Harvard Health Content API

Preeclampsia affects about 1 in 25 pregnancies in the U.S. It usually begins after the 20th week of pregnancy and causes high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and swelling. The cause is not entirely known but recent studies suggest that it occurs when the placenta doesn’t anchor itself deeply within the wall of the uterus during the first trimester which could be influenced by the immune system, genetics, or underlying health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

Preeclampsia is a common complication of pregnancy that causes high blood pressure and protein in the urine. If left untreated, preeclampsia can lead to kidney and liver abnormalities, stroke, and even death. Obesity with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 is a risk factor for preeclampsia. The relationship between maternal obesity and preeclampsia is still being studied.

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.

Vitamin B12 (also known as cobalamin) is essential for keeping your brain and nerves healthy and for making DNA and red blood cells. Without enough vitamin B12 people can develop many symptoms, including weakness, fatigue, light-headedness, and shortness of breath. If low levels of B12 remain for a long time, the condition also can lead to irreversible damage to nerve cells, which can cause numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, difficulty walking and memory loss.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.