Eosinophilic asthma is a condition characterized by breathing issues due to increased levels of eosinophils in the bloodstream and the airway. The increased level of these infection-fighting cells can cause inflammation in the body, especially the respiratory system, resulting in eosinophilic asthma. FASENRA® is an FDA-approved treatment option that effectively helps fight the condition. It targets and depletes the high levels of eosinophils in the airway and calms the symptoms. Role of eosinophils in eosinophilic asthma Eosinophils are essential for a healthy and functioning immune system. However, some individuals might have high levels of these cells in their system. The high levels of eosinophils in the bloodstream can cause increased inflammation, resulting in an asthma attack. This condition is known as eosinophilic asthma. It is a fairly common condition and affects a significant number of patients affected by asthma. To help determine the type of asthma that affects a person, they can ask the doctors about their eosinophil count. Also, a blood test can help confirm the diagnosis. How does FASENRA® work? Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that fights infections and helps keep the body healthy. When these immune cells increase in number, they can cause high levels of inflammation in the body. In eosinophilic asthma, increased eosinophils are found in both the blood of the patients as well as the phlegm in their lungs. FASENRA® contains benralizumab as its active ingredient. It is a monoclonal antibody that attaches to the interleukin-5 receptors found on the surface of these white blood cells. When it enters the system, it activates the immune system, and the attached eosinophils are destroyed. This calms down the inflammation in the body, thereby improving the patient’s symptoms and reducing asthma attacks. FASENRA® is designed to target eosinophils floating freely in the bloodstream and the phlegm in the lungs.

Hot flashes and night sweats are two notable signs of menopause and perimenopause. Generally, hot flashes cause sudden episodes of heat that spread through the face, chest, and neck. When hot flashes occur at night, it causes night sweats. Both symptoms result from significant changes in hormone levels, specifically estrogen and progesterone. While stopping hormonal changes is impossible, one can manage the effects of hot flashes and sweats with these tips and feel better: Reduce the room’s temperature Even a slight increase in core body temperature can trigger hot flashes and night sweats. One way to manage core body temperature is to make the room cooler. Individuals can do this by turning down the thermostat, switching on the air conditioner, installing a fan, opening a window, or sleeping on a cooling gel pad. Wear breathable clothes Clothes made using synthetic fabrics trap body heat and do not absorb sweat or let it evaporate. Wearing such clothes can not only cause discomfort but also trigger hot flashes. Therefore, one should wear breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, muslin, and bamboo. Loose and lightweight clothing is the best because it keeps the body cool and allows sweat to evaporate from the skin during night sweats. Avoid spicy food Spicy foods naturally increase body temperature because they often contain peppers in large quantities. The capsaicin chemical in peppers activates the nervous system, increasing the core body temperature. And as the body feels warmer, night sweats and hot flashes are more likely to occur. Eat foods containing soy Soy-based foods are known to have a high percentage of a plant-based estrogen called isoflavones. Daidzein, a type of isoflavone, can transform gut bacteria into equol. This compound can lower the frequency and severity of hot flashes and night sweats. Therefore, including soy-based foods in one’s meals is a good idea during menopause and perimenopause.

Menopause is a phase following the last menstrual cycle. It is a result of a natural decline in reproductive hormones, which typically happens as women reach their 40s and 50s. There are many symptoms associated with menopause, and night sweats are common in this period. It is essential to recognize and address this symptom and manage it. So, here are some surprising facts about menopausal night sweats one should know. 1. Night sweats may differ from hot flashes Research presented at the North American Menopause Society on the findings of night sweats and hot flashes suggested that night sweats may cause a higher level of stress and discomfort than hot flashes. Further, hot flashes could occur during the day or night but typically have shorter periods of sweating. Night sweats, however, are known to last a lot longer and lead to excessive perspiration. 2.  Triggers are not yet known The exact trigger for night sweats remains unknown. It could be triggered due to declining estrogen levels, but there is not enough evidence to establish the link conclusively. Some believe that when the ovaries stop producing estrogen, there is an increase in the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which sets off the brain neurons that help control the body’s temperature. This may lead to night sweats as well as sleep deprivation associated with menopause. 3.  Night sweats may last 10 years About 75% of those who go through menopause may experience night sweats and hot flashes. However, some women may start experiencing these symptoms years before their last menstrual cycle. Anecdotal evidence also suggests that some in their 80s continue to experience night sweats. 4. Menopausal night sweats can be managed Although menopause-induced night sweats may not have a cure, there are ways to deal with this symptom. Here are a few things one can try:

Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. During this time, a person usually goes 12 consecutive months without a menstrual cycle. The ovaries gradually produce less estrogen as one ages, leading to irregular menstrual cycles. When the ovaries stop producing estrogen, menopause occurs. Once menopause begins, the fat cells start making most of the body’s estrogen. Here are details on its causes, symptoms, and treatments for menopause. Causes of menopause Menopause is a process that women experience wherein their ovaries no longer release an egg every month and the cycle of menstruation, marked by bleeding, no longer takes place. It usually begins after 40 years of age, but some may experience it earlier. Aging is the most common reason for natural menopause, but there are other reasons why one may experience it. Ovarian surgery, for example, may also be one of the reasons. Chemotherapy is another standard cancer treatment that can damage ovaries and lead to menopause. There are other reasons why the menstrual cycle may stop, like surgery, hormonal treatments, and radiation therapy, to name a few. But to consider a stage as menopause, one has to complete a year without menstrual bleeding. Symptoms of menopause As women approach menopause, here are some common signs they may experience: Hot flashes Hot flashes, also known as vasomotor symptoms (VMS), are the most common symptoms. They involve a sudden warmth spreading across one’s upper body. These are accompanied by blushing, a racing heart, and sweating, and the hot flashes can vary from mild to severe. Changes in sensitive areas Menopausal women may also experience irregular or missed periods, heavier bleeding than usual, vaginal dryness, or sore or tender breasts. Dryness Menopause can lead women to feel dryness in their skin, eyes, or mouth.

The term menopause is used to refer to the end of a woman’s menstrual cycle. In most cases, this occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 years. Around this time, periods become irregular before they finally stop. It is also a time when estrogen and progesterone levels drop, leading to several changes in the body. These are some early signs of menopause that may interfere with one’s daily life and must not be ignored. Hot flashes and night sweats Most women experience hot flashes during the day as a result of menopause. These are one to five-minute-long sensations of warmth, heat, sweating, flushing, or experiencing chills. When these occur at night, they are referred to as night sweats. They can significantly impact the quality of one’s life by interfering with daily activities and sleep. Although medical help can make symptom management easier, only one in four women seek professional advice for hot flashes. Cognitive issues Estrogen and progesterone are responsible for supporting memory and brain function among women. Thus, reduced levels of these hormones in the body can also cause brain fog and affect memory and concentration in menopausal women. This leads to frustration, affecting their productivity and outlook towards daily activities. In many cases, cognitive symptoms may further be exacerbated by poor sleep and other stressors. One should consult a professional to manage these early signs of menopause effectively. Digestive changes Estrogen is responsible for handling the sensitivity of the digestive tract. As its levels drop during menopause, one could experience new food sensitivities or have an increased risk of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This may be accompanied by food cravings, particularly for sugars and refined carbohydrates. Another common experience many women go through during menopause is a changed perception of how things taste, especially sugar. This could increase their preference for sweeter foods.

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder that causes loss of color in some areas of the skin. As a result, uneven white patches without any pigmentation start to develop. Some may develop only a few white spots, while others may have a more widespread loss of pigment. However, in both cases, the skin feels normal. There is no cure for this skin condition, although treatment may help stop its progression. Here’s what one needs to know. Causes Vitiligo is a type of autoimmune disorder that occurs when the immune system begins to attack healthy cells. In this case, the immune cells that produce melanocytes, which are responsible for producing melanin, start to die, resulting in a loss of melanin production. Melanin is the pigment that gives color to our skin, so the skin becomes lighter wherever the melanin-producing cells are attacked. Over time, white patches start to appear. It is unknown why the immune system attacks the cells that produce the melanin. However, healthcare experts know certain factors can increase the risk of developing it. Some of the well-known risk factors include: Addison’s disease is an autoimmune disorder that is triggered when the adrenal glands are not able to produce sufficient hormones. Thyroid Pernicious anemia, which decreases red blood cell count when the intestines are not able to absorb vitamin B12 Type 1 diabetes Symptoms The symptoms usually start before the age of 30 years. But in some people, it can start even at an older age. Some of the common symptoms include the following. Loss of skin color in patches. These generally appear on the face, hands, elbows, knees, and feet during the initial stage. Premature graying or whitening of hair on eyebrows, eyelashes, scalp, and beard. Loss of pigment in the mucous membranes or tissues lining the insides of the nose and mouth.

Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition that causes the skin to lose its natural color. It affects millions of people all over the world. Living with this condition can be tough, as various factors can trigger it. This is why it is important to know some ways in which one can manage the condition and prevent it from worsening. To help with that, here are a few tips to manage the symptoms of vitiligo. Eat foods rich in antioxidants Vitiligo is a condition that results in the depigmentation of the skin. One of the ways to prevent this is by consuming more antioxidants. These compounds help reduce the stress on the melanin cells, which are responsible for skin pigmentation. One can find antioxidants in several foods, such as nuts, seeds, citrus fruits, and berries. These are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have antioxidant properties. Incorporating these into one’s meals can help protect the skin cells and reduce the risk of depigmentation caused by vitiligo. Avoid inflammatory foods Vitiligo is a skin condition that causes loss of pigment, resulting in white patches on the skin. It is essential to follow a balanced meal plan rich in antioxidants and free from inflammatory foods to alleviate its symptoms. Inflammatory foods like sugary foods and drinks, white bread, white pasta, gluten, and highly processed foods can worsen the condition. Hence, it is best to avoid these foods and focus on consuming antioxidant-rich foods that can help boost the immune system and promote healthy skin. Incorporate beta-carotene-rich foods Quite a few studies and observations have shown that consuming foods with beta-carotene helps reduce the symptoms of vitiligo. Beta-carotene can also help strengthen the immune system, which helps with the condition. Beta-carotene is commonly found in yellow, orange, and green vegetables. So, one can include vegetables such as spinach, kale, tomatoes, carrots, broccoli, and lettuce to boost beta-carotene.

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that affects the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. There are various strains of HPV, or the human papillomavirus, which is usually the primary reason for cervical cancers. HPV is a common STD that can be prevented through a vaccine at an early age. Here are some of the symptoms of cervical cancer and its treatment options. Signs and symptoms Unusual bleeding This is one of the most common signs of cervical cancer. The unusual bleeding can occur between menstrual period cycles, after menopause, or even after intercourse with a partner. Pelvic pain This is another common symptom usually experienced when the cancer cells start to spread to nearby organs and tissues. The metastasis of cancer cells leads to pain in the pelvic region. Pain during intercourse Just like pelvic pain, one can also experience pain or discomfort during intercourse, and this is known as dyspareunia. This can happen due to the tumor in the cervix. Heavy menstrual bleeding Heavy bleeding during a regular menstrual cycle should be noted as an abnormal symptom. It typically indicates an underlying health condition, like cervical cancer. Unusual discharge While vaginal discharge is normal, in cervical cancer, the discharge can be watery or bloody. It could also have some foul smell, which is not usual. This may point towards an advanced stage of cervical cancer. Treatment options The treatment options depend on various factors, like the cancer stage and other underlying health conditions that may affect the course of treatment. There are three options for the treatment of cervical cancer: surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. In some cases, a combination of all three is also used. Surgery This is an option used for tumors that have typically not grown beyond the cervix and can be surgically removed effectively from the region.

In recent years, cancer survival rates have increased tremendously thanks to advancements in cancer interventions. Among these treatments, surgery has emerged as an effective option that prevents the disease from progressing. However, there are certain side effects associated with cancer surgery, leaving patients tired and weak for some time afterward. To eliminate such side effects, it is important to prepare well for the surgical procedure and continue taking adequate care of oneself afterward. Preparing for cancer surgery Take the necessary pre-operative tests Oncologists usually ask patients to take a few general body tests to ensure they are physically fit for the surgery. Some of these tests include the following- A blood test to check blood count, liver and kidney functioning, blood sugar, and more A chest X-ray to examine one’s lung functioning An ECG to check heart health Urine test to examine kidney function Health experts may also suggest other tests based on one’s condition and requirements. One should ensure that all the necessary tests are taken before the surgery and submit the results to one’s doctor well in advance so that if the surgery has to be postponed for health reasons, there’s no last-minute hassle. Have lean protein Protein is essential for building strong muscles, which can help improve resilience during cancer surgery. But, red and processed meats must be strictly avoided, as they might worsen cancer symptoms. So, to minimize physical weakness, one should have sufficient lean protein, including eggs, poultry, venison, and plant-based protein (such as soybeans and lentils), before cancer surgery. Regulate calorie intake It’s important to follow a healthy meal plan before cancer surgery to minimize the risk of complications. One should also monitor one’s calorie intake closely when preparing for cancer surgery, replacing sugary and oily foods from the meal plan with nutrient-rich alternatives.