Leukemia starts when the DNA of a single cell in your bone marrow changes (mutates) and can’t develop and function normally. Leukemia cells often behave like abnormal white blood cells. Treatments for leukemia depend on the type of leukemia you have, your age and overall health, and if the leukemia has spread to other organs or tissues. Below we will discuss about Leukemia Symptoms, Causes, Diagnose & Treatment.
Overview of Leukemia, Recognizing Symptoms, Causes, Diagnostic Techniques, Treatment Options
Leukemia is a group of cancers that result from high levels of abnormal white blood cells.
It usually starts in the bone marrow or blood. White blood cells, called leukemia cells or blasts, do not develop fully and their DNA is damaged. Healthy blood cells die after some time and new cells start forming. But, leukemia causes the old cells to grow. Leukemia occupies more space and eventually leaves no room for good cells.
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What are the Symptoms of Leukemia?
o Bruising and Bleeding Problems
o Increased Frequency of Infection
o Fever
o Feeling Tired
o Bleeding Gums
o Vomiting
o Loss of Appetite
o Intermenstrual Bleeding
What are the Causes of Leukemia?
The development of leukemia is environmental and inherited. Different types of leukemia are caused by different causes. Certain chemicals such as smoking, benzene, ionizing radiation, prior chemotherapy, and family history of leukemia and Down syndrome are some of the risk factors.
Other factors that increase the risk of leukemia:
- Pollution
- Smoking
- Untreated Fungal Infection
- Mercury Poisoning
- Nuclear Radiation
- Cell phone Tower Radiation
- Overhead Power Lines
What Things Should Be Done to Manage Leukemia?
o Managing fatigue and boosting energy, which one loses in the process of treatment, is needed to manage one’s life in the best possible way:
o Do brief exercise 5 days a week, as it helps to make up for lost energy.
o Aim for at least 10 fruits and vegetables a day to get enough vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants.
o Decreases the appetite of the patient, as a side effect of chemotherapy. Even if you don’t feel like eating, take small portions of food often. But one has to force-feed oneself to some extent.
o Depression is the most common thing happening to a person undergoing chemotherapy. Get the help of professional caregivers and try to involve yourself in various activities.
o Fatigue is caused by anemia and should be managed with iron-rich foods, iron-rich foods and blood transfusions.
o Some patients may have mental fog (memory loss, confusion, lack of concentration). It can be short term or long term.
o Most of the patients experience hair loss, digestive disorders, oral and dental complications, but these are short term and go away as treatment ends. So, maintain a positive attitude that everything will be fine soon.
o Consider a hair shave before chemotherapy to protect the patient from hair loss trauma, which is one of the common side effects of chemotherapy.
o Eat boiled food.
o What Are Things To Avoid To Manage Leukemia?
o Excess smoking and alcohol are directly linked to cancer.
o Do not go for frequent X-rays, unless absolutely necessary.
o Body has low immunity during treatment, eat less raw fruits or vegetables as they may contain bacteria. Some fruits like bananas and oranges are safe. Take off the thick peel before eating.
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What are The Best Foods For Leukemia?
o Whole Grains: Whole wheat bread, brown rice, whole grain cereals and quinoa are the best sources of nutrition.
o Protein rich foods like nuts seeds, tofu, eggs, oatmeal, fish and chicken etc. are essential for building strength.
o Pomegranate, beetroots are known to increase hemoglobin, hence should be included in daily diet.
o Low fat dairy items
o Olive oil
o Lean Meat and Poultry Items
What Are The Best Foods For Leukemia?
o Stomach gets easily upset after chemotherapy, so avoid foods like coffee, spicy food, tobacco, alcohol etc.
o Sugar, sweets.
o Saturated fats, fried foods as they become difficult to digest.
o Food additives, artificial flavour, refined foods.
o Some patients may experience excessive stomach discomfort with dairy products, soy or wheat. If your symptoms get worse, remove them from your diet while the problem is being investigated.
(Disclaimer : The purpose of this health-related article is to wake you up and aware of your health and to provide health-related information. Your doctor has a better understanding of your health and there is no substitute for their advice.)
F.A.Q. (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q. 1 What is the main cause of leukemia?
Answer : The cause of acute leukaemia is unknown, but factors that put some people at higher risk are: exposure to intense radiation. exposure to certain chemicals, such as benzene. viruses like the Human T-Cell leukaemia virus.
Q. 2 Is leukemia a serious cancer?
Answer : Leukemia is a broad category of cancers that affects white blood cells. The chances of survival depend on various factors, including a person’s age and response to treatment. The American Cancer Society estimates there will be around 60,650 new cases of leukemia in the United States in 2022, resulting in 24,000 deaths.
Q. 3 Who is at high risk for leukemia?
Answer : Individuals over the age of 65 are more at risk for leukemia. Demographics – While anyone can conceivably develop leukemia, white males are statistically most susceptible. Radiation exposure – Exposure to radiation from an atomic bomb increases the likelihood that leukemia cells will form.
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