Pneumonia is a prevalent illness that infects the air sacs in one or both lungs, leading to inflammation. Depending on the severity of the infection, the air sacs may get filled with pus or fluid. This, in turn, can cause coughing with phlegm or pus and difficulty breathing in patients. Here, we look at the common causes, symptoms, types, and treatment options for pneumonia to help manage the ailment better. Causes The condition mainly results from viruses or bacteria: Viral pneumonia The disorder can be caused due to viruses like the rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, and other viruses that cause the flu or influenza. Viruses are responsible for one third of cases. Bacterial pneumonia The condition can be caused by various bacteria, but the most common trigger is Streptococcus pneumoniae. This bacteria usually attack an immune system that is already weak, maybe due to a fever, cold, or another illness. While it can affect anyone, people with unhealthy habits are at higher risk of contracting this bacteria. Mycoplasma pneumonia Often called atypical pneumonia, this is a mild but wildly spread pneumonia caused by the Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria. It can affect people of all age groups. Symptoms The signs include chest pain while breathing or coughing, fatigue, fever with sweats and shaking chills, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, cough with phlegm, and shortness of breath.

Blood donation is an important part of healthcare, as it enables blood transfusion—a treatment option that can sustain and save lives. Data suggests that there are 11 million donors in the country, and over 11.5 million units of blood are collected in a year. Before the process begins, each donor is asked questions to assess the risk of bloodborne infections. Blood can be donated every 56 days and up to six times a year. Eligibility criteria One must meet the following criteria to be eligible to donate blood: One must be fit and healthy on the day of the blood donation. Depending on state law, one should be at least 16 or 17 years old. Some states enable legal minors to donate with parental approval. Although there is no legal maximum age, donor facilities may have different policies. You must weigh a minimum of 110 pounds. You must be able to pass the health history and physical exams. Benefits Blood donation can benefit both the recipients and the donors. Some of the key benefits of blood donation are: Contributing to society: The only way to supplement blood loss is through donated human blood. Donating blood is seen as a noble cause, as it can help in the treatment of cancer, bleeding disorders, sickle cell anemia, and genetic blood abnormalities.

Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of arthritis that causes certain bones in the spines to fuse. So, people with the condition experience decline in flexibility, a hunched posture, and even chronic lower back pain. Sometimes, if the ribs are affected, it may also become difficult to breathe. The onset is usually observed in one’s mid-20s and may also result in the overproduction of calcium, resulting in increased stiffness. Here is everything to know about the condition: Understanding spondylitis and its types Spondylitis is a broad term for chronic arthritis-type diseases affecting joints and bones. It involves the inflammation of tendons, joints, and ligaments. Based on symptoms and affected areas, spondylitis can also be broadly divided into two types: Axial spondylitis, which covers pain in the hips and spine, and peripheral spondylitis, which covers pain in peripheral joints and tendons, excluding the spine. The common types of spondylitis are ankylosing spondylitis, enteropathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, juvenile spondylitis, and undifferentiated spondylitis. Ankylosing spondylitis (or AS) is one of the most common types of spondylitis, with inflammation as the primary symptom. It usually develops in the spine but can also affect the eyes. Symptoms of AS The symptoms of the inflammatory disease can differ from one person to the other.

Non-small cell lung cancer, also referred to as NSCLC, is the most common type of lung cancer. The condition occurs due to an abnormal genetic mutation when a typically healthy cell turns cancerous, then multiples and infects nearby tissues. It can also be triggered due to exposure to air pollution and asbestos, a natural mineral fiber. Learning about its types, early signs, stages, and treatments can help manage the disorder better. Symptoms Coughing up blood, mucus, or phlegm is a common early sign of this health condition. In addition, patients may experience chronic fatigue, breathing issues, loss of appetite, and hoarseness of voice. If the tumor has spread to the lungs’ lining, one can also experience chest pain. Those who experience these symptoms must consult a doctor immediately. Types The three most common types of NSCLC are: Adenocarcinoma It develops in the outer layers of one’s lungs in the mucus-secreting cells. Adenocarcinoma more commonly affects women than men. Squamous cell carcinoma This condition typically affects the central part of the lungs. It impacts the flat cells lining the major airways, such as the left or right bronchus. Large cell lung carcinoma This type of NSCLC can start in any region of the lungs.

Medicare is an essential part of healthcare. It helps prevent many out-of-pocket expenses and even covers a large portion of your health expenses after a certain age. Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B are pretty comprehensive in their coverage. But, it is essential to understand that there are gaps in Medicare coverage. Read on to learn more about what exactly is not covered and how you can get coverage for these services. Dental care Medicare Part A does cover certain parts of dental services. But, for the most part, dental care, including X-rays, fillings, and even cleaning sessions, is not covered by Medicare. So, if you want coverage, you may opt for an extra plan. Vision Medicare also does not cover any eye examinations and eye care in general. This also includes the cost of contacts, eyeglasses, and more. Medicare Part B does offer some coverage for contacts and glasses only if you have had cataract surgery. But even here, the deductibles and costs may vary. If you want vision coverage, you can look into a Medicare Advantage plan. Hearing Hearing issues are another aspect of healthcare not covered by general Medicare. This includes hearing aids and the examinations required to test for hearing aids.