There has been a substantial increase in deaths due to heart attacks in India. Over the last 10 years, this number has almost doubled. Amongst which almost 50 % cases fall under 50 years of age group. This is very shocking and saddening to know that the younger generation is facing the wrath in its prime of life. And the reason came out to be none other than the sub-standard way of living.

We are living in a technology-pro world where, due to sedentary lifestyles and stress, many youngsters are developing lifestyle disorders like hypertension, high cholesterol, heart blockage, etc. Due to a hectic work life, managing a healthy routine seems like a far-fetched dream today.

Many recent happenings of cardiac arrest in young celebs, had, healthcare professionals question the quality & standard of life we are maintaining today. Not just that, but also, COVID infection and post COVID complications are known to cause multiple instances of heart attacks in younger generations.

Covid and Heart concerns

COVID-19 infection has been believed to cause multiple complications in the body and heart. This infection primarily infects the lungs, increasing the body's demand for oxygen as well as its reliance on and workload of the heart, which multiplies rapidly, causing heart attacks in severe cases. It has affected both younger and older generations, but the ratio was higher in people under the age of 40.

Impact of Vaccine

COVID vaccine is not believed to prevent heart attacks directly. But since its usage, viral impact on the body has decreased, and many people could be prevented from having infections in general, preventing heart attacks due to pandemic attacks.

Reason for Heart Attack

Excessive fat & cholesterol build up in coronary arteries & veins narrows down the passage space. As a result, the heart muscles don’t get enough blood flow. This process is known as Atherosclerosis means the narrowing & hardening of vessels due to ‘plaque’." When plaque breaks up in blood, it forms a blood clot. This blood clot can cause blockage of blood from arteries to the heart muscles, causing damage to the heart. This causes a heart attack.

Causes

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the most common cause of major heart attacks. This is caused by blockage of one or more major arteries that supply blood to the heart. Due to cholesterol deposition on the walls of arteries, ‘plaque’ builds up which causes narrowing of the passage. Gradual narrowing leads to blockage, which may cause a heart attack and sudden death as well. Common causes for building ‘plaque’ are-

• Poor lifestyle routine
• Alcohol intake & smoking
• Stress
• Obesity/Overweight
• Hypertension
• Diabetes
• Drug abuse
• Lack of exercise
• Excessive workout
• Excessive intake of junk food
• Family history
• Congenital anomaly
• Chest injury
• Heart muscle thickening

Symptoms

Heart-attack may present in various symptomatic forms. Sometimes the symptoms are severe, other times mild, and sometimes there are no symptoms at all. The commonest symptom reported globally for instances of heart attack are ‘Chest Pain’. But there can be many other symptoms as well that can be confused with other concerns. Hence heart attacks are commonly mis-diagnosed especially in young people. These include-

• Squeezing pain in chest with tightening, aching
• Pressure in chest region
• Difficulty Breathing
• Shortness of Breath
• Excessive Cold Sweating
• Blurry Vision
• Dizziness
• Nausea or Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Loss of Consciousness

What should be done to prevent this?

A healthy lifestyle is required for a healthy heart. Things that can be helpful are:

• Limit smoking & alcohol intake.
• Increase optimum physical activity.
• Avoid tobacco use.
• Keep vitals, i.e. BP, blood sugar, and cholesterol, in check.
• Eat a fiber rich and healthy diet.
• Weight loss is suggested for obese people.
• Regular exercise like breathing exercise or brisk walk for 30 min daily can be beneficial
• Avoid heavy meals & processed foods.
• Limit the amount of refined flour and refined sugar in your diet as much as possible.
• Meditate to manage day-to-day stress.

Early detection of signs & symptoms has been proven effective in preventing fatal incidents due to heart attacks. Hence, preventive methods should be taught in school. A proper education system should be set up to educate people and generate awareness.

There are multiple diagnostic tests that can be helpful in diagnosing and monitoring the heart's health-

• Checking cholesterol levels on a regular basis
• Tests like Electrocardiography (ECG), Echocardiogram (Echo), CT-CAG (angiography) can help in early detection.
• Blood tests like checking troponin level in blood can guide about the heart damage.

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Pericarditis is a heart disorder characterized by inflammation of the pericardium. It develops suddenly in the body. Symptoms such as burning in the chest, heaviness, sharp or recurring pain in the chest and prickling may occur. In some people, this pain extends to the neck and jaw along with the chest.

Pericarditis resolves on its own in most cases and may be cured by using some home remedies. But the chances of this disease reoccurring are high. In certain cases, this problem can be very painful and last for several weeks or months. In such a situation, people should immediately contact the doctor without ignoring it. Let us know about the causes, symptoms and treatment of pericarditis through this article.

What is Pericardium?

The pericardium is a sac-like membrane that surrounds the heart. This membrane is usually filled with fluid. Normally it contains 50 ml but when more fluid than normal starts forming in this sac, the condition is called pericarditis in medical language. This results in persistent pain in the chest. Apart from this, some other symptoms also appear in this condition.

Causes of Pericarditis

According to doctors, no known causes of pericarditis are clear. However, the main reasons for this are as follows

• Autoimmune disease.
• Heart surgery.
• Any type of viral, bacterial and fungal infection in the pericardium.
• Radiation treatment for cancer.
• Genetic diseases.
• Trauma or heart attack.
• Waste material present in the blood due to kidney failure.

Other risk factors for pericarditis-

The following factors can increase the risk of pericardial disorder:

• Smoking.
• High cholesterol.
• Virus infection etc.

Symptoms of Pericarditis

The most common symptom of pericarditis is chest pain. This pain feels like a heart attack and occurs suddenly due to which severe pain arises in the chest. Apart from this, the symptoms of pericarditis also depend on what is causing the patient to have pericarditis which are the following:

• If a person has pericarditis due to an infection, he may experience high fever, chills, or shakiness.
• Persistent chest pain.
• Pain in the shoulders, neck, back and abdomen as well.
• Pain when taking long or deep breaths.
• Difficulty swallowing food.
• Difficulty sitting and bending forward.

Some other rare symptoms of pericarditis are as follows:

• Chest heaviness.
• Anxiety or restlessness.
• Difficulty in breathing while sleeping.
• Worrying too much.
• Swelling in the ankles or feet.
• Dry cough.

• Diagnosis of Pericarditis-To diagnose pericarditis, the doctor first examines the patient's symptoms through which the reasons for pericarditis can be known. On this basis, he advises to conduct several types of tests, which are as follows:
• Physical examination-The doctor examines the patient physically. In this, along with the medical history of the patient, their symptoms are also noted and the doctor may ask the patient some questions related to the heart.
• Imaging test-These tests include X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans. These are used to look for the size of the heart and any problems or fluid in the lungs. It is also used to obtain images of other internal organs and to check for signs of infection damage.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)-The doctor may recommend an ECG test to check the heartbeat. Through this test, the heartbeat is monitored to assert the functioning of the heart. It is also used to check for fluid or pericardial effusion around the heart.
• Catheterization-Catheterization is a medical procedure in which a thin, flexible tube, known as catheter, is inserted in a blood vessel of the heart to diagnose constrictive pericarditis.
• Blood tests-Certain blood tests help to detect the presence of any type of bacteria or parasites in the blood causing pericarditis.
• Treatment of pericarditisPericarditis can be treated in several ways because before treating it, it is very crucial to know the cause. When the cause is detected, it can be treated with ease. For example, if the main cause of pericarditis is a bacterial infection, he is treated with antibiotics. In most cases it can be treated with medicines.
• Colchicine-Colchicine is a type of anti-inflammatory drug which helps reduce symptoms and prevent pericarditis from recurring.
• NSAIDs-Over-the-counter Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) to treat pericarditis are beneficial for both pain and inflammation. Apart from this, taking ibuprofen or aspirin also provides quick relief.
• Surgery-Surgery is generally considered the last treatment for pericarditis. It is recommended by the doctor when the effect of medicines is not on the health of the patient.

How to prevent Pericarditis?

This condition is not completely curable. Steps can be taken to relieve the symptoms.

Home remedies for Pericarditis

• Reduce alcohol consumption-It is very important to reduce alcohol intake or switch to healthier alternatives. To get rid of alcohol or tobacco, drink water mixed with lemon and mint.
• Control high blood pressure-Reduce sodium intake and eat more nutritious foods and green leafy vegetables. By doing this, the blood pressure remains under control.
• Reduce cholesterol level-Cholesterol levels can be reduced by switching saturated fats (dairy products, biscuits, etc.) for non-saturated fats (olive oil and avocados, nuts).
• Try to reduce stress-Focus on diverting the mind from tense situations and take time to rest. This helps in reducing stress.
• Regular exercise-Walk for an hour every day and add some cardio-related exercise to your daily routine.

When to go to the doctor?

If you suffer from one or more symptoms or signs related to pericarditis, consult your doctor immediately.

Atherosclerosis is considered a heart problem as it can affect arteries anywhere in your body. It is a specific type of arteriosclerosis, in which the wall of the artery develops abnormalities, called lesions. These lesions may lead to narrowing due to the buildup of atheromatous plaque. Plaque is made up of fat, calcium, cholesterol and other substances which are found in the blood. It can cause your arteries to narrow, blocking blood flow and leading to a blood clot.

Symptoms of Atherosclerosis

You may not have any symptoms until your arteries are nearly closed or until you have a heart attack or stroke. Signs can also depend on which arteries are narrowed or blocked.

Symptoms related to coronary arteries include

• Arrhythmia, an unusual heartbeat.
• Pain or pressure in your upper body, including chest, arms, neck or jaw.
• Shortness of breath.

Symptoms related to the arteries that carries blood to the brain include

• Numbness or weakness in arms or legs.
• A hard time speaking or understanding someone who’s talking.
• Paralysis.
• Severe headache.
• Drooping facial muscles.
• Trouble seeing in one or both eyes.

Symptoms related to the arteries of arms, pelvis and legs include

• Leg pain when walking.
• Numbness.

Symptoms related to the arteries that carries blood to kidneys include

• High blood pressure.
• Kidney failure.

Causes of Atherosclerosis

The exact cause is unknown, but atherosclerosis may start with damage or injury to the inner layer of an artery. Damage may be caused by

• High blood pressure.
• High cholesterol.
• High triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood).
• Smoking and other sources of tobacco.
• Insulin resistance.
• Obesity.
• Diabetes.

Inflammation from other diseases like

• Arthritis.
• Lupus (inflammation of the skin).
• Psoriasis.
• Inflammatory bowel disease.

Risk factors of Atherosclerosis

Risk factors that can contribute to atherosclerosis include

• Family historyPeople with a family history of heart disease or atherosclerosis are at an increased risk of developing the medical condition.
• Age.
• Cardiovascular diseases.
• Smoking history.

How to Prevent Atherosclerosis?

Although some causes and risk factors, such as age and heredity, cannot be controlled, there are some ways to prevent atherosclerosis

• Eat a healthy diet, exercise, and avoid smoking.
• If you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes, be sure to take your prescribed medication as directed.

Diagnosis of Atherosclerosis

Your doctor will start with a physical exam. He or she will listen to the pulse and check for weak or absent pulses. You might need tests including

• Ankle brachial index testIn this test, blood pressure cuffs are placed on the arms and ankles. A handheld ultrasound machine, or Doppler, is used to listen to blood flow and measure blood pressure. This helps the doctor determine if there is decreased blood flow to the lower legs and feet.
• Blood testThis checks the levels of certain fats, cholesterol, protein and sugar in the blood.
• CT scanX rays and computers used to provide a more detailed picture of the aorta, heart and blood vessels.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) This test measures the electrical activity of the heart and can help determine whether parts of the heart are enlarged, overworked, or damaged. The heart's electrical currents are recorded through 12 to 15 electrodes that are attached to the arms, legs, and chest.
• Stress testingThis test is carried out during training. If a person is unable to exercise, medication is given to increase the heart rate. When combined with an ECG, this test can show changes in heart rate, rhythm or electrical activity, and blood pressure.
• UltrasoundAn ultrasound device can measure blood pressure at various points on your arms or legs, allowing your doctor to determine if you have a blockage and how fast the blood is flowing through your arteries.

Treatment for Atherosclerosis

• MedicationDrugs for high cholesterol and high blood pressure will slow down and may even halt atherosclerosis. This could also lower your risk of heart attack and stroke. Medicines like blood thinners, aspirin, beta blocker medications, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), diuretics and other cholesterol medications are helpful in this condition.
• Maintain a better lifestyleEating healthy, doing physical exercises etc. can be effective in treating atherosclerosis. In case of severe symptoms or organ dysfunction, the following procedures may be performed.
• AngioplastyIn this procedure, the blocked artery is widened with a balloon and a stent that pushes plaque against the artery.
• Bypass surgerySurgeons can transplant healthy blood vessels from other parts of your body to bypass blockages in narrowed arteries. This allows blood to flow around blocked or narrowed arteries.
• EndarterectomySometimes fatty deposits can be surgically removed from the walls with an endarterectomy.

When to see a doctor?

If you experience symptoms of atherosclerosis like inadequate blood flow, chest pain, leg pain and numbness, then you should immediately consult your doctor.

Hyperdontia is an oral condition characterized by the development of an excess number of teeth. The standard number of primary teeth is 20 and permanent teeth is 32. The primary teeth, also known as the deciduous teeth, are the first set of teeth that grows in a person’s mouth. The permanent teeth then replace them, usually erupting completely at age of 21. Affected individuals can have extra primary or permanent teeth.

These extra teeth are sometimes called supernumerary teeth and can appear in any area of the dental arch (the curved area where the teeth attach to the jaw). The additional teeth may be small in number or many, and their arrangement may be symmetrical or non-symmetrical.

Types of Hyperdontia

Supernumerary teeth are categorized based on their shape and position in the mouth.

Following is the classification based on its shape-

• Supplemental-the tooth is shaped similarly to the type of tooth it grows near.
• Tuberculate- the tooth has a barrel-like shape.
• Conical-the tooth is shaped like a peg, with a wide base and narrows out at the top.
• Compound odontoma- the tooth consists of multiple small, tooth-like growths near each other.
• Complex odontoma-a disorganized mass of tooth-like tissue growth.

Following are the types of extra supernumerary teeth based on their location-

• Paramolar-An extra tooth at the back of the mouth that grows next to a molar.
• Distomolar-The tooth grows in line with your other molars, not around them.
• Mesiodens-This is the most common type of tooth for people with hyperdontia. This indicates that extra tooth growing behind or around the incisors (the four teeth at the front of the mouth that are used for biting).

Symptoms of Hyperdontia

The main symptom of hyperdontia is the growth of additional teeth just behind or near the primary or permanent teeth.

When the extra teeth put pressure on the jaw and gums, following symptoms may occur-

• Pain and swelling.
• Formation of cysts and polyps.
• Teeth crowding.

Causes of Hyperdontia

The exact cause of hyperdontia is unknown. However, it is believed that there may be a genetic factor along with some evidence of environmental factors leading to the condition.

Another possible cause is an over activity of the dental lamina during development. The dental lamina is the area of ​​cells that initiates the formation of the tooth germ that forms the tooth. Hyperdontia appears to be associated with several hereditary diseases, including-

• Fabry disease.
• Gardner’s syndrome.
• Ehlers- Danlos syndrome.
• Cleft palate and lip.
• Cleidocranial dysplasia.
• Marfan syndrome.
• Sturge-weber syndrome.
• Orofaciodigital syndrome.

Risk Factors of Hyperdontia

Genetic disorders are common risk factors, and even in the absence of genetic disorders, hyperdontia can occur in many family members.

It occurs more often in permanent teeth than in primary teeth and is twice as common in men than in women. 98% of hyperdontia is usually seen in the upper jaw than in the lower jaw. The front teeth are affected more often than the side teeth or the molar teeth region.

Diagnosis for Hyperdontia

If the extra teeth have already erupted or grown, diagnosing the condition is very easy.

• A routine dental X ray is a must if they are in a primary stage.
• The doctor may also use a CT scan to get a more detailed look at your mouth, teeth and jaw.

Treatment for Hyperdontia

Since the majority of supernumerary teeth will cause clinical problems, detecting and treating them as soon as possible is very important.

Treatment generally consists of removing the teeth. Treatment depends on whether hyperdontia causes complications such as-

• Difficulty in eating or chewing.
• In case of gingivitis, problems in brushing teeth.
• Crooked teeth or overcrowding of teeth.
• Delayed eruption of permanent teeth.
• In case of unerupted damage to permanent teeth.
• Discomfort due to the extra teeth.

When to visit a dentist?

The best time to visit the dentist is when you have-

• Swelling or pain in the mouth.
• Extra teeth not in line with the surrounding teeth.
• Delayed eruption of permanent teeth.
• Any discomfort in the mouth.
• Crooked teeth.

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder characterized by repeated episodes of stopping and starting a person's breath while asleep. If you snore loudly and feel tired even after a good sleep, you may have sleep apnea. If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to many health problems, including hypertension (high blood pressure), stroke, cardiomyopathy (enlarged heart muscle tissue), congestive heart failure and diabetes.

What happens when you stop breathing?

When you stop breathing, your heart reduces the supply of oxygen. Then your unconscious reflex will wake you up and the episode of shortness of breath will end. When this happens, your heart rate tends to increase rapidly along with blood pressure.

Types of Sleep Apnea

The main types of sleep apnea are:

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA):OSA occurs when the airways in the throat are physically blocked. This defect causes a temporary pause in breathing. OSA affects more men than women. It can occur in people of any age but is more common in older ones.
• Central Sleep Apnea(CSA):CSA occurs when there is a problem with the brain system that controls the muscles involved in breathing, resulting in slower and shallower breathing. CSA has been found to affect approximately 0.9% of adults over the age of 40 years. It is more common in men than women. CSA affects breathing differently than OSA. Instead of the obstruction causing breathing to stop, the problem arises in the way the brain communicates with the muscles responsible for breathing.
• Mixed Sleep Apnea (MSA):When a person has both OSA and CSA, it is referred to as mixed sleep apnea or complex sleep apnea.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Common signs and symptoms of obstructive and central sleep apnea are:

• Heavy snoring.
• Intervals in which you stop breathing during sleep that will be reported by another person.
• Inhaling air while sleeping.
• Waking up with a dry mouth.
• Headache in the morning.
• Difficulty in sleeping (insomnia).
• Difficulty in paying attention when awake.
• Irritability.
• Night sweats.
• Frequent urination at night.
• Sexual dysfunction.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Multiple causes have been identified that increases the risk of blockage and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA):

• ObesityObesity is a major cause of OSA and can be a major risk factor in up to 60% of cases.
• Use of sedativesUse of sedative drugs, including alcohol, can cause the tissues in the throat to relax, facilitating airway blockage.
• Family historyPeople who have close relatives suffering from OSA are more likely to develop OSA.
• Nasal congestionThose who breathe through their nose due to congestion are more likely to develop OSA.
• Sleeping on your backThis sleeping position facilitates contraction of the tissues around the airways, thereby causing blockage.
• SmokingIt has been found that people who smoke, especially heavy smokers, have a higher rate of OSA than non-smokers.

Treatment for Sleep Apnea

Lifestyle changes

Lifestyle changes are essential to normalize breathing and are important in treatment. These include

• Taking a heart healthy diet.
• Developing healthy sleeping habits.
• Limiting alcohol consumption.
• Quitting smoking.
• Doing exercise.
• Sleeping on the side.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy

This is the main treatment for sleep apnea. A CPAP machine is a device that uses a tube and a nose cover or an airtight mask to constantly circulate air while you sleep. Air pressure helps keep the airways open by preventing pauses in breathing.

• HumidifierA humidifier adds moisture to the air. It is ideal for anyone with sleep apnea because dry air can irritate the respiratory tract and body.
• SurgerySurgery can harden or shrink the tissue causing the obstruction, or remove excess tissue or enlarged tonsils.
• Mandibular repositioning device(MRD)This is a special oral device suitable for people with mild or moderate OSA. The mouthpiece keeps the jaw in a forward position during sleep to expand the space behind the tongue. This helps keep the upper airway open by preventing apnea and snoring.
• MedicationSome medications can help with CSA but should only be used after consulting a sleep specialist. Examples include
• Acetazolamide
• Zolpidem
• Triazolam

However, it can have serious side effects and may not be suitable for everyone.

Home Remedies for Sleep Apnea

• HoneyHoney has anti-inflammatory properties due to its high content of phenolic compounds that can act as antioxidants. Patients with sleep apnea appreciate its beneficial effects on the throat.
• Before going to bed, drink a glass of warm water or tea and add a teaspoon of raw honey.
• Lavender has a soothing scent that reduces anxiety and provides better sleep.
• Apply a few drops of lavender essential oil to the towel. Then place the towel under your pillow or on your pillowcase.
• You can also add lavender to hot water and inhale the steam, or use an oil diffuser to scent your bedroom.

When to see a doctor?

Heavy snoring can indicate a potentially serious problem, but not everyone who has sleep apnea, snores. Consult your doctor if you have signs or symptoms of sleep apnea. Ask your doctor about sleep problems that make you tired, sleepy, and irritable.

Mumps is a highly contagious viral infection of the salivary glands that is transmitted from person to person through saliva, nasal secretions and close contact. The most commonly affected age group in children is between 5 and 15. A common symptom of mumps is swelling of the salivary glands, making the patient's face look like a hamster.

How is Mumps transmitted?

Once the mumps virus enters the upper respiratory tract, it is spread from one infected person to another through contact with saliva or respiratory secretions (such as mucus). Mumps can also spread through contact with objects, such as toys or water drinking glasses that have been infected by a sick person.

Symptoms of Mumps

Once a person is infected with the virus, mumps symptoms usually develop within 14 to 25 days.

The most common symptom of mumps is swelling of the parotid glands, a pair of glands that are responsible for producing saliva. Parotid glands are located just below the ears, on either side of the face. The swelling usually affects both glands which can cause pain, tenderness, and difficulty in swallowing.

Other symptoms are–

• Feeling unwell
• Fever
• Difficulty in chewing
• Headache
• Joint pain
• Dry mouth
• Mild stomach ache
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite

What causes Mumps?

It may be transmitted through respiratory secretions (such as saliva) from people who already have the disease. The virus travels from the airways to the salivary glands and multiplies, causing the glands to swell.

Causes of mumps are-

• Sneezing or coughing.
• Using and eating on the same person's tableware.
• Sharing food and drink with someone who is infected.
• Physical contact.
• An infected person touches their nose or mouth and then transfers it to a surface for others to touch.

Individuals infected with the mumps virus are infectious for about 15 days (6 days before symptoms begin and up to 9 days after onset). The mumps virus belongs to the paramyxovirus family, a common cause of infection, especially in children.

How is Mumps diagnosed?

Doctors can usually diagnose mumps by swelling of the salivary glands. If the glands are not swollen and doctors suspect mumps based on other symptoms, they culture the virus. The culture is done with swabbing in the inside of the cheek or throat. The swab collects mucus and cells and sends it to a lab to be tested for the mumps virus. Other than mumps, any other infection can also cause swelling of the salivary glands.

How to prevent the spread of Mumps?

There are a number of precautions that must be taken to prevent the spread of infection-

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
• Do not go to work/school until 5 days after symptoms appear.
• Cover nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing or coughing.
• Get vaccinated.

Who must take the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella)vaccine?

You should be vaccinated if you do not meet the criteria-

• Pregnant women of childbearing age.
• Attending another college or high school.
• Work in hospitals, medical facilities, children's centers or school.
• Planning a trip abroad.

Side effects of MMR vaccine

• The MMR vaccine is very safe and effective.
• Most of the people do not experience any side effects from the vaccine. However, some people may have a mild fever, rash or joint pain.
• In rare cases, seizures caused by fever may occur in children receiving the MMR vaccine. However, these seizures are not associated with long-term problems.

Home remedies for Mumps

Ginger-

Ginger has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties. Make a paste of dry ginger powder and water and apply it on the area that looks swollen.

Aloe vera-

Aloe Vera is an excellent remedy for mumps as it has antioxidants and antibacterial properties. Peel off a fresh aloe vera leaf and rub the gel over the affected area to reduce swelling and pain.

Warm or cold compress-

Using hot or cold compress is an effective way to relieve swollen gland pain caused by mumps.

Fenugreek seeds-

Fenugreek seeds have antioxidants. Grind the fenugreek seeds along with the asparagus seeds until they form a thick paste. Applying this paste to the affected area provides relief in pain.

Neem leaves-

Neem works very well in treating mumps. Crush the leaves and mix an equal amount of turmeric powder to make a paste with a little water and apply it on the swollen area. This will provide great relief from the mumps.

Avoid citrus foods-

Stay away from citrus fruits and cottage cheese. Instead, drink water and vegetable soup.

Proper rest-

Get enough rest and relaxation until the fever goes away.

When to see a doctor?

See your doctor if you or your child have signs and symptoms of mumps. Tell your doctor beforehand that you suspect mumps so that steps can be taken to prevent the virus from spreading to other people.

You must have often felt that while talking to some people, their mouth smells bad due to which they are neither able to talk properly nor can they laugh openly. Bad breath often instills low self confidence in people and they hesitate to talk openly.

Bad odor from the mouth is a common problem that people are worried about, but they do not get treatment or do not have the right information about it. Apart from this, some people do not even cure this problem for fear of being made fun of themselves. Usually this problem occurs among people who do not clean their mouth properly and do not maintain oral hygiene but it does not mean that other people do not or cannot have this problem. There are mainly three reasons for bad breath, oral, non-oral and other reasons.

Causes of Bad Breath

Oral Causes-                                                                                                                                                               

• As the temperature of the mouth rises, bacterial growth occurs which leads to bad breath.
• While eating something, the fibrous food gets stuck in the teeth and causes infection in the mouth which further leads to bad odor from the mouth. This makes it imperative to clean the mouth properly.
• Pyorrhea disease has a counter effect on the gums which causes the mouth to stink.
• Saliva keeps moisture in the mouth and helps in keeping the mouth clean. Dead cells accumulate in a dry mouth. These cells also produce bad odour.
• Sometimes bad odor in the mouth occurs due to sores and blisters.
• It is natural to notice bad odor from the mouth if the cap on the teeth is not cleaned properly.

Non oral Causes-

Some diseases also cause bad breath from the mouth like-

• Kidney or lung disease.
• Diabetes.
• Nasal problems or sinus.
• When there is bacterial activity in the lungs.

Other causes of bad breath are-

• The bad smell also occurs with consumption of food that contains onions, garlic and spices in large quantities but this smell subsides automatically in no time.
• Consumption of products like tobacco and cigarettes is also a big reason for bad smell in the mouth. Apart from this, the chances of getting cancer also increase by consuming them.

Precautions required to avoid bad breath-

• Drink optimum amount of water.
• Do not smoke, use tobacco and alcohol.
• Reduce the intake of coffee and tea.
• Brush regularly and make it a habit to gargle with clean water after eating.
• If possible, use dantun at least once a day because it removes the bad odor of the mouth and also strengthens the gums.
• Avoid eating spicy food and reduce the consumption of onion, garlic, ginger, etc.
• Consume less sweets because it might lead to tooth decay which leads to bad breath.
• Digestive problems also lead to bad breath. That's why it is important to make a habit of walking for some time after eating.
• Chewing gum and consumption of sugar free sweets helps in the formation of saliva. So, both of these can also be consumed.
• Visit the dentist regularly for dental check-ups.

Home remedies to get rid of bad breath

• Odor and other diseases are cured by gargling with mint solution.
• Mixing one teaspoon of ginger juice in a glass of water and gargling with it two to three times a day reduces bad breath.
• Chewing licorice two to three times a day does not cause bad breath.
• Gargling with salt in warm water also reduces bad breath.
• Drinking green tea reduces bad breath. It contains anti-bacterial components which remove the odor.
• Chewing guava leaves also reduces bad breath.
• Mixing a pinch of salt in a spoonful of mustard oil, rubbing it on the gums keeps the gums healthy and also reduces the risk of bad breath.
• Fennel, cardamom, licorice, roasted cumin, coriander etc. are natural mouth fresheners, chew them after meals and at other times. This will reduce the bad smell of the mouth.
• Chewing cloves is also beneficial for eliminating bad breath. Apart from this, clove also benefits in other problems of the mouth.
• Boiling pomegranate peel in water and rinsing with it also reduces the smell of the mouth gradually.

When to go to the doctor?

If you have any of the following problems along with bad breath, go to the doctor without delay-

• Loss of teeth along with bad breath.
• Blood pouring from the mouth with a foul smell.
• Swelling and pain in the gums.
• Fever.
• In case of a cold and runny nose.
• When coughing up mucus.
• On having a sore throat.

A tooth abscess is pus that is caused by a bacterial infection. It can cause abscesses in different areas of the tooth for various reasons. A periapical abscess occurs at the tip of the jaw, while a periodontal abscess occurs in the gums adjacent to the root of the tooth. A periapical tooth abscess is usually caused by an untreated tooth cavity, injury, or previous tooth change. Dentists clean the area to remove the abscess and treat it to get rid of the infection. The doctor can also repair the tooth by the treatment of the root canal but in some cases, there is a need to take out the tooth. Left untreated, a tooth abscess can sometimes be serious and even fatal.

Symptoms of Tooth abscess

When there is an abscess in the tooth, the pain of the tooth and gums gradually reaches the jaw, ear and neck due to which the abscess in the tooth or gum comes out. Therefore, there is severe pain in it. The symptoms are-

• Pain at the infected area after eating anything.
• Sensitive teeth.
• Bad-tasting fluid discharge in the mouth.
• Bad breath.
• Redness and pain in the gums.
• Feel uneasiness.
• Difficulty opening the mouth.
• Swelling in the affected area.
• Swelling on the face.
• Unexpected pain in the teeth.
• Insomnia.
• Having trouble swallowing something.
• Fever.

Causes of abscess in a tooth

• Gum disease.
• Not cleaning the mouth properly.
• Weakening of the immune system.
• Chipped tooth.
• Swelling and burning in the gums.
• Tooth infection bacteria.
• Eating a large amount of carbohydrate-rich and sticky foods.

Treatment of Tooth abscess

See the dentist as soon as you see the symptoms of a tooth abscess. From that, it will be known how the condition of the abscess and infection is and by which method the dental abscess will be cured. Doctors treat tooth abscesses with the following procedures:

• Root canal treatment fills the gap inside the tooth or gum.
• If the gap cannot be filled, the doctor treats the tooth or gum by removing it.
• Method of Initiation and drainage is also adopted. With this, a small cut is made in the gum and the pus is taken out. However, this is a temporary solution.

Home remedies for Tooth abscess

Garlic-

Garlic is a natural weapon to kill bacteria. Raw garlic juice helps to kill the infection. If there is a lot of pain in the tooth, then take a bud of raw garlic. Grind it and squeeze it to extract its juice. Apply this juice to the affected area. This home remedy works like magic in toothache.

Clove oil-

Clove oil is also helpful in preventing infection. It is a good remedy for toothache and gum disease. For use, take a little clove oil and brush it slowly. Be extra careful while applying it to the affected area. Do not apply too much pressure and massage your gums slowly or else it will hurt more. Apply some amount of clove oil on the gums and massage gently.

Oil pulling-

This home remedy is very helpful. All you need is coconut oil for this. For use, take a tablespoon of coconut oil and run it in the mouth. Do not swallow it, keep it in your mouth for about 30 minutes. Then spit it out and wash your mouth. Doing so definitely gives relief.

Peppermint Oil-

Peppermint oil works like magic in toothache. To use, first, take some oil on the tips of your fingers and then gently rub it on the affected area. This will give instant relief from toothache.

Salt-

To get instant relief, mix some salt in lukewarm water and gargle with this water. Doing this will be painful in the beginning but after that, you will get some relief. Repeat this several times. This will reduce the pain by about 90%.

Teabag-

Teabags are another home remedy. Apply the herbal tea bag to the affected area. This will give instant relief from the pain caused by pus.

Oregano oil-

Oregano oil has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, antioxidant and antiviral properties. It is very effective in home remedies especially in diseases of teeth and gums.

Apple Cedar Vinegar-

Apple cider vinegar is another effective treatment for pus in the teeth. For this take one tablespoon of Apple cider vinegar and keep it in your mouth for some time and then spit it out. Don't swallow it. This will make the affected area free of germs and reduce pain.

When to go to the doctor?

See a doctor immediately if the pain in the teeth and gums gradually reaches the jaw, ear and neck.

प्यास की वजह से मुंह का सूखना आम बात है। लेकिन मुंह का बार-बार और लगातार सूखना  शरीर की किसी समस्या का संकेत देता है। आमतौर पर मुंह सूखने का वैज्ञानिक कारण मुंह में लार बनने की प्रक्रिया का धीमा होना है। जिसकी  मुख्य वजह शरीर में पानी की कमी होना, भूखे रहना एवं पानी में फ्लोराइड की मात्रा की कमी होना आदि होती  है। यह सभी लक्षण मुंह सूखने (Dry mouth) की ओर संकेत करते हैं। यह समस्या किसी भी व्यक्ति को हो सकती है। विशेषज्ञों के अनुसार आजकल लगभर हर छठा व्यक्ति इस समस्या से जूझ रहा है। इसलिए इसे आम समस्या समझकर नजरअंदाज नहीं करना चाहिए। ऐसा करने से इसके कई दुष्परिणाम देखे जा सकते हैं।

क्या होता है मुंह का सूखना?

 मुंह सूखने की समस्या को मेडिकल की भाषा में जेरोस्टोमिया (Xerostomia) के नाम से जानते है। जब मुंह में लार ग्रंथियां (Salivary glands) लार बनाना बंद कर देती है, तो इस स्थिति में मुंह सूखने की समस्या उत्पन्न हो जाती है। मुंह में बनने वाली यह लार दातों के जीवाणुओं द्वारा बनाए गए एसिड को खत्म करती है। जिससे दांतों में कीड़े नहीं लगते और लार की वजह से भोजन को आसानी से चबाने और निगलने में मदद मिलती है। अतः मुंह सूखने की समस्या होने पर व्यक्ति को भोजन करने में भी दिक्कत होती है।

मुहं सूखने के लक्षण

• मुंह और गले में खुश्की रहना।
• लार (saliva) का काफी गाढ़ा होना।
• मुंह से दुर्गंध आना।
• भोजन को चबाने एवं निगलने में कठिनाई होना।
• भोजन का स्वाद पता न चलना या फीका पड़ना।
• भोजन करने की इच्छा न होना।
• बार-बार दांतों में कीड़े लगना।
• मसूड़ों में खुजली और इससे संबंधित विकार होना।

मुहं सूखने के कारण

मुंह सूखने के पीछे कई कारण होते हैं। जिनमें प्रमुख कारण निम्नलिखित है :-

किसी दवाई का दुष्प्रभाव होना

बीमार होने पर डॉक्टर हमें कुछ दवाईयां देते हैं। जो हमें ठीक होने में सहायता करती हैं। लेकिन साथ में इन दवाईयों के कुछ दुष्प्रभाव भी होते हैं। जिसके कारण मुंह सूखने जैसी कई शारीरिक समस्याएं होने की संभावना बढ़ जाती हैं। इसके अलावा बिना डॉक्टर के परामर्श लिए हम और आप कुछ आम दवाईयों का सेवन करते हैं तो उनसे भी मुंह सूखने की समस्या अधिक होती है। एलर्जी ठीक करने वाली दवाइयां, डिप्रेशन, चिंता, नसों एवं मांसपेशियों के दर्द ठीक करने वाली दवाइयां आदि मुंह सूखने का कारण बनती है।

बढ़ती उम्र

मुंह सूखने के सबसे बड़े कारणों में से एक बढ़ती उम्र का होना भी होता है। यह समस्या ज्यादातर बुजुर्गों में देखने को मिलती है। हालांकि बुजुर्ग लोग अधिक दवाइयों का उपयोग करते हैं। जिनसे मुंह सूखने की समस्या हो सकती है।

तंत्रिकाओं को हानि पहुंचना

 किसी व्यक्ति के सिर या गर्दन के किसी हिस्सों में चोट या सर्जरी होने से तंत्रिकाओं को हानि पहुंचती है। जिससे मुंह सूखने की समस्या उत्पन्न हो सकती है।

कैंसर थेरेपी

कीमो थेरेपी ड्रग्स लार के प्रकार और उसके बनने की मात्रा को बदल सकते हैं। इसके अलावा रेडिएशन से इलाज करने पर गर्दन एवं सिर में उपस्थित लार ग्रंथियों को हानि पहुंचती है। जिससे लार बनने की मात्रा घट जाती है।

धूम्रपान और तंबाकू का सेवन

धूम्रपान करने और तंबाकू का सेवन करने से मुंह सूखने की समस्या उत्पन्न हो जाती है।

मेटामफेटामीन

यह एक तरह का नशीला पदार्थ (ड्रग) होता है। जिसके सेवन से मुंह सूखने के लक्षण नजर आते हैं। इस अवस्था को मेथ माउथ (meth mouth) भी कहा जाता है।

मुहं सूखने के अन्य कारक

• डिहाइड्रेशन (निर्जलीकरण) होने पर।
• पेट में किसी भी तरह की गड़बड़ी होने पर।
• अनियमित दिनचर्या होने पर।
• भूखे रहने पर।
• देर रात तक जागने या कई दिनों तक नींद न आने पर।
• लार के निर्माण करने वाली नसों में इंजरी होने पर।
• शरीर में किसी तरह का संक्रमण एवं ट्यूमर होने पर।
• ऑटोइम्यून की समस्या, मधुमेह, पार्किंसंस रोग, एड्स एवं अल्जाइमर बीमारी जैसी स्वास्थ्य समस्याएं होने पर।

मुंह सूखने से बचने के लिए बरतें यह सावधानियां

• तरल पदार्थों का अधिक सेवन करें।
• ताजे फलों एवं सब्जियों को अपने आहार में शामिल करें।
• ऐसे फलों एवं सब्जियों का सेवन करें जिसमें जलीय अंश अधिक हो जैसे तरबूज, ककड़ी खीरा इत्यादि।
• चाय एवं काफी का सेवन कम से कम करें।
• मौखिक स्वास्थ्य बनाए रखें।
• भोजन के पश्चात दांतों की अच्छी से सफाई करें।
• भोजन को चबाकर खाएं और बीच-बीच में थोड़ी मात्रा में पानी पीते रहे। ताकि मुंह सूखने की समस्या न हो सके।
• चिंता, तनाव और अवसाद से दूर रहे।
• धूम्रपान, तंबाकू एवं नशीली पदार्थों का सेवन कतई न करें।
• प्रतिदिन सुबह टहलें और नियमित रूप से व्यायाम करें।

मुंह सूखने के घरेलू उपाय

मुंह सूखने के इलाज में फायदेमंद है लाल मिर्च

लाल मिर्च ड्राई माउथ के लिए अच्छा घरेलू उपचार है। इसके लिए लाल मिर्च के पाउडर को सूप या सलाद में डालकर सेवन करना फायदेमंद होता है। इसके अलावा लाल मिर्च पाउडर को अंगुली के माध्यम से जीभ पर लगाएं। ऐसा करने से कुछ समय तक जीभ जलती है। लेकिन हमारी लार ग्रंथियां सक्रिय हो जाती हैं।

सौंफ है फायदेमंद

मुंह सूखने के इलाज में सौंफ का सेवन बेहतर होता है। दरअसल,सौंफ में फ्लेवनॉयड्स पाए जाते हैं, जो लार के उत्पादन में मदद करते हैं। इसके लिए एक गिलास पानी में एक चम्मच सौंफ एवं मिश्री डालकर उबालें। अब इस मिश्रण को ठंडा करके पीएं। ऐसा करने से मुंह के सूखेपन में लाभ मिलता है।

नींबू और शहद है कारगर

मुंह के सूखेपन के इलाज में नींबू और शहद को कारगर उपाय माना जाता है। इसके लिए एक गिलास पानी में नींबू के रस की कुछ बूंदे एवं एक चम्मच शहद लेकर अच्छे से मिलाएं। अब इस मिश्रण को थोड़ी-थोड़ी मात्रा में पूरे दिन पीते रहें। ऐसा करने से मुंह में लार बनती है और मुंह नहीं सूखता है।

अदरक है लाभप्रद

अदरक मुंह के सूखेपन के लिए लाभप्रद होता है। इस पर किए गए एक वैज्ञानिक शोध के मुताबिक, अदरक का उपयोग जेरोस्टोमिया के लक्षण को दूर करने के लिए किया जाता है। इसमें मुख्य रूप से जिंगिबर ऑफिसिनेल पाया जाता है, जो लार के उत्पादन को उत्तेजित करता है। इससे मुंह सूखने की समस्या कुछ हद तक कम हो जाती है। इसके लिए अदरक का एक छोटा टुकड़े को मुंह में लेकर चबाएं।

दालचीनी है कारगर

दालचीनी में लार उत्पादन की क्षमता होती है। इसलिए इसका प्रयोग करने से मुंह की सूखेपन की समस्या से छुटकारा मिलती है। इसके लिए दालचीनी के एक टुकड़े को मुंह में रखकर चबाएं।

बेकिंग सोडा का मिश्रण है लाभदायक

मुंह के सूखेपन के उपचार में बेकिंग सोडा का इस्तेमाल अच्छा उपाय माना जाता है। इसके लिए एक गिलास पानी में एक चौथाई चम्मच बेकिंग सोडा, एक-एक चम्मच नमक और शक्कर एवं नींबू के रस की कुछ बूंदों को मिलाकर पीएं। ऐसा करने से डिहाइड्रेशन ( निर्जलीकरण) नहीं होता और मुँह सूखने की समस्या से छुटकारा मिलती है।

Hiccups are sudden, involuntary contractions of the diaphragm that may repeat several times per minute. The diaphragm is the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen and plays an important role in breathing. Each contraction is followed by a contraction of the vocal cords, resulting in a sudden rush of air into the lungs and creating the “hic” sound.

Hiccups may occur in episodes or individually. These are often rhythmic, meaning that the interval between each hiccup is relatively constant. Hiccups are a temporary minor problem, but prolonged hiccups may signal a major medical problem.

Women and men tend to get hiccups equally as often but hiccups that last longer than 48 hours are more common in men.

Causes of Hiccups

For hiccups that last less than 48 hours, common triggers may include-

• Eating quickly and swallowing air along with chewing gum.
• Drinking too much alcohol.
• Sudden temperature changes.
• Drinking carbonated beverages.

For hiccups that last longer than 48 hours, common triggers include-

Damage or irritation of the phrenic nerves or vagus nerves which serve the diaphragm muscle. This may be caused by-

• Sore throat or laryngitis, a tumor, cyst or goiter in the neck.
• A hair or any object in the ear touching the eardrum.
• Gastroesophageal reflux.
• Pneumonia.
• Liver disease.
• Surgery.

A tumor or infection in the central nervous system or damage to the central nervous system as a result of trauma. This can disrupt the body’s normal control of the hiccup reflex. This may be caused by-

• Stroke.
• Traumatic brain injury.
• Tumors.
• Meningitis.
• Encephalitis.
• Multiple sclerosis.

Metabolic disorders and drugs, including-

• Diabetes.
• Alcoholism.
• Kidney disease.
• Steroids.
• Anesthesia.
• Electrolyte imbalance.
• Tranquilizers.

Risk Factors for Hiccups

Hiccups can occur at any age, even in a fetus. But the following factors can put a person at risk of developing it more often than others-

• Being a male.
• Strong emotions and anxiety.
• People who have received general anesthesia.
• After surgery, especially abdominal surgery.

Symptoms of Hiccups

• A single or series of breathing diaphragm spasms that is usually rhythmic.
• A brief but painful, frequent or occasional interruption in normal breathing with a slight tightening sensation in the throat, chest or abdomen.

Are There any Complications?

Yes, long-term hiccups can lead to certain complications, which are as follows-

• Trouble sleeping.
• Malnutrition.
• Fatigue or exhaustion.
• Weight loss.
• Dehydration.

How to Prevent Hiccups?

Although, there are no proven ways to prevent hiccups, but the following methods can be followed to prevent triggers that can cause hiccups:

• Avoid overeating.
• Avoid consumption of carbonated drinks.
• Self-protection from sudden temperature changes.
• Avoid drinking alcohol.
• Stay calm. Avoid strong emotions, anger or anxiety.

Diagnosis for Hiccups

Hiccups that last less than 48 hours do not usually need any medical attention, as they resolve on their own. If they persist for longer, a medical professional should be consulted.

To make a diagnosis, the doctor will perform a physical examination and a neurological exam to check your balance and coordination, eyesight, muscle tone, strength and reflexes.

If any underlying medical condition is suspected, the doctor may recommend one or more of the following tests-

• Blood tests to check the signs of diabetes, infection or kidney disease.
• Imaging tests such as chest X-ray, CT scan or MRI scan to detect the anatomical abnormalities that may be affecting the vagus nerve, phrenic nerve or diaphragm.
• Endoscopic tests to check for problems in the windpipe or esophagus.

Treatment for Hiccups

Most of the hiccups resolve on their own without medical treatment. If an underlying condition is causing it, managing the condition may help eliminate the hiccups.

If prolonged hiccup is disrupting your quality of life, the doctor may prescribe medication including-

• Baclofen.
• Chlorpromazine.
• Metoclopramide.

In cases that don’t respond to other treatments, the doctor may inject medication into the phrenic nerve to temporarily block the nerve’s action to stop hiccups.

Another option is the surgical implantation of a battery-operated device to deliver mild electrical stimulation to the vagus nerve. This procedure is commonly used to treat epilepsy, but it has been found to help control persistent hiccups.

Home Remedies to Control Hiccups

• Sugar-Have a teaspoon of sugar and let it melt slowly in your mouth without chewing. This remedy is effective to stop hiccups. It is especially suitable for young children who don’t follow detailed instructions on breathing patterns.
• Yogurt-Mix a teaspoon of salt in a cup of yogurt, stir well until the salt is completely dissolved. Consume it slowly, this will help stop hiccups.
• Cardamom powder-Cardamom powder is an effective remedy for hiccups. Boil 1 cup of water and add 1 teaspoon of freshly ground cardamom powder. Let it cool, then strain and drink the liquid. This medication will help the diaphragm muscles relax and stop your hiccups.
• Ginger-Peel a small piece of fresh ginger and chew it gently to get rid of hiccups.
• Warm water-Slowly drink a glass of warm water. This helps stimulate the activity of the vagus nerve, which travels from the brain to the stomach, thereby reducing hiccups.
• Peanut butter-A spoonful of peanut butter is a great remedy that can help stop persistent hiccups.
• Holding breath-Hold your breath for a few seconds to effectively retain some of the carbon dioxide in your body. It works against spasms in the diaphragm and thus prevents hiccups.
• GheeTake 1/2 teaspoon of mustard seeds, mix it with 1/2 teaspoon of pure ghee and swallow the mixture. This will help reduce your hiccups.
• Pat on the back-If your hiccups are uncontrollable, gently pat your back, behind your neck along your spine. This helps relieve tension in the diaphragm muscles and stops hiccups.

When to see a doctor?

Make an appointment with your doctor if your hiccups last more than 48 hours or are severe enough to cause problems with eating, sleeping, or breathing.

 आजकल कई ऐसी बीमारियां हैं, जिनकी कुछ साल पहले तक किसी बीमारी की श्रेणी में गणना नहीं होती थी। लेकिन अब बड़ी तकलीफ बनकर उभर रही हैं। इन्हीं बीमारियों में से एक हैं फ्रोजन शोल्डर (कंधे की अकड़न)। जिसकी मुख्य वजह गलत लाइफ स्टाइल और आधुनिक खान-पान को अपनाना है। जिसके कारण कंधे में अकड़न की समस्या बेहद आम हो गयी है। इतनी आम कि यह बुजुर्ग लोगों की तुलना में युवाओं में अधिक देखने को मिलती है। इस समस्या के मुख्य कारण खराब मुद्रा एवं झुककर बैठना, गलत तरीके से भारी वजन उठाना और घंटों तक कम्प्यूटर पर काम करना आदि होता है।

क्या होता है कंधे की अकड़न?     

फ्रोजन शोल्डर हड्डियों से जुड़ी एक समस्या होती है। जिसके होने पर कंधे के जोड़ों में गंभीर दर्द होता है। जिसे फ्रोजन शोल्डर या कंधे का अकड़न कहा जाता है। इसके अलावा इस समस्या को मेडिकल भाषा में एडहेसिव कैप्सूलाइटिस (Adhesive  Capsulitis) के नाम से भी जाना जाता है। यह समस्या आमतौर पर 40 से 70 आयु के लोगों में देखने को मिलती हैं। हालांकि, आज के दौर में अनियमित दिनचर्या के कारण लगभग सभी उम्र के लोगों को फ्रोजन शोल्डर जैसी परेशानी से गुजरना पड़ता है। वही, यह समस्या पुरुषों की तुलना में महिलाओं में अधिक देखने को मिलती है। दूसरे शब्दों में कहें तो कंधे के जोड़ों या आस-पास के ऊतकों में सूजन हो जाती है और वह अकड़ जाते हैं। जिससे कंधे को हिलाने में परेशानी और दर्द उत्पन्न होने लगते है। कंधे की अकड़न की समस्या एक या दोनों कंधो को प्रभावित कर सकती है। दरअसल कंधे की हड्डियां, स्नायुबंधन (ligaments) और मांसपेशियां यह सभी अंग, सिर को सहारा देती है।साथ ही गति को सामान्य बनाए रखती हैं। ऐसे में उस स्थान पर सूजन, चोट या किसी भी प्रकार की  असामान्यता होने पर कंधे में दर्द या अकड़न होने लगती है। इसे दूर करने के लिए फिजियोथेरेपी या व्यायाम की आवश्यकता पड़ सकती है।

कंधे की अकड़न के चरण-

फ्रोजन शोल्डर यानी कंधे की अकड़न सामान्यतः धीरे-धीरे और तीन चरणों में विकसित होते हैं जो कुछ महीनों तक बने रहते हैं। आइए बात करते हैं इन्हीं चरणों के बारे में दर्दनाक चरण (फ्रीजिंग)- फ्रोजन शोल्डर का यह चरण काफी दर्दनाक होता है। इसमें दर्द कंधे के किसी भी गतिविधि में हो सकता है। साथ ही यह दर्द धीरे-धीरे बढ़ता है और रात के समय यह तीव्र हो जाता है। आमतौर पर यह दर्द मरीज को 3 से 9 महीने तक परेशान करता है। फ्रोजन (Frozen)- यह कंधे की अकड़न का दूसरा चरण होता है। इसमें फ्रीजिंग चरण की अपेक्षा कम दर्द का एहसास होता है। लेकिन इस अवस्था में आपका कंधा अकड़ सकता है। यह चरण 4 से 12 महीने तक हो सकता है।थाविंग (Thawing)- यह कंधे की अकड़न का अंतिम चरण माना जाता है। इसमें कंधा पहले जैसा काम करने में सक्षम हो जाता है । लेकिन इस अवस्था में दर्द के होने की संभावना बनी रहती है। यह चरण 1 से 3 साल तक रहता है।

कंधे की अकड़न के सामान्य लक्षण-

●कंधे को हिलाने में कठिनाई महसूस करना।

●कंधे की कैप्सूल का सख्त या कठोर(स्टिफनेस) होना।

●कंधे में तेज दर्द होना।

●कंधे में खिंचाव या अकड़न के कारण कार्य करने में असमर्थ होना।

कंधे की अकड़न होने के कारण- 

शोल्डर ब्लेड, ऊपरी बाह की हड्डी और गर्दन से नीचे की कंधे की ओर जाती हुई हड्डी (कॉलरबोन) अर्थात इन तीनो हड्डियों से मिलकर कंधे का निर्माण होता है। यह सभी हड्डियां कंधे में गेंद के आकार के सॉकेट से जुड़ी होती हैं। इस जोड़ या सॉकेट में आस-पास के हड्डियों को जोड़ने वाले ऊतक (टिश्यू) मौजूद होते हैं। इसके अतिरिक्त कंधे के जोड़ में मौजूद द्रव (Synovial fluid) जोड़ों को बिना घर्षण के हिलने में सहायता करता है। लेकिन किसी कारणवश इन्हीं ऊतकों में क्षति होती है, तब कंधे की अकड़न शुरू हो जाती है। जो प्रायः कंधे के दर्द से जुड़े होते हैं। कंधे की दर्द का प्रमुख कारण उपास्थि और हड्डियों में घिसाव के कारण हुई टूट-फूट भी होता है। ऐसी समस्या ज्यादातर उम्र बढ़ने वाले लोगों में पाई जाती है। हालांकि, यह अन्य जोखिम कारकों के कारण युवकों में भी होता है। आइए जानते हैं इन्हीं जोखिम कारकों के बारे में;

●मधुमेह (डायबिटीज) होने पर। 

●अतिसक्रिय थायराइड (हाइपरथायरायडिज्म) होने पर। 

●हाइपोथायरायडिज्म यानी थायराइड का कम होना। 

●हृदय संबंधी कोई बीमारी होने से। 

●टीबी की शिकायत होने पर। 

●पार्किंसंस रोग जैसी समस्या से ग्रसित व्यक्ति को।

कंधे की अकड़न का निदान-

कंधे की अकड़न के निदान के लिए डॉक्टर सबसे पहले कराने की सलाह देते हैं। कुछ शारीरिक परीक्षण निम्नलिखित हैं शारीरिक परीक्षण- इस परीक्षण में डॉक्टर समस्या को पता लगाने के लिए सबसे पहले शारीरिक परीक्षण करते हैं। इस प्रक्रिया में वह कंधे की हड्डी, गर्दन एवं पीठ के पीछे के हड्डियों को स्पर्श करते हैं। इससे पता चलता है कि असल में समस्या कहां से उत्पन्न हो रही है। मेडिकल हिस्ट्री- चिकित्सक रोगी से उसकी मेडिकल हिस्ट्री के बारे में पूछ सकते हैं। ऐसी समस्या पहले कभी हुई थी या नहीं। यदि हां, तो उसके लिए किस प्रकार की दवाइयाँया उपचार किया गया था। एक्स-रे- फ्रोजन शोल्डर की जांच के लिए डॉक्टर एक्स-रे करवाने की सलाह देते हैं। इससे रोग का सही ढंग से पता चलता है कि अकड़न या दर्द किस वजह से हैं।

कंधे की अकड़न के घरेलू उपाय-

एप्सम साल्ट (सेंधा नमक)-

एक कटोरी एप्सम साल्ट (सेंधा नमक) को हल्के गर्म पानी से भरे बाथटब में डालें। जबतक पानी की गर्माहट रहे तब तक बाथटब में बैठे रहें। ऐसा करने से कंधे की अकड़न में आराम मिलता है। 

आइस पैक-

आइस पैक (ice pack) कई तरह के दर्द में मदद करता है। इसलिए आइस पैक को प्रभावित अंग पर लगाने से काफी आराम मिलता है। इसके अलावा आइस पैक कंधे या शरीर के अन्य किसी हिस्से में दर्द के साथ सूजन को भी खत्म करता है।

गर्म सिकाई करें-

किसी भी तरह के दर्द से राहत पाने के लिए गर्म पानी से सिकाई करना एक अच्छा उपाय माना जाता है। इससे रक्त का संचरण भी ठीक हो जाता है। इसके अलावा गर्म पानी से शावर लेने पर भी कंधे की दर्द में फायदा करता है।  

तिल का तेल- 

तिल के तेल में फॉस्फोरस, मैग्नीशियम, जिंक, कॉपर और विटामिन डी प्रचूर मात्रा में पाए जाते हैं। जो कंधे की दर्द या अकड़न से राहत दिलाने का काम करते हैं। इसके लिए प्रतिदिन तिल के तेल को हल्का गुनगुना करके हल्के हाथों से प्रभावित अंगों कीमालिश करें। ऐसा करने से आपका दर्द काफी हद तक कम हो जाता है। 

फ्रोजन शोल्डर के लिए फीजियो थेरेपी (व्यायाम)- 

फ्रोजन शोल्डर अर्थात कंधे की अकड़न या दर्द को कम करने के लिए डॉक्टर कुछ शारीरिक व्यायाम करने की परामर्श देते हैं। इन व्यायामों का उपयोग नियमित रूप से दिन में कम से कम 3 से 4 बार करने से कंधे के दर्द से काफी हद तक राहत मिलती हैं जो निम्नलिखित हैं:

●शोल्डर स्ट्रेच। 

●वाल क्रावल। 

●पेंडुलम। 

●रोप एंड पुल्ली स्ट्रेचेस।

क्या है फ्रोजन शोल्डर के बचाव और सावधानियां?

●दर्द को नजरअंदाज न करें। लगातार या कई दिनों तक रहने पर डॉक्टर से तुरंत सलाह लें। 

●तेज दर्द का अहसास होने पर अपने हाथों को सिर के बराबर ऊंचाई पर रख कर सोएं।

●3 से 9 महीने के समय को फ्रीजिंग पीरियड माना जाता है। इस दौरान फिजियोथेरेपी के इलाज से बचें।

Achalasia is a rare but serious disease that usually affects the oesophagus i.e, the food pipe. The oesophagus is a type of tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. Apart from this, there is also a lower oesophagal spectrum in the body that is not able to open properly while chewing food due to achalasia due to which the chewed food remains in the tube. In this situation, sometimes the nerves of the food pipe also get damaged. Thus, a person suffering from this disorder finds it extremely difficult to swallow food. Also, there is discomfort in the oesophagus.

A person suffering from achalasia has to face problems like indigestion, vomiting, chest pain, burning sensation and weight loss because, in this disease, the oesophagus does function properly. As a result, food does not mix with saliva to reach the stomach through the food pipe.

Symptoms of Achalasia

Achalasia affects the body in many ways. People with this disease often have difficulty swallowing food and liquids due to which they feel that food is stuck in their throat. The disease mostly affects people between the ages of 25 and 60. The symptoms of this disease can last for several months or even years. Hence its symptoms are as follows:

• Pain and nervousness after eating.
• Chest pain and discomfort.
• Difficulty swallowing liquids or solids.
• Feeling like a lump in the throat.
• Weight loss.
• Burning in chest.
• Feeling stressed etc.
• Sometimes in some people without any symptoms, problems like sudden shortness of breath, phlegm in the throat, food or something stuck in the throat are also seen. Apart from this, symptoms like food coming back from the food pipe and acid reflux also start appearing.

Causes of Achalasia

There is no exact cause of this disease. This can happen due to various reasons such as genetic, autoimmune disorders, and viral infections. During an autoimmune disorder, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the body which also affects the nerves of the oesophagus due to which the person starts having difficulty in swallowing while eating or drinking something.

Treatment and Screening process of Achalasia

To treat and diagnose achalasia, doctors conduct some tests to examine the body of the victim and also try to know the family’s medical history. The tests & procedures are-

Oesophageal manometry-

Through this test, the contraction of muscles in the oesophagus is observed while swallowing food by which it is ascertained how much the lower oesophagal sphincter is opening and closing while swallowing food.

X-ray-

For this procedure, the inner lining of the patient's digestive system is first filled with a special fluid. After that, the upper part of the digestive system, the upper part of the stomach and intestine and the food pipe are examined. For this procedure, the patient is given a barium tablet to eat which helps to check for obstruction in the oesophagus.

Endoscopy-

In this procedure, the doctor examines the oesophagus and stomach by inserting a flexible tube containing a light and camera into the patient's throat. Through this test, the blockage in the food pipe is checked. Apart from this, the tissue sample is taken and sent to the laboratory for an acid reflux test.

Myotomy surgery-

Myotomy is a surgical procedure in which the oesophagus is cut slightly to open the sphincter muscle of the patient. Thus this surgery gives the patient a permanent solution to swallowing.

Pre-oral endoscopic myotomy-

This is a new treatment in which instead of operating, the patient is given myotomy using a gastroscope.

Apart from all this, in some cases, an attempt is made to increase the patient's oesophagal sphincter by inserting a balloon so that the patient's oesophagal sphincter can open slightly. This process is repeated over and over again when the oesophagal sphincter does not open.

Home remedies for Achalasia

In the case of achalasia, this problem can be avoided to a great extent by making some lifestyle changes and adopting the right eating habits. Therefore, these changes are as follows-

• Drink plenty of water when suffering from achalasia. Apart from this, drink water in between while eating because, with the help of water, there is less trouble in swallowing food.
• When suffering from achalasia, take only a liquid diet instead of a solid for a few days.
• During this time, drink carbonated beverages in appropriate amounts. This increases the pressure on the oesophagus and it easily reaches the stomach.
• Take a healthy liquid diet supplement if you are losing weight due to achalasia.
• Eat a diet rich in nutrients, vitamins and minerals to reduce malnutrition and physical weakness during achalasia.
• When suffering from achalasia, the patient should consume foods like curd, milk, porridge, oats, juice and soup.
• Always chew the food thoroughly and eat it.
• When suffering from achalasia, avoid consumption of anything that causes difficulty in swallowing.
• Do not consume anything that causes constipation or gas in the stomach at the time of achalasia.
• Exercise daily.
• While sleeping, sleep with the head slightly above the pillow or any other mattress. By doing this, the oesophagal promote the emptying of the contents of the stomach and the patient does not have much difficulty in breathing.

मांसपेशियों में कमजोरी आना एक आम समस्या है जिसका मतलब मांसपेशियों की गतिविधियों का ठीक से काम न कर पाना है। यह समस्या ज्यादातर उन लोगों में देखने को मिलती है, जो लोग शरीर से अधिक कमजोर होते हैं अर्थात जिन लोगों में शारीरिक ताकत की कमी होती है। इसके अलावा यह समस्या अधिक काम करने वाले लोगों में भी हो सकती है। इस समस्या से ग्रसित व्यक्ति के शरीर में गिरावट, जलन, बेचैनी, मांसपेशियों में ऐंठन एवं दर्द, आदि लक्षण नजर आते हैं।  

मांसपेशियों में कमजोरी के कारण

मांसपेशियों में कमजोरी या दर्द होने के पीछे कई कारण होते हैं। जिनमें प्रमुख कारण निम्नलिखित हैं:

बढ़ती उम्र

मांसपेशियों में कमजोरी का सबसे बड़े कारणों में से एक है बढ़ती उम्र का होना। क्योंकि उम्र बढ़ने के साथ-साथ शरीर की मांसपेशियां कमजोर होने लगती हैं। 40 से 50 साल तक हम और आप महसूस नहीं कर पाते हैं लेकिन इससे बाद की उम्र में कमजोरी महसूस होने लगती है। परिणामस्वरूप मांसपेशियां अधिक नाजुक हो जाती हैं। उपरोक्त आयु के दौरान यह समस्या सभी लोगों में ज्यादा होती है और कई बार यह इनएक्टिव होने के कारण भी होती है। इसलिए इस उम्र में व्यक्ति को अपने शरीर के पीछे ज्यादा से ज्यादा एक्टिव रहना चाहिए।

किसी दवाई का दुष्प्रभाव होना

बीमार होने पर डॉक्टर हमें कुछ दवाईयां देते हैं। जो हमें ठीक होने में सहायता करती हैं। लेकिन साथ में इन दवाईयों के कुछ दुष्प्रभाव भी होते हैं। जिसके कारण मसल्स वीकनेस जैसी कई गंभीर बीमारियां होने की संभावना बढ़ जाती हैं।

रोग-प्रतिरोधक क्षमता का कमजोर होना

मांसपेशियों की कमजोरी होने का प्रमुख कारण कमजोर रोग-प्रतिरोधक क्षमता (Immune System) होता है। इसलिए लोगों को नियमित रूप से व्यायाम करना चाहिए ताकि उनकी रोग-प्रतिरोधक क्षमता मजबूत रहे।

शरीर में विटामिन और मिनरल्स की कमी होना

शरीर को सभी तरह के पौष्टिक पदार्थों की आवश्यकता होती है। क्योंकि यह पदार्थ शरीर को सेहतमंद बनाते हैं। इसमें विटामिन और मिनरल्स भी शामिल हैं। जिसका मुख्य काम मांसपेशियों को मजबूत करना होता है। लेकिन यदि कोई व्यक्ति विटामिन और मिनरल्स युक्त तत्वों का सेवन नहीं करता तो उसे मसल्स वीकनेस समेत अनेक बीमारियों का सामना करना पड़ सकता है।

स्ट्रोक के कारण

यदि किसी को कभी भी स्ट्रोक हुआ है तो उससे मांसपेशी कमजोर हो जाती है। कई बार स्ट्रोक (पक्षाघात) होने पर व्यक्ति के शरीर की एक तरफ की मांसपेशियां प्रभावित होती हैं। जिसके वजह से व्यक्ति को चक्कर आना, चलने-फिरने में परेशानी होना, धुंधला दिखाई देना, सिर दर्द रहना और कंफ्यूज रहना आदि समस्याएं उत्पन्न होते हैं।

मांसपेशियों में कमजोरी के अन्य जोखिम कारक

• शरीर में रक्त की कमी होने पर।
• खेल के दौरान मांसपेशियों में चोट लगने पर।
• अधिक परिश्रम करने पर।
• गलत या अस्वस्थ आहार लेने पर।
• पोलियो, रूमेटिक बुखार होने पर।
• डायबिटीज एवं थाइराइड होने पर। 
• कैंसर ट्रीटमेंट थेरेपी और रूमेटाइड आर्थराइटिस। 
• मस्तिष्क संबंधी बीमारी जैसे डिप्रेशन आदि होने पर। 

मांसपेशियों के कमजोर होने के लक्षण

• मांसपेशियों में ऊर्जा की कमी का आभास होना।
• चलने-फिरने में कठिनाई महसूस करना।
• सांस लेने में तकलीफ होना।
• लेटने के बाद सिर को उठाने में परेशानी होना।
• किसी एक अंग को हिलाने में परेशानी होना।
• अपने दैनिक कार्य जैसे कंघी करना, सीढ़िया चढ़ना, बोलने में कठिनाई महसूस करना।
• थकावट महसूस करना।
• चक्कर आना।
• बेचैनी  या घबराहट होना।
• शरीर में कंपकंपी आना।
• अधिक नींद आना।
• देखने में परेशानी होना।
• मांसपेशियों में ऐंठन होना।
• खाने-पीने या निगलने में कठिनाई महसूस करना।

कैसे करें मांसपेशियों में कमजोरी की रोकथाम?

मांसपेशियों की कमजोरी से पीड़ित मरीजों को कई समस्याओं का सामना करना पड़ता है। लेकिन लोग कुछ सावधानियों को बरतें तो वह मांसपेशियों की कमजोरी की रोकथाम कर सकते हैं;

• जो लोग गतिविधियां अधिक करते हैं, वह अपने मांसपेशियों को आराम दें।
• आयरन, कैल्शियम, प्रोटीन इत्यादि पौष्टिक युक्त भोजन का सेवन करें।
• पर्याप्त मात्रा में पानी पिएं।
• नियमित रूप से व्यायाम करें। ताकि वह लोग सेहतमंद रहें।
• अपने मांसपेशियों को अच्छे से स्ट्रेच करते रहें। जिससे रक्त का संचार ठीक रहता है। 
• सभी लोगों को अपने वजन को नियंत्रित करना चाहिए। जिससे उन्हें किसी प्रकार की गंभीर बीमारी न हो सके।
• अपने स्वास्थ्य को नियमित रूप से चेक करवाएं। जिससे पता चलता है कि हम पूरी तरह से स्वस्थ्य हैं।
• यदि शरीर के किसी अंग की  मांसपेशियां कमजोर हैं  तो फिजियोथैरेपी जरुर करवाएं।

मांसपेशियों में कमजोरी के घरेलू उपचार

तेल की मालिश

मांसपेशियों की कमजोरी को दूर करने के लिए तेल की मालिश को कारगर उपाय माना जाता है। इसके लिए नारियल एवं सरसों तेल की समान मात्रा को गर्म करके मिला लें। अब इस मिश्रण से प्रभावित जगहों पर हल्के हाथों से मालिश करें। ऐसा करने से मांशपेशियां मजबूत होती है। इससे प्रभावित जगह की दर्द एवं सूजन भी कम होती है।

विटामिन युक्त खाद्य पदार्थो का सेवन

मांसपेशियों में कमजोरी के इलाज और रोकथाम में विटामिन्स का महत्वपूर्ण योगदान होता हैं। एक शोध के अनुसार, विटामिन-डी आंतों में कैल्शियम के अवशोषण को बढ़ाता है। वहीं, विटामिन-सी मांसपेशियों को मजबूती प्रदान करता है। इसलिए हमें अपने भोजन में विटामिन से समृद्ध खाद्य पदार्थों जैसे पनीर, खट्टे फल, हरी पत्तेदार सब्जियों आदि का सेवन जरुर करना चाहिए।

दूध का सेवन करें

दूध में कई तरह के विटामिन और मिनरल्स पाए जाते हैं। जो मांसपेशियों के स्वास्थ्य के लिए बेहद जरुरी है। इसलिए प्रतिदिन दूध पीने से मांसपेशियों को कमजोरी दूर करने में सहायक होती है। इसके अलावा दूध कैल्शियम से समृद्ध है, जो कमजोर मांसपेशियों को मजबूती प्रदान करता है। साथ ही इसके निरंतर सेवन से शरीर हाइड्रेट भी रहता है।

आवंला है फायदेमंद

आवंला कैल्शियम,आयरन, प्रोटीन एवं विटामिन बी से भरपूर है। यह सभी तत्व कमजोर मांसपेशियों के लिए बेहद जरुरी होते । इसके अलावा आंवला में प्राकृतिक एनाल्जेसिक गुण पाया जाता है, जो कमजोर मांसपेशियों के कारण होने वाले दर्द को कम करता है।

कमजोर मांसपेशियों को दूर करने के लिए केला खाएं

केला शरीर को ऊर्जा प्रदान करने में सहायक होता है। इसके अलावा मांसपेशियों की कमजोरी को दूर करने के लिए बेहतरीन उपाय है। दरअसल केले में सुक्रोज और ग्लूकोज जैसे कार्बोहाइड्रेट मौजूद है। साथ ही केले में पोटैशियम की प्रचूर मात्रा पाई हैं जाती है।  जो कार्बोहाइड्रेट को ऊर्जा में परिवर्तित  कर देती है। यह ऊर्जा कमजोर मांसपेशियों को दूर करने में बेहद जरुरी है।  

कब जाएं डॉक्टर के पास?

• बेहोश होने पर।
• मांसपेशियों की कमजोरी गंभीर होने पर।
• चलने-फिरने या अंगों को हिलाने में अधिक कठिनाई होने पर।
• अधिक बेचैनी, उलझन एवं कुछ समझने में कठिनाई महसूस करने पर।
• सांस लेने में तकलीफ होने पर।

Nasal polyps are soft, fleshy lumps that grow inside your nose and these are non-cancerous protrudes. They can be yellowish, gray or pink in color and can vary widely in size. There may be only one, but sometimes several growths like a little bunch of grapes on a stem.

Nasal polyps can grow anywhere in the membrane of the nose or sinuses. They often spread where the sinuses open into the nasal cavity. Small polyps may not be a problem. Large polyps can block the sinuses or nasal airways leading to further complications and life threatening situations.

Types of Nasal Polyps

There are two types of nasal polyps-

Ethmoidal polyps-

Ethmoidal polyps are the most common type which develop from the ethmoidal sinuses and are located between the nose and eyes.

Antrochoanal polyps-

Antrochoanal polyps are less common. These develop in the maxillary sinuses, which are above the teeth and under the cheeks and nose.

Symptoms of Nasal Polyps

Nasal polyps are often soft and painless. You might have them and not even notice until they start growing and blocking your nasal passages. Following symptoms appear as these polyps start growing-

• Chronic nasal congestion
• Reduced sense of smell
• Snoring
• Sneezing
• Sleep apnea
• Severe headache
• Facial pain
• Itching around the eyes
• Postnasal drip

Causes of Nasal Polyps

People who have following conditions are more likely to develop nasal polyps-

• Chronic Sinus Infections
• Asthma
• Allergic Rhinitis
• Sensitivity to certain medicines like Ibuprofen and Aspirin
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Churg-Strauss Syndrome (a disorder that causes inflammation in the blood vessels)

How to prevent Nasal Polyps?

Reducing the risk of nasal polyps is especially important if you have asthma or allergies. Follow your treatment plan and talk to your doctor if that doesn't help control your symptoms. Anyone can take these simple steps to reduce the risk-

• Stay away from nasal irritants such as dust, cigarette smoke, and chemical fumes.
• Wash your hands regularly.
• Avoid foods or drinks that can irritate your sinuses, such as certain dairy products and alcoholic beverages.
• Rinse your nasal passages regularly with an over-the-counter saline spray.

Diagnosis for Nasal Polyps

Diagnostic tests include-

Nasal Endoscopy-A narrow tube with a magnifying lens or tiny camera (nasal endoscope) allows your doctor to carefully examine your nostrils and sinuses.

Scanning- A computed tomography (CT) scan can help your doctor determine the size and location of polyps in the deeper areas of the sinuses and assess the extent of swelling and inflammation.

Blood test-Your doctor can test your blood for low levels of vitamin D, which are linked to nasal polyps.

Allergy tests-Your doctor may suggest a skin test to determine if allergies are contributing to chronic inflammation. In a skin prick test, small drops of an allergy causing agents (allergens) are injected into the skin of the forearm or upper back. Your doctor or nurse will then examine your skin for signs of an allergic reaction.

Treatment for Nasal Polyps

Anyone suffering from nasal polyps should consult a doctor and go for treatment with medicines before considering surgery -

Steroid nose drops-

• Steroid nose drops are the most recommended treatment for nasal polyps.
• Nose drops contain steroid medications which reduce inflammation in the nose. Gradually, nasal congestion reduces and the polyps start to shrink. It may take a week or two for the nose drops to make a noticeable difference in your symptoms. You may be recommended to use it for at least 4-6 weeks.
• Betamethasone or fluticasone are two steroid nasal drops that are only available by prescription.

Steroid tablets-

A course of steroid tablets (prednisolone) for about a week is sometimes prescribed to reduce inflammation in the nose. This often works very well to shrink polyps. This treatment is a short-term solution because long-term use of steroid tablets can have significant side effects. It should be used in combination with topical steroid drops or nasal sprays.

Surgery-

Surgery may be recommended if the polyp is large or if steroid nose drops or tablets don't work.

Polypectomy-In polypectomy, polyps are removed surgically. This can be done through the nostrils or under general anesthesia. The type of anesthesia may depend on the number and size of the polyps, where they are located and how suitable you are for surgery.

Endoscopic sinus surgery-This type of surgery is performed under general anesthesia. This may be done if the polyps are very large and numerous or if they severely block your sinuses. Endoscopy allows the surgeon to view the sinuses with a camera and perform operations in places that are difficult to reach with ordinary surgical instruments.

Home Remedies to treat Nose Polyps

Capsaicin-

• Capsaicin is a compound found in chili peppers. Cayenne pepper contains high concentrations of capsaicin. These compounds are known to reduce pain and discomfort. It helps clear the sinuses and when used in the nasal cavity, it helps reduce the size of nasal polyps.

For this-Use nasal sprays containing capsaicin are commercially available that can help relieve the symptoms of nasal polyps.

Turmeric-

• Turmeric has strong anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties (the ability to stop or slow down the growth of pathogenic microorganisms).
• It helps to treat symptoms of nasal polyps that cause discomfort such as itching and nasal congestion.

For this-Take a spoonful of turmeric powder, mix it in a glass of warm milk and drink it once or twice a day.

Saline nasal irrigation-

• Rinsing your sinuses with sterile saline solution helps relieve symptoms of nasal polyps.
• You can use the neti pot, specially designed nasal irrigation pot, to flush your nasal cavities and sinuses. It helps clean the dust and other irritants from the nasal cavity.

For this- Use warm water to fill your neti pot and mix 1 to 2 teaspoons of salt in it. Tilt your head and inhale the solution through one nostril and exhale from the other, repeating the same thing from the other side. You can blow your nostrils afterwards to get the solution out.

Tea tree oil-

• Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation and swelling of the sinuses.
• It is easily available in the market. This oil can cause allergies in some, so make sure you do a patch test before applying it to the nostrils.

Steam inhalation-

• Inhaling steam can help reduce swelling in the airways and also helps in thinning the mucus.

For this-You can boil water in a bowl and gently place your face on it. Cover your head with a towel to take steam properly.

When to see a doctor?

Consult your doctor if the symptoms of nasal polyps last more than 10 days.

सर्दी लगना, सिरदर्द होना आमतौर पर कोई बड़ी समस्या नहीं है। लेकिन कभी-कभी यह समस्या किसी गंभीर बीमारी का संकेत भी हो सकती है। इसमें से एक साइनसाइटिस भी है जो एक गंभीर समस्या की श्रेणी में आता है। साइनसाइटिस की समस्या कई कारणों से होती है जैसे- साइनस में संक्रमण, प्रदूषण, एलर्जी, सर्दी लगना और बैक्टीरिया संक्रमण आदि।

साइनसाइटिस या साइनस क्या है?

नाक के आसपास चेहरे की हड्डियों के अंदर हवा से भरी छोटी-छोटी गुहा रूपी संरचनाएं होती हैं। जिसे 'वायुविवर' या साइनस (sinus) कहते हैं। साइनस पर उसी श्लेष्मा झिल्ली की परत होती है। जब किसी व्यक्ति को जुकाम या एलर्जी होता है तो साइनस ऊतक यानी श्लेष्मा झिल्ली में सूजन आ जाती हैं। इस स्थिति को साइनसाइटिस कहा जाता है। यह सूजन किसी संक्रमण के कारण होती है। जो आम सर्दी-जुकाम के रूप में शुरू होता है। उसके बाद एक बैक्टीरियल, वायरल एवं फंगल इंफेक्शन के रूप में पूरी तरह से विकसित हो जाता है। जिससे व्यक्ति को सिरदर्द, चेहरे में दर्द और नाक बंद जैसी समस्याओं का सामना करना पड़ता है।

साइनस के प्रकार-

वायुविवरशोथ यानी साइनस रोग को संक्रमण की  अवधि के आधार पर वर्गीकृत किया गया है,जो निम्नलिखित हैं :

तीव्र साइनस संक्रमण(Acute sinus infection)-   

साइनस का यह प्रकार सबसे कम अवधि वाला होता है। आमतौर पर यह संक्रमण वायरल इंफेक्शन की वजह से होता है। जो 3 से 4 हफ्तों तक या उससे कम समय तक ही रहता है।

कम तीव्र साइनस संक्रमण(Sub sinus infection)-

साइनस के इस प्रकार के लक्षण 3 महीने तक रहते हैं। इस प्रकार के संक्रमण होने की मुख्य वजह बैक्टीरियल इंफेक्शन या मौसमी एलर्जी होती है।

क्रॉनिक साइनस संक्रमण(Chronic sinus infection)-

साइनस का यह प्रकार लंबे समय तक रहता है। आमतौर पर क्रॉनिक साइनस के लक्षण लगभग 12 हफ्तों अर्थात 3 महीने तक रहते हैं। इसका मुख्य कारण एलर्जी, इंफेक्शन, म्यूकस एवं सूजन से होता है। 

रिकरंट एक्यूट साइनसाइटिस(Recurrent acute sinusitis)-

साइनस का यह प्रकार बार-बार होता है। यह संक्रमण एक साल में करीब 4 से 5 बार हो सकता है। साथ ही इसके लक्षण हर बार कम से कम 1 हफ्तों तक रहते हैं। बार-बार होने के कारण इसे रिकरंट एक्यूट साइनसाइटिस कहा जाता है।

साइनस के सामान्य लक्षण-

•  बार-बार नाक बहना।
• नाक बंद हो जाना। 
• सांस लेने में तकलीफ होना।
• गंध एवं स्वाद का पता न चलना।
• नाक, आंख, गला, सिर के आसपास सूजन एवं दर्द का आभास होना।

साइनस के अन्य लक्षण-

• कान दर्द होना।
• दातों और ऊपरी जबड़ों की सतह पर दर्द महसूस करना।
• गले में खराश होना।
• रात में खांसी का बढ़ना।
• सांसों से दुर्गंध आना।
• थकान या कमजोरी महसूस करना।
• जी मिचलाना।
• चिड़चिड़ापन महसूस करना।

साइनस होने के कारण-

• सर्दी-जुकाम का होना।
• वायरस, फंगस एवं बैक्टीरिया संक्रमण का होना।
• नाक में एलर्जी होना।
• प्रदूषित वातावरण का होना।
• रासायनिक धुआं एवं धूल के संपर्क में आना।
• जानवरों के संपर्क में आना।
• नाक की हड्डी का नुकीले आकार में बढ़ना।

साइनस होने पर बरतें यह सावधानियां-

• अच्छे से आराम करें।
• धूम्रपान करने से बचें।
• खूब पानी पिएं।
• प्रचुर मात्रा में तरल पदार्थों का सेवन करें।
• गुनगुने फेसियल पैक का उपयोग करें।
• नियमित रूप से भाप लेते रहें।
• धूल- मिट्टी जैसी जगहों पर जाने से बचें।
• चिंता, तनाव और अवसाद से दूर रहें। 
• भोजन करने से पूर्व हाथों को अच्छी तरह से धोएं।
• छींकने, खांसने के बाद या शौचालय से आने के बाद हाथों को अच्छी तरह से धोएं।
• संक्रमित एवं प्रदूषित वातावरण में जाने से बचें।

साइनस के घरेलू उपाय-

एसेंशियल ऑयल-

साइनस होने पर एसेंशियल ऑयल का उपयोग अरोमा थेरेपी के रूप में करना लाभदायक होता है। यह थेरेपी साइनस रोग में होने वाली सूजन और बैक्टीरिया को नष्ट करने में मदद करती है। इसके लिए तुलसी, पेपरमिंट, गुलमेहंदी, यूकलिप्टस,लोबान या इनमें  भी एसेंशियल ऑयल की 2 से 3 बूंदों को डिफ्यूजर में डालकर इसकी खुशबू को सूंघें। ऐसा करने साइनस में होने वाले सूजन से राहत मिलती है। इसके अलावा इसकी कुछ बूंदों को हाथों में लेकर नाक और सिर की हल्के हाथों से मसाज करने से भी लाभ मिलता है।

सेब का सिरका-

सेब का सिरका साइनस में होने वाले भारीपन के लिए अच्छी दवाओं में से एक है। क्योंकि इसमें एसिटिक एसिड होता है जिसमें एंटीमाइक्रोबियल होता है, जो बैक्टीरिया और वायरस संक्रमण से लड़ता है। इसके लिए एक चम्मच एप्पल साइड विनेगर को गर्म पानी में डालकर भाप लेने से आराम पहुंचता है।  

लेमन बाम-

लेमन बाम साइनस के इलाज में कारगर उपाय माना जाता है। दरअसल इसमें एनाल्जेसिक गुण पाया जाता है। जो साइनस के कारण होने वाले सिरदर्द से राहत दिलाने का काम करता है। इसके लिए लेमन बाम के तेल को हाथ में लेकर सिर,नाक और गले की मसाज करें। इसके अलावा लेमन बाम की कुछ पत्तियों को पानी में उबालकर काढ़े के रूप में इस्तेमाल करना भी फायदेमंद होता है।  

टी एवं हर्बल टी-

साइनस होने पर शहद युक्त चाय या हर्बल टी साइनस के लिए अच्छे घरेलू उपचारों में से एक है। क्योंकि यह साइनस के लक्षणों को कम करने में मदद करती है। इसलिए साइनस होने पर यह चाय कारगर साबित होती है।

अदरक चाय-

अदरक में एनाल्जेसिक और एंटी बैक्टीरियल गुण पाया जाता है। जो सूजन और दर्द को दूर करता है। इसलिए शहद युक्त अदरक चाय या किसी भी रूप में अदरक का इस्तेमाल करना साइनस के लिए फायदेमंद होता है।

लहसुन-

 लहसुन में एंटी-बैक्टीरियल गुण मौजूद होते हैं। जो साइनस के लक्षणों को दूर करने में मदद करते हैं। इसके लिए लहसुन की 4 से 5 कलियों को पीसकर गर्म पानी में डालकर सूप बना लें। हल्का गुनगुना होने पर इस सूप को पिएं। इससे साइनस में आराम मिलता है। इसके अलावा लहसुन की 2 से 3 कलियों को अपने दातों के बीच रखकर इसका रस चूसने से फायदा होता है। 

टी ट्री ऑयल-

टी ट्री ऑयल में एंटीसेप्टिक, एंटी माइक्रोबियल एवं एंटी इंफ्लेमेंटरी गुण पाए जाते हैं। जो साइनस की वजह से होने वाले सिरदर्द को दूर करता है। इसके लिए टी ट्री ऑयल की 4 से 5 बूंदों को गरम पानी में डालकर भाप लें। ऐसा दिन में दो से तीन बार करने से राहत मिलती है।

दालचीनी-

दालचीनी साइनस के उपचार में प्रभावी होती है। यह साइनस पैदा करने वाले सूक्ष्मजीवों को नष्ट करती है। इसके लिए एक गिलास गर्म पानी में एक छोटा चम्मच दालचीनी चूर्ण को मिलाकर सेवन करें। ऐसा कुछ दिनों तक करने से राहत मिलता है।

मेथी दाना-

साइनस के इलाज में मेथी दाना भी कारगर होती है। इसके लिए मेथी के दानें को पानी में उबालें। उसके बाद उस मिश्रण को छानकर चाय की तरह दिन में दो से तीन बार पिएं। ऐसा नियमित रूप से कुछ दिनों तक करने से साइनस से छुटकारा मिलती है।

Sudden change in weather leads to many problems which include colds, flu, runny nose, etc. Runny nose is a common problem, but people face a lot of problems due to this. People suffering from this problem face an increase in the amount of mucus in the sinus i.e, airways. The main reason for which is the entry of cold or flu viruses, bacteria or allergy-causing substances into the body.

The problem of runny nose is medically known as Rhinorrhea or Rhinitis. This is a problem in which mucus (fluid) starts coming out of the nose. This fluid can be both thin or thick. Sometimes this mucus goes inside the throat, then it causes sore throat, pain, burning and cough. Generally, the problem of a runny nose automatically gets cured in two to three days. Apart from this, it can be cured with the help of some home remedies but frequent runny nose indicates internal problems of the body. Therefore, without ignoring it, one should immediately contact the doctor.

Symptoms of Runny nose

Along with runny nose, some other symptoms also appear, which are as follows:

• Fever
• To get cold
• Yellowish or foul-smelling mucus discharge from the nose
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness or pain
• Swelling under the eyes or around the cheeks
• Tonsils
• Sore throat or pain

Causes of Runny nose

Following are some common causes of runny nose:

Cold or flu-

A runny nose caused by a cold or flu is a common symptom. This results in a thin and clear flow but in some circumstances, instead of coming out through the nose, the mucus starts going into the throat. This mucus is thick.

Allergies-

Due to allergies, a person also starts having a runny nose. This happens through contact with domestic animals or animals through which harmful bacteria enter the body due to which the person feels allergic, leading to a runny nose.

Sinusitis-

Sinus tissue i.e., mucous membrane begins to swell. This condition is called sinusitis. This inflammation is caused by an infection. This causes the nasal airways to narrow due to which it becomes difficult to breathe and mucus starts to form. Usually the mucus produced due to sinusitis is thick in which yellow and green spots are also visible.

Other possible causes of runny nose are-

• Virus, fungus and bacterial infection
• Having a polluted environment
• Exposure to chemical fumes and dust
• Enlargement of the nasal bone
• Headache
• Side effects of medicines
• Cold weather or sudden changes in temperature
• Dry air
• Hormonal changes in the body
• Injury to the nose
• Tobacco, smoking, alcohol and drug use
• Consuming more spicy food
• Tumor (cancer) in the airways
• Suffering from asthma, bronchitis

Prevention of Runny nose

• Wash hands thoroughly before eating
• Wash hands thoroughly after sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose
• Use a tissue paper or handkerchief when blowing your nose
• Avoid going into an infected and polluted environment
• Include vitamin-C rich foods in your diet
• Drink lukewarm water
• Drink or gargle with warm water containing salt

Home remedies for Runny nose

Peppermint essential oil-

Using peppermint essential oil as aromatherapy is beneficial for a runny nose as menthol is found in it, which helps in improving breathing ability and destroying bacteria. For this, put 2 to 3 drops of peppermint essential oil in a diffuser and smell its fragrance. By doing this the mucus becomes thinner and it is easier to remove it from the body. It also provides relief from inflammation caused by sinus. Apart from this, taking a few drops of it in your hands and massaging the nose and head with light hands is also beneficial.

Take facial steam-

Taking facial steam is an effective remedy for a runny nose. For this, put a teaspoon of salt in hot water. Now cover your head with a towel and inhale the steam. Doing this 3 to 4 times a day gets rid of the problem of a runny nose.

Tea and herbal tea-

Tea or herbal tea containing honey is one of the good home remedies for the prevention of a runny nose because it helps in reducing the symptoms of allergies and sinus. Therefore, this tea proves to be effective in case of a runny nose.

Tea tree oil-

Tea tree oil has antiseptic, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties which removes the problem of runny nose and headache due to allergies. For this, put 4 to 5 drops of tea tree oil in hot water and take steam. Doing this two to three times a day gives relief.

Red chilli-

Cayenne pepper exhibits antihistamine properties which help to remove mucus from the body and reduce the symptoms of allergies due to which the toxins are easily removed from the body. By doing this, the blood circulation in the body increases which provides warmth to the body and the problem of a runny nose goes away. Therefore, to get rid of it, use red chili in your food.

Garlic-

Garlic has antibacterial properties which help to relieve the symptoms of runny nose. For this, keeping 2 to 3 buds of garlic between your teeth and sucking its juice is beneficial. Apart from this, grind 4 to 5 cloves of garlic and put it in hot water and make soup. Drink this soup when it is lukewarm. This gives relief from the problem of a runny nose.

Nilgiri oil-

The antiviral and anti-microbial properties present in eucalyptus oil cure the symptoms of cold. To get rid of it, smell a few drops of eucalyptus oil in a handkerchief. By doing this, cold and runny nose is relieved.

Honey and lemon are beneficial-

Consumption of honey and lemon acts as a medicine for the problem of allergies and runny nose because the antimicrobial properties present in honey and vitamin C present in lemon are helpful in destroying germs. Along with this, the mucus is easily removed from the body. Apart from this, honey also removes swelling of the nasal canal. For this, drink honey and lemon juice mixed with lukewarm water.

Turmeric and Ajwain-

Turmeric and Ajwain are effective in the problem of runny nose. For this, cook ten grams of turmeric and carom seeds in a cup of water. When the water reduces to half, add some jaggery to it and consume it.

Fenugreek seeds-

Fenugreek seeds are also effective in treating runny nose. For this, boil fenugreek seeds in water. After that filter that mixture and drink it like tea two to three times a day. Doing this regularly gets rid of this problem.

Black pepper-

Consuming the powder of black pepper with honey provides relief in cold and flu.. Apart from this, drinking half teaspoon black pepper powder and one teaspoon sugar candy mixed in a glass of warm milk is beneficial.

Symptoms of Snoring

• Breathe in and out with a loud sound.
• At times, breathing stops for a few seconds.
• Gradual increase in the rate and time of breathing.
• Waking up in confusion when there is no breath while falling asleep.
• Being lethargic and laziness throughout the day.
• Feeling sleepy throughout the day even after getting enough sleep.
• Feeling tired

Reasons for snoring

There are many reasons for snoring, the main reasons are as follows:-

Obesity:-

Snoring also occurs due to weight gain. When a person's weight increases, more meat hangs on his neck. While lying down, due to this flesh, the windpipe gets clogged, and breathing becomes difficult.

Excessive alcohol consumption:-

Like many pain-relieving drugs, alcohol also reduces the tension in the muscles of the body. Sometimes the muscles of the throat get stretched due to the consumption of too much alcohol which can cause snoring.

Sinus:-

One reason for snoring is sinusitis. The nasal passages get clogged due to the enlargement of the sinus. Not only this but increasing the sound of snoring also affects the nasal passages. In such a situation, the patient with sinus needs to take special precautions.

Winter:-

If you have a blocked nose for a long time, see a doctor because sleeping pills, anti-allergic medicines also make the muscles of the respiratory tract sluggish which results in snoring.

 

Other causes of snoring

The shortening of the lower jaw is also the reason for snoring. When a person's jaw is smaller than normal, his tongue turns backwards when he lies down which blocks the windpipe. In such a situation, pressure has to be applied to inhale and exhale. This causes vibration and snoring.

• Snoring occurs even if there is Vata and Kapha dosha.
• This disease is also genetic which passes from one person to another.
• Nasal airway obstruction: Nasal deformities such as a curvature of the septum (the wall that divides the nasal passages) or small particles inside the nose can also cause airway obstruction. Apart from this, some people start snoring in the winters.
• Even if the person's neck is too short, the sound comes with the breath while sleeping.
• Problems caused by snoring
• Daytime sleepiness.
• Not being able to concentrate on anything.
• Fall asleep anytime.
• Suffering from high blood pressure.
• Having heart disease.
• Increased risk of heart stroke.
• Home remedies to stop snoring
 

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil is a beneficial remedy to stop snoring. Take two to three drops of this oil in the palm daily and inhale it. Apart from this, taking a few drops of this oil in hot water and taking steam also opens the blocked nose due to which the problem of snoring is reduced.

Vitamin C rich food

Snoring is also possible due to low immunity. In this case, eat fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C.

Fenugreek Powder

Fenugreek has antioxidant and antiviral properties which are helpful in curing snoring. It is believed that snoring also occurs due to not having a strong digestive system. In such a situation, drinking half a teaspoon of fenugreek powder with lukewarm water before sleeping at night provides relief from snoring.

Cardamom powder

Cardamom, which is rich in Ayurvedic properties, has also been considered right in the treatment of snoring. According to Ayurveda experts, cardamom powder with lukewarm water should be consumed before sleeping. This stops the snoring sound.

Turmeric

Turmeric has antiseptic and antibiotic properties which clear the nostrils and makes breathing easier. For this, drink turmeric cooked in milk every night before sleeping.

Steam

Every night, heat water in a bowl and add tea tree oil to it. After this, try to inhale the steam by taking deep breaths for 10 minutes. This removes nasal congestion and makes breathing easier.

 

How can snoring be stopped?

• Maintain a sleeping schedule.
• Before going to bed, clean your nose thoroughly.
• Take the right measures to prevent a runny nose.
• Avoid alcohol before sleeping.
• Do not eat food before going to bed, eat it one or two hours before.
• Sleep on a pillow with your head elevated for about 4 inches.
 

When to go to the doctor?

When you are suffering from the following problems due to snoring, you should see a doctor-

• When you are sad.
• When there is irritable behaviour.
• Lack of concentration.
• When there is lethargy even during the day.
• When breathing stops during sleep.
• If the problem of snoring increases.
• When you feel tired after waking up in the morning.
• Headache when you wake up in the morning.
• When you are short of breath while sleeping or you are drenched with sweat after waking up.

The problem of bleeding from the nose is called Nose Bleeding. This problem is usually not a major problem but sometimes can also be a sign of a serious illness. The problem of bleeding from the nose is due to many reasons like- respiratory problems, allergies, colds and not cleaning the nose carefully.

Why does the Nose Bleed?

There are many types of blood vessels in the nose. These blood vessels are very soft and covered with thin membranes which sometimes also breaks the nose while cleaning. Due to this, blood starts coming from the nose. This problem is mostly seen in children between 3 and 10 years old.

Types of Nose Bleeding

There are two types of nose bleeding which are classified based on the place of bleeding-

Anterior-

This is the most common type of nose bleeding in which the nose bleeds from the front part. During this time blood vessels inside the nose rupture due to which blood comes out from the nose. These blood vessels are known as Kiesselbach’s plexus.

Posterior-

In this, blood comes out from the back of the nose. This is the bleeding caused by the disease. This affects the inner nostrils of the nose and the nerves connecting with the brain. This problem is mostly seen in the elderly. This causes severe bleeding from the nose.

Symptoms of Nose Bleeding

• Bleeding from one or both nostrils (nose hole).
• Experience of fluid flow from the back of the throat.
• Feeling like repeated swallowing.
• Difficulty in breathing.
• Irregular heartbeat.

Causes of Nose Bleeding

There are two common causes of bleeding from the nose which are as follows-

Dry air-

Dry air is the main cause of nose bleeding. Due to the excess heat, blood vessels get dilated because of which the nasal membranes become dry due to hot air, they become very susceptible to blood flow and infection.

Nose Picking-

Repeated nose picking, and putting things like pen, pencil, etc. in the nose is the main reason of nose bleeding in children. Due to this, the delicate blood vessels of the nose get hurt and the bleeding starts. Apart from this, persistent nose bleeding in children can also be a sign of haemophilia.

Reasons for Nose bleeding

• Drying and cracking of the skin inside the nose in hot air or dry climate.
• Nasal irritation due to problems like cold, sneeze and sinus.
• Nose allergy or frequent runny nose.
• Having high blood pressure.
• Cleaning the nose with strength.
• Nose of an insect or object.
• Nose injuries.
• Sinus or pituitary tumour surgery.
• Divine septum disease.
• Vitamin-K deficiency.
• Consumption of blood thinners such as warfarin and heparin.
• Excessive use of nasal sprays.
• Oxygen treatment with Nasal Cannulas.

Rare Causes of Nose bleeding

• Excessive alcohol consumption.
• Consumption of cocaine or opium.
• Liver disease.
• Increased nasal flesh.
• Blood Cancer.
• Tumor in the nose.

Prevention of Nose Bleeding

• If itching in the nose, do not put a sharp pencil like a pencil in the nose.
• Keep hand nails short.
• Do not use nasal spray too much.
• Do wear protective items during the game. Which can protect the nose, ears and head.
• Avoid smoking. This may cause dryness in the skin of the nose.
• To reduce the dryness of the nose, stay hydrated and consume sufficient amount of fluid.
• Stay away from heat when bleeding from the nose. Reduction in dry heat can reduce the risk of hemorrhage.
• For any other reason like liver disease, chronic sinus, consult the doctor if bleeding from the nose.

Home remedies for Nose Bleeding

• After bleeding from the nose, sit at one place for some time.
• Now bend yourself slightly towards the front. So that the blood does not go to the throat.
• Now try placing a cool and wet cloth on your nose. So that blood flow can stop due to contraction in the blood vessels.
• If blood comes out from one nostril, press and hold the upper part of the nostril for at least 10 minutes. By doing this the blood will stop.
• In addition, onion juice should be used to stop nose bleeding.
• Smelling of onion also stops nose blood.
• Blood is stopped by pouring basil juice at the place where it comes out.
• The problem of nose bleeding is relieved by heating one or two drops in the nostrils after heating the cow's native ghee and cooling it.
• The problem of nose bleeding is also cured by lukewarm mustard oil in the nose.
• Applying 2-3 drops of lavender oil in cotton on the affected area stops nose blood.

When to go to the Doctor?

• In case of frequent nose bleeding problems.
• In case of vomiting of blood with nose bleeding.
• Dizziness or nose bleeding with nose bleeding.
• Bleeding from the nose after taking any medicine.
• Rapid nose bleeding.
• On nose bleed after chemotherapy.
• Unable to prevent nose bleeding problem.

नाक से खून बहने की समस्या को नकसीर (Nose Bleeding) कहा जाता है। यह समस्या आमतौर पर कोई बड़ी समस्या नहीं है। लेकिन कभी-कभी यह समस्या किसी गंभीर बीमारी का संकेत भी हो सकती है। नाक से खून बहने की यह समस्या कई कारणों से होती है जैसे- सांस संबंधी समस्या, एलर्जी, सर्दी लगना और सावधानी से नाक की सफाई न करना आदि। 

क्यों आता है नाक से खून?

नाक में कई प्रकार की रक्‍त वाहिकाएं होती हैं। यह रक्त वाहिकाएं बहुत मुलायम और पतली झिल्ली से ढंकी होती हैं। जोकि कई बार नाक की सफाई करते वक्त फट भी जाती हैं। कारणवश नाक से खून आने लगता है। यह समस्या ज्यादातर 3 से 10 साल के बच्चों में देखने को मिलती है। 

नाक से खून आने के प्रकार;

नाक से खून बहने की समस्या दो प्रकार की होती है। जिसे खून बहने की जगह के आधार पर वर्गीकृत किया जाता है। 

एंटीरियर (Anterior)-

यह नाक से खून बहने का सबसे सामान्य प्रकार है। इसमें नाक के अगले हिस्से से खून बहता है। इस दौरान नाक के अंदर की रक्त वाहिनियां (Blood Vessels) फट जाती हैं। जिसके कारण नाक से खून निकलता है। इन रक्त वाहिनियां को किसेलबाक प्लेक्सस (Kiesselbach plexus) के नाम से जाना जाता है। 

पोस्टीरियर (Posterior)-

इसमें नाक के पिछले भाग से खून निकलता है। यह समस्या अधिकतर बुजुर्गो में देखने को मिलती है। यह बीमारी की वजह से होने वाली ब्लीडिंग होती है। इससे नाक की भीतरी और दिमाग से जुड़ने वाली नसें प्रभावित होती हैं। इस वजह से नाक से तेज खून बहता है। 

नकसीर के लक्षण;

• एक या दोनों नथुनों (नाक के सुराख) से खून का आना।
• गले के पिछले हिस्से में तरल पदार्थ बहने का अनुभव होना।
• बार-बार निगलने जैसा महसूस होना।
• सांस लेने में दिक्कतें होना। 
• दिल का अनियमित धड़कना। 

नकसीर के कारण;

नाक से खून आने के दो सामान्य कारण होते हैं। जोकि निम्नलिखित हैं;

शुष्क हवा-

शुष्क हवा नकसीर का प्रमुख कारण है। अधिक गर्मी के कारण खून की नालियां (रक्‍त वाहिकाएं) फैल जाती हैं। क्योंकि गर्म हवा से नाक की झिल्‍ली शुष्क होकर खून के बहाव और संक्रमण के प्रति अति संवेदनशील हो जाती हैं। 

नाक में उंगली करना-

नाक में बार-बार उंगली करना, पेन, पेंसिल आदि चीजों से खुजली करना बच्‍चों में नाक से खून आने का सबसे प्रमुख कारण है। क्योंकि ऐसा करने से नात की नाजुक रक्त वाहिकाओं में चोट लग जाती है और रक्त स्राव होने लगता है। इसके अतिरिक्त बच्‍चों में लगातार नकसीर की समस्‍या का होना हीमोफीलिया का संकेत भी हो सकता है। 

नाक से खून आने के कारण;

• गर्म हवा या शुष्क जलवायु में नाक के अंदर की त्वचा का सूखना और फटना।  
• सर्दी, छींक और साइनस (Sinus) जैसी समस्या के वजह से नाक में होने वाली जलन।    
• नाक में एलर्जी होना या बार बार नाक बहना। 
• उच्च रक्तचाप होना। 
• ताकत के साथ नाक की सफाई करना।
• किसी कीड़े या वस्तु का नाक में चले जाना।
• नाक में चोट लगना। 
• साइनस या पिट्यूटरी ट्यूमर सर्जरी। 
• डिविएट सेप्टम बीमारी का होना।। 
• विटामिन-के की कमी होना। 
• खून को पतला करने वाली दवाएं जैसे वार्फरिन (Warfarin) और हिपेरिन(Heparin) का सेवन करना। 
• नाक के लिए दवा की तरह इस्तेमाल होने वाले स्प्रे का अधिक प्रयोग करना। 
• नेसल कन्नुला (Nasal Cannulas) से ऑक्सीजन ट्रीटमेंट करना। 

नाक से खून आने के दुर्लभ कारण;

• शराब का अत्यधिक सेवन करना। 
• कोकीन या अफीम का सेवन का करना।
• जिगर (liver) की बीमारी होना।। 
• नाक का मांस बढ़ना। 
• ब्लड कैंसर। 
• नाक में ट्यूमर होना। 

नकसीर के बचाव;

• नाक में खुजली होने पर पेन, पेंसिल जैसी कोई नुकीली नाक में न डालें. 
• हाथ के नाखूनों को छोटा रखें।
• नेजल स्प्रे का ज्यादा प्रयोग न करें। 
• खेल के दौरान सुरक्षात्मक वस्तुओं को जरूर पहनें। जिससे नाक, कान और सिर का बचाव हो सके। 
• धूम्रपान से बचें। इससे नाक की त्वचा में रूखापन हो सकता है। 
• नाक के सूखेपन को कम करने के लिए हाइड्रेटेड रहने और पर्याप्‍त मात्रा में तरल पदार्थ का सेवन करें। 
• नाक से खून आने पर गर्मी से दूर रहें। ड्राई हीट कम होने से नकसीर की आशंका को कम किया जा सकता है। 
• किसी अन्य वजह जैसे लीवर रोग, पुरानी साइनस होने के कारण नाक से खून आने पर चिकित्सक से सलाह ले। 

नकसीर के प्राथमिक और घरेलू उपचार;

• नाक से खून आने पर कुछ समय के लिए एक स्थान पर रुक कर बैठ जाएं। 
• अब खुद को सामने की तरफ थोड़ा झुकाएं। ताकि खून गले में न जाए। 
• अब नाक पर ठंडा और गीला कपड़ा रखकर देखें। ताकि रक्त नालिकाओं में संकुचन होकर खून का बहना रुक सके। 
• यदि एक नथुने से खून निकले तो नथुने के ऊपरी भाग को कम से कम 10 मिनट तक दबाकर रखें। ऐसा करने से खून बंद हो जायेगा। 
• इसके अलावा नाक के खून को बंद करने के लिए प्याज के रस का इस्तेमाल करें। 
• प्याज को सूंघने से भी नाक का खून बंद हो जाता है।
• तुलसी के रस को खून निकलने वाली जगह पर डालने से खून बंद होता है। 
• नकसीर की समस्या में गाय के देशी घी को गर्म करके ठंडा होने पर नथुनों में एक या दो बूंद डालने से राहत मिलती है। 
• सरसों के तेल को गुनगुना करके नाक में डालने से भी नकसीर की समस्या ठीक होती है। 
• लैवेंडर के तेल की 2-3 बूंद को रुई में भिगोंकर प्रभावित जगह पर लगाने से नाक का खून बंद हो जाता है। 

कब जाएं डॉक्टर के पास? 

• बार-बार नकसीर की समस्या होने पर।
• नकसीर के साथ खून की उल्टी होने पर।
• नकसीर के साथ चक्कर आने या सर घूमने पर। 
• किसी दवा के सेवन करने के बाद नाक से खून आने प।र 
• तेज गति से नाक से खून आने पर। 
• कीमोथेरेपी के बाद नाक से खून पर। 
• नकसीर की समस्या को रोकने में असमर्थ होने पर।

Toor dal leaves are made up of components called chalcones. Chalcones are an active malaria component used to treat jaundice. Therefore, Toor dal can be useful as an antimalarial drug.

Heals wound-

The anti-inflammatory effect of Toor dal helps reduce inflammation in injured tissue and activates tissue formation. In this way, it helps in tissue remodeling.

Useful in diabetes and cholesterol-

Toor dal is rich in protein which helps prevent type 2 diabetes. It has been found that in patients with diabetes and cholesterol, regular intake too can significantly lower their blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

The decrease in total cholesterol and LDL (bad cholesterol) may be due to the antioxidants and high fiber content present in it.

Helps in weight loss-

Toor dal is naturally high in protein, keeps you full and controls early hunger while good fiber and low glycemic index helps you lose weight by reducing appetite, increasing metabolism and reducing overall calorie intake.

Regulates blood pressure-

Toor dal is a good source of potassium, which acts as a powerful vasodilator, reduces blood clotting, improves circulation of blood and controls high blood pressure. Toor dal in the diet is very valuable for patients suffering from hypertension, as they are prone to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Strengthen bones-

Toor dal, an excellent source of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, strengthens bones in growing children. It also restores optimal bone density in the elders, reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

Boosts immunity-

The large amount of magnesium in Toor Dal helps build a healthy immune system and prevent infections.

Improves heart health-

Toor Dal is completely free of saturated fat, so it's a great protein option for those with heart problems. While the abundance of fiber and niacin helps increase levels of good HDL cholesterol and lower levels of bad LDL cholesterol.

• Scratching or hives or breathing problems.
• Inflammation of the digestive tract due to allergic reactions.
• Stomach swelling or bloating.

Quinoa is basically a seed, not a grain and known as a pseudo cereal. It belongs to the goosefoot family and is becoming popular all over the world. Although it must be imported, it is increasingly being used in the United States, Canada, Europe, and China.

Due to the numerous health benefits, this pseudo cereal is gaining rapid popularity as it is a great source of plant protein and fiber. Let us see the important nutrients found in quinoa in the next section.

Important nutrients in Quinoa

Quinoa seeds are packed with various vitamins and minerals such as-

• B vitamins, namely B-1 (thiamine), B-6 (pyridoxine) and B-9 (aka folate). Folate is important for the formation of red blood cells and for healthy cell growth and function, especially during early pregnancy.
• Thiamine helps convert carbohydrates into energy and plays a key role in nerve, muscle, and heart functioning.
• Pyridoxine is important for normal brain development and for keeping the nervous and immune system healthy.
• Iron is important for growth and development. It is also used in the production of hemoglobin, which helps carry oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body.
• Calcium is used primarily to build and maintain healthy bones. It is also used to support proper functioning of the heart, muscles and nerves.
• Magnesium supports muscle and nerve function and energy production.
• Phosphorus helps in the formation of bones and teeth and in the growth, maintenance and repair of cells and tissues.
• Potassium helps nerve function, movement of nutrients within cells and waste products from cells, regulation of heart rate and muscle contraction.
• Vitamin E supports your immune system and promotes cell regeneration.
• Quinoa is rich in protein, having 14.1 grams of protein. Other protein-rich plant sources include buckwheat, couscous, oatmeal, brown rice, and spinach. Protein aids in weight loss and maintenance, muscle building and reduction in muscle loss. It increases metabolism and lowers blood pressure, among many other health benefits.

There are also traces of zinc, manganese, copper and selenium which helps the body function at its best.

Benefits of Quinoa

• Acts as a gluten-free diet: People on a gluten-free diet can safely consume quinoa. A study of celiac disease patients who consumed quinoa showed that quinoa has better nutrition than rice because it provides the necessary intake of protein, calcium, iron, and fiber.
• Prevents cancer: Quinoa is rich inantioxidants and is great for reducing cancer risk. Quinoa has three unique nutrients which helps to cause mutant cell death. The first of these nutrients, actually called ant nutrients, are saponins. The second active nutrient is lunasin, which is very effective because it only affects mutated cells and not healthy cells. Third one is an antioxidant called quercetin, which fights the buildup of free radicals in the body and controls the spread of lung cancer.
• Reduces bad cholesterol in the body: Quinoa has a positive effect on the body as it is known to reduce the adverse effects of fructose on glucose levels in the body which works to reduce the amount of bad cholesterol in the body.
• Prevents bone diseases: Quinoa contains antioxidant flavonoid called quercetin that has proven results to reduce cortisol levels, thereby protecting the bones.Regular consumption of quinoa can prevent the development of bone diseases such as osteoporosis. Quinoa increases bone density and maintains bone health.
• Reduces kidney stones: Quinoa is a gluten-free source of complete protein and is high in oxalates.It regulates the secretion of bile juice and prevents the accumulation of toxins in the body, thus, preventing the formation of gallstones and kidney stones.
• Treats diabetes: Quinoa is a rich source of dietary fibres and thus helps lower sugar levels.By lowering blood sugar levels, quinoa can be very beneficial for people with diabetes.

Side effects of Quinoa

• Quinoa contains compounds known as saponins. When taken in large amounts, these saponins can affect the inner lining of the intestines and contribute to leaky gut syndrome.
• It is recommended to consult a doctor before using quinoa during pregnancy.

Where is it found?

This plant is found in Andean region of South America, where it has been an important plant for thousands of years. Promoted for its health benefits, quinoa is now grown in a number of countries around the world including the United States, Canada, Italy, Sweden and India, but most are still grown in Peru and Bolivia.

Moong dal or mugda is a commonly used pulse, also called green gram, It can be used as seeds and sprouts. Moong Dal is one of the favorite beans loved by Indians as it is packed with essential nutrients.

Importance of Moong Dal

Moong dal contains folic acid, niacin, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, thiamine, vitamin A, beta carotene, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K. calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sodium and zinc.

It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-hyperlipidemic, anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-tumor, anti-mutagenic and antihypertensive properties which are useful in preventing and curing various diseases.

Benefits of Moong Dal

• Helpful in reducing cholesterol and weight: Moong dal has hypocholesterolemia properties which are useful for lowering LDL (bad cholesterol levels) in the blood. In addition, fiber and protein are also found in moong dal which helps in weight loss by reducing appetite.
• Useful in diabetes: Regular consumption of moong dal lowers blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes as it has antioxidant and antidiabetic properties which helps in reducing the amount of glucose in the blood.
• Controls blood pressure: Due to the antihypertensive properties in moong dal, it relaxes the muscles of the heart and blood vessels. Adding this in your diet is very helpful in controlling blood pressure as it is rich in magnesium, potassium and fiber.
• Helpful in heat stroke: The problem of heat stroke is usually observed during the summer. The main reasons are dehydration and overheating. Moong dal contains antioxidant properties that help in eliminating the risk of heat stroke. Drink moong dal soup in summer to reduce the chances of heat stroke.
• Beneficial in pregnancy: Consuming moong dal during pregnancy is very helpful due to the presence of folic acid. It is considered to be necessary for the mother and baby during pregnancy as it reduces the chances of birth defects in the baby.
• Improves digestion: Moong dal contains a good amount of fiber and protein and components such as trypsin inhibitors, hemagglutinins, tannins and phytic acid, which are very important for maintaining a healthy digestive system. These help in improving the digestive system by eliminating toxins present in the body.
• Boosts immunity: Antioxidants found in moong dal are useful in fighting infection and provide protection against diseases by boosting the immune system.
• Energy efficient: Including moong dal in a healthy breakfast is considered a good choice. The energy it provides to the body is enough to keep the body active throughout the day due to the presence of vitamin B, zinc, iron and magnesium.
• Treats iron deficiency and anemia: Iron deficiency is considered the main cause of anemia (lack of red blood cells).Moong dal contains iron in abundance which is useful in treating iron deficiency in the body. Therefore, consuming moong dal also helps in eliminating the risk of anemia.
• Beneficial for hair and skin: Moong dal contains antioxidants and vitamins A, C, E, D & B which are good for skin and hair.

Uses of Moong Dal

• Moong dal is usually used to make soups and sprouts.
• It is used to prepare delicious puddings or laddus.
• In southern India, it is mainly used to make sambar and chutney.
• Moong dal is also used as a face mask and hair mask.

Side effects of Moong Dal

• Its consumption lowers high blood sugar because it has antidiabetic properties. Therefore, people with low blood sugar should avoid consumption.
• It has antihypertensive properties which are useful in lowering high blood pressure. Therefore, its consumption is prohibited for people with low blood pressure.
• Those with sensitive skin or allergies should avoid consuming moong dal.

Wheat can grow in a wider variety of soils and climate than other grains and is also better suited for making bread and as a staple food. It is a common grain and is found in almost everything you eat like pastas, bagels, pastries, muffins and breads. Wheat is an essential part of almost every meal and is known as the king of grains.

Wheat is full of many nutrients that are good for your health. It contains catalytic elements, protein, vitamin E, vitamin B, mineral salts, copper, calcium, iodide, magnesium, zinc, potassium, manganese, sulphur, silicon, chlorine and arsenic, making it a great base for any diet. Its scientific name is Triticum aestivum vulgare.

Importance of Wheat in Ayurveda

Wheat remains an important food widely used in Ayurveda. It is highly recommended for vata and pitta species due to its nutritious properties, which provide more protein than rice and are better suited for colder climates or seasons. However, wheat should usually be avoided by aquatic species of kapha, which are prone to obesity and slow digestion.

Benefits of Wheat

• Improves metabolism: A high intake of wheat lowers triglycerides, or fats, in the bloodstream. In addition, wheat shows benefits for insulin sensitivity and fat metabolism.
• Controls obesity: Wheat contains dietary fibres therefore, regular consumption of whole grain like wheat can really help obese patients and lead to significant weight loss.
• Prevents diabetes: Consuming wheat improves insulin sensitivity. In addition, whole grain fiber also promotes healthy blood sugar control by slowing the breakdown of starch in the small intestine and facilitating the rise of glucose in our bloodstream. Hence, wheat is useful in diabetes.
• Improves heart health: Wheat and high-fiber foods have been shown to lower blood pressure, which reduces the chance of recurrent heart attacks.
• Prevents breast cancer: A high-fiber diet is known to reduce the risk of breast cancer in women. Whole grains provide large amounts of fiber. Daily intake of 30g of wheat is enough for women to reduce the risk of breast cancer.
• Improves digestion: Wheat helps soften stool and increase mass. It improves bowel regularity and reduces constipation, which contributes to better digestion.
• Reduces gallstones: Excessive bile acids are the main cause of gallstones. Consuming wheat helps reduce gallstone formation.
• Reduces inflammation: The bioactive compound in wheat that is responsible for reducing chronic inflammation is betanin content. Betanin reduces oxidative stress and inflammation.

Uses of Wheat

Wheat is used in a wide variety of foods that are consumed in daily life. One of the easiest ways to get wheat is to include bread in your diet.

You can use it to prepare delicious sandwiches. Another way to include it into your diet is to eat oats or corn flakes for breakfast. You can add some delicious fruit to the bowl to increase its nutritional value and taste. Wheat is used to produce animal feed&is also used to make beer.

Side effects of Wheat

• People who are prone to allergic reactions are warned to avoid wheat as it can worsen the reaction. This can cause eczema, hives and skin rashes.
• Wheat is also high in oxalates. Too much oxalate in your blood can cause many problems such as kidney stones, gallstones and gout.
• Wheat can lead to non-celiac gluten sensitivity which can cause headaches, fatigue, and muscle pains.

Where is it cultivated?

China is the largest wheat producing country, followed by the United States, India and Russia. Kazakhstan and Canada also come in the list. In India, it is produced majorly in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh & Rajasthan.

Saffron, commonly known as Kesar,is a perennial plant belonging to the Iridaceae family. It comes from the Arabic word ‘zaffran’. Saffron is the golden coloured and sharp stigma of the autumn crocus, completely dried and used to flavour foods and other products. It has an exotic aroma with a bitter taste. Saffron is an expensive spice with an important culinary significance.

Saffron is a natural spice and flavouring ingredient for meals. Saffron adds a perfect aroma to a variety of cuisines around the world. For example, it is used in Spanish paella, Indian pulao, Iranian stews, seafood, and dessert recipes.

Nutritional Properties and Importance of Saffron (Kesar)

Saffron has a wide variety of nutritional values like Calcium, Iron, Potassium, Magnesium, Protein, Vitamin C, and Vitamin B6. Antioxidants like crocetin, crocin, safranal and kemperanol helps in reducing oxidative stress and providing a unique taste and aroma to the dishes.

In Ayurveda, saffron is useful for its healing properties. It is a best remedy to treat memory issues, inflammation, stomach disorders, and even depression. Saffron is also best for brightening, cleansing and restoring skin due to its therapeutic properties.

Benefits of using Saffron (Kesar)

Treats arthritis-

Crocetin and crocin found in saffron works as an anti-inflammatory agent which makes it easier to treat arthritis.

Improves digestion-

Saffron plays an important role in treating indigestion due to its radical scavenging and antioxidant effects. It also cures ulcerative colitis and heartburn.

Heals wounds-

Wounds can be healed with saffron. A paste of saffron mixedwith water and turmeric can be made andapplied directly to the wound area for better healing.

Treats respiratory problems-

Saffron is the best remedy to treat respiratory problems such as asthma due to the antioxidants present in it.

Helpful in insomnia-

Insomnia can be very annoying and make us very unproductive throughout the day. Daily consumption of saffron can cure insomnia and induce sleep in humans. It also regulates sleep patterns and makes the person feel healthier and more energetic.

Fights cancer-

Saffron is known to have cancer preventing properties. The compound in saffron known as crocin is useful in inhibitingthe growth of colon cancer cells. In skin cancer also saffron shows effective results.

Improves eyesight-

The natural compounds found in saffron helps in medical cases with retinal degeneration and vision loss. It strengthens the visual response.

Useful in hair treatment-

The antioxidants in saffron help in repairing damaged hair and promote its growth. You can mix a teaspoon of saffron strands with almond oil or coconut oiland massage your hair well for healthy growth.

For skin care-

Topical application of saffron brightens up your skin. You can use a saffron milk mask to moisturize and soften the skin. You can also use it to treat acne and blemishes.

Side effects of using Saffron

Saffron can have possible side effects-

• Consuming saffron in high doses can cause diarrhea, dizziness, vomiting, mucous membranes, etc. In some cases, taking too much saffron can be toxic to health.
• It should be avoided by people suffering from bipolar disorder. Saffron should be avoided by patients with low blood pressure and those with heart disease.
• Pregnant women also should not consume it in excess.

Where is Saffron found?

Saffron originally came from Greece and was first grown there, but in present times, this spice is mainly grown in Iran, Greece, Morocco and India. In India, it is grown in Jammu and Kashmir.