Hemophilia is a severe medical condition in which the blood doesn’t clot as it normally should. The bleeding disorder is usually inherited and identified by painful symptoms such as excessive bleeding, joint pain, and deep bruises. After diagnosis, in which the doctor focuses on clotting-factors, a treatment plan is laid out and must be followed to avoid unnecessary complications. Read on to know more in detail. How is hemophilia treated? Different types of this condition are treated in different ways. The most common ones include: Desmopressin The medication is commonly used in the treatment of mild hemophilia A and von Willebrand disease. The vasopressin works by increasing the plasma concentration of factor VIII, which is one of the clotting factors in the blood and whose deficiency is the reason behind hemophilia A. Desmopressin dose varies from one patient to another and comes in the form of both injections and nasal sprays. Nonacog alfa Hemophilia B is the second form of the wider condition, wherein clotting factor IX is absent in the patient’s blood. Doctors treat the ailment by injecting a purified protein called nonacog alfa. The medicine approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1997, temporarily corrects the deficiency, thereby reducing excessive bleeding. Fresh frozen plasma There are different ways to treat hemophilia C. Fresh frozen plasma is one of the most popular methods since one unit of this blood product contains all the coagulation factors. Factor XI deficiency is the defining cause of this form of ailment, and using fresh frozen plasma can help lower symptoms like prolonged bleeding. Hormone therapy is another useful treatment method for hemophilia. Fibrin sealants Fibrinogen and thrombin are the main components of this material. It is used as a hemostatic agent, and was first approved in the country in 1998.

Nasal polyps are benign growths that cover the lining of the nose tissues and sinuses. A polyp is a bulging teardrop-shaped formation that blocks the nasal path, and it usually hangs from the nasal lining. Prolonged irritation of the sinus and inflammation of the lining can trigger the growth of these polyps, but the condition can be easily managed with medications. That said, a mild surgical procedure may be required in some cases to provide long-term relief. Read on for a brief overview of the condition. What causes nasal polyps to form? Inflammation, also referred to as chronic rhinosinusitis, is one of the primary triggers associated with this condition. Inflammation may be deemed chronic if it persists for over 12 weeks. Also, an abnormal response of the immune system and resulting problems in the mucus membrane can trigger the growth of nasal polyps. That said, the direct cause is unknown. What are the noticeable symptoms of nasal polyps? A person may initially experience difficulty breathing and struggle with a reduced sense of smell. Due to the blockage, a sensation of nasal congestion always exists, along with pressure in the forehead or face. Stuffiness can also result in excess mucus running back down the throat, a symptom that is medically referred to as postnasal drip. Congestion forces a person to breathe heavily through the mouth, and the stuffiness can result in the development of sleep apnea. Cough, itching around the eyes, facial pain, and headaches are also common indicators of nasal polyps, especially if a sinus infection accompanies these symptoms. What are the various treatment options for nasal polyps? The condition can be treated with Over-The-Counter (OTC) or prescription medications and surgery in severe cases. Medications Most OTC and prescription medications provide relief from the inflammation and relieve congestion to enable patients to breathe more freely.

Nasal polyps are noncancerous growths that occur in the nose or sinuses. These growths are shaped like tear drops, and can be found in the area where the sinuses meet the nasal cavity. Those that are small in size usually cause no trouble and need minimal treatment. Large nasal polyps can often affect breathing and block the drainage from the sinuses. Nasal polyps occur due to long-term inflammation in the nasal cavity and sinuses. Genetic predisposition is another factor that plays a role in the development of nasal polyps. Common symptoms of nasal polyps Those who suffer from nasal polyps can experience a wide range of signs and symptoms. These include blocked nasal passages, sneezing, a runny nose, headaches, and losing sense of smell, among others. Individuals may also develop sinus infections and allergies that can arise from a number of factors, such as sensitivity to dust and fumes. In certain cases, individuals with nasal polyps have also been known to develop allergies to aspirin and certain dyes. A severe case of nasal polyps can even cause long-term sinusitis and nose deformities. How do nasal polyps affect allergies? Nasal polyps are often linked to allergies. Studies have shown that those who have nasal polyps experience breathing troubles that are usually a result of allergies, chronic sinusitis, and even asthma. There has been some speculation about the connection between allergies and nasal polyps. In fact, some experts think that the symptoms and signs of allergies can lead to the development of nasal polyps. Two of its key symptoms include sneezing and an itchy, runny nose. Treating nasal polyps There is no fixed cure for nasal polyps, but there are certain modes of treatment that help keep the signs and symptoms at bay. Doctors usually prescribe nasal corticosteroid sprays that help shrink the size of the polyp in the nose.

A gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) occurs rarely. It begins in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and slowly spreads to the lymph nodes. It usually starts in the stomach. In some cases, the cancerous cells start to grow in the small intestine, esophagus, colon, and the rectum as well. GIST is usually treated through surgery or targeted therapy. To help the healing process, proper nutrition is recommended. Here are a few dietary tips for GIST patients. Consume fresh fruits and vegetables Colorful fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants and cancer-fighting properties. Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, red bell peppers, and so on are nutritious additions to one’s meals. These whole foods are great sources of micronutrients. All of these are essential for strengthening the immune system and improving one’s overall health. Include legumes and whole grains The colon may be adversely affected due to GIST. Whole grains and legumes are rich in fiber, which help the gastrointestinal system function better. Fiber-rich whole foods can also improve the health of the colon. Beans, lentils, rye, quinoa, and other legumes and grains must be included in a GIST diet. Avoid red meat One should limit their intake of red meat. Foods based on red meat can be had occasionally, but it is better to avoid them completely. Fish and lean meat are better options when the protein requirement is high. Low-fat dairy products, eggs, and soy-based foods are also healthier alternatives to red meat. Avoid charred foods Meat, fish, eggs, and any other foods cooked on direct heat can contain carcinogenic substances. This is why it is advisable to restrict the intake of foods cooked on direct flame. It is better to occasionally eat foods that have been cooked using low-temperature techniques. Broiled foods are preferable than grilled foods in the case of GIST cancer. In addition, it is also important to lower the intake of cured and smoked meats, such as hot dog and bacon.

A gastrointestinal stromal tumor begins in the glandular cells present in the body’s digestive system. An accurate diagnosis is essential to ensure the right treatment is provided for this condition. There are several side effects to the treatment, such as nausea, vomiting, and bowel obstruction. All these issues make it harder for a person to consume the required amount of food in the day. To ease this problem for those dealing with GIST, we have put together a list of foods you must eat and those you must avoid. Foods to add to your diet for GIST Cruciferous vegetables These vegetables are rich in vitamins, fiber, and folate. They are also popular for their cancer-fighting ability. Cruciferous vegetables should be consumed for every meal. Broccoli, Brussel sprouts, kale, cabbage, etc., are a few of the many cruciferous vegetables you can consume. Fruits Fruits are delicious, healthy, and full of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These provide roughage for the colon, is light on your stomach, and has anti-cancer effects. Apples, bananas, and oranges are healthy for those with GIST. Probiotic foods Your body can benefit from probiotics in many different ways. They can reduce diarrhea, IBS, and overall digestive health. Yogurt, kefir, and buttermilk contain probiotics. Omega-3 rich foods Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial to your body. Flax seeds, chia seeds, fatty fish, walnuts, etc., contain omega-3 fatty acids, and other essential vitamins and nutrients. Foods to avoid for GIST Red meat Red meat contains more saturated fats and chemicals that can affect the bowel cells. You can consume leaner proteins like chicken, eggs, beans, and salmon instead. Baked goods Baked goods contain too much sugar and saturated fats, harmful for people dealing with cancer. Salt Everything, including table salt, salt added to your food, and other salty foods like chips and canned food, should be eliminated from your diet.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors or GISTs are tumors formed in the digestive system organs, such as the small intestine and stomach. This is a severe form of cancer that affects individuals worldwide. But, here is some good news: GIST is treatable and manageable. Patients can avail various treatment methods and manage the condition by following a healthy diet and lifestyle. This article focuses on both of these aspects in brief. Treatment modes of GIST Surgery GISTs are typically small and not very aggressive. This makes surgery one of the topmost and primary modes of treatment. Studies have shown that doctors can eradicate the tumors in 85 percent of cases. Once the tumor has been removed, doctors study it under a microscope to check for chances of redevelopment and reoccurrence. Targeted therapy Depending on the severity of the condition and the tumor’s size, doctors can also suggest targeted therapy to treat GIST. This therapy uses certain medications to identify and attack the cancerous cells in the gastrointestinal tract. Supportive care Surgery and targeted therapy may be accompanied by supportive care. This method closely monitors a patient and manages any side effects or psychological problems that might arise during treatment. It is crucial to remember that GIST can reoccur within the first two years of removing the tumor. However, patients can reduce the risk of redevelopment by maintaining the right diet and following proper nutrition. Managing GIST with diet and nutrition Living with GIST is not easy as its symptoms can impact day-to-day life. Individuals can experience pain in the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, and may feel fatigued. This makes eating the right foods very essential. Here are some diet tips for managing GIST better: Ensure to get the proper amounts of vitamins and minerals from the diet. Avoid eating high sugar foods as they can worsen the symptoms.

Cancer becomes harder to manage with each passing day. It impacts patients both physically and psychologically, making every day a battle. While it’s impossible to say which type of cancer impacts the worst, gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is among the trickiest ones. This is because the disease is rare and isn’t treated like other types of cancer. Chemo and targeted drugs are two major treatment options, although both have painful side effects. Fortunately, you can manage GIST yourself and lower its consequences. Here are five tips that can help you. Eat smaller meals Digestion often becomes difficult after having surgery for GIST. However, you cannot skip eating either, as your body needs nutrition to heal. One way to address the problem is to lower the portion size of your meals. So instead of having three large meals in a day, break it down into 5-6 smaller meals. Avoid sugary foods and add more protein Sugary foods can increase acidity that might worsen symptoms. Proteins and carbohydrates, meanwhile, will have the opposite effect. Therefore, it makes sense to add more protein sources to your diet. That said, consult your doctor or dietitian before adding or subtracting foods from your diet. Don’t forget to exercise Cancer is definitely tiring and might make you feel fatigued. Staying in bed, though, is not the right thing to do as the condition will lead to emotional distress. Exercise will lift your spirits that can help your body recover faster. Begin with light exercise, and don’t increase the intensity without consulting your doctor. Get enough rest Compromising on sleep can adversely affect your symptoms. So ensure that you get at least eight hours of sleep at night. If possible, try and squeeze in a short nap in the afternoon as well. Seek help if you’re stressed Cancer is an extremely serious disorder that takes a toll on your physical and mental health.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are soft tissue sarcomas that develop in the stomach or small intestines. They first occur in specialized cells found in the walls of the digestive system, and the condition is often diagnosed in adults between the ages of 40 and 70. Individuals with this disease experience discomforting symptoms, such as abdominal swelling, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and tarry stools. This article attempts to shed light on the risk factors associated with the condition. These influence the tumor’s development; however, they do not always directly cause the disease. Risk factors Old age Those aged between 40 and 70 are at an increased risk of developing GISTs. However, they can occur in rare cases in those younger than 40. Gender: Research states that men are more likely to develop GISTs than women. There are only a few known risk factors for the condition. In most cases, GISTs don’t have a distinct cause, but certain genetic mutations can lead to the disease. Some of these genes and conditions that increase the chances of GIST are mentioned below: Familial gastrointestinal stromal tumor syndrome This rare syndrome occurs when a parent passes on an abnormal KIT gene to their child, and it can be a risk factor for GISTs that form at a young age. Neurofibromatosis type 1 A defect in the NF1 gene causes the disease, and it may be passed on from parent to child. That said, it’s not always inherited. Those with this condition are at an increased risk of developing non-cancerous tumors in nerves at an early age. They can lead to the formation of dark spots on the skin and freckling around the groin or underarms region. The disease also increases the risk of developing GISTs. Carney-Stratakis syndrome The inherited syndrome is caused by a mutation in the SDH (succinate dehydrogenase) genes.

An ultrasound machine is a tool commonly known to monitor fetus movements. But it is also used to detect, diagnose, and treat minor and major diseases like gallstones, heart conditions, and cancer. First invented in the early 1900s, the ultrasound machine produces images of the inside of soft tissues by using high-frequency sound waves. Today, it has evolved from a large, bulky machine to a small, portable device. Let’s look at the benefits of portable ultrasound machines. Timely and accurate diagnosis Earlier, patients needed to be moved to the location of the ultrasound machine to get a diagnosis. This would lead to a delay in the initiation of treatments creating stress and anxiety in patients. With the invention of the portable ultrasound machine, there was no need to transport patients anymore. Timely and accurate diagnosis could be provided at one’s doorstep, resulting in speedy diagnosis in patients. It is convenient and reduces wait time for reports, which is extremely beneficial for faster recovery. This machine is also helpful in the Emergency Department, as it is portable, quicker, and uses better technology. Increased patient involvement In today’s time, patients want to get more involved in their diagnosis and treatment options and are willing to expose themselves to the machine’s sound waves. A portable ultrasound machine helps patients understand what they are undergoing and how the treatment plan will help them recover. It makes them more aware of what they are and will experience in the long run. Increased patient involvement reduces treatment time, improves the chances of recovery and patient satisfaction. Reduces cost The cost of ultrasound was quite expensive, as they were not available at every clinic or hospital. Higher demand and reliability are reflected in the patient’s medical bills. Also, trained medical staff need to handle an ultrasound with care, as the cost of replacing or fixing damaged parts is very high.

There are a bunch of portable ultrasound machines developed by renowned brands that one can select from. Each brand offers different types of portable devices, including cart-based ultrasound systems, laptop-based ultrasound machines, even tablet-based systems. That said, one should consider the machines’ capabilities and the required functionality for their healthcare practice as the prices and features vary across these types. Read on to know what features to expect in a portable ultrasound machine. High-end portable ultrasound machines High-end portable ultrasound machines pack all the bells and whistles. That said, when it comes to availability, the high-end segment is a niche as compared to the more cost-effective options in the market. A few popular portable ultrasound machines in this segment are the Mindray M8 Elite, Philips CX50, and GE Vivid iq. These devices combine ease of usage with top-notch features like advanced computing capabilities, premium imaging, and an enhanced signal-to-noise ratio. Mid-range portable ultrasound machines One can find a wide variety of mid-range portable ultrasound machines to pick from. And while they are not as good as the high-end systems, even the mid-range systems offer exceptional image quality, quick diagnoses, and simplified workflows in various common scanning applications. These mid-range devices are suitable for hospital departments like radiology and physicians in small practices who need to move the portable machine from one room to another. As for the popular devices in this segment, one can consider taking a look at the Sonosite Edge II, GE Versana Active™, and Mindray M6. Budget-friendly portable ultrasound machines Budget-friendly portable ultrasound machines are for those who want to spend less. One can save big bucks by purchasing a refurbished model, given that the device gets the job done. These are great secondary or alternative solutions for practices with more than two offices. These economical devices are also suitable for practices testing the technology and for those using ultrasound scanning occasionally.