Lifestyle Changes For Myelodysplastic Syndrome

Myelodysplastic is a group of disorder characterized by faulty production of immature blood cells by the bone marrow. The number of immature blood cells increases that may replace healthy blood cells. It leads to various blood-related problems such as anemia, reduced clotting, etc. It is caused by mutations in DNA of blood cells during cell replication, cell division, and developmental stages in mother’s womb, etc. It has the potential to progress to the cancerous state leading to extreme fatigue and weakness. Positive lifestyle modification may help in controlling the progress of the disease, easy coping up with treatment methods and prevention of other complications.

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a group of blood disorders that develop due to faulty bone marrow. This bone marrow produces defective blood cells that are immature and cannot function properly. In this syndrome, the body is unable to eradicate all the abnormal cells as it does in a healthy state. It results in scarcity of healthy blood cells that cause a number of problems such as anemia, etc. People who are above 60 years of age are more likely to develop this disorder. One-third of the patients with this disorder develop the cancerous state.

Positive changes in one’s lifestyle can assist in improving the diseased state in myelodysplastic syndrome. It also assists in easing treatment procedures. It can be understood by the following points-

• It enhances one’s strength to face the rigors of treatment.
• It also improves the activity of the immune system to overcome cancer cells.
• It reduces emotional stress so that patients can lead a normal life even during treatment.
• It prevents the risk of other health problems that will aid on to complications in myelodysplastic syndrome.

The lifestyle changes that may help in myelodysplastic syndrome are-

Nutritious Diet- improper nutrition is linked with various medical conditions. Some cancer treatment may reduce appetite. The diet should contain every nutrient in a balanced manner. In myelodysplastic syndrome, an infection can worsen the condition as the body does not contain sufficient white blood cells to combat infections. Fruits and vegetables that cannot be peeled should be avoided. Meat and fish should be cooked properly before eating. Every measure such as washing vegetables and fruits properly before consumption, etc. should be followed properly to avoid any infection from food. ⁽¹⁾

Exercises- moderate exercises should be included in lifestyle. They reduce the physical and emotional stress of the disease. It enhances the body’s overall fitness, boosts energy level and improvises immune system. Exercises should be done in a moderate manner in myelodysplastic syndrome as it may cause tiredness if overdone.

Rest While Being Tired- it is recommended to rest after any strenuous physical activity such as exercises. Fatigue is the general symptom of cancer and it is also caused due to cancer treatments. Resting also allows your body to heal fast. It is revealed in various studies that fatigue affects appetite, quality of life and mental wellbeing adverse. So, being overtired must be avoided and proper rest must be taken in a few intervals.

Prevention Of Infection- proper hygiene must be maintained to prevent any infection such as hand washing, avoiding crowded area mainly in the season of cold and flu. Hand washing or use of hand sanitizer efficiently reduces the risk of catching a cold and flu. Immunization against flu and pneumonia is an effective way to prevent them.

Management of Bleeding Tendency- in myelodysplastic syndrome, small injuries can lead to a worse impact on health. Small injuries include bleeding from the nose, bleeding gums, bleeding from bowels, urinary system, vagina, etc. prolonged bleeding may happen due to the reduction in platelet count, so medical intervention is needed in each case to prevent complications from bleeding. ⁽¹⁾

Myelodysplastic syndrome is a rare disorder in bone marrow is unable to produce sufficient mature blood cells to perform basic functions. Lifestyle modification discussed above can prevent complications that may arise due to lack of blood cells.

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Also Read:

• Myelodysplastic Syndromes or MDS: Treatment for Side Effects, Children with MDS
• Coping with Myelodysplastic Syndromes & its Follow-Up Care
• How Long Can You Live With Myelodysplastic Syndrome?
• Recovery Period For Myelodysplastic Syndrome
• What To Eat & Avoid When You Have A Myelodysplastic Syndrome?
• Does Myelodysplastic Syndrome Ever Go Away?
• Is Myelodysplastic Syndrome The Same As Multiple Myeloma?