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Archive for January, 2012

I can remember the first time that I got a sinus infection. I have had headaches in the past, and I’m not stranger to sinus pressure, so when I first started to feel the effects of the infection it was all too familiar. I figured I would just take some aspirin and a nap until it passed. The problem was that it didn’t pass, it just kept getting worse and worse until I felt as if my head was going to come apart at the seams. I didn’t know how to cure sinus infection, so off to the doctors I went and got a prescription for some antibiotics. Sure it worked, but it also left my body open to some other problems, such as yeast infections and stronger strains of bacteria that the antibiotics could not kill.

Perhaps you are feeling much the same. If you are suffering from a sinus infection, or perhaps chronic sinus infections then there is some possibility for relief. There are some natural ways to cure sinus infection that won’t leave your body open to other problems the same way as prescription medicine and drug store potions will. One of the most effective ways that I found to cure sinus infection, or at least to stop them from coming back was to use a product that is known as a netipot. Neti is an ancient method of irrigating the nasal passages using water. Many people do this on a regular basis in order to help them with deep breathing, but it has a great effect on those of us who suffer from sinus infections. The netipot will also clear out the old junk that is impacted in your sinus passages, helping to keep them clear and moist so that the bacteria will not have a fertile breeding ground.

Problem wounds are those which fail to respond to established medical and surgical management. Such wounds usually develop in patients with multiple local and systemic factors contributing to poor tissue healing. These include diabetic foot ulcers, compromised amputation sites, vascular insufficiency ulcers (ulcers with poor circulation) and non-healing traumatic wounds. All share the common problem of tissue hypoxia (low tissue oxygen levels), usually related to impaired circulation.

Diabetic foot wounds are one of the major complications of diabetes and an excellent example of the type of complicated wound which can be treated with hyperbaric oxygen. Many diabetics have impaired arterial circulation in their feet and have great difficulty with wound healing of foot ulcers.

The elevation in tissue oxygenation which occurs in the hyperbaric chamber induces significant changes in the wound repair process that promote healing. When the hyperbaric chamber is used in conjunction with standard wound care, improved results have been demonstrated in the healing of difficult or limb threatening wounds

“I was diagnosed with Bulbar ALS in Dec. 2005. My speech was leaving me. I started Tibetan herbs because a friend had reversed speech problems due to taking them. I still take the herbs but my speech has become impossible to understand. I have a feeding tube now and am gaining weight-yippee! A year ago I started hyperbaric oxygen therapy with. I have not had the tiredness that most ALS patients seem to deal with. I am playing golf,doing yoga and pilates and jog/walking 5k races.

I volunteer for Hospice, Lifehouse and am a National official for USA Track and Field covering the meets at Cal and Stanford and the NCAA Nationals. I credit this to my oxygen treatments – I started at 5 times a week and now take it 4 times a week…It is enjoyable for me as I can meditate, read or sleep in the chamber.I am happy doing this as it cannot hurt me and only help me.”

Day after day, patients are overcoming the bleak forecasts about recovery from their stroke or traumatic brain injury, using Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.

Being dependent on allergy medication can be difficult for anyone, as it would be great to just wake up without sneezing, itching and watery eyes, and general all around misery. It would probably also be nice to be able to go outdoors or smell some flowers without the same symptoms! But in truth we are very fortunate to live in a world where we have access to allergy medication so that we don’t need to suffer these symptoms, but of course some other treatment options are advisable as well.

Remember how allergy medication works when choosing your treatment method. Allergies are a sign that you immune system is not working properly; when you come into contact with something that you’re allergic to, your body responds the same way it does when fighting off an illness or germs. The immune system goes into overdrive and sends out what is called histamines, which react to the irritant. Antihistamines then stop this process and block these histamines so you don’t have this reaction. An allergy medication then stops your body from the reaction that causes your sensitivity to an allergy; it doesn’t cause your body to not be allergic anymore.

Most allergy medication is harmless and the process it creates is actually much healthier than suffering through allergy symptoms. Those histamines, since they are reacting to something that is not really a danger, become the irritant to a patient. Decongestants are different; long-term use can actually make symptoms worse and should not be used for chronic allergies. Some allergy medication is available as shots, and these usually help your body to adjust to its own reactions to allergies so that you no longer have the symptoms.

There are other options for those who don’t want to use just allergy medication. Usually treating your symptoms can be done with natural options. If you have skin allergies, warm baths and showers can help to ease your symptoms. Natural skin creams with oils such as aloe, sunflower oil, grape seed oil, and other organic ingredients can work better than harsh chemicals in most skin lotions. Aloe Vera will help rejuvenate and tone skin all over. Aloe Vera is a naturally cooling gel and the botanical ingredients work together to stimulate the blood circulation and naturally soften the skin.

For allergies of outdoor things such as pollen and ragweed, insulating the home with double-paned windows can help to keep these elements out of the house. Gargling with warm salt water can help to ease a closed throat. Vitamin C is nature’s protective nutrient, essential for defending the body against pollution and infection and enhances the bodies’ immune system. Beta Carotene protects the mucus membranes of the mouth, nose, throat and lungs. It also helps protect Vitamin C from oxidation, which enables it to perform at optimum efficiency.

Of course, if you’ve been prescribed allergy medication or have severe allergies, it’s imperative that you take your meds and call emergency services if you have an allergy attack that keeps you from breathing. Allergies are very serious and can lead to anaphylactic shock and death, so it’s important that you pay attention to any and all symptoms of a severe allergic reaction.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.

Almost 20 to 30 years ago, people with cystic fibrosis did not survive to attain adulthood; untimely death was common with patients suffering from this disorder. Fortunately, there has been a dramatic change in today’s scenario; there have been many remarkable changes in the medical treatments.

Researchers have developed proper understanding of this condition and have also come up with improved treatment options. Today, children with cystic fibrosis have increased life expectancy and they do reach their adulthood. Most people having this condition are healthier today and are pursuing all their aims in life like you and me.

Patients with cystic fibrosis can also live up to middle age today and have a normal life, which seems to be a miracle. Healthy children and some adults are trying to pursue a career, indulge in leisure activities, have a family life and be happy, despite of the disease. But of course, adults in their advanced stages of cystic fibrosis are likely to have lesser opportunities – they usually have a shorter life and restricted lifestyle. However, these adults are likely to benefit from all the new improved treatments and therapies that can treat the condition and, minimize the symptoms of the same. Patients can now hope for improved scientific advancements and betterment of lives in the next few years.

However, let that not give us a blurred vision. We ought to be realistic in identifying the complications associated with the condition including progressive lung damage, breathing difficulties and premature death – the eventual results of this fatal condition if lung transplantation is not considered.

Cystic fibrosis is usually diagnosed in children, specifically infants and in teens. However, adults who were not formerly diagnosed with the condition can as well be diagnosed by expert health professionals. In adults with cystic fibrosis, some symptoms manifest as the tell-tale signs of the condition, such as:

Chronic asthma Sinusitis Allergies Diarrhea Problems with low body weight

Usually, sweat test or genetic tests can confirm the condition. It can sometimes be a challenging task to deal with the prospects of a life-shortening condition. It can be psychologically devastating as well and entails some added treatments that are intricate and time consuming during such a demanding condition in their life. Hospitalization is often needed for patients. Initial IV antibiotic treatment is given for improvement.

However, it is a relief to be properly diagnosed with the condition, as diagnosis can only lead to proper treatments, which is extremely essential.

Adult Cystic Fibrosis Treatments

Treatment in adults is the same as that of the treatments available today for children and teens. The therapies involved for treating cystic fibrosis are very important for adults along with the conventional medicines available. Extensive damage is caused to the lungs inevitably which makes the condition even more severe than in teens. Therefore, it actually becomes extremely imperative for getting the required treatments and care in order to maintain proper health conditions.

There are various steps to be taken by an adult cystic fibrosis patient:

Balanced nutrition must be maintained Normal body weight also needs to be maintained The lungs must be kept free from the sticky mucus Infections must be treated promptly It is advised to visit a heath center that provides cystic fibrosis treatment and follows regularly

For many years, the most highly recommended menopause treatment was hormone replacement therapy. However, a large study known as the Women’s Health Initiative found that long-term estrogen only or progesterone, estrogen combination therapies resulted in an increased risk of blood clots and stroke. Since, the first symptoms of menopause may appear years before actual menopause (which is when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months) alternative treatments may be the best choice.

Menopause signs, symptoms and conditions that may appear up to ten years before actual menopause include:

Irregular periods

The first symptoms of menopause that usually appear are changes in menstrual periods. These may be normal, but it is important to see your doctor regularly and report things like; heavy bleeding, periods that last several days longer or are more frequent than what you are accustomed to, and spotting between periods or after sex. Herbs that help to correct hormonal imbalances, including black cohosh, red clover and sarsaparilla, may help regulate and normalize periods. Black cohosh is one highly recommended alternative menopause treatment.

Mood swings, Depression, Anxiety

These emotional difficulties may be menopause signs/symptoms related to changing hormonal levels. They could be symptoms of pre-menstrual syndrome if they occur in the last two weeks before a period. They can be caused by changing life situations or life events that cause cumulative stress. When mood swings, depression or anxiety affect your quality of life or your relationships, you should see your doctor, counselor or psychologist. If you have had suicidal thoughts, do not delay. An alternative menopause treatment that addresses emotional difficulties is 5-HTP. Used by the body to create serotonin, which regulates sleep, mood and sexuality, small amounts of 5-HTP are found in turkey and other foods and is an ingredient in some health supplements. Because, the action of 5-HTP is similar to prescription antidepressants, they should not be taken together, without consulting your doctor.

Increased symptoms of PMS, fatigue, breast tenderness

Fatigue and breast tenderness are some of the first symptoms of menopause, but are also symptoms of PMS, which (not to be repetitive) can be one of the first symptoms of menopause. Women who have never suffered from PMS sometimes start to see symptoms in their thirties. As with all of the other menopause signs/symptoms, other conditions should be ruled out, before assuming that you are suffering from PMS. The symptoms of PMS are believed to be caused by decreased levels of estrogen. Sometimes recommended as an alternative menopause treatment, phytoestrogens found in soy and red clover can help relieve the symptoms of PMS. Phytoestrogens are plant components that have an estrogen-like effect on the body.

Decreased sex drive, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse

The majority of women report a decreased sex drive as one of the first symptoms of menopause, but some women notice an increase in sex drive. Depending largely on whether or not vaginal dryness causes pain during intercourse. Other changes in a woman’s body can cause discomfort during sex at this time and normal monthly changes of the cervix can cause pain in certain positions. Painful intercourse should always be reported to your doctor to rule out other causes. Tribulus terrestris is among the herbs recommended to increase sex drive, by regulating hormonal levels. Vaginal dryness can be relieved by using K-Y jelly or lotions. Among the newest varieties are ones that “heat up” when applied and ones with pleasant fragrances. Changing positions can be more comfortable and more fun.

Urine leakage or urgency

Most women consider it a part of getting older, but this is one of the more embarrassing first symptoms of menopause. It can be related to other conditions, but is usually caused by decreased levels of estrogen in the body. An alternative menopause treatment that addresses this symptom is Kegel exercise, which strengthens the pelvic muscles. Other things that you can do include; losing weight if you are heavy, limiting caffeinated beverages, avoiding artificial sweeteners and train the bladder to gradually hold more urine (waiting longer before you go).

Hot flashes

You feel hot, for no reason. You may sweat more than usual. You may have red blotches on your face, neck and chest. Caused by changing estrogen levels (isn’t everything), these may not be the first symptoms of menopause that you notice, but they are some of the more easily recognizable ones. Black cohosh is an alternative menopause treatment that has been shown in numerous studies to effectively relieve these symptoms.

Night sweats

These are the same as hot flashes only that happen in bed at night and may wake you up, interrupting your sleep and possibly leading to the next symptom.

Insomnia

Difficulty sleeping may be caused by night sweats or many of the other menopause signs/symptoms. Though not recognized by many health care professionals as such, an alternative menopause treatment that addresses this symptom is 5-HTP, previously mentioned, it can improve the quality of sleep.

Not all women experience all of these menopause signs/symptoms and there are others that are not mentioned here, including headaches, body aches, joint pain and migraines. If you seek help when you notice the first symptoms of menopause, then you may be more comfortable throughout these years.