Sharda Sinha, one of the biggest names in Indian folk singing, known for her famous Bhojpuri, Maithili and Magahi songs, passed away due to complications of multiple myeloma – a rare blood cancer. Sinha, popularly known as Bihar Kokila or Nightingale of Bihar, had been battling cancer, also known as Kahler’s disease, since 2018, which occurs when plasma cells in the bone marrow become cancerous.

Sinha was admitted to the oncology medical department of AIIMS, New Delhi, for almost two weeks, and was put on ventilator support earlier this week as his condition deteriorated.

What is multiple myeloma?

experts say Multiple myeloma affects your plasma cells -Which blood cells are part of your immune system. These are also known as B-cells which make antibodies, helping to fight infection.

Multiple myeloma occurs when healthy cells turn into abnormal cells that overgrow and produce abnormal antibodies called M proteins. This change triggers a cascade of medical issues and conditions that can affect your bones, kidneys, and your body’s ability to make healthy white and red blood cells and platelets.

There is no known cure for multiple myeloma and doctors provide treatments to help affected people live as long as possible while maintaining quality of life. But there is a possibility of getting relief for a long time. – which starts after treatment when you no longer have signs or symptoms of multiple myeloma.

Symptoms and signs of myeloma

According to experts, multiple myeloma affects men more than women, and affects black people twice as often as people of other races. Most people with multiple myeloma are diagnosed between the ages of 40-70. Some signs and symptoms of this dangerous disease include:

fatigue and tiredness

People suffering from this disease always feel so tired that they are unable to manage daily activities and keep feeling weak.

nausea and vomiting

This is a sign of hypercalcemia

unexplained weight loss

You may not feel very hungry or thirsty

Fever

An unexplained fever that may be a symptom of a bacterial infection

Injury

You may bleed more easily – a sign that abnormal plasma cells prevent your body from producing enough platelets. Platelets help your blood clot.

What causes multiple myeloma?,

Experts aren’t sure what causes multiple myeloma, however, some possible causes they are exploring include:

genetic mutation

There are several studies investigating the relationship between mutations or alterations of oncogenes and multiple myeloma. They also found that most people with multiple myeloma do not have all the pieces of a certain chromosome.

environmental factors

According to various studies, there is a possible link between multiple myeloma and exposure to radiation or chemicals in pesticides, fertilizers or Agent Orange.,

inflammatory disease

Examples of inflammatory diseases include heart disease, diabetes, and even rheumatoid arthritis.

being obese

If you are obese and have high levels of body fat, you may be at risk for multiple myeloma.

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