Rheumatoid arthritis – Symptoms and diagnosis An autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by inflammation in the joints and damage in several parts of the body. Under this condition, the immune system of the body works abnormally and attacks the joints of the body causing the inner lining of the joints to thicken. Thus, the patient experiences swelling and severe pain. Rheumatoid arthritis can have severe repercussions if left untreated. It can spread from the joints to the bones and cause loss of cartilage that could further trigger instability in the joints. In severe cases, it may also lead to a lack of mobility. The condition also affects the respiratory and cardiac system and afflicts a large part of the population around the world. Typically, rheumatoid arthritis affects different body parts including ankles, elbows, knees, feet, and wrists. Moreover, the effect is commonly symmetrical which means that if one knee is afflicted, then it highly likely that the other side is, too. This is one of the major factors that help doctors distinguish rheumatoid arthritis from other forms of arthritis. Below are some important factors that will help in understanding this condition better.   What are the early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?

Understanding itchy scalp and its causes No one has ever been lucky enough to have never suffered from some of the worst scalp problems. When we think of scalp and hair problems, dandruff, hair fall, split ends, and the likes come to mind, so much so that we think of itchy scalp as a symptom for something, rather than being a problem by itself. Of course, this is true in many ways. An itchy scalp is a serious indicator that something isn’t right on the surface of your hair follicles. Although very little is known about why humans itch their scalp, we do know that scalp itch is a different territory on its own. This article will help one understand the basics of an itchy scalp and what can be done about it. What causes an itchy scalp? Of course, we all know what itchy scalps are caused by. There is dandruff, and of course an extremely oily or extremely dry scalp. There are also unconventional reasons, such as lice or a scalp infection. This way, an itchy scalp is an indicator of a condition, and as the itch worsens, so does the source of the itch. If it’s dandruff, it’s fairly simple.

What to know about treating an itchy scalp No one likes an itchy scalp. It’s one of the things that one tends to forget the severity of until they experience it again and realize the agony of resisting the urge to scratch crazily in public. Understandably, then, an itchy scalp is something that everyone wants to avoid at all costs. There are proven and tested methods of alleviating itchiness, of course. It is, however, important to remember that itchiness is more of a symptom and less of a problem in itself. Your body registers an itch when something unexpected happens and causes mild inflammation. Now, we may not have the answers to all the whys of the itch, but we do have the how to get rid of them part in hand. Here are some questions one might come to ask themselves when looking for solutions to an itchy scalp. Does a hair wash help? How often should one do it? In short, yes it does. The long answer is a little complicated. Itching is often the result of a dry or sensitive scalp, as opposed to a really oily one. Most of us tend to misunderstand how our bodies, especially the skin and scalp, work.

The many types of lymphoma treatments Whether it is non Hodgkin lymphoma treatment or Hodgkin lymphoma treatment, doctors design a plan that uses different therapies and techniques like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, etc.The specifics within these treatments depend on the type of lymphoma, subtype, stage, and so on. What are the common treatments for lymphoma? Both Hodgkin’s and non Hodgkin’s lymphoma are treated using chemotherapy, radiation treatment, immunotherapy, and bone marrow transplant. Which type of specialist provides lymphoma treatment? A team of cross-disciplinary experts come together to design and administer treatment plans based on the patient’s condition. This team is composed of specialist doctors and medical technicians and is called a multidisciplinary team. It includes a medical oncologist who treats lymphoma using specific cancer medication (chemotherapy), radiation oncologists, immunologists, etc. What are the factors considered for lymphoma treatment? Lymphoma treatment is based on the type and subtypes of lymphoma, the stage of the disease, the person’s age, whether the condition has recurred after remission, and so on. At the basic level, treatment varies based on whether the cancer is Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (HL) or Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL), and their subtypes. Hodgkin’s lymphoma has fewer subtypes than non-Hodgkin lymphoma. But even here, classical Hodgkin lymphoma treatment is different from nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma treatments.

The best prostate cancer resources: 5 questions to help cope When faced with a diagnosis of prostate cancer, a person undergoes a diverse range of emotions: fear, anxiety, depression, shock, and even rage are understandably the typical reactions. However, as the test results begin to appear and provide confirmation in black and white, the focus shifts to learning to accept and cope. There are serious physical, financial, and emotional ramifications to consider and deal with. Apart from the patient, the family and friends of the patient also need information and support. As with any life-threatening illness or condition, information is the key to control and management. Ensure to get the right kind and in sufficient amounts from reliable and trustworthy prostate cancer resources. What does one need to know about prostate cancer? The treating physician and oncologist can provide detailed information and access to prostate cancer resources. This is a cancer that arises in the prostate gland in men. This gland produces seminal fluid that helps transport sperm. Prostate cancer is slightly different from other forms, because, as per resources, it is usually very slow to develop. The symptoms or problems may not be present till the cancer is in its advanced stages.

Symptoms and treatment methods for osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, and it is common among old people and people who are obese. It is a degenerative disease that affects the joints such as knees and hips. This condition develops when the cartilage of your bone joints are unable to do its regular job such as absorbing energy from physical movements. It is usually caused by the wear and tear that the cartilage has gone through over the years. When the cartilage breaks down, friction is created between the joints when they come in contact with each other, causing pain, loss of movement, swelling, and many other problems. If it is left untreated, this condition can grow worse and can also cause permanent pain and damage. It is essential to know the symptoms of osteoarthritis so that you avoid the condition by getting it treated in the early stages. Let’s look at the various symptoms of osteoarthritis. What are the symptoms of Osteoarthritis? Stiff joints: One of the most common symptoms of osteoarthritis is stiff joints. If your joints feel stiff after a period of inactivity, then there is a high chance that it is an indicator of this condition.

Want to get the best razor blade deals? Here’s what you need to know Razor blades are an essential shaving tool. On an average, families in the country spend hundreds of dollars on razor blades annually as the prices of these items have skyrocketed over the past few years. Though the price of the razors has not changed dramatically, their blades have grown expensive. You can buy a razor body for as low as $10, but the refill packs are likely to set you back by $30 or more. And purchasing razor blades at the set price can wreak havoc with your monthly budget. The good news is that many places offer the best deals on razor blades. If you want to save money on these everyday items, then continue reading the article as we’ve curated a list of questions and answers that will help you get the best razor blade deals. Which retail stores offer the best deals on razor blades? Razor blades can be bought from a retail store, grocery store or even from a pharmacy. Most of these places sell razor blades at a set price. Most people prefer buying razor blades from retail stores that are famous for giving the best deals on these products.

Understanding advanced bladder cancer Bladder cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer, especially in men. Though it mainly affects older people, young men and women aren’t immune to it. Approximately 68,000 men suffer from bladder cancer every year in the country. However, in most cases bladder cancer is treatable. This is because most of the bladder cancer cases involve the urothelial cells that line the interior walls of the bladder. As this type of cancer takes time to develop and its different symptoms are noticeable, it is usually easy to detect it in its early stages and can be treated in a timely manner. However, if the cancer is not detected early, it is difficult to treat advanced bladder cancer like any other type of cancer. Patients may also suffer from squamous cell bladder carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the bladder. However, such cancers are rare at least in the country. Having adequate information about advanced bladder cancer is crucial in understanding the disease, its stages, and the treatment options. Read on to understand advanced bladder cancer better. How is bladder cancer diagnosed? To detect bladder cancer the doctor will take out a portion of the suspected tumor and examine it for signs of cancer.

Understanding your Medicare fundamentals Medicare helps you pay for the high cost of medical care. Whatever type of Medicare plan you choose, you need to understand the basics of Medicare. If you are about to turn 65 or getting Medicare for other reasons, read this before choosing a Medicare plan. Understanding medicare and its parts Before you look at the various options in Medicare plans, you need to understand Medicare basics. What is Medicare? Medicare is a health insurance program by the federal government for anyone who is 65 years or older. Medicare can also be availed at a younger age in certain circumstances. When will you receive medicare? You are eligible for Medicare if you are 65 or older. You can also avail of Medicare when you are younger, but: You have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). You have End-Stage Renal Disease requiring dialysis or need a kidney transplant. You are already receiving disability benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) or the Social Security Administration (SSA). What are the parts of Medicare? There are four parts in Medicare: Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D. Each focuses on different types of benefits covered, except for Part C, which is a little different.

Signs, symptoms, and different types of skin rashes Some people may be facing problems like itchy skin, which is a cause of rashes or dermatitis. It can even be a symptom of a more serious condition like liver disease or kidney failure, etc. In order to get good relief, it becomes very important to find out the problem as well as treat the skin condition. The immune cells can simply react to any infected skin or illness. While some skin rashes look red and painful in pictures, there are yet others that can lead to pimples (blisters), and there are even patches of raw skin, as is seen in certain skin rash pictures and photos. What are the common signs and symptoms of skin inflammations? The signs or symptoms of itchy skin include rough as well as scaly or flaking skin all over the body. It causes a lot of itching. Dark people get rashes that look grey or ashy. The dry skin leads to cracks, which further start bleeding. People with dry skin will have chapped or cracked lips. How are skin infections caused? It is good to treat the dry skin, as germs can enter in the cracks of the skin, and these germs can cause severe infections, such as red, sore spots on the skin, which are actually an initial sign of the infection, as seen in pictures of common skin rashes.

What to know about advanced breast cancer symptoms Stage 4 or advanced breast cancer has symptoms where the cancer cells have reached other parts of the body. This stage of cancer can occur if proper treatment was not given earlier. It can occur when the treatment for the earlier stages did not work despite the best attempts. The cancer cells replicate themselves and affect the healthy cells too. The cancerous cells travel through the bloodstream. This gives them access to capillaries and then the tissues, which are then affected. What are the advanced breast cancer symptoms? There many signs and symptoms of Stage 4 or advanced breast cancer. The following are the most common symptoms: One may feel like there is a lump in one of their breasts. The lump may be felt near one’s armpit area as well. Generally, these can be small tumors that will eventually grow. A swelling may also appear either directly in one’s breast area or in the nearby areas. One may see that their skin is changing. These symptoms include itchiness around the breast. One’s skin may look very red and be painful when touched. People can get very dry skin all of a sudden.