Q: What is the purpose of bone marrow?
A: Bone marrow is the soft tissue inside of bones. Healthy bone marrow is a key component in the overall function of the body.
There are two types of bone marrow — red and yellow. Red bone marrow produces red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Yellow bone marrow contains cells that store fat for energy and creates bone, cartilage, muscles and fat cells for the body. Anemia, leukemia and myeloma are conditions that can affect bone marrow. Anemia is often the result of low iron or low vitamin B12, which affects the production of red blood cells. Leukemia occurs when the bone marrow produces an abnormal amount of white blood cells, which adversely affects the body’s ability to fight infections. Myeloma is a blood cancer which forms in the plasma cells, a type of white blood cell in bone marrow.
Symptoms of abnormal bone marrow include frequent bacterial infections, excessive bleeding, fatigue, muscle weakness, bone pain, bruising or tiny spots of blood under the skin. Treatments for bone marrow conditions include antibiotics, blood transfusions, iron or vitamin B12 supplements, or such cancer treatments as chemotherapy, bone marrow or stem cell transplants. Contact your health care provider if you have questions.
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Q: What causes kidney stones?
A: Kidney stones are hard masses of crystals. Kidney stones can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases estimates that about 11% of men and 6% of women in the U.S. will experience kidney stones in their lifetime.
Kidney stones are made of acids, minerals, salts or other substances in the urinary tract. When urine contains too much of these types of substances, they can stick together and form stones. Medical conditions such as diabetes or gout can contribute to kidney stones. Medications and supplements such as calcium-based antacids and diuretics for high blood pressure can also be a factor in their creation.
In many instances, kidney stones pass without symptoms. However, if the stones become lodged in the ureter, the tubes that connect the bladder and kidneys, the flow of urine can be blocked and cause sharp pain in the side and back. Brown, pink or red urine are also symptoms. Treatments include increasing water intake to help the stones pass, medications to reduce inflammation and pain, medications to relax the ureter, or a procedure called lithotripsy or surgery to remove the stone. Contact your health care provider if you experience symptoms.
Q: What are noroviruses?
A: Noroviruses are a group of viruses that cause inflammation in the stomach and intestines, commonly known as gastroenteritis. A norovirus infection is often referred to as a stomach bug or stomach flu, but those conditions are caused by the influenza virus. Noroviruses are very common, highly contagious and are the No. 1 cause of foodborne illness in the U.S.
There are many types of noroviruses, so it is possible to affected on multiple occasions. Close contact with an infected person, touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth or nose, or eating or drinking contaminated foods and beverages are among the ways noroviruses spread. Symptoms normally present themselves between 12 to 48 hours after exposure and often come about suddenly.
Diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain and vomiting are common symptoms. Those infected with a norovirus may also experience body aches, fever and headaches. Dehydration is a frequent complication of norovirus illnesses. Treatment includes drinking plenty of liquids; eating soft, bland foods; and getting sufficient rest. The infection normally runs its course in one to three days.
Hand-washing, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, and cooking food thoroughly are ways to reduce the risk of norovirus infections. See your health care provider if you have lingering symptoms.
Q: What are varicose veins?
A: Varicose veins are bulging, enlarged and twisted veins that appear just under the skin. Varicose veins can appear anywhere on the body but occur most frequently in the legs.
It is a common condition that affects more than 20 million Americans, according to the American Society for Vascular Surgery. Increased blood pressure in the veins and the weakening of the vein walls result in varicose veins. As the blood pressure increases, weakened veins stretch and get larger. Blood does not move as effectively in these veins and tends to back up or pool.
Age, family history, inactivity, leg injuries and obesity are some risk factors for varicose veins. The condition occurs more frequently in women.
Symptoms of varicose veins include skin color changes around the veins, aching and swelling in the legs, itching, leg cramps, or a rash or sores on the legs. Blood clots or ulcers on the skin near varicose veins are possible complications.
In many instances varicose veins are only a cosmetic concern. Treatment includes compression stockings, elevating the legs, exercise, and avoiding long periods of standing or sitting. Ablation therapy (laser or an adhesive injection) is a treatment option. Contact your health care provider if you have questions.
Dr. Bala Simon is an associate professor in the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine in the College of Medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Email your health questions to housecall@uams.edu.