A healthy person’s bone marrow makes the white blood cells that fight infection, red blood cells that transport oxygen and platelets that are necessary for blood clotting. The bone marrow in a person with leukemia produces abnormal white blood cells, also called leukemia cells. These cells grow faster than normal white blood cells and do not provide the same benefits. They push out the healthy white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets and inhibit them from functioning properly. Leukemia cells spread to the organs and lymph nodes, resulting in pain and swelling as well as increasing the risks for several complications and symptoms.

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There are many different types of leukemia, some that most often affect children and some that develop more often in adults.

Leukemia Categories

Leukemia is categorized by the type of white blood cells the disease affects and how quickly it progresses.

Acute Leukemia

In terms of time, leukemia is divided into acute and chronic leukemia. Acute leukemia develops quickly, causing people to feel symptoms almost immediately.

Chronic Leukemia

Chronic leukemia affects white blood cells that are more mature. These blood cells may continue to function properly for some time. People with chronic leukemia may not experience symptoms for several years. Chronic leukemia sufferers may not require as aggressive of treatment as people with acute leukemia.

Lymphocytic Leukemia 

Leukemia is also categorized as either lymphocytic or myelogenous. The assigned category is dependent upon the cells affected by the disease. Lymphocytic leukemia targets white blood cells called lymphocytes or lymphoid cells. These cells make lymphatic tissue that forms the immune system. Lymphocytic leukemia is also called lymphoblastic leukemia.

Myelogenous Leukemia

Myelogenous leukemia affects white blood cells called myelocytes or myeloid cells. These cells become white blood cells, red blood cells and the cells that make platelets.

Types of Leukemia

There are four main types of leukemia, including:

• Acute lymphoblastic leukemia
• Acute myelogenous leukemia
• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
• Chronic myelogenous leukemia

There are also subtypes of these main forms of leukemia and more rare types of the disease.

Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia

Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) most commonly affects children, though adults can get this type of leukemia too. People with ALL have abnormal white blood cells that crowd out normal blood cells and make it difficult for blood to do its work.

Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia Symptoms

People with ALL develop symptoms similar to other forms of leukemia as well as unique symptoms. These symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Fever
• Weakness
• Weight loss
• Appetite loss
• Abdominal pain
• Bone pain
• Shortness of breath
• Bruising easily
• Easy bleeding
• Pain in the ribs
• Feeling of fullness in the lower portion of the ribs
• Painless lumps on the abdomen, groin, armpits or neck

Certain risk factors increase the possibility of developing ALL, but do not mean that a person will definitely get the disease. People who are at greater risk for ALL include:

• Adults over 70 years of age
• Caucasians
• Men
• People given chemotherapy
• People who have been exposed to radiation

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Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common form of leukemia in adults, particularly adults over the age of 55. Although it can develop in children, it is rare. Over 15,000 people develop CLL annually in the United States.

The disease progresses slowly and changes the lymphoid cells. People with CLL are more vulnerable to infection because of decreased immune function caused by the abnormalities in the lymphoid cells.

Symptoms of CLL

People with CLL may have experience some of the common leukemia symptoms as well as issues with their spleens and lymph nodes. Symptoms of CLL include:

• Appetite loss
• Lack of energy
• Muscle weakness
• Night sweats
• Swelling and pain in the lymph glands
• Swelling and pain in the spleen
• Weight loss

Acute Myelogenous Leukemia

Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is a common type of leukemia seen in adults and children. Approximately 13,000 people get this type of leukemia each year. AML targets myeloid cells. The disease progresses quickly. AML is sometimes called acute granulocytic leukemia, acute nonlymphocytic leukemia or acute myeloblastic leukemia.

Symptoms of AML

AML may cause different symptoms in adults in children. Both may experience the common symptoms of myelogenous leukemia, such as:

• Fullness below the ribs
• Pain below the ribs
• Fever
• Tiredness
• Night sweats
• Weakness

Adults may also experience weight loss. Children can present unique symptoms, such as:

• Bone pain
• Easy bleeding or bruising
• Joint pain
• Painless lumps that are blue or purple

There are several subtypes of AML, each with different chromosome changes in the cells and different proteins on the surface of cells. Treatment programs may differ by subtype.

Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia

Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) mainly develops in adults and is responsible for around 5,000 of the leukemia cases diagnosed annually. CML can develop in children, but is mainly seen in adults over the age of 50. It is also more often found in women than men and in people with a gene mutation called the Philadelphia chromosome.

CML targets myeloid cells. The disease causes the body to make large amounts of myelocytes, or leukemia cells. These cells are white blood cells with a reduced ability to combat infections.

There are three phases of CML, including the chronic, accelerated and blast crisis phases. It may take months or ever years before a person with CML experiences symptoms. Typically, CML develops slowly and symptoms do not present until it reaches a phase of the disease that causes the leukemia cells to develop at an increased pace.

Chronic myelogenous leukemia is also called chronic granulocytic leukemia or chronic myeloid leukemia.

Symptoms of CML

People with CML may experience problems with their spleen or symptoms similar to those in caused by other types of leukemia. Symptoms of CML include:

• Tiredness
• Fever
• Weight loss
• Reduced appetite
• Weakness
• Swelling in the spleen
• Pain in the spleen

Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia

Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) is one of the more rare forms of leukemia. It develops mainly in children under 2 years of age. Children with certain conditions, including Noonan’s syndrome and neurofibroatosis, are at a greater risk for developing JMML.

Symptoms of JMML

Children with JMML may present with few symptoms toward the beginning of the condition. JMML develops slowly, causing symptoms to appear years after the disease develops in some people. The symptoms of JMML include:

• Swollen lymph nodes
• Fever
• Weakness
• Abdominal pain
• Lack of energy
• Bruising easily
• Joint and bone pain
• Recurrent infections, such as bronchitis and tonsillitis

Hairy Cell Leukemia

Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is one of the least common types of leukemia. It is a chronic form that causes white blood cells to change, appearing as if the cells have small hairs on them when examined under a microscope. HCL also makes the body produce excessive amounts of white blood cells called malignant B lymphocytes. These cells accumulate in the bone marrow and the blood, pushing out the healthy blood cells and leaving people vulnerable to anemia and infections.

Men are more likely to develop hairy cell leukemia than women. People over 50 years of age are also more at risk for HCL. Younger adults may develop this type of leukemia, but it is not found in children and teenagers.

Symptoms of Hairy Cell Leukemia

Hairy cell leukemia progresses slowly overtime so treatment is not always immediately necessary. There is no cure for hairy cell leukemia, but some people can live out a normal lifetime with treatment that suppresses symptoms.

Symptoms of HCL include:

• Easy bruising
• Fever
• Frequent infections
• Pain and swelling in the spleen
• Weight loss
• Weakness

Leukemia Causes

What causes leukemia, including the individual types, is unknown. There are certain conditions that are associated with the development of leukemia. Potential risk factors include:

• Aging
• Certain drugs
• Chemotherapy agents
• Chromosomal abnormalities
• Down syndrome
• Exposure to benzene and other petrochemicals
• Exposure to electromagnetic energy and high energy radiation
• Fanconi’s anemia
• Hair dyes
• Hodgkin’s disease
• Smoking cigarettes
• Viral infections, such as HIV

Genetic factors can also play a part in the development of leukemia. Mothers can sometimes transmit leukemia to their unborn children. The DNA in blood cells sometimes mutate. This can lead to the production of the abnormal cells that cause leukemia symptoms.

Leukemia Diagnosis

Diagnosing leukemia involves taking a medical history, a physical examination and looking at samples of blood and bone marrow. Doctors often first detect leukemia during a routine blood test. If a person has symptoms of leukemia, additional procedures including tests and taking a history are performed.

Physical Examination

A physical examination looks for signs and symptoms of leukemia. A physical exam looks for signs, such as:

• Pale skin
• Swollen or enlarged liver
• Swollen or enlarged lymph nodes
• Swollen or enlarged spleen

During a physical exam, doctors also review a patient’s medical history, family history, work history, current symptoms and lifestyle.

Blood Tests

Blood tests reveal if a person has abnormal platelets or blood cells, as well as the number of white blood cells. Looking at the cells under a microscope can show if they have an abnormal shape or size. People with leukemia may have an abnormally high number of white cells and low counts of red blood cells and platelets. White blood cells counts can be normal though in some of the acute childhood leukemias. The blood tests also reveal if a person’s liver and kidney are functioning well and if there are leukemic cells in a person’s spinal fluid.

Bone Marrow Test

Some people may be given a bone marrow test, also called bone marrow aspiration or biopsy. This procedure involves inserting a needle into a hipbone, or other large bone. The needle removes a small sample of both solid and liquid bone marrow from the inside of the bone.

The sample is then examined for leukemia cells by a hematologist or a hematologist-oncologist. The specialist looks for leukemic cells and if they are present exams the cell’s appearance gives clues as to how to best treat the leukemia. Sometimes, this is the only way to confirm a leukemia diagnosis.

Imaging Studies

Imagine studies using machines may also be part of the diagnostic process. Tests may include an MRI, CT scan, ultrasound or X-ray. These imaging studies reveal if a patient has an enlarged liver or spleen. In children, these tests can also reveal other causes of symptoms besides leukemia.

Genetic Studies

To classify certain types of leukemia, doctors may exam the chromosomes of abnormal cells for any irregularities. A spinal tap may be performed to discover if the cerebrospinal fluid around the spinal cord or the fluid around the brain has leukemia cells. This alerts doctors if leukemia cells have reached the central nervous system. If cells accumulate there they can alter a person’s mental processes.

A spinal tap involves a puncture to the lumbar spine to remove some of the cerebrospinal fluid. A doctor inserts a hollow needle into the lower back. The procedure may be performed in a doctor’s office by a blood specialist. A specialist looks for leukemia cells in the cerebrospinal fluid.

Chest X-rays are not uncommon during a leukemia diagnosis. A chest X-ray reveals any signs of infection or lymph node involvement.

Another test that may be done is a lymph node excision. This involves biopsying a swollen lymph node. The procedure is rarely used, but may be required when results of a bone marrow are hard to interpret.

Stages of Leukemia

Leukemia is classified into different stages or phases after a diagnosis. The stage of leukemia indicates the extent of the disease and how far it has progressed in the affected areas of the body. The purpose of staging leukemia is usually to assist in determining the best treatment therapy and risk factors. Different types of leukemia use different staging systems.

CML Stages

Chronic myelogenous leukemia has three phases. The phases are determined by the number of leukemia cells in the bone marrow and blood. These cells are called blasts.

The first phase of CML is called the chronic phase. This is generally the phase most people are in when first diagnosed. There are few symptoms during the chronic phase. Some people have no symptoms. A person can remain in the chronic phase for years.

The second phase is called the accelerated phase. During this phase, people often feel pain in their bones, experience fevers and may have an enlarged spleen. The blasts grow rapidly during the accelerated phase. Without treatment, leukemia progresses to the third phase, the blast crisis phase.

The blast crisis phase brings several potential symptoms, including bone marrow failure. Other symptoms of the blast crisis phase include:

• Tiredness
• Enlarged spleen, causing pressure beneath the ribs on the left side
• Bleeding
• Easy bruising
• Low-grade fever
• Rash
• Night sweats
• Weakness

CLL Stages

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is classified into five stages starting with stage 0. During stage 0, there are no symptoms, but an excess of lymphocytes in the blood. It is a chronic, slow moving stage.

Stage 1 is the next stage. It is also a chronic stage. People in stage 1 have an excess of lymphocytes. The lymph nodes are bigger than normal during this stage.

Stage 2 is classified by large lymph nodes and an excess of lymphocytes. The spleen and liver are also bigger than normal.

During stage 3, a person has enlarged liver, spleen or lymph nodes and the excess of lymphocytes. People in this stage also lack a normal amount of red blood cells.

A person in stage 4 has too few platelets and red blood cells. The stage is also characterized by an excess of lymphocyte and larger than usual lymph nodes, spleen or liver.

Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia Stages

Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is not classified into stages the same way that CLL and CML are. However, ALL is still categorized by the progression of the disease in adults and the risk groups in children. ALL in adults is classified as either:

• Untreated
• In remission
• Recurrent

In children, ALL is divided into risk groups. The risk groups are:

• Standard risk
• High risk
• Recurrent

Children classified as standard risk are considered low risk.

AML Stages

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is not categorized into standard stages. AML is broken into subtypes and classified by whether the disease has spread outside of the bone marrow and blood. These classifications help determine the type of treatment necessary.

Leukemia Treatment

Leukemia treatment involves two parts. One part of treatment is to combat the cancerous cells. The second goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms and the side effects associated with the primary leukemia treatment. The second type of treatment is called supportive care.

Conventional treatment for leukemia includes chemotherapy and other drugs. Some people may need a combination of both or just one depending on the type of leukemia and the stage of the disease. The patient’s ability to handle chemotherapy is also a factor in the development of a treatment plan. Occasionally, doctors may use surgical procedures to treat some types of leukemia. The timing of treatment is also dependent upon the type of leukemia.

Treatment for people with acute leukemia must begin quickly. People with acute leukemia typically receive treatment in a hospital. The main goal is to kill leukemia cells and the treatment of choice is frequently chemotherapy.

Chronic leukemia may not need immediate treatment. Once diagnosed, people with CLL may not get treatment for a long time. Doctors frequently use chemotherapy or monocolonal antibody therapy to treat CLL when people need it. Some people may need a bone marrow transplant.

People with CML do require quick treatment. Doctors treat CML with drugs that block the cancer gene.  The drugs may include Gleevec, Sprycel or Tarigna, or sometimes a combination of all three. Although the drugs can prevent CML from worsening, the only way to cure CML is a bone marrow transplant. Younger people have a better success rate for bone marrow transplants than older adults.

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Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the most commonly used method for treating leukemia. It is a form of drug treatment that cures leukemia by killing leukemia cells using chemical agents. Curing leukemia means that tests reveal no sign of leukemia and the patient does not relapse. It does not guarantee that a person will never go out of remission and get leukemia in the future.

Some forms of leukemia may need one chemotherapy drug, but other people require several different drugs. Chemotherapeutic drugs are given as oral pills or are administered intravenously into a vein. For ease of use, many patients are fitted with a semi-permanent IV line in their upper chest. A catheter goes into a large vein in the chest that allows the IV line to get to the vein. The catheter is a plastic tube kept in place with a few stitches.

Patients with leukemia cells in their spinal fluid receive chemotherapy drugs directly into the cerebrospinal canal using a process called intrathecal chemotherapy. Drugs that go into an IV through a vein do not penetrate the brain or cerebrospinal fluid enough to kill the leukemia cells. Some patients may also have a sac called an Ommaya reservoir filled with chemotherapy drugs inserted into a ventricle of the brain.

Some people may be able to take chemotherapy treatments in their homes. Whether people require treatment in a hospital or if they can get treatment at home depends upon the physical condition of the patient and what type of chemical agent that person receives.

Chemotherapy Cycles

Doctors generally administer chemotherapy in cycles with breaks in between. A cycle of chemotherapy may last days or weeks, followed by time off for a person to deal with side effects and rest. Another treatment cycle is then repeated. Sometimes, doctors perform bone marrow tests between cycles to evaluate how a person is being affected by chemotherapy side effects.

Typically, patients go through two to six cycles. The exact number of cycles prescribed are determined by an individual’s risk factors and type, or subtype, of leukemia.

Chemotherapy Phases

There are generally considered to be three phases of chemotherapy. Not everyone is given all three phases. The number of phases used depends upon the type of leukemia.

The first phase of chemotherapy is called induction. During this phase, chemotherapy drugs work to bring someone into remission by killing the most leukemia cells possible.

The second phase is called consolidation. The purpose of this phase is to eliminate any surviving leukemia cells not destroyed during induction. These surviving cells are not always seen but instead are assumed to be there.

The third phase of chemotherapy is called maintenance. During this phase, lower doses of chemo are used for the purpose of keeping a person in remission. The maintenance phase may last up to two years.

Chemotherapy Side Effects

Chemotherapy not only destroys leukemia cells, it also quickly kills healthy cells and causes other side effects. The side effects that a person experiences depends upon the type of drug given. People generally have more severe side effects if taking higher doses of chemotherapy drugs. Some people are more sensitive to drugs and therefore may experience greater side effects.

Certain parts of the body fair worse than others from chemotherapy. These areas include the places in the body that cells quickly reproduce. The areas most affected include:

• Bone marrow
• Digestive system
• Hair follicles

The nails on the fingers or toes may also be affected on some people. The nails may cease growing, crack or splinter due to the effects of chemotherapy.

The most common side effects from chemotherapy include:

• Diarrhea
• Esophageal irritation
• Hair loss
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Chemotherapy can also lead to anemia, bleeding issues and infection because of the lack of healthy cells. Doctors may give patients antibiotics, anti-infective agents, injections of healthy red blood cells or transfusions of platelets or red blood cells.

Biological Drug Therapy

Biological drug therapy is a type of treatment that uses medications similar to the body’s immune system. The goal of this therapy is to boost the immune system’s ability to combat disease. A healthy immune system has a better chance of fighting leukemia cells.

The drugs contain proteins that are synthetic versions of the ones made by the immune system to destroy invaders. These proteins can help to fight the cancer cells. Examples of these drugs include interferon, interleukins and monoclonal antibodies.

Monoclonal antibodies combat the type of leukemia cells found in people with acute myelogenous leukemia and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Interferon injections are commonly given to people with chronic myelogenous leukemia. Interferon contains proteins similar to lymphocytes. These proteins can cause leukemia cells to grow more slowly in some people.

Targeted Therapy

One of the newer types of leukemia treatments is targeted therapy. Targeted therapy involves chemotherapy drugs that combat leukemia cells while only doing minimal damage to healthy cells. These drugs may also result in significantly less severe side effects.

An example is imatinib (Gleevec), a drug used to treat chronic myelogenous leukemia. It can assist with controlling CML by inhibiting the action of a protein that resides inside the leukemia cells.

Radiation Therapy

In some circumstances and for some types of leukemia doctors may recommend radiation therapy. During radiation therapy, high-energy beams, like X-rays, are aimed at places on a patient’s body where they have leukemia cells. The beams may target areas like the bones, spleen or brain where leukemia cells have accumulated in that person. Some people may have radiation used on their entire body.

Radiation therapy, or radiotherapy, is rarely used in children or on the brain unless absolutely necessary. Radiation used on the brain may result in mental difficulties later in life, such as learning problems.

Stem Cell And Bone Marrow Transplant

A stem cell transplant and/or bone marrow transplant are procedures sometimes performed together to switch out diseased bone marrow with healthy bone marrow. Before patients receive a transplant they are given high doses of either radiation therapy or chemotherapy. This destroys the diseased bone marrow and leukemic cells. Then, patients receive an infusion of new, healthy stem cells or bone marrow from a donor. In some cases the patient receives an infusion of their own cells.

The infusion is injected intravenously through a vein where the cells can then enter the bone marrow. These stem cells multiply in the bones and assist to rebuild bone marrow. The process may take two to three weeks for completion.

Donors must be a match for the person needing the stem cell or bone marrow transplant. Siblings are usually a good match. Sometimes parents match as well. When cells from a matched donor are used the process is called allogeneic, unless the cells come from an identical twin. A stem cell transplant with donor cells from an identical twin is called syngeneic.

Sometimes an autologous infusion is performed. This is when a person’s own stem cells must be used because there is willing donor that is a match, the patient’s cells are generally pretreated with chemotherapy or radiation to get rid of leukemic cells. The chances of a successful stem cell transplant is significantly lower when using a patient’s own cells than when using the stem cells from an appropriate donor.

A stem cell transplant, specifically an allogeneic or syngeneic transplant, is usually the best option for children with juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML). JMML does not have a standard chemotherapy treatment, but about half of the patients with JMML who receive a stem cell transplant remain in remission for several years. Some promising chemical trials involving new drugs like tipifarnib and sorafenib are being run that may offer more treatment options for patients who are unable to receive a stem cell transplant.

Transplant Side Effects

A stem cell or bone marrow transplant may lead to side effects or complications. People with leukemia are more prone to infections. Antibiotics may be given to treat or prevent infection. Doctors may also recommend that patients receive a transfusion of platelets. This may help treat anemia and prevent bleeding.

Short-Term Side Effects

People who receive a bone marrow and/or stem cell transplant are at risk for mild to moderate side effects. These side effects generally only last a little while. Known short-term side effects include:

• Appetite loss
• Hair loss
• Mouth sores
• Nausea or vomiting
• Skin reactions
• Tiredness

Long-Term Complications

Leukemia patients are also at risk for long-term complications. These include:

• Cataracts
• Heart damage
• Infertility
• Liver damage
• Lung damage
• Kidney damage
• Secondary cancers

Graft-Versus-Host Disease

A potential complication is called a graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). This complication develops sometimes during allogeneic transplants. GVHD is when the white blood cells in the donor consider the cells of the patient foreign and attacks those cells. Most frequently, the liver, skin and intestines are the areas of the body that become harmed.

Sometimes, this complication can happen within a few weeks of the stem cell transplant. This is called acute GVHD. The complication may develop later on, which is called chronic GVHD.

To help prevent GVHD, doctors may prescribe medications to suppress the immune system. The immune system is what directs white blood cells to attack invaders and foreign bodies. Also, donated stem cells may be treated with a process known as T-cell depletion to remove white blood cells. The more closely a donor’s cells match those of a patient the lower the chances are that GVHD will develop. People who do develop GVHD may receive treatment in the form of steroids or other immunosuppressive drugs.

Splenectomy

Even though bone marrow transplant and stem cell transplant surgeries are sometimes required, surgery is an uncommon form of leukemia treatment. However, patients with leukemia cells that have spread to the spleen and caused swelling there may need a splenectomy. A splenectomy is a procedure to take out the spleen. Typically, this surgery is only performed when the spleen’s size leads to problems with nearby organs.

Second-Line Therapy

Patients who go into remission following chemotherapy or other treatments are not completely out of the woods. Remission is sometimes short-lived. People may require new therapies if the leukemia returns. These therapies are referred to as second-line therapies. Stem cell transplant is usually the best second-line therapy for people who are eligible.

Alternative Treatment

Alternative treatments may be effective for leukemia. Alternative medicine practitioners look at a person’s overall mind-body health. They believe that leukemia is not something separate, but is linked an imbalance in the body’s complex systems. The body can cure leukemia by bringing the systems back into balance, which allows the body’s natural defenses to combat leukemia and any illness. Alternative healers operate under the assumption that lifestyle changes to promote balance and peace of mind can improve leukemia.

Naturopathic Medicine for Leukemia

Naturopaths are holistic doctors who believe that the body has an innate healing ability to prevent and fight diseases. A naturopathic doctor works with leukemia patients to formulate a treatment plan to support conventional medicine. Naturopaths may recommend one or several alternative therapies for leukemia patients, including:

• Acupuncture
• Aromatherapy
• Auricular acupressure
• Detoxification therapy
• Herbs
• Hydrotherapy
• Supplements
• Topical application of essential oils

Naturopathic treatments can relieve the side effects associated with leukemia, such as:

Cardiotoxicity – Cardioetoxicity is a condition characterized by damage to the heart muscle that may result from chemotherapy medications. Cardiotoxicity makes it difficult for a person’s heart to pump blood throughout the body. A naturopath may prescribe supplements like amino acids, antioxidants and herbs that support the heart.

Constipation – A person with leukemia sometimes becomes constipated. A naturopath may recommend treatments such as stool softeners, herbal laxatives, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, acupuncture, fiber, essential fatty acid supplements and dietary and lifestyle modifications to reduce constipation.

Cytopenia – Cytopenia is a disorder characterized by one or more blood cell types decreasing in production or stopping production completely. Naturopathic doctors often recommend homeopathic remedies and nutritional products for cytopenia. Acupuncture is sometimes recommended too. The goal of these treatments is to increase blood cell counts.

Diarrhea – Patients with leukemia may develop diarrhea from conventional leukemia treatment. Homeopathic remedies, nutritional supplements, amino acids or herbs to decrease diarrhea may be suggested by a naturopathic doctor.

Lack of energy – Lack of energy is a common leukemia side effect. A combination of nutritional supplements and herbs plus homeopathic remedies may relieve fatigue and increase energy.

Nausea – Naturopathic doctors can help leukemia patients overcome nausea with a variety of treatments. Supplements like ginger can settle a person’s stomach. Acupressure or acupuncture can help reduce nausea too. Other potential alternative treatments for nausea include aromatherapy, wrists bands and homeopathic remedies.

Mucositis – Mucositis is characterized by mouth sores. These may occur when leukemia treatments damage cells that line the mouth. Naturopathic doctors may advice nutritional supplements and mouth rinses made from sea salt or baking soda to help heal the mouth sores.

Peripheral Neuropathy – Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that affects the nerves, causing numbness, tingling, or pain frequently in the feet or hands. A combination of supplements that include amino acids, essential fatty acids, vitamins and herbs that support the nervous system are often used to reduce symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.

Rash – Rash can be a side effect of radiation therapy or other leukemia treatments. Alternative treatments can help relieve irritation caused by rash. Naturopathic doctors may prescribe topical applications, such as creams or ointments.

Homeopathy

Naturopathic doctors are not the only alternative medicine practitioners that patients may consult for alternative treatment. Professional homeopaths may recommend homeopathic remedies to decrease leukemia symptoms and strengthen people’s constitution. Homeopathy works on the belief of the Law of Similars, which states that if large amounts of a substance causes symptoms then small amounts may cure the symptoms.

Homeopathic treatments are particularly beneficial for gastrointestinal symptoms associated with leukemia and chemotherapy, such as nausea and vomiting. Homeopaths advice a treatment plan based on an individual’s physical, mental and emotional makeup.

Homeopaths may recommend radium bromatum for radiation poisoning. Three to five pellets every one to four hours may relieve symptoms.

Acupuncture

An acupuncturist may be consulted for leukemia because acupuncture can reduce leukemia symptoms. Acupuncture employs thin, painless needles to specific points of the body to stimulate and control the flow of energy.  Acupuncture can boost immune function and improve digestion. It is commonly used for cancer therapy support though there is little evidence of its effectiveness.

Herbal Remedies

Alternative medicine healers may recommend a variety of herbal remedies for leukemia support. Two powerful herbal treatments used for complementary cancer treatment include coenzyme Q10 and polysaccharide K.

Coenzyme Q10 is a compound that the human body produces naturally, but is often found to be in low in people with cancer. A supplemental version of this compound is available in pill form or as an injection given intravenously. Coenzyme Q10 supplements boost the immune system and may penetrate into the bone marrow where leukemia cells often reside. The compound is also an antioxidant that may slow growth of cancerous cells and help to prevent cancer development.

Polysaccharide K (PSK) is a protein-bound polysaccharide that comes from a mushroom. This supplement is the best-selling cancer medicine in Japan and is sold in the United States as Coriolus versicolor. PSK may be beneficial for leukemia by prolonging remission and increasing survival time.

Probiotic Supplements

Probiotic supplements may be beneficial for leukemia by supporting the immune system and digestive tract. Probiotic supplements for leukemia include the Lactobacillus acidophilus strain given in amounts of five to 10 billion colony forming units (CFU) daily to maintain health.

Cesium Chloride With Limu Juice

An alternative treatment plan called the cesium chloride protocol combined with limu juice may help some leukemia patients. Cesium chloride is an alkaline mineral that can combat bacteria and immature white blood cells. It does not directly kill leukemia cells, but can improve the ability of the immune system to destroy cancer cells. Cesium chloride is able to get into cancer cells and may also destroy the microbes within the cells because it is highly alkaline. The cancer cells may then be able to change back into normal, healthy cells.

Adding limu juice to the cesium chloride protocol may increase the effectiveness of the alternative treatment. Limu juice is a blend of a specific type of seaweed with fruit and vegetable juices. The seaweed in limu juice contains a substance called fucoidan that can kill cancer cells without harming the body.

Plasma-Beck Protocol

Another protocol used as an alternative treatment for leukemia is the Plasma-Beck Protocol. The electromedicine protocol works to prevent the production of leukemia cells. It accomplishes this by targeting the cancer cells in the bone marrow responsible for making leukemia cells.

To get to the bone marrow, the Plasma-Beck Protocol employs the use of a machine called the GB-4000 with M.O.P.A, an electric current device that works like a small radio tower to send signals into the bone marrow or other areas of the body.

In addition to using the electric current device, the protocol also involves drinking limu juice and taking a vitamin and mineral supplement called Eniva Vibe. Protandim, an herbal protocol, and Transfer Factor Plus to boost the immune system are used along with colloidal silver, methyl sulfonyl methane (MSM) and an alkaline supplement called LIPH.

Diet

Dietary modifications can improve leukemia symptoms. One goal of dietary changes for leukemia treatment is to eliminate food allergens. Some people may have an allergic response when eating foods like wheat, dairy, soy, corn, food additives and preservatives. A doctor or medical expert can test a patient for food allergies and sensitivities.

Certain foods may also help boost the immune system. Fruits and vegetables are rich sources of antioxidants, substances that help combat free radicals. Free radicals damage healthy tissues. Bell peppers, spinach, berries and tomatoes are high in antioxidants.

Doctors may also advise other healthy eating guidelines for people with leukemia, such as avoiding refined foods, like white bread, decreasing red meat consumption and decreasing trans fatty acids. Trans fatty acids are substances found in processed foods, margarine and commercially baked goods. People can improve their diet by eating more healthy oils like olive oil and lean protein foods, such as tofu, fish and beans. Coffee, tobacco and alcohol should be avoided. Six to eight glasses of water each day is beneficial too.

Exercise

Exercise is beneficial for overall health. However, people with leukemia are often weak and fatigued from treatment. Light exercise is typically recommended for leukemia patients.

Additional Alternative Therapies

Although lacking in scientific evidence, other alternative therapies may be beneficial for leukemia and leukemia symptoms. These include:

• Art therapy and other expressive therapy
• Chiropractic treatments
• Massage
• Meditation
• Prayer

Alternative Therapy Considerations

Alternative medicine may support conventional leukemia treatment programs, but some alternative treatments can interact with each other or conventional medicine. For example, St. John’s wort is a supplement for depression, but taking it can make skin more sensitive to radiation and increase the toxicity level of some chemical agents. Other herbs and supplements, even vitamin C, may impact treatment. Doctors can work with alternative practitioners to design a program that uses both conventional and alternative treatments safely and without risk of harmful interactions.

Remission

Once leukemia treatment ends doctors perform diagnostic studies to determine if a person has any leukemia cells still present in their body. Many people will show at least fewer leukemia cells than before. People who have no leukemia cells in their bone marrow or blood are said to be in remission. A person in remission still needs to be observed by their doctor closely. Some patients will display signs of a return of leukemia after remission. A stem cell transplant may be performed at that time.

If following initial treatment a person does still have some leukemia cells their doctor typically advises a new treatment plan. Sometimes this involves a clinical trial with drugs that are undergoing investigation into their effectiveness. New treatments continue until a person goes into remission.

Even people in remission typically still require follow-up care. It is normal for a person to have impaired organ function from the leukemia treatments. Doctors will continue to work with patients until the damage from leukemia treatments is healed.

Prevention

There is no known method for leukemia prevention. However, avoiding exposure to radiation, benzene and nicotine can prevent some forms of leukemia. In general, staying away from toxic chemicals, including giving up smoking, decreases people’s chances of developing leukemia.

References

AP John Institute for Cancer Research: Acute Myeloid Leukemia Facts

Cancer.gov: Questions and Answers About Coenzyme Q10
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/coenzymeQ10/patient/page2

Cancer.org: Bone Marrow Transplantation and Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Therapy/bone-marrow-transplant

Cancer.org: Treatment of Children With Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia

CancerTutor.com: Limu Juice (Fucoidan) Stage IV Protocol
http://www.cancertutor.com/Cancer03/LimuJuice.html

Cancer Treatment Centers of America: Leukemia Treatments – Naturopathic Medicine
http://www.cancercenter.com/leukemia/naturopathic-medicine.cfm

Chemocare.com: Cardiotoxicity and Cardiomyopathy
http://www.chemocare.com/managing/cardiotoxicity_and_cardiomyopathy.asp

Cleveland Clinic: Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Consumer Justice Group: Alternative Medicine & Leukemia Treatments
http://consumerjusticegroup.com/leukemia-health-news/treatments/

EmedicineHealth.com: Leukemia
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/leukemia/article_em.htm#Leukemia Overview

EMedTV: Stages of Leukemia
http://leukemia.emedtv.com/leukemia/stages-of-leukemia.html

HealthCommunities.com: Cytopenia
http://www.healthcommunities.com/cytopenia/cytopenia-overview.shtml

Kids Health:  Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia (JMML)
http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/cancer/jmml.html

Mayo Clinic: Leukemia
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/leukemia/DS00351

Medical News Today: What Is Leukemia? What Causes Leukemia?
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/142595.php

MedicineNet.com: Leukemia
http://www.medicinenet.com/leukemia/article.htm

Medline Plus: Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/acutelymphocyticleukemia.html

Medline Plus: Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML)
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000570.htm

MedTerms.com: Definition of Hairy Cell Leukemia
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=33213

Susan K. Komen for the Cure: Polysaccharide K (PSK)
http://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/PolysaccharideKPSK.html

University of Maryland Medical Center: Homeopathy
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/homeopathy-000352.htm

University of Maryland Medical Center: Leukemia
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/leukemia-000100.htm

WebMD: Leukemia — Topic Overview
http://www.webmd.com/cancer/tc/leukemia-topic-overview

Lupus affects a reported 1.5 million individuals in the United States and 5 million across the globe. However, Lupus is known as the “copycat illness”, because its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. As such, many people with Lupus may be misdiagnosed or take longer to receive a diagnosis, if at all. As a result, it is believed that the number of Lupus cases is vastly underreported.

Lupus is a unique illness in that it consists of reoccurring cycles of flares and remission. When the immune system is overactive and causes damage to the body, this is called a “Lupus flare”. This period of disease activity lasts for just a few days at a time in some patients, while others experience flares for weeks or months at a time. The disease activity then abates for a period of time. Careful monitoring and medical intervention can minimize the severity of Lupus flares and allow the patent to better cope when they occur.

Lupus is classified as a “chronic illness”, which means that the symptoms last for more than six weeks and often for the person’s lifetime. However, with early detection and treatment, it is possible to minimize symptoms, or even eliminate them altogether.

Common Lupus Misconceptions

Lupus has recently received more national exposure, however, there are still many people who are unfamiliar with the illness. Because of this, many misconceptions abound, such as:

• Although it does involve the immune system, Lupus is not akin to HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. The difference between the two is that in AIDS, the immune system is hypoactive, meaning it is not able to effectively fight at all. In the case of Lupus, the immune system is overactive to the point of damaging many areas of the body at once.

• Lupus is not contagious and certainly not transmitted sexually or through the exchange of blood or other bodily fluids. You cannot get Lupus by being around someone who has it or by using their personal belongings.

• Lupus is not related to cancer and affects the bodily in a different way. Mutated cancer cells grow in a particular part of the body and potentially overtake that organ. Left unchecked, cancer can spread to other areas as well. With Lupus, the damage is caused by the attacking antibodies of the overactive immune system.

Lupus does not only affect African American women. Although more prevalent in this group, women from all races have been diagnosed with Lupus. Also, although less frequently, men and children are diagnosed as well.

Risk Factors

Lupus is seen predominantly in women, with greater than 90% of diagnosed cases being female. Also, Lupus is more prevalent in ethnic communities, with women of color being three times as likely to develop Lupus as other women. This group includes African Americans, Latinos, Hispanics, Asians and Pacific Islanders.

Also, Lupus is a disease that primarily affects women of childbearing age, from15-44, with 15% of cases presenting symptoms before the age of 18. There has been a genetic correlation indicated, as 13% of individuals with Lupus have a relative with the disease. Children of parents with Lupus are at minimal risk of developing the illness later in life, noted at 5%.

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Lupus Symptoms

The symptoms of Lupus are caused by antibodies attacking various organs and systems in the body. Antibodies are produced by the immune system as a means or fighting disease. However, in the case of Lupus, the body misinterprets what is actually harmful and sends antibodies to attack healthy tissue and organs. This attack causes inflammation in the affected area, which results in the following common symptoms:

• A reddish or purple butterfly shaped rash across the nose and cheeks, known as the molar rash. This is present in approximately 65 percent of Lupus diagnosis.
• Fingers and toes that change color and become swollen and painful, a sign of possible Reynaud’s Syndrome.
• Swollen joints or tissue
• Sudden or severe hair loss
• Sores in the mouth or nose that last more than a few days
• Low red blood cell count
• Sensitivity to sunlight
• Chest pain or trouble breathing
• Anemia
• Tingling, headaches or seizures
• Chronic fatigue, even after a full nights rest

For many, the first symptoms are constant fatigue, joint pains and the most recognizable, the molar rash. Often individuals will experience the frustration of not feeling well, but not being able to pinpoint exactly why. In other cases, a person may be misdiagnosed because of the similarity of the symptoms of Lupus to other illnesses. A number of factors will be examined, in addition to blood work to make a definitive diagnosis.

Types of Lupus

Lupus is a complex illness that manifests in different ways. Because Lupus can affect any area of the body, two people may present entirely different symptoms. The physician will take into account the overall landscape of the patient’s health and individual symptoms when trying to ascertain which form of Lupus the patient may have. Lupus cases are classified as follows:

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Also known as SLE, Systemic Lupus is by far the most prevalent form. With this type of Lupus, any and all of the body’s organs and systems can be affected. When the immune system becomes overactive, it may impact one area more than others, or severely attack many areas at once.

Patients with systemic Lupus will experience many of the symptoms listed above and often simultaneously. It is imperative that patients with SLE monitor their condition and report any new developments to their physician in order to control potential long term damage.

Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus

Cutaneous Lupus refers to inflammation of the skin, which is made up of three layers. Approximately five percent of patients with Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus go on to develop Systemic Lupus. Cutaneous Lupus presents in the following ways:

• The most prevalent form of skin Lupus is Discoid Lupus. The name is derived from the fact that the lesions that present resemble small disks. The lesions are often red and scaly. Discoid Lupus can be localized, meaning it is limited to the face, neck, ears and scalp. It can also be general, with lesions appearing on the back, torso, arms and other areas of the body. Childhood Discoid Lupus manifests in children, but is more prominent in boys. A greater percentage of boys that have Discoid Lupus develop Systemic Lupus later in life.
• The Butterfly or Molar Rash is another form of Cutaneous Lupus. Also called the mask of the wolf, for its shape. This rash is usually red, raised and inflamed. The rash is spread across the nose and both cheeks and may itch, but usually does not. The skin in the affected area can become dry and may peel. The area is also usually sensitive to light and touch.
• Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus is a subset and is characterized by red and scaly rashes in the cleavage area and the forearms, areas which are typically exposed to the sun.

Drug-induced Lupus Erythematosus

The onset of Lupus can also be triggered by a reaction to ongoing use of certain medications. Medical drugs are chemical compounds and at times are difficult to metabolize. In fact, a study identified that many cases of drug induced Lupus correlated with a reduction in the critical enzyme N-acetyltransferase. These individuals are unable to properly metabolize certain drugs and as a result there is more of the drug residue in their body. Over time, this builds up and causes an immune system reaction.

There are thirty known drugs that can induce Lupus. However, most instances are induced by three drugs, which are:

1. Hydralazine is a pharmacutical drug used to treat hypertension. However research has shown that ongoing use can trigger Lupus symptoms. In a study reported in the British Journal of Medicine, 10.4% of patients developed drug induced Lupus after receiving 200mg of hydralazine a day over a three year period. In participants who received a lower dose of 100mg a day over three years, the Lupus rate was 5.4%.
2. Procainamide is an anti-arrhythmic drug, which helps to regulate irregular heart patterns. However, it has been positively linked to the onset of Lupus syndrome. The drug prompts the development of anticardiolipin antibodies, as well as anti-DNA and Anti-histone antibodies. Procainamide is administered orally or through intravenous infusion and in addition to Lupus syndrome, can cause fever, rashes, blood clots and muscle pain. Patients who are weaned off of the medication often experience a reduction in their Lupus symptoms.
3. Isoniazid is a drug which is used to treat tuberculosis and has been linked to drug induced Lupus. Common side affects of prolonged Isoniazid use mimic many lupus symptoms, such as fatigue, rashes, joint and muscle pain, as well as many more. Recommended treatment is to discontinue use of Isoniazid and introduce a course of prednisone to counteract the autoimmune response. Results have shown gradual reduction of Lupus symptoms with this course of treatment.

Neonatal Lupus

In rare instances, a mother with Lupus may develop antibodies which affect her unborn child. A baby normally begins receiving antibodies from the mother at 12 weeks gestation. Passing these antibodies to the fetus helps to protect it against illness. However, in the case of Lupus, the mother also makes antibodies against her own healthy tissue, which can be passed to the fetus as well.

The most common manifestations of Neonatal Lupus are skin rashes, congenital heart block, low red blood cell levels and issues with the liver. Women with Lupus will be tested for auto-antibodies by their high risk prenatal provider. If there is evidence of antibodies, the mother is closely monitored during the pregnancy to detect any issues with the baby’s heart, including receiving regular fetal echocardiograms.

If an issue is discovered with the baby’s heart, in some cases, it may be advantageous to treat the mother with steroids in hopes of reducing the severity of the heart block. The prognosis for survival is good, however children with a complete heart block will need to use a pacemaker to regulate their heart rhythm. While it is possible for a child with a congenital heart block to live a long life, some statistics do show that approximately 19% of cases result in miscarriage or stillbirth.

Childhood Lupus

Twenty percent of diagnosed cases of Lupus are in children, with the majority presenting in girls over the age of ten. While it is possible to show signs of Lupus before ten, it is rare that symptoms develop before the age of five. However, as in adults, Lupus can be damaging to internal organs and systems if left untreated.

If a child is complaining of joint pain, constant aches or develops a prolonged skin rash, it is important to follow up with the pediatrician. They can determine whether the symptoms necessitate involving a specialist to fully evaluate the child’s condition.

If a child does test positive for lupus, it is critical to work closely with health care providers to monitor the progression of the disease and adhere to medical recommendations regarding medication and other therapies. Treatment is typically the same as in adults – NSAIDs,  Corticosteroids, or other immunosuppressive drugs.

As a child is still developing, it is important to pay close attention to the affect of specific symptoms and medications to their health and mental state. Side affects of medication can include weight gain, abnormal hair growth, acne, issues with bone density and a higher risk of cancer. In addition to a rheumatologist, the child or family may also need to seek the aid of a psychologist to help them deal with the strain of the disease.

Causes of Lupus

Officially, there is no known medical cause of Lupus. Medical researchers have studied the inflammatory nature of Lupus, but have not been able to isolate a specific cause of the disease. However, many naturopathic doctors and holistic healers have identified common reasons why individuals are beset with Lupus. The most common are:

Stress

Many individuals experience their first lupus flare after a bout of extreme stress. It could be stress from a divorce, career, or relationships. The body is designed to deal with stress effectively and produces hormones to aid in this. However, prolonged or extreme stress will produce a never ending stream of cortisol and adrenalin and can be very harmful long term.

Alternative health practitioners understand that the mind and body are intrinsically connected and point to chronic stress as a major component of developing Lupus. It is proven that stress creates physical symptoms, many of which can morph into full blown Lupus. The excessive stress hormones, as well as mental toxicity that develops poisons the body, causing the immune system to malfunction, inflammation to occur and the development of Lupus symptoms.

Toxin overload

We currently live in a toxic environment. Chemicals and pollution are widespread and absorbed by the body on a daily basis. This can be through the use of chemical skin care products, polluted water, radiation, harsh cleaning products, and many more. The body is equipped to process and expel the toxins we absorb, however not on the massive scale our current intake requires.

As a modern, industrial society, the payoff for progress is often chemical or toxin exposure. Often, the organs of elimination, such as the lymphatic system, liver and kidneys become overtaxed when trying to flush toxins from the body. As it is not able to process them all, excess toxins are often dumped back into the blood stream or attach themselves to organs and tissue. Over time, this prompts an immune system response that is often exaggerated and causes the chronic inflammation know as Lupus.

Diet

Diet is often a major component in Lupus. The current nature of commercial food makes it less than optimal for long term health. The infusion of chemical dye, flavoring agents and preservatives is an unhealthy practice, which can harm the body over the long term.

Additionally, pesticides and insecticides are used to grow food before it even reaches the processing stage. These chemicals alter the nature of the food and produce fruits and vegetable that contain varying amounts of dangerous chemicals.  Ongoing consumption of chemically grown and preserved foods can lead to chemical toxin overload and inflammation.

Excessive consumption of processed white sugar and flour can also contribute to Lupus. These items are simple carbohydrates which the body is unable to use or store in an effective, healthy manner. The nutritional value is very low and in the case of flour, may actually cause an allergic reaction in the body. May individuals with Lupus have also identified that they are gluten intolerant and have benefited from removing wheat from their diet.

Hormonal Imbalances

The body is a complex mix of hormones, which form a balanced cocktail. However, if the mix is altered, there may be serous health consequences. An overproduction or insufficiency of a specific hormone can alter the way the body process food, deals with stress, processes information and a host of other functions. Balanced hormones are critical to overall mental and physical health and hormonal imbalances have been indicated in a number of illnesses, including Lupus.

Diagnosing Lupus

Lupus is not the easiest disease to diagnose, due to its copycat nature. The symptoms that many patients experience can be commonly found in other chronic and episodic illnesses. Also, many patients experience a general feeling of being unwell, but may be unable to accurately pinpoint their symptoms. In order to receive an accurate diagnosis, the patient and physician each must play an important role.

The Patient’s Role

To be your best advocate, it is important to tune into your body and evaluate what you are feeling. Is it shortness of breath, a skin rash, or possibly joint pain? It is important not to dismiss feeling and symptoms, as they may help your doctor in diagnosing your condition.

One of the most effective means of aiding your doctor in ascribing a diagnosis is to write down a thorough list of your symptoms. When doing so, include the frequency/duration of each symptom, as well as the severity. Also, be descriptive. If you experience pain in your joints, write down in which joints and whether it is just in the mornings, or ongoing. Even after being diagnosed, taking your list to your doctor at each appointment helps him to track your symptoms, and evaluate the effectiveness of the prescribed treatment plan.

The Physician’s Role

If you explain your symptoms to your primary care physician, he will likely refer you to a specialist, such as a rheumatologist or internist. They are specifically trained to evaluate and treat illnesses such as Lupus. Initially, the doctor will perform an examination and may feel parts of your body to sense inflammation, such as the face, hands, ankles and knees. Inflammation in these areas may be indicative of Lupus.

The doctor will also listen to your lungs with a stethoscope to gauge any breathing issues and also listen to your heart to rule out swelling of the out layer around the heart, which causes a discernable rubbing sound. The doctor may also test your vision, reflex response and other indicators of central nervous system involvement.

Additionally, the doctor will ask you a series of questions regarding your symptoms. There are an established set of 11 specific symptoms that doctors look for in people with Lupus. If you answer yes to four out of the eleven symptoms below, it is possible that you have Lupus.

1. Molar or butterfly rash across the cheek
2. Disk shaped lesions
3. Sensitivity to sunlight
4. Ulcers in the nose or mouth
5. Arthritis
6. Inflammation of membranes in the lungs, the heart, or the abdomen
7. Evidence of kidney disease
8. Neurological involvement
9. Low red and white blood cells and a low platelet count
10. Immunologic abnormalities
11. Positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) test

Testing for Lupus

In addition to the criteria above, which includes the ANA test, additional testing may be ordered to provide certainty regarding the diagnosis. The most common tests that are ordered to screen for Lupus are:

Testing for Antibodies

Antibodies are proteins which are made by the body in response to colds, viruses and other infections. They seek out the invaders and destroy them. Antibodies are a critical part of the immune system, however in Lupus patients they work somewhat differently. In a person with Lupus, the body creates what is called “auto-antibodies”, which is an antibody produced to attack healthy tissue or organs. There are various tests to detect antibodies, including the following:

Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA Test) – The nucleus of a cell is the area which acts as a command center. The ANA attaches itself to the cell’s nucleus and causes damage to the cell from the inside. In severe cases, it can destroy the cell.

A positive ANA result is founded in 97% of patients with Lupus. However, it is important to note that the ANA antibody can also be an indicator of another illness.

Phospholipid Antibodies (ApLs)- These antibodies attack the bodies blood vessels and arteries, causing problems with blood flow and clotting. The blood vessels become narrower and can prompt a stroke, miscarriage, heart attack or blood clots in the legs, arms or lungs. Pregnant women with lupus should be screened for Phospholipid Antibodies early in their pregnancy.

Double-Stranded DNA antibodies (DsDNA)- this antibody attacks the actual DNA strand, which is the genetic map of the cell and the body overall. Not all Lupus patients test positive for DNA antibodies, but they are found in approximately 50%.

Ro/SS-A and La/SS-B Antibodies – Both of these are antibodies produced to fight proteins in the cells nucleus. They are linked to Sjögren’s syndrome, which occurs in some patients with Lupus.

Ro/SS-A antibodies are linked to Cutaneous Lupus, which is a photosensitive inflammation of the skin.

RNP antibodies (Ribonucleoproteins)- these antibodies attack proteins that are responsible for maintaining the cell’s chemical reactions and overall health. RNP antibodies may be present in numerous autoimmune illnesses.

Other Tests to Identify Inflammation

C-reactive protein (CRP) – This protein is produced by the liver. Patients with high CRP levels may be experiencing inflammation of the liver, which can be an indication of Lupus activity.

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (Sed Rate)- The sedimentation rate is a test that gauges the level of inflammation in the body. With a high level of inflammation, the blood cells tend to clump together and move at a different rate of speed than normal blood cells.

Biopsies- A biopsy can be done to extract a sample of tissue and analyze it for signs if cellular damage. The skin and kidneys are common biopsy areas.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)- A CBC is a test that analyzes various components of the blood cells, including white blood cell, platelet and serum levels.

Urine Tests – When seeking to diagnose Lupus, urine tests are often performed to look for Proteinuria, which is protein being spilled into the urine stream. Also, the urine is examined to see if the kidneys are properly filtering waste. The presence of cellular waste in the urine can indicate kidney inflammation, which can be serious if not treated.

Lupus Complications

Systemic Lupus can affect any organ or system in the body. Prolonged inflammation of organ tissues or blood vessels can cause serious damage if left unchecked, some of it irreversible. Below are the most common systems affected by Lupus.

• Kidney involvement is one of the most common risks associated with SLE. The kidneys become inflamed under the attack of immune system antibodies. Prolonged inflammation can inhibit the kidney’s ability to filter waste from the blood. This is labeled as Lupus Nephritis and may eventually require dialysis. In severe cases, a kidney transplant may be required.
• Pulmonarycomplications are also common in systematic Lupus, but are of varying types. Chronic inflammation can cause problems with the sack surrounding the lungs (Pleuritis), Inflammation of the entire lung (Pneumonitis), the lining of the lungs, and blood clots in the lungs (Pulmonary Emboli).In the case of lung involvement, the physician will order chest x-rays or a CT-scan to assess the amount of inflammation and possible damage. Additionally, test such as a pulmonary function test will be conducted to assess the lung capacity of the patient. It is not uncommon for a Lupus patient to have reduced lung capacity relative to a healthy person.Anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids are used to treat most lung problems, but in the case of infection or excess fluid in the lungs, drainage or antibiotics may become necessary.

• The MusculoskeletalSystem describes the network of bones, joints and muscles in the body. With lupus, any of these areas may be attacked by antibodies to varying degrees. 90% of Lupus patients complain of joint or muscle pain over the course of their illness and for approximately 50%, chronic joint pain is the first clue that something may be seriously amiss.Arthritisthat is usually associated with Lupus may be less severe and potentially deforming than rheumatoid Arthritis, but it can be very debilitating nonetheless. Lupus arthritis occurs when the joints and tendons become chronically inflamed, causing warmth, tenderness, stiffness and pain. Treatment for joint pain is usually comprised of non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (SNAIDs), low dose steroids or anti-malarial drugs, such as Plaquenil.Lupus sufferers are also at risk for Osteoporosis, a disorder which affects bone density. Certain medications prescribed for Lupus can weaken bones and reduce the body’s ability to rebuild them. Also, nutritional deficiencies in Calcium and Vitamin D can contribute to Osteoporosis. Smoking, hormonal fluctuations and being of Asian or Caucasian heritage also increase your risks of developing this disease.Musclepain due to inflammation is common in Lupus and especially more noticeable during a Lupus flare. Approximately 50% of patients complain of muscle tenderness or pain. This condition is often treated with anti-inflammatory drugs and possibly muscle relaxers to provide temporary relief.

  Muscle pain and weakness can also unfortunately be induced by some of the drugs used to treat Lupus, such as Plaquenil and prednisone. Discontinuing the medication and undergoing a period of physical therapy can help to restore muscle strength and function.

• Heart complications from Lupus include inflammation of all areas of the heart, including the lining (Pericarditis), blood vessels (Coronary vasculitis) and heart tissue (Myocarditis). Pericarditis is the most common heart complication for Lupus patients and its symptoms include chest pain that changes with movement, improving when you lean forward and intermittent shortness of breath. Heart problems are most commonly diagnosed through a combination of blood test and chest x-rays or electrocardiograms. Common treatment consists of anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids.

• Blood Disorders can be present in those with Lupus. These include:

•  Anemia which is often characterized as a low red blood cell count, but more specifically speaks to a reduction in Hemoglobin, which is the protein inside blood cells that transport oxygen to various parts of the body. Anemia can cause chronic fatigue. Anemia can be prompted by some drugs used to treat Lupus, a lack of iron, or malfunctioning kidneys. If anemia is confirmed, the patient may be prescribed iron supplements, their Lupus medication may be adjusted, or they may be prescribed medication to stimulate an increased production of red blood cells.
• Thromobocytopenia is the term for a low blood platelet count. Blood platelets are housed in the bone marrow, but can be attacked by antibodies developed by a Lupus patient. As a result, the patient is more susceptible to nosebleeds, bruises and easy bleeding through the skin. Treatment for severe cases may include intravenous administration of gamma globulin or a spleenectomy. In most cases, the patent’s medication must be reevaluated to ensure it does not further stimulate bleeding.
• Leukopenia is the reduction of white blood cells and can lead to infection if not treated. This condition is often prompted by immunosuppressive drugs prescribed for Lupus. If a patient experiences Leukopenia, the doctor will likely temporarily reduce the medication dosage to allow the white blood cell count to be replenished.
• Thrombosisoccurs when the body’s normal clotting mechanism goes into overdrive, causing blood to thicken when there is no sign of an injury. These clots can potentially travel to the lungs, heart or brain and cause major blockages and ruptures of the blood vessels.Thrombosis is especially worrisome for pregnant Lupus patients, as the clots can travel to the placenta and disrupt blood flow to the fetus, resulting in low birth weight, abnormalities or even preterm death. This is often the result of antiphospholipid antibodies in the mother and it is critical for pregnant Lupus patients to be tested for this antibody. Thrombosis is usually treated with blood thinners, such as the prescription drug Warfarin, but it is not safe to use in pregnancy. Pregnant women will likely be prescribed heparin instead.

• Neurological InvolvementAs with any other body system, the Nervous System is also susceptible to damage from the chronic inflammatory characteristic of Lupus. The nervous system is comprised of three distinct parts and while symptoms may vary depending on location, treatment is usually comprised of anti-inflammatory drugs, steroid treatment or anti-malarial drugs. Neurological symptoms of Lupus can often occur, and then disappear. However, if the same area sustains too many inflammatory bouts, permanent damage is possible. It is promising to note that with early detection and treatment, long term complications can be avoided.

• The Central Nervous System (CNS)is the most well known of the three and is comprised of the brain and spinal chord. The symptoms of this form of neurological Lupus include headaches, seizures, depression, stroke, vision problems, confusion and difficulty concentrating.One of the more serious forms of CNS Lupus is CNS Vasulitis, which is severe inflammation of the brain’s blood vessels. Left unchecked, this can be potentially deadly. Patients who present with CNS Vasculitis are immediately admitted into the hospital and placed on corticosteroid therapy to reduce the inflammation and swelling.It is important some to note that some of the symptoms mentioned above (with the exception of CNS Vasculitis), can be produced as side affects of medication routinely prescribed to treat Lupus. Before a definitive diagnosis can be made, medicinal complications should be ruled out.

• The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) controls sensation and movement of the body. With Lupus, these nerves may become inflamed or compressed by the inflamed tissue that surrounds them. This results in sensations such as facial pain, vision problems, drooping eyelids and ringing of the ears.

• The Autonomic Nervous(ANS) System is the part that regulates many of the body functions that we take for granted, including breathing, sensations of hot and cold, the body’s elimination functions, the release of certain hormones and muscle reaction and movement.The affects of Lupus on the ANS is that is sends confusing hyperactive messages to the body, prompting reactions such as diarrhea, vomiting, tingling and mental confusion. Symptoms usually subside with treatment by means of standard Lupus medication.

Treatment Options for Lupus

There are four main classes of drugs used to treat Lupus, with a fifth that has been introduced to treat the skin manifestations of the disease. They are:

NSAIDS- Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs are used to treat mild cases of Lupus. They help to reduce and control inflammation and include brand names such as Motrin and Aleve.

Corticosteroids- are a powerful class of drugs, which work to reduce inflammation and to suppress an overactive immune system. Oral corticosteroids, which is the form most prescribed for Lupus have the most side affects. They include glaucoma, weight gain, elevated blood pressure, cataracts, reduced bone density, and the slower healing of wounds.

Anti-malarial Drugs- it has been found that one of the benefits of drugs that treat malaria is that it can help control the inflammation caused by a Lupus flare. The most commonly prescribed anti-malarial is Plaquenil.

Chemotherapy- is used in severe cases to combat a severely overacting and damaging autoimmune response. However, similar to cancer patients, chemotherapy can cause a number of side affects in Lupus patients, such as hair loss, nausea, skin problems and exhaustion.

Alternative & Holistic Remedies for Lupus

Detox Cleansing

In Alternative Medicine, illness is classified as the representation of an imbalance in the body, mind or spirit. In the case of Lupus, the body has become extremely toxic, to the point where the immune system sees it as an enemy to be attacked. Toxicity can be of the following types:

Diet- With the current Standard American Diet (SAD), people consume extremely large quantities of antibiotic injected meat, sugar and other simple carbohydrates, unhealthy fats and a myriad of artificial sweeteners, preservatives and coloring agents.

Over the years, this type of diet wears on the digestive system and the body as a whole. Everything that humans consume becomes building blocks for cells, tissue, blood and organs. If the food that is being consumed is more man made and chemically laden than natural and wholesome, it will affect the body over time. The nourishment that the cells receive is compromised, thus resulting in the formation of tissue that is compromised. When this gets to epidemic proportions in the body, the immune system will attack what it sees as compromised tissue. This brings about the inflammatory response in Lupus.

Environmental Toxins/Medication- In an industrial, high tech society, we inhale and come into contact with multiple toxins everyday. From toxins in the air to your favorite perfume, these chemicals are taken into your body and can have an adverse affect.

Additionally, most over the counter and prescription medications contain a number of synthesized chemicals. In addition to all of the side affects listed in small print, prolonged use over time can literally poison the body. By continuously infusing the body with chemical cocktails, it becomes like a cloudy fish tank. The body instigates an autoimmune response in a desperate effort to clean house.

Chronic Stress- In our hyper connected society, many people are unknowingly suffering from chronic stress. It may be from a high pressure job, a rigorous academic load, or obligation to family or the community. The tendency to overbook and overload ourselves leads the body to continuously remain in stress mode, with its fight or flight sense activated. This pumps a continuous stream of stress hormones into the blood stream, such as Cortisol and Adrenalin. These hormones are extremely useful when dealing with danger or temporary stress. However, is they are used continuously, they can poison the body.

How to Detox the Body

There are many ways to go about removing accumulated toxins from your system and replacing them with much needed nutrients. Amongst the most popular and effective are:

Juicing/Green Smoothies are often used as a detox mechanism. By combining the juice of pure and organic fruit and vegetables you give the body a liquid infusion of nutrients. Also, because you are not consuming solid foods for the most part, the body is able to save energy normally used for digestion and more easily assimilate nutrients through the colon walls and eliminate stale waste.

Depending on the individual, a juice/smoothie cleanse can last from 3 to 21 days. Some will incorporate a small amount of raw nutritious foods, such as salads along with the liquid juices, while others will stick to fluids such as vegetable broth. It is important for first time cleansers to do so under the guidance of a cleanse master and to understand that it may take multiple cleanses to fully rid their body of toxins and restore optimal health.

Story of Using Green Smoothies to Cure Lupus:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Colon Cleansing and Colonic Irrigation are two very effective methods for removing impacted fecal matter that may have been stored for years and is now poisoning your body. With herbal colon cleansing, the individual usually takes some form of fiber supplement, usually mixed with juice or water in the morning. The fiber expands in the colon and works to gather old waste and push it through the intestines. Later that night, you may be directed to drink an herbal tea which usually contains Senna leaf, which has a laxative affect. This works to push out the consumed fiber and the waste it has gathered. Individuals will usually experience a strong urge to eliminate during the night or first thing in the morning.

Colonic Irrigation, or Colonic Hydrotherapy, as it is often called is the practice of allowing water to flow into the body through the anus and provide a deep cleansing to the intestinal tract. The amount of water can range from a few liters in an enema bag, or a few gallons using a professional hydrotherapy kit. The water gently, yet forcefully enters the colon, and when it drains out, brings waste with it. If the hydrotherapy session is being performed by a professional, often there will be a drainage system that immediately removes the waste. For optimal cleansing, it is recommended to schedule 3-6 hydrotherapy sessions, as each one will be able to reach further and pull out waste lodged deeper in the intestinal tract.

Colon cleansing aids your health due to the fact that the nutrients from food are released into the blood stream and cells through the walls of the intestines. However, if you consume a large amount of chemically laden food, the body instinctively tries to protect itself. Instead of releasing the toxins into the blood stream, it cocoons them in what is known as mucoid plaque- a jelly like substance, which can harden over time. This sticks to the walls of the intestines and over time festers, poisoning the colon and gut. Also, if this continues over a period of years, eventually some of the toxins begin to leak into the blood stream, where they are consumed by cells and can eventually compromise them, prompting an autoimmune response. Cleansing the intestine and colon regularly provides many benefits to Lupus patients, as well as the general public.

Other Holistic Lupus Remedies

While cleansing is the best way to minimize or eliminate Lupus symptoms, there are also other things that can be done to aid in providing relief.

Yoga is a beneficial exercise, especially for those that suffer from joint pain. Learning to breathe correctly, gently stretch and flex joints can provide much desired increase in flexibility and pain relief. There are specific yoga routines that can help reduce back pain, tension in the legs and arms and provide an overall relaxing experience.

Flaxseeds and Fish Oils both provide Omega fatty acids which help to reduce inflammation, lubricate joints and regulate the digestive tract. Flaxseeds can be added to salads and yoghurt, or the oil can be taken by the spoonful as a supplement.

Reducing Meat, Dairy and Sugar from your diet has also been shown to benefit lupus patients. The reason for this is that these items are relatively harder on the digestive system than other foods and they also have an acidic affect on the body, which throws off the bodies PH balance. In the case of sugar, it also causes problems with the pancreas and is stored as fat in the body. Many natural practitioners classify white sugar as a dietary poison which in its highly refined state, compromises the body’s ability to function correctly. Most meat on the other hand contains the antibiotics and growth hormones routinely given to factory farmed animals. When eaten, these chemicals transfer to your body and are integrated by your cells.

Reduce Stress and Establish a Support Network

One of the leading triggers of a Lupus flare is stress. A major component in reducing Lupus flares is to eliminate stress as much as possible from your life. While some amount of stress is normal, many individuals operate within an unhealthy zone. To reduce the impact stress has on your health, this may mean changing jobs, pulling back from community involvement, or learning how to say “no”. Often women diagnosed with Lupus are typical Type A personalities and are used to being in the lead. Once diagnosed with Lupus, however, it is important to your health to take a step back.

Also, Lupus has the ability to reduce the mobility of the individual and limit the tasks they are comfortably able to do on their own, especially during a flare. For these reasons, it is critical to have a good support network. Allowing others to help run errands, mind children, or just provide emotional support goes a long way in providing comfort in an illness that is often misunderstood and isolating. Because many of the symptoms of Lupus go undetected by the eye, it is important to establish boundaries for yourself and let others know when you are unwell.

Although Lupus is a chronic illness, there is hope for greatly improving your quality of life or even eliminating the disease altogether through integrative diet and lifestyle changes.

References:

Lupus Foundation of America: http://www.lupus.org
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Neonatal Lupus:   http://www.neonatallupus.com/neonatal-lupus.html
The British Medical Journal. The lupus syndrome induced by hydralazine: a common complication with low dose treatment: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1442447/
British Journal of Rheumatology. Systemic Sclerosis Complicated by Procainamide Induced Lupus and Antiphospholipid Syndrome: http://rheumatology.oxfordjournals.org/content/37/11/1236.full.pdf
Annals of Rheumatic Disease. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Induced by Isoniazid http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1004845/
Drugs.com. Isoniazid Side Affects: http://www.drugs.com/sfx/isoniazid-side-effects.html
Lupus Foundation of Colorodo. Questions and Answers: http://www.lupuscolorado.org/q&a.htm#children
Lupus.org. Childhood Lupus: http://www.lupus.org/webmodules/webarticlesnet/templates/new_aboutindividualized03.aspx?articleid=315&zoneid=87

Symptoms of Lyme Disease

The incubation period from the time of exposure (the bite) to the appearance of symptoms is usually one to two weeks but it can be as short as several days or as long as a number of months or even years. In about seven percent of the cases, Lyme disease is asymptomatic (the affected person experiences no symptoms) but for the remaining ninety three percent of the cases, the symptoms appear in three stages.

• Stage 1 –
- Erythema chronicum migrans (a.k.a. erythema migrans or EM) is an infected outward expanding rash that appears at the site of the tick bite approximately twenty days after having been bitten and may look somewhat like a “bulls-eye” which radiates heat but is usually painless.
- The affected person may experience flu-like symptoms (headache, muscle soreness, fever and a general feeling of discomfort).

• Stage 2 –
- The initial infection may begin spreading through the bloodstream and the erythema migrans rash may appear in other parts of the body.
- Borrelial lymphocytoma which is a purplish lump may also develop on the ear lobes, the nipples or the scrotum.
- Drifting pains in muscles, joints, and tendons; palpitations of the heart and dizziness.
- Bell’s palsy is the loss of muscle tone on either side of the face or on both sides.
- Meningitis is the inflammation of the membrane which covers the brain and leads to severe headaches, stiffness of the neck and extreme sensitivity to light.
- Radiculoneuritis brings on shooting pains and abnormal skin sensations which can disrupt sleep patterns.
- Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain and may cause memory loss, mental confusion, mood swings and insomnia.

• Stage 3 –
- Severe and chronic symptoms affecting the brain, the nervous system, the eyes, the joints and the heart.
- Polyneuropathy is a neurologic condition that causes shooting pains along with numbness and tingling in the hands and feet.
- Lyme encephalophathy is a neurologic syndrome that leads to cognitive problems such as inability to concentrate and loss of short term memory.
- Intense fatigue and deep depression.
- Fibromyalgia causes pain in muscles and connective tissue.
- Chronic encephalomyelitis is a progressive condition that leads to cognitive impairment, weakness of the legs and therefore awkward walking, facial palsy, bladder problems, vertigo (dizziness and imbalance) and pain along the spine.
- Psychosis such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, attacks of panic, anxiety and somatoform delusions.
- Lyme arthritis is most often found in the knees but can also affect ankle, elbow, wrist, hip and shoulder joints.
- Baker’s cysts are benign swellings behind the knees.
- Acrodermatitis chronic atrophicans (ACA) is a skin disease that usually appears as purple blotches on the arms or legs and leaves the skin very thin and wrinkled.

Treating Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is most often treated with a variety of antibiotics but the type of antibiotic, the length of the treatments and the prescribed doses depend on the affected person and the severity of the condition.

Types of Lung Cancers

The classifications of lung cancers have significant bearings on their prognosis as well as on their treatment:

• Carcinoma. An overwhelming majority of lung cancers are carcinomas which are malignancies that originate in the epithelial cells and they are categorized by the size and the appearance of the cancerous cells –

- Non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) accounts for 80.4 percent of all lung cancer occurrences and they include the following …
 Squamous cell lung carcinoma accounts for 31.2 percent of all lung cancers and it is a slow growing cancer which originates near the bronchials and typically forms vapor bubbles (cavitation) while leading to the untimely death of cells (nectosis).
 Adenocarcinoma accounts for 29.4 percent of lung cancers and it is the most common lung cancer among non-smokers. It most often begins in peripheral lung tissue.
 Large cell lung carcinoma or bronchioloalveolar carcinoma has the similar characteristics to adenocarcinoma but it is most common among women non-smokers.
- Small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) is also known as the oat cell carcinoma and it accounts for 16.8 percent of all lung cancers. It usually begins with the larger airways, the primary and the secondary bronchi, and grows very rapidly to significant sizes. The small cell lung carcinoma has a propensity for metastasizing and drifting into other organs, and it is strongly associated with smokers.

• Metastatic Cancers. Cancers which metastasize from other organs such as the breast, ovaries, stomach, prostate etc., are still referred to by their origins and are treated accordingly. Therefore, pancreatic cancer that metastasized into the lungs continues to be pancreatic cancer and will be treated as a pancreatic cancer, not as a lung cancer.

Lung cancers can metastasize to any other organs but they most frequently metastasize to the bone, brain, liver and adrenal glands.

Symptoms of Lung Cancer

Most often recorded symptoms of lung cancer are:

• Shortness of breath (dyspnea), wheezing, hoarseness (dysphonia) and pneumonia
• Coughing up of blood (hemoptysis) and continuous and prolonged coughing bouts
• Pain in the chest and/or the abdomen
• Fatigue, loss of appetite and spontaneous loss of weight (cachexia)
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• Deformity of the finger nails (clubbing)

Cause of Lung Cancer

Whether it is inhaled directly by a smoker or indirectly through second-hand smoke, the single most significant cause for lung cancer as well as all other cancers is tobacco smoke from cigarettes, pipes and cigars.

Causes of Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is usually set off by overuse, improper use, strain of the muscles, or any number of injuries to the muscles, ligaments or discs which support the lower portion of the spine. Typically, lower back pain tends to be cumulative because symptoms of lower back pain lead to adjustment of posture and altered movements which in turn can lead to other injuries and so on and on.

The most commonly occurring triggers of lower back pain are:

• Injuries or abuse to the muscles, ligaments or the facet and sacroiliac joints.
• Compression or pressure on the nerve roots brought on by: a) herniated discs caused by repeated vibration or motion, by strain or increased pressure; b) deterioration of the joints (osteoarthritis) which is usually age related; c) defects of the vertebra (spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis) that enable one vertebra to slide over another; d) age related narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis); e) fractures to the vertebrae caused by forces such as vehicular accidents and a fall; f) abnormal curvatures of the spine such as scoliosis, lordosis or kyphosis; g) compression fractures in osteoporosis patients or the prolonged use of corticosteroids caused by sudden movements such as sneezing.

Less frequently appearing but well known causes for lower back pain are:

• Inflammation of the joints (arthritis) which most often affects the spine and is referred to as ankylosing spondylitis.
• Bacterial infections in the bone (osteomyelitis), in the spinal discs or within the spinal cord.
• Tumors or growths which develop on the bones and the ligaments of the lower spine or on the spinal cord or the nerve roots.
• Paget’s disease leads to abnormal growth of bones and it can affect not only the spine, but also the pelvic bone, the skull, the chest bone and the leg bones.
• Scheuermann’s disease is a condition that promotes wedge-shaped spinal bone (vertebrae) deformities.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease.
• Aortic aneurysm.
• Peptic ulcers.
• Gallbladder disease.
• Pancreatitis.
• Kidney stones.
• Urinary tract infections.
• Prostate disease.

Relieving Lower Back Pain

To relieve lower back pain the natural way calls for:

• Resting for twenty four to forty eight hours by reclining on the back on a hard surface with the knees and hips bent. To prevent the weakening of muscles, hourly breaks from the reclined position should be incorporated with careful walks for a few minutes at a time.
• Hot compresses to relax the muscle spasms.
• Ice packs help numb the painful areas and reduce inflammation and swelling.
• Alternating between hot and cold applications increases the blood flow to the affected area and, therefore, expedites the healing process.
• Over-the-counter drugs such as aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), naproxen (Aleve) ketoprofen (Orudis) and ibuprofen (Motrin) are all pain reducing medications that can also decrease the swelling and the inflammation.
• Alternative therapies such as massage, chiropractic, physical therapy, acupressure and acupuncture can be very helpful as well.

When natural remedies are not sufficient, it may be time for conventional medicine in the following situations:

• The pain radiates down the leg and below the knee.
• Numbness of the leg, foot, groin or rectal areas.
• Fever, stomachache with or without nausea and vomiting, general weakness and inappropriate sweating.
• Sudden loss of rectal functions.
• The pain is severe enough to make moving impossible.
• The pain persists for longer than two or three weeks.

Preventing Lower Back Pain

• Using the legs and arms but never the back when lifting.
• Pushing heavy objects but never pulling.
• Stretching often and exercising regularly.
• Wearing flat or low-heel shoes.

Primary Liver Cancer

The liver is one of the most complex organs of the human body and its functions include: processing most of the nutrients absorbed from the intestines; controlling the amount of glucose (sugar), protein and fat is delivered into the bloodstream; producing blood-clotting agents and certain proteins; and detoxifying the bloodstream from harmful substances. Thus, the liver is composed of a variety of different cells such as those of its bile ducts, blood vessels, fat-storing cells and so on. Hepatocytes or the liver cells account for 80 percent of the liver tissue. For that reason, the majority (approximately 95 percent) of all cancers which originate on or within the liver (also known as primary liver cancer or hepatoma) affect hepatocytes and are called hepatocellular cancer or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Other, less frequently occurring types of primary liver cancers are: cholangiocarcinoma (a.k.a. duct cancer) which begins in the bile ducts; hepatoblastoma is a rare primary liver cancer occurring in children under the aged of four and angiosarcoma or hemangiosarcoma which begins in the blood vessels of the liver and it is quite uncommon.

Symptoms: The beginning stages of primary liver cancer are usually asymptomatic and, therefore, the cancer is rarely discovered early enough to respond well to treatments and the prognosis is usually grim. By the time symptoms become apparent they may include the following:

• Loss of appetite and thus also loss of weight
• Abdominal pain which is most severe in the upper right part of the abdomen
• Back and shoulder pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Overall weakness and fatigue
• An enlarged or swollen liver
• A swollen abdomen (ascites)
• Yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes (jaundice)

Risks: Although primary liver cancer can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or race, some are more susceptible than others:

• More men seen to develop primary liver cancer than women.
• In the United States and Europe, most people who are diagnosed with primary liver cancer are over sixty years old while in Asia and Africa they tend to be between twenty and fifty years old.
• The hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the hepatitis C virus (HCV) are the most crucial risk factors for primary liver cancer.
• Cirrhosis develops scar tissue in the liver and increases the chances for primary liver cancer.
• Diabetics have increased chances of developing primary liver cancer.
• Ingesting foods contaminated with aflatoxins raises the likelihood for developing primary liver disease.
• Excessive consumption of alcohol and direct or secondary exposure to tobacco smoke increases the risk of primary liver cancer.
• Sclerosing cholangitis (bile duct disease) leads to scarring of the liver which in turn increases the risk of primary liver cancer.

Secondary Liver Cancer

Quite often, liver cancer originates in other parts of the body such as the colon, the stomach, the appendix, the pancreas, the breast, the lungs, the ovaries, and the prostate and so on and spreads into the liver through the circulatory or the lymphatic systems. Liver cancer that did not originate on or within the liver but reached it somehow is called metastatic liver cancer or secondary liver cancer.

By the time cancerous cells reach the liver from other organs, they would have most likely been discovered and treated in accordance to its origins.

A lice infestation in human beings is scientifically referred to as pediculosis and it very rarely results in a serious disease. However, there have been documented cases where lice were blamed for typhus, relapsing fevers and trench fever. For the most part, an infestation of lice is a bothersome itchy condition that may cause embarrassment under certain circumstances, especially where it is colloquially spoken of as “cooties.”

Types of Lice

Lice have been known to plaque mankind in huge droves since time immemorial and currently, an estimated several hundred million people around the world are nagged by their infestation. In the United States alone, there are six to twelve million cases of lice infestations every year and they appear in three very distinct forms which are caused by different types of lice:

1/ Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) is the most frequently occurring type of lice infestation and it has been known to appear in every socioeconomic group. The female head louse lives for about thirty days and lays between seven and ten dandruff-like eggs each day of her adult life. The eggs hatch after approximately eight days to become nymphs and ten days later they become fully grown adults. If not fed, head lice die of dehydration within two days.

Head lice are not contagious in the conventional sense of the word but they are easily transmittable by direct head-to-head contact or by sharing such items as hats, pillows, towels, headphones, and hair grooming gear (combs, brushes, clips, etc.).

Symptoms – mild to severe itching in regions of the scalp, neck and behind the ears.

2/ Body Lice – An infestation of body lice (pediculus humanus corporis) is usually found among the poor populace who live in overcrowded communities with inadequate personal hygiene. Although they are slightly bigger than head lice, body lice have similar physical characteristics with the following two main differences: a) body lice do not live on their hosts but rather on the clothing (usually at the seams) or bedding and linens, and b) body lice can live up to thirty days without hydration.

Symptoms – mild to severe itching where the seams closely touch the body.

3/ Pubic Lice (pthirus pub) are also known as “crabs” and they are transmitted from one person to another by intimate or sexual contact (not from toilet seats). Similar to crabs, pubic lice are rounded and have three pairs of legs on each side of their bodies. The female pubic louse lives about three weeks and produces three eggs each day of her adult life, and the eggs take about six to eight days to hatch.

Symptoms – Severe itching to the pubic area which tends to worsen at night.

Treating Lice Infestations

Lice infestations can be easily gotten rid of with lice combs, medicated shampoos, special washes and other over-the-counter products. However, if secondary infections or allergic reactions occur as a result of the bites or excessive scratching, medical advice may be required.

Laryngitis Symptoms

Laryngitis can be acute and lasting but a short time (less than two weeks) or it can be chronic and long lasting (more than three weeks). The most common symptoms of laryngitis are:

• A hoarse, husky or raspy voice.
• A weak or an inaudible voice which is often considered “lost.”
• A feeling of scratchiness, an itchiness or a rawness deep down in the throat.
• A sore throat and a sensation of dryness that does not seem to be relieved by merely drinking.
• A dry and unproductive cough.
• A difficulty breathing which is most common in young children.

Examinations and Laryngitis Treatments

If the symptoms fail to subside or become worse with wheezing sounds when inhaling, trouble swallowing, difficulty breathing and a fever that surpasses 103 degrees Fahrenheit or 39 degrees Centigrade, it is time to seek medical attention. The medical practitioner may perform laryngoscopy which is a visual examination of the larynx or a biopsy for the extraction of sample tissue to be examined under a microscope.

Depending on the findings of the examinations, the medical practitioner may prescribe antibiotics or corticosteroids. Home remedies may be prescribed in addition to the drugs or instead of them:

• Breathing in moistened air from a hot pot of water, a hot shower or a vaporizer.
• Giving the voice a rest by not speaking and by not attempting to whisper.
• Avoid drinking of caffeinated drinks (coffee or colas) or alcohol while increasing the intake of water.
• Not smoking and staying away from others who smoke.
• Sucking on mints or lozenges, gargling with salt water and chewing mint-flavored gum.

As prevention is often the best medicine, the following are a few tips about how to prevent laryngitis and its unpleasant symptoms:

• Smoke irritates the larynx and its vocal cords — do not smoke and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.
• Fluids thin out the mucous of the throat and make clearing it either unnecessary or very easy — drink plenty of water.
• Clearing the throat irritates the vocal cords with swelling due to abnormal vibrations. The more the throat is cleared the more mucous is formed and that will only increase the urge to clear it again. Avoid clearing the throat whenever it is at all possible.
• Respiratory infections and colds are often causes of laryngitis. Therefore, preventing them by getting annual flu injections when advised, by frequently washing the hands with plenty of soap and hot water and by staying far away from those who have upper respiratory infections of colds.

When an overabundance of the “bad” LDL cholesterol is present in the blood stream, it often accumulates in the inner walls of the arteries which feed into the heart and the brain. When the LDL cholesterol combines with other substances, plaque (a thick hardened layer) forms and causes arteries to narrow and become inflexible. This results in a potentially life threatening conditions called atherosclerosis, because blood clots can easily become lodged in the narrowed arteries, cause a blockage and lead to a heart attack, a stroke or a peripheral vascular disease.

The LDL cholesterol itself is not “bad” for it is the same as the cholesterol carried on other lipoprotein particles. It is the means by which the cholesterol is being carried as well as its destination, its quantities and the size of the particles that are “bad.” Studies have shown that the large LDL particles are preferable to the small ones. Although the overall cholesterol content may be equal, it is ideal to have a smaller concentration of large LDL particles than a larger concentration of small ones which are blamed for the onset of severe cardiovascular disease.

Lowering Cholesterol Counts by Modifying the Diet

To lower cholesterol counts, a modification in lifestyle which involves decreasing the intake of saturated fats such as found in meats and certain oils and, at the same time, increasing the intake of cholesterol-lowering foods. The foods that are most likely to lower cholesterol counts are:

• Oatmeal. Oatmeal contains water soluble fiber which lowers LDL cholesterol. The same kind of water soluble fiber is also found in oat bran, kidney beans, apples, pears, barley and prunes.

• Nuts. Walnuts, almonds and other kinds of nuts are rich with polyunsaturated fatty acids which increase the elasticity of blood vessels and their overall health and, therefore, also reduce LDL cholesterol.

• Omega 3 Fatty Acids. Fatty fish and fish oils are rich with Omega 3 fatty acids which lower LDL cholesterol and also reduce blood pressure and the risk of blood clots.

• Olive Oil. Olive oil and its antioxidants lower the “bad” LDL cholesterol but leave the “good” HDL cholesterol intact.

• Plant Sterols or Stanols. These are additives derived from plants that are found in certain foods such as margarines, orange juice and yogurts, and they help block the absorption of cholesterol.

When a diet is not enough to lower LDL cholesterol, modern medicine is well endowed with a variety of pharmaceuticals such as: Clofibrate, Torcetrapib, Niacin (B3) and Tocotrienols.

As an expectant mother, you have the option to give birth where and how you want. There are number of different options on giving birth. Options largely depend on your personal preference, the recommendation of your doctor and your overall health.

Hospital Births
Hospital births are often considered to be the best option for delivery due to the best medical technology available to take care of you and your baby throughout labor and delivery. Hospitals have easy access to machines, well-trained nurses, well-trained doctors and are capable of handling medical emergencies that can arise during birth.

Home Birth
While not too common in the United States, home births are common practices in many parts of the world. If you have had a trouble-free pregnancy, a home birth can be just as safe as a hospital birth. Home births allow you to have the comforts of your own home along with familiar faces to help support you. Home births are not recommended for individuals prone to high blood pressure, diabetes and heart problems.

Birthing Centers
Birthing centers often provide more personalized levels of attention as well as modern technology to help ensure your safety as well as the safety of your baby. Many birthing centers have nurse midwives who have had certified training in child birth. Birth centers often encourage natural births and are often not recommended for high-risk pregnancies. In the event of an emergency, some birthing centers are equipped to handle problems while others may transport you to the nearest hospital.

Midwives Clinics
Midwives clinics are run by certified nurse midwives. These centers often have a home-like feel to them and are more relaxed than hospitals.

Methods of Giving Birth

There are multiple options when it comes to giving birth. Some moms-to-be may opt for more traditional options, while others opt for more modern methods of delivering their babies.

Vaginal Birth
Vaginal births are the most common method of giving birth to a child. Women who give birth vaginally often have an easier time breastfeeding and spend less time in the hospital. There are also fewer risks associated with a vaginal birth compared to a c-section. With a large number of pain medications available, doctors are able to make vaginal births a more comfortable experience.

Water Birth
Water births are a less common method of giving birth, but are believed to be more comfortable for mom during labor. Due to an increase in popularity, many birthing centers and even hospitals are choosing to have birthing tubs on sight. You can also rent a birthing tub if you choose to give birth at home. When you begin to go into labor, you will enter a tub filled with water ranging in temperature for 90-100 degrees. Your baby’s condition will then be monitored using a special Doppler device. You can give birth under water or above the surface of the water.

Caesarean Section
A caesarean section (or C-section) is a surgical method of child birth that involves your doctor making an incision in the abdomen and the uterus to remove the baby. C-sections are recommended for women who are at risk for complications as well as birth defects, having multiple births, with health conditions and during an emergency. C-sections require a longer recovery time than vaginal births.

Commonly Used Obstetrical Anesthetics

There are a number of commonly used forms of anesthesia to help make childbirth more comfortable. Here are some of the most commonly used obstetrical anesthetics:

Local Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is a series of injections that can help reduce discomfort in a certain area of your body. Local anesthesia may be used following childbirth for the placement of sutures should you need them.

Sedation: Narcotics or tranquilizers may be administered as an injection or through an IV. These medications can help to reduce labor pains and ease anxiety that is sometimes associated with the delivery process.

Pudendal Block: A pudendal block is a form of regional anesthesia. The vaginal area is injected with local numbing agents to help reduce pain in the vaginal area felt during childbirth.

Epidural: Epidurals are local anesthetic delivered through a small tube known as a catheter placed in the small of the back, just outside the spinal canal. An advantage of the epidural is that it allows most women to fully participate in the birth experience relieving most, if not all, of the pains of labor.  Women are able to feel touch and pressure. In many cases, the anesthetist will start the epidural when cervical dilation has reached four to five centimeters. Under certain circumstances, it may be desirable to place the epidural earlier at the discretion of the physician and anesthesiologist.

Spinal Anesthesia: This form anesthetic is very similar to an epidural, but because it is administered with a needle directly into the spinal canal, the effects of spinal anesthesia are felt much more quickly. You may feel numb and need assistance in moving your legs during the delivery. Spinal anesthetics are sometimes used for delivery by cesarean section or forceps are needed to help remove the baby.

Warnings regarding spinal and epidural anesthesia:

• When mom is on blood thinners or has a bleeding disorder.
• Is hemorrhaging or in shock.
• Has a back or blood infection.
• Has an unusual anatomic condition or spinal abnormality.
• If there is no time.

Considerations when discussing anesthesia options with your doctors:

• The last time you ate or drank.
• History of difficulty breathing after anesthesia or complications with anesthesia in the past.
• Lower back pain, injury or a history of back problems.
• Family history of high fevers.
• Respiratory problems including asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, or if you are currently experiencing the flu, a cold or a sore throat.
• Underlying medical conditions such as cardiac disease, diabetes or asthma.

Labor and Delivery Complications

Pre-term labor or pre-mature birth: Pre-term labor is one of the greatest dangers a child can face while entering this world. If a child arrives when its body systems are not mature enough, survival can be compromised. For instance, if the lungs are not fully developed the baby may not be able to breathe properly.

A full-term pregnancy last between 38 to 40 weeks. If you are having labor contractions before 37 weeks, you are considered to be in preterm labor. A baby born before 37 weeks of pregnancy is considered to be a premature baby. Premature babies are at risk for complications such as immature lungs, respiratory distress, and digestive problems.

Prolonged Labor (or failure of your labor to progress): While rare, a small percentage of women, mainly first-time mothers, can experience a labor that lasts too long, sometimes referred to as “failure to progress.” Both the mother and the baby are at risk for several complications, including infections, especially after mom’s water has broken.

Abnormal Positioning of Your Baby: In the weeks before your due date, the fetus usually drops lower in the uterus to prepare for birth. The ideal position for labor is with the baby  positioned head-down, facing the mother’s back, with its chin tucked to its chest and the back of the head ready to enter the pelvis. In this position, the smallest possible part of the baby’s head leads the way through the cervix and into the birth canal. This normal presentation is called vertex or head down position. Unfortunately, this is not always the case and abnormal positioning of the baby can make labor more difficult.

• Frank breech. In this position, the baby’s buttocks lead the way into the mother’s pelvis; the hips are flexed, the knees are fully extended.
• Complete breech. In a complete breech, both knees and hips are flexed, and the baby’s buttocks or feet may enter the birth canal first opposed to the head like in a regular birth.
• Incomplete breech. In an incomplete, footling or breech, one or both feet lead the way out of the birth canal.
• Transverse lie. This is a rare birth complication. From time to time a baby may lie horizontally in the uterus, referred to as a transverse lie, which indicates the baby’s shoulder will lead the way into the birth canal rather than the head. This can make birth more painful.

Premature Rupture of Membranes (abbreviated PROM): In a normal birth that is free from complications, the membranes surrounding the baby in the mother’s uterus break and release amniotic fluid either right before or during labor. This is commonly referred to as your water breaking. Premature rupture of membranes indicates that the membranes have ruptured too early in pregnancy. This exposes the baby to a high risk of infection as the mother.

Umbilical Cord Prolapse: The umbilical cord is very important in helping to keep your baby alive and developing while in your uterus. You pass oxygen and other vital nutrients from your body to your baby through means of the umbilical cord and placenta.

On occasion, before or during labor and delivery, the umbilical cord can slip through your cervix before your baby enters the birth canal. The cord can occasionally protrude from the vagina — this creates  a dangerous situation. The blood flow of the umbilical cord can be stopped. You will likely know if this has occurred because you can feel the cord in the birth canal if it prolapses and may see the cord. This a medical emergency and you should seek emergency medical care.

Preeclampsia: Preeclampsia is a complication of pregnancy involving high blood pressure may develop in the end stages of your pregnancy or immediately following delivery. This condition can cause premature detachment of the placenta from the uterus.

Uterine Bleeding or Postpartum Hemorrhage: After your baby is delivered, excessive bleeding may occur from the uterus. This is condition is known as postpartum hemorrhaging and can be a major concern for a new mom. Excessive bleeding can occur when contractions during delivery are impaired and affect the surrounding blood vessels.

Labor and Delivery Tips For Your Partner

Mom-to-be is not the only individual affected by the labor process. As a dad-to-be, partner or labor coach, preparation can help make the labor and delivery process easier for all of those involved. Preparation can help ensure safety throughout the entire process. Preparation can also help provide comfort for mom-to-be in a less-than-comfortable situation.

• Know what to expect. Read the pregnancy, labor and delivery books in the months leading up to the delivery, not during the delivery. Consider attending childbirth or parenting classes with mom-to-be as well. You’ll be coached on basic skills as well as what to expect. You can also talk to other spouses and how they are planning to prepare for the event.
• Learn the signs of early labor, learn how to count contractions and know when it is time to go to the hospital.
• Be ready to go. Have a bag ready to go and gas in your car at all times. Since it is not realistic to be with the mom-to-be at all times, have your phone on and charged so that you are easily able to be reached when the moment comes.
• Be prepared for the emotions. A woman may be very irritable during labor and delivery. Do not take anything personally she may say to you. Just be there to comfort her.
• Ask questions. Ask the doctors and nurses questions if you don’t understand something.
• Be her advocate. If she needs something don’t be afraid to ask for it. If she wants her doctor or her pain isn’t under control, ask the nurses to page your doctor or anesthesiologist.
• Know your own limits. If you are uncomfortable at any point (such as cutting the umbilical cord) speak up. If you need to stay at her head, do so. No one is requiring you to watch the birth of your son or daughter.
• Be there for her. The best thing you can do is be present and try to comfort her. Labor can be an uncomfortable process as well as a stressing time, be there to help make it easier for her.
• Make preparations for your other children. Have your parents, her parents, relatives or close family friends available to care for your other children – especially if they are too young to sit in a hospital waiting room by themselves. Have them stay at home with a relative or friend or at a relative or friend’s house. Bring your other children to the hospital later on to see their new brother or sister.

Resources:

American Pregnancy Association

Baby Center

American College of Sports Medicine