It may seem that the flu and common cold are very similar as both are respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. Some symptoms of both the conditions are common, while some are unique. So how do we differentiate between them? Here’s a list of a few points of difference between cold and flu. Cold Symptoms The onset of the symptoms of a cold is gradual. It might start as just a sneeze or a cough and then build up to a cold and runny nose. The symptoms are generally mild and don’t cause any serious harm to one’s health. It is easily treatable and often resolves without medicines. Timing A cold is not seasonal by any means, so one can catch a cold if they swim in cold water or eat something freezing. All seasons can be cold seasons, but the most common season for a cold is winter. Treatment The common cold doesn’t have a cure but can be treated very easily. One doesn’t have to go to a doctor if they rest at home, keep warm, and drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. However, one should consult a doctor if the cold persists and is at risk of turning into pneumonia, which is very rare.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a critical disease that affects the functioning of the spinal cord and the brain. It eats away at the protective covering of the nerves and can affect a patient’s quality of life significantly. Let’s look at the MS types and treatment options to help understand this disease better: Basic types of MS MS can cause vision and coordination impairment and pain, and medical science recognizes four basic types of the condition: Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS) A majority of the patients who develop MS are affected by this type. In the initial stages of the condition, people complain of relapses of new symptoms, shortness of breath, and sudden tiredness. Secondary-Progressive MS (SPMS) As the name suggests, this condition is severe and develops after a few years of a person having RRMS. That being said, people may also get SPMS without showing the symptoms of RRMS, and a majority of RRMS patients gradually reach this stage. Primary-Progressive MS (PPMS) PPMS patients are very few, accounting for only about 10% of all patients with MS. A patient’s health deteriorates slowly in the case of this type of the disease, and one might not have any complaints of relapses or remissions.

In the country alone, prostate cancer is known to affect millions of males. Of the different types of prostate cancer, there’s one type, which is extremely common. Usually, all the cases of this cancer are adenocarcinomas. However, about 1 to 5% of people suffer from various other types of prostate cancer. Here, we’ll explain all the prevalent types of prostate cancer. Adenocarcinoma As discussed, this is the most common type, and approximately 95-99% of people with prostate cancer have this form of cancer. Further, of people who suffer from adenocarcinoma, approximately 90% of cases are of acinar prostate cancer, while the remaining 10% comprise ductal carcinoma. The former develops in the acini cells. As a result of this type of cancer, people experience a surge in their prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. Ductal carcinoma occurs in those cells, which line the ducts and the tubes of the male prostate gland. They may or may not have an impact on the PSA levels. This makes it harder to diagnose. It is noteworthy that the ductal variant of adenocarcinomas spreads more quickly than the acinar adenocarcinomas. Sarcomas Out of all people suffering from prostate cancer, the cases of sarcomas are quite rare. It is cancer, which develops in male soft tissues, such as nerves and muscles.

As the name suggests, ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in a woman’s ovaries. A woman has two ovaries as big as almonds. They are responsible for producing the eggs used in fertilization and reproduction. Ovarian cancer can go undetected for a long time, but here are some  symptoms and causes of ovarian cancer a woman should look out for. Early signs Generally, cancer starts spreading in the outer lining of the ovary.  During the early stages,  women may not even have any symptoms. Symptoms don’t start till the cancer has progressed, but if they do, they may also look like other conditions like PMS, bladder problems, and irritable bowel syndrome. The way to differentiate them is when the symptoms worsen over time. Some of these signs are- Sudden vaginal bleeding Pain in the abdomen Pelvis pain Loss of a proper appetite Frequent urination Constipation Fatigue Weight loss Breathlessness Indigestion If these symptoms stay for any time longer than two weeks, you should make an appointment to see a doctor. Causes  Family history If a close relative in your family has breast or ovarian cancer, chances that you may have it, too, increases exponentially. The way to get ahead of this would be getting screened for the BCRA gene and see if you are at high risk of getting the cancer.

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that occurs in the body’s lymphatic system. This system fights off the germs that enter our body. The lymphatic system comprises the lymph nodes, bone marrow, spleen, and thymus gland. This cancer can spread and affect other organs in the body as well. Let’s look at the symptoms and types of lymphoma to stay better informed. Symptoms  Tiredness As the body is fighting off cancerous cells, it is also taking up a lot of your energy. You may feel exhausted for no apparent reason or after doing a small task. This kind of tiredness is not the normal fatigue you feel after a long day. It doesn’t go away after resting for a full night, either. Do note that it is a very common symptom of many underlying illnesses, and lymphoma can be one of them. Inflamed lymph nodes This is one of the most common symptoms of lymphoma. If you notice a swollen lump in your neck, underarm or groin area, they may actually be swollen lymph nodes. They are usually painless, but if they persist, get them checked by a doctor. You should remember that not all kinds of lymphomas cause lumps.