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?

Hepatitis is a medical condition that occurs when an infected person's liver gets inflamed. There are several reasons that can result in hepatitis, including viral infections, heavy alcohol abuse, and autoimmune conditions.

 

Mostly, hepatitis is a result of an infection caused by a virus. Such a condition is called viral hepatitis. Today, we will talk about the three most common types of viral hepatitis diseases:

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	Hepatitis a
	
	
	Hepatitis b
	
	
	Hepatitis c
	


 

Hepatitis a

Hepatitis a is a result of hepatitis a virus infection in a person and is relatively uncommon.

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Regions, where hepatitis a is more common, are:

 


	
	Africa
	
	
	Asia
	
	
	Central and south america
	
	
	Eastern europe
	


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How it is transmitted

Hepatitis a virus can be present in the fecal matter and blood of an infected person. Hence, it is transmitted via the oral route, involving ingestion of the virus into a person through the feces.

 

Different ways you can get hepatitis a infection are:

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	Having in-person contact with a hepatitis a-infected patient
	
	
	Sexual contact with a person who hosts the virus
	
	
	Consuming contaminated food or drink
	
	
	Eating undercooked shellfish
	
	
	Being near contaminated toilets and diaper changing areas
	


 

Hepatitis b

Hepatitis b is caused by the hepatitis b virus.

 ;

Regions, where hepatitis b is more common, are:


	
	Western pacific region
	
	
	African region
	


 

How it is transmitted

You can contract hepatitis b virus through direct contact with blood or bodily fluids of hepatitis b infected person.

 ;

Different ways you can get hepatitis b infection are:

 


	
	Sexual contact with someone with hepatitis b virus infection
	
	
	Sharing injections and other tools
	
	
	Born to hepatitis b infected parent
	
	
	Direct contact with blood of an infected individual
	
	
	Sharing personal belongings and toiletries like razors or nail clippers.
	


 ;

Hepatitis c

Hepatitis c occurs by the infection caused by hepatitis c virus.

 

Regions, where hepatitis c is more common, are:


	
	Eastern mediterranean region
	
	
	European region
	


 ;

How it is transmitted

Hepatitis c virus is spread through blood and other bodily fluids.

 

Different ways you can get hepatitis c infection are:

 ;


	
	Sharing injections
	
	
	Born to hepatitis c mother
	
	
	Sexual contact with an infected person
	
	
	Piercing or tattooing with unsterilized equipment
	
	
	Injuries with needles pr blades
	
	
	Sharing razors, or toothbrushes
	


The A, B and C of Hepatitis

People suffering from sickle cell disease (scd) usually start showing symptoms very early. They can appear to show up even during the first year of life. Symptoms of a sickle cell vary from one person to another and can be mild to serious depending on the condition.

 

Sickle cell disease is a health condition that worsens with time. Despite the absence of any full-proof solution, some treatments prevent further complications. These treatments can help patients receive aid for a lifetime. Simply said, sickle cell diseases can be managed medically.

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Treatment

Treatment in a sickle cell patient depends on the severity of the symptoms. Preventing complications and relieving pain is the primary aim of the diagnosis. They can range from medications to blood transfusions.

 

Concerns

Some of the concerns that need to be taken care of during the treatment of scd are-

 ;


	
	Prevent painful scenarios
	


A painful episode or sickle cell crisis can be avoided by consuming sufficient fluids, wearing warm clothing, and staying away from sudden temperature changes.

 


	
	Avoid infections
	


Children with sickle cell anemia are made safe from infections by using penicillin. Adults with anemia might need to take penicillin all their lives. Doctors should ensure that all vaccinations in children and adults are periodically done to avoid any infections. However, during the covid-19 pandemic sickle cell patients should take extra care.

 ;

Medications

While there can be numerous ways to manage sickle cell treatment, medications help in a significant way. Some of the prescribed medicines are-


	
	Hydroxyurea- it reduces the frequency of sickle crises. Pregnant women should stay away from this according to experts.
	
	
	Crizanlizumab- this drug injected into the patient can help reduce the sickle crises in adults and children over the age of 16.
	
	
	Voxelotor- it is an oral drug used in children over 12. It lowers the risk of anemia by improving blood flow.
	
	
	Pain-relievers- narcotics to prevent excessive pain can also be used during the treatment.
	


 

Surgical procedures


	
	Blood transfusion
	


It is used to prevent stroke and other related complications in patients. This can increase the number of red blood cells in the body that can help reduce the symptoms.

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	Stem cell transplant
	


It is also called a bone marrow transplant and is used to replace affected bone marrow with a healthy one. This procedure is carried out between matched donor and recipient. Although it is a known cure for sickle cell disease, various risks involved make it a less used practice.

 

Can Sickle Cell Be Cured?

The world celebrates world blood donor day on the 14th of june to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products and to thank voluntary and unpaid blood donors for their life-saving gift of blood. 

Importance of blood donation

The importance of donating blood is not only to save the lives of thousands of people who are deprived of life but also to save the lives of many more who are affected by the various diseases. ;

 

It has also been seen that when people; e have donated their blood, they have gained many health benefits as it helps in weight loss, helps maintain healthy liver and iron levels, it helps reduce the risk of heart attack and cancer. ;

 

A blood donation can save a life of- ;


	
	Victims of natural disasters, including earthquakes
	
	
	Patients with hemophilia, sickle cell disease, or cancer
	
	
	People who suffer traumatic injuries from being in a car accident
	
	
	Surgery patients
	
	
	Shooting or stabbing victims
	
	
	Women who suffer complications during childbirth
	


 

Blood types that are needed most

It s good to donate if you re healthy. However, there s always a need for specific blood and plasma which are universal and can be used when a patient blood type is unknown. For newborn infants or if a patient's particular blood type is unavailable.

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	Type o negative blood is always needed because it can be used in patients regardless of their blood type.
	
	
	Type ab positive plasma can also be transfused to patients with other blood types. 
	


 ;

Donations are constantly needed

Because of their short shelf life of 5 days after being collected, platelet donations are constantly by the blood blank. Red blood cells also have a short shelf life and needed to be used within 42 days after the collection. Cryoprecipitate and plasma can be frozen and stored for up to a year after donation.


 

Some misconceptions about blood donations


	
	The donor will not experience any kind of pain while donating. ;
	
	
	There will be no scarcity of blood in the body after donating the blood as even after the donation the body will have a surplus quantity of blood. 
	
	
	The common misconception everyone has is that they will faint after donating their blood. ;
	
	
	You will be able to resume your everyday activity immediately after donating the blood. 
	
	
	You will not get infected with aids if you donate your blood. ;
	


 

Donating blood is a great way to give back to your community and potentially save a life by only giving up an hour of your time.

World Blood Donor Day: How Can We Save Life By Donating Blood?

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.

 ;

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.

 ;

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:

 ;


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



 

Why Blood Donation Is Important?

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