Cervical cancer happens when abnormal cells in the cervix begin to multiply uncontrollably. It is usually caused by a type of sexually transmitted disease called human papillomavirus (HPV). Treatments for cervical cancer depend on the size and location of the cancer. The earlier it is found, the easier it is to cure it. Listed below are some of the different types of treatment methods for cervical cancer. 1. Chemotherapy This is one of the most commonly used methods to treat cancer. Chemotherapy uses high doses of medication to destroy cancerous cells. For women with cervical cancer, chemotherapy is often used in combination with radiation therapy. The combination may lead to severe side effects such as hair loss, nausea, and loss of appetite. 2. Radiation therapy Radiation therapy uses high-powered beams of energy to destroy cancerous cells. It is usually combined with other treatments of cancer, such as chemotherapy. It may also be used before surgery for cervical cancer. After chemotherapy, a woman may fail to get pregnant. 3. Immunotherapy Immunotherapy utilizes strong doses of medication that help interfere with the system that allows the growth of cancerous cells. In cervical cancer, immunotherapy is used to treat cancer that has recurred or spread to other parts of the body.

Melanoma is one of the most severe forms of skin cancer. The condition develops when the cells responsible for producing the pigment melanin become cancerous. This results in the uncontrolled growth of dark pigmented spots that change in shape and size as cancer progresses. But early detection can help manage the condition. Here are some preventive measures that can help reduce the risk of developing melanoma to some extent. 1. Avoid indoor tanning Avoid the use of artificial tanning booths, beds, sunbeds, or sunlamps to darken the skin tone. Even if they are safe to use, artificial tanning methods employ high amounts of ultraviolet radiation. Extended exposure in a closed environment increases the risk of melanoma and other known types of skin cancer. Tanning forces the skin to produce more melanin, and as a result, the excess melanin moves toward the surface of the skin, giving it a darker skin tone. 2. Stay protected outdoors If venturing out in the hot sun, ensure that the skin is protected with sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Wear a large hat and use sunshades to protect the eyes from the sun as well. Understand that the UV rays of the sun are more concentrated and reflected with high intensity at tropical and beach locations.

Cold sores are common blisters that develop on the mouth and lips due to the herpes simplex virus. The outbreak is highly contagious in nature and can easily spread from person to person via surface contact. There is no cure for cold sores, and at best, certain preventive measures can be taken for managing the discomforts during flare-ups. For this, it is necessary to understand the possible causes and triggers of cold sore outbreaks. Here are the top five causes of cold sores. 1. Weak immunity The immune system is the first barrier of defense against external viruses, fungi, and bacteria that cause commonly known diseases and disorders. The herpes simplex virus can penetrate a weakened immune system and cause small fever blisters to break out without warning. In most cases, the virus stays dormant in the body but can trigger a cold sore outbreak if the body’s immunity is compromised in any manner. 2. Changes in hormonal cycles Women experience a number of changes in their hormone cycle during menstruation, pregnancy, and later during menopause. These hormonal imbalances can trigger a shift in metabolic responses, resulting in cold sore outbreaks. For some women, the outbreaks may appear in a consistent pattern during menstruation.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) occur can be observed anywhere within the urinary bladder, the urethra, the kidneys, or even in the ureters. These infections can be extremely uncomfortable to live with, especially since the most common symptoms are painful urination, blood passed in the urine, as well as severe lower abdominal pain and discomfort. Several treatment options can help one keep the symptoms of such infections at bay. Some of the most common forms of treatment of UTI are as follows: 1. Antibiotics Since a UTI is primarily caused by the growth of bacteria, one of the best ways to get rid of the symptoms of such an infection is getting prescribed the right kinds of antibiotics. There are several different varieties of antibiotics that are known to work against such UTIs. The most common ones used are nitrofurantoin, fosfomycin, and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim. The doctor will prescribe the right kind of antibiotics to you on the basis of regional patterns of antibiotic resistance and the type of bacteria growing in your urinary tract. The duration of the antibiotic treatment will depend on your health condition. 2. Lifestyle Changes Aside from taking proper medication on a regular basis, there are certain lifestyle changes that can be made to help in recovering faster from a UTI.

Cancer occurs when abnormal cells multiply uncontrollably and form tumors in the body. Although most types of cancer don’t cause severe symptoms in the initial stages, keeping an eye out for the early signs can help diagnose the disease early and start timely treatment. Additionally, the earlier the cancer is diagnosed, the easier it is to cure it. So, one should keep a watch for the following common warning signs of cancer: 1. Changes in bowel habits Several changes associated with one’s bowel movements can result from stomach, pancreatic, colon, or ovarian cancer. These include frequent diarrhea, blood in the stool, and constipation. One may also experience frequent urges. 2. Anemia Anemia develops when the body does not produce enough healthy red blood cells. It is a common symptom of various types of cancer, including blood and colon cancer. If there is no definite cause of blood loss or any visible bleeding, anemia can indicate cancer. 3. Changes on the skin Changes on the skin or sores that fail to heal, new unusual growths, and changes in existing moles could all be common warning signs of skin cancer. If one notices any peculiar changes on their skin, including discoloration, large spots, or scabs, they must visit a dermatologist without delay.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a special form of pulmonary hypertension. PAH affects the blood vessels in the lungs, which become narrow or are destroyed. This slows the flow of blood through the lungs and increases the blood pressure in the lung arteries. To compensate for this sluggish flow of blood, the heart is forced to work harder to pump blood through the lungs. This extra effort eventually causes the heart muscles to become weak and fail. PAH cannot be cured, but the disease can be managed through one of the treatment methods mentioned below. 1. Medications Doctors are usually able to counter PAH by advising certain medications to their patients. The most effective medications for the disease include Prostanoids PAH causes the narrowing of arteries. And prostanoids help by widening this gap, which helps relax and open the pulmonary arteries. The medication does so by targeting a particular mechanism in the body, called the prostacyclin pathway. Prostanoids increase the amount of prostacyclin in the body, reducing the stress in the arteries. Endothelin Receptor Antagonists The narrowing of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs is caused due to a substance called endothelin. The endothelin receptor antagonists reverse the effects of endothelin and subsequently widen the arteries.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) affects over half a million people in the country every year, but it continues to be one of the most underdiagnosed conditions in modern medicine. Symptoms of most types of Deep Vein Thrombosis are difficult to isolate from those observed among common medical conditions. DVT is mainly caused due to a clot that blocks the blood flow in major arteries and veins. Here are some noticeable signs and symptoms of DVT that mainly develop in the knees, legs, and arms. 1. Deep Vein Thrombosis in the knees Popliteal DVT is caused due to a specific blood clot that develops in one of the major blood vessels at the back of the knee. This thrombosis affects blood circulation and damages the surrounding tissue if left unchecked for prolonged periods. The telltale symptoms usually include swelling, tenderness, and experiencing pain on the surface of the knee. The discomforts can also quickly spread in the nearby areas of the clot. One may also experience a warm sensation in and around the clot. Changes in the legs, where one is slightly bigger than the other, are also a major cause for concern. Immediate medical attention is necessary before the clot progresses to other organs.

The term “osteoporosis” translates to “porous bones.” It occurs when the bones start degenerating and losing density. Bones can become fragile to the extent that even coughing or sneezing can break them. So, it’s crucial to keep an eye on the first signs and symptoms of osteoporosis and begin treatment immediately if the condition is detected. Read on to learn about the most common warning signs and symptoms of osteoporosis. 1. Weak, brittle fingernails Nails, as well as bones, consist of disulfide bonds. Protein in bones and nails stick together because of these bonds. In the early stages, osteoporosis often causes the weakening of disulfide bonds in nails, making them brittle. Nails that break, split, chip, or curl around the fingertips are all causes for concern. However, keep in mind that brittle nails can also be a sign of a lack of certain nutrients, such as vitamin C, calcium, or folic acid. So, it’s crucial to maintain a healthy, balanced diet. 2. Receding gums Receding gums are usually one of the first signs and symptoms of osteoporosis. The jawbone supports our teeth. If the jaw starts losing bone, gums will begin to recede. Also, bone loss in the jaw strongly indicates that there is loss of bone in other areas of the body as well.

The pancreas lies behind the lower part of the stomach in the abdomen. Its function is to help in the digestion of food and maintain blood sugar. There are many types of pancreas cancer but the most common one typically occurs in its cell linings. Its exact cause is difficult to determine. However, it is good to be aware of the risk factors of pancreatic cancer. 1. Smoking It is not surprising that smoking comes first on the list of risk factors for pancreatic cancer. Individuals who smoke are at double the risk than non-smoking people. According to the American Cancer Society, a quarter of pancreatic cancer cases occur because of cigarette smoking. Quitting tobacco may decrease the risk to a huge extent. 2. Weight and alcohol Individuals who do not undergo many physical activities and are overweight are more prone to pancreatic cancer. Consuming food high in fats and calories leads to obesity and thus should be avoided. A study conducted in 2012 by Annals of Oncology found that individuals who consume more than nine or more soda-based or alcoholic drinks per day are also at risk of developing pancreatic cancer. But more research needs to be done on this.

Sleep apnea is a disorder in which an individual’s breathing gets interrupted briefly due to less oxygen. This does not let one have a sound sleep and can become quite troublesome if proper medical attention is not given. Doctors typically recommend lifestyle changes in milder sleep apnea cases, but in severe cases, therapies and surgery may be required. Here are some popular treatment options for sleep apnea: 1. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) CPAP is a machine that delivers greater air pressure than the surrounding air and opens air passageways. This prevents snoring and makes breathing easier. The machine is like a nosepiece that is strapped with a hose. CPAP is one of the most effective treatment options for moderate or mild sleep apnea patients. Many individuals feel discomfort sleeping with a mask or machine on. But after some adjustments, this machine can give immediate relief. Sometimes patients may need to try on more than one mask to find out what’s comfortable for them. It is best to choose a device that has an in-built humidifier to prevent dryness and skin problems. 2. Alternative devices of CPAP If sleep apnea patients are not getting accustomed to CPAP, other additional options are available.