A fiery sting is the best term that describes the bite of a fire ant. Living up to their name, these ants are the color of fire. When you are caught in an army of fire ants, they swarm onto your skin and pack a powerful, fiery sting that can be quite an ordeal! Symptoms of fire ant bites range from mild rashes to allergic reactions like breathing difficulty. Treatment for fire ants’ bite depends on the severity of the sting. You’d be surprised to know that a tiny fire ant can pack a sting that delivers a venom that contains 46 proteins at least! Fire Ants These ants come in different colors, like red-brown or black, and usually grow up to lengths of a quarter of an inch. They live in sand mounds that are built on lawns and pastures. Fire ants can get very aggressive when their nest is disturbed. If you accidentally disturb their nest, you will probably end up in a burning stream of painful stings. The sting causes pain and itching long after you are bitten by fire ants. Fire ants sting by clamping their mandibles on your skin; hence, it is difficult to remove ants that have actually latched onto you. You need to rub them off your skin with fingers or a rag. What do Fire Ant Bites Look Like? When fire ants are provoked, they swarm onto the skin and anchor themselves strongly with their mandibles. Once they latch onto your skin, they sting repeatedly injecting a toxin called solenopsin. Fire ant sting looks like a swollen red spot with a blister on top. Fire ant stings can be painful and itchy for nearly a week. As soon as you are stung by the ant, you will experience an intense pinching or burning sensation.

Neck pain can be quite a nerve-racking experience. It can throw your life out of gear and cause considerable pain even with the slightest neck movement. Stiff neck or neck pain limits one’s overall mobility. People experience a sharp pain while driving or sleeping or simply turning their head. Causes of neck pain could be many, ranging from injury to the wrong posture. Irrespective of the cause of neck pain, one needs to get rid of the pain at the earliest in order to restore normalcy in daily activities. The neck is supported by bones, ligaments, and muscles. An inflammation, abnormality or injury to this support system causes neck pain. Neck pain or strain occurs when one or more fibers in a neck muscle strain or tear. This is also referred to as a pulled muscle. The pain varies based on the extent and location of the damage to the neck muscle. Mild neck pain usually subsides on its own with rest, but sharp or severe pain may require treatment. Before knowing how to cure neck pain, it is important to know what causes it. Causes of stiff neck Neck pain is usually caused by a strain or injury to the ligament, tendon or muscles supporting the neck. The neck vertebrae extend from the base of the skull all the way up to the upper torso. The neck area is made up of a network of tendons, ligaments, and muscles. Neck pain results from a damage or strain or stretching of any of these parts. Here are the common causes of neck pain: Muscle tension or strain : Neck muscles can get stretched or strained due to a wear and tear, bad posture, wrong sleeping position or jerky movement during exercise. Injury : The neck is prone to injury. Accidental fall or sports injury or sudden jerky movements cause injury to the neck muscles.

People suffering from the issue of high blood pressure are constantly looking for some easy home remedies on “how to lower blood pressure naturally?” Here, we have compiled some effective home remedies for lowering the blood pressure and keeping your body in the best possible shape. But first, let us understand some key facts about high blood pressure. What is high blood pressure? Also known as hypertension, high blood pressure occurs when the level of blood pressure increases to extremely high and unhealthy levels. The measurement of blood pressure includes taking into account the amount of blood passing through the blood vessels and the amount of resistance it faces while the heart is pumping. When the arteries narrow down, the resistance increases. If the problem of high blood pressure is not accurately treated, it can cause serious health issues such as heart disease. According to research, nearly half of adults in the country are diagnosed with the problem of high blood pressure. Common symptoms of high blood pressure Before we address the most significant query “how to lower blood pressure naturally?”, let us have a look at some of the most common symptoms of hypertension: Headaches Nosebleeds Shortness of breath Chest pain Dizziness Flushing Urine in the blood Visual changes It is important to note that a lot of people do not experience any symptoms at all. So, it is best to get regular blood pressure readings taken. How to lower blood pressure naturally? Here are some easy home remedies you can perform to keep your blood pressure in control. Let’s have a look. Exercise Incorporating at least 30 minutes of exercise into your daily routine is a significant aspect of healthy living. It not only lowers your blood pressure but also helps to control diabetes and has a positive effect on your mood and strength.

While summer is a welcome break for many, it can also become a dreaded time for those who suffer from prickly heat rashes. These reddish, itchy spots can cause a lot of irritation if you don’t resort to the right preventive and curative measures. Heat rashes or sweat rashes commonly occur in tropical, humid climates. Prickly heat rash can occur in adults, children, or even infants. Timely heat rash treatment and preventive measures can help combat the condition effectively. Mild prickly heat rashes usually clear up by themselves, if you reduce your exposure to the sun and maintain good hygiene. The face, neck, chest, back, groin area, under the breasts, and shoulders are likely to be affected by heat rashes. Heat rashes occur when the sweat glands are blocked and the sweat is unable to reach the skin surface to evaporate. This clogging of the sweat pores causes inflammation or rashes. Common causes of heat rashes include the following: Over-exposure to the sun Poor personal hygiene Heavy creams or lotions Wearing tight clothing Symptoms of heat rash Prickly heat is also referred to as miliaria rubra. They are characterized by tiny red bumps on the skin that are accompanied by an itchy or prickly feeling. The prickly sensation feels like a sunburn. The tiny blisters look like beads of sweat or bubbles. Heat rashes may spread to other parts of the body as well. However, it is not an infectious skin condition that could spread to others. There are mainly three types of heat rash: Clear or miliaria crystallina – This is the mildest form that usually disappears on its own Red or miliaria rubra – This occurs on the outer skin layer in the form of tiny red bumps Deep or miliaria profunda – It occurs due to repeated bouts of heat rash that may inflame deeper skin layers.

No one would like to spot some blue or dark purple colored veins on his or her legs or any other body parts. If you find such veins sneaking through your skin, you should talk to a dermatologist. This disorder is known as varicose veins and they form due to some faulty valves that pass blood in the wrong direction. The disorder can be found in adults and aged people. Apart from this, pregnant women are vulnerable to this vein disorder. Spider veins, swollen ankles, and aching legs are some of the symptoms one can experience when under the varicose vein disorder. Various treatments are available for varicose veins. You can opt out for home remedies, but if the condition is beyond your control, you should talk to a specialist, as the disorder can lead to varicose ulcers on your skin. Here, we will talk about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment for varicose veins. Symptoms In most of the cases, patients do not experience any pain at the beginning for their varicose veins disorder. Have a look at some of the most common symptoms of varicose veins. Twisted and lumpy and swollen veins Minor injuries lead to heavy bleeding Legs feel heavy after any physical activity Swollen ankles Skin discoloration in affected areas Venous eczema Leg cramps after prolong standing Restless legs syndrome Skin shrinking Diagnosis of varicose veins The process of diagnosis involves a physical examination by doctors, where they will check for swelling. If you have any aching or hard pain in your legs, you should mention it during the process. Doctors can also perform an ultrasound test to ensure proper functioning or valves in the veins. They will also search for the evidence of blood clot in your veins. In a noninvasive test, experts will use a hand-held device against your skin or the affected area to examine the cause of this disorder.

All of a sudden one experiences extreme pain in the big toe or other joints. The pain is excruciating and occurs at any time of the day. Such symptoms are typical of gout. Gout pain is a complex type of arthritic pain that occurs due to the build-up of uric acid in the bloodstream. The accumulation of uric acid forms sharp crystals in bone joints. The most common location where gout occurs is the big toe. A gout attack can occur to anyone. A gout attack typically lasts for 10 days, out of which extreme pain occurs during the initial three days. Gout attack starts at one joint and spreads to other joints when not treated. Pain relief for gout can be achieved by reducing the inflammation. Prompt treatment of gout foot pain results in the reduction of inflammation and pain and prevents spreading to other joints as well. Symptoms of gout pain Symptoms of gout pain vary with the severity and build-up of uric acid. Extremely painful gout pain is caused when the uric acid accumulates to the extent where crystals are formed at the joints. The common symptoms of gout pain are: Excruciating pain in the joints : Big toe is the most common joint that is affected by gout pain. It can also spread to other joints like elbow, ankle, wrists, and fingers. The first two to three days of a gout attack are most painful. Swollen joints : Gout is caused by the accumulation of uric acid at joints. This accumulation manifests as a swelling or bulge at the joints. Excessive uric acid deposits form crystals at the joints, which appear like tiny nodes under the skin. Moderate discomfort : After the extreme pain reduces, moderate to mild pain lingers at the joints. This discomfort lasts for weeks.

Post nasal drip cough is characterized by a condition in which the mucus runs from the nose to the back down the throat. Postnasal drip can cause a cough. The mucous has lubricating properties that help clean the nasal passage. In fact, the mucous get swallowed unintentionally. An allergy can increase the level of mucus development. Allergy such as cold or sinus in people can lead to a generation of a cough that reflexes. At night, it can get even worse. Thus, it is essential to tackle the problem as soon as possible. The condition is also is called upper airway cough syndrome. A cough that just cannot leave and is coupling up with nasal congestion and dripping of a cough down back the throat indicates that a person is suffering from post nasal drip cough. This article discusses ways through which one can get relief from this cough. Post nasal drip is a common symptom of cold, sinusitis, respiratory flu, acid reflux, and rhinitis. Other causes of post nasal drip cough include birth control pills, pollen, smoke, dust, and allergens. Mucus falls back the nasal passage into the throat. It can be caused by mucus that can be very thick, which can be difficult to get rid of. Normally, mucus can be cleared by swallowing. When mucus is swallowed, the body’s defense system fights harmful bacteria and flush them out of the body. Cold can sometimes lead to allergies and myriad of problems. If there is too much of mucus build-up, it may be difficult to clear it completely. A cough can start dripping down the back of the throat. Post nasal drip cough can cause an irritating sensation. It can also cause a sore throat, continuous cough, and infection in the ear. Sinusitis is a much serious cause of post-nasal drip.

Diarrhea can be a frustrating condition if you cannot find a solution immediately. That is where the importance of the question “how to get rid of diarrhea” comes in. It is a very common type of gastrointestinal infection and almost everyone suffers from it at least once in their life. When you are suffering from this condition, you experience excess and frequent bowel movements, and it can be in the form of stomach pains and watery stools. Severe diarrhea may last up to two weeks, and it forces you to go to the toilet for discharging watery stools 3 or more times in a day. Interestingly, it can be your body’s defense mechanisms against a temporary virus or infection. Diarrhea should not be ignored As mentioned above, diarrhea is your body’s natural response to toxins, infection, or dehydration, and the impurities need to be expelled from the digestive system. They can be particular types of parasites, bacteria, or other types of microbes. The risk factor for this condition is that it can make you feel severely dehydrated. It is mainly because of the fact that your body is deprived of an excess amount of minerals, water, and electrolytes such as sodium in a fast manner. Popular treatment options If the symptoms of diarrhea last more than two weeks, you have to consult a doctor. If you don’t know the exact reason behind this condition and do not get relief from the home remedies you tried out to get rid of diarrhea, seeking medical help becomes absolutely necessary. When you see a doctor, he/she is going to prescribe some of the medications given below. Anti-diarrheal medications These types of medications help to get rid of diarrhea symptoms in a quick manner. At the same time, you should not use these medications for a prolonged period of time because as mentioned above, diarrhea is a natural reaction of your body to discharge microbes or toxins that have entered your GI tract.

Pneumococcal pneumonia can be considered as a type of pneumonia which infects upper respiratory tract and spreads to lungs, middle ear and nervous system, if not checked in time. This disease causes pneumonia in children who are less than five years of age or adults who are 65 years or older. Elder people are at more risk of pneumococcal pneumonia and can even die in rare cases. People who suffer from some medical conditions including chronic heart ailment, liver diseases, and sickle cell anemia are also at a risk of being infected with pneumococcal pneumonia. Causal Agents Pneumococcal pneumonia is caused by a range of viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Streptococcus pneumoniae is also known to cause Pneumococcal Pneumonia. Transmission Pneumococcal pneumonia is spread when a contact with people who are at risk is established. Also, this bacterium is also carried in the throat. The respiratory droplets of the infected person are also known to initiate the spread of Pneumococcal Pneumonia. Children, in particular, carry this bacteria in the throat even when they are not sick. Symptoms of Pneumococcal Pneumonia This infection begins suddenly in a person, and the person might suffer from severe chill symptoms which are followed by high fever, cough, shortness of breath, rapid breathing and chest pain. Nausea, vomiting, and headache are other symptoms of Pneumococcal pneumonia. Diagnosis Pneumococcal Pneumonia is diagnosed by the medical health provider based on symptoms, physical examination of the patient and lab tests including some chest x-rays if required. Pneumonia is also caused by other bacteria and germs. If a person suffers from signs of Pneumococcal Pneumonia, the best course of action would be to take immediate medical treatment. Healthcare providers also diagnose Pneumococcal Pneumonia based on the presence of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria in the blood, saliva or the lung fluid. Treatment of Pneumococcal Pneumonia Antibiotics are usually prescribed the doctor for treating complications related to Pneumococcal Pneumonia.

A hard day of work can leave most men and women extremely tired and drained of energy. Once they get some rest and a good night’s sleep, the exhaustion is gone, and the person is usually full of energy the next morning. But if the person feels tired no matter how long he or she sleeps or gets rest, and always feels fatigued, the person may be suffering from a deeper reason for the fatigue. Excessive tiredness, over a prolonged period of time, maybe a warning sign of chronic fatigue. Chronic fatigue is medically also known as Systemic Exertion Intolerance Disease (SEID). It is a kind of ailment, primarily characterized by excessive tiredness. The causes of chronic fatigue are not known to medical practitioners. This is because the symptoms of this sickness are very similar to those of any other ailment. However, there are a few causes of chronic fatigue that are easier to pinpoint and treat. They are: Psychological & physical stress Viral infection Weakened immune system Hormonal imbalances A genetic predisposition to fatigue Severe allergies Environmental factors A viral or bacterial infection is often one of the main causes of chronic fatigue. Medical practitioners note that chronic fatigue might be the last stage of an infection, and may also affect a patient who has had more serious infections in the past. So, the ailment may not be a direct condition of the body, but possibly a symptom of an infection. Similarly, people suffering from an infection may develop a weakened immune system due to sickness and hormonal changes. All these could be early triggers for the onset of chronic fatigue. Signs Of Chronic Fatigue Generally, people don’t worry much about feeling tired. Men and women will often consider it a trivial issue that doesn’t need any medical care or intervention.

Bags under the eyes are one of the signs of aging. They are an abnormal bulge of the fat pads appearing on the skin of the lower eyelids. When these fat pads swell, they cause the skin to protrude giving rise to bags under the eyes. You can recognize bags under eyes when you have a swelling and puffiness under the eyes. They are mostly seen among elderly people. Do not worry if you have bulging pouches on your lower eyelids. It is not a grave medical condition. However, it might become a cosmetic condition as one would feel conscious about their appearance. Know the symptoms Have you noticed sagging skin under your eyes? It means you are experiencing the problem of bagginess. Also, you may have itching, pain or redness under the eyes. The bulging of fat under your eyes may appear and then go again at an irregular interval. However, it is neither malicious nor causes health problems. Understand the causes Some of the factors that contribute to the formation of eye bags have been listed (in no particular order) as follows: – With age, the muscles and tissues associated with your eyelids weaken and the skin starts to sag. Fat around the eye advances to the area below your eye. Moreover, fluid can gather in the area below your eyes making it look swollen or puffy. – On hot and humid days, the fluid remains in the body system instead of flushing out. – Hormone levels. – Consuming salty foods. – Skimping on sleep. – Allergies or inflammation of the skin. This happens particularly if redness and itching occur along with puffiness. – Heredity. – Alcohol and tobacco may cause stress, tiredness, and hormonal changes. All these may culminate to fluid retention and swell around the eyes.

Whether you have a short-term pain or chronic pain on your knees, it’s just a reminder of the amount of stress you have to put on your knees throughout the day. Treating the excruciating pain on your knees should be your primary goal because it can really hamper your day to day works. If you want to get a quick remedy from the pain, then the best option you have is home treatment. Therefore, in this article, let’s explore some of the home-based knee pain treatment. Apple Cider Vinegar Apple cider vinegar is one of the most effective treatment measures for your knee pain. Whether you apply it topically or consume it, it will help you to get rid of that knee joint pain. Apple cider vinegar is a rich source for acetic acid. It exhibits tremendous anti-inflammatory properties that are essential to keep the knee joint pain away. It also helps you to reduce the swelling of the knee. Ginger The use of ginger in knee pain treatment has proven quite effective. Many who have tried ginger to cure their knee pain have met with wonderful results. It helps most people who have knee pain because of osteoarthritis. Ginger has a compound called gingerol, which is much powerful for analgesic remedy. Gingerol also has anti-inflammatory properties which make it effective for reducing pain. Turmeric For many years now, turmeric has been used by people to reduce pain in various parts of their bodies. It is also a great knee pain treatment option. Turmeric has a compound called curcumin, which is an anti-inflammatory element. Moreover, many studies conducted on the effects of turmeric on alleviating knee pain have shown that due to the presence of curcumin, consuming turmeric is a wonderful option for treating knee pain. Cayenne Pepper Cayenne pepper could be considered an excellent choice for knee pain treatment.