SearchFaqs.com | Quality Content Found Here

Home - Health - Polymyalgia Rheumatica – Potential Causes And Triggers

Polymyalgia Rheumatica – Potential Causes and Triggers

Polymyalgia rheumatica, or PMR, is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the major muscle groups of the body. The hip area, neck, and shoulders are some of the most affected regions. PMR is one of the most common rheumatic conditions in the demographic of people over 50 years old. The condition is also relatively more prevalent in females than in males. Despite its prevalence, the condition is difficult to diagnose and treat since no specific tests or definite causes exist.

Genetic predisposition
Genetic factors are one of the common causes of polymyalgia rheumatica. The condition may affect individuals who have a family history of the condition or a related autoimmune condition. Therefore, PMR may also affect individuals prone to giant cell arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. There is still some ongoing research to help find the genetic markers that make individuals more susceptible to PMR.

Immune system dysfunction
Another factor that can play a functional role in the pathogenesis of PMR is the immune system. When the system shows signs of dysfunction, it can attack the healthy cells in the body and result in increased inflammation and pain. It can make things more difficult for the patient by triggering the affected areas. Although, it has not yet been determined what exactly triggers this malfunction of the immune system. Bacterial and viral infections are some possible triggers.

Inflammatory response to infections
As discussed above, some viral and bacterial infections are suspected to cause PMR. Certain microbes that impact the respiratory system can also be regarded as potential causative agents for polymyalgia rheumatica. Theoretically, it is believed that the immune system responds to these infections in the body, and the process leads to increased inflammation. This attack by the immune system can also make the affected individuals more susceptible to the occurrence of PMR. However, like other possible causes, more research and proof are needed to establish a proper link between some pathogens and their role in PRM onset.

Environmental factors
Another possible cause of polymyalgia rheumatica is the environmental factors surrounding the individual. Many people are exposed to a wide variety of toxins and pollutants in their daily lives. These chemicals can play a role in the development of PMR. In some cases, they might even exacerbate other conditions that can fast-track the process of onset. It is believed that environmental factors can also interact with the genetic traits that make individuals more susceptible to the condition. They can also enhance the immune system dysfunction, perpetuating the inflammatory process and aggravating the pain in affected tissues.

Age and hormonal changes
The age group of 50 years and above is the primary demographic of PMR. The most documented cases of the condition are in people who have reached or crossed 70 years. This indicates that age-related changes in an individual’s hormonal levels and immune system can act as a contributing factor. Hormonal fluctuations can send the immune system into a tizzy and might affect the patient’s ability to fight off the condition’s onset. In particular, the fluctuations in the levels of the hormone cortisol have been found to significantly impact the disease’s pathogenesis.

Autoimmune mechanisms
PMR is often considered an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakes healthy cells and tissues for foreign entrants and starts attacking them. As suggested earlier, due to a lack of concrete research, it is hypothesized that a faulty autoimmune mechanism could also contribute as a causative factor in PMR onset. The process is believed to be driven by immune cells, signaling pathways, and the inflammatory cytokines responsible for the body’s inflammatory response. However, the specific triggers that initiate and perpetuate these autoimmune mechanisms remain the subject of ongoing research.

It is difficult to comment on or pinpoint what caused a particular PMR onset as the causes remain elusive. However, the possible reasons are believed to be a complex involvement of autoimmune malfunction, genetic predisposition, aging, environment, and fluctuating hormones. It is, therefore, important to pay special attention to possible causes and triggers to provide proper treatment and management options to the patients. These options can help improve the patient’s quality of life and help maintain their active daily routine.

Stress
Patients often ask, can stress trigger polymyalgia rheumatica? And the simple answer is yes. Psychological stressors that affect the person’s physical and emotional state can act as active sources that exacerbate their symptoms. Stress has also been known to increase the inflammation in the body and subsequently worsen the patient’s pain, fatigue, and stiffness. PMR patients are often advised to adopt stress management techniques, including mindful breathing practices, relaxation, low-impact exercises, indulging in hobbies, and spending time in nature.

Infections
Infections are another potential trigger that can make things difficult for PMR patients. However, the exact mechanism of how it affects the patient is yet to be determined. It is believed that when patients contract specific viral or bacterial infections, their immune response is triggered. The immune system then activates an inflammatory response in an attempt to deal with the pathogen and infected cells. However, since the patients of PMR are already dealing with high inflammation, the immune response against the infections can aggravate their existing symptoms. Some might experience frequent flare-ups when dealing with an infection.

Treatment
Some treatments that affect the immune system of individuals might also act as a trigger for PMR patients. If a patient is receiving treatment for an underlying autoimmune condition or any immunity-altering treatment, they need to be closely monitored for any sign of PMR. Close monitoring of side effects and symptoms is essential for accurate diagnosis and management of PMR.

Disclaimer:

The content of the articles discussing symptoms, treatments, health conditions, and side effects is solely intended for informational purposes. It is imperative that readers do not interpret the information provided on the website as professional advice. Readers are requested to use their discretion and refrain from treating the suggestions or opinions provided by the writers and editors as medical advice. It is important to seek the help of licensed and expert healthcare professionals when necessary.

Controlling eczema with popular medications and treatments

Things to Know About Top Dementia Care Facilities

Latest Articles

The Causes And Symptoms Of Carcinoid Neuroendocrine Tumors

The causes and symptoms of carcinoid neuroendocrine tumors The neuroendocrine system can be described as a network of glands producing hormones that are carried into the bloodstream. There are different roles that these hormones play in the human body. The carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor is a very rare tumor that shows up in the cells of the neuroendocrine system. Around 80% of these tumors grow in the small bowel and the appendix. However, they can even grow in the lungs, pancreas, ovaries, stomach, testicles, and kidneys. These tumors develop at varied rates, and they are usually slow at developing. They might develop over several months and even years. Nevertheless, there are some tumors that tend to be highly aggressive. They can spread very quickly to other parts of the human body and can even result in serious issues. What are the causes of carcinoid neuroendocrine tumors? Experts are still not aware of the main causes of neuroendocrine tumors. However, there are certain conditions that might make you a victim of these tumors. These are called risk factors, and they are situations and diseases that you cannot control. Some of the most common causes of neuroendocrine tumors are as listed: Some diseases that are caused due to family history or genes passed to an individual through their family can increase their chances of having a carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor. Individuals with multiple endocrine neoplasia disease can be the victims of carcinoid tumors. This is a disease where tumors form in the cells, making hormones or chemicals that have a major effect on the actions of the body, such as sex drive, mood, and hair growth. Your age can have an effect on your chances of suffering from carcinoid tumors. There are certain NETs that have an effect on people of specific ages. The gender of an individual also has an effect on the risk for certain NETs. However, women have an increased chance of suffering from these tumors. The race of a person also has an effect on their chances of suffering from carcinoid tumors. The immune system in the body is its defense against all kinds of germs. Diseases or conditions that affect the immune system, such as organ transplant and HIV/AIDS, can increase the chances of neuroendocrine tumors in individuals. Excessive sun exposure can also result in neuroendocrine tumors. This is because the sun gives off ultraviolet rays that damage the skin DNA. This can result in the growth of cells in an uncontrolled manner, resulting in cancer. Studies have proved that smoking can also increase the chances of neuroendocrine tumors in people. What are the symptoms of carcinoid neuroendocrine tumors? Neuroendocrine tumors are generally diagnosed in people between the ages of 50 and 60. People with these tumors might experience certain symptoms, or they might not have any signs or changes in their body. The symptoms of neuroendocrine tumors include the following: Anxiety attacks High blood pressure Headaches A fever Rapid pulse Clammy skin Sweating Vomiting Nausea Heart palpitations Weight loss Flushing Severe diarrhea Wheezing Increased heart rate Appetite loss Sudden changes in blood pressure Always keep in mind that neuroendocrine tumors are rare and therefore the above-mentioned symptoms might be the result of other medical conditions. Nevertheless, it is important to consult a doctor if these symptoms persist for more than two weeks. What is the prognosis for carcinoid neuroendocrine tumors? If you go through carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor prognosis, you will be able to find that these tumors are either malignant or benign. The benign tumors tend to be small and can easily be removed completely, not to come back again. There are no symptoms produced if you are suffering from benign carcinoid tumors. The cells from these tumors do not spread to other parts of the body. The malignant or cancerous carcinoid tumors are large and can damage organs and tissues close to them. The cells of these tumors can easily break and enter the lymphatic system and the bloodstream to form new tumors. How can carcinoid neuroendocrine tumors be prevented? There is no way of preventing these tumors at present. However, quitting or not starting to smoke might reduce the risk of these tumors. It is important to maintain a healthy and balanced diet and a good lifestyle in order to prevent such tumors.

An Overview Of Cla Safflower Oil

An overview of CLA safflower oil CLA stands for conjugated linoleic acid. It is high in good fats, i.e., monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats. According to the National Institutes of Health, typically, CLA is found in foods like beef and dairy. However, it can also be found in small quantities in vegetable oils. Safflower oil is a oil produced from the seeds of a safflower plant; thus, it is a vegetable oil. Safflower plant is about 30 to 150 cm in height and each branch of the plant has about one to five flower heads with 15-20 seeds per head from which the oil is extracted. The plant is found in Kazakhstan as well as India, the USA, Mexico, and Argentina. Below is some information about CLA safflower oil. What are the advantages of using CLA safflower oil? The CLA safflower oil is a rich source of unsaturated fatty acids, namely, polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats. These fats, commonly known as good fats, are required by the body to function well. The CLA safflower oil helps in improving memory and aids hormone regulation. This oil allows the body to absorb fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin K, E, D, and A. CLA safflower oil reduces inflammation in the body and also improves general health. It is a good way to regulate blood sugar levels in the body. Regular intake of CLA safflower oil improves blood cholesterol levels, thereby, reducing the chances of any kind of heart diseases. It contains vitamin E, which is great for skin issues like dry skin or even inflamed skin. However, you must perform a patch test before applying the oil all over the skin. How do you use CLA safflower oil in diet? The moderate use of safflower oil in your food will improve your metabolic rate, thereby, reducing your weight. The proportion of safflower oil intake would be dependent on weight-loss calorie requirement. For instance, a woman who needs to have 1200 calories daily would need 4 teaspoons of the CLA safflower oil. Men who are on a diet and need to consume 1600 calories would need 5 teaspoons of it. What are the side effects of CLA safflower oil? Most often people do not face any side effects from this oil if it is consumed or applied in recommended proportions. CLA safflower oil thins the blood so it could slow down clotting and could increase the chances of bleeding for those who have bleeding disorders or are undergoing some sort of surgery. People allergic to ragweed or pollen should not consume this oil as it could lead to an allergic reaction. Pregnant women should avoid it. Which are the best safflower oils of the year? As per CLA safflower oil reviews, the following brands have made the list of favorites among consumers this year: Renewalize Organic Safflower Oil – This is a USDA-certified brand and it is high in oleic acid. Renewalize Organic Safflower Oil is extracted using the cold pressed method that allows it to have a high amount of oleic acid, which is great for hair growth. Hollywood Safflower Oil – This is a great oil for cooking. It is the best when it comes to light heat cooking. The Hollywood Safflower Oil is available in a pack of one, three, or twelve, and it works well for pasta and as a drizzle over appetizers. It is good for cake mixes as well. Eden Unrefined – This brand of CLA safflower oil is organic and kosher, and it only has safflower oil. It works well for acne-prone skin and for cooking too. Dr. Adorable One Gallon – If you want to use CLA safflower oil especially for body massages, then this brand works beautifully as it blends well. You can take a generous quantity and apply it all over the body. It has no noticeable smell. However, this oil should be only used for external purposes. Spectrum Naturals High Heat – This brand produces the perfect CLA safflower oil for cooking. It has a smooth flavor that is ideal for cooking. The Spectrum Naturals High Heat does not have any artificial coloring, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and other common allergens. It is much lighter than other oils, such as olive oil.

Top 10 Health Benefits Of Safflower Oil

Top 10 health benefits of safflower oil Safflower oil is an oil that is extracted from the seeds of the safflower. CLA stands for conjugated linoleic acid. CLA is a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid. The CLA safflower oil has a number of health benefits; hence, it is being used as medicine by many people. CLA safflower oil can be used for treating a number of health issues and it is also used as a cooking oil. Continue reading if you wish to know more about the amazing health benefits of safflower oil, its side effects, and more. What are the health benefits of safflower oil? It is believed that safflower oil helps in boosting the immune system. This oil has properties that can protect the body from any kind of infections and it is considered to boost immune health. The CLA safflower oil is good for your heart’s health. When you are having heart-related health issues, your doctor will usually suggest you maintain a balanced diet, and it is important to keep it natural. Safflower oil is a natural oil that has omega-6 fatty acids, which are good for a healthy heart. The cholesterol levels of the body are also maintained using this oil. CLA safflower oil helps in losing weight. Shedding those extra pounds is not a simple task and you need to do a lot more along with exercise. Safflower oil is very good for healthy and shiny hair. If you are having dull, damaged, and dry hair, then this oil can be very helpful. Just massage a few drops of this oil into your scalp and it would increase the blood circulation in your scalp resulting in strong hair. When you have strong hair, why not have flawless skin? Yes, there are a number of products available in the market for flawless skin, but how many of them guarantee long-lasting results? Safflower oil can do that for you. You can check the CLA safflower oil reviews for skin and you will find the best reviews about this oil. It is good for joint pains as well. Massaging is one of the best ways to get rid of joint pains and massaging with safflower oil is a good option for better results. Diabetes is a health condition that needs to be treated with the right medicine. According to many studies, the omega-6 fatty acids are considered as the best option for controlling sugar levels in the body. It is also good for treating a migraine headache. Any health problems related to respiration can be treated using this oil. Menstrual pain and cramps in women can be treated with the help of this oil. Are there any side effects of safflower oil? There are no side effects of using safflower oil when used in moderation. This oil is strong and can cause irritation, so do not use it directly. You need to dilute with any carrier oil before you actually use it. What is the dosage of safflower oil that is good for your health? The dosage of CLA safflower oil usually depends on what kind of health issue you are treating. If you are using it to help reduce weight, then you can use it as cooking oil for at least six weeks. For this, you should consume at least one and a half teaspoons of this oil on a daily basis. How should safflower oil be stored for better results? Safflower has to be stored always in a dark place in an airtight container. Safflower oil can be kept in the refrigerator. In order to reduce the chances of oxidation, you should make sure that minimal air and light reaches the containers in which the oil is stored. You need to use the oil in just one or two months after you open the packing or oil tin.