Spinal muscle atrophy or SMA is a genetic neuromuscular disorder. In this condition, the nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord break down. Often, SMA affects babies and children, making it difficult for them to move their muscles properly. Although this progressive muscle weakness is rare, it is fatal universally. But, there is no absolute cure for SMA. The treatment options for spinal muscle atrophy mainly consist of various supportive measures like gene replacement therapy, medications, and other helpful methods. You can learn about those treatment approaches below. Nusinersen is a US Food and Drug Administration-approved medication for the treatment of SMA. It is a form of gene replacement therapy. The usage of this medication adjusts the amount of SMN2 genes. By improving the SMN2 gene’s splicing, this medication increases the amount of functional protein required for healthy motor neurons. The FDA has approved the use of this medicine for SMN types 1 to 4. The doctor may inject this medication several times. Onasemnogene abeparvovec-xioi is another form of gene therapy approved by the FDA as a treatment option for children less than two years of age with SMA. This gene therapy replaces the defective or missing survival motor neuron (SMN) 1 gene that creates the atrophy with a functional copy.

Acid reflux is also known as acid regurgitation or gastroesophageal reflux; it occurs when what you have eaten move from the stomach into the esophagus creating an uncomfortable burning sensation in the chest. While regular occurrences of the issue should be shown to a doctor, the once in a while occurrences can easily be controlled by effective natural remedies for acid reflux. Add a dash of ginger to your food The root has anti-inflammatory properties and is one of the best natural things to fight acid reflux and similar issues. You can add ginger to your diet in the form of ginger tea or add a spoonful of grated ginger to your smoothies and other dishes. Ginger tea can be had before a meal to avoid triggering heartburn after the meal. Ginger can help in reducing the discomfort caused by acid reflux. Cultivate a diet rich in vegetables Vegetables can help create a conducive environment for ensuring reduced stomach acid. This is because it is low in fat and sugar naturally. Ensure to include a whole lot of vegetables to keep acid reflux at bay or when you are experiencing it. Green vegetables and others like beans, cauliflower, broccoli, cucumbers, and potatoes are ideal for tackling the issue.

Anemia is a type of blood disorder. Blood circulates through the entire body, and if there is any issue with it, it may show in more than one part of the body. Anemia affects the hemoglobin levels and results from the improper creation of red blood cells (RBCs) or low levels of the same. There are different types and causes of anemia. Iron-deficiency anemia This type of anemia is characterized by low levels of iron in the body. Iron is an important protein for the creation of hemoglobin. This protein is present in RBCs, the carrier of oxygen in the blood. All the iron that comes through food is not ingested in the intestines, but a large part of it releases in the bloodstream. There are different types and causes of anemia, and the patient demographics for the same also vary. The groups at risk for developing iron-deficiency anemia include infants, children, women of childbearing age, people with internal bleeding, and those with conditions like Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, or kidney failure. Since low levels of iron cause the disorder, taking supplementary iron is recommended by doctors. Aplastic anemia Aplastic anemia is also known as bone marrow failure and occurs due to damage to the stem cells.

There are several early warning signs of breast cancer that may indicate the need for a mammogram. There are various kinds of breast cancers, and some symptoms may apply only to a specific form of breast cancer. However, there are some other early warning signs of breast cancer that may be confused for a normal occurrence. Some of these include: Changes in the skin on the breast There are a variety of skin changes that occur on the skin due to breast cancer, but the early warning signs of breast cancer in this regard include swelling and redness on either or both breasts. These and other visible differences in the skin on the breast should not be ignored, even if the issues are not isolated in the chest area. Women who may have developed invasive breast cancer may also experience itching or irritated breasts. Changes in the breast Another early warning sign of breast cancer is any change in the appearance of either or both breasts. These changes in appearance are characterized by enlargement of the breasts or change in shapes. Monthly self-examinations of the breast are ideal for keeping an eye out for such changes. Breast changes are normal during or before the menstrual cycle, and therefore, these examinations should be done once the periods end when the hormone-related changes subside.

A rare condition identified by a lack of enough blood-clotting proteins or clotting factors in the body is known as hemophilia. As a result of these insufficient clotting factors, the blood does not clot the way it should. There are several symptoms and treatment of hemophilia, which you should know about to be able to avail medical attention at the earliest. Here’s having a look at those. Symptoms of hemophilia To understand the symptoms and the subsequent treatment of hemophilia, it is important to know what the condition is and how it affects the body. Hemophilia is a blood-related disorder that is inherited. It is identified by a lack of or insufficient levels of a particular protein in the body, which is known as clotting factors. As a result, the blood does not clot the way it should and in turn, it leads to excessive bleeding even if the wound is minor. Hemophilia patients start bleeding easily since their blood cannot coagulate anymore, or takes much longer to. Internal or spontaneous bleeding can also be experienced by hemophilia patients. The bleeding can, additionally, lead to pain and swelling of the joints. While the condition is rare, it can result in life-threatening complications.

Navigating the vast landscape of cancer donation foundations, memorials, and charities offers a myriad of avenues for individuals to contribute meaningfully to the fight against this formidable adversary. From established entities like the American Cancer Society (ACS), which engages in groundbreaking research, patient support, and education, to more specialized organizations such as Susan G. Komen for the Cure, dedicated to combating breast cancer, each foundation brings a unique focus to the table. Memorials, like those supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, allow donors to honor loved ones while contributing to pediatric cancer research and patient care. The Cancer Research Institute (CRI) champions the promising field of immunotherapy, offering a novel approach to treatment. The symptoms in the early stages of colon cancer are sometimes non-existent or not very apparent. However, there are some early warning symptoms for colon cancer that can help in catching the illness before it progresses rapidly. Some of these symptoms can occur without cancer in the body, and hence, sometimes, the actual signs are ignored as common health problems.  Rectal bleeding and blood in the stool Bleeding from the anus can be due to many reasons apart from colon cancer. Since it is one of the early warning symptoms for colon cancer, it should not be ignored.

Hepatitis C diagnosis is often difficult in the early stages as there are no or very few symptoms in the beginning. Many hepatitis C patients find out about the illness even after a decade. While some develop chronic hepatitis C, which stays for a lifetime, there are also patients who get better in less than a year. The following are some of the main early warning signs of hepatitis C that you need to look out for. Loss of appetite and nausea Loss of appetite is linked to a number of illnesses, making it difficult for people to often look at it as an early symptom of hepatitis C. Patients with the illness may experience very low or no desire to eat even if the person’s favorite food is presented to them. The emptiness in the stomach can lead to nausea. However, hepatitis C patients may also experience nausea, even when they have eaten. Both these symptoms may present themselves independently in many cases. For a lot of people with hepatitis C, keeping the food down may be difficult and the discomfort associated with it is not limited to nausea, ending up in vomiting.  Swollen belly A worsening liver condition can lead to the body holding the excess fluids in the arms, legs, and stomach.

A urinary tract infection (UTI) can affect any part of the urinary tract, which includes the urethra, kidneys, bladder, and ureter. There are various types of UTI, depending on the part of the urinary tract that is affected by the infection. The infection tends to start from the bladder and gradually progresses to the kidneys. Here are some early warning signs of UTI it is crucial to be aware of. Discomfort during urination A UTI infection may cause pain or a burning sensation when urinating. This pain can increase if not treated on time. Visit a doctor at the earliest if you experience this symptom to keep it from worsening. This is one of the common early warning signs of UTI. Backaches Another early symptom of a UTI is a pain in the pelvic region and back. This symptom can be easily overlooked by individuals, as back pain is a common health issue for many. However, it is vital to take note of it and not dismiss it as a minor issue. Backaches or pain in the abdomen starts with a sharp pain once in a while moving or stretching. This can progress to becoming constant if the UTI is not addressed.

There are several treatment options for alcohol and substance abuse but the journey begins only when suffering from any form of addiction acknowledges the problem. These treatment options can help in getting rid of the addiction, and controlling the urges to relapse, which in turn can help improve the quality of life and overall health of the person. Inpatient rehab In this, the person who intends to access the treatment options for alcohol and substance abuse will have to stay in a rehab facility. These facilities offer complete therapeutic support during the treatment and create a substance-free environment to help with the de-addiction process. This is an ideal option for those experiencing addictions as a chronic problem. It is also a good resort for individuals battling addiction, along with other mental illnesses or behavioral problems. By staying at the facility, it becomes easier for the patients to recover as there are no external triggers to challenge the process. Some of these programs may also include support services like employment training. There are two options for such rehabilitation programs: short term and long term. The latter may range from 6 months to a year. Individuals enrolling in long-term inpatient rehabilitation programs can expect professionals to use the entire community at the facility, including the staff and other patients, as a part of the treatment.

Arthritis is when the joints in your body get inflamed and lead to restrictive movements and swelling. Although there is no diet cure for arthritis, there are some foods that can reduce inflammation in the joints and boost the immune system. Here are some top foods to manage arthritis pain. Broccoli It is considered to be one of the healthiest vegetables and is associated with properties that reduce inflammation. If you consume broccoli regularly, it can reduce inflammatory markers in your body and help manage arthritis pain. Sulforaphane, a component, is present in broccoli that can block the development of a cell type that can lead to arthritis.  Garlic This particular food is full of benefits. Some studies show that garlic may even have cancer-fighting properties. It also has components that help reduce the symptoms of arthritis. It helps boost the function of the immune system and reduce swelling and redness in the joints.  Walnuts These nutrient-filled nuts are loaded with useful components that can help in reducing inflammation. They are high in omega-3 fatty acids that can significantly reduce symptoms of arthritis-like redness and swelling. Studies comparing walnut intake and olive oil intake showed that those who consumed walnuts had better results and less pain.  Berries Berries are packed with antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins.