Troop Pharmacy > Articles by: info@troopharm.com
Posted on:

Iron Deficiency Anemia

Iron deficiency occurs when there is not enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to the body organs.
Hemoglobin is the main protein in the red blood cell. It carries oxygen and deliver it throughout the body. If one has anemia, the hemoglobin level will be low, and when that happens, organs may not get adequate oxygen.

As the name implies, iron deficiency anemia is due to insufficient iron. Without enough iron, your body can’t produce enough of a substance in red blood cells that enables them to carry oxygen (hemoglobin). As a result, iron deficiency anemia may leave you tired and short of breath.

You can usually correct iron deficiency anemia with iron supplementation. Sometimes additional tests or treatments for iron deficiency anemia are necessary, especially if your doctor suspects that you’re bleeding internally.

SYMPTOMS OF IRON DEFICIENCY 
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Pale skin
  • Chest pain, fast heartbeat or shortness of breath
  • Headache, dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Cold hands and feet
  • Inflammation or soreness of your tongue
  • Brittle nails
  • Unusual cravings for non-nutritive substances, such as ice, dirt or starch
  • Poor appetite, especially in infants and children with iron deficiency anemia
CAUSES OF IRON DEFICIENCY 
  • Blood loss. Blood contains iron within red blood cells. So if you lose blood, you lose some iron. Women with heavy periods are at risk of iron deficiency anemia because they lose blood during menstruation. Slow, chronic blood loss within the body — such as from a peptic ulcer, a hiatal hernia, a colon polyp or colorectal cancer — can cause iron deficiency anemia. Gastrointestinal bleeding can result from regular use of some over-the-counter pain relievers, especially aspirin.
  • A lack of iron in your diet. Your body regularly gets iron from the foods you eat. If you consume too little iron, over time your body can become iron deficient. Examples of iron-rich foods include meat, eggs, leafy green vegetables and iron-fortified foods. For proper growth and development, infants and children need iron from their diets, too.
  • An inability to absorb iron. Iron from food is absorbed into your bloodstream in your small intestine. An intestinal disorder, such as celiac disease, which affects your intestine’s ability to absorb nutrients from digested food, can lead to iron deficiency anemia. If part of your small intestine has been bypassed or removed surgically, that may affect your ability to absorb iron and other nutrients.
  • Pregnancy. Without iron supplementation, iron deficiency anemia occurs in many pregnant women because their iron stores need to serve their own increased blood volume as well as be a source of hemoglobin for the growing fetus.

Risk factors

These groups of people may have an increased risk of iron deficiency anemia:

  • Women. Because women lose blood during menstruation, women in general are at greater risk of iron deficiency anemia.
  • Infants and children. Infants, especially those who were low birth weight or born prematurely, who don’t get enough iron from breast milk or formula may be at risk of iron deficiency. Children need extra iron during growth spurts. If your child isn’t eating a healthy, varied diet, he or she may be at risk of anemia.
  • Vegetarians. People who don’t eat meat may have a greater risk of iron deficiency anemia if they don’t eat other iron-rich foods.
  • Frequent blood donors. People who routinely donate blood may have an increased risk of iron deficiency anemia since blood donation can deplete iron stores. Low hemoglobin related to blood donation may be a temporary problem remedied by eating more iron-rich foods. If you’re told that you can’t donate blood because of low hemoglobin, ask your doctor whether you should be concerned.
HOW CAN I PREVENT IRON DEFICIENCY 
Some kinds of anemia, such as those that are inherited, cannot be prevented. However, you can prevent anemia caused by iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency and vitamin B9 deficiency by eating well. This includes eating a diet with enough foods that provide iron, this will help keep hemoglobin level normal.
HOW TO MANAGE IRON DEFICIENCY 
?Following a healthy diet.
?Drinking enough water to stay hydrated.
?Exercising regularly. However, if you have been weak, you should begin exercising cautiously.
?Avoiding exposure to chemicals that set off anemia.
?Washing your hands often to avoid infection.
?Taking good care of your teeth and going to the dentist regularly.
?Talking to your doctor about any changing symptoms.
?Keeping track of your symptoms by writing them down.
Written by: Josephine Wuraola
Posted on:

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen veins in the lower part of the anus and rectum. When the walls of these vessels stretch, they can become irritated.
Although hemorrhoids can sometimes be painful, they often get better on their own. Lifestyle changes, such as eating more fiber and exercising, can help relieve symptoms and lower the risk of future hemorrhoids.
Symptoms
✨ bleeding
✨ itching or irritation in the anal area
✨ discomfort, pain, or soreness around the anus
lumps and swelling in the anal region.
✨ dilation, or bulging, of a vein, which may or may not be painful, depending on where it occurs. Symptoms can be uncomfortable or alarming, but they often improve on their own after a few days.
Causes
? Pregnancy : During pregnancy, tissues in the rectum become weaker, and hormones cause veins to relax and swell. Hemorrhoids may occur in up to 35% pregnant women.
? Aging : Hemorrhoids are most common among adults over age 50. However, young people and children can also get them.
? Diarrhea : Hemorrhoids can occur after cases of chronic diarrhea.
? Chronic constipation : Straining to move stool puts additional pressure on the walls of the blood vessels, which may result in hemorrhoids.
? Sitting for too long: Spending a long time in a seated position, especially on the toilet, can cause hemorrhoids.
? Diet : Eating low fiber foods may contribute to hemorrhoids.
? Heavy lifting : Repeatedly lifting heavy objects can lead to hemorrhoids.
? Anal intercourse : This can cause new hemorrhoids or worsen existing ones.
? Weight : being overweight gives  a higher chance of hemorrhoids. This may result from increased pressure within the abdomen.
? Genetics : Some people inherit a tendency to develop hemorrhoids
Types
Hemorrhoids can be either internal or external. Healthcare professionals use a grading system to describe internal hemorrhoids based on whether they remain in the rectum or protrude out of the anus.
Internal hemorrhoids
Internal hemorrhoids are located inside the rectum and are not visible from the outside. They are typically painless. Often, rectal bleeding is the first sign of internal hemorrhoids.
If an internal hemorrhoid protrudes through the anus, it’s called a prolapsed hemorrhoid. This condition may be due to a weakening of the muscles around the anus and can be painful.
Healthcare professionals grade internal hemorrhoids from 1 to 4, depending on the degree of prolapse:
?️ Grade 1 hemorrhoids remain in the rectum without prolapsing (protruding out of the anus).
?️ Grade 2 hemorrhoids prolapse when a person passes stool, then return inside on their own.
?️Grade 3 hemorrhoids are prolapsed and must be pushed back in.
?️Grade 4 hemorrhoids are prolapsed and cannot be pushed back in.
External hemorrhoids
External hemorrhoids occur in the skin around the anus and are therefore visible.
There are more sensitive nerves in this part of the body, so external hemorrhoids can be very painful. Straining when passing stool may cause external or internal hemorrhoids to bleed.
Treatments
In most cases, simple measures will alleviate symptoms while hemorrhoids heal on their own. However, medication or surgery may be necessary in certain cases.
Home treatments
The following home treatments may help relieve symptoms of hemorrhoids:
?Topical creams and ointments:
?Over-the-counter (OTC) creams for external hemorrhoids can help reduce itching, discomfort, and swelling.
?Fiber supplements: Taking supplements like methylcellulose (Citrucel),  psyllium (Metamucil) can reduce constipation and help with hemorrhoids.
?Ice packs and cold compresses: Applying these to the affected area may help ease pain.
?A sitz bath: A sitz bath involves sitting in a tub of shallow, warm water. Taking one a few times each day may help reduce hemorrhoid pain.
? Analgesics: Painkillers such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen may help alleviate pain from hemorrhoids.
Medications
Hemorrhoid medications come in various forms, including suppositories, ointments, and pads. A person can usually buy them over the counter.
Several common medications include:
Zinc oxide: Creams containing zinc oxide may help with irritation. One ointment, Calmoseptine, combines zinc oxide and menthol. It may be effective for relieving anal itching, which can be related to hemorrhoids.
Witch hazel: Experts say that astringents, such as witch hazel, may provide temporary relief.
Steroid cream: Corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone are commonly used to treat hemorrhoids. They can help reduce inflammation, but they may damage the skin.
A person should talk with a doctor if symptoms do not improve after using these medications for a week.



Written by: Samuel Sobiye
Posted on:

Indigestion

Indigestion is often a sign of an underlying problem, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcers, or gallbladder disease, rather than a condition of its own.
Also called dyspepsia, it is defined as a persistent or recurrent pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen.
What Are the Symptoms of Indigestion?
The symptoms of indigestion can include:
• Burning in the stomach or upper abdomen.
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating (full)
• Belching and gas
• Nausea and vomiting
• Acidic taste
• Growling stomach
These symptoms may increase in times of stress.
People often have heartburn (a burning sensation deep in the chest) along with indigestion. But heartburn itself is a different symptom that may indicate another problem.
Who Is at Risk for Indigestion?
People of all ages and of both sexes are affected by indigestion. It’s extremely common. An individual’s risk increases with:
• Excess alcohol consumption
• Use of drugs that may irritate the stomach, such as aspirin and other pain relievers
• Conditions where there is an abnormality in the digestive tract, such as an ulcer
• Emotional problems, such as anxiety or depression
• Obesity
• Smoking
What Causes Indigestion?
Indigestion has many causes, including:
Diseases:
• Ulcers
• GERD
• Stomach cancer (rare)
• Gastroparesis (a condition where the stomach doesn’t empty properly; this often occurs in people with diabetes)
• Stomach infections
• Irritable bowel syndrome.
•  Chronic pancreatitis.
• Thyroid disease.
• Pregnancy
Medications:
• Aspirin and other painkillers, such as NSAIDs like ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), and naproxen (Naprosyn)
• Estrogen and oral contraceptives
•  Steroid medications
• Certain antibiotics
• Thyroid medicines
Lifestyle:
• Eating too much, eating too fast, eating high-fat foods, or eating during stressful situations
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Cigarette smoking
• Stress and fatigue
Indigestion is not caused by excess stomach acid.
Treatment for Indigestion
Because indigestion is a symptom rather than a disease, treatment usually depends upon the underlying condition.
How Can I Prevent Indigestion?
The best way to prevent indigestion is to avoid the foods and situations that seem to cause it. Keeping a food diary is helpful in identifying foods that cause indigestion.
Here are some other suggestions:
• If stress is a trigger for your indigestion, learn new methods for managing stress, such as relaxation
• If you smoke, quit. Smoking can irritate the lining of the stomach.
• Cut back on alcohol consumption, because alcohol can also irritate the stomach lining.
• Avoid wearing tight-fitting garments, because they tend to compress the stomach, which can cause its contents to enter the esophagus.
• Don’t exercise with a full stomach. Rather, exercise before a meal or at least one hour after eating a meal.
• Don’t lie down right after eating.
• Wait at least three hours after your last meal of the day before going to bed.
• Sleep with your head elevated (at least 6 inches) above your feet and use pillows to prop yourself up. This will help allow digestive juices to flow into the intestines rather than to the esophagus.
Finally, Because indigestion can be a sign of a more serious health problem, call your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:
• Vomiting or blood in vomit (the vomit may look like coffee grounds).
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Black, tarry stools or visible blood in stools.
• Severe pain in the abdomen.
• Discomfort unrelated to eating.
Symptoms similar to indigestion may be caused by heart attacks. If indigestion is unusual, accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, chest pain, or pain radiating to the jaw, neck, or arm, seek medical attention immediately.
Written by: Chinonye Machie
Posted on:

Oral Thrush

What is thrush?
Thrush is a fungal (yeast) infection that can grow in your mouth, throat and other parts of your body. In your mouth thrush appears as a growth that can look like cottage cheese – white, raised lesions on your tongue and cheeks. The condition can quickly become irritated and cause mouth pain and redness.
CAUSES
Thrush is caused by the overgrowth of a type of fungus called Candida. Mouth and throat thrush is called *oropharyngeal candidiasis. A thrush infection is annoying but it’s generally a minor problem for healthy people and will clear up in a few weeks with anti-fungal treatment.
While thrush can affect anyone, babies under 1 month old, toddlers, older adults and people with weakened immune systems (where symptoms can be harder to control) are at more risk. Thrush in the esophagus (swallowing tube) is one of the more common infections in people with HIV/AIDS.
Thrush can be contagious to those at risk (like people with weakened immune systems or are taking certain medications). In healthy people, it’s unusual for it to be passed on through kissing or other close contacts. In most cases, thrush isn’t considered particularly contagious but it can be transmitted.
If you’re worried about getting thrush from another person who has it, avoid coming into contact with their saliva (spit). It’s smart to wash your hands as often as possible if you’re near someone who has thrush.
Why is thrush a concern during breastfeeding?
Because infants are more at risk, getting or giving thrush during breastfeeding is a worry with many moms. It’s a common breastfeeding problem, and in some cases treatment can be tricky.
Babies with thrush can pass the infection to their mothers. When the infection in a baby’s mouth leads to sore throat and pain, they cry and are irritable during feeding. Mothers (especially if they’re taking antibiotics) may also develop thrush infections around the breasts and nipples and transmit it to their babies.
When both mom and baby develop thrush they should be treated for the condition at the same time to prevent an ongoing exchange of the infection.
DIAGNOSIS
How is thrush diagnosed?
Your health care provider can usually tell right away if you have thrush by looking for the distinctive white lesions on your mouth, tongue or checks. Lightly brushing the lesions away reveals a reddened, tender area that may bleed slightly. A microscopic exam of tissue from a lesion will confirm whether or not you have thrush (but a physical exam is not always necessary).
If thrush extends into your esophagus other tests may be needed. Your health care provider might:
– Take a throat culture (swabbing the back of your throat with sterile cotton and studying the microorganisms under a microscope).
– Perform an endoscopy of your esophagus, stomach, and small intestine (examining the lining of these body areas with a lighted camera mounted on the tip of a tube passed through these areas).
– Take X-rays of your esophagus.
MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT
How is thrush treated?
Healthy kids and adults can be effectively treated for thrush. But the symptoms may be more severe and hard to treat in those with weakened immune systems.
Anti-fungal medications (like nystatin) are often prescribed to treat thrush. These medicines are available in tablets, lozenges or liquids that are usually “swished” around in your mouth before being swallowed. Usually, you need to take these medications for 10 to 14 days. Your health care provider will have a specific treatment approach designed for you based on your age and the cause of the infection.
The presence of Candida infection can be a symptom of other medical problems. Be sure to talk to your health care provider to look for these and set up a treatment plan if needed.
PREVENTION
How can thrush be prevented?
You can do these things to help you avoid a case of thrush:
– Follow good oral hygiene practices: Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day.
– Avoid certain mouthwashes or sprays
– Get regular dental checkups. Especially if you have diabetes or wear dentures. Even if you’re healthy and don’t have dental issues, you should get your teeth cleaned by your dentist every 6 months.
– Treat chronic health issues. A condition such as HIV or diabetes can disturb the balance of bacteria in your body and lead to thrush. If you’re taking medications for an ongoing health condition, take them regularly, as directed.
– Don’t overuse mouthwashes or sprays. Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash once or twice a day to help keep your teeth and gums healthy. Using any more than that may upset the normal balance of bacteria in your mouth.
– Clean inhalers after using them. If you have a condition like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), clean your inhalers after each use to kill germs.
– Limit foods that contain sugar and yeast. Bread, beer, and wine will cause extra yeast growth.
– If you smoke, quit. Ask your doctor or dentist about ways to help you kick the habit.

Oral Thrush Outlook

With treatment, oral thrush usually goes away after a couple of weeks. If you are prone to it or don’t get better, you may need to see an ear, nose, and throat specialist. Sometimes thrush goes away and comes back. This often happens because the underlying cause hasn’t gone away.

In some people, thrush can turn into a more serious systemic infection. This happens most often in people with another health condition such as:

  • HIV
  • Cancer
  • Kidney failure
  • Diabetes
  • Prior surgery
  • Other critical health conditions requiring treatment in an intensive care unit

In this case, doctors will treat the infection with oral or IV anti-fungal medicines.

 

Written by: Ebere Chienjine
Posted on:

Measles and Its Treatment

Measles is a viral infection that is serious for small children but is easily preventable by a vaccine. The disease spreads through the air by respiratory droplets produced from coughing or sneezing.

Causes

Measles is a highly contagious illness caused by a virus that replicates in the nose and throat of an infected child or adult. Through coughs, sneezes or talks, infected droplets spray into the air, where other people can inhale them.

The infected droplets may also land on a surface, where they remain active and contagious for several hours. You can contract the virus by putting your fingers in your mouth or nose or rubbing your eyes after touching the infected surface.

About 90% of susceptible people who are exposed to someone with the virus will be infected.

Risk factors

* Being vaccinated.

* Traveling internationally.

* Having a vitamin A deficiency.

How it spreads

– By airborne respiratory droplets (coughs or sneezes).

– By saliva (kissing or shared drinks).

– By touching a contaminated surface.

– By skin-to-skin contact (handshakes or hugs).

– By mother to baby by pregnancy, labor, or nursing.

Symptoms

Measles signs and symptoms appear around 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus.

Signs and symptoms include:

– Fever

– Dry cough

– Runny nose

– Sore throat

– Inflamed eyes (conjunctivitis)

– A skin rash that often flow into one another

Management

* Taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen for aches, pains or fever.

* Getting plenty of rest.

* Drinking enough fluids.

* Gargling with salt water.

* Avoiding harsh light if your eyes hurt.

Complications

These include:

* Diarrhea.

* Ear infections.

* Pneumonia.

* Encephalitis. This condition can cause inflammation of the brain, leading to seizures, hearing loss or learning disabilities.

Prevention and Treatment

– Preventable by vaccine

– Treatable by a medical professional

– Requires a medical diagnosis

– Lab tests or imaging often required

Medication

– Fever reducers.
– Antibiotics.
– Vitamin A

Source: Clevelandclinic

Written by: Sarah Amah

Posted on:

Prostate Cancer and Its Treatment

The prostate has various functions

These include:

– Producing the fluid that nourishes and transports sperm

– Secreting prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a protein that helps semen retain its liquid state, and helping aid urine control.

SYMPTOMS

There are often no symptoms during the early stages of prostate cancer, but screening can detect changes that may indicate cancer. Screening involves a test that measures levels of PSA in the blood. High levels suggest that cancer may be present.

Males who do experience symptoms may have:

– Difficulty starting and maintaining urination

– A frequent urge to urinate, especially at night

– A weak urine stream

– Blood in the urine or semen

– Painful urination or ejaculation

– Pain in the back, hips, or pelvis

CAUSES
Researchers are unsure of the exact cause of prostate cancer. It develops when specific changes occur, usually in glandular cells. When prostate gland cells appear abnormal.

RISK FACTORS

* genetic factors
* age
* race or ethnicity
* family history
* diet
* obesity
* smoking
* alcohol consumption
* inflammation of prostate
* sexually transmitted infection

TREATMENT
Treatment depends on the stage.

Early stage prostate cancer
If the cancer is small and localized, a doctor may recommend:

– Watchful waiting or monitoring

– Surgery

– Radiation therapy

– External radiation therapy

– Internal radiation therapy

Advanced prostate cancer
As cancer grows, it can spread throughout the body. If it spreads, or if it comes back after remission, treatment options will change.

Options can include:

– Chemotherapy: This option uses drugs to help stop the growth of cancer cells. While it can kill cancer cells around the body, it may cause adverse effects.

– Hormonal Therapy

– Immunotherapy

– Targeted therapy

 

Source: OrologyHealth

Written by: Ruth Olusegun

Posted on:

Diarrhea and Its Remedies

We’ve all experienced bouts of diarrhea at some point in our lives. Common symptoms of diarrhea include frequent, watery stools, abdominal cramping, and bloating.

Diarrhea is often your body’s way of dealing with disruptions in your gastrointestinal system. Acute diarrhea lasts less than 2 weeks and can come from many sources, such as:

  • a viral infection
  • a bacterial infection
  • food poisoning
  • recent antibiotic use
  • water contaminated with an infectious agent

SYMPTOMS OF DIARRHEA

?stomach pain
?abdominal cramps
?bloating
?weight loss
?fever
?body aches
?chills
?blood or pus in the stool

TREATMENT OF DIARRHEA
1. Hydration

Hydration is very important when you have diarrhea. Dehydration from diarrhea can be fatal in young children and older adults. Continue breastfeeding or formula feeding infants who are experiencing diarrhea. Over-the-counter oral pediatric hydration solutions, like Pedialyte, are the recommended fluids of choice for children with diarrhea. Small amounts of hydration solutions should be given frequently. These formulas also come in popsicle preparations.

Studies have shown that for adults with mild symptoms of diarrhea, sports drinks and over-the-counter rehydration solutions are equally effective.

Alcohol, milk, soda, and other carbonated or caffeinated drinks should not be used for hydration, as they may make your symptoms worse.

2. Probiotics

Probiotics are sources of “good” bacteria that work in your intestinal tract to create a healthy gut environment. They’re essentially live microorganisms that exist in certain foods, including:

  • aged soft cheese
  • cottage cheese
  • dark chocolate
  • green olives
  • kefir
  • kimchi
  • kombucha
  • sauerkraut
  • miso
  • natto
  • pickles
  • sourdough bread
  • yogurt

Probiotics also come in powder or pill form.

The good bacteria that live in your intestinal tract are necessary for the normal functioning of your gastrointestinal system. They play an important role in protecting your intestines against infection. When your system is changed by antibiotics or overwhelmed by unhealthy bacteria or viruses, you can get diarrhea. Probiotics can help with diarrhea by restoring the balance of bacteria in your gut.

Saccharomyces boulardii is a yeast probiotic. While it’s not a bacterium, it acts like one. S. boulardii may improve antibiotic-associated diarrhea. It also seems to provide relief for traveler’s diarrhea. Studies suggest it may help your intestines fight off unwanted pathogens and ensure they’re absorbing nutrients properly. Because it is yeast, it should be used with caution in people with inadequate immune systems.

It’s important to receive proper medical care in cases of acute diarrhea. Talk with your health care provider before taking probiotic supplements to treat your diarrhea.

3. Over-the-counter drugs

With your doctor’s supervision, several over-the-counter medications can help with acute diarrhea if your symptoms are not severe. Common over-the-counter medications include:

  • bismuth subsalicylate
  • loperamide (Imodium)

While these drugs can relieve the symptoms of diarrhea, they don’t treat the underlying cause.

If you have chronic diarrhea, you shouldn’t use these drugs without your doctor’s consent. Chronic diarrhea is diarrhea that lasts more than 14 days. It often has different causes.

You should be especially cautious if your child has diarrhea. Dehydration resulting from diarrhea can be dangerous and can occur quickly in young children. Severe dehydration can be life-threatening. Over-the-counter medications are not recommended for treatment in children, so it’s important to talk to your doctor. Infants under 3 months old who have diarrhea should be taken to the doctor right away.

If you have bloody diarrhea, a fever, more than seven days of symptoms, intense abdominal pain, or diarrhea that is getting worse, you should seek medical attention.

4. Foods to eat

While it might sound counter intuitive to eat if you have diarrhea, eating certain foods can help alleviate your diarrhea symptoms and ensure your health doesn’t worsen from not eating. Stick to low-fiber “BRAT” foods that will help firm up your stool. These include:

  • bananas
  • rice (white)
  • applesauce
  • toast

Other foods that are usually well-tolerated when experiencing diarrhea include:

  • oatmeal
  • boiled or baked potatoes (with skins peeled)
  • baked chicken with skin removed
  • chicken soup (which also aids in rehydration)
5. Foods to avoid

Fried and greasy foods are usually not well-tolerated in people who have diarrhea. You should also consider limiting high-fiber foods like bran as well as fruits and vegetables that can increase bloating. Foods to avoid include:

  • alcohol
  • artificial sweeteners (found in chewing gum, diet soft drinks and sugar substitutes)
  • beans
  • berries
  • broccoli
  • cabbage
  • cauliflower
  • chickpeas
  • coffee
  • corn
  • ice cream
  • green leafy vegetables
  • milk
  • peas
  • peppers
  • prunes
  • tea
Posted on:

Sore Throat

A sore throat is a painful, dry, or scratchy feeling in the throat. Pain in the throat is one of the most common symptoms. Most sore throats are caused by infections, or by environmental factors like dry air. Although a sore throat can be uncomfortable, it’ll usually go away on its own.
Sore throats are divided into types, based on the part of the throat they affect:
?️ Pharyngitis affects the area right behind the mouth.
?️ Tonsillitis is swelling and redness of the tonsils, the soft tissue in the back of the mouth.
?️ Laryngitis is swelling and redness of the voice box, or larynx.
Sore throat symptoms
The symptoms of a sore throat can vary depending on what caused it. A sore throat can feel:
?scratchy
?burning
?raw
?dry
?tender
?irritated
It may hurt more when you swallow or talk. Your throat or tonsils might also look red. Sometimes, white patches or areas of pus will form on the tonsils. These white patches are more common in strep throat than in a sore throat caused by a virus.
Most sore throats are caused by infections, or by environmental factors like dry air. Although a sore throat can be uncomfortable,
Sometimes, white patches or areas of pus will form on the tonsils.
Along with the sore throat, you can have symptoms like:
?nasal congestion
?runny nose
?sneezing
?cough
?fever
?chills
?swollen glands in the neck
?hoarse voice
?body aches
?headache
?trouble swallowing
?appetite loss
Causes of sore throats range from infections to injuries. Here are eight of the most common sore throat causes.
1. Colds, the flu, and other viral infections
Viruses cause about 90 percent of sore throats. Among the viruses that cause sore throats are: the common cold, influenza — the flu, mononucleosis – an infectious disease that’s transmitted through saliva, measles – an illness that causes a rash and fever, chickenpox – an infection that causes a fever and an itchy, bumpy rash, mumps – an infection that causes swelling of the salivary glands in the neck.
2. Strep throat and other bacterial infections
Bacterial infections can also cause sore throats. The most common one is strep throat, an infection of the throat and tonsils caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria.
Strep throat causes nearly 40 percent of sore throat cases in children. Tonsillitis, and sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea and chlamydia can also cause a sore throat.
3. Allergies
When the immune system reacts to allergy triggers like pollen, grass, and pet dander, it releases chemicals that cause symptoms like nasal congestion, watery eyes, sneezing, and throat irritation. Excess mucus in the nose can drip down the back of the throat. This is called postnasal drip and can irritate the throat.
4. Dry air
Dry air can suck moisture from the mouth and throat, and leave them feeling dry and scratchy. The air is most likely dry in the winter months when the heater is running.
5. Smoke, chemicals, and other irritants
Many different chemicals and other substances in the environment irritate the throat, including: cigarette and other tobacco smoke, air pollution, cleaning products and other chemicals.
6. Injury
Any injury, such as a hit or cut to the neck, can cause pain in the throat. Getting a piece of food stuck in your throat can also irritate it.
Repeated use strains the vocal cords and muscles in the throat. You can get a sore throat after yelling, talking loudly, or singing for a long period of time. Sore throats are a common complaint among fitness instructors and teachers, who often have to yell.
7. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which acid from the stomach backs up into the esophagus — the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach.
The acid burns the esophagus and throat, causing symptoms like heartburn and acid reflux — the regurgitation of acid into your throat.
8. Tumor
A tumor of the throat, voice box, or tongue is a less common cause of a sore throat. When a sore throat is a sign of cancer, it doesn’t go away after a few days.
Home remedies for a sore throat
You can treat most sore throats at home. Get plenty of rest to give your immune system a chance to fight the infection.
To relieve the pain of a sore throat:
– Gargle with a mixture of warm water and 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of salt.
– Drink warm liquids that feel soothing to the throat, such as hot tea with honey, soup broth, or warm water with lemon. Herbal teas are especially soothing to a sore throat.
– Cool your throat by eating a cold treat like a popsicle or ice cream.
– Suck on a piece of hard candy or a lozenge.
– Turn on a cool mist humidifier to add moisture to the air.
– Rest your voice until your throat feels better..
Medicines
You can take medicines to relieve the pain of a sore throat, or to treat the underlying cause.
A. Over-the-counter medications that relieve throat pain include:
– acetaminophen
– ibuprofen
– aspirin
Don’t give aspirin to children and teenagers, as it’s been linked to a rare but serious condition called Reye’s syndrome.
B. You can also use one or more of these treatments, which work directly on the pain of a sore throat:
– a sore throat spray that contains a numbing antiseptic like phenol, or a cooling ingredient like menthol or eucalyptus
– throat lozenges
– cough syrup
C. Medications that reduce stomach acid can help with a sore throat caused by GERD. These include:
1. Antacids such as Tums, Rolaids, Maalox, and Mylanta to neutralize stomach acid.
2. H2 blockers such as cimetidine, and famotidine to reduce stomach acid production.
3. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as lansoprazole and omeprazole to block acid production.
D. Low-dose corticosteroids can also help with the pain of a sore throat, without causing any serious side effects.
E. When you need antibiotics
Antibiotics treat infections caused by bacteria, like strep throat. They won’t treat viral infections.
You need to treat a strep throat with antibiotics to prevent more serious complications like pneumonia, bronchitis, and rheumatic fever. Antibiotics can reduce sore throat pain by about one day, and lower the risk of rheumatic fever by more than two-thirds



Written by: Ebere Chienjine
Posted on:

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis develops when bone density decreases. The body reabsorbs more bone tissue and produces less to replace it.
Bone is living tissue that is constantly being broken down and replaced. Osteoporosis occurs when the creation of new bone doesn’t keep up with the loss of old bone.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS 
Osteoporosis develops slowly, and a person may not know they have it until they experience a fracture or break after a minor incident, such as a fall. Breaks will often occur in the hip, wrists, or the spinal vertebrae. People who have osteoporosis might have signs and symptoms that include:
• Back pain, caused by a fractured or collapsed vertebra
• Loss of height over time
• A stooped posture
• A bone that breaks much more easily than expected
 When to see a doctor
Severe discomfort in any of the common locations for osteoporotic bone damage could indicate an unexpected or unidentified fracture. People should seek medical evaluation as soon as they notice this type of pain.
CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS
Several risk factors for osteoporosis have been identified. Some are modifiable, but it is not possible to avoid others.
Unavoidable factors
According to the American College of rheumatology, nonmodifiable risk factors include:
• Age: Risk increases after the mid-30s and especially after menopause.
• Reduced sex hormones: Lower estrogen levels appear to make it harder for bone to regenerate.
• Ethnicity: White people and Asian people have a higher risk than other ethnic groups.
• Height and weight: Being over 5 feet 7 inches tall or weighing under 125 pounds increases the risk.
• Genetic factors: Having a close family member with a diagnosis of hip fracture or osteoporosis makes osteoporosis more likely.
• Fracture history: A person over 50 years of age with previous fractures after a low-level injury is more likely to receive a diagnosis of osteoporosis.
 Modifiable risk factors include 
• Sedentary lifestyle: People who spend a lot of time sitting have a higher risk of osteoporosis than do those who are more active.
• Immobility
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Tobacco use.
Medical conditions that increase the risk include:
• Some autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
• Pituitary gland disorders.
• Hyperthyroidism and hyperparathyroidism
• A shortage of estrogen or testosterone
Medications that raise the risk include:
• Glucocorticoids and corticosteroids, including prednisone and prednisolone
• Thyroid hormone
• Anticoagulants and blood-thinners, including heparin and warfarin
• Some antidepressant medications
• Some vitamin A (retinoid) medications
• Thiazide diuretics
Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis is the most common type osteoporosis that develops due to medication use.
TREATMENT 
People at risk of osteoporosis and fractures can use preventive lifestyle measures, supplements, and certain medications to achieve these goals.
Drug therapy
Drugs that can help prevent and treat osteoporosis include:
  • Bisphosphonates: These are antiresorptive drugs that slow bone loss and reduce a person’s fracture risk.
  • Estrogen agonists or antagonists: Also called Selective Estrogen-receptor Modulators, SERMS. Raloxifene (Evista) is one example. These can reduce the risk of spine fractures in women following menopause.
  • Calcitonin (Calcimar, Miacalcin): This helps prevent spinal fracture in postmenopausal women and can help manage pain after a fracture.
  • Parathyroid hormone, such as teriparatide (Forteo): The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved this hormone for treating people with a high risk of fracture as it stimulates bone formation.
  • Monoclonal antibodies (denosumab, romosozumab): These are immune therapies that some people with osteoporosis take after menopause. Other types of estrogen and hormone therapy may help.
PREVENTION
Certain alterations to lifestyle can reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Calcium and vitamin D intake
Calcium is essential for bones. People should make sure they consume enough calcium daily.
Adults aged 19 years and above should consume 1,000 milligrams (mg) of calcium a day. Women who are over 51 years of age and all adults from 71 years onward should have a daily intake of 1,200 mg.
Dietary sources include: Dairy foods such as milk, cheese, and yogurt, green leafy vegetables, such as kale and broccoli, fish with soft bones, such as tinned salmon and tuna, fortified breakfast cereals
If a person’s calcium intake is inadequate, supplements are an option.
Vitamin D also plays a key role in preventing osteoporosis as it helps the body absorb calcium. Dietary sources include fortified foods, saltwater fish, and liver.
However, most vitamin D does not come from food but from sun exposure, so doctors recommend moderate, regular exposure to sunlight.
Lifestyle factors
Other ways to minimize the risk are:
• Avoiding smoking, as this can reduce the growth of new bone and decrease estrogen levels in women
• Limiting alcohol intake to  encourage healthy bones and prevent falls
• Getting regular weight bearing exercise, such as walking, as this promotes healthy bones and strengthens their support from muscles
• Exercises to promote flexibility and balance, such as yoga, which can reduce the risk of falls and fractures
 Complications
Bone fractures, particularly in the spine or hip, are the most serious complications of osteoporosis. Hip fractures often are caused by a fall and can result in disability and even an increased risk of death within the first year after the injury.
In some cases, spinal fractures can occur even if you haven’t fallen. The bones that make up your spine (vertebrae) can weaken to the point of collapsing, which can result in back pain, lost height and a hunched forward posture.
CONCLUSION 
Good nutrition and regular exercise are essential for keeping your bones healthy throughout your life.
Treatment aims to: Slow or prevent the development of osteoporosis,  maintain healthy bone mineral density and bone mass, prevent fracture, reduce pain, maximize the person’s ability to continue with their daily life.
Anyone concerned that they may be at risk of osteoporosis should ask their doctor about screening.
Written by: Chinonye Machie
Posted on:

Migraine

A migraine is a strong headache that often comes with nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light. It can last hours or days.
Migraine Symptoms
Migraines are different in everyone. In many people, they happen in stages. These stages may include:
1) Prodrome
Hours or days before a headache, about 60% of people who have migraines notice symptoms like:
?Being sensitive to light, sound, or smell
?Fatigue
?Food cravings or lack of appetite
?Mood changes
?Severe thirst
?Bloating
?Constipation or diarrhea
2) Aura
These symptoms stem from your nervous system and often involve your vision. They usually start gradually, over a 5- to 20-minute period, and last less than an hour. You may:
See
?Black dots
?Wavy lines
?Flashes of light
?Things that aren’t there (hallucinations)
?Have tunnel vision
?Not be able to see at all
?Have tingling or numbness on one side of your body
?Not be able to speak clearly
?Have a heavy feeling in your arms and legs
?Have ringing in your ears
?Notice changes in smell, taste, or touch.
 3) Attack
A migraine headache often begins as a dull ache and grows into throbbing pain. It usually gets worse during physical activity. The pain can move from one side of your head to the other, can be in the front of your head, or can feel like it’s affecting your entire head. About 80% of people have nausea along with a headache, and about half vomit. You may also be pale and clammy or feel faint. Most migraine headaches last about 4 hours, but severe ones can go for more than 3 days. It’s common to get two to four headaches per month. Some people may get migraine headaches every few days, while others get them once or twice a year.
4) Postdrome
This stage can last up to a day after a headache. Symptoms include:
?Feeling tired, wiped out, or cranky
?Feeling unusually refreshed or happy.
?Muscle pain or weakness.
?Food cravings or lack of appetite.
 Migraine Risk Factors 
Somethings may make you more likely to get them:
? *Sex* . Women have migraines three times more often than men.
? *Age* . Most people start having migraine headaches between ages 10 and 40. But many women find that their migraines get better or go away after age 50.
? *Family history* . Four out of five people with migraines have other family members who get them. If one parent has a history of these types of headaches, their child has a 50% chance of getting them. If both parents have them, the risk jumps to 75%.
 ? *Other medical conditions* . Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, sleep disorders, and epilepsy can raise your odds.
 Migraine Triggers
Some common migraine triggers include:
 *Hormone changes* . Many women notice that they have headaches around their period, while they’re pregnant, or when they’re ovulating. Symptoms may also be tied to menopause, birth control that uses hormones, or hormone replacement therapy.
*Stress* . When you’re stressed, your brain releases chemicals that can cause blood vessel changes that might lead to a migraine.
*Foods* . Some foods and drinks, such as aged cheese, alcohol, and food additives like nitrates (in pepperoni, hot dogs, and lunchmeats) and monosodium glutamate (MSG), may be responsible in some people.
*Skipping meals*
*Caffeine* . Getting too much or not getting as much as you’re used to can cause headaches. Caffeine itself can be a treatment for acute migraine attacks.
Changes in weather. Storm fronts, changes in barometric pressure, strong winds, or changes in altitude can all trigger a migraine.
*Senses* . Loud noises, bright lights, and strong smells can set off a migraine.
*Medications* . Vasodilators, which widen your blood vessels, can trigger them.
*Physical activity* . This includes exercise and sex.
*Tobacco Changes to your sleep*. You might get headaches when you sleep too much or not enough.
 Migraine Types
There are several kinds of migraines. The most common are migraine with aura (also known as a classic migraine) and migraine without aura (or common migraine).
Other types include:
– Menstrual migraine: This is when the headache is linked to a woman’s period.
– Silent migraine. This kind is also known as an acephalgic migraine. You have aura symptoms without a headache.
– Vestibular migraine : You have balance problems, vertigo, nausea, and vomiting, with or without a headache. This kind usually happens in people who have a history of motion sickness.
– Abdominal migraine: Experts don’t know a lot about this type. It causes stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. It often happens in children and may change into classic migraine headaches over time.
– Hemiplegic migraine. You have a short period of paralysis (hemiplegia) or weakness on one side of your body. You might also feel numbness, dizziness, or vision changes. These symptoms can also be signs of a stroke, so get medical help right away.
– Ophthalmic migraine. This is also known as an ocular or retinal migraine. It causes short-lived, partial, or total loss of vision in one eye, along with a dull ache behind the eye, which may spread to the rest of your head. Get medical help right away if you have any vision changes.
– Migraine with brainstem aura: Dizziness, confusion, or loss of balance can happen before the headache. The pain may affect the back of your head. These symptoms usually start suddenly and can come along with trouble speaking, ringing in your ears, and vomiting. This type of migraine is strongly linked to hormone changes and mainly affects young adult women. Again, get these symptoms checked out by a doctor right away.
– Status migrainosus: This severe type of migraine can last more than 72 hours. The pain and nausea are so intense that you may need to go to the hospital. Sometimes, medicines or medication withdrawal can cause them.
– Ophthalmoplegic migraine :This causes pain around your eye, including paralysis of the muscles around it.
Treatment or Management
– Painkillers
Many people who have migraines find that over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol, aspirin and ibuprofen, can help to reduce their symptoms.
They tend to be most effective if taken at the first signs of a migraine attack, as this gives them time to absorb into your bloodstream and ease your symptoms.
It’s not advisable to wait until the headache worsens before taking painkillers, as it’s often too late for the medicine to work.
Tablets you dissolve in a glass of water (soluble painkillers) are a good alternative because they’re absorbed quickly by your body.
Natural ways of managing migraine
1. Avoid certain foods
Diet plays a vital role in preventing migraine attacks. Many foods and beverages may be migraine triggers, such as:
– foods with nitrates, including hot dogs, deli meats, bacon, and sausage
– chocolate
– cheese that contains the naturally occurring compound tyramine, such as blue, feta, cheddar, Parmesan, and Swiss
– alcohol, especially red wine
– foods that contain monosodium glutamate (MSG), a flavor enhancer
– foods that are very cold, such as ice cream or iced drinks
– processed foods
– pickled foods
– beans
– dried fruits
– cultured dairy products, such as buttermilk, sour cream, and yogurt
A small amount of caffeine may ease migraine pain in some people. Caffeine is also in some migraine medications. But too much caffeine may cause a migraine attack. It may also lead to a severe caffeine withdrawal headache.
To figure out which foods and beverages trigger migraine attacks for you, keep a daily food journal. Record everything you eat and note how you feel afterward.
2. Apply lavender oil
Inhaling lavender essential oil may ease migraine pain. Lavender oil may be inhaled directly or diluted with a carrier oil and applied in small amounts to your temples.
A 2016 randomized controlled study found evidence that 3 months of lavender therapy as a prophylactic therapy, meaning taken before a migraine attack begins, reduced frequency and severity of migraine attacks. However, research is still limited.
A 2020 review of studies published in the journal Phytotherapy Research examined the ability of various herbal treatments, including lavender therapy for migraine. The authors found mixed or limited evidence to support the use of butterbur and feverfew for treating migraine but didn’t note that current research supports the use of lavender.
According to the authors, many studies had a high risk for bias, and more high quality research is needed.
3. Try acupuncture
Acupuncture involves injecting very thin needles into certain parts of your skin to stimulate relief from a wide variety of health conditions.

A 2020 randomized controlled study found that 20 sessions of manual acupuncture along with usual care was more effective at preventing migraine in people with a history of episodic migraine without aura than sham acupuncture along with usual care. Sham acupuncture is a treatment where the needles are not inserted as deeply.
A 2016 review of 22 studies also found moderate evidence that acupuncture may reduce headache symptoms. In the results summary, the authors explain that if people had 6 days of migraine per month before treatment, it would be expected that they would have:
5 days with usual care
4 days with fake acupuncture or prophylactic medications
3 1/2 days with real acupuncture
4. Look for feverfew
Feverfew is a flowering herb that looks like a daisy. It’s a folk remedy for migraine. It still isn’t well-studied, but there is some evidence that it may be slightly more effective than a placebo for treating migraine.
In a 2015 review of studies, which is an update of a previous 2004 study, the authors concluded that larger studies are needed to support the use of feverfew for treating migraine.
The authors note that one larger study published since the 2004 review found 0.6 fewer migraine days per month in people who took feverfew versus a placebo. They describe previous studies as low quality or providing mixed evidence.
The 2020 review of studies published in Phytotherapy Research also summarizes the finding on feverfew as “mixed.”
5. Apply peppermint oil
The chemical menthol found in peppermint oil may help prevent migraine episodes, although there’s a very limited amount of research.
A 2019 randomized controlled study compared the effects of nasal 4 percent lidocaine with 1.5 percent peppermint essential oil and a placebo for managing migraine symptoms.
The researchers found that 40 percent of people in the lidocaine and peppermint oil groups experienced considerable improvements in their symptoms, compared with only 4.9 percent of people in the placebo group.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health notes that very little research has examined peppermint leaf, but a limited amount of evidence suggests topical peppermint oil may benefit tension headaches.
6. Ginger
Ginger is known to ease nausea caused by many conditions, including migraine. It may have pain-relieving benefits for migraine attacks. According to a 2020 review of studies, one randomized controlled study found evidence that ginger may have beneficial activity.
14 Natural Ways to Reduce Migraine Symptoms
– Avoid food triggers
– Lavender oil
– Acupuncture
– Feverfew
– Peppermint oil
– Ginger
– Yoga
– Biofeedback
– Magnesium
– Massage
– Acupressure
– Stress management
– Hydration
– Sleep
Migraine attacks aren’t typical headaches. You may experience pounding pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. When a migraine attack or episode occurs, you’ll do almost anything to make it go away.
Natural remedies are drug-free methods of reducing migraine symptoms. These at-home treatments may help prevent the onset of migraine attacks or at least help reduce their severity and duration.
Written by: Samuel Sobiye
Add to cart