Reasons Behind Headache

Headache is one of the most common reasons why people use over the counter analgesics (OTC-drugs) such as paracetamol (acetaminophen), aspirin, and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, naproxen, and diclofenac.
While these drugs are generally safe and effective when used as directed, their use has been associated with certain risks. Paracetamol (acetaminophen) may harm the liver, aspirin has been associated with increased risk of bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract, and NSAIDs should be used with caution in patients with cardiovascular disease or hepatic or renal impairment.

How to Decide if a Headache Is Serious or Not

A headache that is due to a specific underlying condition, such as sinusitis or meningitis, is often referred to as secondary to distinguish it from more benign conditions such as migraine, tension headache, and cluster headache which are known as primary. A primary headache is a headache that is due to the headache condition itself and not due to another cause .
The differentiation of the small number of patients with serious, sometimes life-threatening headaches from the overwhelming majority with benign primary headaches is of immense importance. Failure to acknowledge a serious secondary headache can have potentially fatal consequences.
The key to distinguishing secondary headache from a primary headache lies in the features of the headache, other symptoms occurring at the same time, and the physical examination.

The following features may point to a secondary headache rather than a primary headache :
A severe persistent headache that reaches maximal intensity within a few seconds or minutes
No similar headaches in the past
The presence of concomitant infection 
Severe persistent headache that reaches maximal intensity within a few seconds or minutes.
No Similar headaches in the past
The presence of a concomitant infection ( sinusitis or some respiratory tract infections) 
Altered mental status ( confusion, fainting or fluctuations in the level of consciousness)
Headache with seizures
Headache with exertion
Above 50 years
Below 5 years
Malignant tumours, HIV
Visual disturbances
Neurological abnormaloties 
Neck stiffness or other signs of meningitis
Trauma

The following features indicate a low-risk for a dangerous underlying cause and suggest a primary headache:
Stable pattern of headache over many months or years
Family history of similar headaches
Normal physical examination
Headaches consistently triggered by hormonal cycle, specific foods, sensory input or weather changes

For most patients, the diagnostic test of choice is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scan. Computed tomography (CT) of the brain is usually obtained in the setting of trauma or the abrupt onset of headache. Spinal tap with examination of cerebrospinal fluid is useful in diagnosing subarachnoid bleeding and infection.

The following are some reasons why you might get that headache

1. Stress: Physical stress or emotional stress can be identified as one of the most common causes for your headache. Tension, anxiety and depression may trigger a headache. This is also known as tension headache. In this condition, the muscles of your scalp, neck, face and jaw tighten, thus causing pain. Fatigue may also lead to this type of headache.
2. Eye problems: Sometimes eye problems may be the cause of your headache. Diseases such as glaucoma can cause headache. Straining your eyes for seeing distant objects or glaring at your computer screen for long can also result in headache.
3. Eating and sleeping disorders: Change in eating and sleeping pattern can also cause headache. Inadequate sleep or caffeine withdrawal can give you terrible headache sometimes.
4. Ear, nose or throat disorders: Ear, nose or throat problems can also give rise to headache. Sinus caused by cold or infection, tonsillitis or throat infections can also prompt a headache.
5. Medication: Excessive use of medication can be a factor responsible for your headache. This is also known as rebound headache.
6. Dental problems: Jaw or dental problems sometimes may trigger a mild headache which can turn severe also. The alignment of lower and upper jaw, tooth decay may be some of the causes for headache.
7. Hormonal problems: Sometimes a decline of your estrogen levels can also be a reason for your headache.
8. Bad posture: Sometimes, poor posture may strain the muscles of your back and neck, triggering a headache.

Headache can be very annoying. Sometimes pain relief medicines help in controlling headache, but consuming them regularly may affect your health. 

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Natural Remedies to Get Rid of Ear Wax

It is easy to view ear wax as an annoyance, but like most secretions, it has an important purpose. It's a cleaning agent, produced by your ears to prevent them from drying out. It contains protective and anti-bacterial agents to help your ears stay healthy. However, various factors can cause more wax than is needed to collect in the outer part of the ear canal and if it's left unattended, it can cause pain and eventually require medical intervention. But don't worry, help is at hand in the form of these effective remedies you can try at home! 

 

What is Ear Wax? 'Wax' is something of a misnomer for the body fluid that forms in your ear. It is actually a water-soluble mixture of various secretions mixed with hair and dead skin, formed in the outer part of the ear rather than the inner drum. Your ears are self-cleaning for the most part, and the secretions help move dead skin to the opening of the ear, aided by the jaw motion you use when you chew. Once out in the open, 'wax' will usually dry out and flake away naturally. However over time it can build up and cause other problems, sometimes aided by overproduction or a blockage within the ear canal.
What You Shouldn't Do Firstly, don't fall into the trap of thinking that digging every last bit of wax out of your ear constantly is an indicator of good personal hygiene. Remember that ear wax has its uses and removing it excessively can cause your ear canal to dry out. However, if it accumulates in excess, it can cause discomfort and even pain. It is in these circumstances that you need to take action.

The other big 'NO' is the use of homemade poking and scraping devices down your ear hole. Q-Tips, bobby pins, pencils and any other similar instruments are NOT suitable for cleaning your ears, no matter how many times you might have used them in the past. Although you may see remnants of wax on your Q-Tip after you have had a good rummage down your ear, you will more than likely have pushed other clumps further into your ear canal. Additionally, if you prod down too far then you could cause serious damage to the inner ear.

Signs You Need to Take Action Since you don't need to constantly clean the wax out of your ears, what are the signs that you have an excessive buildup that you need to deal with? Different ears produce different amounts of wax. It may be that you know from past experience that you are likely to have excess wax. There are a number of other signs that can indicate a problem too:
• Earache
• Strangely muffled hearing
• Tinnitus or ringing noises in ear
• Itchy ears
• Odor and noticeable, moist discharge
• An uncomfortable sensation of 'fullness' in the ear
You can buy ear drops and wax removal kits or visit your doctor, but the answer to your problems can also be found in natural remedies you can make in your own home. Here are some that have proved useful to others:
N.B. - These remedies should not be used if you have an ear infection, hearing loss or severe earache.

 

1. Salt Water  Salt water is one of the best home remedies for excessive ear wax. It works by softening the wax inside the ear and flushing it out to the surface: 
• Take a teaspoon of salt and add it to half a cup of warm water. Wait until the salt dissolves entirely.
• Take a soft, cotton ball and dip it in the solution.
• Tilt your head so that your affected ear is facing skywards. Place the cotton ball over the opening and let the solution drip into your ear canal.
• Keep your head tilted for three to four minutes.
• Tilt your head downwards to let any excess solution drain back out.
• Wipe the area around the opening of your ear with a clean cloth to remove softened wax.

2. Olive Oil 

Olive oil can also soften ear wax. It also lists 'antiseptic properties' among its many benefits so it can help reduce your risk of an ear infection as well:
• Slightly warm some olive oil. Make sure it isn't too hot to touch of course as you should be able to easily bear it against your skin.
• Put two to three small drops of the oil into the ear, using a dropper or, ask someone to do it for you.
• Let the solution settle for ten minutes and then tilt your head to remove any excess.
• Repeat the process before bedtime for 3-4 days.

​3. Hydrogen Peroxide Hydrogen peroxide is used in many of the over-the-counter ear drops you can buy for wax removal. It is important that you don't use this one if you have sensitive skin. Always make sure that the peroxide you use is less than 3% in strength:
• Mix together equal parts water and (3% or less) hydrogen peroxide.
• Tilt your head sideways and drop a few drops of the solution in to your ear (ask someone else to do this for you if you don't have a dropper).
• Make sure you place a towel over your shoulder to catch any loose drips.
• Allow the solution to stay in the ear for 10 to 15 minutes. Lie down on a pillow, keeping the treated ear pointed skywards if it helps.
• You should feel tickling or a bubbling sensation.
• When this sensation stops, remove the solution by tilting your head the other way, and dry your ear with a clean cloth.

4. Vinegar and Rubbing Alcohol Solution

This is a remedy from a bygone age and works by dissolving the ear wax. The antibacterial properties of the vinegar also help keep infection at bay.
• Mix equal parts white vinegar and rubbing alcohol in a small bowl.
• Immerse a cotton ball in the solution, then remove it.
• Tilt your head so that the ear you want to treat is facing upwards.
• Use the cotton ball to apply a small amount of the solution into the opening of the ear.
• After four to five minutes, tilt your head back the other way and use a cloth to catch the liquid as it is dispelled from the ear.
• Dab clean with a cloth or tissue.

 

5. Baby Oil or Glycerin
If you have either of these products lying around your house, they are great for softening up your excessive ear wax as well: 
• Use a dropper or the help of friends and family to put three drops of oil into your ear while it is facing upwards.
• Place a cotton ball over the ear opening to help the oil stay in your ear.
• After around ten minutes, remove the cotton ball and allow the oil to drain onto a cloth or tissue.
• Wipe away any excess soft wax.
What To Do If Your Problems Persist If your ear continues to feel uncomfortable after the application of these natural remedies and/or over-the-counter solutions available from the pharmacy, you will need to book an appointment with your doctor or an Ear, Nose and Throat Consultant. You should always consult a medic if you have severe ear ache, large amounts of fluid flowing, severe hearing loss, dizziness, fever and vomiting. Your ears are important, please look after them!
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Voice & throat problems likely after anesthesia

 

A fresh look at past research suggests voice & throat problems are common in patients who have had a breathing tube placed during general anesthesia. Researchers pooled a dozen studies that looked at complications following the use of an endotracheal tube or laryngeal mask, 2 popular techniques that allow patients to breathe while being put under for surgery,

While the complications rate varies, one study found as many as 7 out of 10 patients suffered a vocal cord injury, such as swelling or internal bleeding. An ENT, said that the devices are put past the soft & delicate tissues in a person’s throat, so it’s not surprising that temporary hoarseness would occur.

According to researchers, some people with hoarseness & injuries recover quickly. Normally the hoarseness should clear up by itself, but if it doesn’t people should see their physician, because it could be a sign of something more serious. “ If you’ve persistent hoarseness following a procedure, then being examined by an ENT physician would be important” the researcher said.