Month: June 2015

Natural Remedies for Nasal Polyps

You might be wondering why you always have trouble with your breathing, and why your nose passages are clogged up. Those symptoms could be the result of nasal polyps. If that is the case, when you visit the doctor, there will be two remedies recommended; treat the condition with steroids in the form of nasal spray or go for surgery. However, both these treatments are not permanent cures and are associated with a number of dangers and side effects.

The Cause

Nasal polyps can be identified as small or large, teardrop shaped masses of mucus. They are usually fairly movable and result from inflamed tissue in the passages of your nose and upper air ways. They usually start high up in the nose and grow over time, as your irritation increases. They are non-cancerous, and can result from a number of reasons.

If you are born with a deviated septum resulting in a slightly skew nose, or if you had an accident that causes your nose to be deformed, then this can result in these mucus masses growing over time. Another more common reason for them to appear is if you suffer from allergies which inflames and irritates the tissue in the nose. Even poor air quality, like being shut up in a stuffy room for hours, or living in an area where the air has a lot of pollution in it, can trigger the growth of nasal polyps.

The Problem

This type of airway discomfort can be as small as a slight irritation, causing you to feel stuffy or occasionally you feel irritated in your nose. Or these polyps can result in far greater discomfort, causing serious problems and embarrassment. They often affect breathing, causing your nose to get clogged up and your nasal passages to close and resulting in you having to adopt ‘mouth breathing’, which is never a desirable trait in anyone. It can disrupt your sleep and can cause you to be more prone to colds and illnesses as you do not use your nose to filter the air you breathe. It can also cause you to not get enough oxygen intake; affecting your concentration and athletic abilities. All these are serious problems, and really negatively affect your everyday life.

Symptoms

Difficulty breathing and a stuffy nose are the result of nasal polyps, but there are other symptoms that help to distinguish it from just a normal common cold:

You have shortness of breath.
You yawn a lot as your body tries to compensate for lack of oxygen.
Your nose in continually stuffy or clogged.
Snoring.
You have difficulty sleeping.
Your ability to smell is considerably reduced.
Your ability to taste food is reduced.
Your nose often bleeds when you blow it.

Standard Treatment

These mucus growths are treatable to an extent with medical help, but the problem is that medical solutions only provide short term treatment. Steroids need to be used continuously to keep the polyps down and once you stop them, the polyps will grow to a larger size then they initially were. And you will HAVE to stop them eventually, because steroids are associated with a multitude of side effects such as a weakened immune system, stunted growth, vision problems, persistent headaches, and more…

Surgery is the other option. It is expensive and many medical-aids do not pay for this type of alteration as it is deemed as cosmetic; because it alters the structure of the nose. Worse, it is a known fact that surgery is not a permanent cure and most patients (about 70%) will experience a re-growth of the polyps in just weeks after surgery. In addition, there are also many risks involved with surgery. Due to the fact that the surgery is so close to your eyes; there is a risk of damage to your orbits, as well as to the nasal tissue and wall and even brain fluid leaking. Sometimes surgery leaves deep scars in your nose which are uglier than the polyps themselves.

A Natural Holistic Solution

There are a number of natural solutions which provide fast, effective treatment for polyps and many people report complete shrinkage in just a few days of treatment. Natural options are free of side effects and the body does not develop a tolerance. Then, once the polyps have shrunk down, you can implement specific vitamins, minerals and nutrients in your diet to ensure that the polyps never come up again. By including these nutrients, you will be effectively blocking the pathways which can trigger a polyp growth; for example you will keep the body in an anti-inflammatory state, and this will make nasal polyps re-growth impossible. In addition, these dietary changes will prove beneficial for your general health. In fact, many people find that they have more energy and get ill less often. This is because your immune system will be in a much stronger shape, enabling your body to fight off not only nasal polyps growths but other ailments as well.

Effective hemorrhoid home remedies

If you’re one of the millions of Americans who are suffering from piles and you don’t want to buy an over the counter remedy, then you’re probably interested in trying some of the traditional hemorrhoid home remedies that have been used for centuries to shrink those pesky piles. As most of us will experience the discomfort of piles at some point in our lives, it’s helpful to know how to ease the symptoms without having to visit the drugstore or your doctor.

Not only can it be embarrassing, but when the pain starts, you want to have immediate access to a treatment.

The following effective home remedies can be used quickly and safely and only rely on items which most of us keep in either our bathrooms or kitchens.
Your number one priority is to always clean your bottom with either dampened unscented toilet paper, baby wet wipes or a specialised wet toilet tissue. This is to ensure that you don’t further irritate the swollen areas and that you clean them completely. If necessary, use warm water to clean yourself after each bowel movement. After you’ve cleaned the area thoroughly you can then use a cotton pad moistened with either witch hazel or aloe vera and press it against the affected area. This will both soothe and shrink the piles if it’s applied at regular intervals.
If you’ve got a spare 15 minutes, then filling a bath tub with a few inches of water, to which you have added either epsom salts or apple cider vinegar, and sitting in it can provide relief. The warm water will soothe the inflamed areas and the salts or vinegar will help to shrink the piles. This kind of sitz bath is one of the most effective haemorrhoid home remedies.
Of course, we all know the importance of drinking more water and adding more fiber into our diets to improve the frequency and consistency of our stools, but did you know that taking more vitamin C can also be a great way to cure haemorrhoids at home?

Fruits and vegetables containing vitamin C also contains flavonoids and anthocyanins which are both very beneficial for vein health. You’ll find them in limes, lemons, apples, tomatoes, dark red berries, blueberries and grapes. And although it’s probably an old wives’ tale, another excellent way to cure haemorrhoids at home is to eat a banana on an empty stomach every day.

Nasal Polyps Treatment

Nasal polyps should not be left untreated, as they will keep growing and cause serious problems and embarrassment. Conventional nasal polyps treatment is via two routes – steroid therapy or surgical removal.

In most cases, the first line of treatment is a steroid course, which may involve steroid sprays, steroid tablets or a combination of the two. Steroids can shrink down the polyps in about a week; however the shrinkage will be sustained only as long as the steroids are used. Once the steroids are stopped, the polyps will start growing again, and often to a larger size than they were before. Unfortunately, steroids can only be used for the short term, as they cause side effects such as headaches, nose bleeds, sore throats, vision loss, and increase the risk of glaucoma and cataract formation. In children, steroids can cause stunted growth. With steroid tablets, weight gain often occurs. If you have not started steroid therapy, DON’T! This will save you from getting stuck in a vicious cycle where you’ll have to rely on steroids to keep the polyps down.

The other conventional cure for nasal polyps is surgical removal, and this can be done in two ways. Polypectomy is removal of the polyps by getting at them through the nostrils. It is the most common type of nasal polyps surgery and apart from the polyps, some bone will be removed in an attempt to reduce the rate of re-growth.

The other type of surgery is endoscopic sinus surgery, and this procedure will be used for large polyps or where there are clusters of them. In this procedure, a cut is made in the face, and the polyps are removed by entering through these cuts.

Unfortunately, even surgery is not a permanent cure for nasal polyps, with a staggering 75% of the patients undergoing surgery experiencing a nasal polyps re-growth within a few weeks after the procedure. This is because the underlying cause of the polyps will not have been tackled, and the nasal passage will quickly become inflamed again, resulting in new polyps growth. In light of this, one wonders why anyone would opt for surgery, as it is expensive (nasal polyps surgery costs between $3,000 to over $30,000) and carries many risks such as eye damage and the possibility of causing growth of scar tissue. If the polyps are very high up the nose, there is a possibility of brain fluid leakage during the procedure.

 

Can you cure haemorrhoids at home?

If you’ve been suffering from the itchiness and discomfort that piles can cause, you’re probably wondering can you cure haemorrhoids at home? Wonder no more – there are many ways to cure haemorrhoids at home – some of which are more unusual than others, but all of which can prove to be very effective.
Haemorrhoids can occur for all kinds of reasons; from childbirth to constipation, from heavy lifting to sitting for prolonged periods of time. However you’re probably less interested in how they were caused and more interested in how to get rid of them. Whether you’re suffering from internal piles – the ones which are inside the anal canal – or external piles, those which bulge out of the anus, you’re probably suffering discomfort, itchiness and pain. If this is the case for you, the first thing you’ll want to know about curing haemorrhoids at home, is how to stop the physical symptoms.
One easy way is to take a bath in shallow warm water. Add in either a cupful of Epsom salts or apple cider vinegar and then lower yourself into the water. Stay there for up to 15 minutes, allowing the water onto the affected area by opening your legs wide. You’ll find this both relaxing and soothing and you’ll notice a difference in the size of your piles as the active ingredients in the salts or vinegar will help to shrink the veins.
Once you’ve bathed the area, you may want to continue your home haemorrhoid treatment by applying more cider vinegar onto a cotton ball or pad and applying it to the area. Do this at regular intervals until the swelling has subsided. If you don’t have any cider vinegar, try applying coconut oil, (with a clean finger) or a pad soaked in aloe vera or witch hazel. The latter is well known for shrinking piles and has been used for centuries for curing haemorrhoids at home. Other more unusual plant based treatments include Butcher’s Broom and Horse Chestnut, both of which are available in tablet form from a health food store.

 

If you do opt to try any of these plant based treatments, you should always consult your doctor as some, in particular horse chestnut, have occasionally been known to have some relatively bad side effects. In either case you should always consult a doctor if you have high blood pressure or are a pregnant or nursing mother.

BEST NATURAL TREATMENT FOR HEMORRHOIDS HERE

Nasal Polyps An Overview

Nasal polyps are abnormal growths that occur inside the nasal passages and the sinuses (canals found behind the cheekbones). Nasal polyps can range from unnoticeable to large lumps, and sometimes they can hang outside the nose. They can be pink but also yellow or grey in colour. They are soft and often described as jelly-like.

Symptoms of nasal polyps:

Nasal polyps tend to be unnoticeable at first, being dismissed as the irritation associated with a common cold. Some early symptoms include itchiness in your throat and your nose becoming stuffy or occasionally clogged up. These symptoms can increase, and are often followed by your nose running a lot, unexplained bleeding and your nostrils becoming clogged completely. In some cases, if these growths are deep enough in your nose they block the airways at the back of your nasal cavity completely. When nasal polyps get big enough, they are easily visible from the outside.

Nasal polyps can cause you to have difficulty breathing. Loss of sleep can result and snoring is a less common symptom, but also occurs if the mucus growths partly obstruct the airways. You will also find you are more tired and have difficulty concentrating. This is attributed to poor intake of air. You will often compensate by breathing through your mouth, which will cause you to be more susceptible to colds and upper airway infections. This is a result from the fact that you cannot filter the air you breathe through your nose.

In short, symptoms include:

Nasal congestion
Anosmia (loss of sense of smell)
Sinusitis
Secondary infection which can lead to headaches
Snoring may occur while sleeping
Facial changes are not common, but are can occur
Nose bleeds
Coryza

Cause of Nasal Polyps:

The exact cause for nasal polyps is unknown; however, they are commonly thought to be caused by:
Asthma
Cystic fibrosis
Exposure to some forms of chromium
There are a few illnesses that can be associated with nasal polyp formation:
Asthma
Chronic rhinosinusitis
Aspirin intolerance
Kartagener’s syndrome
Young’s syndrome
Churg-Strauss syndrome
Nasal Mastocytosis
Cystic fibrosis

 

Best treatment for haemorrhoids

You’ve noticed itchiness and discomfort around your bottom and every time you pass a bowel movement you see blood on the paper.

If this sounds like you – you’re suffering from haemorrhoids – those swollen veins which sit either inside the anal canal or, if you’re very unlucky, are protruding from your anus like a miniature bunch of grapes. But don’t panic, haemorrhoids are not as unusual as you may think and there are many things you can do to treat them.

So here’s a rundown on the best treatments for haemorrhoids, both medicinal and natural, so you can choose the most appropriate for you.
If you head to your local drugstore, you’ll find many haemorrhoid treatments. Most consist of topical treatments, i.e. those which are applied onto the affected area. These usually consist of two types. The first are corticosteroid creams which contain low doses of steroids and have the effect of shrinking the piles and returning the swollen veins to their normal size. They also help to improve the tone of the veins too.

The second type of cream usually contain lidocaine – a local anesthetic which reduces the pain. They don’t actually reduce the size of the piles but they do alleviate the discomfort.
For those of you who prefer more natural methods, then the best treatment for haemorrhoids is to use a cotton pad saturated in some kind of plant based substance. The most popular treatments include witch hazel, from the leaves and bark of the Hamamelis virginiana, which acts as an astringent to relieve pain, swelling and itching, apple cider vinegar which works pretty much in the same way and aloe vera which, because of its high water content, is much more soothing. Other options include smoothing coconut oil onto the area to heal and soothe the skin.
And if you’re a lover of alternative medicines, Traditional Chinese Medicine offers several remedies which they consider to be the best treatment for haemorrhoids.

These include Gingko, otherwise known as Gingko Biloba, Japanese silver apricot or maidenhair which has been used by the Chinese for thousands of years as a treatment for piles. Other TCM remedies include Bu Zhon Yi Qi Wan, another traditional treatment which requires you to take 8 – 10 pills, 3 times a day for one month. We’re not sure whether it works, but you’re certainly going to rattle with so many pills inside you.

 

BEST NATURAL TREATMENT FOR HEMORRHOIDS HERE

 

 

Early Signs of Nasal Polyps

Early detection of nasal polyps can speed up diagnosis and help treat the condition as soon as possible. Nasal polyps are small nodules found in the interior of the nose or nasal passage and as soon as you notice or feel anything out of the ordinary, particularly if it hinders breathing, then you should seek medical advice.

Some of the signs and symptoms nasal polyps cause can in fact mimic other health complaints and as a result people who have them may be completely unaware of their presence. It is only when the nasal passage is examined properly by a health professional that nasal polyps can be diagnosed and consequently treated.

One of the first signs of nasal polyps is when it becomes difficult to breathe and the nasal passages are constructed causing the person to breathe through the month. This is often mistaken for congestion during a cold but persistent restricted breathing can be a warning of nasal polyps.

Constant stuffiness and a runny nose are also early warning signs of nasal polyps but again thee two symptoms can be mistaken for a common cold. Sinus infections are also a result of the presence of nasal polyps and generally follow on from a cold. Loss or reduced sense of smell is another sign of nasal polyps given that they often block the membranes that help with our sense of smell.

Frequent headaches and chronic snoring are also related to nasal polyps and once detected and conformed by a doctor can be treated. Treatment is either in the form of a nasal spray, which helps keep the polyps small, or in the case where they are large surgery is often the alternative solution.

How to get rid of back acne

Back acne occurs when the pores and hair follicles on the back get clogged by excessive sebum which accumulates and mixes with dirt on the skin surface. This produces an environment for bacteria to thrive. The bacteria multiply, causing the pores to become inflamed and swollen with pus. The friction between the skin and clothes also aggravates the situation by causing irritation. Even though they are covered, back acne are more painful than facial acne. However, just like any other type of acne, they are curable.
Many people suffering from back acne try to “pop” the pimples once they notice them. The first step towards getting rid of the acne is by avoiding this because interfering with the pimples only serves to further irritate the skin
Practicing proper hygiene is paramount to getting rid of bacne. You should regularly shower with a mild antibacterial soap. If you are an athlete, make sure you remove your gym clothes immediately after your workout to avoid accumulation of sweat and dirt on the skin. You should wash the affected area gently without too much scrubbing. If you have long hair that rests on your back, it is advisable to wash it regularly or maintain it in a bun to prevent contact with the pimples as it may worsen the condition.
If you want to get rid of bacne, avoid wearing tight clothing around the back area. You should opt for clothing made from natural material such as cotton which is considered a “breathable” material. The clothes should be fit loosely to allow air circulation so that the sweat and oils evaporate easily and your skin stays aerated. Your skin will also suffer less friction, which can worsen the acne. Avoid carrying a backpack until the acne has cleared completely as this causes your back to sweat more than normal.
Ensure you maintain a healthy lifestyle if you want to get rid of back acne. This entails eating a balanced diet, drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day and getting approximately 7-9 hours of sleep. Your diet should be high in vitamins A, C, D and E as these are crucial for the regeneration and healing of the skin. Avoid eating junk food and food high in trans-fats. These are the number one culprits when it comes to acne.
For severe acne, you can see a dermatologist to advise you accordingly. In some cases, the back acne requires advanced medical treatment.

Do I have Nasal Polyps

Do you suffer from recurrent colds and flu? If yes, you may have nasal polyps.

Nasal Polyps, also known as Sinus Polyps, are non-cancerous growths in the nose or in the sinuses (the canal behiand your cheekbone). The cause symptoms similar to those of cold and flu; however, the symptoms caused by nasal polyps will never get better. You may therefore have a persistently blocked or stuffy nose, and you may experience mucus running down the back of your throat. In addition, large polyps interfere with breathing and this can cause chronic headaches due to lack of oxygen. You may also find yourself yawning a lot, and experience daytime fatigue, even after a proper night’s sleep. You will notice that you don’t smell or taste as good as you used to.

Nasal polyps in the nasal passage can be visible to others and be very embarrassing, especially if you get asked what’s wrong in your nose! They have a teardrop shape, and may be pink, yellowish or grey in colour. They are soft to touch and have a jelly-like texture. Polyps can occur singly, or more often in clusters, a condition called polyposis. Often if you have polyps on one side, you will most likely also get them on the other side.

Nasal polyps should not be left untreated. They increase your risk of nasal infections, which can be fairly serious. In addition, they tend to grow in size, and can cause pain, discomfort and swelling. Very large polyps can alter the shape of your face and be very embarrasing.

The exact cause of nasal polyps is not always known; however, what is known is that ultimately they occur as a result of an irritation and subsequent inflammation of nasal linings. This may be due to a chronic allergy, such asthma or hay fever. They may also be due to frequent nasal and sinus infections, an adverse reaction to aspirin, or living in heavily polluted areas. Injuries to the nose, mainly those which alter the shape of the nose, also increase the risk of getting nasal polyps. All these factors will cause the cells in the nasal linings to get inflamed, causing fluids to build up in them. Eventually, gravity pulls these fluid-laden cells down, resulting in the characteristic tear-drop growth of nasal polyps.

If you suspect you have nasal polyps, you should get them checked by a doctor. A doctor will take a history and carry out a physical examination, sometimes with the use of a nasal speculum. In some cases, a CT scan or X-ray will be needed to confirm the diagnosis. You will then be advised either to start steroid therapy or to undertake surgery. However, both of these approaches are only a short-term solution and are associated with a number of side effects and complications.

How to get rid of back acne scars

Back acne scars are embarrassing despite being covered by clothes. The scars make it impossible to wear a top or dress with an open back. Back acne causes damage to the skin and this is because your skin may be creating very little tissue or too much of it. Hypertrophic or keloid scars form if your skin makes more tissue and atrophic scars result in in a back where little tissue is created. Hypertrophic scars appear like thick raised patches on the skin, while atrophic resemble little depressions on the skin. They
Some of the common treatments for such a condition include acne scar surgery, microdermabrasion, chemical peel treatments and laser resurfacing. Depending on the nature and severity of the acne, you can select the most appropriate treatment.
Scar surgery
Acne scar surgery entails removing the scarred skin tissue by surgery. It is very effective for severe acne. After removal of the damaged skin, skin from another area of your body (usually the back of your ear) is grafted onto the affected area and allowed to re-grow and fill the craters.
Chemical peels
Chemical peel treatments can either be done at home or at the hospital. This method is effective for treating all types of acne scars. You can apply the peels depending on severity of the scarring. High strength peels are most effective for deep scars while low concentration peels can be used on mild scars. Home peels are quite affordable and you can administer them yourself without the need to consult your doctor.
Laser treatment
Laser resurfacing is a type of surgery whereby the doctor uses a laser beam to burn and destroy the damaged scar tissue. It is quite expensive and would be considered as a method of last resort. There is no blood lost during this surgery and it is quite safe.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a non-surgical procedure that uses small crystals to exfoliate the skin. In this procedure, the crystals are sprayed on the skin and the dermatologist “buffs” the affected area. It works to remove the aged, damaged skin and give way for new, scar-free skin to grow. It is most effective for mild acne. This procedure is painless and feels like getting a facial massage. It is however not recommended for treatment of severe acne scars and craters.

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