Lupus, Alzheimer, fibromyalgia and leukemia are at the center of the purple and orange campaign in February, which tries to promote awareness of these diseases
Every month of the year you have a color to call yours. This is because the intention is to promote the awareness of the population on diseases that affect public health. In the case of the purple and orange campaign of February, four diseases are focused: Lupus, Alzheimer, fibromyalgia and leukemia. In fact, all of these are serious conditions that deserve due attention.
The purple color aware of Lupus, Alzheimer and fibromyalgia. The orange color warns leukemia. The Ministry of Health stresses that these are conditions that the population does not have much knowledge on the symptoms and consequences in the daily life of the individual, because some of them do not care but a qualified and prolonged treatment.
Further information on each of the diseases of February viola and orange below:
Lupus
Lupus is a chronic disorder that causes the body to produce more antibodies than necessary to maintain the body in full operation. However, excess antibodies attack the body, causing inflammation in the kidneys, lungs, skin and joints.
According to the Ministry of Health, the systemic lupus (Les) is the most serious form of the disease and also the most common, as it affects about 70% of patients with lupus. It mainly affects women, 9 out of 10 patients at higher risk during the fertile age.
Also according to the folder, the main symptoms of the lupus are:
- Skin lesions;
- Pain and swelling, especially in the articulations of the hands;
- Inflammation in the membranes covering the lung and heart;
- Inflammation in the kidney;
- Changes in the blood;
- The inflammation of small vases (vasculitis) can cause reddish and painful lesions on the palm, on the sole of the foot, in the sky of the mouth or in the limbs;
- Fever complaints without infection;
- Weight loss;
- Weakness is common when the disease is active;
- Manifestations in the eye;
- Increase in the liver, spleen and ganglia.
Furthermore, in less frequent cases there may still be inflammation in the brain. This symptom, by the way, causes convulsions, behavioral changes (psychosis) or level of consciousness and even complaints that suggest the impairment of peripheral nerves.
Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer is a neuro-degenerative disease that causes the decline of cognitive functions, reducing work skills and social relationships. Over time, the condition also interferes with one’s behavior and personality, causing consequences such as memory loss.
Alzheimer is the most common cause of dementia in the world. In Brazil there are about 15 million people over the age of 60. The six percent of them has Alzheimer’s disease, according to the data of the Brazilian association of Alzheimer’s (Abraz).
According to the Ministry of Health, Alzheimer’s symptoms include:
- Lack of memory for recent events;
- Repetition of the same question several times;
- Difficulty with complex conversations or thoughts;
- Inability to develop strategies to solve problems;
- Difficulty driving the car and finding known paths;
- Difficulty finding words that express personal ideas or feelings;
- Unrestrained, distrust without justification, aggression, passivity, incorrect interpretations of visual stimuli or hearing and, moreover, tendency to isolation.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic syndrome that specifically attacks the joints. The disease may appear after serious events such as physical, psychological trauma or even an infection. However, it is not yet known why people develop the disease. In Brazil, the Brazilian company of rheumatology (SBR) estimates that fibromyalgia affects about 3% of the population. Of every 10 patients with fibromyalgia, seven to nine are women.
According to the Ministry of Health, the symptoms of fibromyalgia are:
- Pain throughout the body, especially in muscles and tendons;
- Excessive tiredness;
- Sleep changes;
- Anxiety;
- Depression.
Leukemia
The Ministry of Health defines leukemia as a malignant disease of white blood cells, usually of unknown origin. This is one of the most dangerous types of cancer you have. The data of the National Cancer Institute (Inca) underline that in 2019 leukemia had more than 10,000 new cases.
Leukemia symptoms include:
- Anemia;
- Pallor;
- Drowsiness;
- Fatigue;
- Palpitation;
- Purple spots on the skin or red points.
In addition, the patient may have swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, fever and pain in the joints and bone.
Source: Ministry of Health.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
