Pneumonia refers to the infection of the lungs in which one or both the air sacs get inflamed with pus or fluid. It is a common condition affecting people in the US and affects anyone from infants to adults. If reports are to be true then more than one million people need hospitalization to treat pneumonia every year. While eight to ten million people get affected with this infection. Breathing difficulty, chills, fever, or a cough with pus are some of the most common signs of pneumonia. Patients who get the condition diagnosed at an initial stage generally experience mild complication while delaying treatment can be life-threatening. Pneumonia prognosis – Pneumonia, being one of the most common respiratory infections in patients, is also responsible for claiming multiple lives every year. However, a proper pneumonia prognosis of the disease can help in curing the condition at the very onset and reduce threats to life. Pneumonia prognosis is generally made by advising a few medical examinations to the patient based on the symptoms of infection. Blood examinations – This is one of the most common ways of diagnosing any disease and pneumonia is also not an exception. Blood tests are recommended for confirming the infection by identifying the organism leading to the infection. Pulse oximetry – While a blood test is a primary measure required for predicting and determining the pneumonia prognosis, it is not the single measure that can help in identifying the condition completely. That is the reason, many doctors advise patients to get pulse oximetry done. It helps in identifying the oxygen level in blood and determines if there is any hindrance in the normal functioning. X-ray of the chest – If there is any indication of pneumonia in blood tests, doctors suggests chest X-rays to visualize the extent of the infection.

Nothing irritates a person more than sniffling throughout the day, and the very fact that it is the harbinger of other diseases should make you wary of it. What starts as an itchy throat can lead to a full-fledged case of nasal congestion. The human body has the ability to protect itself from various diseases, and the immune system is what helps it in this endeavor. However, due to poor diet or the magnitude of the disease, at times, the immune system fails to protect the body from the onslaught of diseases. Nasal congestion is one such infection which the body’s immune system couldn’t ward off. Though various treatments for nasal congestion are available, it causes great discomfort till the time it lasts. There’s not just one cause of nasal congestion; it stems from different sources. Irrespective of what is the source of nasal congestion, the treatment for nasal congestion is directed towards curing it of the roots. The causes and symptoms of nasal congestion Usually, common cold has been identified as the cause of nasal congestion. The common cold is known to give the individual a runny nose, which is a symptom of nasal congestion. However, one cannot simply limit the causes of nasal congestion to the common cold. Nasal congestion occurs when the nasal passage is blocked since the membrane lining of the passage is swollen due to inflammation of the blood vessels. It’s not just a common cold that results in such condition; there are other factors that cause nasal congestion. They are as follows: Various elements in the environment can irritate the individual when he comes in contact with it. These are often responsible for triggering nasal congestion. Nasal congestion is also caused due to a deviated septum. Another cause of nasal congestion is hay fever.

Under normal circumstances, diarrhea disappears on its own within a few days. You do not have to take any serious treatment as some lifestyle changes and certain home remedies make up the diarrhea treatments. It is only when you do not get relief from these methods that doctors may recommend other types of medications and treatments. Methods for increasing fluids intake It is a good option to take small sips of water frequently, and small bites of salty crackers. The fluid intake must be increased to at least 1 liter per hour for a period of one or two hours and you can extend it for more if the problem does not subside quickly. If you are a person already suffering from heart, liver or kidney disease and have some limitations in increasing the fluid intake, you must consult with your doctor before increasing the quantity of fluids. Your doctor is most likely to advise you to replace the fluids and salts intake with getting fluids through a vein. Another aspect you must be aware of is that although water is a good source for replacing fluids, it does not contain the slats and electrolytes including minerals like potassium and sodium. The human body has to sustain the electric currents that help your heart beat normally. For keeping electrolyte levels at optimal levels, you have to take fruit juices and soups. Fruit juices offer potassium, and the soups provide sodium. At the same time, you have to remember that some fruit juices like apple juice can create a negative impact on diarrhea. When it comes to children, you can ask your doctor about taking an oral rehydration solution like Pedialyte for addressing dehydration or substituting lost fluids. Control your diet and choose the diet carefully It is a good choice to start eating mild foods immediately or in the next day based on how you feel.

Pneumococcal pneumonia can be considered as a type of pneumonia which infects upper respiratory tract and spreads to lungs, middle ear and nervous system, if not checked in time. This disease causes pneumonia in children who are less than five years of age or adults who are 65 years or older. Elder people are at more risk of pneumococcal pneumonia and can even die in rare cases. People who suffer from some medical conditions including chronic heart ailment, liver diseases, and sickle cell anemia are also at a risk of being infected with pneumococcal pneumonia. Causal Agents Pneumococcal pneumonia is caused by a range of viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Streptococcus pneumoniae is also known to cause Pneumococcal Pneumonia. Transmission Pneumococcal pneumonia is spread when a contact with people who are at risk is established. Also, this bacterium is also carried in the throat. The respiratory droplets of the infected person are also known to initiate the spread of Pneumococcal Pneumonia. Children, in particular, carry this bacteria in the throat even when they are not sick. Symptoms of Pneumococcal Pneumonia This infection begins suddenly in a person, and the person might suffer from severe chill symptoms which are followed by high fever, cough, shortness of breath, rapid breathing and chest pain. Nausea, vomiting, and headache are other symptoms of Pneumococcal pneumonia. Diagnosis Pneumococcal Pneumonia is diagnosed by the medical health provider based on symptoms, physical examination of the patient and lab tests including some chest x-rays if required. Pneumonia is also caused by other bacteria and germs. If a person suffers from signs of Pneumococcal Pneumonia, the best course of action would be to take immediate medical treatment. Healthcare providers also diagnose Pneumococcal Pneumonia based on the presence of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria in the blood, saliva or the lung fluid. Treatment of Pneumococcal Pneumonia Antibiotics are usually prescribed the doctor for treating complications related to Pneumococcal Pneumonia.

Different kinds of foods can cause acid reflux. Acid reflux is referred to the condition when the acid from the stomach backflows to the esophagus. This is caused due to the damaged or weakened lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES closes to avert the food present in the stomach from moving up to the esophagus. Given below is a list of some foods that cause acid reflux and hence should be avoided Tea, Coffee, and Soda Caffeinated beverages like tea, coffee and soda trigger the symptoms of acid reflux. Even decaffeinated tea can trigger acid reflux as well. It is best to avoid them altogether. Cheesecake Although delicious, it is one of the food items that cause acid reflux. The high content of fat in cheesecake causes the issue. Broccoli If you get acid reflux due to indigestion and gas; vegetables like broccoli will increase gas in your digestive system which will trigger acid reflux in return. Citrus Fruits The acid containing the citrus fruits will trigger acid reflux because they calm the lower esophageal down. Moreover, citrus fruits have more acid which aggravates the symptoms in most people. Alcohol Liquor of any kind like wine, beer, etc. causes acid reflux symptoms in two ways. Firstly, the alcohol calms the lower esophageal sphincter muscles letting the acid into the esophagus and secondly, alcohol helps in producing more stomach acid, which in turn causes acid reflux. Spicy Foods Among the most common causes of acid reflux, spicy food is one of them. If you suffer from the condition of acid reflux, it is best to avoid hot and spicy foods like curry and chili. Chocolate Both dark and milk chocolate are known to cause acid reflux. It contains a compound known as theobromine which relaxes the esophageal sphincter muscles thereby allowing the acid to travel upwards to the esophagus.

Heartburn, also known as acid reflux, occurs when the contents of the stomach move in a backward motion and into the esophagus. A severe form of acid reflux is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Heartburn or acid reflux is a common digestive condition which affects more than 60 million Americans at least once in 30 days, with more than 15 million Americans experiencing this phenomenon every day. There are different heartburn symptoms and signs, the most common one being a burning sensation in the chest. The feeling in the stomach radiates up to the mid-chest or throat. It may also cause a bitter taste in the back of the mouth and often lead to struggle while swallowing and in some cases, it is known to develop breathing problems too. Occasional heartburn is quite common and does not point to anything specific. Majority of the people are able to manage the discomfort caused by heartburn by introducing certain lifestyle changes along with some over-the-counter medications. However, if heartburn is more frequent and interferes with the daily routine, it is an indication pointing to a more serious condition that requires medical attention. Common heartburn symptoms and signs A burning sensation in the upper body, just behind the breastbone that starts immediately after eating and lasts for a few minutes to several hours Chest pain that becomes severe especially after lying down, bending over, or eating A burning sensation in the throat Consistent cramps experienced in the upper abdomen Dry mouth Gum irritation along with tenderness and bleeding Tooth erosion Pain or swelling in the throat Unpleasant breath because of slight regurgitation of acidic foods Bloating Burping or passing gas after meals Sometimes acid in the stomach can escape from the stomach and can make its way into the back of the throat.

A hiatal hernia is a condition when a small part of the stomach slides up through a weak spot in the diaphragm. The stomach acid is pushed into the esophagus causing heartburn and other associated issues. A gastroesophageal reflux disease is one of the most common symptoms of a hiatal hernia. Other symptoms include difficulty in swallowing, chest pain, and congestion. Most people don’t show any sign of a hiatal hernia and others who do, experience heartburn. Surgery is not required to treat this condition. Instead, doctors recommend patients to lead a healthy lifestyle by maintaining weight and eating small meals at a time. There are a few foods that must be included in the hiatal hernia diet and a few that should be avoided. The symptoms are sure to subside if you eat healthy food on a daily basis. Foods to include in your hiatal hernia diet Here is a list of foods that you must include in your diet. These foods are sure to help you find relief from the heartburn. Lean meats Lean meats must be preferred over fatty acids if you have a hiatal hernia. Meats that have high-fat content can aggravate the conditions. These include red meats and cold cuts. Go for lean protein sources like codfish and chicken breasts. Bake your meat instead of frying it and use less spice in your foods. Fruits and vegetables Fruits and vegetables are an essential part of a balanced diet. You get all the necessary vitamins and minerals from them. Fruits that have antioxidants that can help reduce and prevent heartburns. Go for healthy options like raspberries, cherries, and apricots. Acidic and citrus fruits like oranges, tomatoes, and grapes must be avoided. Consume more vegetables to increase your immunity and increase your metabolism. Green leafy vegetables like spinach and broccoli have plenty of vitamin B and calcium.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs), also known as cystitis, are fairly common, especially among women. In fact, half of all women in the world suffer from a UTI at some point in their lifetimes. UTIs occur when bacteria, that are usually found in your gastrointestinal tract and pelvic region, enter into your urinary system. The bacteria don’t have much to travel to infect the woman’s bladder. As a result, it causes the inflammation of the bladder. Although UTIs are mostly caused by bacterial infections, they can also be caused by several other factors, such as chemical irritants, fungal infections, foreign bodies (e.g., kidney stones), and trauma. Symptoms of urinary tract infections Typically, UTI symptoms include the following: – Suprabic pain, which is the pain in lower abdomen – Dysuria, which is pain or a burning sensation upon urination – Needing to urinate urgently and frequently – Sometimes, the urine could be bloody or even cloudy Having said that, the symptoms can differ by age. Infants suffering from a UTI usually develop a fever, become fussy or feed poorly. Moreover, the elderly might experience fatigue, become incontinent or may even develop dementia. Urinary tract infection treatment options Step 1: Diagnosis The first and foremost step for the treatment of a UTI is a positive diagnosis. According to the diagnosis, the appropriate cure is suggested. There are a few tests for diagnosis of a UTI: Urine analysis You might need to have a urine culture taken to be evaluated for a possible infection of your kidneys. Once you get a urinalysis done, there might be signs of Pyuria—the presence of white blood cells in the urine, which can make the urine appear cloudy. Having a couple of WBCs in the urine can be normal, however, if there are more than 5 WBCs per high powered field is considered abnormally high.

Dry eye is a chronic ailment that can happen to anyone, at any point in life. It is a syndrome commonly found in both men and women. It is a progressive condition where the eye loses the required amount of lubrication that is necessary for a healthy vision. This disease may or may not be completely cured, depending on the severity of the condition in a person. However, ophthalmologists state that in milder situations, patients are able to overcome many disturbing symptoms of dry eye and experience clearer vision and greater eye comfort with proper dry eye treatment. Dry eye can cause discomforts such as redness, irritation, itchiness, inflammation, and even blemish formation of the front surface of the eye. Dry eyes are common complaints among most people nowadays. No one usually ignores any issues with the eyes. Hence, dry eye treatment is a common phenomenon at a doctor’s clinic. Medically, dry eye syndrome is also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca or KCS. Troubleshooter for dry eyes Eyes are a highly sensitive organ in the human body. Any disturbance in your eye can result in serious disruptions in your daily activities and overall lifestyle. Tears are the important aspects of the eye. Tears are a mix of water, oils, mucus, and antibodies that help in maintaining the perfect functioning of the eyes, keeping infections at bay, and maintaining a healthy vision. Dry eyes often happen when the tear glands fail to develop enough tears. It might also happen that the tears evaporate leaving the eyes parched and dried up. Some common symptoms that signify dry eyes include the following: Itchy eyes Burning sensation Redness Dryness Sore eyes Blurred vision Heavy eyes Pain Eye fatigue Photophobia Watery eyes Inflamed eye The symptoms and severity vary ranging from mild to severe conditions in patients.

Ticks are found in the outdoors, living in grass, leaf piles and shrubs. They have a strong affinity for humans and their pets and easily migrate from one to the other. While these bugs may seem tiny and harmless, in reality, they literally suck your blood for sustenance. Ticks attach themselves to the victim and bite, drawing blood till their appetite is sated, growing in size, sometimes as big as a marble. Tick bites are mostly harmless, but some tick bites can cause allergic reactions and even more serious diseases, both in humans and their pets. A rash from tick bites is a major symptom of a more serious reaction. While a rash from tick bites can cause irritation, itching and a burning sensation on the affected skin, it’s often an indicator of a more serious, harmful disease’s onset. Below, we’ve mentioned some of the other consequences and diseases that a tick bite can leave you with. If you experience a rash from tick bites, keep an eye out for these diseases. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) RMSF is the most serious of all tick-borne diseases. It’s more common in the south-eastern parts of the United States. It is not contagious, but it can pass through ticks bites, from humans to their pets, and vice-versa. The symptoms appear between 2 to 14 days after the bite, and include: High fever persisting for 2 to 3 weeks Chills Fatigue Abdominal pain Nausea Muscle aches A headache The characteristic feature of Rocky Mountain spotted fever is the rash from the tick bite. The rash comprises of small red spots on the palms, ankles, wrists, and soles. The rash starts 2 to 5 days after the bite and spreads across the torso. This is usually coupled with a high fever. After a week of the infection, a second rash can develop from the tick bite.

Allergies are fairly common and no matter the kind of allergy, the best treatment is to avoid the allergen. Proper treatment involves finding the cause of the allergy and treating it. There are a few common factors that cause allergy. These include pollen, pollution, or other such factors. Many tests can help determine the allergen. Once you know what is causing the problem, you can get it treated or avoid it. Not taking steps towards curing it will only make the situation worse. The common symptoms experienced are cold, cough, and rashes. There are two allergy treatment options available for you to try. Avoid Exposure To The Allergens If the allergen can be removed from your environment, you can recover much sooner. It may not always be possible, and this is when allergy medications come in handy. Here are a few ways in which you can avoid the allergen. Food allergies are fairly common. So be careful about what you eat. Many people have pet allergies too. If you have any pet allergies, get yourself tested. You can keep your pets in a separate place. Also, make sure that you keep your pets clean by bathing them regularly. Dust allergy happens when the surrounding is not clear regularly. Make sure your house is ventilated and dry. Damp environments can attract fungus. So, make sure you clean your house on a daily basis. Grassy or polluted areas can cause allergy. Places that have high pollen content in the air can make you react by sneezing or coughing. Dust your pillows and curtains regularly. Avoid having carpets at home. Allergy Medication When you cannot get rid of the allergy by avoiding the cause, this is the best way to go. There are many medicines that you can get without a prescription. However, it is always better to consult a doctor before taking them as some are not suitable for everyone.

Most people with eye problems prefer contact lenses over glasses as they’re convenient. But one of the most common issues that people with contact lenses face is the drying up of their eyes. This is the result of dry eye syndrome. While this problem is prevalent amongst both users and non-users of contacts, wearing contacts aggravates the symptoms of dry eye syndrome. However, there are effective ways with which you can combat this issue. Read further to find out more. Dry eye syndrome Sometimes, your tear glands are not able to produce a right amount of tears to lubricate your eyes efficiently. This leads to dryness and irritation and sometimes even inflammation. Severe cases can even lead to scarring of the frontal surface of the eyes. This is a widespread condition which affects about 48% of the population of 18 and above. Causes of dry eye syndrome Some causes include Damage to the tear glands Damage to the eyes and skin around it Hormonal changes Wearing contacts for extended periods Treatment options for dry eyes The best and the most common solution prescribed by doctors for dry eye syndrome is the usage of eye drops that help lubricate your eyes. Some behavioral changes can also help reduce your symptoms of dry eyes. If a specific type of medication is affecting your eyes and causing them to dry up as a side effect, then consider changing your medication. There is also a procedure to block the tear drainage system of your eyes, but this is only recommended in severe cases of dry eye syndrome. The best contact lenses for dry eyes most times comes from a combination of several measures. You could change the material of your contacts, or replace their solution, or even try some other remedies that help control the symptoms of dry eyes.