Everything You Need to Know about Mold Allergies

Everything You Need to Know about Mold Allergies

Do you often have an allergy across seasons? If yes, then you could be sensitive to mold spores as well as other fungi. Mold lives everywhere, and you can accidentally send a lot of spores in the air by upsetting a source of mold. Inhaling spores causes allergic reactions in some people, and this is why many people suffer from symptoms of mold allergy during the monsoons. Although there are various kinds of molds, very few of them can cause an allergic reaction. Most molds grow on fallen leaves and rotten logs, on grain and grass, and in composite piles. Outdoor molds are not active during the winter, and they mostly grow on plants in the spring. At home, this fungus thrives in damp areas, and you can look for it in the kitchen, basement, and bathroom. Let’s have a look at the various symptoms of mold allergy: Symptoms of mold allergies The symptoms of a mold allergy are similar to the symptoms of other types of allergies. Some of these signs include congestion, sneezing, runny nose, itching, and dry or scaling skin. Indoor molds cause allergic reactions throughout the year while spores from outdoor molds are responsible for these symptoms during the summer or fall. When mold spores get into your nose, they can cause signs of hay fever. Sometimes, these spores may get to the lungs and trigger asthma. The chemical released by mold spores causes the symptoms of mold allergy when they get into the lungs or nose. This reaction can happen right away or may take some time. At times, mold allergy causes delayed symptoms, and this leads to worsening asthma and nasal congestion over time. If your symptoms get worse when you expose yourself to a moldy or damp room such as the basement, then this means that you are allergic to mold.
7 Natural Ways to Manage Lower Back Pain

7 Natural Ways to Manage Lower Back Pain

Lower back can cause serious discomfort. You will have trouble performing your day to day activities. According to a report, almost 80% of the adults face lower back pain at some point in their life. There are several reasons as to why this happens. However, one must know the different ways to treat and get relief from this excruciating pain. There are several home remedies that you can try in order to manage your lower back pain. For low back pain relief, try these 7 best home remedies Apply ice on your lower back Applying ice on the area where you are experiencing the pain can certainly help you to improve the condition of your lower back. When you start having that pain, you should immediately apply ice on it because it will help you to get rid of that inflammation and get yourself relief. However, the best time to apply ice is the first 24 to hours from when you start getting that pain. After that, you can switch to applying heat since after a couple of days, applying ice will not give you the desired result. Whether you apply ice or heat, you need to do give your body rest for 20 minutes because otherwise, you may have skin problems. Keep your body moving When you have pain in your lower back, and you stop moving your body because of it, then you will find it tough to recover from your condition. That is why it is important to keep your body moving no matter how much pain you have in order to get relief from lower back pain. Therefore, don’t stop going to work, making your bed, and doing all the other daily activities you do. If you go to a gym or aerobics class, then don’t stop it either because these are some of the things that keep you active or help you to fight against your lower back pain.
Top 5 Acne Products to Choose From

Top 5 Acne Products to Choose From

According to various medical research reports, acne is a common skin condition that affects almost 85% of the people worldwide at some point in their lives. Usually, acne occurs when the pores in the skin get clogged with dead skin cells and oil. Some of the common symptoms of acne include pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. Many factors like diet, genetics, excessive stress, various infections, and hormonal changes may contribute to developing acne. However, here is a list of the best acne products that are currently trending on the market. Also, some effective home remedies for acne treatment have been mentioned here. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne-Fighting Face Wash Salicylic acid is the main ingredient in this face wash. It helps in gently exfoliating the top layers of the skin unclogging all the pores. It not only lets the skin feel supple but squeaky clean as well. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment This product contains 5.5% benzoyl peroxide, which is a great option to kill bacteria and is good for spot treatment for the normal skin type. In addition, it contains LHA (lipohydroxy acid) that helps in exfoliating the skin to keep the pores free from future clogs. Differin Adapalene Gel Acne Treatment According to dermatologists, this is one of the best acne treatments . Adapalene, a type of retinoid, treats the acne by exfoliating your skin to unclog pores. A thin layer should be applied all over the face every day. Moreover, this treatment helps in reducing wrinkles, banning blemishes and combating aging. Sun protection should be used while using this. Neutrogena On-The-Spot Acne Treatment Vanishing Cream Formula If one has sensitive skin and is worried about the pimples, one can opt for this effective cream. It contains 2.5% benzoyl peroxide that helps in removing spots and even works for the sensitive skin.
Toenail Fungus – Risk Factors and Treatment Options

Toenail Fungus – Risk Factors and Treatment Options

A toenail infection occurs due to the excess growth of fungi in, under, or on the nail. Fungi that already exist in or on your body can prompt nail infections. Fungi flourish in moist and warm conditions, and hence, this type of environment can trigger them to overpopulate. Fungal infections also spread if you come in contact with someone else who has a fungal infection. These infections develop over time, and there won’t be any immediate difference in the way your nail looks or feels. Therefore, it may be too subtle to notice at first. What causes toenail fungus infections? Various fungal organisms lead to toenail fungus infections. Yeast and molds can also cause this problem. The most common condition is triggered by a type of fungus called dermatophyte. Toenail fungal infection starts from athlete’s foot (foot fungus) and spreads from one nail to another. Even though most of the causes of a fungal nail infection are preventable, some risk factors increase the possibility of its recurrence. More men face the problem of toenail fungus than women, and also it is observed in adults more often than in children. You are more likely to get it if any of your family members gets these types of fungal infections. Because of the poor circulation and slow nail growth, older adults are at the highest risk of getting fungal infections. Also, as the nail ages, it becomes brittle, and the resulting cracks let the fungi enter the nail. The main risk factors for toenail infections are as follows: People with diabetes or who have diseases that cause poor circulation are prone to develop toenail fungus. People over the age of 65 are more likely to develop a nail infection. People who wear artificial nails or wear closed-toe shoes, such as tennis shoes or boots more often can get toenail infection.
Causes and Treatments for a Bloated Stomach

Causes and Treatments for a Bloated Stomach

For some people, when they have a bloated stomach, their belly looks swollen or they might encounter intense abdominal pain. The reason may be abdominal bloating caused by something as mild as indigestion or too much gas forming up in the stomach and bowels. Fluid retention, irritable bowel syndrome, or infection are the possible causes of abdominal bloating. The cause of bloating is mostly harmless, and it can be treated at home by most people. However, abdominal bloating can be disturbing, especially when it is extremely painful. Let us have a look at some of the causes and treatments to get stomach relief from bloating: Causes of bloating Digestive disorders People who have various functional gastrointestinal disorders like IBS, ulcerative colitis and celiac disease have a bloating stomach. Studies show that stomach bloating is experienced by almost 23 percent to 96 percent of people with IBS. Fluid retention Excess bloating and temporary weight gain can be caused by bodily fluids that are deposited around the body, including near the abdomen or pelvis area. Fluid retention in the abdomen is called the ascites and it can be a symptom of a more serious health condition. It can be due to an abdominal infection, liver disease or, evendue to cancer. Dehydration Dehydration pauses digestion. The more water you drink, the more you get bloated. Constipation Another main reason for having a bloated stomach is constipation. Constipation causes the stool to settle in the intestines, thus leaving you with a hard-feeling stomach which causes pain, discomfort, and gas. The prominent reasons for constipation are the limited amount of fiber intake, not drinking enough water, or avoiding physical activity. Food allergies Food allergies, sensitives or lactose intolerance are other common causes of gas and bloating. The foods that trigger gas include dairy products, gluten-containing foods (most bread, pasta, rolls, cereals, etc.) and certain kinds of carbohydrates.
8 Causes of Foot Pain You Must be Aware of

8 Causes of Foot Pain You Must be Aware of

Your feet manage your entire body weight, and at times, they too can get strained. The causes of foot pain can vary, sometimes it could be a result of stress, injuries, wrong footwear, or health disorders. Foot pain specifies any form of discomfort that occurs in the toes, arches, soles, and toes. Depending on the cause, the pain can be mild or severe. Many of these can be easily managed at home, but seeking the counsel of a podiatrist is always a great way to steer clear of any doubts. Medical intervention can also help you to evade any possible risks such as infections or permanent joint damage. Here are some of the common causes of foot pain: Sprains and strains A very common kind of foot injury, sprains and strains mostly affect the muscles and the ligaments. A sprain refers to a condition where one or more ligaments have twisted or bent. Moreover, a strain implies that muscle fibers are ripped or stretched. Usually, they occur when you suddenly move, fall, or collide with something. Apart from pain, these may result in inflammation and contusions. These can be administered at home with simple remedies such as cold compression, OTC medications, and rest. Plantar fasciitis Caused due to damage to the fascia, a ligament situated in the bottom of the feet, plantar fasciitis is extremely common in athletes and individuals aged above 40. It can also affect people who are constantly on their feet for long hours throughout the day. The discomfort is usually at its peak when you wake up in the morning. Along with home treatments, plantar fasciitis can be fixed with physical therapy, prescription drugs, and orthopedic footwear. Bunions These are a type of bone abnormality that occurs in the big toe, which makes it lean inward towards the other foot.
Dealing with Sore Throat Caused by Allergies

Dealing with Sore Throat Caused by Allergies

Allergies are discomforting and only people who suffer from this condition can come understand the constant inconvenience it causes. From itchy skin to constant coughing, it can also lead to a burning sensation. Allergies result in several kinds of unpleasant symptoms. Allergy reactions typically take place when one’s immune system is intolerant towards certain substances that are allergens. These allergens can be any substances, from dust mites and pollen to bee venom. Allergies can affect any individual, irrespective of age or sex. Allergies can be severe; however, in most cases, the repercussions include mild symptoms. One common mild allergic reaction that many people suffer from is a sore throat. Yes, a sore throat from allergies can sound unusual but there is a very high chance that an itchy and inflamed throat is caused by an allergen. How is a sore throat from allergies caused? The body reacts to different allergens in different ways. It is possible that one of the allergens is making the throat itch. The throat is comprised of walls from the inside that are covered with mucous membrane. This membrane contains nerves that can turn sensitive to one or many allergens. It reacts to impure air, inflammatory reactions or even some types of foods. The mucosal glands also produce mucus throughout the day. This mucus is responsible for keeping your respiratory tract moist and clean at all times. It also protects you from any kinds of infections and ensures the smooth passage of food and water. Then the glands encounter an allergen, they secrete too much or not enough mucus. The excess exposition of nerves or excess mucus leads to soreness and tickling in the throat. Symptoms that indicate a sore throat caused by allergies The symptoms begin with mild coughing and go on to become more aggressive.
Hemorrhoids – Common Myths, Causes, and Treatment Options

Hemorrhoids – Common Myths, Causes, and Treatment Options

Swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum causing a lump are called hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are also commonly known as piles. Hemorrhoids can affect your body in many ways: one of the common effects is that your rectum does not feel empty after a bowel movement. Hemorrhoids cause excess pain in the anus as it causes blood clots to be protruding out of the anus. With pain, there is a lot of itching and discomfort that hemorrhoids cause. In most cases, people who have hemorrhoids cannot sit properly as the clot hurts when there is any kind of pressure implied on it. There are ways to know or identify if one has hemorrhoids or not. For the treatment of hemorrhoids, noticing the symptoms and appropriate and timely diagnosis is important. Here are the symptoms of hemorrhoids: One would notice blood in their bowel movements when someone is affected by hemorrhoids. If you find any trace of blood in the stools or tissue, it could be an indication of growing hemorrhoids, and you must turn to the treatment of hemorrhoids to prevent it from getting worse. You will feel an itchy and irritated sensation in your anal area. You are also likely to feel reckless itching. If there is a pain in that area and you feel discomfort while standing, walking, or sitting, you should get a diagnosis done. If you feel that there is a lump near your anus that is very sensitive to touch, it is probably because you are developing a condition of hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids and external hemorrhoids are the prominent types of hemorrhoids that affect many people. There are also various treatments for hemorrhoids that are available. Internal hemorrhoids : This hemorrhoid occurs inside the anus and does not protrude outside the anus. It bleeds whenever one feels itching and irritation in the internal hemorrhoids.
7 Ways to Effectively Detect Bed Bugs

7 Ways to Effectively Detect Bed Bugs

Do you wake up with itchy knees or elbows in the morning? Do you often wake up with red marks or patches on your body but cannot find a single insect in your bed? Well, even if you cannot see them in the morning, your bed has been infested by tiny bed bugs, which feed on your blood while you are asleep. Bed bugs are small insects, which dwell in your bed and often tend to bite you during the night. Even though these bed bugs bite multiple times in a minute, you do not feel any pain in your body. All you can see is the red marks of their bite in the morning. Bed bug infestation can be a serious concern for anyone, especially for families with infants or children. If you’re wondering how to detect bed bugs, then you can follow some simple tips for the same. Light up the room: Bed bugs can easily hide in your bed or in your sofa for it’s extremely minute in size. Therefore, to detect bed bugs in your home, you need to light up the entire area you want to search. Open all shades so that the sunlight can brighten up the room. Also, put on the lights you have in the room to detect bed bugs. Remember, killing bed bugs once does not guarantee its complete eradication from the house. It can easily come from other rooms of the house. So, start searching as soon as you notice a single symptom of infestation. Search the mattress crevice minutely: In most of the cases, bed bugs prefer to hide in the crevice of the mattress. Therefore, start searching from the crevices. Remove the mattress from the crevice and use a flashlight to detect bed bugs lined up there. Bed bugs are nocturnal animals and removing them in the morning is not too tough.
7 Effective Nasal Congestion Remedies that Provide Quick Relief

7 Effective Nasal Congestion Remedies that Provide Quick Relief

When winter comes, a common way through which our body acknowledges the change in temperature is through a blocked, congested nose. This, in turn, makes breathing also a Herculean task. A congested nose can be a result of a sinus infection, cold, flu, or even spring-time allergy. Our nasal passage is packed with a number of blood vessels. Whenever our body comes in contact with any type of allergens, our body increases the blood flow into these blood vessels, and this makes them swell. This causes a stuffy nose, which causes a difficulty in breathing. A congested nose is irritating, since you constantly need a handkerchief nearby, in case something embarrassing happens. While there are multiple options like over-the-counter decongestants that are available in the market, most of them are sleep-inducing, and some are even addictive. There are multiple effective nasal congestion remedies you can try at home, which can help you get rid of your stuffy nose and help you breathe normally again without making you drowsy. Try the following effective nasal congestion remedies, next time you have a stuffy nose. Steam A steam vaporizer is one of the cheapest and best nasal congestion remedies that can be tried at home. The steam soothes the swollen blood vessels and lubricates the respiratory tract, making breathing a lot easier. For this remedy, boil a liter of water and transfer it to a bowl. Lower your head over the pot and cover your head with a towel. This process should be repeated twice a day, for better results. You can also add a few drops of peppermint oil, which can help clear out the mucus and relieve the blocked airway. Nasal irrigation Nasal irrigation is also one of the quick and easy nasal congestion remedies that give you quick relief from it.
Effective Ways to Get Relief from Yeast Infections

Effective Ways to Get Relief from Yeast Infections

A yeast infection is an infection that results from the overgrowth of yeast that is a type of fungus. Yeast infections are commonly known as candida vaginitis or vulvovaginal candidiasis and are usually caused by the Candida albicans fungus. Other species of Candida may also cause yeast infections, like C. tropicalis, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, and C. krusei. Statistics show that about 75 percent of women tend to get a vaginal yeast infection at least once in their lifetime, while 40 to 50 percent of women experience more than one infection. Chronic or recurrent yeast infections are also common, as experienced by 5 to 8 percent women who may suffer from four or more yeast infections. Men too get yeast infections in their mouths, genitals, and other areas. The term yeast infection usually refers to a vaginal infection; however, it can also refer to non-genital yeast infections that are caused due to different types of candidiasis. Such yeast infections of the mouth are commonly known as thrush or oropharyngeal candidiasis. A yeast infection occurring on the skin in moist warm areas like folds of skin near the groin and armpits is known as cutaneous candidiasis. When the strain Candida manages to get into the bloodstream through for example the use of a contaminated intravenous catheter, the yeast can cause a deadly infection that is known as invasive candidiasis. On an average, yeast infections caused by Candida albicans are easy to treat, and there are other drugs available to provide yeast infection relief which may be purchased over-the-counter (OTC) or with a prescription. They may also be taken as a prescription cream like an anti-fungal cream, suppository, tablet, ointment, or medicated tampon. A class of anti-fungal drugs known as azoles is part of these medications which provide yeast infection relief and these include:
Popular Vertigo Treatment Options You Should Know

Popular Vertigo Treatment Options You Should Know

In brief, vertigo means that you feel the outside environment is in a spin. “Almost as if you are dizzy,” that is how vertigo sufferers define the feeling. The disease is attributed to issues in the inner ear or even the brain. These could include infections, inflammations, tumors, sclerosis, or trauma. Other causes might also include a migraine, neck injuries, diabetic complications, as well as restricted flow of blood to the brain base. In advanced cases, the same can be attributed to Meniere’s disease. The most common feeling involved in vertigo is to feel disoriented, but this could be accompanied by sweating, vomiting, nausea, and abnormal movements of the eye. Related symptoms attributed to vertigo include: – Sensation of ringing in the ear – Eyesight issues – Speech issues – Lower consciousness level – Issues with walking The diagnosis of vertigo is made with the aid of physical examinations, detailed scans, and a thorough analysis of all medical history. Now when it comes to vertigo treatment, there are a bunch of options. These include medicines, home remedies, as well as therapy maneuvers. Prognosis for vertigo is much dependant on what the cause for the same is. All self-limiting instances of vertigo can be controlled using all the methods involved. The differentiating factor of vertigo and dizziness is that the former comes with a sort of illusory movement. In case the patient feels movement, the type of vertigo is subjective vertigo, while in case he/she feels that everything else around is also moving, it is called objective vertigo. Vertigo is symptomatic of some other issues but is not itself contagious in any way. The most commonly prevalent form of vertigo is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo or BPPV. In this, vertigo lasts for few seconds to minutes. It could come about as a result of head movement of sudden nature or even directional movement of the head.