ReadOns.com | Discover New Blogs Daily

Multiple Myeloma – Symptoms, and Management Tips

Multiple myeloma is a rare type of blood cancer that affects 1 out of 132 individuals. It is known to be more common in men than women, and the symptoms may be visible at a later stage, leading to late diagnosis and complex treatment. This cancer forms in a white blood cell called the plasma cell responsible for fighting off infections. Here are some details on the disease and ways to manage it with some food options.

Symptoms – Common and uncommon
The signs and symptoms of this disease do not show up in the early stage, or even when they do, they come as other health complications which take the focus off the cancer illness. Some signs and symptoms of this disease include:

Anemia: A disease in which the production of blood cells in the bone marrow is affected, leading to a less than an efficient number of red blood cells.

Bone pain: A dull bone pain is usually experienced in the ribs, back, or hips. It usually worsens with movement and remains persistent. This can also weaken the bones leading to fractures. The spine and the bones in the arms and legs are more likely to be affected by this condition. If the spinal cord is affected, it can numb and weaken the legs and feet, causing uncontrollable bladder and bowel movements and the feeling of pins and needles in the body.

Thick blood: Due to multiple myeloma, a person can develop hyperviscosity. This is a condition in which the blood gets thicker than normal due to the excess protein found in the cells. It causes complications like dizziness, headaches, blurred vision, and shortness of breath.

Unusual bleeding: Heavy periods, frequent nosebleeds, and bleeding gums are some telltale signs of possible multiple myeloma. Bleeding is frequent due to the cancer cells attacking the blood-clotting platelets in the body, deeming them dysfunctional.

Increased calcium: In multiple myeloma, it is observed that excess calcium is released into the blood from the affected bones, which can cause complications like stomach pain, sickness, frequent urination, constipation, drowsiness or confusion, and also an extreme thirst.

Frequent infections: This is another telltale sign of multiple myeloma. Due to the compromised immune system, it is easy to catch an infection, and fighting it off becomes even more challenging. This leads to a vicious cycle of frequent infections that can last for weeks or months on end.

Kidney complications: Commonly known as kidney or renal impairment, this condition occurs because of multiple myeloma, eventually leading to kidney failure. Some of the signs of this complication include loss of mass, feeling sick, shortness of breath, lack of energy, itchy skin, swollen ankles or feet or hands, and hiccups that remain persistent.

It is important to speak to a doctor and get a detailed diagnosis of the illnesses. Usually, these symptoms are individual illnesses. However, a doctor can understand and diagnose it better if there are underlying causes of these symptoms that point to multiple myeloma.

Foods to eat to manage multiple myeloma
Fiber: This is essential for gut health and significantly more vital when recovering from multiple myeloma treatments like chemotherapy. Fiber is responsible for breaking down food and helping clear out the bowels. Drinking plenty of water along with prune juice is also well recommended. Other foods with high fiber content include apples, pears, oatmeal, nuts, beans, broccoli, celery, artichokes, whole grains, figs, and prunes.

Bland food: Some people have a bad reaction to the treatment; hence, doctors recommend very light or bland foods like toast, applesauce, bananas, and even rice during the management period. Pudding or mashed potatoes are also recommended, especially if there is an issue with mouth sores. Staying hydrated is essential for managing multiple myeloma treatment and recovery processes.

Green vegetables: This includes broccoli, spinach, bok choy, cabbage, kale, and all other local varieties of green vegetables and fruits. These foods are considered to be highly rich in antioxidants which help in the building of immunity. They are also known to fight off constipation, a common side effect of treatment.

Iron-rich foods: Lean meats, beans, and dark and leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, and broccoli are all good examples of iron-rich foods. Because anemia is a common symptom of multiple myeloma, eating iron-rich foods is essential in treatment and recovery.

Other vitamins and minerals: Some other essentials like vitamin D, fish oil, and folate are suggested by a nutritionist when recovering from the disease. During treatment, these vitamins and minerals are lost due to a lack of proper food intake and even because of the side effects of treatments. Speak to a nutritionist to chart out a food plan that works best for individual needs.

Foods to avoid
Since the disease weakens the immune system, it is recommended not to eat much raw or uncooked food. This includes runny eggs, sushi, unwashed fruits, unpasteurized drinks, and raw meat or fish. Eating these foods may invite infections that will take weeks or even months to cure. However, since the symptoms of multiple myeloma are recurring infections, it can be difficult to manage.

Other management tips
While the treatment can be successful, the cancer may come back in some cases. This relapsed refractory multiple myeloma occurs when the cancer returns, but now no other treatment options are working. Getting a detailed diagnosis from a doctor and working on other management tips is important by making lifestyle changes when the first signs and symptoms are noted. This includes choosing a healthy and active lifestyle that keeps the body fit. Eating the right foods and avoiding too much processed foods ensure the immune system is strong to fight infections or diseases. Speak to a health professional on specific management tips for the same.

Popular Reads

Top 6 foods that may reduce dementia risk

Many individuals mistakenly believe that dementia is a disease, but it’s a term used to describe symptoms related to memory, social abilities, and thinking. These symptoms can be challenging to manage and can impact daily activities. However, healthcare professionals often recommend implementing a healthy meal plan as a way to improve management. If you’re interested in learning about how your food intake can reduce the risk of developing dementia, read on. What is dementia? As previously mentioned, dementia is not a specific disease. Instead, health conditions like Alzheimer’s disease are among its most frequent causes in older adults. Other known causes of dementia include damage to the blood vessels that supply nutrients to the brain, the formation of balloon-like proteins in the brain, and the breakdown of connections and nerve cells in the brain. While memory loss is one of its most recognizable signs, this symptom alone does not mean one has dementia. Most symptoms of this group of health issues can vary depending on the cause. Hence, here are some of the most common signs to look out for. Memory loss Difficulties while communicating Reasoning and problem-solving issues Poor control of movements and coordination Disorientation Confusion What are the foods that can help reduce the risk of dementia? Typically, dementia and Alzheimer’s are known to be caused by a combination of several factors, such as environmental, lifestyle, and genetic. Furthermore, developing issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease can contribute to cognitive decline in patients. Therefore, healthcare professionals suggest the consumption of nutrient-rich foods to reduce dementia risk as one grows older. Some of the foods that can be added to one’s meal plan are: Avocados Avocados are one of the most commonly known superfoods, which can provide the brain with the needed energy without a spike in blood sugar levels.

Avoid these 15 common shower mistakes

There is nothing a warm shower cannot resolve. Showering after a long day can be a stress reliever and enhance one’s mood instantly. It also has several other health benefits besides cleansing the body, including facilitating cold relief, boosting immunity, and relieving muscle pain. However, not bathing the right way can give rise to skin conditions such as rashes and eczema. Here are some common mistakes one should avoid while bathing and showering: Not moisturizing after a shower Wiping after a bath can reduce the body’s moisture, causing dry skin, which can lead to rashes and itching. Dermatologists recommend applying body lotion and moisturizer immediately after a shower to retain skin texture and prevent dryness. One should look for hypoallergenic moisturizers that do not have any added fragrances. Bathing in scorching hot water Scorching hot water can damage keratin cells in the skin’s outer layer. Consequently, the skin becomes dry and dehydrated. It is important to balance the water temperature before stepping into the shower. Ideally, the temperature of the water should be lukewarm. Using the wrong towel An absorbent towel that does not feel rough is ideal for wiping oneself after a shower. The most effective way to select the right towel is to check its density, measured in grams per square meter (GSM). Towels with GSMs between 400 and 550 are considered ideal for use after bathing. One should avoid towels below a GSM of 400, as these towels can be thin and rough, causing skin dryness. Moreover, towels made of superior-quality Egyptian or Turkish cotton are extremely soft and perfect for the skin. Soaping the arms and legs excessively While it is important to wash and clean one’s arms and legs, these areas typically do not collect much oil and dust. Hence, scrubbing them excessively can dry out these areas and hamper their natural texture.

15 signs of a weak immune system

The immune system is a complex network of organs, cells, and proteins that act as the body’s defense mechanism against diseases and infections. The system —the innate immune system that people are born with and the adaptive immune system, which develops due to exposure to toxins and microbes. Both parts work together to keep infection-causing germs and toxins. So, weak immunity can make the body susceptible to diseases and other health issues. High stress levels The American Psychological Association suggests that chronic stress weakens the immune system. This is because stress lowers the number of white blood cells (i.e., lymphocytes) in the body that fight infections, increasing the risk of infections such as the common cold. Persistent cold Most adults develop two to three colds per year, which usually last from 7 to 10 days. During this period, the immune system forms antibodies to fight the virus. However, if one keeps catching a cold or is dealing with common cold symptoms for a long time, it could be a sign of weak immunity. Slow-healing wounds When one develops a cut or a wound, the body immediately goes into damage control mode to stop any bleeding and regenerate skin. Immune cells in the body guide this process. However, when dealing with a weakened immune system, wounds take longer to heal. This can make one more susceptible to infections as well. Frequent infections Those with a lowered immunity are at a higher risk of contracting infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, bronchitis, and skin infections. They are also more likely to experience autoimmune disorders, organ inflammation, blood disorders such as anemia, and growth and developmental delays. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, some signs of weak immunity include: – Having more than four ear infections in a year – Developing pneumonia twice within a year – Dealing with chronic sinusitis or more than three episodes of bacterial sinusitis in a year Fatigue If one constantly feels tired despite getting enough sleep, it may be a sign of weak immunity.