Pink eye or conjunctivitis is probably the most common infection to affect the eyes. This condition can affect children, men, and women of all ages. It is highly contagious but also easily treatable. Before we get into the best eye drops for pink eye, it is necessary to understand the condition and the factors that cause it. What is pink eye? Pink eye refers to the inflammation of the conjunctiva or the thin layer that covers the inside of the eyelids and the white of the eyes. Though this layer appears transparent, it contains blood vessels. Due to infections, these blood vessels may dilate, making the eyes red and bloodshot. When people speak of pink eye, they usually mean viral conjunctivitis. However, several factors may cause pink eye. Hence, the eye drops that one will use to treat pink eye will also vary. Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious and usually clears up on its own. On the other hand, bacterial conjunctivitis can cause severe damage if left untreated. Pink eye may also be the result of seasonal allergies to pollen, dust, and animal dander, among others. Eye drops for pink eye caused by viral infections Viral conjunctivitis usually does not require prescription medication. However, the patient may use over-the-counter eye drops and topical antihistamines to get relief from the inflammation and redness. Two common eye drops advised by doctors are Naphcon-A and Ocuhist. However, before using these, it is safer to visit a doctor to understand the right medicine for your condition. Eye drops for pink eye caused by bacterial infections One should never ignore bacterial pink eye as it can cause permanent damage. Usually, ophthalmic antibiotics are used to treat this condition. These antibiotics may be in the form of a topical cream or eye drops. The best eye drops for pink eye caused by a bacterial infection are:

A reflex caused by stimulation of lining of throat, nose, voice box, lungs, and other respiratory parts, cough is a normal defense mechanism of the body to try and eliminate the effect caused by the allergen. Coughs can be annoying and disruptive and can have underlying causes. One of them could be allergies. If you have been coughing for a week, the causes might be more than cold and flu. If it has become chronic, it is advisable that you visit a doctor. When suffering from allergy cough symptoms, the underlying cough symptoms are same as other cough-related infectious illness. Irrespective of the symptoms, which could be due to allergy or due to some other medical condition, cough begins when the nerve endings in the airways detect some disturbance. The disturbance then relays those signals to the brain to make it aware that something is wrong with the respiratory system. Once the brain detects and processes the signal, it sends a chemical signal back to the throat and initiates a cough. Read on to know more about the allergy cough symptoms. When suffering from allergy cough symptoms, you will experience some difference in the timing of the symptoms when compared to that of a cough due to cold and flu. Allergy cough symptoms are a response due to change in weather or season in which the specific allergen is prominent. You might also experience coughing due to change in setting. For instance, a person might fell alright in office but might start coughing due to allergens caused due to animal dander or smoke in a different setting. If a cough is caused due to cold or flu, the coughing symptoms might be prominent for 2 to 3 days and subside eventually. Allergy cough symptoms might affect a person for weeks or even for a month at a time.

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.

In today’s world, people end up having a reaction to a range of substances which was not a common phenomenon in earlier times. Whether they are food allergies, dust allergies, pollen or smoke, people with a weak immunity system fall prey to allergies. There is a host of reasons for dust allergies, and these may include dust mites, cockroaches, pollen, pet hair or fur. Primarily, the reason behind almost all dust allergens is dust mites, which are tiny bugs that survive in almost all climates. The onset of a dust allergy can be realized by certain symptoms. These include: Frequent sneezing Watery or teary eyes Runny nose Itching The most effective dust allergy treatment is to prevent exposure to allergens. Allergens are the foreign bodies such as dust mites and pollen, which tend to trigger allergies. Limiting exposure to such allergens is an effective way, to prevent the onset of your allergy. The following are some dust allergy treatments, that are bound to help: Medications for dust allergy treatment The use of medications such as several over-the-counter and prescription ones. The reduction of inflammation with fewer side effects than the oral medication is what makes nasal corticosteroids an effective dust allergy treatment. To help relieve a runny nose, sneezing, and itching, antihistamines have proven extremely useful. Shrinking the nasal passage to make it easier to breathe, which is done by decongestants, is another dust allergy treatment Antihistamines and decongestants are present in certain medications like Actifed, which is also an effective dust allergy treatment. Immunotherapy is long-term dust allergy treatment that involves getting allergy shots, or a prescription medicine that acts as an allergy shot. Home remedies for dust allergy treatment In addition to the medications mentioned above, there are a number of home remedies that one may use as an effective means of dust allergy treatment.

There are various treatment options for the common problem of asthma. It is a long-term disease that usually has no cure but can be dealt with minor adjustments, medications and lifestyle changes. Most people see that their asthma gets cured as they age, so most of the asthma treatment options involve controlling the disease. A proper asthma treatment plan helps: Prevent chronic and troubling symptoms like shortness of breath, tightness in chest and coughing. Reduce the patients need for medicines considered to be a quick relief. Maintain steady levels of lung function. Maintain a steady breathing rhythm to enable sleep throughout the night. Maintain normal levels of everyday activity. Avoid, monitor and prevent emergency asthma attacks that may need immediate attention. The best way to control asthma and manage it as a part of everyday life is to partner with the doctor completely and follow strictly the instructions and medications routines that are recommended. How can one take in active role in controlling and treating asthma? Here are some tips to control asthma. Be aware of the condition and how and when it affects you. Work alongside your doctor and identify and treat other health conditions that may potentially interfere with the management of the main problem of asthma. Avoid things and triggers that make asthma worse. Maintain a decent level of physical activity despite asthma as it is an important part of a healthy lifestyle and it helps prevent other health conditions apart from being good for mental health. There are medicines available that help an asthma patient stay active and pursue physical activities with ease. Work with health experts to follow a good action plan that helps manage the problem. An action plan aimed towards managing asthma involves receiving guidance on the medicines and exercises and lifestyle changes required, avoiding triggers of asthma, tracking the severity and level of the problem, actively responding to symptoms that are getting worse and seeking and receiving emergency care whenever required.

Sinuses are hollow regions or pockets surrounding your nose. They secrete mucus that is drained in your nose. Sinus pain pressure is also known as Sinusitis or an infection of sinus due to which there is an inflammation in the region of the sinus pockets. This blocks the sinuses and causes pain in the facial region, congestion, and a dripping nose. The other signs and effects of a rhinosinusitis could be fever, sore throat, and also a poor judgment of smell. There are different ways through which a sinus pain pressure can be treated. Some of the most common forms of over the counter medicines like the various anti-allergy sprays, nasal sprays to clear the mucus and other forms of antibiotics are usually used to relieve the sinus pain pressure. Ditch the Drugs, for Natural Ways to Get Relief from Sinus Pain-Pressure Sinus is something that can occur from a large number of factors. There could be a large number of things that could trigger off this irritation. However, doctors have confirmed the fact that sinus pain pressure occurs due to viral infection and not by bacteria, at least in most of the cases. In such a situation we see that one should not be in a hurry to take different types of medications. In case you become dependent on these medicines and nasal sprays, then, with time either you would become immune to their effects or might develop a counter allergy. Hence, most of the doctors are of the opinion that one must wait for a few days before resorting to over the counter medicines. Often sinus pain pressure gets better on their own without taking any type of medication. Also, you could take some of the age-old home remedies and natural cure process that could offer you a better relief from sinus pain pressure.

Red fire ants live in mounds and to protect their abode, they sting aggressively when they sense an intruder. The sting is quite painful and causes an allergic reaction to the skin like redness, itching, and even swelling. If you are not wearing proper clothes and protective shoes, there are higher chances of incurring a sting. Therefore, before going into ant prone areas, you should know the symptoms and treatment for fire ant stings. Several species of stinging ants are called fire ants. These ants bite when disturbed, and the bite causes allergies or skin problems. The two most problematic species in America are the following: Solenopsis Invicta: This is a native South American species and is found in about 13 states in the United States. They are not more than half an inch in size and are red or brownish. It is better known as Red imported fire ant. A group of red imported fire ants stun their prey with venom and can overcome much larger animals like box turtles. Solenopsis Richteri: It is a native South American species better known as Black imported fire ant. These are not as widespread as the red fire ants and are mostly found on the Gulf Coast and the Southeast. Both the species in variable defend their mounds and bite intruders in large groups. Gardeners, children playing outdoors, and pets are most often bitten by these ants. Once these ants start attacking, they do not stop until the intruder has left the mound. Fire ants attack feet and legs when people step on their mounds. These ants are feared since, unlike other species, they sting multiple times. Allergic reaction to fire ant stings When a fire ant stings, it usually causes an allergic reaction in the form of blisters. Some people develop a severe reaction that may include swelling, burning, or itching.

Children are more vulnerable to dust mite allergies as compared to adults. Dust mites are a classification of arachnids which are not visible to the naked eye. These are most likely to thrive in environments which are as follows: Warm Humid Dark Dust mites form a large section of house dust allergens. Some other places where dust mites are likely to live are as follows: Mattresses Pillows Carpets Upholstered furniture Dust mites are present in homes all through the year. However, their numbers are higher during days with higher humidity. Dust mites feed on dander. Dander is the flaking of an animal’s skin. Therefore, if you have a pet animal, you are more likely to have to deal with dust mites. When dust mites are in the bedroom, it does not indicate a lack of cleanliness. It’s simply bad ventilation and high humidity which creates this environment. This environment is perfect for dust mites to thrive. Symptoms of a dust mite allergy Dust mites have over a dozen allergens. This makes the likelihood of an allergy caused by dust mites, fairly high. Symptoms are often the worst during mornings and at night when you come across dust mites in bed. Dust mite allergies are at the highest during the latter months of summer and spring. However, they prevail all around the year. Some of the symptoms associated with dust mite allergies are as follows: Itchy eyes Eczema Sneezing Colds and coughs Congestion Treating a dust mite allergy For treating dust mite allergies, over-the-counter medicines could be very effective. A nasal spray for dust allergy could be useful for helping you get over symptoms such as follows: Running nose Cold and cough Congestion Some common queries people have before they decide which nasal spray to opt for are as follows: Does one need a prescription for the nasal spray?

Mold is a type of fungus that grows in strands. Mold could be present in homes all year round. The most common molds found in homes are as follows. Cladosporium Penicillium Alternaria Aspergillus Stachybotrys chartarum Stachybotrys chartarum is the greenish-black mold that is sometimes found indoors. It grows on surfaces rich in cellulose content, such as wood, fiberboard, paper, and dust. Molds reproduce by forming spores. These spores could travel through air and are invisible to the naked eye. Once mold spores form, they are hard to get rid of and could survive even in dry or harsh conditions. Molds travel with the wind and may grow when they come across a moist environment. Outdoor molds aid in the decomposition process of leaves and compost piles. These are most often found in damp and dark environments. The environments most suitable for growth of molds are as follows. Damp Warm Humid The mold found indoors could affect the surface where it grows and could lead to health issues as well. In homes, molds are most likely to be found in the following places. Bathrooms and basements Drywall Ceiling tiles Carpets Furniture Ductwork Roofing Wallpapers Mold spores enter homes through the following locations. Open doors Windows Vents Attached to shoes Through pets Molds may grow on foodstuff But not all molds are bad. Molds help in making some cheeses such as Brie Gorgonzola Stilton Molds involved with food manufacturing processes are safe and free from health risks. Health Risks Associated with Molds Molds produce allergens. Molds also produce mycotoxins. Presence of mold doesn’t imply that toxins are being produced. It may not imply a high health risk as well. Allergies are most common reactions caused by molds. But molds could lead to some other health problems, though these are rarer. Allergic Reactions to Molds Allergic reactions are the single most common problem associated with molds.

Melanoma, or malignant melanoma, is a type of cancer that grows in the melanocytes and can develop anywhere on the skin. Although less common than other types of cancers, melanoma is the most dangerous condition because it can metastasize at a rapid pace and cause a serious illness, leading to death. Typically caused by overexposure to sunlight, the DNA in the skin cells get damaged and begin to grow out of proportion. The condition is widely diagnosed among a larger population of adults under the age of 40. Moreover, people with a lighter skin tone and females have a greater risk of suffering from melanoma. The condition also has a genetic link; people who have a family history of melanoma are likely at risk to be affected. When melanoma spreads to other parts of the body or is at an advanced stage, it is considered as metastatic melanoma. It may also popularly be referred to as stage IV melanoma. In metastatic melanoma, the disease often spreads to the lungs, liver, brain, skin tissues, and lymph nodes. Melanoma occurs on the surface of the skin and thus, it can be can be seen. However, in the early stages, there are no signs and can lead to late detection. In metastatic melanoma, patients are often the first to recognize and diagnose the condition. If one views a spot that changes in appearance over time, he/she must show it to the doctor without any further delay. It is better to take the necessary precautions than be sorry. The symptoms of metastatic melanoma will be noticeable when the disease begins to spread to different body parts. Usually, the first symptom that is seen includes the feeling of hardened lumps of flesh under the surface of the skin. The lymph and nodes appear to be swollen and one will experience pain.

Coughing can be caused by cold or flu, but it can also be a symptom of an allergic reaction. To treat a cough that’s caused by allergies, you can try traditional remedies. In fact, these remedies can sometimes be effective in treating cough caused by flu and cold. Allergy Cough Treatment Whether caused by cold or allergies, a bad cough can be irritating and chronic coughing can cause pain and tiredness. Medications You can try decongestants, cough suppressants, and expectorants. Decongestants help by drying up mucus, reducing inflammation, and opening up air passages. Cough suppressants soothe the throat and block the cough reflex. Expectorants thin the mucus, making it easy for you to spit it out. Decongestants can increase blood pressure, so those with cardiac issues should consult a doctor before using decongestants. Hot Shower The heat can help decongest your nose and reduce post nasal drip that tickles your throat and causes coughing. Lots of Water Always stay hydrated as it helps prevent many ailments and helps clear toxins from the body. It also helps to thin out the mucus and prevent throat dryness that can also cause coughing. Mentholated Syrup A mentholated cough drop or syrup can help to soothe and numb the throat. It can also ease the pain and irritation. Best Home Remedies for Allergy Cough Treatments Many traditional remedies have been used for several years, to treat a cold and allergic cough. Here are a few of the best allergy treatments that you that can try: Honey Honey is a traditional remedy for a cough. It lubricates the throat and acts as a natural cough suppressant. Take a spoonful of honey and swallow it slowly, one sip at a time and let it go down your throat slowly. Mix a tablespoon of honey in warm water and drink it slowly.

Eczema, which is a skin condition in which the skin becomes red, dry, rough, cracked, and particularly itchy, occurs one in every 5 children. It is otherwise also known as atopic dermatitis. It generally can begin from birth itself but is often prominent when the child is around 2–3 months. It has been noted that one out of every ten mothers has to deal with this condition in their babies. However, there is nothing to panic as it generally goes away with age and it is not a chronic or persistent condition. It can be treated easily and is not an unusual occurrence among infants. They tend to outgrow it eventually. However, certain kids tend to continue to have dry skin even in their adulthood. An infant can be treated with a suitable baby eczema cream that suits the baby’s skin and eventually soothes the itchiness and redness of the skin. Understanding which cream is suitable is essential as a cream for treating eczema may suit one while not the other. This would depend on the trigger of the condition, skin type, and a few other factors. Generally, the condition is visible on the legs and arms and mostly on the cheeks. However, the condition can appear just about anywhere on the body. The condition can be triggered due to the presence of certain allergens, chemicals, or environmental surroundings such as pet fur, food allergy, pollen, and dust mites. Primary causes of eczema in babies Heredity – It can be passed to the infant through a parental gene. For instance, if one of the parents has it, then the infant is likely to contract the condition as well. Skin issues – Any other skin-related condition which results in germs and bacteria settling on the skin can be a trigger. Lack of ceramides – Ceramides are fatty cells of the skin that help moisturize the skin.