There are many different disease that people have to live with, some of which are quite common and well known, while others are little known and sometimes not well understood. These six diseases commonly occur in human populations around the world though many people may not have heard of them.
Marfan Syndrome
Marfan Syndrome is a disease that affects the connective tissue of the body that helps to support organs and skeleton. Those who have this disease are usually tall and slender, with very long arms, legs, fingers and toes. The disease can worsen as the person ages, with increased heart problems, eye problems and skeletal problems. No cure exists for this disease, but it is treated with blood pressure medications, eye implants to assist vision and surgery to correct heart problems.
Lymphedema
Lymphedema is a condition of the lymphatic system of the human body. It causes swelling of an arm or leg and is often associated with cancer treatment. It occurs when a lymph gland becomes blocked and cannot drain lymph fluid from the body. Treatment is done by massaging the area, wrapping the area, exercising the body part to help drain fluid and compressing the area with special bandages. Surgery is sometimes needed to relieve swelling and pressure.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a condition that affects the muscles and connective tissue of the body, causing pain, tender points, fatigue and sleep problems that are characteristic of the disease. Current treatments include medications such as Cymbalta and Lyrica, antidepressants and pain relievers.
Polymyalgia
Polymyalgia, also called polymyalgia rheumatica, is a disorder that causes inflammation and stiffness in the muscles. The person may experience both pain and stiffness in arms, legs, shoulders, neck or hips. Polymyalgia can also cause weight loss, lethargy and depression. Information about polymyalgia is not widely available, which can make it difficult to diagnose. Corticosteroid medication, methotrexate, and anti tumor necrosis factor drugs can be helpful for this condition.
Raynaud’s Disease
Raynaud’s disease is a rare condition that affects the blood vessels of the fingers, toes, tips of the ears and tip of the nose. It can cause extreme coldness and numbness in these areas or even stinging pain from lack of proper circulation. Calcium channel blockers, alpha blockers and vasodilators can help relax blood vessels to assist blood circulation.
Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy is a disease that weakens the heart. It is a serious condition that can cause death. Treatment attempts to manage symptoms to prevent further damage to the heart muscle. Medications and surgery to install a pacemaker can be helpful for these patients.
Although these diseases are not well known, many people live with them everyday, some people don’t even know they have it. If you have pain, or a medical issue that is bothering you, the best thing you can do is see a doctor and get an examination. The key to minimizing pain and avoiding future complications is knowledge. When you know if you are affected by a disease, you can treat it properly.