How to Prevent Bladder Cancer?

As we all know, old age for most comes with its share of changes, especially in the way the body functions and responds to certain abnormalities. While people in their old age are more susceptible to risks, it is important to know that irrespective of one’s age, a healthy lifestyle and positive outlook towards a daily routine helps one reduce the risks considerably if not eliminate the chances completely.

 

One such ailment which one must always be wary of is bladder cancer. Here, we are going to share with you a few bladder cancer prevention techniques which can help you and your loved ones be more cautious and proactive in the later years of life as it is more common in older men than young boys and/or girls. One of the major deterrents in a bladder cancer prevention regime is the habit of smoking. Prolonged smoking leads to some genetic changes in the body, which, with time, may develop into bladder cancer.

It is imperative to note that different age levels expose different risk factors and levels. For example, a man has 1 out of 27 chances of developing bladder cancer during his lifetime while the same for a woman is 1 in 89 chances. Studies show that people who have the habit of chain-smoking, and / or who are subjected to harmful fumes and chemicals due to their profession may be at a greater risk of developing bladder cancer.

Risk factors for bladder cancer

Exposure to the below can increase the risk of bladder cancer in the later years. Knowing what they are early in life can only make one more cautious and proactive towards bladder cancer prevention: 

·  Industrial chemicals

·  Aromatic amines 

·  Arsenic 

·  Rubber 

·  Aluminium 

·  Paint products 

·  Genetic history 

·  Bladder infections 

·  Birth defects 

·   

·  Lack of hydration 

·  Medications

While bladder cancer treatment will involve the usual cancer treatment procedures, it is always advisable for people to take the necessary steps for bladder cancer prevention:

·  Reduce smoking 

·  Drink enough water

·  Well-balanced diet (Fruits and Veggies, fish rich in omega-3 along with lean protein and red meat)

It is imperative to be conscious about any changes in the body especially in the later years of life as any abnormality could be a sign and / or symptom of bladder cancer. Hence, it is always recommended to seek professional medical guidance if and when in doubt. 

 

What Causes Kidney Failure

The kidneys are a pair of organs that are located in the lower back. Each of the kidneys is one side of the spine. The function of a pair of healthy kidneys is to filter blood and remove toxins from the body.
The toxins from the kidneys are sent to the bladder, which is removed during urination. Apart from
Kidney transplant
Another treatment option is a kidney transplant. If the body accepts the transplanted kidney it will function normally which usually last from 10-20 years. Most patients go with a living donor from a family member. It is necessary for the kidney to 
being the bodies, the hormones that control blood pressure and red blood cells are made in the kidneys. They also balance some elements in the blood like sodium, potassium, and calcium.

Kidney failures are of two kinds acute kidney failure and chronic kidney failures. Chronic Kidney Failure is also known as end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Both, acute and chronic kidney failures, occur when the kidneys can’t filter waste from the blood properly. When this happens the wastes accumulates to a dangerous level causing the blood’s chemical to get imbalanced.

There are many reasons why the kidney’s health deteriorates or other kidney diseases may occur when:

●      Other chronic or acute problems that have done permanent damage over time

●        Polycystic kidney disease

●      Diabetes

●      High blood pressure

●      Urinary tract issues

●      Blocked kidneys due to recurring kidney stones

●      Heart attack

●      Blood clot in the kidney

●      Drugs, alcohol and smoking

●      Infection

●      Chemotherapy

Here are some of the common symptoms one may notice if suffering from kidney failure:

●      Itching

●      Muscle cramps

●      Nausea and vomiting

●      Not feeling hungry

●      Swelling in your feet and ankles

●      Too much urine (pee) or not enough urine

●      Trouble catching your breath

●      Trouble sleeping

In the case of acute kidney failure:

●      Abdominal pain

●      Back pain

●      Diarrhea

●      Fever

●      Nosebleeds

●      Rash

●      Vomiting

The signs of early-stage kidney disease are often subtle but the following are the common symptoms:

●      Decreased urination

●      Swelling in the limbs (fluid retention)

●      Shortness of breath

With acute kidney failure, the damage may not always be permanent. The kidneys may go back to normal or almost normal with proper treatment if other serious health problems don’t disturb the healing process.

When the patient has CKD the kidney treatment recommended is either dialysis or a kidney transplant. This is a serious treatment needed to live. While on kidney dialysis or with a kidney transplant many live long lives even as there is no cure for CKD.

The best hospitals for kidney failure treatment in Bangalore will suggest the following :

Kidney Dialysis

During dialysis, a machine is used to filter the blood and toxins out of the body. The kidneys functions are performed by the machine. While on it the doctors may suggest a low-potassium and low-salt diet along. It is important to understand that dialysis doesn’t cure kidney failure, but it can extend life so other treatments can be scheduled.

Kidney Biopsy Tests: Procedure, Risks & Results

In order to diagnose a disease or the extent to which it has spread in the body, the doctor may sometimes employ a method where he / she would extract a tiny piece of tissue from the affected or surrounding area for examination; this diagnostic procedure is called a Biopsy. When this procedure is used to diagnose whether the kidneys are affected by cancer, the process is known as Kidney Biopsy or Renal Kidney Biopsy. The test aids the doctor with the necessary information such as the disease severity, the spread of the ailment, and the risks it may pose, thus, enabling the professional in determining the apt treatment and cure strategy.

 Before we discuss kidney biopsy procedure further, it is important to have an in depth look at the various different types of biopsies that are performed.

 There are primarily two types of Renal Kidney Biopsy, both of which are performed fairly widely, however, based on a patient’s conditions or the doctor’s recommendations, the subject to choose rests upon the team of healthcare professionals.  

·  Open Biopsy also known as Surgical Biopsy

·  Renal Needle Biopsy also known as Percutaneous Biopsy

Factors that lead to a renal kidney biopsy:

·  Un-diagnosable ailment in the kidney/s

·  Sudden malfunction of kidney/s 

·  Blood in the urine

·  Excess protein (urea) in the urine 

·  Observation of a transplanted kidney 

Kidney Biopsy Procedure: 

·  Open Biopsy: This process is helpful when the doctor requires a large portion of kidney tissue. A small incision is made near the kidney and once the sample is collected, it is stitched back.

·  Percutaneous Biopsy: In this process, a thin needle is employed. The needle is inserted into the body, and with the use of ultrasound or tomography, the location for extracting the tissue is identified. 

Risks Associated with Renal Biopsy

If you notice any of the signs and symptoms as mentioned below, seek immediate medical attention, as more often than not, these signs may lead to certain kidney biopsy risks: 

·  Difficulty in urination 

·  Presence of blood beyond a day after the biopsy was conducted 

·  Urgent and / frequent need to urinate 

·  Urinary burns 

·  Above points accompanied by fever or chills 

·  Post-biopsy pain in the affected area 

·  Nausea

·  Renal biopsies, in some rare cases, may even cause internal organ damage 

Apart from these indicators, some kidney biopsy complications may happen due to other reasons too, such as certain infections. 

Infections:

·  Affected flow of blood through the kidneys 

·  Diseases in the connective tissues 

·  Diabetes 

·  Kidney transplant rejection 

Additional tests may be recommended by the professional to devise a fully tailored treatment regime. Even the reports from a biopsy are vital in determining the changing the course of treatment, if required.

 

How do you get rid of bladder stones?

Vesical calculus or cystoliths are mineral deposits that lead to the formation of kidney stones in one’s bladder. This usually takes place when urination doesn’t lead to the complete emptying of the bladder, and the residual urine sediments to form crystals. Normally, these stones pass in the urine, but sometimes they are large enough to block the urinary tract and bladder. These stones need to be identified through X-rays. These conditions can lead to the formation of either one stone or multiple bladder stones. 

 

Kidney stones are generally asymptomatic, but, sometimes, may give you certain signs, which, upon noticing, must prompt you to seek professional medical guidance: 

 

·  Pain and / or irritation in the penis (in case of men)

·  Irregular urination 

·  Pain in the lower stomach area

·  Blood in the urine

Although bladder stones can occur due to a number of causes, some notable ones are: 

·  Neurogenic Bladder: This happens when the nerves between the bladder and nervous system are affected

·  Prostate Enlargement: This can cause disruption in the urine flow  

·  Bladder inflammation: UTI and radiation therapy are known to cause this 

·  Bladder diverticula: These are caused due to the formation of bladder pouches 

·  Cystocele: This happens in women when the bladder walls become weak ultimately leading to bladder stones 

 

Bladder & Renal Stones Treatment

 

Usually the doctor will recommend the patient to drink lots of water to help push out the bladder stones through the urinary tract; but this might work only for small stones. If the stones are big and pose difficulty for the patient to push out, the doctor may employ either of these two methods -

 

1.    One of the methods is to use medication and / general anesthesia to render unconsciousness, following which the doctor will insert a laparoscope into the bladder to get a clear picture. Once examined, the doctor may use an ultrasound or a similar device to break down the stone/s and flush it out through the bladder.

2.    The doctor may even opt to perform a surgical removal of the stones if the stones are too hard / large to be broken down in order to carry out successful renal stones treatment.

 

How to Overcome Male Infertility

It has been observed and studied that 1 out 3 couple deal with infertility in today. And in thirds of these couples have male infertility. Though being unable to conceive is usually associated with women there are male fertility issues can often be the reason.

 

What the physiological causes of male infertility?

 

Low sperm production, abnormal sperm function, or blockages that limit sperm production, can be a reason for the inability to conceive. Apart from these, current illness, injuries, chronic health issues, lifestyle choices like smoking or working in a hot environment and other factors can also lead to male infertility.

 

What are the other causes of male infertility?

Some of the reason behind fertility problems are:

●     Overexposure to heat, toxins and chemicals can reduce sperm production or motility.

●     Drug use is another big reason for fertility issues. Certain type of steroids that are often taken for fitness or perhaps to treat another illness may shrink the testicles and lead to lower sperm production. Also, the use of recreational drugs like cocaine or marijuana may reduce the quality of sperm as well.

●     Drinking alcohol can cause erectile dysfunction and decrease sperm production. Drinking also leads to liver disease which in turn may lead to fertility problems.

●     It’s been studied that men who smoke may have a lower sperm count than do those who don't smoke. However, it has also been observed that secondhand smoking also may affect male fertility.

●     Dealing with emotional stress can also affect sperm count.

●     Being overweight or obese is known to directly impact on hormone chance which can affect sperm quality.

 

What are the symptoms?

Even though most men don’t notice symptoms other than feeling incapacitated to conceive a child, here are some symptoms that are linked with male infertility:

 

●     Difficulty in ejaculating or very little fluid ejaculated, decreased sex-drive, or difficulty maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction)

●     Pain, swelling or a lump in the testicle area

●     Recurrent respiratory infections

●     Inability to smell

●     Abnormal breast growth (gynecomastia)

●     Reduced facial or body hair

●     A lower than normal sperm count

How is male fertility diagnosed?

Experts who treat and specialise on male sexual problems and male infertility are known as andrologists. When consulting over male fertility problems, NU Hospitals has some of the most well-mentioned andrologists near you.

The andrologists will Do a general physical examination and study one’s medical history. And this is what one can expect: examining of genitals and questions about any inherited illness like diabetes or others, any chronic health problems, any current illnesses, injuries or surgeries.

●     Do a semen analysis.

●     May do a scrotal (testicle) ultrasound. This helps the doctor understand if there are any other problems in the testicles and supporting structures.

●     May ask for a blood test to find any abnormalities in other hormonal or organ systems also might contribute to infertility. A blood test measures the level of testosterone and other hormones.

Are there any treatments for male fertility?

NU Hospitals has some of the leading doctors who treat men’s sexual health. And through the positive treatments over the years it’s come to be known as one of the best andrology hospitals to treat male fertility problems in Bangalore. One may also try for an online doctor’s consultation with NU Hospitals.

Treatments for male infertility include:

●     Surgery

●     Hormone treatments and medications

●     Assisted reproductive technology (ART)