In chemotherapy, drugs are used in order to kill the cancer cells. This can happen by itself, or combined with other treatments. Chemotherapy is not appropriate for all cancer types. You may want to ask your doctor about alternatives.
There are some risks to chemotherapy. Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, mouth sores, decreased appetite, and decrease in red blood cell counts. Some drugs also affect the immune system, making it less effective in fighting infections. Your risk of infection may be reduced by taking antibiotics during chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy can be administered in cycles, usually over several weeks or even months. The drugs are administered by a device, which is placed in a vein under the arm or in the chest. The treatment takes approximately one hour. You can discuss side effects with your doctor or nurse if you have concerns.
During chemotherapy, your red blood cells and white blood cells may decrease. This can lead you to feel tired, weak and have breathing problems. A blood transfusion may be necessary if your blood count is too low.
Some chemotherapy drugs can make food taste metallic. You may also experience mouth sores, ulcers, inflamed gums, mouth odor, and dry mouth. These side effects can be alleviated by gently brushing your teeth. You may also need to avoid acidic foods and spicy foods.
Chemotherapy may also affect your peripheral nerves. Some people feel tingling or numbness in the fingers and toes. After treatment, peripheral neuropathy often improves. This condition can be a sign of other conditions, so it is important to speak with your doctor about any numbness, tingling, or other symptoms you might be experiencing.
Your oncologist may monitor your long-term effects of treatment. Regular blood tests may be required to monitor your PSA levels, kidney function, and other factors. These tests can be used to help your doctor assess whether chemotherapy is effective. If you experience severe side effect, your doctor may be able or allow you to discontinue the treatment.
Side effects of chemotherapy are often difficult to treat. Your doctor and nurse will always direct you. Your loved ones, as well as the rest of your healthcare team, should be able to discuss your concerns. They can help you deal with the side effects, and they may be able to suggest alternate therapies that may be more effective.
If side effects from chemotherapy are causing you difficulty, it is possible to arrange for help at your home or workplace. You might need to arrange to get food and water. Also, you may want to consider wearing a headcover. Your oncologist may be able to help you plan for regular checkups.
Talk to your doctor about possible bone marrow donation. This treatment is often used for bone marrow cancers. Although it does not cure cancer, it can be used to control rheumatoid or lupus. It is also safe for pregnant women.
FAQ
What are the differences between different types of health insurance
There are three main types for health insurance:
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Private health insurance covers many of the costs associated to your medical care. You pay monthly premiums for this type of insurance, which is usually purchased directly from private firms.
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Public health insurance covers most of the cost of medical care, but there are limits and restrictions on coverage. Public insurance covers only routine visits to doctors and hospitals, as well as labs, Xray facilities, dental offices and prescription drugs. It also does not cover certain preventive procedures.
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You can use medical savings accounts (MSAs), to save money for future healthcare expenses. The funds are held in an account that is distinct from all other types of accounts. Most employers offer MSA programs. These accounts are non-taxable and accrue interest at rates similar that bank savings accounts.
What does "health care" actually mean?
Providers of health care are those who provide services to maintain good mental and physical health.
What is a system of health in public health and what does it mean?
The term Health System describes all activities related to providing medical services for a particular population. It includes service delivery and financing, regulation, education and training, as well information systems.
What are the main purposes of a health care system
The health care system must offer quality services and adequate medical facilities at an affordable cost to people who have a medical need.
This includes providing health care and promoting healthy lifestyles. It also involves providing an equitable distribution of health resources.
Statistics
- Over the first twenty-five years of this transformation, government contributions to healthcare expenditures have dropped from 36% to 15%, with the burden of managing this decrease falling largely on patients. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Consuming over 10 percent of [3] (en.wikipedia.org)
- For instance, Chinese hospital charges tend toward 50% for drugs, another major percentage for equipment, and a small percentage for healthcare professional fees. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Price Increases, Aging Push Sector To 20 Percent Of Economy". (en.wikipedia.org)
- The healthcare sector is one of the largest and most complex in the U.S. economy, accounting for 18% of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2020.1 (investopedia.com)
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How To
What are the key segments of the healthcare industry?
The key segments of healthcare include pharmaceuticals, diagnostics biotechnology, therapeutics, diagnosis, biotechnology and medical equipment.
These medical devices include blood pressure monitors and defibrillators as well as stethoscopes and ultrasound machines. These devices are designed to diagnose or prevent disease.
Pharmaceuticals are medications that are used to treat or alleviate symptoms. These include antibiotics.
Diagnostics are tests done by laboratories to determine illness or injury. Examples include blood tests, urine samples, CT scans, MRI scans, X-rays, etc.
Biotechnology is the use of living organisms, such as bacteria, to create useful substances that can then be applied to humans. There are many examples, including vaccines, insulin, or enzymes.
Therapeutics are treatments administered to humans to treat disease or relieve symptoms. These therapies can include drugs or radiation therapy.
Software programs for managing patient records, including health information technology, are used by physicians and their staff. It helps doctors and their teams track which medications are being used, when they should have been taken, and if they work properly.
Anything used to diagnose or treat illnesses and conditions, such as diabetes, is medical equipment. These include dialysis machines and pacemakers, ventilators, operating table, and ventilators.