Diseases General Health Skin Conditions

Archive for April, 2017

Swollen Kneecap

Apr 23 2017 Published by under Bone, Joints and Muscle

What is a Swollen Kneecap?

Swollen kneecap is a body dysfunction that causes the knee to get filled with fluid, also known as water on the knee or knee effusion. This can happen either slowly or just at once depending on the reason behind it. The swollen kneecap can be caused by a small injury, arthritis or bursitis. These are the mild forms of knee swelling and cause little to no pain. These can also be treated with some over the counter medicine and some rest. The more persistent kind of knee pain means that swelling is the worst. It causes a lot of pain even while doing the daily activities like walking, running or bending etc. Sometimes even if there is no injury or disease the knee swells up for no reason. This can be because of the excessive pressure or extra work that has been done on the knee and can be treated with just rest in two days.

Our knee is a joint that is responsible for holding the weight of the whole body. Every time we do an activity, it automatically puts pressure on the kneecap. So, injury to the knee joint is very common. Sometimes the knee swelling is not the disease, but is the symptom of an underlying disease that might have bad effects on the body later. Knee swelling if not treated on time might totally make a person incapable of walking and putting pressure on their legs. Sometimes an injury in the knee if not treated properly can cause chronic knee pain and some diseases like arthritis.

Signs and Symptoms of Kneecap Swelling

There are numerous signs and symptoms of a swollen kneecap. If you find yourself having these symptoms, kindly consult your doctor immediately. They are:

Swelling

Swelling means that the kneecap or the areas around the kneecap suddenly grows in size and feels as if something has been filled into it. Usually swelling happens only in one leg, so the person is able to compare it with the other one. The swelling can have no pain or a lot of pain depending on what is causing it. Sometimes the swelling happens for no reason which can be the first sign of an underlying knee problem.

Pain

Usually after exercise especially from running a person feels a slight pain in the kneecap which is later followed by a little swelling. Apart from exercise, there is a possibility that the knee is swollen from a bug bite or after fall it can cause injury which is very painful. The swelling is usually accompanied with pain while moving the knee joint. The amount of pain depends on how much damage has been done to the knee and what is causing the swelling to happen.

Tenderness

When the kneecap is swollen, you might feel it getting tender and soft while touching it. This usually happens due to the accumulation of fluids under the skin. The skin becomes softer and if you apply pressure on the area, it might feel as if you are touching a balloon filled with water. Tenderness is usually seen when there is a lot of swelling generally in the cases of an injury.

Warm to touch

The swollen part of the knee gets warm and stays warm every time you touch it. So, if you feel that the skin around your knee is warmer than before and the temperature is not normalizing, it’s the time to see the doctor. The warm skin happens because of the body’s rapid healing that is taking place in that area. There is a huge blood flow at the area of swelling in order to increase the recovery process by the body. The area might experience no pain on touching sometimes.

Redness

As mentioned above our body has a coping mechanism from the injuries that it goes through. A human body heals itself. If a swollen kneecap is warm to touch and there is tenderness, this may be due to some injury. The body increases the blood flow to that area and causes the skin to turn red. The redness can also happen if the knee is bruised. The skin around the bruise gets red. The swelling accompanied by redness is a sure sign that the knee has suffered some internal injury and needs to be treated immediately.

Accumulation of fluid

The swelling is mostly caused by the accumulation of fluids in the knee. If the knee feels tender to touch, there is a possibility that there is some liquid filled inside it. Bursa is a fluid filled sac in the knee joint which helps in its smooth movements. If that gets inflamed and swollen, extra fluid is filled in it causing accumulation of fluid in the kneecap.

Stiffness

If you are unable to move the joint and every time you straighten it, you can’t bend it back. This, is also caused due to the swelling. There is pain every time any movement is done by the knee joint. And if the person does not move the knee for a while, it gets stiff causing immense pain with every movement.

Weakness

A person is unable to put pressure and weight on his knees. The knee becomes so weak that any pressure put on it causes immense pain. The weakness can also be seen if the knee is worn out from running or after cycling, mainly after exercising the lower areas of the body. Sometimes there is no pain and no injury but the knee still feels weak and a person is unable to stand up on his legs, this may be due to some disease.

Popping noise

When a person straightens his knees, they make a pooping or crunching sound which is clearly audible. These sounds are experienced every time the knee is bent or straightened.

Causes of Swollen Kneecap

The kneecap swelling can either be a disease on its own or it can be the symptom of an underlying disease. Here are a few causes of the kneecap swelling:

Injuries

Knee injuries are usually caused after fall, after exercise or due to an accident. The knee injuries can be of the following types:

  • Tear in the Ligament – The ligament is a band of tissues that are responsible for connecting a bone to another bone at the joints. So if there is an injury to the ligament the knee cap swells up. The swelling is accompanied by intense pain and instability to stand or move your leg.
  • Fracture – a knee bone fracture is also a cause in the swelling of the kneecap. Either bone of the knee joint when gets fractured due to an injury or an accident causes a lot of pain, redness and swelling in the area. It is easy to make out that the knee has been fractured as the person can’t bend the leg at all.
  • Meniscus Tear – Meniscus is like cushion to the knee. If it gets injured the knees ability to function smoothly gets affected. The knee might get locked and you might feel pain while squatting or walking up and down the stairs.
  • Sprain – sometimes after cycling, after exercising or after falling, a person feels a strain in the knee. The swelling happens because the ligaments have been strained and some fibers have been damaged. The swelling comes slowly and is accompanied with stiffness.
  • Kneecap Dislocation – This is the most severe case of knee swelling. The knee cap sometimes dislocates from its initial position and goes into some other direction. This usually happens due to a high impact injury. There is a lot of pain and swelling associated with it.

Arthritis

Arthritis is one disease that causes swelling in the kneecap with no injury. Arthritis is the most common cause of the knee swelling in most of the women. In arthritis the wear and tear of the bones and cartilages happen leading to production of extra fluid from the body. Arthritis gets worsened by overuse if extra amount of work is being done by the knee joint.

Overuse

This usually happens in the case of sportsmen who require an excessive use of their legs. Their knees get overused and constant wearing and tearing damages them. The athletes who run for long duration of times usually face knee problems in the later parts of their lives if not properly taken care of.

Tumor

A tumor is an abnormal cell growth that usually appears as a lump from outside the body. This is seldom painful and very rarely causes swelling in the knee. The tumor is accompanied with weakness, weight loss and nausea.

Spontaneous Haemarthrosis and DVT

In the cases of people taking blood thinners, bleeding in the joints is very common. This clotting leads to swelling of the knee. In addition to this deep vein thrombosis is also responsible for clotting in the kneecaps resulting in swelling.

How to Treat a Swollen Knee cap?

In most cases swollen kneecap can be treated at home with simple over the counter medications. Some of the ways you can use to treat your swollen kneecap include:

  • Ice Compress – The first thing to do in the case of a swelling caused by an injury is to apply an ice compress on the knee. Ice subsides the swelling and also causes less inflammation in the area. The blood flow in the area slows down due to the application of ice reducing the swelling and pain.
  • Rest – The most important thing in coping with a knee injury is rest. The more pressure and work a knee has to do, the more it will swell. So, taking proper rest and minimum movement of the knee is very important.
  • Compress – Knee braces can be used to provide compression to the knee and reduce the swelling. Compression does not let the swelling to increase whilst providing a strong grip and support to the knee.
  • Elevation – Keeping the knee or the leg elevated can reduce the swelling. If the knee is kept at a higher place than the heart, the fluids move downwards from the knee, decreasing the swelling and accumulation.
  • Medication – Anti-inflammatory medicines can be taken over the counter to reduce the pain that comes with the swelling. The doctor might also advice you to take few medicines depending on the cause for the swelling. In the cases of bug bites there are a few antibiotics also prescribed by the doctor.
  • Aspiration – If the swelling does not subside in a week, your doctor may need to drain out the fluid from the knee with the help of a needle. The fluid may sometimes come back and the procedure might have to be repeated a couple of times.
  • Injecting Cortisone – Cortisone is a hormone that sends signals to the immune system to reduce pain and inflammation in the knee. It is usually injected into the person’s knee.

Healing time

A swollen knee may heal according to the impact of the factor that has caused it. In case of the people suffering from arthritis, knee swelling takes a lot of time to completely heal. It might subside for a little time but comes back again if some external force is applied or extra work is done. In case of an injury knee swelling might take about a week or more to heal. If there has been a tear in the muscle and the knee has been operated upon, then it might take about a month to heal. In cases of tumors the knee has to be operated and the healing time from an operation is a lot more. Sports related small injuries or bruises heal within a few days of treatment. In the case of dislocated knee cap, it will take more than a month for a person to be able to walk and about three to four months for him to do any physical work. If proper care of the knee is taken and not much pressure is exerted on it, your knee can heal faster.

Home Remedies

Here are a few things that you should do even after your injury has healed or the swelling has subsided:

  • Apply Ice – Applying ice after any strenuous activity that required a lot of knee movement should be done to avoid any swelling or inflammation.
  • Take Breaks – During exercising or doing any lower body specific work, take small breaks in between so that a lot of pressure is not put on the knee altogether.
  • Knee pads – For few days after the injury is healed and the swelling is subsided, the knee remains weak. It is advised by the doctors to wear knee pads that gives support and compress the knee during working out or running.
  • Don’t overuse – Do not overuse the knee. Doing a lot of leg work just after the injury can make it come back. In the case of arthritis, the patient is advised to put as less pressure on the leg as possible. This does not let the swelling to come back. Also, do not play certain sports that require a lot of running like football, hockey etc. for some time after the injury.
  • Lose Weight – Overweight people are at a greater risk of developing knee injuries. So, it is advisable to lose weight and stay at a healthy weight bracket. Any knee problem can get elevated with increasing weight as it is more pressure on the knee.

Pictures of Swollen Kneecap

Take a look at some of the pictures of swollen kneecap:

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Sneezing after Eating

Apr 23 2017 Published by under Infections

Have you had the problem of sneezing after eating? This may not sound as a serious problem but in some individuals it is a big problem. Sneezing repeatedly after eating could make you loath food or even be afraid of eating. However, you need to get a solution to the problem instead of avoiding food altogether. You know that avoiding food could make you starve to death. There’s always a way round every difficult situation, and this challenge also has a solution as well.

In this post, we shall talk about what sneezing after food is, its causes and treatment. Applying our simple tips can go a long way at helping to solve your simple but embarrassing problem. So, make sure you read this post to the end as every tip is useful and may turn out to be the solution you need.

What is sneezing after eating?

This is a condition whereby an individual sneezes uncontrollably after eating. The sneezing can happen after breakfast, lunch or dinner, and it’s a common condition which many people suffer from. One thing is sure; sneezing is the body’s natural reaction to the presence of foreign bodies (like allergens, dust, pepper) in the respiratory tract.

The individual sneezes as the body attempts to get those foreign bodies or particles (irritants) out of the airways. The frequency and seriousness of the sneezing depend on how irritating the offending particle is. This is why one can sneeze several times after inhaling particles of pepper, some chemical substances, teargas, etc.

Causes

what are the reasons for sneezing after eating

Sneezing after eating can come from various causes. Below are a few reasons why it happens:

Gustatory Rhinitis

This comes with a congestion in the nose, sneezing and runny nose after eating your meals. Some types of foods particularly provoke the symptoms in some individuals. Examples of such foods include cold foods, spicy foods and alcohol, which stimulate the nervous system to produce the symptoms which are usually as a result of swelling in the nasal membranes.

Minor Food Allergies

In certain individuals, sneezing after eating is a sign of allergy to specific foods. A few examples of such foods include wheat, milk, peanuts, eggs and seafood.

Airborne Causes

This comes from allergy to substances in one’s environment including dust, pollen, perfume, pet fur, etc. The allergy can sometimes be provoked by cold or hot weather.

Snatiation

This is sneezing excessively after heavy meal consumption. The condition is believed to have some genetic links. In such persons, as soon as the brain registers that their bellies are full, they start to sneeze uncontrollably. The type of food eaten does not matter; the sneezing is provoked by stomach fullness and there could be between 3 and 15 consecutive sneezes as soon as there is distention of the stomach. The sneezing is usually out the person’s control.

Treatment for Sneezing after Eating

This problem can be treated in different ways. Some of the things to do to stop the symptoms include:

Take Medications

Different medications with specific roles are available for you.

  • Nasal Decongestants: They act by clearing the nose and sinuses of stuffy feeling. They should however, not be used for more than 5 days in a roll as this may result in nasal congestion. Nasal decongestants should not be used excessively because of their ability to cause rebound congestion.
  • Antihistamines: These are efficacious if you are managing sneezing due to allergic reactions. They come in form of nasal sprays, tablets or syrups. They help to dry up those secretions in the nasal passage thereby providing you relief.

Relieve Symptoms of Allergy

Symptoms caused by allergy can be relieved by employing some of the following tips at home:

  • Blow your nose regularly: This can assist in clearing your nasal passage of any congestion or accumulation of mucus.
  • Take care of your dining area: Since allergens in the environment can cause sneezing after eating, our primary concern should be to get the environment rid of possible allergens. We can do this by asking our dining companion not to wear a perfume to dinner or to change their perfume. We can also clear the area of pet furs and other substances capable of triggering an attack.
  • Use steam: You can make use of steam from humidifier or hot shower. This goes a long way in breaking up the thick mucus in the nose and also removing congestion from the sinuses.
  • Saline nasal spray: Some commercially available saline nasal sprays give you the needed relief by helping to flush out the irritants from the nasal passage and providing some moisture that soothe the nasal membranes and prevent further irritation.
  • Nasal lavage: Where the saline nasal sprays are not available, you can make use of nasal lavage. It involves irrigating your nose with the aid of some devices such as squeeze bottle, bulb syringe, or neti pot. You use the devices together with distilled or sterile water for flushing the irritants out to the nasal passage. Using the nasal lavage daily is quite helpful in overcoming sneezing after eating.
  • Take plenty of fluids: This will help to keep the body hydrated and reduce the possibility of the mucous membranes drying out. This eventually minimizes irritation of the nasal passage and prevents sneezing.

Change your eating habit

Stop eating heavy meals at a time if the symptoms you have are as a result of feeling of fullness in your stomach. Instead, take smaller meals at frequent intervals in order to prevent distension of your stomach. This will put the sneezing under control.

Drink Ice Water

For sneezing that is caused by hot body temperature, drinking ice water or sucking ice cubes brings the situation under control. In some people who are genetically predisposed, their body temperature rises after eating hot meals. But taking ice water will cool the temperature down and stop the sneezing.

Conclusion

Sneezing after eating is preventable and treatable as well. All you need to do is follow our tips and everything would be fine. However, if symptoms do not abate after applying the tips, see your doctor for help. Remember that these tips are not intended to replace medical intervention; further investigations may be needed to know the exact cause of the problem.

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Watermelon Stomach

Apr 20 2017 Published by under Diseases and Conditions

What is watermelon stomach?

Watermelon stomach is the common name for Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia i.e. GAVE disease. In this disease, the inner lining of the stomach bleeds and forms lines like a watermelon skin when seen through an endoscope. It does not mean that there is bloating or the stomach swells, as the name might suggest. Watermelon stomach is observed in the people of all ages but is mostly seen in older women of the age 70 and above.

GAVE can be of acute or chronic type causing momentary or prolonged blood loss from the stomach. This can sometimes lead to anemia in many older women. The dilation of the blood vessels of the atrium cause bleeding in the stomach and intestine. This is a very rare disorder and it is very tough to diagnose the exact cause of the watermelon stomach.

Watermelon stomach has symptoms similar to lots of other gastrointestinal tract disorders and usually gets looked over while trying to find the cause of the bleeding in the stomach. There are very few severe GAVE cases that might lead to excessive blood loss and need a blood transfusion, but if not treated on time, watermelon stomach can be very harmful.

Types

Watermelon stomach or GAVE is of two types namely:

  • Classic GAVE: In this type, streaks like watermelon are observed in the inner lining of the stomach. This is associated with rheumatologic or autoimmune disorders like anemia and systemic sclerosis.
  • Diffused GAVE: In this type, some small benign tumors are found near the antrum. Diffused GAVE is associated with cirrhosis and hypertension. This accounts for 30% of the GAVE patients.

Is Watermelon stomach serious?

Watermelon stomach can be serious if not treated properly or if it is associated with other diseases. In some cases, the blood loss in the stomach is so prolonged that blood transfusion is required. Since watermelon stomach is mostly seen in the older people than the younger ones this can have much worse effects on them. The older people do not have a strong immune system and their bodies need a lot more time to heal. Even with medication, in some cases, blood loss is so much that the body is unable to cope up with it and it leads to acute anemia. Blood transfusion is required to bring back healthy blood in the body. In addition to this, in some people, the blood loss continues even after the treatment and the transfusion has to be repeated again.

If the watermelon stomach happens in combination with stomach ulcer, cirrhosis, scleroderma, CREST syndrome, metabolic syndrome and liver diseases, the conditions might get very serious and immediate medical assistance is required. Also, if a person feels shooting pain, cramps, vomiting, headache and stomach ache and if the situation is not diagnosed on time there might come a few complications and the blood loss can be deadly.

Pictures of Watermelon Stomach

Take a look at the picture of watermelon stomach…
watermelon stomach

Symptoms of watermelon stomach

Bloody Stools

When a person is suffering from watermelon stomach he is most likely to get bloody stools. There is a lot of fresh blood lost in the stools. Apart from the fresh blood, there is a loss of old blood that has been accumulating in the stomach for a long time. The blood is usually maroon or black in color. In addition to this clots from the stomach can also come out in stools. The stools seldom cause pain or discomfort. The black and tarry stools are called melena and the red fresh blood stools are called hematochezia. The bleeding is similar to the one experienced during stomach ulcer. Bloody stools if prolonged for a long period of time cause anemia.

Blood in Vomit

Blood in vomit or Hematemesis is a condition in which a person starts throwing up blood. The blood that is accumulated in the stomach comes out of the mouth along with mucus and some stomach juices. This can happen due to many reasons such as flu. The blood loss in vomiting combined with the blood loss in stools is the major reason for anemia.

Anemia

Anemia is the deficiency of iron in the blood. Anemia is caused by the excessive blood loss through stool and vomiting. The body becomes deficient in hemoglobin. Iron is very important for the transportation of oxygen to the body and if the body is deficient in iron, not enough oxygen can be transported to the organs which leads to many other serious health issues.

Fatigue

Due to the low iron levels in blood and excessive blood loss, a person feels very weak and gets tired easily. Oxygen is very important for the production of energy in the cells and the lack of oxygen means no energy. The person feels dizzy and unable to perform even the normal daily tasks.

Difficulty in breathing

Watermelon stomach does not directly cause difficulty in breathing but the blood loss that happens can lead to breathlessness. This happens due to the weakness of the body organs and their inability to perform.

Cramps

Occasional stomach cramps similar to the ones that happen during stomach ulcer might cause mild to severe pain. The cramps are usually felt on the lower part of the stomach or lower abdominal area.

Headache

Watermelon stomach can also lead to chronic headache and pain in the eyes. Also, lightheadedness can be experienced alongside the headache. There are cases where people feel chest pain and irregularity in the heart beat. Patients usually complain of increased heart beats or a pounding noise coming from the heart known as palpitation.

Liver Disease

Liver Cirrhosis is a disease that affects about 30% of the people suffering from watermelon stomach. In this liver disease, the tissues of the liver get replaced by the scar tissues and the functioning of the liver becomes lesser and lesser with time.

Hypertension

The liver disease leads to higher blood pressure in the veins. Since liver cirrhosis causes an enlargement of the collateral veins and the spleen, blood pressure rises.

What causes watermelon stomach pain?

Pain in the stomach is usually not caused by the watermelon stomach but because of the other diseases related to it. Rashes and bruises get formed in the lining of the stomach or the intestine. The stomach releases acid that aids in the digestion of the food. Along with the acids, there are other juices like bile which are also somewhat acidic in nature gets secreted into the stomach. These acids and juices, when come in contact with the wall of the stomach, causes pain and burning sensation. Sometimes if a food particle rubs along the bruise on the wall of the stomach, a short-lived intense pain is felt in the gut area.

Diagnosis

Even though the exact cause of the disorder is yet to be found, there are a few hypotheses that have been given about the condition. The first one is Arteriovenous Malformations in which the vascular lesions make the blood flow direct from the veins without passing into the capillaries. If the symptoms of AVMA persists, it leads to watermelon stomach symptoms such as anemia and bloody stools. Hypergastrinemia is a condition in which excessive secretion of gastrin happens which leads to the extra production in the gastric acids. This leads to the proliferation of spindle cells which leads to the rise of venous pressure in the gut.
There are also diseases like Proliferation of neuroendocrine cells, abdominal trauma, heart disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, autoimmune disease and much more that causes watermelon stomach.

The diagnosis of the disease is done by the following methods:

Endoscopy – The endoscope is a thin fiber tube with an attached camera. It is inserted into the stomach. If there are long watermelon like stripes seen through the camera on the lining of the stomach the doctor usually concludes it to be GAVE disorder. But the results can be usually mistaken for severe gastritis or hemorrhage.

Biopsy – This is usually done to confirm the test done by endoscopy. In this process, a small piece of tissue is taken and examined for the damage that has been caused to the lining of the stomach.

Surgery – If the liver or any other organ is involved in the stomach bleeding, an exploratory surgery is done to determine the exact cause of the bleeding. This is usually done as a last measure when the symptoms are very severe and the exact cause cannot be found.

Stool test – This test is done to detect the blood in the stool which is caused due to bleeding in abdominal area. The stool test is the first diagnosis to determine whether the bleeding is happening from the abdomen or lower abdominal area. This test is usually followed by endoscopy and biopsy.

Treatment

The treatment is either done simply with drugs or surgery is required if the symptoms are very severe. The treatment is done by:

Elimination – Some anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and aspirin are the reason for the abdominal bleeding and irritation in the stomach. So, in the case of abdominal bleeding such medicines are eliminated from a person’s diet by the doctor.

Iron Supplements – Since there is rapid blood loss which leads to anemia, iron supplements are given to the patients so that the iron deficiency is cured. The iron supplements are given in combination with dextran, gluconate and other such salts.

Endoscopic Ablation – In endoscopic ablation, the lesions are removed from the abdominal tissues. The treatment involves cryotherapy, radiofrequency or photodynamic done with the help of an endoscope.

Argon Plasma Coagulation – This is a very common treatment that is used to stop or control the bleeding in the gastrointestinal area. This involves a jet of ionized argon which is passed through the endoscope. The argon gas is then sprayed on the lesions in the stomach at a very high voltage. This results in the coagulation of the bleeding lesions. But the drawback to this is that it is not permanent and has to be done again and again. This is the most effective way in stopping bleeding and anemia.

Blood Transfusion – In the case of excessive blood loss, transfusion of blood is done. This not only restores the blood in the body but also helps the person to reach a healthy blood level.

Diet

There is a special diet that needs to be followed while suffering from the watermelon stomach.

  • Spices – Avoiding foods that are very spicy is highly recommended. Spicy foods cause irritation in the stomach and cause pain and cramps.
  • Alcohol – People suffering from watermelon stomach and liver cirrhosis should completely avoid any alcohol consumption. Alcohol is very harmful to the liver and regular consumption might lead to the total inability of the liver to function properly.
  • Oily foods – Oily foods cause burning sensation and irritation in the stomach. If a person is suffering from watermelon stomach, oily and spicy foods need to be totally avoided.

Foods rich in fibers, whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables should be consumed. Foods rich in iron should also be consumed to cope up with the iron deficiency in the blood. Following this restricted diet helps the person heal better and faster.

Natural Remedies

Along with the medicinal and surgical procedures, some natural remedies can also be applied to treat watermelon stomach such as:

  • Water – Drinking a lot of water helps immensely. The more water a person drinks the easier digestion process becomes. Also, water helps in the dilution of the acid in the stomach causing relief from stomach cramps and pain.
  • Fibers – Fibers are easily digested by the stomach and does not cause unnecessary gas or bloating. Thus it can be very helpful in easing the discomfort from the stomach. You can also take probiotics drinks in order to improve your digestion and to ease the unnecessary production of acids in the stomach.
  • Breathing Exercises – Since there is a deficiency of oxygen in the body, some breathing exercises that include taking deep breaths can be done in order to compensate for the lack of oxygen in the blood.
  • Small Meals – Instead of eating three big meals a day, try eating six small meals. This helps in faster digestion and your stomach does not get stuffed which provides you a relief from the pain and inflammation.

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Dizzy When Bending Over

Apr 20 2017 Published by under General Health

Dizzy when bending over is a situation in which a person feels light headed every time they bend down or suddenly get up from that position. This condition is fairly common in people and can be the reason for a lot of underlying problems. There are a few different types of dizziness namely vertigo, lightheadedness and disequilibrium.

Vertigo happens when a person suddenly feels as if he is moving even though there is no actual motion. It may feel like the body is spinning round and round and then it suddenly stops. This is usually because of an imbalance in fluid of the inner ear.

Lightheadedness happens when a person stands up too fast or breathes too deep continuously. The person feels as if they will faint and fall down. However, the feeling goes away in a few seconds. Disequilibrium is a problem that happens while walking. In this condition, the person might feel unsteady and might get misbalanced.

Is it normal to get dizzy when bending over?

Dizziness in some cases can be totally normal and is the body’s natural response to an unexpected situation. But, the frequency in feeling dizzy can be a sign of some bigger problem. Our balance is totally controlled by the brain and the central nervous system. Any problem in balancing the body indicates that there is a problem in these two main systems of our body. Dizziness, if accompanied by nausea, fever or weakness can be harmful and should be checked with the doctor as soon as possible. It can either be a onetime thing or it can be chronic. Also, the seriousness of the situation can be determined by how long it lasts. If the dizziness happens less frequently and for smaller periods of time then, it is normal. But, if it happens regularly and the person remains in the state for a longer period of time, then it can be a character of something serious.

What Causes Dizziness when bending over

reasons for feeling dizzy when bending over

There are lots of causes for a person feeling dizzy when bending over. Some of these can be treated immediately and some might take some time. The reasons are:

Dehydration

Feeling dizzy while bending over can be caused by being severely dehydrated. This happens especially on very hot days. The fluid in the body accumulates in the lower part and throws you off balance when you suddenly straighten up. To check whether you are dehydrated, see if you are urinating less often and the color of the urine is yellow.

Anemia

The blood needs iron to supply oxygen to various parts of the body including the brain. Oxygen is the main source of energy production in the body. If oxygen does not reach the brain in a timely fashion, the person might start feeling lightheaded. Many women suffer from anemia and are unaware of it. The deficiency of iron in the blood is known as anemia and causes low hemoglobin count, that in turn results in low oxygen supply and hence dizziness.

Inner Ear Problems

Vertigo is the biggest reason for a person feeling dizzy when bending over. Inner ear is one of the organs that help the body move properly and stay balanced. The backward and forward motion is controlled by the inner ear. When there is a problem in the signals of the brain to the inner ear, vertigo happens. It can be caused by some other causes as well like Meniere’s disease, viral infection, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and migraine.

In the case of viral infection, the vestibular nerve is harmed which results in loss in the sense of balance and hearing in some cases. In the Meniere’s disease a huge amount of fluids gets accumulated in the inner ear leading to vertigo. The person also might feel loss in hearing, ringing in the ear and plugging of the ear. Migraine on the other hand is usually characterized by severe pain in the head. There can be vertigo like situation during the headache or otherwise.

Poor Blood Circulation

Proper circulation is very important for oxygen to reach the brain on time. Any problems in the blood circulation like low systolic blood pressure or poor blood circulation due to other heart related issues can cause a person to feel dizzy while bending over.Dizziness is the first sign of any heart related problems and if ignored can turn into heart attack or transient heart attack.

Stress

If the person does not have any medical conditions, he might want to check his stress levels. When a person is stressed, the breathing tends to get faster and shorter. This leads the arteries to contract and less blood flows to the brain. If the toes and fingers feel numb with dizziness, it might be because of stress.

Thyroid

Hypothyroidism is a dysfunction in the thyroid gland that can affect the functioning of the inner ear. It can also result in low systolic blood pressure causing less blood circulation in the brain which in turn causes dizziness. Keeping the thyroid levels in check with medicines can be very helpful.

Hormonal Imbalance

In menopausal pregnant and menstruating women a lot of hormonal changes take place. These hormonal changes affect the functioning of the inner ear. The imbalance in the inner ear leads to the person feeling dizzy while bending over. This is very common in the case of pregnant women who sometime are also anemic.

Reaction to Drugs

There are certain medicines that do not easily adjust with the body and cause side effects such as dizziness. This usually goes within a few days or a week, but if the problem persists, consult your doctor to change the medication or lower the daily dosage.

Food Habits

If a person constantly keeps skipping meals or crash diets, their body’s sugar levels might drop drastically. The drop in the blood sugar levels may lead to dizziness and also weakness.

Natural Treatments

If you are feeling dizzy when bending over, doing these things might help you recover from it.

  • Drink water: Drinking water or fluids can help you cope up with dehydration which is one of the biggest reason for dizziness. Sit down and take your time to drink water or some sports drink. There is a lot of chance that this will work.
  • Lie down: If you feel dizzy because of suddenly bending over, lying down on the flat surface for a little time can be really helpful in bringing back your body’s balance. Also, you might be in a danger of falling down at the times you feel dizzy during standing or sitting.
  • Take deep breaths: Dizziness is caused by the lack of oxygen in the blood. So, take a few deep breaths and let yourself calm down before resuming your work.
  • Eat: If you have been skipping meals and your sugar level has dropped, eating something with carbohydrates or glucose in it can be very helpful and show immediate effects. In addition to this, eating healthy foods and not starving yourself is very important. If anemia is the cause for feeling dizzy, taking iron supplements or eating iron rich food is essential.
  • Avoid bright lighting: Bright lights can cause migraines and increase the dizziness. So, avoiding bright fluorescent lights is advisable. As soon as you start feeling dizzy, go to a place that has dim light and rest for a while.

In addition to these small things, treating the underlying cause of the problem is very important. If the dizziness is accompanied with vomiting, severe headache, fever etc., medical assistance should be sought immediately.

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Snot Like Discharge

Apr 15 2017 Published by under Womens Health

Snot like discharge is a mucus-like discharge from the body. It usually happens in the form of vaginal discharge in women. The inner lining of the vagina is covered in mucus which shields it from infections and also keeps it lubricated to prevent dryness. The usual discharge is clear and does not have a very strong smell. But in cases of infections, this discharge changes color. Apart from the vaginal discharge, there is a possibility of some snot like discharge in the stools. It is so because the inner lining of digestive system consists of a layer of mucus. There is a slight discharge of mucus every time when you pass stool. However, if this increases, this shows that there is some problem with the digestive system of a person. There can be many reasons for the snot like discharge both in men and women.

Causes of Snot like discharge

snot like discharge in women

Vaginal Discharge

Vaginal discharge is very common in all the adult women. It is a clear jelly like discharge that is off white or white in color and is usually seen when the body undergoes various hormonal changes. There are some glands in the cervix and also the vagina that are responsible for producing this fluid. The snot-like discharge from the vagina is very common. In fact, if a woman has vaginal discharge that is clear or off-white in color daily, it means that she is healthy. Female reproductive organs are responsible for cleaning themselves and also keeping them healthy. The vaginal discharge is the after cleaning product of the vagina. The texture, odor and the color of the snot like discharge are the factors that decide whether it is normal or there is any disease associated with it. This discharge can be because of reasons such as pregnancy, some sexually transmitted diseases, infections or other issues.

If the discharge is more frequent but is clear and stretchy, it is an indicator that the woman is ovulating. This is the way the body keeps the vagina lubricated for the fertilization to happen. This discharge is more than normal, but does not have any extra odor or color. This is completely normal in a healthy female and is a great sign for the women that are trying to conceive.

After a few days of the ovulation, there is usually a thicker and creamier discharge. This is odorless and does not itch or burn. This is an indication that a woman has reached the end of her menstruation cycle and is about to have her periods.

The major reason for the snot like discharge in a woman is the pregnancy. If a woman is pregnant, there is a thick and heavy discharge in the beginning which is usually the first indicator of the pregnancy. The discharge usually increases during pregnancy to prevent any infection that might travel up to the womb and harm the developing fetus. This usually ends after first eight weeks and starts again by the end of pregnancy.

If you have a snot like thick discharge and the mucus looks unpleasant with a fishy odor, this can be the symptom of a bacterial infection known as the bacterial vaginosis. The mucus is also accompanied with a burning sensation in the vaginal area. Apart from the bacterial infection, there is a huge chance of you getting other sexually transmitted diseases. In the sexually transmitted diseases, the vaginal discharge is usually thick, snot-like and also has a rotten odor.

In the case of yeast infection, there is a pungent snot like discharge and also a burning sensation in the vaginal area which keeps getting worse with time.

With the Stools

There is some amount of snot like discharge that comes out in every healthy person’s stool. Only some alterations in the diet or some illness cause the color and the amount of the discharge to change and increase. The common reasons for the snot like discharge in a person’s stools are:

Bacterial infections: Bacterial infections are the main cause of snot like discharge in the stools of a person. Bacteria like Salmonella, Yersinia, Shigella, and Campylobacter are responsible for causing many bacterial diseases that often lead to diarrhea, fever, nausea etc. The snot like discharge that comes out with the stools is very thick and also large in amount. The gut wall has a lot of mucus and if it is irritated, an even bigger quantity of mucus is produced.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome: This may increase the production of mucus in the bowels and also increases the risk of diarrhea. The Irritable Bowel Syndrome is of two types: Diarrhea predominant and constipation predominant. So the snot like discharge happens in diarrhea predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Anal Fissures: Anal fissures means a fissure or a tear in the rectum especially in the lower part. This might happen due to prolonged diarrhea or constipation or other bowel problems. The anal fissures although cause some snot like discharge, there is another issue known as the ulcers that cause a lot of mucus loss in the stools. The symptoms of the ulcers are the same as anal fissures but they happen in the upper parts of the gastrointestinal tract leading to the mucus loss from there.

Diet: Some diet changes or food allergies are also the reason for the mucus in the stool. The food allergies like lactose intolerance or allergies to specific nuts are the ones leading to the snot like discharge. This discharge may be accompanied by diarrhea, rashes and bloating. Sometimes there is a pain in the abdominal area as well. Any increase in the mucus in the stools should be taken seriously and immediate medical attention should be sought.

Treatment

There are a lot of reasons for the snot like discharge from the body. Each reason has its own treatment. Any extra discharge from the body should be considered serious and should be checked with the doctor.

For example, if there is an abnormal vaginal discharge that is green or yellow in color and has a pungent smell in a sexually active female, it should be immediately checked for sexually transmitted diseases. If they are not sexually active, then this might be the case of a bacterial or a yeast infection that can be easily cured by the antibiotics. The doctors will usually run a few blood tests and some vaginal examinations to confirm what sort of an infection you are suffering from and give you the medicines accordingly. The most important thing to note is that some sexually transmitted diseases cannot be completely cured like herpes and AIDS; so, it is better to be safe than find a cure to the problem.

During the pregnancy, if there is a discharge, it is completely normal if it is odorless and colorless. But if there is some sort of pungent odor and color to the discharge, then medical diagnosis should be sought. This might be an indication of infection that must have traveled to the uterus and might possibly harm the developing embryo. Do not take any over the counter medicines in case of an urinary tract infection because sometimes this may even worsen the conditions. The UTIs are so common in the women that every infection is usually mistaken for it.

In the case of the snot like discharge in the stools, you might be suffering from a bacterial infection or ulcers. A stool test is done by the doctor along with some blood tests to confirm the underlying issue. The food intolerance is also a major reason behind the snot like discharge. All these are usually treated with antibiotics and some changes in the food habits. Eating a well-balanced diet and not consuming any allergens can be helpful in treating all kinds of stomach ailments and keeping the bowel movements healthy.

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Sun Poisoning

Apr 15 2017 Published by under Skin Conditions

Sun poisoning, also known as sunburn, is the highest degree of burns caused by exposure to the sun. Though it looks simpler, it might possibly cause a huge damage if not treated properly. This sun poisoning usually starts as a regular sunburn and hence people tend to ignore the initial symptoms.

Some people have really sensitive skin, especially the fair-skinned people who have had less exposure to sun in their lifetime. Also, the people that have low melanin are more prone to sun poisoning. Melanin is a pigment that absorbs UV light and also sometimes forms a protective skin layer to protect it. This production is usually higher in the case of people with darker skin tones. This sun poisoning can happen on any part of the body and sun poisoning on the lips is very painful. This poisoning is also known as photodermatitis or photoallergy and causes severe rashes by exposure to the sun for a long time.

What is a Sun Poisoning Rash?

The sun poisoning rash is the after effects of the sun poisoning. Usually, the people that are sensitive to the sun get sunburnt. In some cases, the sunburn takes a bad shape and turns into sun poisoning. The normal sunburn may cause things like facial swelling, swollen eyes, swollen ankles, itchy eyelids, painful skin etc. but the sun poisoning has a lot more effects like headache, nausea, rashes, vomiting etc.

Rashes are the main and the first thing that is noticed in the case of sun poisoning. This rash is mainly a red bump on the skin that has been burnt by the excessive exposure to sun. In some people, it takes as less as fifteen minutes to develop sun poisoning rashes. This rash is itchy, red, bumpy and sometimes might lead to blisters that have pus filled in it. This holds true especially in the case of sun poisoning on the lips. In some cases, extreme itching of the rash might lead to bruising which might leave scars on the skin. The sun poisoning rash can also be followed by facial swelling, bumps on arms, extreme itching on chest and feet, inflammation in the eyelids with swollen eyes, cold sores, diarrhea, fever and much more.

In the extreme cases, the rash might lead to skin cancer if the skin has been exposed to the light for a long duration of time. The bumps formed on the skin are usually in clusters and the areas including chest, legs and the arms may give out hives like appearance. The skin swells and there is a slight pain and tingling sensation in the mild case of sun poisoning. If the symptoms like diarrhea, fever, dehydration, headache happens, consultation of a doctor becomes the most important thing. The bumps and the rashes later dry out and the skin starts crusting and cracking. In many cases, the cracked areas tend to bleed and are very painful.

Causes of Sun Poisoning

The main cause of the sun poisoning rash in the people is the lack of melanin that saves us from the effects of the harmful ultraviolet rays. This pigment is the lowest in case of fair-skinned people. Because of this pigment, the people with darker skin tones are the ones that rarely get sun poisoning in comparison to the ones with a fairer skin tone. Melanin is also responsible for giving color to the skin, eyes and hair in all the mammals including humans. Also, the people who are rarely exposed to the sun are more at risk of getting harmed by the ultraviolet rays.

In some individuals, the skin is more sensitive to anything around them and this is usually inherited. But in some cases, the external factors are also responsible for things like these. More the exposure to sun, more severe is the sun poisoning. There are also some drugs that may lead to the skin becoming more sensitive in the case of many people like thiazide diuretics, hexachlorophene, sulfa, lemon oil, musk ambrette, benzoyl peroxide, photoreactive dyes and much more. These chemicals are present in the day-to-day products like perfumes, sunscreens, antibiotics, dyes etc. and one should check the ingredients before using any such products.

There are some plants which may also lead to the sun poisoning. For example, Giant Hogweed Sap if comes in contact with the skin, makes it more susceptible to the harmful effects of the ultraviolet rays. Similarly, a common garden plant, Common Rue, is also responsible for sun poisoning and rashes. Even if you have a non-sensitive skin, continuous exposure to sunlight can cause sun poisoning. So, it is advisable to stay safe and take preventive measures beforehand.

Effects of Sun Poisoning

Blisters

The blisters are the very first effects of sun poisoning. These blisters can occur at any part of the body including the chest, arms and legs. They are very painful and usually filled with pus. These blisters when dry out cause extreme itching and might leave scars on the skin if burst. These usually form clusters with dry and taut skin surrounding them.

Rashes

Rashes are formed after the skin gets an extreme case of sun poisoning. Rashes are like the skin’s allergic reaction to the harmful ultraviolet rays present in the sunlight. At first, the red patches on the skin are formed which later turn into small itchy bumps. The rash usually cover the whole body and are painful. They need special medical attention to get cured.

Pain

In the case of severe sunburns, things like rashes, blisters and swelling happen on the skin and are mostly very painful. In the case of facial swelling, the whole face has inflammation and tingling sensations until the swelling subsides.

Cold Sores

In the case of sun poisoning on lips, cold sores start to form inside, outside or on the lip. The cold sores are very painful and do not occur one at a time. They usually occur in groups and are sometimes have pus filled in them. This leads to the swelling and redness on the lips and the area around the lips.

Inflammation

Inflammation is the most basic symptoms that happen in the case of any sunburn or sun poisoning. The area that has been sun poisoned gets red and is always inflamed unless the whole problem is treated. Inflammation happens even before the bumps and the sun poisoning rashes that appear on the skin of a person.

Dehydration of the skin

The more severe symptoms start when the skin and the body start getting dehydrated. Due to the increased heat in the body dehydration is common and hence a lot of water is advised to the person.

Skin Cancer

If the person is exposed to the sun for a very long time, it might lead to skin cancer in the longer run. This does not happen in a short time. But it is possible.

Nausea, Fever and Dizziness

In severe cases of sun poisoning not only the skin is affected but the body also shows some symptoms like fever, vomiting, diarrhea and nausea. If these symptoms are seen after the rashes, immediate medical care should be taken before the situation get worsened.

How to Treat Sun Poisoning Rash?

Sun poisoning rash is usually treated at home with some home remedies and over the counter medicines. In cases where more severe symptoms are seen, medical assistance is advised. The sun poisoning is better prevented than cured; so precautions should be taken before stepping out in the sun.

The immediate step after the sun poisoning is to take a cold bath so that the inflammation subsides and does not increase with time. Painkillers and anti-bacterial lotions are advised. Calamine lotions are one of the best for the rashes and help them heal faster. Drink plenty of water and keep the skin moisturized since dehydration might happen. While going out, keep yourself covered and wear loose cotton clothing so that the poisoned areas do not get irritated.

Home Remedies

Home remedies are most effective in treating sun poisoning than the other medicines. So here are a few things you can do if you are suffering from sun poisoning:

  • Aloe Vera is the perfect ingredient for any skin condition. In this case, since the skin is dehydrated, Aloe Vera keeps it from becoming even drier and also helps to ease the irritation and inflammation. You can either apply Aloe Vera juice or the fresh Aloe Vera gel directly from the plant on the affected areas.
  • Yogurt is the most easily available ingredient to treat sun poisoning. Apply some yogurt to the area to subside swelling, pain and to cool the skin. Yogurt also boosts immunity and does not let any other substance attack the already harmed skin.
  • Make some green tea. Cool it down and apply it on the burnt skin. Green tea is very helpful in cooling the skin that has been sun poisoned and also has been seen to be effective in bringing down the swelling and inflammation. The cooler the green tea the better. If you do not like pouring it then you can try applying it using some cotton cloth.
  • Vinegar mixed in the same amount of water can do wonders for the skin. Vinegar manages the skin’s pH balance and brings it back to normal state. You can use the everyday vinegar and also the apple cider vinegar.
  • Honey is an excellent antibacterial home product. There is a big chance for the sub poisoned area to be infected by other bacteria and develop into an infection. So applying honey is very useful in avoiding any further infections and also healing the skin faster.
  • Baking Soda: Looking for a remedy for the rashes? Then baking soda in water paste is the one for you. Mix some baking soda in water and apply it on the rash. It will heal in a day or two.
  • Milk: Everyone has some cold milk in their fridge. Just take some cold milk and pour it over your burnt skin or you can also take a cotton or a cloth and dip it in the milk and apply on the area like a compress. Do this for about half an hour for best results.
  • Chamomile: We want our skin to cool down and the inflammation to subside. What better product than chamomile to do this job. Chamomile has a soothing effect on the skin that has been sun poisoned. So either directly apply it to the skin or mix it with the bath water to get the best results.
  • Cucumber is the best ingredient to provide a cooling effect on the skin. The cucumber has a lot of water that keeps the skin hydrated. If it is mashed along with some sandalwood, it not only keeps the skin cool but will also help it heal faster.

How long does Sun poisoning last?

The biggest challenge is knowing that you actually have sun poisoning since it looks more or less like sunburn and people usually ignore it. Once you have identified sun poisoning and you know how intense the symptoms are, proper treatment should be sought. If immediate medical assistance is not taken, it might increase the time taken to heal. So in the case of mild sun poisoning, the overall symptoms will take about a week or ten days to go away, but in some cases after-effects stay for longer times.

The rashes, skin peeling and bumps in the case of mild sun poisoning go away within three days or maximum five days. In case of severe sun poisoning, the symptoms might take an even longer time. The overall symptoms may take up to ten days to couple of weeks. The pain usually starts within the first hour of the sun poisoning. In mild cases, the pain is more like light inflammation and burning sensation, but in the case of severe sun poisoning, there is a sharp pain in the affected areas. The pain goes away in about two to three days. The swelling, if treated on time, will go away within 24 to 48 hours. Some precautionary measures are to be taken to subside the swelling and not irritate it or cause any kind of bruising on it.

Sun Poisoning Rash Pictures

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Throwing up Foam

Apr 15 2017 Published by under Digestive System

Throwing up foam means when a person vomits, there is a discharge of foam like white or yellow substance from the gut. Throwing up is not a disease in itself but can be a symptom of many underlying diseases. The foam that comes out could be either white or a yellow liquid depending on what is coming out of your stomach.

throwing up white foamThrowing out usually is the body’s way to discard unwanted substances from the stomach. There might not always be the need to discard something out of the gut and sometimes the brain might send wrong signals leading to throwing up foam for no reason. The diseases associated with it are usually stomach and gastrointestinal tract diseases. The throwing up is usually not attached to anything lethal that can happen to the body and can be easily treated with some home remedies, antibiotics, and some diet alteration. It can be dangerous in the cases when a person has consumed something poisonous and is unconsciously throwing up foam.

Throwing up can also be followed by a headache and weakness which is only specific to some cases. If along with the foam, there is some blood or mucus that comes out then immediate medical assistance is required otherwise this might lead to something big. Foam is vomited by the body usually in the case of empty stomach since there is nothing else left to come out. But after eating something poisonous the body starts to discard it as soon as possible leading to only foam coming out of the mouth. Since the gastrointestinal tract is irritated by the substance, the reverse peristalsis happens even before the poisonous substance reaches the stomach. Even though this can be easily treated at home, it should not be taken lightly especially while pregnant and doctors should be consulted immediately.

Symptoms of Throwing up Foam

There are no symptoms of the throwing up foam since it is in itself a symptom of another disease but there are some symptoms associated with it that are worth discussing:

Acidity and Nausea

Acidity is a condition in which there is an excess production of acids in the stomach that leads to the discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract. The stomach secretes some acids and bile to properly digest foods and kill the harmful organisms that come in the gut with the food. But sometimes when the stomach is empty and there is a wrong signal that gets sent to the brain and extra acid is produced, this is acidity. Things like smoking, stress, bad eating habits etc. are the reasons for acidity.

Nausea is a feeling of discomfort in the upper wall of the stomach. It is also a sensation of vomiting, which happens when there is a problem with the stomach. The cause may be food poisoning, acidity, motion sickness, morning sickness etc.

Acidity and nausea are followed by vomiting which usually results in throwing up foam. Sometimes after coughing a person throws up foam and phlegm which can be because of the accumulation of the mucus in the throat. Pregnant women might feel nauseous in morning or after eating something that the body is repelling during pregnancy.

Stomach Ache

Mostly after a person has thrown out foam, stomach ache happens. During vomiting a lot of pressure is applied by the gastrointestinal tract to throw the substance out of the body, this might sometimes feel like there is some sort of bruising in the stomach and a little stomach ache might also happen.

Vomiting

Throwing up means vomiting, so it is obvious vomiting will be a symptom of throwing up foam. Vomiting in the other words is known as reverse peristalsis and requires a lot of effort from the gastrointestinal tract to throw substance out of the body by defying gravity. Vomiting can be the reason for a lot of things like you might end up throwing bile that is mixed up in other gastric juices and it is usually colored yellow. Sometimes after throwing up a lot, the body starts throwing up the acids from the stomach which looks like foam.

Headache

After vomiting or while the body is rejecting something from the body, some people tend to experience headaches. The headache does not last very long and vanishes within 15 to 20 minutes and is not very severe.

Weakness and Dehydration

Weakness is usually due to the other diseases that are causing the throwing up foam like bacterial or yeast infections etc.

Excessive throwing up leads to loss of water from the body which in turn leads to dehydration. If a person does not compensate for the water the body has lost, it can be very harmful. The foam that comes out of the stomach consists of a large amount of water in it.

Causes of Throwing up Foam

As it has been already mentioned that throwing up foam is not a disease in itself, it just might be a symptom of an underlying condition. Here are a few reasons why throwing up foam happens:

Acid Reflux

Acid reflux happens when the stomach acid goes back up to the esophagus and is thrown out of the mouth. This causes a burning sensation in the stomach and esophagus and also the acid comes out in the form of foam. Acid reflux is again not a disease,, it is a symptom. The acid that comes out gets mixed with other juices to give out a foam-like semi solid substance. Sometimes after coughing, an acid reflux can happen because of the extra force that was applied in coughing. This might lead to throwing up.

Candida Albicans

This is another big reason for a person throwing up foam. Candida Albicans is a type of yeast infection that happens in the stomach. This can be easily treated with simple medication if the immune system is healthy and if not, there is no cure for this infection. Candida is a yeast that helps in the process of digestion and absorption in the stomach. Sometimes it divides and grows in huge numbers than the required amount and hence cause infection in the stomach.

Hiatal Hernia

Hiatal Hernia happens when some part of the stomach gets pushed above the chest causing it to compress through the diaphragm. Since the stomach has been pushed up to the chest, the content of the stomach will also be pushed up to the chest hence leading in the acid refluxes and hence throwing up foam. This is usually seen in the people that are above 50 years old but it can also happen to the people at a younger age but it is very rare.

Bacterial Infection

The bacterial infection is also another cause of throwing up foam by the body. The bacteria Helicobacter pylori is present in the gastrointestinal tract and is usually responsible for causing irritation in the lining of the stomach. They eventually lead to ulcers in the stomach and intestines.

Alcohol

Sometimes excessive alcohol consumption irritates the inner lining of the stomach. This leads the brain to send signals to the stomach to throw the alcohol out. Alcohol that is thrown out is usually a yellow liquid with foam. The yellow liquid that is thrown out is bile that sometimes comes out along with the alcohol.

Pregnancy

While pregnant, women tend to suffer from morning sickness. They might face from nausea in morning and suffer vomiting too. When the morning sickness happens foam comes out with some other liquids from the stomach.

Treatment

Throwing up foam is usually treated with home remedies only and there is very rarely any need to see the doctor. Here are a few things that can treat throwing up foam:

Diet

The main cause of acidity is empty stomach and unhealthy habits of eating. Eating should be done time to time and in small portions. The stomach should not remain empty. People try to cut meals to lose weight. This is not a healthy habit. The more you stay hungry, your body produces bile and acids to digest the food that it thinks has been provided to the stomach. If there is not food, acid will get accumulated in the stomach. This will lead to acid refluxes and vomiting of foam. Also, eating a balanced diet is important for a healthy stomach. The food items and hands must be washed properly to avoid bacterial and yeast infection. Since these diseases are communicable, it is very important to take care of personal hygiene.

Exercise

The basic way to avoid throwing up foam is keeping your stomach healthy. So, exercise along with a good diet helps in digestion and also helps the body to avoid situations like acidity. Also, it is advisable not to sleep for at least two hours prior to eating any meal and sitting upright after eating for at least half an hour.

Home Remedies

Some home remedies can also be put to use if a person keeps throwing up foam regularly:

  • Eating raw almonds balances the pH of the stomach.
  • One tablespoon of baking soda with water if consumed can help neutralize acidity.
  • Apple cider vinegar with a glass of water is helpful in maintaining acid levels of the stomach.
  • A cup of chamomile tea or half a cup of Aloe Vera juice can also be consumed to reduce stomach inflammation.

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Hot Flashes in Men

Apr 15 2017 Published by under Diseases and Conditions

Hot flashes are known to occur mostly in women. And when you mention such word, the first thing that comes to mind is menopause in women. But are there things like hot flashes in men? Yes, there are. Men also experience their own hot flashes in their own special way. Though the causes in men may be different from those in women, the experiences are the same.

In this post, we shall take a look at hot flashes in men, the symptoms, causes and treatment. We are sure you will be better educated and acquire concrete facts after reading this post to the end. If you have questions, you can ask them using the comment box at the end of the post.

What are hot flashes in men?

hot flashes in men

Hot flashes in men are feelings of warmth which spread over the body, especially around the head, neck and upper body, and is mostly followed by flushing or outbreak of sweats and usually lasts from 30 seconds to several minutes.

Hot flashes used to be a condition considered to be women’s problem, but statistics have shown that in the United States alone, over 25 million men experience hot flashes while over 408 million men pass through the problem worldwide.

Hot flashes in men, just like in women, are accompanied by sleeplessness, reduced hair growth, and weight gain. But a lot of men misunderstand it to be ordinary night sweats, when in actual sense it is more than mere night sweats.

Symptoms of Hot flashes in Men

This condition has some signs and symptoms that are easy to recognize, though they may mimic symptoms of some disease conditions if not properly understood. Some of these symptoms include:

  • A feeling of warmth around the head, face, neck and upper body
  • Cold, clammy sweat which results in discomfort
  • Anxiety
  • Increased heartbeats (palpitation)
  • A feeling of pressure in the head
  • Nausea
  • Sleeplessness (insomnia) or poor sleep
  • Irritability
  • Memory problems
  • Reddening of the skin
  • Symptoms vary from one to ten times daily

Causes

Hot flashes in men and women are caused by different factors. While in women the problem is mainly caused by perimenopause, the problem has a different cause in men. Here are the possible causes in men:

Surgery

Hot flashes are common in men whose testes have been surgically removed while treating cancer of the prostate. Orchiectomy or Orchidectomy (if one or both testes are removed) leads to a drastic drop in testosterone production.

Andropause

This is the male equivalent of the female menopause. Andropause leads to reduction in testosterone production which eventually brings about the symptoms.

Medication

Some medications are known to counteract the effects of testosterone. Taking such medications would lead to a dramatic drop in the level of the hormone and result in men experiencing hot flashes. Some the medications include Glyceryl Trinitrate (Nitroglycerine), Niacin (has different brand names), Nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia), Calcitonin (Miacalcin, Cibacalcin, Calcimar), Vancomycin (Vancocin), etc.

Tumor of the Hypothalamus

This gland regulates the body temperature. But when there is a tumor of the Hypothalamus, the gland could fail in its duty and there would be hot flashes due to poor body temperature regulation.

Thyroid disorder

A common disorder of the thyroid gland is hyperthyroidism (over-active thyroid). One of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism is hot flashes in men, which can sometimes be mistaken to be Andropausal symptom.

Alcohol

Excessive use of alcohol interferes with the function of the hypothalamus thereby leading to bouts of hot flashes in men. Apart from affecting the hypothalamus, alcohol absorption into the bloodstream affects your circulatory system, increasing your heart rate and blood pressure, and dilating the blood vessels. The increased heart rate and blood pressure combine to produce the heat of a hot flash while the dilated blood vessels fill with blood leading to flushing. Alcohol withdrawal can also cause hot flashes in men who have been drinking heavily.

Food addictive

Hot flashes is one of the side effects of the food additive Monosodium Glutamate (MSG). So, when you experience hot flashes, it is good to check how much of this addictive you have been adding to your food lately.

Treatment

Some of the ways to treat hot flashes in men include the following:

Bioidentical Hormone Therapy

The use of Bioidentical testosterone therapy can go a long way in relieving the symptoms of hot flashes in men. In men who are suffering from cancer of the prostate, the use of small dosage of estrogen, which is also used for the treatment of hot flashes in women usually relieves the symptoms. But before commencing the treatment, make sure that comprehensive laboratory investigations are carried out to determine the hormonal level and what would be needed for the correction. Men who have prostate cancer are forbidden from taking testosterone but they can use female hormones (estrogen) instead.

When the right test is conducted, it enables your physician to prescribe the right dose of the drug that will take care of not just the hot flashes but also other symptoms associated with andropause.

Medroxyprogesterone

This is the best treatment for men who are placed on Androgen suppression treatment for prostate cancer. Medroxyprogesterone Acetate works better than a lot of the hormonal drugs in relieving the symptoms of hot flashes in men. It is taken 20mg daily.

Regular Exercise

Just like high intensity exercise, when you do resistance training exercise which assist in building muscle mass, there would be an increase in your testosterone level. Such exercises include bench presses, squats and deadlifts. This should be done for at least 45 minutes, two to three times per week. You could also do cardio exercises like sprints, which should be done for 6-15 seconds for about 20 minutes at a time, two to three times per week.

You must never embark on any cardio that lasts more than one hour because of its tendency to reduce testosterone secretion and lead to a leaner body mass. In the course of your weight training exercise, you should try and observe a rest of around two minutes in between each exercise, because rest assists the body in producing more testosterone.

Change in Diet

Some diets are known to improve testosterone production. Such diets should be eaten frequently to help the body boost production of the hormone. Examples of such foods are lean animal and plant proteins, diets high in omega 3, whole grains, organic foods, low saturated fats, and antioxidants. Antioxidant foods have anti-inflammatory properties that enable the body fight against the causes of hot flashes like caffeine, alcohol, stress, spicy foods, etc.

Natural Treatment

Apart from the aforementioned ways of treating hot flashes in men, there are natural remedies that work quite well in ameliorating or totally eradicating the symptoms. Some of these remedies include:

  • Dong Quai: This special herb has ‘adaptogen’ properties. This means that it has the ability to increase or decrease the level of testosterone if it becomes too low or too high. So, its use in men with andropause is to assist in increasing the level of testosterone which is too low. The ideal dose for reducing hot flashes in men is 240mg daily for at least two months.
  • Black Cohosh: It is highly believed that Black cohosh has the power to lower the elevated levels of sex hormone binding globulin which plays a role in testosterone reduction thereby causing hot flashes in men. When the level of sex hormone globulin is decreased, there is a rise in testosterone thereby bringing the hot flashes under check. You should take from 40 – 80mg daily.
  • Gingko Biloba: This herb boosts blood circulation to the various parts of the body. With improvement in circulation, the symptoms of hot flashes are gradually overcome. You need to take a minimum of 240mg daily for at least two months to control the symptoms of andropause.
  • Zinc: Zinc stimulates the pituitary gland to boost the production of testosterone. Hot flushes decrease as the level of testosterone increases. The highest dose of Zinc that is required to increase testosterone production is 75mg daily divided into three doses of 25mg each.
  • Vitamin D: This is believed to aid testosterone production by boosting the function of its receptor sites. It is equally believed to help in making testosterone to be more present in the bloodstream thereby assisting in overcoming the symptoms of hot flashes. The minimum dose required to reduce hot flashes is 600iu a day.
  • Vitamin E: The work of Vitamin E is similar to that of Zinc, by making the pituitary gland to send a message to the testes to instruct them to produce more testosterone. The increase in testosterone level brings about a drastic reduction in the symptoms of hot flashes. The normal dose needed to boost testosterone production is 400iu.

Conclusion

Hot flashes have variant causes as well as different ways it can be treated. If you are diagnosed with the problem, you can try out the tips we have highlighted in this post. Nevertheless, our advice is not intended to take the place of medical experts. If your symptoms continue after trying our tips, then see your doctor for more investigations and better management. Your doctor knows the type of test to conduct and the best medication to prescribe in order to help solve the problem of hot flashed you are experiencing.

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Gallbladder Polyps

Apr 13 2017 Published by under Digestive System

The name gallbladder polyps can strike some fears in you if you have just been diagnosed with one especially while a routine examination was being conducted on you. Though you may not present with signs and symptoms, the mere mention that you have gallbladder polyps could throw you off balance. Why? That is the nature of man. People get unnecessarily worked-up with issues that rarely matter. No matter the assurance doctors and nurses give you, there would still be some fears as to whether the condition is dangerous. But is it really a cause for alarm?

This post will talk about gallbladder polyps, their symptoms, causes and treatment. We shall give you all the necessary information we think you will need to get. So, try as much as possible to read this post through to the end and grab as much facts as possible to help take care of your concerns.

What exactly are gallbladder polyps?

Gallbladder polyps are growth or protrusions from the inside of the linings of the gall bladder. Majority of the gallbladder polyps (about 95%) are benign, which means that they hardly grow to become problematic or symptomatic. In few cases, the polyps can grow to become cancerous or malignant (though very rare). Small gallbladder polyps are usually less than ½ inch, which is about 10mm in diameter. Though this condition is fairly common, it is actually nothing to panic about.

The only reason why gallbladder polyps should give you sleepless nights is when the size begins to get abnormally large. The larger the size of the polyp, the greater its chance of causing gallbladder cancer. So, polyps that are above 1cm in diameter have a greater chance of causing gallbladder cancer than those that are less in diameter.

Symptoms of Gallbladder polyps

Gallbladder polyps hardly present with any noticeable signs and symptoms. The condition is usually discovered by accident while using ultrasound or any other special equipment to examine the abdomen. However, in severe cases, one may experience the following signs and symptoms:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Indigestion
  • Pain in the right hypochondriac area or right upper abdominal pain
  • Jaundice due to cholesterolosis (disturbances in cholesterol/lipids metabolism)
  • Itching of the skin as a result of bile obstruction
  • Diarrhea resulting from inability to digest fats

What Causes Gallbladder polyps?

Gallbladder polyps are caused by several factors. Below are some of the possible causes of the condition:

Poor cholesterol metabolism

A defect in the metabolism of cholesterol has been suggested as one of the possible causes of gallbladder polyps. The defect in cholesterol metabolism gives rise to a type of polyp known as Cholesterol polyps, which account for about 50% of all polypoid lesions found in the gallbladder. They are found on the surface of the mucosal lining of the gallbladder as yellowish spots. Histologically, they are recognized as macrophages covered with epithelial cells, which are loaded with triglycerides esterified sterols in the lamina propria present in the gallbladder mucosal layer. They are easy to identify because they usually exist as multiple lesions with a size less than 10 mm and without symptoms.

Chronic inflammation

Polyps can be caused by a chronic inflammation which eventually finds its way down into the lumen of the gallbladder through a narrow vascularized stalk. These types of polyp are referred to as inflammatory polyps.

Neoplasm

Adenomas or neoplasm are growths that interrupt the gallbladder functions. Adenomatous polyps are benign neoplasms of the epithelial cells of the bladder with the tendency to become malignant. Papillary adenomas grow as complex, pedunculated tumor with branches, which eventually project into the lumen (passageway) of the gallbladder. Tubular adenomas, on the other hand, are flat, sessile neoplasm. It is sometimes difficult to separate some adenomas from the other polyps of the gallbladder with the use of ultrasonography.

Adenomyomatosis

This is a non-inflammatory change in the gallbladder which usually occurs in middle age, though the incidence increases as one advance in age. Though it is seen as benign growth, recent studies have shown that it is actually a precancerous lesion. There have been reports of cancer cases linked with areas of adenomyomatosis.

Age

Age may not be a direct cause of gallbladder polyps but research results have shown that there is a relationship between age and the development of the disease. It is known that the problem is commoner in people who are 50 years old and above.

Previous gallstones

A high proportion of people who have previously had gallstones eventually end up having gallbladder polyps. The reason for this is not well known but the incidence is a little high.

Treatment for Gallbladder Polyps

It is not important to treat gallbladder polyps except when they begin to cause some symptoms. Most times, non-neoplastic polyps or polyps less than 10 mm in diameter are not treated but kept under strict monitoring to see if there is going to be changes in their features and sizes. However, whereby it is necessary to treat the problem, surgery is usually advocated.

Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery

Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is needed for those patients with gallbladder polyps of less than 10 mm in diameter and which do not present with any symptoms and do not also pose the risk of developing into gallbladder cancer. The recovery period is quite fast and healing takes place within a short period after the surgery.

Cholecystectomy

This is the surgical removal of the gallbladder. It is a procedure recommended for those who have gallbladder polyps that are larger than 10 mm in size, especially if the polyps are suspected to be cancerous. Cholecystectomy is an open surgery in which 2 – 4 inches of incisions are made in the upper abdomen. Specimens are collected in the course of surgery and sent to the laboratory for biopsy in order to ascertain whether it is a cancerous polyp that’s removed.

Gallbladder polyps are better prevented than treated or removed surgically. In order to prevent the condition from occurring, here are some foods to eat:

  • Healthy foods low in cholesterol. Polyps with cholesterolosis depend on cholesterol to grow. So, cholesterol and fats must be avoided.
  • Easily digestible foods like boiled rice or pap
  • Salads with vinegar or olive oil
  • Diets rich in fiber such as vegetables and fruits
  • Lean meat

Foods to avoid include the following:

  • Fried foods or too much oil/oily foods
  • Salads with commercial dressing
  • Carbonated soft drinks
  • Meat with excessive fats
  • Alcohol and caffeine, because they are known to worsen some of the symptoms related to gallbladder polyps

Natural Remedies

There are natural remedies that can help you take care of your gallbladder polyps. Let’s quickly take a look at some of them:

  • Dandelion Roots: They assist the liver in functioning properly and in improving bile production, thereby boosting the functions of the digestive system. In order to prevent overdose, you need to consult your doctor first as overdose can worsen the gallbladder polyps.
  • Ginger Tea: This is a natural detoxifying agent that can assist the body in fighting toxins and removing waste. It also assists in taking care of gallbladder polyps and other gastrointestinal problems. Take a cup of the ginger tea thrice daily.
  • Chelidonium: This is a homeopathic remedy that can be used also in taking care of gallbladder polyps. It assists in reducing pain and discomfort that come with the disease.
  • Turmeric: The anti-inflammatory property of turmeric can be employed in relieving the inflammation associated with gallbladder polyps. Besides, the anti-cancer attributes of turmeric, it also prevent the polyps from metamorphosing into cancer. Mix a tablespoon of turmeric with a glass of warm milk and drink it twice daily until symptoms abate.
  • Figs: The power of figs cannot be underestimated. The Old Chinese medicine advocates the consumption of fresh figs to help fight gallbladder polyps. The incidence of gallbladder polyps is 9.5% among Chinese males, which makes it higher than what is obtainable among any other race. The antineoplastic effects of the antioxidant substances in figs aid the body in fighting against the formation of cancer in the gall bladder. You can easily make use of natural fig compote if getting fresh figs in your area is a challenge. They are effective as well. To prepare your figs, add 100g of dried figs to 1 L of water and mix it properly. Add natural honey to the compote to taste (if you wish). Drink 250ml of the compote up to 4 days per week. This natural remedy is quite helpful in taking care of gallbladder polyps.

Conclusion

You have seen that gallbladder polyps are hardly symptomatic. But when they present with signs and symptoms, you can make use of those easily available home remedies to control the symptoms and improve your comfort. While these remedies are prescribed to improve your overall well being, they are not to replace medical management. You are advised to see your doctor if the symptoms you have get worse. Remember to visit the doctor regularly in case they need to monitor your polyps.

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Bumps on Back of the Throat

Apr 13 2017 Published by under Oral Health

What are those tiny red bumps at the back of your throat? Actually it is very hard to tell unless we know the severity of these red bumps. There are large sized taste buds on both sides of the tongue which carries grooves in them. Normally these grooves appear pink or red and look like red bumps but many times the case is different. Usually we take these red bumps as minor sore throat problem, just an indication of a little inflammation but sometimes these red bumps are the signs of some serious health problem.

Basically red bumps on the back of throat that gives you throat irritation are a sign that your body is fighting against some kind of infection by creating mucus. But in actual there are lot of causes of these bumps in the back of throat. Here we are going to discuss all of these causes of red bumps in throat in detail.

Causes of Red Bumps on Back of Throat

There are a lot of causes of strep throat, let us have a look at some of them:

  • Strep Throat
  • Tonsil Stones
  • Pharyngitis
  • Throat Herpes
  • Oral Candidiasis
  • Mononucleosis
  • Tonsillitis
  • Postnasal Drip
  • HPV and Oropharyngeal Cancer
  • Scarlet Fever
  • Toxic Shock Syndrome
  • Chicken Pox
  • STD and HIV

Here we are going to give complete details about some of the causes of red bumps at the back of throat.

1. Strep Throat

Many of us have suffered from strep throat which is a contagious bacterial infection that results in swelling and inflammation at the back of throat and are a reason of tonsils. The bacterial group that causes this inflammation is called Streptococcus bacteria. This infection is commonly found between the ages of 5-15 years and can easily spread from one person to another through cough and sneezing.

Symptoms of Strep Throat

The symptoms of strep throat varies from person to person but usually the basic symptoms of strep throat are as follows:

  • High fever
  • White patches on back of throat
  • Lowered body temperature
  • No appetite
  • Swelling of neck lymph nodes
  • Stuck throat causing trouble in swallowing

Usually all these symptoms take five days to appear after the attack of bacteria. But this fact should be kept in mind that sore throat never lead to strep infection all the time.

Diagnosing Strep Throat

Once you get a sore throat and visit your doctor, the immediate steps taken by him will be to check your throat for the following infections:

  • Minor inflammation
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Strep throat

If the symptoms of strep throat are positive, the physician will promptly prescribe to undertake the strep throat tests. A sample will be taken from the back of throat with the help of cotton swab and immediate testing will be done. Within a few days everything will become clear.

Medication for Strep Throat

Usually antibiotics are prescribed by the doctor to eliminate any kind of bacteria presence or infections. The most common antibiotic given to treat strep throat is penicillin and amoxicillin.

2. Scarlet Fever

Sometimes red bumps at the back of your throat are because of scarlet fever. Scarlet fever also known as Scarlatina is a disease caused by a type of bacteria that release toxin in the body of the victim. Usually kids are infected by this disease.

Causes of Scarlet Fever

Streptococcus pyogenes is the bacteria which causes scarlet fever. The disease starts when this bacterium releases toxins in the body. This disease spreads through coughing or sneezing of the affected person in open air.

Symptoms of Scarlet Fever

The symptoms of scarlet fever usually appear one to four days after infection. Here is a list of some of the symptoms of scarlet fever:

  • Having body temperature above 101 degree F
  • Lower body temperature (chills)
  • Severe headache
  • Red and white patches on throat
  • Nausea and vomits
  • Rashes on face
  • Pale lips
  • Red dotted white tongue

Medication for Scarlet Fever

Antibiotics are the only remedy to get rid of scarlet fever, as these antibiotics kill infection causing bacteria. Usually aspirin and Ibuprofen are taken as the best medication for this disease. Children between 5-15 years of age are mostly infected by this disease.

3. Tonsil Stones

Tonsil stones also cause red bumps on the back of throat. These tonsil stones are yellow or white formations that are found inside the tonsils. Usually these stones are of very small size just equal to a pea. Following are some of the symptoms of tonsils stones:

  • Red or white debris on the back of throat
  • Sore throat
  • Difficult to swallow
  • Swollen tonsils

Smaller tonsil stones are quite invisible and the potential cause of these tonsil stones are because of bad dental health, expanded tonsils and sinus related issues. Tonsil stones can be avoided by getting them removed. The removal process can be done by laser treatment or coblation cryptolysis (usage of radio waves to remove tonsil stones). Apart from these, surgical removal is also recommended by many of the doctors.

4. HIV Infection

Patients infected by HIV have a very weak immune system which eventually causes these red bumps to appear on the back of throat. These red sores in throat under the effect of HIV are very critical to treat.

These red bumps are called herpes simplex and they can be treated with the following medication:

If we talk about medical treatment of red herpes or dry tongue caused by HIV virus, doctor usually prescribe acyclovir as the basic or initial treatment. The benefit of this medication is that it prevents red bumps from spreading more. Oral herpes are contagious so sharing food and water with others is strictly prohibited.

5. STD

STD is a disease that is caused by sexually transmitted infection. There are multiple reasons of getting STI infection as the virus can be transmitted from host to recipient through oral, anal, intercourse or even genital touching. Some of the STD infections are easily curable if treated in time while a delay in the treatment of STD infection sometimes lead to HIV transmission.

The signs and symptoms of STD infection are as mentioned below:

  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Red /white bumps at the back of throat
  • Weight loss
  • Rash
  • Sore throat
  • Headache

STD virus strongly destroys the patient’s immune system and show drastic results if not treated in time.

6. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection

Human Papillomavirus or HPV is a sexually transmitted disease that badly affects the back of throat like the tongue and tonsils. Genital warts and cervical cancer in women is also caused by HPV. Red bumps or white scars on the tongue and back of throat can be easily recognized in a patient having HPV infection. Research has shown that almost 7% of Americans aging 14 to 69 are found having tonsillar HPV and usually women are more infected by this infection.

Signs and Symptoms of HPV Infection:

Basically there are no specific signs and symptoms of HPV infection and they are not transmitted from the host to other people. Sometimes HPV infection also leads to oral cancer. Following are the symptoms that indicate that the affected has cancer cells growing in their body:

  • Trouble in swallowing
  • Blood coming up with cough
  • Sore throat
  • Red patches or lump on tonsils
  • Swelling in jaw
  • Lump in the cheek

Treatment of HPV Infection

The treatment of HPV infection is quite tough because a person affected by this disease has to undergo chemotherapy or radiation treatment which itself are the most complicated treatments. These treatments are used to kill the cancer cells prevailing in the victim’s body. These treatments are apparently found very effective to treat all kinds of HPV positive and HPV negative tumors.

7. Tonsillitis

One of the major causes of red humps on the back of throat is tonsils which are the two lymph nodes on the back of throat. These tonsils are capable of preventing the body from any kind of infection. If any of these tonsils get infected, it results in tonsillitis.

Tonsillitis is usually found in children from early childhood age till teenage. Multiple kind of viruses are the cause of tonsillitis. The signs related to tonsillitis include swollen throat, throat pain, high fever and a runny nose.

Symptoms of Tonsillitis

There are several signs and symptoms related to Tonsillitis, let us have a look at some of them:

  • Bad breath.
  • Fever
  • Earache
  • Swollen throat
  • Red/white bumps at the back of throat
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • White and yellow spots on tonsils
  • Headache
  • Stiff neck

Treatment of Tonsillitis

Though tonsillitis is easily medicated but if any kind of negligence is practiced in curing tonsillitis, they may result to complicated problems. Tonsillitis can be medicated easily through a course of antibiotics and if desired results are not found, doctors usually recommend a tonsillitis surgery. It is a minor kind of operation where infected tonsillitis is removed from the patient’s body.

Some Home Remedies to Get Rid of Red Bumps

The best way to treat red bumps at the back of throat is to take immediate action as soon as possible by using some natural home remedies to get rid of them. It has been found that it is quite possible to recover from these red bumps by treating them at the very initial stage.

Here are some of the best and simple home remedies to get rid of these red bumps at the back of throat.

  • Salt Water Gargle: A very simple and quick remedy to avoid red bumps in throat is to gargle with warm salty water. Only half teaspoon of salt mixed in one glass of water is effective enough to get you out of this problem. A 30 second gargle will work for you.
  • Herbal Remedies: There are a lot of herbs that work effectively in curing red bumps at the back of throat. Some of the good examples are South African Geranium, goldenseal, Oregon grape, gold threads etc. All these herbs and plants are rich in alkaloid berberine which is the best solution for sore throat and red bumps. Besides them tea made from ginger and cinnamon is also considered as quite beneficial for back throat bumps.
  • Probiotics: To activate the immune system in body and stop overgrowth of Candida, some high quality probiotic supplements are necessarily required. But before selecting any probiotic as self medication of these red bumps it is essential that one should consult some doctor for the instructions and regular dosage set up.
  • Stay Away from Dehydration: Liquid is an essential ingredient to develop a strong immune system. So, adequate amount of water intake is very necessary. Such kind of foods should be taken that carry enough amount of water in them. Fresh vegetable juices and smoothies are also good to avoid any kind of red bumps on the back of throat. In short, never let your body dehydrated.

Besides all the above mentioned home remedies there are many more effective ways of avoiding red bumps at the back of throat. Need of the day is that the importance and the damage that these red bumps can cause to your health should never be neglected. An immediate medication or simple home remedy should be undertaken in order to control situation. If the symptoms still occur the most qualified doctor should be consulted to give proper treatment.

Pictures

Take a look at some of the pictures of red bumps on the back of throat:

  1. Bumps on Back of the Throat (Picture 1)
  2. Picture 2
  3. Picture 3
  4. Picture 4

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