An allergy is a disease caused when our immune system becomes hypersensitive due to contact with any foreign substance. These allergic reactions vary from person to person –while some allergies are less complicated with rashes or redness on skin some can be fatal like sending you into an anaphylactic shock where you find it difficult to breathe. Based on the different types of allergies, you need the best allergy medicine which can help your immune system to recover. Food allergy Although more popular among kids and infants, it can also affect adults at any point in time. The concerning thing about food allergies is that it can even occur suddenly after eating food you have been consuming for long. While allergies can happen after consuming anything from eggplant to prawns, the 8 foods that trigger 90% of allergic cases include eggs, soy, milk, wheat, tree nuts, peanuts, fish, and shellfish. Sesame or mustard seeds can also trigger allergies. Symptoms include a swollen tongue, breathing problems, dizziness, wheezing, vomiting, repetitive cough, pale or flared skin etc. Severe symptoms include anaphylactic shock with a sudden drop in blood pressure, unconsciousness and blockage in the air passage. The best way to avoid food allergy is to avoid those foods or products that contain this food in them. In case of Anaphylaxis, injecting an EpiPen initially will help followed by medical attention. Drug allergy Drug allergies can occur after you take a medicine and your immune system gets sensitized with the ingredients of the medication, regardless of whether they are in liquid, tablet, capsule or are transfused through injections. The common triggers of this allergy can be attributed to Anticonvulsants, Penicillin and Penicillin-based antibiotics, Sulfa Drug based antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs and NSAIDs like Aspirin and Ibuprofen. The symptoms include hives, itching, rashes, swelling, wheezing and other breathing complications and in severe cases, anaphylaxis.

Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) occurs when the body abnormally grows cells in the gastrointestinal linings. These abnormally growing cells have the potential to develop into cancer and must therefore be treated as early as possible. This type of growth can be observed anywhere along the digestive tract, but it is most commonly observed in the stomach and small intestine. Causes of GIST The abnormal growth of cells associated with GIST is typically observed in special cells in the body known as interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs). These cells are responsible for regulating the involuntary movements that occur in the gastrointestinal tract. According to certain studies, it is assumed that this abnormality in cells is induced as a result of abnormalities or certain mutations found in the DNA. Such mutations result in the improper behavior of the enzyme tyrosine kinase (KIT). Signs and symptoms of GIST In most cases, this condition goes undiagnosed for a long period of time, as the symptoms aren’t obvious. In certain cases, when the condition progresses, the following symptoms may be observed: Abdominal pain and discomfort Small bumps felt through the skin of the abdomen Nausea and vomiting Fatigue Loss of appetite and feeling full quickly Bowel obstruction Treatment options for GIST Once the condition is diagnosed, the doctors will recommend several treatment options based on its severity. Here are some common treatment options for GIST: Surgery Surgery is one of the most common and conventional approaches to tackling tumors and has been practiced for a long time in the cancer industry. However, if the cancerous cells are widespread and highly powerful, a single surgery would be ineffective in many cases and cannot be relied on as a stand-alone treatment option. Chemotherapy and radiation For larger and more aggressive tumors, doctors may suggest chemotherapy or radiation therapy to destroy cancer cells and prevent these cells from growing back.

Pests can invade a dog’s furry coat and create quite havoc. Some dogs are extremely sensitive to these crawly bugs and can develop skin reactions. That said, several products are available in the market to tackle this problem, and flea tablets are one of them. These fast-acting pills control ticks, worms, and other pests, so pet owners won’t have to worry about infestations. Here are a few trusted flea pills for dogs that will actively protect your pet’s fur coat. Capstar Flea Tablets Capstar is a well-known brand for effective flea-prevention and treatment products. Their flea pills for dogs and puppies can prevent allergy dermatitis, which often occurs due to a flea infestation. Their tablets can start killing these pests within half an hour of ingestion, and they are safe enough for daily single-dose consumption. While no prescription is needed to purchase these, remember to get approval from your vet as they will know if the medicine will agree with your canine. Trifexis Chewable Tablets These strong monthly chewable flea pills for dogs are a good fix for fleas, and they also help keep heartworm disease at bay. They have a blend of pest-fighting agents like milbemycin oxime and spinosad that fight parasites and curb infestation. These tablets come in a beef flavor, so your dog may look forward to feeling better with these chewable pills. The complex formulation of the tablet may cause side effects, so it is only recommended for dogs that are 8 weeks or older and weigh 5 pounds or more. Sentinel Flavor Tabs These flavored tablets are ideal for preventing adult roundworm, whipworm, and hookworm infections in pups more than 4 weeks old and over 2 pounds of weight. Plus, it won’t be difficult to get your pet to eat them as they taste just like treats.

A rotavirus infection triggers diarrhea and vomiting in children. In fact, before the vaccine for this virus was developed, most children would be affected at least once by the age of 5. Doctors usually recommend giving children rehydration fluids to replenish all the water lost due to diarrhea. Other than that, there are no major treatments unless the infection triggers health complications linked to rotavirus. Herein, we discuss how getting a vaccine helps prevent rotavirus. Prevention of rotavirus Rotavirus is ranked among the top infectious diseases that majorly affects children under the age of 5. It remained the leading cause of diarrhea among infants up until 2006, when the first vaccine was introduced. Rotavirus is highly contagious infection that mostly spreads through hand and mouth contact. Along with a vaccination, good handwashing habits and overall hygiene will ensure that this disease doesn’t not rapidly spread. Adults must also ensure commonly touched surfaces are disinfected on a regular basis so that the child is not infected by contaminants on surfaces. Vaccination for rotavirus There are two approved vaccines that are given at a gap of two months. The first dose of the oral-drop vaccine is given to the child at the age of 15 weeks and both doses are completed before the child is 8 months old. The two approved vaccines for use are RotaTeq® The RotaTeq® vaccine is given three times: starting first at the age of 2 months, then at 4 months, and then 6 months Rotarix® Starting first at the age of 2 months and once at 4 months, the Rotarix® vaccine is given only twice. Note that the number of doses varies with these two approved brands. Statistics and studies indicate that vaccination protects almost 9 out of 10 children from severe form of the rotavirus disease.

Atopic dermatitis, which is commonly referred to as eczema, is a medical condition in which areas of the skin become sore, red, cracked, and itchy. The skin tends to get coarse too in this condition. In extreme cases, there is an occurrence of blisters. According to official statistics released around 30% of individuals in the United States of America suffer from eczema. Though once occurred, it stays on in an individual but there have been cases when individuals do recover from it. Eczema occurs due to the inflammation in the body. In attempts to control and eventually reduce the symptoms of this medical condition, one needs to keep track of the food that he or she consumes. Herein, we further discuss the foods to eat and avoid for people with eczema. Foods to eat Vegetables Green leafy vegetables must be included in the diet of an eczema patient considerably. Wholegrain carbohydrate Instead of refined carbohydrates, wholegrain carbohydrates should be included in the diet. Seafood Include seafood regularly in your diet if you are an eczema patient. Fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel are excellent as they are natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Nuts Nuts are also beneficial to reduce inflammation and thus keep control of the symptoms. Vitamins Vitamins should be included in the diet along with flavonoids and minerals. It will greatly help in managing the symptoms of eczema. Potassium Food rich in potassium like bananas is good for eczema patients. Oats Oats are rich in fiber, zinc and vitamin E which helps to reduce the symptoms of this medical condition. Recent research shows that the inclusion of probiotics in the diet helps in the control of symptoms of eczema. Certain foods like yogurt, contain it naturally. Foods to avoid Depending on individuals to individuals, some food might generate the rise of symptoms in an eczema patient.

When the immune system misidentifies and targets good gut bacteria, the cells that line the colon, and food, it can lead to ulcerative colitis. The condition drives the white blood cells to attack the colon lining and trigger symptoms like irritation, inflammation, and ulcers in the large intestine. While ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition, adding certain foods to one’s meals and following some treatment options may help manage the condition. Foods for ulcerative colitis Nut butters A good source of proteins and healthy fats, nut butters like peanut butter, cashew butter, and almond butter may help manage any flare-up that may result from ulcerative colitis. Peeled and cooked veggies Peeled and cooked vegetables are soft and contain less insoluble fiber, making them less irritating to the gut. A few foods to consider are carrots, spinach, parsnips, turnips, and potatoes. The vegetables are abundant in nutrients like vitamins A and K, which can help reduce the effects of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a type of ulcerative colitis. Yogurt Fermented foods like yogurt are rich in probiotics that contain healthy bacteria. Such bacteria aid the digestive system and reduce ulcerative colitis symptoms and flare-ups. But one must steer clear of flavored yogurt as its sugar content may worsen symptoms. Salmon Salmon is a rich source of protein and healthy omega-3 fatty acids. These properties are known to curb inflammation caused by ulcerative colitis. Other fish rich in omega-3s include shrimp and tuna. Treatments for ulcerative colitis Ulcerative colitis symptoms can be managed with certain treatment options, such as: STELARA® (ustekinumab) STELARA® is a prescription treatment for children who are six years and older and adults with moderate to severely active ulcerative colitis. Patients injected with the treatment may find quick relief from their symptoms within eight weeks. Entyvio® (vedolizumab) Adults with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis are given Entyvio when other treatment options do not work efficiently.

N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine, or NAC, is an FDA-approved health supplement that promotes physical and mental wellbeing. It helps prevent infections, lowers inflammation, and improves the functioning of various organs in the body. There are many NAC options available in the market. But when it comes to having supplements, it’s crucial always to get them from the best, most trusted sources. This article lists the five best NAC supplements out there that one can consider. Nutricost NAC Nutricost uses high-quality ingredients to make its NAC capsules. Their supplements are free of artificial colors, gluten, and preservatives, which help stabilize the production of proteins. It also helps strengthen the immune system and optimize the function of the liver and lungs. Nutricost’s 120 servings bottle costs around $18, and the company offers a 90-day moneyback guarantee. Swanson NAC Swanson’s NAC helps fight free radicals and toxins and improves lung function. In addition, it helps replenish glutathione, a component necessary for strengthening the body’s defense mechanism. The brand sells its 100-capsule pack for around $7, and customers can avail of a 100% moneyback guarantee if they aren’t satisfied. Life Extension NAC This is another NAC option that promotes healthy glutathione levels. In addition, it improves respiratory functions, immune health, and liver function. A single bottle of Life Extension’s NAC supplements costs about $10.50, but if one buys four units, they get it at a discounted price of $9.25 per bottle. Integrative Therapeutics NAC NAC capsules by Integrative Therapeutics help fight free radicals and promote glutathione production, an important antioxidant that prevents cell damage. It’s easily absorbed by the body and is free from artificial colors, preservatives, dairy, and gluten, making it one of the best NAC supplements. One can get 60 capsules for around $16.70. NOW NAC NAC capsules by NOW are free from eggs, dairy, soy, nuts, and gluten.

Food plays an important role in managing diabetes. According to several studies, the most severe and chronic diabetes cases and complications triggered by the condition are caused by the excessive consumption of unhealthy foods. These can increase insulin resistance and heighten blood sugar levels in the body. It is, therefore, important to learn about the foods that can worsen the condition. Here are some of the foods that those with diabetes should avoid. Flavored coffee drinks Flavored coffee drinks, unlike regular coffee, are loaded with sugar, carbohydrates, and calories, all of which may lead to an increase in weight and spikes in blood sugar levels. Such complications will eventually lead to a severe form of diabetes and other health conditions, like high blood pressure and cholesterol. Margarine Margarine is used as a healthy alternative to butter because it is low in saturated fats. However, the food contains high levels of trans fats. These fats may trigger inflammation, increase insulin resistance, and reduce the healthy cholesterol levels in the body. White bread White bread is a processed food that is rich in carbohydrates. Studies indicate that foods high in carbohydrates may raise blood sugar levels in those with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. They may also affect brain function, especially in those with type 2 diabetes and mental health issues. Sugary drinks Drinks like sodas, sweetened ice tea, and lemonade are extremely high in carbohydrates. These drinks also contain excessive fructose levels. These can influence the body to resist insulin and worsen diabetes. Fruit-flavored yogurt While plain yogurt is suitable for those with diabetes, fruit-flavored yogurt has the opposite effect. Such yogurt is derived from nonfat or low-fat milk with high concentrations of sugar and carbohydrates. So as delicious as fruit-flavored yogurt may taste, one must steer clear of the food to avoid unnecessary spikes in blood sugar and insulin.

Heartworm disease is a serious medical condition that affects many animals. It is caused by a parasitic worm that spreads through the bite of a mosquito. If undetected, heartworms often result in severe lung infections, organ damage, and even heart failure. There are many options available to prevent this parasitic infection. In this article, there are a few easy home remedies that can help treat heartworms in dogs. Pumpkin seeds Pumpkin seeds are a great home remedy when it comes to deworming your pet dog. They contain an amino acid known as cucurbitacin that eliminates worms from the intestine. They have proved to be an effective treatment in removing heartworms from dogs. The best way to feed your dog pumpkin seed is by drying them, removing the shell, and grounding the seeds into powder. You can then sprinkle it onto your pet’s food until the heartworm dies. Carrots Another great remedy for worms in dogs is carrots. Carrot is a high-fiber veggie. That removes any mucus and parasites residing within the walls of the gut and stomach during digestion. The parasites are then eliminated from the body along with fiber content. When it comes to heartworm, carrots could help by producing anti-parasitic compounds. They are also filled with essential vitamins and nutrients good for overall health. Coconut oil Coconut oil is known for its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It makes a great home remedy for deworming pets. It can also tackle other internal parasites such as heartworm. Give your dog one teaspoon of coconut oil per 10 pounds in body weight as part of their food. You can also give your dog dried coconut or coconut milk. Note that home remedies may not be safe or work in a similar manner for all dogs. So, don’t forget to check with the veterinarian before you start treating heartworm in dogs with home remedies.

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) refer to closely related hematopoietic disorders characterized by abnormalities in the bone marrow’s blood-forming cells. Classified as a rare type of blood cancer, this disease typically affects the elderly. Research suggests that MDS can progress to acute myeloid leukemia in one in three patients. However, a systematic treatment course, adequate healthcare, and proper nutrition can help control MDS symptoms. Some natural remedies to manage MDS are listed below. Aromatherapy Aromatherapy refers to using essential oils to calm the mind and body. Aromatherapy is also used among patients with cancer to reduce chemotherapy-induced symptoms. Moreover, individuals with MDS typically undergo extensive treatment courses, which can lead to considerable distress and anxiety. Aromatherapy is a tried-and-tested practice to facilitate mind relaxation and lower stress levels. Massage therapy Research indicates that massage can considerably reduce fatigue among cancer patients. Patients with MDS typically face anxiety due to the uncertainty involved. In addition, massage therapy can help them cope better with the treatment process and reduce negative emotions associated with it. Breathing exercises Breathing exercises increase the oxygen supply to the lungs, enhancing one’s quality of life and helping with healing. It can also help MDS patients with mind and body relaxation, which is much needed amidst the intensive treatment procedure. Acupuncture Acupuncture is a treatment method that involves the insertion of extremely thin needles into the skin at specific body areas. Besides entailing several benefits, such as relief from headaches, back pain, neck pain, and respiratory problems, it also helps reduce postoperative nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. In addition, since many patients with MDS have to undergo chemotherapy, acupuncture can provide relief after the operation and contribute to a more hassle-free recovery. Yoga Although yoga cannot directly help fight cancer, it can help patients alleviate its side effects and lead a more peaceful life on their paths to recovery.

Vitiligo is a progressive skin condition characterized by depigmented patches of skin. The white areas (called macules) can develop on one’s forearms, hands, face, and feet. This unpredictable condition can be better managed with assistance from a healthcare professional. Individuals must focus on managing and controlling aspects of the condition within their reach. While there is no cure for the skin disease, adhering to expert guidelines can aid in preventing further progression of vitiligo. 1. Avoid tanning beds Tanning beds are not a safe way to achieve the desired sun tan. They can cause the skin to burn, especially on patches that lack pigmentation. Using tanning beds can also worsen vitiligo and lead to further progression. Instead of helping individuals achieve pigment or tanning on the affected skin patches , the device can make those patches more noticeable. 2. Look for shade Affected vitiligo patients are recommended to stay indoors or under shade as much as possible to prevent the condition from progressing. This helps protect the skin from getting sunburned or tanned. Finding shade outdoors is particularly vital when one’s shadow is shorter than the body, as this indicates that the sun’s rays are the most intense. Shorter shadows also mean the skin is more susceptible to damage from the sun’s rays. 3. Wear protective clothing Wearing the right clothes is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect against skin damage due to vitiligo. Some types and fabrics of clothing are preferable to others when planning to spend time in the sun. Long-sleeved, light, and breathable clothes are best to stay protected from the sun’s harmful rays. 4. Use sun protection Sunscreen is a first line of defense against sun damage, but it’s often overlooked. To safeguard the affected skin , it’s important to apply a generous amount of sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to all the exposed areas.

Be it cats or dogs, pet owners love to treat their pets with treats. If you are a cat owner, you would love to treat your cats for various reasons to showcase your love and appreciation to them. Unfortunately, this can lead to a lot of health problems of your feline friend, which include a shortened lifespan, obesity, and other conditions. Overeating can also cause harmful effects on the cat’s health. Here are some tips on using food for showing love towards your feline pet without spoiling or harming them: Mix foods If your cat is refusing to eat something new (read: healthy), but still enjoys its old food, then try to mix the two foods for a few days. This will trick it into eating the new healthy food by masking it with the old food that it already likes. This is a good way to transition cats on to a new diet every time you make changes to their diet. Use chicken broth Chicken broth for cats is like tomato ketchup for humans – it makes everything taste better. If your cat is being particularly persnickety about its food, you could add some low-sodium chicken broth in its food for lending it some zing. Hopefully, that will prod your pet cat to eat the new food you put out in their bowl. Cut the scraps In some cases, your cat’s reluctance to eat its food, old or new, could be your fault, especially if it is used to being fed table scraps from your dinner table. In such cases, its palate is likely to prefer food with a little more flavor than what you’re putting out for it. So, you need to stop feeding your cat leftovers from the table. Cut back on the treats Your cat might not be eating its new food because it thinks that it’ll just get its fill of treats across the day.