Why is constipation so dangerous?

 

Constipation can be a serious concern for several reasons, particularly if it becomes chronic or is accompanied by certain complications. While occasional constipation is common and usually not a cause for alarm, chronic or severe constipation can have significant health implications.

 

Here are some reasons why constipation can be considered serious:

 

Discomfort and Reduced Quality of Life:

Constipation often causes discomfort, pain, and bloating. It can lead to a decreased quality of life, affecting a person’s daily activities and overall well-being.

 

Complications:

Prolonged constipation can lead to complications such as hemorrhoids (swollen blood vessels in the rectum or anus), anal fissures (tears in the lining of the anus), and rectal prolapse (when part of the rectum protrudes through the anus).

 

Impacted Stool:

In severe cases, constipation can cause stool to become impacted, meaning it becomes hard and difficult to pass. This can require medical intervention to remove the impacted stool, which may involve manual disimpaction or other procedures.

 

Bowel Obstruction:

In rare cases, chronic constipation can lead to a bowel obstruction, which is a blockage in the intestines. Bowel obstructions can be a medical emergency and require immediate treatment.

 

Secondary Health Issues:

Constipation can be a symptom of underlying medical conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), colorectal cancer, thyroid disorders, or neurological disorders. Treating the underlying cause is important to prevent further complications.

 

Impact on Digestive Health:

Chronic constipation can affect the overall health of the digestive system. It may lead to changes in gut bacteria, diverticular disease, or the development of diverticulitis (inflammation or infection of small pouches in the colon).

 

Nutritional Concerns:

Persistent constipation can interfere with nutrient absorption in the intestines, potentially leading to malnutrition or other nutritional deficiencies.

 

Impact on Mental Health:

Chronic constipation can also have psychological effects, causing anxiety, depression, or frustration due to ongoing discomfort and disruption of daily life.

 

It’s essential to address constipation promptly, especially if it becomes chronic or if you experience severe symptoms. Lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, increased physical activity, and adequate hydration are often effective strategies for managing and preventing constipation.

 

If constipation persists or is associated with concerning symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and treatment plan. They can help identify any underlying causes and provide guidance on appropriate treatments or interventions to alleviate constipation and prevent serious complications.

Challenging the Stigma: Debunking the Embarrassment Surrounding Herpes

Herpes, a viral infection that affects millions of people globally, is often surrounded by misconceptions and stigma, making it one of the most misunderstood and unnecessarily embarrassing illnesses. In this article, we aim to shed light on herpes, its types, symptoms, transmission, and emphasize the importance of compassion and understanding.

Understanding Herpes

Herpes is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two main types of herpes: herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). HSV-1 primarily causes oral herpes, commonly known as cold sores or fever blisters, which appear around the mouth or face. On the other hand, HSV-2 primarily causes genital herpes, characterized by sores or blisters in the genital area.

Symptoms and Outbreaks

Herpes symptoms can vary from person to person. Many individuals infected with HSV may not experience any symptoms or have very mild symptoms that go unnoticed. When symptoms do occur, they often include painful sores, blisters, or ulcers in the affected area. Other symptoms may include itching, burning sensations, swollen lymph nodes, and flu-like symptoms during the initial outbreak.

Herpes outbreaks tend to be sporadic and can vary in frequency and severity from person to person. While some may have frequent outbreaks, others may only experience one or two over their lifetime. Outbreaks are often triggered by factors such as stress, illness, fatigue, hormonal changes, or a weakened immune system.

Transmission and Prevention

Herpes is highly contagious and can be transmitted through direct contact with an active outbreak or through asymptomatic shedding of the virus. It is important to note that transmission can occur even when there are no visible symptoms. HSV-1 can be transmitted through oral contact, such as kissing or sharing utensils, while HSV-2 is primarily transmitted through sexual contact.

Prevention of herpes transmission involves several strategies, including:

Safe Sexual Practices: Consistently using barrier methods like condoms or dental dams during sexual activity can significantly reduce the risk of transmission.

Open Communication: Discussing your sexual health history with partners and having open, honest conversations about herpes can help in making informed decisions.

Medication: Antiviral medications prescribed by healthcare professionals can reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks and lower the risk of transmission.

Hygiene Practices: Maintaining good personal hygiene, including regular handwashing, can help prevent the spread of herpes.

Addressing Stigma and Seeking Support

The stigma surrounding herpes often stems from a lack of understanding and fear of judgment. It is essential to challenge these misconceptions and foster a more compassionate and supportive environment for individuals living with herpes.

If you have been diagnosed with herpes, it is crucial to remember that you are not alone. Seek support from healthcare professionals, support groups, or online communities where you can connect with others who share similar experiences. Education and open discussions can help dispel myths and reduce the stigma associated with this common infection.

Conclusion

Herpes is a prevalent viral infection that affects millions of people worldwide. By understanding its types, symptoms, transmission, and prevention strategies, we can debunk the unnecessary embarrassment and stigma surrounding this condition. Let us promote empathy, education, and support for individuals living with herpes, fostering a more inclusive and understanding society.

Herpes -Protect yourself from Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is one of the most contagious diseases.

 

It is a STD- Sexually Transmitted Disease. Any sexual encounter with an affected person can get you genital herpes. Genital herpes flare-ups are quite painful and this disease takes a big toll on the psychology and affects relationships. Let us find out about how to prevent it.

Genital Herpes- how does it spread?

The herpes virus lies dormant in those who have got it. Suppose you have unprotected sex with somebody who is in dormant state, you may still get it. If you have sex – protected or unprotected with any body that has active sores of genital herpes, you may get it. Sometimes those who have contacted herpes may not be aware of that. That complicates the situation because they will unknowingly pass on the virus to you. Let us find out about what you can do?

Genital Herpes-protect yourself

To protect yourself from genital herpes you should avoid multiple partners. There is no way you can guarantee that one of your many partners is not having genital herpes. Have monogamous relationship. If you have a new partner, try to find out if she/he has had any symptoms of genital herpes. This may sound difficult, but there are no easy options. Use latex condoms. Avoid oral sex because that is always unprotected. Herpes never leaves you once you get it. Please protect yourself.

 

How do I know if I have Genital Herpes?

Despite the fact that millions of Americans are living with genital herpes, the disease can be surprisingly difficult to detect in some cases.

However, many people with genital herpes have at least some detectable signs.

The most obvious sign of genital herpes is the appearance of red bumps in and/or around the genital area, often starting around two weeks after the initial exposure to herpes. The bumps may spread to the anus and/or surrounding skin, and in some cases also develop within the vagina and/or urinary tract.

 

These bumps turn into blisters, which in turn become sores. Often these sores become encrusted and very itchy; after a period of time, however, they will clear up. An outbreak can involve a large number of sores, but can just as easily involve just a single one.

Because genital herpes is incurable, these outbreaks will recur over time. Certain medications are available to increase the length of time in-between herpes outbreaks.

Other symptoms of genital herpes may or may not accompany an outbreak. These include a reddening and/or sudden extreme dryness of the genital area; a burning, itching, and/or painful sensation in the genital area; vaginal discharge; difficulty urinating; headache; fever; and/or swollen glands.

The most difficult aspect of genital herpes, and a large contributor to its spread, is that the herpes virus can remain inactive in many individuals and never cause them to show any signs or symptoms of the condition.

 

However, they are still able to spread genital herpes to others. Many times the symptoms of genital herpes are confused with other conditions, such as yeast infections, urinary tract infections, and even ingrown hairs.

While it’s important to know and be able to recognize the symptoms of genital herpes, you should always seek an official diagnosis from a medical professional if you are at all concerned that you may have contracted the disease.

 

Only they will be able to say for certain whether your symptoms are the result of herpes. If you do have genital herpes, they can provide you with medication and important information necessary to handle the condition.

If you are currently experiencing an outbreak of genital herpes, a doctor can diagnose your condition visually. A blood test or a viral culture can also check for the herpes simplex virus, although results can be vague and/or inaccurate in many cases. Two different strains of the herpes simplex virus lead to genital herpes: HSV-1 and HSV-2. The former, HSV-1, can indicate any form of herpes, including mouth sores, and does not necessarily translate into a genital herpes diagnosis. However, HSV-2 is almost always linked to genital herpes, and is a more reliable sign of the disease.

 

How to cure piles

If you’re suffering from a bout of piles, no doubt you’re keen to try anything which will take away the discomfort and pain, so if you’re wondering how to cure piles, read on for some traditional and no so traditional haemorrhoid treatments.

 

At the first sign of piles, most of us will head to the drugstore to buy an over the counter remedy. These usually contain either corticosteroids, a low dose of steroids, and / orhttp://myhealthbusiness.info/hemorroids lidocaine, a local anesthetic to dull the pain.

 

They’re applied topically, as in directly onto your anus, and provide both relief and shrinkage of the haemorrhoid itself. They’re one of the easiest and more reliable methods of how to cure piles and probably the most widely used treatments amongst sufferers.

 

However, if you prefer to use more natural products or you can’t get to a drugstore, there are natural alternatives which work just as well as the over the counter haemorrhoid treatments.

 

These natural methods include using plant based substances such as aloe vera, witch hazel, apple cider vinegar and even the humble tea bag. They’re easy to use too.

 

Simply apply the liquid to a cotton pad and apply to your anus at regular intervals. They’ll not only soothe the area, but they’ll help to shrink the swollen veins too. The tea bags can be applied just as they are, after being soaked in water of course and allowed to cool slightly, you don’t want to use a red hot tea bag on your more sensitive areas.

 

Other methods proven to be successful in curing piles are sitting in a shallow tub of warm water in which you’ve dissolved a cupful of epsom salts. The salts and warm water will not only soothe but they’ll help to reduce the size of the piles too.

 

Changing the way you use the toilet can also help to cure piles. With the invention of the modern toilet we tend to sit down to empty our bowels. This is one of the worst positions you can adopt as it puts tremendous strain on your rectum. It’s far more natural to actually squat. Now while this may take some time to get used to, squatting actually straightens your rectum and makes passing stools much easier.
http://myhealthbusiness.info/hemorroids

 

 

And finally if we’re looking at ways how to cure your piles, we can’t ignore the fact that diet plays a big part, so make sure that you’re drinking plenty of water and eating lots of fiber.

 

How to cure hemorrhoids naturally

Hemorrhoids – the butt of many jokes – sorry for the pun, but if you suffer from hemorrhoids you’re probably feeling somewhat embarrassed and it’s probably something you don’t want to talk about with your friends.

 

However, as it’s estimated that between 50% and 75% of Americans will suffer from hemorrhoids at some point during their lives, be assured that you’re not alone.

 

While many sufferers will resort to over the counter hemorrhoid creams from their local drugstore or pharmacy, if you’re wondering how to cure hemorrhoids naturally, read on for some tips.

The pain and discomfort of hemorrhoids can be reduced by changing your diet.

If you’re a lover of fatty foods and alcohol, you’ll need to cut these out while upping your intake of water and adding more fiber. This has the double effect of not only softening your stools, thereby relieving the symptoms, but also increases the bulk of your stools which will stop you straining so much when you’re on the toilet.

However, while altering your diet is probably the main thing to do to cure your hemorrhoids naturally, this method does take a few days to work, so in the meantime there are several things you can do to relieve your symptoms. Firstly, always make sure that you clean your anus thoroughly after going to the toilet.

 

Use either dampened unscented toilet paper or a baby wet wipe. Applying cold compresses are also a great idea, especially if you impregnate them with natural ingredients. Try apple cider vinegar which is one of the most popular methods to cure hemorrhoids naturally.

 

Simply soak a cotton wool ball in the vinegar and then apply to the affected area. Continue to do this at regular intervals and you’ll soon find that the inflammation will die down.
Another popular remedy is applying coconut oil to the piles. This is an age old remedy which has been handed down through generations of people looking to cure hemorrhoids naturally. It’s a really simple solution, you simply apply directly to the skin and repeat under your symptoms subside. Of course, always wash your hands before and after application.

The cure all wonder plant Aloe Vera is also another great home remedy if you’re looking how to cure hemorrhoids naturally. Once again, you simply apply the soothing gel on a regular basis until the discomfort starts to ease and the piles disappear.

 

Hemorrhoid home treatment methods

If you find yourself unlucky enough to be suffering from the discomfort of piles, you may be interested in some of these hemorrhoid home treatment methods which have been used by Americans for centuries to relieve the symptoms. Hemorrhoids are not only extremely common amongst the American public, but they’re also extremely irritating and can become very painful if left untreated.

As over 50% of Americans will suffer from them at some point in their lives, they’re a very common condition but, due to their intimate nature, many people prefer not to talk about them. Of course, there are many creams and ointments which you can get easily from a drugstore, however if you prefer more natural hemorrhoid home treatment methods, you may want to try some of these.

Hemorrhoids can cause a lot of discomfort, especially if they’ve prolapsed outside the anus. Coupled with the itching and bleeding when you pass a stool, you’ll often feel pain and discomfort in the area too. One way to relieve this is to take a ‘sitz’ bath. Now this is exactly as it sounds. You literally fill the tub with a few inches of warm water and sit in it. Add in either a handful of Epsom salts (once again they’re available from the drug store) or a cup of cider vinegar and sit in it for about 15 minutes. It’s best to sit back with your knees raised – an undignified position, but it does give maximum exposure to the affected area – and you’ll soon find that any pain is reduced and the irritation is soothed.

Other hemorrhoid home treatment methods include applying various natural substances on a cotton pad, with apple cider vinegar, aloe vera and witch hazel being amongst the favourite and most effective treatments. These soothe and heal and help to relieve any pain, itching and swelling associated with hemorrhoids.

More unusual, albeit very simple, hemorrhoid home treatment methods include using used teabags. Not only are they good for helping puffy eyes, but the tannin contained in the tea also helps with piles too. Use warm tea bags as you’ll find the warmth soothing and the natural astringency of the tannin will help to shrink those piles back down to normal.

And finally, why not squatting over the toilet instead of sitting? It’ll not only help you to pass your stools as it straightens out the rectum, but you’ll also get killer quads!

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.

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

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