Signs and Symptoms of Minor Depression

Most people who live with depression exhibited signs of minor depression at the beginning. Sometimes, the person suffering from minor depression may hope or think the signs are just temporary and will go away. However, this thinking usually makes the depression worse. Inform friends and family if you notice signs of minor depression.

Sadness
If you are showing signs of minor depression, you may appear sad. This may not occur on a daily basis but perhaps once or twice a week. You may be able to snap out of it easily or at least show an outward appearance of overcoming the depressed mood. The mood may strike at any time, and for no reason.

Poor Attitude
Your desire to participate in everyday activities relating to school, home, and work may diminish. Perhaps going to the store, reading a book, or doing daily chores seem too difficult to accomplish. Recreational activities may even become less important. You may feel the need to make excuses about why something was not completed or finished on time. Depression can bring on an "I don't care" attitude.

Loss of Appetite
Loss of appetite may be a sign of minor depression. Feeling less hungry or even nauseous at the thought of eating something may signal the beginning stages of depression. Food preferences may change as well. Perhaps you crave sweets or foods high in fat to somehow comfort you on days you feel sad. Appetite changes may occur slowly over a period of time.

Regrets
You may feel like you should have done things differently earlier in your life. Perhaps you made poor grades in school and now feel like it has caught up with you somehow. Maybe a failed marriage or a bad career move triggered the depression.

Sleep Difficulty
Sleep can become a chore for minor depression sufferers. You may have trouble falling asleep because your mind is constantly going, worrying about something that needs to be done or should have been accomplished. Perhaps you wake up periodically during the night and have trouble getting back to sleep. People with minor depression may have to rely on medication to get to sleep.

How to Recognize Cancer Symptoms for Women

If you are a woman you should take your health very seriously. Many woman fail to detect the early signs of Cancer and it will eventually cost them their lives. Many times when caught early Cancer can be treated for women. Here is a check list to help you recognize Cancer Symptoms in women. Make sure you refer to this checklist from time to time to see if you have Cancer Symptoms. Also if you are at all concerned you may have Cancer see the advice and expertise of a trained professional.

Tips

1. Wheezing or shortness of breath - Possible Lung Cancer

Look for shortness of breath similar to asthma. This will be noticeable if you are looking for it but could be overlooked if you are not paying attention to recognize cancer symptoms.

2. Chronic cough or chest pain - Possible Lung tumors or leukemia

Look for a persistent cough or a repeated cycle to the coughing. Also look for pain that goes from the chest down the arm or to the shoulder.

3. Frequent fevers or infections - Possible Leukemia

Look for a fever because of your body's inability to fight off infections. This is usually diagnosed after a long period of flu like symptoms with fever and achiness.

4. Problems swallowing - Throat Cancer

Look for problems swallowing. This can also be a sign of lung cancer.

5. Cancer Symptoms for Women
Swollen lumps on the neck, underarm or groin - Leukemia or problems with the lymphatic system.

These can be signs of breast cancer when swelling is in the glands of the underarm. These are usually painless lumps.

6. Excessive bruising or bleeding that will not stop - Early signs of leukemia

Look for bruising in unusual places or bruising more than you would in the past. Also bleeding in the gums could be a sign of problems with the blood platelets and red blood cells which could be a sign of Cancer.

7. Constant weak and tired feeling - Multiple Cancer's

If you have weakness or tiredness that is unexplainable and does not change if you allow your body more sleep you should consult a doctor. This is signs something is not right with your body and it could be Cancer.

8. Cancer Symptoms for Women
Weight gain in the abdominal area - tight pants - Ovarian Cancer

This is different than the regular bloating you would see with PMS, this weight gain will come on pretty suddenly and will come and go over a long period of time.

9. Full feeling and not able to eat - Ovarian Cancer

When women feel full and have not eaten for some time. This is usually seen with the weight gain or tight pants syndrome.

10. Pain in the pelvic or abdominal area - Ovarian Cancer or Leukemia

This one is hard to spot since pain in the pelvic can be a symptom of many things. Make sure you take into consideration the other symptoms you have and if your uncertain see a doctor immediately.

11. Cancer Symptoms for Women
These are just a few things you should take into consideration when looking for Cancer symptoms.
Make sure you consult a doctor for medical advice.

5 Stages of Depression

Identification
There are no definitive stages of depression as the illness manifests differently in every individual according to internal and external factors such as gender, age or cultural influences. However, there are some similar, or typical, symptoms or behaviors related to depression that may occur between various individuals.

Feelings
A person experiencing severe or mild depression may have difficulty interpreting or handling their emotional responses. As detailed on Healthy Holistic Living (healthy-holistic-living.com), these emotions may include feelings of hopelessness, a lack of confidence, irritability, anger, fear and tension/anxiety. Depending on the source or type of depression, these feelings will vary in severity and length of time during which they are overwhelming to an individual.

Thoughts
A depressed person's thoughts are often clouded or overburdened. A person may have thoughts of guilt, worthlessness or self-harm; an individual could also experience impaired judgment, memory loss or have difficulty making rational decisions.

Behaviors
Some typical behaviors, or outward warning signs, of depression, as outlined by Healthy Holistic Living, could include lethargy, impulsiveness, neglect of personal hygiene or appearance, loss of appetite, insomnia and a general lack of enjoyment in life's pleasures.

Considerations
Because there is no one cause of depression, it is difficult to determine a specific cycle related to the behaviors and emotions of a depressed individual. These symptoms are merely generalizations and may be indicative of other underlying medical problems. As with any illness, depression should be diagnosed and treated by a medical professional. Because of the nature of depression, it is imperative to look into an individual's specific mental, emotional and environmental triggers to target their specific form of depression in order to plan for an individualized approach to healing.

End of Life Signs for Brain Cancer

Diagnosing signs of death in brain cancer can be unreliable in a small percentage of cases. Sometimes miraculous recoveries occur and patients regain their functioning and lead normal lives. However, in most cases of brain cancer, there are concrete signs that precede death. When stage IV of brain cancer sets in and loved ones begin to notice changes in functioning, eating, sleeping and complaints of headaches and intense pain, they should prepare themselves for the end.

Stage IV
When a patient enters stage IV of brain cancer there is no more a hospital can possibly do to rehabilitate him or her and the patient is told to return home and expect death. Stage IV is the final and most invasive, extreme and painful stage. In this stage the tumor has metastasized out of control in the brain, swelling the tumor until it can no longer be reversed, ensuring certain death.

Eating and Drinking
One of the earliest signs of death in a patient is cessation of eating and especially drinking. Patients will begin to routinely refuse food and deny feelings of hunger. Patients usually die 3 to 5 days after taking their last drink. Nausea may also set in with vomiting, making eating impossible or undesirable. The body is no longer able to maintain itself with basic, vital nutrients like food and water and begins to shut down rapidly as the brain commences to die.

Breathing Changes
Another tell-tale sign is changes in breathing. Patients may breathe more rapidly, take long pauses in between breaths or breathe louder. Breathing may also become more labored and mucus will be present, choking the breathing process, making audible sounds of discomfort.

Dramatic Swelling
In this stage, the cancerous cells creating the brain tumor metastasize wildly, producing more and more deadly cells in the brain, causing the tumor to swell intensely and overtake the brain. The tumor quickly begins to effect cognitive functions such as thinking patterns, thought processing and abilities to grasp abstract concepts. Motor skills will fail as well and the patient may fall, be unsteady and uncoordinated, and possibly suffer muscle spasms. The patient will have trouble doing simple tasks for him or herself that were once easy and may have trouble with memory. The patient's speech patterns will deteriorate along with thoughts and he or she may be incoherent, stop in the middle of sentences or relate stories or sentences with no logical reason.

Clinical Symptoms
Doctors use clinical symptoms to gauge the patient's proximity to death. All of the following clinical scenarios display that the patient is in close proximity to death and can no longer be treated as determined by his or her doctor: If MRI scans indicate that the tumor has grown dramatically since the last visit and is becoming larger and larger uncontrollably over a small span of time, if the cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body rapidly, if there are more "satellite" tumors (tumors on other parts of the body), if the tumor has spread to the spinal cord, if the doctor dismisses the option of further radiation treatment and if the patient's Karnofsky Performance Status is 50 or below.

Conclusion
At this point doctors may suggest home health, hospice care or care administered by a loved one to see the patient to through to the end of his or her life. Providing comfort, courage, joy and companionship is one of the most important things a loved one can do to help a patient find peace during this final stage of life.

Hemophobia Symptoms

Hemophobia is the fear of blood. According to MedicineNet.com, the word hemophobia stems from the Greek terms "haima," which means blood, and "phobos," which means fear. This fear becomes a phobia when the state of the fear becomes persistent and abnormal, resulting in extreme signs of excitement or anxiety when blood is present. While symptoms of hemophobia vary by individual, the most common symptoms include fainting, nausea, increased heart rate, anxiety attacks and excessive sweating. These symptoms are sometimes triggered when an individual sees, smells or touches blood.

One Cause of Hemophobia
Hemophobia is often correlated to a childhood or life-event trauma involving blood. It is possible that the hemophobic individual saw an excessive amount of blood during a specific event in his life--perhaps in the form of an accident or death.

Anxiety Associated with Hemophobia
In the presence of blood or when coming into contact with blood, hemophobic individuals exhibit exaggerated fear in the form of an anxiety attack or panic. The fear these individuals face as a result of hemophobia is at times crippling and can lead to nausea or vomiting, and fainting.

The life of an individual who is hemophobic varies. Some can live a normal life with periodic hemophobic episodes that come and go rather quickly, and symptoms that can be easily managed. For others, hemophobia is a debilitating experience, causing a longer period of symptoms that may be harder to manage.

The anxiety associated with hemophobia can also lead to mental disorders, including depression.

Affects on the Heart
If you or someone you know experiences heart palpitations, chest pain or an increased heart rate when in contact with blood or in the presence of blood, hemophobia may be the cause. Signs of hemophobic symptoms exist when the heart rate noticeably changes when blood is present, then returns to normal when the blood is taken away. A rapid or noticeable decrease in heart rate while blood is present is also a telling sign of hemophobia.

Treatment of Symptoms
Behavioral therapy is one method used to treat individuals and help them understand the phobia. A specialist will assist the patient through a series of behavioral therapy activities, which may include hypnosis, psychological evaluation or periodic discussions. Specialists also may recommend the use of a pacemaker to control the heart rate of hemophobia sufferers.

Safety and Lifestyle
Individuals who exhibit symptoms of hemophobia sometimes fear blood-related diseases such as HIV, AIDS or Ebola. For those who fear blood, it is wise to take extra safety precautions before coming into contact with blood. Wearing protective gloves or gear could help those suffering from hemophobia to feel more secure and safe in the presence of blood.

Hemophobic individuals may choose to change their lifestyle to manage their hemophobia. For instance, some choose to avoid attending events where blood may be present, such as boxing matches or athletic events, avoid clinics or hospitals, or avoid eating red meat.

Radiology and Lung Cancer Detection

Lung cancer is a terminal disease that primarily affects the lungs. However, lung cancer can spread to other tissues and organs through the lymph nodes or the blood stream if not detected early and treated. There are several diagnostic methods of imaging technology that are used by radiologists in the detection of lung cancer, and most lung cancer is detected by routine chest X-rays for other issues before any signs or symptoms of lung cancer arise.

Causes, Signs and Symptoms
Smoking is the No. 1 cause of lung cancer. Other causes include: second-hand smoke, asbestos exposure, lung diseases like tuberculosis (TB) and chronic obtrusive pulmonary disease (COPD), radon exposure and certain occupations.

Most patients with lung cancer do not experience any signs or symptoms until the much later stages of the disease. In some cases, patients will experience one or more of the signs and symptoms of lung cancer, including a cough that is either new or has gotten worse over time; coughing up any amount of blood; chest pain that is dull, achy and persistent; shortness of breath; wheezing or hoarseness; or repeating respiratory infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia. If you have any of these signs or symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Chest Radiology (X-ray)
Chest X-rays are one of the most readily available diagnostic tools. Chest X-rays are the first step taken in the diagnosis of lung cancer. This type of imaging exposes the patient to small doses of radiation. These X-rays take images of the lungs from side, frontal and back views, revealing the presence of any abnormal masses. However, X-rays cannot determine if the mass found is cancerous; further testing is needed. This additional testing will also determine the extent of any damage.

Computerized Tomatography (CT)
CT scans are enhanced 3-D X-rays producing cross-section images of the area being scanned, including the abdomen, chest and head. With this enhanced 3-D ability, a CT scan is much more accurate than the typical chest X-ray in the detection of lung cancer. The imaging of a CT scan is so precise that it can detect specific features on tumors found in patients with lung cancer, enabling doctors to better detect any damage and spreading caused by this terminal disease. CT images also can pinpoint the location and size of tumors in lung cancer patients. Radiation exposure is minimal with a CT scan.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
This type of imaging is produced by radio waves, magnetism and computers to give very detailed images of the areas that are scanned. CT imaging is not as accurate as MRI imaging in the detection of lung cancer tumor types, and there is no exposure to radiation. MRI scans are becoming more available, but tend to be a much slower process than the CT scan. MRIs are also significantly more expensive than a CT scan. In addition, special resolution is poorer on MRI imaging and respiratory movement can blur images.

Patients who have undergone any procedure involving the implantation of a heart valve, pacemaker or any other metal implant of any kind, cannot have an MRI scan. Doctors fear that the magnetism of the machine would displace or interfere with these implanted devises.

Positrom Emission Tomography (PET)
Measuring metabolic activities and tissue functions, PET imaging can detect where glucose is being used in the body. This allows doctors to differentiate between benign (non-cancerous) tumors and malignant (cancerous) tumors. PET imaging is done using intravenous (IV) radioactive drugs that move through the blood stream and attach to various cells in the body producing a colored 3-D image for doctors to examine metabolism in tissue cells. PET imaging can determine whether or not a tumor is actively growing and spreading. In addition, PET scans help determine the particular type of cells within a particular tumor to provide extensive information on the growth of such tumors. This method provides detailed information on lung cancer, and goes a long way in properly diagnosing and treating the disease.

How to Treat a Sinus Toothache Naturally

Sinus toothache is caused when an infection of the sinuses causes pressure on the roots of the teeth. A sinus toothache can be difficult to diagnose and treat. There are, however, several different ways you can treat a sinus toothache naturally with items found in your kitchen pantry. Try some of these methods first, and if your sinus toothache pain still cannot be controlled, you might want to consult a physician. Typically, treating the sources of the pain - the sinus problem - will get rid of the sinus toothache quickly.

Things You'll Need

• Garlic (capsules and cloves)
• Clove essential oil
• Turmeric
• Ginger root
• Oregon Graperoot tincture

Tips

1. Take garlic to fight a sinus toothache. This common kitchen herb is a powerful natural bacteria fighter, and is used to treat all the causes of a sinus toothache. Take up to three 600 milligram capsules per day, until the pain subsides. If the pain is severe, bruise a fresh garlic clove, and hold it directly to the affected tooth. Remove if/when it begins to sting.

2. Use clove essential oil to treat a sinus toothache. Cloves are one of nature's most powerful pain relievers. Place a few drops of the essential oil on a cotton swab and apply directly to the affected area. Relief from the sinus toothache should be felt immediately, and the numbness will last up to an hour.

3. Make a turmeric paste to a sinus toothache. Not only is this spice antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, it will also decrease the pain associated with a sinus toothache. Make a paste of turmeric by mixing it with a little water, and then apply the paste directly to the pained area.

4. Take ginger root to treat a sinus toothache. This root is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent, and also contains pain-relieving properties. It will fight the underlying infection, as well as relieving the pain caused by the sinus toothache. Take up to eight 600 milligram capsules per day, or up to one teaspoon of chopped fresh root per day, or 10-20 drops of tincture mixed with water three times per day.

5. Take Oregon graperoot tincture to treat a sinus toothache. A powerful antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory, this herb is useful for treating both the infection and pain caused by a sinus toothache. Combine 15-30 drops of the tincture in water, and take up to three times per day until symptoms persist.

Radiation Treatment for Back Pain

Radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy, is a popular treatment for treating and removing malignant and benign tumors. Back pain is a common condition in industrialized societies where sedentary lifestyles are the norm. Radiation therapy is not used to treat common back pains, such as slipped discs, a herniated back and other related ailments. There is only a particular kind of back pain in which radiation is used: back pain that is the result of a tumor.

Administering Radiation Therapy
Cancer can occur in the upper or lower back. Pain can be caused by spinal tumors located anywhere from the spine to the anal canal. In some cases, back pain can be a result of cancers associated with the urinary bladder. If a part of skin in the anterior part of the body is afflicted with cancer and is causing pain, that can also qualify as a case for radiation therapy.

Types of Radiation Therapy for Back Pain
There are a broad variety of radiotherapy options for removing or treating spinal tumors that cause back pain. These include external radiotherapy, which is administered from outside the body; internal radiotherapy, which delivers radiation to the affected part through sealed packets placed near the tumor; palliative radiotherapy, which is given to reduce pain and prevent the spread of the tumor, and prophylactic radiotherapy, which is given to non-cancerous areas to prevent them from becoming affected.

Radiation Therapy
The preferred outcome of radiation therapy is destruction, or at least weakening, of the spinal tumor. Depending on the severity and other factors that a qualified oncologist will determine, radiation therapy may be administered for any duration between one day and 10 weeks. Generally, most cases require treatment periods of five to seven weeks. A team of doctors is on hand to coordinate and carry out the radiation treatment. These include a neuroradiologist, a radiation oncologist, an angiographer, a dosimetrist who determines the input and number of times radiation is required, and a pathologist. This team makes a careful evaluation of the radiation therapy required based on several factors such as the patient's condition, age and symptoms. Spots in which radiation is needed are marked on the body, and radiation is passed through a linear accelerator. The entire procedure lasts barely five minutes and is painless.

Side effects of radiotherapy for the back are the same as those with radiation for any kind of cancer. These include vomiting; irritation on the locus of the therapy; hair loss and exhaustion.

How to Treat Blood Cancer

Blood cancer has three major forms: leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Leukemia is characterized by the unrestrained proliferation of the blood cells, while lymphoma is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of the lymphocytes (a major constituent of the immune system) and multiple myeloma is a form of blood cancer which originates in the plasma cells present in the bone marrow. Unfortunately there is no complete cure for blood cancer, so the major aim of doctors is to control the proliferation of the malignant cells and thus control the pain and discomfort associated with the condition.

Tips

1. Watch for the symptoms of blood cancer in order to aid in the early diagnosis and treatment of the condition. Common symptoms include high fever and chills, frequent infections, swollen lymph nodes, tiny red spots on the skin, easy bruising and extreme tiredness.

2. Get a qualified doctor's opinion as to whether a bone marrow transplant is a viable option to treat blood cancer in your case. A bone marrow transplant involves the replacing your affected and abnormal stem cells with healthier ones taken from a donor. Blood stem cells are generally located in your bone marrow, so such a transplant often prevents the subsequent spreading and metastasis of the malignant cells.

3. Consider radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy. It involves the use of high powered beams like gamma rays and X rays to focus on the malignant cancer cells. Radiotherapy is typically administered in a hospital and may be used in combination with surgery and chemotherapy or may be administered alone.

4. Try chemotherapy. This involves the administration of anti-cancer medications like interleukin and pacitaxel through the veins in order to kill the cancerous cells.

5. Let your immune system treat blood cancer with the help of immunotherapy. Immunotherapy, also called biological therapy, works by bolstering your immune system with artificial forms of the normal components of the immune system. The American Cancer Society predicts that immunotherapy will spur future advances in the field of treating cancer.

How to Recover From a Stroke

When you or a loved one suffers a stroke, you want to do everything possible to assist recovery. A stroke is caused by an interruption or drastic reduction in the blood supply to part of the brain. When the blood can not flow to the brain, brain tissue is deprived of oxygen and nutrients, causing brain cells to die. Emergency medical treatment can lessen the extent of brain damage and disability. Today more Americans are surviving strokes than ever before and making successful recoveries. Ten percent of stroke survivors will make a full recovery. Forty percent suffer an impairment but go on to live full lives. The extent of the recovery varies based on amount of brain damage and the type of disability. Here is a guide to help you or your loved one make a successful recovery.

Things You'll Need

• Stroke rehabilitation program
• Recovery goals
• Nutritious well-balanced diet
• Tools for daily living
• Positive attitude
• Determination
• Family and friends

How to Recover from a Stroke

1. Participate in a stroke rehabilitation program. Rehabilitation programs are geared toward helping the stroke patient relearn skills lost due to the stroke. Programs include physical, speech, and occupational therapies so that patients can relearn any necessary movement or communication skills. Many of these programs begin at the hospital and then are continued in an another care facility. Getting involved in rehabilitation as early as possible makes a big difference in recovery.

2. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. A nutritious diet will help the body regain strength and promote healing. As you recover, you may find it hard to have the energy to cook regularly. Try to plan your meals ahead to make sure you are eating a nutritious diet. Eat the largest meal early in the day to help maintain energy. If you find you are not hungry enough to eat three normal size meals, try making six small meals daily. Ask friends and family to cook healthy meals for you that you can freeze them and eat at your convenience. You can also find programs that bring meals to seniors such as senior centers and "Meals on Wheels."Some stroke survivors will find eating a challenge if they have chewing or swallowing problems or problems holding utensils. For chewing and swallowing problems, you can try cutting food into smaller pieces before eating. Foods can also be blended into a smooth pudding to avoid choking. Special utensils and dishes developed for stroke survivors that feature larger handles, Velcro straps, or plate guards can make eating easier during recovery.

3. Obey the doctor's orders. Take all the prescribed medications and participate fully in the rehabilitation.

4. Set recovery goals. Work with your caregiver early during your recovery and develop a list of goals. The goals can be small or large. A half-smile is just as important as walking a few steps. Goals should include both skill recovery and activities desired after recovery, such as a trip to California. Prioritize the goals. Whenever a goal on the list is achieved, celebrate that victory. Celebrate both small and large victories. The list can be a great motivating tool.

5. Get all the necessary tools to assist your recovery. Besides rehabilitation, you want to make sure you have all that you need for daily activities. Have bathrooms and bedrooms converted to allow for wheelchair access and hand rails. Accept assistance from family, friends, or a cleaning service to keep your home clean and help do laundry. Follow the doctor's orders and use the cane or walker when you are too tired to walk on your own.

6. Accept help when you need assistance. Recovering from a stroke is a difficult emotional and physical journey. You may sometimes feel depressed or frustrated. Always talk to someone when you feel upset or discouraged. Consult a professional if you or your loved one shows signs of clinical depression.

7. Be determined to recover. Recovering lost skills after a stroke will be challenging and may take a while. Even if you must adjust to a permanent impairment, you can still live a full and satisfying life connected to loved ones and friends. Be determined to recover and do the things you enjoy.

8. Keep in touch with family and friends. Lean on the ones you love during this challenging time. They will help you stay determined and positive during recovery. They can lend a hand when you need assistance. Most of them will be happy to help you in any way possible.

9. Keep a positive attitude. Being hopeful and positive will make recovery from a stroke faster and easier. A positive attitude can lessen frustration and make coping with pain endurable. A positive attitude can also make the difference between a full or partial recovery.

How to Treat an Allergic Reaction

An allergic reaction occurs when the body's immune system becomes hypersensitive to dust, pollen, animal dander or plants. Certain foods or medications can also trigger allergies. A reaction may be a rash, sneezing, coughing, itchy or watery eyes, swelling or wheezing. Treatment for an allergic reaction can be done at home if it's mild. Long term allergies may require a prescription while severe allergies require a hospital visit.

Tips

1. Take an oral antihistamine to treat nasal allergies, skin inflammation or itchy and watery eyes, which are commonly caused by animal dander, flowers or grass. Buy non-drowsy antihistamines so that you can stay alert during the day.

2. Try an anti-inflammatory hydrocortisone cream to relieve skin itching or redness from a reaction, such as from clothing. You can also use wet cloths or an ice pack to help heal the skin irritation. Wrap a bag of frozen vegetables in a towel if ice is unavailable.

3. See an allergy specialist for a prescription antihistamine if the over-the-counter formulas don't help. Cetirizine can be taken indefinitely to relieve reactions to dust, pollen, mold or pet dander. Use a prescription decongestant if you're having problems with a runny nose or sinuses due to pollen in the air and over the counter drugs don't work.

4. Use a prescription nasal corticosteroid spray if the antihistamines don't cure your allergic reactions. You can use this spray daily without worrying about side effects of taking steroids by mouth.

5. Check into immunotherapy, or allergy shots, if you have frequent allergic reactions. These shots are antigens that are given in stages, depending on the patient's needs. The intent is to alter the immune system's response to prevent future reactions. In other words, the body becomes "desensitized" to the allergen.

6. Get to the emergency room if you experience sudden, severe hives, swelling, stomach pain, vomiting or difficulty breathing. These reactions are commonly caused by eating or drinking foods such as peanuts, milk, eggs or seafood. The hives and the swelling can also come from insect stings. You will be evaluated and treated with an IV if it's determined that you need medication immediately.

Tuberculosis Cancer Treatment

Bladder cancer is a serious disease that can be life threatening. There are a number of treatments for bladder cancer. The progression of the tumor will determine the type of treatment that is used to cure it. Tuberculosis cells can be used as a bladder cancer treatment.

Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is a virus that usually effects the lungs. The tuberculosis bacilli, which is the young form of tuberculosis, is carried in the air, transferred from person to person by coughing, sneezing, breathing and talking. The bacteria sits in the lungs, where it may develop into the full-blown virus. The World Health Organization states that only 5 to 10 percent of people infected with the tuberculosis bacilli later develop the disease.

Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer is the development of a tumor in the bladder. Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) accounts for about 90 percent of bladder cancers, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Most examples of TCC are noninvasive, which means that the tumor is confined to the bladder wall. However, some cases of TCC become severe and invade the muscle wall of the bladder. Bladder cancer makes urination difficult, and can cause blood to appear in the urine. You may notice that the frequency of urination rises significantly.

Tuberculosis Treatment
If the bladder cancer is noninvasive, the tumor is easily removed using a minimally invasive instrument called a cystoscope. If there is a high chance of the noninvasive tumor recurring, the bladder will be treated with inactivated tuberculosis bacilli (bacilli that have been killed with heat or chemicals so that they do not cause tuberculosis but still elicit an immune system response). This causes inflammation of the wall of the bladder, which controls the growth of a tumor. This treatment is performed once a week for six weeks; then the bladder will be checked for tumor recurrence once a month using a cystoscope. This treatment is called Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) therapy.

Complications
In rare cases, BCG therapy can cause tuberculosis-like symptoms to flare up. Any lung-related problems during therapy, such as coughing and bringing up blood, should be discussed with your doctor. If this happens, you will be treated with antibiotics. Tuberculosis can take a long time to cure, so patience is important. While BCG therapy is effective, there is still a chance that a tumor will recur.

Considerations
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any symptoms of bladder cancer. BCG therapy is not a cure for bladder cancer, but is used to treat a bladder that has been affected by cancer.