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 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.

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a neurological condition caused by a side effect of certain treatment options. They are usually prescribed to manage various mental health conditions. When these treatment options block the dopamine receptors in the brain, both the brain and nervous system malfunction, triggering tardive dyskinesia. This then leads to uncontrollable and abnormal movements in those affected, primarily in their face and torso and sometimes in the entire body. Risk factors While tardive dyskinesia can affect anyone, seniors and women are likely to be at a higher risk of developing the condition. Additionally, pre-existing health issues like diabetes, infections like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and injuries to certain areas, especially the brain, are known to increase the risk of tardive dyskinesia. Clinical features One of the most significant clinical features of tardive dyskinesia is that it causes involuntary stiffness and jerky movements in different body parts. Orofacial or oro-bucco-lingual dyskinesia: This is characterized by uncontrolled shaking and movements in various parts of the face, including the lips, jaw, and tongue. As a result, those with the condition might involuntarily stick their tongue out, blink rapidly, chew even when there is no food in the mouth, or smack or pucker their lips.

Narcolepsy is a neurological condition where the brain is unable to regulate the body’s sleep-wake cycle. As a result, affected individuals usually feel energized as soon as they wake up in the morning but feel the urge to sleep several times a day. Narcolepsy doesn’t directly trigger serious long-term health conditions but can hamper one’s daily functioning significantly. Identifying the symptoms of narcolepsy early on can help with timely diagnosis and management of the disease. Causes and triggers The underlying biological cause of narcolepsy is the deficiency of hypocretin (also known as orexin), a brain chemical that regulates sleep. Scientists suggest that this hypocretin deficiency is caused by the immune system attacking specific brain regions that produce the brain chemicals. Apart from this, many possible factors may trigger or increase one’s risk of developing narcolepsy. 1. Hormonal changes Puberty and adolescence may cause several hormonal changes in the body, which might trigger narcolepsy in some people. 2. Genetic factors In most cases, narcolepsy is not inherited, but it does run in some families. Among those who develop narcolepsy due to genetic factors, a variation of the HLA-DQB1 gene is thought to trigger the condition. 3. Sudden, strong emotional outbursts If a person experiences sudden, strong bouts of emotion, such as anger, fear, or excitement, they might develop cataplexy, a narcolepsy symptom that causes sudden, brief muscle weakness.

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that causes drowsiness throughout the day. Individuals with this condition can fall asleep at any point of the day without warning. It can also lead to a drop in alertness levels, making it difficult to focus on current activities or function properly. Besides that, it can give rise to other symptoms like sudden loss of muscle tone (cataplexy), sleep paralysis, sleep-related hallucinations, and changes in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Diagnosing narcolepsy Doctors begin by inquiring about the patient’s complete medical history and conducting physical exams to diagnose this condition. A sleep specialist performs an overnight polysomnogram (PSG) to monitor the individual’s sleep throughout the night, followed by a multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) to measure the onset of sleep and REM stages and a genetic blood test to check for specific genetic mutations. It can take 10 to 15 years to receive a definitive diagnosis after the first symptoms appear. Managing narcolepsy Although there is no specific cure for narcolepsy, individuals can make several lifestyle changes to manage the condition better and lead a better quality of life. 1. Practice sleep hygiene Consistent and adequate sleep is one of the most crucial aspects of managing narcolepsy.

B-cell lymphocytes are a type of white blood cells present in lymph nodes or other lymphoid tissues. They make antibodies, which are proteins in the immune system that help fight infections. However, in some cases, individuals may develop complications in these cells, causing B-cell lymphoma, a type of blood cancer. Here, the lymphocytes are no longer healthy, grow uncontrollably, and cannot fight infection, weakening one’s immune system and affecting overall well-being. Symptoms The symptoms of B-cell lymphoma majorly depend on the part of the body affected, the speed of cancer growth, and the extent of spread at the time of diagnosis. That said, a few common symptoms point toward the condition. One of these includes painless swelling of the lymph nodes in the armpit, neck, and groin. One might also feel fatigued or notice a sudden reduction in muscle mass. Some may also notice a swollen abdomen due to a mass or an enlarged liver or spleen. A cough, trouble breathing, and fever are other symptoms of B-cell lymphoma. Causes DNA makes up the genetic codes of all cells and instructs them how to function. Individuals may develop B-cell lymphoma following mutations in the lymphocyte’s genetic code. Alterations to this code can make it challenging for the lymphocyte to fight off an infection.