Blood Diseases-Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Blood Diseases-Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Blood is the life-maintaining fluid that circulates through the heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries. Because the blood performs many and complex functions, there are many disorders related to blood that require clinical care by a physician or other health care professional. These conditions include anemia, bleeding disorders, as well as cancers of the blood.
Certain factors may cause Blood Disorders, disorders that affect the cells in the blood (blood cells) or proteins in the blood clotting or immune systems. Laboratory tests of blood samples are recommended to diagnose and monitor blood diseases. Because the liquid portion of the blood (plasma) carries so many substances essential to the functioning of the body, blood tests can be used to find out what is happening in many parts of the body.
There are a number of Blood Disorders prevailing these days. Some of them are Anemia, Pernicious Anemia, Sepsis, Sickle Cell Anemia, Hypoglycemia, Iron Deficiency Anemia and Leukemia.
Different type of Blood Disorder shows different symptom. Symptoms of blood disorders are often vague and nonspecific, that is, they could indicate a disorder of almost any part of the body. However, although no single symptom unmistakably indicates a blood disorder, certain groups of symptoms suggest the possibility. Such groups of symptoms most commonly relate to decrease in blood cells, such as a reduced number of red blood cells (anemia), a reduced number of white blood cells, a reduced number of platelets or increased numbers of blood cells.

Childhood Asthma

Childhood Asthma

Childhood asthma is characterized by the inflammation of the bronchial airways resulting to the production of excessive mucus, swelling and contraction of the respiratory muscles. The sudden change in the respiratory system obstructs the airways making breathing difficult. When this happens, your child will experience shortness of breath punctuated by coughing and wheezing. An asthma attack may be mild, moderate or severe. In any case, it would still be better if an asthma episode is prevented.
The cause of childhood asthma can not be pinpointed to a single factor. Many experts believe that childhood asthma is partially hereditary and have a strong allergic component. The inflammation of the airways may also be caused by allergy, airborne irritants or viral infections. A child with asthma might experience recurrent respiratory infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis. If your child coughs after a strenuous physical activity like running or crying, he should also be evaluated for asthma. Childhood asthma can cause a child to be irritable because of the discomfort from chest tightness and difficulty in breathing.
You would also be surprised that there is a condition called hidden asthma. This kind of childhood asthma is diagnosed by testing the child's pulmonary function. The child will exhibit only mild symptoms that are sometimes unrecognizable.

Definition of Adult Asthma

Definition of Adult Asthma

Asthma comes from the ancient Greek word meaning "to pant." An asthma attack suddenly occurs when the bronchial tubes in the lungs gets widespread inflammation. Within the lining of bronchial tubes is a membrane called bronchial mucosa. When patients expose themselves to common asthma triggers like pollen, dust or fumes, the membrane get inflamed and starts to redden and become swollen. The mucous glands within the bronchial lining get over-irritated and start to produce large quantity of mucus. The resulting effect is that air cannot flow in through the lungs as smoothly as before and the patient will begin to gasp for air
Adult asthma symptoms differ from person to person. Coughing and excessive mucus production may show the first sign of an attack. An adult may begin to sweat a lot and rapid breathing and heavy wheezing sound will occur. Sometimes, talking may be an insurmountable task if the breathlessness is severe enough. In extreme cases, the bronchial tubes can be so constricted that wheezing sounds is inaudible.
Many asthma cases are inherited from their own family members. Allergy induced asthma often occurred in families. Asthma is also increasing among the blacks and Hispanics in America. Patients who have asthma appear to have inherited specific genes from their family members and close relatives. Geneticist has noted a gene called ADAM33 which is responsible for making the bronchial tubes oversensitive.
Another gene called PFH11 can also increase the chances of an asthma attack occurring. The gene appears to control blood cells that produce Immunoglobulin E (IgE). These proteins lock onto the surface of mast cells which recognizes allergens. When these mast cells come into contact will the same allergens, the IgE proteins on the mast cells react with them. After which, the mast cell breaks apart and release chemicals causing an inflammation.
One type of asthma that is common among working adults is occupational asthma. Occupational asthma is an asthma that is triggered by a particular material in the workplace. The workplace is home to millions of allergens. Every year, new occupations are added to a growing list when agents that cause asthma are identified. For example, it has been noted that lower temperatures at air-conditioned offices lead to a drier atmosphere. A drier atmosphere is conducive for asthma attacks. Exposure to certain materials like textiles and grains activate the immune system to produce IgE. Stress during working is also known to activate asthma attacks.

Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women and the third most common cancer around the world. It can also occur, albeit rarely, in men. As with prostate cancer, rates are increasing globally, especially in developed countries. And this is where our clues to getting a handle on this illness begin-with environmental factors, especially diet. A woman's breast consists of glands that produce and secrete milk after the birth of a baby. The breast itself is made up of lobules (glands that make breast milk); ducts (tubes that connect the milk-producing glands to the nipple); and fatty, connective lymphatic tissue. Most lymphatic vessels of the breast lead to lymph nodes under the arm and are called axillary nodes. Most doctors believe that cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes has a chance of spreading to other organs, making immediate treatment necessary. Modern cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and drugs are slowly improving, but we're still attempting to fully understand the disease, especially in regard to preventive measures. However, we've gathered many valuable clues. Beyond Genetics We cannot change the genes we're born with, but, luckily they appear to play a minimal role in most cases of breast cancer. About 5 to 10 percent of cases can be blamed on genes passed from either a mother or a father to the next generation. On the other hand, if no one in your family has had cancer, it doesn't mean you are fully protected. Eight in ten women who develop breast cancer do not have a sister or a mother who has had it. With that in mind, it's wise for all women to protect themselves. Cancer of the breast is usually related to hormones, so all women, regardless of family history, will benefit from keeping hormone levels in check. Hormone preparations commonly given to women after menopause clearly increase the risk, so the non-drug methods for controlling hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms are much preferred. And, as you know by now, diet can have a dramatic effect on hormones. As fatty foods increase the amount of estrogen in the blood, breast cells are stimulated and divide. With every multiplication in cell number, the likelihood that one will turn cancerous increases, but this is easy to alter. By simply eating a low-fat diet of high-fiber vegetables, grains, and other natural plant foods, estrogen levels fall.