Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that develops in certain white blood cells called plasma cells. The function of these cells is to fight infections by making antibodies that help attack the germs. Those dealing with multiple myeloma lose the ability to fight these infections as cancerous plasma cells accumulate in the bone marrow and crowd the healthy cells. Recognizing the following warning signs can help one get an early diagnosis and treatment: Pain and weakness in bones With multiple myeloma, cancerous cells accumulate in the bone marrow, so one of the first signs to develop is bone pain. This symptom usually develops in the back, hips, and skull. One may also experience weakness in the bones brought on by osteoporosis and plasmacytoma—a tumor of the plasma cells. Low blood count Shortage of red and white blood cells and blood platelets is another symptom that can be detected through various tests. One of the issues brought on by low blood counts is anemia, which results in weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath, and a reduced ability to exercise. Further, leukopenia is a condition attributed to a diminished white blood cell count in the body. Here, one has a low resistance to infections like pneumonia.

All living organisms require water for survival. Regular hydration guarantees multiple health benefits to humans as water keeps their circulatory system in good shape. It also helps to nourish one’s skin and flush out toxins from within the body. Unsurprisingly, not drinking adequate amounts of water can result in severe health risks in the long term for individuals. Some of the major side effects of not drinking enough water are listed below. Bad breath Water supports the salivary glands to produce large amounts of saliva throughout the day. It helps to keep the mouth lubricated and avoids dry mouth-related issues. A key function of saliva is also to kill harmful bacteria in one’s gums and teeth. These benefits are of no use when one does not drink enough water throughout the day. One of the most significant side effects of insufficient saliva production is bad breath triggered by a dry mouth. However, it is also a problem that can be resolved easily. By drinking adequate amounts of water daily, one can keep their mouth wet and moist at all times to avoid bad breath. Thickening of blood Water is a crucial contributor to the circulatory system. When the body lacks enough water, an individual’s blood tends to become thicker.

Blood is the essential component that keeps all the systems ticking within the human body. Blood circulation facilitates the transportation of oxygen and nutrients to all the vital organs of the body. Certain factors, such as high cholesterol and dehydration, can slow down a person’s blood circulation, causing a range of health issues. One can detect blood circulation issues through certain symptoms, and some common warning signs of poor blood circulation are discussed below. Unusual skin changes Several blood vessels are present directly under the first few layers of one’s skin. Therefore, the first warning signs of poor blood circulation are often felt on the skin. Some of the changes one feels on their skin are twisted, bulging blue varicose veins appearing on the legs and ankles. This happens when a valve within a given vein fails and causes disruption in blood circulation. Apart from that, the appearance of blue skin on the lips, nose, hands, ears, and feet is also caused by stunted/slowed-down blood circulation. Tingling sensation in hands and feet This condition, known as pins and needles, is a direct result of poor blood flow. One may have experienced this directly on their palm after sitting on their hand or laying on their arm for too long.

Women must visit a gynecologist regularly to ensure their health and well-being. Although being open and frank during gynecological appointments is essential, some questions may be awkward or uncomfortable. Although by answering them, we hope to encourage women to prioritize their health and seek the care they need from gynecologists without hesitation. So, here are six questions that women may find embarrassing during a gynecological visit but should ask for better clarity. Is it necessary to reveal one’s sexual activity? One of the most common questions that can cause embarrassment is related to sexual activity. Gynecologists inquire about sexual activity to assess potential risks and ensure they offer the right advice regarding birth control, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and any other concerns that may arise due to sexual activity. Answering honestly helps the gynecologist provide the most accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Are there any issues with my menstrual cycle? Gynecologists may inquire about the regularity, length, and intensity of menstrual cycles to evaluate one’s overall reproductive health, potential hormonal imbalances, or underlying conditions. Is it normal to experience pain during sexual intercourse? The pain may sometimes result from infections, hormonal imbalances, vaginal dryness, or lack of lubrication due to nervousness.

Schizophrenia is a chronic brain disorder that can affect thoughts, feelings, and behavior. The condition affects less than 1% of the country’s population. The symptoms associated with the disorder can change the ability to think and act, leading to problems in carrying out day-to-day activities. Typically, those with schizophrenia may require lifelong treatment. However, early detection can help in symptom management. So, here are a few early signs of schizophrenia that one can recognize: Disorganized thinking and speech When dealing with schizophrenia, one may experience difficulties in concentrating and maintaining a train of thought. Usually, this sign leads to speech problems. For example, the individual can respond to a question with a completely unrelated answer, repeat words and phrases, or rapidly move from one topic to another. Lack of emotional expression The lack of emotional and facial expressions, also known in psychology as “flat affect,” has often been associated with schizophrenia. It refers to emotional numbness, where one can have some trouble trying to feel and express emotions. For instance, one may be delighted, but due to any lack of expression on their face, observers may believe otherwise, leading to misunderstanding and miscommunication. Social withdrawal or isolation People with schizophrenia may experience bouts of social withdrawal, which can be triggered by fear and confusion.

Muscular dystrophy is a group of debilitating health conditions that progressively cause muscle mass loss and weakness. It is caused by abnormal gene mutations which disrupt the production of natural proteins in the body. This makes building healthy muscle mass difficult. Most hidden signs of muscular dystrophy start in childhood. But for some types of muscular dystrophy, the symptoms do not show up until adulthood. Here are some common signs based on the type of muscular dystrophy. Duchenne type muscular dystrophy This is one of the most common types of muscular dystrophy. The symptoms start showing during childhood. Some of the known signs include the following: Falling frequently Finding it difficult to get up from a sitting or lying down position Difficulty in jumping or running Waddling gait Walking on the toes Enlarged calf muscles Muscular stiffness and pain Delayed growth Becker muscular dystrophy The symptoms of this type are mostly the same as that of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. However, the severity of the symptoms is mild. Moreover, the symptoms progress slowly over time compared to Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Also, these symptoms are usually experienced during the teen years. But in some cases, there are no symptoms until the mid-20s or later.

Muscular dystrophy is a group of diseases that leads to progressive weakness and the loss of muscle mass. The condition is triggered due to mutations in genes, which hamper the production of proteins required to form healthy muscles. Generally, the symptoms start in childhood, especially affecting boys. A cure for muscular dystrophy is yet to be determined; still, experts suggest specific treatments and management techniques to slow the course of the disease. Symptoms The primary sign of the condition is progressive muscle weakness. A few other signs may begin at different ages and muscle groups based on the type of muscular dystrophy one develops. The most common symptoms are given below and may occur in younger individuals with Duchenne-type muscular atrophy. Falling frequently Trouble jumping and running Waddling gait Difficulty rising from a lying or sitting position Starting to walk on the toes Pain and stiffness in the muscles Difficulty with learning Unusually large calf muscles Delayed growth One may also experience other types, such as Becker muscular dystrophy. Here, the signs are similar to those of Duchenne muscular dystrophy but may occur gradually. Causes Specific genes are involved in making proteins to protect muscle fibers. However, unusual mutations in these genes may result in muscular dystrophy.

Osteogenesis imperfecta, or brittle bone disease, is a genetic disorder that makes bones become extremely soft and highly susceptible to damage in the form of fractures. There are eight known types of this condition, each brought on by a unique defect in the gene that monitors growth and development. Nevertheless, certain treatment options can help one deal with the condition. So, here are the common symptoms of osteogenesis imperfecta one should recognize: Brittle bones The most common symptom of osteogenesis imperfecta (or OI) is bone injuries, as the bones break easily at the slightest impact. Many types of OI affect bone density, so another sign could be bone deformities that manifest as bowing of the legs among children. Deformed chest and spine The spinal cord and chest plate contain a large number of bones. Osteogenesis imperfecta affects the natural shape of these bones, leading to the development of a barrel-shaped chest. As the condition progresses, it also affects the natural curvature of the spine, making the body bend forward and affecting the normal posture. Here, the type and severity of OI determine the intensity of such symptoms. Some may also develop irregularities in the face, affecting its shape. Muscle weakness Skeletal muscles develop around the bones and are responsible for movement.

Cancer is triggered due to an uncontrolled multiplication of healthy cells in the body that affects vital organs and functions. Lung cancer is detected when these cells mutate, affecting the lung’s ability to absorb oxygen. It is a progressive disorder and cannot be completely cured. The risk is high among patients exposed to elements that worsen the cancer progression. Here is an overview of the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for lung cancer. Causes of lung cancer Exposure to pollutants Exposure to known pollutants and carcinogens is one of the significant risk factors associated with lung cancer. Pollutants comprise chemicals and particulate matter that damage the air sacs in the lungs. This comprises the ability of the lungs to absorb oxygen. Radon gas Radon is one of the most severe triggers of lung cancer. Exposure to this gas is quite common in residential homes as this compound is naturally present in the soil. Over time the gasses creep up into the building’s foundation and leak inside the home. Since this is a colorless, odorless gas, it’s quite difficult to identify this risk without smoke and gas detectors. Genes Certain genetic conditions or mutations in the genome sequence can also trigger lung cancer, especially if there is a history of the condition diagnosed among close members.

Breast cancer develops when the cells in the breasts grow and divide in an uncontrolled manner. This leads to the formation of a mass tissue known as a tumor. Typically, this type of cancer develops in either the milk-making glands of the breast or the ducts that carry milk. If left unchecked, the tumor can grow and spread to the surrounding lymph nodes and other parts of the body. Here is everything to know: Symptoms Generally, the symptoms of breast cancer can vary from one person to another. However, here are a few common symptoms of the condition: – Changes in shape, size, or appearance of the breasts – Development of small pea-sized lumps or mass in the breasts – Redness developing on the breast skin or nipple – A hardened spot under the skin – Clear or blood-stained discharge from the nipple While some of these signs can be easily observed, others may be harder to spot. This is why routine checkups, self-examination, and mammograms can help one get an early diagnosis Causes The primary cause of cancer is the uncontrolled growth and division of breast cells. However, what triggers this process is not yet known. However, the following risk factors have been associated with the development of breast cancer: