Mesothelioma – Warning signs, types, and risk factors

Mesothelioma – Warning signs, types, and risk factors

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer affecting the tissue covering most of the internal organs. It is a severe and aggressive form of cancer and while treatments are available, curing it entirely is impossible. Some organs that can be affected by this type of cancer include the lungs, abdomen, heart, and testicles. There are different types of mesothelioma cancers, and the signs and symptoms vary depending on the cancer development.

Pleural mesothelioma
This type of cancer occurs near the tissues surrounding the lungs. It leads to symptoms like chest pain, painful coughing, unexplained and unprompted loss of body mass, shortness of breath, and the development of some unusual lumps under the skin near the chest area.

Peritoneal mesothelioma
This type of cancer occurs in the tissues surrounding the abdomen region. Symptoms include inflammation and swelling that can be painful in the abdomen, and unexpected loss of body mass, whereas experiencing nausea and vomiting are also common.

Pericardial mesothelioma
It is a rare type of mesothelioma cancer affecting the tissues around the heart. The symptoms include chest pains and also difficulty in breathing. However, these signs can easily be confused with other diseases as well. So, it is important to stay vigilant and always consult a doctor if symptoms persist for a long time.

Mesothelioma of tunica vaginalis
It is another rare type of mesothelioma cancer affecting the tissues surrounding the testicles. Some signs and symptoms include swelling or a mass developing on the testicle. There could also be some pain around the area; however, the symptoms are unclear since it is rare. Therefore, it is always advised to consult a doctor immediately if you notice any unusual bump, inflammation, or pain in the area.

Diagnosis
Since the symptoms of this disease seem to overlap with the symptoms of other illnesses, it is easy for a patient to ignore the signs. However, being wary of these symptoms could help save a life. However, if the symptoms are persistent and continue to bother you for days or weeks, consult a doctor to get a detailed diagnosis.

Causes
It remains unclear what triggers mesothelioma, but experts believe that cancer occurs when changes or mutations occur in a cell’s DNA. It leads to uncontrolled cell growth and multiplication, leading to the development of tumors in the body. The cause for this mutated cell growth and production remains unknown.

Risk factors
It is observed that asbestos exposure can lead to developing mesothelioma. Asbestos (present in flooring, shingles, insulation, brakes, and used in many other applications) is broken up during the mining process, which can create many dust particles. When these dust particles are inhaled, they settle in the lungs, leading to this type of cancer. However, mesothelioma usually develops around 20 to 60 years after asbestos exposure. During diagnosis, remember to inform the health expert about any asbestos exposure in the past to help them evaluate your risk of the disease.

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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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Top 7 times to drink water

It is common knowledge that drinking water daily is necessary for the body to function correctly. It promotes efficient digestion, breathing, heart, liver, and brain function. Although you are recommended to drink eight glasses of water daily, drinking water otherwise at specific times may benefit your overall health and bodily function. Therefore, here are the best times to drink water to reap the most health benefits to avoid feeling drained or dehydrated. Best time to drink water Shortly after waking up Drinking water right away after waking up has many benefits. It hydrates the body after the sleep cycle, prepares stomach lining for food absorption, and prepares the body and brain for the day. Consuming water in the morning helps your skin and hair stay healthy. Additionally, drinking water before your first meal of the day will help flush out any toxins. Pre and post workout Drinking water is crucial before exercising to avoid being dehydrated as it energizes the body and contributes to a productive training session. Similarly, drinking water immediately after working out is essential as it replenishes the fluids and electrolytes lost during perspiration. Post workout, muscles warm up, and the body sweats to release heat, so ensure the body stays hydrated. Before bedtime A glass of water one hour before bed reduces the chance of experiencing a heart attack brought on by dehydration during the night. It also helps prevent morning dehydration caused by a 7-hour sleep gap. Also, drinking water before bed helps replenish any fluid loss during the night. Before meals Drinking water 30 minutes before meals makes one feel fuller and prevents them from overeating. It also controls digestion and gets the stomach lining and intestines ready for digestion. Moreover, it aids in the breakdown of digestive fluids and allows the body to absorb nutrients properly. During illness Consuming water and other fluids during any illness speeds up the healing process. Vomiting, diarrhea, and fever can all cause excessive water loss. It might also result in a loss of appetite. In such cases, it is best to drink as much water as possible to replenish the body with extra fluids. It is also advised to avoid dehydrating beverages such as coffee and tea. When feeling exhausted Drinking water when tired can help you feel better and boost your energy. Drinking water instead of coffee in the afternoon, when most people are sleepy or need a nap, help them resume work with a clear mind. For example, coffee consumption six hours before bedtime may disrupt sleep and cause agitation. During migraines or headaches Headaches and migraines can cause severe pain in the body. These two problems are both common symptoms of dehydration. Increasing water intake and getting enough sleep during these times can significantly reduce the discomfort's severity, frequency, and duration. Conclusion Water can sometimes taste bland; therefore, adding cucumber slices, strawberries, or slices of other fruits can improve its flavor. Using attractive drinkware or glassware from the Yeti official store may also help people remember drinking water regularly. Also, check out great deals and promotions on reusable water bottles popular now. Explore a variety of stainless steel, plastic, and BPA-free water bottles featured across brands like Adidas, Under Armour, and Contigo, designed for daily use. You can choose from multiple types of packaged drinking water. For instance, sparkling water is a carbon dioxide-infused drink that provides refreshment and improves digestion. You can also get strawberry-, grapefruit-, or even mango-flavored sparkling water. Alternatively, electrolyte-infused water has electrically charged minerals such as sodium, calcium, potassium, and magnesium to help restore energy, say after an intense workout.

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