TerraBlogs.com | Informative And Engaging Blogs.

Home - health - Home Remedies That Help Stop A Runny Nose

Home Remedies That Help Stop a Runny Nose

Viral infections like the common cold and flu can cause a runny nose . It could also be a symptom of an allergic reaction caused by exposure to cold or hot weather, inhaling dust from the air, or certain smells. Whatever the reason, you can treat the problem easily using simple natural or home remedies in most cases. Here are a few helpful tips on how to stop a runny nose.

Drink warm fluids
Warm fluids soothe the inflamed lining of the throat and nose and relieve congestion. While plain warm water is adequate, you can have homemade chicken soup or chicken broth, as these have compounds that effectively fight a runny nose. However, avoid liquids that aggravate membranes in the throat and nasal passages.

Try steam inhalation
Steam inhalation is a traditional method for relieving congestion. Use a water steamer or hold your head over a pot of boiling water and slowly inhale the vapors. Adding some ginger or garlic to the boiling water is more helpful in loosening the mucus in the nose. Apart from being an excellent home remedy to stop a runny nose, inhaling steam is beneficial for treating cough and nasal allergies.

Use saltwater rinse
Saltwater rinse, traditionally known as “neti pot,” helps decongest the nasal tract. Mix three parts of iodine-free salt with one part of baking soda. Then add a teaspoon of the mix to a glass of lukewarm water and pour the water into a bulb syringe. Gently squirt the mixture into one nostril while ensuring the other is closed. Repeat the procedure for the other nostril after the solution drains. Make sure to use boiled water for the mixture to avoid the aggravation of infection. Also, clean and air dry the bulb after every use.

Have green tea
There are many healthy homemade tea recipes, but green tea is the best for treating a runny nose . It has many antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. Add a teaspoon of ginger, a peel of any citrus fruit (preferably lemon), and green tea to a pot of water. Bring the water to a boil and pour the tea into a cup. Drink it twice a day. Since ginger has a strong flavor, it is recommended to use it as per taste and preference. Apart from using orange or lemon in teas, you can eat these fruits for an extra dose of immunity-boosting vitamin C.

Eat these foods
Some foods have properties that can relieve inflamed sinuses and help in your fight to stop a runny nose. The following are a few examples:

Garlic
Garlic, crushed or chopped, releases an enzyme that has antibacterial and antiviral properties. Adding it to the daily meals, including soups, dressing, and salads, can relieve the common cold and flu symptoms. Garlic is also among the most effective decongesting foods.

Horseradish
Another food that can provide instant relief from nasal congestion is horseradish. The root is full of minerals and antioxidants. But although it has many benefits, horseradish may leave a little tingling sensation in the nasal region. Also, be careful with how much you eat since it has a very sharp and hot taste.

Ginger
Ginger adds flavor to the food and is also very healthy, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It is one of the best options if you are looking for remedies to stop a runny nose. The spice helps treat many ailments, including cough, sore throat, and nasal congestion. You can add it to gravies, soups, stews, and even tea.

Onions
Spicy and pungent onions can instantly drain the sinuses. Even if you do not eat onions, simply slicing and smelling them can produce a liquid to clean up the nasal passages. Onions also contain a natural element that lowers inflammation. The best part is that they are pretty versatile, so you can add them to soups, stews, stir fries, curries, and even salads.

Mustard
A flavorsome condiment, mustard is another effective decongesting food for a stuffy or runny nose. It is also loaded with numerous nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that boost the immune system. Remember that the spicier and browner the mustard, the more effective it is in treating respiratory symptoms.

Chili peppers
Chili peppers contain a natural compound called capsaicin, which can open nasal passages, providing relief from a stuffy nose. However, they are extremely hot, making them suitable only for those with a high spice tolerance. You can add chili peppers to salsas, dips, and sauces.

Avoid these foods
Certain foods can make it hard to stop a runny nose and even worsen it. Further, specific food allergies can trigger respiratory symptoms. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid the following:

Refined sugar
Refined sugar can lower the body’s immunity, making it hard to fight the common cold and flu. Moreover, it can make the body vulnerable to bacterial infection. A few options to avoid include soda, candy bars, store-bought baked goods, cookies, canned fruit, and processed meat.

Soy
Soy is a good substitute for milk in most cases, but it can overload the mucus membranes and increase mucus in the body. Some people are also allergic to soy and develop a runny nose and other symptoms after eating soy-based foods or drinking soy milk.

Caffeinated drinks
Beverages with excess caffeine and sugar also affect the immune system. Caffeine, in particular, can affect the adrenal glands. Weak adrenal glands lower the body’s defense against mucus build-up. Hence, it is recommended to avoid coffee and other caffeine-based foods and drinks, especially when dealing with nasal congestion.

Known Signs of Hemophilia and Anemia

Bleeding disorders refer to a group of conditions like hemophilia or anemia that interfere with normal blood functions in the body. Hemophilia affects the ability of the blood cells to clot naturally, while anemia lowers hemoglobin count in the red blood cells. These conditions exhibit a unique set of symptoms that can be identified. Early diagnosis helps doctors form a viable healthcare plan. So, it pays to know and identify the following symptoms. Hemophilia and Anemia: Understanding the difference Both conditions are common bleeding disorders. However, anemia & hemophilia signs are distinctly different from each other when it comes to the disease progression. The latter is a genetic disorder that affects the red blood cellâs ability to clot and close wounds. Certain clotting factors in the blood bind with the red blood cells to prevent uncontrolled bleeding. Anemia is a condition where the body lacks sufficient healthy red blood cells in the first place. Also, a low hemoglobin count affects the red blood cellâs ability to carry oxygen to vital organs and extremities via the circulatory system. Genetic mutation triggers most known types of hemophilia, while certain nutritional deficiencies in the body trigger common forms of anemia. Symptoms of hemophilia The absence of essential clotting factors in the blood can trigger a variety of noticeable and unusual symptoms. Uncontrolled bleeding Bleeding is one of the primary symptoms of hemophilia. It can happen under the skin or in the joints. As the red blood cells are unable to bind and clot, this pool of blood can trigger swelling, pain, and tightness in the joints. This symptom is most commonly noticeable in the knees, elbows, and ankles. Blood collecting under the skin can lead to buildups under the muscle and soft tissue to cause more painful bruising. This symptom is called hematoma in medical terminology. Frequent nosebleeds When the bleeding is triggered externally, it can result in frequent nosebleeds that can be difficult to stop. Note that external environmental factors and physical injuries generally cause nosebleeds. So, any unexplained bleeding could indicate a developing condition. Bleeding caused due to cuts, bruises, and vaccinations Lack of essential clotting factor VIII can trigger bleeding from the lightest of impacts, cuts, bruises, or even after losing a tooth. Some people experience sudden bleeding after taking a vaccination. This could be the bodyâs reaction to producing antibodies, but the strain could be too much to bear, resulting in bleeding from the extremities. Blood in urine or stool Excess blood in the urine or stool is a clear sign of disease progression. The urine and stools appear dark red or even blackish due to the presence of red blood cells mixed with the excreta. Immediate medical assistance is advisable for visual symptoms. Bleeding in infants Complicated pregnancies can be physically taxing for both the mother and the child leading to possible symptoms of hemophilia at birth. But in some rare cases, infants may experience internal bleeding in the head. Symptoms of anemia The most common types of anemia, including iron deficiency anemia and vitamin deficiency anemia, develop due to the lack of nutrients in the body. Therefore, anemia exhibits more physically taxing symptoms as the condition worsens. Tiredness Increased fatigue and weakness for no apparent reason is one of the main indicators of nutritional deficiencies. An unexplained decrease in overall stamina with no physical exertion or any activity during the day could mean low iron in the blood. Without iron, the body cannot produce enough red blood cells. And low hemoglobin means not enough oxygen is being circulated around vital organs in the body, thus resulting in fatigue induced by low energy levels. Respiratory symptoms Experiencing shortness of breath, chest pains, and even noticing an irregular heartbeat could indicate a possible anemic condition. An iron deficiency lowers hemoglobin count, and this means not enough oxygen is being circulated by the blood. Low hemoglobin affects the breathing rate as the body struggles to extract more oxygen resulting in shortness of breath. The heart must also put in extra efforts to pump the low hemoglobin blood forcefully, thus resulting in irregular heartbeats. Doctors refer to this condition as heart palpitations. These symptoms can also induce chest pains due to the sheer stress being put on the organ. Pale skin and damaged hair Skin and hair symptoms are visible indicators of a developing anemia condition. An iron deficiency results in low red blood cell production and indirectly affects the shade of the skin. Pale skin is noticeably visible around the face, gums, lower lips, lower eyelids, and even on the nails. This symptom is more visually obvious among people who flaunt a lighter skin tone. Also, hair thinning, hair fall, and a damaged scalp is a clear sign of iron deficiency. Treatment options Note that anemia & hemophilia signs never overlap. Once the primary indicators are confirmed, doctors quickly suggest blood tests to identify the leading causes or triggers. Knowing the differences can help with prompt diagnosis even though both the conditions are bleeding disorders. It is even possible to recover from common forms of anemia within 2 to 3 months. Hemophilia is a more serious bleeding disorder that is treated by introducing the missing clotting factors. Doctors also suggest prescriptions that help stimulate the body to release more clotting factors. However, a transfusion offers more promising results for moderate to severe progression. Effective preventive measures and home remedies can help lower the risk of bleeding. These conditions cannot be completely cured. But it is possible to improve the quality of life by incorporating healthy lifestyle habits. Prescriptions and treatments only help slow down the disease progression.

6 Exercises That Help Recover After a Stroke

A stroke is a health emergency and requires immediate attention. It occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures or a blockage affects the blood supply to the organ. In both cases, the brain is deprived of oxygen. Consequently, the brain cells get damaged, leading to a loss of physical and cognitive abilities. While the condition is curable with timely treatment, you may also need to perform stroke recovery exercises to function normally. Why are stroke recovery exercises important? A stroke can cause chemical changes in the brain, damaging its cells. As a result, the organ's performance is affected. You may not be able to move or function properly. But the human brain has self-healing capabilities. It can repair and rewire itself. After a stroke, the healthy brain cells take over, performing the tasks previously undertaken by the damaged ones. But to ensure this happens, particular actions must be performed repetitively so that the brain can relearn and execute them through different neural pathways. This is where recovery exercises come in. They help relearn specific tasks and movements, which, in turn, restores normalcy over time. The specific exercises can also provide other benefits, including improved strength, endurance, and balance. Studies have shown that they even reduce the risk of stroke recurrence. Further, they positively influence mental health by reducing depression, improving mood, and relieving stress. Exercises forÂ stroke recovery Many exercises help recover after a stroke, but it is advisable to consult a doctor to choose a suitable one as per your ability. Different movements engage different parts and muscles of the body. Here are a few options: Wrist curls Wrist curls are isolated movements that help improve range of motion and gripping skills. The best part is its simplicity. All that is required is a chair and any light object. Start by sitting straight on the chair, your hands on the armrests and palms facing upward. Ensure your wrists are over the edge of the rests. Then hold the object firmly in and start bending the wrists toward and away from the body. Ensure this movement is slow and controlled. Repeat a couple of times. Shoulder opener Another excellent stroke recovery exercise is the shoulder opener. It improves range of motion and shoulder strength. To do it, you only need an easy-to-hold light object. Start with your hands in front, holding the object with inward-facing fingers. Ensure the elbows are folded at 90 degrees. Then, in a slow and controlled movement, move your fists sideways while keeping the portion of the arms above the elbows in the same position. Now bring your fists back to the starting position. Repeat this movement a few times. It can be done sitting or standing. Hip abduction Hip abductions are also great for improving mobility. They also help strengthen the legs, back, and core, enhancing coordination and balance. All that is required is a strong, stable chair. Start by sitting up straight at the edge of the chair. Then tighten your abs and straighten the knee of either leg so that the toes point upward, the heel touching the floor. Now, slowly move the foot outside. After this, slowly return to the starting position. Repeat with the other leg. Beginners may lie down to decrease the movement intensity. Alternatively, it can be done standing for increased difficulty. Sit-to-stand This is perfect for improving core strength, leg muscle strength, balance, and weight-shifting capability. The only equipment required is a stable and strong chair. To begin, sit upright in the chair, knees bent at 90 degrees. Ensure the feet are firmly landed on the ground. Now rise, but make sure your knees do not cross the toe tips. Slowly return to the starting position. Beginners can grip the armrests for support while standing. To make the workout more challenging, cross your arms across the chest. Even healthy individuals may perform this to strengthen the lower body. Tabletop circle Another easy yet helpful stroke recovery exercise is the tabletop circle. The equipment includes a table, chair, and any light object. Start by sitting at the table and wrapping your hands around the object placed on it. Simply move the object around the table surface in a circular motion. It can be done both clockwise and anticlockwise to stimulate both sides of the brain. Repeat a few times. It is helpful to try and maintain an erect posture as much as possible while sitting at the table. Standing knee raises Knee raises have many benefits. It not only strengthens the core, hips, and back but also improves posture. This exercise can be done anywhere as all that is required is a firm surface to hold on to. Stand straight and hold on to the surface. Then shift your weight onto one leg and lift the other knee. Bring the knee to a 90-degree angle and hold for a few seconds. Bring your leg back down and repeat the entire movement with the other leg. Besides improving posture, this exercise may help with coordination. Note that these exercises can be tailored to suit different requirements. Some individuals may be able to move after a stroke, while others may face paralysis, so the same movement may not be suitable for both groups.Â However, remember to use the right equipment for the best results. It is best to consult a doctor or expert to help choose the right exercises and perform them correctly when just starting out.