Learn How to Effectively Manage a Fever

Learn How to Effectively Manage a Fever

What is a fever? It is an increase in body temperature. Fever can also be described as a symptom of infection. Health experts say that is usually harmless and even helpful. Common fevers do not need to be treated. The normal body temperature of the human body is 98.6°C (37°C). However, body temperature can vary between 97°F (36.1°C) and 99°F (37.2°C), and based on your activity levels and time, the temperature may vary a bit further. It has been found that the body temperature of older people is low compared to that of younger ones. When can you say that you are having a fever? You can make use of a fever temperature chart to learn about the temperature levels associated with fever. When your temporal artery, ear, or rectal temperature reaches 100.4°F or 38°C or above, then you are affected with fever. If your oral temperature reaches 100°F or 37.8°C or your armpit temperature reaches 99°F or 37.2°C, you are having a fever. Is there any need for treating a fever? When you are taking treatment for a fever, the primary purpose is to eliminate fatigue and other discomforts. Treatment also promotes rest. Treating a fever does not reduce or extend the course of the illness. How to treat fever in children? Most children with comparatively high fevers do not often feel sick. You have to decide the treatment according to the amount of discomfort. When your child becomes uncomfortable or restless, you can motivate the child is uncomfortable or restless, you can encourage him/her to take a lot of fluids. Lightweight clothing must be used, and you can make use of a light blanket in case the child feels chills. Giving ibuprofen or acetaminophen is advisable, but you must follow the guidelines provided on the label. If you have a baby that is under six weeks old, you should not give acetaminophen and ibuprofen should not be given to children under six months.
Effective Ways to Get Relief from Diarrhea

Effective Ways to Get Relief from Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a condition characterized by loose or watery stools, dehydration, and loss of appetite. Usually, the condition can leave a patient for itself. However, sometimes diarrhea can become severe enough to cause fatality to a sufferer. It is recommended by doctors to stay careful while suffering from diarrhea. It is important to regulate the food and drinks we consume during such time. Not only this, medications are a popular mean to get instant relief from diarrhea. Here are some over-the-counter medications that one can take to get relief from diarrhea. One important precaution about medication to get relief from diarrhea is that there are separate medications for adults and children. Thus, it is necessary not to give a medicine that provided relief to your child. Therefore, never hesitate to recommend a pediatrician before purchasing any diarrhea medication for your child. Over-the-counter medications It is suggested to try over-the-counter medication. In a majority of cases, these over-the-counter medications can be used to avoid bouts of diarrhea. If you have not heard a term called traveler’s diarrhea, you should know that this condition is usually a result of consuming a food or drink that is contaminated. People on travel often end up compromising their health after eating food that can bad for their health. Some of the over-the-counter medications include Imodium (loperamide), Pepto-Bismol, and Kaopectate (bismuth subsalicylate) to get relief from diarrhea. However, it is highly recommended to take medication after the advice of physicians. The medications just mentioned are reasonable to take occasionally. But, these medications should not be taken for more than two days. People believe that in case you take pharmaceutical remedies for traveler’s diarrhea, they are good as they make a sufferer better in no time. However, they are not efficient enough to eliminate bacteria, parasites, and viruses from the system so early.
Causes and symptoms of chronic myeloid leukemia

Causes and symptoms of chronic myeloid leukemia

Chronic myeloid leukemia is a form of cancer that affects the White Blood Cells (WBCs) in the bone marrow. Chronic means the disease grows and spreads gradually, comparatively slower than acute forms of leukemia. This type of cancer is usually diagnosed in older adults and is rare among children, but it can affect people at any age. This article discusses the condition’s causes and symptoms, understanding which can facilitate early diagnosis and ensure timely treatment. What causes chronic myeloid leukemia? This form of leukemia develops due to a genetic mutation. While it isn’t quite understood what sets it off, how it progresses to cancer has been discovered. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes. In people with chronic myeloid leukemia, a part of the 9th chromosome switches places with a section of the 22nd chromosome, resulting in an extra-short 22nd chromosome (aka the Philadelphia chromosome) and an extra-long 9th chromosome. The Philadelphia chromosome is found in up to 90 percent of chronic myeloid leukemia patients. The DNA swapping between the two chromosomes leads to the formation of a new fusion gene called BCR-ABL. BCR-ABL causes the myeloid cells to produce an abnormal enzyme called tyrosine kinase, which allows WBCs to grow uncontrollably. These abnormal WBCs multiply rapidly and do not leave room for the healthy cells, leading to the development of chronic myeloid leukemia. What are the symptoms of chronic myeloid leukemia? Chronic myeloid leukemia shares symptoms with several other conditions, making diagnosis difficult. Additionally, the condition may not always cause symptoms and is usually detected in a blood test. That said, the signs may include the following when they do appear: Fatigue or weakness A person may experience tiredness, fatigue, and shortness of breath while doing everyday activities. Abdominal swelling Patients may experience abdominal discomfort and swelling, usually in the upper left part of the abdomen.
Here’s What You Need to Know about Narcolepsy

Here’s What You Need to Know about Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder in humans. It is a disorder that makes a person lose his or her control over sleep and wakefulness. Many people suffer from excessive sleepiness during the daytime. This is a common symptom of narcolepsy. The sleepiness can be at any time during the day, devoid of any environmental factors such as place, time, or activity. This sudden attack of sleepiness compels the person to drift off to sleep at odd intervals. The actual cause of narcolepsy is not known to health professionals, though studies in the field are still in progress. Difference between normal sleep and narcolepsy sleepiness Sleep is normally associated with night-time, with maybe 1 or 2 short naps during the daytime. The human sleep cycle involves various phases and levels. One does not slumber into a deep sleep the minute he or she closes their eyes. Studies show that a normal person takes approximately 90 minutes after falling asleep to enter a phase of deep sleep. Clinically, this phase of the sleep cycle is termed as Rapid Eye Movement or REM. This is the phase of sleep in which we have dreams. One does not wake up during this time. A patient with narcolepsy enters the REM phase almost immediately after falling asleep. This sleep need not take place during the night but can happen anytime during the day and any number of times. This abnormal and untimely sleep pattern often disrupts the person’s regular sleep cycle resulting in disrupted or sleeplessness during the night. Narcolepsy decreases the overall quality of a person’s sleeping pattern. Causes of narcolepsy The actual cause of narcolepsy is yet to be pinpointed upon by health experts. Researchers and health practitioners are still conducting studies to find out the exact causes of narcolepsy and understand why some people tend to suffer from untimely daytime sleep.
Lupus – Common symptoms and treatments

Lupus – Common symptoms and treatments

Lupus is a long-term autoimmune disease associated with inflammation and damage to various organs and tissues. The inflammation here results from the immune system attacking healthy tissues in the body after mistaking them for harmful invaders. Genetic factors, hormonal imbalances, high exposure to UV light, and stress are some common issues that trigger the condition. Knowing its symptoms and available management options can help one get a prompt diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms The most common form of the condition is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which tends to affect multiple body parts and cause discomfort in those areas. Joint pain Pain or swelling in the ankles, wrists, and knees can develop due to inflammation in the lining of the joints. This also causes tenderness, stiffness, and aches in the joints as well as muscle pain and poor balance. Fever and fatigue Lupus may cause a high fever (over 100°F). This may make one feel fatigued without engaging in any physical activity. The persistent exhaustion may also make one take frequent naps during the day. Skin issues A telltale sign of lupus is skin rashes, especially butterfly-shaped ones (called malar rashes) across the cheek and nose. Depending on the skin tone, the rashes may be dark purple, brown, red, or pink. Additionally, fingers and toes can turn pale or purple when feeling cold or stressed. The skin may become more sensitive to sun rays or bright lights. Chest pain When dealing with lupus, one may find it difficult or painful to take deep breaths. This phenomenon is called pleurisy. Hair loss, seizures, mouth and nose sores are other common lupus symptoms. Treatment options Lupus is usually diagnosed with the help of a combination of tests—biopsy, imaging tests, urinalysis, kidney and liver assessment, and complete blood count. The tests also help confirm the severity of the condition, based on which treatment is determined.
A Quick Guide to Preventing and Treating Gas in Babies

A Quick Guide to Preventing and Treating Gas in Babies

It can be painful for new parents when their baby keeps crying for a long time, especially when they are unable to understand why their baby is crying. One of the main reasons why babies cry is due to gas as it creates pain. Babies tend to pass gas at least 13 to 21 times in a day. Many babies will not have any problem in passing gas, but there are a few kids who get stuck. Such babies feel pain and an uneasy sensation. So, before you see tips to relieve your baby from gas, you should know about its causes and symptoms. Why do babies pass so much gas? It is very common for babies to pass so much gas because they take in a lot of air when they are eating, being breastfed, sucking a pacifier or crying. All this air gets stuck in the tummy, and comes out in the form of gas. When the baby is unable to release the gas, they feel uneasy and get fussy. With no words to express their uneasiness and pain, wails are the only way that babies can communicate how they are feeling. At such times, it is essential to take appropriate measures to comfort the baby by easing their pain. What are the signs that your baby is having gas problems? How do you know if your baby is crying because of gas? Here are the things that you should keep an eye on: Check out if your baby is crying frequently If the baby is arching the back away from you, it could be a sign of gas problems When their face is turning red If your baby is scrunching their face as if they are in pain If you notice these signs, then you need to check if your baby is having trouble in passing gas, and you need to do something to make sure that your baby gets relief from gas.
5 home remedies for dry eyes

5 home remedies for dry eyes

When the tear ducts in the eyes do not produce enough lubrication due to some internal or external factors, it often causes dry eyes. The symptoms of dry eyes include redness in the eyes, itching, inflammation, and discomfort. After any other underlying medical causes have been ruled out, one can try home remedies to reduce the symptoms of dry eyes. Some common home remedies for the condition are described as follows. Drink more water Drinking more water throughout the day can help prevent a wide range of health issues. It is important to drink at least 8-12 glasses of water throughout the day instead of chugging a lot of water in one go. Having dry eyes is a common sign of dehydration in the body. Drinking more water every day will ensure that one has enough water in the body for the eyes to remain lubricated at all times. This can help in reducing dryness in the eyes and offer more comfort. Eat natural fatty acids It has been observed that omega-3 fatty acids can largely help in reducing the symptoms of dry eyes. Thus, if one has been experiencing dryness in the eyes, they can add more fatty foods to their meals. This includes fish like tuna, salmon, or sardines, and nuts, such as almonds and walnuts. Using certain oils like palm oil or soybean oil can also help replenish omega-3 fatty acids in the body and help lessen the symptoms of dry eyes. Blink frequently Sometimes, dry eyes can be a result of staring at a computer screen and mobile phone for long periods. Blinking more frequently or taking a break every few minutes can reduce the evaporation of fluids from the eyes and help them stay hydrated. One can also try lowering the brightness of the computer screen slightly to slow down the evaporation of liquid from the eyes.
Get Rid of Stomach Gas Pains with These Natural Remedies

Get Rid of Stomach Gas Pains with These Natural Remedies

Intestinal gas, stomach aches, and uncomfortable bloating are some common ailments experienced by most people. Stomach gas pains are caused by improper digestion, diarrhea, constipation, and so on. It causes a lot of discomforts, especially when the intestinal gas (also known as flatus) is not expelled from the body. The gas builds up in the intestine thereby leading to pain. Most of the time, stomach gas pains are not much serious but are just a result of the digestive system going haywire momentarily. However, recurring episodes of stomach gas pains can be an indication of something more serious that may warrant immediate medical attention. If you tend to suffer from frequent bouts of stomach gas pains, visit a doctor and get yourself tested. Common signs of benign stomach gas pain There are certain signs of gas pains that are quite benign and go away with simple stomach gas pains remedies. An urge to belch or pass gas, which once done, gives immediate relief from stomach pain and bloating. The bloating or pain goes away and does not persist for long. Changes in dietary habits reduce the occurrences of bloating and excess gas. The bloating or pain goes away when less air is swallowed. Serious health problems associated with stomach gas pains There are instances when stomach gas pain is a symptom of another health issue, which can be aggravated if left untreated for long. In such cases, stomach pain is accompanied by other symptoms. Stomach gas pains can be symptoms of the following ailments: Constipation Appendicitis Irritable bowel syndrome Kidney stones or gall stones Inflammation of the gall bladder Abdomen tumor Ulcerative colitis Crohn’s disease Lactose intolerance These ailments can be diagnosed through medical tests such as blood test, endoscopy, CT scan, and X-ray. Treating stomach gas pains with natural remedies If there are persistent bouts of stomach gas pains, it is necessary to consult a doctor and follow a prescribed treatment plan to avoid further health complications.
Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes

Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes is diagnosed in an individual when the pancreas produce little or no insulin. The cells in the pancreas are destroyed by the immune system which further affects the These cells are known as beta cells and are responsible for making insulin. Role of Insulin Insulin as a hormone is known to help in movement of sugar or glucose in the body tissues. These are used by body cells as fuel helps produce energy. The lack of insulin would slow the pace of the entire process of energy build up in the body. This means that glucose will no longer move into the cells as there is no insulin. It builds up in the blood only causing the cells to starve. This results in high blood pressure which leads to multiple abnormalities including: Dehydration Due to the presence of extra sugar in the body the urge to urinate more crops up. This is the natural way for the body to get rid of the same. Therefore, a large amount of water goes out from the body and it leads to dehydration. Weight Loss This glucose, when lost from the body due to urination, flushes the much-needed calories along with it. This makes people with high blood pressure lose weight. Damage to the body High glucose levels also harm the nerves and blood vessels in the eyes, heart, and kidney. This can also lead to hardening of arteries which ultimately causes strokes and heart attack. Risk Factor Type 1 diabetes is a rare occurrence. Only about 5% of the people have this disorder. It affects men and women with same impurity and can begin at the age of 20. What causes Type 1 diabetes? Though nothing is known with certainty about the causes of type 1 diabetes, genes are known to play a major role in the same.
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.
All You Need to Know about Diabetes

All You Need to Know about Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease that is caused by a set of metabolic dysfunctions in your body. Medically, this ailment is referred to as Diabetes mellitus. Blood glucose is the main source of energy in the body that comes from the food we eat. Insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas, helps generate energy from the glucose. This energy is then used by the body cells. Diabetes occurs when there is inadequate insulin production, or the body cells stop responding properly to insulin. This discrepancy causes the glucose to remain in the blood, hindering the formation of energy. High levels of glucose that remain in the bloodstream as blood sugar leads to several associated health problems over time, one of them being diabetes. An individual also can refer to blood sugar charts to maintain their blood sugar levels when suffering from diabetes. Types of Diabetes Diabetes has been categorized into 3 types. Type I DM In this type of diabetes, the pancreas does not produce any insulin at all. The immune system attacks the insulin-producing beta cells in your pancreas, destroying their capability to produce the hormones. As Type I diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, it is also known as juvenile diabetes or early-onset diabetes. Approximately 10% of all diabetic cases are Type I. People suffering from Type I diabetes are required to inject insulin into their bodies, in the subcutaneous layer of the abdomen, every day, throughout their lives. They need to regularly monitor their blood sugar levels and keep them balanced by a special diet. Type II DM Type II diabetes develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin, that means the cells don’t use the insulin properly. This leads to an increase in blood sugar levels that harm the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, and this cause and effect lead to inadequate production of insulin in the body.
Effective Treatment Options for Fibromyalgia Pain Relief

Effective Treatment Options for Fibromyalgia Pain Relief

Are you suffering from acute body ache? Are you tired and feel fatigued most of the time? Do you have disturbed sleep or undergo severe mood swings? If so, you might probably be suffering from a serious ailment named fibromyalgia. Although the mentioned symptoms may also be similar to other diseases or sickness, given below are some of the common indications of fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a disorder that accelerates a musculoskeletal pain throughout one’s body. It basically intensifies painful sensations that affect the brain’s ability to process signals related to pain. Till the last couple of years, pain relief for fibromyalgia was limited to prescribing simple painkillers. However, a patient suffering from pain due to fibromyalgia can be treated in better ways today. Doctors have a better understanding of the problem today and are able to recommend appropriate medication that focuses mainly on providing pain relief for fibromyalgia. Indications of fibromyalgia for diagnosis Doctors across the globe noted that women are found to be more susceptible to pain due to fibromyalgia compared to men. The reason, however, is yet unknown. Although most of the warning signs of this disorder may sound very similar to any other disease symptoms, doctors treating a patient suffering from fibromyalgia diagnose the disorder only after knowing the patient’s medical history. It has been observed that in most cases, the onset of this acute pain in the body happens after a major event in the patient’s life such as – Surgery – Infection – Psychological stress – Trauma However, health practitioners do not rule out the fact that this disorder may also occur gradually with time, with none of the above-mentioned triggering events being visible. Knowing the happenings of the patient’s health and the time since that person has been undergoing the pain helps the doctor to analyze the condition better and suggest measures for pain relief for fibromyalgia accordingly.