#disease and illnesses
Explore tagged Tumblr posts
Link
Il compositore tedesco Ludwig van Beethoven iniziò a perdere l'udito quando aveva vent'anni, un fatto che lo sconvolse e lo imbarazzò profondamente. Nel corso degli anni, la sua perdita dell'udito peggiorò e quando morì, all'età di 56 anni nel 1827, il compositore era completamente sordo.
Ma la causa della sordità di Beethoven è sempre stata un mistero, insieme alla serie di altri problemi di salute di cui soffriva, tra cui diarrea e crampi addominali. Ora, quasi 200 anni dopo la sua morte, i ricercatori potrebbero finalmente avere una risposta.
Un'analisi dei capelli di Beethoven ha rivelato alti livelli di piombo, arsenico e mercurio, riferiscono i ricercatori questa settimana in una lettera all'editore della rivista Clinical Chemistry . Probabilmente i metalli pesanti da soli non sono bastati ad ucciderlo, ma offrono una possibile spiegazione ad alcuni dei suoi sintomi.
I ricercatori hanno testato due ciocche autenticate dei capelli di Beethoven. Uno conteneva 380 microgrammi di piombo per grammo di capelli, mentre l'altro ne conteneva 258 microgrammi. Per riferimento, un livello normale di piombo in un grammo di capelli è di circa 4 microgrammi o meno. I suoi capelli avevano anche un livello 13 volte superiore al normale di arsenico e quattro volte superiore al livello normale di mercurio.
L'elevata quantità di piombo, in particolare, probabilmente ha contribuito ai suoi problemi gastrointestinali e alla sordità, scrivono i ricercatori nell'articolo.
"Questi sono i valori più alti nei capelli che abbia mai visto", dice il coautore dello studio Paul Jannetto , un patologo della Mayo Clinic, a Gina Kolata del New York Times . "Riceviamo campioni da tutto il mondo e questi valori sono un ordine di grandezza più alti."
Ma perché il compositore aveva così tanto piombo nel suo sistema? I ricercatori hanno diverse teorie. Beethoven amava bere il vino, al punto che continuò a sorseggiarlo a cucchiaiate anche sul letto di morte. All'epoca, l'acetato di piombo, che ha un sapore dolce, veniva spesso aggiunto al vino economico per ridurre l'acidità ed eliminare la torbidità.
Il processo di produzione del vino aggiungeva anche piombo al prodotto finale: il vino veniva invecchiato in bollitori saldati a piombo e i tappi venivano immersi nel sale di piombo prima di essere inseriti nelle bottiglie, secondo il New York Times . Probabilmente anche Beethoven beveva da un bicchiere di piombo.
Il piombo era anche un additivo comune a vari unguenti e medicinali, che Beethoven usava per lenire e curare i suoi vari disturbi. Prese fino a 75 farmaci contemporaneamente e molti di essi probabilmente contenevano il metallo.
Inoltre, Beethoven mangiava molti pesci, molti dei quali probabilmente provenivano dal fiume Danubio, fortemente inquinato.
"Crediamo che questo sia un pezzo importante di un puzzle complesso e consentirà a storici, medici e scienziati di comprendere meglio la storia medica del grande compositore", scrivono i ricercatori nella lettera.
Uno dei limiti dello studio è se, e con quanta precisione, i livelli di piombo nei capelli corrispondono ai livelli di piombo nel sangue. Solo perché i capelli di Beethoven contenevano elevate quantità di piombo non significa necessariamente che soffrisse di avvelenamento da piombo.
"Abbiamo analizzato i capelli dei lavoratori delle fonderie di piombo e abbiamo scoperto che c'è troppa contaminazione, che non può essere rimossa dal lavaggio, per poter dedurre le concentrazioni di piombo nel sangue", afferma Ivan Kempson , un biofisico dell'Università dell'Australia Meridionale che non era coinvolto nella ricerca, a Leslie Katz di Forbes . "Ci sono anche diversi tratti personali che possono influenzare notevolmente l'assorbimento di piombo, ad esempio il colore dei capelli, che influenza la quantità di piombo che entra nei capelli dal sangue o da una contaminazione esterna."
I ricercatori hanno riconosciuto questa possibile limitazione, scrivendo che mentre bassi livelli di piombo nei capelli potrebbero non predire con precisione i livelli nel sangue, “è stato dimostrato che concentrazioni più elevate di piombo nei capelli, come quelle osservate in questo studio, sono correlate a malattie renali ed epatiche. " Notano inoltre di aver utilizzato le migliori pratiche per rimuovere possibili contaminanti esterni prima di testare i campioni.
Le nuove scoperte si basano su una ricerca pubblicata lo scorso anno che ha raccolto informazioni anche dalle ciocche dei capelli di Beethoven. Nel marzo 2023, un team di scienziati ha riferito sulla rivista Current Biology di aver analizzato il DNA estratto dai capelli del compositore.
Dopo aver ristretto i campioni a cinque ciocche che molto probabilmente appartenevano a Beethoven (e scartandone tre che erano false, riconducibili a un'altra persona o che non contenevano abbastanza DNA per essere studiate), il team è stato in grado di sequenziare circa due terzi dei capelli di Beethoven. genoma. I suoi geni rivelarono che era geneticamente predisposto alle malattie del fegato e aveva l'epatite B al momento della sua morte. Una variante genetica, in particolare, avrebbe triplicato il rischio di malattie del fegato.
L'analisi del DNA ha anche escluso alcune possibili spiegazioni per i suoi problemi gastrointestinali, tra cui l'intolleranza al lattosio, la celiachia e la sindrome dell'intestino irritabile. Ma le nuove scoperte focalizzate sui metalli pesanti aggiungono un altro livello a questo quadro e iniziano a individuare le cause dei disturbi del compositore, scrive il team nella lettera.
Lo stesso Beethoven era tormentato dal mistero della sua cattiva salute e, come è noto, nel 1802 chiese ai medici di studiare la causa delle sue malattie e della sordità dopo la sua morte.
Mentre resta da vedere quali altri segreti riveleranno i capelli di Beethoven, il fascino del pubblico per questo artista problematico e di talento continuerà senza dubbio a vivere, dice il coautore dello studio Nader Rifai , un patologo della Harvard Medical School, a Tom Whipple del London Times.
"Quest'uomo ha creato alcune delle musiche più belle che l'umanità sia stata in grado di produrre", aggiunge Rifai. "È stato così incredibilmente tragico che non potesse sentire questa musica maestosa che ha creato."
2 notes
·
View notes
Link
12 notes
·
View notes
Text
London Book Fair 2023 | Eat to Prevent and Control Disease (https://mybook.to/ETPACD) by La Fonceur displayed at London Book Fair at Olympia London. Get your copy from your favourite online store.
Eat to Prevent and Control Disease: How Superfoods Can Help You Live Disease Free. (Also available in Hindi - https://mybook.to/etpacdhp)
#lafonceur#health#books#vegan#vegetarian#eat so what#amazon deals#books for sale#disease prevention#disease and illnesses#disease management#doctors#medicine#healthcare#patients#london#london book fair#london book fair 2023
7 notes
·
View notes
Text
Need help writing an illness
I’m planning a fanfic right now where the main character develops a very severe illness.
I’ve written down a couple notes and I had a pretty good idea of how everything was going to work, but as I went into the more specific details to flesh things out and make it feel more believable, I’ve sort of run into a wall.
I know that I want this illness to be life threatening and greatly weaken the main character, coughing up blood is a must as well. The difficult thing that I’m running into is that the cause for the illness is a certain type of magic.
This means that I can’t fall onto real life illnesses and now I need to give this type of magic (canon in the source material) symptoms and think about how it would interact with the immune system (not canon in the source material). It’s very fun and a lot more interesting than just looking at real life symptoms on google, but it does make things more difficult.
In the fanfic, the main character travels to a world filled with magic from a non-magical world, this already gives me an idea that they’re immune system would act very differently than those of the people who live in this world. After being exposed to a certain type of magic multiple times through major incidents that happen in the story, they eventually develop a severe illness after being exposed to such an unfamiliar and hostile substance so many times.
Another thing to note is that the main character’s condition is very unstable, due to their illness being caused by something so foreign like magic, so things like traveling back to their world can be a tipping point towards the worse for their health. The magical world would also not have a cure to this illness, since it’s not a problem they ever had to look into.
When I started looking into real life illnesses I could use as a reference, severe pneumonia, fungal lung illness and tuberculosis felt like pretty close fits, but they didn’t fit exactly what I had in mind. Since they have cures in real life, they don’t have any incurable angst.
Here’s an image of some notes I made about the illness, for now I’ve blocked the main characters name and the name of the magical world since it would kind of give away what this fanfic is for and what it’s about, which I’m not comfortable with sharing. Note that overblot is the name for the type of magic I was talked about before.
To summarise, I need some help figuring out symptoms for this fictional illness, how it affects his body and potential treatments that can help relieve the main character’s pain but not completely get rid of it.
Looking forward to responses and thank you in advance.
#writing#writing help#fanfic#fanfic help#writing tips#disease and illnesses#fanfic writing#creative writing#writing diseases#fanfic stuff
3 notes
·
View notes
Link
2 notes
·
View notes
Text
what is it with able bodied people saying “get well soon” after you say that you’re chronically ill?? like? i am not gonna? and i once literally responded with “i’m not gonna, it’s chronic, as in permanent.” and they went like “oh well, hope you get better!” like bro 💀
#chronic disability#chronic illness#chronically ill#chronicpain#chronic disease#disabled#chronic fatigue#chronic pain#disability#disabilties
39K notes
·
View notes
Text
Say it with me! Wheelchairs aren’t sad! Mobility aids aren’t sad! Mobility aids are instruments of freedom!
#chronically ill#chronic illness#chronic pain#disability#disabled#chronic fatigue#autoimmine disease#mobility aid#cripple punk
27K notes
·
View notes
Text
#spooniestrong#spoonie#disability#chronic illness#chronic pain#ableism#disabled#autoimmine disease#autoimmune
102K notes
·
View notes
Text
A disease often thought to only affect 18th century sailors is reemerging in Canada.
Earlier this week, doctors identified 27 cases of scurvy caused by prolonged and severe vitamin C deficiency in northern Saskatchewan. Experts say the confirmed diagnoses highlight a broader issue with poverty and food insecurity in rural and remote communities across the country.
Continue reading
Tagging: @newsfromstolenland
10K notes
·
View notes
Text
This is a threat
#disability pride#disability#autoimmine disease#chronic pain#chronic illness#chronically ill#mobility aid#queer#sapphic#achillean#bisexual#asexual#lesbian#gay#homosexual#pride month#lgbt#aromantic#nonbinary#transgender#transfem#transmasc#mental disability#pansexual#actually neurodivergent#neurodivergent#neurological disability#neurodiversity#actually neurodiverse#my art
21K notes
·
View notes
Text
I found an extremely dope disability survival guide for those who are homebound, bedbound, in need of disability accommodations, or would otherwise like resources for how to manage your life as a disabled person. (Link is safe)
It has some great articles and resources and while written by people with ME/CFS, it keeps all disabilities in mind. A lot of it is specific to the USA but even if you're from somewhere else, there are many guides that can still help you. Some really good ones are:
How to live a great disabled life- A guide full of resources to make your life easier and probably the best place to start (including links to some of the below resources). Everything from applying for good quality affordable housing to getting free transportation, affordable medication, how to get enough food stamps, how to get a free phone that doesn't suck, how to find housemates and caregivers, how to be homebound, support groups and Facebook pages (including for specific illnesses), how to help with social change from home, and so many more.
Turning a "no" into a "yes"- A guide on what to say when denied for disability aid/accommodations of many types, particularly over the phone. "Never take no for an answer over the phone. If you have not been turned down in writing, you have not been turned down. Period."
How to be poor in America- A very expansive and helpful guide including things from a directory to find your nearest food bank to resources for getting free home modifications, how to get cheap or free eye and dental care, extremely cheap internet, and financial assistance with vet bills
How to be homebound- This is pretty helpful even if you're not homebound. It includes guides on how to save spoons, getting free and low cost transportation, disability resources in your area, home meals, how to have fun/keep busy while in bed, and a severe bedbound activity master list which includes a link to an audio version of the list on Soundcloud
Master List of Disability Accommodation Letters For Housing- Guides on how to request accommodations and housing as well as your rights, laws, and prewritten sample letters to help you get whatever you need. Includes information on how to request additional bedrooms, stop evictions, request meetings via phone, mail, and email if you can't in person, what you can do if a request is denied, and many other helpful guides
Special Laws to Help Domestic Violence Survivors (Vouchers & Low Income Housing)- Protections, laws, and housing rights for survivors of DV (any gender), and how to get support and protection under the VAWA laws to help you and/or loved ones receive housing and assistance
Dealing With Debt & Disability- Information to assist with debt including student loans, medical debt, how to deal with debt collectors as well as an article with a step by step guide that helped the author cut her overwhelming medical bills by 80%!
There are so many more articles, guides, and tools here that have helped a lot of people. And there are a lot of rights, resources, and protections that people don't know they have and guides that can help you manage your life as a disabled person regardless of income, energy levels, and other factors.
Please boost!
#signal boost#please reblog#I'm so so glad this has gotten the traction that it has!#chronic pain#chronic illness#disability#fibromyalgia#cfs#chronic fаtiguе ѕуndrоmе#actually disabled#spoonie#me/cfs#cfs/me#long covid#important#invisible disability#ehlers danlos syndrome#lyme disease#chronically ill#cpunk#cripplepunk#it's a bummer that it's so US centric but if you're outside of the US you can look into similar programs#I hope that other countries have options like these#the US seems so behind when it comes to medical care and disability resources. and i mean it is#but it's good to know all of your rights as a disabled person or if you ever become disabled
21K notes
·
View notes
Text
"kill them with kindness" WRONG run them over in your wheelchair 👨🦼 👩🦼 🧑🦼 👨🦽 👩🦽 🧑🦽 👨🦼 👩🦼 🧑🦼 👨🦽 👩🦽 🧑🦽 👨🦼 👩🦼 🧑🦼 👨🦽 👩🦽 🧑🦽 👨🦼 👩🦼 🧑🦼 👨🦽 👩🦽 🧑🦽 👨🦼 👩🦼 🧑🦼 👨🦽 👩🦽 🧑🦽 👨🦼 👩🦼 🧑🦼 👨🦽 👩🦽 🧑🦽 👨🦼 👩🦼 🧑🦼 👨🦽 👩🦽 🧑🦽 👨🦼 👩🦼 🧑🦼 👨🦽 👩🦽 🧑🦽 👨🦼 👩🦼 🧑🦼 👨🦽 👩🦽 🧑🦽
#wheelchair#ambulatory wheelchair user#ambulatory mobility aid user#chronic illness#chronicpain#chronic disability#other chronic illness bs#chronic disease#chronically ill#disabled#fibromyalgia#undiagnosed chronic illness#disablity#chronic disorder#chronic pain#chronic fatigue#invisible illness#invisible disability#disability#physically disabled#disabilties#cpunk#cripple life#cripple problems#cripple punk#queer cripple#crip punk#undiagnosed chronic pain#joint pain#screenreader unfriendly
26K notes
·
View notes
Text
The mind numbing anger of chronic fatigue is getting irritable because you're so fucking tired but you really feel like you SHOULDNT BE.
You SHOULD be able to sit at a desk and do work. You SHOULD be able to just watch a freaking YouTube video. You SHOULD be able to just eat fucking lunch.
But you can't. Because your eyes are closing and it's like temporary death is taking you.
#chronic fatigue#chronic fаtiguе ѕуndrоmе#tw death#tw disability vent#disability vent#chronic disability#chronic disease#chronically ill#chronic illness#chronic pain#fibromyalgia
8K notes
·
View notes
Text
magma fiddlestan be upon ye
#gravity falls#fiddlestan#fiddleford mcgucket#stanley pines#stan pines#grunkle stan#gravity falls fanart#fanart#disney#sorry but they're literally a disease to me rn. i'm chronically and fatally ill.#professionally diagnosed btw#anyway posting this by itself because i like the pose fuck you#also i think stan looks pretty hot here so#yk. had to do it to him#mods art#my art#mods draws
3K notes
·
View notes
Text
I’m so proud of people living with chronic health conditions. That shit is HARD. Idk who needs to hear this, but if no one else has said it: I’m proud of you. You’re sticking it out through so much pain and grief. That’s no small feat.
Every small thing you do for yourself health adds up. The grief is heavy and it comes from a place of love. The grief knows the pain is wronging you.
I’m proud of you. I hope on the good days you can be proud of yourself.
Keep going.
#chronic illness#disability#chronic pain#spoonie#ibs#chronically ill#gerd#pots#arthritis#spoonie life#chronic illness blog#chronic health issues#chronic fatigue#chronic health problems#chronic disability#spoonie stuff#spoonies#encouragement#endometriosis#disability pride#proud of you#fibromyalgia#postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome#irritable bowel syndrome#gastroesophageal reflux disease#gastrointestinal#uplifting words#chronic health tag#chronic migraine#autoimmune disease
5K notes
·
View notes
Text
Sending love to everyone who has health issues or chronic pain in parts of your body that aren’t usually socially acceptable to talk about. It’s frustrating to feel like you can never explain your pain to someone because it’s TMI and to feel like you have to hide it. Your pain is nothing to be ashamed of. I see you, and I’m sending you support and strength.
#suggestions#suggestion blog#positivity#disability#chronic pain#chronic pain problems#physical disability#IC#interstitial cystitis#chronic illness#crohn's disease#IBS#vaginusmus#SGID#ulcerative colitis#Diverticulitis#self love#mental health#self care
7K notes
·
View notes