An allergy is the response of the immune system to an irritating substance. These allergens could come from food, insects, pollen grains, drugs, and medications. When our body comes across any allergen, our immune system becomes active and creates specific antibodies called immunoglobulin to fight with the allergen. Immunoglobulins are present in our nose, throat, eyes, and lungs. These antibodies activate the mast cells in our body which cause the release of certain chemical substances in these zones called histamines. The release of histamine causes symptoms of an allergic reaction such as swelling in the nasal passage, runny nose, itching in the throat, burning eyes, and other such symptoms. Every person is different and so are their allergies. No two people are bound to have the same reaction to an allergen. A person can be allergic to one thing but might be completely non-responsive to the other. Though allergies are different in different people, there are be best allergy treatments people can use to cure all types of allergies. The allergies can also depend upon the amount of exposure. A limited amount of exposure might not harm an individual but if it crosses the threshold, it can cause the allergy to flare up. These reactions basically depend on upon our genetic disposition. If the parents have some kind of an allergy, the child having the susceptibility of having the same allergy might increase manifold. The most common causes of an allergy are mentioned below. Allergy from food – Food items like fish, nuts, and dairy products can cause allergic reactions in different individuals. These allergies could manifest itself in skin allergies or nasal allergic symptoms. Airborne allergies – Airborne allergies are the allergies which are spread through the air. The main causes of these allergies are pollen, that is shed by the trees during the springtime.

Allergies among children of various age groups is a very common phenomenon, but it hampers the immune system of the child and allows other infections to enter the body. Parents must keep a close eye on various child allergy symptoms for the better health of the little one. An allergy is a condition where the immune system abnormally treats certain substances as irritants which may not necessarily be harmful to the body. The patient is said to have developed an allergy to a particular substance when the immune system overreacts by producing antibodies in the bloodstream as if fighting a foreign element or an invader that has entered the system forcefully. Airborne allergies are the most common type found among children which causes a condition known as allergic rhinitis. Child allergy symptoms of allergic rhinitis reportedly affect nearly 10 percent of children in the United States. The child allergy symptoms can be anywhere from mild effects on the patient to being a potential threat to their quality of life. Hence it is imperative for parents and guardians to know about these allergies, so as to provide intensive care and proper medication to the child on time. The following are certain child allergy symptoms that can be diagnosed in the early onset of the illness to prevent the allergy from worsening. Breathing Difficulties Breathing difficulties are one of the most common child allergy symptoms. In the case of respiratory signs, child allergy symptoms include irritable airways in the child that leads to uncontrolled coughing, wheezing, tightness of the chest, and also shortness of breath. Child allergy symptoms such as breathing difficulties are often encountered in allergic asthma, which is recorded as the most common type of asthma. Nasal Congestion Postnasal drip is a very common child allergy symptom which is caused when there is an irritant or allergen that has entered the nasal passage causing nasal congestion.

With age comes a variety of ailments. Even though a person might have tried their level best to maintain a healthy life, aging would make them vulnerable to various ailments. The common health issues that older adults face include joint pains, back aches, knee pain, etc. It is an accepted fact that with age, the wear and tear cause our joints to weaken, and we aren’t as strong as we were during our heydays. One of the most common ailments that affect a majority of the population above 50 years of age is spinal stenosis. What is spinal stenosis? Spinal stenosis is a disorder that affects the spinal cord, causing the spinal canal to narrow. The spinal canal is a passage of nerves that spread to the center of the back. When the spinal canal starts narrowing, it exerts a lot of pressure on the spinal cord and the nerves on the back, which in turns causes excruciating pain in the back, sciatica, and nerve-related problems. Causes of spinal stenosis Spinal stenosis is mostly the collateral damage caused by arthritis. Since arthritis causes thickening of ligaments, disc changes, and bone spurs, it would exert pressure on the spinal cord, and thereby cause spinal stenosis. The other causes of spinal stenosis are herniated discs, injuries, tumors, and Paget’s disease. The symptoms of spinal stenosis The symptoms of spinal stenosis manifest itself in the form of sciatica, which is characterized by a pain that begins from the legs and spreads to the lower back and buttocks. Other symptoms of spinal stenosis include foot drop, loss of bladder movement, and experiencing difficulty in standing and walking. Though there are various medical treatments for spinal stenosis, home treatments work better in the long run. Home treatment for spinal stenosis Regular exercise Though the person might suffer from a backache, this shouldn’t confine them to a sedentary lifestyle.

Colitis occurs due to inflammation of the colon. Infection is the primary reason of inflammation. Before we dwell on the feasible treatment options available for colitis, it will be helpful to understand the causes of colitis. Some facts and common causes of colitis are listed below. Infectious colitis Colon infection can result due to the virus and bacterial presence. The bacterial causes of foodborne infection include E coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter. This kind of infection can result in bloody diarrhea and can cause severe dehydration in the body. These virus and bacteria are common causes of colitis. Parasitic infection is also one of the causes of colitis. These parasites enter the human body whenever contaminated water is consumed and can cause inflammation of the colon which can result in diarrhea. In addition, pseudomembranous colitis is also caused by Clostridium difficile bacteria and is seen in patients who are taking antibiotics on a regular basis. Consumption of antibiotics regularly leads to altering the course of normal bacteria present in the colon. These bacteria help in digestion and when an excess of antibiotics are taken these bacteria are replaced by an overgrowth of Clostridium bacteria. These bacteria lead to infection which is one of the causes of colitis. Ischemic colitis It should be understood that arteries which supply blood to the colon are much similar to any other normal arteries. These arteries also become narrow sometimes due to atherosclerosis, and when these become narrow, they make the colon lose its blood supply and thus become inflamed. The blood supply of colon can also reduce due to other mechanical reasons. This can happen due to volvulus, a condition in which the bowel gets twisted on its own and incarcerated a hernia in which a small portion of the colon is trapped in a part of the abdominal wall.

Probiotics are the food supplements which are added to the diet for health benefits such as immunity, digestive functions, and growth. It is safe to include the dietary intake in proper doses. High dose of probiotics at times have a bad impact on health. The probiotics can be taken orally. Live microorganisms work effectively to boost human health; however, there are some side effects related to them. These side effects range from mild to severe. They can cause digestive complications such as bloating and gas in the stomach. In some cases, the usage of probiotics can cause infections that can be only treated using antibiotics. It can cause problems for people suffering from health complications and cause unusual metabolic responses. Although the probiotics are pretty good for the body, they may cause some rare side effects. These side effects are common among people with underlying medical complications. At times, the body responds badly to the good bacterial intake. Normally, the pH level in the colon must be between 6.7 and 6.9. The pH levels below 7.0 are said to be acidic, whereas pH levels more than 7.0 are said to be of basic nature. The colon must be acidic to combat the growth of pathogenic bacteria and promote the growth of good bacteria. Medications and other drugs make the colon environment alkaline. The consumption of the probiotic supplements makes the colon acidic. The change of the colon’s pH from acidic to alkaline causes a war between the good and bad bacteria. This tug of war causes bloating, abdominal pain, and complications in bowel movements. The side effects of probiotics don’t last for long. Discontinuation of the probiotic intake will help you get rid of the symptoms and prevent their worsening. Side effects of probiotics Stomach problems Stomach problems such as bloating, pain in the abdomen, and gas production are some of the side effects of probiotics.

Hemorrhoids often known as piles are a common disease among people. Every three out of four individuals suffer from hemorrhoids at different ages during their lifespan. Hemorrhoids are the swollen veins in the anus and parts of the lower rectum. There are several causes of hemorrhoids. During deliveries, high pressure is exerted on the veins which may cause piles. Excessive straining during the bowel movements is another cause of hemorrhoids. Some of the probable symptoms of hemorrhoids include bleeding, itching, and discomfort. Read the article below to explore the causes, symptoms, facts, diagnosis, and treatment of hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids can be classified into two categories, internal hemorrhoids and external hemorrhoids Internal hemorrhoids: Internal hemorrhoids occur inside the rectum walls. These hemorrhoids are less painful and don’t cause discomfort or irritation. In the beginning, people don’t even feel internal hemorrhoid. However, the enlargement makes them more obvious. In some cases, too much irritation and straining worsens the hemorrhoids and can even cause bleeding. Internal hemorrhoids can move to the anal opening due to high straining or increased pressure. The condition is known as protruding or prolapsed hemorrhoids. If you find pink skin around the anus area, it is a probable sign of prolapsed hemorrhoids. Prolapsed hemorrhoids cause much pain at times. This is because the anus has an intricate network of pain-sensing nerves. Protruding hemorrhoids can move into the rectum by itself. However, if they don’t, they can be moved back to the required place using medical treatment. External hemorrhoids: External hemorrhoids occur on the outer skin around the anus. Thrombosed hemorrhoids: Thrombosed hemorrhoids result in the formation of blood clot. Though thrombosed hemorrhoids don’t have severe impacts, it can be painful at times and lead to inflammation and bleeding. Enlarged hemorrhoids: The enlarged hemorrhoids can be identified with the symptoms such as mucus discharge, burning sensation in the anus, improper emptying during a bowel movement, itching, and pain.

There are mornings when you feel feverish, unmotivated, have a cough, and a stuffy nose and cough. That’s not all. An aching body and a heavy head add to your misery. More often than not, it’s just a case of the common cold. A quick visit to the doctor, though, is always a good idea. A common cold is difficult to cope with especially on days when you have to work, and this may cause a huge disruption to lead a normal life. Also, as having a common cold along with a stuffy nose and cough is infectious and communicable, it can isolate the person suffering from it. Increasing your body’s immunity towards the same is essential and can be used to prevent a bad day. When suffering from a common cold or a stuffy nose and cough, it can lead to sinusitis which is simply a sinus inflammation. This sinus infection may have potentially developed into an infection whereby it can either be acute and chronic. Acute sinusitis typically starts with a cold which then turns into a bacterial infection. The stuffy nose and cough and the mucus congested in your chest lead the path to a bacterial infection in your nose or throat. This bacterial multiplication causes acute sinusitis. Sensitivity to allergens such as pollutants or hay fever can also cause stuffy nose and cold. Rhinosinusitis (chronic sinusitis) typically is recurrent and lasts longer. In chronic sinusitis, nasal sinus membranes are thickened which cause inflammation. The causes are unknown; however, people are usually allergic or have asthma. The warm winter days have an accompanying phenomenon with them which is an increase in the pollen count around you. These pollen grains in the air are a cause of hay fever which contributes to sinusitis at a higher rate. The methods to relief you from that stuffy nose and cough are:

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) is a common problem that affects both men and women. Let’s look at some of the causes of this infection. Urinary system comprises urethra, which is responsible for carrying urine out of the bladder. UTI happens when infection-causing bacteria can make their way up the urethra. There are a number of reasons that cause UTI. If UTI gets worse, it is best to see your doctor as the infection can spread to the kidneys and cause serious problems. Before the situation turns nasty, it is better to fight the bacteria at the beginning itself. In this article, we have discussed some home remedies for UTI’s that not only kills bacteria but also help pee flow painlessly and smoothly once again. It is never good to control the natural flow of urine. Controlling urine can also be one of the causes of UTI. When you hold it for a longer period, it gives bacteria a chance to grow and multiply. This will cause an infection. In case you are suffering from UTI, peeing help in flushing more of that bacteria out of your system. Here are some remedies that can be used to treat UTI at home and to get over signs of a urinary tract infection. These remedies do not require any prescriptions and can be easily done at home along with any other method/methods recommended by your doctor. However, be cautious when using Uti at home remedies and speak to your doctor before starting a new treatment plan. Water The foremost thing when suffering from UTI is to drink lots of water. Water helps in flushing out not only toxins but also bacteria. By drinking water, you give your system a helping hand to get rid of that nasty bacteria. Vitamin C It is beneficial to consume everything that is loaded with Vitamin C as large amounts of it can make the urine acidic thus hindering the growth of unwanted infection-causing bacteria.

Foods to avoid if one has colitis Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory disease of the colon and rectum, which make up for a major part of the large intestine. It can cause symptoms like bleeding from the rectum, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. These can flare up due to various triggers, with food being one of the major ones. A low-fat, low-salt, high-calorie, low-fiber and gluten-free diet is the best diet to follow for those who suffer from colitis. There are certain foods can result in the aggravation of the symptoms of the condition, read on to know more. Gluten Foods that have gluten, like wheat, rye, and barley can cause allergies in some people. It can also lead to the development of symptoms similar to those seen in ulcerative colitis in those who have gluten sensitivity. This is why the ingredient is high on the list of foods to be avoided. Alcohol Alcohol can irritate the stomach and worsen the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. It must be avoided or consumed in moderation and ideally, one should either drink alcohol with a meal instead of on an empty stomach. High-fiber foods High-fiber foods like adzuki beans, peas, lentils, and legumes can cause bloating and gas and can worsen the symptoms of colitis. Fibrous vegetables can be consumed after skinning and deseeding them as the skin contains most of the fiber content. If they are cooked until they become soft, they can be eaten safely as this prevents problems after consumption. Fibrous fruits that are raw, dried, and have seeds can cause problems and must be avoided. Fruit juice can be consumed, except prune juice. Sulfur Sulfate is an essential nutrient that assists in many body processes. But, in individuals with ulcerative colitis, its presence can feed bacteria that creat H2S toxic gas which can lead to bloating and discomfort.

The shoulder is the most flexible joint in your body consisting of three bones namely humerus (upper arm), scapula (shoulder blade), and clavicle (collarbone). The top of the humerus is ball-shaped, and it fits into a shallow socket present in the scapula. The ligaments in the shoulder help to keep the ball centered in the socket while the rotator cuff muscles allow you to rotate and lift the arm. If this part of your body gets injured, then you can experience pain in the shoulder muscles. Causes of shoulder muscle pain Shoulder pain, also known as deltoid pain, is a common problem that people face due to a variety of reasons. To understand the source of this pain, we are going to discuss the issues associated with different parts of the shoulder. Rotator cuff problem (outside the shoulder region) Altogether, there are four rotator cuff muscles present in the shoulder region that allow individuals to move the shoulder. These muscles are not involved while lifting heavy objects. The three causes of pain in the shoulder muscles associated with the rotator cuff are tendonitis, bursitis, and rotator cuff tear. While bursitis and tendonitis refer to an inflammation of the bursa and tendons, a rotator cuff tear generally occurs when the tendons get separated from the bone due to an injury. Rotator cuff injuries are associated with symptoms that tend to become worse at night. It also leads to a painful sensation during physical activities such as reaching or throwing. Patients with a rotator cuff tear tend to suffer from loss of sleep because of the pain in the shoulder muscles. Sometimes, your muscles may feel stiff due to the injury or inflammation caused by a rotator cuff tear or tendonitis. Bicep tendonitis (Front of the shoulder region) Patients with this condition usually develop gradual pain at the front of the shoulder.

Eczema is a skin condition in which the infection causes inflammation and irritation of the epidermis (outer layer of the skin). Alternatively known as atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema, it comes under a group of skin diseases which results in allergic conditions. Eczema is a common condition which affects more than 3 million people in the country including infants, children, and adults and can last for a couple of months depending on the severity of the condition. The rash results in itching which cannot be controlled and commonly appears on your face, back of the knees, hands, feet or on your wrists. Eczema causes the affected area to dry up and thicken. It can also affect pigmentation which causes discoloration in your skin highlighting the affected area particularly. Infants suffering from eczema will be affected severely since the rash can cause oozing, crustation of the skin on the face and scalp along with patches that can occur throughout the body. Causes of eczema are not known, but the condition has been linked to the body’s immune system. The immune system is designed to respond to various threats that might affect your overall wellbeing, thus keeping you healthy. However, an overactive response for tackling certain conditions can lead to the development of eczema skin. Other causes can be linked to an allergic reaction caused by certain substances like coming into contact with coarse materials, exposure to household products which might contain chemicals in them like soaps and detergents. Even an allergic reaction to animal dander can aggravate the skin condition. Noticeable symptoms of eczema Formation of reddish rashes which make the skin dry. Itching caused due to inflammation and dry skin, which will cause more discomfort at night. Patches on your neck, wrists, ankles, feet, hands, eyelids, elbows among other body parts.

A sedentary lifestyle coupled with obesity has put extra weight on our hips as well as heels. Comprising of 33 joints 26 bones, and over 100 tendons, the heel is the largest bone in the foot. Overusing any part of the body can cause injury and the same holds for heels as well. With increasing weight, extra weight is put on the heels, thus affecting blood circulation in heels. Pain usually experienced on the underside of the heels can make it difficult to perform daily tasks with same vigor. In this article, the causes along with different heel pain remedies are discussed. A common foot problem, heel pain is usually felt in the arch of the foot, at the bottom of the heels and increases with body movements. Heel pain is usually worse in the morning and can be due to several reasons. For instance, wearing flat shoes or worn-out shoes can cause discomfort and trigger the pain. Causes of heel pain There are some of the common causes of heel pain, such as: Plantar fasciitis: When too much pressure is put on the heels, it causes stiffness and damages plantar fascia ligament. It is a web-like ligament, which connects the heel to the front of the foot. If this ligament is injured, it causes severe pain, and the person finds it difficult to move. Sprains and strains: Extreme physical exercises with proper guidance often cause sprains and internal injuries.Sprains usually occur at joints and can have a negative effect on ligaments connecting bones. Fracture: A case of medical emergency, fracture implies a broken bone. A fracture is a broken bone. It usually occurs when a person has experienced a fall, accident, or injured themselves while playing sports. Achilles tendonitis: In Achilles tendonitis, tendon attaching the calf muscles to the heels get swollen up and cause severe pain.