Preeclampsia is a condition that affects women during pregnancy. It is characterized by increased blood pressure and high levels of protein in the urine. Women with preeclampsia also experience swelling in the feet, legs, and arms.

Researchers suspect that excessive body fat or poor nutrition are the primary contributors to preeclampsia and eclampsia.

If left undetected, preeclampsia can lead to a more severe complication, known as eclampsia. Eclampsia can put you and your baby at risk, and can even lead to death (in rare cases).

How do preeclampsia and eclampsia affect the mother?

Preeclampsia and eclampsia can cause a host of complications for the mother, such as the following  

Hellp syndrome   hellp syndrome refers to three different conditions   low platelet count, elevated liver enzymes, and haemolysis. This generally occurs late in pregnancy and affects the processing of rbc, functioning of the liver, and blood clotting.

Seizures

Heart and renal failure

Water in the lungs

Bleeding from the liver

Reversible blindness

Effects of preeclampsia and eclampsia on the baby

Preeclampsia can lead to problems with the placenta in the initial stage of pregnancy. This may pose risks, including the following to the baby  

Lack of nutrients and oxygen, which may prevent the foetus to grow properly

Preterm birth

Stillbirth   this happens when the placenta is separated from the uterine wall

Infant death

Stillbirths are more common when the mother has suffered from a severe form of preeclampsia, like hellp syndrome.

Preeclampsia and eclampsia are linked to a myriad of health issues and life-long challenges for prematurely born babies. These may include cerebral palsy, learning disorders, epilepsy, deafness and blindness.

There is no particular cure for preeclampsia and eclampsia. Treatment, however, depends on how close you are to your due date, and how much the foetus has developed. In the case of mild preeclampsia, your doctor may recommend resting, healthy eating   that limits salt intake   and regular prenatal checkups.

Effects Of Preeclampsia And Eclampsia On You And The Baby

World hepatitis day is observed on july 28th every year to raise awareness about hepatitis disease among people. It is organized on the occasion of the birthday of Dr. Baruch blumberg who found the hepatitis b virus in the year 1967 and also developed a vaccine for it. Moreover, this day educates everyone about hepatitis infections, the efforts to fight viral hepatitis, and methods people can use for its prevention.

What is viral hepatitis?

Viral hepatitis or hepatitis disease is a condition of inflammation in the liver that leads to severe liver disease and hepatocellular cancer. With deaths happening every 30 secs from a hepatitis-related infection, it is important to treat viral hepatitis at the earliest. Hepatitis is of different types depending on the infection. 

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Types

Viral hepatitis impacts millions worldwide, resulting in both acute and chronic diseases. There are five major classifications of viral hepatitis-

 


	
	Hepatitis a- it is a liver infection that can be prevented by a vaccine. It is a result of the infection as a result of the hepatitis a virus.
	
	
	Hepatitis b- it is an infection that happens due to the hepatitis b virus. It is spread through the blood or other bodily fluids of a person.
	
	
	Hepatitis c- it is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis c virus. It transmits through the blood of a person who is infected.
	
	
	Hepatitis d- delta hepatitis is another name for this virus and the hepatitis d virus is responsible for this. It happens to only those who are already hepatitis b infected. ;
	
	
	Hepatitis e- it is a liver infection resulting from a hepatitis e infection. It is usually found in a person s stool.
	


 

Symptoms

Hepatitis is a condition where you don t show symptoms till it is chronic and starts affecting your liver health. However, people in the initial stages of hepatitis infection might start reflecting symptoms. Some common symptoms of viral hepatitis are:

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	Flu-like signs
	
	
	Darker urine color
	
	
	Fatigue
	
	
	Abdominal cramps and pain
	
	
	Appetite loss
	
	
	Weight loss
	
	
	Yellow skin
	
	
	Pale eyes
	


 

People at risk

The risk of catching a hepatitis infection is high in individuals working around these environments-

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	Direct contact with hepatitis a infected person
	
	
	Male in sexual relation with another male
	
	
	Drugs abuser
	
	
	Ones with clotting factor disorder
	
	
	Who work with primates
	


 

World Hepatitis Day: Know All About The Disease

Blood is one of the most crucial elements of human existence. It works as a commute for oxygen and various nutrients in reaching the cells. These functions make blood a vital source for the body to operate. That said, india needs 38, 000 blood donations every day, which adds up to 5 crore units required in a year. However, only 2.5 crore units are available against the huge unfulfilled numbers. Hence, it is essential to recognize the importance of blood donation.

 

Why is blood donation important?

While blood donations are essential to help people with surgeries, they are equally vital during cancer treatments, chronic diseases, and gruesome injuries. Moreover, they also benefit the donors in a significant way.

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Types of blood donations

Blood donations are of several types through which a single donor has the potential to help nearly three people.

 

Whole blood donation

It is the most common process of donating blood. One pint of blood collected supports numerous patients in the process. It is, then, divided into different components that aid the donation.

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Plasma donation

The process of plasma collection is carried out through a method called apheresis. It divides plasma from other blood components. Its blood clotting abilities help trauma patients and people undergoing cancer treatment.

 

Platelet donation

The collection of platelets is also done using apheresis. Once identified in the donor s blood, the rbcs and the donor gets other fluids back. Cancer patients are the chief beneficiaries of platelets as they play a prominent role during cancer treatments.

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Double red cell donation

Red blood cells are also collected through the apheresis process. It helps donors to donate twice the dose of a whole blood donation. One can help a patient suffering from blood loss using this method.

 

Advantages of blood donation

Blood donations have several advantages that people should know. They help fight many severe health conditions in the human body. Some of them include-


	
	Loss of blood due to internal or external injuries caused by accidents
	
	
	Sickle cell disease or other abnormalities that affect the blood
	
	
	In the treatment of cancer
	
	
	Cardiovascular or orthopedic surgeries
	
	
	Blood disorders
	
	
	Transplant processes
	
	
	Treatments involving plasma
	


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Covid-19

According to food and drug administration (fda) reports, patients who have recovered from covid-19 can help others by donating blood plasma. They contain antibodies that fight the infection, helping their body fight the virus.

 

Benefits for the donor

Even the donors receive many health and social benefits because of blood donation. Where donated blood saves lives, experts suggest that donors can also benefit from the same. Some of these advantages include:

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	Boosting cardiovascular health
	
	
	Maintaining blood pressure
	
	
	Contributing to the community
	
	
	Reducing the iron levels
	
	
	Improving overall health
	



 

Why Blood Donation Is Important?

Potassium is an essential mineral that helps in healthy functioning of your body   it helps in muscle contractions, fluid balance, and nerve signals. Your body receives the required amount of potassium from specific food sources and processes the same. The excess potassium is eliminated from the bloodstream by your kidneys.

Under normal circumstances, your blood levels should be between 3.5meq/l and 5.5meq/l for potassium to carry on these functions. Healthy kidneys play a vital role in keeping the potassium levels in check.

In case your kidneys are unable to remove excess potassium, it may get stored in your blood, leading to a condition known as hyperkalemia.

The link between your kidneys and potassium

The mineral potassium and your kidneys share an intricate relationship. If the levels of potassium in your blood are too high, it can pose a threat to your cardiac condition   leading to a ;heart attack or ;irregular heartbeat.

Hyperkalemia occurs when the kidneys fail to function properly. Your kidneys work to balance the amount of potassium consumed with that, which is eliminated through urine. Your body takes in potassium through the foods and drinks you consume. In the initial stages of your kidney disorder, they may be able to make up for high levels of potassium. However, as your condition worsens, they may be unable to eliminate enough of the mineral from the body.

How to find out if you have high potassium levels

The only way to figure out if your potassium levels are healthy or too elevated is to go for a blood test. The test measures the level of potassium in the bloodstream.

As long as your kidneys are healthy, your potassium levels will be under control. Therefore, if you have hyperkalemia, or if there are chances of you getting it, you may have to cut back on foods that are high in potassium content. Besides, you will have to rely on diuretics and potassium binders.

How Are Kidney And Potassium Connected?

As the name suggests, kidney cancer, also known as renal cancer, starts in the kidneys. It occurs when the healthy kidney cells grow out of control and become malignant to form cancerous tumours. ;Renal cell carcinoma is the most common type of cancer affecting the kidneys  here cancer begins in the lining of the tubes of your kidney.

Risk factors of kidney cancer

The exact cause of kidney cancer is not known. However, studies suggest that certain factors can make you susceptible to renal cancer. These include  


	
	Smoking
	
	
	Overuse of certain medications
	
	
	Excessive body weight
	
	
	Genes/heredity
	
	
	Gender   men rather than women are prone to kidney cancer
	
	
	An underlying health condition, such as ;high blood pressure
	


Early signs of kidney cancer

The symptoms of renal or kidney cancer depend on its types. In most cases, the disease does not exhibit noticeable symptoms in its early stages. This makes the diagnosis of cancer difficult. However, the signs become more apparent and observable as cancer starts to metastasize. You should watch out for these signs of kidney cancer -


	
	Bouts of blood in the urine   a condition commonly known as haematuria
	
	
	Pain on one side of the lower back (near the kidneys)
	
	
	A lump or mass on the lower back or side, where your kidneys are located
	
	
	Loss of appetite
	
	
	Tiredness or ;fatigue
	
	
	Unintentional weight loss
	
	
	Fever ;that does not cure in days
	
	
	Anaemia   low count of the red blood cells
	
	
	In men, a cluster of enlarged veins called varicocele may develop around the testicles (particularly around the right testicle), indicating the presence of a large tumour
	


Often, these symptoms are mistaken for those of other conditions or diseases. Therefore, it is important to consult a specialist.

If you encounter the above symptoms, or if you are concerned about any changes that you have been experiencing lately, talk to your healthcare provider. A doctor will enquire about the symptoms and might ask you questions related to these signs   how long have you been experiencing them, or how severe is the pain etc. This is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment of kidney cancer.

Know How To Detect Kidney Cancer Early

Type 1 diabetes occurs when your pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin to keep the blood sugar ;levels under control. The condition, if not managed properly, can lead to related health disorders and complications, both long-term and short-term.

Health problems arising from type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes can have severe effects on your eyes, kidney, nervous system, and heart health. The most common ailments associated with type 1 diabetes may include the following-

1. Diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a disease of the eyes, which occurs when the blood vessels in the retina (tissue present at the back of your eyes) are damaged. The walls of the retina gradually weaken from increasing blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and this leads to leakage of blood or fluid into the nearby tissues.

Early symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include-


	
	Blurred vision
	
	
	Floaters
	
	
	Difficulty perceiving colors
	


2. ;Diabetic neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy unfolds when the nerves are damaged due to type 1 diabetes. The condition mostly affects your feet and legs. Reduced blood circulation due to high blood glucose impedes normal wound healing in the extremities, hence, even a minor bruise ;can develop into a permanent injury.

Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy are-


	
	Numbness
	
	
	Reduced sensation
	
	
	Severe, debilitating pain in the extremities
	


3. Diabetic nephropathy

Also known as ;diabetic kidney disease, the condition is a slow deterioration of the kidney and its ability to function properly. In severe cases, where the levels of blood glucose are extremely high due to type 1 diabetes, diabetic nephropathy can ultimately result in kidney failure ;or end-stage renal disease (esrd).

The following are the symptoms of diabetic nephropathy-


	
	Dark urine
	
	
	Swollen ankles, feet, eyes, or hands
	
	
	Shortness of breath
	


4. Cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular diseases refer to a range of heart conditions including blood clots and diseased blood vessels. High blood glucose levels resulting from type 1 diabetes can contribute to the deposition of fat in the walls of the blood vessel. Over time, this may restrict the flow of blood and put you at risk of cardiovascular disorders such as coronary artery disease, stroke, or even ;heart attack.

Symptoms of cardiovascular diseases widely vary, ranging from palpitations ;to chest pain. Sometimes, such a condition may not exhibit any symptoms at all.

Type 1 diabetes complications are related to poor management of blood glucose. The best way to monitor the condition and control the symptoms is to get in touch with your doctor. A specialist in this field can prescribe the correct treatment and help prevent the onset the related health disorders.

Complications Associated With Type 1 Diabetes

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