A dry cough, also known as persistent dry cough, and productive cough are of two types. A productive cough is usually experienced with phlegm or mucous-whilst coughing and should not be suppressed. Phlegm is the gunk that the body needs to get rid of. Persistent dry cough, on the other hand, usually occurs together with a tickly cough and is usually caused due to allergy or by viral infections. Unlike a productive cough, a dry cough does not produce any phlegm or mucous. Since persistent dry cough is caused by viral infection, it is important to understand the underlying problem before discussing the remedies of the same. A dry cough can be triggered by cold, flu viruses and other atmospheric pollutants that irritate the throat. Dry coughs usually result due to irritation or inflammation at the back of the throat. Also, it can sometimes arise deeper in the chest. Persistent dry cough not only irritates but also disturbs sleep pattern. Let’s understand the common problems that cause persistent dry cough. Following are the common causes of dry coughs: Viral infections –Commonly known as cold and flu, viral infection causes coughs that occurs at the start or middle of an illness and lingers on even when other symptoms of the infection have subsided. Allergies –Allergies are also seen to be behind dry coughs. For instance, Hayfever, an allergy to tree pollen and grass, leads to eyes and nose irritation and is often seen to lead to coughs. People who are sensitive to other particles like animal fur, which is termed as allergic rhinitis, are at risk of developing this symptom. Air pollutants –It is often seen that air pollutants often irritate the back of the throat. This can give rise to dry coughs. A simple example of this would be a non-smoker entering a smoking room.

Are you suffering from rosacea? Every eczema sufferer might have a lot of questions to ask. The most disappointing fact is that rosacea is a very poorly understood skin condition. Nobody can come up with the exact reasons for this problem, and when it comes to treatment, there is hardly any known cure for this problem. Fortunately, there are options that help you to alleviate the symptoms. Redness-prone skin involved with this condition can be treated using creams for rosacea, and there are prescribed medications and home remedies. Avoid confusion and use good quality skin care products. Most people with rosacea often become hesitant to apply anything on their skin. This is a misconception, and you should not shy away from using skincare products. Applying a moisturizer is a good option, and they help maintain the skin barrier that safeguards you from flares. Good moisturizers keep away the chemical and mechanical irritants to retain the skin health. Follow a simple skin care routine. There is no need to complicate things when making efforts to treat rosacea. You must limit the number of products that you are putting on your skin, and it is always advisable to follow a simple skin care routine. You need to search for products that are uniquely formulated for sensitive or redness-prone skin and these types of products soothe and calm the skin. Use sunscreen religiously. There is no clear understanding of the pathogenesis of rosacea, but there is a unanimous opinion that cumulative sun damage plays a very critical role. You can use sunscreen to prevent the condition in vulnerable patients, and it also helps prevent flare-ups. Identify your flare-up triggers. Every patient has different triggers. It is a fact that certain things work as triggers. For every patient, a specific factor aggravates the condition.

Eczema is a condition of skin which causes irritations and rashes on the skin. There are three basic kinds of eczema with atopic being primarily genetic in nature. This is seen mostly in children and can be seen on the back of knees and creases of the arms. The second one is irritant dermatitis which irritates the skin. Contact dermatitis is another form of eczema. Though oatmeal bath and certain home remedies are known to cure eczema, generally these treatments take plenty of time. Therefore, some creams can also be tried to get relief at a faster pace. Types of Eczema Itchy or Dry Eczema This is probably the most common form of eczema. This eczema can be most commonly seen on the hand, neck, face, and leg. This is an irritating form of eczema and can appropriately be controlled by use of creams which should be done after consulting with the doctor. Thick or Scaly Eczema This type of eczema is characterized by thick and scaly patches of skin. If not treated in time through the application of a cream it can lead to thickening of the skin and worsen the condition. Weeping Eczema Red and oozing skin are also signs of eczema and in this category of eczema comes used weeping or red eczema. In this kind of eczema, crusty skin patches are visible in the affected area. Here’s why creams should be used Creams are considered the next best things to ointments due to the amount of oil, and these are considered to be good for eczema healing since these are able to seal the moisture. Since these contain less oil, they are generally less greasy. Avenno This cream is known to offer relief in case of irritated, dry and itchy skin. The National Eczema Association also accepts this cream as a soothing product to heal skin affected by Eczema.

People’s lives can be stressful, and as a result, they get prone to migraines. Migraines are headaches that occur frequently and can range from severe to moderate. Usually, a migraine can be masked by popping a painkiller tablet, but if you get a migraine headache, it means that your body is missing something. It could be sleep, water, or something that you need to eat. There are cases where vitamins or other nutrient deficiency can cause a migraine. Some of the factors that can trigger a migraine include—eyestrain, alcohol, fatigue, low blood sugar, constipation, and allergies. If you’re someone who is constantly annoyed by migraines, you should try out these home remedies for migraine headaches that can make you feel better. Magnesium Magnesium is known to be one of the best options for a natural migraine relief. Also, it’s safer to consume compared to painkillers. There are studies that suggest people who have constant migraine attacks have low levels of magnesium in their body. Also, consumption of magnesium can decrease the chance of getting a migraine significantly. People who are prone to low levels of magnesium inside the body are alcoholics and people with diabetes and heart diseases. When magnesium is consumed, it blocks all the chemicals that are responsible for transmitting pain to the brain. The best recommended daily intake of magnesium is 200 to 600 mg. Doing so, can improve the platelet count in your body and reduce the frequency in which migraines occur. Sources of magnesium: Fiber, beans, whole grains, nuts, broccoli, and other leafy greens. Magnesium is a very good home remedy for a migraine headache. Drinking lots of water There are many things that we consume in our day to day life that has dehydrating effects on our body like coffee, alcohol, and sugary drinks.

Caused by the varicella-zoster virus, shingles can be described as a painful skin rash. Also known as herpes zoster, it usually appears as a strip, band, or infects a small area on one side of the face or body. It is therefore imperative to know about the symptoms and shingles pain treatment options to be able to fight it effectively. Shingles is a painful nerve root infection that occurs when the chickenpox causing virus gets activated in the body. After chickenpox is treated, the virus becomes dormant in the nerves. Although this virus mostly remains dormant, in others, the virus becomes active, usually in old age when the body’s immunity is comparatively weaker. Also, certain medications can trigger this virus, however, once active, it is unable to cause chickenpox. Seniors or people with a weak immune system are prone to shingles. Stress, medications and injuries can make the immune system vulnerable causing the varicella-zoster virus to activate. Usually, people suffering from shingles get better and do not suffer from it again. However, there are cases where people can get shingles more than once. Although non-communicable, it can still be transmitted from someone who has shingles. However, this possibility is pretty rare, so the chances of shingles spreading from a person who has had chickenpox to the one who has not are negligible. Shingles pain treatment vaccines are available for adults. These medications help in lowering the chances of getting affected with shingles, it clears the rashes quickly and also helps to prevent long-term pain that usually occurs after shingles. Symptoms The symptoms of shingles show up in different stages. It begins with a headache or extreme sensitivity to light. Some people also experience flu but do not have a fever or high temperature.The second stage marks itching, pain, or tingling sensation in a particular area.

Infection of lungs is known as pneumonia. Usually, it occurs in one or both of the lungs. Incidentally, pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, virus or fungi. However, bacterial pneumonia is the most common of these and occurs in adults. Pneumonia leads to inflammation of the air sacs in the lungs. These alveoli get filled with pus and it makes breathing difficult. Risk Factor Though anyone can suffer from pneumonia, certain people have more risk and are prone to pneumonia. Infants under 2 years and elders over 65 are more prone to this infection. People who have suffered a stroke also are at risk of having pneumonia. Those suffering from chronic medical conditions as asthma, diabetes, and heart failure are also at high risk of suffering from pneumonia. Complications of Pneumonia Even though treatment for pneumonia is sought in time, sometimes the severity of infection is so intense that it leads to complications which are difficult to cure and might need regular monitoring on the part of doctor or hospitalization in some cases. Bacterial presence in the bloodstream In case bacteria are able to enter the bloodstream from the lungs they can spread this infection to other parts and can also lead to organ failures. Difficulty in breathing If the infection has spread and is severe, it can lead to difficulty in breathing. The patient will require hospitalization and will have to start the treatment for pneumonia. The patient may require the use of a ventilator unless the situation gets better. Diagnosis of Pneumonia The doctor will begin the diagnosis of pneumonia by asking certain questions to the patient. These could be on certain symptoms of the disease or the previous medical history of the person. A physical examination of the patient is also done by the doctor. A chest x-ray is the ideal way for a doctor to judge the presence of pneumonia in a person.

The rising amount of stress levels owing to unhealthy lifestyle is taking a toll on your body’s immunity system. Sedentary lifestyle brings with it series of medical conditions, which not just harm you physically but also exhaust you mentally. One such medical condition targeting people within the age group of 30 to 48 is IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). There is no single concrete reason as to why people suffer from this syndrome. However, experts believe it could be because of problems in the nervous system, infections, changes in the gut bacteria, weak muscle contractions or swelling of the intestines. These issues can be aggravated by excessive consumption of fast food, aerated drinks and other foods are primarily heavy on the stomach, which leads to an imbalance in the digestive system. This causes episodes or diarrhea, constipation or both leading to irritable bowel syndrome. The doctors can initiate the IBS treatment by recommending supplements, antidepressants, anti-diarrheal drugs, laxatives, etc. Apart from seeking professional help, here are some tips that can help supplement your IBS treatment. High-fiber diet A few changes in your regular eating habits will ensure a good healthy digestive system and will help in avoiding bowel irritation. Consume foods that are high in fiber content as it helps in steady digestion. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains are high in fiber as well as easy on the gut. However, do not go overboard on consuming fiber as excess consumption might result in stomach crunches and bloating. Plan a regular intake amount of fiber and include it in your daily diet. If natural fiber leads to excessive bloating, then consult a doctor who could suggest you with fiber supplements which are available at drugstores. Regular home meals Home cooked food is the best measure especially when you are suffering from irritable bowel syndrome.

Our body weight completely relies on our legs; hence, we need to take special care of our leg and heel muscles. Excess pressure on the legs causes several ailments to muscles, nerves, and the bones. We are talking about plantar fasciitis; it is a condition in which the thick band tissue of the heel that connects it to the toe inflames and causes excruciating pain and muscle injuries. In this ailment, there is a stabbing pain in the heel every time you touch it to the ground, thereby compelling you to limp. This kind of pain lasts for some time; however, improper care may aggravate as you age. Aging brings with it an additional weakness to different parts of the body; hence, it is always advisable to keep your body healthy with the help of exercise and a nutritious diet. Here are a few remedies you can put to use in case you suffer a stroke of plantar fasciitis. Rest and recoup Sitting or standing for long hours puts immense pressure on leg muscles, particularly the ankles and heels. Sitting for long hours makes the muscle immobile, increasing the pressure on the muscles and nerves. Similarly, standing for long hours also puts pressure on the heel and toe veins, leading to excruciating pain while you walk. Release this stress by doing mild leg stretching exercises. Choose the right shoe Plantar fasciitis largely depends upon the size and shape of your footwear. Wearing the wrong size of footwear will strain the heel ligament, damaging it in the longer run. Choose a comfortable shoe with the help of a shoe size board to help get the correct size. You can also use shoe inserts to add good arch support and a cushioned heel. Shoe inserts help in reducing stress on the heel ligament allowing you a comfortable walk.

Acne is perhaps the one word that manages to bother even the most nonchalant ones out there. For the sake of your skin and beauty, acne can be considered as something of an impediment. Acne is a common skin problem in the current age. It generally appears as pimple outbreak but can also affect one’s shoulders, back, and chest areas. While the blemishes and bumps cause unpleasant appearance, there is pain involved in severe acne too that needs proper treatment. Acne occurs when skin pores are clogged due to deposits of oil and few dead skin cells. While there are hordes of the best acne products as well as treatments available, finding one that is best for your skin is most important. However, not everybody afflicted with acne will have the exact mirror types as someone else. There have been cases where the acne has been really mild while some have extreme or very prominent acne. The period for acne to set in is usually adolescence; however, one might also suffer from acne-related skin issues before they might hit puberty. Now there are racks of products available in the market which brand themselves as the best acne products; however, not all can live up to being the best acne products. According to a recent study, it has been revealed that acne affects 50 percent women between the ages of 21 and 30; 25 percent women between the ages 31 and 40; and 12 percent women between the ages 41 and 50. For many women, hormones are the main cause of acne. Changes in monthly menses as well as imbalances in diet that foster acne growth. Now again, stress is a huge flare up and many of us do not even realize the same being so monumental in causing acne. You can try introducing certain changes such as the following to help reduce the occurrence of acne.

Vitamin D is a kind of steroid hormone that helps in escalating intestinal assimilation of calcium and phosphorus thus maintaining the bone structure and keeping the bones strong. Vitamin D is the one vitamin that ensures that our muscles, lungs, nervous system and even our heart is functioning as per the norms and is capable of fighting any infections. A lack of vitamin D in your body will make you weak. The reasons why our body needs sufficient amounts of vitamin D include: • Building immunity • Proper muscular functionality • Maintaining the functionality of cardiovascular system • Maintaining the functionality of respiratory system • Proper brain growth • Preventing cancer • Reduction in weight For prevention of diseases like asthma, high blood pressure, Alzheimer’s, depression and anxiety, cancer and type-2 diabetes, one must always ensure that the amount of vitamin D in their body is sufficient. Lack of vitamin D can cause a lot of health issues. You need to know about the best vitamin D supplements. The best vitamin D supplements available are listed below: Vitamin D with supplementary cofactors (Source: animals): The major ingredient of vitamin D is lanolin, a form of wax present in sheep’s wool. This is an inexpensive substance and is found in almost all the vitamin D supplements. Animal sourced vitamin D supplements also contain added cofactors that easily penetrate into your cells present in the body. Examples of such cofactors are zinc, magnesium, boron or even vitamin K2. Recommended products: Dr. Cannell’s Advanced Vitamin D which comes in a capsule form and helps in providing the proper functionality of bone and muscular system; it increases immunity, ensures proper functioning of the brain, boosts energy. Vitamin D exclusive of cofactors (Source: animals): The major source of such supplements is lanoline which lies in the best vitamin D supplements, but the difference lies in the fact that such supplements do not contain additional cofactors.