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.

If you’re an avid tennis player or a player of another racket sport, you may have heard the term tennis elbow. But what is tennis elbow exactly? Tennis elbow is a repetitive strain injury to the tendons in the elbow. It is a type of tendonitis that can be acute or chronic. It affects the extensor muscles of the forearm. Tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis affects people who do a lot of striking motions with their forearm like playing tennis, using hammers, etc. Even activities that require excessive gripping motions can cause tennis elbow, like painting and hedge clipping. When playing tennis the following maneuvers can cause tennis elbow—one-handed backhand with poor technique, twisting the wrist while serving at full power, and a late forehand swing that causes the wrist to bend. Treatment of tennis elbow focuses on reducing the pain and inflammation. To protect the elbow while letting it heal, a tennis elbow brace is recommended. A tennis elbow brace will restrict movement of the elbow while also being supportive and protective. Signs And Symptoms The most common sign of tennis elbow is a pain over the lateral (outer) aspect of the elbow. The outer portion of the elbow can also become tender. Specifically, the pain and tenderness will be 1-2cm around the outer bony prominence. There can be a weakness of the muscles in the forearm, especially the extensor muscles. The extensor muscles help to extend the finger and the wrist upwards. The pain will be increased, with gripping motions of the wrist and with activities that require the use of the extensor muscles like— pouring from a jug, sweeping, lifting with the palm down, etc. An acute case of tennis elbow occurs immediately after the activity. The muscles get overloaded in a short period of time causing tears in the tendons.

Bronchitis is an acute condition in the respiratory system and over millions of people across the world suffer from it. Every year, health practitioners note an alarming increase in the number of patients who visit chronic bronchitis treatment centers. Bronchitis can be of two types, acute and chronic. Chronic bronchitis is also said to be a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This is a long-term disorder which can be managed efficiently with changes in lifestyle, medication, and therapy. The doctors at the chronic bronchitis treatment centers aim at providing relief to patients by treating the symptoms and slowing down the progression of the disease. Chronic bronchitis and its causes The bronchial tubes are the main lifeline of the lungs. These tubes carry air that is breathed into the lungs. Inthe case of a patient suffering from chronic bronchitis, the bronchial tubes get blocked or inflamed and develop secretions of mucus, that narrows the passage in the tubes. This disrupts the flow of air to the lungs. This shortage of air can lead to frequent coughing, which often brings up mucus. A patient is said to be suffering from chronic bronchitis if he or she has a cough several times a day with sputum production that has lasted for more than three months. The experts at leading chronic bronchitis treatment centers suggest that cigarette smoking as the main reason that causes chronic bronchitis in people. Other reasons may be the inhalation of bronchial irritants along with the air. This could include passive smoking, airborne chemicals, industrial pollutants, smog, and dust. Certain infrequent causes may be viral or bacterial infections, several bouts of acute bronchitis or pneumonia, diseases like heart failure, asthma, immunodeficiency and others. Signs of the disease Usually, people above the age of 45, are commonly found to suffer from chronic bronchitis.

A skin infection caused by the Staphylococcus bacteria —MRSA or Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus is an infection that can occur in any part of the body. Characterised by mild symptoms like sores and boils, the infection can also graduate to severity by infecting surgical wounds, urinary tract, lungs, and bloodstream. The MRSA bacteria are resistant to commonly used antibiotics and that’s why it’s called the ‘ superbug’, making it difficult for the medical fraternity to treat this condition. Causes The Staph bacteria inhabit our bodies and do not pose much risk to healthy people. In fact, one-third of the general population have staph bacteria in their noses. The garden variety Staph is the most common. Staph can land you with a skin infection if it gets into your body. Such infections are minor and don’t call for any specialized treatment. In some cases, Staph can infect wounds or cause pneumonia ( when the bacteria infect the lungs ). Symptoms Of MRSA Staph infection leads to the formation of abscesses, furuncles or boils . These are pus-filled. The area where these boils or furuncles are present become red and swollen accompanied by intense pain. Drainage of the area is also a possibility. If the MRSA infection is moderate, the symptoms that show up are—headache, muscle ache, fatigue, fever, chest pain, and shortness of breath. You’ll experience a general feeling of sickness. When the MRSA infection graduates to become severe, the symptoms worsen. The patient suffers from joint pain, bone pain, muscle ache, chest pain, low blood pressure, fever and chills, fatigue, shortness of breath, painful breathing, headache, rash, and malaise. The above symptoms can be seen if the infection is restricted to the surface of the skin. If the infection reaches the bloodstream, it leads to septic shock , a life-threatening condition.

The shoulder is that part of your body which is used the maximum and mobility has a heavy price. The shoulder is a combination of three main bones namely the upper arm bone, the collarbone, and the shoulder blade. This part of your body is vital for you to move freely. Shoulder pain is common for people above the age of 60 years as the tissues surrounding the shoulder become weak. There are several reasons for shoulder pain. Poor posture Poor posture is one of the common cause of shoulder pain and this is mainly because there is a specific shape of your shoulder that helps it perform the motion functions efficiently. Inappropriate posture causes the shoulder to strain to work resulting in a pull in the muscle leading to severe shoulder pain. Another reason can also be our over-demanding lifestyle that might urge us to sit in a posture that causes shoulder pain. One example to this can be sitting in front of computers for long hours. Frozen shoulder Frozen shoulder is a situation where your upper arm bone does not have enough space to function freely. This causes swelling and thickening of shoulder resulting in severe pain. Frozen shoulder makes it difficult for you to manage your everyday tasks such as driving, lifting your hands etc. If unattended, this can lead to lack of shoulder movement altogether. Shoulder instability Shoulder instability can be caused either by too much movement of the shoulder or by the inappropriate position of the shoulder for a long duration. This results in numbness or catchy feeling around the shoulder area making it impossible to move freely. There are two types of shoulder instability: traumatic that is sudden instability of the shoulder due to large impacts such as accidents and a traumatic that is over the period instability of the shoulder.

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a crippling disorder delineated by extreme exhaustion and fatigue that just doesn’t dissipate. Chronic fatigue syndrome is also termed as systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID), or myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). The culprits of chronic fatigue syndrome aren’t well known or contemplated. While some research suggests psychological stress, others say it can be due to virus infection, or a combination of both the contributors. To be honest, chronic fatigue syndrome is quite complicated to diagnose as there has been no trace of any contributors to the disease as yet, and the symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome are pretty common and seen in other diseases. Chronic fatigue syndrome has been around for a long time and is a largely recognizable medical condition. It has a tendency to affect anyone or anybody, but the patients are mostly women over the age of 40. Since there is no particular cure for this ailment, there are a few treatments which help give relief to the symptoms related to chronic fatigue syndrome. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treatment All you have to do to rule out chronic fatigue syndrome is alter and make few changes in your existing lifestyle, and you are likely to be successful in fighting the symptoms. Here are a few of the most recommended expert’s opinion and tips, in chronic fatigue syndrome treatment. Limit your intake of caffeine, as this would help you eradicate insomnia issue from your list. Limit your alcohol and nicotine as well. Try keeping away from afternoon naps if you feel that it keeps you awake at night. Build a neat routine for sleep. Try hitting the bed and waking up at a fixed time every single day, to avoid any indiscipline, this also trains your body about sleep routine. Ensure that you are pacing yourself during regular activities.

Know about the New and Existing Treatments for Psoriatic Arthritis Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that is a type of inflammatory arthritis. It causes a long-term condition in most people and may become worse with time, especially if left untreated. When the person suffering from this disease is not given proper treatment or when the treatment is prolonged, it can cause serious damage to the joints in the body. To avoid serious and permanent joint damages, it is important to get an early diagnosis. Learning and knowing the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis is hence important to get the right diagnosis and timely treatment. Psoriatic arthritis may develop post a psoriasis disease. Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes scaly patches that develops on the skin. Not all types of psoriasis lead to psoriatic arthritis; however, in some cases of psoriasis can lead to an onset of psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis can affect any joint in the body. When psoriatic arthritis occurs in the spine, the condition is called spondylitis. It causes a stiffness in the neck or back, causing difficulty to the person while bending. People who have psoriatic arthritis may also get tender spots in the tendons. This causes a pain in the feet or the back of the heel. Most people fear a permanent joint damage that could be caused by psoriatic arthritis; however, it is not entirely true. Psoriatic arthritis can cause permanent joint damage; however, this can only happen when it is left untreated or when the treatment is provided too late. An early diagnosis and treatment can cure psoriatic arthritis and not cause any harm to the joint. There are different types of treatments available to cure psoriatic arthritis. To know about them, read on! Existing treatments for psoriatic arthritis Patients with psoriatic arthritis undergo several types of treatments, some of them include doses of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medicines.

Alcoholism is a drinking and alcohol abuse disorder, characterized by an uncontrollable urge to consume alcohol repeatedly. There are no known causes of alcohol abuse or addiction and the condition is influenced due to peer pressure and certain mental illnesses. In many cases, alcohol abuse is an indirect remedy taken up to counter the symptoms of depression or anxiety. Alcoholism is also a chronic condition and there is no proper cure. The condition can only be managed with proper treatment, medications, and therapy to avoid a relapse. In alcohol abuse, your genes can also boost the power of alcohol and simultaneously curb the symptoms of a hangover thus increasing your body’s resistance to these drinks. When resistance increases, addiction replaces habit and alcohol abuse can grow out of control. It is estimated that nearly 13% of the population suffers from mild, moderate, and severe symptoms of alcohol addiction. Symptoms of alcohol addiction The known symptoms of alcohol addiction will vary depending on the severity of the addiction. Here are some common warning signs you should look out when it comes to alcohol abuse. Increased tolerance to alcohol and reduced effects of a hangover Increased number of drinks consumed throughout your day Drinking out of control and blacking out as a result repeatedly Worrying about the quantity of alcohol left and restocking the bar more than usual Decreased productivity in many areas of life due to increased alcohol consumption Experiencing withdrawal symptoms while attempting to stay sober In case you experience any or even one of the aforesaid symptoms for prolonged periods, it is advisable to visit an alcohol addiction treatment center and assess the severity of the condition. Risks associated with alcohol addiction Alcohol abuse can result in several health complications including; Risk of developing a cancer Damage to the liver and internal organs Problems during pregnancy or complications during labor Homicidal and suicidal thoughts due to mental instability as a result of alcohol abuse Alcohol addiction treatment One in eight adults are addicted to alcohol and the number is increasing every year.

Rotavirus is a specific type of virus that causes a wide range of gastrointestinal disorders in children and adolescents. This may often lead to symptoms like watery diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain. This virus is transmitted via contact with infected surfaces, and it is most commonly passed through fecal-oral contact. The best way to avoid getting infected is by getting the rotavirus vaccine. If your child is infected by rotavirus, the doctor may recommend immediate hospitalization to prevent any further complications. The following are a few treatment methods that can be opted for when treating a rotavirus infection: Oral rehydration therapy One of the biggest problems that a child suffering from a rotavirus infection may face is the loss of fluids, which can lead to severe dehydration. If an infant is suffering from such an infection, they must be given small amounts of fluids at regular intervals or must be nursed frequently. It is also recommended to use an oral rehydration solution to avoid severe dehydration. If the child is severely dehydrated, they may need to be provided with extra fluids through intravenous or intraosseous lines. Probiotics A child who is infected with this virus can experience a weakened immune system that needs to be remedied to avoid any further infections and diseases. Regular intake of probiotics is known to be effective in improving immunity in children and preventing foreign antigens from entering the body. Moreover, these probiotics may also help improve gut health in children. Other medications There are several other medications that might be prescribed to treat protozoal or helminthic infections in the intestines. These infections are a common occurrence in children suffering from rotaviral gastroenteritis, and are usually treated by prescribing medications containing nitrothiazole-benzamide compounds. Although such children may suffer from watery diarrhea, antidiarrheal medications are usually not given to them.

The colon is the longest part of the large intestine. It is responsible for absorbing nutrients and storing solid waste before transporting it to the rectum. The formation of tumors in the colon is known as cancer. The tumors lead to symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, weakness, and irritable bowel syndrome. There are multiple methods to manage colon cancer. However, these treatments depend on the stage and location of the growth. Diagnoses at home Identifying colon cancer in the early stages can help ensure a more effective treatment plan. Colorguard is one such tool used to diagnose colorectal cancer at home. The kit is available with a doctor’s prescription. It can be used to screen for cancer in adults 45 years of age and older by detecting specific DNA markers and blood in the stool. FDA-approved treatments There are several FDA- approved treatments prescribed by doctors to manage colon cancer. A few of them are include: Avastin (Bevacizumab) The injection is approved to treat metastatic colorectal cancer in case the colon cancer has not spread to other parts of the body. The treatment is combined with intravenous fluorouracil-based chemotherapy. Xeloda (Capecitabine) The FDA-approved treatment is prescribed when colon cancer may have spread to the lymph nodes close to the colon after surgery. It is also prescribed if cancer has spread from the colon to other body parts. Foods to manage colon cancer Foods may not eliminate cancer. But having proper nutrition may prevent additional tumor growth. A few healthy foods are: Fruits Apples, bananas, blueberries, and oranges are beneficial for colon cancer. These fruits contain antioxidants, fibers, and phytochemicals known to protect the patient from digestive complications. Nuts Nuts like cashews, almonds, pistachios, and hazelnuts are rich in fiber, flavonoids, and healthy fatty acids. These properties may reduce the risk of developing colon cancer.

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.

Vitiligo is a common skin condition affecting about one percent of the population worldwide. It is characterized by the loss of skin color or discoloration. It commonly begins to appear on the face, arms, hands, and feet, but it can affect any part of the skin. While the condition can affect one at any age, over half of the people with vitiligo notice skin lightening before the age of 20. Signs of vitiligo The most noticeable sign of vitiligo is the patchy loss of skin color. Other symptoms include patches of hair on the body that turn silver, gray, or white, loss of color in the mucus membranes (nose and mouth), and/or changes to one’s eye color. Causes of vitiligo Vitiligo occurs when the melanocytes, or the pigment-producing cells in the body, stop producing melanin or die. While the exact cause of this condition is not known, many healthcare experts believe that it may be a result of an autoimmune condition, a genetic mutation, trigger events such as stress, sunburn, or trauma, or environmental factors like exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation or toxic chemicals. Treatment options for vitiligo Topical treatment for repigmentation Certain ointments may be prescribed to help with skin repigmentation when dealing with non-segmental vitiligo. These options can be used on the affected areas of the skin. One should consult a doctor regarding the frequency of use. Light therapy Phototherapy or light therapy using medical-grade UVB lasers might also be used to restore skin color and reduce the appearance of vitiligo patches. Depigmentation therapy In this line of treatment, the leftover pigment in the skin is removed to match the color of the affected skin and help achieve an even skin tone. Surgery Doctors may suggest surgeries such as skin grafts or blister grafts to cover or treat the vitiligo-affected areas of the skin.