Top 5 Natural Remedies to Manage Asthma and its Symptoms

Top 5 Natural Remedies to Manage Asthma and its Symptoms

Asthma is a respiratory condition where the airway path gets inflamed and swollen. This can cause the airways to become narrow, making it difficult to breathe. Most individuals may also experience other symptoms such as coughing or wheezing along with shortness of breath. In some cases, individuals may have minor symptoms, but these symptoms might not hamper day-to-day functioning. Read on to learn more about natural ways to manage asthma.

Buteyko breathing technique
Some natural remedies for asthma focus on building lung capacity and improving breathing. And one of the ways to do this is with the help of breathing exercises. The Buteyko Breathing Technique, commonly referred to as BBT, is one such exercise that can help your lungs fight against unfavorable conditions such as asthma. Several studies show the Buteyko Breathing Technique’s ability to help manage the symptoms of asthma. It does so with the help of a slow and gentle breathing method. In this technique, the individual has to focus on breathing out of their nose instead of their mouth. This is because inhaling and exhaling from your mouth can dry the mouth and the airways. This makes the airway more sensitive to allergens and inflammation. With the BBT method, individuals may experience fewer respiratory troubles and infections.

Garlic
Garlic is a common spice that is used in many cuisines across the globe as it adds great flavor to the food. But, many are unfamiliar with its various health benefits. It contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help fight allergic reactions and symptoms of asthma. As per recent research, it is induced that garlic might be a protective agent for use in people with allergic asthma.

Honey
Another natural remedy for asthma is honey. Honey is a sweet, edible substance that is produced by honey bees, and is made and stored in bee colonies. Honey is extracted and often added to various foods. However, many are not aware of its medicinal properties of it, as it is an anti-inflammatory food. It is also a frequent ingredient in many treatments for colds and coughs. If you want to try honey to soothe the symptoms of asthma at home, you can mix it into a hot beverage such as herbal tea. This concoction will provide you with some relief from asthma symptoms. However, you should also note that there is not enough scientific evidence to prove that honey can replace any of the home remedies for the management of asthma. Instead, it is best used as a supportive treatment, when combined with other substances.

Omega-3 oils
Omega-3 fatty acids are necessary to the body and have plenty of health benefits. They can help fight depression and tackle anxiety. They also improve eye health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Omega-3 fatty acids are also known for fighting inflammation and tackling autoimmune conditions. This is favorable for those who have asthma, as multiple signs and symptoms of the condition are a result of inflammation in the airways.
Omega-3 fatty acids also help with improving lung function, making breathing relatively easier. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in high quantities in fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel. But, if you prefer vegan, you can get your daily dose of Omega-3 from flax seeds and nuts. You can also try Omega-3 supplements. However, make it a point to check prior with your healthcare professional before adding it to your daily routine.

Yoga
Breathing exercises make the lungs stronger and improve breathing. while also helping tackle signs and symptoms of asthma. It is believed that yoga has a plethora of breathing exercises that can help you with managing asthma symptoms. That said, it also prevents stress which can help reduce the flare-ups of this condition. However, further research is needed to understand how yoga can help with asthma and also reduce the frequency of asthma attacks.

Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy, often referred to as guided hypnosis, is a psychotherapy type that uses relaxation, deep concentration, and attention to bring one to a state of mindfulness. It allows the individual to go into a trance or an altered state of awareness. This method is commonly used to tackle a wide range of issues with the power of your mind. According to a study, hypnotherapy is believed to be an important tool in ameliorating asthma. It improves ventilatory capacity and promotes relaxation too without recourse to any pharmacologic agents. This can reduce the number of asthma flare-ups, and prevent breathlessness and other symptoms. Hypnotherapy can also help with muscle relaxation that helps fight against chest tightness – another common symptom of asthma.

Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a form of meditation where the individual needs to focus on their body and mind at that moment. This type of meditation can be practiced anywhere and everywhere. All you need to do is sit comfortably, pay attention to different parts of your body, close your eyes, feel your breath, and slowly release the tension from the body. You also need to pay attention to the thoughts in your mind and the sensations in your body. This technique can help relieve tons of stress and prevent any stress-related asthma symptoms. Though some studies suggest a link between meditation and relieving asthma symptoms, further trials with better methodological quality are needed to support this finding.

Speleotherapy
Speleotherapy is a form of modern bio treatment where individuals must spend some time in certain rooms that have similar conditions found in caves and salt mines. This treatment method is used to tackle several conditions including respiratory and skin-related diseases. It helps to reduce irritation, and inflammation, and therefore tackles the caused symptoms. Regarding fighting against asthma, further research is needed to understand how speleotherapy can help. But, few studies show that it has a beneficial effect on short-term lung function. In any case, it is a natural remedy and can only benefit the body and improve overall health when performed correctly.

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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 cell’s 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 cell’s 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 body’s 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.

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10 Home Remedies for Relief from Back Pain

Since most of us are constantly bent over phones and laptops for work, bad posture and back pain have become prevalent issues among people. It is something most of us go through at some point in our lives. No matter when or why it occurs, there are many remedial measures we can take to rectify the situation and reduce the pain. Here are ten natural ways to relieve back pain at home: Exercising Light exercises such as a short walk, aerobics, swimming, or yoga can help deal with back pain. It may be tough to find inspiration to move when pain strikes. Still, these activities can not only help build resilience for the back, but they can also loosen tense muscles and release endorphins that relieve pain naturally. To keep muscles strong, it is advisable to include strength training exercises and stretching, which can also help avoid back pain in the future. Improving posture Poor posture can lead to pain in the lower back. Studies have shown that improving posture with yoga, pilates, tai chi, core stability exercises, aerobic exercises, walking, running, cycling, and swimming can significantly help improve posture and prevent back pain. Apart from this, it is also important to consider our posture during the day. When sitting, standing, or walking, try to lift the head and shoulders back and tighten abdominal muscles rather than slouching or slumping shoulders. Avoid lifting heavy items too often or sitting for extended periods, as this, too, can result in bad posture. When standing, distribute body weight evenly between both legs instead of leaning on one side. Taking small steps to improve posture every day can help back pain. Using heat and cold Using packs to heat and cool the back can help reduce swelling and pain. Ice packs are commonly used after injuries to numb the affected area and reduce inflammation. People can also use frozen bags of vegetables to soothe the pain. The frozen packs must always be covered with a towel to avoid frostbite and applied for a maximum of 20 minutes. Another way of soothing an aching back is to use a heating pad to improve blood circulation and boost healing. People can also use a hot water bottle if an electric heating pad is unavailable. Stretching Stretching can help alleviate back pain. Try one of the poses mentioned below, and hold for 30 seconds for the best results: Touching the toes: Bend forward at the hip to touch the toes with your fingertips. This stretches the hamstrings and loosens the muscles in the lower back. Cobra pose: Lie down on the stomach, and lift the chest slowly until your head points towards the ceiling. This stretches out the upper and lower back muscles. Cat-cow pose: Get down on all fours and slowly alternate between arching the back and dipping it towards the floor. This helps stretch out the muscles in the mid-back. Child’s pose: Sit on the heels with the knees at hip-width apart, and lean forward to play your head on the floor, with arms stretched out in front of you. Using a pain-relief cream Several over-the-counter pain-relief creams can help reduce pain for a while. Cream with menthol can have a cooling effect and temporarily dull back pain. Massaging For short-term relief from back pain, massages can help. Massaging techniques involve kneading, friction, gliding, vibration, or percussion. Massages can help encourage relaxation by releasing endorphins as well. A person should avoid massages if they have a skin infection, inflammation, burn, non-healed fractures, cancer tumors, or deep vein thrombosis. Trying new shoes High heels and flats or ill-fitting shoes can also trigger back pain. Switch to comfortable, fitted shoes with lumbar support to ease lower back pain. People can also try orthotics for more comfort and to correctly support their feet. Sleeping well Giving the body adequate rest can improve its pain tolerance levels. According to the CDC, most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep to function at optimal levels. Besides getting the right amount of sleep, it is also important to consider comfort and alignment. Proper comfort can encourage sleep quality and go a long way in avoiding back pain. Body alignment can be corrected with extra pillows. Managing stress Stress has also been linked to lower back pain. For people experiencing moderate to high amounts of stress, trying mindfulness can help. This can be achieved by: Meditation: Studies have shown that meditation has helped elders deal with pain by raising awareness of the occurrences within the body. Deep breathing: Deep breathing can help strengthen and stabilize the torso, which can also help people deal with back pain. Progressive muscle relaxation: Another great way of reducing back pain is by alternatively tensing and relaxing the muscles in one muscle group at a time. Guided imagery: Using guided imagery to focus on feelings of relaxation can also help alleviate stress and back pain for some people. Eating healthy According to a recent study, people with chronic back pain consume less whole grains, dairy, and fruit. Trying anti-inflammatory foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, fiber, yogurt, spices like turmeric and ginger, green tea, and black pepper can help reduce back pain. On the other hand, foods high in gluten, refined sugars, trans fats, saturated fats, and red meat can worsen the pain. Back pain can generally be treated at home with easy remedies. However, if it seems to keep worsening, it might be time to speak to a professional about it. Doctors may prescribe physical therapy or other treatments to deal with the pain and prevent it from recurring. Making lifestyle changes like exercising, eating healthy, maintaining the correct procedure, switching shoes, and even changing the workstation can go a long way in combating existing back pain and stopping it from deteriorating further.

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Invisible Braces – Benefits, Costs, and Top Brands

Invisible Braces – Benefits, Costs, and Top Brands

Braces are the go-to option most people choose for straightening teeth and jaws. This treatment provides aesthetic benefits, helps improve oral health, and relieves pressure from the joints. Traditionally, the base material used to be metal, but the latest developments in dental technology have given us a new option. This article gives you in-depth details about what makes invisible braces so popular, how much these products cost, and the best brands. What are invisible braces? Invisible braces, commonly known as clear aligners, are transparent dental trays that are used to correct your bite. These trays are usually worn for 20 to 22 hours a day. As the teeth shift, you have to make a new invisible tray every one or two weeks. Invisible braces are quite similar to retainers, but the former is used the slowly align your teeth while the latter keeps your teeth in place. Benefits The biggest benefit of invisible braces that’s quite evident at first sight is the fact that they are transparent. Factors like the lack of wires, bands, and brackets make these braces suitable for people of all ages, especially adults. Unlike the metal and ceramic counterparts, these braces can be removed at any time, which makes them easy to clean as well.
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Overactive Bladder – Common Causes and Management Techniques

Overactive Bladder – Common Causes and Management Techniques

Those suffering from an overactive bladder experience an increased urge to urinate. Such an uncontrollable need significantly compromises one’s quality of life. Issues that arise from this condition may lead the patient to compromise or rearrange their daily routine around their diagnosis. One may even suffer from bladder-related symptoms due to complications from other diseases like diabetes. This article highlights the significant causes as well as management techniques of an overactive bladder in patients: Causes Overactive bladder can result from various reasons such as unhealthy lifestyle choices, age, and underlying health conditions. Here are some of the common causes that lead to the development of this urological condition:  Poor pelvic muscle strength Pelvic muscles provide the lower abdomen with the necessary support. As a person ages, their muscles tend to lose strength. Weak muscles are, thus, a common causative factor that leads to the development of an overactive bladder. Factors like pregnancy and childbirth are also known to weaken the pelvic floor muscles.    Nerve damage This cause of an overactive bladder is quite common as the nerves can sustain damage from conditions like multiple sclerosis and herniated discs. This damage affects the signal transfer among the brain and other body parts, including the bladder.
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Top 9 Life Alert System Providers for Seniors

Top 9 Life Alert System Providers for Seniors

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Dental Implants – Its Types and Associated Costs

Dental Implants – Its Types and Associated Costs

The ability of dentures or implants to mimic natural teeth is so impressive that it has changed millions of lives worldwide. These prosthetics are used when natural teeth have significant issues. With a little maintenance, they can be an efficient and long-lasting solution. So, if you are planning to get them yourself, the following article can help you know the factors to consider and the prices of dental implants and dentures. How do dental implants work? Before discussing dental implant prices, it is essential to understand how they work. Dental implants consist of three different pieces that serve distinct functions, as given below: Implant post Also known as the fixture, this small, cylindrical screw acts as an artificial root for the tooth. Abutment This piece connects the implant post and the crown. There are various types of abutments depending on the prosthetic type requiring support. Crown The final piece of the entire prosthetic, the crown rests on the top of the abutment. It can be made from porcelain, metal, resin, or ceramics. Porcelain or ceramic crowns look the most natural. Costs of dental implants Depending on one’s needs, there are four types of dental implants. Given below are average costs for the same:
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Dental Procedures That Don’t Need Braces for Teeth Alignment

Dental Procedures That Don’t Need Braces for Teeth Alignment

If your teeth alignment has always made you conscious of your smile, you need to address the issue. Crowded or crooked teeth and crossbites can majorly affect your facial profile and the way you chew your food. The insecurity and complications of a crossbite only grow with age. If you’re contemplating ways to align your teeth, and you want to achieve that without braces, you’ve come to the right place.  This article discusses teeth alignment options that are possible without prominent braces. Invisalign It is one of the most popular ways of teeth alignment without braces. The treatment involves using a set of clear retainer trays made to fit the moving teeth. You will be given a set of new retainer trays every two weeks to make the desired changes. They can be removed when eating, but one needs to ensure they have them on for at least 22 hours in a day. The treatment tenure depends on the severity of the case and takes approximately around 12 to 24 months to align teeth. Advantages They are invisible, so you won’t have to avoid social gatherings or feel awkward They are removable, which makes cleaning the trays and teeth easy  These can be removed when having a meal, which means fewer restrictions when eating Disadvantages Invisalign is a more expensive option  The flexibility of removing trays can elongate the treatment if not worn for prescribed hours  Some may develop a lisp or speak awkwardly with trays Inman Aligner This is another efficient way of teeth alignment without braces.
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Signs and Remedies of Pulmonary Fibrosis

Signs and Remedies of Pulmonary Fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis is a severe lung disease that occurs when the lung tissue is damaged and scarred. The scarring leads to thickened, stiff tissues and makes it difficult for the lungs to work efficiently. Several factors may cause pulmonary fibrosis. However, doctors cannot assess what triggers the condition. While the damage to the lungs is irreversible, there are several remedies that can help. So here are the signs of pulmonary fibrosis and some remedies. The signs of pulmonary fibrosis Before getting into the remedies of the condition, let’s learn about the signs of pulmonary fibrosis. Doing so can ensure proper diagnoses and care at the earliest. The first sign of pulmonary fibrosis is getting out of breath. The symptom occurs when the person exerts themselves through physical exercise. When the condition progresses, the affected individual may find it hard to breathe even with little to no physical activity. Older people who experience shortness of breath often confuse the condition as a sign of aging, failing to diagnose the disease early. Other signs of pulmonary fibrosis include: A dry cough. The sudden loss of weight. Fatigue. Pain in the muscles and joints. Clubbing, a condition that results in the widening and rounding at the tips of the fingers or toes.
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