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6 alarming signs of sickle cell crises

Sickle cell crisis, also called vaso-occlusive crisis, is a painful and potentially life-threatening episode that occurs in individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD). This type of blood disorder is caused by an abnormal genetic mutation. The condition affects one’s hemoglobin and turns the shape of red blood cells into sickle-shaped cells, leading to restricted blood flow, anemia, and increased risk of infections. Understanding the warning signs of sickle cell crisis is important.

Intense pain and headaches
Sickle cell crisis brings excruciating pain, often accompanied by headache or dizziness. Individuals experiencing a crisis describe the pain as sharp, throbbing, and unbearable. This pain can occur anywhere in the body but is most commonly felt in the bones and joints. It can be so severe that it interferes with daily activities, making it impossible to ignore.

Muscular weakness and swelling
Muscular or general weakness can manifest in various parts of the body during sickle cell crisis, making it difficult to move some parts of one’s body or perform everyday tasks. It can also be due to swelling of hands and feet or localized swelling that can be tender or painful to the touch. These symptoms mainly occur because the sickle cells get stuck in the small vessels and block blood flow.

Breathing problems
Sickle cell crises can also affect the lungs, leading to shortness of breath, chest pain when breathing, or both. When sickle cells block blood vessels in the lungs, it can result in acute chest syndrome, a medical emergency. Shortness of breath should never be ignored and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional immediately.

Tiredness
Fatigue is a common symptom of many health conditions, but it can become alarming when experienced during a sickle cell crisis. Anemia, a condition characterized by a lack of healthy red blood cells, is a common complication of sickle cell disease. During a crisis, the body’s oxygen-carrying capacity is further compromised, leading to extreme fatigue and weakness.

Jaundice
Jaundice, characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes, can occur during a sickle cell crisis. When sickle cells break down, they release a substance called bilirubin, which can build up in the bloodstream and cause jaundice. the disease may also be accompanied by dark urine and pale stools, indicating that the liver is affected.

Priapism
In males, an alarming sign of a sickle cell crisis is priapism, a painful obstruction of the blood vessels caused by sickle cells. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention to prevent long-term damage including impotency.

Hyperkalemia – 10 foods to avoid

Potassium plays a huge role in the health of our heart muscles and nerve cells. And high levels of this element in the blood cause hyperkalemia. If you consume meals high in potassium, your doctor may advise you to decrease portion sizes and concentrate on fruits and vegetables with a lower potassium content. Here is a list of foods rich in potassium that must be avoided if you have hyperkalemia. Yogurt and dairy products A serving of nonfat yogurt weighing eight ounces has roughly 625 mg of potassium, making it one of the dairy aisle's highestÂ sources of potassium. Even reduced fat milk contains 366 mg of potassium in a glass of cow's whole milk. Ricotta and cottage cheese are also high in potassium. Goat cheese is a low potassium food, proving that not all cheeses are made equal. Likewise, About 131 milligrams of potassium may be found in a half cup of vanilla ice cream. Bananas When people consider foods high in potassium, bananas frequently come to mind. A banana normally contains 422 mg of potassium. Among all the fruit, bananas are athletes' favorite as they provide energy. However, it could be highly dangerous for someone suffering from hyperkalemia. Consult your doctor if you have hyperkalemia and stick to fruits such as apples and berries. Leafy vegetables About 420 milligrams of potassium can be found in only a half cup of cooked spinach. Raw spinach, young or mature, has roughly 167 mg per cup. Fennel, bok choy, beet greens, and Swiss chard are also high in potassium. You can opt for kale instead. Kale has more nutrients than these other dark leafy greens, but it has less potassium. 73 mg is present in one cup of raw kale. Fish Clams, which provide 534 mg of potassium in just 3 ounces, are the finest source of protein from seafood. Around three ounces of skipjack tuna offers 444 mg, another major source of potassium. One of the most popular fish, salmon, frequently has a lower potassium content. Keeping a check on what type of fish you are eating if you have hyperkalemia is a must. Kidney beans Beans are a balanced addition to any meal plan as they're rich sources of protein and fiber. However, according to data from the USDA, one cup of the kidney-shaped type has 713 mg of potassium. A half-cup of black beans has 489 mg of potassium. Avocado This creamy, green-fleshed fruit is packed with 690 mg of potassium and is high in fiber and heart-healthy lipids. Although it might seem good for your heart, you should avoid it if you have hyperkalemia. Potatoes Potassium is heavily concentrated in potatoes; 925 milligrams of potassium may be found in a baked potato. A three-ounce portion of french-fried potatoes has 470 mg of potassium and a lot of fat and calories. The potassium content in an ounce of potato chips is 465 mg. Indulging in fast foods like fries is adverse for those with hyperkalemia. Oranges A single orange has 240 mg of potassium, making it a food with a high potassium content. With 450 mg per 8 oz glass, orange juice is a more potent source of potassium. Fruits vary in their potassium content. Berries are a poor source of potassium and can be a decent substitute for oranges and orange juice. Another good option is apples. Dried fruits The nutrients in fruit, including potassium, that have been dried are concentrated. You get roughly 750 milligrams from half a cup of dried apricots. Also, even though raisins and dried plums make a fantastic snack, they should be avoided by someone with hyperkalemia. Legumes and beans Legumes are a significant source of potassium as well. White beans have the most, with 600 mg of potassium in a half cup. In half a cup serving, other legumes such as lima beans and pinto beans have between 300 and 350 mg.

12 causes of involuntary hand movements or trembling

Involuntary hand movements can translate to uncontrollable tremors or shaky hands. The tremors are usually side effects of underlying diseases, physical or mental stress, or injury. While the causes of these motions may differ, they can significantly impact a person's quality of life and ability to perform everyday tasks. Figuring out the root cause can help diagnose and manage this condition effectively. Here are some common causes that lead to involuntary hand movements. Parkinson's Disease Parkinson's disease is a well-known condition associated with hand tremors. This progressive neurological disorder affects the brain's ability to produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter that controls movement and coordination. As dopamine levels decrease, individuals with Parkinson's disease often experience tremors, which commonly start in one hand and progress over time to both hands. These tremors tend to occur at rest and may worsen with stress. Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) This neurological disorder is the result of being exposed to certain treatments for a prolonged duration. Its management mainly involves getting the person off the treatment. Hand tremors and facial tics are common symptoms of TD. If one experiences this symptom while undergoing any treatments, one is advised to seek immediate professional intervention. Tics Tics are sudden, rapid, repetitive muscle movements that can affect various parts of the body, including the hands. Conditions like Tourette's syndrome are known for causing both motor and vocal tics, which can manifest as uncontrollable hand jerks or twitches. Weakness or exhaustion Muscle weakness, whether due to an underlying health condition or overexertion, can cause one's hands to tremble. Weakness in the muscles that control hand movements can result in involuntary motions. Stroke In some cases, a stroke can lead to involuntary hand movements. A stroke occurs when there is a disruption in blood flow to the brain, which can lead to motor deficits, including tremors in the hands. Lack of sleep Lack of sleep can affect oneâs brain function and trigger the brain to send disruptive signals to the body, which can often cause shaky hands. Low blood sugar levels When the blood sugar drops due to any reason, like diabetes or lack of food, it can affect oneâs nerves and muscles and cause trembling. Anxiety Anxiety is characterized by excessive stress, and it can trigger a range of physical symptoms, including trembling hands or sweating palms. One may experience anxiety-related hand tremors during periods of heightened stress or panic. Lack of oxygen supply to the brain Insufficient oxygen supply to the brain is technically referred to as cerebral hypoxia. It can be caused by several factors, including suffocation, traumatic brain injuries, seizures, carbon monoxide poisoning, or respiratory failure. Hypoxia can lead to involuntary hand movements. In worse cases, it can cause brain damage. In children, hypoxia, triggered by any number of birth complications or respiratory issues, can cause hand tremors. Excessive caffeine intake Beverages like coffee and energy drinks contain caffeine, which is known to stimulate oneâs nervous system and muscles. Excessive consumption of caffeine can cause jitteriness and hand tremors. Vigorous exercise Intense or strenuous physical activity can cause muscle fatigue, exhaustion, and trembling hands. This can be seen especially if one is working out the muscles after a long time. However, it typically subsides with rest and hydration. Overactive thyroid An overactive thyroid gland, a condition known as hyperthyroidism, can lead to a range of symptoms, including hand tremors. Elevated levels of thyroid hormones can accelerate the body's metabolic rate, leading to shaky hands and other motor disturbances.