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Never ignore these 7 critical signs of esophageal cancer

Esophageal cancer is a condition that develops due to the rapid and uncontrolled mutation of healthy cells in the esophagus. This mutation is triggered when the body mistakenly attacks its cells and tissue, impacting vital functions in the affected area. Cancer has no cure, and it is only possible to manage the spread and discomfort to a certain extent. Knowing these alarming signs of esophageal cancer and associated discomforts can help doctors decide the prompt course of action.

Trouble with swallowing
This cancer develops and affects the esophagus, so one will experience problems with swallowing. The healthy cells begin to mutate rapidly as cancer spreads and causes the passage to get constricted. Even the opening becomes too narrow, making it difficult to swallow food and beverages. Even after chewing properly, people might complain of pain while swallowing and morsels getting stuck midway due to constriction. And this symptom only becomes worse as the cancer progresses into the advanced stages.

Developing a chronic cough
The mutation of healthy cells in the esophagus also results in an excess buildup of mucus. This mucus formation is mainly triggered as an immune response by the body to keep the cells lubricated. Excess mucus further triggers a cough that persists and worsens with the spread of esophageal cancer. If cancer has affected the space where the esophagus (food pipe) and trachea (windpipe) connect, there is the added risk of developing a tracheoesophageal fistula. A fistula is an obstruction that blocks the airway and ultimately triggers a chronic cough. If the cancer further spreads to the lungs, it can also cause pneumonia to develop with varying levels of intensity.

Discomforts in the chest
Heartburn and chest pain are two of the most common and noticeable discomforts that indicate a physical problem. When the cancer or tumor begins to grow in the space behind the breastbone region, people will also experience chest pain that worsens with the progression. And since foods and beverages pass through this region, one will also experience a burning sensation similar to heartburn or acid reflux. In advanced stages of esophageal cancer, breathlessness is another possible symptom. This happens because of airway constriction and expanding cancer that puts pressure on the chest, restricting breathing.

Hoarseness of the voice
if cancer or tumor spreads and presses against the vocal cords behind the voice box, it will trigger voice changes that should not be ignored. Developing a hoarse voice with no other possible explanation or underlying condition could mean esophageal cancer in its early stages. Severe cancer also increases the risk of laryngeal nerve palsy, which develops due to the deterioration of nerves that connect the vocal cords. Pain and other discomforts of the throat in the region will only worsen as the cancer spreads.

Noticing blood in vomit or stools
Cancer destroys healthy cells and causes bleeding in the affected region as it spreads. The mutation gets aggressive with each passing stage. So, noticing blood in the vomit is also a common sign of esophageal cancer. The blood pools into the stomach from the esophagus and gets regurgitated once the affected person develops nausea and vomits. Alternatively, the excess blood can get mixed with the stools, causing a change in color that is dark red or even black. This is another sign of bleeding that should not be ignored. Loss of blood increases the risk of anemia among the affected patients as well.

Changes in appetite and metabolism
Cancer in the esophagus primarily affects a person’s ability to swallow foods and beverages. As a result, one might unknowingly decrease their intake to avoid the pain and discomfort. Reduced intake and lack of daily nutrition will only further impact a person’s body mass index and metabolism. Malnutrition further increases the risk of health complications that develop due to vitamin, mineral, and nutrient deficiencies. All these factors combined impact the metabolism and trigger rapid loss of body mass. If these changes persist, consult immediately with a physician to assess the underlying cause.

Other metastatic symptoms
Metastasis refers to the spread of cancer beyond the localized region. In this case, esophageal cancer can spread from the throat to the lungs and lymph nodes located in the respiratory organs. There is an increased risk of cancer spreading to the spinal cord and surrounding bones, causing pain and discomfort that should not be ignored. Many other alarming signs, including chest pain, breathlessness, swelling that causes pain, abdominal pain, headaches, and even seizures, can develop from complications of esophageal cancer.

At any point, if any of the aforementioned discomforts persist, it is better to go for an immediate consultation and get a full body checkup done.

Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected jointsâ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause poppingÂ sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase oneâs risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

11 early warning signs of multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disorder of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). In this condition, the immune system targets the protective sheath that shields the nerve fibers, which causes communication problems between the brain and the body. This condition can cause permanent damage to the nerve fibers. Warning signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis vary between patients. Some of the most common early signs of MS are listed below. 1) Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS)-Â In some patients, the earliest indicator of MS is CIS. This episode lasts 24 hours, and one may experience neurologic symptoms that cannot be associated with another cause, some of which are listed below. Optic neuritis-Â This condition causes damage to the myelin of the optic nerve, leading to vision problems and eye discomfort. Lhermitteâs Sign-Â This is caused by a lesion on the spinal cord, which causes a tingling or shock sensation in the back and the neck, especially when one bends their neck. Transverse myelitis-Â This affects the spinal cord and may cause muscle weakness, numbness, and other issues. 2) Fatigue-Â Fatigue is one of the most common indicators of MS. It is described as exhaustion that makes it difficult to carry out oneâs daily activities. It may worsen at the end of each day, after exercising, and during illness. 3) Vision problems-Â Vision problems, or optic neuritis, occurs in 1 in 4 cases of MS. Some of these include- Temporary loss of vision in the affected eyes that may last for days or weeks Color blindness Eye pain Flashes of light when moving the eye Double vision Involuntary eye movements 4) Numbness or tingling-Â People with MS may experience abnormal sensations such as numbness and tingling in their arms, legs, or trunk, which may last a few days. 5) Muscle spasms and stiffness-Â MS can also cause muscles to contract tightly and painfully or become stiff and resistant to movement. 6) Mobility problems-Â Due to muscle weakness and spasms, one may also experience mobility problems, such as clumsiness, difficulty in balance or coordination (ataxia), shaking of the limbs, and dizziness or vertigo. 7) Pain-Â People with MS may experience the pain of two types- Neuropathic pain-Â This pain is caused by damage to the nervous system and manifests as stabbing pains in the face or sensations such as pins and needles, burning, or squeezing in the limbs. Musculoskeletal pain-Â People with MS may also experience pain that is indirectly caused by MS, such as pressure on the lower back and hips when walking or moving. 8) Sexual concerns- MS can impact oneâs sexual activity as well. Men with MS may experience erectile dysfunction. On the other hand, women with MS may experience issues like vaginal dryness or reduced sex drive. 9) Cognitive problems-Â Some people may experience cognitive dysfunction. It may occur in the form of- Problems in learning or remembering new things Slowing down when processing lots of information or multitasking Reduced attention span Getting stuck on words Problem with understanding or processing visual information Experiencing difficulty in planning and problem-solving Problems with reasoning, such as mathematical laws or solving puzzles In rare cases, those with MS may also experience mood swings, such as suddenly bursting into tears, laughing, or shouting angrily. People with MS are more likely to experience symptoms of anxiety. However, it is unclear whether these problems are caused as a symptom of MS or due to the stress of managing this chronic disorder. 10) Bowel and bladder problems-Â Bladder and bowel problems are common with MS. These include- Having to pee more frequently Experiencing a sudden urge to pee and passing urine unintentionally (urinary incontinence) Difficulty emptying the bladder completely Having recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) Constipation Bowel incontinence 11) Difficulty in speech or swallowing-Â Some people with MS may develop dysphagia or difficulty chewing or swallowing. They may also develop dysarthria, which causes speech to become slurred or difficult to comprehend. MS can happen to people of any age, but it is most frequently diagnosed between 20 and 40. Many people experience MS symptoms for years before receiving a proper, confirmed diagnosis. However, an early diagnosis and prompt treatment can help delay the formation of new lesions, reduce the risk of brain atrophy, and lower the relapse rate.