Asthma and allergies affect countless people in the country every year. In simple terms, asthma causes the airways to constrict, making breathing strenuous, and allergies occur when the body’s immune system responds to substances that are harmless for most other people. Both conditions are interconnected, and understanding the early warning signs of asthma and allergies can help prevent and treat them effectively. Here are some signs of these conditions: Cough:  Among the common early warning signs of asthma and allergies is a persistent cough, especially during nighttime. While a cough may be the result of a cold or a respiratory infection, frequent coughing must be investigated by a physician. If this symptom is combined with breathlessness or difficulty in breathing, it could be a sign of asthma or an allergy. Shortness of breath:  Shortness of breath or wheezing is one of the common early warning signs of asthma and allergies. A small yet sharp whistling sound during exhalation is a tell-tale sign of asthma. This is generally caused as the throat and the airways are infected and swollen, and the narrowing of the passage leads to difficulty in breathing. Breathlessness while exercising:  While breathlessness may mean poor stamina, if the symptom is accompanied by other signs like wheezing and cough, it may be an early sign of asthma or allergies.

A dangerous sleep disorder, sleep apnea can cause breathing to stop and start repeatedly, depriving the brain and body of sufficient oxygen. This condition is usually characterized by loud snoring, restless sleep, dry mouth, irritability and heartburn. Now, the causes of sleep apnea usually depend on the type you are suffering from. This article also discusses the factors that can increase your risk of getting sleep apnea. Causes of Sleep Spnea The following causes of sleep apnea have been linked to their types. For Obstructive Sleep Apnea In this case, the muscles which support your soft palate, uvula, tongue, throat’s side walls, and the tonsils, relax. As these muscles are positioned in the back of the throat, their relaxation causes the airway to narrow down or even close. The presence of excess fat or thickened tissues around the airway can also interfere with the flow of air. Naturally, your blood’s oxygen level falls, signaling your brain that you can’t breathe. So, you wake up from your sleep for a moment, so that your airway can reopen. A choking, snorting or gasping sound is usually produced. This can happen multiple times during the night, which means, you won’t be able to get restful sleep.

Cancer that develops in the lymphocytes or the infection-fighting cells in the body is known as lymphoma. There are more than 70 types of lymphoma identified by experts, and some of them are more aggressive and common than the others. Here are some of the common types of lymphoma one should know about: Hodgkin’s lymphoma: People with this condition have large tumor cells called Reed-Sternberg (RS) in their bodies. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL): This is one of the most common types of lymphoma, and the American Cancer Society estimates that about 77,240 people in the country will be diagnosed with this type of cancer in 2020. This lymphoma can also be categorized into several types. B-cell lymphoma: This is a type of NHL cancer that is aggressive in its growth and spread. It develops due to the abnormal production of B-cells in the body, and it can be successfully treated if identified early. Burkitt’s lymphoma: Another aggressive type of NHL, Burkitt’s lymphoma most commonly affects people in Sub-Saharan Africa. In the country, about 1200 people are affected by this type of lymphoma every year, and more than half the population affected is over 40 years of age. T-cell lymphoma: One of the common types of lymphoma, about 15% of people with NHL are diagnosed with T-cell lymphoma.

Cancer is a condition caused by the proliferation of harmful cells in a specific part of the body. These cells divide at an uncontrollable pace and destroy tissues, and the disease can spread to other parts of the body as well. There are many treatments available for this condition, depending on the type and advancement of cancer, and a combination of treatments may also be used. Here’s a list of the main treatments for cancer: Surgery:  This procedure is done to remove cancerous cells or tumors from the body and is the ideal option if the cancerous growth or tumor is in a specific area. Surgery does not work for leukemia or any cancer that has spread in the body. A surgeon removes the entire tumor and any infected lymph nodes or tissues nearby in this type of treatment for cancer. Chemotherapy:  In this treatment, strong medications are used to kill cancer cells or slow down their growth. These medications prevent cancer from progressing. While chemotherapy is one of the main treatments for cancer and is also effective, it has several side effects. The procedure also kills healthy cells in the body, including the ones in the blood, digestive system, and mouth.

Hemophilia is an inherited blood disorder in which the blood’s ability to clot is severely reduced. A hemophilia patient experiences severe bleeding, even from a minor injury. For people with this condition, making the right changes to the lifestyle goes a long way in avoiding complications. Here are some lifestyle tips for hemophilia patients: Exercise:  Working out helps strengthen the bones and muscles, but patients should avoid any exercise or physical activity that can cause an injury. Also, one should wear the necessary safety gear while participating in any sport. The safest exercise options for hemophilia patients are walking, swimming, and cycling. Also, regular exercise helps in maintaining a healthy weight, which reduces strain on the joints and lowers the risk of injury and bleeding. Follow a nutritious diet:  This is one of the most important lifestyle tips for hemophilia patients. Plenty of fresh fruits and veggies are important parts of a nutritious diet, and patients should increase their intake of whole grains like wheat, oats, barley, and brown rice. Low-fat dairy products like low-fat cheese and skimmed milk are ideal for hemophilia patients. Also, fried foods should be replaced with baked, boiled, or grilled versions. Additionally, one should reduce the consumption of fatty meats and add more nuts, seeds, dried beans, and other fibrous foods to their diet.