Muscular dystrophy is a group of diseases in which abnormal genes interfere with the production of proteins that are required to form healthy muscles. It causes progressive weakness and muscle mass loss. There is no definite cure for muscular dystrophy, but there has been a lot of progress in research for this condition. This research aims to improve the quality of life for the patients. Some of the common treatments for muscular dystrophy include the following methods: 1. Occupational and physical therapies Physical therapy is found to be effective for maintaining a flexible range of motion in patients with the condition. Since their joints become inflexible and immobile, such exercises can help delay the development of contractures. You can also try exercises for strengthening other muscles that are not yet affected to make up for the damaged muscles. This treatment is beneficial in the early stages of muscular dystrophy. Regular workouts will also maintain overall good health. However, if the patient is made to undergo very strenuous workouts, it may do more harm than good. Braces and customized wheelchairs can make the lives of patients with the disease easier. Also, it is necessary to have handicap-friendly workplaces and homes. 2.

The pancreas is an organ located in the abdomen that sits behind the lower part of the stomach. This organ aids digestion by releasing enzymes and manages blood sugar by producing hormones. Pancreatic cancer begins in the tissues of the pancreas and is seldom detected in its early stages, when the disease is most curable. The treatments for pancreatic cancer, other than surgery and chemotherapy, include ablation, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. The treatment options for pancreatic cancer include the following: 1. Ablation One of the treatments for pancreatic cancer is ablation, which is a non-surgical way of destroying the cancerous cells in the pancreas. This procedure is useful when cancer has spread to the liver and other organs. The common ablation treatments include: Cryoablation This treatment option for pancreatic cancer freezes cancer cells to kill them. A metal probe is inserted into the pancreas and guided to the cancer cells through ultrasound. Cold gases are delivered to freeze and destroy the cancer cells. It is used to treat large tumors of the pancreas. Radiofrequency Ablation A metal probe in the size of a needle is inserted into the pancreas. A high-frequency electric current is passed destroying the cancer cells by heating them.

Kidney or renal cancer is a type of disease that triggers kidney cells to become cancerous, or malignant in nature, by growing and dividing abnormally until they form a tumor. The majority of all kidney cancers develop in the lining of the tubules (or tiny tubes of the kidney), forming a tumor known as a renal cell carcinoma. Apart from surgery, there are several other treatments for renal or kidney cancer that can be effective in treating this disease. This article discusses the non-surgical methods of treating renal cancer: 1. Radiofrequency Ablation This is a non-surgical procedure that involves the use of heat to destroy the tumor. This procedure is suitable for those who cannot have surgery for any reason. There is no incision needed and instead, a needle is inserted into the kidney. Once the needle is inserted, an electric current is passed to destroy the cancerous tissue. 2. Cryosurgery Cryosurgery is one of the treatments for renal/kidney cancer that, even though it is a surgery, does not require an incision. A metal probe is inserted by making a very small incision. The probe is inserted into the tumor. The tumor is frozen by the probe and the freezing leads to the death of the cancer cells.

The conventional treatments for sleep apnea use various devices that can be uncomfortable to use over a prolonged period of time. The other commonly opted for treatment method is surgery, but surgery comes with its own fair share of risks. But in addition to these conventional treatment methods, home remedies as treatments for sleep apnea can also help in reducing problems caused by the condition. These treatments have no side effects and include lifestyle changes to help manage the problem. It is advisable to discuss them with the doctor before adopting them. 1. Weight loss One of the best home treatments for sleep apnea is weight loss. Excess weight and obesity cause pressure on the lungs, leading to breathing problems. It has been found that those who are obese are more likely to face problems caused by sleep apnea. Those who use CPAP devices for sleep apnea can reduce their dependence on the device if they reduce weight and maintain an ideal weight. A proper diet with less fatty foods and frequent exercise can help in weight loss. One of the main symptoms of sleep apnea is daytime sleepiness and tiredness. Weight loss can also help in getting relief from these symptoms.

The build-up of amyloid, a protein in the bone marrow, can be deposited in any tissue or organs in the body. This affects their basic functions and is called amyloidosis. A rare disorder, amyloidosis can cause serious health issues and lead to organ failure. The causes and types of amyloidosis are closely linked with other conditions. Moreover, it can affect anyone, but family history, age, kidney dialysis, and chronic diseases play a huge role. It is difficult to diagnose amyloidosis as the symptoms are similar to other diseases. Tests to confirm a diagnosis might include biopsy, MRI, blood and urine tests, and endoscopy. Maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle, consuming healthy foods, and exercising can help prevent the symptoms of amyloidosis. Although there is no cure for amyloidosis, it can be prevented from progressing. 1. Symptoms of amyloidosis can range from mild to severe and include: An irregular heartbeat Diarrhea or constipation sometimes with blood Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet Shortness of breath Weight issues An enlarged tongue Anemia Fatigue and weakness 2. Causes, treatments, and types of amyloidosis AL amyloidosis, also known as primary amyloidosis or immunoglobulin light-chain amyloidosis, is usually linked with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer.

Breast cancer is caused due to cell mutation in the breast cells. Usually, different types of breast cancer attack the lobules, the milk-producing glands, or ducts, a tube that carries the milk to the nipples. Sometimes, cancer may also affect fatty tissue or fibrous connective tissue within your breast. In the final stages, cancer cells start affecting the healthy breast tissue and get inside the lymph nodes, under the arms. The lymph nodes are the primary carriers of cancer to the rest of the body. 1. Breast cancer types Breast cancer can be divided into two types: invasive, noninvasive or in situ. While invasive cancer spreads from the breast ducts or glands to other parts of the breast, noninvasive cancer does not spread far from the original affected tissue. The different types of breast cancer include: DCIS or ductal carcinoma in situ is a type of cancer that remains confined to the ducts in the breast. It does not reach the surrounding breast tissue. LCIS or lobular carcinoma in situ proliferates in the milk-producing glands of the breast. Like DCIS, the cancer cells do not affect the surrounding tissues. Invasive ductal carcinoma starts affecting the milk ducts and then proliferates to the surrounding tissue in the breast.

Eating disorders are a group of conditions in which patients form an unhealthy relationship with food. However, despite common conception, eating disorders are not just about food. In fact, these disorders often form as a means to cope with life’s stresses and problems in a way to take back some form of control. Eating disorders often greatly impact a patient’s sense of self-worth and self-esteem. The various types of eating disorders are as follows: 1. Anorexia nervosa People having this type of eating disorder have a severe habit of not consuming food and assuming that they have gained weight. They decrease the regular intake of food and limit their nutrient consumption. They manipulate their calorie intake by various types of purging behaviors. Although they might be underweight, they have a severe fear of gaining weight. 2. Bulimia nervosa Bulimia nervosa is a type of eating disorder where the person uncontrollably consumes huge quantities of food in a very short time span and purge. They usually don’t accept that they don’t have control over their urge to eat and continuously consume food. The side effects of bulimia are sore throat, tooth decay, swollen salivary glands, worn-out tooth enamel, hormonal imbalance, and dehydration.

Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood. It forms when the cells in the bone marrow become cancerous. These cancerous cells slowly start taking over the healthy blood cells as well. This condition affects the ability of the body to fight infection, deliver oxygen, and control bleeding. The cancerous cells are known to affect the liver, spleen, and other organs as well. There are two main types of leukemia, here are details on each type: 1. Chronic leukemia Chronic leukemia is a slow-growing condition and takes years to affect the body. The early symptoms or signs often go unnoticed. This is commonly tested through a routine blood test. The signs of chronic leukemia include: Weight loss Loss of appetite Tiredness Fever Night sweats Anemia Infections Bleeding Enlarged lymph nodes Pain in the spleen 2. Acute leukemia Acute leukemia is fast-growing leukemia; it progresses quickly if left treated. A few of the common signs of acute leukemia include: Infections Low count of white blood cells Shortness of breath Pale skin Night sweats Fever from time to time Aches in the joint and bone Red dots appearing under the skin Wounds take time to heal The cause of leukemia is still unknown.

Bacterial meningitis is a condition where the lining of the brain and spinal cord get inflamed. It is called meningitis as the inflammation occurs in the membranes surrounding the brain and the spinal cord, the meninges. There are many types of meningitis. However, bacterial meningitis is the most common and serious one. Moreover, bacterial meningitis is harder to diagnose as the symptoms associated with the condition are general and undetectable in its initial stages. Bacterial meningitis is often caused by bacteria that can be found in the immediate vicinity. They may even be present in your surroundings and on your body. The bacteria are usually harmless but when they reach your brain through your blood, the infection occurs. It should also be pointed out that of the various types of meningitis, bacterial meningitis can be spread from one person to another through close body contact as well as coughing, sneezing, and kissing. Since the infection is caused by bacteria, it can spread through phlegm and saliva. As the infected person sneezes or you exchange bodily fluids, the risk of contracting bacterial meningitis increases. But not all the bacteria that cause meningitis are contagious. You can even contract meningitis by eating contaminated food.

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that causes liver inflammation and can sometimes lead to damage to the liver. Hepatitis C is a virus that spreads through contaminated blood. Many baby boomers and people who have shared needles or people who have tattoos are more susceptible to hepatitis C. The good news is Hep C is curable and the symptoms vary from person to person. The most common symptoms include the following: 1. Pain in the abdomen Abdominal pain felt by a hepatitis C sufferer can be mild to severe and is more prevalent when the infection is acute. Hepatitis often goes undiagnosed and really causes any symptoms so those who have hepatitis C often don’t know that they have the virus they just feel their stomach is upset or their abdomen is in pain for no clear reason. 2. Symptoms related to abdominal pain. Other symptoms related to abdominal pain consist of bloating fluid in the abdomen or nausea. Because abdominal pain is linked to so many conditions, it is important for you to see a doctor to rule out Hep C. If left untreated, patients may suffer liver failure or even death. 3. Overall malaise Hepatitis C can affect one’s overall body including symptoms such as fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite.