Although vitiligo can develop at almost any age, most cases are at the younger end of the age spectrum: about one-third of cases occur in children and up to 80% occur before age 30. Other autoimmune disease and thyroid disorders may be more common in older people diagnosed with vitiligo.
High blood levels of vitamin B12 do not pose any danger. But there is no advantage to take extra vitamin B12 to boost levels higher than the top of the normal range.
Xerostomia is the medical term for a dry mouth. It happens when the salivary glands produce less than optimal amounts of saliva. Aging that leads to decreased salivary gland production, dehydration (not drinking enough fluids) and anxiety are the most common causes. Dry mouth is a side effect of many medications, and it may result from autoimmune diseases like Sjogren’s syndrome. Radiation treatments to the head and neck can damage the salivary glands.
Ataxia refers to altered muscle control, which causes difficulty with balance and walking. It may also be associated with slurred speech or difficulty swallowing. Ataxia can happen secondary to an insult or damage to the cerebellum in the back part of the brain. Problems related to the spinal cord or peripheral nerves can also lead to ataxia. Ataxia can happen from a stroke, head injury, infection or a side effect of certain drugs. Some forms of ataxia result from inherited genetic mutations.
Dyspnea is the medical term for shortness of breath. There are many potential reasons why a person may have shortness of breath. Causes of dyspnea can be divided into four main categories: Heart related conditions, lung problems, anemia (low red blood cell count) and anxiety.
Hematemesis is the medical term for vomiting blood. The blood almost always comes from the upper digestive tract. Bleeding from the esophagus could be caused by esophageal varices (dilated superficial blood vessels in the wall of the esophagus), esophagitis (an inflamed esophagus), an esophageal ulcer or a tear in the lower part of the esophagus from violent vomiting.
Bleeding that comes from a stomach source includes gastritis (stomach inflammation), an ulcer, stomach varices, or rarely cancer. An ulcer in the first part of the small intestine, called a duodenal ulcer, is another potential reason for hematemesis.
Palpitations refers to the sensation that your heart is beating fast or irregularly. The first thing to do is sit or lay down and take some slow deep breaths to help you relax. Most often the palpitations will resolve quickly. However, if the symptoms persist and you also have chest pain, shortness of breath, a cold sweat or feeling as though you might pass out, call for immediate medical advice.
Cachexia is a wasting syndrome of the body from chronic illness such as cancer, AIDS, heart failure, kidney disease, and COPD. Symptoms include extreme weight loss, muscle weakness, poor appetite, and fatigue. While addressing the underlying cause is the best way to treat cachexia, appetite stimulants, nutritional supplements, specialized exercise programs, and counseling can help.
There are two types of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), dry AMD and wet AMD. Most people with the dry type will have a slow loss of vision. If it converts to the wet type, the time to potential blindness is faster. People with a history of smoking are more likely to develop AMD. If you don't smoke, don't start. If you do smoke, try to quit. Some (but not all) evidence suggests that a diet rich in green leafy vegetables, fruits, fish and nuts may reduce the risk of AMD.
There are a many simple lifestyle changes you can make to control acid reflux:
• Elevate the head of your bed at least six inches. If possible, put wooden blocks under the legs at the head of the bed. Or, use a solid foam wedge under the head portion of the mattress.
• Avoid foods that cause the valve between the stomach and esophagus to relax during their digestion, such as coffee, chocolate, fatty foods, peppermint and spearmint.
• Limit acidic foods that make the irritation worse when they are regurgitated. These include citrus fruits and tomatoes.
• Avoid carbonated beverages. Burps of gas force the esophageal sphincter to open and can promote reflux.
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
• Do not lie down after eating.
• Do not eat during the three to four hours before you go to bed.
• If you smoke, quit.
• Lose weight if you are obese. Obesity can make it harder for the esophageal sphincter to stay closed.
• Avoid wearing tight-fitting garments. Increased pressure on the abdomen can open the esophageal sphincter.
• Use lozenges or gum to keep producing saliva.