Troop Pharmacy > Blog > Immunity
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World Hepatitis Day 2023

Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver. It is commonly the result of viral infection, but there are other possible causes of hepatitis which includes autoimmune hepatitis and hepatitis that occurs as a secondary result of medications, drugs, toxins and alcohol. Autoimmune hepatitis is a disease that occurs when your body makes antibodies against your liver tissue.

FIVE MAIN VIRAL CLASSIFICATIONS OF HEPATITIS.

– Hepatitis A; This type of hepatitis is an acute short term disease.

– Hepatitis B; This is often an ongoing, chronic condition.

– Hepatitis C; This is among the most common blood borne viral infections and it presents as a long term condition.

– Hepatitis D; This is a rare form of hepatitis that only occurs in conjunction with hepatitis B infection. The hepatitis D virus causes liver inflammation.

-Hepatitis E; This is a waterborne disease. It is found in areas with poor sanitation and typically results from ingesting fecal matter that contaminates the water supply.

SYMPTOMS OF HEPATITIS

* Fatigue
* Flu-like symptoms
* Dark urine
* Pale stool
* Abdominal pain
* Loss of appetite
* Unexplained weight​

TREATMENT

Treatment to prevent hepatitis infection after exposure. If you know you’ve been exposed to the hepatitis virus and aren’t sure if you’ve been vaccinated, call your doctor immediately. An injection of immunoglobulin (an antibody) given within 12 hours of exposure to the virus may help protect you from getting sick with hepatitis. Because this treatment only provides short-term protection, you also should get the hepatitis vaccine at the same time, if you never received it.

Treatment for acute hepatitis infection If your doctor determines your hepatitis infection is acute — meaning it is short-lived and will go away on its own — you may not need treatment. Instead, your doctor might recommend rest, proper nutrition and plenty of fluids while your body fights the infection. In severe cases, antiviral drugs or a hospital stay is needed to prevent complications.

Treatment for chronic hepatitis infection Most people diagnosed with chronic hepatitis infection need treatment for the rest of their lives. Treatment helps reduce the risk of liver disease and prevents you from passing the infection to others. Treatment for chronic hepatitis may include:

*Antiviral medications. Several antiviral medications — including entecavir (Baraclude), tenofovir (Viread), lamivudine (Epivir), adefovir (Hepsera) and telbivudine (Tyzeka) — can help fight the virus and slow its ability to damage your liver. These drugs are taken by mouth.

*Interferon injections. Interferon alfa-2b (Intron A) is a man-made version of a substance produced by the body to fight infection. It’s used mainly for young people with hepatitis B who wish to avoid long-term treatment or women who might want to get pregnant within a few years, after completing a finite course of therapy. Interferon should not be used during pregnancy.

*Liver transplant, If your liver has been severely damaged, a liver transplant may be an option. During a liver transplant, the surgeon removes your damaged liver and replaces it with a healthy liver.

PREVENTION

There are many ways you can reduce your chances of getting hepatitis:

*Get the vaccines for hepatitis

*Use a condom during sex.

*Don’t share needles to take drugs.

*Practice good personal hygiene such as thorough hand-washing with soap and water.

*Don’t use an infected person’s personal items.

*Take precaution when traveling to areas of the world with poor sanitation. (Make sure to get your vaccines.)

*Drink bottled water when traveling.

*It is very important that you take preventive steps too if you work in places like nursing homes, dormitories, daycare centers, or restaurants where there you have extended contact with other people and a risk of coming into contact with the disease.

SUPPLEMENTS FOR HEPATITIS

Milk Thistle

Helps protect the liver cell and reduces inflammation that can damage the liver.

Curcumin

This is a chemical in turmeric, the spice that gives many curries their flavor and yellow hue. It can help the body fight inflammation.

Probiotics

These are beneficial bacteria that help maintain the health of the gut and aid in digestion.

Licorice Root

This root helps to slow the growth of liver cancer.

 

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PNEUMONIA

Things you need to know about PNEUMONIA

Pneumonia is an infection in one or both lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. The infection leads to inflammation in the air sacs of the lungs, which are called alveoli. The alveoli fill with fluid or pus, making it difficult to breathe.

Both viral and bacterial pneumonia are contagious. This means they can spread from person to person through inhalation of airborne droplets from a sneeze or cough.

You can also get these types of pneumonia by coming into contact with surfaces or objects that are contaminated with pneumonia-causing bacteria or viruses.

Pneumonia is further classified according to where or how it was acquired:

Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP). This type of bacterial pneumonia is acquired during a hospital stay. It can be more serious than other types, as the bacteria involved may be more resistant to antibiotics.
Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). This refers to pneumonia that’s acquired outside of a medical or institutional setting.

Pneumonia stages
Pneumonia may be classified based off the area of the lungs it’s affecting:

Bronchopneumonia can affect areas throughout both of your lungs. It’s often localized close to or around your bronchi.

Lobar pneumonia affects one or more lobes of your lungs. Each lung is made of lobes, which are defined sections of the lung.

Symptoms
Pneumonia symptoms can be mild to life threatening. They can include:

1 coughing that may produce phlegm (mucus)
2 fever
3 sweating or chills
4 shortness of breath that happens while doing normal activities, or even while resting
5 chest pain that’s worse when you breathe or cough
6 feelings of tiredness or fatigue
7 loss of appetite
8 nausea or vomiting
9 headaches

Causes
Pneumonia happens when germs get into your lungs and cause an infection.

Several types of infectious agents can cause pneumonia, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Diagnosis
You can start by taking your medical history. They’ll ask you questions about when your symptoms first appeared and your health in general.

Depending on the severity of your symptoms and your risk of complications, you may also order one or more of these tests:

1, Chest X-ray

2 Blood culture

3, Sputum culture

4, Pulse oximetry

5, CT scan

Treatment
Your treatment will depend on the type of pneumonia you have, how severe it is, and your general health.

Prescription medications
Your Pharmacist may prescribe a medication to help treat your pneumonia. What you’re prescribed will depend on the specific cause of your pneumonia.

Oral antibiotics can treat most cases of bacterial pneumonia. Always take your entire course of antibiotics, even if you begin to feel better. Not doing so can prevent the infection from clearing, and it may be harder to treat in the future.

Antibiotic medications don’t work on viruses. In some cases, your Pharmacist may prescribe an antiviral. However, many cases of viral pneumonia clear on their own with at-home care.

Antifungal medications are used to treat fungal pneumonia. You may have to take this medication for several weeks to clear the infection.

OTC medications
Your Pharmacist may also recommend over-the-counter (OTC) medications to relieve your pain and fever, as needed. These may include:

aspirin
ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Your Pharmacist may also recommend cough medicine to calm your cough so you can rest. Keep in mind coughing helps remove fluid from your lungs, so you don’t want to eliminate it entirely.

Pneumonia can be life threatening especially in children and elderly or patients with other respiratory challenges, early detection or management and referrals could save many a life.

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At TROOP PHARMACY, your health is our concern. We stand in the gap to help you live healthy and achieve a better health! You can reach us for any health concerns and more.

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Pneumonia

What is Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with fluid (purulent material), causing a cough with phlegm (a slimy substance from deep in your lungs) or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.

What causes Pneumonia?

Bacterial, viral, and fungal infections can cause pneumonia.

Bacteria are the most common causes. Bacterial pneumonia can occur on its own and can also develop after you’ve had certain viral infections, such as a cold or the flu.

Viruses that infect the respiratory tract may cause pneumonia.
Viral pneumonia is often mild and goes away on its own within a few weeks. Sometimes it is serious enough that you need to get treatment in a hospital. If you have viral pneumonia, you are at risk of also getting bacterial pneumonia.

Fungal pneumonia is more common in people who have chronic health problems or weakened immune systems.

Symptoms of Pneumonia

The symptoms can vary for different groups. These include:
Fever
Chills
Cough, usually with phlegm
Shortness of breath
Chest pain when you breathe or cough
Nausea and/or vomiting
Diarrhea

Pneumonia complications

Sometimes pneumonia can cause serious complications, such as:
Bacteremia: Bacteria move into the bloodstream, it can lead to septic shock.

Lung abscesses: Collections of pus in the cavities of the lungs.

Pleural disorders: These are conditions that affect the pleura, the tissue that covers the outside of the lungs and lines the inside of your chest cavity.

Kidney failure

Respiratory failure

Who is at risk of Pneumonia?

Anyone can get pneumonia, but certain factors can increase your risk:

– Children aged 2 and under, as well as adults aged 65 and up
– Exposure to certain chemicals, pollutants, or toxic fumes.
– Smoking, heavy alcohol use, and malnourishment,
– Having a lung disease
– A weakened immune system
– Coughing or swallowing difficulties as a result of a stroke or another condition.

Treatments for Pneumonia

Treatment for pneumonia depends on the type of pneumonia, which germ is causing it, and how severe it is:
– Antibiotics treat bacterial pneumonia and some types of fungal pneumonia.

– Antiviral medicines for viral pneumonia

– Antifungal medicines treat other types of fungal pneumonia

– Quit Smoking

Smoking irritates your lungs and interferes with the normal defenses that protect you against infection. If you quit smoking, your lungs will gradually heal themselves. Your doctor can recommend programs or nicotine replacement systems that can help you successfully quit.

– Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamin C should be part of your daily diet. It is found in fruit (strawberries, papaya, and kiwi) and vegetables (peppers, broccoli, and peas). Women should get 75 mg of vitamin C per day, and men should get 90 mg. If you do not consume enough vitamin C in your diet, you may want to talk to your doctor about taking a supplement. Research studies suggest that vitamin C may prevent and treat pneumonia.

Zinc is an essential mineral that is found in almost every cell of the body. It is necessary for proper growth and immune function. If someone is deficient in this mineral, taking a daily zinc supplement may help to reduce the risk of developing pneumonia. Researchers have found that this is especially true for children who live in developing countries. If you want to take zinc or give it to your child, talk to the doctor first to find out if this is a good choice.

Use Precautions to Avoid Infections

Here are some basic steps to help you avoid infection and keep your lungs healthy:

  • Wash your hands frequently.
  • Avoid being near people who are ill.
  • Avoid exposure to toxic or damaging fumes. Exposure to gases, chemicals, air pollution, and secondhand smoke can irritate your lungs and make them more vulnerable to infection.
  • Eat a healthful diet. Maintaining good nutrition helps keep your immune system strong.
  • Exercise regularly. Exercise can help keep your immune system functioning optimally.
  • Do not use (IV) drugs. Using illegal drugs can increase your risk of getting pneumonia, as well as other infectious diseases.

Get Vaccinated

Vaccines can be particularly helpful at protecting you against developing pneumonia:

  • Influenza vaccine
  • Pneumococcal vaccine
  • Haemophilus influenzae vaccine

Influenza vaccine protects you against the types of influenza that are predicted to be in your community during cold season. You should get the flu shot yearly because having influenza puts you at a high risk of developing pneumonia.

Children should receive a series of pneumonia vaccines to prevent specific bacterial infections that cause pneumonia. A different pneumococcal vaccine should be given to adults 65 years and older and to people at risk of pneumonia.

Haemophilus vaccine is given to protect against a specific bacteria that can cause pneumonia or meningitis. This vaccine is given to children who are younger than 5 years old. It is often given to infants starting at 2 months of age.

 

Written by: Oreoluwa Hassan

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Typhoid Fever

Typhoid fever is a life-threatening infection caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi. It is usually spread through contaminated food water. Once Salmonella Typhi bacteria are eaten or drunk, they multiply and spread into the bloodstream.

SYMPTOMS include:

? Prolonged high fever,

? Fatigue

? Headache,

? Nausea

? Abdominal pain

? Constipation or Diarrhoea.

Typhoid is diagnosed by detecting the presence of S. typhi via blood, stool, urine, or bone marrow sample.

RISK FACTORS

Typhoid risk is higher in populations that lack access to safe water and adequate sanitation.
Poor communities and vulnerable groups including children are at highest risk.

TREATMENT

The only effective treatment for typhoid is antibiotics. The most commonly used are ciprofloxacin (for non-pregnant adults) and ceftriaxone.

As resistance to antibiotics has emerged including to fluoroquinolones, newer antibiotics such as cephalosporins and azithromycin are used in the affected regions.

Other than antibiotics, it is important to rehydrate by drinking
adequate water.

PREVENTION

– Vaccination

Two vaccines have been used for many years to protect people from typhoid fever:

This can be achieved by oral medication or a one-off injection

The following are some general rules to follow to help minimize the chance of typhoid infection:

?Drink bottled water, preferably carbonated.

?If bottled water cannot be sourced ensure water is heated for at least one minute before consuming.

?Be wary of eating anything that has been handled by someone else.

?Avoid eating at street food stands, and only eat food that is still hot.

?Do not have ice in drinks.

?Avoid raw fruit and vegetables, peel fruit yourself, and do not eat the peel.

?Avoid raw milk and products made from raw milk. Drink only pasteurized or boiled milk.

Foods to eat

On the typhoid diet, you should opt for foods lower in fiber, such as cooked vegetables, ripe fruits, and refined grains.

It’s also important to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water.

Here are some foods to enjoy on the typhoid diet:

  • Cooked vegetables: potatoes, carrots, green beans, beets, squash
  • Fruits: ripe bananas, melons, applesauce, canned fruit
  • Grains: white rice, pasta, white bread, crackers
  • Proteins: eggs, chicken, turkey, fish, tofu, ground meat
  • Dairy products: low fat or fat-free pasteurized milk, yogurt, cheese, and ice cream (as tolerated)
  • Beverages: bottled water, herbal tea, coconut water, juice, broth

Foods to avoid

Foods that are high in fiber should be limited on the typhoid diet to help ease digestion.

This includes raw fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes.

Spicy foods and foods that are high in fat may also be difficult to digest and should be limited on the typhoid diet.

Here are some foods that you should limit or avoid:

  • Raw vegetables: broccoli, kale, cauliflower, cabbage, onions
  • Fruits: dried fruit and raw berries, pineapple, and kiwi
  • Whole grains: quinoa, couscous, barley, buckwheat, brown rice
  • Nuts: almonds, pistachios, macadamia nuts, walnuts
  • Seeds: pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, chia seeds
  • Legumes: black beans, kidney beans, lentils, chickpeas
  • Spicy foods: hot peppers, jalapeños, paprika, cayenne pepper
  • Fatty foods: donuts, mozzarella sticks, fried chicken, potato chips, onion rings

In conclusion, even when the symptoms go away, people may still be carrying typhoid bacteria, meaning they can spread it to others through their faeces.

It is important for people being treated for typhoid fever to do the following:

?Take prescribed antibiotics for as long as the doctor has prescribed.

?Wash their hands with soap and water after using the bathroom, and do not prepare or serve food
people. This will lower the chance of passing the infection on to someone else.

?Have their doctor test to ensure that no Salmonella Typhi bacteria remain in their body.

 

Written by: Chinonye Machie

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Whooping Cough

What Is Whooping Cough?
Whooping cough (also known as pertussis) is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection.
Whooping Cough Symptoms
At first, whooping cough has the same symptoms as the average cold:
• Mild coughing
• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Low fever (below 102 F)
You may also have diarrhea early on.
After about 7-10 days, the cough turns into “coughing spells” that end with a whooping sound as the person tries to breathe in air.
Because the cough is dry and doesn’t produce mucus, these spells can last up to 1 minute. Sometimes it can cause your face to briefly turn red or purple.
Most people with whooping cough have coughing spells, but not everyone does.
Infants may not make the whooping sound or even cough, but they might gasp for air or try to catch their breath during these spells. Some may vomit.
Sometimes adults with the condition just have a cough that won’t go away.
Causes
Whooping cough is caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, tiny germ-laden droplets are sprayed into the air and breathed into the lungs of anyone who happens to be nearby.
When the bacteria get into your airways, they attach to the tiny hairs in the linings of the lungs. The bacteria cause swelling and inflammation, which lead to a dry, long-lasting cough and other cold-like symptoms.
Whooping Cough complications
Whooping cough is dangerous in babies, especially ones younger than 6 months old, because it can keep them from getting the oxygen they need. This can cause:
• Brain damage or bleeding on the brain
• Pneumonia
• Seizures
• Apnea
• Convulsions
In teens and adults, whooping cough can lead to pneumonia. The severe coughing can also cause:
• Abdominal hernias
• Broken blood vessels
• Bruised ribs
• Trouble controlling when you pee
• Trouble sleeping.
Whooping Cough Diagnosis
Because symptoms of whooping cough are a lot like those caused by a cold, the flu, or bronchitis, it can be hard to diagnose it early on. Your doctor may be able to tell that you have it by the sound of your cough, but tests can confirm it.
?Nose or throat culture. A simple swab of the area where your nose and throat meet can be tested for the bacteria that causes whooping cough.
?Blood test. A high white blood cell count is a sign that your body is fighting off an infection, but it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s whooping cough.
?Chest X-ray. This can show if you have inflammation.
Treatment and Home Remedies
If you find out you have whooping cough early on, antibiotics can help cut down coughing and other symptoms.
They can also help prevent the infection from spreading to others. But most people are diagnosed too late for antibiotics to work well.
Don’t use over-the-counter cough medicines, cough suppressants, or expectorants (medicines that make you cough up mucus) to treat whooping cough. They don’t work.
You can do a few things to feel better and recover faster:
?Get lots of rest. This can give your body more strength to fight the illness.
?Eat small meals as often as you feel up to it.
?Clean air. Keeping the air around you free of dust, smoke, and other irritants can help soothe coughing.
?Drink fluids. Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water or juice.
Whooping Cough Prevention
The DTP vaccine can help protect children from whooping cough. Infants should get a dose every other month for the first 6 months, another between 15 and 18 months, then one last time between ages 4 and 6.
Older children and adults need the DTP vaccine and a booster every 10 years because the vaccine can weaken over time. The best age for kids to get it is between 11 and 12. Adults who’ve never had the vaccine can get it any time.
Pregnant women should get a booster to help protect their newborn.
Another important key to prevention is to protect the people around you. If someone in your household has whooping cough, make sure they cover their mouth or cough into their elbow to keep from spreading the bacteria. Wash hands often, and consider having them wear a mask when they’re near others
In conclusion, whooping cough spreads easily, but vaccines like DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis)  can help prevent it in children and adults.
Help protect your child by making sure they and any adult who’s around them often get vaccinated.
With treatment, you should slowly start to feel better after about 4 weeks.
Written by: Chinonye Machie
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Sore Throat

A sore throat is a painful, dry, or scratchy feeling in the throat.
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.
TYPES OF SORE THROAT 
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.
CAUSES OF SORE THROAT 
– Viral infection
– Colds
– Influenza (flu)
– Mumps
– Chickenpox
?Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Acid reflux happens when stomach acid travels up into the esophagus, irritating its lining.
This irritation can lead to a sore throat, a dry cough, and wheezing. It can also cause heartburn, a bitter taste in the mouth, regurgitation, indigestion, and difficulty swallowing.
?Smoke, chemicals, and other irritants
Outdoor air pollution and indoor pollution such as tobacco smoke or chemicals can cause a chronic sore throat. Chewing tobacco, drinking alcohol and eating spicy foods also can irritate your throat.
?Dry air
Dry indoor air can make your throat feel rough and scratchy. Breathing through your mouth often because of chronic nasal congestion also can cause a dry, sore throat.
?Allergies
Allergies to pet dander, molds, dust and pollen can cause a sore throat. The problem may be complicated by postnasal drip, which can irritate and inflame the throat.
?Bacterial infections (Streptococcus bacteria)
SYMPTOMS OF SORE THROAT 
The symptoms of a sore throat can vary depending on what caused it. A sore throat can feel:
?scratchy
?burning
?raw
?dry
?tender
?irritated
HOME REMEDIES FOR SORE THROAT 
?Gargle with salt water
Gargling with warm salt water can help soothe a scratchy throat. The salt pulls the mucus out of your swollen, inflamed tissue and helps relieve the discomfort.
? Try OTC pain relief
Viruses cause most sore throats. Viruses can’t be treated with antibiotics, which only kill bacteria. Instead, the virus has to run its course in your body.
OTC nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen can reduce inflammation and swelling in your throat. They can also relieve soreness or scratchiness.
?Enjoy a drop of honey
Warm tea (green tea)
that is sweetened with honey can help soothe your irritated throat. Tea also keeps you hydrated, which is another important step in treating a sore throat. Brew up a cup next time a sore throat starts to tickle.
?Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated is an important part of treating a sore throat. When you’re dehydrated, your body can’t produce enough saliva and mucus to keep your throat naturally lubricated. This will make the swelling and inflammation worse.
WHAT TO AVOID WITH A SORE THROAT
While all of these remedies have been shown to ease sore throat pain, there are some items you may want to avoid.
If you have a sore throat, try avoiding any foods that may be difficult to swallow. We suggest sticking to soups and soft foods until the sore throat pain has resolved.
Written by: Josephine Wuraola 
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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

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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
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10 Natural Ways to Increase Your Glutathione Levels

Glutathione is one of the body’s most important and potent antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that reduce oxidative stress by combating free radicals in the body.

While most antioxidants are found in the foods you eat, glutathione is produced by your body. It is primarily made up of three amino acids: glutamine, glycine and cysteine.

There are a number of reasons why your body’s glutathione level may become depleted, including poor diet, chronic disease, infection and constant stress.

Glutathione is also known to decrease with age.

Maintaining adequate levels of this antioxidant is incredibly important. Below are 10 of the best ways to increase your glutathione levels naturally.

1. Consume Sulfur-Rich Foods

Sulfur is an important mineral that occurs naturally in some plant and protein foods.

It’s required for the structure and activity of important proteins and enzymes in the body. Notably, sulphur is required for the synthesis of glutathione.

Sulfur is found in two amino acids in food: methionine and cysteine. It’s primarily derived from dietary proteins, such as beef, fish and poultry.

However, there are vegetarian sources of sulfur as well, such as cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, watercress and mustard greens.

A number of human and animal studies have found that eating sulfur-rich vegetables may reduce oxidative stress by increasing glutathione levels.

Allium vegetables, including garlic, shallots and onions, also boost glutathione levels — likely due to their sulfur-containing compounds.

2. Increase Your Vitamin C Intake

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin found in a variety of foods, particularly fruits and vegetables.

Strawberries, citrus fruits, papayas, kiwis and bell peppers are all examples of foods rich in vitamin C.

This vitamin has many functions, including working as an antioxidant to protect cells from oxidative damage. It also maintains the body’s supply of other antioxidants, including glutathione.

Researchers have discovered that vitamin C may help increase glutathione levels by attacking free radicals first, thereby sparing glutathione.

They also found that vitamin C helps reprocess glutathione by converting oxidized glutathione back to its active form.

In fact, researchers have found that taking vitamin C supplements increased glutathione levels in white blood cells in healthy adults.

In one study, adults took 500–1,000 mg of vitamin C daily for 13 weeks, leading to an 18% increase of glutathione in white blood cells.

Another study showed that taking 500 mg of vitamin C supplements per day increased glutathione in red blood cells by 47%.

However, these studies involved vitamin C supplements. Given that supplements are concentrated versions of the vitamin, it’s unclear if foods would have the same effect.

Further research is needed to determine if you can increase glutathione levels by eating foods containing vitamin C.

3. Add Selenium-Rich Foods to Your Diet

Selenium is an essential mineral and a glutathione cofactor, meaning it’s a substance needed for glutathione activity.

Some of the best sources of selenium are beef, chicken, fish, organ meats, cottage cheese, brown rice and Brazil nuts.

By increasing your intake of selenium, you may help maintain or increase your body’s supply of glutathione.

The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for selenium for adults is 55 mcg. This is based on the amount needed to maximise the production of glutathione peroxidase.

One study investigated the effects of selenium supplements in 45 adults with chronic kidney disease. All of them received 200 mcg of selenium daily for three months.

Interestingly, all of their glutathione peroxidase levels increased significantly.

Another study showed that taking selenium supplements increased glutathione peroxidase levels in patients on hemodialysis.

Again, the above studies involved supplements, rather than selenium-rich foods.

Additionally, it’s important to note that the tolerable upper intake level (UL) is set at 400 mcg per day. Due to possible toxicity, be sure to discuss selenium supplements and dosage with your healthcare provider.

For most healthy adults, eating a balanced diet with selenium-rich foods will ensure adequate levels of selenium — and, therefore, healthy glutathione levels.

4. Eat Foods Naturally Rich in Glutathione

The human body produces glutathione, but there are also dietary sources. Spinach, avocados, asparagus and okra are some of the richest dietary sources.

However, dietary glutathione is poorly absorbed by the human body. Additionally, cooking and storage conditions can decrease the amount of glutathione found in food.

Despite having a lower impact on increasing glutathione levels, glutathione-rich foods may help decrease oxidative stress.

For example, a non-experimental study showed that people who consumed the most glutathione-rich foods had a lower risk of developing mouth cancer.

Ultimately, further research is warranted to fully understand the effect of glutathione-rich foods on oxidative stress and glutathione levels.

5. Supplement With Whey Protein

Your body’s production of glutathione depends on certain amino acids.

An amino acid called cysteine is a particularly important amino acid that is involved in glutathione synthesis.

Foods rich in cysteine, such as whey protein, may increase your glutathione supply.

In fact, research strongly supports this claim, as many studies have found that whey protein may increase levels of glutathione and, therefore, reduce oxidative stress.

Milk thistle supplements are another way to boost glutathione levels naturally.

This herbal supplement is extracted from the milk thistle plant, known as Silybum marianum.

Milk thistle is comprised of three active compounds, collectively known as silymarin. Silymarin is found in high concentrations in milk thistle extract and is well known for its antioxidant properties.

Furthermore, silymarin has been shown to increase glutathione levels and prevent depletion in both test-tube and rodent studies.

Researchers believe that silymarin is able to maintain glutathione levels by preventing cell damage.

7. Try Turmeric Extract

Turmeric is a vibrant yellow-orange herb and a popular spice in Indian cuisine.

The herb has been used medicinally in India since ancient times. The medicinal properties of turmeric are likely linked to its main component, curcumin.

The curcumin content is much more concentrated in the extract form of turmeric, compared to the spice.

Numerous animal and test-tube studies have shown that turmeric and curcumin extract have the ability to increase glutathione levels.

Researchers conclude that the curcumin found in turmeric may assist in restoring adequate levels of glutathione and improve the activity of glutathione enzymes.

To experience an increase in glutathione levels, you would need to take turmeric extract, as it would be extremely difficult to consume the same levels of curcumin with turmeric spice.

8. Get Enough Sleep

A good night’s rest is essential for overall health. Interestingly, long-term lack of sleep can cause oxidative stress and even hormone imbalances.

Furthermore, research has shown that chronic lack of sleep may decrease glutathione levels.

For example, a study measuring glutathione levels in 30 healthy people and 30 people with insomnia found that glutathione peroxidase activity was significantly lower in those with insomnia.

Multiple animal studies have also shown that sleep deprivation causes a decrease in glutathione levels.

Therefore, making sure you get good, restorative sleep each night may help maintain or boost your levels of this antioxidant.

9. Exercise Regularly

Regular physical activity has long been recommended by physicians and healthcare providers. It’s no surprise that exercise is good for both your physical and mental health.

Recent research shows that exercise is also helpful in maintaining or increasing antioxidant levels, especially glutathione.

Completing a combination of both cardio and circuit weight training increases glutathione the most, compared to completing cardio or weight training alone.

However, athletes who overtrain without maintaining adequate nutrition and rest may be at risk of decreased glutathione production.

Therefore, be sure to incorporate physical activity into your regular routine in a gradual and sensible way.

10. Avoid Drinking Too Much Alcohol

It’s no surprise that many adverse health effects are associated with chronic and excessive alcohol intake.

Alcoholism is commonly associated with ailments such as liver cirrhosis, brain damage and pancreatitis.

While not as well known, lung damage is also an adverse effect of alcoholism. This is likely related to a depletion of glutathione levels in the lungs.

The small airways of the lungs require glutathione to function properly. In fact, healthy lungs have up to 1,000 times more glutathione than other parts of the body.

Depletion of glutathione in the lungs of alcoholics is most likely due to oxidative stress caused by chronic alcohol use.

Research has identified an 80–90% decrease in lung glutathione levels in those who regularly consume excessive amounts of alcohol.

Thus, limiting your alcohol intake may help you maintain healthy glutathione levels.

 

Reference: Healthline

Written by: Omojo Emeje

Posted on:

Glutathione- the master antioxidant

Glutathione is the most powerful naturally occurring antioxidant in all human cells, and is often referred to as the body’s “master antioxidant”.  The ability to produce and maintain a high level of glutathione is critical to recovery from chronic illnesses, preventing disease and maintaining optimal health and performance.  Let’s explore glutathione benefits for your health.

Composed of glutamic acid, cysteine and glycine, glutathione is a powerful antioxidant needed for cellular production of energy and helps to detoxify the body and neutralize free radicals while supporting the immune system. It is known for its role in providing antioxidant protection for the body’s tissues, including the arteries, brain, heart, liver, lungs and skin.

Glutathione can help support the treatment of any disease as an antioxidant but the following have been found to have the most support:

  • General Immune Support
  • Parkinson’s
  • Alzheimer’s
  • Auto-immune Disorders
  • HIV/AIDS
  • High Blood Pressure

Glutathione levels decrease as the body ages, and as environmental and oxidative stressors deplete natural stores in the body.  Common stressors include:

  • Ultraviolet and other radiation
  • Heavy metals
  • Cigarette smoke
  • Exhaust from motor vehicles
  • Household chemicals
  • Dietary Factors
  • Other environmental toxins

All cells in the human body are capable of synthesizing glutathione. But the highest concentration of glutathione is found in the liver, making it critically important in the detoxification and elimination of free radicals.  Free radicals are highly reactive compounds created in the body during normal metabolic functions; they can also enter the body through the environment.  Accumulation of these compounds can result in oxidative stress, which occurs when the generation of free radicals in the body exceeds the body’s ability to neutralize and eliminate them.

Metabolically, glutathione has many functions. As previously mentioned, glutathione plays a substantial role in the functioning of the body’s immune system. Its antioxidant property makes it vital to white blood cells (lymphocytes) as it allows them to reach their full potential during the oxygen-requiring activity of the body’s immune response.

White blood cells in their immune response aid in detoxification of the body and as glutathione levels decrease, so does the body’s ability to eliminate toxins. This leads to the death of white blood cells thereby weakening the body’s immune system.

Other antioxidants in the body depend on glutathione as well. Glutathione recycles vitamins C and E after they have been oxidized, therefore playing a decisive role in their normal function.

Antioxidants can help your body repair damage caused by such things as stress, radiation, infections, drugs, medications, malnutrition and aging.

Glutathione also helps us reach peak mental and physical function. Research has shown that raised glutathione levels decrease muscle damage, reduce recovery time, increase strength and endurance and shift metabolism from fat production to muscle development.

If you are aging, suffering from an illness or are just not in ideal physical condition, it is likely you have glutathione deficiency.

There are many things you can do to increase glutathione in your body including exercise, supplementation and eating glutathione-boosting foods. Here are a few ideas.

  • Eat sulfur-rich foods such as garlic, onions and the cruciferous vegetables including broccoli, kale, cabbage and cauliflower.
  • Try bioactive whey protein.This is great source of cysteine and the amino acid building blocks for glutathione synthesis.
  • Supplementation is perhaps the most critical to keep the body producing glutathione. We recommend the combination of Cellgevity and Immunocal.

 

Reference: Priorityyoumd

Written by: Omojo Emeje

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