The Best Blocked Tear Duct Treatment for You

The Best Blocked Tear Duct Treatment for You

Tear ducts are a complex system that carries tears out of the eyes and into the nasal canal. The duct begins in the eye sockets and continues down and back. Excess tears drain into the tear ducts and end in the inferior nasal canal. Tear ducts are also called the nasolacrimal ducts and they are important for healthy eyes. The nasolacrimal ducts provide a connection between the eyes and the nose, and even indirectly to the throat since the nose connects to the throat. This is why the nose gets stuffy when you cry, and that is why allergies cause watery eyes. This is also why you sometimes taste eye drops. Sometimes the tears ducts can get blocked or obstructed. This can happen at any age, and may even be present at birth ( congenital blocked tear ducts ). Blocked tear ducts can cause an overflow of tears, and congenital cases may evolve into a cystic expansion of the duct. Blocked tear duct treatment depends on factors like underlying cause, age, and severity. Structure Of The Tear Ducts The eyelids push tears across the eyes when they move, i.e., when a person blinks. The tears keep the eyes lubricated, and help to flush out dust and other impurities. These tears flow into drains found at the inner corner of the eye called puncta . Puncta are present both at the upper and lower edges at the inner corner of the eye. These drains empty into channels called canaliculi, that connect to the nose. The channels terminate at the lacrimal sac, that lies on either side of the nose. The lacrimal sac narrows to form the lacrimal duct, which enters the nostril through the nasal bone. Symptoms Of Blocked Tear Ducts Signs and symptoms that may indicate a need for blocked tear duct treatment are:
4 foods to avoid for digestive health

4 foods to avoid for digestive health

People with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, can experience symptoms such as rectal bleeding, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, and muscle loss. IBDs cause inflammation in the colon, rectum, upper gastrointestinal tract, and other critical areas in the digestive and excretory systems. Certain foods can trigger such inflammation and aggravate IBD symptoms. So, the following foods should be avoided when dealing with an IBD. Foods to avoid One should make changes to their meal plans when dealing with digestive or gastrointestinal issues like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, malabsorption, short bowel syndrome, and intestinal ischemia. Here are foods to avoid for IBD: Coffee Caffeine-based drinks like coffee can aggravate inflammation associated with an IBD, especially Crohn’s disease. Regular and excessive coffee intake can cause diarrhea, flare-ups, and discomfort in people dealing with bowel issues, making coffee one of the key foods to avoid for IBD. Walnuts Nuts and seeds of all kinds are difficult for the body to digest and absorb, worsening symptoms of IBD. Healthcare experts and nutritionists advise people with the condition to avoid nuts like walnuts, hazelnuts, pecans, cashews, almonds, peanuts, and seeds like sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, wild rice, and pumpkin seeds. Limiting these foods can help one avoid flare-ups, gas, diarrhea, and bloating. Broccoli High-fiber foods can dramatically increase the frequency of flare-ups in IBD patients. Broccoli and beans are among the most fiber-heavy foods. While fiber is a key component in boosting digestive health, it can trigger constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain with excessive intake. So, to avoid such complications, people with inflammatory bowel diseases should limit such foods. Instead, they can opt for low-fiber foods such as eggs, tofu, and shellfish. Fried chicken Fried and processed foods cannot be fully absorbed in the small intestines. This aggravates IBD symptoms, loose stools, and cramping.
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) – What you should know

Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) – What you should know

Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) occurs when the body abnormally grows cells in the gastrointestinal linings. These abnormally growing cells have the potential to develop into cancer and must therefore be treated as early as possible. This type of growth can be observed anywhere along the digestive tract, but it is most commonly observed in the stomach and small intestine. Causes of GIST The abnormal growth of cells associated with GIST is typically observed in special cells in the body known as interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs). These cells are responsible for regulating the involuntary movements that occur in the gastrointestinal tract. According to certain studies, it is assumed that this abnormality in cells is induced as a result of abnormalities or certain mutations found in the DNA. Such mutations result in the improper behavior of the enzyme tyrosine kinase (KIT). Signs and symptoms of GIST In most cases, this condition goes undiagnosed for a long period of time, as the symptoms aren’t obvious. In certain cases, when the condition progresses, the following symptoms may be observed: Abdominal pain and discomfort Small bumps felt through the skin of the abdomen Nausea and vomiting Fatigue Loss of appetite and feeling full quickly Bowel obstruction Treatment options for GIST Once the condition is diagnosed, the doctors will recommend several treatment options based on its severity. Here are some common treatment options for GIST: Surgery Surgery is one of the most common and conventional approaches to tackling tumors and has been practiced for a long time in the cancer industry. However, if the cancerous cells are widespread and highly powerful, a single surgery would be ineffective in many cases and cannot be relied on as a stand-alone treatment option. Chemotherapy and radiation For larger and more aggressive tumors, doctors may suggest chemotherapy or radiation therapy to destroy cancer cells and prevent these cells from growing back.
Foods to avoid in ADHD

Foods to avoid in ADHD

Although foods do not cause ADHD, there are certain foods that trigger the condition. Some types of foods, due to their content, can worsen the symptoms of ADHD or mimic the behavior in individual or child. Research has found that the signs of ADHD appear in children when they have low levels of fatty acids in their body. It is not yet known if supplements of omega-3 fatty acids can improve the child’s behavior. Omega-3 is known to affect the neurotransmitters/brain chemicals. Both ADHD and omega-3 show two distinct symptoms that increase the need to urinate and cause excessive thirst. A balance of omega-3 and omega 6 is best for overall health. Foods recommended for children with ADHD should include fish, lean meats, beans, whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. It is best to consult a dietician when suffering from this condition. A few believe that artificial food colors and additives contribute to ADHD. Try and cut off the intake of colorful cereals, candy, sweetened drinks, and food additives to improve the affected child’s behavior improves and health. You also need to eliminate food products which are processed. Instead, go for foods that are healthy and fresh to improve the overall health of the child. Large amounts of minerals and vitamins can turn toxic for the child and there is no evidence that ADHD can be treated with supplements. All you need to do is balance the food that is given to the child. Additionally, eating a lot of fast food and caffeine also brings on the symptoms of ADHD. It is especially important to avoid the intake of candy. Loaded with artificial colors and sugar, these are bad for children suffering from ADHD and are known to promote hyperactivity/ADHD symptoms. Additionally, caffeine should be avoided as well. It is found in corn syrup, sodas, etc.
Best Vitamins for a Healthy Heart

Best Vitamins for a Healthy Heart

Supplements and vitamins can help your muscles, bones, and many other body parts. According to many medical study reports, some of the vitamins and supplements may help in improving the blood pressure, lowering the cholesterol level along with maintaining other things that can put your heart at risk. Here is a list of some of the best vitamins for a healthy heart and some supplements. Even though it is unclear whether these vitamins or food supplements help in preventing strokes, heart attacks, and other heart-related diseases or not, but still it is sure that these help in maintaining a healthy heart. Read on and try to add these vitamins, nutrients, and supplements to your daily diet to maximize the heart health. Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid) This is one of the best vitamins for a healthy heart, which you can add to your diet chart. It helps in regulating the homocysteine in the bloodstream. This homocysteine is an amino acid that is associated with the possible risks of causing blood clots. Broccoli, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, and lentils are great natural resources of vitamin b9. Vitamin D Many medical research reports have reflected the fact that deficiency of vitamin D can lead to higher chances of heart-related problems. Hence, getting a sufficient amount of vitamin D is necessary to stay healthy. Your body produces this one of the best heart health vitamins. If you are in the sunlight, the production rate of vitamin D increases. However, being in the sunlight for a long time can cause other health issues as well. Vitamin D helps in regulating blood pressure. Aging, obesity, and getting lesser exposure to the sunlight can cause a deficiency of this vitamin. Coenzyme Q10 Well, technically, this is an enzyme. It not only helps in keeping a better heart health but also helps in lowering the cardiac failure signs and symptoms as per many medical study reports.
Are You Thinking of Opting for Botox Bladder Control Treatment?

Are You Thinking of Opting for Botox Bladder Control Treatment?

Here’s what you can expect from Botox bladder control treatment. Know this before you sign up for this new treatment option. If you thought Botox treatments are just used to ease the wrinkles on your face, think again. According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Botox bladder control treatment is real, and is a viable way to treat an overactive bladder (OAB) condition. Traditionally used for cosmetic purposes to give both men and women alike a smoother and more youthful face, Botox bladder control is the new medical treatment that was approved in 2013. Over these last few years, research suggests that Botox can be used to successfully treat other medical conditions too, one of them being urinary incontinence and overactive bladder issues. If you are thinking of opting for Botox bladder control treatment to treat your OAB or urinary incontinence issues, here are a few things you need to know. What is OAB? The first step is to ascertain whether or not you suffer from OAB. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), you may have OAB or overactive bladder if you generally feel the need to urinate immediately without wasting a moment irrespective of your fluid intake, if you need to urinate at least 8 times during the course of a day and at least twice or more during the night, and/or if you frequently face the problem of involuntary urine leakage. Your OAB symptoms can be treated through a number of medical treatments. Most of these treatment options are directed at calming the muscles and nerves in and around the bladder area. Your doctor may recommend treatment options such as tablets, liquid medications, and/or patches, along with pelvic floor muscle exercises such as Kegels. Is Botox Bladder Control Treatment a Proven Option? Recently approved for treating OAB, Botox bladder control injections work by blocking the nerves and muscles of the bladder that are responsible for causing that urgent need to urinate sensation.
Possible Side Effects of Probiotics

Possible Side Effects of Probiotics

Probiotics are the food supplements which are added to the diet for health benefits such as immunity, digestive functions, and growth. It is safe to include the dietary intake in proper doses. High dose of probiotics at times have a bad impact on health. The probiotics can be taken orally. Live microorganisms work effectively to boost human health; however, there are some side effects related to them. These side effects range from mild to severe. They can cause digestive complications such as bloating and gas in the stomach. In some cases, the usage of probiotics can cause infections that can be only treated using antibiotics. It can cause problems for people suffering from health complications and cause unusual metabolic responses. Although the probiotics are pretty good for the body, they may cause some rare side effects. These side effects are common among people with underlying medical complications. At times, the body responds badly to the good bacterial intake. Normally, the pH level in the colon must be between 6.7 and 6.9. The pH levels below 7.0 are said to be acidic, whereas pH levels more than 7.0 are said to be of basic nature. The colon must be acidic to combat the growth of pathogenic bacteria and promote the growth of good bacteria. Medications and other drugs make the colon environment alkaline. The consumption of the probiotic supplements makes the colon acidic. The change of the colon’s pH from acidic to alkaline causes a war between the good and bad bacteria. This tug of war causes bloating, abdominal pain, and complications in bowel movements. The side effects of probiotics don’t last for long. Discontinuation of the probiotic intake will help you get rid of the symptoms and prevent their worsening. Side effects of probiotics Stomach problems Stomach problems such as bloating, pain in the abdomen, and gas production are some of the side effects of probiotics.
Top 4 Medications for Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis

Top 4 Medications for Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disorder that makes one experience chronic swelling, pain, stiffness, and joint problems that majorly affect the arms or legs. However, symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can also be experienced in different joints of the body. Inflammation is one of the glaring signs of one developing a condition like rheumatoid arthritis, and persistent flareups result in the worsening of these chronic symptoms. One of the first treatment options for a condition includes taking a prescribed course of the following class of medications. Prednisone Prednisone is a popular corticosteroid-class anti-inflammatory medication that targets inflammation and provides quick relief from one of the major symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. You can take this medication as a tablet or an oral solution. The dosage is adjusted accordingly depending on the form of the medication. Prednisone is the generic variant effective against rheumatoid arthritis. there are several brand variants of this corticosteroid that you can alternatively explore. With the GoodRx Gold Pharmacy card, you can save up to 78% on 10 tablets of 20 mg generic dosage. Depending on the dosage, the number of tablets purchased, and discount offered by the pharmacy, prices will vary. Ibuprofen It is an analgesic class non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication effective for managing the stiffness, swelling and pain due to rheumatoid arthritis inflammation. Ibuprofen specifically interferes with the production of certain enzymes as a countermeasure for the symptoms. It is available in the generic as well as the Motrin brand variants. Doctors may generally prescribe the oral tablets or a bottle of oral suspension that comes in varying doses. You can save up to 74% on 15 tablets of 400mg doses on the generic prescription. If you prefer the bottle of oral suspension, save up to 45% on a single 118 ml unit with 100mg/5ml dosage. Note that prices will vary depending on the form and variant of this popular medication.
Top foods that help manage Parkinson’s disease

Top foods that help manage Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative condition that is characterized by tremors, shaking, and stiffness. It affects the person’s ability to walk, talk, and function in day-to-day life. While medication is an essential part of managing Parkinson’s, eating certain foods can also help tackle the symptoms of this condition. In this article, we focus on understanding foods that one should eat to help alleviate the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Fatty fish When it comes to managing Parkinson’s disease, one needs to eat foods with high omega-3 fatty acids. This is because research suggests that consuming omega-3 fatty acid-rich products, such as fish oil and fatty fish, can help slow down the progression of this degenerative condition. Omega-3 may also help reduce inflammation in the nerves, improve transmissions in the brain, and slow down the process of neurodegeneration. Common seafood items high in omega-3 include salmon, sardines, anchovies, herring, and oysters. Aside from managing Parkinson’s symptoms, eating foods high in omega-3 fatty acids can also help improve heart health. It is also shown to reduce the risk of confusion and dementia caused due to Parkinson’s. Fava beans Fava beans are great for managing the symptoms of Parkinson’s. They contain high levels of levodopa, which can help treat multiple signs of Parkinson’s disease. The compound has been shown to slow down the progression of Parkinson’s to a certain extent. It can also help improve motor functions in those with this condition. That being said, it is essential to note that fava beans cannot replace or be used as an alternative to any medication prescribed for Parkinson’s disease. Foods rich in antioxidants Foods that contain high levels of antioxidants are must-haves when it comes to managing Parkinson’s disease. This is because antioxidants in the food combine with the free radicals or unstable molecules in the body.
Spider Bite Identification Everything You Need To Know

Spider Bite Identification Everything You Need To Know

If you think a spider has bitten you, it is harmless in most cases, and you don’t need to panic. Spiders are generally harmless and prefer to hide in the dark. They attack when they feel threatened or when exposed from their hiding space. You will not have to worry if you have a spider bite as most of these bites are harmless. Treating spider bites is very simple, and the bite marks can be easily taken care of with timely care and treatment. The first step is spider bite identification. Once this is done, you can go ahead and treat the wound. Why Spiders Bite A few spiders in the wild are known to be aggressive. These spiders are capable of attacking and causing harm. They are the poisonous ones. On the other hand, the non-poisonous spiders often bite as an act of self-defense. They prefer to hide in dark and isolated places. You may even come across harmless spiders in your home and be unaware of it. Spider bites cause itchy red spots on the skin. The spots clear up in a few days, and you will find no sign of it. Most of the spiders have fangs that are too short to penetrate the human skin. While most of the bites are painless, you may experience a sting in some. Spider bite identification is essential as you need to be aware if a poisonous spider has bitten you. The venom from the spider reacts differently in each person. Dangerous spiders can inflict bites and leave unnoticed. It is later that you start feeling its effect. Spider Bite Identification You can identify spider bites in no time. You may not notice it for a few hours, but once you do, you can easily tell. There will be swelling and skin damage on the spot where you have been bitten.
Top 3 foods for multiple myeloma symptoms

Top 3 foods for multiple myeloma symptoms

Nutrition plays a vital role in the battle against multiple myeloma, a type of cancer that starts from the bone marrow. Fatigue, loss of appetite, chronic constipation, bone pain, and weight loss are some of the commonly experienced signs of multiple myeloma. These symptoms can take a serious toll on one’s quality of life, and not keeping them under control may lead to serious health complications. Studies and trials have found that certain types of foods may help ease the symptoms associated with this type of cancer. Listed here are the top 3 foods one can incorporate in their diet plan to get effective relief: Fiber-rich foods The consumption of food items rich in fiber may help in easing the symptoms of multiple myeloma. Fiber-rich food items can be instrumental in sustaining energy levels and combating fatigue in individuals suffering from this type of cancer. Also, increasing the intake of fiber may give relief from digestive problems like constipation, which may be side effects of treatment like chemotherapy. Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that helps break down food and facilitates digestion. One should make food items replete with fiber a part of their diet to help curb the symptoms of this life-threatening condition. Some of the healthiest high-fiber foods are whole grains like brown rice, whole-grain pasta, green vegetables like broccoli and celery, fruits like apples and figs, and oatmeal. Iron-rich foods Research has shown that there is a strong link between multiple myeloma and anemia. Anemia is a condition that results from poor nutrition, specifically iron deficiency, making iron-rich food items an important part of the diet for patients of multiple myeloma. Multiple myeloma may adversely affect the levels of key nutrients like iron in the body, and it is important to make food items like beans, lean meats, and dark leafy green vegetables a part of the diet to naturally boost iron levels.
Diagnosis and Treatments of Postherpetic Neuralgia

Diagnosis and Treatments of Postherpetic Neuralgia

Postherpetic neuralgia is a complication of shingles, caused by the chickenpox virus. It affects nerve fibers and skin, causing burning sensations that last long after the rash and blisters of shingles disappear. The danger of postherpetic neuralgia rises with age, primarily concerning people older than 60. There is no permanent cure, but treatment can help to ease the pain. The signs and symptoms are limited to the first occurrence of shingles outbreak on your skin. The shingles mostly break around the trunk or usually on one side of your body. These three signs and symptoms can be of concern: You have been experiencing pain from the last three months or longer post the shingles rash has healed. One experiences burning, sharp and jabbing, or deep and aching pain. Skin becomes sensitive to touch. People often cannot stand the slightest of sensation or contact like cloth rubbing the affected area. Some experience Itching and numbness around the affected area. Diagnosis Most cases do not require any tests to be done. Doctors touch the border of the affected area on your skin to determine the severeness. Treatment No particular postherpetic neuralgia treatment can help relieve all people. For many affected patients, it takes a combination of treatments to reduce the pain. Lidocaine skin patches Small patches like bandages that contain the topical, pain-relieving medication lidocaine. These patches can be cut to fit the affected area, and these are available by prescription. Apply directly on the affected area where you experience pain and burning sensation to get temporary relief. Capsaicin skin patch High concentration from an extract of chili peppers (capsaicin) is another available skin patch option that is known to relieve the pain from postherpetic neuralgia. The patch is available only at a doctor’s clinic and has to be applied by trained professionals post using a numbing medication on the affected area.