Cancer is considered one of the most common causes of death in North America. It’s a disease that triggers the cells of the body lose control over the cell cycle, as a result the cells grow at abnormal and uncontrollable rates to form a cluster of cells, or tumor. In later stages, the cancer can metastasize, or spread, to other parts of the body. With the advancement of technology, the prognosis for many types of cancer is positive when caught early. The following treatments may help reduce the symptoms, and also stop the disease from progressing. While some treatments are meant to improve the lifespan of cancer patients; others are aimed at shrinking the size of the tumor: 1. Chemotherapy Chemotherapy is a process where specific drugs are injected into the body to kill cancer cells. Chemo works by inhibiting the abnormal cell cycle machinery and inactivating them to further multiply. 2. Surgery Surgery is done if the cancer cells are localized and have not metastasized. In this process, the tumors, along with a margin of healthy cells, are subsequently removed. 3. Radiation therapy Radiation therapy is a radiology based method where a high-powered beam of energy rays that consist of protons or X-rays is used.

Chronic allergies may be caused by a number of factors like animal, dust, pollen, and food. Sometimes, allergies can be associated with asthma, which is a major respiratory problem. Thus, to treat asthma, allergies must be treated immediately. Proper diagnosis by a physician is used to determine the cause and effect of allergies. one is related to the other, so treatments often aim to treat allergies in order to reduce asthma symptoms. Allergen can be to different things, from dust to pollen and from animal dander to certain foods. Chronic allergies are considered a severe condition, which causes the body to the attack of the foreign intruders via the immune system, or creating an allergic response. Allergies occur in many types with environmental allergies being the most common (i.e., dust smoke, or pollen). These are mainly treated with over the counter medications, or antihistamines. However, other allergies, such as pet dander, can be managed by mainly avoiding contact with animals and using proper medication. Asthma, on the other hand, is a condition of the respiratory system where the bronchial tubes along with bronchi are so affected they respond in an attack, or spasm that restricts the airways limiting oxygen flow to the lungs.

Colon cancer affects the colon or the large intestine, which is the last part of the digestive system. Initially, colon cancer is benign and known as adenomatous polyps. However, if these polyps are ignored, malignancy can occur, meaning the abnormal cells become cancerous. Typically, colon cancer is diagnosed in the benign stage. Most instances of colon cancer are diagnosed in patients older than 50-years of age. There are several treatment options that can be recommended by doctors depending on the stage and the progression rate of the cancer. There are various colon cancer treatments available, which are often combined as part of a larger treatment plan. They include: Cancer surgery Cancer surgery for colon cancer comes in two forms: less invasive and invasive surgery. With less invasive surgery, the polyps can be removed during the early stage of cancer. A colonoscopy is done to remove the polyps that are localized. Doctors may suggest the patient undergo mucosal resection where a larger part of the polyps is removed along with the colon lining. This is an endoscopic surgery, which can be done with laparoscopy. This requires the surgeon to make a series of small insertions in the wall of the abdomen.

Cystic fibrosis is a prominent infection in the lungs, which has no proper treatment. This limits the breathing ability of an individual over time. It is a genetic disease; therefore, a specific defect in the gene is likely to cause the formation of thick mucus in the lungs, pancreas and other organs. This mucus disrupts the normal functioning of the organs and calls for cystic fibrosis treatments. Suffering from cystic fibrosis is painful, so following a doctor recommended cystic fibrosis treatment to manage symptoms may help improve quality of life. Although there is no cure for CF, certain treatments can ease the symptoms of cystic fibrosis. The following treatments are often recommended for cystic fibrosis: 1. Medicines You may be prescribed various medications, which are helpful in easing the inflammation of the airways in the lungs. Medicines for thinning the mucus are also availed by many, which minimizes the breathing trouble largely. Additionally, few pancreatic enzymes can be taken orally to improve the functioning of the digestive tract. This, in turn, will help in absorbing nutrients. 2. Chest therapy Many doctors are likely to recommend this therapy, which involves the administering cupped hands on the front and the back of a patient.

Drug and alcohol addiction are prevalent diseases in our society and patients often require professional treatment to overcome it and live a sober life. There are a number of treatment programs which you must choose from including: Long term and short term residential treatment Long-term residential Treatment Outpatient programs Group therapy Drug counselling Court appointed treatment Here are the differences: 1. Long term residential drug treatment Long-term residential treatment programs are offered to patients as 24 hour care in a institutional or non-hospital environment. The best inpatient drug rehab centers deliver long-term residential treatment with utmost excellence. The therapeutic community (TC) model is followed to offer a highly structured program to patients and may include counselling, group therapy, art therapy, physical exercise, and anger management, all meant to help a patient live sober free once they leave the facility. 2. Short-term residential treatment Short-term residential treatment programs allow patients to stay at a drug or alcohol center for a shorter period of time. They typically last for durations of 6 weeks of in hospital treatment and offer other therapies akin to long term treatment. A strong support outside of rehab is important to an outpatient care program to reduce the chances of relapse.

Dry eye is a condition when eyes are not adequately lubricated. This may develop a constant burning sensation. In some cases, the eyes become sensitive to light and the vision becomes blurred. This condition arises when the tear formation is not enough to lubricate the eye. This can be quite uncomfortable that may aggravate in certain situations like bike riding, on an airplane or looking at the screen of a computer for long. The interruption of the optimum tear formation can depend on several factors. Tears are a mixture of fatty oils, mucus, and water. This secretion helps to smoothen and clear the surface of the eye and also contains compounds that prevent infection. Here are the common causes of dry eyes: 1. Inadequate tear production This problem is primarily caused when the eyes are unable to secrete natural tears. This can be triggered by several factors like aging, damage to tear gland or laser surgery of the eye. Tear gland may get damaged due to exposure to radiation and inflammation. After the age of 50, the natural pathway of production of tears gets diminished. 2. Certain medications Many drugs can also reduce the secretion of tears. These medications are often used for treating other diseases, such as diuretics, beta blocker medication, antihistamines to treat allergy, sleeping pills, and heartburn medication.

Eczema and atopic dermatitis are very similar conditions when it comes to their symptoms and their treatment. This is because various types of allergic skin rashes and skin inflammation are referred to eczema, atopic dermatitis is one of these types. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition characterized by periodic flare ups, or skin attacks, usually accompanied by hay fever or asthma. When the skin experiences an acute flare up of eczema or atopic dermatitis symptoms of inflammation, redness, itchiness, cracked and rough, raised skin patches can occur. However, atopic dermatitis differs from eczema in these ways: Papules, or crusty, small and raised bumps develop Lichenification, or leathery and skin can result from constant rubbing and scratching Atopic pleat, or extra folds can develop under the eyes Keratosis pilaris, or rough bumps can develop on the different parts of the skin- thigh, face and upper arm Cheilitis or skin inflammation, can occur near the lips Common treatments for eczema include: 1. Moisturizing the skin Dermatologists will often advise regular bathing for eczema in order to moisturize the skin. Using topical skin moisturizers that contain PUVA and barrier creams can help the skin retain moisture. 2. Topical medications Medications for eczema may include PDE4 Inhibitors, Corticosteroids (steroids), and Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors (TCIs) are effective to provide relief from rashes, redness, and itchiness.

Gout is a type of arthritis, caused when the level of uric acid in the body rises. Eventually, this uric acid may get deposited in the joints in the form of crystals. These uric acid crystals may accumulate in the joints to cause arthritis. This uric acid is biosynthesized from purine-rich foods. Once uric acid is formed, it is excreted through urine. Gout is caused when the uric acid is not eliminated and the level builds up in the blood. Since the up-regulation of uric acid relies upon the food that we intake, a proper check on the diet can reduce the recurrence of the disease. There are some foods that have been accepted to be beneficial to cure and prevent gouty arthritis. These foods are regarded as superfoods that help reduce gout symptoms: 1. Apples Apples are flushed with malic acid, which functions to neutralize the effect of elevated uric acid present in the blood. Thus, the patients can include apples in their daily diet to get relief from joint pain. 2. Lime juice Lime is composed of citric acid that regulates the levels of uric acid. It makes the uric acid soluble and brings down the level of uric acid accumulated in the blood.

The lemongrass is a refreshing herb with several health benefits. Lemongrass is related to the lemon as both have a similar fragrance. Since ancient times, this grass has been regarded as and therapeutic medicine for natural detoxification and for regulating the body’s metabolic functions. Lemongrass is considered beneficial in treating a number of diseases (i.e., several types of anti-inflammatory diseases and cancers) as it maintains the lipid profile. Read on to discover the many vital health benefits of lemongrass: 1. Anti-inflammatory for gout The oil extracted from lemongrass is effective in lowering high levels of uric acid as well as chronic inflammation and pain. Thus, lemongrass is often used to treat gout pain caused due to excess uric acid crystal deposits. Reports suggest that the best effect can be achieved if lemongrass oils are extracted directly from the stalk and consumed daily. 2. Relieves stress and anxiety Lemongrass stalks are often used as part of aromatherapy to enhance mood and reduce stress. Lemongrass scent is also used to help promote sleep. 3. Natural pain-reliever Lemongrass contains an anti-inflammatory substance known as citral, which is effective in treating chronic inflammation due to arthritis, or gouty arthritis. The oil can be applied or taken orally to reduce the pain and inflammation.

Hair loss is caused by several reasons. It may be hereditary, or a trait carried from one parent to their children, or a grandparent to subsequent generations. In other instances, patients may suffer from a disease or condition that causes patches of hair on the head to fall out (i.e., hormonal imbalance). Some people just experience hair thinning with advanced age. The loss of hair is more common among males compared to females. For many, hair loss can be a demoralizing condition due to some underlying health abnormality. Although researchers claim that there are several effective ways to treat hair loss in both women and men, the most successful treatment plans include the following: 1. Hair loss medication Alopecia is an autoimmune disorder where the immune cells are triggered to attack the hair follicles. This dramatically slows the growth and formation of the hair. This can be treated with certain medication, but a complete cure is yet not known. Corticosteroids are given and act as an anti-inflammatory drug to suppress the immune system. Corticosteroids can be orally taken, injected, or used as topical ointments. Other hair loss medications, such as anthralin, DPCP, and the SADBE aid hair re-growth and new hair formation.