Bone marrow is a gelatinous material inside our bones, which makes various types of blood cells like red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Cancer of the plasma cells (a type of white blood cell) is called myeloma.
Plasma cells protect the body against infections by making antibodies. The plasma cells grow inside the bone marrow, obliterating other healthy red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This leads to low RBC and platelet count causing anemia, bruises, and bleeding issues. Abnormal plasma cells make abnormal antibodies, which weakens the immune system. They damage the bone and cause bone pain and fractures.
Myeloma information reveals no specific cause, but there are certain risk factors associated with the disease. These are as follows:
- It affects older people. The average age of diagnosis is 60-65 years according to myeloma information available across different sources.
- It is twice as common among African-Americans as compared to Caucasians and Asians.
- Males appear to be at higher risk as compared to women.
- There is an association with another condition called monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS). This is a rare condition in which there are abnormal large protein molecules called immunoglobulins in the blood. This does not cause any symptoms, and no treatments are required, but the risk of developing myeloma is very high according to available myeloma information.
- A family history of myeloma or MGUS increases the risk of developing myeloma.
- Exposure to high levels of radiations or chemicals like Agent Orange, pesticides and fertilizers increase the chances of developing myeloma.
- Patients who have undergone organ transplant and are on medication to lower the immunity have 1% chance of developing myeloma.
- Some autoimmune disorders like ankylosing spondylitis, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, and systemic lupus erythematosus might also increase the risk of myeloma.
- Myeloma information has shown a strong correlation with a rare genetic disorder called Gaucher disease. There is a build-up of fatty substances in various organs in this disease.
- Obesity increases the risk of developing myeloma.
Going through this myeloma information will help you understand if you have any symptoms or any associated risk factors for the disease. In case you do, consult a specialist at the earliest.
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3 popular dishwashers to consider buying
Read moreDishwashers have been an essential appliance in most households for decades. And over the years, they have become more energy efficient and technologically advanced. However, there are many options on the market from different brands, making it hard to choose. Keeping this in mind, we have picked the three most affordable and efficient models you can consider. We have also listed the features to give you an idea of what you expect from the product.
Frigidaire FFID2426TS
Frigidaire is one of the country’s go-to brands for budget-friendly appliances. This 24-inch dishwasher is ENERGY STAR® certified, built to offer four dedicated clean cycles. The basic model comes with a capacity for 14 place settings, includes the OrbitClean® spray arm wash system, and operates quietly at a silence rating of 54dBa. In addition, this Frigidaire dishwasher consists of a stainless-steel food crusher that removes any food particles and prevents them from clogging the drain spaces.The Frigidaire FFID2426TS dishwasher is easy to operate with Ready-Select® pre-programmed controls and DishSense™ technology. The latter automatically adjusts the cleaning cycle and locks the controls once operations are underway. Other features to enhance efficiency include a delayed start, self-cleaning filter, hot wash, and child lock. At $779, Frigidaire FFID2426TS is the most affordable, compact, user-friendly, and functional dishwasher you can buy in the built-under systems segment.
Bosch 300 series
Bosch is a name that is synonymous with kitchen appliances, especially dishwashers. The 300 series is designed to include a third rack to enhance loading and cleaning capacity. It also features Bosch’s RackMatic™ technology for the upper adjustable rack with nine distinct positions and three unique height settings. It is possible to shuffle around oddly-shaped utensils with this unique feature.The 300 series is a built-under dishwasher that comes with multiple cycle settings. You can even adjust the 24-hour delay start timer and use the dishwasher during off-peak hours in areas that suffer from water scarcity. Bosch claims their dishwashers are the quietest machines in the segment that do a thorough job. At just $899, Bosch 300 series is one of the more affordable options to go for this year.
Miele G7556
Miele is one of the top picks among the high-end dishwashers with abundant features for a reasonable price tag. You can shop for their built-under, semi-integrated, and fully integrated models depending on daily use, kitchen size, layout, and also budget. Miele’s G7556 comes fully loaded with the SCVi AutoDos system that takes care of your essential dispensing needs. You get a 3D MultiFlex Tray that has adjustments to fit all types of utensils and cutlery. An LED light illuminates the interior to make loading easy. Further, Miele’s innovative design makes it convenient to open and close the tray.The key highlights of the G7556 are the multi-language control dashboard and smart synchronization with an app for monitoring the appliance. At $2,499, the Miele G7556 is one of the best fully integrated dishwashers with automatic dispensing systems trending on the market.
It is advisable to compare brands and products based on specific features as most offer more or less the same technology. Some patented innovations in the dishwashers we have listed here set them apart from many others on the market. Also, your budget will further help filter the top picks and choose the best.
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Psoriasis – Types, causes and popular treatments
Read moreCharacterized by a rapid build-up of cells, psoriasis is an autoimmune condition and is usually chronic in nature. Due to the rapid build-up of cells, the surface of the skin becomes red, scaly and inflamed.
If the condition is too severe, the surface of the skin may even crack and bleed.
Skin Psoriasis usually develops on the joints such as your elbows and knees. However, it does develop in other areas of your body like the hands, feet, neck, scalp, mouth, face and genitals.Different types of Psoriasis
The five most common types of skin psoriasis are as follows:Plaque psoriasis
Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis. It results in inflamed, red patches all over the skin. Most of these patches are covered with silver-white scales or plaques. Plaque psoriasis is usually found around the elbows, knees, and scalp.Guttate psoriasis
Guttate psoriasis usually affects children more than adults. It is usually characterized by pink spots and is commonly found around the torso, arms, and legs. The pink spots are not as thick and raised like plaque psoriasis.Pustular psoriasis
Pustular psoriasis is usually found more commonly among adults. In this condition, you will find white, pus-filled blisters and red, inflamed skin. It is usually found on the hands and feet.Inverse psoriasis
Inverse psoriasis is characterized by bright areas of inflamed, red, shiny skin, which develop under the armpits or breasts, the groin and around the genitals.Erythrodermic psoriasis
Erythrodermic psoriasis usually covers large areas of the body and is not as common as the other types of skin psoriasis. People with this condition almost look sunburned.What causes skin Psoriasis?
One of the most common causes of skin psoriasis is your genes. If you have a family history of the disease, then you are more prone to end up with the same.
Another causal factor of skin psoriasis is a weak immune system. Since the immune system is supposed to protect the body from disease, people with skin psoriasis do not have a very strong immune system.Some of the other causes of skin psoriasis are:
- Stress
Skin injury like cuts, scrapes, burns - Skin infections
- Medications
Skin Psoriasis: Treatment
For a mild form of this condition, skin psoriasis treatment includes topical treatments like the application of certain creams, lotions or sprays. Injections can be used to treat this psoriasis too.When the case is more severe, skin psoriasis treatment includes a larger area of skin, so topical treatments will not be very effective. In such cases, ultraviolet light treatments and systemic treatments that include total body treatments in addition to tablets and injections.In spite of the many skin psoriasis treatments that are available, this skin disorder is not entirely curable and can occur every once in awhile. However, with proper care of your skin and good medication and treatment, skin psoriasis can be managed effectively.
- Stress