Three things to do to break a fever and three things you shouldn’t

Has the sight of someone around you coughing and sneezing become common? If yes, know it’s officially the season of cold and flu. And the rise in body’s temperature can make one feel even more uncomfortable. But the good news is there is nothing to worry about it. Here we tell you four easy ways to reduce a fever associated with cold and flu and feel better fast. Drink a lot of fluids

This is the first thing that doctors tell us when we complain of cold and flu. This is because higher body temperature can lead to dehydration quickly. You can have warm water, juices, coconut water, teas and more. If you have flu, aim for at least 8 to 12 glasses in a day. Drinking more liquids also helps your body get rid of toxins. 

Rest rest and restStaying active can actually raise your body temperature. Resting will help reduce the temperature and will help in faster recovery. Though medication is not always needed, you must consult a doctor if your body temperature is more than 102 F. Consult your doctor if your fever is accompanied with unbearable body ache, headache, stiff neck, shortness of breath, vomiting or any other unusual signs and symptoms. 

Take a bathYou can ask someone to place a damp towel on your forehead and the back of your neck to lower your fever. You can also try taking a sponge bath with water to reduce the fever quickly. Do not try a cold bath without your doctor’s permission as that might lead to shivering, which might further increase your body temperature. Water should be of comfortable temperature as that will help you relax and will bring down your body's temperature.
What you shouldn’t do when you have a fever
Rubbing the body with alcoholThis is a very old technique to reduce fever, which is not at all safe. The technique is not only ineffective but can also lead to alcohol poisoning.
Take an ice bathAs we explained earlier that taking a bath might help in reducing the temperature but an ice-cold bath can lead to shivering of the body and rise in the body temperature. 

 

Double up the medicationsDoubling up the medication or taking two different types at one time is not only ineffective but can be dangerous too. It won’t bring down your body temperature quickly and might even harm your body organs.
When to see the doctor for kids
Children between 0 to 3 months – If the temperature is 100.4 F or higher.
Children between 3 to 6 months – If the temperature is above 102 F and they are sleepy or irritable. Children between 6 to 24 months – If the temperature is above 102F and lasts for more than a day. If they have any other symptoms like rash, vomiting or diarrhoea, you can check with the doctor sooner. 

 

this is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     
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Ways To Manage Low Back Pain

I can say for sure that back pain is terrible, as I've suffered for years with it, as I had a prolapsed disc problem. Thankfully, a good surgeon diagnosed it correctly and did the surgery, which relieved me of my back pain and burning sensations in my lower parts of the body. My feet like I was walking on hot coal. All that sensations disappeared soon after the surgery.

Many suffer from low back pain these days, due to poor posture, long hours of sitting in front of the computer and no time to exercise. Back pain is a common source of pain and can be acute, sub-acute or chronic in nature. Back pain is classified along the segments of the spine and can be divided into neck pain, middle back pain, lower back pain and coccydynia or tail bone pain. Back pain can be quite troublesome as it disables a person to move about freely due to constant ache.
Here are some procedures for the treatment of back pain.

1. Give your back some rest: Most people who get back pain become obsessed with it and end up getting MRI scans and x-rays done. Some even take injections and other such measures without recognizing the intensity of the pain. It is advised not to rush into the matter immediately and the simplest way to cure the pain is by resting. 90% of pains in the back resolve by themselves in 6 weeks and so you must give your back a break instead of taking medical actions and let time do the healing.
2. Pills: While you let time treat your back pain, sometimes the pain increases and gives you a bad time. In this case, you can take anti-inflammatory medicinal pills. These pills will help you ease the pain. However, using such pills for a continued period of time causes side effects such as gastrointestinal disorders. Hence, you should not take them for more than ten days at a stretch.
3. Hot and cold compress: Apply a bag of frozen peas or an ice pack to the affected area for 48 hours after the pain appears. Every session should be about 20 minutes, and you should take more than two sessions each day. After two days, repeat the same procedure using a heat pad instead of ice. The cooling procedure shuts down your blood capillaries and reduces the flow of blood to that area. The swelling is eased as a result. The heating, on the other hand, loosens tight muscles and increases the blood circulation, providing extra oxygen.
4. Change your mattress: People who sleep on firm mattresses and cushions on their beds are at a higher risk of having a back pain. According to studies, it has been observed that people sleeping on medium-firm mattresses have healthier backs. In case your mattress in sagging or is over 8 years old, you should replace it.
5. Acupuncture: When your back pain is very severe, you can resort to acupuncture, which provides efficient pain relief. The procedure changes the way your nerves react and reduces inflammation.

Back pain arises from various reasons and should always be taken care of. Unattended back pain worsens and makes the affected person suffer. It is always good to see your orthopaedic before your pain worsens and have the correct treatment to get relief.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.   

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Handling Flu In Adults

Having a fever makes you feel weak such that you don’t feel like doing anything. Medical treatment for flu includes usage of antibacterial drugs as prescribed for decreasing the severity and duration of the infection. You may also consult your doctor to know about the antibiotics that can treat bacterial infections which may arise as an effect of flu. However, antibiotics are not always required for treating viral infections like flu. On the contrary, you can also follow a few home remedies to get rid of your suffering.
Home remedies for treating flu
You can treat flu by following a few home remedies like resting in bed and avoiding physical exertion. Hydration is very important and minor pains and aches can be relieved with over-the-counter medications as prescribed by the physician. You should avoid spreading the flu virus and germs and wash your hands often.

• Stay hydrated: You should drink ample amount of water, clear soup and fruit juices. Though flu causes appetite loss, you should not depend on water entirely, as it doesn’t contain enough amount of electrolytes that are required for your body to function optimally. Energy drinks can also help you in this respect. In case these products are not available, you can also prepare a homemade solution by mixing plain or rice water with sugar and a pinch of salt. You can also enhance the taste by adding orange juice and freshly cut bananas, and you can drink it right away irrespective of your age.
• Getting rid of cough: Though expectorants and cough suppressants would help the cough to subside, steam inhalations can also prove to be useful for opening a blocked nose. To create steam, pour water in a pot and heat it. After removing the pot from the stove, cover your head with the towel and inhale the steam. The water should be hot, but not boiling, and you can also add eucalyptus oil and few slices of ginger to the hot water. Another way is to steam up your bathroom by allowing the shower to run with hot water and inhale the moisture from the steamy room. You should refrain from touching hard surfaces where the viruses would remain alive. Sneeze and cough into a soft tissue or a handkerchief and carefully dispose of the tissues once they are used. If possible, stay away from people who have flu.

With these simple homemade tips, you would be able to control the symptoms of flu. But in case it does not subside, you shall have to seek medical assistance.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES. PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO VIEW MY BLOG-                      

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SOME CAUSES OF BACK PAIN

Back pain could be due to various reasons-
1) Muscle spasms- If you've hurt the tissues or muscles around the spine, it will go into spasm to protect the area. It will flax and stay that way, until the muscles relaxes. Spasms can also be caused due to slipped discs or injuries to the spinal tissues.
Treatment- depending on age, rest and at times over the counter pain relievers may help. At times, rubbing the area with some pain relieving ointment may help. When all these don't help, the physician may prescribe some muscle relaxing medication. If nothing helps and the problem is more severe, you may need more tests and may be surgery, if it is a disk problem.

 2) Kidney stones- these are tiny hard stones which at times can get lodged in ureter , then it can cause severe pain in your lower back, lower abdomen and sides.
Treatment- at times, smaller kidney stones may come out when you drink plenty of water. One can also drink juice of banana stem, by crushing a cup of stem finely chopped with water, strain and drink it at least once a day. By doing so, normally smaller stones may pass out on its own without causing much pain. If the stones are bigger and at times get lodged in some odd place, then one may need "Lithotripsy", to break the stones or may need surgery if that doesn't work.

3) Herniated disk- the disk are soft cushions between each vertebrae.They’re kind of like little jelly-filled doughnuts that sit between each bone. Sometimes they crack and the “jelly” oozes out. If it pushes on your spinal cord or nerves, it can cause back pain that can spread to your legs or arms.
Treatment- if the pain is mild, then rest is advised for some days. If the pain is more, then may be some pain-killer tablets and physical therapy to strengthen and stretch your lower back is tried. If this also doesn't help and the pain persists for some months, then surgery is advised.

4) Arthritis- it is inflammation, stiffness and pain in your joints. A type of spinal arthritis called, spondyloarthropathies, that affect your lower back. It carries more of your body's weight.
Treatment- The Dr. will mostly prescribe rest and anti-inflammatory tablets and some pain killer tablets.If that doesn't help, the Dr. may prescribe steroids, to ease pain and inflammation. But always remember to tell the doctor of the various medications you're already taking.

5) Spinal stenosis- When the spaces in your spinal column narrows, it can put pressure on your spinal cord and the nerves that run from your spine to your arms and legs. That can cause numbness and make it hard for you to move around. Arthritis, tumors, and certain inherited diseases can cause it, and it’s more common after age 50.
 Treatment- Most people will need rest, physical therapy and some strength medication along with pain reliever. But if all these don't help, then surgery may be suggested to relieve the pressure on the spine.

6) Spinal infection- This is a more serious and rare condition that happens when bacteria, a virus, or fungus infects the fluid around your spine or the bones or soft tissues that make up your spinal column. It usually happens after spinal surgery or an accident or injury to your spine.
TREATMENT-you may be given intravenously medicine to fight the infection and may need to be hospitalised for a few days with bed rest. If this also doesn't help, then surgery may be advised.

7)Spondylolisthesis- this happens when one of the vertebrae slips out of place and onto the one below it.  This may put more pressure on that nerve, making it hurt. This normally happens in lower back.

Treatment-Rest, exercise, and medication -- mostly over-the-counter drugs that help with pain and inflammation -- are the most common treatments for this. Your doctor also may suggest physical therapy, or possibly surgery in more severe cases.

 this is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.
https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes 
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement    

Chronic Pain Causes and Solutions

What Causes Pain?
Pain results from a signal sent from your nerves to your brain. It can serve as an alarm, a warning -- that you're stepping on a nail or touching a hot stove. But sometimes the signals keep firing, and the pain continues. That’s when it becomes chronic.

Signs You Need Pain Relief
Anybody with frequent or daily pain -- even mild -- should see a doctor. That's especially true if the pain is interfering with your life -- limiting activities or the ability to work. Keep in mind that chronic pain can creep up on you. What starts as occasional and bothersome can, over the years, become serious and debilitating.

Pain Relief: Walking
Walk more: It's one of the best prescriptions we have to help chronic pain. Daily pain tends to make people less active, and that often makes pain worse. Exercise also releases endorphins -- the body's natural painkillers. Aim to walk -- or exercise in other ways -- five times a week for 30 minutes a day. Work up to it slowly, adding a few minutes a week.

Pain Relief: Acupuncture

Once viewed by many in the U.S. as outlandish, acupuncture is now a common treatment for some chronic pain. Why does poking needles in the skin help? No one's really sure. It may help release natural painkillers in the body or block pain signals from the nerves.

Pain and Sleep

Not only can pain ruin your sleep, but not getting enough sleep can make chronic pain hurt more the next day. It's a vicious cycle. If pain is making it hard to sleep, talk to your doctor. Getting into good bedtime habits -- including keeping a regular bedtime and wake time schedule -- can help too.

 Distract Yourself

We sometimes think of distraction as a bad thing that stops you from getting stuff done. But it can actually be a treatment if you have chronic pain. Studies show that when you're distracted -- by a conversation, or a crossword puzzle, or a book -- the areas in your brain that process pain are less active. Getting your mind off your pain really does help -- even on a neurological level.

 Diet Changes

Could food be affecting your pain? It's possible. People with migraines often find that specific foods -- like red wine and cheeses -- trigger attacks. Fatty meats may worsen the swelling and pain of rheumatoid arthritis. Keep a food diary for a few weeks to see whether any foods seem to increase your pain. Then cut them out and see if your symptoms get better.

Track Your Hurts

Pain is elusive -- it can be hard to describe. Make it more concrete by keeping a pain journal. Note how much you hurt each day using a pain scale. A popular one asks you to rate your pain from 1 to 10, from least severe to worst. Others use smiling and frowning faces and add details about what you did that day. After a few weeks, you'll have a valuable record to share with your doctor.

Breathe Deeply

Take a minute to breathe deeply and slowly. Put your hand on your belly and feel it rise and fall. After a few minutes of deep breathing, you may feel some pain and tension melt away. What's great about deep breathing as a pain treatment is you can do it anywhere -- when you're stuck in a traffic jam or at your desk.

Strength Training

Strengthening muscles -- with weights or resistance exercises -- may reduce pain as effectively as many drugs for back pain and arthritis. Building strength also improves your balance and flexibility. Aim to strengthen muscles twice a week.

Biofeedback

Biofeedback teaches you how to control certain body processes that normally happen without thinking -- like heart rate and blood pressure. By using sensors connected to a computer, you learn how to relax your muscles, ease tension, and reduce pain.

 Supplements

Ask your doctor about supplements for daily pain. Studies show that some seem to help. Fish oil, glucosamine, and SAMe, which is believed to reduce inflammation, may help with the stiff, painful joints of arthritis.  

 Yoga

The gentle stretching and mind-body techniques of yoga can help with daily pain -- from sore backs to fibromyalgia to arthritis. Studies show that regular yoga can ease pain, increase function, improve mood, and reduce the need for pain medication.

Avoid Prolonged Bed Rest

In the old days, people treated pain with rest. Now, doctors say that while a little rest is OK after a new injury -- like an ankle sprain -- it won't help with chronic pain. Lying on the couch for too long will weaken muscles and may make pain worse, not better. Instead, try to keep active.

Physical, Occupational Therapy

Physical and occupational therapy both can help with chronic pain. In physical therapy, you'll learn exercises and get treatments that help increase mobility and build strength. Occupational therapy helps you work around pain -- teaching you new ways to do things, from buttoning buttons to cooking dinner.

Talk Therapy

Some people with pain feel reluctant to get help from a counselor or therapist -- they think it's an admission that the pain is not real, that it's "all in their heads." That's not true at all. Therapists can help you grapple with the impact of pain on your life -- and work through practical solutions to the problems you face each day.

Don't Overuse OTC Painkillers

When it comes to pain treatment, don't do it yourself. Over-the-counter painkillers -- such as acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen -- are good for occasional pain, but they may be risky if you take them in high doses or for a long time. Always follow the instructions on the medicine bottle and don't use OTC painkillers for more than 10 days in a row unless a doctor is supervising.

Seeing a Pain Expert

If you're in chronic pain, see a specialist. A pain specialist focuses on one thing: getting rid of your pain. Many work at specialty pain centers. There, you may get all sorts of treatment -- from medication to massage -- under one roof. Ask your doctor for a referral -- or call local medical centers to see if they have a pain management clinic.

How to Talk About Pain

Don't just tell your doctor it hurts. Have specifics so your doctor can really understand how pain is affecting you.

Describe exactly what the pain feels like. Aching? Burning?

Describe how pain affects your life. Does it slow you down? Make it hard to work?

What makes the pain better or worse? Specific times of day or activities? Medications?

Medications

Painkillers aren't the only medications that may help -- some drugs for depression and epilepsy work well to help treat chronic pain. Antidepressants alter levels of chemicals in the brain that affect pain levels and your mood. Drugs for epilepsy seem to block pain signals going to the brain.

Surgery

For hard-to-treat pain, surgery is sometimes an option. Possibilities range from operations to correct the underlying cause -- such as a slipped disc for back pain -- to implanted pain control devices. Although surgery can bring relief, it has risks and works only in specific circumstances. Talk about the possibilities with your doctor.

Don't rely on alcohol or illicit drugs to control pain. Self-medicating may ease pain in the moment, but over time substance abuse can make chronic pain worse. Alcohol and illicit substances can have dangerous interactions with your other medications. If you're leaning on alcohol or substances to get through the day, get help.

Healing Your Pain

For most people with ongoing pain, there is no single, miracle cure. Instead, good pain management is usually a combination of approaches. That might include a new exercise routine, improved habits, medication, and alternative therapies. It may take time, but you'll most likely find a combination that works for you.

ps- this is only for information, always consult you physician before having any particular food/ medication/exercise/other remedies.

ps- those interested in recipes are free to view my blog-

http://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/

for info about knee replacement, you can view my blog-

http://Knee replacement-stick club.blogspot.com/

for crochet designs

http://My Crochet Creations.blogspot.com