Acute graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) is a serious complication that can occur after an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant. It occurs when the donor’s immune cells recognize the recipient’s tissues as foreign and mount an immune response against them. Acute GvHD typically develops within days following the transplant and can affect multiple organs, primarily the skin, liver, and gastrointestinal tract. The condition is driven by the activation of donor T cells that attack the host’s tissues. Signs of Acute GvHD Skin rashes One of the most common symptoms of acute GvHD is reddened skin areas or rashes. These rashes can resemble sunburns and may cause the skin to be itchy or painful. They can start at the neck, ears, shoulders, or the palms of the hand, and in some cases, they can begin forming at the soles of the feet. As the disease progresses, the rashes can spread to other parts of the body. They can often be accompanied by intense itching, also known as pruritus. The redness and inflammation accompanied by rashes can cause erythema. This can cause blisters and peeling of the skin in intense cases. Gastrointestinal discomfort This is another common sign of the condition to look out for. The patients may experience moderate to severe abdominal pain following the grafting procedure. Some may even have watery or bloody diarrhea along with mucosal damage. Nausea and vomiting resulting from the condition can cause nutritional imbalance, insufficiency, and modified fluid balance. Patients might alternatively have to deal with constipation. It can cause severe bowel obstruction due to a lack of proper bowel movements. Jaundice Acute GvHD also impacts the patient’s liver. The increased bilirubin levels in the patient’s body lead to yellowing of the eyes, nails, and skin. Aside from bilirubin, there is also an observed elevation in the levels of other liver enzymes.

Myelofibrosis, a rare type of blood cancer, leads to the formation of scar tissues in the bone marrow. This negatively affects the marrow’s ability to make healthy blood cells, resulting in symptoms like fatigue and anemia, which can make it difficult to carry out daily tasks. However, if detected early, the condition and its symptoms can be managed. Additionally, a few lifestyle changes can make it even easier to manage myelofibrosis. 1. Try relaxation techniques Myelofibrosis and its treatment can take a toll on the body and mind. A great way to manage the associated stress is by trying certain relaxation techniques, like meditation, breathing exercises, and yoga. These activities can help calm the mind, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. One can also try listening to relaxing music, which can also bring down stress levels. 2. Make time for fun activities A myelofibrosis diagnosis might come as a shock, following which one needs to work on their emotional health to fight the disease and go through with the treatment. One of the best ways to keep emotional health in check is by spending time on activities that bring one joy. These activities could be anything from reading or painting to gardening or taking walks. 3. Seek support After getting a myelofibrosis diagnosis, one can consider seeking some counseling to better cope with the emotional challenges of living with the condition and undergoing treatment. One can also approach their healthcare professional, who can address one’s concerns and challenges. Alternatively, one can consider joining a support group. This can help one find people who are also dealing with myelofibrosis and learn about how they cope with the condition, any challenges, and the associated stress. So, seeking support can help one better cope with the condition. 4. Get enough rest As myelofibrosis can cause fatigue and weakness, it is crucial to get adequate rest and proper sleep while dealing with the condition.

Myelofibrosis is a form of blood cancer. It causes scar tissue to develop in the bone marrow. A type of chronic leukemia, myelofibrosis also leads to increased production of abnormal blood cells. Over time, these abnormal cells start replacing normal healthy cells, leading to various symptoms such as anemia, which causes weakness and fatigue. Although myelofibrosis is a rare blood cancer, its warning signs and symptoms are often similar to other chronic health conditions. Warning signs of myelofibrosis Myelofibrosis is known to progress slowly over several years. So, the symptoms do not become apparent in the early stages. In fact, nearly one-third of those who are diagnosed with myelofibrosis do not show the signs in the starting stage. Once the symptoms start to show up, they quickly become worse. So, a person usually experiences severe fatigue. Often, the spleen also becomes enlarged. Some of the common warning signs of myelofibrosis include the following- Fever Itching Pale skin Loss of appetite Night sweats Frequent infections Enlarged spleen or liver Bone or joint pain Pain or fullness below the ribs on the left side Unexplained blood clots Abnormal bleeding or bruising Enlarged veins in the stomach and esophagus, which may sometimes rupture and bleed Shortness of breath If any of these symptoms last long, it is important to consult a healthcare provider to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment. Diagnosis An oncologist usually diagnoses myelofibrosis. They start by conducting a physical examination and asking about the patient’s health history. Then, they check for any symptoms that indicate anemia and an enlarged spleen. To determine if a person has myelofibrosis, the healthcare provider might recommend the following tests- Complete blood count test – Also known as CBC, this examination is done to check the number of blood cells in one’s body. If there is a low number of red blood cells and high levels of white blood cells or platelets, it might be due to myelofibrosis.

During an allogeneic transplant, a healthcare expert introduces hematopoietic stem cells from a donor into the host’s body. These donated stem cells eventually turn into mature blood cells. However, in some cases, the donated cells may perceive the host cells as a foreign threat, attacking the recipient’s cells as an immune response. This condition is known as graft versus host disease (GvHD) and can develop into two types, including acute graft versus host disease (aGvHD). Occurrence Healthcare professionals used to classify GvHD based on the timing of the symptom onset. Nowadays, providers diagnose specific types of GvHD based on symptoms and healthcare trials, in addition to the onset of symptoms. Acute graft versus host disease (aGvHD) typically develops shortly after a transplant, usually within the first 100 days. However, the symptoms of this type may appear at a later stage. Another commonly seen type is chronic graft versus host disease (cGvHD), which might develop any time following an allogeneic transplant, with a majority of the cases starting within two years. Symptoms The symptoms of aGvHD can range from mild to moderate to severe, typically affecting the skin, liver, or gastrointestinal tract (GI). Affected persons may also experience a range of symptoms, including a rash or reddened areas on the skin accompanied by itching or pain. The rashes usually develop on the shoulders, ears, neck, palms of the hands, and soles of the feet and may spread to other parts of the body. In addition to skin issues, aGvHD can lead to other symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, and jaundice. While some symptoms may be mild, other cases can be severe and may require a visit to a clinic. Management A healthcare professional typically recommends treatments based on the type of GvHD. Those affected may receive immunosuppressive prescriptions orally, intravenously, or topically to manage the complication.

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a movement disorder involving involuntary movements of certain body parts. These are repetitive movements that usually affect the face. Certain treatments cause the onset of TD, as they may lead to chemical changes in the brain. Such changes increase dopamine sensitivity, triggering this condition. Moreover, some existing health issues, such as diabetes, can worsen TD symptoms. It helps to understand the physical effects and treatment options for TD for better management. Physical effects of tardive dyskinesia Sudden, jerky body movements Those with TD may move their arms and legs involuntarily and with a jerk. These movements are often accompanied by thrusting of the trunk and hips, rocking, etc. Facial grimacing TD often affects one’s lower facial muscles, which can lead to involuntary facial grimacing in this area. Facial tics Repetitive, uncontrollable facial movements, like facial tics, are common among those with TD. So, patients may smack their lips, grind their teeth, make fish-like lip movements, blink constantly, or stick out their tongues. Duck-like walk Another common physical effect of TD is a duck-like gait, wherein one may take short strides and shift their body mass constantly between their feet. Respiratory problems Some patients with TD may find themselves constantly feeling short of breath. This is because the health condition majorly affects the muscles involved in breathing. Muscle spasms TD is accompanied by severe muscle spasms, often several times a day, causing extreme pain and discomfort. Ways to manage tardive dyskinesia To manage TD symptoms, it’s crucial to recognize its signs and symptoms early on and get the disease treated on time. In addition, one should make certain lifestyle changes to ensure the treatment works well. Manage comorbid health issues Diabetes, HIV, trauma, brain injury, etc., can worsen TD symptoms. For this reason, those with TD should run tests for such diseases and manage them.

Doctors always ask people to keep their blood sugar levels under control because high blood sugar causes many health problems, including type 2 diabetes and hyperglycemia. Continuous glucose monitoring is a technique wherein a device automatically gauges one’s blood sugar levels all day and night. By doing so, it detects fluctuations at specific times and helps users stabilize blood sugar levels. So, here are a few critical things to know about continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). What are continuous glucose monitors? CGMs are devices people can wear on the body to measure glucose levels throughout the day. By tracking blood glucose levels for 24 hours, users can decide how much insulin they require and when. While fingerstick checks are also quite common to monitor blood sugar levels, individuals cannot use them continuously. That’s why doctors recommend CGMs for more detailed assessments. Procedure to use the device Individuals must use CGMs correctly for the best outcome. Here are three steps involved in using the device: Place the sensor beneath the skin Individuals should start by placing the device’s sensor under the skin, typically on the arm or stomach. Most CGMs come with applicators, which make the process easy. One may use adhesive tapes to hold the sensor firmly in place. Monitor blood sugar levels The sensor measures blood sugar levels and generates readings once every five minutes. It then sends the readings to an external handheld device, like a cell phone. Users should monitor the readings to spot blood sugar fluctuation patterns during the day. Change the sensor periodically One would need to change the sensor periodically—usually once a week or once every two weeks—based on the device’s brand and the specific instructions it comes with. Changing the sensor is important to ensure it continues functioning well. However, with certain long-term CGMs, doctors may change the sensors only a few times a year.

A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is a critical device used for diabetes and blood sugar management in individuals. CGM, as it is abbreviated, is a small wearable device with a thin filament inserted under one’s skin. As it is a healthcare device, most people expect it to be covered by health insurance. However, there is some ambiguity about whether private healthcare insurance policies cover the expenses of CGMs. This article details the process for clarification. Does private insurance cover CGM? Private and commercial insurance plans have a host of eligibility criteria that must be met to provide for personalized usage of CGM. Certain policies may cover professional CGMs as an option when they are intermittently used. The details change from one insurance provider to another, which is why it is vital to check with the policy provider about the coverage nitty-gritty. Research is crucial when people are about to purchase an insurance policy from private companies to cover their healthcare costs. Since diabetes is a varied and complicated illness, it can be challenging to determine if private insurance covers CGM. Many private health insurance companies vary in the amount they cover and for which kind of diabetes. For instance, some companies set a broad list of guidelines for different diagnoses: whether that is type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, or gestational diabetes. Some companies have more specific guidelines for different kinds of diagnosis. For example, the coverage may be lower for people who have type 1 diabetes with recurrent, severe, and unexplained hypoglycemia with blood glucose levels that dip below 50 mg/dL. On the other hand, other insurance providers will cover the full costs of CGMs even for individuals with severe symptoms, as long as their healthcare expert prescribes it as necessary and unavoidable. It is advisable to check the extent of coverage insurance companies offer before one purchases their policies.

A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is a device used for measuring and tracking blood sugar levels. Unlike other glucose-measuring devices, a CGM is wearable. So, it is constantly attached to the body, making it able to measure glucose levels throughout the day and transmit data to a connected device, like a smartphone. Originally developed for those with diabetes, a CGM can now be used by anyone who wants to regulate their metabolism. Types of CGMs The basic function of all CGMs is to measure blood glucose levels. That said, the devices can differ in the ways they display and store this information. One of the most common types of CGMs is known as a real-time CGM device. One such device is the ADC Freestyle Libre 3 system, which automatically sends blood-glucose data to a receiver or smartphone so that results can be accessed anytime. Another type is intermittently scanned CGMs that also measure glucose levels on a continuous basis but share the data differently. To view or store this data, the devices have to be scanned by a receiver or a smartphone. A third type is also available, whose data is downloaded by a doctor at a later date. While CGMs could be of one of these three types, the devices differ from each other based on a few model specifications. – Location of the sensor—whether it is implanted within the skin or just placed on it – Replacement duration of the sensor – Time it takes for the CGM to warm up – Adjustment of the program settings Cost of CGMs The cost of these medical devices can differ based on the brand, model, and insurance coverage. In addition, the price of CGMs also varies depending on whether the device has been purchased through a membership shopping club, a retail pharmacy, or a third-party medical equipment company.

The digestive system is responsible for breaking down food and deriving nutrients to support overall health. But, there are some instances when the system faces certain hindrances, leading to one falling sick. For instance, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) can affect the pancreas, including cystic fibrosis, and may lead to difficulty in digesting foods. This condition can interrupt the normal functions of the digestive system, affecting nutrient absorption and potentially triggering additional health concerns. Signs and symptoms Affected individuals may struggle to obtain the right amount of nutrients from their regular foods. So, the most common symptoms one might experience are associated with digestive health. These may include diarrhea and fatty stools. Additionally, some individuals may experience abdominal pain, constipation, and bloating. Moreover, these symptoms may even make one feel full after eating a small portion of food due to the excessive pressure on the digestive system. Since EPI symptoms resemble other digestive issues, diagnosing and finding the right cause of the condition can be challenging. So, it is important to seek medical help and have the symptoms checked and evaluated by a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Treatment The treatment option prescribed for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) and its associated signs may differ from one person to another. But, the primary goal of treatment is to compensate for the lack of pancreatic enzyme production. This is typically achieved through pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT). It involves taking prescribed pancreatic enzymes during each meal or snack to accelerate food digestion and absorption of essential nutrients, thereby alleviating the symptoms. One must take the capsules based on the schedule set by the healthcare expert. If one experiences any complications from this treatment, consult a professional for immediate help and appropriate treatment. ReliZORB ReliZORB is a single-use digestive enzyme cartridge that helps EPI patients who face trouble breaking down fats.

Polycythemia vera (PV) is a kind of blood cancer in which the bone marrow produces a large number of red blood cells, causing the blood to thicken. This change in blood viscosity slows down its flow and can lead to complications like blood clots. PV is a rare condition caused by a genetic mutation. The condition develops slowly, and a patient may have it for years before they show serious symptoms and receive a diagnosis. Symptoms of PV The condition can cause a wide range of symptoms. Most of these symptoms are easily overlooked or mistaken as a sign of another condition. Knowing the key signs and symptoms is important for a timely diagnosis and treatment. Fatigue and weakness It is a hallmark symptom of PV and other cancer types. People with the condition often describe fatigue as a constant feeling of tiredness even after getting enough sleep. The symptom can significantly impact the patient’s quality of life. Headaches Another common symptom observed in PV patients is frequent headaches. They may occur in different areas in the head or vary in intensity. Dizziness As the blood thickens, its flow slows down, which can cause dizziness or lightheadedness in patients. The symptoms can also increase the risk of sudden falls, making them dangerous signs. Shortness of breath As the blood thickens, it has difficulty flowing throughout the body. This problem can cause a person to experience shortness of breath, which often worsens when lying down. This is because the heart works harder in this position to keep the blood flowing. The condition can also cause symptoms like night sweats, itching, numbness, and gout. It is important to consult a healthcare expert when one experiences any of the warning signs. Causes of PV PV is a condition that occurs due to a genetic mutation that causes the bone marrow to produce excessive red blood cells.