Hemophilia is a rare blood disorder in which a person’s blood does not form clots, causing spontaneous and excessive bleeding during injuries and accidents. It occurs when the body does not generate sufficient protein essential for blood clot formation. Hemophilia may be classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Although it has no cure, several therapies are being considered to control the symptoms. Experts also recommend other ways to manage hemophilia through lifestyle changes. Choose iron-rich foods A patient with hemophilia loses approximately 0.75 micrograms of iron with every 15 ml of blood. Thus, following a meal plan high in iron is crucial. Leafy greens like spinach, kale, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts have high iron levels. Walnuts, hazelnuts, dates, beans, raisins, apricots, red meat, and poultry are other iron-rich foods to incorporate into the nutrition regimen. Replenish the body with vitamin C Studies have shown that vitamin C is essential for iron absorption in the body. Hence, accompanying iron-rich foods with foods rich in vitamin C is a great way to manage hemophilia. Items rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, tomatoes, cruciferous vegetables, and lychees. Stay active Contact sports and intensive exercises are a no-no for patients with hemophilia.

Myelodysplastic syndromes are a group of disorders that result in the body’s inability to produce healthy blood cells. Known to be a rare type of cancer, the syndromes primarily affect the elderly, especially those over the age of 65. However, it can affect the younger population as well. The most common and early symptoms are fatigue and shortness of breath. Here are a few signs and available treatments for myelodysplastic syndromes. Symptoms of myelodysplastic syndromes Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) can develop without any symptoms in the early stages. They can be detected by general blood tests. The most common symptom is anemia. Patients may also experience other symptoms like: Breathing problems Constant fatigue despite adequate rest Pallid skin Excessive bruising and bleeding Petechiae, which are extremely small spots of bleeding under the skin Fever and frequent infections One should consult a doctor if any of these symptoms persist for a long time. This will help identify the underlying cause and help a person get the best treatment available. The causes of MDS MDS develops due to problems in the process of blood cell formation. When understanding the cause of MDS, one should also be aware about the role of the bone marrow.

A rare class of disorders called myelodysplastic syndrome prevents the body from producing healthy blood cells. It is also referred to as “bone marrow failure.” Although it affects people of any age, this rare type of cancer primarily affects the elderly, particularly those over 65. A blood test is usually used to detect or diagnose this condition. The symptoms are fatigue and shortness of breath. Some of the treatments for this condition are listed below. Treatment options for myelodysplastic syndromes The primary goals of myelodysplastic syndrome treatment are to reduce the illness’ progression, ameliorate its symptoms, and avoid complications. Since this condition has no known cure, certain treatments may limit its progression. Transfusion therapy Transfusion therapy (blood transfusion) replaces blood cells destroyed by illness or treatment by infusing red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets. A red blood cell transfusion is administered when the blood cell count is low and signs of anemia, such as shortness of breath or fatigue, occur. A platelet transfusion is frequently given to a patient undergoing a procedure that may result in bleeding or a low platelet count. Besides, patients who frequently receive blood transfusions may suffer tissue and organ damage from excess iron accumulation.

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) refer to closely related hematopoietic disorders characterized by abnormalities in the bone marrow’s blood-forming cells. Classified as a rare type of blood cancer, this disease typically affects the elderly. Research suggests that MDS can progress to acute myeloid leukemia in one in three patients. However, a systematic treatment course, adequate healthcare, and proper nutrition can help control MDS symptoms. Some natural remedies to manage MDS are listed below. Aromatherapy Aromatherapy refers to using essential oils to calm the mind and body. Aromatherapy is also used among patients with cancer to reduce chemotherapy-induced symptoms. Moreover, individuals with MDS typically undergo extensive treatment courses, which can lead to considerable distress and anxiety. Aromatherapy is a tried-and-tested practice to facilitate mind relaxation and lower stress levels. Massage therapy Research indicates that massage can considerably reduce fatigue among cancer patients. Patients with MDS typically face anxiety due to the uncertainty involved. In addition, massage therapy can help them cope better with the treatment process and reduce negative emotions associated with it. Breathing exercises Breathing exercises increase the oxygen supply to the lungs, enhancing one’s quality of life and helping with healing. It can also help MDS patients with mind and body relaxation, which is much needed amidst the intensive treatment procedure.

Vitiligo is a rare skin disease that causes discoloration or pigmentation on one’s skin. People with vitiligo may notice smooth white or light patches appearing on their skin that may get bigger with time. The condition can affect any part of the body, including hair and the insides of one’s mouth. Vitiligo is not a contagious or life-threatening condition; it can be prevented and healed with some foods and home remedies. Understanding vitiligo One’s skin tone and hair color are determined by the quantity of melanin produced by their body cells. If melanin production is hampered, one may develop conditions like vitiligo. The condition usually occurs in the exposed areas of the skin, including hands, forearms, feet, and face. One may also notice premature graying or whitening of hair, eyelashes, eyebrows, and beard. Additionally, there may be discoloration around the genitals. Common causes of vitiligo The exact cause of vitiligo is not known. Abnormal genetic mutation, a family history of the condition, or a triggering event may affect the pigment-producing cells called melanocytes and cause vitiligo. Moreover, extreme sunburn, physical or emotional stress, or exposure to toxic chemicals may also lead to developing vitiligo. Foods that help prevent vitiligo Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease that may lead to inflammation and damage of cells.

Immune thrombocytopenia, formerly called idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, is a disorder that causes excessive bleeding and bruising. The uncontrolled bleeding may be due to low levels of platelets—the blood cells that help the blood clot. This health condition is known to cause purple-colored bruises and tiny rash-like reddish-purple dots on the skin. In most cases, children may develop it after a viral infection and recover entirely, but the disorder is usually long-term or chronic in adults. Symptoms Chronic immune thrombocytopenia often does not have symptoms. But in rare cases, they do occur in a gradual manner. Some signs to look for out are: Purple bruises on the skin Patients may notice tiny purple-colored bruises on the skin, known as purpura. Sometimes these bruises occur inside the mouth. Easy bruising One may easily injure themselves, resulting in uncontrolled bleeding or bruises on different body parts. Bleeding gums This may occur when patients do not brush or floss properly due to a fear of excessive bleeding. Poor oral hygiene can further lead to gum disease and cavities. Besides these signs, individuals should look for blood in urine or stools, spontaneous nose bleeds, and abnormally heavy menstruation. Diagnosis and treatment Healthcare professionals often diagnose chronic immune thrombocytopenia by ruling out other underlying health conditions that can lead to uncontrolled bleeding.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a health condition in which the heart muscles become thick, leading to poor blood pumping function by the organ. When these thickened walls block the blood, it is called obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HOCM. And when there is no significant blockage, it is called nonobstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The symptoms are very few, making diagnosing the condition at the right time difficult. Let’s look at a brief overview of this illness. Causes It has been studied that gene changes in individuals cause this health condition. This is called gene mutation. The thickened muscle is usually between the two bottom chambers of the heart, which help in pumping the blood out, and if it stiffens, it makes it harder for the heart to relax. This leads to a reduced amount of blood that the ventricle can hold, and it is then unable to pump enough out to the rest of the body with each heartbeat. Due to this condition, some individuals also experience rearrangement of heart muscle cells, also called myofiber disarray, which can cause arrhythmias. Symptoms While the symptoms are few and are usually noticed very late, here is what to look out for: Any chest pain during a workout or any other form of exercise Fainting after strenuous activity or a workout A heart murmur that is mostly only detected by a doctor if you go in for a check-up Palpitations or experiencing fast, fluttering, and pounding heartbeats Shortness of breath that is usually observed during exercise While these symptoms overlap with other health conditions, it is important to see a doctor immediately when other signs are noticed, like irregular or rapid heartbeats, difficulty breathing, and chest pain.

Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, commonly known as GEP-NETs, are cancerous tumors that develop in the pancreas or other digestive areas, such as the small intestine, rectum, stomach, appendix, or colon. These tumors generally grow in the hormone-producing neuroendocrine cells. Like most other cancers, GEP-NETs are hard to detect in their initial stages. If undetected for a long time, the tumors can turn malignant and spread to other parts of a person’s body. Symptoms Healthcare and oncology experts identify this health condition by the following symptoms: Diarrhea People with GEP-NETs frequently have secretory diarrhea, meaning they defecate large-volume stools. The frequent passage of stools causes bleeding, fever, dramatic muscle loss, a lack of sleep, and severe pain in the lower abdominal area. Abdominal pain is usually caused due to the blockages brought about in a person’s intestines. Headaches While headaches are not the most common symptom, many patients experience them. As specified earlier, GEP-NETs tend to affect one’s hormonal glands. In many cases, this causes unregulated hormone production, which constricts blood vessels in and around the head and other areas. This constriction, in turn, causes headaches. Vomiting The tumors affect the digestive system’s ability to function normally. Hence, patients commonly experience nausea, indigestion, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Uterine cancer, or uterus cancer, is the term used to describe cancer that develops in the uterus. This condition is classified into two broad types – endometrial cancer, i.e., cancer of the endometrium or the inner lining of the uterus, and uterine sarcoma, i.e., cancer of the myometrium or the uterus’ muscular wall. Endometrial cancer is the more prevalent type of uterine cancer. This article describes uterine cancer, its causes, symptoms, and interventions. Causes and risk factors Genetic predisposition Individuals with family histories of Lynch syndrome, also known as hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), are more at risk of developing uterine cancer. Moreover, Lynch syndrome often occurs as a comorbidity with uterine cancer. About 2% to 5% of women with uterine cancer are also diagnosed with Lynch syndrome. Genetic predisposition to colon cancer can also contribute to the prevalence of uterine cancer. Age Uterine cancer typically occurs among individuals over 50 years of age. The average age of diagnosis of the condition is 60 years. Thus, age acts as a major risk factor for the onset of uterine cancer. High body mass index Body mass index, or BMI, is expressed as one’s body mass divided by the square of one’s body height.

The bladder is a hollow, balloon-shaped organ in the lower part of the abdomen that stores urine. The bladder is susceptible to cancers, including a type called urothelial carcinoma. Cancer begins in the urothelial cells, which line the urethra, ureters, bladder, pelvis, renal, and other organs. Urothelial cancer or carcinoma is also known as transitional cell carcinoma as the cells here can change shape. The condition affects the bladder’s ability to function properly. Symptoms Urothelial carcinoma may not cause symptoms right away. However, blood in the urine is one of the first noticeable signs of the condition. Other symptoms include: Tiredness Persistent back pain A lump or mass in the kidney region Low-grade fever Causes and risk factors The cause of urothelial carcinoma is yet to be determined. But healthcare professionals have associated the development of cancer in the bladder and kidneys with the following risk factors: Age: One might be at an increased risk of developing urothelial cancer as they get older, especially at ages 55 and above. However, the condition can develop at any age. Gender: Men are at a greater risk of developing various types of bladder cancers than women. Exposure to toxins: Exposure to arsenic and chemicals used for manufacturing dyes, leather, rubber, textiles, and paint products may also increase the risk of urothelial carcinoma.