Understanding Osteopenia vs. Osteoporosis!

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Osteopenia and osteoporosis are health problems associated with the strength of the bones. Osteopenia is often associated with lower BMD (bone mineral density), but this condition is not low enough to be categorized into osteoporosis. As the name implies, BMD is a measurement of the level or volume of mineral in the bones (how dense the bones are). In other words, the level of BMD can be used to describe how strong of the bones! -- You may also like to read about osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis and best foods for healthy bone!
If you are diagnosed with osteopenia then it can be a warning sign that you are at higher risk of developing osteoporosis (a condition of very low level of BMD if compared to the normal peak BMD). In other words, it is the forerunner of osteoporosis -- if you have it and left untreated, there is a chance for you to also experience osteoporosis. 
What is actually osteopenia?
As we get older, bones become thinner naturally. The performance of the body to produce new bone cells naturally decreases with the age, and on the other hand there is continuously mechanism to absorb the existing bone cells in the body -- this eventually will make the bones lose more minerals!
The natural peak of BMD level in all people is usually at about 30 years of age. After the age of 30, the level of BMD is more likely to decrease, and this is the period when many people usually start losing their bone mass.
Other risk factors
After the age, other factors or conditions that will increase your risk of developing osteopenia may include:

1. Gender! Women are at higher risk than men, because the natural peak BMD level in women is typically lower than in men. Furthermore, women also experience more hormonal changes after menopause which can contribute to speed up the loss of bone.
2. Diet poor in the essential nutrients for bones, particularly such as vitamin D, calcium and protein. Having metabolism problems or eating disorders also can contribute to get less vitamins and minerals, which then can also put you at higher chance of having osteopenia!
3. Exposure to unfriendly radiation!
4. Having lack of physical activity!
5. Having a family history of osteoporosis.
6. Bad habits - particularly such as drinking excessively alcohol and cigarette smoking. Read also smoking side effects in men and women!
7. Being underweight (too thin).
8. And certain medications, particularly such as taking chemotherapy -- discuss more with a doctor for more in-depth information!

Fortunately, there are also some patients with osteopenia that just only experience a lower bone density, but they don’t have bone loss. However, this health problem must be concerned and treated as well -- otherwise there is a chance for you to get other serious health problems (particularly such as osteoporosis)!
Do people with osteopenia have symptoms? 
Unfortunately, in osteopenia, there is no any sign or symptom that appears when you have osteopenia, even there is no pain or changes that you notice when the bones become thinner. The only thing you can do is by taking a test to get to know the level of BMD of your bones.
But if you seriously care the health of your bones, there are also available a helpful home test kit that we call ‘FRAX’ - a helpful option developed by WHO (the World Health Organization)! FRAX is useful to analyze some risk factors that you have which then will give you a conclusion whether or not you have risk of developing bone fractures within the next ten years!
How about with osteoporosis?
As mentioned before, osteoporosis is more severe than osteopenia! It can be a serious problem to weaken your bones, which then put you at higher risk of getting unexpected & sudden fractures. Spine, wrist, and hip are some of the most common areas where the fractures from osteoporosis occur!
Like osteopenia, osteoporosis can affect both women and men of all races, but Asian and white women (particularly for those who are in their postmenopause (the phase after menopause)) are at highest risk!
How do you get osteoporosis?
Did you know that bones in the body are a kind of living tissue? They are constantly being absorbed & regenerated (replaced)! When the number of old bone removal is not equal or higher than the creation of new bone cells, then osetopenia and osteoporosis will occur.
In children and young adults, the production of new bone cells is naturally faster than the old bone cells that break down, and this is beneficial to increase the mass of bones. In many cases, people usually get their peak mass of their bone by the early of 20s -- and then bone mass loss is faster than it’s created in line with the age.
According to published article on MayoClinic, how much mass of bone that we got/attained in our youth will significantly influence on how likely we are to have osteoporosis! In other words, more peak bone mass that we attained -- the less likely we are to have osteoporosis as we get older.
Therefore, it’s important for children and young people to get adequate intake of vitamin D and calcium, and other essential nutrients to attain the optimal ‘peak bone mass’ in their youth! Don’t forget also to have a regular exercise and spend a little time in the sun (particularly in the morning)!
Who does osteoporosis affect?
There is a chance for anyone to develop osteoporosis, but there are some factors and conditions that can put you at higher risk than others! Most risk factors of osteopenia also can increase the risk of developing osteoporosis. These factors include lifestyle choices, dietary factors, levels of certain hormones in the body, and certain medical conditions.
Lifestyle choices (bad habits) that can put you at higher risk of developing osteoporosis include:

1. Cigarette smoking (tobacco use)! It’s clear that cigarette smoking is so bad for the health, including for the health of bone!
2. Excessively consuming alcohol! Some studies found that alcohol can affect the ability of the body to use/absorb the calcium. That’s why many experts believe that excessive alcohol consumption also can increase the risk of osteoporosis.
3. Less of physical activity! Weightlifting, dancing, running, and even walking are good options to create health bones. Therefore, if you seriously concern to the health of your bones, don’t forget to do your exercise regularly!

Factors associated with your dietary -- osteoporosis tends to occur in individuals who have:

1. Poor calcium in the dietary habits! As well we know that calcium is so essential for bones. Therefore, it’s reasonable that the risk of osteoporosis significantly increases in people who have a lifelong lack of calcium. 
2. Conditions that affect the body’s ability to absorb calcium. If you have ‘weight-loss surgery’ that reduces your stomach’s size, it may affect the ability of your body to absorb calcium. Furthermore, people with eating disorders (such as anorexia) are also at higher risk of developing osteoporosis, because they are more likely to have low essential nutrients intake.

Factors associated with the hormone levels, such as:

1. Sex hormones -- lowered levels of sex hormone are more likely to weaken bone! In women, the decreased level of estrogen during menopause and after menopause is one of major causes for developing osteoporosis. Some of cancer treatments also can lead to the reduction of estrogen in women, and can cause premature menopause in young women. In men, the level of their testosterone also gradually decreases as they age. Furthermore, some prostate cancer treatments in men also can decrease the level of their testosterone.
2. Having excessively thyroid hormone also can weaken bone! It can occur in people with an underactive thyroid who need to take extra thyroid hormone for the treatment. It also can occur when you have an overactive thyroid.

Some medications that may contribute in increasing the risk of developing osteoporosis include:

1. Long term use of cortisone, prednisone, or other corticosteroid medications.
2. Some medications to treat certain health problems, particularly such as cancer, depression, transplant injection, gastric reflux, and seizures. For more detailed information, talk with a doctor!

Moreover, there are also some unchangeable risk factors (out of your control), which include:

1. Age! Your risk increases as you get older.
2. Gender! In fact, once again osteoporosis is more common in women than in men.
3. If you have a family history of osteoporosis, you are more likely to have the same condition.
4. For adults who have small/thin body frames, because they may attain less bone mass in their youth.
5. Race, particularly for ‘White or Asian descent’!

What are the symptoms of osteoporosis? 
In the early stages of osteoporosis, there is almost no noticeable symptom! But once the disease has weakened the bones, some symptoms and signs may begin to be noticeable which may include:

1. Over time, you may experience lose of height.
2. You may also experience a stopped posture.
3. Collapsed/fractured vertebra which then usually followed with back pain.
4. Over time, a bone fracture may occur more easily, even much more easily than you think!

Prognosis for osteoporosis
According to the Osteoporosis Solutions and Therapy Organization -- most patients die due to other diseases, though osteoporosis also can increase the mortality rate. Furthermore, apart from the risk of complications and death, osteoporotic fractures also can affect the health-related quality of life.
Bone fractures, especially in the hip and vertebrae (spine) are the most serious complications of osteoporosis.
In fact, hip fracture is one of the most significantly factors that can increase the risk of death in some patients (particularly in elderly). Furthermore, there is also a chance for hip fracture to cause almost completely disabilities to mobilize. Some patients with severe hip fracture require total assistance to mobilize!
Vertebral fractures also should be concerned. Though it may result a smaller impact to the risk of death, but it can cause deformity and chronic neurogenic origin that can be difficult to control! 
And there is also a chance for patient to experience multiple vertebral fractures that can affect other internal organs. Fortunately, multiple vertebral fractures are rare in patients with osteoporosis.
Overall, it is so important for people with osteoporosis to get the right treatments. The goal of the treatment is very intended to stop /eliminate bone loss which then so helpful to decrease the risk of bone fractures.

You may also be interested to know can osteoporosis be reversed?________Reference: WebMD and MayoClinic

Can Osteoporosis be Reversed and Prevented?

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Osteoporosis is a kind of health problem in which bones are more likely to break and be fragile. According to a report released by the National Osteoporosis Foundation in 2010, there is currently about 10 million people in the U.S who suffer from this disease. And did you know that most of them are dominated by women -- that’s why gender is one of the unchangeable risk factors of osteoporosis (women is more likely to develop this disease than men). The big question is “can osteoporosis be reversed?’
Furthermore, there are about 34 million people in the U.S that may have low/poor bone mass, which can put them at higher risk of developing osteoporosis! 
What are the causes of osteoporosis?
You should clearly understand that your bone is a living tissue. It requires mechanisms what we call deposit (creation new bone cells) and withdrawal (removal old bone cells). In the bone, the mechanisms of creating and replacing bone cells run continuously. The problem can occur when the level of deposit is lower than the level withdrawal. This can lead to low bone density, which then cause fragile bone and it is more likely to break.
During childhood, the creation of new bone tissues that are added to the skeleton is faster than the old bone cells that are removed /replaced. This usually also occurs during teenage years. As a result, the bone grows bigger, higher in density, and heavier (higher in mass). 
To measure the bone density, there is a measurement what we call as ‘BMD’. It stands for ‘Bone mineral density’. BMD test is one of common choices for doctor to get to know the strength of your bone before making a diagnosis of osteoporosis.
And as people age, there is a time for the mass of bone to reach the peak level. It usually occurs about the third decade of life or about the age of 30. 
After the peak level of your bone mass, the creation of new bone cells (deposit) is more likely to slow down. And on the other hand the replacement process of old bone cells doesn’t decrease or even may increase in midlife. And eventually the level of deposit of new bone cells is not enough to replace the old bone cells that are removed. As a result, the bones in the body become lower in mass and density.

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From these explanations, we get a conclusion that the age is the most major risk factor of osteoporosis. Furthermore, it is also important for children and young adults to get adequate intake of essential nutrients to reach the maximum level of their ‘peak bone mass’! The more bone mass that we attained in the childhood and youth, the better we will be protected from the risk of osteoporosis.
Other conditions that increase your risk may include:

1. Family history! If your parents or other family members are diagnosed with osteoporosis or broken bones, then you are more likely to experience the same condition.
2. Having smaller bones or frames. This can be an indication that you may have low bone mass.
3. Taking certain medications! There are also some medicines that may increase the risk of osteoporosis in some people. Talk more with a doctor to confirm this issue!
4. Low sex hormones! Low testosterone in men and low estrogen in women (it typically occurs after menopause) also can increase the risk of osteoporosis.
5. Bad habits, particularly like excessive alcohol use and cigarette smoking.
6. Some studies also found that this disease is more common in white and Asian decent than in other races.

Can osteoporosis be reversed?
Is osteoporosis reversible? Yes, osteoporosis can be reversed, particularly for the consequences of this disease! With the right treatments and lifestyle choices, the risk of the complications of the disease can be decreased. 
But when it comes to ‘how to completely reverse osteoporosis’ -- unfortunately there is still no current treatment to do it. Though the treatment doesn’t make the quality of overall bone back to normal, but however it is useful to result a better bone quality in patients with this disease! As mentioned before, the most effective choice that we can do is to curb the disease!
In many cases, the realistic goal of osteoporosis treatment is intended to prevent the fractures (broken bones) which then so helpful to prevent the risk of developing consequences of the disease. Therefore, the treatment is usually more focused to maintain or improve the density of bones.
Osteoporosis natural remedies
Some natural remedies that may help the treatment and reverse the consequences of the disease may include:

1. If you are a heavy drunker, you need to avoid this bad habit! Many studies found that there is a link between excessive alcohol consumption and problems associated with bone. Excessively consumption of alcohol is believed may reduce the body’s ability to use/absorb calcium and decrease the formation of bone.
2. If you are smoker, you need to quit! We all agree that cigarette smoking is very bad for the health, including for the health of the bones! Don’t forget also to avoid second-hand smoke!
3. Changes in dietary! Doctor usually also recommends foods that contain essential nutrients to maintain /improve the bone density.

Don’t forget to prevent falls! Consider what you wear (particularly such as shoes or slippers) and other conditions in your house (such as slippery surfaces and electrical cords) that may cause you to fall or trip. 
How can you prevent osteoporosis?
Having adequate amounts of vitamin D, calcium, and having regular exercise are the most important factors that you should concern to prevent osteoporosis, particularly in the childhood and youth!
Why you need vitamin D to keep your bone healthy?
We require vitamin D to help our body to absorb calcium more optimally. There are many choices to get adequate amounts of vitamin D. One of these choices is from the sunlight, especially in the morning. We can also get vitamin D through foods that we eat. 
In general, a good starting point of vitamin D for adults per day is about 600-800 IU (international units) -- according to a published article on MayoClinic. But if you have certain health condition or if you have low vitamin D in the blood, your doctor may recommend higher doses! Talk with a doctor for more in-depth information!
And why you need adequate amounts of calcium?
Many studies found that low calcium intake is linked to higher fracture rates and rapid bone loss (poor bone mass). Therefore, it’s important to get adequate amounts of calcium through your diet.
Women and men between the ages of ‘50 to 18’ should get adequate amounts of calcium for about 1,000 mg per day. And this daily requirement increase to about 1,200 mg of calcium when men turn 70 and women turn 50! However, taking excessive calcium is not recommended (it should not be more than 2,000 - 2,500 mg/day -- according to the Institute of Medicine).
If you have problems that restrict you to get adequate intake of calcium from your diet, you may consider taking the appropriately calcium supplements.
Some foods that can be a good source of calcium include:

1. Low-fat cheese, low-fat yogurt, low-fat milk, and other low-fat dairy products.
2. Fresh vegetables, particularly such as spinach, collard greens, broccoli, etc.
3. Tofu, tempe, or other soy products.
4. Almonds, orange juice, and foods fortified with calcium.
5. Sardine with bone is also good source of calcium.

How about with exercise?
Another important thing to slow bone loss and build strong bone is exercise. Bone is able to respond to exercise that you do. It is similar to your muscle that can be strong through exercise! So, no matter how old you are, exercise can be essential to provide a lot of health benefits, such as to reduce bone loss and build strong bone.
There are many types of exercise to choose from (such as jogging, game sports, swimming, weight training, aerobics, or even just walking in the morning). Choose one that you like to keep and maintain your healthy bone!________Reference: WebMD and MayoClinic

Osteoporosis of the Spine (Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment)

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In people with osteoporosis, vertebrae (or also familiar called as spines) are one of the most common areas affected by the disease. And there are some complications that are generated by osteoporosis of the spine - such as back pain, hunched forward posture, lost height, etc. Even there is also a chance for patient to experience multiple vertebral fractures (a serious condition that may interfere with other internal organs of patient). You may also be interested to know about ‘can osteoporosis be reversed?’!
Since osteoporosis can generate extremely immobility and disfigurement, most of the treatments are usually focused on how to maintain and improve bone mass which then eventually intended to reduce the risk of developing consequences of the disease (particularly such as hip and spine fractures).
Understanding spine fractures in osteoporosis!
Osteoporosis can cause a vertebral compression fracture - therefore preventing osteoporosis is the most effective choice to prevent compression fractures in the spine.
Spine fractures can affect the abilities of patient to lift an object, walk, stand, or sit. These fractures involve bones of spinal column. In essence, they can be a serious complication for anyone. 
Even sometimes they can be very debilitating that can result a significantly impact and difficulty for patient to make small movements. Sometimes, spine fractures also can lead to independence loss (patients can lose their abilities to care themselves).
These fractures are also often referred to as vertebral/spinal compression fractures. Compression fractures are fractures in the bone that are generated by the compression/pressure of one bone against another. In vertebral compression fractures, the fractures that occur involve bones of vertebrae. 
Furthermore, vertebral compressions fractures also can be caused by traumatic accidents because there is a chance of over load /pressure placed on the spine exceeds its stability, which then eventually it may collapse. And over load /pressure on the spine can be created after a fall.
Osteoporosis of the spine symptoms
Anyone who have a significant back pain (severe & sudden back pain), especially for women who are closely to 50 years of age or over should see a doctor promptly to get a clearly diagnosis. It may be a warning sign of osteoporosis of the spine (vertebral compression fracture) or another sign of serious health problems.
Other signs that may also occur include:

1. Decreased height of the body which usually occurs gradually over time.
2. Worsening pain, particularly when walking or just standing. Pain may also occur when twisting /bending!
3. Dowager’s hump or also familiar called hunchback shape. It is deformity of the vertebrae.

In some cases, the pain of spinal compression fracture may relieve when lying down. Furthermore, slight back strains of daily activities (such as when making a misstep, lifting a bag, etc) usually can trigger the pain to occur.  
The pain of vertebrae compression fracture can vary! In some patients, the paint may continue, even when the fracture is healed. But in many cases, the pain subsides when the bone is healing. Moreover, when a fracture occurs, not every patient experiences a clear-cut vertebrae pain.
Sometimes, there is also virtually no pain created with a vertebrae compression fracture. The compression fractures may develop so gradually which then cause only mild or even unnoticeable pain. 
And in some patients, the gradual curving of vertebrae can be the first sign of multiple fractures. 
Symptoms of multiple vertebrae fractures
As mentioned before, osteoporosis of the spine also can cause multiple vertebrae compression fractures. These fractures signal that there is considerable change in the vertebrae, which may then cause other serious health problems (particularly can affect the body functions and even internal organs).
The following are some signs of multiple spinal compression fractures:

1. With every fracture in the bone of spinal, the spine can lose the height which then eventually can cause height loss (particularly after several collapsed vertebrae). 
2. The spine fractures also can result wedge-shaped spinal bones, as a result many patients also often experience ‘curved back’ or also familiar called ‘Kyphosis’. This process may also be followed with back & neck pain as the body needs to adapt!
3. Patient may also experience weight loss, poor of appetite, and even constipation due to digestive problems. A digestive problem can develop when a shorter vertebrae compresses the stomach!
4. There is also a chance for shorter vertebrae to cause the closer distance between the rib cage and the hip. If hip and rib bones are too closer, they can rub against each other, as a result patient can experience hip pain!
5. And when there is severely compressed of the spine, this can affect the lungs to work! As a result, patient may also experience breathing problems.

How can you prevent osteoporosis of the spine?
Ways to prevent or reduce your risk of developing osteoporosis of the spine is closely similar to the major steps to prevent osteoporosis. 
In general, there are 3 major points you should concern as well to lower your risk. These include having adequate amounts of calcium, vitamin D, and don’t forget to do exercise (get more physical activities to train more your bones to keep healthy, particularly with strengthening and weight-bearing exercise)! Read more tips to prevent osteoporosis!
Avoid also bad lifestyles that may increase your risk. If you are smoker, stop it because cigarette smoking is linked to some problems associated with the bone. Furthermore, excessive alcohol use also should be avoided. Excessive alcohol that you consume can affect the ability of your body to absorb calcium.
In addition, there is an effective option to get to know ‘how dense your bone is’! You can do a BMD test (a bone mineral density measurement). See a doctor for depth-information about this test and how to perform it! Always remember that the prevention is the best treatment!
How about with the treatment?
Once again, treatment of osteoporosis is more intended to maintain and improve bone density, which then can be helpful to reduce or prevent the risk of developing bone fractures. In osteoporosis of the spine, the treatment is usually purposed to relieve the pain and prevent the next injuries or other consequences of the disease! 
The medications and treatment are usually also combined with the appropriately exercise and changes in diet (in order to maintain or increase calcium and vitamin D intake).
For severe cases, some advance procedures (such as vertebroplasty) may be required. Vertebroplasty is usually more focused to treat a problematic collapse. It is intended to restore the bone’s height by using radiologist intervention. It usually also involves the injection of cement into spine in order to reduce the risk of further collapse and to stabilize the fracture. Consult more with a doctor for in-depth information! ________Reference: WebMD

Coffee and Osteoporosis (Foods You Should Avoid)!

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Some studies found that there are some foods that may increase your risk of developing health problems associated with bone. Is there a link between coffee (caffeine) and osteoporosis? What are foods that you should avoid if you seriously want to decrease your risk of developing this disease? You may also be interested to read about ‘can osteoporosis be reversed‘, before continuing!
As well we know that vitamin D and calcium (Ca) are the most essential nutrients to keep bones healthy. Both are also so essential to prevent osteoporosis and other health conditions associated with the bone. Getting adequate amounts of both calcium & vitamin D (particularly during teenage years) is closely associated with the high peak bone mass that you will attain! More peak bone mass that you attained -- the less likely you are to get osteoporosis as you age.
The correlation between coffee and osteoporosis
Almost anything that you consume excessively is not good for your health, including coffee. Some scientifically evidences from some studies suggest that excessive caffeine consumption may contribute to increase the risk of bone loss. 
According to a published article on WebMD -- A study found that elderly women (particularly for those who are in the postmenopausal (the phase after menopause)) who consumed caffeine higher than 300 milligram a day experienced higher rate of bone loss in the spine than others who consumed lower than 300 milligram a day.
How does caffeine cause bone loss?
A professor of human nutrition at Washington State University “Linda K. Massey, PhD, RD” says that caffeine can leach calcium (the most essential nutrient for bone’s living tissue), which then can sap the strength of the bones.
Though the number of a calcium loss due to calcium is not as much of a loss as salt, but it’s important to consume coffee in moderation. For each 100 mg of caffeine (C8H10N4O2) ingested can be potential to lose about 6 mg of Ca.
The big problem may occur in individuals (particularly for those who have some risk factors of osteoporosis) who consume coffee regularly but at the same time they don’t get adequate calcium intake each day.
So if you are a coffee lover, what you should do?
For healthy individuals, getting adequately Ca from dietary and consuming caffeine for less than 300 mg is believed helpful enough to offset the problem of bone loss due to caffeine.
But if you have some risk factors of health problems associated with bone (such as osteoporosis), ask your doctor to get to know the safely level of caffeine per day that you should follow -- your doctor may recommend lower level of caffeine consumption per day!
How about with tea?
As well we know that tea also contains caffeine, but fortunately caffeine in tea is much lower than in coffee. You may also like to know how much caffeine in green tea?!
However, coffee is still one of major caffeine sources. High-caffeine sodas can provide about 80 mg or more of caffeine for each can. And a cup of coffee (16-ounce cup) can contain about 329 mg of caffeine. 
Many researchers believe that tea is not harmful for the health of the bones (especially if consumed in moderation), and even tea may help promote better bone density (particularly for elderly women). Furthermore, some experts think that tea may provide essential plant compounds to provide better protection for bone.
Why you need to limit salt in diet to keep your bones healthy?
Salt is another food that you should concern in your diet. Excessive consumption of salt is not only bad for the level of your blood pressure (can cause hypertension), but also bad for the density of your bones. It can pose a significant obstacle to a sturdy skeleton.
Some studies found that women with postmenopausal can lose more bone density if they have high-salt diet. The safely level of sodium should be less than a teaspoon of salt (about 2,300 mg) per day -- according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans in 2005. But unfortunately in fact, most Americans have at least 4,000 mg of sodium through salt per day. 
In general, each 2,300 mg of sodium that we consume will cause about 40 mg of calcium loss through urine. Therefore, once again it’s very important to get adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D to counterbalance the bone loss due to salt that you consume!
What else you should concern to prevent osteoporosis?

1. Adding free-fat milk to the beverage (like coffee or tea) is also recommended for coffee or tea drinkers, this is one of options to reduce the negative effect of caffeine in the beverage that can lose bone density. Don’t forget, caffeine-laden drinks also should be avoided!
2. There is a rumor that eating animal protein is bad for the strength of bones. But this is only a myth. After calcium and vitamin D, protein is the most essential nutrient for bones -- even 50 percent of bone is protein! Therefore, it is also important to get adequate amounts of protein in your diet.
3. We all agree that soy is bone-building protein, but having heavy diet on soy should be followed by eating other high-calcium foods. Some studies found that eating excessive soy in diet without getting adequate amounts of calcium from other foods may hamper Ca absorption. Moreover to keep safe, it is much better to consume soy or soy products in moderation! You may also like to read soy allergy symptoms!
4. Don’t forget also to consider fresh fruits, vegetables, and minimally processed whole grains in your diet to get more health benefits in the long run, including to lower the risk of osteoporosis. 

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Reference: WebMD

Lymphoma Symptoms in Women and Men!

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What are lymphoma symptoms in women and men? Lymphoma is referred to a problem associated with the lymphatic system (a part of the body’s immune system that has crucial function to protect the body from the infection and disease). This lymphatic system includes lymph channels, adenoids, tonsils, thymus, spleen, and lymph nodes. 
With other mechanisms in the body, lymphatic system is also involved to create white blood cells that are called lymphocytes (they have important contribution to fight infections from fungi, viruses, or bacteria). Read also lymphoma prognosis and survival rate!
Lymphoma usually occurs if the lymphocytes or lymph-node cells start to multiply too over (uncontrollably) which eventually result malignant cells. These cells are very bad for other tissues, because they have the abnormal capacity to invade/impair other tissues throughout the body. 
What are types of lymphoma?
Hodgkin’s lymphoma (or also familiar known as Hodgkin disease) and Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (this type is much more common than Hodgkin’s disease) are two major types of lymphoma, which each type has certain unique/different characteristics of cancer cells -- talk more with a doctor for in-depth information! 

( The lymphatic system - Image credit © to MayoClinic)

The exact causes of both types are still unknown. But many experts believe that there some conditions /factors that can increase the risk of developing lymphoma.
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL)
NHL itself has many types of lymphoma. In general, types of NHL are categorized into two major groups: 

1. Nonaggressive NHL, sometimes it is also called as ‘low-grade or indolent lymphoma’. It is more likely to result few symptoms, and more likely to grow & spread slowly. 
2. And aggressive NHL (or also familiar known as ‘intermediate & high-grade lymphoma’). Unlike nonaggressive NHL -- as the name suggests, aggressive NHL tends to generate more symptoms (even severe symptoms), and tends to grow & spread faster. 

Many experts believe that multiple factors or medical conditions may put someone at higher risk of developing NHL. According to a published article on WebMD -- These risk factors may include:

1. Having certain genetic syndromes and inherited immune deficiencies.
2. Having immune diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis ‘the most debilitating arthritis’ and Sjögren's syndrome). The treatments of these immune disorders may also increase your risk of having non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
3. Having celiac disease. Read also symptoms of celiac disease!
4. Crohn’s disease (a kind of IBD ‘Inflammatory Bowel Disease’) and some medications /treatments for IBD.
5. If your parents or family members have a history of lymphoma, you may also have higher risk of having the same condition.
6. Having psoriasis.
7. Infections caused by certain viruses or bacteria.

Other risk factors that may also contribute to increase the risk of developing NHL include; (a) chemical exposures, (b) exposure to nuclear radiation, (c) some treatments for cancer (particularly such as chemotherapy), (d) phenytoin (Dilantin) medication, (e) excessive consumption of water with high level of nitrates, and (f) excessive ultraviolet exposure.

Even excessively consumption of alcohol and fat /meat products may also have a link with an increased risk of NHL. Furthermore, though NHL can occur at any age but it is more common in the age of 60 or over -- according to a published article on MayoClinic. More studies are required to confirm these issues!
Hodgkin’s lymphoma
As mentioned before, Hodgkin disease is less common if compared to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. 
According to the National Lymphoma Network (National Cancer Institute) -- Elderly people (over the age of 50) and young adults (about 15-35 years of age) are the most common groups for Hodgkin disease to occur. And furthermore, this disease is also relatively more common in men than in women.
Other factors that may increase the risk of having Hodgkin disease include:

1. Having a family history of lymphoma.
2. Individuals who have had infectious mononucleosis (infection caused by Epstein-Barr virus) are more likely to get Hodgkin disease than others.
3. Have certain diseases (such as HIV /AIDs) that affect the body’s immune system.

There are also several types of Hodgkin lymphoma. And it’s important to get to know the clearly diagnosis of these types, because each type may need different treatment. And the following are some of these types!
Lymphocyte-predominant
It is rare type of Hodgkin disease. The abnormal cells that cause lymphocyte-predominant are also familiar called as ‘popcorn cells’ due to their appearance. Patients with lymphocyte-predominant are more likely to get a better chance of a cure if the disease is early diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. 
Classical Hodgkin disease
This type may be the most common type of Hodgkin lymphoma. Patients with this type usually have Reed-Sternberg cells (abnormal cells) in their lymph nodes. Classical Hodgkin disease is also divided into several subtypes which include: lymphocyte-rich, lymphocyte-depleted, mixed cellularity, and nodular sclerosis Hodgkin disease.
Lymphoma symptoms in women and men
In general, there is almost no significant difference for the signs of lymphoma in women and men. Some symptoms that appear in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma may also be found in patients with Hodgkin disease.
Symptoms of NHL include:

1. The most common sign is usually a painless swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the groin, underarm, or neck!  
2. Other symptoms may include; back pain /pain in the belly, reddened patches on the patient’s skin, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, cough /trouble breathing/chest pain, abdominal swelling/pain, unexplained fatigue /extreme fatigue, and itchy skin.

Hodgkin’s lymphoma symptoms include;

1. Like in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma -- swollen lymph nodes in the groin, neck, or armpits are usually also the most common sign of Hodgkin’s disease.
2. Other signs that may also occur include; poor appetite, patient may feel pain after drinking alcohol in his/her lymph nodes, weight loss without unknown reason, chills/fever, itchy sensation on the skin, chest pain, cough, shortness of breath (trouble breathing), night sweats, and persistent fatigue. 

*** If you in doubt to your condition, don’t take a conclusion on your own. See a doctor promptly to clearly diagnose the symptoms that you have!________Reference: WebMD and MayoClinic

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Prognosis and Survival Rate

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The immune system of the body has crucial function to fight infection and disease. In people with lymphoma, their lymphatic system (it is part of the body’s immune system) is affected. As well we know, non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and Hodgkin lymphoma (HL or sometimes also familiar called as Hodgkin disease) is two common types of lymphoma cancer. Let’s focus to discuss the treatment, prognosis, and survival rate for NHL!

You may also be interested to read lymphoma symptoms in women and men, before continuing!

Like the network of blood vessels that distributes blood throughout the body, lymphatic system is also a kind of vessel network that carries fluid called lymph. And there are white blood cells what we call as ‘lymphocytes’ in the lymph. These lymphocytes are so essential to protect the body from a variety of infectious agents. But in patients with lymphoma, without unknown reason these white cells multiply uncontrollably and then result malignant cells that can be harmful for other tissues throughout the body!

Generally, NHL is more common than Hodgkin disease. In 2010, about 8,500 new cases of HL and about 66,000 new cases of NHL were diagnosed in the U.S.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma treatment

The treatment is closely associated to the type, stage, age of patient, and the overall health of patient.

Sometimes, patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma that don’t experience any symptom may not need any treatment. This usually occurs in patients who have indolent /nonaggressive NHL. For this case, a ‘wait & see approach’ is usually the common choice. But patient is usually asked by doctor to have regular checkups in order to monitor the progress of the disease.

And for patients with aggressive NHL or when the disease causes symptoms, the common options of treatment may include;

Radiation therapy

This treatment involves X-rays (high-powered energy beams). The radiation of X-rays is intended to remove /kill the harmful cancerous cells. It is also intended to shrink tumors.

Radiation therapy can be used in combination with other treatments, but sometimes it may also be effective to be used alone.

Chemotherapy treatment

This treatment is another option to kill cancer cells. In general, it is a kind of prescribed drug treatment that can be given by injection or orally. To kill the cancer cells, doctor may need to use multiple chemotherapy drugs, single chemotherapy drug, or in combination with other treatments.

Monoclonal antibody therapy

This treatment is intended to increase the ability /performance of the body’s immune system to fight the disease (particularly to help kill the cancer cells). It also can be used to reduce the progression of the cancer.

Stem cell transplant

In general, this procedure is purposed to take and save the healthy stem cells. And then patient will be directed to get higher doses of radiation /chemotherapy to kill and remove the lymphoma cells that are not killed by standard doses.

After there are no lymphoma cells, then the healthy stem cells will be injected /returned back into the body’s patient. These healthy stem cells may also be taken from a donor (related /unrelated donor).

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma prognosis

In the last few decades, the prognosis of patients with NHL has improved drastically. After getting the treatment, the 5-year survival average in children with NHL is about 90 percent - and about 63 percent for adult patients.

And for patients with HL, their outlook is much better. After getting the treatments, the 5-year survival rate is about 90 percent or greater for kids with HL, and about 80 percent for adults.

Furthermore, there are many patients who live with lymphoma in remission for a lot of years after the treatment.

The survival rate is closely associated with the stage of the disease. The following is a helpful table from The National Cancer Institute for the average 5-year survival:

And according to a published article on the official site of the American Cancer Society, other factors that can affect the survival rate of NHL are the age of patient, the spread of lymphoma, PS (performance status ‘how well patients can do their normal daily activities’), and the serum LDH level (high level of serum LDH means the fast-growing tumors or indicates that there are more tumor in the body).

 Table credit © to cancer.org

These good and bad factors are important and useful for doctors to choose and plan the best treatment for their patient. A treatment plan that is also based on these factors is better than a treatment plan that is only based on the type and stage of lymphoma.
Each poor factor is marked /assigned by 1 point. Patients who have less poor factors are more likely to have better chance of 5-year survival rate than others who have more poor prognostic factors. Based on these bad and good prognostic factors, there are four major risk groups:

1. For patients who don’t have or only have one poor prognostic factor, they are categorized into ‘low risk group’.
2. For patients who have two poor prognostic factors, they are categorized into ‘low-intermediate risk group’. 
3. For patients who have three poor prognostic factors, they are classified into ‘high-intermediate risk group’.
4. And for individuals who have four or five poor prognostic factors, they are classified into ‘high risk group’!

Is Fibromyalgia Real or Fake | Is It Hereditary?

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Unfortunately till today, fibromyalgia is often misunderstood and even sometimes misdiagnosed. When you have been diagnosed with this problem and are making efforts to learn all about it, you may come across many misconceptions and myths about it! Is fibromyalgia real or fake? Is it hereditary? What else you need to know about this problem? -- Read also common fibromyalgia symptoms in women and men! 
After osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia syndrome (or also familiar called as ‘FMS’) is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions. The significant impacts caused by FMS are tremendous physical and even a real psychological problem. Fatigue, joint paint, and widespread muscle are some common characteristics of FMS.
Is fibromyalgia real? What actually is it?
There are still many people have perception that fibromyalgia syndrome is not a kind of medical problem;   they think that FMS is fake ‘not real’ -- this is the top misconception of FMS till today. 
And did you know that some studies found that FMS is real. Many experts believe that it amplifies painful sensation by influencing /affecting the mechanisms of the brain to process the pain signals.
In general, FMS is a health problem that can cause chronic pain in ligaments and muscles. In individuals with FMS, their spinal cord and brain process the signals of pain in different way. As a result, people with FMS typically react more strongly to pressure and touch (with a heightened sensitivity to the pain). 
Is fibromyalgia hereditary?
Experts believe that there is a chance for FMS to run in family, but this doesn’t mean that FMS can pass directly from parents to their kids. 
Some studies found that the odds of developing FMS are lower in families that don’t have a family history of fibromyalgia than in immediate families of individuals with fibromyalgia. This suggests that genetic may be a factor in causing FMS - more studies are needed to get a clearly answer!
How do you get FMS? What are causes of fibromyalgia?
There is no clearly answer for the exact cause of fibromyalgia, but many experts believe that this problem is most likely involves a combination of several factors, particularly such as;

1. Genetics! As mentioned before, there is a theory that FMS may run in families. If you have a family history of FMS, you are also more likely to develop the same condition.
2. There may also certain illnesses that seem to increase the risk of developing FMS.
3. Some studies also found that there may be a link between FMS and post-traumatic stress disorder. People with rheumatic disease (such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis) may be at higher risk -- according to a published article on MayoClinic.

Furthermore, fibromyalgia is relatively more common in women than in men. According to the American Fibromyalgia Syndrome Association -- about 12 million people in the U.S are affected by FMS, and most of them are women. The age range of these women is about 25 - 60 years of age. 
Experts believe that the female reproductive hormones may have a contribution why FMS is 10 times more likely to occur in women than in men.
Are there any complications that can be generated by FMS?
Fortunately, in general there are still no scientifically evidences to confirm other health conditions or complications that are generated by fibromyalgia. Nevertheless, lack of sleep and pain associated with FMS may interfere with the ability of patient to function on the job or at home. 
Moreover, there is also a chance for patient to experience anxiety or depression, because many patients get a frustration on dealing with an often-misunderstood condition.
Fibromyalgia natural treatment (home remedies)
Self-care natural treatment for FMS is important and helpful for fibromyalgia management. In line with the prescribed drugs and treatment, doctors usually also recommend some home remedies to get a better result. These home remedies include:

1. Get a plenty of rest! In many cases, fatigue is one of the most common symptoms or characteristics of FMS. Therefore, it is very crucial and important for people with FMS to get enough sleep. But the quantity of sleep is not single goal. Patients also should get a good quality of sleep by practicing good sleep behaviors. They should go to bed & get up at the same time for every day!
2. Manage your daily activities as well! It’s much better to do your activities in moderation than pushing yourself to do a lot of activities beyond your ability.
3. Stay on the track of your healthy lifestyles and keep far away from the unhealthy habits. For instances, limit the caffeine intake, focus to what you eat (healthy foods should be on your priority), etc.
4. Though fatigue is the common symptom of fibromyalgia, but this doesn’t mean you are allowed to forget your exercise. It’s important to get adequate physical activity a day. So, don’t forget also to have a regular exercise! For the first time, exercise may trigger the pain - therefore you need to do it gradually and in moderation. You can also ask a physical therapist to get the best advice about a kind of home exercise program that you can do for management of FMS. Biking, water aerobics and walking are some good choices.
5. And don’t forget to manage your stress! In line with the treatment, you and your doctor usually also plan a program to restrict your chance of having overexertion & emotional stress! However, it may be better for you to avoid completely changing your routine. For example, patients who drop all activity or quit work are more likely to get worse in managing their stress than others who remain active. Furthermore, doctor usually also recommend some techniques to manage stress, such as meditation therapy (like yoga) or deep-breathing exercises!

Fibromyalgia support groups
Dealing with the frustration from the misunderstood fibromyalgia is not easy. Therefore, it’s much better for people with FMS to get participation into a social organization associated with fibromyalgia. This can be helpful for patient to educate her/himself about FMS and get useful experiences from other people living with FMS.
The American Chronic Pain Association and the National Fibromyalgia Association are some helpful social organization for people with FMS. Other fibromyalgia supports groups are; the American College of Rheumatology and the Arthritis Foundation associated with FMS (www.arthritis.org)!

You may also like to read best diet for fibromyalgia patients!