If you suffer from a burning sensation or acute discomfort that travels up from your stomach into your chest and the regurgitation of food that you recently ate along with a sharp and sour taste of acid, these symptoms are native to acid reflux. While the occasional experience of acid reflux need not worry you, if it becomes regular, more intense, and disturbs your sleep, you must visit your doctor. Food that enters the stomach is retained by means of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is a muscular ring, and it must close immediately as it may become weak or damaged. If it doesn’t close fully or remains open too often, it causes digestive acids to move up into the food pipe or esophagus. This causes the typical symptoms of heartburn, sour taste in the mouth, regurgitation, dyspepsia or burning sensation in the stomach, nausea, upset stomach, bloated feeling, difficulty swallowing, burping, dry cough, and a sore throat. Sometimes, the symptoms are so severe that they can be mistaken for a heart attack. If symptoms persist and are left untreated, you can develop gastroesophageal reflux disease. Relationship Between Food and Acid Reflux Your diet has a significant impact on acid reflux. Foods that are acidic in nature contribute to the increase of acids in the stomach and there are more chances of these causing reflux through a weak or damaged LES. There are many such trigger foods, and along with the medication, exercise and lifestyle changes that your doctor recommends, avoiding such foods can help you manage and eliminate your symptoms. Eating heavy meals close to bedtime and lying down immediately after a meal can trigger an attack. Being obese or pregnant, bending over after a meal, snacking close to bedtime, smoking, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin, ibuprofen and muscle relaxants, certain antibiotics, and blood-pressure medications can set off acid reflux symptoms.

MRSA is an infection caused by bacteria that are resistant to most common antibiotics. These skin infections can be painful and it can even lead to other complications if the bacteria enter the bloodstream. However, this condition can be treated, if identified quickly. Read on to find how to treat MRSA. What is MRSA? Staphylococcal Aureus is a bacteria that is part of the microflora in the human body. It is present in the respiratory tract, the nose, and the skin. MRSA or Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) is a form of the Staph aureus that has become highly resistant to many of the common antibiotics that are used in treating bacterial infections. If you have any cuts or abrasions on the skin, this bacteria can cause a skin infection which is also referred to as MRSA. MRSA can be a Healthcare-Acquired condition or Community Acquired. In HA-MRSA, people who are admitted to hospitals for surgery or other procedures like IV tubing are vulnerable to this condition. In community-acquired or CA-MRSA, the bacteria spread through contact, i.e skin to skin. Children at school, childcare workers, people who work in crowded environments can be at risk. However, this is not a cause for panic, because most people have this staph bacteria in their body without getting or causing an infection. In fact, CA-MRSA is much milder than HA-MRSA. According to recent data, both HA and CA MRSA are on the decline. But, it is still a common skin infection and is also one of the most common causes of infections in the bloodstream. MRSA can be treated with certain select antibiotics. Symptoms of MRSA Symptoms of MRSA are red bumps on the skin that are painful to touch. They may be swollen and filled with fluids that begin to leak out.

Gout treatment usually involves medicines. The choice of drugs by the doctor will depend on your present health condition and your own preferences. Gout medicines are used to treat an acute case of gout attacks and also to prevent future attacks. They also reduce the risk of several complications streaming from gout like tophi development from urate crystal deposits. Drugs to Treat Gout Medicines to treat acute gout attacks and prevention include: Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs or NSAIDs: NSAIDs include some of the OTC options like naproxen sodium and ibuprofen. More powerful prescription drugs include celecoxib and indomethacin. The doctor may also prescribe you stronger dosage to end an acute attack along with low regular doses to prevent attacks in the future. However, it is important to know that NSAIDs warrant stomach pain, ulcers, and bleeding. Colchicine: Sometimes doctors also suggest pain relievers like colchicines. This medicine can effectively reduce gout pain. However, the intolerable side-effects sometimes prevent people from using it. Side-effects include vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. As soon as an acute case of a gout attack is resolved, the doctor may suggest you light daily dose of colchicines to thwart future attacks. Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids like prednisone help to control gout pain and swelling. They can either be taken in pill form or can be injected as well into your joint. This drug is reserved for people who neither can take colchicines or NSAIDs. Side effects of this drug include increased levels of blood sugar, mood changes, and elevated blood pressure. Prevention of Gout Complications with Medications If you are frequently suffering from gout attacks or the gout attack is less painful, your physician may suggest you certain medications to reduce gout-related complications. These are: Medications that block uric acid production: Drugs like xanthine oxidase inhibitors, allopurinol, and febuxostat control the amount of uric acid your body produces.

Rosacea results in enlarged blood vessels. It mainly affects the nose and often gives the appearance of red or flushed skin. Rosacea is caused by excessive temperatures, sensitivity to food, etc. Along with the conventional treatment options, you can also consider certain home remedies which have been known to offer relief during flare-ups with regular use. However, in order to be sure of what is best for you, it is better to seek professional help and get to know what suits your skin type. However, if you are at the risk of developing an allergic reaction or side effects because of the medicines, you can always opt for home remedies since they make use of natural ingredients. Given below some of the best herbal remedial measures to treat rosacea: Topical Choices Cucumber Mask People with rosacea may apply cucumber facial mask as the same is supposed to help with the condition. Make a paste of cucumber by blending it and apply on your face. Wash it off with cold water after 30 minutes. You will be able to see visible changes within one month of regular use. Chamomile Compress The redness caused due to rosacea can be lessened by using chamomile compress. Boil one teaspoon of chamomile in one cup of water for 15 minutes and let it cool in the refrigerator. Dab a soft cloth in the mixture and apply on your face and leave for 15 to 20 minutes when you start to have a flare-up. However, there are people who are sensitive to chamomile. Thus, it is better for them to avoid this method. Instead, they can use ragweed, marigold or daisy compress. Apple Mask Fresh apple mask is great to treat this condition naturally. Make apple puree and apply the same to your face. Keep it for 15 minutes and then wash off with cold water.

People sometimes suffer from allergies for some part in the year. The most common among seasonal allergies are: Spring allergies Fall allergies Winter allergies But there are cases where you end up suffering from allergies all through the year. This seasonal allergy chart can help you prepare for any kind of allergic reaction. Let’s take a look at the range of seasonal allergies which affect people, and the part of the year when you’re most vulnerable. January: Pollen allergies may not be an issue during the cold months of winter. But indoor heating makes your house a dust-allergen hot spot. Some basic preventive measures against house dust allergies are: Maintain home humidity below 55% Vacuum your home often Cover pillows and mattresses with dust mite-proof covers February: Dust could act as a year-round allergen for a large number of people. But if dust allergies are not a trouble for you, trees may still cause your allergies to peak. In some parts of the world, tree pollen appears as early as February. Trees that account for the most allergies are: Catalpa Elm Hickory Olive Symptoms of tree allergies are the same as those caused by spring allergies. These include: Watery eyes Congestion Colds and flu March: Tree pollen stays the most common allergens in March as well. The month could cause spring allergies if grass grows early. Further, the pollen count in the air is also high in March. After this, is when the seasonal allergy chart gets into the real problem areas. April: April represents the onset of spring season. The flowers are in full bloom with pollen count at an all-time high. The flowers and the pollen, unfortunately, increase incidents of spring allergy. In some places, grass pollen acts as a powerful allergen in April. As grass pollen combines with flower pollen, spring allergies peak around April.

Living with pets can be a pleasure. Their company helps you relax and enjoy life as they do, by living in the moment. However, there is always the possibility that you or someone in your family might have an allergic reaction to pets. Common pet allergies symptoms Pet allergies symptoms can affect the respiratory tract and manifest themselves in the form of common cold symptoms. You may also develop allergic reactions on the skin, which is also known as dermatitis if you come into contact with an animal. If you suffer from asthma, pet allergies could also aggravate the symptoms. Regular pet allergies symptoms Sneezing Nasal congestion Runny nose Itchy, watery eyes Facial pain due to congestion Coughing Dark patches under the eyes Dermatitis symptoms caused due to pet allergies Skin inflammation Itching Rashes or hives Pet allergies symptoms in asthma patients Disturbed sleep Chest tightness Breathing problems Wheezing Repeated inflammation of the nasal passage can create obstructions in the sinuses. This increases the chances for bacterial infections like sinusitis. Pet allergies can also be a serious threat to asthma patients. It can aggravate their problems to such an extent that it might need emergency medical attention. Confirm your allergy While a large number of people suffer from pet allergies, cat allergies are estimated to be twice as common as dog allergies. However, there are more pet cats than dogs in American households. If you feel you are allergic to dogs or cats but want to get a pet, you can try spending a day with a friend’s dog or cat. You can spend a day in the company of that animal to see how you react over a period of 24 hours. Get a medical test confirmation You can consult with an allergist who can help you make sure whether you have an allergy to a dog or cat.

The Federal Government features a health insurance program under Medicare for people who are 65 years or older and are suffering from any disability or end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Medicare is one of the most popular options for comprehensive health insurance. The Original Medicare mainly includes two parts, Part A and Part B, which provide insurance coverage for hospital costs and medical costs. There is an additional insurance cover available from third-party private insurance companies that provide for Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C). One must also note that the Original Medicare and Medicare Part C do not cover medication expenses, which is why Part D Prescription Drug Plan under the Medicare system pays for medical costs. The Original Medicare does not cover premiums for copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles, which is why one must also purchase the Medicare Supplement Plans that provide for these expenses. Medicare Supplement Plans mainly feature 10 policies under the federal health insurance scheme. Plan A to Plan F feature different benefits under the scheme, wherein Plan F is one of the most popular ones. There are many insurance plans that can be mistaken for Medicare Supplement Plans or Medigap policies. The health maintenance organization (HMO) plan, the Prefered Provider Organization (PPO) plan, the private fee-for-service plans, Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, Medicaid, Federal Employees Union Health Plans, TRICARE, Veterans Benefits, and other long-term insurance policies do not form part of comprehensive Medicare coverage. Points to consider when buying Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap) The applicant must already have the Original Medicare before he/she can compare and purchase different Medicare Supplement Plans. Plan F is one of the most popular supplement plans for Medicare as it offers comprehensive coverage for health insurance. In comparison to other Medigap policies, Plan F provides better coverage for copayment, coinsurance, and deductibles, which ensure that the out-of-pocket hospital and medical expenses are paid for by the insurance.

Summertime is here, and so are summer outings! Our pets love being outside, running around, playing fetch, or digging dirt. While the season is great for some outdoor activities, it is also the time when fleas and other parasites may attack your dogs and stick onto their coats. This flea infestation may become a bigger problem as it gets hotter and more humid. Here are some DIY flea sprays to get rid of these fleas. Apple cider vinegar This ingredient can be used in two ways. You can either spray the solution on your fur child’s coat or give it orally to your dog. If you would like to make a spray, just add around two to three tablespoons of it to a glass of water. Pour this mixture into a spray bottle, and spray it thoroughly on your pet’s fur. This remedy keeps the fleas at bay and your dog’s coat shiny and healthy. Here’s the recipe if you want to give it orally to your dog: For every 40 pounds of your dog’s weight, add one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to their water bowl. Repeat this process every time you refill their water bowl. Baking soda Take one-fourth cup of baking soda, add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, and five drops of peppermint oil before pouring two cups of warm water into this concoction. Mix this thoroughly and transfer it into a spray bottle. Use this mixture generously on your pet’s fur. Spraying enough mixture on the coat will ensure that it gets absorbed into the skin. You can simply leave the mixture on till it dries out. Make sure your dog doesn’t lick it off. Use this as many times as needed every week. Keeping some natural remedies at home is a big relief as these DIY recipes can be used to take preventive measures against flea infestation.

Research about the benefits of bone broth still awaits scientific approval. But those who make this dish at home praise it for its high nutritional value. Boiling a mixture of bones, marrow, and connective tissues releases healthy vitamins like calcium, silicon, phosphorus, magnesium, collagen, glycine, and glutamine. Such compounds can tackle osteoporosis: a condition in which the bones become brittle and weak. Here are four bone broth recipes that help improve one’s condition. Chicken feet broth Broth made from chicken feet is not only healthy but quite delicious too. To make this broth, you will need two pounds of chicken feet, two large carrots, and one onion. Throwing in two celery ribs, a bunch of fresh thyme, 10 peppercorns, and a bay leaf will enhance the flavor. This broth will nourish the body with collagen, calcium, and glucosamine. Fishbone broth Fishbones contain gelatin and collagen that reduce excess friction between the joints and relieve osteoporosis. A few ingredients needed to make the broth include five to seven pounds of non-oily fish carcasses, two sliced carrots, two medium onions, and two celery ribs. Other ingredients include a bay lead, two whole cloves, and two teaspoons of peppercorn. Beef bone broth This broth needs three to four pounds of beef bones, two carrots, three celery stalks, two medium onions, and a bay leaf. Add 10-12 cups of water and two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and simmer the mixture in a slow cooker. The broth will increase collagen levels in the body, which reduces the loss of bone mass. Pork bone broth Pork bone broth is beneficial for those affected by osteoporosis and is less expensive when compared to chicken or beef. The core ingredients are two pounds of cooked pork bones, two tablespoons of olive oil, two yellow onions, and celery ribs.

Toe pain has many causes. Since there are many joints in these small digits, any injury can cause acute pain. It is important to find the causes of the pain, before picking the right treatment. Causes of Toe Pain Toe pain can result from a direct injury like a stubbed toe, or it can be the symptom or effect, or other disorders. Gout Gout is caused by high levels of uric acid in the body, which results in the formation of urate crystals. These crystals can get accumulated in the foot and toe joints, causing swelling, redness, and sudden intense pain. Bunion This is a condition that causes deformation of the big toe and results in pain and discomfort. The big toe pushes against the next toe. Eventually, the top of the big toe turns inwards, while the bottom part is pushed out. The most common cause is by wearing shoes that squash the toes. Deformation in Other Toes Each toe in the foot has three joints. The exception is the big toe which has two. Besides bunion, you can also suffer from other toe misalignments like: Hammer Toe: The middle joint in the toe bends down, and pushes that joint up. This commonly occurs in the second toe. Claw Toe: The end and middle joints in the toe bend, and cause curling of the toe, and it is a painful condition. It often affects multiple toes. Mallet Toe: The top joint or distal joint, bend down. This prevents you from stretching the toe as you walk, and causes pain. Tennis Toe and Turf Toe These two conditions often affect sportsmen and others, who indulge in activities that cause constant shock and stress to the feet. Tennis toe is caused by the frequent slamming of the toes against the front edge of the shoes, that you are wearing.

Your Guide To The Best Sinus Medication The sinuses are void pockets within the bones around the nose. Sinusitis occurs when there is inflammation or infection in the membrane linings in the sinus. Then cavities occur which gives rise to mucus, and flows into the nose. The swollen nose can obstruct the sinuses and instigate pain. Inflammation leads to a rise in pressure within nose area. Allergies and nasal problems can also trigger acute and chronic sinusitis. Classification Of Sinus Sinusitis is of three types mainly – severe, chronic or recurring • Severe Any sinus problem which continues for almost three weeks is acute sinusitis. • Chronic This infection lingers for a longer period if left untreated. Other chronic diseases are allergies, bacterial, and fungal infection. Chronic sinusitis sets off headaches and produces mucus. It also leads to acute obstruction of the closure of nose. • Recurring This type of sinus infection happens irregularly and occurs many times. Causes Of Sinus There are many reasons for a sinus problem. Allergies which are unattended are the main factor. Another cause is the growth of bacteria in the path of the nose. Inhaling allows bacteria to enter via air and get entrapped by the mucus membrane. The confined particles cause irritation. Abnormalities in the nasal hole disallow drain of mucus from sinus cavities. The fungus causes sinus infection also. Sinusitis Treatment Plan Correct treatment at the early stage of sinusitis or sinus infections usually heals. Sinus infections which are viral are nonresponsive to traditional remedies including antibiotics. Fungicide is used to mitigate sinusitis which is fungal in nature. The best sinus medication is surgery. Majority recover without any prescribed medications. Many natural sinus pain remedies are available to bring relief to sinusitis. Natural Sinus Remedies Try these natural sinus remedies for sinus pain relief:

The kidneys are bean-shaped organs that play a vital role in keeping the human body functioning properly. It has many functions and the most important is waste removal. If the kidneys fail, it can put your life in danger. This is where kidney dialysis comes in. The kidneys are located on either side of your spine, in the upper abdominal cavity. The right kidney is situated at a slightly lower level than the left because of the space occupied by the liver above it. The function of the kidneys The kidneys filter out waste, maintain body fluid levels, regulate acidity levels in the body, and aid in the formation of red blood cells. Filtering out wastes and toxins: The kidneys filter out urea, excess salt, and toxins from the blood. Urea is one of the waste products created during cell metabolism. The wastes are passed out of the body through urine. Regulating body fluid levels: The kidneys monitor and react to all changes in the body fluid level throughout the day. If the fluid level rises, they pass out more urine, if the fluid level falls, the kidneys pass out less urine. Red blood cells creation: When the kidneys do not get enough oxygen, they signal the bone marrow to produce more RBC, by sending out a hormone called erythropoietin. Kidney failure When your kidneys stop functioning properly, it affects all the above-mentioned functions, but mainly removal of body wastes and maintenance of proper fluid levels in the body. Most people can get along very well if even one of the kidneys does its job. However, if both the kidneys fail, it is time to look for an alternative plan—a way to take over the function of removing waste. Kidney dialysis Kidney dialysis is the artificial process of cleaning out the blood.