Pea-sized glands, lymph glands or nodes are present throughout the body. An integral part of the lymph system, these nodes carry lymph fluids, nutrients as well as the waste material between body tissues and bloodstream. Lymph glands are easily noticeable when they swell. People often complain of a swollen lymph node in neck, these usually swell up to the size of a marble or sometimes even bigger. Lumps can often be felt under the skin, especially the lymph glands in the neck. These glands become quite noticeable and can be easily felt when swollen. They can swell to the size of an olive or even bigger. Part of the immune system, the lymph system is an important part of body’s defense system against diseases. They act as filters trapping viruses, bacteria and foreign substances present in the lymph fluid.Usually found singly or sometimes in groups, swollen lymph nodes are felt in the groin, neck, and underarms. Causes of swollen lymph node in Neck Infection, injury or tumor developing near or in the lymph node results in swelling of the lymph node. Lymph gland close to an infection swell up easily and become tender and go back to their normal size when the infection is cured. This can take up to two weeks or more to subside as the immune system fights back the infections, bacteria, etc. Influenza (viral infection), chickenpox or infectious mononucleosis are viral and affect immunity of the whole body. Lymph glands in different parts of the body can swell up due to such infections or viral attacks. Let’s look at the following symptoms: Swollen lymph node in the neck is a result of tonsillitis, throat infections, common cold and tooth-related infections. Swollen lymph glands at the back of the head are due to scalp skin condition or lice.

The main symptoms of gout are joint tenderness, redness, and rapid pain attacks. This complex form of arthritis can affect anybody and the pain attacks can occur at any time even in the middle of the night. The affected joint becomes really hot, swollen and tender and you may find even the weight of a paper sheet intolerable. What are the best treatments for gout? Primary objectives of gout treatment The objectives of the treatment for gout are immediate pain relief and better protection against future attacks. You should also focus on preventing long-term complications like kidney damage and joint destruction. You can depend on home remedies as well as medications to get rid of this problem. The method of treatment primarily relies on the existing condition. Treating a severe gout attack The immediate step you must do is to give rest to the affected joints. Ice must be used to lower the swelling and when you see the symptoms of this disease, you have to take short-term medications according to the advice of your doctor. Generally, the doctor prescribes oral corticosteroids, colchicine, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Managing long-term gout and getting protection against future attacks If you have been experiencing symptoms for an extended period of time without any treatment, the condition may become chronic and it may affect more than one joint. In such a situation, you need to take medicines according to the instructions of your doctor. The first priority should be to safeguard you from future attacks. You have to discuss with the doctor about the medications you are taking because certain medications can increase the uric acid level. Immediate steps should be taken to control your weight, and you must start exercising for this purpose. Alcohol consumption must be limited, and you need to stop the intake of seafood and red meat.

The gland wrapped around the urethra is known as the prostate gland. The shape of this gland is pretty similar to a walnut, and it is an integral part of man’s reproductive system. The main responsibility of this gland is to add fluid known as semen to the sperm. This gland is very small in the case of a child and it gets bigger as the male ages. If the prostate gland grows disproportionately and becomes excessively large, you would have to deal with a disease called BPH also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia. An enlarged prostate blocks or restricts the urine flow from the bladder. This results in problems like urinary tract infections and frequent urination. Prostate enlargement treatment options There are different types of prostate enlargement treatments options available. You can take alpha-blocker drugs to control the growth and the most common alpha-blocker drug is Terazosin also known as Hytrin. This medication relaxes the prostate muscles. If you are suffering from chronic prostatitis, you need to consult your doctor who may recommend antibiotics. Medications, such as dutasteride or finasteride, can also be taken to reduce the symptoms of BPH. Surgery is an option for removing the extra prostate tissue. The most common surgical procedure is called transurethral resection. Natural remedies as an option for prostate enlargement treatment You can find a lot of natural remedies as an option for prostate enlargement treatment. Although they may not offer a complete cure, you can take them to control and symptoms and arrest the growth. Beta-sitosterol: Many people are using Beta-Sitosterol to as a prostate enlargement treatment option. It is a mixture collected from various plants and contains cholesterol-like substances known as Sitosterols. A good number of research studies have shown that Beta-Sitosterol is capable of relieving urinary symptoms involved with BPH and it strengthens the urine flow effectively.

Kidneys in the human body are located in the center of your back slightly above the waist. These two bean-shaped organs are the ones that remove the waste available in your blood after digestion and muscular activity. Other functions of the kidney are balancing water and minerals concentration and synthesizing the enzyme called renin that optimizes erythropoietin and blood pressure. These organs also play a part in ensuring the optimal bone health, and it is being done by synthesizing vitamin D’s active form. All these aspects clearly suggest that kidneys play a very critical role in stabilizing your overall physical health. Major reasons that make your kidneys problematic Kidney diseases cause serious damage to your body. Many reasons contribute towards kidney problems. Genetic problems can be a reason and injury can damage your kidney. Overreaction to certain drugs is another reason and other issues like high blood pressure and diabetes can also create a negative impact on your kidney. If your kidneys do not function properly for an extended period of time, you become highly vulnerable to a disease called glomerulonephritis. Other factors that make your kidneys problematic are prostate disease, vasculitis, kidney stones, pinworm infestation of the kidney, hemolytic-uremic syndrome, and polycystic kidney disease. If you do not give adequate importance to fluid consumption, it can lead to acute renal failure and this situation makes a damaging effect on your kidneys. If you want to how to reverse kidney disease, the following options can be considered. Most effective treatment options to reverse kidney disease Kidney diseases are progressive in nature. Early identification and treatment are absolutely essential to control the complications. When these problems are identified in the initial stages, you can reverse the damage with lifestyle changes and hypertension medications. Doctors also prescribe medications for diabetes and high cholesterol levels to arrest the kidney disease progression.

Joint pain has become so common that today most people in their early 50s are suffering from the problem. Sitting for long hours, restricting movement of joint for years can result in weak joints. This is true that as we age, our bones and joints start becoming weak. As a result, people find difficult to walk or run. Arthritis is sure a common joint pain. It is characterized by inflammation in one or more joints. Joint pain is of two kinds. One is called Osteo, while other is known as rheumatoid. Both these condition affect joints differently. Osteo arthritis occurs when there is a loss of cartilage between bones. In this condition a bone grates on other bone. Rheumatoid is caused by an autoimmune disorder that results in inflammation of the synovial membrane, which is soft tissue that protects joints in the body. This causes loss of bone. There are many effective home-based remedies to heal the pain in joints. Ginger or turmeric tea A tea that contains ginger or turmeric is believed to treat inflammation in joints. It relives pain experienced by those suffering from oseto and rheumatoid arthritis. Turmeric has an active ingredient called curcumin is a powerful antioxidant. When taken it lowers levels of enzymes causing inflammation in joints. Epsom salt Epsom salt has magnesium sulfate, which has been used to get relief from joint pain for a long time. Magnesium is healthy for joints. It reduces joint pain caused by arthritis. High level of magnesium may not be a problem for a person suffering from the condition. Magnesium for muscles Our bodies need magnesium, which is used in over 300 different biochemical responses. Magnesium relaxes muscles and never endings. It relives pain and stiffness in the body or joint. It even plays a role in a heart beat.

Gout is a type of arthritis that invites inflammation, tenderness, swelling, and pain in and around the joints. Various body parts like the ankles, knees, joints in hands and ears are vulnerable to gout. The major cause is an excess amount of uric acid availability in the body, and other reasons include genetics, high protein consumption, excess alcohol intake and lack of physical activity. Gout can also be linked to serious health issues, and you should seek the help of a doctor to treat this condition. Are there any natural gout treatment options available? Use cold water Cold water always helps you control swelling associated with gout. You have to soak the affected area in cold water, and this approach offers good pain relief. You should not apply ice directly to it because it can make a negative impact on the skin and the condition may get worsened. Eat bananas Banana is easily available, and it can be used to treat the discomforts associated with gout. This fruit is a good source of potassium, and uric acid crystals are converted into a liquid to offer excellent relief. This, in turn, allows the body to remove uric acid through urine. Vitamin C is a prominent ingredient of banana, and it lowers the pain and swelling. It is a good idea to add one or two bananas to your diet. Use charcoal Activated charcoal is one of the most popular natural gout treatment. Charcoal absorbs the uric acid, and it helps you reduce the bad affects caused by gout in your body. One option is to soak in a bath using half a cup of charcoal powder, and you can also form a paste using water and charcoal. It needs to be applied to the affected area. Make use of apple You might have seen the message ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’ displayed at several hospitals and clinics.

Shingles refer to a painful skin rash caused by the virus varicella zoster. It is also known as herpes zoster. This is most common in older people who do not have strong immune systems due to injury, stress, medicines, etc. It is a rare phenomenon for anybody to get shingles multiple times since most people get it only once. Shingles last from two to six weeks. It is true that there is no cure for shingles but it can be treated, and prompt treatment can speed up the healing process as well as reduce the risk of complications. Some of the medications to treat shingles include: Valacyclovir (Valtrex) Acyclovir (Zovirax) Famciclovir (Famvir) Since shingles accompany pain, the doctor may also suggest you the following: Anticonvulsants like gabapentin (Neurontin) Capsaicin cream Numbing agents, like lidocaine- delivered through a cream, gel, skin patch, spray Tricyclic antidepressants, like amitriptyline Injection that includes corticosteroids as well as local anesthetics Medications containing narcotics, like codeine Home Remedies and Lifestyle There are several home remedies and lifestyle changes to consider to get relief from shingles. Healing Baths Clean the blisters every day to avoid the possibility of spreading the contagion. Take a cool shower to soothe the skin. Cool water eases the pain caused due to blisters and calms itchiness as well. You can take a healing bath to get relief. Take 1 or 2 cups of cornstarch or colloidal oatmeal and mix with lukewarm water. Soak yourself in the solution for 15 to 20 minutes. Never use hot water as it can worsen the blisters since heat boost blood flow. Dry yourself properly and wash with a fresh towel to avoid the virus from spreading to others. Wet and Cool Compress Additionally, apply a moist and cool compress to get relief from itchiness and pain.

Macular degeneration causes a loss of central vision in both eyes. It is a painless condition that normally affects people who are older than 50 years. It is commonly known as Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). There are also rare cases of Juvenile Macular Degeneration, which affects young people. Certain genetic disorders are the cause of the development of juvenile macular degeneration. When a person suffers from Macular Degeneration, the central vision is affected. So, there is difficulty in focusing on objects that lie straight ahead. The result is that everything appears blurred, it becomes difficult to read, the faces of people appear blurred and colors of objects around you look pale and dull. Causes The exact cause for macular degeneration isn’t known yet. Aging can cause a person to develop this condition. In older people, the macula, which is a central spot in the retina, develops a problem and causes age-related macular degeneration. AMD can develop as wet AMD or dry AMD. Dry AMD The macula has light-sensitive cells that gradually break down as you age. As the light-sensitive cells reduce in number, the central vision deteriorates. Waste products start to accumulate in the retina and cause small deposits called drusen. As the drusen increases in size, vision problems arise. Drusen is a characteristic feature of dry AMD. Wet AMD Tiny blood vessels form underneath the macula attempt to clear the drusen from the retina. These blood vessels cause fluid and blood to leak into the macula, leading to scarring and macular damage. This can lead to serious symptoms like blind spots and distorted vision. Symptoms Macular degeneration escapes attention, till you experience diminished vision. The primary symptom is blurred central vision. Faces, writing, and images get distorted in the central view. You lose visual acuity. You cannot see the fine details, and it becomes difficult for you to read and drive.

The defects in the vestibular labyrinth region of the ear cause Vertigo which is characterized by dizziness. Loss of balance and nausea are some prime symptoms of Vertigo. The vertigo disorder can be caused by various factors. Some of them are anemia, diabetes, alcohol consumption, insomnia, dehydration, high cholesterol levels, and head injuries. Infections and allergies, bad sight, thyroid problems, sclerosis, brain tumor and calcium deficiency are other likely causes of vertigo. The main symptoms of vertigo are: Poor vision, pain in the ears and trouble during hearing and focusing are the common characteristics of vertigo. Dizziness, nausea, the sensation of everything moving, facial paralysis, weakening of limbs, difficulty when eating imbalance are some other symptoms the patients may likely experience. The patients with vertigo have limited activities and always feel low. If you detect the symptoms of vertigo it is advised to visit the doctor who will recommend certain medications. However, there are some home remedies for vertigo which work efficiently to keep the problem under control. Here are some of the best remedies for vertigo: Coriander Seeds: Take one tablespoon of coriander seed powder, gooseberry powder and soak them in a glass of water. Keep them in water and filter the liquid in morning. Add some sugar to it and drink it straight. This natural remedy works wonder to treat vertigo overtime. The vitamin C content in the gooseberry powder improves the mental and cognitive functioning of the body. Coriander seeds have rich content of calcium, phytonutrients and essential nutrients which combat the symptoms of vertigo. Lemon: Extract fresh lemon juice and add a pinch of salt, black pepper to a glass of warm water. Stir it well and drink it. Sprinkle lemon juice on a salad also proves beneficial for vertigo. Lemon balm is known to relieve vertigo symptoms such as depression, stress, and insomnia.

Coughing for long hours is problematic. It can even cause your muscles to ache and brings with it chronic cold and flu. An allergic cough has many causes such as acid reflux, allergies, dry air, smoking, and asthma. Prolonged medications for diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and allergies can even result in a cough People who suffer from an allergic cough generally prefer to take the over-the-counter medications. Cough suppressant drugs remove the allergens and alleviate a cough. However, you can even bring a change in the lifestyle habits and use the herbal remedies to get rid of an allergic cough. Some of the allergy cough treatments are as follows. Stay Hydrated Infection such as cold or flu in the upper respiratory tract causes the postnasal drip. The secretions escape down the throat and aggravate a cough. High intake of water and fluids thin out the mucus in the nose. It keeps the mucous membranes moist. Hydration is necessary during winters when the air is dry. Lozenges and Hot drinks Warm tea with added honey relieves a sore throat. Menthol is a good cough syrup which numbs the throat. Hot drinks reduce the cough reflex. Stay away from pollutants Pollutants and allergens such as smoke, bathroom sprays, and perfumes pollute the air. They even enhance the chronic sinus irritation which results in the production of extra mucus. Avoid the usage of products which produce scents in the air. People addicted to smoking get the smoker’s cough. People who breathe in the smoke-polluted air also suffer from grave consequences. Smokers must quit smoking as it is the best solution and suggestion for them. Humidifiers Humidifiers relieve dried out noses. Humidifiers give an adequate level of moisture in the nose and prevent an allergy cough. However don’t use it too much. Clean the nose regularly to prevent the occurrence of bacteria and fungus.

Several research studies have been conducted on the supplements for eye health. Specific nutrients can improve eye problems and some others delay discomforts. You might have heard a lot about over-the-counter supplements for eye health containing different types of nutrients. Many people are using them to find a solution to their eye-related discomforts. Seek professional advice When it comes to your eye health, you must seek the advice of your doctor prior to choosing from the popular supplements for eye health. So he/she must be the primary resource for information. Supplements for eye health differ from the prescription medications that doctor offers, but you must seek professional advice because your eyes are one of the most important organs in your body. Vision supplements in multivitamins Prior to taking high doses of supplements for eye health, you must check the existing multivitamins that you have been using. You might be already taking most of the nutrients for healthy eyes through your current multivitamins. If you find that you are not taking any of these nutrients you can go for new supplements. Another important thing is to check the quality of nutrients available in the supplement you are planning to purchase. Most important nutrients that offer good eye health The most important nutrients that provide good eye health are zinc, vitamin C, beta-carotene, vitamin E, folic acid, selenium, zeaxanthin, lutein, thiamine, calcium, omega-3 essential fatty acids, alpha lipoic acid, and n-acetyl cysteine. You must look for these ingredients while choosing supplements for eye health, and if you cannot find a single product contains all these ingredients, separate supplements can be taken to ensure proper distribution of all nutrients. Never purchase a supplement with a broken container You have to ensure that the product you purchase is fresh. The expiration date must be checked before paying the cash.

Diabetes is a long term condition characterized by increased blood glucose levels. It is of two major types- Type 1 and Type 2. The third type of diabetes is gestational diabetes, which occurs in pregnant women. When a person is diabetic, their body either does not produce enough insulin or the body cells do not respond to it well, which causes an imbalance in blood glucose levels. While diabetes can be tricky to control at times, you do not have to give up on your life while you do so. It is important to know the basic diabetes control measures to make sure it does not take over your life. The following are some diabetes control measures to cope up with the condition. Know it all The very first step to controlling and managing your diabetes is to know about it. Gather all the information about diabetes in general, the key terms, the way it influences the body and its effects. You can attend free workshops, seminars, awareness programs which focus on diabetes, its causes and effects. You can also keep yourself informed by reading about it online. The National Diabetes Education Program does a good job of explaining the diabetes control measures. Next is to become familiar with your own body, its metabolism, the kind of diabetes you are diagnosed with, your blood glucose and insulin levels, the foods which suit or do not suit you, and other such things. Make a plan If you are diagnosed with diabetes, it does not mean that your life has stopped. Just make a plan to keep your diabetes in control with your doctor’s assistance and know how much physical exercise you are going to need, how many carbs you are supposed to eat, what portions of food are you supposed to have and at what time, which foods should you avoid, and other such things.