A Few Common Symptoms and Causes of Overactive Bladder

A Few Common Symptoms and Causes of Overactive Bladder

Overactive bladder (OAB) is best explained as frequent and sudden urges to urinate. Overactive bladder is usually a result of involuntary muscle contractions in the bladder, irrespective of whether the bladder is full or not. Overactive bladder causes are difficult to identify, and therefore, a physical examination is important to be able to identify the underlying cause of contractions in bladder muscles. Types of overactive bladder The following are the two cases or types of overactive bladder Dry: In this case, the person feels a sudden, urgent need to urinate several times during the day. Wet: In this case, along with the urge to urinate, the bladder leaks. This type is often called urge incontinence. Overactive Bladder Causes Overactive bladder causes can be traced down to harsh physical conditions and poor lifestyle choices and habits. Often OAB can happen due to several factors wherein it’s difficult to point to any single cause. Overactive bladder is often a result of spasms in the main muscle of urinary bladder wall, also known as detrusor muscle. When the bladder is half full, the brain senses it and sends out nerve signals. This causes the sphincter muscles and pelvic floor to relax. The main muscle of the urinary wall then contracts and urine is passed. People with overactive bladder experience irregular detrusor muscle contractions, giving rise to the sudden urge to urinate. Urine leakage can also occur depending on the reaction produced by urinary sphincter muscles. Nerve damage and neurocognitive disorders are seen to have an impact on the nerve signaling. Nervous system conditions have a significant impact on the bladder functioning. Common overactive bladder causes Some of the common causes of overactive bladder include: Nerve damage Catheter use Pelvic organ prolapse Stretched or weak pelvic muscles Stretched or weak bladder muscles Parkinson’s disease Multiple sclerosis Bladder stones (other bladder abnormalities) Low estrogen levels when and after going through menopause Enlarged prostate Normal delivery Alzheimer’s disease Hip surgery or hip problems Partial bladder emptying Although anyone of any age group can have an overactive bladder, the likelihood of developing this abnormality increases with age.
8 Natural Remedies for Managing IBS

8 Natural Remedies for Managing IBS

The rising amount of stress levels owing to unhealthy lifestyle is taking a toll on your body’s immunity system. Sedentary lifestyle brings with it series of medical conditions, which not just harm you physically but also exhaust you mentally. One such medical condition targeting people within the age group of 30 to 48 is IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). There is no single concrete reason as to why people suffer from this syndrome. However, experts believe it could be because of problems in the nervous system, infections, changes in the gut bacteria, weak muscle contractions or swelling of the intestines. These issues can be aggravated by excessive consumption of fast food, aerated drinks and other foods are primarily heavy on the stomach, which leads to an imbalance in the digestive system. This causes episodes or diarrhea, constipation or both leading to irritable bowel syndrome. The doctors can initiate the IBS treatment by recommending supplements, antidepressants, anti-diarrheal drugs, laxatives, etc. Apart from seeking professional help, here are some tips that can help supplement your IBS treatment. High-fiber diet A few changes in your regular eating habits will ensure a good healthy digestive system and will help in avoiding bowel irritation. Consume foods that are high in fiber content as it helps in steady digestion. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains are high in fiber as well as easy on the gut. However, do not go overboard on consuming fiber as excess consumption might result in stomach crunches and bloating. Plan a regular intake amount of fiber and include it in your daily diet. If natural fiber leads to excessive bloating, then consult a doctor who could suggest you with fiber supplements which are available at drugstores. Regular home meals Home cooked food is the best measure especially when you are suffering from irritable bowel syndrome.
How to Treat Shingles with Conventional and Alternative Procedures

How to Treat Shingles with Conventional and Alternative Procedures

Shingles refer to a painful skin rash caused by the virus varicella zoster. It is also known as herpes zoster. This is most common in older people who do not have strong immune systems due to injury, stress, medicines, etc. It is a rare phenomenon for anybody to get shingles multiple times since most people get it only once. Shingles last from two to six weeks. It is true that there is no cure for shingles but it can be treated, and prompt treatment can speed up the healing process as well as reduce the risk of complications. Some of the medications to treat shingles include: Valacyclovir (Valtrex) Acyclovir (Zovirax) Famciclovir (Famvir) Since shingles accompany pain, the doctor may also suggest you the following: Anticonvulsants like gabapentin (Neurontin) Capsaicin cream Numbing agents, like lidocaine- delivered through a cream, gel, skin patch, spray Tricyclic antidepressants, like amitriptyline Injection that includes corticosteroids as well as local anesthetics Medications containing narcotics, like codeine Home Remedies and Lifestyle There are several home remedies and lifestyle changes to consider to get relief from shingles. Healing Baths Clean the blisters every day to avoid the possibility of spreading the contagion. Take a cool shower to soothe the skin. Cool water eases the pain caused due to blisters and calms itchiness as well. You can take a healing bath to get relief. Take 1 or 2 cups of cornstarch or colloidal oatmeal and mix with lukewarm water. Soak yourself in the solution for 15 to 20 minutes. Never use hot water as it can worsen the blisters since heat boost blood flow. Dry yourself properly and wash with a fresh towel to avoid the virus from spreading to others. Wet and Cool Compress Additionally, apply a moist and cool compress to get relief from itchiness and pain.
An Overview of the Medications for IBS

An Overview of the Medications for IBS

The exact causes of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have not yet been identified completely. That is why the treatment primarily focuses on the relief of symptoms and helps the patient live as normally as possible. In a majority of the cases, controlling the mild symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome is not a big issue, and the patient can lead a normal life by learning how to manage stress and introducing the necessary changes in their lifestyle and diet. Patients must avoid foods that aggravate the symptoms and it is always advisable to do some exercise to find relief. Fluid consumption should be increased and enough sleep must also be ensured as well. Medication for IBS is not needed if your symptoms are moderate and lifestyle changes can bring results. If the symptoms are severe, medication for IBS become inevitable. Learn about dietary changes Stop consuming high-gas foods. If you are suffering from serious bloating or experiencing frequent gas related discomforts, your doctor recommends eliminating stuff like certain vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, raw fruits and carbonated beverages. Stop eating gluten Research studies suggest that some patients suffering from IBS show improvements in diarrhea symptoms when they stop consuming gluten like rye, barley, and wheat. Stay away from taking certain types of carbohydrates Some people show great sensitivity to certain kinds of carbohydrates like lactose, fructans, and fructose commonly known as FODMAPs. These types of carbohydrates can be found in specific dairy products, fruits, vegetables, and grains. You should not undermine the importance of this aspect. Better relief can be achieved by eliminating these types of carbohydrates. Learn about medications Medications to control diarrhea There are over-the-counter medication for IBS like loperamide that are capable of addressing diarrhea. Bile acid binders also offer good results, but they should be taken under the supervision of a doctor because incorrect dose can result in bloating.
Effective Home Remedies to Treat Heartburn

Effective Home Remedies to Treat Heartburn

Heartburn is a stomach condition which is caused by acid reflux, thereby causing a burning sensation in your throat. This situation occurs when the ring which delivers the food, relaxes which it ideally should not. This eventually results in the stomach acid traveling to your esophagus, thereby causing a burning sensation. The primary reason for heartburn is a sedentary lifestyle, food habits, erratic routine and lack of healthy sleep. Whether it happens to you on a frequently or occasionally, here are a few remedies on how to treat heartburn. Weight loss One of the prime reasons for heartburn is excessive weight gain due to overeating. Foods high in acidic release tend to ignite taste buds thereby increasing their consumption. These foods trigger the acidic elements in the stomach which eventually lead to reflux and release acid into the esophagus, resulting in heartburn. Try and keep track of foods you consume as well as opt for a healthy diet. Cut down tobacco and alcohol Whether you are a regular or occasional smoker or drinker, try to avoid tobacco and alcohol consumption, especially if you constantly suffer from heartburn. Tobacco and alcohol increases the production of acid fumes in the stomach thereby resulting in heartburn Avoid self-medication Self-medication is a harmful habit, and if you are one of those who pops pills according to their wish, then it’s time to get a control over this habit. In cases of heartburn, it is always advisable to consult a doctor on how to treat heartburn and undergo proper medication. Wrong medication for heartburn would aggravate your situation even making it serious. Sleep schedule Doctors always advise against sleeping immediately after you have consumed food. Our digestion process takes time to process food and hence, it is necessary to take a good amount of break before you sleep.
Essential treatment to ward off Allergy Cough

Essential treatment to ward off Allergy Cough

Coughing for long hours is problematic. It can even cause your muscles to ache and brings with it chronic cold and flu. An allergic cough has many causes such as acid reflux, allergies, dry air, smoking, and asthma. Prolonged medications for diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and allergies can even result in a cough People who suffer from an allergic cough generally prefer to take the over-the-counter medications. Cough suppressant drugs remove the allergens and alleviate a cough. However, you can even bring a change in the lifestyle habits and use the herbal remedies to get rid of an allergic cough. Some of the allergy cough treatments are as follows. Stay Hydrated Infection such as cold or flu in the upper respiratory tract causes the postnasal drip. The secretions escape down the throat and aggravate a cough. High intake of water and fluids thin out the mucus in the nose. It keeps the mucous membranes moist. Hydration is necessary during winters when the air is dry. Lozenges and Hot drinks Warm tea with added honey relieves a sore throat. Menthol is a good cough syrup which numbs the throat. Hot drinks reduce the cough reflex. Stay away from pollutants Pollutants and allergens such as smoke, bathroom sprays, and perfumes pollute the air. They even enhance the chronic sinus irritation which results in the production of extra mucus. Avoid the usage of products which produce scents in the air. People addicted to smoking get the smoker’s cough. People who breathe in the smoke-polluted air also suffer from grave consequences. Smokers must quit smoking as it is the best solution and suggestion for them. Humidifiers Humidifiers relieve dried out noses. Humidifiers give an adequate level of moisture in the nose and prevent an allergy cough. However don’t use it too much. Clean the nose regularly to prevent the occurrence of bacteria and fungus.
Best Treatment Options for Bone Spurs

Best Treatment Options for Bone Spurs

Bone spurs are not unusual or uncommon health hazards nowadays. A bone spur is nothing but a bony outgrowth that rises along the edges of the bones. It’s often named as Osteophytes and occur at the joints of bones where they meet with each other. Even the spines bones, especially the low back lumbar bones, neck or cervical spine regions are common parts affected by bone spurs along with hip, knee, and heel. There are both surgical and non-surgical bone spur treatment options available in the medicinal study. But before that, let’s talk about the causes and the symptoms of the bone spurs. Causes The causes of the bone spurs are mainly due to prolonged stress or when the bone is rubbed for continuous time. Even osteoarthritis, as well as tendinitis, can also be the reason. Osteoarthritis breaks down the layering cartilage that forms the cushion like bedding at the ends of the bones. The bone spur is a reciprocal reaction or an attempt to compensate the loss of the body to this damage caused by osteoarthritis. Some other medical circumstances like plantar fasciitis, diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) as well as ankylosing spondylitis may damage ligaments and give birth to bone spurs. Chronic pain or swelling in one or more joints are signs to get an appointment with the doctor for bone spurs. Treatment options for bone spurs Usually, the treatment techniques depend on the symptoms and severity of the condition of the bones. Medications are prescribed immediately and most commonly, anti-inflammatory medicines are used to heal it. Such medicines can relieve the patient from pain as well as reduce the inflammation of the bone spurs. Among the wide range of probable treatment choices, here are some of them. Non – Surgical Treatment Surgical Treatment Patients with mild to moderate irritation and compression of nerves due to bone spurs can be cured with non-surgical care.
How to Get Relief from Back Muscle Pain

How to Get Relief from Back Muscle Pain

A sharp, nasty pain down your back is a problem many of you are forced to deal with. It’s one of the most common problems faced by men and women of nearly all age groups. The primary reason being modern work and lifestyle patterns demand that you stay seated for at least six to eight hours every day. Adolescents and students are another groups prone to back muscle pain. Back muscle pain can occur because of lifting heavy weights, because of an accident, etc. In short, there can be many reasons that could give rise to a crippling back muscle pain, and it is something that you cannot easily deal with. The treatment for back muscle pain is a topic that is addressed by many medical groups. In this context, we see that a large variety of methods exist, to treat back pain. In fact, depending on the nature of the pain, a wide variety of treatments can be applied to provide much-needed relief. Treatments for back muscle pain Just as back muscle pain could arise out of various reasons and could be triggered by different agents, the right treatment must be administered based on the specific needs of the patient. The following are some of the pain relief measures administered for back muscle pain: OTC pain relievers : Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers, also known as NSAIDs can provide relief from acute back muscle pain. These drugs include Advil, Motrin, and others that contain Ibuprofen, which have all been proven to provide swift relief from acute or chronic back muscle pain. However, these must only be taken on a doctor’s prescription. Arbitrary administration of medicines will not provide relief and is highly unadvisable, even dangerous. Muscle relaxants : Muscle relaxants can provide relief from intense or chronic back muscle pain.
Home Remedies to Help with Chronic Constipation

Home Remedies to Help with Chronic Constipation

When too much fluid gets absorbed into the intestines, constipation usually occurs due to the lack of water in one’s stool. The lack of sufficient fluids makes the stool dry. The condition under which a person experiences fewer than three bowel movements in a given week is known as constipation. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse which is a part of the National Institutes of Health has provided this diagnosis. The entire process of expelling stool becomes unpleasant to endure since constipated stools are often hard, small and dry. Some people may pass stools multiple times a day while some may go only a couple of times every week, which means that everybody has a different system. Unless the symptoms last for weeks, treatment for constipation is seldom required. Chronic constipation help can be attained by following a lifestyle and diet change, as follows: Exercise gently every day by taking short, brisk walks. Increasing the walking schedule for up to 20 minutes every day. Consume sufficient quantities of fluids like water, ginger water, cucumber water, fresh juices etc. Consume non-caffeinated fluids. Beverages that increase dehydration, like alcohol based drinks and straight alcohol should be avoided. A doctor can recommend the amount of fluid that needs to be consumed to fix constipation. Foods that contain fiber should be increased the daily diet. Consumption of vegetables and fruits should be increased. A good breakfast may consist of cereal or bran muffin that gives energy as well as fiber. A piece of fruit as a midafternoon snack also helps keep up energy levels and add fiber. A regular daily routine that helps designate bowel movements to a given time every day also helps. The time designated to focus on bowel movements should be relaxed, unhurried and stress-free. The feet should be supported with a small step stool to help flex the hips and place the pelvis in a squat position when sitting on the toilet, to help ease the bowel movement.
Dry Eyes – Symptoms, Causes, and More

Dry Eyes – Symptoms, Causes, and More

Dry eyes, or dry eye syndrome, as the name suggests is a condition when the surface of the eye isn’t adequately lubricated. The primary reason for this condition is inefficient functioning of the tear ducts in the eyes. Millions of people in the United States suffer from dry eyes. Tears and dry eyes The cornea is the dome-shaped outer surface of the eye. Basal tears are a fluid mixture secreted by the tear glands located near your eyes. These tears are produced to keep the eyes constantly lubricated. Tears do this by continuously layering themselves on the surface of the cornea, serving as liquid protection. This way, tears keep the eyes moisturized by being released with every blink, and never lets them dry. Tears also aid in clearer vision by helping light focus on the pupil, If your eyes don’t receive an adequate amount of basal tears, or the composition of the tears is abnormal, your eyes will experience difficulty seeing clearly and functioning normally. Tears are made up of three layers Oil/Lipid layer: This is the outer layer of the tears and is made of lipids. They are secreted by the Meibomian glands. Since these are molecules of oil, they do not evaporate from the corneal surface and help retain moisture for a long time. Aqueous layer: This is the middle layer of the tears and is made up of water-soluble protein and water. The main lacrimal gland and accessory lacrimal glands are responsible for secreted this layer of the basal tears. Mucin layer: This is the inner layer of the teardrops and is secreted by the goblet cells. The function of this layer is to bind to the water molecules of the aqueous layer and prevent them from evaporating quickly. Symptoms of dry eyes Dry eyes usually occur among adults and more prevalent among females.
Know How to Treat Restless Leg Syndrome

Know How to Treat Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless leg syndrome causes discomfort accompanied by twitching in the leg. This is seen to increase when the person goes to bed. The restless leg syndrome can also cause insomnia as the individual is unable to sleep due to the constant irritation in the leg. The reason behind this condition can be a physical or mental issue or can also be a side effect of another medication. There are different types based on the severity and frequency of the symptoms. 1 in 10 people is known to be diagnosed with this restless leg syndrome (RLS). Many restless leg syndrome treatments can help you treat the symptoms and get back to your regular lifestyle. In fact, a few changes in your daily routine is all that you need to heal the condition. Restless leg syndrome treatment: Home remedies The reason behind RLS is always not apparent. You can try these home remedies to treat the condition. If this method of restless leg syndrome treatment does not work, you can always consult a doctor who will prescribe you medication. Here are a few remedies you can try at home. These will take the time to affect. However, you can incorporate them into your lifestyle easily. Massage This is one home remedy that is even suggested by doctors. Since the discomfort is due to the twitching and aching of the muscles, a massage can help relax them. Massage your legs on a daily basis as this will improve the blood circulation in your legs. This is sure to help you feel better and walk without any discomfort. Hot and cold packs Applying warm and cool packs to your legs can help relax the muscles. Alternating between the two is shown to have positive results on relaxing the legs. You will find the pain and the soreness that are common in RLS getting better in a few days.
Useful Remedies for Combating Migraines

Useful Remedies for Combating Migraines

A migraine is a headache that occurs due to physiological changes in the brain. It can be severe and is usually more intense than regular headaches. Most people who suffer from migraines complain of an intense pain on one side of the head. However, some people suffer from migraine pain on both sides of the head. Migraines last for hours and sometimes even days. It is associated with sensitivity to sound, light, and smell. Unfortunately, the experts have not been able to pinpoint the exact cause of migraines. What they do know is that migraines are set off by triggers. Each person’s trigger is different. Sometimes, a person even can have multiple triggers. A migraine with aura Some people experience physiological signs before they have a full-blown migraine. This is known as the aura of a migraine. The signs can include flashing lights, nausea, and tingling. The aura usually starts several minutes before an actual migraine begins. It gives the patient enough time to take any preventive measures. Remedies for migraines The remedies for migraines are of two types. The first type is preventive, while the second one includes any treatment that is taken after a migraine begins. Preventive remedies for migraines Learn to cope (LTC) – It is a recent method of treating patients who suffer from migraines. In this treatment, patients are exposed to small measures of triggers. This way, patients can develop resistance to the triggers. Slowly, as the treatment progresses, the patient will find that they don’t suffer from migraines as often as they used to. Create a schedule and stick to it – Studies have shown that migraines can occur when a person has erratic lifestyle patterns. There have been cases where a patient will suffer from a migraine attack even if they wake up a few minutes before they usually do.