These are what users have to say about Luftek hair growth technique and tom's SE:
Mary :
Here is a technique I learned from Lou at Luftek.com. Keep your teeth seperated and your tongue loose the best you can 24/7. Just take a deep breath,seperate your teeth,and blow through your cheeks. Your forehead and scalp should feel "lite and clear". If your not sure, then do this. Clinch your teeth together and raise your eyebrows. Take note of the feeling in your scalp and forehead(tight, heavy). Now seperate your teeth and blow through your cheeks. Feel the difference? Lou at Luftek.com believes that a tight scalp is the main cause of hairloss(As do I). So his approach is all about keeping the scalp relaxed the best you can 24/7(What he calls creating a "positive scalp pressure"). Now the skin on top of your head is connected to the skin on the botton of your feet(It's all one thing). So if your lower body is tight or stiff, that is going to affect the scalp as well.(Yoga is great for keeping the lower body loose). Negative emotions(anger, stress) are also going to cause tightness(If you worry about the future, will it change?)So do the best you can to stay calm(Meditating daily will help here) and keep a smile on your face 24/7(which I know is not that easy in "todays world" but this will also put a slight upward lift to the scalp). I've used this approach for the past couple of years. And whether you believe me or not,my hairloss has completly stopped( As of now)which started in my early 20's. I'm now 44. I also have more hair than I did a couple of years ago(Gone from about a norwood 4 to a norwood 3v). I also started doing the SE(Which does help to loosen the scalp) about eight months ago which I do all through out the day(Instead of just morning or night I'll do 5-10 2 minute sessions). The SE have helped even more. I know this because since I started doing the SE,I have to cut my hair more often which has gotten a little darker. There is also some new growth along my hairline(short 1/2 inch terminal hair). The lines in my forehead are also much softer. I know this sounds like a lot to do in a day. So what I do is take advantage of normal everyday stuff. Like doing the SE while I type this. Or while I'm in the shower. Or using the bathroom. Or cooking dinner, ect. However I will always make time for what I think is important like Yoga and Meditating. But in the mean time, I do the best I can to stay as calm and relaxed(With a good diet) as I can be 24/7(Which is not always easy). If there is a will, there is a way!
Jennifer:
Thank you for kind, POSITIVE words! Toms SE and Lou's technique(in my opinion) work together very well(we are talking pancakes and syrup). I have read some negative remarks in this forum about Lou. I think that's because people just don't quit understand what he is trying to teach(his video could have been done better). To find two men who share a common goal(reversing hairloss, and loosen up a tight scalp) yet use the exact opposite approach(relaxing/excercising), is interesting to me. So for you,here is the essence of Lou's approach..
You are simply going to create two "Feelings" and do the best you can to keep them 24/7.
The first "Feeling" I'll describe as a "Calm,Peaceful,Joy". This is how you want to feel on the "Inside"(For me, I don't want to feel any other way). Meditation is a key for this. The second "Feeling" you want to create(which will be very hard to do without having the first feeling) is in the scalp which I'll describe as "Lite and Clear". Keeping your teeth seperated is a key here. Now the reason for doing this is to help keep the scalp relaxed. Lou call's this "Positive Scalp Pressure" which is recognized by the "Feeling" of "Lite and Clear". So from time to time throughout the day, Just check the "Feeling" in your scalp. If it feels "Tight,Heavy,or tingles". Then stop what you are doing(when you can), take a couple of minutes, and get it back to "Lite and Clear". The best way for me to do this is using Toms SE.
And when I'm done, I'll always take a deep breath and blow through my cheeks making sure my teeth are seperated. I Meditate as much as needed(sometime 2 minutes is all that's needed). Lou also Teaches the following: Wash and rinse your hair in cool water(A tight scalp generates heat). At least once a day, place your hands on the sides of your head and push the scalp upward The longer you hold the better. If you smoke,quit. Give your scalp or better yet your whole body a daily dose of what Ancient man called "Universal Life Energy" which is also called Prana, KI, Chi.(This is for the open minded only). If I were to wake up tomorrow with a full head of hair, I would not stop doing this or Tom's SE just because of the way it make me feel(not to mention how much better my forehead looks).
Anonymous:
I would like to say thank you for your website and this forum. I have learned a lot here. I wish
there was this much information on hairloss 20 years ago. You provide a powerful example of the benefits of taking care of yourself(one reaps what one sows) and are very giving to offer this up at no charge. Your SE have worked for me(Thanks for a better looking forehead)I also use Lou's technique at www.luftek.com. They work well together. This is just my opinion...But I believe that if some one is willing to do the SE for 20 minutes a day, they MIGHT get more out of them if they do it 7 min. morning, 7 min. noon, 7min. night. Instead of 10 min. morning, 10 min. night. I see a lot of posts that say they got no benefit after doing the SE for many months. Which makes me wonder if the're doing the SE only twice a day, how are you "carrying yourself" in between? And I agree with you...Some folks who smile a lot might be up to no good! All Lou is saying by keeping a smile on your face 24/7 is to keep a positive feeling in your inner being the best you can throughout the day. For me, I don't want to feel any other way.
From: gl
Product: Hair Loss
Remote Name: 210.50.56.80
Date: 07 Oct 2002
Time: 12:39:31
Comments
Yes, it works. My hair is growing back all over after 3 weeks. Hair loss is caused from tension that builds in the scalp due to different emotional states. In the same way that different emotions cause involuntary contraction of muscles in the face(e.g smiling). Actually tension in the scalp is normal but when is becomes excessive or prolonged it affects the hair roots and leads to hair loss. Simply by avoiding activities that cause this prolonged excessive tension the scalp will loosen up very quickly(few days) and the hair will begin to grow back after a few weeks. Generally the hair stops falling out after about 4 weeks. Growth seems to occur first.
Curing hair loss is really, really easy. And for the life of me I can't work out why the medical industry has not worked it out. Probably because there is no money in this type of cure. It can't be packaged and sold.
The activties that cause prolonged emotional states and therefore hair loss are things like watching t.v for 30minutes or more without a break or playing computer games for long periods.
Look for things that you do everyday and for periods longer than 30minutes say, without breaks. Then simply break up these activties. For example when watching t.v don't just sit there for hours like most people do, like I use to do. Get up during the adds and come back. The change in mental focus stops the tension becoming excessive. Actually what works just as well is lying down flat when watching t.v the tension doesn't build up at all and you can watch all you like.
You can follow your progress by feeling the scalp with your fingers. When the tension is excessive the scalp doens't move much it is kind of rigid. But if you check when you wake up out of deep sleep for example the scalp skin moves a lot more.This movement means the scalp is in its healthy state. There is a difference. Also check for sensations in the scalp. Like an itchness or slight burning. This is indication of excessive tension. And check for hair growth, say along the forehead where it's bald. After two weeks providing you have been avoiding excessive tension on a daily basis you will see new but very fine hair growing through, in patches at first. Gradually it will spread and gradually the hair will thickin and grow longer. Growing hair from scratch is a slow process but the cure is very quick, simply loosen up the scalp.
This is the first time I have talked about this. I will post more over the internet later on with more details etc over many sites, as much as I can. So it probably doesn't sound very clear but I thought I would just respond quickly because it works and is simple and free. I will never make any money out of this but to me that's F***ing great. I'm sick of bullshit companies making money off peoples insecurties. A number of year ago I would have payed anything to get my hair back. Now it is growing back 100% and it's entirely free and if I can help others do the same than that's way good enough for me.
A note on Luftek system. He is dead right with what causes hair loss (unnatural tension in the scalp) but I feel he missed the mark to some degree with the cure. Simply avoiding prolonged activities like watching t.v for hours or playing computer games or reading novels is suffiecent this will cure hair loss for sure. You don't have to avoid stress or emotions which would be very diffuclt for most people, especially this day and age but just avoid prolonged activites. The main thing is to investigate the things you do everyday and see what causes excessive tension and what doesn't. Some things don't and keep a check on the scalps conditions.
Hope this helps
Anonymous:
Ive been searching for scalp relaxation technique on the net and ive come upon the luftek hair system, the guy "lou" charges $299 for it, i have no luck bringing the price down since i dont have a job right now and cant afford it. Obviously Lou is not interested so he doesnt response to my plead, only replies when i criticize his business.
I found a guy in HLH who tried his system before but refunded after finding its not working. I sent the guy an email asking about the system and heres what he replied
-----------------------------------------------
The program is basically a meditation video and his method
is supposed to make the scalp more loose and flexible. This
is "supposedly" accomplished by some exercises like wiggling
your ears and moving your eyebrows. (it's been a while so I
don't remember much more) There are also some deep
breathing and chanting exercises that go along w/ the
stretching. I tried it for several months but didn't see
any change. I sent it back and got my refund, but I think
it's not the full purchase price that is refunded, so
basically the guy makes money if you keep it or not. Of
course, he makes more if you keep it
-------------------------------------------------
Does this mean SE and Luftek are just the same thing?
Basically its comes with an instruction booklet, a video and a biofeedback sensor same as what Tom recommends
Obviously someone is copying someones homework :P
Guest
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Saturday, November 24, 2007
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic scaling disease of the skin. It may range from just a few spots anywhere on the body to large areas of involvement. It is not contagious or spread able from one part of the body to another or from one person to another.
There is no blood test for psoriasis. The diagnosis is made by observation and examination of the skin. Sometimes microscopic examination of the skin (biopsy) is helpful where the changes are not typical or characteristic.
The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, but hereditary and genetic factors are important. Psoriasis runs in families. This does not mean, however, that every child of a parent with psoriasis will develop psoriasis, but it is common that somewhere down the line psoriasis will appear in families. Psoriasis is not caused by allergies, infections, dietary deficiencies or excesses, or nervous tension.
How serious is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis does not affect he overall general health. If it is widespread it can certainly cause a great deal of skin discomfort and emotional embarrassment, and can affect job and leisure time activities...
How serious is Psoriasis?
Fortunately most people who have psoriasis only have a small amount and while it certainly can be a nuisance, it does not alter the lifestyle.
In about 10 percent of people with psoriasis there can develop a form of arthritis called psoriatic arthritis. It will take proper medical examination to confirm this diagnosis. Although not always, psoriatic arthritis is more often seen in people with widespread psoriasis than those who have a small amount. The psoriatic arthritis can affect people of all ages.
Is there a Cure for Psoriasis?
There is no present cure for psoriasis, but there are a number of drugs and treatments that can relieve and control psoriasis, often for long periods of time. Psoriasis on its own can come and go often with long periods of remission. In most cases, however, psoriasis is persistent. It can come and go without any obvious reason. Psoriasis does not necessarily become worse with age. Psoriasis can occur at any age from infancy to the elderly. Psoriasis will often remain in small localized areas and never spread.
Here you will find useful advise in order to cope with your Psoriasis in a responsible manner, changing your attitude and the way you fight the disease will help you in your every day life
1. Do keep a positive attitude towards your condition. It will clear up, you just have to find the treatment that's best for you. Remember your Psoriasis is uniquely your own and what works for some might not work for others. If you work with your Doctor it may take time but together you will find a treatment out there that is good for you alone.
2. Do remember that there are many remedies advertised in newspapers, pamphlets, word of mouth and door to door, but unless they can give you absolute proof that this is a "cure" don't touch it as it can make your psoriasis worse. Always consult your dermatologist before starting a cure let him monitor it for you. Sometimes those cures work for some people but sometime they do not.
3. Do avoid stress as much as possible, both mental and physical.
4. Do find out all you can about your condition from a. your physician, b. Your dermatologist, c. the library, d. a Psoriasis Foundation.
5. Do remember that Psoriasis is not a disease. You cannot catch it nor can you
give it. It is a hereditary genetic skin condition.
6. Do learn how to properly apply your external medications.
8. Do not let your skin become scratched or injured in any way even a mosquito bite can cause a flare up. When you have an itch you tend to scratch. DONT!
9. Do not expose your skin to harsh chemicals, wear rubber gloves. Harsh chemicals include dish detergents. Always wear cotton gloves under the rubber glove and only leave them on for twenty minutes at a time.
10. Do not forget Psoriasis is a genetically transmitted illness. In other words, if your grandmother had it, then for sure someone else in your family either has it or will have it. It will benefit you in the long run to find out as much information as possible about your condition.
11. Do not wash your clothes in heavy detergents, such as TIDE, unless your use very little. read the instructions on soap containers carefully, and use less soap than called for.
These do's and don’ts won't cure your Psoriasis, but will help you to cope with it. They do help and can be of assistance to you in your fight with this skin condition...
Unfortunately diet will not cure your Psoriasis but, however, the healthier the diet the better; especially a diet that includes regular exercise will be a good complement for psoriasis treatments.
GOOD DIET:
General: Rosemary, oregano, thyme, marjoram, laurel, ginger, basil, red peppers, cardamon,saffron, capers, onions, garlic, parsley, chives, tomato pulp, fruit vinegars, homemade mayonnaise.
Alcoholic Beverages: Cider, fruit wine, beer, whiskey, gin, rum, vodka, fruit brandies
Nut, oils, shortenings: Almonds, coconut, pistachios, cashews, sunflower oil, olive oil, corn oil, soybean oil, butter, sunflower margarine.
Foods: Fruits than contain grapes and grape juices, fresh vegetables, fish pastes, fish, bread, yogurt, butter and almond cakes, coconut based products. almond nougat.
Citrus fruits: Fruit pulps, fresh juices
BAD DIET:
Spices and condiments: Pepper, cloves, cumin, anise, cinnamon,paprika, mustard, pimento, nutmeg, commercial mayonnaise, ketchup, tabasco sauce, bouillon cubes and gravies, wine, vinegar, herb vinegar, candied orange, lemon peel, curry, commercial condiments, pastry aromas.
Alcoholic Beverages: All red and white wines, sparkling wines, champagnes, brandy, cognac, sherry,cinzano, vermouth, port, samos, all egg and nut based liqueurs, grand marnier,Cointreau.
Nuts: Hazelnuts, walnuts, walnut pastry aroma, peanuts, peanut oil, peanut butter.
Food: Prepared meats, sausages, pre-spiced meats, most cold cuts and pates. spice cakes, pickles, pickled spices and peppers, nut-based pastries, chocolate-based products.
Citrus Fruits: Fruit peels, orange marmalade,prepared juices, grapefruit, limes, lemon, lemonade, bitter lemons
How is Psoriasis Treated?
Treatment is determined by the location, severity and history of psoriasis in each individual. There is no one way of treatment, for each person with psoriasis may respond differently.
One main objective of treatment is to slow down the more rapid than usual growth rate of the skin cells. The rapid growth rate of skin cells causes the red, scaly psoriasis patches. The underlying cause of this increased skin growth is not yet known.
For patients with minimal psoriasis, therapy is limited to topical medications that are drugs applied to the skin. For patients with moderate to widespread psoriasis, topical treatments are often combined with ultraviolet light therapy. Either sunlight or artificial ultraviolet light therapy can be used.
If topical and ultraviolet light therapy are not effective, or are not practical, systemic or oral medications can be used. These may be combined with ultraviolet light therapy, the so-called photo chemotherapy or PUVA therapy. In severe cases and unresponsive cases of psoriasis, there are oral medications that slow down the growth rate of skin which are helpful. These drugs can have significant side effects and have to be used with the proper safeguard and caution. Even these strong drugs do not cure psoriasis but only help to control the disease.
Topical Treatment
Treatments applied directly to the skin are sometimes effective in clearing psoriasis. Doctors find that some patients respond well to sunlight, corticosteroid ointments, medicines derived from vitamin D3, vitamin A (retinoid), coal tar, or anthralin. Other topical measures, such as bath solutions and moisturizers, may be soothing but are seldom strong enough to clear lesions over the long term and may need to be combined with more potent remedies.
* Sunlight - Daily, regular, short doses of sunlight that do not produce a sunburn clear psoriasis in many people.
· Corticosteroids - Available in different strengths, corticosteroids (cortisone) are usually applied twice a day. Short-term treatment is often effective in improving but not completely clearing psoriasis. If less than 10 percent of the skin is involved, some doctors will begin treatment with a high-potency corticosteroid ointment (for example, Diprolene®,* Tem ovate®, Ultravate®, or Psorcon®).
· Skin Cap products - Are considered by some people the most successful treatment for Psoriasis, the wide spectrum of positive effects of Skin Cap products is based on the specific properties of a new formulation
of Zinc Pyrithione
* Calcipotriene - This drug is a synthetic form of vitamin D3. (It is not the same as vitamin D supplements.) Applying calcipotriene ointment (for example, Dovonex®) twice a day controls excessive production of skin cells. Because calcipotriene can irritate the skin, however, it is not recommended for the face or genitals. After 4 months of treatment, about 60 percent of patients have a good to excellent response. The safety of using the drug for cases affecting more than 20 percent of the skin is unknown.
* Coal tar - Coal tar may be applied directly to the skin, used in a bath solution, or used on the scalp as a shampoo. It is available in different strengths, but the most potent form may be irritating. It is sometimes combined with ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy. Compared with steroids, coal tar has fewer side effects, but it is messy and less effective and thus is not popular with many patients. Other drawbacks include its failure to provide long-term help for most patients, its strong odor, and its tendency to stain skin or clothing.
* Anthralin - Doctors sometimes use a 15- to 30-minute application of anthralin ointment, cream, or paste to treat chronic psoriasis lesions. However, this treatment often fails to adequately clear lesions, it may irritate the skin, and it stains skin and clothing brown or purple.
* Topical retinoid - The retinoid tazarotene (Tazorac) is a fast-drying, clear gel that is applied to the surface of the skin. Although this preparation does not act as quickly as topical corticosteroids, it has fewer side effects. Because it is irritating to normal skin, it should be used with caution in skin folds. Women of childbearing age should use birth control when using tazarotene.
* Salicylic acid - Salicylic acid is used to remove scales, and is most effective when combined with topical steroids, anthralin, or coal tar.
* Bath solutions - People with psoriasis may find that bathing in water with an oil added, then applying a moisturizer, can soothe their skin. Scales can be removed and itching reduced by soaking for 15 minutes in water containing a tar solution, oiled oatmeal, Epsom salts, or Dead Sea salts.
* Moisturizers - When applied regularly over a long period, moisturizers have a cosmetic and soothing effect. Preparations that are thick and greasy usually work best because they hold water in the skin, reducing the scales and the itching.
Phototherapy
Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun causes the activated T cells in the skin to die, a process called apoptosis. Apoptosis reduces inflammation and slows the overproduction of skin cells that causes scaling. Daily, short, no burning exposure to sunlight clears or improves psoriasis in many people. A more controlled form of artificial light treatment may be used in mild psoriasis (UVB phototherapy) or in more severe or extensive psoriasis (psoralen and ultraviolet A [PUVA] therapy).
UVB phototherapy - Some artificial sources of UVB light are similar to sunlight. Newer sources, called narrow-band UVB, emit the part of the ultraviolet spectrum band that is most helpful for psoriasis. Some physicians will start with UVB treatments instead of topical agents. UVB phototherapy is also used to treat widespread psoriasis and lesions that resist topical treatment. This type of phototherapy is normally administered in a doctor’s office by using a light panel or light box, although some patients can use UVB light boxes at home with a doctor’s guidance. Generally at least three treatments a week for 2 or 3 months are needed. UVB phototherapy may be combined with other treatments as well. One combined therapy program, referred to as the Ingram regime, involves a coal tar bath, UVB phototherapy, and application of an anthralin-salicylic acid paste, which is left on the skin for 6 to 24 hours.
PUVA - This treatment combines oral or topical administration of a medicine called psoralen with exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) light. Psoralen makes the body more sensitive to this light. PUVA is normally used when more than 10 percent of the skin is affected or when rapid clearing is required because the disease interferes with a person’s occupation (for example, when a model’s face or a carpenter’s hands are involved). Compared with UVB treatment, PUVA treatment taken two to three times a week clears psoriasis more consistently and in fewer treatments. However, it is associated with more short-term side effects, including nausea, headache, fatigue, burning, and itching. Long-term treatment is associated with an increased risk of squamous cell and melanoma skin cancers. PUVA can be combined with some oral medications (retinoids and hydroxyurea) to increase its effectiveness. Simultaneous use of drugs that suppress the immune system, such as cyclosporine, have little beneficial effect and increase the risk of cancer. Patients who must travel long distances for PUVA treatments may, with a physician’s supervision, be taught to administer this treatment at home.
Systemic Treatment
For more severe forms of psoriasis, doctors sometimes prescribe medicines that
are taken internally.
* Methotrexate - This treatment, which can be taken by pill or injection, slows cell production by suppressing the immune system. Patients taking methotrexate must be closely monitored because it can cause liver damage and/or decrease the production of oxygen-carrying red blood cells, infection-fighting white blood cells, and clot-enhancing platelets. As a precaution, doctors do not prescribe the drug for people with long-term liver disease or anemia. Methotrexate should not be used by pregnant women, by women who are planning to get pregnant, or by their male partners.
*
* Cyclosporine - Taken orally, cyclosporine (Neoral®) acts by suppressing the immune system in a way that slows the rapid turnover of skin cells. It may provide quick relief of symptoms, but it is usually effective only during the course of treatment. The best candidates for this therapy are those with severe psoriasis who have not responded to or cannot tolerate other systemic therapies. Cyclosporine may impair kidney function or cause high blood pressure (hypertension), so patients must be carefully monitored by a doctor. Also, cyclosporine is not recommended for patients who have a weak immune system, those who have had substantial exposure to UVB or PUVA in the past, or those who are pregnant or breast-feeding.
*
* Hydroxyurea (Hydrea®) - Compared with methotrexate and cyclosporine, hydroxyurea is less toxic but also less effective. It is sometimes combined with PUVA or UVB. Possible side effects include anemia and a decrease in white blood cells and platelets. Like methotrexate and cyclosporine, hydroxyurea must be avoided by pregnant women or those who are planning to become pregnant.
*
* Retinoids - A retinoid, such as acitretin (Soriatane®), is a compound with vitamin A-like properties that may be prescribed for severe cases of psoriasis that do not respond to other therapies. Because this treatment also may cause birth defects, women must protect themselves from pregnancy beginning 1 month before through 3 years after treatment. Most patients experience a recurrence of psoriasis after acitretin is discontinued.
* Antibiotics - Although not indicated in routine treatment, antibiotics may be employed when an infection, such as Streptococcus, triggers the outbreak of psoriasis, as in certain cases of guttate psoriasis.
There is no blood test for psoriasis. The diagnosis is made by observation and examination of the skin. Sometimes microscopic examination of the skin (biopsy) is helpful where the changes are not typical or characteristic.
The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, but hereditary and genetic factors are important. Psoriasis runs in families. This does not mean, however, that every child of a parent with psoriasis will develop psoriasis, but it is common that somewhere down the line psoriasis will appear in families. Psoriasis is not caused by allergies, infections, dietary deficiencies or excesses, or nervous tension.
How serious is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis does not affect he overall general health. If it is widespread it can certainly cause a great deal of skin discomfort and emotional embarrassment, and can affect job and leisure time activities...
How serious is Psoriasis?
Fortunately most people who have psoriasis only have a small amount and while it certainly can be a nuisance, it does not alter the lifestyle.
In about 10 percent of people with psoriasis there can develop a form of arthritis called psoriatic arthritis. It will take proper medical examination to confirm this diagnosis. Although not always, psoriatic arthritis is more often seen in people with widespread psoriasis than those who have a small amount. The psoriatic arthritis can affect people of all ages.
Is there a Cure for Psoriasis?
There is no present cure for psoriasis, but there are a number of drugs and treatments that can relieve and control psoriasis, often for long periods of time. Psoriasis on its own can come and go often with long periods of remission. In most cases, however, psoriasis is persistent. It can come and go without any obvious reason. Psoriasis does not necessarily become worse with age. Psoriasis can occur at any age from infancy to the elderly. Psoriasis will often remain in small localized areas and never spread.
Here you will find useful advise in order to cope with your Psoriasis in a responsible manner, changing your attitude and the way you fight the disease will help you in your every day life
1. Do keep a positive attitude towards your condition. It will clear up, you just have to find the treatment that's best for you. Remember your Psoriasis is uniquely your own and what works for some might not work for others. If you work with your Doctor it may take time but together you will find a treatment out there that is good for you alone.
2. Do remember that there are many remedies advertised in newspapers, pamphlets, word of mouth and door to door, but unless they can give you absolute proof that this is a "cure" don't touch it as it can make your psoriasis worse. Always consult your dermatologist before starting a cure let him monitor it for you. Sometimes those cures work for some people but sometime they do not.
3. Do avoid stress as much as possible, both mental and physical.
4. Do find out all you can about your condition from a. your physician, b. Your dermatologist, c. the library, d. a Psoriasis Foundation.
5. Do remember that Psoriasis is not a disease. You cannot catch it nor can you
give it. It is a hereditary genetic skin condition.
6. Do learn how to properly apply your external medications.
8. Do not let your skin become scratched or injured in any way even a mosquito bite can cause a flare up. When you have an itch you tend to scratch. DONT!
9. Do not expose your skin to harsh chemicals, wear rubber gloves. Harsh chemicals include dish detergents. Always wear cotton gloves under the rubber glove and only leave them on for twenty minutes at a time.
10. Do not forget Psoriasis is a genetically transmitted illness. In other words, if your grandmother had it, then for sure someone else in your family either has it or will have it. It will benefit you in the long run to find out as much information as possible about your condition.
11. Do not wash your clothes in heavy detergents, such as TIDE, unless your use very little. read the instructions on soap containers carefully, and use less soap than called for.
These do's and don’ts won't cure your Psoriasis, but will help you to cope with it. They do help and can be of assistance to you in your fight with this skin condition...
Unfortunately diet will not cure your Psoriasis but, however, the healthier the diet the better; especially a diet that includes regular exercise will be a good complement for psoriasis treatments.
GOOD DIET:
General: Rosemary, oregano, thyme, marjoram, laurel, ginger, basil, red peppers, cardamon,saffron, capers, onions, garlic, parsley, chives, tomato pulp, fruit vinegars, homemade mayonnaise.
Alcoholic Beverages: Cider, fruit wine, beer, whiskey, gin, rum, vodka, fruit brandies
Nut, oils, shortenings: Almonds, coconut, pistachios, cashews, sunflower oil, olive oil, corn oil, soybean oil, butter, sunflower margarine.
Foods: Fruits than contain grapes and grape juices, fresh vegetables, fish pastes, fish, bread, yogurt, butter and almond cakes, coconut based products. almond nougat.
Citrus fruits: Fruit pulps, fresh juices
BAD DIET:
Spices and condiments: Pepper, cloves, cumin, anise, cinnamon,paprika, mustard, pimento, nutmeg, commercial mayonnaise, ketchup, tabasco sauce, bouillon cubes and gravies, wine, vinegar, herb vinegar, candied orange, lemon peel, curry, commercial condiments, pastry aromas.
Alcoholic Beverages: All red and white wines, sparkling wines, champagnes, brandy, cognac, sherry,cinzano, vermouth, port, samos, all egg and nut based liqueurs, grand marnier,Cointreau.
Nuts: Hazelnuts, walnuts, walnut pastry aroma, peanuts, peanut oil, peanut butter.
Food: Prepared meats, sausages, pre-spiced meats, most cold cuts and pates. spice cakes, pickles, pickled spices and peppers, nut-based pastries, chocolate-based products.
Citrus Fruits: Fruit peels, orange marmalade,prepared juices, grapefruit, limes, lemon, lemonade, bitter lemons
How is Psoriasis Treated?
Treatment is determined by the location, severity and history of psoriasis in each individual. There is no one way of treatment, for each person with psoriasis may respond differently.
One main objective of treatment is to slow down the more rapid than usual growth rate of the skin cells. The rapid growth rate of skin cells causes the red, scaly psoriasis patches. The underlying cause of this increased skin growth is not yet known.
For patients with minimal psoriasis, therapy is limited to topical medications that are drugs applied to the skin. For patients with moderate to widespread psoriasis, topical treatments are often combined with ultraviolet light therapy. Either sunlight or artificial ultraviolet light therapy can be used.
If topical and ultraviolet light therapy are not effective, or are not practical, systemic or oral medications can be used. These may be combined with ultraviolet light therapy, the so-called photo chemotherapy or PUVA therapy. In severe cases and unresponsive cases of psoriasis, there are oral medications that slow down the growth rate of skin which are helpful. These drugs can have significant side effects and have to be used with the proper safeguard and caution. Even these strong drugs do not cure psoriasis but only help to control the disease.
Topical Treatment
Treatments applied directly to the skin are sometimes effective in clearing psoriasis. Doctors find that some patients respond well to sunlight, corticosteroid ointments, medicines derived from vitamin D3, vitamin A (retinoid), coal tar, or anthralin. Other topical measures, such as bath solutions and moisturizers, may be soothing but are seldom strong enough to clear lesions over the long term and may need to be combined with more potent remedies.
* Sunlight - Daily, regular, short doses of sunlight that do not produce a sunburn clear psoriasis in many people.
· Corticosteroids - Available in different strengths, corticosteroids (cortisone) are usually applied twice a day. Short-term treatment is often effective in improving but not completely clearing psoriasis. If less than 10 percent of the skin is involved, some doctors will begin treatment with a high-potency corticosteroid ointment (for example, Diprolene®,* Tem ovate®, Ultravate®, or Psorcon®).
· Skin Cap products - Are considered by some people the most successful treatment for Psoriasis, the wide spectrum of positive effects of Skin Cap products is based on the specific properties of a new formulation
of Zinc Pyrithione
* Calcipotriene - This drug is a synthetic form of vitamin D3. (It is not the same as vitamin D supplements.) Applying calcipotriene ointment (for example, Dovonex®) twice a day controls excessive production of skin cells. Because calcipotriene can irritate the skin, however, it is not recommended for the face or genitals. After 4 months of treatment, about 60 percent of patients have a good to excellent response. The safety of using the drug for cases affecting more than 20 percent of the skin is unknown.
* Coal tar - Coal tar may be applied directly to the skin, used in a bath solution, or used on the scalp as a shampoo. It is available in different strengths, but the most potent form may be irritating. It is sometimes combined with ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy. Compared with steroids, coal tar has fewer side effects, but it is messy and less effective and thus is not popular with many patients. Other drawbacks include its failure to provide long-term help for most patients, its strong odor, and its tendency to stain skin or clothing.
* Anthralin - Doctors sometimes use a 15- to 30-minute application of anthralin ointment, cream, or paste to treat chronic psoriasis lesions. However, this treatment often fails to adequately clear lesions, it may irritate the skin, and it stains skin and clothing brown or purple.
* Topical retinoid - The retinoid tazarotene (Tazorac) is a fast-drying, clear gel that is applied to the surface of the skin. Although this preparation does not act as quickly as topical corticosteroids, it has fewer side effects. Because it is irritating to normal skin, it should be used with caution in skin folds. Women of childbearing age should use birth control when using tazarotene.
* Salicylic acid - Salicylic acid is used to remove scales, and is most effective when combined with topical steroids, anthralin, or coal tar.
* Bath solutions - People with psoriasis may find that bathing in water with an oil added, then applying a moisturizer, can soothe their skin. Scales can be removed and itching reduced by soaking for 15 minutes in water containing a tar solution, oiled oatmeal, Epsom salts, or Dead Sea salts.
* Moisturizers - When applied regularly over a long period, moisturizers have a cosmetic and soothing effect. Preparations that are thick and greasy usually work best because they hold water in the skin, reducing the scales and the itching.
Phototherapy
Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun causes the activated T cells in the skin to die, a process called apoptosis. Apoptosis reduces inflammation and slows the overproduction of skin cells that causes scaling. Daily, short, no burning exposure to sunlight clears or improves psoriasis in many people. A more controlled form of artificial light treatment may be used in mild psoriasis (UVB phototherapy) or in more severe or extensive psoriasis (psoralen and ultraviolet A [PUVA] therapy).
UVB phototherapy - Some artificial sources of UVB light are similar to sunlight. Newer sources, called narrow-band UVB, emit the part of the ultraviolet spectrum band that is most helpful for psoriasis. Some physicians will start with UVB treatments instead of topical agents. UVB phototherapy is also used to treat widespread psoriasis and lesions that resist topical treatment. This type of phototherapy is normally administered in a doctor’s office by using a light panel or light box, although some patients can use UVB light boxes at home with a doctor’s guidance. Generally at least three treatments a week for 2 or 3 months are needed. UVB phototherapy may be combined with other treatments as well. One combined therapy program, referred to as the Ingram regime, involves a coal tar bath, UVB phototherapy, and application of an anthralin-salicylic acid paste, which is left on the skin for 6 to 24 hours.
PUVA - This treatment combines oral or topical administration of a medicine called psoralen with exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) light. Psoralen makes the body more sensitive to this light. PUVA is normally used when more than 10 percent of the skin is affected or when rapid clearing is required because the disease interferes with a person’s occupation (for example, when a model’s face or a carpenter’s hands are involved). Compared with UVB treatment, PUVA treatment taken two to three times a week clears psoriasis more consistently and in fewer treatments. However, it is associated with more short-term side effects, including nausea, headache, fatigue, burning, and itching. Long-term treatment is associated with an increased risk of squamous cell and melanoma skin cancers. PUVA can be combined with some oral medications (retinoids and hydroxyurea) to increase its effectiveness. Simultaneous use of drugs that suppress the immune system, such as cyclosporine, have little beneficial effect and increase the risk of cancer. Patients who must travel long distances for PUVA treatments may, with a physician’s supervision, be taught to administer this treatment at home.
Systemic Treatment
For more severe forms of psoriasis, doctors sometimes prescribe medicines that
are taken internally.
* Methotrexate - This treatment, which can be taken by pill or injection, slows cell production by suppressing the immune system. Patients taking methotrexate must be closely monitored because it can cause liver damage and/or decrease the production of oxygen-carrying red blood cells, infection-fighting white blood cells, and clot-enhancing platelets. As a precaution, doctors do not prescribe the drug for people with long-term liver disease or anemia. Methotrexate should not be used by pregnant women, by women who are planning to get pregnant, or by their male partners.
*
* Cyclosporine - Taken orally, cyclosporine (Neoral®) acts by suppressing the immune system in a way that slows the rapid turnover of skin cells. It may provide quick relief of symptoms, but it is usually effective only during the course of treatment. The best candidates for this therapy are those with severe psoriasis who have not responded to or cannot tolerate other systemic therapies. Cyclosporine may impair kidney function or cause high blood pressure (hypertension), so patients must be carefully monitored by a doctor. Also, cyclosporine is not recommended for patients who have a weak immune system, those who have had substantial exposure to UVB or PUVA in the past, or those who are pregnant or breast-feeding.
*
* Hydroxyurea (Hydrea®) - Compared with methotrexate and cyclosporine, hydroxyurea is less toxic but also less effective. It is sometimes combined with PUVA or UVB. Possible side effects include anemia and a decrease in white blood cells and platelets. Like methotrexate and cyclosporine, hydroxyurea must be avoided by pregnant women or those who are planning to become pregnant.
*
* Retinoids - A retinoid, such as acitretin (Soriatane®), is a compound with vitamin A-like properties that may be prescribed for severe cases of psoriasis that do not respond to other therapies. Because this treatment also may cause birth defects, women must protect themselves from pregnancy beginning 1 month before through 3 years after treatment. Most patients experience a recurrence of psoriasis after acitretin is discontinued.
* Antibiotics - Although not indicated in routine treatment, antibiotics may be employed when an infection, such as Streptococcus, triggers the outbreak of psoriasis, as in certain cases of guttate psoriasis.
Worried about acne? Cut down milk
Teenagers with acne - a common skin disease that causes pimples - may get a clear skin if they cut down their milk intake, a new study says.
Many a spotty teenager has been told to lay off chips and chocolate if they want clear skin but a research carried out at Harvard School of Public Health showed that teenagers who drink a pint or more of milk a day are almost 50 percent more likely to develop spots and pimples than those who rarely or never drink milk.
The researchers looked at the teenage diet of more than 47,000 women and then compared dairy product intake with cases of acne. Analysis of the results revealed a clear link between milk and skin problems, reported the online edition of Daily Mail.
Worst off were those who regularly drank skimmed milk, with two half-pint glasses a day raising the risk of the condition by 44 percent. Those who drank a pint of whole milk a day were 12 percent more likely to develop acne, while semi-skimmed milk increased the risk by 16 percent.
Overall, those who regularly drank milk were 22 percent more likely to have suffered from acne than those who rarely or never drank it.
Cream and cottage cheeses also raised the risk of the condition; however, chips, chocolate and pizza did not, the scientists said.
Writing in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, the researchers said that sex and growth hormones naturally found in cow's milk might trigger off spots.
However, Britain's milk producers said that milk has many health benefits. "Unnecessary exclusion of dairy from the diet can compromise nutrient intakes," said Judith Bryans of the Dairy Council.
Many a spotty teenager has been told to lay off chips and chocolate if they want clear skin but a research carried out at Harvard School of Public Health showed that teenagers who drink a pint or more of milk a day are almost 50 percent more likely to develop spots and pimples than those who rarely or never drink milk.
The researchers looked at the teenage diet of more than 47,000 women and then compared dairy product intake with cases of acne. Analysis of the results revealed a clear link between milk and skin problems, reported the online edition of Daily Mail.
Worst off were those who regularly drank skimmed milk, with two half-pint glasses a day raising the risk of the condition by 44 percent. Those who drank a pint of whole milk a day were 12 percent more likely to develop acne, while semi-skimmed milk increased the risk by 16 percent.
Overall, those who regularly drank milk were 22 percent more likely to have suffered from acne than those who rarely or never drank it.
Cream and cottage cheeses also raised the risk of the condition; however, chips, chocolate and pizza did not, the scientists said.
Writing in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, the researchers said that sex and growth hormones naturally found in cow's milk might trigger off spots.
However, Britain's milk producers said that milk has many health benefits. "Unnecessary exclusion of dairy from the diet can compromise nutrient intakes," said Judith Bryans of the Dairy Council.
What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?
What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?
PCOS is a health problem that can affect a woman’s menstrual cycle, fertility, hormones, insulin production, heart, blood vessels, and appearance. Women with PCOS have these characteristics:
* high levels of male hormones, also called androgens
* an irregular or no menstrual cycle
* may or may not have many small cysts in their ovaries. Cysts are fluid-filled sacs.
PCOS is the most common hormonal reproductive problem in women of childbearing age.
How many women have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?
An estimated five to 10 percent of women of childbearing age have PCOS.
What causes Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?
No one knows the exact cause of PCOS. Women with PCOS frequently have a mother or sister with PCOS. But there is not yet enough evidence to say there is a genetic link to this disorder. Many women with PCOS have a weight problem. So researchers are looking at the relationship between PCOS and the body’s ability to make insulin. Insulin is a hormone that regulates the change of sugar, starches, and other food into energy for the body’s use or for storage. Since some women with PCOS make too much insulin, it’s possible that the ovaries react by making too many male hormones, called androgens. This can lead to acne, excessive hair growth, weight gain, and ovulation problems.
Why do women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) have trouble with their menstrual cycle?
Normal Ovary and Polycystic OvaryThe ovaries are two small organs, one on each side of a woman's uterus. A woman's ovaries have follicles, which are tiny sacs filled with liquid that hold the eggs. These sacs are also called cysts. Each month about 20 eggs start to mature, but usually only one becomes dominant. As the one egg grows, the follicle accumulates fluid in it. When that egg matures, the follicle breaks open to release the egg so it can travel through the fallopian tube for fertilization. When the single egg leaves the follicle, ovulation takes place.
In women with PCOS, the ovary doesn't make all of the hormones it needs for any of the eggs to fully mature. They may start to grow and accumulate fluid. But no one egg becomes large enough. Instead, some may remain as cysts. Since no egg matures or is released, ovulation does not occur and the hormone progesterone is not made. Without progesterone, a woman’s menstrual cycle is irregular or absent. Also, the cysts produce male hormones, which continue to prevent ovulation.
What are the symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?
These are some of the symptoms of PCOS:
* infrequent menstrual periods, no menstrual periods, and/or irregular bleeding
* infertility or inability to get pregnant because of not ovulating
* increased growth of hair on the face, chest, stomach, back, thumbs, or toes
* acne, oily skin, or dandruff
* pelvic pain
* weight gain or obesity, usually carrying extra weight around the waist
* type 2 diabetes
* high cholesterol
* high blood pressure
* male-pattern baldness or thinning hair
* patches of thickened and dark brown or black skin on the neck, arms, breasts, or thighs
* skin tags, or tiny excess flaps of skin in the armpits or neck area
* sleep apnea¯excessive snoring and breathing stops at times while asleep
What tests are used to diagnose Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?
There is no single test to diagnose PCOS. Your doctor will take a medical history, perform a physical exam—possibly including an ultrasound, check your hormone levels, and measure glucose, or sugar levels, in the blood. If you are producing too many male hormones, the doctor will make sure it’s from PCOS. At the physical exam the doctor will want to evaluate the areas of increased hair growth, so try to allow the natural hair growth for a few days before the visit. During a pelvic exam, the ovaries may be enlarged or swollen by the increased number of small cysts. This can be seen more easily by vaginal ultrasound, or screening, to examine the ovaries for cysts and the endometrium. The endometrium is the lining of the uterus. The uterine lining may become thicker if there has not been a regular period.
How is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) treated?
Because there is no cure for PCOS, it needs to be managed to prevent problems. Treatments are based on the symptoms each patient is having and whether she wants to conceive or needs contraception. Below are descriptions of treatments used for PCOS.
Birth control pills. For women who don’t want to become pregnant, birth control pills can regulate menstrual cycles, reduce male hormone levels, and help to clear acne. However, the birth control pill does not cure PCOS. The menstrual cycle will become abnormal again if the pill is stopped. Women may also think about taking a pill that only has progesterone, like Provera, to regulate the menstrual cycle and prevent endometrial problems. But progesterone alone does not help reduce acne and hair growth.
Diabetes Medications. The medicine, Metformin, also called Glucophage, which is used to treat type 2 diabetes, also helps with PCOS symptoms. Metformin affects the way insulin regulates glucose and decreases the testosterone production. Abnormal hair growth will slow down and ovulation may return after a few months of use. These medications will not cause a person to become diabetic.
Fertility Medications. The main fertility problem for women with PCOS is the lack of ovulation. Even so, her husband’s sperm count should be checked and her tubes checked to make sure they are open before fertility medications are used. Clomiphene (pills) and Gonadotropins (shots) can be used to stimulate the ovary to ovulate. PCOS patients are at increased risk for multiple births when using these medications. In vitro Fertilization (IVF) is sometimes recommended to control the chance of having triplets or more. Metformin can be taken with fertility medications and helps to make PCOS women ovulate on lower doses of medication.
Medicine for increased hair growth or extra male hormones. If a woman is not trying to get pregnant there are some other medicines that may reduce hair growth. Spironolactone is a blood pressure medicine that has been shown to decrease the male hormone’s effect on hair. Propecia, a medicine taken by men for hair loss, is another medication that blocks this effect. Both of these medicines can affect the development of a male fetus and should not be taken if pregnancy is possible. Other non-medical treatments such as electrolysis or laser hair removal are effective at getting rid of hair. A woman with PCOS can also take hormonal treatment to keep new hair from growing.
Surgery. Although it is not recommended as the first course of treatment, surgery called ovarian drilling is available to induce ovulation. The doctor makes a very small incision above or below the navel, and inserts a small instrument that acts like a telescope into the abdomen. This is called laparoscopy. The doctor then punctures the ovary with a small needle carrying an electric current to destroy a small portion of the ovary. This procedure carries a risk of developing scar tissue on the ovary. This surgery can lower male hormone levels and help with ovulation. But these effects may only last a few months. This treatment doesn't help with increased hair growth and loss of scalp hair.
A healthy weight. Maintaining a healthy weight is another way women can help manage PCOS. Since obesity is common with PCOS, a healthy diet and physical activity help maintain a healthy weight, which will help the body lower glucose levels, use insulin more efficiently, and may help restore a normal period. Even loss of 10% of her body weight can help make a woman's cycle more regular.
How does Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) affect a woman while pregnant?
There appears to be a higher rate of miscarriage, gestational diabetes, pregnancy-induced high blood pressure, and premature delivery in women with PCOS. Researchers are studying how the medicine, metformin, prevents or reduces the chances of having these problems while pregnant, in addition to looking at how the drug lowers male hormone levels and limits weight gain in women who are obese when they get pregnant.
No one yet knows if metformin is safe for pregnant women. Because the drug crosses the placenta, doctors are concerned that the baby could be affected by the drug. Research is ongoing.
Does Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) put women at risk for other conditions?
Women with PCOS can be at an increased risk for developing several other conditions. Irregular menstrual periods and the absence of ovulation cause women to produce the hormone estrogen, but not the hormone progesterone. Without progesterone, which causes the endometrium to shed each month as a menstrual period, the endometrium becomes thick, which can cause heavy bleeding or irregular bleeding. Eventually, this can lead to endometrial hyperplasia or cancer. Women with PCOS are also at higher risk for diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Getting the symptoms under control at an earlier age may help to reduce this risk.
Does Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) change at menopause?
Researchers are looking at how male hormone levels change as women with PCOS grow older. They think that as women reach menopause, ovarian function changes and the menstrual cycle may become more normal. But even with falling male hormone levels, excessive hair growth continues, and male pattern baldness or thinning hair gets worse after menopause.
PCOS is a health problem that can affect a woman’s menstrual cycle, fertility, hormones, insulin production, heart, blood vessels, and appearance. Women with PCOS have these characteristics:
* high levels of male hormones, also called androgens
* an irregular or no menstrual cycle
* may or may not have many small cysts in their ovaries. Cysts are fluid-filled sacs.
PCOS is the most common hormonal reproductive problem in women of childbearing age.
How many women have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?
An estimated five to 10 percent of women of childbearing age have PCOS.
What causes Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?
No one knows the exact cause of PCOS. Women with PCOS frequently have a mother or sister with PCOS. But there is not yet enough evidence to say there is a genetic link to this disorder. Many women with PCOS have a weight problem. So researchers are looking at the relationship between PCOS and the body’s ability to make insulin. Insulin is a hormone that regulates the change of sugar, starches, and other food into energy for the body’s use or for storage. Since some women with PCOS make too much insulin, it’s possible that the ovaries react by making too many male hormones, called androgens. This can lead to acne, excessive hair growth, weight gain, and ovulation problems.
Why do women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) have trouble with their menstrual cycle?
Normal Ovary and Polycystic OvaryThe ovaries are two small organs, one on each side of a woman's uterus. A woman's ovaries have follicles, which are tiny sacs filled with liquid that hold the eggs. These sacs are also called cysts. Each month about 20 eggs start to mature, but usually only one becomes dominant. As the one egg grows, the follicle accumulates fluid in it. When that egg matures, the follicle breaks open to release the egg so it can travel through the fallopian tube for fertilization. When the single egg leaves the follicle, ovulation takes place.
In women with PCOS, the ovary doesn't make all of the hormones it needs for any of the eggs to fully mature. They may start to grow and accumulate fluid. But no one egg becomes large enough. Instead, some may remain as cysts. Since no egg matures or is released, ovulation does not occur and the hormone progesterone is not made. Without progesterone, a woman’s menstrual cycle is irregular or absent. Also, the cysts produce male hormones, which continue to prevent ovulation.
What are the symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?
These are some of the symptoms of PCOS:
* infrequent menstrual periods, no menstrual periods, and/or irregular bleeding
* infertility or inability to get pregnant because of not ovulating
* increased growth of hair on the face, chest, stomach, back, thumbs, or toes
* acne, oily skin, or dandruff
* pelvic pain
* weight gain or obesity, usually carrying extra weight around the waist
* type 2 diabetes
* high cholesterol
* high blood pressure
* male-pattern baldness or thinning hair
* patches of thickened and dark brown or black skin on the neck, arms, breasts, or thighs
* skin tags, or tiny excess flaps of skin in the armpits or neck area
* sleep apnea¯excessive snoring and breathing stops at times while asleep
What tests are used to diagnose Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?
There is no single test to diagnose PCOS. Your doctor will take a medical history, perform a physical exam—possibly including an ultrasound, check your hormone levels, and measure glucose, or sugar levels, in the blood. If you are producing too many male hormones, the doctor will make sure it’s from PCOS. At the physical exam the doctor will want to evaluate the areas of increased hair growth, so try to allow the natural hair growth for a few days before the visit. During a pelvic exam, the ovaries may be enlarged or swollen by the increased number of small cysts. This can be seen more easily by vaginal ultrasound, or screening, to examine the ovaries for cysts and the endometrium. The endometrium is the lining of the uterus. The uterine lining may become thicker if there has not been a regular period.
How is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) treated?
Because there is no cure for PCOS, it needs to be managed to prevent problems. Treatments are based on the symptoms each patient is having and whether she wants to conceive or needs contraception. Below are descriptions of treatments used for PCOS.
Birth control pills. For women who don’t want to become pregnant, birth control pills can regulate menstrual cycles, reduce male hormone levels, and help to clear acne. However, the birth control pill does not cure PCOS. The menstrual cycle will become abnormal again if the pill is stopped. Women may also think about taking a pill that only has progesterone, like Provera, to regulate the menstrual cycle and prevent endometrial problems. But progesterone alone does not help reduce acne and hair growth.
Diabetes Medications. The medicine, Metformin, also called Glucophage, which is used to treat type 2 diabetes, also helps with PCOS symptoms. Metformin affects the way insulin regulates glucose and decreases the testosterone production. Abnormal hair growth will slow down and ovulation may return after a few months of use. These medications will not cause a person to become diabetic.
Fertility Medications. The main fertility problem for women with PCOS is the lack of ovulation. Even so, her husband’s sperm count should be checked and her tubes checked to make sure they are open before fertility medications are used. Clomiphene (pills) and Gonadotropins (shots) can be used to stimulate the ovary to ovulate. PCOS patients are at increased risk for multiple births when using these medications. In vitro Fertilization (IVF) is sometimes recommended to control the chance of having triplets or more. Metformin can be taken with fertility medications and helps to make PCOS women ovulate on lower doses of medication.
Medicine for increased hair growth or extra male hormones. If a woman is not trying to get pregnant there are some other medicines that may reduce hair growth. Spironolactone is a blood pressure medicine that has been shown to decrease the male hormone’s effect on hair. Propecia, a medicine taken by men for hair loss, is another medication that blocks this effect. Both of these medicines can affect the development of a male fetus and should not be taken if pregnancy is possible. Other non-medical treatments such as electrolysis or laser hair removal are effective at getting rid of hair. A woman with PCOS can also take hormonal treatment to keep new hair from growing.
Surgery. Although it is not recommended as the first course of treatment, surgery called ovarian drilling is available to induce ovulation. The doctor makes a very small incision above or below the navel, and inserts a small instrument that acts like a telescope into the abdomen. This is called laparoscopy. The doctor then punctures the ovary with a small needle carrying an electric current to destroy a small portion of the ovary. This procedure carries a risk of developing scar tissue on the ovary. This surgery can lower male hormone levels and help with ovulation. But these effects may only last a few months. This treatment doesn't help with increased hair growth and loss of scalp hair.
A healthy weight. Maintaining a healthy weight is another way women can help manage PCOS. Since obesity is common with PCOS, a healthy diet and physical activity help maintain a healthy weight, which will help the body lower glucose levels, use insulin more efficiently, and may help restore a normal period. Even loss of 10% of her body weight can help make a woman's cycle more regular.
How does Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) affect a woman while pregnant?
There appears to be a higher rate of miscarriage, gestational diabetes, pregnancy-induced high blood pressure, and premature delivery in women with PCOS. Researchers are studying how the medicine, metformin, prevents or reduces the chances of having these problems while pregnant, in addition to looking at how the drug lowers male hormone levels and limits weight gain in women who are obese when they get pregnant.
No one yet knows if metformin is safe for pregnant women. Because the drug crosses the placenta, doctors are concerned that the baby could be affected by the drug. Research is ongoing.
Does Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) put women at risk for other conditions?
Women with PCOS can be at an increased risk for developing several other conditions. Irregular menstrual periods and the absence of ovulation cause women to produce the hormone estrogen, but not the hormone progesterone. Without progesterone, which causes the endometrium to shed each month as a menstrual period, the endometrium becomes thick, which can cause heavy bleeding or irregular bleeding. Eventually, this can lead to endometrial hyperplasia or cancer. Women with PCOS are also at higher risk for diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Getting the symptoms under control at an earlier age may help to reduce this risk.
Does Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) change at menopause?
Researchers are looking at how male hormone levels change as women with PCOS grow older. They think that as women reach menopause, ovarian function changes and the menstrual cycle may become more normal. But even with falling male hormone levels, excessive hair growth continues, and male pattern baldness or thinning hair gets worse after menopause.
10 pregnancy myths busted
Pregnancy is that special time in a woman's life, when she gets special attention from everyone. Even strangers on the road sometimes stop to enquire, "Which month?"
To add to that, we Indians have a special penchant for both speculation and superstition. "Hmmm, your tummy has not gotten that large, so...", "Your face is glowing, you will definitely have a..." -- the list of myths is endless.
We spoke with Dr Leena Patankar of Patankar Nursing Home, Pune, about some of these myths. Here, in random order, are some popular pregnancy beliefs:
Myth no 1: The shape and size of your belly can indicate your baby's gender.
Expert opinion: It is believed that a woman carrying a boy has a low belly, while a woman carrying a girl has a high belly. Some also say that women with small, round bellies are carrying a boy, while those with large bellies are carrying a girl. Gynaecologists like Dr Patankar on the other hand, say that the shape of your belly is determined by the original shape of your abdomen, the amount and distribution of the fat, the strength of the abdominal muscles, the number of babies conceived, the presentation and the position of the baby. In India, it is not legal to determine the sex of your baby beforehand. Hence, myths like these get a lot of attention
Myth no 2: The glow on your face indicates the sex of your baby.
Expert opinion: "Some believe a glow on the face indicates you will deliver a baby girl, while a lack of any glow indicates you will deliver a boy. Most pregnant women start sporting a glowing face during the second trimester. That's when the morning sickness ends, the mother-to-be eats well, blood circulation improves and there is a general feeling of well being. It has nothing to do with the sex of the baby," says Dr Patankar.
Myth no 3: Heartburn indicates that your baby will have lots of hair.
Expert opinion: Dr Patankar says that heartburn is a common pregnancy complaint. It is mainly because of reflux oesophagitis, during which the contents (food particles) of the stomach come back up the food-pipe. Due to the acidic nature of the content, it causes burning, which is commonly known as heartburn. A lot of women who deliver babies with thick hair experience practically no heartburn.
Myth no 4: When you're pregnant, you have to double your food intake, because you're eating for two.
Expert opinion: Dr Patankar pooh-poohs this idea. She says, "During pregnancy dietary demands definitely increase. The nutritional status of the mother is most important, however, as the baby is dependent on her for its supply of proteins, vitamins, and minerals. This does not mean that a pregnant woman should eat for two."
She suggests that a pregnant woman maintain a well-balanced, nutritious diet throughout her pregnancy. "She should eat small meals every two hours rather than two or three bulky portions a day. Eating in excess will only lead to increases in fat deposits," she says.
Myth no 5: Food cravings indicate that you are deficient in the nutrients that the specific food offers.
Expert opinion: "Food cravings are food cravings. They do not indicate anything," says Dr Patankar. "Do not take cravings as an indicator that you are deficient in any nutrient. Your doctor will have more solid methods of finding nutritional deficiencies."
Myth no 6: Sex during pregnancy induces labour.
Expert opinion: Many women swear by this theory. Check any pregnancy website, and there are women who openly advocate it. Of course, there are those who say it didn't work for them also. This is not to say do not have sex. If you are physically fit throughout your pregnancy, there is no reason why you should stop. Doctors merely ask couples to be careful about the position they adopt so that it does not cause discomfort to the mother.
Myth no 7: Methods of delivery are hereditary.
Expert opinion: People believe that if a pregnant woman's mother had a Caesarian section, she is likely to have the same. So, if your family has a history of normal deliveries, you are lucky. Dr Patankar says, "Mode of delivery has nothing to do with heredity. It depends on the number of babies conceived, presentation, as well as the position of the baby, the mother's pelvic bone structure and conditions, if any, complicating the pregnancy. Doctors make every effort possible for a normal delivery. Cesarean sections are only performed when absolutely necessary."
Myth no 8: You can't get pregnant as long as you are regularly breastfeeding your baby.
Expert opinion: Tell this to thousands of women who are now with their second child, while the older one is hardly a year of age, or less! Dr Patankar advises, "Always use some contraception to avoid an unwanted pregnancy. Breastfeeding is reliable only upto a certain period, about one-and-a-half months after the delivery. However, a woman can get pregnant even without getting the first menstrual cycle post-delivery, ie in lactational amenorrhea. There are many simple methods available for contraception. Choose the right one for yourself."
Myth no 9: Eating lots of ghee ensures you will have a normal and safe delivery.
Expert opinion: Your mother or mother-in-law probably says, "Ghee provides lubrication, therefore you must have lots of ghee to ensure a normal delivery."
While the medicinal value of ghee cannot be discounted, it is definitely not the elixir it is touted to be in this case. Says Dr Patankar, "No one can a predict normal delivery, not even doctors. Eating a lot of ghee does not ensure normal delivery. A pregnant woman should eat a normal healthy diet, do some form of exercise to keep herself fit and healthy, and should have a positive mindset while going in for the delivery. Even relatives should boost her confidence, and not pressurise her with regard to a normal delivery."
She also adds that Cesarean sections are not something to shy away from. They are only performed to save the life of the baby, and avoid health complications in the mother.
Myth no 10: Avoid using a computer while pregnant; it can harm your baby's development.
Expert opinion: "There is no evidence indicating that computers harm your baby's development. Of course, if you are working and are likely to use the computer for eight to 10 hours a day, you may face problems like backache. But that has no effect on your pregnancy!" says Dr Patankar.
To add to that, we Indians have a special penchant for both speculation and superstition. "Hmmm, your tummy has not gotten that large, so...", "Your face is glowing, you will definitely have a..." -- the list of myths is endless.
We spoke with Dr Leena Patankar of Patankar Nursing Home, Pune, about some of these myths. Here, in random order, are some popular pregnancy beliefs:
Myth no 1: The shape and size of your belly can indicate your baby's gender.
Expert opinion: It is believed that a woman carrying a boy has a low belly, while a woman carrying a girl has a high belly. Some also say that women with small, round bellies are carrying a boy, while those with large bellies are carrying a girl. Gynaecologists like Dr Patankar on the other hand, say that the shape of your belly is determined by the original shape of your abdomen, the amount and distribution of the fat, the strength of the abdominal muscles, the number of babies conceived, the presentation and the position of the baby. In India, it is not legal to determine the sex of your baby beforehand. Hence, myths like these get a lot of attention
Myth no 2: The glow on your face indicates the sex of your baby.
Expert opinion: "Some believe a glow on the face indicates you will deliver a baby girl, while a lack of any glow indicates you will deliver a boy. Most pregnant women start sporting a glowing face during the second trimester. That's when the morning sickness ends, the mother-to-be eats well, blood circulation improves and there is a general feeling of well being. It has nothing to do with the sex of the baby," says Dr Patankar.
Myth no 3: Heartburn indicates that your baby will have lots of hair.
Expert opinion: Dr Patankar says that heartburn is a common pregnancy complaint. It is mainly because of reflux oesophagitis, during which the contents (food particles) of the stomach come back up the food-pipe. Due to the acidic nature of the content, it causes burning, which is commonly known as heartburn. A lot of women who deliver babies with thick hair experience practically no heartburn.
Myth no 4: When you're pregnant, you have to double your food intake, because you're eating for two.
Expert opinion: Dr Patankar pooh-poohs this idea. She says, "During pregnancy dietary demands definitely increase. The nutritional status of the mother is most important, however, as the baby is dependent on her for its supply of proteins, vitamins, and minerals. This does not mean that a pregnant woman should eat for two."
She suggests that a pregnant woman maintain a well-balanced, nutritious diet throughout her pregnancy. "She should eat small meals every two hours rather than two or three bulky portions a day. Eating in excess will only lead to increases in fat deposits," she says.
Myth no 5: Food cravings indicate that you are deficient in the nutrients that the specific food offers.
Expert opinion: "Food cravings are food cravings. They do not indicate anything," says Dr Patankar. "Do not take cravings as an indicator that you are deficient in any nutrient. Your doctor will have more solid methods of finding nutritional deficiencies."
Myth no 6: Sex during pregnancy induces labour.
Expert opinion: Many women swear by this theory. Check any pregnancy website, and there are women who openly advocate it. Of course, there are those who say it didn't work for them also. This is not to say do not have sex. If you are physically fit throughout your pregnancy, there is no reason why you should stop. Doctors merely ask couples to be careful about the position they adopt so that it does not cause discomfort to the mother.
Myth no 7: Methods of delivery are hereditary.
Expert opinion: People believe that if a pregnant woman's mother had a Caesarian section, she is likely to have the same. So, if your family has a history of normal deliveries, you are lucky. Dr Patankar says, "Mode of delivery has nothing to do with heredity. It depends on the number of babies conceived, presentation, as well as the position of the baby, the mother's pelvic bone structure and conditions, if any, complicating the pregnancy. Doctors make every effort possible for a normal delivery. Cesarean sections are only performed when absolutely necessary."
Myth no 8: You can't get pregnant as long as you are regularly breastfeeding your baby.
Expert opinion: Tell this to thousands of women who are now with their second child, while the older one is hardly a year of age, or less! Dr Patankar advises, "Always use some contraception to avoid an unwanted pregnancy. Breastfeeding is reliable only upto a certain period, about one-and-a-half months after the delivery. However, a woman can get pregnant even without getting the first menstrual cycle post-delivery, ie in lactational amenorrhea. There are many simple methods available for contraception. Choose the right one for yourself."
Myth no 9: Eating lots of ghee ensures you will have a normal and safe delivery.
Expert opinion: Your mother or mother-in-law probably says, "Ghee provides lubrication, therefore you must have lots of ghee to ensure a normal delivery."
While the medicinal value of ghee cannot be discounted, it is definitely not the elixir it is touted to be in this case. Says Dr Patankar, "No one can a predict normal delivery, not even doctors. Eating a lot of ghee does not ensure normal delivery. A pregnant woman should eat a normal healthy diet, do some form of exercise to keep herself fit and healthy, and should have a positive mindset while going in for the delivery. Even relatives should boost her confidence, and not pressurise her with regard to a normal delivery."
She also adds that Cesarean sections are not something to shy away from. They are only performed to save the life of the baby, and avoid health complications in the mother.
Myth no 10: Avoid using a computer while pregnant; it can harm your baby's development.
Expert opinion: "There is no evidence indicating that computers harm your baby's development. Of course, if you are working and are likely to use the computer for eight to 10 hours a day, you may face problems like backache. But that has no effect on your pregnancy!" says Dr Patankar.
Some breastfeeding FAQs & its benefits
Holding your baby for the first time, they all say, is a very special moment. But, as a first-time mother, you might find yourself facing some anxious questions about your ability to nurture another human being.
Since the first week of August has been declared as Breastfeeding Awareness Week, we though we'd ask Dr Arun Gupta, from the Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India, some commonly asked questions:
When should I start breastfeeding my child?
Breastfeeding should be started immediately after the baby is born. The naked baby (after he is gently mopped and dried) should be held by the mother, close to her breast, for skin-to-skin contact. It stimulates the smooth flow of milk and keeps the baby warm. It also helps create an emotional bond between the mother and the child.
Why should I start breastfeeding early?
There are four primary reasons:
1. The baby is most active in first 30 to 60 minutes.
2. The sucking reflex is most active at that time.
3. An early start ensures a greater chance of success at breastfeeding. Colostrum, which is the first yellowish secretion from the breast, is full of substances that protect the baby from getting an infection; it's almost like a vaccine.
4. It helps prevent breast swelling and pain and reduces post-delivery bleeding.
Can I breastfeed my baby successfully if I have a Caesarean section?
Yes. This operation does not affect your ability to successfully breastfeed your baby.
You can start breastfeeding four hours after the operation or when you are out of the effect of the anaesthesia.
You can tilt your body to one side in the lying-down position and start feeding, or you can put your baby on your abdomen and feed your child.
All mothers who have Caesarean section deliveries are successful in breastfeeding their babies with assistance for the first few days.
Can I feed my baby in lying down position?
Yes. You can feed your baby in any position comfortable to you and your baby. It may be lying down, sitting or reclining.
Does my baby need additional vitamins?
Usually not. A baby who is exclusively breastfed for first six months does not need tonics or vitamins. If the baby is not exclusively breastfed, then the answer is yes.
My milk looks thin and watery. Is that okay?
Yes. Milk at the start of breastfeed (fore milk) is thin and contains less fat.
Hind milk (which comes near the end of feed) is thicker and full of fats. A baby needs both. Feed the baby in an unrestricted fashion to ensure he receives both fore milk and hind milk.
Should I breastfeed from both the breasts each time I feed my baby?
One breast must be emptied out fully before the second is offered, so that the baby receives both fore milk and hind milk.
When the baby releases one breast, offer the other. If the baby is still hungry, he will feed from the other breast.
The alternate breast should be offered first at each feed.
How long can I continue to breastfeed?
You should breastfeed your baby exclusively for the first six months and continue breastfeeding well upto two years or beyond.
My milk leaks from the breast after feeding the baby. What should I do?
It is a temporary problem and quite normal.
If you notice the milk is leaking, press your elbows firmly against the outer margins of your breasts. This will slow down the flow.
Can I breastfeed my baby even when I am sick?
Yes. You can continue breastfeeding even if you are not well.
Most of the diseases do not affect the baby. Even typhoid, malaria, tuberculosis, jaundice or leprosy don't call for stopping breastfeeding. It is, however, important to speak to your doctor if you have HIV.
Why you should breastfeed your baby
Since World Breastfeeding Week officially commenced yesterday, presented here are a few benefits of breastfeeding your child. As you will soon find out, breast milk is far more than jusy a source of nutrition -- it promotes the health and well-being of both mother and baby:
~ It is best to keep your infant on a strict diet of only breast milk for the first six months of his/ her life, because it protects against gastrointestinal problems -- it is easier to digest and will not cause constipation. It is also known to boost a baby's gastrointestinal immunity.
~ Breastfeeding protects against asthma and ear infections -- this is because it creates a protective layer upon the membranes of a baby's nose and throat.
~ Cows' milk can cause some babies to react with severe allergies. Breastmilk, in contrast, is 100 percent safe.
~ Research has shown that breastfed babies are less likely to suffer from obesity in later age -- this is probably because they can feed for as long as their appetites demand and are less likely to gain excess weight right from the start.
~ Breastfeeding has been linked to the prevention of childhood leukemia, Type 1 diabetes and high blood pressure later in life.
~ Breastfeeding is believed to boost a child's intelligence, in part because of the emotional bonding that takes place between mother and baby, and in part because it contains several fatty acids that contribute to the development of an infant's brain.
~ New mothers who breastfeed are known to shed weight quicker post-pregnancy, than those who do not. It also helps reduce stress and postpartum bleeding.
~ The risk of breast and ovarian cancer is believed to reduce if breastfeeding takes place post-pregnancy -- the longer the period of nursing, the lesser the risk.
~ Breastfeeding is convenient, cost-free (as compared to expensive formula, feeding bottles and other baby paraphernalia required for top feeds) and best of all, helps a mother bond with her child emotionally -- the physical contact is also a source of comfort to infants.
Since the first week of August has been declared as Breastfeeding Awareness Week, we though we'd ask Dr Arun Gupta, from the Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India, some commonly asked questions:
When should I start breastfeeding my child?
Breastfeeding should be started immediately after the baby is born. The naked baby (after he is gently mopped and dried) should be held by the mother, close to her breast, for skin-to-skin contact. It stimulates the smooth flow of milk and keeps the baby warm. It also helps create an emotional bond between the mother and the child.
Why should I start breastfeeding early?
There are four primary reasons:
1. The baby is most active in first 30 to 60 minutes.
2. The sucking reflex is most active at that time.
3. An early start ensures a greater chance of success at breastfeeding. Colostrum, which is the first yellowish secretion from the breast, is full of substances that protect the baby from getting an infection; it's almost like a vaccine.
4. It helps prevent breast swelling and pain and reduces post-delivery bleeding.
Can I breastfeed my baby successfully if I have a Caesarean section?
Yes. This operation does not affect your ability to successfully breastfeed your baby.
You can start breastfeeding four hours after the operation or when you are out of the effect of the anaesthesia.
You can tilt your body to one side in the lying-down position and start feeding, or you can put your baby on your abdomen and feed your child.
All mothers who have Caesarean section deliveries are successful in breastfeeding their babies with assistance for the first few days.
Can I feed my baby in lying down position?
Yes. You can feed your baby in any position comfortable to you and your baby. It may be lying down, sitting or reclining.
Does my baby need additional vitamins?
Usually not. A baby who is exclusively breastfed for first six months does not need tonics or vitamins. If the baby is not exclusively breastfed, then the answer is yes.
My milk looks thin and watery. Is that okay?
Yes. Milk at the start of breastfeed (fore milk) is thin and contains less fat.
Hind milk (which comes near the end of feed) is thicker and full of fats. A baby needs both. Feed the baby in an unrestricted fashion to ensure he receives both fore milk and hind milk.
Should I breastfeed from both the breasts each time I feed my baby?
One breast must be emptied out fully before the second is offered, so that the baby receives both fore milk and hind milk.
When the baby releases one breast, offer the other. If the baby is still hungry, he will feed from the other breast.
The alternate breast should be offered first at each feed.
How long can I continue to breastfeed?
You should breastfeed your baby exclusively for the first six months and continue breastfeeding well upto two years or beyond.
My milk leaks from the breast after feeding the baby. What should I do?
It is a temporary problem and quite normal.
If you notice the milk is leaking, press your elbows firmly against the outer margins of your breasts. This will slow down the flow.
Can I breastfeed my baby even when I am sick?
Yes. You can continue breastfeeding even if you are not well.
Most of the diseases do not affect the baby. Even typhoid, malaria, tuberculosis, jaundice or leprosy don't call for stopping breastfeeding. It is, however, important to speak to your doctor if you have HIV.
Why you should breastfeed your baby
Since World Breastfeeding Week officially commenced yesterday, presented here are a few benefits of breastfeeding your child. As you will soon find out, breast milk is far more than jusy a source of nutrition -- it promotes the health and well-being of both mother and baby:
~ It is best to keep your infant on a strict diet of only breast milk for the first six months of his/ her life, because it protects against gastrointestinal problems -- it is easier to digest and will not cause constipation. It is also known to boost a baby's gastrointestinal immunity.
~ Breastfeeding protects against asthma and ear infections -- this is because it creates a protective layer upon the membranes of a baby's nose and throat.
~ Cows' milk can cause some babies to react with severe allergies. Breastmilk, in contrast, is 100 percent safe.
~ Research has shown that breastfed babies are less likely to suffer from obesity in later age -- this is probably because they can feed for as long as their appetites demand and are less likely to gain excess weight right from the start.
~ Breastfeeding has been linked to the prevention of childhood leukemia, Type 1 diabetes and high blood pressure later in life.
~ Breastfeeding is believed to boost a child's intelligence, in part because of the emotional bonding that takes place between mother and baby, and in part because it contains several fatty acids that contribute to the development of an infant's brain.
~ New mothers who breastfeed are known to shed weight quicker post-pregnancy, than those who do not. It also helps reduce stress and postpartum bleeding.
~ The risk of breast and ovarian cancer is believed to reduce if breastfeeding takes place post-pregnancy -- the longer the period of nursing, the lesser the risk.
~ Breastfeeding is convenient, cost-free (as compared to expensive formula, feeding bottles and other baby paraphernalia required for top feeds) and best of all, helps a mother bond with her child emotionally -- the physical contact is also a source of comfort to infants.
Summer hay fever
Summer hay fever
Summer hay fever, also called seasonal allergic rhino-conjunctivitis, occurs in the spring and summer, and affects the eyes and nose.
What causes it?
Hay fever is caused by breathing in pollen particles and by pollen getting into the eyes. You can get hay fever at any time from early spring to late summer, depending on which pollen or pollens you're allergic to.
The pollens most likely to cause problems in early spring are those from trees such as the silver birch, ash, oak and London plane.
The most profusely pollinating grasses are timothy, rye, cocksfoot, meadow and fescue
Grasses pollinate during mid-summer from May to August. The most profusely pollinating grasses are timothy, rye, cocksfoot, meadow and fescue.
Occasionally, in late summer and autumn, weeds such as nettles and dock as well as mugwort and plantain can trigger hay fever.
The condition tends to occur in atopic allergy-prone families and usually starts in the early teens, with symptoms peaking in the 20s.
What are the symptoms?
The main symptoms of hay fever are:
* Repeated sneezing attacks
* Runny or itchy nose
* Itchy or watery eyes
* Itchy throat, palate and ears
* Loss of concentration
* General feeling of being unwell (hence 'fever')
* If the pollen count is very high, many will also wheeze (so-called hay 'asthma').
What's the treatment?
The most useful treatments for hay fever are:
* Antihistamine tablets and nasal sprays, which if taken regularly help to relieve a runny nose, sneezing, an itchy throat and itchy, watery eyes
* Anti-inflammatory nasal sprays and nose drops, which reduce inflammation in the delicate lining of the nose. These should be taken daily for the best results
* Anti-allergy nasal sprays and eye drops, such as cromoglycate, which act on the linings of the nose and eyes to stop the allergen triggering a reaction
* Decongestant tablets and sprays can help if the nose is blocked and stuffy, but can lead to rebound blocking
Most of these medicines are available over-the-counter, but some are only available on prescription. You may need to try different treatments or find a combination that works best for you.
Steroid nose sprays are very safe and should be used continuously throughout the pollen season
Steroid injections, although effective for symptom control, are discouraged owing to unwanted side effects such as osteoporosis, cataracts and skin thinning. However, steroid nose sprays are very safe and should be used continuously throughout the pollen season for the best results.
Homeopathic and herbal treatments are less effective than conventional therapies. Some experts advocate taking local honey every day for a few months before the pollen season starts to improve symptoms, but no studies have been performed to prove this.
If symptoms remain severe despite medication, you may benefit from desensitisation immunotherapy to grass pollen. This involves being given tablet or injections containing minute amounts of pollen, with the dose being increased gradually over a three-year period to induce immune tolerance and cure the allergy.
Sublingual grass pollen immunotherapy for timothy grass allergy is available in the UK - ask your GP for details. No silver birch or tree pollen immunotherapy is currently available.
Can it be prevented?
If you have hay fever, there are steps you can take to avoid exposing yourself to pollen:
* Keep an eye on the pollen count (often included in weather reports) and stay inside as much as possible when it's high
* Wear wrap-around sunglasses to stop pollen getting in your eyes
* Saline douches or a little Vaseline applied inside the nose will reduce symptoms
* Keep car windows closed and switch on the air conditioning to prevent pollen entering the car
* Keep bedroom doors and windows closed in mid-morning and early evening when pollen levels peak
* Avoid areas such as parks or fields, particularly in the early evening when there's a lot of pollen floating at nose level
* Get someone else to mow the lawn and don't lie on freshly cut grass
You may be able to find out what you're allergic to by having allergy tests. You can then take practical steps to avoid that particular pollen.
Oral allergy syndrome
Some people with hay fever develop oral allergies to certain fruits, vegetables and nuts. This is also called pollen-food or oral allergy syndrome (OAS).
People with OAS typically develop hay fever in early spring and notice itching and swelling of the mouth and throat when they eat fresh fruit and vegetables. This is due to the food containing a protein similar to the allergy-provoking protein in the pollen.
The hay fever usually first appears in the teens, with oral allergies developing in the 20s. It doesn't usually progress beyond oral irritation.
Those who are allergic to silver birch pollen develop oral allergies to apples, peaches, cherries, carrots, celery, hazelnuts, peanuts and walnuts. People allergic to grass pollen may develop oral allergies to tomato, melon and watermelon.
Mugwort pollen allergy cross-reacts with apple, celery and carrot. Ragweed pollen allergy cross-reacts with bananas, melon and honey.
People don't react to cooked or canned foods because this alters the allergen, rendering it less able to provoke an allergy.
Summer hay fever, also called seasonal allergic rhino-conjunctivitis, occurs in the spring and summer, and affects the eyes and nose.
What causes it?
Hay fever is caused by breathing in pollen particles and by pollen getting into the eyes. You can get hay fever at any time from early spring to late summer, depending on which pollen or pollens you're allergic to.
The pollens most likely to cause problems in early spring are those from trees such as the silver birch, ash, oak and London plane.
The most profusely pollinating grasses are timothy, rye, cocksfoot, meadow and fescue
Grasses pollinate during mid-summer from May to August. The most profusely pollinating grasses are timothy, rye, cocksfoot, meadow and fescue.
Occasionally, in late summer and autumn, weeds such as nettles and dock as well as mugwort and plantain can trigger hay fever.
The condition tends to occur in atopic allergy-prone families and usually starts in the early teens, with symptoms peaking in the 20s.
What are the symptoms?
The main symptoms of hay fever are:
* Repeated sneezing attacks
* Runny or itchy nose
* Itchy or watery eyes
* Itchy throat, palate and ears
* Loss of concentration
* General feeling of being unwell (hence 'fever')
* If the pollen count is very high, many will also wheeze (so-called hay 'asthma').
What's the treatment?
The most useful treatments for hay fever are:
* Antihistamine tablets and nasal sprays, which if taken regularly help to relieve a runny nose, sneezing, an itchy throat and itchy, watery eyes
* Anti-inflammatory nasal sprays and nose drops, which reduce inflammation in the delicate lining of the nose. These should be taken daily for the best results
* Anti-allergy nasal sprays and eye drops, such as cromoglycate, which act on the linings of the nose and eyes to stop the allergen triggering a reaction
* Decongestant tablets and sprays can help if the nose is blocked and stuffy, but can lead to rebound blocking
Most of these medicines are available over-the-counter, but some are only available on prescription. You may need to try different treatments or find a combination that works best for you.
Steroid nose sprays are very safe and should be used continuously throughout the pollen season
Steroid injections, although effective for symptom control, are discouraged owing to unwanted side effects such as osteoporosis, cataracts and skin thinning. However, steroid nose sprays are very safe and should be used continuously throughout the pollen season for the best results.
Homeopathic and herbal treatments are less effective than conventional therapies. Some experts advocate taking local honey every day for a few months before the pollen season starts to improve symptoms, but no studies have been performed to prove this.
If symptoms remain severe despite medication, you may benefit from desensitisation immunotherapy to grass pollen. This involves being given tablet or injections containing minute amounts of pollen, with the dose being increased gradually over a three-year period to induce immune tolerance and cure the allergy.
Sublingual grass pollen immunotherapy for timothy grass allergy is available in the UK - ask your GP for details. No silver birch or tree pollen immunotherapy is currently available.
Can it be prevented?
If you have hay fever, there are steps you can take to avoid exposing yourself to pollen:
* Keep an eye on the pollen count (often included in weather reports) and stay inside as much as possible when it's high
* Wear wrap-around sunglasses to stop pollen getting in your eyes
* Saline douches or a little Vaseline applied inside the nose will reduce symptoms
* Keep car windows closed and switch on the air conditioning to prevent pollen entering the car
* Keep bedroom doors and windows closed in mid-morning and early evening when pollen levels peak
* Avoid areas such as parks or fields, particularly in the early evening when there's a lot of pollen floating at nose level
* Get someone else to mow the lawn and don't lie on freshly cut grass
You may be able to find out what you're allergic to by having allergy tests. You can then take practical steps to avoid that particular pollen.
Oral allergy syndrome
Some people with hay fever develop oral allergies to certain fruits, vegetables and nuts. This is also called pollen-food or oral allergy syndrome (OAS).
People with OAS typically develop hay fever in early spring and notice itching and swelling of the mouth and throat when they eat fresh fruit and vegetables. This is due to the food containing a protein similar to the allergy-provoking protein in the pollen.
The hay fever usually first appears in the teens, with oral allergies developing in the 20s. It doesn't usually progress beyond oral irritation.
Those who are allergic to silver birch pollen develop oral allergies to apples, peaches, cherries, carrots, celery, hazelnuts, peanuts and walnuts. People allergic to grass pollen may develop oral allergies to tomato, melon and watermelon.
Mugwort pollen allergy cross-reacts with apple, celery and carrot. Ragweed pollen allergy cross-reacts with bananas, melon and honey.
People don't react to cooked or canned foods because this alters the allergen, rendering it less able to provoke an allergy.
Lecucoderma - ‘ white skin’
Vitiligo or Leucoderma is an acquired depigmentation of the skin, which is extremely common with a worldwide prevalence. Both sexes are affected equally. Lecucoderma, also known as vitiligo, is a distressing skin condition. The word Lecucoderma means ‘ white skin’. There is a gradual loss of pigment melanin from the skin layers which results in white patches. These patches look ugly, especially in persons with dark complexions. Lecucoderma can occur at any age in either sex in normal skin.
Leucoderma / Vitiligo conditions has considerable psycho-social importance. Genetic redisposition is present. No age is exempt. The disease frequently startsin children and young adults. Leucoderma is a fairly common disorder and it affects one per cent or more of the world’s population. The incidence is a little higher in India. Lecucoderma is, however, more common in women than men. The most affected areas are the hands, the neck, the back and the wrist in that order.
Leucoderma, also known as vitiligo, is a distressing skin condition. The word literally means white skin. There is a gradual loss of pigment melanin from the skin layer which results in white patches. These patches look ugly, especially in persons with a dark complexion.
The attraction in colour is the reason for huge sales of fairness creams. But the whiteness offered by skin disease - leucoderma - is often depressing for all the sufferers. As such it is hardly a disease of medical significance but more of a social stigma attached to it because of cosmetic reasons. The condition does not cause any organic harm. It , however, brings about great psychological tension to the patient who is more embarassed than the victim of any pain or discomfort. Patches can be caused because of a number of reasons, the most common among them being worms and calcium deficiency. These patches gradually increase in size & cause lot of psychological stress in the patient. It is an auto-immune condition and may have a genetic predisposition.
This disease is caused neither by any germs, nor is it due to bad blood. It is considered to be neither infectious nor contagious. It is present in the basal layer of the epidermis and the first layer of the dermis, i.e. melanin is present in two layers. The disorder can occur at any age in either sex in normal skin. It is, however, more common in women than men. The most affected areas are the hands, the neck, the back and the wrist in that order. Leucoderma does not cause any health problems - it is not contagious or dangerous at all. It is only a cosmetic problem. Moreover, it is just as important to remember that every white patch is not leucoderma. Patches can be caused because of a number of reasons, the most common among them being worms and calcium deficiency. In majority of the cases, medical therapy only achieves stabilization of the vitiligo patch but fails to cause repigmentation. If a patient of leucoderma is found to be suffering from digestive disorders, they should be treated first. When leucoderma occurs without any preceding disease it is called vitiligo . Sometimes it follows burns and injuries.
Causes of Leucoderma
The comman causes of Leucoderma include the following:
* The main causes of leucoderma are excessive mental worry.
* Chronic or acute gastric disorder.
* Impaired hepatic function such as jaundice, worms or other parasites in the alimentary canal.
* Other precipitating factors have been identified as due to pressure of tight clothes or certain occupational hazards such as wearing certain rubber hand gloves Use of Bindi etc.
* It is neurogenic in origin, a humeral substance originating from the nerve endings destroying the melanocytes.
* Ayurveda maintains that leucoderma is caused by some morbidity of the liver which results in a deficiency of pitta.
* Heredity is also a well-recognized causative factor.
Symptoms of Leucoderma
Some sign and symptoms related to Leucoderma are as follows:
* The problems usually start with a small white spot, which later develops into patches.
* Alopecia (Loss of hair).
* Premature graying of hair.
* The whiteness usually starts as a small discoloured white or pale or brown spot which spreads and becomes whiter day by day and becomes milky white in the course of time.
* General weakness and lassitude.
* Sensitivity to cold.
* Hair on the spot will also become white.
* In some cases, most of the skin of the body may be covered with white patches.
Treatment of Leucoderma
Here is list of the methods for treating Leucoderma:
* In nature cure, the treatment of leudoderma consists of adoption of constitutional measures to cleanse the system of accumulated toxins.
* Psoralen Photochemotherapy.
* As far as possible avoid consuming citrus fruits, tamarind, fish, lobsters, crabs and prawns.
* Applying Coloured Dyes, Silver Nitrate etc . Latest being permanent Colouring.
* Topical Psoralen Photochemotherapy.
* Autologous Melanocyte Transplants.
* Allopathy - Commonest drug used is Psoralen , Melanocyl etc to be use locally followed by sun exposure.
* In few cases oral Antioxidants are also being used.
Leucoderma / Vitiligo conditions has considerable psycho-social importance. Genetic redisposition is present. No age is exempt. The disease frequently startsin children and young adults. Leucoderma is a fairly common disorder and it affects one per cent or more of the world’s population. The incidence is a little higher in India. Lecucoderma is, however, more common in women than men. The most affected areas are the hands, the neck, the back and the wrist in that order.
Leucoderma, also known as vitiligo, is a distressing skin condition. The word literally means white skin. There is a gradual loss of pigment melanin from the skin layer which results in white patches. These patches look ugly, especially in persons with a dark complexion.
The attraction in colour is the reason for huge sales of fairness creams. But the whiteness offered by skin disease - leucoderma - is often depressing for all the sufferers. As such it is hardly a disease of medical significance but more of a social stigma attached to it because of cosmetic reasons. The condition does not cause any organic harm. It , however, brings about great psychological tension to the patient who is more embarassed than the victim of any pain or discomfort. Patches can be caused because of a number of reasons, the most common among them being worms and calcium deficiency. These patches gradually increase in size & cause lot of psychological stress in the patient. It is an auto-immune condition and may have a genetic predisposition.
This disease is caused neither by any germs, nor is it due to bad blood. It is considered to be neither infectious nor contagious. It is present in the basal layer of the epidermis and the first layer of the dermis, i.e. melanin is present in two layers. The disorder can occur at any age in either sex in normal skin. It is, however, more common in women than men. The most affected areas are the hands, the neck, the back and the wrist in that order. Leucoderma does not cause any health problems - it is not contagious or dangerous at all. It is only a cosmetic problem. Moreover, it is just as important to remember that every white patch is not leucoderma. Patches can be caused because of a number of reasons, the most common among them being worms and calcium deficiency. In majority of the cases, medical therapy only achieves stabilization of the vitiligo patch but fails to cause repigmentation. If a patient of leucoderma is found to be suffering from digestive disorders, they should be treated first. When leucoderma occurs without any preceding disease it is called vitiligo . Sometimes it follows burns and injuries.
Causes of Leucoderma
The comman causes of Leucoderma include the following:
* The main causes of leucoderma are excessive mental worry.
* Chronic or acute gastric disorder.
* Impaired hepatic function such as jaundice, worms or other parasites in the alimentary canal.
* Other precipitating factors have been identified as due to pressure of tight clothes or certain occupational hazards such as wearing certain rubber hand gloves Use of Bindi etc.
* It is neurogenic in origin, a humeral substance originating from the nerve endings destroying the melanocytes.
* Ayurveda maintains that leucoderma is caused by some morbidity of the liver which results in a deficiency of pitta.
* Heredity is also a well-recognized causative factor.
Symptoms of Leucoderma
Some sign and symptoms related to Leucoderma are as follows:
* The problems usually start with a small white spot, which later develops into patches.
* Alopecia (Loss of hair).
* Premature graying of hair.
* The whiteness usually starts as a small discoloured white or pale or brown spot which spreads and becomes whiter day by day and becomes milky white in the course of time.
* General weakness and lassitude.
* Sensitivity to cold.
* Hair on the spot will also become white.
* In some cases, most of the skin of the body may be covered with white patches.
Treatment of Leucoderma
Here is list of the methods for treating Leucoderma:
* In nature cure, the treatment of leudoderma consists of adoption of constitutional measures to cleanse the system of accumulated toxins.
* Psoralen Photochemotherapy.
* As far as possible avoid consuming citrus fruits, tamarind, fish, lobsters, crabs and prawns.
* Applying Coloured Dyes, Silver Nitrate etc . Latest being permanent Colouring.
* Topical Psoralen Photochemotherapy.
* Autologous Melanocyte Transplants.
* Allopathy - Commonest drug used is Psoralen , Melanocyl etc to be use locally followed by sun exposure.
* In few cases oral Antioxidants are also being used.
Venom allergies
Venom allergies
Allergic reactions to stinging insects are becoming more common. The number of hospitalisations and deaths from wasp, bee and hornet stings is rising.
What causes them?
An initial sting by a wasp or honeybee causes a person to become sensitised. It may take up to six weeks for someone to become fully reactive. This means their first sting may have no ill effects, but subsequent stings are likely to cause an allergic reaction.
An enzyme in sting venom provokes the allergic reaction. Wasps can inflict multiple stings, while a bee leaves its stinger in the skin and dies immediately.
What are the symptoms?
Most stings induce localised pain and swelling due to a toxic non-allergic reaction from the venom. The victim then recovers with no special treatment.
Mild allergic sting reactions present with redness and pain over a large area of skin. More generalised reactions with swelling, urticaria (hives) and redness spanning two joints may also occur.
In more severe reactions, there may be whole-body hives and swelling, with breathing difficulties, a 'feeling of dread' and generalised anaphylaxis with low blood pressure and shock.
Venom allergic reactions usually occur within ten minutes of the sting
Venom allergic reactions usually occur within ten minutes of the sting. Life-threatening reactions may occur in highly allergic individuals, older people and those with heart and respiratory diseases, especially if someone experiences multiple stings.
Stings on the face and neck may react worse than stings on a finger or toe. Bee keepers and gardeners are high-risk groups for bee sting anaphylaxis.
The longer the time between stings, the less likely it is a severe reaction will occur. Young children are more likely than adults to outgrow insect sting allergies.
What's the treatment?
Mild reactions require no more than antihistamine medication. More severe reactions and anaphylaxis require resuscitation with adrenaline by injection, antihistamines, steroids and intravenous fluids.
All wasp and bee allergic people should wear a MedicAlert bracelet and carry an adrenaline auto-injector.
Never exercise or take a hot bath after a sting as this may accentuate the reaction.
If someone you're with is stung and has an anaphylactic reaction, immediately call for help. If trained in resuscitation, maintain their airway and circulation and inject adrenaline, if available, into the thigh muscle.
How are they diagnosed?
Skin-prick testing using venom extracts, and specific venom RAST blood tests can be used to diagnose allergy to wasp and bee venom.
Unfortunately, these tests aren't as accurate as those for inhalant allergies. About ten per cent of people with a history of venom anaphylaxis have negative blood and skin tests.
Can venom allergies be prevented?
In summer, avoid areas frequented by wasps, particularly picnic sites, bins and areas where food is consumed outdoors. Don't drink sugary drinks outdoors and beware of wasps crawling into soft drink cans.
Never walk barefoot on grass in summer and don't wear bright clothes, which attract wasps.
If a bee or wasp approaches, don't panic or swat at the insect. Wait quietly for it to go away or walk away slowly.
Insect allergic people release a pheromone chemical odour from their skin, which seems to attract wasps and bees, so they tend to get stung repeatedly.
Wasp and bee venom desensitisation immunotherapy by injection is available and highly effective.
The injections are given over a five-year period and usually lead to complete resolution of the allergy with long-term protection. It should only be undertaken in specialist allergy clinics, as severe reactions are possible.
Allergic reactions to stinging insects are becoming more common. The number of hospitalisations and deaths from wasp, bee and hornet stings is rising.
What causes them?
An initial sting by a wasp or honeybee causes a person to become sensitised. It may take up to six weeks for someone to become fully reactive. This means their first sting may have no ill effects, but subsequent stings are likely to cause an allergic reaction.
An enzyme in sting venom provokes the allergic reaction. Wasps can inflict multiple stings, while a bee leaves its stinger in the skin and dies immediately.
What are the symptoms?
Most stings induce localised pain and swelling due to a toxic non-allergic reaction from the venom. The victim then recovers with no special treatment.
Mild allergic sting reactions present with redness and pain over a large area of skin. More generalised reactions with swelling, urticaria (hives) and redness spanning two joints may also occur.
In more severe reactions, there may be whole-body hives and swelling, with breathing difficulties, a 'feeling of dread' and generalised anaphylaxis with low blood pressure and shock.
Venom allergic reactions usually occur within ten minutes of the sting
Venom allergic reactions usually occur within ten minutes of the sting. Life-threatening reactions may occur in highly allergic individuals, older people and those with heart and respiratory diseases, especially if someone experiences multiple stings.
Stings on the face and neck may react worse than stings on a finger or toe. Bee keepers and gardeners are high-risk groups for bee sting anaphylaxis.
The longer the time between stings, the less likely it is a severe reaction will occur. Young children are more likely than adults to outgrow insect sting allergies.
What's the treatment?
Mild reactions require no more than antihistamine medication. More severe reactions and anaphylaxis require resuscitation with adrenaline by injection, antihistamines, steroids and intravenous fluids.
All wasp and bee allergic people should wear a MedicAlert bracelet and carry an adrenaline auto-injector.
Never exercise or take a hot bath after a sting as this may accentuate the reaction.
If someone you're with is stung and has an anaphylactic reaction, immediately call for help. If trained in resuscitation, maintain their airway and circulation and inject adrenaline, if available, into the thigh muscle.
How are they diagnosed?
Skin-prick testing using venom extracts, and specific venom RAST blood tests can be used to diagnose allergy to wasp and bee venom.
Unfortunately, these tests aren't as accurate as those for inhalant allergies. About ten per cent of people with a history of venom anaphylaxis have negative blood and skin tests.
Can venom allergies be prevented?
In summer, avoid areas frequented by wasps, particularly picnic sites, bins and areas where food is consumed outdoors. Don't drink sugary drinks outdoors and beware of wasps crawling into soft drink cans.
Never walk barefoot on grass in summer and don't wear bright clothes, which attract wasps.
If a bee or wasp approaches, don't panic or swat at the insect. Wait quietly for it to go away or walk away slowly.
Insect allergic people release a pheromone chemical odour from their skin, which seems to attract wasps and bees, so they tend to get stung repeatedly.
Wasp and bee venom desensitisation immunotherapy by injection is available and highly effective.
The injections are given over a five-year period and usually lead to complete resolution of the allergy with long-term protection. It should only be undertaken in specialist allergy clinics, as severe reactions are possible.
Dandruf - Causes & symptoms
DANDRUF is a very common problem indeed, that of flakes falling from the scalp every time a person combshis/her hair or rubs the head. Dandruf is caused by a commonyeast cell pityresporen ovale which causes an inflammation of the scalp, making it shed flakes. Dandruff is a very common sclap problem. A morbid condition of the sclap is the emergene of dandruf which is caused by the excessive secretion of the sebaceous glands. Dandruf is infectious and personal articles like comb, towel, etc. of the patient should not be used by others.
Dandruff is a bothersome problem sometimes thought to be associated with inefficient hair care. It is a mysterious ailment. It occurs when the scalp sheds dead epidermal (skin) cells in large clumps. Everyone loses skin cells in this way, but with dandruff the whole process is faster, so a greater number of cells are shed. It usually gets worse during the fall and winter and improves in the summer. While it is caused by build up of dead skin, in many more severe cases a yeast-like germ aggravates it. It is very common.
It is an itchy, annoying and persistent skin disorder of the scalp. Dandruff scales appear dry, white or grayish, appearing as small, unsightly patches, especially on top of the head. It is a form of skin inflammation (dermatitis) which has no known cause. This condition can appear at any time from infancy to old age, and can come and go more or less at random. It is a natural and harmless scalp condition in which the shedding of dead skin cells occurs at an unusually fast rate.
In a normal scalp, the process of sloughing off old cells and manufacturing of their replacements is very orderly and complete. Seborrheic dermatitis is different than dandruff. If you have dandruff, the process of skin renewal (or skin turnover) speeds up to twice the normal rate, so a greater number of dead cells are shed. Dandruff is usually due to the overworking of the sebaceous glands. These glands produce oil and help shed dead skin. Dandruff usually limits itself to the scalp and is characterized by scaling without redness, while seborrheic dermatitis has both redness and scaling. With dandruff, this whole process of skin renewal (or skin turnover) speeds up, so a greater number of dead cells are being shed. It can occur at any age, but is most likely in the early 20s. Mild cases of dandruff may need nothing more than daily shampooing with a gentle cleanser. And stubborn flakes often respond to medicated shampoos. Most cases of dandruff can be treated with specialized shampoos or common household remedies.
Symptoms of Dandruff
Some sign and symptoms related to Dandruff are as follows:
* Skin affected by seborrhoeic dermatitis is usually red and greasy with a white or yellowish flaky scale.
* Cradle cap (seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp).
* There is sometimes itching or soreness and the scalp can feel tight.
* Scalp ringworm (tinea capitis): This highly contagious fungal infection occurs primarily in children younger than age 10.
* Psoriasis. This skin disorder causes an accumulation of dead skin cells that form thick silvery scales.
* A yellow or red scaly rash along the hairline, behind the ears, in the ear canal, on the eyebrows, around the nose, and/or on the chest
* Your scalp can be either excessively dry or oily.
Treatment of Dandruff
Here is list of the methods for treating Dandruff:
* Anti-dandruff shampoos containing the antimicrobials selenium sulphide (eg Selsun ) or zinc pyrithione are helpful for mild dandruff.
* Shampoos with coal tar (some brand names: DHS Tar, Neutrogena T/Gel, Polytar) may be used 3 times a week.
* Corticosteroid cream or lotion.
* Mix 8 tbsp. peanut oil with the juice of half a lemon. Rub the mixture into your hair, leave on for 10 minutes and then wash as usual.
* Antifungal shampoo containing ketoconazole (eg Nizoral dandruff shampoo ) provides a mild, yet effective treatment for dandruff.
* If the shampoo alone doesn't help, your doctor might want you to use a prescription steroid lotion once or twice daily, in addition to the shampoo.
* Tar shampoos such as Tarsum will help to control dandruff.
What causes dandruf ?
Dandruf is caused by micro-organism called pityrosporum-ovle which are present in every body's scalp. Symptoms of dandruf get aggravated when exposed to dust, UV light, harsh chemical based shampoo, hair dyes etc., this results in increase in number of microbes which causes unhealthy residue over the scalp which leads to dandruff, which is the cause of unhealthy, lifeless hair and may result in excessive loss of hair too. Followings are also responsible for dandruf:-
1. Heredity
2. Lack of proper Diet
3. Environment
4. Dry or Greasy Scalp is etc.
5. Stress, anxiety and tension.
6. Infrequent shampooing of the hair or inadequate rinsing.
7. Improper use of hair-coloring products or excessive use of electric hair curlers.
Can Dandruf Lead to Baldness?
Dandruf can lead to other problems, like acne or a rashy skin, and can even trigger off hair loss. In severe cases of dandruf, for which the medical term is seborrheic dermatitis or seborrhea, some hair follicles could be damaged or destroyed. But there is no evidence in the medical journals that baldness is caused by ordinary dandruff. Dandruf and baldness often occur together though. Many people assume from this that one is caused by the other. It's a false assumption.
Home remedies for Dandruf Cure and Treatment:
1. Oil your hair with pure warm coconut oil and apply juice of half a lemon onto the scalp.
2. Massage the scalp with almond oil and steam bathe your hair. Steam bath is taken by dipping the towel in boiling water and wrapping it around the hair, like a turban. Do not let the corners of your towel be wet, so that you can hold them. When your towel gets cold, repeat it thrice or four times. Steaming opens the scalp pores and increases the capacity of the hair to absorb oil at its roots.
3. You can also take a spoonful lemon juice, mix it with two spoonfuls vinegar and massage on the scalp. Wash your hair with an egg shampoo.
4. Take on part almond oil, and pure sulphur in same quantity, mix and add 'surgical spirit' in the quantity equal to the above two. Put four parts distilled water or rose water and rub on the scalp. An Effective home remedy for dandruf.
5. Mix a spoonful of lemon juice with two spoonfuls of vinegar and massage on the scalp. Wash your hair with an egg shampoo after this. Your hair will be dandruf free.
Dandruff is a bothersome problem sometimes thought to be associated with inefficient hair care. It is a mysterious ailment. It occurs when the scalp sheds dead epidermal (skin) cells in large clumps. Everyone loses skin cells in this way, but with dandruff the whole process is faster, so a greater number of cells are shed. It usually gets worse during the fall and winter and improves in the summer. While it is caused by build up of dead skin, in many more severe cases a yeast-like germ aggravates it. It is very common.
It is an itchy, annoying and persistent skin disorder of the scalp. Dandruff scales appear dry, white or grayish, appearing as small, unsightly patches, especially on top of the head. It is a form of skin inflammation (dermatitis) which has no known cause. This condition can appear at any time from infancy to old age, and can come and go more or less at random. It is a natural and harmless scalp condition in which the shedding of dead skin cells occurs at an unusually fast rate.
In a normal scalp, the process of sloughing off old cells and manufacturing of their replacements is very orderly and complete. Seborrheic dermatitis is different than dandruff. If you have dandruff, the process of skin renewal (or skin turnover) speeds up to twice the normal rate, so a greater number of dead cells are shed. Dandruff is usually due to the overworking of the sebaceous glands. These glands produce oil and help shed dead skin. Dandruff usually limits itself to the scalp and is characterized by scaling without redness, while seborrheic dermatitis has both redness and scaling. With dandruff, this whole process of skin renewal (or skin turnover) speeds up, so a greater number of dead cells are being shed. It can occur at any age, but is most likely in the early 20s. Mild cases of dandruff may need nothing more than daily shampooing with a gentle cleanser. And stubborn flakes often respond to medicated shampoos. Most cases of dandruff can be treated with specialized shampoos or common household remedies.
Symptoms of Dandruff
Some sign and symptoms related to Dandruff are as follows:
* Skin affected by seborrhoeic dermatitis is usually red and greasy with a white or yellowish flaky scale.
* Cradle cap (seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp).
* There is sometimes itching or soreness and the scalp can feel tight.
* Scalp ringworm (tinea capitis): This highly contagious fungal infection occurs primarily in children younger than age 10.
* Psoriasis. This skin disorder causes an accumulation of dead skin cells that form thick silvery scales.
* A yellow or red scaly rash along the hairline, behind the ears, in the ear canal, on the eyebrows, around the nose, and/or on the chest
* Your scalp can be either excessively dry or oily.
Treatment of Dandruff
Here is list of the methods for treating Dandruff:
* Anti-dandruff shampoos containing the antimicrobials selenium sulphide (eg Selsun ) or zinc pyrithione are helpful for mild dandruff.
* Shampoos with coal tar (some brand names: DHS Tar, Neutrogena T/Gel, Polytar) may be used 3 times a week.
* Corticosteroid cream or lotion.
* Mix 8 tbsp. peanut oil with the juice of half a lemon. Rub the mixture into your hair, leave on for 10 minutes and then wash as usual.
* Antifungal shampoo containing ketoconazole (eg Nizoral dandruff shampoo ) provides a mild, yet effective treatment for dandruff.
* If the shampoo alone doesn't help, your doctor might want you to use a prescription steroid lotion once or twice daily, in addition to the shampoo.
* Tar shampoos such as Tarsum will help to control dandruff.
What causes dandruf ?
Dandruf is caused by micro-organism called pityrosporum-ovle which are present in every body's scalp. Symptoms of dandruf get aggravated when exposed to dust, UV light, harsh chemical based shampoo, hair dyes etc., this results in increase in number of microbes which causes unhealthy residue over the scalp which leads to dandruff, which is the cause of unhealthy, lifeless hair and may result in excessive loss of hair too. Followings are also responsible for dandruf:-
1. Heredity
2. Lack of proper Diet
3. Environment
4. Dry or Greasy Scalp is etc.
5. Stress, anxiety and tension.
6. Infrequent shampooing of the hair or inadequate rinsing.
7. Improper use of hair-coloring products or excessive use of electric hair curlers.
Can Dandruf Lead to Baldness?
Dandruf can lead to other problems, like acne or a rashy skin, and can even trigger off hair loss. In severe cases of dandruf, for which the medical term is seborrheic dermatitis or seborrhea, some hair follicles could be damaged or destroyed. But there is no evidence in the medical journals that baldness is caused by ordinary dandruff. Dandruf and baldness often occur together though. Many people assume from this that one is caused by the other. It's a false assumption.
Home remedies for Dandruf Cure and Treatment:
1. Oil your hair with pure warm coconut oil and apply juice of half a lemon onto the scalp.
2. Massage the scalp with almond oil and steam bathe your hair. Steam bath is taken by dipping the towel in boiling water and wrapping it around the hair, like a turban. Do not let the corners of your towel be wet, so that you can hold them. When your towel gets cold, repeat it thrice or four times. Steaming opens the scalp pores and increases the capacity of the hair to absorb oil at its roots.
3. You can also take a spoonful lemon juice, mix it with two spoonfuls vinegar and massage on the scalp. Wash your hair with an egg shampoo.
4. Take on part almond oil, and pure sulphur in same quantity, mix and add 'surgical spirit' in the quantity equal to the above two. Put four parts distilled water or rose water and rub on the scalp. An Effective home remedy for dandruf.
5. Mix a spoonful of lemon juice with two spoonfuls of vinegar and massage on the scalp. Wash your hair with an egg shampoo after this. Your hair will be dandruf free.
FAQ on eating disorders in adults
Eating disorders are often thought of as a problem of troubled teens or young women in college. But that's far from the only truth. Adults — even older adults — also can have eating disorders, whether it's anorexia, bulimia, binge-eating disorder or a nonspecific eating disorder.
Donald McAlpine, M.D., a psychiatrist and the director of the adult outpatient eating disorders services at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., treats people with eating disorders. Here, he discusses how eating disorders affect adult women.
The typical image of someone with an eating disorder is an adolescent girl or a young woman. But can adult women have eating disorders, too?
It's true that eating disorders usually affect younger women, peaking in the late teens or early 20s. However, eating disorders also affect woman in their 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond.
These women typically fall into three categories:
* Women who have secretly struggled with an eating disorder their entire life without seeking treatment
* Women who were treated for eating disorders when they were younger and develop a recurrence when they get older
* Women who first develop an eating disorder as an adult
Are women more likely to have an eating disorder as an adult if they had one as a teen or young woman?
Most women who receive appropriate treatment get well enough that they no longer meet the criteria for being diagnosed with an eating disorder. However, many women will continue to have some degree of lingering signs or symptoms of an eating disorder that can flare up under stress. These may include bingeing and purging, such as vomiting, or renewed efforts to restrict eating with significant weight loss.
Are the characteristics of eating disorders different for women in their 30s and beyond?
There are several differences in eating disorders depending on age, including:
* Common triggers. Young women with bulimia nervosa are often driven by excessive concern with weight, shape and body image. Older women, on the other hand, may be driven to binge and purge to cope with unpleasant mood stages. Of course, women at any age can struggle with poor body image, even women in their 60s and 70s. Eating disorders in women in their 40s and beyond are often triggered by such life events as the death of a loved one, divorce, remarriage, traumatic illness or signs of aging.
* Denial. Denial is very common in younger women with anorexia nervosa but seems to be less common in older women. Older women may more readily acknowledge that an eating disorder is harming their life and seek help. Older women who are worn down by years of symptoms may also be more motivated to seek help. Motivation for change often leads to a more successful outcome in treating the illness.
* Identity and coping. Years of daily eating disorder symptoms can become deeply engrained. Women who have had symptoms for years may ironically find it difficult to live without this eating disorder identity or coping style, as uncomfortable or emotionally painful as it may be.
* Health effects. Eating disorders have dangerous health effects at any age. But older women — those in their 60s and beyond — are especially at risk. In fact, most people who die of the effects of anorexia are older than age 65 — not young girls. Older women with a long history of eating disorders may have developed much more serious health problems. In addition, they may have other health conditions that make them more vulnerable to problems from eating disorders.
How does the treatment for eating disorders of older women differ from that of younger women?
It's common for older women to tell me that when they were younger — and still in denial about their illness — that they bluffed their way through treatment. They would return to eating disorder behaviors as soon as they were done with treatment because they never truly were that motivated to overcome their eating disorder. Now older and wiser, these women may do better with treatment because they no longer have that youthful sense of immortality and they're more aware of the consequences of their disease, such as osteoporosis. For these reasons, they're often more motivated to overcome their eating disorder.
We still have a long way to go, but treatment programs have progressed substantially in the last two decades. Cognitive behavior therapy for eating disorders — focusing on self-monitoring, homework assignments and goal setting — was in its infancy in the early 1980s. Women treated for eating disorders in midlife may find that the treatment they had 20 years ago offers much greater benefit to them now. And since their initial treatment, new medications have been approved for eating disorders.
Women discouraged by unsuccessful treatment when they were younger should seek help again. Much more is now known about eating disorders and their treatment.
How likely is it that if a mother has an eating disorder, her daughter also will? What can parents do about this?
Parental attitude about food and their values about what constitutes a healthy weight definitely have an impact on children. It's not uncommon for mothers with eating disorders to seek help because they don't want to pass on their unhealthy attitudes about eating to their children, who also can mimic disordered eating behaviors.
As a parent, be on the lookout for warning signs of eating disorders in your children, which may include:
* Excessive weight loss
* Excessive exercise
* Skipping meals
* Being extremely fussy about food
* Frequent trips to the bathroom after meals
* Laxative use
Also, watch for extreme concern about shape, weight and body image. And listen to what your children are saying about issues related to food, body image, dieting and exercise. That can provide important clues about whether their own attitudes are healthy or not.
What about adult men? Don't they get eating disorders too?
Yes, males of all ages, whether adolescents or older adults, can have eating disorders, just like women of all ages. Adult men with eating disorders often have a history of being obese. They also may be striving for a more athletic or muscular build, sometimes known as reverse anorexia because they want to build broader shoulders and arms. Men are less likely than are women to engage in vomiting as a way to purge, and instead may turn more often to compulsive exercise, weight-loss supplements or weight-enhancing supplements. Like women, they also can benefit greatly with appropriate treatment.
Donald McAlpine, M.D., a psychiatrist and the director of the adult outpatient eating disorders services at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., treats people with eating disorders. Here, he discusses how eating disorders affect adult women.
The typical image of someone with an eating disorder is an adolescent girl or a young woman. But can adult women have eating disorders, too?
It's true that eating disorders usually affect younger women, peaking in the late teens or early 20s. However, eating disorders also affect woman in their 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond.
These women typically fall into three categories:
* Women who have secretly struggled with an eating disorder their entire life without seeking treatment
* Women who were treated for eating disorders when they were younger and develop a recurrence when they get older
* Women who first develop an eating disorder as an adult
Are women more likely to have an eating disorder as an adult if they had one as a teen or young woman?
Most women who receive appropriate treatment get well enough that they no longer meet the criteria for being diagnosed with an eating disorder. However, many women will continue to have some degree of lingering signs or symptoms of an eating disorder that can flare up under stress. These may include bingeing and purging, such as vomiting, or renewed efforts to restrict eating with significant weight loss.
Are the characteristics of eating disorders different for women in their 30s and beyond?
There are several differences in eating disorders depending on age, including:
* Common triggers. Young women with bulimia nervosa are often driven by excessive concern with weight, shape and body image. Older women, on the other hand, may be driven to binge and purge to cope with unpleasant mood stages. Of course, women at any age can struggle with poor body image, even women in their 60s and 70s. Eating disorders in women in their 40s and beyond are often triggered by such life events as the death of a loved one, divorce, remarriage, traumatic illness or signs of aging.
* Denial. Denial is very common in younger women with anorexia nervosa but seems to be less common in older women. Older women may more readily acknowledge that an eating disorder is harming their life and seek help. Older women who are worn down by years of symptoms may also be more motivated to seek help. Motivation for change often leads to a more successful outcome in treating the illness.
* Identity and coping. Years of daily eating disorder symptoms can become deeply engrained. Women who have had symptoms for years may ironically find it difficult to live without this eating disorder identity or coping style, as uncomfortable or emotionally painful as it may be.
* Health effects. Eating disorders have dangerous health effects at any age. But older women — those in their 60s and beyond — are especially at risk. In fact, most people who die of the effects of anorexia are older than age 65 — not young girls. Older women with a long history of eating disorders may have developed much more serious health problems. In addition, they may have other health conditions that make them more vulnerable to problems from eating disorders.
How does the treatment for eating disorders of older women differ from that of younger women?
It's common for older women to tell me that when they were younger — and still in denial about their illness — that they bluffed their way through treatment. They would return to eating disorder behaviors as soon as they were done with treatment because they never truly were that motivated to overcome their eating disorder. Now older and wiser, these women may do better with treatment because they no longer have that youthful sense of immortality and they're more aware of the consequences of their disease, such as osteoporosis. For these reasons, they're often more motivated to overcome their eating disorder.
We still have a long way to go, but treatment programs have progressed substantially in the last two decades. Cognitive behavior therapy for eating disorders — focusing on self-monitoring, homework assignments and goal setting — was in its infancy in the early 1980s. Women treated for eating disorders in midlife may find that the treatment they had 20 years ago offers much greater benefit to them now. And since their initial treatment, new medications have been approved for eating disorders.
Women discouraged by unsuccessful treatment when they were younger should seek help again. Much more is now known about eating disorders and their treatment.
How likely is it that if a mother has an eating disorder, her daughter also will? What can parents do about this?
Parental attitude about food and their values about what constitutes a healthy weight definitely have an impact on children. It's not uncommon for mothers with eating disorders to seek help because they don't want to pass on their unhealthy attitudes about eating to their children, who also can mimic disordered eating behaviors.
As a parent, be on the lookout for warning signs of eating disorders in your children, which may include:
* Excessive weight loss
* Excessive exercise
* Skipping meals
* Being extremely fussy about food
* Frequent trips to the bathroom after meals
* Laxative use
Also, watch for extreme concern about shape, weight and body image. And listen to what your children are saying about issues related to food, body image, dieting and exercise. That can provide important clues about whether their own attitudes are healthy or not.
What about adult men? Don't they get eating disorders too?
Yes, males of all ages, whether adolescents or older adults, can have eating disorders, just like women of all ages. Adult men with eating disorders often have a history of being obese. They also may be striving for a more athletic or muscular build, sometimes known as reverse anorexia because they want to build broader shoulders and arms. Men are less likely than are women to engage in vomiting as a way to purge, and instead may turn more often to compulsive exercise, weight-loss supplements or weight-enhancing supplements. Like women, they also can benefit greatly with appropriate treatment.
Sex during pregnancy — If your doctor agrees, follow your sex drive where it leads.
If you want to get pregnant, you have sex. No surprises there. But what about sex while you're pregnant? The answers aren't always as clear. Here's what you need to know about sex during pregnancy.
Is it OK to have sex during pregnancy?
As long as your pregnancy is proceeding normally, you can have sex as often as you like. But you may not always want to. At first, hormonal fluctuations, fatigue and nausea may sap your sexual desire. During the second trimester, increased blood flow to your sexual organs and breasts may rekindle your desire for sex. But by the third trimester, weight gain, back pain and other symptoms may once again dampen your enthusiasm for sex.
Can sex cause a miscarriage?
Many couples worry that sex during pregnancy will cause a miscarriage, especially in the first trimester. But sex isn't a concern. Early miscarriages are usually related to chromosomal abnormalities or other problems in the developing baby — not to anything you do or don't do.
Does sex harm the baby?
The baby is protected by the amniotic fluid in your uterus, as well as the mucous plug that blocks the cervix throughout most of your pregnancy. Your partner's penis won't touch the baby.
Are any sexual positions off-limits during pregnancy?
As your pregnancy progresses, experiment to find the most comfortable positions. There's just one caveat. Avoid lying flat on your back during sex. If your uterus compresses the veins in the back of your abdomen, you may feel lightheaded or nauseous.
What about oral sex?
If you have oral sex, make sure your partner does not blow air into your vagina. Rarely, a burst of air may block a blood vessel (air embolism) — which could be a life-threatening condition for you and the baby.
Can orgasms trigger premature labor?
Orgasms can cause uterine contractions. But these contractions are different from the contractions you'll feel during labor. Research indicates that if you have a normal pregnancy, orgasms — with or without intercourse — don't lead to premature labor or premature birth.
Are there times when sex should be avoided?
Although most women can safely have sex throughout pregnancy, sometimes it's best to be cautious.
* Preterm labor. Exposure to the prostaglandins in semen may cause contractions — which could be worrisome if you're at risk of preterm labor.
* Vaginal bleeding. Sex is not recommended if you have unexplained vaginal bleeding.
* Problems with the cervix. If your cervix begins to open prematurely (cervical incompetence), sex may pose a risk of infection.
* Problems with the placenta. If your placenta partly or completely covers your cervical opening (placenta previa), sex could lead to bleeding and preterm labor.
* Multiple babies. If you're carrying two or more babies, your doctor may advise you not to have sex late in pregnancy — although researchers have not identified any relationship between sex and preterm labor in twins.
Should my partner use a condom?
Exposure to sexually transmitted diseases during pregnancy increases the risk of infections that can affect your pregnancy and your baby's health. If you have a new sexual partner during pregnancy, use a condom when you have sex.
What if I don't want to have sex?
That's OK. There's more to a sexual relationship than intercourse. Share your needs and concerns with your partner in an open and loving way. If sex is difficult, unappealing or off-limits, try cuddling, kissing or massage.
After the baby is born, how soon can I have sex?
Whether you give birth vaginally or by C-section, your body will need time to heal. Many doctors recommend waiting six weeks before resuming intercourse. This allows time for your cervix to close and any tears or a repaired episiotomy to heal.
If you're too sore or exhausted to even think about sex, maintain intimacy in other ways. Share short phone calls throughout the day or occasional soaks in the tub. When you're ready to have sex, take it slow — and use a reliable method of contraception.
Is it OK to have sex during pregnancy?
As long as your pregnancy is proceeding normally, you can have sex as often as you like. But you may not always want to. At first, hormonal fluctuations, fatigue and nausea may sap your sexual desire. During the second trimester, increased blood flow to your sexual organs and breasts may rekindle your desire for sex. But by the third trimester, weight gain, back pain and other symptoms may once again dampen your enthusiasm for sex.
Can sex cause a miscarriage?
Many couples worry that sex during pregnancy will cause a miscarriage, especially in the first trimester. But sex isn't a concern. Early miscarriages are usually related to chromosomal abnormalities or other problems in the developing baby — not to anything you do or don't do.
Does sex harm the baby?
The baby is protected by the amniotic fluid in your uterus, as well as the mucous plug that blocks the cervix throughout most of your pregnancy. Your partner's penis won't touch the baby.
Are any sexual positions off-limits during pregnancy?
As your pregnancy progresses, experiment to find the most comfortable positions. There's just one caveat. Avoid lying flat on your back during sex. If your uterus compresses the veins in the back of your abdomen, you may feel lightheaded or nauseous.
What about oral sex?
If you have oral sex, make sure your partner does not blow air into your vagina. Rarely, a burst of air may block a blood vessel (air embolism) — which could be a life-threatening condition for you and the baby.
Can orgasms trigger premature labor?
Orgasms can cause uterine contractions. But these contractions are different from the contractions you'll feel during labor. Research indicates that if you have a normal pregnancy, orgasms — with or without intercourse — don't lead to premature labor or premature birth.
Are there times when sex should be avoided?
Although most women can safely have sex throughout pregnancy, sometimes it's best to be cautious.
* Preterm labor. Exposure to the prostaglandins in semen may cause contractions — which could be worrisome if you're at risk of preterm labor.
* Vaginal bleeding. Sex is not recommended if you have unexplained vaginal bleeding.
* Problems with the cervix. If your cervix begins to open prematurely (cervical incompetence), sex may pose a risk of infection.
* Problems with the placenta. If your placenta partly or completely covers your cervical opening (placenta previa), sex could lead to bleeding and preterm labor.
* Multiple babies. If you're carrying two or more babies, your doctor may advise you not to have sex late in pregnancy — although researchers have not identified any relationship between sex and preterm labor in twins.
Should my partner use a condom?
Exposure to sexually transmitted diseases during pregnancy increases the risk of infections that can affect your pregnancy and your baby's health. If you have a new sexual partner during pregnancy, use a condom when you have sex.
What if I don't want to have sex?
That's OK. There's more to a sexual relationship than intercourse. Share your needs and concerns with your partner in an open and loving way. If sex is difficult, unappealing or off-limits, try cuddling, kissing or massage.
After the baby is born, how soon can I have sex?
Whether you give birth vaginally or by C-section, your body will need time to heal. Many doctors recommend waiting six weeks before resuming intercourse. This allows time for your cervix to close and any tears or a repaired episiotomy to heal.
If you're too sore or exhausted to even think about sex, maintain intimacy in other ways. Share short phone calls throughout the day or occasional soaks in the tub. When you're ready to have sex, take it slow — and use a reliable method of contraception.
HOME REMEDIES FOR COLITIS TREATMENT & CURE
Colitis more commonly known as irritable colon is a common disorder of the large bowel, producing discomfort and irregular bowel habits. Most patients suffering from an irritable colon are tense, anxious, and hurried. Many of them eat rapidly and at odd times.
Normally the colon is tend to store the waster material until most of the fluids have been removed. People who suffer from irritable colon do not have normal peristaltic or wave like movements in the large bowel, but rather irregular and erratic contractions, which are particularly seen on the left side.
It is a function of the colon to absorb fluid. Therefore if the stools remain to long in the colon without being passed, they become hard and dry. Feeling of fullness or bloating develop because gas is not absorbed or normally expelled. Because the bowel becomes irritated, excessive amounts of mucus are produced within the bowel, resulting in colitis. Some patients suffer from constipation, alternating with periods of loose stools. In still others persistent diarrhea may continue for years.
Chronic ulcerative colitis is a severe, prolonged inflammation of the colon or large bowel in which ulcers form in the walls of the colon, resulting in the passage of bloody stools mixed with mucus and pus.
Chronic ulcerative colitis usually appears in the lower part of the bowel and spreads upward. The disease seems to attack adults more frequently. The first sign is an increased urgency to move the bowel, followed by cramping pains in the abdomen and bloody mucus in the stool. As the condition become more worse the stools become more loose and watery.
The more severe cases often continue night and day with little relief. All this loss of blood and fluid from the bowel results in weakness, fever, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and anemia.
HOME REMEDIES FOR COLITIS TREATMENT & CURE
* Eat a high quality diet in between the attacks. If a specific food causes trouble on multiple occasions, avoid it. But if it happens only once, retest. If you find that cabbage makes your symptoms worse, for example, don't avoid all leafy vegetables.
* Fiber may be an important food source for colitis treatment. Apples are a very good source of fibre. But avoid fibre during the flare-ups.
* People with ulcerative colitis should consider taking a daily multivitamin/mineral supplement that contains at least 400 micrograms of folate.
* Emotional stress is the biggest challenge for colitis sufferers. To reduce stress plan a regular exercise program. Exercise will dissipate the effects of stress better than anything.
* Inability to digest lactose, the sugar in milk, can be a factor in colitis . By avoiding all milk products, you may be able to reduce your symptoms.
* Strict bed rest with plenty of fluids and a high protein diet are very important.
* Foods should be attractively prepared and the patient encouraged to eat.
* The diet should contain at least 2500 calories a day, given in three or four general meals.
* Vitamin K can help to prevent hemorrhage from the bowel.
* Avoid eating raw carrots, asparagus, zucchini, squash and other popular vegetables.
* Marshmallow root is soothing and healing to inflamed mucous membranes.
* Wild yam is known to reduce gastrointestinal upset and nerve pain, and is also considered to be a strong antispasmodic and is potentially anti-inflammatory.
* Ginger has traditionally been recommended in Chinese medicine for abdominal bloating, coughing, vomiting, and diarrhea.
* Cayenne is helpful for various conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, including stomachaches, cramping pains, and gas.
* Many doctors suggest eliminating all sugar (including soft drinks and processed foods with added sugar) from the diets of those with ulcerative colitis.
* Laughing provides us with the natural inner massage, and through change of mood it can account for up to 30% of cure.
* Angelica nutritionally supports the digestive systems.
* Mandrake works well for liver, gallbladder and all aspects of digestion.
* Diarrh nourishes the spleen, pancreas, stomach and kidneys.
* Peppermint calms the stomach, intestinal tract, and the nervous system. It comforts the stomach and nourishes the salivary glands to help with digestion.
* Another potential natural remedy is to take oral butyrate itself. Butyrate is the byproduct of fermentation in a healthy gastric tract.
Normally the colon is tend to store the waster material until most of the fluids have been removed. People who suffer from irritable colon do not have normal peristaltic or wave like movements in the large bowel, but rather irregular and erratic contractions, which are particularly seen on the left side.
It is a function of the colon to absorb fluid. Therefore if the stools remain to long in the colon without being passed, they become hard and dry. Feeling of fullness or bloating develop because gas is not absorbed or normally expelled. Because the bowel becomes irritated, excessive amounts of mucus are produced within the bowel, resulting in colitis. Some patients suffer from constipation, alternating with periods of loose stools. In still others persistent diarrhea may continue for years.
Chronic ulcerative colitis is a severe, prolonged inflammation of the colon or large bowel in which ulcers form in the walls of the colon, resulting in the passage of bloody stools mixed with mucus and pus.
Chronic ulcerative colitis usually appears in the lower part of the bowel and spreads upward. The disease seems to attack adults more frequently. The first sign is an increased urgency to move the bowel, followed by cramping pains in the abdomen and bloody mucus in the stool. As the condition become more worse the stools become more loose and watery.
The more severe cases often continue night and day with little relief. All this loss of blood and fluid from the bowel results in weakness, fever, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and anemia.
HOME REMEDIES FOR COLITIS TREATMENT & CURE
* Eat a high quality diet in between the attacks. If a specific food causes trouble on multiple occasions, avoid it. But if it happens only once, retest. If you find that cabbage makes your symptoms worse, for example, don't avoid all leafy vegetables.
* Fiber may be an important food source for colitis treatment. Apples are a very good source of fibre. But avoid fibre during the flare-ups.
* People with ulcerative colitis should consider taking a daily multivitamin/mineral supplement that contains at least 400 micrograms of folate.
* Emotional stress is the biggest challenge for colitis sufferers. To reduce stress plan a regular exercise program. Exercise will dissipate the effects of stress better than anything.
* Inability to digest lactose, the sugar in milk, can be a factor in colitis . By avoiding all milk products, you may be able to reduce your symptoms.
* Strict bed rest with plenty of fluids and a high protein diet are very important.
* Foods should be attractively prepared and the patient encouraged to eat.
* The diet should contain at least 2500 calories a day, given in three or four general meals.
* Vitamin K can help to prevent hemorrhage from the bowel.
* Avoid eating raw carrots, asparagus, zucchini, squash and other popular vegetables.
* Marshmallow root is soothing and healing to inflamed mucous membranes.
* Wild yam is known to reduce gastrointestinal upset and nerve pain, and is also considered to be a strong antispasmodic and is potentially anti-inflammatory.
* Ginger has traditionally been recommended in Chinese medicine for abdominal bloating, coughing, vomiting, and diarrhea.
* Cayenne is helpful for various conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, including stomachaches, cramping pains, and gas.
* Many doctors suggest eliminating all sugar (including soft drinks and processed foods with added sugar) from the diets of those with ulcerative colitis.
* Laughing provides us with the natural inner massage, and through change of mood it can account for up to 30% of cure.
* Angelica nutritionally supports the digestive systems.
* Mandrake works well for liver, gallbladder and all aspects of digestion.
* Diarrh nourishes the spleen, pancreas, stomach and kidneys.
* Peppermint calms the stomach, intestinal tract, and the nervous system. It comforts the stomach and nourishes the salivary glands to help with digestion.
* Another potential natural remedy is to take oral butyrate itself. Butyrate is the byproduct of fermentation in a healthy gastric tract.
HOME REMEDIES FOR COMMON COLD
Although the common cold affects all parts of the body, it usually begins in the nose and throat. Colds are so common that we do not care for it but they can be serious. Most colds are due to virus infections of one type or another. Unfortunately, none of these viruses are susceptible to our present antibiotic medicines. Adenoviruses produce the more serious type of colds, and they are often followed by tonsillitis and sore throat even virus pneumonia, particularly in children. Sometimes the membranes of the eyes are also involved.
The common cold is the most prevalent of all diseases known to man. The average person seems to have two or three colds a year. The condition is highly contagious. When one member of the family has a cold, the others are very likely to have it within a few days.
What makes a person susceptible to a cold? Probably his lowered resistance is a chief factor. Allergic disorders of the nose and throat also make a person more susceptible to colds and other virus infections. Chilling of the body does seem to play a part, particularly in those whose resistance is already weak. Lack of sleep may be another factor.
Any person may carry the cold virus. However, children under six years of age seem readily to pass the infection from one to another, and soon all the family is involved. Colds are always more serious in the younger children.
Congestion of the nasal passages is usually the first sign of cold. The patient may have frequent sneezing and a severe headache. There may be a thin, watery discharge from the nose, requiring the use of many handkerchiefs. The eyes may be red or irritated. Usually there is some rise in temperature, preceded by chilly feelings. The patient may complain of a sore throat and have some difficulty in swallowing. Hoarseness, or laryngitis, indicates that the infection has reached the vocal cords, and the patient may now have to talk in whispers. Later there may be a deep cough, due to bronchitis. This is a much more complication.
Even though scientists claim there is no cure for the common cold, there are natural herbs and vitamin supplements that can be taken to fight against the cold virus.
HOME REMEDIES FOR COMMON COLD
* Vitamins are most helpful in fighting against the cold as well as other diseases. Vitamin C, also known as Ascorbic Acid, is helpful in preventing the colds and it can be found in many foods such as citrus fruits, some vegetables.
* Zinc is also helpful for cold that can cut colds short. When you first feel that you may be getting a cold, start taking zinc
* Garlic, as well as onion, is sometimes taken for the relief of congestion and minor infections.
* Horseradish is another herb that has an excellent property to treat sore throat and upper respiratory tract infections, reduces fever, and expels concentrations of mucus.
* Another effective remedy for sore throat is to gargle with a strong solution of table salt and warm water. Gargle several times a day.
* Echinacea is an herb that acts as nature's antibiotic. It helps to increase the body's immunity and thus helps in fighting against the infection and illness.
* Goldenseal is another herb that acts as a natural antibiotic, and can be taken to help fight against the cold.
* Add 1/4 teaspoon of table salt to about 5 ml lukewarm water. Use this solution as a nasal drop. Use 1 to 2 drops in each nostril about 3 to 4 times daily. This is an effective home remedy for common cold.
* A ginger tea can be prepared by boiling ginger in normal tea. It gives relief to congested nose.
* For common cold treatment, drink a teaspoonful of ginger juice mixed with equal quantity of honey.
* Take hot water in a bowl and put some Thyme leaves. Inhale vapors by covering head with a towel.
* Add 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 shot of lemon juice, 1 shot of whiskey to a coffee cup. Fill the remainder of the coffee cup with steaming hot water, stir, and sip until cold is relieved.
* Make hot chicken soup with lots of garlic. Have when hot. It will help unclog nasal passage.
* Warm ¼ katori mustard; add 4-5 cloves of chopped garlic. Apply this on nose, chest and back. Cover up and sleep. This is also an effective home remedy for common cold.
* Boil half a bowl of water, add few drops of eucalyptus oil and inhale the steam.
* Sage is used to cure sore throat, stuffed nose, gingivitis and coughs, is a powerful antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal. Use as a gargle.
* Warm up coconut oil. Gently massage the coconut oil over the child’s chest for about 5 minutes. Repeat the same on the upper portion of the back. The massage should be given just before child goes to sleep.
* Avoid sugar (even natural sources) as it can impair immune function. Orange juice contains a much higher level of sugar than vitamin C. Therefore consuming lots of orange juice during a cold may do more harm than good.
* Chilies, especially Jalapeno, are the best, most available and most effective antiviral.
* Elderberry has been used for centuries to treat colds and flu. Recent research indicates that elderberry fruit extract may de-activate cold and flu viruses by preventing them from replicating.
* A diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, salads, low saturated fats and whole cereals will provide protection against infective organism. Raw fruits and vegetables are better than the cooked one.
* Take 1 tbsp of fresh gooseberry juice with 1/2 tsp ginger. It is a very effective remedy. This can be taken regularly to prevent recurrence of cold.
* For common cold treatment, a tablespoon of ajwain crushed in the palms and tied up in a thin kerchief can be used for inhalation to relieve nasal block.
* Boil 1 tbsp of pepper powder in a cup of milk along with a pinch of turmeric. Add some sugar for taste. Drink this once a day for three days.
The common cold is the most prevalent of all diseases known to man. The average person seems to have two or three colds a year. The condition is highly contagious. When one member of the family has a cold, the others are very likely to have it within a few days.
What makes a person susceptible to a cold? Probably his lowered resistance is a chief factor. Allergic disorders of the nose and throat also make a person more susceptible to colds and other virus infections. Chilling of the body does seem to play a part, particularly in those whose resistance is already weak. Lack of sleep may be another factor.
Any person may carry the cold virus. However, children under six years of age seem readily to pass the infection from one to another, and soon all the family is involved. Colds are always more serious in the younger children.
Congestion of the nasal passages is usually the first sign of cold. The patient may have frequent sneezing and a severe headache. There may be a thin, watery discharge from the nose, requiring the use of many handkerchiefs. The eyes may be red or irritated. Usually there is some rise in temperature, preceded by chilly feelings. The patient may complain of a sore throat and have some difficulty in swallowing. Hoarseness, or laryngitis, indicates that the infection has reached the vocal cords, and the patient may now have to talk in whispers. Later there may be a deep cough, due to bronchitis. This is a much more complication.
Even though scientists claim there is no cure for the common cold, there are natural herbs and vitamin supplements that can be taken to fight against the cold virus.
HOME REMEDIES FOR COMMON COLD
* Vitamins are most helpful in fighting against the cold as well as other diseases. Vitamin C, also known as Ascorbic Acid, is helpful in preventing the colds and it can be found in many foods such as citrus fruits, some vegetables.
* Zinc is also helpful for cold that can cut colds short. When you first feel that you may be getting a cold, start taking zinc
* Garlic, as well as onion, is sometimes taken for the relief of congestion and minor infections.
* Horseradish is another herb that has an excellent property to treat sore throat and upper respiratory tract infections, reduces fever, and expels concentrations of mucus.
* Another effective remedy for sore throat is to gargle with a strong solution of table salt and warm water. Gargle several times a day.
* Echinacea is an herb that acts as nature's antibiotic. It helps to increase the body's immunity and thus helps in fighting against the infection and illness.
* Goldenseal is another herb that acts as a natural antibiotic, and can be taken to help fight against the cold.
* Add 1/4 teaspoon of table salt to about 5 ml lukewarm water. Use this solution as a nasal drop. Use 1 to 2 drops in each nostril about 3 to 4 times daily. This is an effective home remedy for common cold.
* A ginger tea can be prepared by boiling ginger in normal tea. It gives relief to congested nose.
* For common cold treatment, drink a teaspoonful of ginger juice mixed with equal quantity of honey.
* Take hot water in a bowl and put some Thyme leaves. Inhale vapors by covering head with a towel.
* Add 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 shot of lemon juice, 1 shot of whiskey to a coffee cup. Fill the remainder of the coffee cup with steaming hot water, stir, and sip until cold is relieved.
* Make hot chicken soup with lots of garlic. Have when hot. It will help unclog nasal passage.
* Warm ¼ katori mustard; add 4-5 cloves of chopped garlic. Apply this on nose, chest and back. Cover up and sleep. This is also an effective home remedy for common cold.
* Boil half a bowl of water, add few drops of eucalyptus oil and inhale the steam.
* Sage is used to cure sore throat, stuffed nose, gingivitis and coughs, is a powerful antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal. Use as a gargle.
* Warm up coconut oil. Gently massage the coconut oil over the child’s chest for about 5 minutes. Repeat the same on the upper portion of the back. The massage should be given just before child goes to sleep.
* Avoid sugar (even natural sources) as it can impair immune function. Orange juice contains a much higher level of sugar than vitamin C. Therefore consuming lots of orange juice during a cold may do more harm than good.
* Chilies, especially Jalapeno, are the best, most available and most effective antiviral.
* Elderberry has been used for centuries to treat colds and flu. Recent research indicates that elderberry fruit extract may de-activate cold and flu viruses by preventing them from replicating.
* A diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, salads, low saturated fats and whole cereals will provide protection against infective organism. Raw fruits and vegetables are better than the cooked one.
* Take 1 tbsp of fresh gooseberry juice with 1/2 tsp ginger. It is a very effective remedy. This can be taken regularly to prevent recurrence of cold.
* For common cold treatment, a tablespoon of ajwain crushed in the palms and tied up in a thin kerchief can be used for inhalation to relieve nasal block.
* Boil 1 tbsp of pepper powder in a cup of milk along with a pinch of turmeric. Add some sugar for taste. Drink this once a day for three days.
HOME REMEDIES FOR BRONCHITIS CURE
Bronchitis may be defined as a distressing and often serious type of inflammation affecting the windpipe, or bronchial tubes, in the chest. There are two types of bronchitis:
1. Acute Bronchitis
2. Chronic Bronchitis
Acute bronchitis: In acute bronchitis the larynx, trachea and bronchial tubes are acutely inflamed. The tissues are swollen because of irritation; large amount of mucus is secreted and poured into the bronchial tubes to protect the inflamed mucous membrane. Unless this thick, sticky material is removed, it may obstruct the windpipe, causing more severe diseases like atelactasis and pneumonia. The common cold is probably the most frequent cause of acute bronchitis.
During the acute stage of bronchitis there is usually a high fever and some difficulty in breathing. There is a constant cough. Hoarseness may also be present and some pain in the chest. Difficulty in breathing continues until the inflammation has decreased. And thick secretions have removed. Chilliness is present with internal coldness, also cold hands and feet, rawness beneath the sternum, some tightness and oppression of the chest, cough may be dry, hard, ringing, expulsive, paroxysmal, tearing which leaves great soreness under the sternum. After few days the cough, which was at first dry, becomes moist and is accompanied by slight expectoration of mucus and occasionally some blood. As the amount of expectoration increases all the other symptoms decreases, and then in turn abnormal secretion and expectoration also decreases at the end of 7 to 10 days.
Chronic bronchitis: It is of long duration. This condition arises from sinusitis, nasal drip, or infected tonsils and adenoids. In chronic bronchitis permanent change may have occurred in the lungs such as pulmonary fibrosis, emphysema and other serious complications.
Normally the lungs are very elastic and flexible. It is their function to expand and contract within the chest as we breathe in and out. Any chronic inflammation of the lungs, such as fibrosis or scarring, interferes with the normal movement of the lungs so that the air cannot be inhaled and exhaled freely. In asthmatic patients and those suffering from tuberculosis or congestive heart failure the situation becomes worse. Severe coughing may produce blood as well as copious mucus filled with pus and bacteria. This will lead to Bronchopneumonia a more serious condition.
Those who suffer from chronic bronchitis should stop smoking and remain in a smoke free atmosphere as much as possible. Such patients should avoid heavy exercise. They should adopt the occupations that do not require heavy breathing. As far as possible they should avoid cold draughts of air for these always bring on a paroxysm of coughing. The patient should follow a good, well balanced diet and take extra vitamins to aid in the healing of the inflamed tissues.
HOME REMEDIES FOR BRONCHITIS CURE
The below given are some of the home remedies for bronchitis cure:
* Take 2 cups fresh daikon juice and add honey to taste. Combine the juice and honey in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and immediately remove from the heat. Drink, warm, twice a day.
* Drink plenty of fluids to wash away the mucus.
* Hot, spicy foods help mucous membranes all over, not just in your nose, to secrete more liquids, which can help thin mucus, which is easy to remove.
* Patients with bronchitis should avoid smoking tobacco, drinking alcohol and any other such product.
* Humidity may help soothe the irritatedbronchial membranes. Close the door to your child's bedroom and turn on the vaporizer about a half-hour before he goes to sleep and leave it on all night.
* Take half a teaspoon of turmeric powder with half a glass of milk, two or three times daily. It acts best when taken on an empty stomach.
* Prepare a mixture comprising of half a teaspoon each of the powder of ginger, pepper, and cloves, and take three times a day. It may be licked with honey or taken as an infusion with tea.
* One teaspoon of raw onion juice, first thing in the morning, is very beneficial in such cases.
* Fifty grams of fresh leaves of spinach, and 250 ml of water should be mixed with a pinch of ammonium chloride and one teaspoonful of honey. This infusion is an effective expectorant in the treatment of bronchitis.
* Prepare a mixture by adding one teaspoon of sesame seeds, with a teaspoon of linseed, a pinch of common salt, and a teaspoon of honey, it is very effective if taken at night for cases of chronic bronchitis.
* Make a powder of seven kernels of almonds and mix the powdered kernels in a cup of orange or lemon juice.
* The powder of the dry root of Chicory or endive should be given in doses of half a teaspoon mixed with one teaspoonful of honey thrice daily.
* A hot poultice of linseed (alsi) may be prepared by mixing one cup or sixteen tablespoons of the seeds with a quantity of hot water. Apply it on the chest.
* Fresh air and outdoor exercise are also essential for the treatment of bronchitis. The patient is advised to take a morning walk every day.
* Prepare a mixture by adding ½ teaspoon honey with ½ teaspoon lemon juice. Take this every 12 hours. Honey relieves the itchiness by moisturizing the throat passage
* Mix 8 - 10 tablespoons of coconut milk with 1 tablespoon poppy seeds and 1 tablespoon of pure honey. Take this every night before going to bed.
* In one cup of warm milk, add 2 – 3 strands of saffron (kesar) and drink twice a day.
* Mix half a teaspoon of tulsi juice with half a teaspoon with ginger juice. Add 1 teaspoon of honey. Take the above mixture 2-3 times a day till symptoms subside. This is a very effective home remedy for bronchitis cure .
* Take 1 cup of water and add 4-5 leaves of tulsi; a small piece of ginger (adrak) and 1 teaspoon of jaggery. Boil this mixture over slow heat till the quantity becomes half a cup. Drink this at least 2 times in a day.
* Slice 2 snow pears into small pieces. Add 3 bowls of water and boil until the water has reduced to 2 bowls. Strain and discard the pears, and add 30 grams of rice to the liquid. Boil again until rice is cooked. Drink the soup.
* Another home remedy for bronchitis cure is - peel 50 grams fresh ginger and cut into small slices. Boil the slices with 100 grams maltose in 2 glasses water for 30 minutes. Drink it hot, twice a day, in one day.
1. Acute Bronchitis
2. Chronic Bronchitis
Acute bronchitis: In acute bronchitis the larynx, trachea and bronchial tubes are acutely inflamed. The tissues are swollen because of irritation; large amount of mucus is secreted and poured into the bronchial tubes to protect the inflamed mucous membrane. Unless this thick, sticky material is removed, it may obstruct the windpipe, causing more severe diseases like atelactasis and pneumonia. The common cold is probably the most frequent cause of acute bronchitis.
During the acute stage of bronchitis there is usually a high fever and some difficulty in breathing. There is a constant cough. Hoarseness may also be present and some pain in the chest. Difficulty in breathing continues until the inflammation has decreased. And thick secretions have removed. Chilliness is present with internal coldness, also cold hands and feet, rawness beneath the sternum, some tightness and oppression of the chest, cough may be dry, hard, ringing, expulsive, paroxysmal, tearing which leaves great soreness under the sternum. After few days the cough, which was at first dry, becomes moist and is accompanied by slight expectoration of mucus and occasionally some blood. As the amount of expectoration increases all the other symptoms decreases, and then in turn abnormal secretion and expectoration also decreases at the end of 7 to 10 days.
Chronic bronchitis: It is of long duration. This condition arises from sinusitis, nasal drip, or infected tonsils and adenoids. In chronic bronchitis permanent change may have occurred in the lungs such as pulmonary fibrosis, emphysema and other serious complications.
Normally the lungs are very elastic and flexible. It is their function to expand and contract within the chest as we breathe in and out. Any chronic inflammation of the lungs, such as fibrosis or scarring, interferes with the normal movement of the lungs so that the air cannot be inhaled and exhaled freely. In asthmatic patients and those suffering from tuberculosis or congestive heart failure the situation becomes worse. Severe coughing may produce blood as well as copious mucus filled with pus and bacteria. This will lead to Bronchopneumonia a more serious condition.
Those who suffer from chronic bronchitis should stop smoking and remain in a smoke free atmosphere as much as possible. Such patients should avoid heavy exercise. They should adopt the occupations that do not require heavy breathing. As far as possible they should avoid cold draughts of air for these always bring on a paroxysm of coughing. The patient should follow a good, well balanced diet and take extra vitamins to aid in the healing of the inflamed tissues.
HOME REMEDIES FOR BRONCHITIS CURE
The below given are some of the home remedies for bronchitis cure:
* Take 2 cups fresh daikon juice and add honey to taste. Combine the juice and honey in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and immediately remove from the heat. Drink, warm, twice a day.
* Drink plenty of fluids to wash away the mucus.
* Hot, spicy foods help mucous membranes all over, not just in your nose, to secrete more liquids, which can help thin mucus, which is easy to remove.
* Patients with bronchitis should avoid smoking tobacco, drinking alcohol and any other such product.
* Humidity may help soothe the irritatedbronchial membranes. Close the door to your child's bedroom and turn on the vaporizer about a half-hour before he goes to sleep and leave it on all night.
* Take half a teaspoon of turmeric powder with half a glass of milk, two or three times daily. It acts best when taken on an empty stomach.
* Prepare a mixture comprising of half a teaspoon each of the powder of ginger, pepper, and cloves, and take three times a day. It may be licked with honey or taken as an infusion with tea.
* One teaspoon of raw onion juice, first thing in the morning, is very beneficial in such cases.
* Fifty grams of fresh leaves of spinach, and 250 ml of water should be mixed with a pinch of ammonium chloride and one teaspoonful of honey. This infusion is an effective expectorant in the treatment of bronchitis.
* Prepare a mixture by adding one teaspoon of sesame seeds, with a teaspoon of linseed, a pinch of common salt, and a teaspoon of honey, it is very effective if taken at night for cases of chronic bronchitis.
* Make a powder of seven kernels of almonds and mix the powdered kernels in a cup of orange or lemon juice.
* The powder of the dry root of Chicory or endive should be given in doses of half a teaspoon mixed with one teaspoonful of honey thrice daily.
* A hot poultice of linseed (alsi) may be prepared by mixing one cup or sixteen tablespoons of the seeds with a quantity of hot water. Apply it on the chest.
* Fresh air and outdoor exercise are also essential for the treatment of bronchitis. The patient is advised to take a morning walk every day.
* Prepare a mixture by adding ½ teaspoon honey with ½ teaspoon lemon juice. Take this every 12 hours. Honey relieves the itchiness by moisturizing the throat passage
* Mix 8 - 10 tablespoons of coconut milk with 1 tablespoon poppy seeds and 1 tablespoon of pure honey. Take this every night before going to bed.
* In one cup of warm milk, add 2 – 3 strands of saffron (kesar) and drink twice a day.
* Mix half a teaspoon of tulsi juice with half a teaspoon with ginger juice. Add 1 teaspoon of honey. Take the above mixture 2-3 times a day till symptoms subside. This is a very effective home remedy for bronchitis cure .
* Take 1 cup of water and add 4-5 leaves of tulsi; a small piece of ginger (adrak) and 1 teaspoon of jaggery. Boil this mixture over slow heat till the quantity becomes half a cup. Drink this at least 2 times in a day.
* Slice 2 snow pears into small pieces. Add 3 bowls of water and boil until the water has reduced to 2 bowls. Strain and discard the pears, and add 30 grams of rice to the liquid. Boil again until rice is cooked. Drink the soup.
* Another home remedy for bronchitis cure is - peel 50 grams fresh ginger and cut into small slices. Boil the slices with 100 grams maltose in 2 glasses water for 30 minutes. Drink it hot, twice a day, in one day.
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