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5 signs of liver damage that can also indicate cancer

5 signs of liver damage that can also indicate cancer

Recognizing signs of liver problems, especially those that may be caused by cancer, is crucial for early detection and an increased chance of successful treatment. Certain signs are common between liver damage and liver cancer, which complicate distinguishing between the two. However, observing and noting the signs of liver damage that can indicate cancer and seeking timely consultation can help one get the most suitable treatment. Thus, here are a few signs to note:

Jaundice
Jaundice is a condition characterized by the yellowing of the skin and eyes, which is essentially a discoloration resulting from the build-up of bile salts. Bile is a digestive fluid produced by the liver that normally flows into the intestine. However, in case of liver damage, bile salts may accumulate in the skin, leading to jaundice. The condition can also be a sign of liver cancer.

Abdominal swelling
Abdominal swelling, a common symptom in both liver cancer and liver damage, can occur due to multiple causes. In liver cancer, the enlargement of a tumor or the growing cancer within the liver may contribute to abdominal swelling, particularly on the right side of the body. Alternatively, liver damage may also lead to increased pressure in the liver, which forces blood to back up in veins, resulting in fluid accumulation in the abdomen.

Loss of appetite
Loss of appetite, another shared symptom between liver cancer and liver damage, can also occur due to multiple factors. The tumor cells associated with liver cancer produce enzymes that can affect the appetite. Additionally, the presence of a growing liver tumor may exert pressure on surrounding organs, which then causes a sensation of fullness even after consuming small portions of food.

Nausea and vomiting
Persistent nausea and vomiting may also indicate liver-related issues, including liver cancer. These occur due to liver tumors, which can produce hormones that disrupt the normal functioning of other organs, leading to conditions such as hypercalcemia. This condition is characterized by elevated calcium levels in the blood. These elevated calcium levels can then lead to one experiencing nausea and other health issues.

Itching
Itching, a common symptom in liver conditions, may also indicate liver cancer. Like jaundice, itching of the skin also occurs due to the build-up of bile salts in the skin. When the liver is damaged or not functioning well, it may struggle to process and eliminate bile properly, leading to the accumulation of bile salts. This build-up can then cause itching, which serves as an external indicator of liver distress.

It is crucial for one to understand that these signs may not always indicate cancer. However, all of the signs are severe and must not be overlooked either. If one experiences any of these symptoms, they must consult a healthcare professional at the earliest. Consulting a doctor for a thorough examination, including diagnostic tests as required, is essential for accurate identification of the ailment and starting the treatment early.

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Coping with urges that can trigger a relapse post treatment

Addictions when left untreated can turn into crippling conditions. One can be addicted to smoking, binge drinking, or even shopping. Once addicted, one willfully submits to urges, despite having satisfied them before. However, addictions can be managed and to a great extent treated to full recovery. But, the post-recovery phase is crucial where both the mind and body are put to test and can trigger a relapse. Continue reading to know more about the most common triggers for addictions and how to deal with them.Stress Stress is commonly the root cause of many problems and addictions, both physical and psychological. One can become an addict as a way to manage the stress that may stem from strained relationships or priorities. The best way to avoid a relapse during recovery is to make lifestyle changes that don’t trigger a return to addictions amidst a stressful situation. One can practice mindfulness, engage in relaxation techniques, manage one’s time to avoid stressful situations, and imbibe healthy eating habits and exercise in their daily routine. EmotionsThere is an umpteen number of triggers that invoke a positive or negative emotional response. However, the stress associated with dealing with emotions daily can trigger urges without one even realizing. Often, one turns to a glass of alcohol or relies on prescription medications to put the mind at ease. It is not a permanent solution and prolonged use of these substances can cause more harm in the long run. One must learn and explore productive ways of controlling emotions better to avoid a relapse during recovery. For example, writing and maintaining a journal that contains one’s feelings and thoughts can act as a healthy outlet. Similarly, there are other healthy ways to channel one’s energy and manage emotional responses.Positive conditioningPeople who have addictions such as smoking or drinking may often find themselves in situations where a lit cigarette or a glass of wine can trigger a relapse. This is understandable considering these substances were the primary source of comfort and relaxation. However, with positive reinforcement and reconditioning one can train the mind and curb such urges. Relaxation doesn’t always mean techniques like yoga or meditation, it can also be pursuing your hobby. Counseling for group gatheringsBirthdays, parties, New Year’s events, and any celebration in general call for alcohol consumption and smoking. At times, these could be the very addictions one is recovering from, and in a social gathering, such temptations can be strong. However, a recovering addict should refrain from indulging in any of these as even a taste can turn into a relapse. For instance, a recovering alcoholic must avoid having a single drink as that could put him/her on a slippery slope to relapse. Here, one-on-one counseling can help prepare the mind to resist the urge. It is never healthy for a recovering addict to simply avoid socializing fearing a relapse.

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10 early warning signs of age-related macular degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration is a progressive eye condition that causes damage to the macula, or the part of the retina located at the back of the eye. This disease typically affects individuals aged 50 years and above. Early diagnosis and treatment of age-related macular degeneration can help manage its symptoms and maintain one's eye health. Here are some early warning signs of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that one should not ignore. Blurred vision One of the most common early signs of AMD is blurry vision, which occurs due to the leakage of blood or fluids from blood vessels into the macula. Inability to recognize familiar persons AMD severely affects one's central vision, which is responsible for enabling recognition. Therefore, persons with AMD may be unable to recognize familiar faces, even those of close family members and friends. Straight lines appearing wavy The central vision enables one to recognize and differentiate shapes, lines, colors, etc. Patients with AMD, whose central vision is compromised, may perceive straight lines as wavy. Difficulty perceiving and differentiating colors The macula consists of multiple photoreceptor cone cells, which facilitate the perception and differentiation of colors. Since AMD causes damage to one's macula, persons with this condition may be unable to perceive or differentiate between colors and shades. Sleep problems Several studies have found that AMD increases the prevalence of sleep issues like sleep apnea and insomnia and typically reduces one's quality of sleep. Hence, sleep issues combined with other AMD symptoms may indicate the onset of the condition. Blind spot in the central vision Compromised central vision due to AMD may cause the development of a blind spot in the central vision. Consequently, patients with AMD may find it challenging to carry out even basic daily activities. Trouble reading and writing Reading and writing abilities may progressively diminish among individuals with AMD, as objects begin to appear faded. They may also face difficulties in reading text written or printed in small font sizes. Problems with balance AMD causes problems with balance and coordination due to compromised vision. Therefore, it is essential to fall-proof one's home to prevent any accidents. Difficulty seeing clearly in poorly lit environments Persons with AMD may not be able to see clearly in areas that are dimly lit. So, they may find it difficult to walk, drive, or ride on the streets at night or find objects in dimly lit places. Headaches Headaches among patients with AMD are often caused by pressure exerted on the eyes while performing one's daily activities. Thus, when headaches are accompanied by other AMD symptoms, one should visit an ophthalmologist immediately. Besides consulting a healthcare professional promptly, persons with AMD should follow certain lifestyle changes, such as having foods rich in beta-carotene, exercising regularly, and staying hydrated to heal steadily from the condition.

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