November 2015 ~ HEALTH IS LIFE

Monday, 23 November 2015

Liver Cancer - Types, Causes, Symptoms, Stages and Treatment

The cancer finds its root either on the external or on the inner surfaces of the liver - an important organ of the digestive system, which aids in detoxification. The cancer type originates with the occurrence of a vascular tumor.

Different kinds of liver cancer

Some of the common types of liver cancer include Hepatocellular carcinoma- is one of the most common liver cancer types.
Hemangioendothaliomas- originates in the blood vessel of the liver.
Some of the rare kinds of liver cancer are the following -

Sarcoma
Hepatoblastoma
Cholangiocarcinoma
Hemangiosarcoma
Angiosarcoma
Lymphoma

Causes of liver cancer

Hepatitis C

The infectious disease of 'Hepatitis C' has been singled out as the essential reason behind liver cancer. The infection goes without the occurrence of appropriate symptoms. But persistent attack of Hepatitis C leads to cirrhosis, with the resulting occurrence of liver cancer.

Hepatitis B

The infectious and inflammatory condition triggered by virus of the Hepatitis B type counts amongst the responsible causes of Hepatitis B.

Deficiency of I-Carnitine

Absence of I- Carnitine - an important biosynthesized compound- also counts amongst the causes of Liver cancer.

Alcohol abuse

Alcohol abuse has its role to play with respect of cirrhosis. This in turn may give way to liver cancer.

Symptoms of liver cancer

The initial phase is marked by the presence of the following symptoms

Accumulation of fluid in the abdomen followed by swelling.
Jaundice and outward manifestation of an enlarged liver.
Invasion of the cancerous growth into the realm of portal vein can lead to the dilation of veins.
Hemorrhage can be one of the possibilities with the rupture of the dilated veins.

Additional symptoms of liver cancer which confirm the occurrence of liver cancer

Pain in the abdomen
Unaccountable loss of weight
Sudden bouts of fever and chill
Gradual/sudden deterioration in the condition of cirrhosis.

Stages of liver cancer

The various phases of metastasis can be categorized into four subdivisions

The first phase of liver cancer In the initial level of progression, the vascular tumor may not measure more than two centimeters in length. Surgical removal may still be a possibility.
The second stage of liver cancer The second stage is generally marked by the presence of one or more than one tumor measuring approximately around two centimeters, or exceeding the length of two centimeters. The given stage is marked by yet another possibility, instead of one, there can be collection of quite a few tumors.
But even at this stage of progression, the malignancy is still to affect the lymph nodes, blood vessel and the other unaffected liver lobe.
The third stage of liver cancer The stage can still be subdivided into two types. In the first series of progression, the malignancy starts affecting the adjoining blood vessels. In the second sequence of progression, the cancerous growth eats into the second lobe, lymph nodes and other organs as well.
The fourth stage of liver cancer The last stage, which again can be subdivided into two subdivisions, is marked by rapid progression of this deadly disease. Besides affecting the portal vein as well as the hepatic artery; peritoneum may be affected as well. But in the second round of progression, distant organs, located farthest from the point of origin are likely to be affected.

Different stages of liver cancer and curability

Size and extent of malignancy

Chances of curability to a large extent depend on the size of the malignant tumor and to what extent it has affected the adjoining blood vessels. The initial stages of malignancy, more specifically the first two stages, have been found responding positively to surgery. But, the response is dependent on certain conditions. The tumor has to be small enough to ensure 'partial hepatectomy'.
Secondly, the liver needs to be healthy enough to respond to the deals of surgery.

Large tumor - that has not exceeded the size of seven centimeters

With operation, certain malignant tumors large in size, tends to revive and spread elsewhere. But large tumors of the mentioned size have better treatment options in liver transplantation. But, the given option will work provided, the tumor hasn't spread sufficiently.

Advanced stages

Advanced stages of liver cancer may be treated with drugs and different options for chemo and radiotherapy.

Survival rate of liver cancer

Good chances with the surgical removal

The rate of survival has been found to be high with those having gone in for surgical removal. The cancerous stage where the tumor is resectable with surgical means has good chances of survival.

Liver transplantation - is even better

But for transplantation, the cancer needs to be in the least stage of metastasis.

To go by the facts provided by the 'National Cancer Institute'- the overall rate of survival is
50%- in the first and second stage with surgery.
60 - 70% - with the option for liver transplantations.

Treatment of liver cancer

Traditional treatment for liver cancer

The traditional treatment options for liver cancer include the following:
Surgery – where one of the options involves removal of the malignant growth. Along with the surgical extraction of the malignanvy, partial removal of the liver may become necessary.
Transplantation- In cases, where the health of the malignant liver has been severely damaged by cirrhosis, infection and alcoholism; transplantation with the help of a donor's liver may work out well.
Chemotherapy- may go well with conditions which aren't recoverable by surgery. The mode may be effective in shrinking the size of the malignant tumor, besides doing away with the symptomatic conditions.
Chemoembolisation- The process is supposed to be a blend of chemo and that of embolisation, whereby the supply of blood to the cancerous tumor is cut off. The treatment makes use of drugs meant for chemo besides, injecting the area with gelatin sponge.
Ablation- The means of treatment aims at getting rid of the cancerous cells with the use of radio frequent waves.

Natural treatment of liver cancer

Biological treatment based on the use of natural substances : One such natural therapy includes the use of a protein. The therapy, known technically as 'TKI' involves the use of protein as a chemical activator. The therapy works well in adding to the life expectancy of those affected by cancer.
With herbs : Supplements made out of broccoli sprouts, mangosteen, goji berry and mushroom have been found contributing to the natural deals of treatment by enhancing the immunity. These herbs are tested with anti-cancer features.
Certain food items : Food items including milk, yogurt and fresh fruits can add to the health of the liver. Juice therapy, focused merely on a liquid diet has been found effective with liver cancer.

Demography likely to be affected by liver cancer

Race and liver cancer

While the incidence of liver cancer is higher amongst the blacks and different Asian groups; it is significantly less amongst the whites of the non-Hispanic kind.

Sex and liver cancer

Liver cancer tends to affect males more than the females.

Risk prone groups

Besides the ones given to alcohol abuse, other risk prone groups of liver cancer include the following
Those suffering from hereditary metabolic diseases
The ones who are diabetic
Obese people

Prevention of liver cancer

Maintenance of a healthy liver includes the following dos and don'ts
Moderate consumption of alcohol.
Reducing the counts of calorie, this in turn will ensure a balanced body weight.
Minimizing the risks of infection - by vaccinations of Hepatitis B.
Taking preventive measures against the likely infection of Hepatitis C.
The risks can be minimized with the use of disinfected needles</> in course of blood transfusion and other intravenous means of drug transfer.
Sexual interaction with an infected person can give bones to infection of Hepatitis B or C. So, unprotected intercourses are also to be watched out on.

Blood Cancer - Symptoms, Stages and Treatment

Blood cancer - definition and concept

Cancerous formation can attack any organic system of the human physiology. As part of blood cancer, the rapidly multiplying cancerous cells are found attacking the different aspects of the circulatory system. Besides blood and the lymphatic system; the bone marrow can also be the focus of attack.

Blood cancer - its kinds and types

Primarily, there are three basic types of blood cancer. Each of the variety may also include several variations, but in general this cancer is categorized into the following kinds

Leukemia- With spurt in the multiplicity of cancerous cells affecting either the marrow or the blood; the ability of the circulatory system to produce blood is severely impaired with.
Lymphoma- The cancerous formation affecting the lymphocytes is referred to as the lymphoma. Lymphocytes are one of the varieties of white blood corpuscles.
Myeloma- As part of Myeloma, the plasma (another variety of WBC) is affected by the cancerous formation.

Symptoms of blood cancer

Symptoms of leukemia.

Leukemia marked by an acute destruction of health sustaining red blood cells includes the symptoms of anemia, weakness and extreme fatigue. Consequently one affected by it is likely to sweat and come under bouts of breath shortness in course of performing day to day activities of the regular kind. Vulnerability to infection and swelling of the lymph nodes are some of the other fallouts of Leukemia. Blood tests are likely to present higher counts of white blood corpuscles.
Leukemia can be chronic or acute. A person afflicted with the latter type may not exhibit any of these symptoms. On the other hand, in leukemia of the acute type, the symptoms are likely to manifest with rapid intensity.

Symptoms pertaining to lymphoma.

One of the most common symptoms of lymphoma includes swollen lymphatic node because this cancer essentially revolves around the lymphatic cells. The swelling is mostly painless in nature. Some of the other indications include loss of weight and appetite, fever, sudden bouts of chill and night sweating.
Certain variety of leukemia is also associated with coughing, fatigue, fullness of abdomen and extreme fatigue. Itching, nausea and food aversion may also set in.

Symptoms pertaining to myeloma.

The initial stage may well go free of symptoms. But with the gradual prognosis of the disease, there ought to be generic feel of fatigue, painful back, susceptibility to infection, breath shortness, bouts of numbness and that of chest pain. Kidney problems are likely to develop on account of myeloma. Blood tests taken are likely to indicate abnormal clusters of plasma cells.

The different stages of blood cancer

Depends on the rate of metastasis.

There are different yards sticks to distinguish blood cancer into different stages according to the symptoms of prognosis and rate of metastasis.

Four different phases of chronic leukemia.

The first phase is marked by an enlarged presence of lymph nodes. This happens owing to the spurt in the count of lymphocytes. The risk level at this stage is intermediate because at this stage of prognosis, the cancer is yet to spread and affect other physical organs.
The second stage is marked by the enlarged presence of spleen as well as liver; in addition to that of the lymph nodes. If not both the organs, at least one of them apart from lymph nodes is affected at the second stage. There is a massive swing in the growth of lymphocytes. The risk level is still moderate.
The next stage or the third stage is marked by the development of anemia. The aforementioned organs are still likely to remain swollen. In general two or more organs are likely to be affected at the third stage of cancerous development.
The fourth and last phase is marked by a drastic fall in the rate of blood platelets. In the last stage the cancerous development can also affect lungs besides the ones already affected. Anemia is likely to be more acute. Both the third as well as the last phase are more risky from the viewpoint of the sufferer.

Curability of blood cancer and the stages involved

The latest piece of news with regard to the curability of blood cancer.

According, to one of the most recent findings, researchers have come up with a curative alternative to blood cancer. The medication seeks to block the release of irregular enzymes accountable for the metastasis of blood cancer. Surfeit of protein accountable for the enlargement and increase of cancerous cells are likely to be blocked as well by the researched medication.
Even until some years back, it couldn't be categorically affirmed as to the curable deals of blood cancer. But according to the practitioners and faculty involved in research oriented studies, the first stage of blood cancer responded better to the deals of curability more than the others.
To go by the practitioners and advocates of alternate therapeutic measures to cancer cure, blood cancer is curable even in its second and the third stages.

Natural treatment of blood cancer

Some of the common avenues of treatment.

Other than chemo and radiotherapy, the conventional modes of treatment for blood cancer include attempts at stem cells and bone marrow transplantations.

Herbal deals in leukemia/blood cancer cure.

Certain herbs, at least two varieties of herbs known by the names of 'Garcinia Mangostana' and 'xanothenes' have been found to be effective with respect of leukemia. The herbs and compounds based on them have reflected intrinsic potential of growth inhibiting features.

Importance of antioxidants.

It has commonly been observed that people particularly the kids undergoing treatment for blood cancer, respond better to curative measures if there isn't a drastic cut in the intensity of antioxidants. So, even with allopathic remedial options, it is important to go for a diet rich in greens and antioxidants, in order to add to the supportive base of the treatment.
Children oriented to a balanced diet with an adequate supply of greens and raw fruits are less likely to develop blood cancer/leukemia.

What demography is more prone to blood cancer?

It may run in the family.

Heredity/family history is one of the likely factors making one more prone to blood cancer than those without family history.

Exposure to radiation and carcinogenic chemicals.

These uncalled for exposures also add to the risk of developing blood cancer. Smoking is another incentive.

HIV Infection.

Those infected by HIV all come under the risky demography prone to blood cancer.

Age group and blood cancer.

Though it is probable amongst different age groups, the recently taken statistics point to the increased possibility amongst the older age groups.

Race and blood cancer.

It has also been observed that whites are more susceptible to leukemia/blood cancer.

Prevention of blood cancer

Healthy lifestyle with specialized focus on balanced diet.

In fact, health of nutrition and that of living can go a long way in combating blood cancer. Instead of freaking out on dollops of sugar and that of dressed meat items, one ideally needs to fall back on the organic greens.
Avoiding the fad for junk food and going back on a nutritious platter with abundance of green can add to the prevention of blood cancer.
Dressed meat/fish items have been identified as one of the incentives to blood cancer. So, they need to be avoided as well.
Trans or saturated fat is congenial to the development of this dreaded disease. So together with dressed items and that of starch, one needs to go low in this category as well.

Eat, drink and breathe in fresh air.

It is also important to stay away from the destructive sway of herbicides and chemicals. There are needs to minimize the risky bouts of radiation as it is another point of abetment.
Besides depending on a judicious blend of diet and rest, regularized regimen of exercise with abundant exposure to the unpolluted deals of natural fresh is another incentive to blood cancer prevention. Regularized schedule of exercising over a bare minimum period of half an hour can be pretty effective.

Due safety measures to be adopted.

People working in nuclear, chemical or dye making plants belong to the risk category of blood cancer. Thus, they need to opt for safety measures so that the exposure to the deals of radiation and that of chemicals are minimized.

Adding to the strength of the immunological system.

It also pays because people immunologically strong are better capacitate in resisting diseases including blood cancer.

Survival rate in blood cancer-Statistical figures

Statistical orientation is given to the inputs gathered over a given period of time. The figures are gathered by different organizations According to a figure gathered by 'Leukemia and Lymphoma Society', in the year 2011 around 1,012,533 people have been found recovering from different stages of blood cancer. It includes all the three types of blood cancer. The statistical count relates to the people of U.S.A

Wednesday, 4 November 2015

Do You Have Hidden Lumps in Your Neck?

Does it surprise you that roughly half of adults over age 40 could have thyroid nodules? Experts don’t believe they are occurring more often; rather, technology advances make them more likely to get detected.
“We often find them on diagnostic imaging now, so it’s not like it was years ago when the patient or their doctor would find a lump on their neck,” says endocrinologist Christian Nasr, MD.
Today, small nodules are often found during diagnostic imaging for other conditions — during an ultrasound to check a carotid artery or a CAT scan of the chest, for example.
Physicians today are very aware of finding these nodules, and when they do, they want to check to see if they are cancerous or benign. Only a small percentage of the solid or fluid-filled growths are cancerous.

What happens if you find a nodule?

The primary way to diagnose the content of a thyroid nodule is with fine needle aspiration (FNA).
During the procedure, your doctor draws a tiny amount of blood from the nodule. That contains enough cells to differentiate between the different categories of nodules. Typically, the doctor performs the procedure with ultrasound assistance.
Some people mistake the procedure for a biopsy, but Dr. Nasr clarifies: “I don’t even mention a biopsy, because it’s not really a biopsy.”
Your doctor will usually take two or three different samples, but the procedure is fairly painless, Dr. Nasr says.
“Some patients will ask for lidocaine to numb the skin, and the patient will feel a little pressure when the needle goes in,” he says. “But we do not see any major bleeding because we’re only drawing a drop of blood.”

What happens with the fine needle aspiration results?

Your physician will discuss the results with you once they come back from the lab. Here are the important statistics you should know:

About 70 percent of FNA results are benign.
The risk of being wrong about the diagnosis is about 1 to 5 percent, depending on the institution, Dr. Nasr says.“We will recommend a follow-up ultrasound at six months to look for nodules and to look at their size,” he says. “If we don’t see anything, then we will recommend a follow-up ultrasound in 18 months, and after that, we either stop monitoring or recommend another follow-up ultrasound in two to three years.”
About 5 percent of FNA results are definitely positive for cancer.
The risk of being wrong about the diagnosis is also about 1 to 5 percent, depending on the institution, Dr. Nasr says.If the FNA shows papillary thyroid carcinoma, doctors typically recommend a total thyroidectomy. More recently however, doctors are recommending a lobectomy for papillary cancer less than 1 to 2 centimeters in diameter confined to the thyroid gland in a younger patient, Dr. Nasr says.
Doctors classify between 5 and 10 percent as “suspicious for follicular neoplasm.”
This means there is about a 30 percent risk of cancer. Doctors typically recommend removing only that lobe, not the entire thyroid.“Still, 70 percent of the time, it’s not cancer in this case,” Dr. Nasr says. If a patient is reluctant to have the thyroid lobe removed, the doctor may offer a repeat FNA with molecular testing to further estimate the risk of malignancy. However, Dr. Nasr says the discussion on molecular testing is complex, he advises patients to discuss it in further detail with their doctor.
In 2 to 5 percent, doctors classify the nodule as “suspicious for papillary cancer,” the most common cancer.
This means the risk of finding cancer goes up about 60 percent and your doctor will recommend either a lobectomy (removal of a lobe of the thyroid) or a total thyroidectomy.
In less than 1 percent, doctors find a medullary thyroid cancer or an anaplastic cancer (rapidly dividing cells).
In this case, the doctor will likely recommend a total thyroidectomy. The stage of the cancer dictates the extent of the surgery in these cases, Dr. Nasr says.
About 5-10 percent of FNA results will be non-diagnostic.
In this case, the doctor typically will repeat the FNA. Most of the time, the repeat FNA will give a diagnosis. If it is still non-diagnostic, the doctor may recommend a lobectomy vs. monitoring with ultrasound.

4 other ways your doctor can diagnose thyroid nodules

According to Dr. Nasr, there are four main ways doctors diagnose thyroid nodules:

Symptoms: There are several symptoms that help doctors identify nodules:
- The old-fashioned way of someone discovering a lump in their neck
- Difficulty swallowing or a choking sensation
- Symptoms of an overactive thyroid (caused by too much thyroid hormone), such as a racing heart, heat intolerance, excessive sweating or weight loss
Personal history of external radiation: Have you ever been exposed to external radiation? For example, have your doctors used radiation to treat lymphoma or head and neck cancer? “It takes a while before cancer is found in the thyroid after such radiation,” Dr. Nasr says.
Personal or family history of cancer: Do you have a lot of cases of thyroid cancer in your family? Have you ever had a melanoma, or breast, lung or kidney cancer? That increases your risk and makes your physician pay close attention.
Ultrasound imaging: Your doctor will use this diagnostic tool to look at the size and composition of the nodule to see if it is solid or if it is a cystic nodule with fluid in it.

“Ultrasound is the best tool for us to triage these thyroid nodules further,” Dr. Nasr says. “We also look at the rest of the thyroid, because about 50 percent of patients will have another nodule or possibly several, so we need to make sure we look at all of them.”
Based on your personal and family history, the size of the nodule, the blood flow to the nodule and any calcification they find, your physician will decide whether or not to test your nodule or nodules, Dr. Nasr says.

Insulin Inhaler Is A New Option If You Have Diabetes

There’s good news for patients who would like an easier way to get their insulin. A new rapid inhaled insulin has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The new drug, called Afrezza®, delivers insulin in the form of a fine powder, and you can inhale it at the start of a meal to help with blood sugar control.
As a nurse and certified diabetes educator who has also lived with diabetes for the past 17 years, I wanted to try this new option. After using it for a few months, I found the inhaled insulin to be effective, easy to use, and a great alternative to an injection when I needed mealtime insulin. It can be used safely with any basal insulin, such as Lantus®, Levemir® or Toujeo®. Anyone who has Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes can benefit from this treatment option.

Inhaler benefits

Here are some of the benefits of the inhaled insulin:

It decreases risk for hypoglycemia. The onset time is 12 to 15 minutes and it is totally out of your system within 180 minutes.
It is painless, convenient and effective. Once inhaled, the insulin gets released into the body through your lungs and released into tiny airways that help move the insulin into the bloodstream quickly.
Color coding makes the dosages easy to identify. The color coding of the blisters are blue for four units, green for eight units and yellow for 12 units of insulin. This color coding decreases the possibility of errors.
The blister and the inhaling device are small and compact. Both can easily fit into a small purse or pant pocket.
The inhaling device is included with the monthly prescription. The device is changed every two weeks and needs no special care. Simply place the cap back on after use.
It is easy to use. To properly use the inhaling unit, you just place the prescribed blister containing a powder form of insulin into the device. Breathe out, place the device in your mouth and take in a deep breath slowly over the course of three to five seconds. Then breathe normally.

Things to remember

This insulin works best when taken at the start of a meal. The powder may cause a little cough, but drinking a few sips of water afterwards helps relieve this problem. As with any insulin, you should monitor your blood glucose regularly for trending and dose titration purposes while on this medication. Be sure to have regular follow-up visits and complete needed lab work for your prescribing physician. This is important to keep you on track and ensure that the medication is working effectively.
Hypoglycemia is the most common adverse reaction for any insulin, including Afrezza.
This medication is not recommended for those with chronic lung problems or smokers. Prior to starting Afrezza, a physical exam and a special pulmonary function test is needed to identify any potential lung disease. A follow-up lung test is needed at six months and yearly while on this medication.
You will want to talk with your doctor to decide if Afrezza is the right mealtime insulin for you

Men With Large Breasts: When to Worry

If you’re a man who has developed swollen or enlarged breasts, it is important to get checked by a doctor. You may have what doctors refer to as gynecomastia.
“This condition is usually benign and reversible once you stop the cause,” says endocrinologist Ula Abed Alwahab, MD. But, she says it can suggest a hormone imbalance or other underlying problem, so it’s best to see your doctor to get it checked.
First, your doctor will examine you to rule out pseudo-gynecomastia. “What we call pseudo-gynecomastia occurs when someone is obese and simply has fat in that area without the gland actually being enlarged,” says Dr. Abed Alwahab.
If your doctor finds you have true gynecomastia — enlarged breast tissue in the glands that has a root medical cause — he or she will run tests to find the cause.
RELATED: Men and the Breast Cancer Myth

Possible culprits

There are many possible causes of gynecomastia. The bottom line is that something is reducing or blocking the male hormone testosterone. This allows the female hormone estrogen to dominate. Sometimes, your estrogen level increases.
Several conditions can upset hormone balance for men and lead to gynecomastia:

Kidney disease
Liver disease
Alcoholism
Hyperthyroidism
Klinefelter syndrome (a chromosomal condition from birth that usually results in smaller testes and reduced testosterone levels)
Testicle removal to treat testicular cancer

“Gynecomastia is not the disease itself, but it is a manifestation of another problem,” Dr. Abed Alwahab says. “So we check the hormones that can be in imbalance, and we check the liver, kidney and thyroid functions and so forth, so we can figure out what’s going on.”
RELATED: 10 Questions Every Man is Afraid to Ask His Doctor

Medications may also be to blame

A variety of medications can cause gynecomastia. The most common offender is spironolactone. A water-reduction pill, cardiologists use it to treat high blood pressure or heart failure.
Other medicines that may cause the condition include:

Anti-androgen therapy (used mainly to treat prostate enlargement and cancer)
Anabolic steroids and androgens
AIDS medications
Anti-anxiety medications
Tricyclic antidepressants
Ulcer medications
Some antibiotics

These drugs can also cause this condition:

Alcohol
Amphetamines
Marijuana
Heroin
Methadone

RELATED: Men: Protect Your Health in 4 Simple Steps

What about cancer?

Depending on test results, if your doctor finds an enlarged gland and hasn’t found another cause, he or she may schedule a mammogram to test for cancer. Men can get breast cancer, though it is fairly rare.
“So, while it’s very unlikely to be malignant, it’s always good to rule out malignancy,” says Dr. Abed Alwahab.
The most concerning signs of possible male breast cancer are:

A fast-growing mass that is only on one side of your chest
Milky or bloody discharge from your nipples
Any skin changes on the breast itself

If you see any of these signs, see your doctor immediately.
RELATED: Breast Cancer Treatment Guide

Natural causes in infants and adolescent boys

Many male infants have transient gynecomastia caused by a residue of estrogen from the mother. This condition typically disappears by the end of the first year.
Gynecomastia caused by hormone changes in boys during puberty also is fairly common. In most cases, the swollen breasts will go away without treatment in 6 months to two years.
“During puberty, some young men can also develop benign gynecomastia because there is that same imbalance between male and female hormones, but we don’t have to worry about that,” Dr. Abed Alwahab says. It resolves on its own.

What can you do about gynecomastia?

In as many as a quarter of all cases, doctors don’t find a cause for gynecomastia.
If the condition is not cancerous and doesn’t go away after you rule out all other causes, your doctor may try to reduce breast swelling with drug therapy.
Some men also pursue male breast reduction or cosmetic surgery, Dr. Abed Alwahab says.

How You Can Help Your Child Find Relief from Hay Fever

child female allergic flowers sick pollen

Seasonal allergy sufferers of all ages have been battling brutal symptoms this spring: runny noses, sneezing and itchy eyes. But if you’re a parent, there’s no reason to restrict your children’s outdoor activities because they have hay fever.
You can take several steps that can provide allergy relief for your children that doesn’t involve cooping them up inside.

Allergy-free zone

One is to regulate the pollen that can get inside your home. One simple step can be to simply close their bedroom windows, says allergist Brian Schroer, MD, of Cleveland Clinic’s Children’s.
“Keep their bedroom windows shut. That keeps the pollen outside,” he says. “By doing this, you create an allergy-free zone in their bedroom.”
Central air conditioning can help to maintain a pollen-free indoor environment as well. Dr. Schroer recommends putting a HEPA filter on your central air unit to filter out pollen from the air. A HEPA filter works by forcing air through a fine mesh to trap harmful particles such as pollen, pet dander, dust mites and tobacco smoke.
Outdoor pollen levels are higher in the morning and early afternoon. So it may help decrease allergy symptoms if your children play outside when there is less pollen in the air.

Time medications for the best benefit

The time of day your kids take their allergy medicine also can make a difference. Have your children take their 24-hour allergy pills or nasal sprays before bedtime to ensure the medicine already is circulating by the time they need it most — in the morning.
It’s sometimes difficult to convince your children to take medicine when they’re not feeling symptoms. But consistent use of allergy medications is the key to successful symptom prevention, Dr. Schroer says.
To help your children remember to take their allergy medicine, pair their pill-taking with another, established habit, such as the nightly tooth-brushing.
Another good time for your children to take their allergy medicine is shortly before they go outside for a long period of time, such as baseball practice.
“When the kids do go outside, remember to give them the medicines that their doctor has prescribed for them,” Dr. Schroer says.
To avoid red, itchy eyes, Dr. Schroer says to have your children try wearing sunglasses when outside. The sunglasses will protect your child’s eyes from the sun and can provide a shield against pollen.
When the weather is hot, dry and windy, that’s when you can count on it being a peak allergy day. It might be best for your kids to play inside on those days, Dr. Schroer says. Better weather for outside play would be when it’s cooler and not so windy. After a rain is a good time to go outside, too.

Are Hidden Ingredients in Your Beer Making You Sick?

Plenty of people are allergic to foods. But you can also be sensitive to certain ingredients. For this reason, beer can make some people sick – even if they drink moderately.
“These people usually don’t have true allergies, but have more of a sensitivity to one of the components that make up the beverage itself – for example, a basic ingredient, chemical or preservative,” says family physician Mark Rood, MD.
True food allergies can cause unpleasant symptoms such as hives, stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhea. At their worst, allergies can cause life-threatening emergencies such as loss of consciousness or anaphylaxis.
Fortunately, beer “allergies” are rarely life threatening.

Common reactions to beer sensitivity

Beer sensitivity does cause symptoms similar to those from allergic reactions. They include hives, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, sneezing, wheezing and abdominal pain.
“Most common reactions to beer are specific to types of grains, modified grain proteins, hops, yeast, molds or barleys,” says Dr. Rood. “Sensitivities are also possible to the additives that are present in some beers, including sulphites, sodium benzoate or tartrazine.”

What about GMOs in beer?

There’s been a lot of discussion on social media about the potential harmful effects of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). They are found in many processed foods – and in some types of beer.
Many beers contain genetically modified corn. So some say people should stick to organic beer. But if you avoid beers with GMOs, will that reduce your chances of beer sensitivity? Not necessarily, Dr. Rood says.
“It would be very difficult to prove that GMO-containing beers are more allergy-inducing than GMO-free beers. Or that ‘organic’ beers are categorically superior just by being organic,” he says.

Is European beer safer?

Another rumor making its rounds on the Internet is that European beers are safer than beers from U.S. breweries. Dr. Rood says it’s not that simple.
“Staying with European beers will not prevent sensitivity in everyone,” he says. “As allergic tendencies vary from person to person, it’s best to find a brand or type of beer that doesn’t cause any problems for you personally. Then stick with that variety.
“The best way to avoid sensitivity or alcohol intolerance to any beer is to not consume the product to which you are sensitive.”

What to do if you think you’re allergic to beer

If you tend to experience allergy-like symptoms after drinking just one or two beers, it’s best to see your doctor.
“Your physician can help by obtaining a detailed history, performing a physical examination and conducting blood tests and other types of testing to rule out other causes for your symptoms,” Dr. Rood says. “Should you experience itching or hives, an over-the-counter, non-sedating antihistamine can also be helpful.”

When to seek immediate help

If you have symptoms of anaphylaxis — a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction — seek immediate medical attention. With anaphylaxis, severe itching of the eyes or face can progress within minutes to more serious symptoms.
Get help right away for a reaction that involves:

Swelling
Difficulty swallowing or breathing
Abdominal cramping or pain
Vomiting
Diarrhea

But in general, use common sense. Don’t worry too much about what beer theories are hot on the Internet. Sample away and find beers that you like. If you find some that don’t agree with you, steer clear of those varieties in the future.

Treating Breast Cancer: What are My Surgical Options?

Contributor: Stephanie Valente, DO
To treat breast cancer with surgery, you have two main options: mastectomy (complete removal of the breast) or lumpectomy (removal of only the part of the breast that has the cancer). How do you decide what is best for you?
Many factors affect this important choice. It’s important to review each option in detail with your surgeon. Here are some things to consider.

If you choose mastectomy

If you choose a mastectomy, there are options regarding whether or not to choose reconstruction. Some women choose to not have breast reconstruction, while others choose to have reconstruction that most often happens during the initial cancer surgery.
A plastic surgeon works with the breast surgeon. The breast surgeon performs either a skin-sparing or nipple-sparing mastectomy and then the plastic surgeon recreates a breast using a tissue expander (temporary implant), implant or a patient’s own tissue.

If you choose lumpectomy

For a lumpectomy, the surgeon removes the cancer mass with a normal rim of surrounding healthy tissue called a margin. A lumpectomy allows a woman to keep her breast. It’s also referred to as a partial mastectomy or breast conservation.
This option also would require radiation to the breast to prevent the cancer from returning. There are different options for radiation, which is usually given daily (i.e. each weekday for five to six weeks).
Some women qualify for a shortened course of radiation, which lasts three weeks, and other women qualify for a single dose of radiation given during surgery called intraoperative radiation. You can discuss these options with your surgeon in greater detail.

What option leads to the best outcomes?

When a woman hears that she has breast cancer, she may think that the most aggressive surgery leads to the best outcome. This is not the case. Studies show that mastectomy vs. a lumpectomy plus radation offer a woman similar survival.
The risk of a recurrence in the breast after a mastectomy is 5 percent, while the risk of a recurrence in the breast after a lumpectomy and radiation is 14 percent. The risk of getting breast cancer just for being a woman is 12 percent. The differences between recurrence rates are not statically significant – with the overall survival being the same.

Surviving breast cancer

So let’s talk about survival, because that is ultimately the most important question when it comes to breast cancer.
Survival from breast cancer depends on the stage of your breast cancer (the size of the cancer and whether or not it has spread to your lymph nodes or other areas).
A medical oncologist uses your cancer stage and the biology of your breast cancer (what type it is) to determine if you will need chemotherapy.
The recommendation for chemotherapy is based on the type and stage of your cancer, not the type of surgery you choose. Again, many times, patients think that if they pick the most aggressive surgery, that they will not need chemotherapy and that is not the case.

So what helps a patient decide one surgery over another?

Some women have a large cancer and a small breast, so a lumpectomy would remove too much tissue to leave a breast with a good cosmetic result. These women need a mastectomy.
Other women, for various reasons, cannot receive radiation, or choose not to have it. These women choose a mastectomy.
Women who present with a small breast cancer are great candidates for a lumpectomy.
Most women are actually candidates for both surgical options and have the opportunity to choose.

Why the Latest Breast Cancer Screening Advice May Not Be for You

We’ve all come to equate screening for breast cancer with saving lives. But new recommendations issued Tuesday by the American Cancer Society (ACS) advise most women to get fewer mammograms, not more. And the recommendations say your doctor does not need to perform a routine breast exam during your annual well-woman visits – ever.
The new ACS guidelines are based on multiple studies that repeatedly show mammograms reduce a woman’s risk of dying from breast cancer. The guidelines say:

Women should have mammograms every year beginning at age 45 until they are age 54, and then they can consider switching to every other year.
Women between the ages of 40 and 44 should be offered the opportunity for a mammogram if they prefer.
Women should continue mammograms as long as their overall health is good and their life expectancy is 10 years or more.
A clinical breast exam is unnecessary as part of an annual checkup.

It’s important to know that the new ACS recommendations, which were published Tuesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association, are directed at women with an average risk of developing breast cancer. That means women who have:

No history of breast cancer
No genetic mutation, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, that predisposes them to breast cancer
No radiation therapy to the chest between the ages of 10 and 30

RELATED: Dense Breasts and What They Mean for Your Mammograms

What’s going on here?

The ACS last released screening mammography recommendations in 2003, says Laura Shepardson, MD, Associate Director of Breast Imaging at Cleveland Clinic.
“Since then, there have been multiple research studies done that the ACS used to support their recommendations, and the health care market now expects patients to understand the risks, benefits and limitations of screening mammography programs,” Dr. Shepardson says.
These many research studies that have repeatedly shown that regular screening mammography reduces a woman’s risk of dying from breast cancer. There is no debate about that, Dr. Shepardson says.
But medical opinions diverge on when a woman with an average risk of developing breast cancer should start getting mammograms and how often to get them.
“We understand this is extremely confusing for patients and their doctors, since there are multiple sets of recommendations and guidelines out there now,” she says.
This is why it’s so important for a woman to understand what risk factors she has for developing breast cancer, and to understand the benefits, risks, and limitations of mammograms in the context of her personal medical history and preferences, Dr. Shepardson says.
RELATED: Mammograms Still Have the Power to Save Your Life

False positives

Chief among the concerns over when to get a mammogram is the risk of false positives. A false positive means an abnormality is identified on the screening mammogram that requires additional evaluation, including a possible biopsy to rule out cancer. This can cause a woman significant anxiety. Some women get false positives from mammograms every year.
On the other hand, some women say a false positive, despite the inconvenience and sometimes painful follow-up, is worth it if screening improves the chance of finding a cancer, particularly one that is early and small, which gives the woman more treatment options. This is one reason why the ACS recommendations allow for younger women to decide, in conjunction with their physicians, when to start mammograms and how often to get them, Dr. Shepardson says.
Another concern about mammograms, Dr. Shepardson says, is that they may encourage over-diagnosis – when very early or slow-growing breast cancer is detected via a mammogram and then treated, without any certainty whether the disease might have an impact on a woman’s life if left alone.
“Right now, physicians are unable to tell which breast cancers are going to progress and which aren’t,” Dr. Shepardson says. “Until our science catches up, we are going to have cases of over-treatment.”
RELATED: Mammograms Save Lives — But They Can Get Better

Know your risks, weigh the benefits

For women who are at average risk of developing breast cancer, Cleveland Clinic physicians recommend a baseline mammogram starting at age 40 and then every year afterward, and that you and your doctor should decide whether you should get a mammogram earlier if you are at high risk, meaning:

You have had breast cancer before
You have the genetic mutation that predisposes you to breast cancer
You’ve had radiation therapy to the chest between the ages of 10 and 30

“A woman needs to know what her individual risk factors are and what the risks, benefits and limitations of screening mammography are,” Dr. Shepardson says. “Using that information in conjunction with her values and preferences for her own care, a woman and her clinician should be able to come up with an appropriate screening schedule.”

The Link Between Red Meat and Cancer: What You Need to Know

If you’re a meat lover, you’ve probably heard the news by now: A report published in The Lancet Oncology on Monday says that processed meats, like hot dogs, ham and sausage, cause colon cancer and that red meat probably causes the disease.
The link between certain types of meat and some forms of cancer, particularly colon cancer, isn’t new. Scientific evidence has been accumulating for decades that colon cancer is more common among people who eat the most red meat and processed meat.
Red meat includes beef, veal, pork, lamb, mutton, horse and goat. Processed meat is meat preserved by smoking, curing, salting, or adding chemical preservatives. Examples of processed meat include bacon, ham, sausage and hot dogs.
What’s making headlines right now is that the pronouncement comes from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a well-known and respected agency of the World Health Organization. The IARC evaluated more than 800 studies that looked at the association of cancer with eating processed meat or red meat. The studies looked at more than a dozen types of cancer in populations with diverse diets over the past 20 years.
RELATED: The Best Diet to Lower Your Colon Cancer Risk

Processed meat a definite

The IARC classified processed meat as a “definite” cause of cancer, or a Group 1 carcinogen – the same group that includes smoking and alcohol.
The agency made no specific dietary recommendations and said it did not have enough data to define how much processed meat is too dangerous. But it said the risk rises with the amount consumed — each 50-gram portion of processed meat eaten daily increases the risk of colorectal cancer by 18 percent.
Experts have long warned of the dangers of certain chemicals used to cure meat, such as nitrites and nitrates, which the body converts into cancer-causing compounds.
The evidence so far suggests that it’s probably the processing of the meat, or chemicals naturally present within it, that increases cancer risk, says Alok Khorana, MD, Director of the Gastrointestinal Cancer Program at Cleveland Clinic.
“Processed meats fall into the same category that cigarette smoking does with lung cancer,” Dr. Khorana says. “In other words, it’s an item that causes cancer at some point in the future if you consume high amounts.”
RELATED: How to Cut Colon Cancer Risk Before Age 50 (Infographic)

Confidence level

It’s important to know that this classification merely shows the level of confidence the IARC has in its belief that processed meat causes cancer, Dr. Khorana says — not how much cancer that processed meat causes or how potent a carcinogen it is. And so, hot dogs are not equally as dangerous as cigarettes — the two only share a confirmed link to cancer, in the IARC’s opinion.
The IARC classified red meat as “probably” carcinogenic, or cancer-causing. This was based on limited evidence that eating red meat causes cancer in humans and strong evidence supporting a carcinogenic effect, Dr. Khorana says. Previous studies also have shown that grilling or smoking meat can create suspected carcinogens.
While the IARC said red meat contains some important nutrients, it still noted that red meat has an established link to colon, prostate and pancreatic cancers.
RELATED: How You Can Fight Colon Cancer (Infographic)

What to do

Research has shown that what you eat can play a large role in your risk for developing colorectal cancer. For example, one recent study showed that a diet of mostly fruits, vegetables and a moderate amount of fish appears to offer the most protection against developing colorectal cancer.
The study showed a pesco-vegetarian diet — dominated by fruits and vegetables and including a moderate amount of fish — is associated with a 45 percent reduced risk for colorectal cancers compared to people whose diets include meat. A good example of a pesco-vegetarian diet is the Mediterranean diet, Dr. Khorana says.
“A healthy diet is good for your overall outcomes and your cardiovascular health. It turns out now that it’s also good for preventing cancer,” Dr. Khorana says.

The ABCs of Safe Sleep for Your Baby (Infographic)

About 3,400 infants die suddenly and unexpectedly each year in the United States. Most of these deaths result from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related causes of infant death, such as suffocation.
SIDS is the sudden and unexplained death of a healthy baby who is put down to sleep and later found dead with no obvious cause. It is the leading cause of death in babies between 1 month and 12 months of age.
A higher risk of SIDS is seen in babies 2 months to 6 months of age and SIDS occurs more often in boys than in girls. SIDS has no known cause.
However, researchers believe that face-down sleeping is the most significant risk factor for SIDS. That’s because after the proportion of infants placed on their backs to sleep increased from 17 percent in 1993 to 73 percent in 2010, the number of SIDS deaths fell from 4,669 in 1993 to 1,910 in 2011. That’s more than half.
Follow these simple rules for keeping your baby safe while in Lullabyland:

Kids’ Fevers: When to Worry, When to Relax

Contributor: Tracy Lim, MD

Fevers can be a very scary thing for parents, particularly for first-time moms and dads. Every child will eventually experience a fever, no matter how careful you are.
It is important for parents to know what to do when this happens. First, some tips on measuring your child’s temperature:

A variety of thermometers are available, from standard oral thermometers to the newer temporal artery scanners. You can use any of these devices, but a digital thermometer is generally all you need.
It is most accurate to use a rectal thermometer for infants and young children. If you feel uneasy doing this, use whichever device makes you most comfortable. In older children, an oral temperature is most accurate, if the child is able to tolerate it.

When to keep your cool

So what is a fever? We define a fever as a temperature over 100.4 F (38.0 C). Normal body temperature is 98.6 F (37 C). Everyone’s body temperature varies throughout the day and can differ by age, activity level and other factors. Don’t be alarmed if your child’s temperature varies. The magic number for fever is 100.4 F.
When should you not worry about your child’s fever? We tend not to worry about:

Fevers of less than five days if your child’s behavior is relatively normal. You don’t need to be concerned if your child continues to be playful and is eating and drinking normally. (He or she may seem more tired than usual).
Temperatures of up to 102.5 F if your child is 3 months to 3 years of age, or up to 103 F if your child is older. These temperatures can be common, but not necessarily worrisome.
Low-grade fevers if your infant or child was recently immunized. These can be normal if they last less than 48 hours.

When to call your doctor

Now for the important question: When should you be worried about a fever? Call a doctor when:

An infant younger than 3 months of age develops a fever. Fevers may be your infant’s only response to a serious illness.
Your child’s fever lasts more than five days. We may need to investigate further for underlying causes.
Your child’s fever is higher than 104 F (> 40 C).
Your child’s fever does not come down with fever reducers.
Your child is not acting himself or herself, is difficult to arouse, or is not taking in enough liquids. Babies who are not wetting at least four diapers per day and older children who are not urinating every eight to 12 hours may become dangerously dehydrated.
Your child was recently immunized and has a temperature above 102º F or a fever for more than 48 hours.
You are concerned. If you are uncomfortable with your child’s temperature or illness, call your doctor or nurse practitioner to discuss it.

What to do if a seizure occurs

Seizures are a very scary side effect of fevers in some children. “Febrile seizures” occur in 2 to 4 percent of all children under age 5. Not all seizures cause jerking movements in the body. Some seizures look like “passing out.” If your child develops a seizure:

Put your child on his or her side.
Do NOT put anything in your child’s mouth.
Call 911 if the seizure lasts more than five minutes.

If the seizure lasts less than five minutes, call your physician or seek immediate medical attention.

What to do about multiple fevers

If your child has persistent or multiple episodes of fever and a pediatrician cannot figure out what is causing them, he or she may refer your child to a specialist. A pediatric infectious disease expert or pediatric rheumatologist may be able to get to the bottom of the issue.