As of 2018, there are more than 25,000 people in the U.S. That suffer from spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Interestingly, no two people who have been diagnosed with SMA have the same symptoms because there are different types of spinal muscular atrophy. There are four main types of SMA and other lesser developed spinal muscular atrophy illnesses: 1. SMA Type I This is the more severe and common type of SMA called Werdnig-Hoffmann Disease. Type I is aptly diagnosed when it strikes an infant during their first six months. The Werdnig-Hoffmann Disease leaves babies with the inability to move their muscles. They also will be unable to swallow, to hold their heads up, and labored breathing. Unfortunately, SMA is a disease that progresses quickly forcing the medical staff to insert feeding tubes and tubes to help with breathing. SMA has a fatal outcome for babies. 2. SMA Type II Following the more severe SMA is Type II. SMA Type II strikes between the ages of 7 and 18 months. Type II SMA also progresses quickly. This disease causes a child’s legs and arms to become weakened robbing them of the ability to move their arms or legs. Breathing problems also affect children with Type II but with medical assistance, children can live with this disease into adulthood.

Acid reflux, otherwise known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder (GERD), is a chronic condition that varies in severity. It can cause a range of symptoms including heartburn, chest pain, nausea, and even coughing. Depending on the extent of your condition, it can interfere with your daily life. There are so many causes and contributing factors for GERD that it can be difficult to narrow down exactly what’s causing yours. Some contributing factors include stress, hiatal hernia, drinking, smoking, pregnancy, being overweight, and eating heavy or spicy foods. Because so many people suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disorder, it’s important to know how to manage it: 1. Antacids Antacids are used to help neutralize acid in the stomach. There are a lot of different kinds to help manage acid reflux symptoms. Some are designed to provide immediate relief from symptoms whereas others can be taken before meals to prevent symptoms all day. 2. Eat smaller meals It’s not just eating small meals, but eating regularly. It’s better to eat five or six small meals every day instead of a few larger ones. Keeping your body on a schedule will reduce symptoms and ensure that your stomach has something to digest. An empty stomach can worsen GERD symptoms just as much as an overfull one.

Mac lung disease, also known as mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) lung disease, is a rare but serious lung condition caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium avium complex. The disease is characterized by symptoms such as coughing, fatigue, weight loss, and fever. While treatments such as Arikayce, Rifamycin, and Ethambutol are available, prevention is always better than cure. Here are some causes and risk factors for MAC lung disease that you should be aware of: 1. Exposure to contaminated soil or water Exposure to soil or water contaminated with Mycobacterium avium complex bacteria is a significant risk factor for MAC lung disease. This is particularly true for individuals who have compromised immune systems, making them more vulnerable to infection. 2. Airborne bacteria Airborne bacteria are another significant cause of MAC lung disease. The bacteria can spread through the air and cause infection when inhaled. Individuals with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of contracting the disease through airborne bacteria. 3. Individuals with low immunity (HIV or AIDS) Individuals with low immunity, such as those with HIV or AIDS, are at a higher risk of developing MAC lung disease. This is because their immune systems are not strong enough to fight off infections.

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a type of arthritis that causes inflammation in the joints and ligaments of the spine causing stiffness and making it harder to bend. The presence of the HLA-B27 gene increases the risk of developing AS as well as environmental factors such as exposure to certain infections, toxins, and pollutants; joint injuries; changes in the colon’s bacteria; and bowel inflammation. There are many medications that can treat AS such as Upadacitinib, Cimzia, Xeljanz, Stelara, Enbrel, Simponi, and Infliximab. Here are the early warning signs of ankylosing spondylitis that you should watch out for: 1. Back pain The back pain caused by ankylosing spondylitis is often described as an ongoing, dull pain that feels like it’s coming from deep within the patient’s lower back or buttocks. This is because of the inflammation caused by AS. For relief, doctors recommend painkillers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen. 2. Stiffness Another early warning sign to look out for in those with ankylosing spondylitis is stiffness. The inflammation caused by AS can affect the pelvis, shoulders, hips and knees, and between the spine and ribs. Stiffness can be expected in these areas, especially in joints like the knees and in the spine.

Nasal polyps are soft, small, non-cancerous growths in the nose that are typically non-serious but can keep growing if ignored. They are often associated with other illnesses such as chronic rhinosinusitis and asthma. While they are non-serious it is often a bad idea to ignore symptoms, and treatments of nasal polyps include FLONASE nasal spray, Xhance, and more. This is what can happen if nasal polyps go untreated. 1. Breathing problems As you ignore nasal polyps they can continue to grow until they block the nasal passage more and more, causing breathing problems. Treatments for nasal polyps often work by shrinking and eliminating the polyps to prevent breathing issues. If you want to be able to breathe clearly through your nasal passages it is best to treat nasal polyps before they become more serious and start causing worsening issues. 2. Lost sense of smell Another complication of nasal polyps is the loss of the ability to smell. This is, again, caused by largening nasal polyps that can continue to block smells from reaching the smell receptors through the nasal passage. This can be an upsetting symptom and can easily be avoided by seeking out treatment for nasal polyps early on.

Vaccines have played a crucial role in preventing and controlling the spread of infectious diseases for centuries. In recent times, the development of mRNA vaccines has revolutionized the field of immunology and provided an effective means of protection against several diseases. For example, the Pfizer shot, one of the widely used mRNA vaccines, has been proven to be highly effective in preventing COVID-19 infection and reducing the severity of illness. However, despite the benefits of vaccination, many people still delay or skip getting vaccinated, which can have serious consequences for their health and the health of others. It is essential to understand the importance of timely vaccination in preventing the spread of diseases and protecting public health: 1. Increased risk of contracting vaccine-preventable diseases Skipping or delaying vaccines can leave individuals susceptible to a range of infectious diseases, such as measles, mumps, rubella, polio, and tetanus. These diseases can cause severe complications and even death, particularly in vulnerable populations such as infants, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. 2. Spread of diseases When a large number of individuals in a community are not vaccinated, it creates an environment in which diseases can spread easily. This puts the entire community at risk, including those who have received vaccinations.

Lung cancer is a deadly disease that affects millions of people worldwide. While some of its symptoms are well-known, such as coughing, shortness of breath, and chest pain, others are often overlooked, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. In recent years, clinical trials have led to the development of new treatments such as RET inhibitors like Gavreto (Pralsetinib) and Zepzelca as well as immunotherapies like OPDIVO. Additionally, portable oxygen concentrators have become a popular option for managing lung cancer symptoms. Some of the latest treatments available include ALECENSA, Bevacizumab, and Cyramza (Ramucirumab). Here are some of the lesser known lung cancer symptoms: 1. Hoarseness or voice changes Hoarseness or changes in the voice are often overlooked as a symptom of lung cancer, but they can occur when a tumor presses on the vocal cords. This symptom can affect a person’s ability to communicate effectively, impacting their work and personal life. Unfortunately, hoarseness is often attributed to other causes like allergies, colds, or acid reflux, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. 2. Unexplained weight loss While weight loss is a common symptom of many cancers, it can also occur in people with lung cancer. Unfortunately, many people attribute weight loss to other causes, like stress or a change in diet, and don’t seek medical attention until the cancer has progressed.

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by the rapid growth of skin cells, which causes red, scaly, and itchy patches on the skin. Doctors typically prescribe medications such as Tremfya, Skyrizi, Stelara, Cosentyx, Xeljanx, Otezla, Ilumya (tildrakizumab), and Rituximab, or recommend gene therapy to reduce psoriasis flare ups. Although psoriasis primarily affects the skin, it is also linked to several other health conditions. In this article, we will explore six health conditions that are commonly associated with psoriasis: 1. Lymphoma Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is responsible for filtering out toxins and waste products from the body. People with psoriasis are at an increased risk of developing lymphoma, especially if they have severe or long-standing psoriasis. However, it is important to note that the overall risk of developing lymphoma is still relatively low, even for people with psoriasis. 2. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Studies have shown that people with psoriasis are more likely to develop COPD, a lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe. The link between psoriasis and COPD is not yet fully understood, but it is thought that the chronic inflammation associated with psoriasis may play a role in the development of COPD.

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a medical condition characterized by a sudden urge to urinate that may be difficult to control. It can be managed with various treatments, including medications such as Tena, Tranquility, Myrbetriq, and even Botox. Additionally, products like Thinx or Knix’s leak-proof underwear can provide added protection and comfort for those with OAB. However, it’s important to be aware that certain factors can make OAB symptoms worse: 1. Certain foods and drinks What you eat and drink can have a significant impact on OAB symptoms. Foods and drinks that are known to irritate the bladder include caffeine, alcohol, citrus fruits, spicy foods, and carbonated beverages. To alleviate symptoms, it’s important to avoid or limit these items in your diet. Instead, try drinking plenty of water and herbal teas, and opt for foods that are rich in fiber and low in acidity 2. Stress Stress is another factor that can worsen OAB symptoms. When you’re stressed, your body releases hormones that can stimulate the bladder and cause it to contract more frequently. To reduce stress levels, try practicing relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga. Additionally, make sure you’re getting enough sleep and taking time for yourself to engage in activities you enjoy 3.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and progressive disease that affects the central nervous system, causing damage to the myelin sheath that protects nerve fibers. It is a challenging condition that can be difficult to diagnose, and early detection is crucial to managing symptoms and preventing long-term disability. Fortunately, there are now several medications available to treat MS, including Enspryng, Mayzent, and Edaravone, which can help manage symptoms and slow disease progression. The MS Society is an excellent resource for information and support for those living with MS. In this article, we will discuss six early warning signs of MS and the treatments to consider: 1. Vision problems Blurred or double vision is a common symptom of MS, and it occurs when the inflammation damages the optic nerve. This can lead to difficulty seeing in low light, blurry vision, and a loss of color vision. 2. Fatigue Fatigue is a common symptom of MS, and it can affect daily life significantly. It is different from regular tiredness and can be so severe that it affects a person’s ability to function. 3. Numbness and tingling Numbness and tingling in the limbs, face, and other areas of the body are often the first symptoms of MS.