Dictionary of Dietary Supplement Terms
Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Types, Symptoms, Causes And More
Experts emphasize that because the brain and spinal cord affect bodily functions in myriad ways, symptoms of multiple sclerosis can vary significantly. The area of the brain affected by multiple sclerosis determines what symptoms someone experiences, says Dr. Voskuhl. The most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis, according to research, include:
Typically, someone with multiple sclerosis initially experiences vision impairment, explains Dr. Graves. "[Symptoms] can vary depending on which location within the brain, spinal cord or optic nerve is attacked first. About 20% of patients present with acute vision loss and eye pain as part of optic neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerve)" she says.
If the nerve behind the eye becomes inflamed, the person may experience blurry vision and pain behind the eye that can last for a few days, adds Dr. Graham.
Other people may initially experience limb weakness or numbness as the first multiple sclerosis symptom, according to Dr. Graves and Dr. Graham. "[For example,] someone may have numbness in their right hand that slowly progresses up to their elbow, and by day three, it's up to their shoulder," says Dr. Graham, who adds that this symptom may progress slowly.
Additional Multiple Sclerosis (MS) SymptomsAn individual's experience with multiple sclerosis over time is unique, according to experts. Dr. Graves says the most common symptom people with multiple sclerosis experience is physical and mental fatigue. Additional symptoms may include numbness and tingling in the face, body, arms or legs, muscle stiffness and cramps, limb weakness, short-term memory loss, difficulty with cognition or multitasking and bodily incoordination.
If someone doesn't experience vision changes as the initial multiple sclerosis symptom, blurry or double vision may occur later, says Dr. Graves.
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Seeing 'rings' Around Lights Is A Sign Of An Eye Condition That Could Lead To Blindness
Cause of Glaucoma explainedLike any of our organs, our eyes can become damaged over time and succumb to illnesses.
And the older we get, the more likely we are to encounter issues with our eyes.
This is the case with glaucoma, a "common" eye condition that often affects people in their 70s and 80s.
While it usually develops gradually over time, it can also come on quickly - increasing the risk for lasting damage.
Kyla Black, head of professional services at Boots Opticians, spoke with Express.Co.Uk to explain more.
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She said: "Glaucoma is a common eye condition that affects people of all ages but is most common in adults in their 70s and 80s.
"It is where the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, becomes damaged. This is caused by a build-up of fluid in the eye, which then increases pressure inside the eye."
Symptoms of glaucomaIf glaucoma develops over time it usually affects the peripheral vision - vision outside of the direct line of sight.
"Most commonly, glaucoma affects your peripheral vision first, and this can go unnoticed initially because your central vision, which we use for things such as reading, recognising faces and watching TV, remains good," Ms Black said.
"For this reason, many people don't realise they have glaucoma, and the only way to know if you are affected is to go for regular eye health checks."
However, if it affects someone "suddenly" there can be more noticeable symptoms.
One such symptom is seeing rings around lights.
Ms Black explained: "Very occasionally, glaucoma can develop suddenly, with the onset of symptoms including intense pain or redness in your eyes.
"You may also experience nausea and vomiting, headaches or blurry vision or even seeing rings around lights.
"If left without treatment it can eventually lead to blindness, which is why early detection is so important. Both eyes are usually affected, although it may be worse in one eye."
Risk factors for glaucomaSome people will be more at risk for glaucoma than others
"Certain factors can increase your risk, including your age, as it becomes more common as you get older, those with a family history of glaucoma, people of African, Caribbean or Asian origin, or those with other ocular/medical conditions – such as short-sightedness, long sightedness and diabetes," Ms Black said.
She added: "Glaucoma is a life-long, chronic disease that cannot be cured and any sight lost due to glaucoma cannot be regained.
"But the good news is, with effective treatment, the damage can be slowed and therefore stopping the progression of sight loss.
"The treatment recommended will depend on the type of glaucoma you have, but options include eye drops to reduce the pressure in your eyes, laser treatment to open up the blocked drainage tubes or reduce the production of fluid in your eyes, or surgery to improve the drainage of fluid.
"It is important that you go for a routine eye test at least every two years, even if you're not experiencing any problems with your eyes or vision, as it can help spot early signs of many eye health conditions, including glaucoma."
If you have any concerns about your eyes, you should see your optician or GP for advice.
How Long Does Prednisone Stay In Your System?
© fizkes/Shutterstock woman taking medication If you have ever taken prednisone for an inflammatory or autoimmune condition, you may be familiar with its powerful effects. You may also wonder how long this medication stays in your body after you stop taking it. Prednisone is a corticosteroid medication that works by suppressing the immune system and can help relieve symptoms of various medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, allergies, and lupus, according to the Mayo Clinic. Corticosteroids mimic the effects of the natural hormone cortisol, which is produced by the adrenal glands, says Healthline. By reducing inflammation, corticosteroids can relieve symptoms like swelling in affected areas.
The use of corticosteroids such as prednisone is widespread in the United States. However, as with any medication, it is important to understand how long it stays in the body and its potential side effects. Here's what you need to know about the half-life of prednisone, how the drug is metabolized, and how long it can be detected in the body.
How Long Does It Take For Prednisone To Leave The Body?
© New Africa/Shutterstock woman drinking water In general, the half-life of prednisone is approximately 3-4 hours, explains Drugs.Com. This means that it takes this amount of time for half of the prednisone dose to be eliminated from the body. After another 2-4 hours, half of the remaining prednisone will be eliminated, and so on. However, prednisone can take up to 16.5-22 hours to be fully eliminated from the body. This means that it can take several days for the effects of prednisone to completely wear off after stopping treatment. However, the length of time that prednisone stays in your system can vary depending on several factors, such as the dose and duration of treatment.
Metabolism also plays a crucial role in how quickly drugs are eliminated from the body. When you take a medication, it is absorbed into the bloodstream and carried to the liver, which breaks down the drug into smaller molecules that can be eliminated from the body. According to MSD Manuals, the liver uses a group of enzymes called cytochrome P450 enzymes to metabolize drugs. These enzymes break down drugs into metabolites, which are then excreted in the urine or bile. The rate at which drugs are metabolized can also be influenced by various factors, including genetics and medical status.
Side Effects Of Prednisone
© Paul Bradbury/Getty Images man with headache According to Drug Watch, the short-term use of prednisone can lead to side effects such as increased appetite, weight gain, mood changes, insomnia, and elevated blood sugar levels. These side effects are generally mild and temporary, and often go away once the medication is discontinued. Long-term prednisone use can cause more serious side effects, including osteoporosis. Prednisone can also increase the risk of developing glaucoma. This is a group of eye diseases that can cause damage to the optic nerve and lead to vision loss or blindness. It is often caused by increased pressure within the eye, known as intraocular pressure, per the Mayo Clinic.
Because prednisone suppresses the immune system, it can increase the risk of developing infections such as pneumonia. In addition, long-term use of prednisone can suppress the body's natural production of cortisol, which can lead to adrenal insufficiency, which can cause fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms. Prednisone can also increase blood pressure and blood sugar levels, increasing the risk of developing high blood pressure, diabetes, and other cardiovascular problems. Additionally, long-term use of prednisone can cause muscle weakness and loss, particularly in the legs and hips.
If you are taking prednisone and experiencing any of these side effects, talk to your doctor immediately. They may suggest adjusting your dosage or continuing treatment with an alternative medication. Generally speaking, close monitoring and management of side effects can minimize the risk of complications and ensure the best possible outcomes.
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