Posts Tagged ‘Symptoms’

Prostate Infection Symptoms: How To Detect Them?

January 29th, 2010 admin

Symptoms are classified into two – visible and invisible. They are subjective because the latter classification cannot be easily seen by nurses, diagnosticians, and even to doctors. These are what the patients experience regarding illness, disease or injury. Some symptoms include pain, discomfort, fever, chills, cold, heat, vertigo, nausea, and many more. To aid the diagnostic phase, symptoms are very necessary. With prostate cancer, the sad thing is there are no early prostate infection symptoms. This type of cancer is known when it is severe already, thus, this is one of the major causes of deaths in men all over the world.

People oftentimes do a consultation when the disease is already intense. This is really a very negative practice. To ensure proper health condition, there should be a regular check up. One of the hot topics included in prostate cancer questions and answers is: What are the prostate infection symptoms? As observed by those prostate cancer patients these are what they experience:

  • the persons urinate frequently especially during night time
  • while urinating, there is difficulty in starting or stopping the urinary stream
  • weak or interrupted urinary stream
  • painful sensation during urination or ejaculation
  • blood in urine or semen

It must be noted that these are not symptoms of the cancer itself. These are only symptoms of the obstruction from the cancer growth within the prostate and surrounding tissues. Signs or symptoms of prostate cancer in men are palpable when prostate cancer cells has spread already. The symptoms then include: dull, incessant deep pain or stiffness in the pelvis, lower back, ribs or upper thighs; arthritic pain in the bones of those areas; loss of weight and appetite, fatigue, nausea, or vomiting.

    Prostate as in any other parts of the body must be taken care of. Genetics and diet greatly affect the prostate. Genetics run in the blood but diet can be adjusted or maintained. Good health is caused by eating the right kind and the right amount of food. Proper diet is the key to avoid if not reduce ailments or diseases. Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) helps to detect prostate problems symptoms.

    If there are prostate cancer warning signs detected Gleason staging system must be the next aid. This system helps to identify the treatment. The higher the score, the higher is the stage too and the more complicated the treatment is. Gleason staging system has grades 1 to 5. Again, this is not the treatment itself. This is only a tool to know the stage of the prostate cancer and the possible treatment which can be given to the patient. If one is already diagnosed with prostate cancer, he has to undergo further tests like CT scans and bone scans.

    To dig deeper on prostate cancer, causes of prostate cancer are not known by the scientists yet but they have been able to identify some risk factors that are related with this type of cancer. The most common risk factor is the age. No man below 40 has been diagnosed by this cancer. Almost 70% of cases are diagnosed in men over 50 years old. As revealed in studies, race is another major risk factor. African American men have the most common cases of this cancer and it is least common in Asian and American Indian men.

    Even if there is already latest treatment on prostate cancer, still it is the best if a man does not have a prostate cancer at all. It is still worthwhile to live when you can do or accomplish tasks given to you because you do not have any sickness at all.

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    Prostate Problems Symptoms – Want To Know Some?

    January 29th, 2010 admin

    A lot of men consult prostate cancer questions and answers forum to clear their presumptions or even to know the prostate problems symptoms. Let us first know the background of prostate cancer and the parts of the body that will be affected if one has prostate cancer. This is actually a disease affecting the prostate. Prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system. When one gets prostate cancer, there is prostate mutation.

    When this happens prostate multiply uncontrollably. These cells which have multiplied will spread from the prostate to the other parts of the body. In most case, the cells spread to the bones and lymph nodes. Usually, when a man is affected by prostate cancer the prostate problems symptoms are that he will experience difficulty in urinating and worse is there is erectile dysfunction. What is difficult with this type of cancer is that there are no early signs of prostate cancer in men.

    Commonly, people will consult a doctor when the disease is already severe. This is a bad practice. There should be a regular check up in order for one to know his health condition. As stated earlier, there are no early symptoms prostate cancer. The following are experienced when cancer cells have spread beyond the prostate: during night time, the persons urinates frequently; while urinating, there is difficulty in starting or stopping the urinary stream; weak or interrupted urinary stream; painful sensation during urination or ejaculation; and there is blood in urine or semen. However, research tells us that these are not symptoms of the cancer itself. They are only the symptoms of the blockage from the cancer growth within the prostate and surrounding tissues.

    Signs of prostate cancer in men are evident when prostate cancer is advanced already. The symptoms include: dull, incessant deep pain or stiffness in the pelvis, lower back, ribs or upper thighs; arthritic pain in the bones of those areas; loss of weight and appetite, fatigue, nausea, or vomiting.

    Generally, prostate cancer develops in men over the age of fifty. This is the most common cancer in men. Since there are no early symptoms prostate cancer, prevention is the best antidote. There are two main factors affecting the prostate, these are genetics and diet. The former runs in the blood but the latter can be adjusted or maintained. Eating the right kind and the right amount of food still leads to good health. Hence, proper diet aids people to have minimal ailments.

    On the other hand, to detect prostate problems symptoms, physical examination, prostate specific antigen (PSA), or biopsy are recommended. If one is diagnosed with prostate cancer, he has to undergo further tests like CT scans and bone scans.

    Here are pieces of advice to those who have prostate cancer, first, never take medicines without doctor’s prescriptions. Yes, there are new cancer drugs but these have to be taken under doctors advice. Second, if you find out that you have prostate problem symptoms, consult a doctor as to what to do and what medicines you need to take.

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    Symptoms of Blood Pressure

    January 29th, 2010 admin

    Blood pressure is the force that is exerted by the blood against the vessel walls. It is measured by using a simple instrument called a sphygmomanometer, which consists of an inflatable cuff that goes around the upper arm and a column of mercury or a pressure dial. When the cuff is inflated, it tightens around the arm and momentarily blocks the flow of blood through the main artery of the arm.

    Try and aim for normal with your bp. The fourth British Hypertension Society guidance, issued in 2004, recommends that patients with diabetes should have their blood pressure controlled to a level below 130/80 mmHg. Medication should be started to reduce the pressure of your blood if the systolic bp..that is the upper reading…is persistently at least 140 mmHg, or the diastolic pressure in your blood..that is the lower reading..is at least 90 mmHg.

    You would no longer have to remember to take those pills each and everyday, believe me I know, I had a hard time distinguishing some of my pills apart, I was probably multi-dosing myself to death. Today I no longer have to worry about that because I found a safe natural home remedy that has helped me lower my blood pressure quickly, and has allowed me to be taken off most of my medications. So I finally said good bye to most of those expensive medicines that only treated my symptoms and not the true cause of my high blood pressure.

    As the cuff is slowly released, the person taking the blood pressure uses a stethoscope to listen to the returning blood flow. One sound signals the maximum force that occurs with the heartbeat. This is the systolic pressure, the higher of the two numbers in a blood pressure reading. The second or lower number, referred to as the diastolic pressure, reflects the lowest amount of pressure, which occurs between heartbeats.

    The main factors that cause the heart to beat faster are stress; abnormal production of hormones (mainly adrenalin and thyroxin); chemicals including caffeine, prescription and recreational drugs; excess salt, and lack of oxygen to the brain or tissues, which makes the body try to compensate by increasing blood flow. Blood vessels (particularly arteries) constrict because of stress, muscle spasm (due to tension or fatigue), cholesterol, excess salt, coffee, monosodium glutamate or recreational drugs.

    The higher one is the systolic which measures your BP after the heart contracts and blood is pushed through your arteries. The lower number is called the diastolic and measures your the pressure as your heart expands and draws blood into its chambers.

    These fats are known for their blood thinning properties. Blood pressure significantly reduces when the blood is thin. Fishoil also inhibits built up of plaque on arterial walls i.e. increases smoothness of the blood vessel walls. It is also known to decrease the LDL(bad) cholesterol and increase the HDL (good) cholesterol levels, thus is useful in reducing the total cholesterol level of body.

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    United Against Prostate Problems Symptoms

    January 29th, 2010 admin

    Prostate cancer has been present for a long time, but it is only now, that it is given the rising fame it deserves. According to the American Cancer Society, it is the most common male cancer in the United States and second to lung cancer as the cause of cancer-related deaths in men. On the bright side, only 1 man out of 8 with prostate cancer will die of the disease. Lung cancer, as compared to prostate cancer, now seems more frightening as a butt of a cigarette costs you, pronto, a year of life less. There have been updates on the latest treatment on prostate cancer. Hope is at hand.

    Prostate cancer commonly affects old men, especially those above forty years old. It is very important that men are made aware of prostate cancer warning signs. All should have an idea on prostate problems symptoms and prostate infection symptoms because this is a silent disease. Its symptoms are experienced only when the disease has developed into a big problem that when diagnosed, could scare people to death, not due to the disease itself but out of fright.

    According to different prostate cancer questions and answers, the exact cause of this type of cancer is still unclear. It was said that there is uncontrolled growth of the cells in the prostate gland which can cause the prostate gland to enlarge and block urine flow. It compares to a balloon that when filled with too much air will burst. Also, a filled-up balloon inside a pipe would not allow fluid to pass through. Though, the exact cause is still unclear, others stating that this involves many steps, infections should not be taken for granted. These might lead to prostate infection symptoms. It is believed that genes, age, sex, and the like could make you more at risk.

    Since signs of prostate cancer in men are not usually seen right off the bat, screening tests are conducted to check for the possible presence of it. On the latest treatment on prostate cancer, screening tests has been the best method for early identification. The American Cancer Society suggests that every man 50 years of age or older should have a rectal examination and PSA (Prostate Surface Antigen) test done as part of his annual physical examination. Those at high risk, such as those with positive family history and race, should undergo annual screening beginning at 45 years old.

    Prostate cancer warning signs that men should know are increased night time urination and frequency, blood in the urine, and urine hesitancy. If experiencing any of these, go see and have a chat with your trusted doctor about your prostate problems symptoms.

    The latest treatment on prostate cancer is by shrinking the gland through radiation therapy or removing a part of it by surgery.

    Prostate cancer shouldn’t be run away from. Armed with the knowledge on prostate cancer warning signs and emotional support makes one stand up against the Big C with courage and quiet dignity.

    Dr. Arnold P. Nerenberg, PhD, is an internationally renowned clinical psychologist, motivational speaker and educator. He is also a prostate cancer survivor that is why he wants to help each man who has a problem with their prostate. Visit http://askdrnerenberg.com for more information.

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    Breast Cancer And Its Symptoms

    January 29th, 2010 admin

    Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women with 41,000 cases being diagnosed each year as well as about 300 men. The chances of developing breast cancer are higher in older women but lower in those who have children at an early age and have breast fed their children. It’s also important to develop some breast cancer tests of your own, that you can do on a regular basis in between mammograms. As soon as you hit puberty, it’s a good idea to conduct self breast cancer tests as this begins the period where your chances of getting breast cancer begin.

    There are several symptoms:

    * a lump-it will usually be small, firm and painless

    * veins that become more prominent on one or both breasts just under the skin surface

    * a depression in any area of the breast surface that was not there before.

    LIQUID DISCHARGE FROM THE NIPPLE:- Another possible symptom of breast cancer is nipple discharge. This discharge can be in the form of either blood or pus that is clear, green or yellow. However, like the above symptoms discharge from the nipple is generally down to other causes.

    A CHANGE IN THE BREAST SKIN’S APPEARANCE:- If your breast skin starts to look different this could be a sign of breast cancer. This type of cancer may cause your breast skin to become dimpled (like an orange peel), wrinkled, swollen or inflamed. However, like with lumps a change in the breast skin’s appearance can be down to other factors.

    Following tests may be done:

    Mammography – a low dose x-ray of the breast tissue

    Ultrasound – the use of sound waves to build up a picture of the breast tissue

    Colour Doppler ultrasound – shows the blood supply to the area to determine the difference between a cancer and a benign lump

    Needle (core) biopsy – a needle is used to take a small piece of tissue from the affected area

    Fine needle aspiration – a needle and syringe are used to take a cell sample form the affected area

    Blood tests – general health check to see how the liver and kidneys are working and check for the presence of cancer producing chemicals in the blood

    Excision biopsy – surgery where the whole lump is removed and sent for examination

    One-stop clinics – Clinics where all relevant tests are done together and results are processed while you wait.

    Diet:

    During our body’s process of converting food to energy, we create free radicals in our body. These free radicals are damaging to our cells and DNA if we don’t combat them. Left unchecked, free radicals contribute to speeding up the aging process and to causing diseases such as cancer, heart attack and stroke.

    Anti-oxidants, however, can help us combat these free radicals, and a diet in anti-oxidants is linked with preventing cancer, heart disease and stroke. So, doctors recommend a diet high in anti-oxidants – which means eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and drinking green tea each day.

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    Understanding Social Anxiety Symptoms

    January 28th, 2010 admin

    Social anxiety disorder occurs when you become very anxious and overly self-conscious in what could be considered a normal social interaction. And, as a result, you suffer great emotional distress because you think that you are being judged and evaluated by other people. Social anxiety symptoms are likely to manifest themselves in the following situations: 1) you meet someone for the first time, 2) you get teased or criticized, 3) you are aware of being watched while you are doing something, 4) you become the center of attention for an extended period of time, 5) you are introduced to someone who is in a position of authority, 6) you participate in an ice-breaking activity that requires you to speak, or 7) you are involved in some type of interpersonal relationship. Now, while this list is pretty descriptive in giving you a general idea of what social disorder is, this list is by no means exhaustive. Most of the above situations will give rise to physical symptoms. You may sweat profusely, breathe fast, feel your heart pounding in your chest, and so on. As a result of the above, you may find yourself practicing the following behaviors so that you remain ‘safe’: 1) Speaking quietly or mumbling so no-one can hear you 2) Speaking quickly so you can “get it out of the way” 3) Not wanting to say anything that disagrees with anyone else because everyone will then look at you and you will feel embarressed 4) Avoiding eye contact because you know you will go red (and if you go red everyone will notice which will make you blush even more!) … and so on. If you seek professional medical help in dealing with your social anxiety symptoms, you may very well get prescribed either some type of medication and/or some type of psychotherapy or psychiatric therapy. The medications that are likely to be prescribed to you include, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (such as fluoxetine; tricyclics (such as imipramine); monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) (such as phenelzine); high-potency benzodiazepines (such as clonazepam, and azapirone); and beta-blockers (such as propranolol).

    The psychotherapy that is usually prescribed is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a very active and focused type of mental treatment. This particular therapy has been proven to be very successful in treating those who suffer with social anxiety. When you suffer from social disorder, it is not recommended that you force yourself to experience the types of social interactions that cause your distress. At the same time, it is not recommended that you avoid them altogether either. Instead, you should take your time to slowly and gradually work yourself up to the place where you really see yourself being eventually. One of the ways to do this is to find a way to re-think your interactions. Next time you find yourself in a social situation and you are feeling a little anxious, change your thoughts. Look at the first situation above. If you are about to meet someone, instead of thinking ‘they will find me boring and uninteresting’, change this to ‘I am going to give this person a warm smile and firm handshake. They will soon see what an interesting person I am.’ If you keep this up, these kind of positive thoughts will soon become second nature. Also, you can help yourself deal with your social anxiety symptoms by using the following self-help strategies: try to avoid or limit your caffeine intake, moderate your alcoholic beverage intake, quit smoking, and get yourself adequate amounts of sleep.

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