too much sugar or salt. They should also avoid eating sweet or salty foods over long durations as both of these items can gravely affect their health. No one wants to spend the rest of their lives swallowing pills and restricting their diet. They can avoid this by controlling the amount of sugar they consume and following a healthy and active lifestyle. Diabetes in the country Today, a large number of people in the country have diabetes. According to a report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 100 million Americans have diabetes or prediabetes. Approximately 30 million citizens, i.e., 9.4% of the total population suffers from diabetes, and approximately 84.1 million citizens have prediabetes. If prediabetic patients do not treat this condition, they will go on to develop the disease within five years. This is a grave illness and reports suggests that the number of patients will rise steadily over time. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the country, and this number is only expected to rise with time. Some areas of the country have a higher rate of mortality than others, while other areas are affected on a larger basis.

Meningitis vaccine shots are used to provide immunization against the bacteria called as meningococcus that can cause meningitis and meningococcemia. The bacterium is round, and it forms pairs. Hence it is also known as diplococcus. There are five serogroups of this bacteria: A, B, C, W, and Y. According to experts, at least 1 in 10 people is a carrier of this bacteria. However, they do not show any symptoms or signs of the disease. It has been observed that in nearly 10% of meningitis cases, there might be the possibility of developmental impairment. Risk factors of meningitis The following groups of people are at a high risk of contracting meningitis. Infants, teenagers, and young adults are more prone to meningitis. A large group of people, especially in a community setting such as a college campus or, are at a risk of contracting meningitis. People who lack a spleen in their body, have a deficiency of a complement component, or are infected with HIV have a high possibility of getting meningitis. The sub-Saharan African region is known common and frequent outbreaks of meningitis. People who travel to this area may be at a risk of getting this disease. How does a person contract meningitis? Meningitis can spread through saliva or spit, mostly through secretions from the throat or the respiratory system. The contact has to be close and for a long duration. It is does spread through breathing the same air as a person affected by meningitis or by casual contact. However, the people who live with the person with meningitis are at a high risk of contracting the disease. It is recommended that people, who are in the same living space as the person with meningitis, should receive antibiotics treatment to avoid contracting meningitis. Prevention of meningitis Meningitis can be easily prevented with antibiotics and meningitis vaccine shots.

The thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is produced by the pituitary gland, which is located at the base of the brain and is responsible for regulating the number of hormones released by the thyroid. The thyroid is an important gland located in the front of the neck. One should not confuse the hormones released by the thyroid to be TSH. The thyroid releases three hormones: triiodothyronine, thyroxine, and calcitonin. The thyroid is responsible for controlling several bodily functions such as metabolism and growth. This is regulated through the release of these hormones. The pituitary gland and the thyroid work hand in hand as more TSH produced by the pituitary gland will lead to the release of more hormones by the thyroid. What is the Normal TSH Range? If this system is disrupted, an inappropriate number of hormones is regenerated and released into the body, which may lead to complications and several symptoms. The normal range of TSH in the body is between 0.4 to 4.0 milliunits per liter. If you are already being treated for a thyroid-related problem, you should know that normal TSH levels are 0.5 to 3.0 milliunits per liter. A TSH test is conducted to determine the cause of this disruption and the underlying factors resulting in its onset. It is also used to determine whether the thyroid is overactive or underactive. The measurement of the level of TSH in the blood enables doctors to determine the functioning condition of the thyroid. Why is a TSH Test Performed? A TSH test may be prescribed by your doctor if you are displaying the symptoms of a thyroid disorder. The overactive or underactive nature of the thyroid in this condition leads to the categorization of its related diseases as either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism takes place when the thyroid produces too few of its primary hormones.

While it is common to feel pain in your feet every once in a while, persisting pain in the feet is generally not a good sign. There are several causes of foot pain. If you feel pain in your heels while running, jogging, or walking over a large distance for an extended period of time, it is normal. If the pain continues to persist even after having rested amply, you are likely to be suffering from plantar fasciitis. Heel spurs are another condition affecting the feet. They can lead to immense pain in the feet and can make walking a task in itself. Heel spurs usually occur along with plantar fasciitis. Wearing specialized shoes and taking medications can help you to treat your condition and maintain its progress. If you are suffering from foot pain over a period of time along with the appearance of the symptoms of diseases associated with foot pain, visit a doctor immediately. We have made the process of knowing the causes of foot pain much easier for you. Causes of Foot Pain Here are a few of the most common causes of foot pain Heel Spurs Some people may suffer from heel spurs, yet never know about it, the less fortunate experience its symptoms in its full wrath. The condition causes immense pain as it causes bony growths to affect the bottom of the heel. They are tricky to deal with as these growths are directed toward the arch of the foot. Treatment is a necessity when it comes to heel spurs. Wearing customized shoes with additional foot space is another option worth exploring for additional comfort. The condition is generally caused due to the excessive build-up of calcium deposits on the underside of the heel bone. The pain usually kicks in after several months of its building up.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition wherein a person experiences chronic inflammation in the joints. This autoimmune disease is caused when the immune system that protects the body from bacteria and viruses begins attacking the joints. The inflamed tissues cause the inside of the joints to thicken, thereby leading to severe pain. It can also cause bone erosion and joint deformity in the long run. The most commonly affected joints include the hands, elbows, ankles, and wrists. If the inflammation goes unnoticed, the condition can affect other body systems and cause severe physical disabilities. The cardiovascular and respiratory systems are usually affected. Rheumatoid arthritis disorder begins with minor signs that occur every once in a while; however, with each passing week and month, the symptoms progress and become more severe. The symptoms that one individual experiences may not be the same as another. Moreover, the signs tend to differ with each passing day. Here are rheumatoid arthritis symptoms that one may experience: Joint stiffness – Stiffness in the joints is one of the most common rheumatoid arthritis symptoms that people experience. This stiffness is often felt in the smaller joints, especially in the initial weeks. It begins with the hands and moves to the lower parts of the body, increasing rapidly over the course of two to three days. This stiffness can occur at any time, irrespective of whether one is walking down the street or wakes up from a nap. Pain in the joints – When the joints begin to feel stiff, the same is followed by pain in the joints during an activity or even while resting. This is also one of the most common rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Most commonly, pain may occur in the fingers and knees. However, the pain may become severe and continue to grow in the shoulders and feet.

Parkinson’s disease is a neurological condition that leads to impaired movement. Symptoms vary by individual, but they typically include muscle spasms, tremors, and muscle soreness. There is no cure, but one can manage the condition by making changes to overall meal plans. While some foods, like fruits and vegetables, can help with symptoms, others should be avoided to maintain overall health. Thus, here are some foods to avoid to help prevent developing Parkinson’s. Foods to avoid to help prevent Parkinson’s disease Processed food Processed foods, such as canned goods, sodas, cereals, chips, sweets, and cakes, have been linked to increased symptoms of the condition. Parkinson’s disease frequently causes symptoms such as swallowing, speech, and odor problems. Processed foods only exacerbate these issues, making it vital to avoid them. Dairy products Drinking milk and having dairy products regularly may increase the chances of developing this condition; it may also hasten the progress. Thus, it is better to stay away from significant amounts of dairy items. Sausages Protein is essential for good health, but processed meats like sausages can weaken the immune system and raise blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Instead of cured meats like sausages and hams, one should eat fatty fish, skinless chicken, turkey breast, and various plant-based types of meat. Steamed bag of vegetables While vegetables are safe to eat, steamed bagged vegetables contain a chemical called bisphenol A, which, when heated, can leach into the food, causing severe a flare-up of symptoms. To avoid exposure to dangerous chemicals, choose fresh vegetables and frozen items not packed in microwave steam bags. Pasta and bread White flour, used in bread and pasta, can disrupt the digestive system’s normal operation. These foods are rich in unhealthy carbs and sugar, which weaken muscles and impair the brain, potentially worsening Parkinson’s. White flour pasta and bread can be replaced with brown rice, lettuce, leafy greens, and cauliflower.

Spinal stenosis is an extremely painful condition that causes the narrowing of the spaces within the spine. This puts pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine and may lead to several complications. Spinal stenosis commonly occurs in the neck and the lower back. One of the major drawbacks of this condition is the fact that its onset may come with symptoms to indicate the presence of the condition. If you do experience the symptoms of spinal stenosis though, expect to face severe pain, numbness, muscle weakness, and tingling in the affected areas. The symptoms generally worsen with the progression of the condition, so consult a doctor immediately. The onset of spinal stenosis is generally due to wear and tear in the spine related to osteoarthritis. To make things easier for you, here are a few of the best spinal stenosis treatment methods for you to choose from. Spinal Stenosis Treatment Options Treatment for spinal stenosis is dependent on the severity of the signs and symptoms of the disease as well as its location. You must consult a doctor to determine the treatment method that suits you best. If your condition is mild, home remedies may be enough to keep your condition at bay. If you are suffering from severe spinal stenosis, or if home remedies are doing you no good, your doctor may recommend physical therapy, medications, or even surgery. Here are a few of the best spinal stenosis treatment methods. Medications The doctor may prescribe the use of pain relievers and anti-depressants. Pain medications may be successful in providing temporary relief and may ease the discomfort associated with the disease. Try not to use them for long periods of time as they can cause more harm than good. Anti-depressants can help ease chronic pain. Again, do not use them for long periods of time.