Are you or someone you know suffering from urinary tract infection? Well, first, do not panic! This infection is common and curable. In some cases, just simple home remedies can treat it. Sometimes, medical attention is necessary to prevent further complications. However, it is always advisable to consult a doctor or a healthcare professional for the best treatment for UTI. A UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) is a bacterial infection of the urinary tract that is composed of urethra, kidneys, ureters, and bladder. This entire system is responsible for the process of urine formation and urine expulsion from the body. Hence, any infection in this system is bound to cause some physical uneasiness. The E. Coli (Escherichia coli) bacteria is the main reason behind most of the UTI cases. However, this infection is not contagious. Few causes of UTI The bacteria may reach the urinary tract while having sex. Also, using an unhygienic bathroom may cause this bacterial infection. Any person having kidney stones can suffer from this infection if the stones block the urinary tract. There is a high chance that people with diabetes get this infection as they do not have a strong immune system. If a person is going through medical treatments like urinary catheter, chemotherapy etc., UTI may occur. If someone keeps holding the urine for too long, chances of occurring UTI increase. Parkinson’s disease, injuries in the spinal cord, or any structural abnormalities in the genitourinary tract. The best treatment for UTI is only possible when it is diagnosed properly. According to various medical research reports, women get urinary tract infection more than men. It is because women’s urethra is shorter in size and it is located closer to the rectum. Signs and symptoms of UTI Here are some symptoms that will help you understand if you are suffering from the infection or not, and you can then consult a doctor to get the proper urinary tract infection treatment.

A urinary tract is made up of bladder, kidneys, ureters and the urethra. An infection in any part of this tract is known as a urinary tract infection (UTI). In most cases, the infection is caused by two types of bacteria: Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Escherichia coli. However, sometimes, it can also be caused by a virus or fungi. UTI is more common in women than in men. This is primarily because the urethra, which is the tube that carries the urine out of the bladder, is shorter in women, making it more likely for the bacteria to enter and reach the bladder easily. Common symptoms of UTI In UTI, people generally experience the following: A burning sensation while urinating Frequent urination Dark colored urine with a potent odor Pelvic pain A feeling of incomplete bladder emptying In the case of any symptoms, it is imperative to consult medical help. Usually, antibiotics are used to treat the infection. But, a natural home treatment option for UTI that can also help in alleviating the agonizing symptoms. In this article, we will look at some effective home remedies to naturally treat UTI. Natural cure of UTI Consuming plenty of fluids Low fluid intake and irregular urination have been linked to increased chances of UTI. When one is adequately hydrated, the person passes sufficient urine that helps in flushing out the bacteria to prevent infections. Therefore, staying hydrated is the key to preventing the occurrence of UTI. To meet the fluid needs, it is best to drink water throughout the day. As per general recommendations, women should consume 91 ounces of water every day and men should take 125 ounces, which also includes water content from food. Increasing the Intake of Vitamin C This is another simple home treatment for UTI to speed up the recovery process.

Have you ever heard about meningitis? Do you know what it is and what are all the things that are related to it? Is meningitis contagious? These are some of the common questions about meningitis. The fact of the matter is that many people are not completely aware of this disease. However, as it turns out, this is one of the most serious diseases. An acute inflammation of the meninges (the protective membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord) is known as meningitis. As it affects the membrane that protects the brain, this disease is dangerous. According to the statistics, there were around 4,100 cases of bacterial meningitis each year from 2003 to 2007, and 500 of those cases were fatal. Meningitis is a disease that is found in various parts of the world. It has many types, of which bacterial meningitis is the most common. And sometimes the symptoms vary based on the age too. Types, causes, and symptoms of meningitis Bacterial meningitis Bacterial meningitis is caused by the bacteria that enter the bloodstream and travel to the brain and the spinal cord. This can also happen if the bacteria invade the meninges directly. The causes for this are skull fracture, an ear or sinus infection, and sometimes surgeries. The symptoms in this type of meningitis usually develop suddenly. Altered mental status, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, irritability, headache, fever, chills, stiff neck, drowsiness, and lethargy are some of the symptoms of bacterial meningitis. One should seek immediate medical attention if he or she notices any of the above symptoms as bacterial and another type of meningitis called viral meningitis can be very dangerous and lethal. Viral meningitis Viral meningitis is mild in nature and mostly clears on its own. Most of the cases of this disease in the country are due to a group of viruses named enteroviruses.

A short-term increase in the body temperature is referred in medical terms as pyrexia. Commonly known as fever, it is a common occurrence in both adults and children. As the temperature of your body becomes higher than the normal temperature, it becomes indicative of an underlying illness which may be an infection in some part of the body such as the throat or stomach. Having high fever is an important sign that some changes are occurring in the body. The temperature of our body is regulated by the hypothalamus which is present at the base of the brain. The state of fever is experienced by almost every human being at some point of time irrespective of sex or age. Many medical experts are of the opinion that fever is a natural defense of the body against infection. Relevant treatment for fever is recommended by medical experts after assessing the symptoms carefully and conducting certain diagnostic tests. Causes of high fever in adults Diseases such as malaria, upper and lower respiratory tract infections or flu, cold, bacterial infections, gastrointestinal infections, urinary tract infections or skin infections etc Excessive heat exposure Abnormalities in the brain or malignant tumors Disease of the endocrine which is associated with a hormonal or glandular system of the body Inflammation caused by tissue injury Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis which is the inflammation of the lining of joints Side effects of certain medicines Common symptoms High fever comes with a lot of physical discomforts. It is only after adequate treatment for the fever that you can feel better. High fever is typically characterized by a rise in oral temperature as it soars above 100°F (37.8°C) to touch 103°F. Temperature in adults can be measured with a thermometer placed under the tongue. General symptoms that accompany high fever include:

Shingles, medically known as herpes zoster, can cause rashes with tremendous pain. The viral infection is the reason of varicella-zoster that also causes chickenpox. Once you had chickenpox in your childhood, this virus will stay dormant in you and cause severe rashes with pain which is also called shingles later on in your life. According to a report, almost one out of three people in the country will get shingles at least once in their lifetime. You cannot do anything that will make the shingles go away instantly. Moreover, you can take measures by which you can make life a whole lot easier for yourself. Shingles generally last for two to four weeks and appear with rashes that will pain, itch, and burn, giving you the kind of discomfort that you have never felt before. The symptoms of shingles can be very hard to get rid of. However, following certain measures could really help your cause. Treating rash and itchiness due to shingles Your topmost priority should be when you are looking for shingles rash treatments to get relieved from the itchiness and pain. If you can do that then you will be able to stop shingles from affecting your day to day life. Here are some of the things you can look to do. Take an oatmeal bath: Taking an oatmeal bath can certainly provide you with the relief you want from shingles. You just have to dip into the cold water. In that water add some colloidal oatmeal. This is made from the oats which have been grounded very finely and made into a powder. This is one of those soothing baths that could really calm the itchiness and provide you with relief from shingles. This is arguably one of the best shingles rash treatments that one could ever look forward to.

When people talk about skin issues, they often forget to consider scars. Most people are preoccupied with breakouts and zits, or they worry about superficial damage to the skin. However, acne can leave behind scars and dull spots. Several people start feeling conscious of the way they look because of these scars. If you have facial scars, you need to make sure that you get the right treatment for it. It all starts with picking a scar cream that addresses the issues which lead to the formation of these marks in the first place. The best scar cream is one that works slowly but provides a permanent solution. Here is a brief guide to the different types of scars, and some tips to help you pick the best scar cream for yourself. What are scars and how do they form? Scars are a signature of an injury or damage caused to the dermis, which is the skin’s second deepest layer. This damage can be self-inflicted if you pick your skin, or it could be a leftover mark from surgery. Scars form due to your skin’s ability to heal fast. Whenever you get a wound, your skin immediately goes to work by fixing that wound. It starts with clotting the blood in the area of injury to prevent bleeding, and it forms a barrier on the cut to protect it from the external world. We see this as a scab. Scabs are fragile and easily broken. However, as soon as the scab forms, the dermal layer starts producing fibroblasts. It helps to fix the collagen on the skin to form a smooth, pink layer that we see on the surface. The problem starts at this point. The fibroblast is produced at a fast rate, and the collagen isn’t laid out evenly.

Dry eye syndrome is a common condition which affects the eyes. It occurs due to insufficient lubrication and moisture in the eyes. It is also called as dry eye disease or keratoconjunctivitis sicca. This condition affects a majority of people, especially during old age. What is dry eye syndrome? Dry eye syndrome occurs when the tears produced are inadequate to lubricate the eyes. Due to this, the eyes fail to shield against dust and impurities. This causes discomfort or irritation to the eyes. Tears play an important role in preserving the health of the eyes. It is also helpful in providing a proper vision to the eyes. What are the symptoms? Dry eye causes a lot of discomfort and irritation. It gives a feeling of having something in the eyes all the time and an itchy sensation. A few other common symptoms of dry eye syndrome are as follows: Pain in the eyes Heaviness of eyes Dry sensation Redness of eyes Blur vision Burning In a few cases, there are chances where the eyes may produce excess tears. The lack of dampness in the eyes irritates them. There is stimulation to produce tears in excess, as a defense mechanism. This condition is “reflex tearing” and is only a temporary disorder. What are the causes of dry eye syndrome? There are many reasons for the occurrence of the dry eye syndrome. But the major factor which causes it is the lack of tear production. It occurs when there is an increase in tear evaporation or an imbalance in tear composition. The other factors which cause dry eyes are: Age The risk of developing dry eye increases with an increase in a person’s age. It is a natural condition in one’s old age. This is because the tear production reduces when a person grows older.

Pulmonary embolism is a common cardiovascular disease in the country. When the pulmonary artery in the lungs gets blocked by a blood clot, pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs. The pulmonary artery is responsible for supplying blood to the lungs. Due to the presence of the blood clot, the blood flow gets restricted resulting in decreasing levels of oxygen in the blood. PE is a serious and life-threatening condition that can not only damage a part of the affected person’s lungs but can also cause damage to other organs. According to various medical research reports, almost one-third of patients who have PE pass away because of no treatment or diagnosis. To avoid severe outcomes like permanent damage to the lungs, patients require emergency treatment. By recognizing the symptoms of pulmonary embolism, one can understand when they need to schedule an appointment with the doctor. Symptoms of pulmonary embolism The intensity of the symptoms of this cardiovascular disease can vary depending on the size of the blood clot along with the position where it lodges in the lungs. One of the most common symptoms of PE is shortness of breath. Typically, this symptom appears suddenly and gets worse with exertion. Some of the other symptoms of pulmonary embolism include: Sharp and unexplained chest pain: This pain can slowly extend into the other body parts including the neck, arms, shoulder, and jaw. It can feel like having a heart attack. The pain might get worse with deep breathing, eating, coughing, stooping or bending. With exertion, the pain would get worse. Even while resting, it will not go away completely. Tendency of fainting Excessive anxiety Rapid breathing Bluish or clammy skin Lightheadedness Irregular heartbeat Weak pulse Blood spitting up Restlessness If one notices any of the symptoms mentioned above, especially shortness of breath, they must seek medical attention immediately.

Boost your health the natural way with these heart Afib treatment options. Heart Afib or atrial fibrillation is a condition characterized by irregularly fast heartbeats. It is a type of arrhythmia. For people with normal heart functions, the heart contracts and expands at a regular pace producing a regular heartbeat. However, for someone with heart Afib, the upper two chambers of the heart, known as the atria, pump blood at a much faster pace than the lower two chambers, known as the ventricles. The chaotic and irregular beating of the two upper chambers produces beats that are not in synchronization with the lower two chambers. As compared to normal heartbeats that range from 60-100 beats every minute, people with Afib record heart rates from 100-175 per minute. Other than causing irregular flow of blood to your body, heart Afib may also result in complications such as blood clots in the heart, plaque build-ups, etc. According to the National Heart Association, more than 2.7 people in the United States alone suffer from heart Afib. Heart Afib Treatment Plans Symptoms of heart Afib include fatigue and weakness, heart palpitations, dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath, etc. Not only does heart Afib reduce your quality of life, but it is also a risk factor for a number of other conditions such as a stroke. When it comes to treating heart Afib, doctors advise treatment options depending on what the cause of Afib is in every case. For example, if your heart Afib is being caused due to asthma/COPD, hyperthyroidism, etc., then the treatment plan will include specifically targeted treatment for the underlying problem. In general, treatment plans include conventional allopathic medication. However, many people find that the effect of medication on their heart Afib is not as profound as they would like it to be.

Atrial fibrillation or AFib is the most common of all kinds of serious heart arrhythmia. The main cause behind it is abnormal electrical signals in the heart. These signals cause the upper chambers or the atria of your heart to quiver and fibrillate. This fibrillation results in irregular and fast heartbeat. People with AFib may never have any symptoms but suffer from serious complications. The irregular beating will cause the blood to pool in your atria. This will cause clots which will travel to your brain and result in stroke. People with this condition are at five times higher risk of getting a stroke than those without this condition. AFib worsens heart conditions as well as heart failure. However, there are several options available to treat this condition including surgery, medications and other procedures. Lifestyle changes can help in the betterment of this condition as well. Find out below the several ways to treat AFib: The Goals of the Treatment Your physician will plan a treatment strategy to manage your AFib. There would be three goals primarily to address the issue: Restoring normal heart rate. Preventing blood clots. Restoring normal heart rhythm. All these three goals can be achieved using medicines. However, if medicines fail to restore your heart rhythm, there are other options available for surgery or medical procedures. Drugs to Prevent Blood Clots One of the most common causes of premature death in patients suffering from AFib is a stroke. The increased stroke risk is a major concern. There are certain medications that your doctor would like to suggest to prevent the formation of clots that may cause a stroke. These drugs include: Rivaroxaban Warfarin Edoxaban Apixaban Dabigatran The doctor would run a check on your blood regularly to ensure that the medicines are working. Medicines to Restore Normal Heart Rate Another important step in treating AFib is to slow down the heart rate.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disorder and does not have any cure. It is only possible to reduce the severity of the symptoms, which offers the patient a better quality of life. Rheumatoid Arthritis primarily affects the joints. It can also affect the lungs, voice box, and eye. Symptoms The distinguishing feature of Rheumatoid arthritis is that it affects both hands and both legs. There is swelling, pain, redness and tenderness in the finger joints, wrist, elbow and knee. The feet, hip, neck and even the jaw can be affected. Unfortunately, the exact cause for Rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. A gene alteration is the most likely cause of this autoimmune disorder which predominantly affects women. As the symptoms show up differently in each person, a combination of tests help to draw the conclusion that a person is suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis. Most often, the evident Signs of Rheumatoid Arthritis help to diagnose the condition. There are some signs when rheumatoid arthritis affects the joints. Inflammation is accompanied by: Stiffness There is decreased mobility in the joints. Especially during mornings, it gets pretty difficult to use your joints. The stiffness lasts for a long time, and may last more than an hour, before you find your joints loosening up. Redness and Warmth The affected joints appear red and you can feel a warmth when you touch the joints. Swelling Swelling is a characteristic of any form of arthritis. When it comes to signs of rheumatoid arthritis, the fluid enters the joint and makes it puffy. Pain Pain in the joints is unavoidable. Inflammation inside the joint makes it tender and sensitive. Over a period of time, the joints experience damage and results in pain. Rheumatoid arthritis can not only affect the joints, but the entire body as well. In such cases, the symptoms manifest as fatigue, muscle ache, sickness, diminished appetite that can lead to weight loss.

Kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs that are present in either side of the body of vertebrates. The basic functions of the kidney include filtering blood to produce urine, retaining and discharging water, hormonal secretion, eliminating waste and nitrogen, and maintaining blood pressure and fluid levels in the body. Sometimes, kidneys fail to function because of kidney stones, infections, kidney cancer, renal infarction, glomerulonephritis, blood clotting in the kidneys, and the polycystic kidney disease, symptoms of which may include pain in the abdomen or the lower back area. Pain in the lower back area is often neglected, but it should be noted that back ache has a possibility of being associated with kidney diseases. Lower Back Pain – Associated Kidney Diseases The area between the ribs and the hips is known as flank and any pain in the flank area or the upper abdomen area is usually associated with kidney problems. Some of the kidney diseases that may cause pain in the lower back area are discussed in detail below. 1. Kidney Stones : Kidney stones or renal calculi are small crystal-like particles that develop in the kidneys and cause severe lower back pain due to kidney stones may even extend up to the groin. The pain is generally sharp and constant and may be experienced in waves. Kidney stones may occur due to dietary disorders or hereditary factors. Sometimes, kidney stones are so small that they get eliminated through urination without any symptoms. However, sometimes they may grow to a large size that they may need them to be reduced to smaller particles surgically through a process called lithotripsy. Medications such as Ibuprofen or Tylenol are often prescribed by doctors for pain relief. If you have kidney stones, here are some self-care steps that you can take: • Drink plenty of water.