Amyloidosis is a term designated for representing diseases that involve the abnormal protein amyloid. These diseases are different but all share the amyloid protein fibers that can develop in organs, tissue, nerves and other areas in the body. Diagnosing which specific disease is very important as treatments vary based on which. Amyloid originates from inside bone marrow and can be deposited in any organ or tissue. Symptoms may not be present until the disease has progressed into later stages and they vary based on which organs are affected. Symptoms include: • Fatigue and low-energy • Numbness, carpal tunnel syndrome • Ankle and leg swelling • Shortness of breath • Enlarged tongue • Diarrhea (sometimes with blood or constipation) • Unexpected weight loss • Difficulty swallowing • Skin bruising, purple around eyes • Irregular heartbeat There is no cure for any of these diseases, however the folloiwng types can be managed through proper treatment: 1. Light Chain AL Amyloidosis This is the most common type of amyloidosis and affects kidneys, nerves, heart, skin and liver. This takes place when bone marrow produces abnormal antibodies that are eventually deposited into tissue as amyloid. 2. Autoimmune AA Amyloidosis It generally targets the kidneys, but can also affect liver, digestive tract and heart.

Meningococcal meningitis is a serious infection that affects the brain and is related to bacterial meningitis. The disease is most common in very young infants, teens, and young adults, but can also affect those older than 65 years of age. It is caused by a type of bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis and the infection affects the fragile tissue that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. The meningococcal bacteria results in swelling and inflammation, which can put dangerous pressure on the brain or spinal cord. The symptoms of meningococcal meningitis can include a general malaise, a severe and persistent headache, sudden high fever, neck stiffness, nausea or vomiting, joint pain, drowsiness, and a reddish or purple skin rash, which might be a sign or blood poisoning. Meningococcal meningitis can lead to death or serious complications, like brain damage, deafness, and paralysis. It’s integral to seek medical care immediately if you experience any of the above symptoms. Meningococcal meningitis is a serious infection that can result in brain damage and even death. The best way to prevent getting this disease is to learn about it, how it spreads, prevention, and even precautions to be aware of: 1. Transmission Meningococcal bacteria is spread from person to person through droplets of throat or respiratory secretions (saliva or spit).

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 25 million people in the United States are affected by Asthma. It is an inflammatory condition that affects the bronchial tubes with increased production of mucus inside the tubes. Asthma sufferers may experience symptoms like coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness, pressure, or pain. There are many well known asthma triggers that you’re already aware of, such as tobacco smoke and food additives, but there are others that aren’t so common. Here a few more bizarre asthma triggers: 1. Cockroaches Cockroaches are icky, gross, ugly, and can even be an asthma trigger. Researchers have discovered that up to 60% of people who live in cities are allergic to these pests and it’s the allergy that specifically causes asthma. Their excrement and debris from decomposing cockroach bodies are small enough to breath into the bronchial tubes which signals a reaction in the body. To prevent an allergic reaction to cockroaches, it’s critical to remove them from your home. If you suspect you have cockroaches, consult a pest control expert or exterminator for help. 2. Dust mites Dust mites are tiny creatures that are microscopic and live in the dust that collects around homes.

Breast cancer is a disease that can come in many different forms. It often will be noticed when a lump appears on the breast. This type of cancer may begin in other areas of the body. it is made up of three parts; ducts, lobules and connective tissue. Some people do have a long family history of this type of cancer and there are other contributing factors included in this disease. Often a mammogram is given to a patient to diagnose it. There are a variety of treatments used to treat it. Some common treatments include chemotherapy, surgery, medications or radiation, which will depend on the stage of the cancer. There are several risk factors involved in breast cancer. The first item to know is that just being a woman is considered to be a risk factor. The other common risk factors include the following; 1. Family history Having a family history of breast cancer, especially women with a first-degree relative, such as a mother, sister, or daughter who has had breast cancer can double the risk. Women with a history of cancer in one breast is three to four times as likely to develop a new and different breast cancer, unrelated to the first one.

Hyperkalemia is a serious medical condition that causes accelerated (higher than 6.0 mmol/L) and dangerous levels of potassium within the blood. While a certain level of potassium in the blood is healthy for muscle and nerve function (i.e., for vital organs like the heart), too high potassium chemical levels in the bloodstream is considered detrimental to health and may demand emergency medications or even kidney dialysis to repair. Hyperkalemia is considered a potentially life-threatening condition that can lead to heart arrhythmia, muscle weakness and fatigue, and even paralysis if not treated immediately. Causes of hyperkalemia are most often caused by defective urinary potassium excretion due to under-functioning kidneys, due to chronic kidney disease or acute kidney failure. However, hyperkalemia may also be caused by medications such as beta blockers, potassium supplements, or (ACE) angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors; extreme dehydration; type 1 diabetes, or addison’s disease (an adrenal condition). The good news is that several leading-edge hyperkalemia treatments can help: 1. Lokelma Lokelma is a fairly newer sodium zirconium cyclosilicate medication that studies show is able to reduce life-threatening serum K+ levels in hyperkalemia patients within a duration of 48-hours following initial treatment. Lokelma is typically prescribed by doctors to reduce excessive potassium levels in hypokalemia patients in conjunction with RAAS inhibitor therapy in dosages of 10 grams three times daily within a 48-hour timeframe.