Category: Health Care

Health Care

Home Remedies: How to Reduce Sugar Level

Author Byaqilrl

A frequent rise in your blood sugar level is not good for your health at all. It can affect different body parts and components, including blood vessels, nerves, blood, and various organs. If left uncontrolled, high blood sugar may lead to some severe health conditions.

Different medications and synthetic insulin are used for regulating high blood-sugar levels. But there are some easy ways to regulate minutely high blood sugar with some natural treatments. These home remedies for hyperglycaemia are effective as well as safe and are suitable for diabetic and non-diabetic people of any age. In this guide, we will try to learn how to lower high blood sugar at home.

Also, we will discuss some essential aspects of high blood sugar; it’s causes, different blood-sugar levels chart and a lot more. Let’s find out what is high blood sugar first.

What is high blood sugar?

Also known as “hyperglycaemia”, high blood pressure is the most prominent characteristic of all types of diabetes. An average blood sugar level depends on various factors including age, sex, and lifestyle etc. The blood sugar level is raised when your pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin, or your body’s cells have somehow become resistant to insulin.

When your body’s blood sugar level is more than 130 mg/dL before a meal or more than 180 mg/dL after the first bite of your meal, however, most of the signs and symptoms of high blood pressure remain dormant until the blood-sugar level is more than 250 mg/dl. But a few symptoms are known to have a rapid onset.

Hyperglycaemia can be both acute or chronic. Acute hyperglycaemia affects your body briefly and is usually due to meals highly rich in carbohydrates, stress, a missed dose of medicine, medicinal reaction, or other illness etc.

Chronic hyperglycaemia is a condition characterized by long-term elevated blood glucose. It is usually a result of ignored or untreated diabetes or due to improper diabetes treatment regimen. Chronic one is undoubtedly more dangerous and can be life-threatening at times as well. A long-term increased blood-sugar level can have a toxic effect on your tissues and may lead to a plethora of other complications.

What are the causes of high blood sugar?

Underlining a single cause for high blood sugar is a bit tough. However, there are various risk factors associated with diabetes, including:

  • Excessive eating, especially too much snacking between meals
  • Prolonged illness or infection
  • Overweight or obesity
  • Prolonged mental stress
  • Overtreatment of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia)
  • Excessive intake of medicines like steroids

What causes blood sugar to rise in non-diabetics?

Non-diabetic hyperglycaemia is a condition in which your blood sugar level increases even if you don’t have diabetes. A major or prolonged illness is usually the most common cause of non-diabetic hyperglycaemia. Here are the conditions that are typically associated with non-diabetic hyperglycaemia:

  • Medical condition such as polycystic ovarian syndrome or Cushing syndrome
  • Infections like urinary tract infection or pneumonia
  • Trauma such as severe injury or burn
  • Nutrition through IV or feeding tube
  • Prolonged lack of physical activities
  • A family history of gestational diabetes
  • Overdose of certain medications like diuretics or steroids

What causes blood sugar to rise without eating?

Sometimes, your blood sugar level may elevate even without eating! Yes, some astounding factors can cause a sudden spike in blood sugar level

  • Artificial sweeteners – Some studies suggest that overuse of artificial sweeteners can also cause a hike in blood sugar levels.
  • Coffee – People who are sensitive to coffee can have an elevated blood-sugar level even without adding sugar to it.
  • Sunburn – The pain due to sunburn causes stress, which is a common causative factor for an increased blood sugar
  • Loss of Sleep – Insufficient sleep of even one night can be responsible for stress and hence, non-diabetic hyperglycaemia.
  • Skipping Breakfast – Leaving breakfast can also cause increased blood sugar, especially after lunch and dinner.
  • Dawn Phenomenon – Having a surge of hormones in the morning irrespective of being diabetic or not is also seen as a causative factor for higher blood sugar in both diabetics and non-diabetics.
  • Nasal Spray – Some nasal sprays contain chemicals that may trigger your liver to cause a surge in blood sugar levels.
  • Dehydration – Reduced water intake is also associated with a higher concentration of sugar in the blood.
  • Gum Disease – One of the common complications responsible for a hike in blood glucose in both diabetics and non-diabetics.

We recommend you to watch out for these factors if you are having a surge in blood-sugar level even after having a balanced diet and avoiding overeating. These factors elevate blood-sugar levels, usually for a limited period, and you should not be worried much. However, a constant or frequent surge should not be taken lightly, and you should see a licensed medical practitioner.

Can stress cause high blood sugar levels in non-diabetics?

Yes, work stress, emotional stress, very scary movies, a trauma, or a sudden lousy news etc. all can force your liver to release already stored glucose to ensure a better response to these triggers.

On the other hand, sometimes, stress disrupts the release of insulin from the pancreas and causes a pile-up of glucose in your blood. If you have long-term mental stress, the build-up of glucose will only increase. Stress-induced hyperglycaemia in non-diabetics is usually harmless and can be managed very effectively with physical exercises, meditation, counselling etc.

What level of blood sugar is dangerous?

You should start taking a lot of precautions and proper treatment if your blood sugar level is more than 150 mg/dL while fasting and 200 mg/dL after a meal. You may start developing symptoms once the blood-sugar level is more than 300 mg/dl. You may have one or more symptoms, including:

  • Dry mouth
  • Blurry vision
  • Excessive thirst
  • Excessive urination
  • Dryness of mouth
  • Tiredness throughout the day

Blood-sugar level of anything more than 400 mg/dl can be dangerous, and very high blood sugar, i.e. 600 mg/dl or higher can cause coma and even death.

High blood sugar levels chart?

A blood-glucose chart is convenient to identify ideal and healthy blood sugar levels throughout the day, including fasting and after meals. While checking for blood-sugar, you should also keep in mind the low blood sugar. It is not very common but can be very harmful to your health, even life-threatening at times. Here is a blood-sugar chart along-with recommendation.

Fasting blood sugar level Risk-level and suggested action
50 mg/dl or under Dangerously low: Immediate medical attention is very important
70 – 90 mg/dl Usually very low: Consuming sugar while having symptoms. If not improved, get medical attention
90 – 120 mg/dl Normal range
120-160 mg/dl Medium: Lifestyle changes under the guidance of a doctor is usually enough to manage
160-240 mg/dl Too high: Immediate actions are required to control and reduce bloodsugar levels
240-300 mg/dl Much too high: Can be a sign of improper glucose management, seeing a doctor is strongly recommended
300 mg/dl or high Very high: Immediate medical attention is advised
600 mg/dl or high Too high, the patient may go to coma. Can be life-threatening also.

Blood sugar levels chart by age

Average blood sugar level varies according to different factors; age being the most common one. Here is a chart for your reference, so that you can understand the optimum blood sugar level for other age groups

Kids Under 6

  • Fasting – 80 to 180 mg/dl
  • Before meal – 100 to 180 mg/dl
  • After a meal (1-1 ½ hour) – about 180 mg/dl
  • Bedtime – 110 – 200 mg/dl

Age 6-12

  • Fasting – 80 to 180 mg/dl
  • Before meal – 90 to 180 mg/dl
  • Before exercise – At least 150 mg/dl
  • Bedtime – 100 to 180 mg/dl

Age 13-19

  • Fasting – 70 to 150 mg/dl
  • Before meal – 90 to 130 mg/dl
  • Before exercise – At least 150 mg/dl
  • Bedtime – 90 to 150 mg/dl

Age 20+

  • Fasting – Less than 100 mg/dl
  • Before meal – 70 to 130 mg/dl
  • After a meal (1-2 hours) – Less than 180 mg/dl
  • Before exercise – *If taking insulin – 100 mg/dl
  • Bedtime – 100 to 140 mg/dl

What to do when blood sugar is high? – Self-management of hyperglycaemia

If you are noticing early signs of high blood sugar, you should test your blood sugar with the help of your doctor. If the level is not very high, here are a few effective ways to control it.

  • Drink a lot of water: Water can be helpful to remove extra sugar from the blood through urine, and also aids you to avoid dehydration.
  • Change your diet and eating habits: “Don’t eat anything”. Avoid sugary or starchy foods from your diet. Reduce or stop sugar intake, especially that of refined sugar. Also, make some adjustments to the timing of your meals. Avoid eating late at night, so that your body can get enough time to digest and process the foods.
  • Exercise, a lot more, but with caution: Exercises and workouts can also help you to reduce high blood pressure. But specific activities are also known for causing a spike. So, talk to your doctor before starting any exercise. If you have diabetes and the blood sugar level is high, you should check for ketones in your urine. Don’t exercise if you find ketones.

How to reduce sugar level? – Home Remedies

Yes, treatment, particularly insulin intake, is necessary to keep your blood sugar level intact. But you can also try some home remedies to reduce high blood sugar, especially if it is just above the normal range.

  • Control Your Carb Intake:

Your body breaks carbohydrate down into healthy sugars, and then insulin helps sugars to move into the cells. When your body gets too much carb, the insulin factor is unable to function correctly, and the blood glucose level is raised unhealthily.

Hence, you should control your carb intake by having a track of what you are eating. These days, tracking your meals is very easy, thanks to some very innovative mobile applications, smartwatches, and gadgets. Lean meats, fishes, eggs, green leafy vegetables, nuts, and seeds etc. are some healthy, low-carb foods you can add to your diet.

  • Increase Fibre Intake:

Fibres are known for slowing down the digestion of carbs and absorption of sugar. So, increasing your fibre intake can help to keep your blood sugar level in check. Your body requires both soluble and insoluble fibres; soluble fibre is particularly effective to lower blood sugar levels. Some excellent sources of fibre are fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes etc.

  • Manage Your Stress

At times, stress management alone can have surprising effects, especially if fluctuated hormones are causing a spike in blood sugar levels. Exercises, mindfulness, meditation, consulting a psychiatrist, talking to your family and friend etc. can help you to overcome stress.

  • Get proper, quality sleep

Insomnia, stress, hypertension, raised blood sugar levels, increased blood pressure, lethargies, irritability, obesity etc. all are very much linked with each other. At least one of them accompany further complication. And if you are struggling with insomnia, there are very high chances that you have mental stress. And finding out the exact cause, and managing it properly can help you to work your sleep cycle properly.

Practising mindfulness, bringing discipline to your life, and enjoying some time with family and friends etc. all can help you to feel relaxed while going to bed. And once you start getting proper, quality sleep, you will start getting rid of a lot of problems, including hyperglycaemia.

  • Lose Some Weight

If you are overweight or obese (See the difference), you should stop feeling very relaxed, because you are moving towards disaster. Obesity is very harmful to your body in a lot of ways and can be one of the major causes of high blood sugar.Hence, controlling your body weight can also be very useful to reduce blood sugar levels, and again, reduce your risk of getting diabetes.

Losing weight is not as straightforward as a lot of people think. However, if you are determined enough, you can shed a few kilos with a combination of a healthy diet, exercises, and workout etc.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to high blood sugar level, people assume straightaway that they have diabetes. However, that’s not the case. You may get a spike in your blood sugar levels even if you are non-diabatic. And managing acute hyperglycaemia is usually not very challenging. Hopefully, we were successful in trying to help you with different aspects of high blood sugar. It has become a pervasive health problem, and we recommend you to meet your doctor as soon as you get even a few symptoms.

References:

https://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/managing-diabetes/blood-glucose-management/high-blood-sugar/#:~:text=Blood%20glucose%20is%20commonly%20considered,higher%20than%20250%20mg%2Fdl.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/high-blood-sugar-hyperglycaemia/

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/15-ways-to-lower-blood-sugar#TOC_TITLE_HDR_16

https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/guide/diabetes-hyperglycemia

https://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/managing-diabetes/blood-glucose-management/high-blood-sugar/#:~:text=Blood%20glucose%20is%20commonly%20considered,higher%20than%20250%20mg%2Fdl.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20371451#:~:text=A%20blood%20sugar%20level%20less,mmol%2FL)%20indicates%20prediabetes.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/high-blood-sugar-hyperglycaemia/

https://www.drugs.com/cg/nondiabetic-hyperglycemia.html

https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/spotlights/blood-sugar.html#:~:text=Some%20people’s%20blood%20sugar%20is,after%20both%20lunch%20and%20dinner.

https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/qa/can-stress-cause-high-blood-sugar-levels

https://www.summitmedicalgroup.com/library/adult_health/aha_high_blood_sugar/#:~:text=Very%20high%20blood%20sugar%E2%80%94that,at%20your%20healthcare%20provider’s%20office.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317536#interpreting-the-results

https://www.srlworld.com/blog/blood-sugar-levels-normal-high-low-ranges/

Health Care

Throat Cancer: Early Signs, Symptoms, Causes, and Prognosis

Author Byaqilrl

What is throat cancer? What are the symptoms? How can you detect throat cancer with some early signs? What are the different causes? Is there any way to prevent throat cancer? Stage 4 throat cancer: how long to live?

There are so many different questions that can strike your mind when you hear about throat cancer. There are various types of throat cancer, and each of them is named according to the affected part of the throat. You may have cancer of the larynx (part of the throat containing voice box), the hypopharynx, the oropharynx, or the nasopharynx.

Fortunately, throat cancer is among rare types of cancer. If you fear developing throat cancer, or you have suddenly started to think about it due to certain complications. Here’s everything you should know about throat cancer before finally concluding.

How Common is Throat Cancer?

According to the National Cancer institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER), roughly 13,000 people had laryngeal cancer in 2018. Fifty-one thousand five hundred forty people will be suffering from the pharynx and oral cavity cancers by the end of 2020. There is a 78 percent survival rate of a throat cancer patient after diagnosis. Around half of all laryngeal cancer cases are diagnosed before spreading to other body parts.

How is Throat Cancer Staged?

The staging system for throat cancer plays a vital role in deciding how good or bad the prognosis is. The stage is determined according to the TNM staging system in which T refers to the primary tumor, N refers to the spread of cancer to lymph nodes, and M is for the spreading phase of the tumor.

There are five different throat cancer stages from stage 0 (probable progression of abnormal cells to cancerous ones) to stage 4 (spread of cancer is confirmed). The approach to treatment is decided according to the stage of throat cancer. Here is a brief discussion of different stages.

  • Stage 0: Also known as “carcinoma in situ,” reflects the beginning of the scale. It is characterized by the abnormal cell in the throat lining that can become cancerous.
  • Stage 1: The very early stage of throat cancer. The tumor size is not more than two centimeters, and the lymph nodes are not affected.
  • Stage 2:The tumor is more than 2 centimeters in size but less than four centimeters. Lymph nodes are not affected yet.
  • Stage 3 throat cancer: how long to live? The tumor is usually larger than four centimeters or has affected the lymph nodes of the compromised side. When it comes to the survival rate, almost 60 percent of affected people survive five years or more after the diagnosis.
  • Stage 4 throat cancer how long to live? It is called the “final stage” or “the most advanced stage” Irrespective of the size of the tumor, it may be spread to nearby tissue including the neck, thyroid, trachea, jaw, esophagus, mouth, or other nearby locations.
  • One large lymph node on the same affected side of the throat, multiple lymph nodes of different sizes on the same affected side, or a single lymph node irrelevant to size on the opposite side of the affected part.
  • In very severe cases, even distant body parts like lungs are affected.

When it is about survival, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the five-year survival rate after the diagnosis of the fourth stage of throat cancer is only 39.1 percent.

Possible Causes of Throat Cancer

The exact cause of throat cancer is still not clear; the cancerous cells developing thanks to the genetic mutations keep growing uncontrollably, and they start forming multiple tumors that may even spread to other body parts.

Some of the factors that can start genetic mutations in the cell are cigarette smoking (particularly chain-smoking), alcohol, exposure to toxic substances like asbestos, infection due to the human papillomavirus (HPV), etc.

throat cancer symptoms

Risk Factors Associated with Throat Cancer

Risk factors associated with throat cancer are usually related to lifestyle. For example, smoking, tobacco chewing, betel nuts chewing, deplorable dental hygiene, etc. can increase throat cancer risk. Chain-smoking for years is considered the leading cause of throat cancer.

Symptoms of Throat Cancer

The symptoms of throat cancer may vary from person to person. And the worst thing is, nonspecific symptoms are usually the most common ones. Not every patient will develop similar symptoms. But some symptoms are present in almost every patient with throat cancer. They are:

  • Hoarseness of the voice
  • Chronic sore throat
  • Chronic cough
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Constant pain in or around the throat
  • Constant production of phlegm
  • Uncomfortable and painful movement of the tongue
  • Painful opening of the mouth, especially in patients habitual of tobacco chewing
  • Nosebleeds and throbbing headaches

Early Signs of Throat Cancer

The prognosis and treatment may get better if throat cancer is identified at the early stages. These early signs also vary from person to person. However, like apparent symptoms, there are some common early signs too.

  • Persistent soreness of throat: One of the most common as well as classic symptoms of throat cancer.
  • Difficulty Swallowing: Some people with possible throat cancer development may experience a pain or burning sensation mainly while swallowing. Sometimes, the sufferer may feel the food is stuck in the throat.
  • Sudden voice changes: A quieter and huskier sound is another early sign of throat cancer. You may find it difficult while pronouncing certain words or may develop a slurred speech.
  • A lump on the neck: This is usually due to a swollen lymph node. A lump, possibly on the affected side, is also considered an early sign of throat cancer.

How to check for throat cancer at home?

Although it’s not the best idea, there are a few steps you can follow to check for throat cancer. Let’s look at a self-exam for the cancer of the head, neck, or throat (applies on all three).

Also Read: Oral Thrush – All You Need to Know

Both prevention and diagnosis require proper and regular oral pathology exams. But it’s also good to perform a self-exam from time to time to rule out any possible cancerous development. Here are the steps you can follow for the self-assessment.

Step 1: Know what you are checking: Signs of throat cancer may include

  • A sudden change in skin color in a particular area
  • A change in the texture of the skin
  • Lumps around throat or neck (mostly if it wasn’t there before)
  • Lesions

Step 2: Hold a bright light such as a torch or flashlight and look in a mirror and check for the following:

  • Cheek walls
  • Back of throat
  • Tongue
  • Lips
  • Top and bottom of the mouth

Now, let’s discuss how to check throat cancer at home

Step 1: Place your hands on the back of both sides of the jaw right under your ears. Open and close your jaws repeatedly while feeling for any bumps.

Step 2:Bring your hands down the neck without removing them.

Step 3: Rotate your head to the right side and feel for the left-side neck muscles. Now, rotate to the left side and feel for the right-side neck muscles.

Step 4: Try grabbing and swallowing your gullet.

Step 5: Bring your chin downwards, place your palms away from your face, and use fingers to feel the underside of the jaw.

That’s how you can check for superficial signs and symptoms of throat cancer. Proper physical examination with laboratory investigation is critical for an accurate diagnosis. So, you should not conclude without consulting an experienced physician.

Is there any home remedy for throat cancer?

No, there is no home remedy or cure for throat cancer. You should not consider them as first-line treatment. However, a few home remedies are useful to improve some of the symptoms of throat cancer.

  • Dietary supplements like vitamins and foods rich in vitamin C and folate
  • Herbs like garlic and green tea
  • Acupuncture
  • Hydrotherapy like cold and/or hot compressors
  • Physical therapy
  • Lifestyle adjustments like exercises, change in diet, and avoidance of alcohol and smoking, etc.

NOTE: Don’t use any of these remedies without talking to your doctor

How is Throat Cancer Diagnosed?

Healthcare professionals take the proper and complete history of the patients for the correct diagnosis of throat cancer. The doctor will ask you a few critical questions related to signs, symptoms, and complications to conclude. Your doctor will only diagnose after finding various information. After a detailed physical examination, your doctor may suggest additional tests to confirm the diagnosis.

Imaging tests like CT, MRI, PET scan, etc. are usually considered

Other tests like chest X-rays, barium swallowing, laryngoscopy, etc. are useful for cancerous cells’ correct location.

Biopsy of the tumor, endoscopic biopsy, and fine-needle aspiration of the tumor are definitive diagnosis methods.

How is Throat Cancer Treated?

Treatment of throat cancer mainly depends on cancer, the seriousness of symptoms, and the extent of affected cells. The treatment is usually tailored for different patients to ensure the best chances of a successful outcome. Treatment focuses on preserving the patient’s ability to speak, eat, and lead an everyday life. Doctors follow one or more treatment techniques, including radiation therapy, surgery, proton therapy, targeted therapies, and other clinical trials. Here is a brief discussion on the significant components of the treatment of throat cancer.

  • Chemotherapy: Anti-cancer drugs are administered to kill cancerous cells after radiation or surgical treatment. Chemotherapy, like cetuximab (Erbitux), is usually used with various suitable combinations.
  • Surgery: Different types of surgical procedures, including transoral laser microsurgery, minimally invasive, laser, robotic, tumor excision surgery, etc. are performed to improve speech and swallowing.
  • Radiation Therapy: Radioactive beads are placed close to the tumor. 3-D radiation beam therapy and intensity-modulated radiotherapy are tailored according to the tumor’s size and shape. Often, radiation is also considered as a first-line treatment of throat cancer.
  • Targeted Therapies: Several drugs are inferred with proteins and/or other cell receptors on cancerous cells.
  • Proton Therapy: Radiation is used with pencil beam technology targeting the cancerous cells and preserving nearby healthy tissues.
  • Cancer Clinical Trials: Experimental drugs or other suitable methods are used to enhance the chances of improving clinical symptoms of throat cancer.

Prevention of Throat Cancer – Is it Possible?

Although general screening of throat cancer is still not available, individuals at high risks should regularly consult their doctors if signs and symptoms are noticed. Individuals who smoke or drink periodically or those exposed to asbestos, HPV, sulfuric acid fumes, nickel, etc. are usually at high risk of developing throat cancer. Avoiding such situations can reduce the risk, but the prevention is not guaranteed at all. However, the HPV vaccine is one of the most effective preventive measures to minimize throat cancer chances, especially in young males and females.

What Kind of Specialists Treat Throat Cancer?

Most hospitals and cancer institutes go with the team approach to each patient affected with throat cancer. Usually, depending on the extent of cancer, a team of specialists for treating throat cancer may include:

  • Oncologists
  • Plastic Surgeons
  • Radiation Oncologists
  • Dentists
  • Swallowing Experts
  • Speech Pathologists
  • Dietitians
  • Therapists

The involvement of multiple doctors and specialists is the best way of treating and improving the survival rate. These specialists are also very good at identifying local support groups that can encourage patients and family members to deal positively with cancer and follow a healthy lifestyle.

Final Words

Throat cancer or any cancer is not easy at all to deal with. But the standard of medical science all around the world has improved a lot. And it is now easier than ever to overcome cancer, especially if diagnosed at an early stage. Keeping track of local signs and complications can play a critical role in identifying first throat cancer symptoms. You must consult a health professional without wasting any time to get proper treatment.

References

https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/types/throat/throat-cancer-diagnosis/throat-cancer-stages

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/laryngeal-cancer/survival#:~:text=Stage%203, fixed%20and%20can’t%20move.

https://www.healthline.com/health/stage-4-throat-cancer-life-expectancy#:~:text=This%20means%20the%20cancer%20has,throat%20cancer%20is%2039.1%20percent.

https://www.medicinenet.com/larynx_cancer/article.htm#what_are_the_risk_factors_for_throat_cancer

https://www.murfreesborooralsurgery.com/blog/head-neck-cancer-self-exam-how-to/

Health Care

Intolerance to Eggs – What it is? What Are the Symptoms and Treatment?

Author Byaqilrl

If you have an intolerance to eggs, you may find it difficult to digest them. You may suffer from various complaints, including stomach ache, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, bloating, and abdominal cramps, etc. It is surely not a serious complication but can make your day bothersome and uncomfortable. Then, how to get rid of stomach pain after eating eggs?

We will answer then and more in this article. We will try to cover what an intolerance to eggs is, why you have it, what are various symptoms of egg intolerance, and how to treat these symptoms at home when to see a doctor, and much more. Let’s uncover a bit more about intolerance to eggs.

What is Egg Intolerance?

You may develop intolerance to any food and at any stage of your life. As we know, different foods contain different components. There are very high chances that your body is unable to digest whites or yolks or both. It is an adverse response to your body when you consume eggs. The intolerance to eggs can last for very long, even for years.

When you have an intolerance to eggs, you may experience digestive troubles including abdominal bloating, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and vomiting, etc.

How is Egg Intolerance Different from Egg Allergy?

As we said, intolerance to eggs means that your body reacts abysmally to components of egg, like albumen, proteins, minerals, or carbohydrates. In such a case, you may find it difficult to digest various other foods like dairy foods, gluten, and soy, etc.

Egg intolerance is completely different from an egg allergy, which is usually caused by an abnormal immune response to egg proteins.

People with an intolerance to eggs are unable to digest egg whites, yolks, or both and may develop various digestive complaints. On the other hand, with an egg allergy, the immune system treats egg an invader and starts releasing some powerful chemicals whenever your body gets in contact with eggs.

Egg intolerance is not as serious a problem as an egg allergy. Egg allergy can cause some severe and at times, life-threatening symptoms which usually appear within half an hour of exposure to eggs.

With an egg allergy, a person may notice some weird responses from the body. And may suffer from a wide range of problems including severe vomiting, the sudden appearance of rashes on the skin, etc. Severe allergy to eggs can be very dangerous, as the immune response may trigger even from touching the eggs or inhaling or smalling egg particles.

Egg tolerance is very common and especially notices in people with a weak digestive system. But an egg allergy is not as common.

What Are the Symptoms of Egg Intolerance?

Intolerance of eggs is more about your gastrointestinal tracts than any other organ. And hence, egg intolerance symptoms are very similar to common GIT problems, and they are:

  • Abdominal pain, cramping and bloating
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea and Vomiting

In some cases, people also get a headache, or very rarely a sense of fogginess. Symptoms of egg allergy are immediate, and those of intolerance may take several hours and even days to develop.

Also Read: Home Remedies for Upset Stomach and Diarrhea

Why do eggs give me diarrhea?

If you usually get diarrhea after eating eggs, there may be some other underlying condition, or maybe, your body is not getting some required nutrients from foods. You may suffer from diarrhea due to eggs if you are not getting enough fiber from your diet. As there are almost no carbohydrates in eggs, a diet low in fiber can cause intolerance to eggs, and you may suffer from diarrhea.

An infection from salmonella can also be a reason why you get diarrhea from eating eggs. Contaminated foods, including eggs, can cause salmonella infection.

What’s the solution? You should try adding more fiber to your diet. And some great sources of fibers are potatoes, breads, oatmeal, nuts, and barley, etc. Always ensure washing eggs properly before cooking.

How is Egg Intolerance Diagnosed?

It is pretty easy to diagnose allergies thanks to the availability of a wide range of allergy tests like skin prick tests and blood tests.

Doctors try to find the antibodies in your blood to successfully make the diagnosis of egg intolerance. But right now, there is no approved test to diagnose egg intolerance successfully.

You can try to diagnose intolerance to eggs by tracking your symptoms after eating eggs. And writing a diary is the best way to do it. You may have to wait for symptoms to appear, as they are not always immediate. You may have to write down the appearance of symptoms, and how long they remain. Also, keep an eye on other foods as well. You might be wrong with your observation about intolerance to egg. Noting down your symptoms regularly is not only very affordable but is more accurate as well.

Your doctor can make a conclusion based on when the symptoms and how long they remain. It will take a few weeks to finally find if you have an egg intolerance.

What Are the Treatment Options for Egg Intolerance?

Avoiding eggs completely is the best and most effective treatment of egg intolerance.

Your doctor may ask you to follow an “elimination diet” to essentially avoid eggs completely for six to eight weeks. Tracking your symptoms over the course, and bringing back eggs very slowly to your diet will help you to find whether you are still intolerant to eggs.

Not only the egg whites, but you may also have to eliminate egg yolks for a few weeks. Your doctor may suggest avoiding dishes that are cooked with eggs like cakes, pancakes, biscuits, and other bakery items prepared with eggs.

Identifying egg products is one of the most important aspects of treating egg intolerance. You should develop a habit of reading the labels of food packages before purchasing them. Here are some common food ingredients that usually contain eggs.

  • Egg whites, egg yolks, dried or powdered eggs
  • Apovitellin
  • Albumin
  • Globulin
  • Lysozyme
  • Livetin
  • Ovoglobulin
  • Ovalbumin
  • Ovomucoid
  • Ovomucin
  • Ovo vitellin
  • Ovovitelia
  • Simplesse
  • Vitellin
  • Siliciabuminate

You can avoid problems from egg intolerance if you can look for certified vegan products. Vegan products don’t contain eggs or any other product from animal sources.

What Are Some Healthy Egg Alternatives?

If you have some certain egg intolerance symptoms, and you need to avoid eggs completely, you can include these alternatives to your diet.

  • Tofu

Tofu is made from soybeans and is one of the greatest sources of proteins. You can replace eggs with tofu and can use for breakfast, sandwiches, blending, or scrambling with smoothies. The Internet is flooded with a lot of tasty and healthy tofu dishes. Find out some and try to add in your diet.

  • Chia or Flax Seeds

Flax or chia seeds with water can be another healthy alternative to eggs for baking purposes.  You can replace one egg with one tbsp of seeds with 2.5 tbsp of water, and add in your recipes to make them fluffy, and tasty.

  • Applesauce and Pureed Fruits

Applesauce and other pureed fruits like banana can also be a very good alternative to eggs for baking purposes. Fruits contain pectin, which is a very healthy replacement of animal fats and is used as a stabilizer, thickener, filler, and gelling agent.

You can prepare different types of cakes, breads, buns, and other bakery items with unsweetened applesauce.

  • Aquafaba

If you are confirmed about egg intolerance, you can try aquafaba, especially as a replacement for egg whites. Aquafaba is a liquid you get from cooking different legumes, including chickpeas.

  • Vegan egg replacers

There are various egg replacers made from nuts, seeds, plant-based starches, and soy available in the market.

How to get rid of stomach pain after eating eggs?

If you get stomach pain after eating eggs, you can try these home remedies to get quick relief

  • Chamomile Tea: It works as an anti-inflammatory agent, and can ease stomach pain by relaxing smooth stomach muscles
  • Mint: Mint can also relax stomach muscles. In addition, it can soothe the irritated and inflamed stomach and improves digestion.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: Thanks to its antibiotic and anti-inflammatory nature, ACV can also improve stomach ache.
  • Lime: Due to its acidic nature, lime effectively stimulates the digestive system, bile juices, and other acids. And hence, improves stomach aches and cramps.
  • Heat Pad: You can place a heating pad or hot pack on your abdomen to feel better when down with stomach ache after eating eggs. A warm bath can also be an effective way of treating stomach aches.

Intolerance to eggs is not a serious condition and can be managed easily at home. Hopefully, you are now very well aware of this condition and are in good space to understand the difference between egg intolerance and egg allergy. While these tips may help you to feel better, you should get a proper diagnosis from a healthcare professional. You might be getting stomach aches due to some other reasons as well. If the intolerance to eggs is confirmed, avoiding eggs for a few weeks is recommended.

References:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/egg-intolerance#alternatives

https://www.healthline.com/health/food-safety/egg-intolerance#symptoms

https://www.quora.com/Why-do-eggs-cause-diarrhea

Health Care

Oral Thrush – All You Need to Know

Author Byaqilrl

Also called “oral candidiasis”, oral thrush is an infection caused by the genus Candida and affects the mucous membrane of your mouth. How do you get oral thrush? Fungi like Candida Albicans, Candida Tropicalis, and Candida Glabrata are responsible for the infection

Oral thrush is usually not a serious condition and improves within a few days with simple home remedies. The outcome is generally very good too! However, people with a weak immune system can have very severe signs and symptoms of candida infection. It tends to reappear in people who are habitual of alcohol consumption and smoking.

In this write-up, we will let you know everything about oral thrush, including various causes, symptoms, and treatment, etc.

Some Facts You Should Know About Oral Thrush

  • Oral thrush is a very common condition and doesn’t usually cause major complications.
  • People having a weak immune system can get affected very easily, and develop severe symptoms.
  • Recurrence of oral thrush is common after chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
  • Factors like wearing dentures, using steroids, and having diabetes are commonly linked with oral thrush.
  • A creamy, white-colored layer in the mouth is one of the most obvious symptoms of oral thrush.

What causes oral thrush in adults?

Your body is a house in very tiny quantities of a different genus of Candida Fungi. They survive in different parts of your body including the stomach, mouth, skin, and digestive tract, etc. without causing any problem whatsoever. However, people with a weak immune system, under certain medications, certain diseases, are prone to the Candida infection when they grow uncontrollably.

What Are Different Symptoms of Candida Infections?

Thick, creamy deposits on the tongue and the mucous membrane of the mouth is the major symptom of infection.

Some other accompanying symptoms are:

  • Slightly red, a swollen mucous membrane with raised patches accompanied by burning.
  • Bleeding when the deposits are scraped.
  • Change in the size, area and color of the deposits.
  • Redness and soreness of tongue and gums, especially in people who wear dentures regularly.

Symptoms of Oral Thrush in Infants:

  • Oral thrush in infants is usually mistaken for milk curds. The patches of oral thrush stick to the tongue and mouth and are not removable easily.
  • Soreness of mouth with difficulty swallowing
  • Diaper rash, as the infection-causing fungi will be in baby’s stool as well.
  • The baby is unable to eat due to excessive soreness of the mouth and throat. Sometimes, it is mistaken for the lack of hunger or poor supply of mother’s milk.

Classification of Oral Thrush Based on Appearance

  • Pseudomembranous – The classic, and most common type of oral thrush appearing as there is a new layer of the membrane inside the mouth.
  • Erythematous –Red and raw appearance of the mucous membrane
  • Hyperplastic – The least common variant, suggesting serious infection. It is also known as “plaque-like candidiasis” or “nodular candidiasis” and is due to the accumulation of solid white plaque which becomes hard with time.

How long does oral thrush last without treatment?

Usually, the cases of oral thrush are mild and go away with antifungal mouth rinse or lozenges. Very mild cases of infection are improved within a couple of weeks without treatment. However, you may have to take an oral antifungal medicine in the second week itself to improve the symptoms. In some cases, the symptoms don’t go away in several weeks even after treatment.

Also Read: Home Remedies for Upset Stomach and Diarrhea

If the infection is not treated for a few weeks, it may start affecting other parts of the body, including oesophagus, throat, skin, and even vagina and anus in very rare and severe cases.

Recurrence of oral thrush is seen in people who:

  • Use corticosteroids to treat asthma
  • Take antibiotics for a very long time
  • Have a weak immune system
  • Have artificial teeth

Is oral thrush contagious?

No, it is not contagious. Yes, the yeast or fungi can spread from person to person, but if you get in touch with someone having oral thrush, you won’t get the infection only by coming into contact.

Oral Thrush and Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding can also be one of the rare cases of oral thrush. Candida infection can affect any part of your body, including breasts and nipples. But the infection can’t develop until you have an infection on the skin. You can identify the candida infection if there are more redness and soreness than usual.

If your nipples or breasts are infected, especially during breastfeeding, the fungi may transmit to your baby. Your baby may not necessarily get the infection through breastfeeding. However, if your baby already has excessive yeast in the mouth, the risk of developing oral thrush is increased.

And similarly, if your baby is affected with oral thrush, you may get fungus from the baby’s mouth to your nipples. And, again, it doesn’t mean, you will develop an infection unless you have a very weak immune system.

So, breastfeeding is usually completely safe whether you or your baby have oral thrush.

Home remedies to get rid of oral thrush

You can treat mild cases of oral thrush with home remedies, and without visiting a doctor. The following are some effective home remedies for mild oral thrush. Don’t rely only on these remedies if the condition doesn’t improve in a week or so.

1. Baking Soda

Washing your mouth with sodium carbonate may help you to get rid of oral thrush. Although baking soda is not among the best natural disinfectants, it can be a safe and viable natural alternative.

To use:

  • Add half tbsp of baking soda to one cup of warm water and dissolve properly.
  • Take a sip of the solution and swish in your mouth for a few seconds before spitting out.

2. Saltwater

Saltwater contains cleansing, antiseptic, and soothing properties, and can be a very effective home remedy for a wide range of oral complaints.

Rinsing your mouth with salt water can be helpful to improve the symptoms of oral thrush

To Use:

  • Add half tbsp of salt to one cup of warm water and dissolve.
  • Swish salt water in your mouth and spit out after a few seconds.

3. Yogurt

Yogurt is one of the best sources of “good” bacteria and can easily be among the best home remedies to get rid of oral thrush.

Bacteria cultures in yogurt don’t necessarily kill Candida but can stop the growth and control infection. It can also maintain a decent balance of good bacteria in your mouth. Yogurt is very soft, and can also be a good food option if you are having difficulty swallowing due to infection.

To Improve Symptoms

  • Add a bowl of yogurt to your diet, preferably to breakfast when you get early signs of oral thrush.
  • Probiotic supplements are good alternatives for those who don’t like yogurt or have allergies to it.

4. Lemon Juice

Thanks to its antiseptic and antifungal prowess, lemon juice can get rid of infection-causing fungi

  • Add the juice of half a lemon to one cup of water.
  • Add honey as a taste enhancer and drink or use to rinse your mouth.

5. Grape Seed Extract

Grape seed extract can be effective against various ailments. And due to its antifungal properties, it becomes one of the potent home remedies to get rid of oral thrush. Regular usage of the grape seed extract can also boost your immune system and prevent the chances of recurrence of fungal infections.

  • Get 250 mg grape seed extract supplement from a nearby medical or grocery store.
  • Consume this thrice daily until you notice positive results.

6. Pineapple Juice

Pineapple juice is not only refreshing and tangy; it can control the growth of fungus in your mouth thanks to its acidic nature. It contains bromelain and hence is effective in breaking down the debris and thick white layer formed inside the mouth.

  • Cut a few slices of pineapples into small pieces
  • Chew the pieces numerous times a day to give quick relief to oral thrush symptoms.
Natural remedies for oral thrush in babies:

Babies are usually susceptible to the infection mainly due to a weak immune system, and you need to give some special treatment if your baby got oral thrush. Here are some effective remedies for oral thrush in babies.

You can use mild natural remedies like coconut oil, saltwater, and yogurt, etc. to help your baby overcome Candida infection. Instead of giving them for drinking or eating, you should apply these home remedies to affected areas using a cotton swab. That’s the most effective way of easing mild oral thrushes in babies.

If the condition doesn’t improve within a few days, you should not waste any time and visit pediatrics for proper antifungal treatment.

Oral thrush is not a serious complication until it is managed in the early days. If goes untreated, it can spread to other internal body parts, mainly the esophagus, and cause some very severe symptoms. We tried to discuss everything about oral thrush, including some very effective natural remedies. Hopefully, you are now very well on how to get rid of oral thrush when it is in an early stage. If the infection becomes moderate from mild, you may have to get some antifungal and even antibiotic medications. And hence, proper treatment under medical supervision is advised.

References:

https://www.healthline.com/health/is-thrush-contagious

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/178864

https://www.cigna.com/individuals-families/health-wellness/hw/medical-topics/thrush-hw139068#hw139112

https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/oral-thrush-in-adults#:~:text=Oral%20thrush%20is%20a%20fungal,group%20of%20yeasts%20called%20Candida.

https://www.parents.com/baby/health/thrush/home-remedies-for-thrush-in-babies/#:~:text=Diluted%20baking%20soda%20(sodium%20bicarbonate,the%20mother’s%20nipples%20before%20breastfeeding.

https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/simple-home-remedies-for-oral-thrush/#LemonJuice

Health Care

Home Remedies for Upset Stomach and Diarrhea

Author Byaqilrl

Indigestion is one of the most common health conditions and can affect anyone any day. You may suffer from indigestion, upset stomach, loose stools, and dyspepsia due to overeating, food poisoning, or eating excessively oily, junk foods.

Home remedies for upset stomach and diarrhea are very effective. The condition is usually not serious and can be managed very easily and successfully, even without visiting a health center.

All you need to do is modify your eating habits and diet slightly and get some help from easily available ingredients on your kitchen shelves. Here are some very good home remedies you can try very successfully to improve an upset stomach. But before moving ahead, let’s take a look at some common symptoms of an upset stomach:

  • Bloating
  • Excessive bowel gas
  • Frequent farting
  • Belching and sour breathing
  • Frequent watery stool with a very foul smell
  • Nausea
  • Heartburn
  • Hiccupping
  • Coughing

We are discussing some very popular natural and home remedies for indigestion. Let’s find out more about them.

1. Drink Enough Water

When you pass loose stools frequently, you may suffer from dehydration and start suffering from weakness. Nutrients from foods and beverages should be absorbed properly by your body for proper growth. And when you are dehydrated, digestion, and hence absorption of nutrients gets completely derailed.

According to the standard recommendation from the Health and Medicine Division (HMD),

Men should drink about 3.7 l water per day, and women should have 2.7 l water per day.

  • Your body gets around 20% of the required water from the foods and beverages you take. But you have to drink a minimum of 8 cups of water every day to keep your body healthy. Whenever you suffer from an upset stomach, increase your water intake slightly to avoid diarrhea symptoms getting worse.

2. Avoid Lying Down for a Long Time

When you lie down, your body gets into a horizontal position, and there is an increased likelihood of stomach acids traveling back towards the esophagus and causing excessive heartburn.

So, don’t lie down for long hours, even if you don’t feel better due to weakness. And if you feel better while lying down, get proper support from pillows to keep your head, neck, and upper chest at the recommended 30-degree angle.

3. Chew Fresh Mint Leaves

Menthol is the chief component in mint, which doesn’t only improve your breath and smell from the mouth, it also

  • Prevents diarrhea and vomiting
  • Relieves stomach ache
  • Reduces muscles pain and spasm in the intestines

Mint has been one of the traditional treatments for diarrhea and indigestion. You can consume raw as well as cooked mint leaves. Tea with cardamom and mint leaves is a very good taste enhances and mood booster and will improve your digestion for sure!

If you can’t find fresh mint leaves, packed mint juices and mint powder are easily available in most grocery stores. You can even suck some mint candies to feel better when you are down with an upset stomach.

4. Bring BRAT to Your Diet For A Few Days:

People with diarrhea find the BRAT diet very healthy and useful for them. BRAT stands for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast. All these foods are great sources of starch and are good to make your stools firmer. BRAT diet can ease diarrhea symptoms by decreasing the number of stools.

These foods are very soft and are without any irritants. Therefore, they heal your intestine tissues that are irritated from constant stools and vomiting. The BRAT diet is very good at quickly restoring potassium and magnesium you have lost through constant diarrhea.

5. Avoid Alcohol and Smoking – As Much as Possible

Both alcohol and smoking are harmful, even for a very healthy and fit person. And can be very hurtful for those suffering from diarrhea and upset stomach. Continuous smoking can trigger diarrhea and vomiting by irritating your intestine. On the other hand, alcohol is a mild toxic and is very difficult to digest. Hence, it can severely affect the stomach lining as well as the liver.

Also Read: Is It Really Possible to Remove Kidney Stones “Naturally”?

We recommend you to quit alcohol and smoking as soon as possible. And if you have diarrhea, do yourself a favor by quitting them and to recover quickly.

6. Add Lemon Juice and Baking Soda in Water

You can get relief from many diarrhea symptoms by adding a few drops of lemon juice with a pinch of baking soda to one glass of water.

The water-baking soda-lemon mixture makes carbonic acid, which is known for reducing bowel gas and easing indigestion. The mixture can also improve the movement of the intestine and secretion of digestive juices from the liver. The acidic nature of lemon can improve your body’s ability to digest fats and neutralize bile acids and reduce acidity and heartburn.

Add one tbsp fresh lemon juice and a pinch of baking soda to 8 ounces of freshwater and repeatedly consume throughout the day.

7. Bring Cinnamon to the Equation

Cinnamon is a great source of various antioxidants and can improve digestion. Also, cinnamon heals the irritation of the digestive tract lining. Camphor, cinnamaldehyde, Linalool, and Eugenol are prominent antioxidants and make cinnamon one of the most effective home remedies for upset stomach and diarrhea.

Add one tbsp good-quality cinnamon powder or an inch of cinnamon stick to your meals. Alternatively, prepare a healthy cinnamon tea by adding it to boiling water. Take cinnamon, either way, numerous times a day to improve the condition.

8. Add Cloves to Your Beverages

Clove contains various substances that are known for improving numerous stomach symptoms. Cloves can reduce stomach aches and cramping and can also improve digestion. What more? It can be very effective against nausea and vomiting.

  • Add one tbsp of powdered cloves with one tbsp honey to a boiling water cup, drink slowly twice a day to improve the symptoms.

9. Figs Are Good for Indigestion Too

Certain substances in figs work as laxatives and can ease constipation, diarrhea, and other upset stomach symptoms.

  • Eat fig fruit numerous times a day to get rid of diarrhea. Alternatively, make a cup of tea by brewing one or two tbsp of fig leaves.

10. Drink Aloe Vera Juice

There are various digestive benefits of cumin seeds, including:

  • They reduce excessive bowel gas
  • Heal inflammation of the intestine
  • Work as antimicrobial
  • Reduce excess stomach acids and indigestion

If you have an upset stomach, try adding one or two tbsp of powdered cumin seeds to your recipes. Alternatively, make a cup of tea with one or tbsp of cumin seeds.

You can also try chewing a couple of pinches of raw cumin seeds to relieve heartburn.

11. Drink Aloe Vera Juice

There is a long history of using aloe vera juice for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). And various preparations of aloe vera are used to treat upset stomach symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, loose, watery stools, heartburn, etc.

Aloe vera can help you by:

  • Reducing intestinal inflammation
  • Encouraging better bowel movements
  • Removing toxins from digestive juices
  • Maintaining a balance of digestive bacteria
  • Improving digestion of protein

Drinking aloe vera is also linked with improving several symptoms of gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD), including

  • Regurgitation of acids and food
  • Belching and flatulence
  • Heartburn
  • Nausea and vomiting

12. Enjoy Basil Tea – Quite Regularly

Basil contains various digestive substances like camphor, methyl cinnamate, linalool, thymol, etc. and can effectively improve various diarrhea symptoms like excessive stomach acidity, stomach ache, cramping, regurgitation of food, nausea, and vomiting, etc.

People with stomach trouble should add one to two tbsp of dried basil leaves to their meals until the symptoms are eased. You can make a cup of basil tea by brewing one tbsp of fresh or dried leaves in boil water for even better results.

13. Ginger is Much More Than a Taste Enhancer

Yes, ginger is one of those natural remedies that come in handy for almost all types of health problems, and you can’t ignore it when you have stomach troubles.

Gingerols and shogaols are the main chemicals in ginger and are especially effective in stomach contractions. They can also improve bowel movement and hence, ease the symptoms of diarrhea.

If you are annoyed with an upset stomach, try adding a few slices of ginger to your diet. Or have ginger tea regularly throughout the day to improve the complications.

14. Start Your Day with Coconut Water

Coconut water is a very good source of magnesium and potassium – both of which effectively reduce stomach pain, cramps, muscle spasms, and several other symptoms of an upset stomach. Coconut water becomes even more effective when you suffer from dehydration as it is low in acidity, sugar, and calories.

  • Enjoy two glasses of refreshing coconut water early in the day to give some relief to your digestive system.

15. Apple Cider Vinegar – Can You Keep It Away from Your Kitchen?

Most probably, no! Because apple cider vinegar comes to your aid in a lot of health problems. And, it can be effective in treating an upset stomach as well! ACV contains several acids and can decrease starch digestion, helping starch keep healthy gut bacteria alive and work on the digestive tract.

  • Add one tbsp apple cider vinegar with one tbsp honey to a glass of water and enjoy.

Prevention and Conventional Treatment

Although diarrhea is not a serious problem, it can be, if not given, proper and timely attention. Sometimes, severe diarrhea can even become fatal. So, you can’t always take it very lightly. Here are some important tips for the prevention and treatment of diarrhea:

The following are some key measures for the treatment of diarrhea

  • Oral rehydration salts (ORS) solutions: A mixture recommended by the World Health Organization to restore the body’s hydration. It is very affordable, easily available, and considered one of the most effective diarrhea treatments, especially when characterized by excessive dehydration and weakness. ORS is easily absorbed by small intestine walls and compensates for the loss of electrolytes and fluids through stools and vomits.
  • : Diet plays a very important role in improving diarrhea symptoms, especially caused due to a lack of nutrition. So, improving nutrition intake through diet is recommended.
  • Zinc supplements can improve the condition by reducing the episodes and duration of diarrhea by 25% and volume of stools by 30%
  • Oily foods can make the condition worse. You should avoid them completely for a few weeks and even for months if you suffer from recurrent diarrhea.
  • Get Proper Medical Assistance: If you suffer from an upset stomach quite regularly, and home remedies are not as effective, you should not waste your time, and consult a licensed medical practitioner. Maybe, there is something very wrong with your immune or digestive system. Maybe, you are very vulnerable to infections due to foods and unhygienic conditions. You might need proper, prolonged medical supervision to find the exact cause(s) of recurrent diarrhea. So, get in touch with your doctor to properly treat diarrhea if it remains for a few weeks or comes back quite regularly.

As we said earlier, diarrhea is not very serious and can be managed with some dietary adjustments and home remedies. These are some very effective home remedies for upset stomach you can try without any hesitation. If the symptoms don’t improve after a few days, we recommend consulting a licensed medical practitioner. Loss of body fluid is one of the major complications of diarrhea, and if not controlled on time, can become life-threatening. Always maintain personal as well as food hygiene. Ensure getting a healthy, balanced, and nutritious diet. Avoid regular intake of street foods. These very simple things are quite effective to keep diarrhea at bay.

NOTE: Diarrhea in children, especially infants, is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. If an infant or child in your family suffers from diarrhea, we recommend talking to a doctor immediately.

References:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322047#Twenty-one-home-remedies

https://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/aloe-vera-juice-for-ibs#benefits

https://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/natural-upset-stomach-remedies#peppermint

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diarrhoeal-disease

Health Care

Home Remedies for Kidney Stone – Is It Really Possible to Remove Kidney Stones “Naturally”?

Author Byaqilrl

Kidney stones are common but can be very painful and comfortable. If you feel pain in the lower right or left of your back, there are chances that you may have one or more stones in your kidney. There are various factors responsible for the formation of stones in one or both kidneys. They are unhealthy diet, obesity, lack of physical exercise, and dehydration, etc. How to remove 8mm kidney stone naturally? Well, that’s an interesting question! Because stone of anything more than 6 mm can be very hard to remove without proper treatment!

But there are a few claims about the “natural removal” of kidney stones with 8 mm diameter. Is that really possible? If not, what are other successful treatments? How is kidney stone pain different from the general type of abdominal or back pain? What changes should you make to your lifestyle to prevent kidney stones? How can your life get affected? We will try to answer all these questions and more in this article. Let’s find out

How do I know if it’s kidney pain?

Abdominal or lower back pain can be due to loads of known as well as unknown causes. Sometimes, you may feel pain right at the “kidney region” due to excessive bowel gas! But pain due to kidney stones is a bit different.

Kidney stone pain is characterized by constant, dull, and very aching, deep pain at the right or left flank (depends on the affected kidney). If both kidneys have stones, you may feel interchanging or constant pain on both sides. But usually, one kidney is affected with stone at a time. So, it’s less likely to feel the pain on both sides of the flank. Pain due to kidney stone gets worse on touch. Even the slightest of touch can make the patient go mad due to pain.

Other Kidney Stone Pain Symptoms:

If you have some other accompanying symptoms with flank pain, you should know that you may have stones in your kidney without hitting the panic button. Some common accompanying symptoms of kidney pain are:

  • Frequent urination
  • Blood in urine
  • Constant nausea and vomiting
  • Intermittent fever with chills
  • Flank pain radiating to the groin region
  • Burning pain while passing urine
  • Urinary tract infection

If you feel flank pain on either side with one or more of these kidney stone pain symptoms, you should not take a chance and go for proper investigation and treatment.

What Are the Causes of Formation of Kidney Stones?

Finding one definite, single cause for kidney stones is hard. But some factors increase the probability of stone formation in your kidneys.

Kidney stones are formed due to excessive crystal-formation substances in your urine. They can be calcium, oxalate, and uric acid. Calcium or uric acid in urine is not uncommon, but when the quantity is more than the fluid in urine, the chances of stones formation are higher. At the same time, there may be a lack of crystal preventing substances in your urine that can cause kidney stones formation.

Different Types of Kidney Stones

Depending on the crystal-forming substances, there are different types of kidney stones, such as:

  • Calcium Stones: Kidney stones are mostly formed from calcium in the form of calcium oxalate. Your body either gets oxalates from your liver or the diet. Various fruits, veggies, chocolate, and nuts are prime sources of oxalate. Dietary factors like excessive intake of vitamin D and several metabolic disorders may increase calcium stones formation risk.
  • Uric Acid Stones: Increased uric acid is a common phenomenon in people with malabsorption and chronic diarrhea and those who get high protein in their diets. People with diabetes and metabolic syndrome are also at risk of developing kidney stones from excessive uric acid.
  • Struvite Stones: One of the less common types of kidney stones is usually seen in urinary tract infection. These stones are pretty larger and grow quicker than other types.
  • Cystine Stones: People having hereditary disorders like cystinuria are prone to cystine stones.
What Are the Home Remedies for Kidney Stone Pain?

Treating kidney stone pain at home is not the smartest idea, as it needs proper treatment under medical assistance. However, you can reduce the severity of pain with some home remedies for kidney pain.

Dehydration is one of the major causes of kidney pain, and staying hydrated is the most common advice you will get from doctors. The following are some home remedies to increase the chances of passing out kidney stones along with conventional treatment.

NOTE: Staying hydrated is the most important aspect of easing kidney pain.

1. Drink A Lot of Water:

Increasing your water intake is a must if you want to give your body even a little chance to pass out the stones. Instead of the standard recommendation of 8 glasses of water per day, drink 10 to 12 glasses.

2. Add Lemon Juice to Your Diet

Freshly squeezed lemon juice is not only a great mood lifter, but it is also packed with plenty of other health benefits as well. Lemon is a very good source of citrate and can prevent calcium stones from used regularly. Citrate can also break up small calcium stones to pass them through urine.

Lemon juice is more effective when it comes to the prevention of kidney stones. And you need a lot of them to somehow dissolve and pass through urine. Yes, lemon juice can dissolve kidney stones of up to 2 mm, especially if used regularly for a couple of months. But you can’t dissolve kidney stone fast with the only lemon if they are more than 4 mm in diameter.

3. Use Basil Juice

Acetic acid is one of the main components of basil juice and can help ease kidney stones pain. It’s packed with various nutrients. Basil juice is also a good natural remedy for inflammatory and digestive troubles.

Basil juice can keep your kidneys healthy due to its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents.

You can use fresh and dried leaves to prepare a cup of basil juice and drink twice a day. Juicing fresh basil leaves or adding it to a smoothie is also a good option.

Here are words of caution, though:

Using medicinal basil juice for more than straight six weeks can be a bit harmful, as it can cause

  • Low blood pressure
  • Low blood sugar
  • And increased bleeding

Also Read: How Long Do Canker Sores Last?

4. Is apple cider vinegar good for kidney pain?

Yes, you can use apple cider vinegar for kidney stones. ACV can flush out small-sized kidney stones. And improves other symptoms too. Let’s find out how ACV is good for kidney pain.

  • Softens and dissolves stones: ACV contains acetic acid and can break down the small-sized stones within a few weeks. In addition to breaking them down, ACV can also soften them and reduce their size to make them movable with the urine.
  • ACV cleanses your body: ACV prevents the formation of kidney stones by removing the toxins out of your body.
  • Breaks down the stone forming tissues: ACV also contains phosphoric and citric acid and can significantly break down the hard tissues responsible for forming kidney stones.
  • Improves Digestion: Alkaline properties of ACV help in the digestion process and trigger hydrochloric acid production.

In short, you can use apple cider vinegar in the initial stages of kidney stones pain. But relying on ACV in the case of large-sized stones is not recommended. Seek proper medical advice if you don’t notice any improvement. Here is how you can use apple cider vinegar for kidney pain.

  • Add two tbsp apple cider vinegar to one glass purified water.
  • Drink the mixture throughout the day.
  • Don’t consume ACV mixture more than 8-ounce.

5. Celery Juice:

Celery juice can also ease kidney stones pain and improve other symptoms of kidney stones pain by removing the toxins contributing to kidney stones’ formation.

Blend a few stalks of celery with water, and drink the juice numerous times a day.

Avoid this drink if you are using:

  • Lithium (Lithane)
  • Levothyroxine (Synthroid)
  • Medications that increase your sensitivity to the sun, like isotretinoin (Sotret)
  • Sedative medications like alprazolam (Xanax)

And you should also avoid using celery if you are having:

  • Bleeding disorder
  • A scheduled surgery
  • Low blood pressure

How can I ease kidney pain?

Kidney stone pain can be very severe and can make you feel uncomfortable very quickly. Proper diagnosis, investigations, and treatment are still very important. But if you suffer from sudden aching pain while recovering during treatment, you can ease the pain by:

  • Staying hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day is very important to ease the pain. Avoid taking alcohol or coffee until you overcome the infection.
  • Applying heat: When you feel pain, place a heating pad on a painful area to get quick relief.
  • Using painkillers: For severe pain, you may have to use painkillers like acetaminophen (Tylenol), Ibuprofen, etc.

How long can kidney pain last?

Depending on the stones’ size and severity, you may frequently suffer from pain if the kidney stone is more than 5 mm. However, kidney stones of 2 to 3 mm don’t cause chronic or severe pain. Frequency and duration of pain depend on various factors, including lifestyle, diet, treatment, etc.

Will kidney pain go away?

Again, the size of kidney stones matters a lot when passing out on their own. Kidney stones with smaller sizes get out faster without causing a lot of pain.

Here are approximate timelines for different sizes of kidney stones:

  • Around 80% of stones with less than 4 mm diameters are passed through urine in about one month.
  • Approx. 60% of kidney stones with a 4 to 6 mm diameter take 45 days to pass without surgery.
  • Only 20% of stones of more than 6 mm diameter can pass on their own in about one year. However, when the stones are larger than 6 mm, immediate surgical removal is the best option.

How to sleep with kidney pain?

Sleeping posture can also play a key role in easing kidney stone pain. The pain usually gets worse if you sleep in one position for so long. Sleeping in one position is not advised, especially if you suffer from recurrent kidney stones formation. Simple behavioral adjustments, including frequent sleep position changes, can reduce the severity of pain to a decent extent.

Homeopathic Treatment for Kidney Stones Pain

Some homeopathic medicines are very, very effective in reducing kidney stones pain. And can even dissolve the stones of up to 6 mm without causing any additional complication. Some prominent homeopathic medicines for kidney stones are:

  • Lycopodium: One of the most effective medicines for right-sided kidney stones. Pains usually aggravate between 4 pm to 8 pm, and there is red sedimentation in the urine.
  • Cantharis:  A very effective remedy for kidney stones pain, especially when accompanied by a constant urge to urinate.
  • Pareira Brava: One of the chief medicines for almost all types of urinary problems. Works superbly on chronic kidney stones with urine retention is characterized by great straining in thighs while urinating.
  • Berberis Vulgaris: An excellent medicine prescribed fora wide range of renal and kidney health problems. It helps improving kidney dysfunction due to chronic kidney stones and eases all other symptoms as well.

Advice: Homeopathic medicines are mighty effective in cases of kidney stones and other related problems. But you should not have them until and unless prescribed by a licensed homeopathic practitioner.

How to remove 8mm kidney stone naturally? This is the question we started this article with. And the conclusion is very clear: it is almost impossible to remove an 8mm kidney stone without proper treatment, and usually, a surgical procedure is required. We suggest you not to waste precious time in your quest to treat kidney stones at home. Small-sized stones are easily removed by the combination of some home remedies and conventional treatment.

Stay hydrated, eat healthily, do some physical activities, keep track of what you eat, avoid alcohol and smoking. Medical infrastructure around the world has developed a lot that kidney stone is no longer a very serious complication until you are very ignorant about it.

References:

https://www.healthline.com/health/kidney-health/home-remedies-for-kidney-stones#celery-juice

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kidney-stones/symptoms-causes/syc-20355755#:~:text=Kidney%20stones%20form%20when%20your,for%20kidney%20stones%20to%20form.

https://www.healthline.com/health/what-does-kidney-pain-feel-like#What-causes-kidney-pain?

https://www.maxhealthcare.in/blogs/urology/apple-cider-vinegar-effective-dissolving-kidney-stones

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kidney-infection/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353393

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326775#how-to-speed-up-the-process

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1174745/

Health Care

Apple Cider Vinegar for Sore Throat

Author Byaqilrl

Sore throat is a very common but extremely annoying condition. It can make your day worse if it is accompanied by inflammation and pain. Factors like a draught of cold air, environmental changes, cold foods and drinks, and certain infections etc. can cause soreness of throat. Some people find apple cider vinegar for sore throat very helpful. Is it?

That’s what we are trying to discuss in this article. Despite the insufficient scientific proofs, ACV does have good anecdotal evidence of being handy against sore throat. It can improve the condition, especially if caused by a bacterial infection.

You can use diluted ACV alone or with water to improve sore throat. But there are some other effective remedies you can use with ACV to get a more potent response. Before jumping on those ACV recipes for sore throat, let’s talk about some of its possible causes and why ACV can help you to get over this annoying condition.

What are the Causes of a Sore Throat?

There is a wide range of sore throat causes, including:

Bacterial Infection:

Infection from the Streptococcus bacteria is very common and can be characterized by sore throat among other common conditions.

Viral Infections:

  • Common Cold
  • Chickenpox
  • Influenza
  • Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
  • Croup
  • Measles

Some other possible causes of sore throat:

  • Dryness in the air: Prolonged dryness in the air can make your throat scratchy and rough.
  • Nasal Congestion: Chronic nasal congestion is also a common cause, and forces you to breath more from your mouth than nasal passage.
  • Allergies: Allergies to dust, pollens, dander, and moulds can also cause soreness of throat. Sore throat due to allergy is usually accompanied by irritation and inflammation of throat along with postnasal drip.
  • Irritants: Outdoor and indoor pollutants like smoke, cigarette, chemicals etc. can also be responsible for chronic soreness of throat. Irritation is sometimes induced by tobacco chewing, consumption of alcohol and eating very spicy foods etc.
  • Muscle Strain: People who work at announcement desks, call centres etc. are prone to strain to the throat muscles due to continuous and loud talking or yelling.
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): It is a disorder of digestive system characterized by backing up of stomach acids to the oesophagus. It can cause sudden irritation to throat muscles and can be one of the rare causes of sore throat. GERD is usually accompanied by other symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation of stomach contents, hoarseness and sensation of a lump in the throat etc.
  • HIV Infection: A sore throat, especially when accompanied by other flu symptoms, can be an early sign of HIV infection.

Chronic and recurring sore throat is a common phenomenon in HIV-positive people, because people with HIV infection have compromised immune system, and can easily get affected by even minor infections.

  • Tumours: Cancerous tumours of larynx or throat can also cause sore throat. Other signs of cancerous growth are difficulty swallowing, lump in the neck, pain while speaking of eating, painful and noisy breathing and bloody phlegm etc.

Also Read: Apple Cider Vinegar for Toenail Fungus

Why Apple Cider Vinegar is a Good Option?

Despite a lack of scientific data for apple cider vinegar for sore throat, various studies suggest that ACV can improve the condition, especially if caused by bacterial or viral infections. ACV produces a slightly acidic environment in your body and makes the survival difficult for most types of bacteria and viruses, and can be a natural treatment for sore throat. Here are some proven benefits of using ACV for sore throat.

  • ACV is acidic in nature and can stop the growth of bacteria and viruses by balancing the pH level of throat tissues.
  • Thanks to its antibacterial properties, ACV can fight against certain bacteria and germs.
  • ACV is a very good natural expectorant and can thin the phlegm in your throat and nasal passage, and help you feel better.
  • Prebiotic content of ACV, known as inulin, can improve your immunity and can help your body stronger to fight against infections.
How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Sore Throat?

1. Diluted Apple Cider Vinegar

Thanks to the antibacterial and acidic properties, diluted apple cider vinegar for sore throat can be very helpful in healing sore throat even without other home ingredients

What do You need?

  • One tbsp diluted apple cider vinegar
  • One warm glass water

Steps to Follow

  • Add ACV to water and mix for a few seconds
  • Gargle with the solution several times a day to feel better.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar with Saltwater

Salt (sodium chloride) is also known for its strong antimicrobial properties and can increase the effectiveness of ACV to fight with a sore throat.

What do you need?

  • One tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • One tbsp salt
  • One warm glass water

Steps to follow:

  • Add ACV and salt to the water and mix well.
  • Use the solution to gargle multiple times daily to cure sore throat fast.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar and Lemon

Hot water and lemon can be one answer to many health problems, including viral infections. Lemon is one of the greatest sources of vitamins B complex and C, iron, magnesium, calcium and potassium. Regular use of lemon juice can also strengthen your immune system and can keep viral infections at bay. And lemon with apple cider vinegar can eliminate soreness of throat within a few days.

What do You need?

  • One tbsp of apple cider vinegar
  • One tbsp of lemon juice
  • One warm glass water
  • Honey (Optional)

Steps to Follow:

  • Add apple cider vinegar and lemon to warm water and sip very slowly.
  • You can add one tbsp honey as a taste enhancer as well.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar with Baking Soda

Baking soda is getting very popular as a second-line of treatment for numerous infections and can be a great home remedy for sore throat, especially if used with ACV. Also known as sodium bicarbonate, baking soda works as a ubiquitous buffer in your body and reduces the pH gradient across the membranes of bacteria, and hence, controls the infection.

You Will Need:

  • One tbsp of apple cider vinegar
  • One tbsp of baking soda
  • One glass warm water

What You Have to Do?

  • Add both ingredients in water, mix well, and use for a gargle in the morning.
  • Repeat it every day for a week to see the difference.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey

Thanks to its amazing antibacterial properties, honey is known as a very potent healer, and can be the answer if you are asking “how to get a sore throat fast overnight”. Yes, that’s how quick honey can work, especially when used with ACV.

ACV is packed with expectorant properties, and on the other hand, the anti-inflammatory nature of honey can provide very quick relief from a sore throat.

Ingredients You Need:

  • Two tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • Two tbsp honey
  • One glass warm water

What you should do:

  • Add ACV and honey to water and mix well.
  • Drink the solution once daily to improve your throat condition.

6. Apple Cider Vinegar and Cinnamon

Cinnamon is commonly used for soreness and infection of the throat. It is packed with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties and can speed up the recovery from sore throat if used with apple cider vinegar.

You Will Need:

  • One tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • One tbsp cinnamon powder
  • One tbsp honey
  • One tbsp lemon juice
  • One cup of warm water

What You Should Do:

  • Add all ingredients to one glass warm water and mix well.
  • Drink the solution slowly or gargle with it.
  • Repeat this thrice a day to cure sore throat fast.

7. Apple Cider Vinegar and Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin as the active component and can be very effective, especially against the inflammation of the throat. On the other hand, ACV can break down the irritating phlegm and also decongest your nasal passage.

Ingredients You Need:

  • One tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • One tbsp cayenne pepper
  • Three tbsp of honey
  • One glass warm water

Steps You Need to Follow

  • Mix these ingredients in a glass of warm water.
  • Gargle with this solution three to four times a day to get relief from soreness.
  • You can also take small sips in between to get even better results.

Apple cider vinegar for sore throat is, without a doubt very effective, and you can fight seasonal throat infection with diluted ACV mixed with one of these remedies packed with anti-inflammatory and healing properties. In case, if you have a sore throat for a long time, you should not rely on these home remedies and get proper treatment from a licensed practitioner. If you have anything to suggest, or anything to share with us, you can reach to us through the comment section. We will be very happy to reply.

References:

https://www.healthline.com/health/apple-cider-vinegar-for-a-sore-throat#remedies-and-uses

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sore-throat/symptoms-causes/syc-20351635

The Surprising Benefits of Hot Water and Lemon

https://cen.acs.org/articles/96/web/2018/01/baking-soda-help-boost-killing.html

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3609166/#:~:text=The%20healing%20property%20of%20honey,relevant%20to%20wound%20repair%20too.

https://www.verywellhealth.com/can-cinnamon-and-honey-cure-the-common-cold-770395

Health Care

Neck Pain – Possible Causesand How to Relieve at Home

Author Byaqilrl

You are trying to leave your bed in the morning, but finding it so difficult due to a stiffed and painful neck! Or all of a sudden, you are unable to rotate your head around due to aching neck pain! And you are looking for answers to “how to relieve neck pain”!

It is a very common lifestyle problem and can affect almost everyone on every other day. Factors like sitting with the wrong posture, wrong exercise, strain at physical work, wrong sleeping position – all can play their part in making your neck stiffed and painful.

Vertebrae extending from your skull to upper torso complete the structure of your neck, and there are cervical disks to absorb external shock between the bones. The bones, muscles, and ligaments of your neck provide support to your head and ensure proper motion. Any inflammation, abnormalities, or injury can impact your neck and make your day very uncomfortable.

Neck pain due to lifestyle errors is not something serious, but it can be if caused by contact sports, injury from fall, or whiplash, and needs proper treatment. Let’s find out more about neck pain.

Possible Causes of Neck Pain

There are various causes of neck pain, including:

  • Poor sitting posture
  • Sitting on working chair for very long without changing position
  • Wrong movement of neck during exercise
  • Sleeping in the wrong position
  • Injury

Your neck is almost always vulnerable to injury, especially if you are frequently involved in sports and other physical activities. Extra pressure on the neck while running, sudden wrong movement of the neck in the gym, or a car accident can severely affect your neck muscles and ligaments. In short, you may feel neck pain due to injury when your muscles and ligaments are forced to do the unwanted and unnatural movement.

  • Fracture of neck bones due to a massive accident can be extremely dangerous and is usually coupled with serious damage to the spinal cord.
  • Heart Attack

Prolonged neck pain can be one of the rare signals of possible heart attack, but it usually noticed with some other symptoms, including:

  • Arm or jaw pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sweating
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

If you suffer from neck pain with these symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention to at least discount the possibility of something really serious.

Also Read: How to Relieve Shoulder Blade Pain

  • Meningitis

Meningitis is the inflammation of your meninges – the protective tissues around your brain and spinal cord. People with meningitis may have complications like throbbing headache, often with severe neck pain.

Some other causes of neck pain are:

Pressure on the spinal cord due to conditions like spinal stenosis.

  • Protrusion of the cervical disk due to injury or trauma.
  • Degeneration of cervical disks also called “spondylosis”.
  • Muscle pain all over the body in case of fibromyalgia.
  • Inflamed and painful joints due to rheumatoid arthritis.
  • The weakness of bones in case of prolonged and untreated osteoporosis.
  • Congenital abnormalities
  • Spinal cancer
  • Abscesses due to severe infections

When to See a Doctor?

The symptoms of neck pain, including the painful movement of neck and shoulder, headache, muscle spasm, etc. are improved gradually with rest and other home treatments. But you should seek medical help in case of:

  • The pain is severe
  • Accompanied continuously be numbness, headache, weakness, or tingling
  • Lump around the neck
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Fever
  • Sudden and severe neck pain without an apparent cause
  • Pain doesn’t improve for a few days
  • Pain radiating to the arms or legs
  • Difficulty while touching the chin to chest
  • Dysfunction of bladder or bowel

If you suffer from an accident or fall, you must get proper medical help as quickly as possible

What are the treatments?

Treatment of neck pain depends on the cause and severity. Your doctor may ask for certain investigations, including X-rays, MRI, and CT scans, also, to complete medical history to find the exact cause(s) of pain. Depending on the results of medical history and investigations, you may get different types of treatments, including:

  • Physical therapy like exercises and stretching
  • Cold and heat therapy
  • Pain medications
  • Muscle relaxants
  • Neck Color (especially in case of an injury)
  • Corticosteroid injections
  • Traction
  • Antibiotics in case if the pain is due to an infection
  • Hospital treatment if the pain is due to heart attack or meningitis
  • Surgery.

Alternative therapies like:

  • Massage
  • Acupuncture
  • Chiropractic treatment
  • Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS)
How to Improve Neck Pain at Home – Home Remedies for Neck Pain

Reaching out for painkillers is always not the best idea, as you can treat mild to moderate neck pain with very simple remedies and techniques. Here are some very effective and easy home remedies for neck pain.

  • Massage: Massage has been effective in improving muscular pains and stiffness. And having a calming and relaxing massage is always a better option than painkilling drugs. And if you can add a few drops of essential oil to your regular massage oil, you can get rid of neck pain without much fuss. Massage warms up the stiff muscles, improves the blood circulation around the painful area, and reduces the pain within a few minutes.
  • Getting help from your buddy or partner is the best idea. Otherwise, you can also book a physical therapy session with a physiotherapist or spa expert.
  • Ice Packs: Ice packs are also very effective in healing mild to moderate pain. All you need to do is to crush a few pieces of ice and wrap them in a rubber bag. Put a clean towel or any other cloth on the painful area and apply the ice packs gently. You will feel the effects within a few minutes, and the pain will start fading away. Ice pack treatment is especially helpful when you have a painful neck due to sudden stress while playing or exercising.
  • Heat Pads: You can find heat pads very easily at pharmacies or departmental stores. Apply the hot pads directly on the painful neck, and your pain will start fading away within the first couple of minutes. Heat pads work similarly to massage and reduce inflammation and pain by improving blood circulation. Just take care of the right brand and choose the appropriate pad.
  • Exercise: Exercise can be one of the reasons for your painful neck. But it can also be effective to manage the pain very effectively as well. Some movements are proved very helpful in reducing neck pain. You can try moving your stiffed or painful neck in a circular motion or move it forwards and backward very slowly. If you feel comfortable, start with 8-10 slow motions in different directions. If the pain increases with a few movements, stop it immediately to prevent further damage to your neck. You can get in touch with a professional physiotherapist to ask for some effective neck exercises. Otherwise, talk to a doctor for proper treatment of neck pain. 
  • Warm Shower: Warm water shower is an ideal treatment for almost all types of body pains. And can be amazingly effective in case of neck pain as well. Have a warm water shower for five to ten minutes. The warm water will improve blood circulation and will help you feel better. And having a warm water shower in the morning is always a very good idea to have an energetic day and as well as restful sleep.
  • Epsom Salts: Sprinkling some Epsom salts to your bathwater is another very good idea to manage neck pain. It is surely a treat to bath with Epsom salt in water. Thanks to its magnesium and sulfate contents, Epsom salt reduces muscular tension and rest. Also, they can improve the regulation of certain enzymes in your body and give you natural relief from neck pain.

How to relieve neck pain from sleeping wrong?

Neck pain from sleeping wrong is a common problem, and you can get rid of it by some over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen and naproxen. Self-massage and gentle stretching are also very effective to improve pain when it is in the initial stage. Start with very little, gentle stretching and increase with the flexibility and improvement in pain. If you are unable to move your neck due to excessive pain, you should book an appointment with your doctor.

What is the best position to sleep with neck pain?

Sometimes, pain can remain for a weak or two, and that’s not something to be worried about. However, little things can make a lot of difference, and one of them is your sleeping position for neck pain. Sleeping in an upright position is very effective in both back and neck pain. You can buy a horseshoe-shaped pillow for comfortable support for your neck.

Neck pain is very common, and you should go into the overthinking mode, especially in the initial days. Try these DIY remedies and techniques to get rid of the pain. And if you don’t find any relief at all even after a few days, we recommend you talk to your doctor to find the exact cause and proceed with the treatment accordingly.

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/neck-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20375581

https://www.spineuniverse.com/conditions/neck-pain/home-treatments-neck-pain

https://www.healthline.com/symptom/neck-pain#home-remedies

https://edisonspinecenter.com/sleeping-positions-for-back-and-neck-pain/#:~:text=Best%20Sleeping%20Positions%20for%20Neck,pillow%20to%20cushion%20your%20head.

https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/neck-pain/how-treat-stiff-neck-after-sleeping

Health Care

How to Relieve Shoulder Blade Pain

Author Byaqilrl

How to relieve shoulder blade pain easily at home? How and when it gets serious? What are the possible causes? Let’s find the answers to these questions and a few more.

Also known as “interscapular pain,” pain between shoulder blades is very common. You may have aching, sore, dull, and shooting pain at the mid-back of your shoulder blades.

Usually, there is nothing serious about it, and it gets better in a few days. However, it can also be a sign of some more serious health conditions. Although it is not serious, it can surely disturb the quality of your life. Read on to find everything about shoulder blade pain.

What are the possible causes?

There may be various possible causes of shoulder blade pain. An injured muscle or tendon usually causes the pain, and the injury may cause due to:

  • Wrong exercise
  • Heavy lifting
  • Poor sitting position
  • Prolonged hours of working at computers
  • Muscle strain while sleeping.

Injuries to other different body parts like spine fracture, rotator cuff tears, or any type of injury due to trauma can also be responsible for pain at shoulder blades. Some other but rare causes of pain are:

  • Osteoarthritis of ribs, spine, neck
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Acid reflux
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Scoliosis
  • Shingles
  • Myofascial pain syndrome
  • Nerve compression
  • Certain cancers like lymphomas, lung cancer, liver cancer, bone cancer, mesothelioma, oesophageal cancer, etc.
  • Gallstone

Shoulder blade pain can also be one of the heart attack symptoms, especially in women’s cases. It may be accompanied by other signs like shortness of breath and chest pain. If you suffer from these three symptoms at a time, you should not waste any time and seek immediate medical attention.

At times, sharp, severe pain in the upper-middle back is also a sign of rupture to the thoracic aorta. In such a case, the patient may suffer from severe pain and is more often than not a medical emergency.

Pulmonary embolism is another very serious condition and can be a factor responsible for shoulder blade pain. People with pulmonary embolism may complain about a sudden, sharp pain at the shoulder blade. It happens when the blood clots in the legs are breaking down and travel to the lungs. One of the major symptoms of pulmonary embolism is shortness of breath, and it also needs immediate medical attention.

When should you see a doctor?

When you suffer from severe, unusual pain for more than a couple of weeks, you should get in touch with a qualified medical practitioner. Persistent pain can be a sign of something wrong you are unable to find. Whether or not your condition is serious, if it doesn’t go away after a couple of weeks. So, it’s better to get medical attention instead of waiting for something serious.

If you develop shoulder blade pain along with some other symptoms, chances are of something really serious. It may even become life-threatening and require prompt medical attention. You should get immediate medical attention if the pain is accompanied by:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Excessive sweating
  • Chest pain
  • Cough with blood
  • Light-headedness or vertigo
  • Pain, redness, or swelling in the legs
  • Loss of vision
  • High fever
  • Sudden difficulty speaking
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Paralysis of any part of the body

Treatment for shoulder blade pain will be decided according to the exact cause and severity. And recovery time will also depend on the condition and causative factor(s).

Home remedies

The condition can be managed with home remedies if there is no other major complication. Here are some home remedies for shoulder and neck pain; you can try to get some relief.

Exercise

Physical exercise is very important to follow a healthy life. But it can also be effective to strengthen your shoulder and back and may relieve acute pain. We recommend a few exercises like pullups, push-ups, and sit-ups, to improve pain initially.

Stretching

Stretching techniques like Yoga can also effectively improve pain by managing blood circulation through better mobility.

Also Read: Is Apple Cider Vinegar Really Good Against Shingles?

You can try this stretching exercise for shoulder blade pain.

  • Cross one arm over the body.
  • Pull your elbow using the other hand towards your chest, and hold for about 10 seconds.

Diet and Regimen

Some foods can increase the inflammation and hence pain. You should avoid processed foods and add a lot of fruits and vegetables to your diet. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, are also helpful in improving the condition.

Rest

Sometimes, rest is more than enough to recover from shoulder blade pain, especially if developed due to injury or exercise.

Cold or Hot Therapy

Cold or hot compresses in the affected areas can also be a solution. Repeat cold or hot compress every two hours for fifteen minutes to relieve discomfort

Massage

A professional therapist can help you overcome the pain by working between your shoulder blades to relax the stiffed muscles.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy is effective in case of pain due to a compressed or injured nerve. The therapist will help you to perform certain physical exercises targeting the affected muscles and tissues.

Epsom Salt Bath

Epsom salt contains magnesium and, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, it can give some relief to your shoulder blades.

How to get Epsom salt bath:

  • Add one cup of Epsom salt to your bathwater and dissolve for a couple of minutes.
  • Soak yourself in the bath for 15-20 minutes to feel the calming and pain-relieving effects of Epsom.

Kinesiology Tape

Using kinesiology tapes to relieve shoulder blade pain is also a great ideal. It is used to control the movements of the scapular region to avoid shoulder pain. The function of this medicated tape is to support the injured shoulder during movement. It is also great short-term pain management but is recommended for acute pains only.

What You Need

  • A kinesiology tape from a renowned brand

Steps to use the tape

  • Put the tape across the muscles of your shoulder griddle (You can get help from someone for proper placement).
  • Watching a tutorial or seeking help from a therapist isn’t a bad idea, either.
  • Keep it for four to five days or until you feel better.
  • You can also reuse the tape for a few months.

OTC Medications

Over the counter medications for shoulder blade pain can also be effective, especially there are mild symptoms. OTC medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, acetaminophen, etc. may improve the condition.

When you need surgery?

Surgery is very rarely recommended for this condition. As many as 90 percent of patients get better by nonsurgical treatment like exercises, medications, rest, etc. But your doctor may advise for in case if the condition is caused by an injury and is not improving after prolonged treatment. The doctor may remove minor scar tissues or repair tendons in the affected area.

Chances of Prognosis

Prognosis is very good in the case of shoulder blade pain. However, if there is severe chronic pain, the prognosis also depends on the duration and severity of pain.

More often than not, it is a temporary condition and goes away with a combination of treatment and rest. However, some people may live the whole of their life with the pain!

Some Prevention Tips

Instead of knowing how to help shoulder blade pain, you are better if you know how to prevent this condition. Here are some prevention tips:

  • Always maintain good posture: Posture matters a lot! Bad posture can affect your body very heavily. Always stand or sit tall. Avoid slouching as much as possible. An ergonomic chair or a special pillow can help you maintain your posture if you have sitting work.
  • Avoid long sitting hours: Don’t sit continuously for hours, even if you have a sitting work. Take a break now and then, and walk around for a few minutes.
  • Avoid lifting very heavy items: Heavy lifting is also one of the major causes of shoulder blade pain. Don’t carry heavy bags on your shoulder. And if you have to lift something very heavy, don’t do it alone, and avoid so much pressure on your back.
  • Adopt a healthy lifestyle: Lifestyle changes can go a long way in dealing with shoulder pain. Try to get a healthy and wholesome diet, get proper sleep of six to eight hours, and do regular physical exercises.

Pain between your shoulder blades is mainly because of bad lifestyle habits. You can surely avoid it to a decent extent. And now, you have some very effective methods to improve mild to moderate pain. If you have severe pain for more than a few days, we recommend you visit a qualified doctor to find the exact cause and start proper treatment.

References:

https://www.spine-health.com/blog/relieving-pain-under-your-shoulder-blade

https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/shoulder-pain-and-common-shoulder-problems

https://www.healthline.com/health/shoulder-blade-pain#prevention

Health Care

Heart Disease: 10 Warning Signs That Appear On Your Skin

Author Byaqilrl

Due to living a stressful life, it is common for an individual to ignore some of the common health problem signs, which appear on the skin. Even in the case of a heart problem or disease, a change in the skin is the first indication of a heart problem.

Here are 10 warning signs that appear on your skin, which show your heart problem:

1. Swelling In Your Feet And Lower Legs

The moment an individual notices a constant swelling in your feet and lower legs then immediately consult a doctor, as this is a clear indication that your heart is not working properly. In most cases, this swelling can extend as far as the upper legs and groin.

2. Blue And Purple Color On Your Skin

Another clear indication of your heart problem is the skin color changing into blue or purple. This shows that you have a blockage in your blood vessels or your blood is not getting enough oxygen. Without proper treatment, this lack of oxygen can lead to serious health problems.

Also Read: Natural Ways to Prevent Acidity And Heartburn

3. Blue Or Purple Net-Like Pattern On Your Skin

Many people choose to ignore this net-like pattern but in most cases; these patterns disappear whenever skin gets warm up. However, this pattern can also be a sign of a disease, which mostly occurs when arteries are blocked.

4. Yellowish-Orange Waxy Growths On Your Skin

These signs show that you have an unhealthy cholesterol level, which causes life-threatening diseases. These growths usually occur in the corner of your eyes, lines on your palms or the backs of your lower legs.

5. Clusters Of Waxy Bumps That Suddenly Appear On Your Skin

These waxy bumps highlight that you have a skyrocketing cholesterol level or diabetes problem. These bumps are the fatty deposits of cholesterol caused by high levels of cholesterol in the blood.

6. Nails Curve Downward And The Ends Of Your Fingers Are Swollen

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For some people, these signs are natural. However, for some, this is a clear indication that you might have a heart infection, heart disease or lung problem. Therefore, it is advisable that you consult your doctor to find out if you have any medical problems.

7. Red Or Purple Lines Under Your Nails

Most people see these lines under their nails when they suffer an injury, however, if you cannot remember injuring your nail then it is beneficial to consult a doctor. These lines can be a sign of a heart problem or any other medical condition.

8. Smooth, Waxy Lumps On Your Skin

These signs display that an individual has an abnormal buildup of protein in an organ, especially in your heart. In case, the protein builds up in the heart, it gets difficult for the heart to work properly.

9. Agonizing Swellings In Your Fingers, Toes Or May Be Both

These painful lumps indicate that you might have an infection in your heart or in your blood vessels. Consult your doctor to know which medication is best for your situation, as in some cases; these lumps are removed by surgery.

10. Brownish Discoloration On Your Palms

This type of discoloration shows that you might have an infection in your heart or blood vessels. Such infection can be life-threatening, therefore, consult a doctor as soon as you notice this discoloration.

Also Read: One Month Before a Heart Attack, Your Body Will Warn You – Here are the 10 Signs