A reflex caused by stimulation of lining of throat, nose, voice box, lungs, and other respiratory parts, cough is a normal defense mechanism of the body to try and eliminate the effect caused by the allergen. Coughs can be annoying and disruptive and can have underlying causes. One of them could be allergies. If you have been coughing for a week, the causes might be more than cold and flu. If it has become chronic, it is advisable that you visit a doctor. When suffering from allergy cough symptoms, the underlying cough symptoms are same as other cough-related infectious illness. Irrespective of the symptoms, which could be due to allergy or due to some other medical condition, cough begins when the nerve endings in the airways detect some disturbance. The disturbance then relays those signals to the brain to make it aware that something is wrong with the respiratory system. Once the brain detects and processes the signal, it sends a chemical signal back to the throat and initiates a cough. Read on to know more about the allergy cough symptoms. When suffering from allergy cough symptoms, you will experience some difference in the timing of the symptoms when compared to that of a cough due to cold and flu. Allergy cough symptoms are a response due to change in weather or season in which the specific allergen is prominent. You might also experience coughing due to change in setting. For instance, a person might fell alright in office but might start coughing due to allergens caused due to animal dander or smoke in a different setting. If a cough is caused due to cold or flu, the coughing symptoms might be prominent for 2 to 3 days and subside eventually. Allergy cough symptoms might affect a person for weeks or even for a month at a time.

Diarrhea is a disorder caused due to irregular bowel movements. A quite common digestive system disorder, diarrhea is caused due to food allergy, bacterial infection or due to eating something that is not digested properly. Often, diarrhea can occur as part of other diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome. It lasts for two to three days with loose and watery stools occurring throughout the day. Common symptoms of diarrhea Some of the common symptoms of diarrhea are as follows: Occasional bouts of nausea and a tendency to throw up Sudden weight loss Presence of mucus or blood in stool Cramps and pain in stomach and bloating Frequently visiting the bathroom to clear the bowels Although diarrhea goes away after two-three days, it is necessary to consult a doctor if the symptoms become severe and persist for a longer period. Dehydration, fever above 102 F, severe rectal or stomach pain and presence of blood in stools are some of the indicators that diarrhea has become severe. In such cases, it is necessary to receive medical treatment to prevent any further health complications. Treatment for diarrhea For mild cases of diarrhea, it is enough to take off the diet. There are certain foods for diarrhea that alleviate the discomfort. Even in the case of severe diarrhea, it necessary to avoid certain foods and eat only that helps the healing process to progress faster. A careful diet comprising of essential food for diarrhea should be followed along with doctor-prescribed medications. Food for diarrhea that you should avoid Certain types of food are difficult to process for the digestive system. These aggravate the symptoms and make diarrhea worse. So, these categories of food must be avoided when suffering from diarrhea. Food with fats: Food that has been fried and is greasy can make the symptoms worse.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease. It causes swelling or inflammation along with varied symptoms. Different people are affected in different ways with this disease.While some may have fewer mild symptoms, others may have severe symptoms. People who develop lupus experience symptoms between their early teens and 30s. Since early signs of lupus are similar to other conditions, people do not quite realize that they may have lupus. However, having those symptoms may not necessarily mean you have lupus. Some early signs of lupus are as follows: Fatigue One of the major and common early signs of lupus is fatigue. About 90% of people experience this if they have lupus. Though, napping in the afternoon help people with fatigue but too much sleep during the day lead to sleeplessness during the night. If you want to keep up your energy levels, you would have to maintain a daily routine and remain active. This is difficult for people to do but it is worth the effort. If you are living with unbearable fatigue, talk to your physician so that the root cause of fatigue can be taken care of. Unexplained fever If you have lupus, you will experience a low-grade fever for no reason at all. Since the fever would be around 98.5˚F to 101˚F, you may not consider seeing a doctor. On and off, you would experience such kind of fever. A low-grade fever also means infection, inflammation or imminent flare-up. This is one of the early signs of lupus and if it happens frequently, you must consult a physician. Hair loss One of the early signs of lupus is hair thinning. Hair loss is caused due to inflammation of the scalp and skin. Lupus makes people shed hair by the bunch. Some people may face slow but consistent hair loss.

The allergic reactions that are caused by the stamen of flowers are known as pollen allergy. The allergy is caused when the pollen disperses in the air. Due to its fine texture, it is easily transported by air currents. When you inhale pollen, or if it comes in contact with your nose, mouth, or nasal passages, you might get the allergy. Causes of Pollen Allergies Pollen allergies can occur due to different plant pollens that grow in various seasons. For example, if you experience pollen allergy in spring, it is due to the following plants: Oak Birch Hickory Pecan Grasses If you fall sick due to pollen allergy in summer and fall, it is mostly because of ragweed. Pollen allergy targets your nasal passages and sinuses. You could feel irritations in your nose, respiratory tracts, and throat. A pollen allergy test will help you detect the right cause. It may be due to grass, plants, trees, or weed pollen. The different pollens exhibit variant pollen allergy symptoms. Once you visit your allergist, he might provide a clear idea on the type of allergy you suffer from. After knowing about the allergen, effective measures can be taken. Understanding Pollen Count In order to combat pollen allergy symptoms, it is important for you to know about the pollen count in your area. If you are living in a rain forest, the pollen usually gets washed to the ground, and so, chances are very low for allergies. The pollen count is high in dry and arid regions like deserts and plateaus. You can subscribe to pollen count services and allergy forecast information. These services are accessible through the internet and smartphone applications. They provide a clear report on the pollen count in your area. Cities are termed high or low, with respect to the pollen count.

Low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia, means low blood sugar (glucose) levels in the body. It usually occurs in people with diabetes. It can be a side effect of insulin or other types of diabetes medicines. Generally, the acceptable range of blood sugar is 70 to 100 mg/dL. In case of diabetic patients, 70 mg/dL or less indicates low blood sugar. However, diabetes medication is not the only cause of low blood sugar. Medications that don’t suit your body, or any exercise or diet, can lead to low sugar levels. Therefore, you mustn’t be careless about your sugar levels and should keep a thorough record to prevent its diminution below the permissible limit. Also, the brain needs glucose to function efficiently and low sugar can cause loss of energy for brain function, leading to poor attention and cognitive function. The brain senses the drop in sugar. This biochemical process then alerts the person that they need food or water—if neglected or left untreated, it can lead to coma or death. In worse case scenario, an injection of glucagon is given to the affected person as the person finds it difficult to eat anything in a normal manner. The glycogen immediately raises the sugar levels to relatively normal. There are many symptoms that can help you recognize low blood sugar levels (they differ from person to person). Symptoms of low blood sugar Anxiety: One of the symptoms of low blood sugar is anxiety. In anxiety or stress, the blood sugar consumption increases which cause an adrenaline rush. This, in turn, causes low blood sugar due to the fluctuations in the energy levels. Hunger: Mild hypoglycemia makes you feel hungry while high or severe hypoglycemia leads to unconsciousness. Food then breaks down into sugar that enables functioning of our body. The sudden hunger pangs are one of the major symptoms of low blood sugar.

Feel like your stomach is bloated? Have you been belching a lot? Or maybe you’ve been suffering from a lot of flatulence. If all of this sounds familiar, you are probably suffering from an excessive accumulation of gas. What Are The Causes Of Bloating In Your Stomach? People who have digestive or gastrointestinal disorders like celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome or ulcerative colitis complain of bloating as well. Close to 90% of people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome experience bloating. Dehydration can cause bloating. When you consume foods that are high in salt content, your body becomes dehydrated. Electrolyte imbalance along with dehydration will result in your body accumulating water. When your body does this, you might get constipated and end up with abdominal bloating. Drinking enough water can help balance your electrolyte levels and prevent dehydration, which in turn can help avoid bloating. While dehydration causes bloating, excess fluid retention can cause bloating as well. Excess fluids are usually stored in the abdomen and pelvic areas, and this can be another cause of bloating. If you are allergic to certain foods, you might find that one of your allergic reactions includes bloating as well. People who are lactose intolerant experience this often. A few foods that can cause an allergic reaction are bakery items that contain gluten, dairy products, and processed foods. Constipation can cause bloating. Not drinking an adequate amount of water and not consuming enough fibers can cause constipation. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth or SIBO is a condition that involves an overgrowth of abnormal bacteria in your digestive tract and small intestines. These bacterias get accumulated when you have an inflammation, due to poor digestion or if you are on certain medications or antibiotics. Bacteria expel gases, and this can cause bloating as well. Also, when you eat food, these bacteria can ferment the food that has been consumed, causing you to have abdominal bloating.

Foot pain is a common problem. This could be due to standing for the complete day, lifestyle choices or some medical problems. Foot pain may occur on the heels, toes, arches, and soles. It causes discomfort to the sufferer. The foot ache can be low, mild and severe. Some pain lasts for short time while others may be chronic. The common causes of foot pain are: Lifestyle Wearing improper shoes can cause discomfort. High heels and tight shoes exert pressure on the toes. Intense exercises, sports, and jogging can also cause foot injury and pain. Medical Reasons Certain medical problems such as diabetes and feet disorders aggravate the foot pain. Arthritis is another big reason for foot pain. Other foot implications such as damaged foot nerves, foot ulcers, hardened foot arteries and sores cause enormous foot pain. People who are obese are prone to foot pain. Foot injuries such as tendinitis, sprain and fractures are other causes of foot pain. Pregnant ladies are more susceptible to foot aches. Warts, ingrown toenails, corns and athlete’s foot are the potential causes of foot ache. Hammertoes, joint pain, calluses and fallen arches could be the probable causes of foot pain. Medical treatment and home remedies for foot pain can cure it. Initially, it is to use herbal remedies for foot pain. Here are some of the best herbal remedies for foot pain: Vinegar Vinegar reduces the inflammation. It is an excellent remedy for foot pain caused by strains and sprains. Take two tablespoons of vinegar and put them in a bucket of hot water. Dip your feet in the water for twenty minutes. Do this twice or thrice every day. Ice Ice numbs the affected foot and relieves pain. Place ice cubes on the aching foot and rub it in circular motions. The coldness numbs the paining nerves and reduces inflammation.

RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is a common virus that affects the respiratory system of babies, young children, and adults by triggering infection. In infants, RSV is often associated with pneumonia and bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lungs). Generally, an infection due to RSV causes mild warning signs similar to the common cold. But sometimes, the RSV symptoms can be quite severe and cause complications, especially in children under five years. Signs of RSV in infants RSV signs usually manifest after around two to five days of contact with the virus. Initially, the warning signs of RSV in infants are quite mild. Often, it seems like the baby has a common cold. But as the infection moves to the lungs, it triggers coughing and wheezing. In some infants, the infection may cause severe respiratory disease that requires urgent care at the hospital. This usually happens in the case of babies born premature or those with preexisting or congenital conditions related to the lungs, heart, or immune system. In general, these are some common signs of RSV in infants: Runny nose Fever Cough Apnea or short periods without breathing Difficulty swallowing, drinking, or eating Wheezing Flaring of the nostrils Straining of the stomach or chest while breathing Difficulty breathing Breathing quicker than usual The skin around the fingertips and lip begin to turn blue Ways to manage RSV warning signs in infants Along with treatment options recommended by a pediatrician, certain other management methods can help relieve discomfort caused by the infection. 1. Keep up the intake of fluids With airways blocked, infants find it difficult to feed as usual. Because of the discomfort caused by the congestion, many infants don’t show interest in drinking and feeding. As a result, they become easily dehydrated, worsening RSV symptoms. So, it is important to help infants stay hydrated as much as possible by ensuring they drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.

Arthritis, a disease that affects your bones and joints, is characterized by inflammation and pain that can worsen with age. It is a very common condition. Although the effects of this condition can be reduced, it can never get completely cured. Foods like fish, nuts, and vegetables help prevent arthritis. However, some foods can cause inflammation and trigger the many symptoms of arthritis. There are many foods that you should avoid if you’re suffering from arthritis. Some of these include: AGEs Advanced Glycogen End (AGE) is a toxic substance that is formed when food is grilled, fried, or heated up in any form. This substance can cause damage to the proteins in your body. To fight this damage, your body releases cytokines, an inflammatory substance, which could trigger arthritis. Sugar High amounts of sugar in your food could also contribute to the development of AGEs. It is best to reduce the intake of candies, sodas, and other items that are rich in sugar. Dairy The protein found in dairy products is harmful to some people with arthritis, as it irritates the joints. If dairy products disturb your health, it is recommended you shift to vegan products which do not contain this protein. However, some studies have shown that milk has anti-inflammatory effects. As a result, you should only stop dairy if your body reacts negatively. Alcohol Alcohol leads to several health issues, one of them being arthritis. Drinking can increase the chances of you developing gout as well. Avoid alcohol as much as possible and concentrate on a healthier lifestyle to keep your joints free from irritation and stiffness. Tobacco Tobacco is a major culprit when it comes to health issues. Along with other major diseases, tobacco can also trigger inflammation that causes arthritis. The most common form of arthritis caused by tobacco is rheumatoid arthritis.

Colitis, or ulcerative colitis, is a specific kind of inflammatory bowel disease. It can cause agonizing symptoms such as extreme abdominal discomfort, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. Following a healthy diet for colitis and making some simple dietary changes can help in effectively managing the condition and easing the symptoms, but how do you know which foods to eat and which ones to avoid? Well, this article focuses on the list of foods that might be beneficial for people suffering from this inflammatory disease. Also, it lists certain food items to avoid the worsening of symptoms. Let’s have a look. Foods to Eat With so many potential food triggers, it can sometimes be difficult to identify the exact cause that may prompt the symptoms. Also, with trigger foods, those that are safe and do not flare up symptoms will vary from person to person. Some of the most common food items that usually form a part of healthy diets for colitis are as follows: Avocados Avocados are helpful for treating ulcerative colitis as they are especially high in nutrients. Applesauce This is also a powerhouse of nutrients, but, at the same time, the presence of fructose and high fiber content may cause unnecessary triggering of symptoms in some people. Eggs Eggs are good for health, especially as they contain omega-3 supplementation. Squash Squash is found to be helpful in easing the symptoms of colitis. Salmon Salmon is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids that have a lot of health benefits besides aiding digestion. Fermented Foods Fermented foods such as yogurts contain active probiotics that help in digestion. Also, it is believed that regular use of probiotics is one of the best long-term treatment options for colitis. Oatmeal Oatmeal is a good option as it is easier to digest. In addition to the abovementioned food items that are integral to diets for colitis, it is advisable to consume plenty of liquids to avoid diarrhea and subsequent dehydration.

Probiotics are living bacteria that are consumed by for their health benefits. There is hype in the use of probiotics as many people have received substantial health benefits like improved digestive systems and glowing skin. However, there are certain side effects to probiotics that people have experienced. Before you buy and start consuming probiotics, do know about the potential side effects of this product. We have highlighted some these side effects to probiotics below: Troubled Digestion It may surprise you that the very product used for the betterment of the digestive system can also cause trouble to it. Unfortunately, some users have experienced it. The effect is temporary but increases the gas levels and bloating in the body. People who have consumed yeast-based products have suffered from constipation. These side effects are mild and slowly vanish with the continuous consumption of probiotics. You can avoid this side effect if you begin with taking small doses on slowly increase them as the days go by. This will make your body used to the dietary product and there is a chance that there would not be any side-effects that you will experience. Skin Problems Intake of probiotics means you are taking biogenic amines in your body. This can cause acne and skin rashes. But this side-effect is not totally bad. This is because acne and pimples are caused to release the toxins from the body. But if the rashes remain for long and the pimples do not go soon, then this is the signal of allergic reaction that is one of the probiotics side effects. In such a situation, consult a skin specialist and immediately cease the intake of the probiotic product. Infection Some people have gone through serious infections with the intake of probiotics. The number of users who have experienced infections is few but they do exist.

Human life would have been simpler if we weren’t threatened by the onset of diseases every once in a while. However, with the right kind of lifestyle that involves eating healthy food and exercising regularly, we can lead an “almost” disease-free life. The right kind of food and our attempts to maintain the perfect body weight goes a long way in strengthening our immune system. One can think of our immune system as the guardian of our entire system. A healthy immune system helps keep a lot of diseases at bay. Thus, we are capable of thwarting certain diseases with the help of a strong immune system. Have you ever given a thought what the consequences will be if our immune system is the one that becomes the cause of our misery? Well, if the immune system is the culprit of the misery inflicted on you, it results in allergies. What causes allergies? Certain harmless elements in the environment can trigger an allergy. The immune system is known to protect the body against viruses and bacteria. However, when these harmless elements enter the body, the immune system mistakes them for some malicious agents and begins attacking them. This reaction of the immune system is the root cause of allergies. The allergens are basically harmless elements, but it’s the immune system’s reaction to it that causes allergies. What are the most common allergens? The most common allergens are nothing but some of the elements that we come across so many times in our lives. Some of them are as follows: Certain foods can cause allergy. For example, nuts, fish, fruits, etc. If you own a pet, the cause of your allergy might be pet dander. Sometimes, certain medicines can trigger an allergic reaction in an individual. Pollen allergy is one of the most common kinds of allergies.