One may have nasal polyps or congestion if one consistently wakes up with a stuffy, congested nose. In addition to making breathing difficult, it makes people feel uncomfortable, worn out, and heavy-headed, disturbing their sleep. Fortunately, there are a number of simple methods that may be used to help someone swiftly remove a nasal obstruction. We’ll go over six quick techniques to clear nasal congestion in this blog post so you can breathe easily in no time. Main causes of nasal congestion Nasal congestion results from swelling of blood vessels in the nasal passages or irritation to the tissues that line the nose from the inside. The most likely causes of nasal congestion are as follows: Infection Microbes, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, attack cells and tissues of our body. The nose uses defense against these microbes by producing mucus (a sticky, slippery substance) which traps and expels them as snot. However, some highly active microbes cross the defense and cause infection, which induces inflammation, swollen nasal lining, or both. Allergies Certain allergens, such as pollen, dust, or skin flakes from cats or dogs, might cause an allergic reaction in some people. This causes the nasal lining to expand, resulting in cold-like symptoms, such as a clogged or runny nose, itching, and sneezing. Acute sinusitis A sinus infection often accompanies nasal congestion, a minor sinus inflammation. The sinuses (air cavities inside the head) form a passage to drain mucus from the nose into the lymphatic system. However, when mucus clogs the sinuses due to bacterial infection, they enlarge, leading to nasal polyps or nasal congestion. Nasal polyps Nasal polyps are non-cancerous swellings that can develop in the nose due to chronic inflammation. Though an allergy or infection may be responsible for their growth, it’s not always easy to determine the cause.

If your nose is stuffed up and you have a hard time breathing, the last thing you probably want to think about is food. However, some of the most common remedies for nasal congestion caused due to nasal polyps can be found in the kitchen. Eating specific foods may relieve your symptoms and help reduce inflammation in your airways. Discover the eight best foods you should eat to alleviate nasal congestion and other symptoms. What does nasal congestion mean? Nasal polyps (or nasal congestion) are small, non-cancerous growths that develop on the lining of the nasal passages. They often appear as soft, painless, teardrop-shaped tissue lumps hanging down and may block the nose completely. Though typically harmless, it is important to be aware of nasal polyps if you have allergies or other chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma or cystic fibrosis. Nasal congestion may cause a runny nose and difficulty breathing. However, it doesn’t have to be this way. The following eight food items may provide natural relief from your nasal congestion – some of which may already be in your kitchen. Garlic Garlic contains allicin and ajoene compounds, which have the following benefits: Antiviral properties (the ability of a compound or organism to prevent the growth and spread of viruses) Antibacterial properties (the ability to reduce the growth and reproduction of bacteria) Antifungal properties (the ability to stop the growth and proliferation of fungi such as yeast and mold). These properties make garlic a great addition to any remedy for nasal polyps. Additionally, garlic may promote expectoration (coughing or spitting out the accumulated mucus from the respiratory tract). This helps expel irritants from the nasal passages. Following are the homemade ways to consume garlic: Garlic milk Add one or two cloves (minced) of garlic to a cup of warm milk and let it sit for 15 minutes.

Are you experiencing symptoms of sinus congestion (caused by nasal polyps), such as nasal congestion, headache, and facial pain? You don’t have to suffer any longer. Numerous natural remedies can help reduce congested sinus symptoms without resorting to expensive prescriptions. From steam inhalation techniques to effective meal plans and homemade herbal teas, this blog post will provide some easy and economical tips for reducing the effects of your sinus congestion. What is sinus congestion? Sinus congestion, also known as sinusitis or rhinosinusitis, is a condition of sinus inflammation, blockage, or nasal polyps. It results from an inflammation caused by an allergic reaction, a viral infection, or an obstruction in nasal passages due to airborne particles, such as pollen. Usually, mucus is present in the nasal passages as part of the body’s natural defense against invading organisms, such as bacteria and viruses. Mucus is a semi-solid, slippery substance produced by mucous membranes. However, when the mucus becomes thickened and blocked due to an infection, it can form a barrier to airflow. Infection-fighting cells present in the passage may also thicken mucus. Consequently, mucus may trap bacteria, viruses, and other particles entering your sinuses, leading to congestion/blockage. The symptoms of sinus congestion may include a cough, runny nose, facial pressure (feeling of heaviness on the face and head) or pain, headache, fatigue, foul smell in the nose, and sometimes, fever. Fortunately, there are many ways to alleviate the symptoms, like drinking warm fluids and inhaling steam. Moreover, consult a healthcare professional for specific advice on finding relief. Seven natural remedies to relieve sinus congestion Steam inhalation Steam inhalation is an inexpensive natural remedy to relieve sinus congestion. You can reduce inflammation by breathing in steam, which promotes mucus drainage, clearing your nasal passages. It enables you to breathe easily and makes your nasal polyps less intense.

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a prevalent health condition characterized by red rashes and scaly patches of skin that cause an uncontrollable urge to scratch. The skin also becomes dry, increasing sensitivity to chemicals like cleansing agents. While there are treatments for eczema, natural remedies work better for some people, especially if they experience mild symptoms. So, let us take a look at a few natural remedies for this skin disease. Wear cotton clothes Clothes made of 100% natural cotton are soft. They do not rub against your skin, reducing itchiness. Natural silk or fabrics coated with antimicrobial agents, such as silver, silver-containing compounds, zinc, and quaternary ammonium compounds, are also suitable for preventing infection. These materials reduce the evaporation of the natural moisturizing agents from the skin. On the other hand, garments made of wool are insulators. They increase the heat on the skin, enhancing the urge to itch, and are not recommended if you show symptoms of eczema or another skin disease. Apply natural oils Sunflower seed oil is an excellent natural remedy for several skin diseases, including eczema. The oil’s anti-inflammatory agents prevent adverse reactions on the skin, reducing itchiness and slowing the condition’s progression. They also restore the skin’s ability as a barrier between the human body and the outside environment. Virgin coconut oil is a natural alternative to sunflower seed oil. Its antimicrobial properties help control eczema by preventing infection. Coconut oil also acts as an emollient, reduces dryness, and provides relief, decreasing itchiness. Take a dilute bleach bath Studies have shown that dilute bleach baths help people affected by eczema. The optimal concentration is 0.005% sodium hypochlorite (bleach), obtained by mixing half a cup of lower-strength (6% sodium hypochlorite) bleach in a bucket of water. A bath for five to ten minutes twice a week reduces the symptoms’ severity.

Eczema is a skin disease marked by flaky, red, itchy patches that can be quite uncomfortable and may bleed. People with eczema or other skin diseases should be cautious when using cleansers, such as soaps and body wash. The condition can worsen with use of harsh soaps and detergents, since they will further aggravate the flare-up. To keep the symptoms under control, you can use a mild, skin-friendly soap and avoid chemical irritants. Tips for finding the right soap if you have eczema While it’s important to use soaps that won’t irritate the skin or aggravate eczema, finding the most suitable one for your skin might be challenging. Here are the six most important tips for finding the right soap when dealing with eczema or other skin diseases: Avoid fragrances and other harsh chemicals Usually, people with eczema may find that their skin responds best to mild skincare items devoid of preservatives and perfumes. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology suggests using soap-free cleansers. The substance that causes soap to froth, sodium lauryl sulfate, is likely absent from several of these cleansers. Many soaps’ detergents, such as sodium lauryl sulfate, rob the skin of its natural oils, causing tightness and itchiness. People with eczema or skin diseases should carefully read the labels on soaps and cleansers to avoid such chemicals. Ingredients to avoid Here are a few ingredients that should be avoided in your soap if you have eczema or other skin diseases: Allergens You should seek out items devoid of artificial fragrances because these can be allergens. Alkaline While many soaps have balanced pH levels or levels of acidity, you should still look for alkaline soaps because acidic alternatives might weaken the skin’s protective barrier and raise pH levels. Deodorant Since deodorant soaps typically contain skin-irritating components, you should avoid using them.

Hair loss or alopecia is a dreaded condition most commonly associated with middle-aged men, but unfortunately, it may even occur in young children. When you lose 50 to 100 hair each day, you would think it is not that big a deal. However, sometimes you may lose more, or perhaps new hair does not replace lost hair quickly. So let’s learn about hair loss and the medical conditions that trigger it. Signs to look out for Sometimes it can be tricky to differentiate regular hair loss from severe since even routine combing is bound to produce a handful of strands. For example, alopecia has the following symptoms – widening patches of scaling, receding hairline, loose hair, bald patches, and pain or itching on the scalp. Thinning of hair can take any form and sometimes may not appear on your head. Or, your drains may get clogged more, and perhaps your brush is full of hair if you suffer from alopecia. Medical conditions that trigger severe hair loss Most people do not talk about hair when they talk about their health. It is unfortunate since hair fall coincides with several health conditions. The following are some ailments known to trigger severe or noticeable hair loss. Alopecia areata The first condition that triggers severe alopecia is an autoimmune condition. Some researchers believe this illness which triggers unpredictable hair loss, runs in families. It is, unfortunately, quite common. However, the silver lining is that in most cases, only a tiny patch of hair, about the size of a quarter, falls out. If there is severe hair loss all over the scalp, it is called alopecia totalis. And if hair loss is all over the body, it is called alopecia universalis. Androgenic alopecia If you know a little Greek, you know that andros means man, but androgenic alopecia is hereditary hair loss that occurs in men and women.

Hyperkalemia is characterized by increased potassium levels in a person’s bloodstream. For optimal health, maintaining adequate potassium levels is essential. Managing hyperkalemia by following a nutritious meal plan can help with this. As hyperkalemia can be deadly, it must be treated immediately after being diagnosed to prevent its symptoms. Below is a list of some of the nutritious foods that have helped lower potassium levels and some potassium-rich foods to avoid for managing hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia Potassium is an essential nutrient, but excess potassium in the body can lead to conditions like hyperkalemia. It can cause serious heart problems, so it is crucial to be familiar with all the details of the conditions. Hyperkalemia symptoms are typically mild and non-specific and thus easy to miss. Muscle weakness, tingling, nausea, and numbness are the usual symptoms of the condition. When the potassium levels are high, one may experience shortness of breath, chest pain, and heart palpitations. Since sudden hyperkalemia can be life-threatening, it is better to seek immediate medical care if the symptoms arise. Causes of hyperkalemia One of the most prevalent reasons for hyperkalemia is kidney disease. The kidneys are tasked with the job of balancing electrolytes, including potassium. The kidney can compensate for high amounts of kalium when its functioning is only moderately impaired. But in the late stages of kidney disease, the kidney may lose this ability. Some drugs may interact with kidney functioning in such a way that it leads to inadequate removal of potassium. Another common cause is eating too many potassium-rich foods like cantaloupe, orange juice, bananas, honeydew melon, or other supplements. Less common causes of hyperkalemia include uncontrolled diabetes, Addison’s disease, and severe injuries or burn that cause the body to release extra potassium.  The nutritional regime for hyperkalemia Since one of the most common reasons for hyperkalemia is the excess consumption of potassium, the best way to control it is by following a balanced meal plan.

Multiple myeloma is a rare cancer that attacks the plasma cells in the bone marrow. Myeloma occurs when one of the plasma cells starts malfunctioning or begins to divide uncontrollably. The initial symptoms of the disease can go unnoticed till cancer spreads to other parts of the body. Hence recognizing the uncommon signs will help identify the condition at an early stage. Read on to learn about the nutritional regime and lifestyle changes to follow. 5 unusual symptoms of multiple myeloma When the plasma cells become cancerous, they grow uncontrollably within the bone marrow, crowding out healthy blood cells like red blood cells and platelets. Some patients who receive treatment could show little to no change and reoccurring symptoms. When cancer does not respond to treatment or recurs, this condition is known as relapsed refractory multiple myeloma. One can also face other unusual symptoms like: Rib pain If the tumor is near or compressing the spinal cord, some may also feel a shooting pain that starts in the rib and passes through the leg.  Repeated fractures Myeloma damages the bones, making them weak and thin. It also causes lytic bone lesions leading to the loss of pockets of bone. Hence, repeated fractures are a symptom of multiple myeloma. Unusual and excessive bleeding Multiple myeloma can interfere with platelet production, which is crucial for blood clotting. With reduced platelets, one can face frequent bruising and bleeds. Frequent nosebleeds, bleeding in the gums, and heavy menstrual bleeding could be signs of multiple myeloma. Hyperviscosity Myeloma cells produce abnormal proteins and abnormal immunoglobulin molecules, which cause the blood to thicken. This condition is called hyperviscosity. Because it is thick, blood may not be able to reach the brain tissues easily. It may interfere with the process of communication between brain cells. This can lead to confusion in some.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a lung condition  characterized by obstruction in airflow from the lungs. It is typically caused by chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or exposure to irritants or particulate matter. The symptoms of this condition include wheezing, difficulty breathing, cough, and mucus production. It is a progressive condition and, as the name suggests, chronic. However, you can manage it through lifestyle and dietary changes, and a good quality of life is within reach.  COPD and the immunity COPD is a complex condition affecting multiple organ systems. Though the illness can cause various complications like heart problems, high blood pressure, and lung cancer, the relationship between COPD and immunity is perhaps the most complex. Chronic inflammation is a complication of this condition and is a strong indicator of the immune system’s involvement in COPD. Chronic inflammation compromises immune functioning, allowing pathogens to make your lungs their new home. Since exposure to irritants is implicated, there is a natural response from both structural and immune cells in the lungs. Individuals with COPD are much more likely at risk of respiratory infections like colds, pneumonia, and flu, making breathing more difficult and damaging the lungs further. Managing COPD Though a diagnosis of COPD is not immediately life-threatening nor as scary as a cancer diagnosis, it will not be easy. However, it is possible to handle them better if you are well-informed.  First, safeguard your lungs by preventing flare-ups. It could mean taking prescription treatments to prevent infection, avoiding allergens, and avoiding unhealthy lifestyle habits. Though exercising becomes more difficult due to difficulty breathing, moderate physical activity in the right proportions can do wonders while coping with this chronic condition. Be sure to discuss with a health expert the kind of physical activity that will benefit your condition. Of course, like with any chronic illness, there is the problem of coping with negative emotions.

Asthma is a condition wherein a person’s airways become inflamed and swell, procuring extra mucus, making breathing difficult. Getting rid of asthma triggers from one’s house and workspace and protecting against external triggers outdoors are crucial factors in managing and treating asthma. In critical cases, doctors may suggest relocating to a new city with fewer asthma triggers. Since there is no cure for asthma, effective management becomes key in ensuring that the condition doesn’t worsen. What is uncontrolled asthma? When asthma symptoms become severe and start interfering with one’s everyday life, they might indicate uncontrolled asthma. These symptoms need urgent treatment. If left untreated, they could cause severe damage to one’s lungs.  Causes of uncontrolled asthma Stress Chronic stress could lead to flare-ups of asthma symptoms. One must make an attempt to reduce stress and anxiety in life. Meditation and yoga could help a person deal with stress. Underlying health conditions Certain health conditions like environmental allergies and GERD could lead to asthma flare-ups. Other respiratory conditions like sleep apnea could block the upper airway while sleeping, leading to an asthma flare-up.  Weather change Moving from warmer to colder air or drier to humid air can trigger an asthma flare-up. It could also be brought on by simple weather changes or moving out from a controlled environment. 6 cities with the most asthmatic emergencies Springfield, MA Springfield has recorded the highest number of asthma-related emergency visits and has consistently been ranked as one of the worst cities in the country for asthma patients. In most other cities, while air quality could be the biggest trigger, pollen and household triggers are the leading causes in Springfield. Springfield also has a very high volume of old housing stock. The climate is also extreme, with extremely warm summers and below-zero-degree winters. These are major asthma triggers.