Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer, also known as Kahler’s disease. While the cause is quite unknown, scientific studies indicate that genetic abnormalities are a common risk factor for multiple myeloma. This disease currently has no cure, but several medications can be used to minimize the symptoms.

Multiple myeloma occurs when white blood cells multiply abnormally. As a result, there is too much immunoglobulin (a protein) in the patient’s blood and bones. Excessive immunoglobulin damages the vital organs. Signs and symptoms of multiple myeloma include:

1. Bone pain
As indicated, too much protein (immunoglobulin) in a patient’s body damages body organs, including bones. Multiple myeloma interferes with cells, osteoclasts, and osteoblasts, which helps to keep bones in shape. Osteoclasts break down old bones, whereas osteoblast manufactures new bones. With myeloma, osteoclasts accelerate the level of bone breakdown without the formation of new ones. As a result, bones become weak and easier to break. A common symptom with this condition is fractured bones.

2. Frequent infections
Plasma produces white blood cells that produce antibodies to fight infections within the body. However, with Multiple Myeloma, white blood cells multiply wrongly, inhibiting the production of useful antibodies. Conversely, myeloma cells produce antibodies that are non-effective since they make copies of the same antibodies. Thus, patients suffering from the disease often get infections since they lack antibodies to fight diseases. In adverse conditions, the antibodies produced by myeloma cells can cause kidney diseases or kidney failure in extreme circumstances.

3. Nausea and loss of appetite
Myeloma cells produce antibodies that are incompatible with the majority of foods. Studies indicate that they detect most foods as foreign antigens. Therefore, individuals suffering from multiple myeloma experience frequent loss of appetite and nausea. Moreover, myeloma cells are characterized by excessive calcium levels in the blood, associated with loss of appetite. As a result, extreme weight loss might be a by-product of the condition.

4. Fatigue
Useful antibodies are produced by white blood cells. They are made in large numbers sufficient enough to fight many diseases. With multiple myeloma, white blood cells are unable to produce adequate and effective antibodies. Thus, patients are left to fight with a single infection for a long time. As a result, individuals are fatigued significantly when they are affected by multiple infections.

5. Constipation
Multiple myeloma accelerates damage to bones by osteoclasts. Bones are mainly made up of calcium components. Accelerated bones’ damage raises calcium levels in the blood, causing a condition known as Hypercalcaemia, which causes constipation and dehydration. With constipation, patients pass a dry stool, and the bowel might be moving less than three times a week. If the symptom persists, patients will likely suffer from a swollen stomach accompanied by severe stomach cramps.

6. Mental fog
Multiple myeloma is often associated with mental fogginess and memory problems. Mental fogginess is usually caused by the stress of living with myeloma, the treatment process, or myeloma itself. The condition damages the ability of the brain to collect, store, and process information correctly.