Depression is an intense feeling of sadness that takes over a person’s will to do anything. It can make someone persistently sad without them being aware of the cause. Although people suffering from depression often don’t know what has caused it, there can be multiple factors that lead them into clinical depression. Understanding the causes and signs of depression becomes crucial to treat the condition from the roots. Major depressive disorder (MDD) Also known as clinical depression, the major depressive disorder has a lot to do with the moods of a person. It causes the person to feel depressed, lose interest in any activity that they once enjoyed, changes in sleep patterns, fatigue, face difficulty in concentration, feel worthless and guilty, and have suicidal thoughts. The exact cause of this type of depression is unknown; however, it is believed to be caused by certain life events, troubled childhood, triggers by alcohol or drug abuse, and even certain types of medication. Persistent depressive disorder Also known as dysthymia, this depression is chronic and can be mild to severe. Someone with the persistent depressive disorder might experience symptoms like difficulty in sleep, low self-esteem, feelings of hopelessness, and fatigue. Persistent depressive disorder can be caused due to exposure to long-lasting and severe stress that interferes with brain chemistry.

The term metastatic is used to define cancer that spreads from the place of origin to other parts of the body. Metastatic breast cancer forms in the breasts but spreads to the lymph nodes and other organs such as the brain, lungs, or liver. In most cases, or rather in a majority of patients diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, there is no real cure for the disease. The main aim of most metastatic breast cancer treatment options is to majorly slow down the rate of progression of cancer, ease out the symptoms, and ultimately help improve the quality of life. Local recurrence treatment options are different from metastatic breast cancer treatment options and will entirely depend on both the size and location of the tumor. The primary course of metastatic breast cancer treatment is to suggest therapies that are targeted to the affected parts. Additionally, they should only have a few side effects. There are two forms to these therapies: local therapies and systemic therapies. Local therapies focus treatment to a single area in the body, while systemic therapies are ones which impact the whole body in general. Metastatic breast cancer treatment options Most of the metastatic breast cancer treatment options are similar to the regular forms of treatments available for various stages of breast cancer.

Depression can be caused by a combination of reasons. The factors that cause depression can be genetic, psychological, biological, or even environmental. The theory that depression is caused by an imbalance of chemicals or neurotransmitters in the brain has been difficult to prove, and the MRI’s of people suffering from depression appears different from those without depression. This cannot, however, explain why the person is undergoing depression or how it can be diagnosed. Scientists are still researching in order to find out what causes depression. Although certain genes may be responsible for causing depression, as it is known to run in some families, this cannot be said to be the only cause as people without a family history of depression also seem to suffer from it. Sometimes a depressive event in life can trigger a depressive episode. Certain trauma that may cause depression could include the loss of a loved one, relationship issues, stress, drug or alcohol abuse, certain medical conditions, and even certain medicines. There is, unfortunately, no established cure for depression. But there are certain therapies that are practiced in many depression treatment centers that can help patients suffering from depression. Let’s take a look at some of the most effective therapies that are followed widely in depression treatment centers:

When a patient is diagnosed with severe eosinophilic asthma, indicating the presence of more than normal levels of eosinophils, doctors begin treatment with a goal of controlling and improving the symptoms. This can be done by reducing the eosinophils that are present in the airways. As the levels of eosinophils reduce, a person will be able to regain control of their breathing. In most cases, patients respond favorably to therapies that work for asthma and therapies used in the treatment of eosinophilia. Some patients can develop resistance to these therapies. There are many treatment options available to control asthma attacks and improve the patient’s quality of life. Whereas a few options focus on controlling the asthma attacks, some focus on preventing inflammation in the lungs. New research has brought in tremendous possibilities with the introduction of lab-made antibodies that are injected into the patients. These medicines are grouped as biologic therapies. Corticosteroids Corticosteroids are a group of medications that are used to reduce inflammation in the body and are very commonly used to treat asthma. They are used in inhalers by those affected by many types of asthma. However, they are not as effective for severe eosinophilic asthma and have to be supplemented with corticosteroid pills.

Breast cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the breast cells. It is the most common form of cancer in women. It is vital to know that there are several types of breast cancer, and medical practitioners aim to identify the type as soon as a person has been diagnosed with this condition. The course of the disease and the recommended treatments depend on the type of breast cancer a person has. Doctors will conduct a biopsy of the breast to check if the tissues have any specific hormone receptors (HR) like estrogen receptors or progesterone receptors. Additionally, they also conduct tests to see if any HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) are present. Both these receptors are not only indicators of breast cancer but they also contribute to its development. The treatment options for HR- and HER2-positive breast cancer are determined on the basis of various individual factors. Understanding HER2-positive breast cancer HER2 proteins, also known as receptors, are created by the HER2 gene, and they are primarily responsible for controlling the growth as well as repair of healthy breast cells. When these proteins are overexpressed in the body due to the improper functioning of the HER2 gene, the reproduction rate of the breast cells spirals out of control.

Stage IV of breast cancer, or the advanced form of breast cancer, is commonly referred to as metastatic breast cancer. Although not a specific type of cancer, it denotes the severity and stage of the progression of the disease. At this stage, the cancer has spread beyond the breast and has affected the lymph nodes associated with other organs in the body, such as the bones, liver, lungs, and even the brain. Although the cancer spreads to the other regions or organs within the body, it is still viewed as breast cancer and treated with specific metastatic breast cancer treatment options. For example, breast cancer that has spread to the bones is not counted as an additional bone cancer but rather treated as metastatic breast cancer of the bones. This is because the origin of the cancer is known. The occurrence of metastatic breast cancer In some cases, the very stage at which breast cancer is first diagnosed is the metastatic stage. This is what is referred to as de novo metastatic breast cancer. Usually, this form of cancer arises quite a few years after the individual has completed breast cancer treatment (the early or locally advanced stages). Metastatic breast cancer is at times a distant recurrence.

Multiple myeloma is a condition wherein plasma cells, which are a type of white blood cells in the bone marrow, become cancerous and start multiplying. This condition can damage the bones, immune system, and kidneys and the treatment for myeloma depends on the stage of cancer. Options include medication, corticosteroids, chemotherapy, and radiation; a stem-cell transplant may also be done. Cost of treatment There have been major advances in the last 15 years in the diagnosis and treatment of multiple myeloma. Overall, survival has remarkably improved during this period due to the research and introduction of new medications. But the costs of treating myeloma are very high, more than other oncology treatments. The cost is amplified in three ways: first, treatment requires a combination of multiple medications; second, treatment is usually done in the form of continuous or maintenance therapy, due to which costs are not temporary but continual; third, as survival through multiple myeloma has remarkably improved, the cumulative cost of care over the lifetime of a patient is very high. The costs for treatment for multiple myeloma can include approximately $150,000 per annum for medication and treatment, and around $100,000 per annum for maintenance and care after initial treatment.

Biosimilars are a copy of the original biologic medical product used in the treatment of a particular disease. These are also known as follow-on or subsequent entry biologics. Biosimilars are officially approved versions of the original “innovator” medicines and are manufactured by a different pharmaceutical company. However, biosimilars can be manufactured only after the patent of the original biologic expires. Biosimilars are not identical but can be compared to the original “innovators” in terms of quality, efficacy, and safety. Research on biosimilars for the treatment of multiple myeloma The role of biopharmaceuticals in the treatment of underlying multiple myeloma as well as managing the side effects of its treatment is fast growing. Given that cancer care is expensive and causes an imbalance in one’s health care provision and associated budget, a lot of research is underway to find cost-effective biosimilars. A prominent example is Filgrastim; it is a cost-effective solution for the treatment and supportive care in the case of multiple myeloma. Regulations with regard to biosimilars Biosimilars cannot be identical to the “innovator” products as the manufacturers of biosimilars cannot have access to the formula of the original products. Biologics are manufactured using ingredients that may not be identical to the original biologics.

Gout is a condition wherein an accumulation of excess uric acid crystals in the joints leads to severe pain. The reason for this is inflammation in the joints, especially the feet. Apart from medications, there are also some home remedies that you can follow to alleviate the pain. Take a look at these natural ingredients to take adequate care during a gout attack: Mustard oil Mustard oil has a compound called allyl isothiocyanate that is useful for reducing inflammation. Camphor is traditionally used in Chinese and Indian medicines and research suggests it soothes inflammation, redness, aches, and pains associated with arthritis. Mustard oil is one of the ingredients you can use to make a home gout care remedy. How the remedy works: Take 1 cup of mustard oil Add 10 grams of camphor in it Heat this mixture till the camphor melts Let the oil come down to a lukewarm temperature, and then mix this properly Use this mixture to rub on inflamed joints, and massage properly You can repeat this remedy until you find relief Epsom salt bath Epsom salt’s scientific name is magnesium sulfate. It has been used in traditional medicine for hundreds of years as a pain reliever and healing agent.

Heartburn is a condition wherein one experiences a burning pain in the chest, just behind the breastbone. It occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, which is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. This occurrence of the stomach acid flowing into the esophagus is also referred to as acid reflux. The condition can be triggered by overeating, alcohol, spicy food, or even tight clothing worn constantly. Luckily, there are some home remedies easily available in the kitchen that are effective in treating heartburn. Ginger Ginger has incredible healing properties and has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It has anti-inflammatory properties and is a great digestive, thereby preventing the formation of gas that could cause heartburn. You can consume ginger by sipping on tea infused with it or have some crushed ginger with honey. Vegetable juice Contrary to popular opinion, broccoli and the like are essential to your diet. While consuming vegetables is good, the juice of one can be great to treat your acid reflux. Potato, celery, and cabbage have an alkaline base which helps balance out the stomach acid levels. Some fruits like papaya can also be consumed. Papain, a digestive enzyme in papaya, helps break down the protein and has a wonderfully soothing effect on the stomach.