The American Journal of Medicine reports that every one in three women in the country experiences Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) at least once before the age of 24. Also, the risk of infection is higher in women and diabetic patients because of the shorter urethra that enables microbes to easily invade the body. A UTI is typically not a life-threatening disease but can become severe and complicated. In the initial stages of an uncomplicated infection, treating UTI does not require much effort. But prevention of a urinary tract infection is also possible. Although there are numerous pathogens that cause a UTI, bacteria are the most common culprit. Hence, the goal is to keep harmful bacteria away, and there are numerous ways to do it. 1. Water Drink plenty of water and flush out infection-causing bacteria by drinking a lot of water and peeing often. Being well-hydrated also prevents germs from multiplying in the body. Limit the intake of alcohol and caffeinated drinks that can irritate a sensitive bladder. 2. Pee often Do not hold back urine. Get up and use the bathroom when you feel the need to pee. Accumulating urine that needs to be emptied can result in a UTI.

While iron-deficiency anemia is largely considered the most common type seen in people, it is prudent to note that there are quite a few rare ones. Here’s all you need to know about the top rare forms of anemia. 1. Hereditary Sideroblastic Anemia This is one of the rare forms of anemia that occurs when a gene mutation comes in the way of regular and normal hemoglobin production. It is also to be noted that it is this gene “heme,” that produces that part of the hemoglobin that carries the oxygen to various parts of the body. Some of the symptoms include chest pain, headaches, trouble breathing, weakness, and fatigue. 2. Congenital Sideroblastic Anemia Commonly referred to as CSA, in this rare form of anemia causes, the bone marrow fails to produce the required number of red blood cells (RBC) that are healthy. Instead, it ends up producing abnormal RBCs that are called sideroblasts. While these cells mature, they are replete with iron that accumulates in the mitochondria. These mitochondria, in turn, are now iron filled, surround the nucleus, and appear as a ring. Just because the iron is stuck in the mitochondria, the body fails to produce the required amount of hemoglobin.

Hemophilia is a genetic disease that causes abnormal bleeding. Excessive blood loss can be the result of low levels of blood-clotting proteins in the body. Depending on which protein is deficient, you can classify hemophilia into three types. Type A is a consequence of factor VIII deficiency; a deficit of factor IX induces type B and Type C of factor XI. There is also acquired hemophilia that is associated with cancer, autoimmune disorders, and pregnancy. The delayed clotting can lead to nosebleeds, bleeding gums, and blood in urine and stools. Internal bleeding, however, is a more dangerous symptom. It causes aches and spasms, deep bruising, and swelling in the joints and muscles. Diagnosis of hemophilia Blood tests can confirm the presence of hemophilia. When the clotting factor is between 4% and 6% of the standard level, it is mild hemophilia, and moderate hemophilia is between 5% and 1%. The condition is severe if it is less than 1% of the normal level. The treatment for hemophilia includes blood transfusions, replacement therapy, and medication like Desmopressin and Antifibrinolytic medication. Risk factors of hemophilia The risk factors of hemophilia are fairly simple to understand. Here are four of them: 1. Gender Hemophilia is an X-linked recessive disorder.

A person infected with the hepatitis C virus infection will show different signs and symptoms based on the stage of infection. Some of the most common symptoms that a person would exhibit include jaundice, fatigue, nausea, and fever. In this case, an individual who is at a more advanced stage of hep C will have liver failure, which could cause bleeding problems or severe confusion (encephalopathy). In some cases, hepatitis C is also known to result in liver cancer, which can manifest itself in the form of a malnourished appearance. A few rare symptoms associated with hepatitis C virus infection usually manifest themselves only in chronic or acute stages. These rare symptoms occur due to the liver’s dysfunction or the body responds with inflammation to the virus. 1. Weight loss This is one symptom that can be the effect of various other symptoms associated with hep C infection. Fatigue, vomiting, or nausea can end up causing a diminished appetite and reduced food intake. The liver may become impaired and fail to produce sufficient proteins and fats required to digest and absorb the food eaten. Malnutrition can lead to diarrhea, even when a person tries to eat food. 2. Signs on skin The individual may exhibit a burning sensation or a feeling of abnormal tingling.

Deep vein thrombosis is a condition where blood gets clogged or clots in the deep portions of the veins. The result of this blood clot is severe pain and swelling. Doctors have repeatedly said that DVT is difficult to spot if one falls under the following risk factors. It is best to avoid getting it by ensuring to get one’s blood often tested and, most importantly, by following a healthy lifestyle and food habits. Here is a list of risk factors for DVT: 1. One is over 40-45 As one grows old, the chances of DVT also significantly goes up significantly. It is essential to get all the necessary tests that are required to detect DVT. 2. One already had it and got treated for it Research shows a 30-35% chance of getting DVT again even if one was cured of it once or twice before. 3. One’s family has a history of DVT If a parent or a sibling has had DVT, one is certainly at risk. If both parents have had DVT, the risk factor increases substantially. 4. Blood clotting disorder For some people, blood does not clot the way it is meant to be, and this is referred to as blood clotting disorder.