The strange phenomenon of some diseases coming in pairs, not necessarily at the same time, has been a cause of concern for doctors and patients alike. Researchers have been trying to uncover the reason why this is happening. They are of the opinion that in some cases the damage caused by one disease leads to the other. Sometimes, genes are responsible for this. Outside factors like smoking, poor diet, and exercise habits could act as a trigger in some others who are afflicted by one disease followed by its pair.
Let us delve into this phenomenon and try to understand why this happens and take the necessary precautions so as to avoid the "follower" if you are already afflicted by the "leader." Being forewarned is being forearmed. We will look at 4 such cases:
1. Asthma
- Likely Followers -- Depression and Anxiety Disorders: It is often seen that sufferers of asthma go into a depression and have anxiety attacks. Studies indicate that people who suffer from asthma also suffer from depression. This combination makes the management and cure of asthma more difficult to handle and makes the sufferer more vulnerable physically. One condition leads to another. The anxiety and depression could then make the asthma worse.
- Be on Your Guard: If you or your loved ones are afflicted with asthma, take action. While controlling asthma with lifestyle changes and prescribed medications, it is a good idea to learn some coping skills, such as relaxation techniques, assertiveness, and positive affirmations to help you deal with the asthma and the depression that may follow. You will experience a lot of positive outcome from these programs.
2. Severe Vomiting
- Likely Followers -- Neurological Conditions: Vomiting warrants careful analysis as to whether or not it is a case of simple vomiting caused by indigestion, over drinking, overeating, etc. However, sometimes unexplained vomiting could be the signal of an underlying serious ailment. In CVS (cyclic vomiting syndrome), severe nausea and vomiting is alternated between intervals with no vomiting, and could last for hours or days. This can affect any age group. Researchers believe that CVS and migraine headaches are related. Another type of vomiting is positional vomiting, which could be a signal of a central nervous system (CNS) lesion in the brainstem. Vomiting may also be associated with increased intracranial pressure, isolated lesions of the fourth ventricle, or inflammatory lesions in the medulla, in which case vomiting and hiccups are present.
- Be on Your Guard: If upon medical investigation, no gastrointestinal cause is found for the vomiting, then your doctor could advise you to undergo a head MRI scan that will throw light on any CNS (central nervous system) concerns.
3. Migraine With Aura
- Likely Followers -- Stroke and Heart Attack: Migraine with aura (temporary visual or sensory disturbances before or during a migraine headache) could lead to the possible occurrence of a stroke, according to a study published in the British Medical Journal. This risk becomes manifold in young women who have migraine with aura, who smoked and were on birth control pills. Experts say that migraine sufferers had double the likelihood to get heart attacks and strokes as compared to people who did not suffer from migraine. They are also predisposed to developing high cholesterol levels, hypertension, and diabetes.
- Be on Your Guard: Close medical follow-up should be conducted on 'migraine with aura' patients. They should adopt healthy lifestyle modifications, see what they eat, exercise regularly, and stop smoking. Aggressive treatment of any symptoms of cardiovascular diseases is warranted.
4. Hypertension
- Likely Follower -- Diabetes: These two medical conditions are very closely linked. Experts say that constantly elevated blood pressure doubles your risk of developing diabetes and vice versa. One condition is enough to wreak havoc. In combination, they can be devastating. People who have both these conditions are more likely to develop left ventricular hypertrophy and coronary artery disease than people who have any one condition.
- Be on Your Guard: It goes without saying that both blood pressure and blood glucose levels should be screened regularly. To prevent future complications, timely treatment plans should be put in place. Many lifestyle modifications can be adopted, such as leading an active lifestyle, maintaining ideal body weight, limiting salt intake, quitting smoking, and regular exercise program.
Sometimes, we wish some disease symptoms to just go away without taking any necessary actions, which is not good, as you would be inviting more trouble! Now you know some medical conditions you should never ignore. Haven't you heard, "a stitch in time saves nine." Think about it.
