Common Symptoms of Cold and Allergies You Should Know
Colds and allergies are two extremely common conditions, somewhat similar in nature and expression, and affect both children as well as adults of all ages. According to a survey published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is not at all uncommon for an adult to suffer from cold two to three times a year. This survey also correctly concludes that children are more likely to suffer from more frequent bouts of cold every year immune system is still developing.
Allergies as a condition are also very common in both children and adults. According to a survey, around 50 million people in the country suffer from allergies. Read on to know more about the symptoms that help provide a difference between these two conditions.
Cold and allergies are not the same
It is true that the symptoms of these two conditions are somewhat similar, but cold and allergies themselves are fundamentally different from one another. These two conditions have significantly different causes and outbursts and the cold and allergies symptoms vary in type as well as the duration for which they last. If the doctor correctly identifies the cause behind the symptoms, then appropriate and timely treatment can be undertaken.
Symptoms of a common cold
Despite the apparent similarities between cold and allergies’ symptoms, the essential differences between them would be best explained if one understands these conditions would be beneficial.
A cold, which is also known as “the common cold,” is, more often than not, caused by a virus and its symptoms show that. There are many different types of viruses which are responsible for causing a cold. While the symptoms and their severity may differ from individual to individual, all types of cold generally share some of the same basic characteristics. Here are some of the most common symptoms of cold:
Symptoms of allergies
Allergies can occur when any particular patient’s immune system has an adverse reaction to certain substances. These are often established right from a tender age and doctors advise patients to stay away from whatever they are allergic to. When someone is exposed to an allergy trigger, which is defined as an allergen, the patient’s immune system releases chemicals in the body known as histamines. The histamines, when released by the body, are what causes allergy symptoms.
These cold and allergy symptoms are common to both the diseases, but they are more obvious and common in the case of allergies:
Key differences between cold and allergy symptoms
Although cold and allergy symptoms may be similar, there are also many key differences. Sufferers should keep the following differences in mind when trying to identify whether they are experiencing the symptoms of a cold or an allergy:
Symptoms which are exclusive to that of a cold are as follows:
Symptoms which are exclusive to that of allergies are as follows:
Thus, it is essential for all to understand the differences between the symptoms of these two apparently similar diseases. It is not desirable for any patient to be diagnosed with some disease which he or she does not have. Therefore, it is important for both the patient and the doctor concerned to analyze the symptoms carefully and then follow a treatment path.
Burning Pain in Feet – Causes and Treatments
A burning sensation in your feet can have many causes like diabetic neuropathy, athlete’s foot, alcohol use, and so on. Identifying the cause is vital for focused medical treatments. Besides this, you can also try several home remedies.
What causes a burning sensation in the feet?
Many diseases and infections can cause burning pain in your feet.
Treatments for burning pain in the feet
Depending on the cause of the burning pain, treatments may vary. For instance, burning pain in the feet caused by diabetic neuropathy may require you to keep your blood sugar levels in control by taking the right medications.
Kidney disease-induced burning feet pain may be relieved by dialysis, which is a process that removes toxins from the body. You may have to take vitamin B supplements if you have a deficiency. For athlete’s foot, your doctor may prescribe an antifungal medication.
To get relief from the burning pain in your feet, you can try some over-the-counter medicines but always consult your doctor first.
Clinical and traditional therapies
For severe burning pain in the feet, you may get relief through electrical nerve stimulation, laser therapy, and magnetic therapy. You can also try acupuncture.
Simple remedies to get relief from pain in the burning feet
You can try following these simple remedies at home:
You can try adding some ACV to the Epsom salt foot soak, or you can use only ACV and skip Epsom salt altogether. Create a warm water bath for soaking your feet. Keep your feet in it for a few minutes.
Add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water. Mix it well and drink it. Besides pain relief, it also provides other benefits.
Put your feet in the warm water tub for 5 minutes. Next, switch to the cold water tub and keep your feet in this for 5 minutes. Repeat this for twenty minutes to get relief from burning feet pain.
You can also extract ginger juice from fresh ginger, mix a small amount with coconut oil, and massage this on your feet.
Add a teaspoon of turmeric powder to milk or water, boil this to blend it properly, and drink it.
Make a paste of turmeric powder and water, or turmeric powder and coconut oil. Apply this on your feet.
Burning feet pain may have many causes. Besides treating the underlying condition with medications, you may also try some home remedies to get relief from burning feet pain.
5 Ways to Treat Hernia Without Surgery
A hernia occurs when an internal part such as an organ or a fatty tissue pushes through an opening in the muscle or tissue that holds it in place. The common types of hernias are an inguinal hernia (inner groin), incisional hernia (resulting from an incision), femoral hernia (outer groin), umbilical hernia (belly button), and hiatal hernia (upper stomach). Even though they are most common in the abdomen, hernias may appear in the upper thigh, belly button, and groin regions. If the opening in the abdomen through which the umbilical cord passes does not seal properly after birth, infants may also suffer from this condition. This condition occurs in adults if there is repeated strain on the abdomen. Most of the hernias are not immediately life-threatening, but they require surgical correction to prevent potentially dangerous complications as they will not go away on their own. You can do some exercises at home and make some lifestyle changes to cure a hernia without surgery.
Symptoms of a hernia
The symptoms of a hernia include a prominent swelling under the skin of the abdomen or the groin which can disappear when you lie down. The pain might be tender or sore. You might experience the feeling of a heavy weight in the abdomen which might be accompanied by constipation or blood in the stool. You may feel abdominal discomfort while coughing, lifting weights or bending over. You may also experience heartburn, acid reflux, chest pain, and difficulty in swallowing. For some people, there may be no visible symptoms of a hernia. It will show up only during a routine medical exam or a physical exam for some other medical issue.
Here are a few techniques that you can follow to cure a hernia without surgery:
Change eating practices
It is suggested to eat six small meals through the day — three main meals and three snacks in between. Having heavy meals is not recommended as this can lead to a backflow of stomach contents. Avoid eating spicy foods, soda, coffee or anything that can upset the gastric contents of your stomach. Taking antacids once a day before having meals can help in curing a hernia without surgery. Avoid lying down, bending over, or performing physical activities directly after a meal. These activities can also lead to a backflow of stomach contents.
Lose weight
Being overweight raises the pressure on the abdominal cavity and makes the intestine protrude, thus causing a hernia. One must consult their doctor before changing their diet and workout routine. People should try to weight gradually rather than opting for crash diets.
Wear a truss or brace to support a hernia
Wearing a supportive device like a truss or brace prevents a hernia from protruding. Although there isn’t any study about this, wearing a truss after manually maneuvering the hernia in place helps in relieving its symptoms. However, this is a painful and uncomfortable procedure.
Practice light exercises or yoga
A weak area such as the abdominal wall can result in the protrusion of an organ. So, the best way to cure a hernia without surgery is doing exercises that strengthen the body part in which a hernia can occur. Exercises like an inclined leg lift, cycling, pillow squeezes, mini-crunches, pool exercises, or doing yoga helps. Make sure to consult your healthcare provider before trying out any strenuous form of yoga as it is not recommended for some individuals. While doing yoga, perform the poses in the presence of a trained yoga instructor so that he or she can guide you along the way. Supported shoulder stand, fish pose, raised legs pose, wind-relieving pose, forward bends, and diamond pose are believed to relieve abdominal pressure, strengthen abdominal muscles, and compress the inguinal canal. Also, a simple walk for at least forty-five minutes daily at a brisk pace strengthens the upper and lower abdomen and the pelvic floor.
Follow healthier routines
To cure a hernia without surgery, avoid putting pressure on your muscles and your abdomen. Avoid lifting heavy objects. If you must lift a heavy object, try to do so by applying pressure to your knees and not your back. Bend low before picking up the object. Another non-surgical cure for a hernia is quitting smoking as this habit can lead to deterioration of not only your muscles but also other tissues in your body. Try to keep your immune system robust as far as possible since sneezing, coughing, and vomiting can strain your intestines and abdominal cavity. Also, avoid straining during bowel movements so that you do not put too much pressure on the abdominal area.
Even though a hernia may not seem grave initially, if left untreated, it may grow and become incredibly painful. It is better to consult your healthcare provider at the first sign of a hernia. If untreated, it may lead to obstruction in the bowel as well.
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Hemorrhoids are quite a problem, and home remedies are a preference when it comes to natural hemorrhoid treatment. There are a large number of ways to treat hemorrhoids naturally. So much so that one would have difficulty knowing which one to apply. Hence, it is very important to have a thorough knowledge of the process.
Now, one good thing about hemorrhoids is that they aren’t all that painful; however, they can bleed incessantly. Hence, if the problem has gone way beyond measure, it is ideal to connect with a high-quality colorectal surgeon. In fact, if your hemorrhoids are painful, then it means that the situation is out of hand and you need to do something real soon.
In technical terms, these have reached the canal of your bowel passage owing to irregular bowel movement, which has also caused the bowels to larger. On top of all of this, if you have a blood clot, the consequences are much more severe. Now, there are countless clinical and home-based remedies to rid yourself of such issues. The most basic thing that you are supposed to do is to shrink them. Now, if you don’t do it correctly, then the process can be dangerous and can worsen your situation. Hence, ensure that you know what you’re doing before you try a natural hemorrhoid treatment.
If you are bleeding, it is best to not try any natural hemorrhoid treatment on your own and consult a doctor. It is ideal if you are facing hemorrhoids for the first time. After all, proper diagnosis is the basis of any treatment. Hence, do as the doctor says. For all you know, it might turn out to be something else altogether, rendering your home-based remedy null and void. However, some homemade treatments work and even the doctors recommend those. Here are some such examples that are helpful and worth trying:
Sitz Bath
This is something very simple and easy to do. You have to bathe yourself with warm water at regular intervals for around 15 minutes. Ensure that you do this after every bowel movement as well as 10-15 times a day. This is one of the treatments that have also been advised by the doctor. These baths can be easily brought from a medical shop as they’re available over the counter. Also, you can attach the bath to your toilet and it will smoothen your area and make your life a little easier!
Flowering Plants
Witch Hazel is a flowering plant that can be used to get rid of irritants such as hemorrhoids. They help in getting rid of intensive itching or bleeding. They also help in reducing pain to quite an extent. While researchers aren’t completely in favor of this flower, there are enough ingredients in it that will reduce swelling considerably and also slow down the bleeding. Since it can naturally soften and tighten your swollen skin, it is known to be one of the leading natural remedies for hemorrhoid. In fact, a lot of doctors are in favor of it and advice to naturally use it on hemorrhoid.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can be one of the best ways to relieve yourself of the pain, irritation, and itching. However, one needs to know how much of apple cider vinegar would work as a remedy and how much of it would burn your skin. Hence, if you’re not sure of the quantity, you should either consult a doctor or work with someone who has used this remedy before. Otherwise, you might end up doubling your problems. Other home remedies such as husk or supplements combined with apple cider vinegar can completely cure your hemorrhoids; however, you need to know how to do it right.
Psyllium Husk
Psyllium husk is one of the most helpful supplements as it increases your capacity to consume fiber. It also softens your feces and, hence, bowel movement becomes a little easier. However, once again, quantity is of grave importance or else you might end up getting diarrhea or stomach cramps. It is again ideal to consult someone in the know if you don’t know what to do. If you’ve purchased it off the market, then it is a good idea to follow the instruction pamphlet. If used properly, the proper and regular bowel movement can mean a world of difference to your hemorrhoids. While it isn’t a 100% guarantee to cure the disease, it can definitely ease things up for you. While you are using psyllium husk, ensure that you’re drinking ample amount of water.
Aloe Vera
Every single skin problem can be cured with the help of Aloe vera; hence, it is ideal to use aloe vera as it will cool your hemorrhoid to quite an extent and relax your skin immensely. Aloe vera works wonders with stress points.
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for the body as it promotes the growth of bones by absorbing calcium. Majority of the world’s population suffers from a lack of vitamin D in the body. We get this vitamin from the exposure to the Sun. Many people do not get enough exposure to the sun’s rays owing to residing in cold climates, etc. The vitamin cannot be synthesized naturally in such people, and taking supplements is a smart option. Low levels of vitamin D in the body can result in children having soft bones and misshapen bones in adults. Vitamin D deficiency has also been linked to prostate cancer, colon cancer, heart disease, depression, weight gain, and breast cancer. Studies show that people with higher levels of the vitamin are at a lower risk of contracting these diseases. While this is not definitive, it sure is indicative! Here are a few of the best vitamin D supplement options available in the market.
Nordic Naturals Vitamin D3™
Nordic Naturals Vitamin D3 is a great option to explore. It is one of the best vitamin D supplement options available today. It provides for a concentrated source of vitamin D along with some healthy oils. The capsule is made of gelatin and comes with 5000 IU of vitamin D3 dissolved in omega-9 fatty acid and olive oil. These have great heart benefits. The soft gels are flavored with a natural orange extract and preserved with rosemary extract. This keeps the supplement fresh. All in all, this product is fantastic and worth considering.
DailyD® Vegan Vitamin D3 Supplement
This vitamin comes after being tested for sports certification. It has a dosage of 2500 IU per capsule and uses a lichen source for its vitamin component. It is derived from plant sources and is perfect for vegetarians and vegans as well (unlike the previous supplement). Vitamin D3 is generally extracted from animal sources but some plant sources like lichen, mushrooms, and fungi do exist. The capsule is made of plant cellulose instead of gelatin and is worth trying.
Carlson Labs D3
Carlson Labs D3 is a pretty simple supplement that delivers 1000 IU per capsule. It uses safflower and corn oil to dissolve the vitamin and is exceptionally pure. Its cover may be made of gelatin but it is worth a shot. While the capsule may not have the healthier olive oil option to dissolve the fat-soluble vitamin, it contains within 2% of its label-stated amount of the vitamin. This impressive trait makes it one of the best vitamin D supplement options available in the market today.
Nutrigold Vitamin D3
Nutrigold offers two different tablets. One has a lower IU dose at 1000 while the other tablet offers 2000 IU. According to lab tests, its label amount exceeds by around 10%. This essentially means that 1000 IU capsule is delivered at 1100 IU and a 2000 IU is delivered at 2200 IU. Its ingredients are pure and follow a minimalistic design philosophy. If you have allergies to soy, milk, fish, or wheat, this vitamin supplement is the ideal choice! Opt for a Nutrigold Vitamin D supplement today as it is one of the best vitamin D supplement options available!
NatureWise Vitamin D3
This supplement is the bestseller on Amazon and is worth its weight in gold! Each capsule comes with a serious dosage of vitamin D. Each bottle comes with 360 capsules, each delivering 5000 IU. Taking this high dosage is recommended for those living in cold climates. It is perfect for those with darker skins as well. The capsule skin is made of gelatin and glycerine. But ensure not letting its high dosage put you off. If you are directly exposed to the Sun you are likely to receive several thousand IU anyway. This supplement is one of the best vitamin D supplement options available.
Your health comes first at all times and at any cost. You need to maintain a proper diet and exercise on a regular basis to stay fit and healthy. If you fail to do so, you may feel weak and exhausted. This can impact your performance on a daily basis. The lack of vitamin D in your diet is also known to have an impact on your mental health. Having the right amount of the vitamin in the body can reduce depression and anxiety. The vitamin has an impact on every system in the body and must be taken in the right portion to fully allow our bodies to run at their best ability. If you are not one to go out in the Sun, take some of the best vitamin D supplement options mentioned on this list and lead a fulfilling and healthy life!
Hepatitis C is a viral liver disease which is also contagious. The disease spreads via blood contact and it is necessary to avoid any exposure to the hepatitis C virus. The infection can go on to be chronic and can be treated with medications. HCV can also cause liver cancer and in some worse conditions, it can also lead to death. The virus usually invades the liver which causes dysfunction and swelling. It is possible for a person to get re-infected with the virus that has a different strain.
Symptoms of HCV
Acute Hepatitis C
Due to the lack of definitive symptoms, acute hepatitis C is very rarely diagnosed. People even refer to it as a silent epidemic. From exposure to symptoms, it takes up to 4 to 15 weeks. Symptoms of the same could be nausea, joint pain, abdominal discomfort, and jaundice.
Chronic Hepatitis C
When the virus remains in the blood for more than six months, hepatitis becomes chronic. During diagnosis, if the HCV virus is detected for more than two times then the chronic HCV is confirmed. The infection will continue unless it is treated with proper medication. It should be noted that after 25 to 30 years the infection might result in scarring or even fibrosis of the liver. If the situation worsens then it can cause liver cancer and even liver failure. The damage of the disease is not apparent until the liver is almost on the verge of collapse. Proper treatments for Hep C are the only way to go in this case.
Causes of HCV
Hepatitis C is caused by the HCV virus. Viruses are usually inactive unless they enter a living body. These viruses then attack the cell and start replicating. In case of chronic HCV, millions of copies of the virus are produced in the body. This disease can spread from an infected person to uninfected one via blood. Sharing needles or any equipment used to inject medicines is one of the biggest risk factors for the disease. Proper treatments for Hep C at the right time can help in managing the disease.
It should be noted that HCV is not transmitted due to casual contact, sharing food or mosquito bites. Most of the cases have been reported to occur due to used injections. The risks include receiving organ transplants, long-term hemodialysis, and exposure to the needle stick, being born to a mother with HCV, snorting drugs, and unexplained liver disease. If you experience any of these causes then you are certainly at the risk of developing this disease.
Test and diagnosis
People often tend to overlook how serious Hep C can actually be. Also, it is very rarely diagnosed during the acute phase which is why it goes unnoticed most of the times. A person who is infected with the virus is more likely to develop the chronic illness and even pass it on without even knowing. It is a very rare occurrence when the virus does not affect the body. Screening tests are always available for those who have developed the disease. HCV antibody screen is the test that can be taken. A negative test would mean that a person is not exposed. However, a positive test signifies that the person is exposed to HCV. It does not prove that they have an ongoing infection though.
After the test is positive then one can go for the next test called HCV RNA which demonstrates whether the virus is still present. Upon this, the treatments for Hep C begin.
Treatment for Hep C
The treatment removes the virus from the body. A combination of medicines is used to remove the virus. The medication, as well as the duration of the treatments for Hep C, is based on the genotype of the virus. Direct-acting anti-viral are the agents that are used to treat the disease. Medication interrupts the lifecycle of the virus and also disrupts the reproduction of the viral cells.
Long ago when the DAAs were not available, treatments for Hep C were uncomfortable as well as lengthy. Over the years the cure rates have increased to 90%. It takes 8 to 12 weeks of time to completely treat an HCV patient. The medicines as such do not have any side effects except for fatigue and headache.
It should be noted that everyone does not need a treatment and at times the immune system of the infected person effectively clears away any infections. In this case, your doctor might simply monitor your liver function.
The treatment options used previously used to require 48 weeks of treatment. But with the advanced technology, the side effects have receded. Moreover, now the treatment required also lasts for a short period of time. You should consult your doctor to find out the best possible option for your particular case.
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Diet for schizophrenia – what to eat and what to avoid
Diet for schizophrenia: What to eat and what to avoid?
Schizophrenia is a mental illness that can cause delusions, paranoia, social and cognitive problems, and hallucinations. While the most common method of this condition is medication and psychotherapy, those who have schizophrenia can benefit from following a proper diet. Certain food items must be avoided, while there are a few that would be good for schizophrenia patients.
What to avoid
There are certain food items that a schizophrenia patient should avoid as can cause various health problems that can aggravate the condition.
What to eat
A healthy and well-balanced diet helps improve both physical and mental health. The following food items and nutrients are essential for someone who has schizophrenia.
Methods to Use a Thermometer and a Fever Temperature Chart with Children
The fever temperature chart indicates the range of normal temperature measured in different ways for different age groups of children. When the temperature exceeds the upper limit, it is an indication of fever.
Measuring fever in a child
The mode of measurement depends on the extent of discomfort the child is facing as well as the target temperature indicated by the fever temperature chart. The fever temperature chart varies according to the age group of the child. For children between 0 and 3 months, normal temperature is between 97℉ or 36℃ to 100.4℉ or 38℃ or and temperatures above 100.4℉ or 38℃ indicate fever. The temperature range is the same for children between 3 and 6 months and temperature above 101℉ or 38℃ indicates fever. For children over 6 months, a temperature of 102℉ or 39℃ and above indicates fever.
Situations when medical consultation is required
Medical consultation is necessary when the temperature as per the fever temperature chart indicates fever and if there are certain accompanying symptoms.
Babies below 3 months with fever require immediate medical attention.
Children: When the child is fussy or not behaving in a normal way even after medications to reduce fever have been administered, or if he/she is refusing fluids and is dehydrated with dryness of the mouth, stiffness of the neck or a headache, pain in the abdomen, difficulty breathing, rashes or pain in the joints, fever persisting continuously for 5 days—these are the signs that a doctor needs to be consulted.
Different ways to measure temperature and corresponding fever temperature chart ranges
It is advisable to use a digital thermometer to measure someone’s temperature for recording and determining the fever levels. The different thermometers that are available include—rectal thermometers, oral thermometers, thermometers for measuring temperature through the temporal artery, and thermometers to measure the temperature through the armpit or the ear.
The rectal temperature in case of infants:
For rectal measurement, the normal range is from 97.9 ℉ to 100.4 ℉ or 36.6 ℃ to 38 degrees Celsius. Temperature over 100.4 ℉ or 38 ℃ indicates fever.
In case of measuring rectal temperature, lubricate the tip of the digital thermometer with petroleum jelly. With knees in a flexed position, the child should be laid on the stomach or on the side. The tip should be inserted up to 1 inch with extreme care into the rectum.
You need to ensure the child does not move until the beep from the thermometer indicates that it’s over.
Oral temperature:
For oral measurements, the normal range is between 95.5 ℉ and 99.5 ℉ or 35.3 ℃ to 37.5 ℃. When the temperature is greater than 99.5 ℉ or 37.5 ℃, that is an indication of fever.
After the digital thermometer is switched on, the tip should be placed below the tongue. Ensure that the mouth is closed until the beep is heard. One can then check the temperature.
Temperature from the temporal artery:
The fever temperature chart in case of temporal measurement states that temperature is normal when it ranges from 97.9 ℉ to 100.1 ℉ or 36.6 ℃ to 37.8 ℃. When the temperature is greater than 100.1 ℉ or 37.8 degrees Celsius, that is an indication of fever.
The temperature is measured by sweeping the thermometer through the forehead.
Armpit temperature:
The fever temperature chart in case of axillary measurement states that temperature is normal when it ranges from 94.5 ℉ to 99.3 ℉ or 34.7 ℃ to 37.4 ℃. When the temperature is greater than 99.3 ℉ or 37.4 ℃, it is an indication of fever.
The digital thermometer is switched on and placed under the arm and one has to ensure it is in contact with the skin. The thermometer should be held tightly and taken out after the beep is heard after which the temperature can be checked.
Ear temperature:
The fever temperature chart in case of tympanic measurement states that temperature is normal when it ranges from 96.3 ℉ to 100 ℉ or 35.7 ℃ to 37.8 ℃. When the temperature is greater than 100 ℉ or 37.8 ℃, that is an indication for fever.
Read the instructions given along with your thermometer carefully, and put the thermometer in the ear canal up to the indicated distance. The thermometer should be tightly held and it has to be taken out only after the beep is heard. The temperature can then be checked.
Precautions to be followed when using the thermometers:
While using thermometers, the instructions that are provided with the thermometer should be read carefully. Make sure you use lukewarm water along with soap or rubbing alcohol to thoroughly clean the thermometer before using it. Ensure that separate thermometers are used for measuring temperatures orally and through the rectum. Use separate labels for safety purposes.
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