Abdominal Hernia – Types and Treatments

Abdominal Hernia – Types and Treatments

A hernia can be caused to both adults and children. The common types of a hernia are an incisional, epigastric, and umbilical hernia. In an incisional hernia, your tissue pushes through a weak spot in the groin muscles that causes a bulge. This bulge in the groin or scrotum can be the cause of pain that may also feel like a burn. This is caused because the wall in the belly muscle does not close as it should, thereby causing an opening and any pressure can cause the tissue to bulge. This may soon occur after birth for some. It often feels like a round lump and can often occur suddenly. A physical test by the doctor can easily help detect a hernia. You may sometimes feel a relief from the pain once you lie down. The treatments for hernia has to be administered as it does not heal on its own. The chances of your hernia getting worse may also be prevalent. You can wait to have a surgery if the pain is not substantial. Hernias that are small and does not cause pain can also be left untreated after proper consultation with a doctor. Surgery is the common option to treat a hernia, and people sometimes opt for a surgery even when it does not cause much pain. Some doctors also believe that surgery is a much viable option than a strangulation. This is one of the treatments for hernia that is often opted for children who need medical intervention immediately. A surgery does not guarantee the eradication of a hernia and it may reoccur. Certain things are to be avoided and precaution is required to be administered by those who have had surgery to as one of the treatments for hernia. Most of the hernias occur in the abdomen and one of such types of a hernia is an epigastric hernia.
Why Maintaining the Normal TSH Range is So Important

Why Maintaining the Normal TSH Range is So Important

The thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is produced by the pituitary gland, which is located at the base of the brain and is responsible for regulating the number of hormones released by the thyroid. The thyroid is an important gland located in the front of the neck. One should not confuse the hormones released by the thyroid to be TSH. The thyroid releases three hormones: triiodothyronine, thyroxine, and calcitonin. The thyroid is responsible for controlling several bodily functions such as metabolism and growth. This is regulated through the release of these hormones. The pituitary gland and the thyroid work hand in hand as more TSH produced by the pituitary gland will lead to the release of more hormones by the thyroid. What is the Normal TSH Range? If this system is disrupted, an inappropriate number of hormones is regenerated and released into the body, which may lead to complications and several symptoms. The normal range of TSH in the body is between 0.4 to 4.0 milliunits per liter. If you are already being treated for a thyroid-related problem, you should know that normal TSH levels are 0.5 to 3.0 milliunits per liter. A TSH test is conducted to determine the cause of this disruption and the underlying factors resulting in its onset. It is also used to determine whether the thyroid is overactive or underactive. The measurement of the level of TSH in the blood enables doctors to determine the functioning condition of the thyroid. Why is a TSH Test Performed? A TSH test may be prescribed by your doctor if you are displaying the symptoms of a thyroid disorder. The overactive or underactive nature of the thyroid in this condition leads to the categorization of its related diseases as either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism takes place when the thyroid produces too few of its primary hormones.
Fibromyalgia Symptom Diagnostic Criteria

Fibromyalgia Symptom Diagnostic Criteria

A complicated disorder to detect, it is characterized by pain which may be accompanied by the lack of sleep, fatigue and memory or mood issues. The pain is caused by the painful sensations that change the way the brain would method the pain signals. It is difficult to say when these symptoms may begin but it is usually characterized and detected by a trauma, infection or psychological stress. These symptoms may not have a single event that may trigger the same and therefore accumulate over time, making it extremely hard to detect earlier. Women may identify fibromyalgia more often than men. Many people who have fibromyalgia may also have depression, anxiety, or several other disorders. What causes someone to suffer from the disorder of fibromyalgia is unknown, but Genetics may cause fibromyalgia as such disorders tend to run in families or makes one more susceptible to developing the disorder. Some infection or some illnesses may appear to trigger the disorder of fibromyalgia or may cause the disease to aggravate. Trauma or Psychological stress can sometimes trigger fibromyalgia. There are 18 points of check that can be helpful in detecting if one suffers from fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia can be identified if there is persistent pain that the person suffers from for more than three months, and there is no underlying condition that can be attributed to such pain. There are no blood tests that detect fibromyalgia, but the symptoms can be detected by several blood tests that may be recommended by the doctor. There is no cure for fibromyalgia and medications are given to control the symptoms. Exercise, stress reduction and relaxation methods have been known to be helpful to the process. When considering the symptoms, the following questions should be taken into consideration. What you have been feeling for the past one week; The current treatments you are taking; and Symptoms of other diseases or known illnesses should be excluded.
What You Should Know about a Sore Throat from Allergies

What You Should Know about a Sore Throat from Allergies

Dealing With A Sore Throat From Allergies A sore throat is one of the most irritating throat problems that cause a lot of discomforts. Most of the time, it is a sign of a cold and fever. A sore throat usually occurs because of viruses. The virus infected sore throat cures on its own, over a few days. What is a sore throat? A sore throat is a condition which causes irritation and itchiness in the throat. It is a painful and a dry feeling that occurs in the throat. Sore throats are generally caused by viruses. It can be treated through home remedies. A sore throat causes scratching and burning sensation in the throat. The symptoms cause a lot of trouble while swallowing. Sometimes, a sore throat can cause fever and swelling of the lymph nodes. In such situations, one must consult the doctors. Causes There are many causes of a sore throat. The most common causes are as follow. Virus There are different viruses which cause a sore throat. These viruses cause colds and other respiratory infections. The viruses responsible for flu and other infections also cause a sore throat. Bacteria A few bacterial infections like strep throat and diphtheria can cause a sore throat. Toxins and Irritants Sometimes, factors like pollution and chemicals are the reasons for a sore throat. Allergies A sore throat can also occur due to allergies. A sore throat from allergies is more irritating than the normal one. It may not be possible to cure the allergy through home remedies. It is necessary to find out the exact cause behind the allergy to treat a sore throat. In case of a sore throat from allergies, post nasal drip plays a major role. The postnasal drip occurs when there is exposure to an allergen.
Effective food habits that can help manage migraine

Effective food habits that can help manage migraine

Most times, headaches cause major discomfort in our regular activities which can lead to a lack of interest in completing tasks. Migraines are a severe form of headaches that causes intense pain that could last from a few hours to days on end. It can also affect other physical activities as well. Migraines are usually caused due to a lack of food and sleep; however, the exact cause of migraine is still unknown. Besides other treatment options, there are some foods that can help manage the condition effectively. Food habits to follow: Intake of vegetables and fruits – Vegetables and fruits have many beneficial factors and help our body in many ways. Whole and natural foods that contain no artificial flavoring and preservatives keep us healthy and avoid conditions such as migraine. Different types of fruits and vegetables in any color can act as pain relief in case of migraine. However, it is important to avoid citrus fruits as it can trigger a migraine. Natural sweeteners such as vanilla extract and maple syrup can also be beneficial. Healthy fresh meat – Always go for fresh meat and avoid processed meat. Fresh meat such as chicken, fish, or red meat are considered to be safe for those suffering from migraines. Red meat and salmon contain a good amount of vitamin B2 that helps in relieving migraine pain. Smoked and processed meat, however, contain a high amount of salt, preservatives, and artificial coloring that can trigger a migraine. Eat mini meals – Hunger is one of the most common reasons for migraines. Eating three large meals can leave you hungry very often and lead to headaches. Eating foods in small portions during the day reduces hunger and helps eradicate migraine. Make sure you eat enough to stay active throughout the day. Drink lots of water – Water has many benefits and helps our body in different ways.
5 ways to get rid of under-eye wrinkles naturally

5 ways to get rid of under-eye wrinkles naturally

As we age, the body naturally begins to develop wrinkles on most parts of the body including the hands, face, and neck. The process is much likely to be noticed in areas that are exposed to the sun. Wrinkles are most seen post the age of 40 years as the skin loses its moisture and becomes thinner. Most people are highly concerned about wrinkles in the area around the eye. The most apparent cause of this development is sun exposure, however, several other factors such as smoking, and an unbalanced diet too can be contributors. There are several forms of medical treatments that can be employed to combat the development and reduce the appearance of under-eye wrinkles. However, you can also resort to several home remedies that have been found to be effective for this reason. Here are some effective natural ways that you must try before you arrive at which one works best for you: Consume probiotics Probiotics have been found to have the best effect on the reduction of wrinkles and boosting the health of the skin, overall. Probiotics are abundantly found in yogurt. However, they can also be consumed through formulated supplements. Some studies prove the good effects of probiotics when it is regularly applied to the skin as it reduces the level of sun damage. Consumption of vitamin C Vitamin C is one of the most important antioxidants and helps in the creation of collagen in the skin. There are numerous foods that are abundant in Vitamin C and they include rosehips, chili peppers, fruits, vegetables, kale and more. Vitamin C can also be applied topically through gels that are only formulated with nutrient and no additional ingredients. Olive oil massage Massage is believed to be one of the best ways to reduce under-eye wrinkles naturally.
Foods to ease the symptoms of Crohn’s disease

Foods to ease the symptoms of Crohn’s disease

Since Crohn’s disease directly affects the digestive tract and causes irritation and discomfort in the alimentary canal, people suffering from this disease should take primary care of their regular diet. The amount of food consumed, the calorie intake, and many other factors should be taken into consideration when suffering from this condition. In certain cases, the symptoms could get worse if one fails to maintain a healthy diet. What is Crohn’s disease? Crohn’s disease is both rare and life-threatening. It is a chronic disease which requires long-term medical attention and is mostly incurable. It results in inflammation of the intestines and might be accompanied by scarring of the inner intestinal lining. It can occur in any part of the intestine; however, the colon of the large intestine and ileum of the small intestine are prone to get affected more easily. The condition often lasts for years but can be lifelong for some people. Crohn’s disease may also result in ulcers in the inner lining as well as fistulae, which is extremely painful. Laboratory testing, as well as abdominal imaging, helps detect the disease. Foods to ease the symptoms of Crohn’s disease Since Crohn’s disease is not easy to cure, people suffering from it are advised to take thorough care of their diet. Junk food should be strictly avoided. Some of the foods to ease the symptoms of Crohn’s disease are: De-caffeinated drinks and beverages If you suffer from Crohn’s disease, caffeine should be avoided as much as possible. These include coffee, tea, flavored sodas, etc. Additionally, one should only consume drinks with low sugar or zero added sugar content so that they do not experience sudden flare-ups. Peeling fruits and selective fruits People with Crohn’s disease have a restricted fruit diet and can only consume the ones with low fiber content.
6 FDA-approved asthma medications to know about

6 FDA-approved asthma medications to know about

6 FDA-approved asthma medications to know about There is no known cause of asthma; usually, a combination of genetic and environmental factors lead to the condition. Exposure to allergic substances and irritants can trigger asthma symptoms. The triggers and symptoms vary from person to person. Everything from airborne substances like pet dander, mold spores, the common cold, cold air, smoke, GERD, and stress can trigger asthma symptoms. These triggers can induce asthma symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest tightness, chest pain, wheezing or whistling sound when exhaling, coughing attack, or wheezing attack. These symptoms can be alleviated and controlled using asthma medications. There are no complete treatments for asthma, but therapies and medications are used to prevent flare-ups and keeping the symptoms under control. For flare-ups, quick-relief inhalers are recommended. Long-term control of asthma symptoms can be done with certain FDA-approved asthma medications. Fasenra It is a medication used for the treatment of a type of severe asthma called eosinophilic phenotype asthma. This medication is usually prescribed to patients who are 12 years or older. Younger patients whose asthma condition is not under control with current medications have found relieve with the use of Fasenra. It is prescribed along with asthma maintenance medications. The medication lowers the number of severe asthma attacks that require hospital stay or emergency room visits. Additionally, taking Fasenra lowers the daily maintenance dose of oral corticosteroids. Zyflo Zyflo is a leukotriene inhibitor prescribed for the prevention of asthma attacks in adults and children above 12 years of age. Leukotrienes are chemicals released in the body whenever a person breathes in allergens. These allergens make the lungs swell and cause muscle tightening around the airways, triggering asthma symptoms. Zyflo prevents the effects of the allergens on the lungs and respiratory system, thus controlling asthma symptoms.
6 prescription medicines used for treating migraines

6 prescription medicines used for treating migraines

6 prescription medicines used for treating migraines A migraine is a form of severely painful, recurring headaches that are typically accompanied by a range of sensory symptoms such as temporary vision loss, pins and needles in the arms or legs, difficulty speaking, hearing noises, seeing bright lights, and uncontrollable jerking or other movements. Depending on the severity, this condition can last for hours or even days. According to the American Migraine Foundation, over 36 million people are suffering from this condition. In addition, women are 3 times more likely to get migraines than men. While its exact cause still remains unknown, episodes can be triggered by hormonal fluctuations, emotional distress, fatigue, alcohol, caffeine, dehydration, certain types of medications, and environmental factors. Treatment The following medications are commonly used to treat migraine symptoms. Some of these help mitigate the existing headache, while some prevent the onset of a migraine, reducing the frequency of attacks. Ergomar® Ergomar® belongs to a group of compounds known as ergot alkaloids. These are specially designed for migraine-type headaches, so they shouldn’t be taken to treat common tension headaches or other headaches different from migraine. This medication alleviates migraine headaches by narrowing the widened blood vessels in the head. Ergomar® works best on headaches that have already begun. It won’t be able to prevent migraine headaches or lower the frequency of attacks. ONZETRA® Xsail® ONZETRA® is a sumatriptan nasal powder that is dispensed via the Breath Powered® Xsail device. Sumatriptan comes from a class of medicines known as triptans. It affects serotonin levels that narrow blood vessels in the brain and also relieves pain by targeting certain types of nerves. This prescription medication is used for treating episodes of acute migraine with or without the symptoms of aura in adults. It doesn’t intend to prevent migraine attacks or to treat other forms of headaches including cluster headaches.
Reduce excessive sweating with these foods

Reduce excessive sweating with these foods

While sweating is completely natural and, in fact, healthy, excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis can be caused by underlying health conditions like diabetes, menopause, and tuberculosis. Following a nutrient-dense food regimen plays a crucial role in keeping one healthy, and in this case, it can help one manage hyperhidrosis. On that note, here is a list of must-have foods one should eat daily to keep their body cool and decrease sweating. Foods to eat Water-dense fruits and vegetables Staying hydrated is a great way to manage excessive sweating. One can add water-dense fruits and vegetables to their meals in addition to drinking water and beverages that are low in sugar. Regularly eating watermelon, apples, oranges, peaches, pineapples, spinach, lettuce, cucumbers, bell peppers, strawberries, grapes, celery, eggplant, and red cabbage can reduce excessive sweating episodes. Calcium-rich foods like low-fat milk, cheese, and yogurt Calcium is an essential mineral that regulates the body’s temperature. Getting enough calcium through meals is vital for those dealing with excessive sweating. A few calcium-rich foods include milk, cheese, yogurt, and dark leafy greens. Those who have been told to decrease their fat intake due to health reasons can look for low-fat substitutes of yogurt, cheese, and milk. It is important to note that having low-fat foods can be beneficial for those with hyperhidrosis, as the body needs more energy to digest high-fat foods, leading to excessive sweating. Green tea Decaffeinated green tea is a great way to keep the body cool. This beverage is known to help calm the nerves, thereby reducing sweating. One can think of replacing their daily cup of Joe with tea. Magnesium-rich foods like almond, cashew, spinach, and soy Excessive sweating can cause a deficiency in magnesium, so it is important to include foods like spinach, almonds, soy, pumpkin seeds, cashews, and dark chocolate in one’s meals.
Symptoms of Asthma You Must Know About

Symptoms of Asthma You Must Know About

Asthma is the inflammation of the airway of the lungs that causes you to have difficulty in breathing and gives you intense feelings of shortness of breath. Asthma is caused by genetic and environmental factors and almost anything could cause an asthma attack. These causes are called triggers and the most common triggers are pollen, dust, mold, change in weathers, allergens in the air, irritants such as cigarette smoke or even some medicines. Asthma is much more difficult to manage if it is accompanied by other health conditions such as a runny nose, sinus infection, psychological stress or sleep apnea. The experience of Asthma is different for every person and you have to track what triggers your asthma the most in order to control it. The symptoms of Asthma are many and there are a few that you just cannot miss. 1. Uncontrollable coughing: If you find yourself unable to control that cough making it difficult to function, you have a case of Asthma. The cough may be continuous making it extremely hard to sleep. Likewise, it is noticed that the coughing can be worse during early morning or late at night. The cough accompanied by congestion can also feel painful while being extremely difficult to control. 2. Shortness of Breath: You may feel like you cannot breathe or catch your breath. This difficulty in breathing is caused by chronic inflammation of the airway. Almost anything can cause this inflammation, and the first step to preventing an asthma attack is to identify the trigger. 3. Tightening of the chest: A sense of tightening of the chest may also be felt during an asthma attack that could make one feel extremely uncomfortable. This chest tightening can occur during an attack along with coughing or shortness of breath. The chest tightening feels like something may be squeezing your lungs and not allowing you to breathe.
Effective Tips to Reduce Cholesterol Levels

Effective Tips to Reduce Cholesterol Levels

Have you been battling with high cholesterol problems and are wondering how to lower LDL cholesterol levels? High cholesterol increases the risks of heart attacks and diseases. Although treatment may help improve your cholesterol levels, you still need to make essential lifestyle changes to boost the cholesterol-lowering power of the treatment. To help you make healthy lifestyle changes, some effective tips have been listed below on how to lower LDL cholesterol levels. Making some changes in the diet can help reduce the level of fat in the body and help enhance your heart’s health. The following changes can help you be on your way to having a healthy heart: Eliminate trans fats – Often labeled as partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, trans fats are used in store-bought crackers, cookies, cakes, as well as in margarine. They raise the levels of cholesterol in your body and that’s why most hydrogenated vegetable oils are not recommended for use when the LDL levels in the body are high. Reduce saturated fats – Primarily found in full-fat dairy products and red meat, saturated fats can raise your cholesterol levels. By decreasing consumption of saturated fats, you will be able to reduce LDL cholesterol levels in your body. Increase the intake of soluble fiber – Foods that are rich in soluble fiber are great at lowering cholesterol levels naturally. The soluble fiber reduces the absorption of cholesterol into the bloodstream. Therefore, consider eating more fiber-rich foods such as barley, yams, oats, sweet potatoes, oat bran, and other types of potatoes. Beans or legumes like black beans, peas, pinto beans, garbanzo beans, and kidney beans are also excellent sources of soluble fiber. Vegetables are also rich in soluble fiber so consider including beets, eggplant, carrots, okra, and Brussels sprouts in your diet. Some good fiber-rich fruits are oranges, passion fruit, berries, apricots, apples, pears, and nectarines.