What is lupus?
An autoimmune and chronic disease that is capable of damaging any body organs like the skin, joints, etc. is called lupus. In case of diseases like HIV or AIDS, the immune system becomes underactive. However, in the case of lupus, the immune system becomes overactive thereby destroying the healthy body tissues. Lupus is chronic because its signs and symptoms can last over six weeks and sometimes more. Basically, the body is unable to differentiate between the foreign substances causing harm and the substances in the body which are healthy.
Additional facts on Lupus:
– Lupus is not contagious and one cannot get or give lupus from or to someone.
– Lupus, in any way, is not related to cancer.
– Lupus is not related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) because as already discussed, HIV causes the body to become under immune and lupus causes the body to be over immune.
– Lupus can range from a mild to a chronic condition.
– Almost 5 million people in the world are affected with some form of lupus.
Healthy diet for lupus
There is no such diet which has been established specifically for lupus, but it is necessary that one has an aim to eat healthy like in case of any disease. A healthy diet lupus should include more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, plant fats, legumes, fish, etc. However, there are certain foods which would prove to be better in managing the lupus symptoms. So, here is a healthy diet lupus list.
Avoid red meat and switch to fatty fish. Fatty fishes like salmon, mackerels, tuna, and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that help protect the heart against any sort of heart diseases. Red meat, on the other hand, is full of saturated fat, which can contribute to various issues like diabetes high blood pressure, heart diseases, etc.
Eat calcium-rich food. The steroids or drugs for lupus can cause side effects like causing thinning of the bones and thereby make your bones more susceptible to fracture. In order to avoid this situation, it is essential to eat foods that are rich in calcium and vitamin D so that the bones can constantly be strengthened. The foods to be included in the diet are low-fat milk, dark and green leafy vegetables, yogurt, cheese, beans, and soy. It is better to ask the doctor whether you are getting adequate calcium to nullify the effect of the drugs on the bones from the food alone. In case of a negative response, you might need a calcium supplement along with the food.
Avoid garlic and alfalfa because alfalfa contains an amino acid known as L-canavine and garlic contains ajoene, allicin, and thiosulphates. These substances can cause the immune system to flare up thereby catalysing the lupus symptoms.
Limiting the intake of saturated fats and transfats is essential. It is better to try and focus on including foods like raw vegetables, pop corn, and fruits in the diet more.
There is a possibility that alcohol can interfere with the drugs for lupus. For example, alcohol can lower the effectiveness of methotrexate or warfarin. It is better to keep a control on the alcohol intake.
The effect of lupus on each person is different, and while a healthy diet lupus may work wonders for someone, it may not do the same for you. So it is essential to have proper communication with the doctors and dietitians.
Chronic migraine is a condition where the affected person experiences at least 15 headache days a month. It is observed that at least 8 out of these 15 days are migraine headaches with severe symptoms, and this pattern of discomfort remains consistent for 3 months. Initially, it may not be a frequently occurring episode, however, with time, the episodes may get regular with chronic headaches. If left untreated, this condition can affect a person’s life.
Causes
Several factors determine the onset of this kind of migraine. One of them includes a steady increase in the frequency of episodic headaches. Over-the-counter treatment options that are used to treat frequent headaches stop affecting over time, leading to side effects that develop into chronic headaches. Some other factors that can put an individual at a high risk of developing this condition include mood disorders like anxiety or depression, snoring, excessive caffeine intake, ongoing disturbed sleep patterns, and a history of stressful life events causing emotional or physical trauma. An unhealthy lifestyle leading to an increase in the body mass index (BMI) can also be a causal factor.
Symptoms
There is no difference between symptoms of chronic migraines and episodic migraines. However, the only thing to notice is the increased frequency of episodic headaches in a month. Some typical symptoms of this illness can be observed for timely diagnosis and treatment.
Transitioning symptoms (episodic to chronic migraines)
Diagnosis
A health professional will take a look at the affected person’s health history. If needed, the doctor may ask questions that help understand the migraine patterns. The questions include how and when the migraines begin, how long they last, are there any notable physical factors or triggers that worsen the condition, and where the location of the pain is.
The professional may also ask for a detailed history of other health conditions like anxiety, depression, lifestyle choices that may trigger these headaches, any treatment options used, and possible side effects that could be factored into the diagnosis. Based on the results, appropriate treatment methods will be advised and implemented.
Treatment options
Most of the treatment methods focus on managing the symptoms, the migraine attacks, and reducing the episodes and pain.
One of the treatment therapies includes focusing on lifestyle changes.
Some other treatment options for managing migraine attacks include:
Other techniques include:
Also, maintain a headache diary and note down the possible triggers and the number of migraine attacks in a month. If there’s a notable increase in the attacks, consult a doctor at the earliest. Knowing the triggers can help the doctor chalk out an effective treatment plan.
Preventive treatments and methods
Apart from treatment options that help manage the symptoms, there are preventive treatment methods that reduce the episodes of these headaches to a certain extent. These include using beta blockers and other therapies. One such treatment method also includes using an Allergan product named BOTOX®, which doctors recommend for those 18 years and older. The intravenous treatment method is administered around the neck or the head, where the migraine pain usually affects the person. This ten-minute procedure is not painful and can prevent headaches for three months. The procedure takes place in a doctor’s clinic under close supervision.
Chronic migraine can be painful and disrupt everyday life activities, so choosing the right treatment plan is crucial. Get all the information from a licensed health professional and seek the best possible treatment plan according to a detailed diagnosis.
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops in the cells that produce melanin. The pigment melanin is responsible for giving the skin its color. Advanced melanoma can form inside one’s nose, throat, or digestive tract. Studies show that the risk of melanoma increases in people under 40, especially women. Knowing the early signs of the disease is crucial since melanoma can be treated successfully if detected early.
Stages
There are five stages of melanoma. The cancer cells of Stage 0 melanoma are restricted to the epidermis, the top layer of skin. The epidermis and dermis, the deeper layer of the skin, both contain cancer cells in Stage I melanoma. Stage II melanoma is marked by tumor thickness and ulceration, while Stage III is marked by melanoma deposits in the skin and cancer spreading to nearby lymph nodes. The advanced stage of melanoma, also called metastatic skin cancer, shows the further spread of cancer to distant areas of the body.
Causes of advanced melanoma
The exact cause of melanoma is unknown, although exposure to harsh ultraviolet (UV) radiation, tanning beds, or lamps has been shown to increase one’s risk of getting the disease. One can develop skin disease anywhere in one’s body. Those with a family history of the disease or exposure to radiation or vinyl chloride are also vulnerable to metastatic melanoma.
Signs of advanced melanoma
An early sign of melanoma is the development of an unusual mole. Normal moles are minor and uniform in size and color. But melanoma moles have irregular shapes or borders and can be larger than 6 millimeters. If a mole grows in size, color, and shape and causes itchiness, it’s best to get it checked. Advanced melanoma may lead to chronic fatigue, swollen lymph nodes or liver, loss of appetite, jaundice, skin itchiness, headaches, and even seizures. Depending on where the metastatic melanoma has spread, one may experience chest pain, breathing issues, aching bones, paralysis, sleepiness, and swelling in one’s legs or abdomen.
Melanoma treatment options
The American Cancer Society reports that the five-year survival rate for patients with melanoma that has spread to surrounding lymph nodes is 66%. Surgery is a common way to treat it. Targeted therapy is another method to eliminate the tumor and its metastases selectively. Alternatively, immunotherapy aids a person’s immune system in recognizing and shrinking cancer cells. Other treatments for metastatic skin cancer include chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Conclusion
Opdulag is a standard treatment for advanced melanoma skin cancer. The therapy, given by intravenous (IV) infusions, works with one’s immune system and is used to fight cancer that has spread or cannot be surgically removed. If one experiences any early signs of melanoma skin cancer, it’s recommended to consult a doctor immediately.