Amyloidosis is a rare condition that develops when there is a substance i.e. amyloid in the organs. The substance is an abnormal protein that gets produced in the bone marrow and goes on to get deposited in different organs and tissues of the body. In different people, amyloidosis can affect different organs in the body. Typically, organs such as the heart, spleen, digestive tract, nervous system and liver get affected. In the case of severe amyloidosis, one suffers the threat of organ failure, which can be very fatal. The condition can be developed among any individual. It also causes several functional complications — these depend on the organs in which amyloid is deposited. In the kidneys it can cause the protein to leak out from the blood into the urine. The function of the kidneys to effectively remove waste from the body is affected, and this in turn causes kidney failure. The condition can also restrict the ability of the heart from pumping blood normally with each heartbeat. This often leads to shortness of breath. The nervous system too is commonly affected by the condition. One will experience pain and numbness in the fingers and soles of the feet. It may also involve dizziness and tingling in the feet.

Our bodies are made up of different kinds of cells. Blood cells are an important type of cell that is further bifurcated into three parts, namely white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Each type of blood cell plays an essential role in the human body. Red blood cells remove carbon dioxide from the body and carry oxygen to the tissues. Platelets prevent bleeding by forming blood clots. While blood cells are an essential part of the immune system and help fight infection and protect the body from foreign substances. There are several types of white blood cells. B lymphocytes are a type of white blood cells that become plasma cells upon identifying antigens in the body. Plasma cells and multiple myeloma Plasma cells produce antibodies that fight antigens, otherwise known as harmful foreign substances. These cells are normally present in the bone marrow in a limited number, but they can turn into a tumor upon abnormal cell multiplication. The tumor can turn cancerous and may cause multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. While scientists do not know the exact cause of multiple myeloma, they have conducted studies on how certain DNA changes can cause the plasma cells to turn cancerous and form a tumor.

Diabetes is a dangerous condition, which can worsen any other diseases or illness present in a human body and pave the way for further complications. One needs to take care of his or her eating habits and make necessary lifestyle changes to get normal sugar levels. Controlling blood sugar levels is crucial to prevent diabetes as well as to manage the condition if already affected by it. It is mandatory on your part to know what should be your normal blood sugar levels and how you can check it on a periodic basis to lead a healthy life. Normal blood sugar levels for a non-diabetic person There are three parameters in which the blood sugar level is detected. You need to check the degree of blood sugar after 10 hours of eating, which is usually before having anything in the morning after you woke up, provided you had the dinner at least 10-12 hours before the time of the blood test. The normal blood sugar levels during the fasting phase should be within the range of 70-99 mg/dl. The next parameter is to test the blood sugar level after the first meal, which is usually lunch. This blood has to be taken a right after 1.5-2 hours of lunch.

Does your toenail appear yellowish, thickened, and brittle? Beware, as you might be suffering from Onychomycosis or toenail fungus. What is toenail fungus? Onychomycosis, widely known as toenail fungus, is a common fungal infection that affects your toenails. It discolors, thickens, and cracks up toenails. Since it is a fungal infection, it can easily spread from one toenail to another. Untreated toenail fungus might also spread from the toenails to the skin as well as the fingernails. Fungal toenails are painful at times. Toenail fungus is more common in men than women. This holds true especially for older people, as they are susceptible to fungal toenails. Apart from that, people who are suffering from immune deficiency, diabetes, athlete’s foot, and smokers are at risk of toenail fungus. What are the symptoms of toenail fungus? Don’t disregard a toenail that appears yellow or thickened. A toenail that seems to be thicker than usual, warped, and brittle are all primary symptoms of toenail fungus. Other than these, toenail fungus can appear to be a white dot on the nail that broadens and spreads all over the infected toenail. The infected toenail loosens and separates the entire nail from the nail bed. In a worst-case scenario, the fungus might even spread to the skin near the toenails.

A migraine is a condition that causes severe pain and throbbing in the head. Unbearable most of the times, this is a kind of pain that affects one side of the head. In most cases, migraine attacks do not come with any symptoms. However, there some warning symptoms that can come before or after the migraine attacks and these include tingling in the head, sudden blind spots, flashing of light and more. The symptoms can vary from person to person. Migraine attacks can affect any individual irrespective of the age and gender. From kids to adults, absolutely anyone can undergo this kind of a headache. However, migraines mostly begin in childhood and progress in stages over the years. The pain can get severe with each stage but is not necessarily true that an individual goes through every stage. Migraine attacks can leave a person to suffer from excruciating pain for hours and even days with no relief. The medications available in the market can reduce the occurrence of migraine attacks and reduce the pain too. Migraine attacks are often coupled with other effects such as repeated vomiting, feeling nauseous and sensitivity to light and sound. So what causes migraine headaches?

Bone density test, also recognized as bone mass measurement test or calcium test, is an examination of your bones to detect if any of your bones have a chance of breakage and also to evaluate the density of your bones. The most recommended parts of your body to be examined for bone density are usually hip and spine because these bones are the most affected due to old age. A dual energy X-ray absorptiometry machine is used for conducting bone density test. This machine will help the medical examiner to find out if your bones are healthy and strong. If you are a person who is older than 50 or if you have a family member who is older than 50, then this test is highly preferred. Also, if you have had any bone fracture in your life before, it is suggested that you get the bone density test done. How does the bone density test help you? A bone density test is required for multiple reasons, some of which are discussed below. After a bone density test, you will be able to find out if you are suffering from osteoporosis or osteopenia and if you have any possibility of weak bones, breakage or calcium deficiency.

Sinusitis is a disorder where you experience an aggravation or enlargement of the tissue coating the sinuses. Sound sinuses are loaded with air. When your sinuses get blocked due to fluid accumulation, germs can develop and cause an infection. Sinusitis can be caused by contamination, hypersensitivities, air contamination, or basic issues in the nose. Most cases are caused by a viral infection. You might be dealing with a bacterial disease if side-effects last over ten days, or if your health deteriorates immediately after an apparent improvement. The best fix is to relieve sinus pressure by various methods. Repetitive occurrences are more likely to affect you if you suffer from asthma, cystic fibrosis, or poor immunity. X-rays aren’t usually required unless complications are suspected. In incessant cases, corroborative testing is prescribed, this is done through either coordinate perception or figured tomography. The reason for the nasal congestion can be: A common cold Susceptibility to rhinitis, an enlargement in the coating of the nose Small developments in the covering of the nose A veered-off septum The Types Of Sinusitis Acute sinusitis , for the most part, begins with the symptoms of a cold, like a running nose and a facial discomfort. Symptoms can show up rather suddenly, and remain for weeks or more.

Ulcerative colitis is commonly referred to as a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) which affects the GI tract (gastrointestinal tract) and causes its inflammation. Ulcerative colitis affects the colon region of the digestive system and can affect the rectum. Inflammation begins in the innermost lining of the rectum and gradually goes up to affect the innermost linings of GI tracts. Researchers believe the cause of ulcerative colitis is linked to a blend of genetics, immunity, and external environmental factors. What you need to k now Treatments for colitis usually begin with diagnosis. Knowing the symptoms of ulcerative colitis helps in treating the same. Ulcerative colitis affects people of any age range. However , the most common cases occur in those before 30. If your family members are victims of ulcerative colitis, you may be prone to it in the future. The main symptoms of ulcerative colitis include: Cramps Belly pain Diarrhea Rectal bleeding High fever, lack of appetite, and frequent bouts of diarrhea on the s ame day lasting up to 20 times are some of the most common symptoms of the presence of ulcerative colitis. Sometimes these symptoms come and go, but symptoms that persist over time must be treated.

Hemorrhoids is derived from the Greek word haimorrhoides, which are veins that may discharge blood. Hemorrhoids or piles are nothing but cushions that help stool control. These become problematic when the aggravated veins get swollen, stretched, and irritated. These aggravated clusters of enlarged vessels usually cause discomfort, pain, and irritation in the anus or lower rectum. Causes of hemorrhoids are many, but one cannot determine the actual trigger for symptomatic hemorrhoids. While the diagnosis of hemorrhoids is based on its location, the most common causes of hemorrhoids are associated with strain during bowel movements or pregnancy. Hemorrhoids is a common problem that frequently occurs in 3 out of 4 adults on several occasions. There are three types of hemorrhoids namely internal, external, and thrombosed, each varying in severity, treatments, and causes. Here’s what each of these means. Internal hemorrhoids These are the most harmless type of lumps that lie inside the rectum and rarely cause any apparent symptom. In the event of aggravation, these may damage hemorrhoid’s surface causing it to bleed. Often, strain or excessive dilation may cause the internal hemorrhoid to protrude or prolapse and cause rectal bleeding. When this happens, these protrusions may cause irritation, itching, and pain.

Joints form a connection between bones. They are the reason why we are able to move because they aid in movement. Any form of pain or injury that happens to the joints can cause interference when it comes to movements. Read on to know what causes joint pain, especially the types of diseases that are responsible for the same. In a month, a one-third of adults are normally reported to be suffering from joint pains. Joint pain can affect any part of the body. It could be your hands, feet, ankles or knees. They are normally managed by taking a type of medication that is specified to treating it, paying for physical therapy and exercises. If you experience any form of joint pain, it is important to seek medical advice so that your doctor is able to diagnose and treat the condition that might be causing joint pains. The main reason why joint pains are treated is to reduce the amount of pain that a person might be feeling in the joints as well as to reduce the levels of inflammation. Types of joint pains As we work hard to establish the causes of joint pain, it is also important that you get to know the different types of joint pains so that you are able to identify with the one that you might be experiencing.