Blood donation is a process that is carried out when a person voluntarily offers for blood to be extracted from his body. There are countless myths about blood donation that need to be squashed and awareness is the only way of doing it.

While blood donation brings multiple health benefits to both the donor and recipient, some facts are known to only a few. These facts will not only open doors to endless possibilities, but will make people feel confident about it.

Facts

Here are some lesser-known facts about blood donation- every person should know-

 


	
	Approximately 112.5 million units of blood are collected from blood donation globally.
	
	
	Around 30 million units are transfused annually.
	
	
	Any person in sound health, at least 18 years old, and weighing at least 45 kilograms can donate blood every 56 days.
	
	
	Your one unit of donated blood can save up to 3 lives.
	
	
	A, b, ab, and o are the primary blood groups. While ab is a universal recipient, o negative is a universal donor.
	
	
	The blood donation process normally takes less than 10-12 minutes.
	
	
	Donating blood does not make you physically weak or decrease your strength.
	
	
	Only 1% of india's population donates blood each year, leading to an annual deficit of two million units.
	
	
	All donated blood units are tested for diseases like hepatitis b, hepatitis c, hiv, and syphilis before transfusion.
	
	
	Red cells, plasma, cryoprecipitate, and platelets are the various types of transfusable elements derived from the blood. The procedure takes place using a method called apheresis.
	
	
	Red blood cells carry oxygen to the organs.
	
	
	Red blood cells survive for about four months in the system of circulation.
	
	
	Platelets encourage blood clotting and provide leukemia patients and other cancer patients with better treatment.
	
	
	Plasma is a pale yellow combination of proteins, salts, and water.
	
	
	Plasma is 55 percent of the volume of blood and 90 percent water.
	
	
	White cells are the chief defense of the body against infections.
	
	
	There is no alternative for blood donation as blood cannot be manufactured.
	
	
	You cannot contract aids or other infectious diseases due to blood donation.
	


Lesser Known Facts About Blood Donation

When abnormal cells grow inside the brain and are in the form of a mass the condition is called a brain tumour. There are various types of brain tumours that exist. Some of the brain tumours which exist are malignant or cancerous while other may be non-cancerous. A brain tumour can begin in any part of the brain and spread to other parts of the body or vice-versa. The growth rate of brain tumours is different for each individual suffering from it. As per studies, every 2 in 1, 00, 000 people are said to be affected by a brain tumour in india. However, it may come as a relief to some as not all brain tumours are cancerous or life-threatening. Some are benign tumours and seldom pose any threat to the affected individual.

 

Types of brain tumor

Brain tumours may be primary or secondary.

Primary brain tumour

In this type of brain tumour, the abnormal mass of cells that originated in the brain does not metastasize to the other organs. Based on their location in the brain, the primary brain tumours may be of the following types.


	
	Gliomas: one of the most common types of primary brain tumours, gliomas can have their origin in the spinal cord or the brain. Some of the common types of gliomas include astrocytomas (originates in the cerebrum of the brain), glioblastomas (these tumours form from the astrocytes which form the supportive tissues of the brain), ependymoma (these develop from the ependymal cells which are present within the cns), oligodendrogliomas (these tumours are found to arise from the oligodendrocytes).
	
	
	Schwannomas: also called acoustic neuromas, these primary brain tumours form on the nerves that play an important role in regulating the balance and hearing from the inner ear to the brain.
	
	
	Meningiomas: these types of tumours are usually benign and have their origin in the meninges (membranes surrounding the spinal cord and the brain).
	
	
	Primitive neuroectodermal tumours (pnets): primitive neuroectodermal tumours (pnets) are rare malignant tumours that originate from the fetal (embryonic) cells in the brain.
	
	
	Pituitary adenomas: as the name suggests, these tumours arise from the pituitary gland located at the base of the brain.
	
	
	Medulloblastomas: common among children, these malignant primary tumours develop in the brain (lower back) and gradually spread via the spinal fluid.
	


Other types of primary brain tumours include craniopharyngiomas and germ cell tumours.

Secondary brain tumours ;

Unlike the primary brain tumours, these tumours have their origin in the other body parts and organs (mostly in the lungs, skin, colon, breast, and kidney) and then gradually metastasize to the brain. Secondary brain tumours are found to be more common.

 

What Are The Different Types Of Brain Tumours?

Potassium is one of the seven essential macrominerals found in a variety of foods, including legumes, fish, and leafy vegetables. The mineral plays a vital role in various body functions, such as regulating water balance, heart functioning, and muscle contractions.

Potassium deficiency can lead to weakness, ;fatigue, and constipation. It is therefore important that you include potassium-rich foods in your daily ;diet.

However, keep in mind that taking in more than the required amount of potassium can do more harm than good to your body.

How much should you take in and why?

As per the world health organization, the recommended daily intake of potassium for adults is between 3500mg and 4700mg, as it is safe to consume. When taken in recommended measures, a potassium-rich diet can have some impressive benefits on your overall health. It may reduce or prevent a host of health problems.


	
	Lower high blood pressure
	
	
	Helps eliminate salt insensitivity
	
	
	Reduces your chances of getting a ;stroke by 7%
	
	
	Helps prevent osteoporosis and minimizes the risk of bone fractures
	
	
	Alleviates the risk of ;kidney stones
	


Natural foods are the best source of this mineral. However, you may also turn to supplements, as per your healthcare provider s recommendation.

How much is too much?

Despite its health benefits, potassium should be consumed within the prescribed limit. Going overboard can cause excess potassium to be stored in your blood, and your kidneys may not be able to filter the excess amount   this condition could possibly lead to hyperkalemia. If your potassium levels are between 5.1mmol/l and 6.0mmol/l, you might be at risk of hyperkalemia. Higher than 6.0mmol/l level is considered dangerous   you will need to monitor and manage the condition in order to avoid the risk.

Potassium is essential for bodily functions. A healthy diet and overall eating patterns are important for maintaining good health and keeping illnesses at bay. Be sure to meet your recommended daily intake and avoid exceeding 4700mg of potassium daily. If you are looking to include supplements, talk to your doctor and make sure you stick to the prescribed dosage.

How Safe Is Potassium For Your Health?

What are the different types of sickle cell disease?

Sickle cell disease or sickle cell disorder is a term often used to talk about a group of diseases affecting hemoglobin. It is the oxygen-carrying element of blood that makes up 2 alpha globins and 2 beta globins. Sickle cell disease happens due to beta-globin mutation and depending on the abnormality in mutation.

Types-
Sickle cell diseases can be of many types depending on the gene mutation in the blood. Some of the common types are-

Sickle hemoglobin s disease (ss)
Hemoglobin ss disease or sickle cell anemia is the most popular type of scd. It takes place when hemoglobin s gene mutation is inherited from both mother and father. In simple words, it happens when the child inherits one substitution beta-globin gene from each parent. In this type, the body only produces hemoglobin s. It is mostly found in people of african and indian origin.

Sickle hemoglobin- c disease (sc):
Patients with sickle hemoglobin sc disease have a moderately dissimilar swapping in their genes of beta-globin. Here, both hemoglobin c and hemoglobin s are inherited from each parent. It may cause similar symptoms like anemia but remains relatively l. People of west african and mediterranean origin are more prone to this.

Hbs beta-thalassemia
People with this type of scd inherit one sickle cell gene s and one gene for beta-thalassemia from each parent. Zero and plus are the two common types of beta-thalassemia. While beta 0 thalassemia usually takes a severe form, beta + thalassemia is a milder form of the disease.

Sickle beta-zero thalassemia
Beta-zero thalassemia takes form when the child inherits the beta s gene from one parent and beta 0 thalassemia gene mutation from the other. With similar symptoms to anemia, it is a slightly severe form of beta-thalassemia.

Sickle beta-plus thalassemia
Substitutions in both beta-globin genes take place in patients with sickle beta thalassemia (sb) disease. This may even lead to the requirement of blood transfusion if no normal beta globin is produced. Mediterranean and caribbean people are more likely to have this disorder.

Hemoglobin sd, hemoglobin se, and hemoglobin so
These are the few rare and not less common types of sickle cell diseases. They are also less severe. People with these forms of scd inherit one sickle cell gene s and one gene from uncommon hemoglobin (d, e, or o) from each parent.

Sickle cell trait
Hbas
People with sct have one sickle cell gene s and one normal gene a from both mother and father. Ones with this disorder show few to no signs of the disease and usually spend a normal life. However, the risk to their future generations still exists.
 

What Are The Different Types Of Sickle Cell Disease?

Cushing syndrome occurs due to prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol hormone. The condition, often referred to as hypercortisolism, affects women   usually between ages 25 and 40   more than men. Nearly 80% of adults and about 47% of children are diagnosed with cushing syndrome.

The most common cause of cushing syndrome is an overproduction of the stress hormone   cortisol   by the adrenal glands. However, it can also result from overuse of steroid drugs.

If you have cushing syndrome, you are likely to notice symptoms like muscle weakness, weight gain, a buffalo lump, irregular periods, sleep disorders, high blood glucose and high blood pressure.

Recent research has claimed to establish a relation between cushing syndrome and high blood pressure   or what is called hypertension in medical terms.

The link between hypertension and cushing syndrome

Hypertension refers to high blood pressure that causes the force of blood to raise against the artery walls. A number of conditions can lead to hypertension, such as poor diet and lifestyle, an underlying health issue, stress, pregnancy and so on.

As your body encounters stress, the adrenal glands produce and release cortisol in the bloodstream. Studies show that producing excess stress hormone can create a host of pathological problems in the body, including hypertension.

Hypertension is a distinguishing feature of endogenous cushing syndrome. High blood pressure in cushing syndrome has a significant correlation with the duration of hypercortisolism and results from the interaction between various pathophysiological methods regulating peripheral vascular resistance, cardiac output, and plasma volume   all of which are elevated in this state.

How to treat the condition

Cushing syndrome is usually treatable and curable. You will be prescribed to stop using steroid drugs that are likely to increase cortisol levels. If the condition does not improve after treatment, you will have to look for ways to manage the symptoms, especially by monitoring your blood pressure. Team up with your doctor and ask for ways to de-stress yourself.

Relation Between Cushing Syndrome And Hypertension: Know More

Urinary tract infections (uti) can occur anywhere in the urinary system   the bladder, kidneys, urethra, and ureter. Most of these infections affect the lower part of the urinary system   urethra and the bladder.

An infection ;confined to the bladder can be frustrating and painful. You may experience pain during urination, and pus or blood in the urine. However, the condition becomes worse if the infection spreads to the upper part of the urinary system, particularly to the kidneys, triggering nausea, ;vomiting, and severe pain in the back.

If uti is left untreated, it can potentially lead to kidney damage   a condition known as pyelonephritis.

How does untreated uti affect the kidneys?

Untreated urinary tract infections can cause the kidneys to swell up and damage them permanently. The infections initially begin in the lower tract of your urinary system. Then the bacteria slowly enter your body through the urethra and begin multiplying and spreading up to the bladder. The bacteria eventually travel to your kidneys through the ureters.

Some people are at higher risk for kidney damage due to urinary tract infections. This includes  


	
	Pregnant women
	
	
	Elderly people
	
	
	People with kidney problems
	
	
	Someone with a weak immune system
	


Signs to watch out for

An untreated infection in the bladder that has spread to the kidneys is associated with symptoms, such as the following  


	
	Chills and ;fever
	
	
	Vomiting and nausea
	
	
	Pain in either side of your lower back
	


You should visit a doctor right away if you notice the above uti symptoms. The condition requires immediate medical intervention in order to prevent damage to your kidneys.

Symptoms of painful utis can be managed by combining medications and lifestyle remedies. Consult a specialist to diagnose the condition early and seek appropriate treatment to avoid complications.

Untreated Urinary Tract Infections And Kidney Damage: Know The Connection

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