Our bodies are made up of different kinds of cells. Blood cells are an important type of cell that is further bifurcated into three parts, namely white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Each type of blood cell plays an essential role in the human body. Red blood cells remove carbon dioxide from the body and carry oxygen to the tissues. Platelets prevent bleeding by forming blood clots. While blood cells are an essential part of the immune system and help fight infection and protect the body from foreign substances. There are several types of white blood cells. B lymphocytes are a type of white blood cells that become plasma cells upon identifying antigens in the body. Plasma cells and multiple myeloma Plasma cells produce antibodies that fight antigens, otherwise known as harmful foreign substances. These cells are normally present in the bone marrow in a limited number, but they can turn into a tumor upon abnormal cell multiplication. The tumor can turn cancerous and may cause multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. While scientists do not know the exact cause of multiple myeloma, they have conducted studies on how certain DNA changes can cause the plasma cells to turn cancerous and form a tumor. Multiple myeloma can lead to a loss of red blood cells, causing anemia. It can also decrease the number of platelets in the blood, which causes increased bleeding and bruising. Multiple myeloma even causes a shortage of white blood cells that leads to problems in fighting infections. Medical researchers and doctors who have been studying multiple myeloma are looking for a cure and methods to prevent this disease. Preventing it becomes less challenging when one knows the risk factors and early signs of cancer. Identifying the risk factors and taking the right measures to eliminate the risk can be an effective way to prevent multiple myeloma.

4 asthma triggers you probably didn’t know about Many know of the external factors that trigger asthma but only a few know that emotional stress can also trigger episodes of asthma. In fact, any extreme emotion may lead to an onset of asthma. These could be emotions of sadness or even excessive joy. This is why people suffering from asthma often try to contain their emotions. Some of the uncommon emotional triggers of asthma include: Emotional events In a single experiment, researchers measured a section of the lung and how it functions after showing people pictures depicting extreme emotions. It was proven that people in the study group who looked at the images of injuries, catastrophes, and sad events found it harder to breathe than others. Later, the people from the same group were asked to rate their moods thrice a day. This experiment continued for three weeks. Here, the lung functioning was measured with the help of a peak flow meter. While the study was significantly small, it reflected that negative emotions could deteriorate the functioning of the lungs. Additionally, it was observed that it was even worse for asthmatic patients to endure over the long run. Stressful events There have been many studies conducted which showed that severe life events were often associated with asthma attacks. Children and adults were admitted for asthma complications around the time they faced serious life issues. Additionally, it was also observed that everybody involved in the study, irrespective of them having asthma or not, reported having aggravated respiratory symptoms. Ongoing depression and panic attacks It has also been observed that both anxiety and depression are a lot more commonly found in people who are affected by asthma. Patients who have a mental health disorder along with asthma may have no to little control over their asthma symptoms and frequent asthma attacks, Moreover, they are more likely to visit the emergency department.

Hepatitis is a condition of the inflammation of the liver, which affects its strength and functions. A relatively unknown factor that can lead to a person contracting hepatitis is through certain medicines. Drug-induced hepatitis is an injury or inflammation of the liver caused by these prescribed medicines, but it is not the only type of liver injury that medication can cause. Other types of drug-induced issues include fatty liver and iron overload. Here’s a detailed look at drug-induced hepatitis. The liver is generally responsible for breaking down any substance that one eats. This process facilitates digestion, which, in turn, keeps the body healthy. The liver is also responsible for breaking down medicines that one may require for various purposes. These medications can include both medicines that one purchases over-the-counter or the ones that their doctor may prescribe for any health issues they face. However, the process of breaking down food or medication through the liver occurs at a slower rate in certain individuals. In such a scenario, the medication should be prescribed and consumed after checking whether they are suitable for the patient. If they fail to do so, the chances of liver damage increase significantly. On the other hand, even small doses of certain medications can lead to hepatitis despite the normal functioning of the liver. Similarly, consuming certain medications in large doses can damage an otherwise healthy liver. Medications contributing to the development of drug-induced hepatitis There is a long list of medications that can lead to hepatitis. Painkillers and fever reducers containing acetaminophen commonly lead to drug-induced hepatitis and other types of liver injury. This is especially likely when these medicines are purchased without a prescription and consumed in higher-than-recommended doses. Additionally, people who consume alcohol have a higher chance of developing the illness. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like naproxen, diclofenac, and ibuprofen can also lead to drug-induced hepatitis.

Contributing factors for hepatitis in children The liver is the body’s largest organ. It is a vital help in digesting food, storing energy, and eliminating toxins. Hepatitis is described as a condition where the liver experiences inflammation, which is, essentially, a tissue’s reaction to injury or irritation. Most cases of hepatitis are a result of being infected with viruses, and the types of hepatitis are named after the virus that is responsible for it. In some cases, the patient’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy liver cells, which leads to liver damage, among many other liver issues. Any of the types of hepatitis can affect people of all ages. Here are some contributing factors that lead to hepatitis in children. Understanding these can help in preventing the transmission and in maintaining hygiene: Hepatitis A The virus that causes hepatitis A is usually present in fecal matter. It can infect children in the following ways: Eating food cooked by an infected person who failed to properly wash their hands after going to the bathroom Drinking water that has been contaminated by infected feces Coming into direct or indirect contact with an infected person’s feces Traveling to areas with a common occurrence of hepatitis A Infections during blood transfusions Hepatitis B Hepatitis B is usually transmitted through blood and the most common way in which people contract this type is when an infected person’s blood is introduced into another person’s bloodstream. Getting injured through needle sticks and sharp instruments can also lead to hepatitis B. Another common way through which people contract hepatitis B is by sharing items of personal use like toothbrushes and razors with an infected person. If an expecting mother has hepatitis B, her baby may develop the illness. Children can contract this disease through cuts, scrapes, and different types of contact.

Hepatitis – types and contributing factors Hepatitis is described as an inflammation in the liver. Inflammation is essentially any tissue’s natural response to injury or irritation, and the general effects of inflammation are swelling, redness, and pain. There is a wide range of causes of the condition, but they differ based on the type of hepatitis that one is affected with. For example, various types of viral hepatitis involve viral infections rather than any other disorder in the body. Hepatitis can be acute or chronic depending on the severity, and there are various types: Types Hepatitis A This type of hepatitis does not result in chronic infections and typically involves no complications. It is one of the most common food-borne infections, and the liver takes approximately two months to properly heal from hepatitis A. In rare cases, hepatitis A can lead to liver failure, which can be fatal. The most common prevention method for hepatitis A is vaccination. Hepatitis B Above 70% of all diagnosed occurrences of hepatitis B have been found in young people from the age of 15 to 39. It usually takes people 6 months to completely recover from the illness, but some may suffer from a life-long, chronic infection, which leads to ongoing liver damage. If an individual contracts hepatitis B at an early age, it has a higher chance of becoming chronic. Hepatitis C Hepatitis C is among the most common causes of liver disease in the country and also the biggest reason for people to get a liver transplant. Around 80% of patients suffering from hepatitis C develop a chronic liver infection as it is difficult to diagnose hepatitis C because it comes with no noticeable symptoms. Unlike the other types, there is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C. Contributing factors to the development of hepatitis Contributing factors are simple incidents, habits, or occurrences that can increase one’s chances of contracting hepatitis.

Asthma and its triggers For people who suffer from asthma, one of their biggest nightmares is to come across asthma triggers. There are many common asthma triggers and each affects patients differently. Here are some triggers that may surprise you: Mold Breathing in mold can trigger an asthma episode. Inspect your house regularly for the growth of mold. Depending on the humidity and moisture in the air, mold can grow in various places. A dehumidifier or an air conditioner is one of the best ways to keep humidity under control. Additionally, you can also use a hygrometer so that the humidity levels don’t go higher than 50%. It is also recommended to fix the water leaks, which may lead to the growth of mold behind walls or under floors. Smoke exuded from burning plants The smoke that comes from plants or burning wood is made up of very small particles and harmful gases. When you breathe in too much of this smoke, you can get an asthma attack. It is one of the most common triggers that only a few know about. Avoid wood-burning entirely and if a wildfire causes poor quality of air in the area, keep a check on the news to avoid those areas. Physical infections Physical infections can also trigger asthma. These may be triggers associated with influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, and even cold. Additionally, allergies, sinus infections, and acid reflux can result in an asthma attack as well. In some cases, external physical factors can be the main trigger for asthma. This may include bad weather, high humidity, or even thunderstorms. Medicines There are certain medicines which may trigger your asthma. It is recommended to avoid the use of over-the-counter medicines as much as possible. However, if you want to consume certain medications, consult your physician and take their opinion.

Common myths about birth control debunked The birth control pill was approved in the 1960s. Ever since then, it has become one of the most researched forms of medication in medical history. Although, women have become a lot more aware ever since the pill was introduced, there are still plenty of myths that exist. To that effect, the following article is all about debunking common myths about birth control: Myth 1: Birth control pills aid weight gain This is the first myth you will come across when you talk about birth control. While we do not deny that some women may gain weight while on the pill, there are research studies that have proven that there is no direct connection between the two. The reason behind weight gain is more or less bloating. It is the estrogen in the pill which can cause bloating. However, this goes away with time. Additionally, there is also progestin in the pill which can cause you to eat more than usual. This might lead to slight weight gain but nothing major that cannot be controlled with healthy eating and exercise. Moreover, many women start the pill in their 30s which is a time when they normally gain weight as part of the process of aging. Myth 2: You need to have birth control pills intermittently There is literally no medical reason for a fit woman to use a birth pill intermittently. It is completely alright to take the birth pill for as long as you would like. We would recommend consulting your gynecologist for a proper dosage that would suit you. Additionally, doctors also advise that you should keep reviewing your contraceptive needs and accordingly take the birth pills. Medical experts suggest that you should reconsider your birth control consumption pattern after the age of 35.

4 misconceptions about contraceptives There is a lot of information as well as misinformation on birth control. More often than not, it is hard to distinguish between the two. Here are 4 myths on birth control that need to be debunked immediately. Birth control keeps you safe from sexually transmitted diseases This myth is perhaps one of the most important ones that need to be debunked. Firstly, the only thing that can protect people from sexually transmitted diseases or sexually transmitted infections, including HIV(Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the use of condoms. There is no other form of contraceptive that provides complete protection against sexually transmitted diseases the way a condom does. Hence, as per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, condoms must be used consistently and adequately during active sexual contact, so that you do not suffer from an STI. Using a condom is perhaps the safest way for preventing pregnancy Contrary to popular belief, condoms are only an adequate way to prevent men and women from getting a sexually transmitted infection. Even so, it is not the ideal way to keep pregnancy at bay. A study shows that only 98% efficacy can be achieved with a condom when it comes to prevention of pregnancy. However, in most cases, people do not end up using the condom the right way. Hence, the rate goes down to almost 85%. If you want a better hang of the situation, then here is what you should know. Out of every 100 women who use a condom in birth control, two to fifteen will become pregnant during the first year that they start using it. As per experts, the best way of birth control is adopting a birth control implant or getting an intrauterine contraceptive device. Pulling out is an effective way of birth control A lot of people practice withdrawal or “pulling out”.

Facts behind the common birth control myths The field of contraception and gynecology has advanced. One very crucial component of this field is birth control. Right from condoms and pills to IUD (Intrauterine Device), there are plenty of methods to ensure that there is no occurrence of unwanted pregnancy. Even so, there are plenty of misconceptions revolving around the usage of birth control. To ensure that you are not a victim of these myths, here are the ones you need to steer clear away from. Myth 1: You do not need to practice birth control while you are on breastfeeding One of the most common myths around birth control is that you do not need to adopt it if you are breastfeeding. As per Mary Jane Minkin, who is the M.D at obstetrics and gynecology at Yale University, it is perhaps one of the biggest reasons behind unwanted pregnancies. The reason is that while you are on breastfeeding, the hormones generated from the pituitary gland get suppressed. These are responsible for ovulation. However, this is not the case all the time, so it is advisable to stick to a birth control method even when you are breastfeeding. Myth 2: The birth control pill needs to be taken at the same time every day As per Vanessa Cullins, the M.D of External Medical Affairs at Planned Parenthood, there is no connection between the efficiency of a birth control pill and the time you consume it. This myth only holds true if you are consuming the mini pill. This pill is a progestin which needs to be taken at the same time every day. For people who take birth control pills which are a mix of both progestin and estrogen, this would make no sense. Myth 3: Getting an IUD makes sense only when you have had children If you need a super-effective way to control your pregnancy, then consulting your gynecologist about an IUD (Intrauterine device) is very useful.

Kawasaki disease is also sometimes referred to as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome. It was first detected in Japanese children in the 1960s. It is a rare disease that typically affects children under the age of five. This rare disease affects 9-20 children among 100,000, which makes it more crucial to know its causes and look for the following symptoms. Causes of Kawasaki disease Although the exact cause of the disease is not known, doctors believe that Kawasaki disease can be a result of bacterial or viral infection. Having a low immune response can also increase the risk of the disease. Since Kawasaki disease is an infection, it is contagious and spreads from one person to another. Some doctors also suggest that Kawasaki disease may also be caused due to toxic substances called bacterial superantigen, which is produced by a particular type of bacteria called streptococci or staphylococci. These bacteria may trigger the immune system, leading to infiltration of blood vessels. As a result, this may cause vasculitis or blood vessel inflammation, increasing the risk of cardiovascular damage. Kawasaki disease can also be inherited genetically, as it can pass from one generation to another. Symptoms of Kawasaki disease Children suffering from this disease may exhibit symptoms in the following phases: Phase 1 The phase lasts for up to two weeks, and it is generally considered acute. Children may have a high fever, or the body temperature may fluctuate. Sometimes, the fever may not respond to typical medications used to subside it. Some patients may also develop skin rashes. The skin on their fingers and toes may harden, turn red, and also exhibit swelling. These symptoms can be painful to touch, as the child may become reluctant to walk or crawl. Other parts of the body that show similar symptoms include the lips, mouth, and tongue.