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8 silent signs of lymphoma one should not ignore

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that originates in the infection-fighting lymphatic system, which is a part of the body’s immune system. This system includes the spleen, thymus, bone marrow, lymph nodes, and other organs. The exact cause of lymphoma is unknown, but genetic predisposition, autoimmune disorders, and exposure to certain chemicals are some risk factors. While it is treatable, here are some silent signs of lymphoma that prompt one to seek medical help.

Persistent fatigue and weakness
One of the silent signs of lymphoma is persistent fatigue. Individuals may get inexplicably tired, even after sufficient and regular rest. Fatigue in lymphoma patients is often attributed to the body’s immune response, as cancer cells disrupt the normal functioning of the lymphatic system and other immune system components. This weakness may also be associated with lethargy and a noticeable drop in stamina.

Inflammation in lymph nodes
Lymph nodes are the tiny clusters of tissue that house white blood cells (WBCs) and are instrumental in fighting off infections. These lymph nodes may get inflamed due to lymphoma, and the lumps may occur in areas like the armpits, neck, or groin region. While they may be painless, it is important to get them checked by a healthcare professional as early as possible to avoid any complications.

Pruritus
In individuals with lymphoma, pruritus or itching, is typically not linked to any visible skin conditions. It rather arises from the release of certain chemicals by lymphoma cells affecting the skin. One must consult a healthcare practitioner if pruritus persists.

Breathing issues and chest pain
In lymphoma cases, respiratory symptoms, including shortness of breath and chest pain, can arise due to the inflammation of lymph nodes in the chest. This pain can be severe and stabbing or mild and dull. While these symptoms are not exclusive to lymphoma and can be associated with various medical conditions, their presence, especially when persistent and accompanied by other signs, may prompt medical attention.

Sudden loss of body mass
Cancer cells in lymphoma tend to consume energy and nutrients to multiply abnormally, which can cause one to reduce. If one loses more than 10% of their body mass in half a year without any changes in lifestyle or eating habits, this can indicate an underlying condition needing medical attention.

Frequent infections
The compromised immune system in lymphoma patients can make them susceptible to infections, leading to recurrent fever that doesn’t seem to subside with regular rest and medical intervention. One may also experience frequent respiratory and fungal infections, which can vary in severity and may necessitate prolonged treatments.

Abdominal swelling
Individuals with lymphoma may notice a drop in their appetite or a feeling of fullness even after eating small quantities of food. This is mainly due to enlarged lymph nodes and swelling in the stomach, which may also cause a dull or persistent pain.

Night sweats
Night sweats refer to bed soaking and unnatural sweating during the nights that often disrupt one’s sleep. In lymphoma, night sweats may occur without any changes in one’s external environment. If they manifest frequently alongside other silent symptoms, they warrant medical attention.

Lymphoma can affect individuals of all age groups, including children. Although childhood lymphoma is rare, it accounts for 10-15% of cancers in children. Luckily, due to advances in healthcare, pediatric lymphoma is curable, with high survival rates. The key to healing from any type of lymphoma is early diagnosis, timely treatment, and a healthy lifestyle during and after the treatment course.

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 donât trigger a return to addictions amidst a stressful situation. One can practice mindfulness, engage in relaxation techniques, manage oneâs 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 oneâs feelings and thoughts can act as a healthy outlet. Similarly, there are other healthy ways to channel oneâs 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 doesnât always mean techniques like yoga or meditation, it can also be pursuing your hobby. Counseling for group gatheringsBirthdays, parties, New Yearâs 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.

Top 5 foods and beverages that are bad for the teeth

A person's teeth and smile play a huge role in creating a good first impression. Moreover, the teeth are critical for good digestion and overall hygiene. This is why eating the right foods is imperative to keep one's teeth strong. The teeth are incredibly sensitive to certain foods. Some foods and beverages can cause significant damage to one's teeth over a period of time. Here are some foods that can damage teeth: Oranges Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C, which is great for reducing inflammation in the body. However, citrus-rich foods like lemons and oranges contain a lot of acid, which can cause erosion of the outer layer of a person's teeth. When the enamel erodes from the teeth, they are exposed to infections, bacterial presence, and decay. Therefore, while it is okay to eat citrus-heavy fruits occasionally, one must eat them in moderation to keep their teeth's enamel intact. Soft drinks Soft drinks increase blood sugar and tend to make the bones weaker if they are consumed frequently over a while. Among all these, it is unsurprising that soft drinks are just as bad for one's teeth as they are for all the other organs and bodily systems. Soft drinks like aerated juices and carbonated sodas contain acidic content that debilitates the enamel layers on one's teeth. For this reason, healthcare professionals and dental experts advise people to keep away from soft drinks altogether. One must especially refrain from having soft drinks immediately after brushing their teeth, as that makes their teeth abrasive and prone to decay and infection. Candy Sugar-heavy foods like candies, pies, and cookies seriously undermine the strength and functionality of one's teeth if consumed frequently. These foods facilitate a buildup of bacteria in consumers' mouths. As a result, people who consume too many sweets, such as candies, are inadvertently speeding up the process of tooth decay and developing gum disease. Additionally, foods like candy stay in the mouth for a while, making it impossible for a person's saliva to cleanse the bacterial content immediately. For this reason, dental professionals advise people to either give up on candies and lollipops altogether or at least brush and floss their teeth after consuming such foods. Coffee Caffeine in beverages such as tea and coffee is incredibly bad for teeth and bones. This food element has been known to cause calcium depletion in bones and teeth. Therefore, when one consumes too much coffee or tea in a day, they are simply speeding up the weakening of their teeth and bones. People who excessively drink coffee may experience health issues such as osteoporosis and a gradual softening and weathering of their teeth with time. Pickles Like citrus fruits, pickles also contain liberal doses of acidic content that can seriously damage one's teeth. Pickles are useful side dishes but should be consumed in moderation due to their incredibly high acidic content.