A dry cough can be very troublesome. Not only is it irritating, but it takes a toll on your throat too. It feels like a thousand razor-sharp knives are piercing through your throat each time you cough. It is best to get persistent dry cough treated as soon as possible to get rid of the nuisance. In some cases, a persistent dry cough may be a result of inhaling some foreign substance. It is essential to consult a doctor straight away and a chest X-ray should be done to stay on the safe side. Some common causes and risk factors include medications, whooping cough, asthma, allergic rhinitis, sinus problems and oesophageal reflux of stomach contents. Here are a few causes as well as treatments for persistent dry cough. Cause – If it was not already obvious, cigarette smoking is the most common cause of persistent dry cough. Treatment – Avoid smoking if you are suffering from such a cough and visit a doctor for further check-ups. Smoking is extremely harmful to the body. The onset of a persistent dry cough may be an indicator of other health problems. You can try nicotine patches to quit smoking after consulting a doctor. Cause – Asthma is another common cause of persistent dry cough. It is a disease of the airways and results in several breathing difficulties. Some asthma sufferers have persistent dry cough as their only symptom. This is often called cough-variant asthma. This may be further aggravated by exposure to air pollutants, pollen, and perfume. Smoke and cold air can further cause problems so be aware! Treatment – Steroids and bronchodilators are given to patients to relieve them of their symptoms. While these are inhaled variants, short-term oral steroids may be given as well. Cause – The acid reflux of the stomach content into the esophagus is another cause of persistent dry cough.

Heartburn is an unpleasant condition often characterized by a burning sensation in the throat and chest. Most of the times, it is triggered by the food we consume, especially acidic, fatty or spicy foods. Heartburn and indigestion are often used interchangeably. But, it is important to understand that heartburn is a symptom of indigestion. Eating certain foods can cause some discomfort in the belly, resulting in digestive pain and heartburn. In a lot of cases, heartburn is also caused due to acid reflux, a condition in which some of the stomach’s content is forced back up into the esophagus. If the acid reflux happens more than two times a week, it is called gastroesophageal reflux disease. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, approximately 15 million Americans experience heartburn every day. Common causes of heartburn If one experiences occasional heartburn, then it is generally not a cause for concern. Persistent acid reflux may result in the diagnosis of GERD, which can have serious consequences for health or may indicate another underlying health issue. However, conditions such as digestive motility disorders, hiatal hernia, diabetes or asthma can also lead to excessive heartburn. Certain medications, such as anti-anxiety pills, steroids, antibiotics, and narcotics, can also trigger heartburn. Some ways to prevent heartburn There are plenty of ways to prevent this unpleasant and discomforting condition from occurring, such as the following: Avoid excessively acidic and spicy foods Maintaining a healthy body weight Not wearing very tight clothes, especially around the waist Eating regulated portions of food Avoiding smoking Avoiding constipation Getting adequate rest and reduce stress Consuming warm liquids after meals Waiting for 3 hours after eating before going to the bed or lying down Treatment of heartburn Treatment for heartburn and indigestion usually begins with making certain lifestyle and dietary modifications. In case, one experiences occasional bouts of heartburn, one can take some over-the-counter medicines for getting instant relief.

A lot of people experience postnasal drip at some point in their lives. The nose and throat naturally produce mucus to moisten the nasal membranes, clear the nasal passage, and fight infection. However, in case the body starts producing extra mucus, it might get collected in the back of the throat. You may also feel a leaking sensation, where the mucus drips down your throat from the nose. This is termed as postnasal drip. Some of the most common symptoms of postnasal drip are as follows: A bad cough that gets worse at night Bad breath Sore throat Nausea An uncomfortable feeling that you constantly need to clear your throat Common Causes of Postnasal Drip Sometimes, the mucus produced cannot be properly cleared away, resulting in a postnasal drip. Also, conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease and GERD can trigger swallowing troubles that result in the buildup of liquids in the throat. Other common causes are as given below: Allergies Colds and flu Sinusitis or sinus infection Pregnancy Certain blood pressure medications Object stuck in the nose Changing weather or excessively cold temperatures Fumes from cleaning products, smoke, perfumes, etc. Deviated septum Certain foods, especially spicy foods Best Postnasal Drip Treatment The best postnasal drip treatment depends upon the cause. They can be caused due to bacterial and viral infections. In case of a bacterial infection, taking antibiotics can be helpful in finding relief. Moving on, nasal decongestants and antihistamines can help in treating cold and virus infections. Conventional, over-the-counter antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine and diphenhydramine are not ideal postnasal drip treatment options as they tend to thicken the secretions. On the other hand, newer medicines such as cetirizine, loratadine, desloratadine, and fexofenadine are more suitable and also have fewer side effects. It is important to note that all these medicines can cause dry mouth and drowsiness.

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located below the liver. It collects and stores bile, which is produced by the liver and releases it into the small intestine to aid the process of digestion. Majority of people seldom give a thought to the health of their gallbladder. Although unlike the liver, heart and the kidneys, the gallbladder isn’t really necessary for maintaining body health and proper functioning, yet it is an important body organ. There are varieties of foods that keep the gallbladder healthy while there are some that increase the likelihood of problems like gallstones or inflammation. These problems can trigger agonizing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating and abdominal pain. Such a scenario often leads to surgery, where the gallbladder is removed. Therefore, it is important to consume a healthy gallbladder diet to promote good health and keep problems at bay. Although diet doesn’t have a direct impact on gallbladder problems, watching what one eats and maintaining a healthy body weight can help to prevent the formation of gallstones and consequently, avoid the discomfort they cause. Diet and gallstone risk Diets that are high in fat and cholesterol and low in fiber are more likely to result in gallstones. Also, the risk of gallstones is much higher in people who are overweight and obese. If one is overweight and wishes to lose the extra pounds, then it should be done gradually. Following crash diets can also cause the liver to release more cholesterol into the bile, upsetting the normal balance of bile salts and cholesterol. This extra cholesterol can form crystals, leading to gallstones. Diet for a healthy gallbladder A healthy gallbladder diet is full of fruits and vegetables. Both are extremely rich sources of nutrients and fiber, the latter of which is essential to promote gallbladder health.

No underlying disease triggers eczema. Eczema occurs when a patient’s immune system overreacts to some irritant. By taking some preventive measures, one can avoid or relieve the symptoms of this condition. Symptoms of eczema In most cases, eczema comes with itchy skin, irrespective of which body part is affected. One may also develop rashes on the face, behind the knees, hands, wrists or feet, and sometimes, this could be preceded by itching. The affected area has a dry, scaly or thickened appearance. Initially, it has a reddish appearance before becoming brown for people with fair skin. People with a dusky complexion may face a change in pigmentation. The affected area may either get lighter or darker. An oozing crust may also form on the skin, and in the case of infants, this symptom may appear on the face and scalp. Patches, however, can develop anywhere. Causes of eczema While the definitive cause for eczema is not known, it usually appears when the immune system overreacts to an irritant. People with a family history of allergies or asthma face a higher chance of developing this condition. Problems in the skin barrier allow germs and moisture to enter the skin, leading to eczema. Particular conditions or substances are also responsible for triggering itchy rash in some people. Itchiness can also occur when the skin comes in contact with coarse or rough materials. Other triggers include the feeling of excessive heat or cold, being exposed to harsh household items like detergent or soap. Animal dander can also lead to eczema flare-ups. An infection in the upper respiratory tract could also lead to rashes. These rashes could get worse due to stress. While there is no sure shot cure for eczema yet, patients can manage this condition with the help of medication as well as by avoiding irritants.

Prostate cancer and enlarged prostate are some of the prostate health problems that men over 40 years can suffer from. These top rated prostate health supplements help improve the overall health of your prostate gland. The prostate is a gland that is a part of the male reproductive system, and is the size of a walnut. There are a number of people who experience some problems with the prostate gland and these problems can lead to several disorders. As you get older, your prostate starts growing larger, but when it grows too large, it can cause several health problems. Apart from prostate cancer, the common prostate problems are benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), chronic bacterial prostatitis, acute bacterial prostatitis, and chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS). Enlarged prostate or benign prostate hyperplasia is the most common prostate problem in men over 50, according to the National Kidney and Urological Disease Information Clearinghouse. Some of the symptoms of this prostate problem are urinary problems, dysuria, and lower back pain. Another prostate problem in old age is prostate cancer, which does not cause any symptoms initially. When it reaches an advanced stage, it can cause symptoms such as blood in the urine, backache, burning during urination, painful ejaculation, and pain in your pelvis and hips. ‘Prevention is better than cure’ is an old adage that definitely rings true when thinking about prostate health problems. There are various top rated prostate health supplements that help improve your prostate health and reduce the risk of these prostate-related disorders. Using these top rated prostate health supplements is not only a smart option, but it also saves you from the pain associated with an inflamed prostate. Here is a list of the top rated prostate health supplements that are available in the market today. Cellusyn Labs ProstaRelief If you are looking for the number one prostate health supplement that helps prevent prostate problems, it is most likely to be ProstaRelief.

Affecting nearly one in three Americans, shingles, also known as herpes zoster, are painful rashes that appear in the form of a band on the skin or in a small area on the skin. The rashes appear on one side of the face or the body of the affected person. What are the causes of shingles pain? Shingles is caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV). This virus also causes chickenpox. In some cases, this virus lies dormant in after a person recovers from chicken pox during childhood. The virus becomes active again in adulthood due to a weak immune system, reactions to certain medications, and factors related to age. The virus may again become active decades after the person was afflicted by chicken pox. Rashes are accompanied by a discomfort known as shingles pain. The pain may go away as the person recovers from the rashes. However, in certain cases, there might be some damage caused to the nerves. This is because the virus travels through the nerve roots of the body. If the pain lasts for three months after the rashes disappear, the person might be suffering from post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). The pain occurs in the chest and forehead areas. Generally, PHN affects people who contract shingles after the age of 50 years. In the case of persistent PHN, it is necessary to consult a doctor immediately and get some immediate medical attention. What are the symptoms of shingles? Symptoms of shingles appear in stages. In the early stage, the person experiences flu-like symptoms that include diarrhea, chills, or stomach ache. These symptoms are not accompanied by any kind of fever. There might be swelling or tenderness around the lymph nodes. There will be a sensation of numbness, tickling, tingling, burning, or pain in the areas where the virus affects the nerves.

Diabetes has turned out to be a common problem that is suffered by a lot of people these days. If you are a diabetic patient and have been experiencing burning, shooting, and pricking feels in your hands and feet, then it is the case of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, which is also called as diabetic nerve pain. It is mainly caused due to poor diabetes management and is a common problem among people suffering from diabetes. Nerve pain is known to be a pain that is non-protective. It is caused due to damage to nerves due to injury or diabetes. The nerves send signals to the brain. Even though the nerve damage cannot be resolved, controlling of blood sugar can be done easily so that further damage can be avoided. It is important to talk to your doctor if you come across of the symptoms of this problem. Symptoms The usual symptoms of diabetic nerve pain include burning, shooting, numbness, feeling of pricking of needles or pins, feel of electric shock, tingling, throbbing, stabbing, stinging, sensitivity to touch and radiating. The patients could also experience urination problems, vaginal dryness among women and erectile dysfunction among men. Depression and weight loss are often combined with diabetic nerve pain. Causes Diabetic nerve pain is a complication relating to diabetes that has become common among people who have had diabetes for more than about 20 years. This problem is caused due to many factors mentioned below. Nerve inflammation due to an over-reactive immunity system Damage to the nerves due to trauma or medical complications like rheumatoid arthritis Inherited weakness to nerve damage Damage to the blood vessels, which supply oxygen and various other nutrients to the nervous system Factors like low insulin level, high blood pressure, high lipid levels etc. Lifestyle factors like smoking, excess alcohol consumption, obesity etc.

Colitis occurs due to inflammation of the colon. Infection is the primary reason of inflammation. Before we dwell on the feasible treatment options available for colitis, it will be helpful to understand the causes of colitis. Some facts and common causes of colitis are listed below. Infectious colitis Colon infection can result due to the virus and bacterial presence. The bacterial causes of foodborne infection include E coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter. This kind of infection can result in bloody diarrhea and can cause severe dehydration in the body. These virus and bacteria are common causes of colitis. Parasitic infection is also one of the causes of colitis. These parasites enter the human body whenever contaminated water is consumed and can cause inflammation of the colon which can result in diarrhea. In addition, pseudomembranous colitis is also caused by Clostridium difficile bacteria and is seen in patients who are taking antibiotics on a regular basis. Consumption of antibiotics regularly leads to altering the course of normal bacteria present in the colon. These bacteria help in digestion and when an excess of antibiotics are taken these bacteria are replaced by an overgrowth of Clostridium bacteria. These bacteria lead to infection which is one of the causes of colitis. Ischemic colitis It should be understood that arteries which supply blood to the colon are much similar to any other normal arteries. These arteries also become narrow sometimes due to atherosclerosis, and when these become narrow, they make the colon lose its blood supply and thus become inflamed. The blood supply of colon can also reduce due to other mechanical reasons. This can happen due to volvulus, a condition in which the bowel gets twisted on its own and incarcerated a hernia in which a small portion of the colon is trapped in a part of the abdominal wall.

There are mornings when you feel feverish, unmotivated, have a cough, and a stuffy nose and cough. That’s not all. An aching body and a heavy head add to your misery. More often than not, it’s just a case of the common cold. A quick visit to the doctor, though, is always a good idea. A common cold is difficult to cope with especially on days when you have to work, and this may cause a huge disruption to lead a normal life. Also, as having a common cold along with a stuffy nose and cough is infectious and communicable, it can isolate the person suffering from it. Increasing your body’s immunity towards the same is essential and can be used to prevent a bad day. When suffering from a common cold or a stuffy nose and cough, it can lead to sinusitis which is simply a sinus inflammation. This sinus infection may have potentially developed into an infection whereby it can either be acute and chronic. Acute sinusitis typically starts with a cold which then turns into a bacterial infection. The stuffy nose and cough and the mucus congested in your chest lead the path to a bacterial infection in your nose or throat. This bacterial multiplication causes acute sinusitis. Sensitivity to allergens such as pollutants or hay fever can also cause stuffy nose and cold. Rhinosinusitis (chronic sinusitis) typically is recurrent and lasts longer. In chronic sinusitis, nasal sinus membranes are thickened which cause inflammation. The causes are unknown; however, people are usually allergic or have asthma. The warm winter days have an accompanying phenomenon with them which is an increase in the pollen count around you. These pollen grains in the air are a cause of hay fever which contributes to sinusitis at a higher rate. The methods to relief you from that stuffy nose and cough are:

Peyronie’s disease is a penis related disease that occurs when a scar tissue shapes up inside the penis. This tissue is called plaque and is formed as a result of any injury inside the penis, that may cause internal bleeding. Some of the causes include Vitamin E deficiency, increase in serotonin levels and even due to the intake of beta B medications. In certain cases, the genetic disorder could also be a factor. The penis of a man may either bend upwards or even to either of the sides. Men suffering from Peyronie’s have trouble while having sex, like feelings of uneasiness and anxiety. Peyronie’s generally occurs in middle-aged men, and it’s a rare disease that occurs in around 1% to 8% men. Symptoms Of Peyronie’s Disease Symptoms of Peyronie’s disease include: Pain while getting erection Pain while having sex Bending of penis Soft erections Shortening of penis Incapability of having intercourse Stress Reducing The Risk Of Peyronie’s Disease There are certain lifestyle changes that need to be adopted, to keep away Peyronie’s Disease. They include: Give up smoking Exercise or Yoga Minimizing alcohol intake Stop the intake of any non-prescribed drugs Peyronie’s Disease Treatment Treatment for Peyronie’s disease may vary from person to person, depending on the magnitude of the problem they are experiencing. Sometimes if the pain is not severe, and erectile functioning is not much of a problem, doctors suggest doing nothing, but wait. Sometimes, this problem fades away with time. In case you don’t get any relief, other options can be tried. Penis Injections for Peyronie’s Disease Treatment Collagenase : This the only medicine that is FDA approved, for treating Peyronie’s disease. It is also known as Xiaflex and it can be prescribed to men with moderate, or severe bending of the penis. Though the effectiveness of this drug requires additional research, this type of injection helps in breaking down of collagen concentration, that causes the penis to bend.

Shingles is a condition caused by a virus called the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same one responsible for chickenpox. In childhood, when a person is affected by this virus, it causes chickenpox. The immune system makes sure that the virus remains inert and hidden inside the body. It retreats to the two nerve cells near the spine. This virus becomes active again, in one-third of the total cases of chickenpox, and reaches the skin surface through a nerve and causes painful blisters and rashes. This virus attack is called herpes zoster, or shingles. Shingles is an extremely painful skin condition which causes blisters and rashes that cause sharp, unbearable pain, and crusty skin that might burst open. In most of the cases, this pain goes away on its own in few weeks. However, in 10 to 20 percent of the cases, the pain never ends and becomes a condition that lasts for months, weeks or for an entire lifetime. This pain is called Post Herpetic Neuralgia (PHN), which is a form of neuropathic pain that appears after an episode of shingles. The risk of developing this pain is around 50 percent in people above the age of 60. The symptoms of this condition vary from individual to individual. In some cases, the pain is mild but in others, it can be excruciating and the flare-up can be caused due to a slight touch, friction due to clothing or even a slight breeze. Some people experience an intermittent pain while others have a continuous stabbing, burning sensation in the affected area. Unlike chickenpox, shingles affect a specific part of the body which is connected to the inflamed nerve. The PHN also affects the same area of the skin. Preventing Postherpetic Neuralgia The causes of postherpetic neuralgia have been unknown to modern medical science.