4 Simple Tips to Get Rid of Pink Eye at Home

We all love summer for its sunshine and the ability to finally spend a bit more time in nature, but the same activities expose us to germs and allergens, making us a lot more likely to get conjunctivitis, or as it is known by most - pink eye. In the vast majority of cases, pink eye is a condition you can treat at home with over-the-counter products and things you already have at home. To help you treat this annoying condition safely and effectively, we’ve listed several useful tips below, as well as a quick guide to different types of the condition.

There Are 4 Different Kinds of Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane that covers the eye white called the conjunctiva. When this happens, it can make your eyes red, itchy, and irritated. Depending on the variety of pink eye, you can also experience discharge from the eyes. In order to treat this condition properly and safely, you’ll need to determine the kind of conjunctivitis you’re experiencing first. 

 

According to Mayo Clinic here 4 main varieties of pink eye:

 

Bacterial conjunctivitis can be caused by many different types of bacteria and its characteristic symptom is mucus or discharge that can make your eyes crusty and even make your eyelashes stick together. It typically clears up within 4-5 days, but more serious cases will require a trip to the doctor and treatment with antibiotics. 

 

Viral conjunctivitis is a common symptom of a cold or any other respiratory viral infection. These infections tend to last longer than bacterial ones and can only be treated symptomatically. 

 

Allergic pink eye is a common symptom of an allergic reaction. It usually subsides within a day or two after you take allergy medication and minimize contact with the allergen. 

 

Irritative conjunctivitis is the result of intense rubbing, dry eye, exposure to pollutants like smog, cigarette smoke, or soap. In order to treat this condition, avoid the irritants, and follow the topical treatment tips we list below.

How to Treat Pink Eye  

After you’ve determined the cause of the conjunctivitis, you also have to assess its severity. Although most cases can be safely treated at home, more serious and severe cases require medical assistance. The American Association of Ophthalmology (AAO) states you should visit a doctor if you experience the following symptoms: 

You're experience pain You have trouble seeing 

Your eyes become sensitive to light 

Your symptoms persist for a week or more 

Your symptoms are getting worse after a few days 

Your eye produces a lot of mucus 

You have a fever or body aches. 

 

If your symptoms are not severe, however, you can safely treat your symptoms at home. Here are some useful tips for treating pink eye at home: 

 

1. Avoid the Cause

The first thing you should do is to avoid the cause of the conjunctivitis, if possible. That means staying away from swimming pools if you suspect chlorine is the cause, closing any open windows if you're suffering from seasonal allergies, and not rubbing your eyes with your hands, no matter what the cause of the condition, as rubbing will only worsen your symptoms and potentially introduce other pathogens. 

 

2. Stop Wearing Contacts and Makeup for a Few Days

Doctors mostly recommend avoiding wearing reusable contact lenses for 10-12 or until the condition clears up in those who suffer from viral or bacterial conjunctivitis, as these can harbor pathogens and be the cause of reinfection in some cases. Makeup wearers should also avoid applying eyeliner, mascara, fake eyelashes, or other eye makeup during any eye infection for the same reasons. 

 

But really, we'd recommend avoiding both of these things for everyone who is experiencing pink eye, not only bacterial and viral cases because both contacts and eye makeup can further irritate the eyes and hinder recovery. 

 

3. Apply Eye Compresses

Depending on the type of pink eye you're experiencing, cold or warm eye compresses can help relieve the discomfort you're experiencing: 

 

Cold compresses will work well at soothing the itching and irritation if the pink eye is caused by an allergy, irritation, or a virus. To apply a cold compress, simply soak a clean towel or cloth in cold water, remove the excess water by wringing it out, and cover your eyes for a few minutes. You can repeat this process several times a day.​ 

 

Warm compresses will be beneficial to those suffering from bacterial conjunctivitis, as they will help loosen and remove mucus from the eye area. Follow the same instructions as in the cold compresses, but use warm water (not too hot, it shouldn't burn to the touch) and keep the compress on until the towel cools down. 

 

4. Use Hydrating Eye Drops

This method works for all cases of conjunctivitis, as lubricating eye drops, also known as artificial tears, will help moisturize, soothe, and flush out any irritants from your eye. Artificial tears are available in all pharmacies over-the-counter. You can use them several times a day, and you can even put them in the fridge to keep them cool and have an even more soothing cooling effect. Importantly, doctors advise against using Visine or other redness-reducing drops if you have pink eye, as these may sting, feel uncomfortable, and even worsen your symptoms. 

 

Lastly, we'd like to give you a few more hygienic tips that will help clear out conjunctivitis faster and prevent it from spreading to others if you have a viral or bacterial pink eye: 

 

1. Don't share towels, pillows, or anything that touches the eyes with others. 

 

2. Use a fresh face towel, pillowcase, and sheets every day until your conjunctivitis is gone. 

 

3. Don't touch your eyes with your hands, and if you do, wash them immediately.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     

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5 effective ways to prevent sepsis

If you are experiencing higher respiratory rate and change in mental status, you may be suffering from sepsis. It is a life-threatening condition that occurs due to over response of your body’s defense system. In response to any infection, the immune system generally releases chemicals in the bloodstream to kill the pathogens. In case of sepsis, this response goes out of balance and causes changes that can potentially damage multiple organ system. It is characterized by symptoms like high fever, unusual sweating, dizziness, slurred speech, diarrhea, shortness of breath etc. If not treated on time, this may further result to septic shock that is characterized by extreme drop in blood pressure leading to death. Affecting people of any age, sepsis is considered most dangerous in older adults, pregnant women, people with weakened immune system, and children younger than 1 year. Any type of infection viral, bacterial or fungal infection including pneumonia, digestive system infection, kidney infection, or bloodstream infection can cause sepsis. As far as its treatment is concerned, your doctor may prescribe you certain antibiotics or give intravenous fluid, initiate or kidney dialysis.

Keep you hand clean: Though sound too basic, doing this can keep you away from various infection. Proper hand hygiene can prevent the transmission of antibiotic-resistant organisms and infections in general.

Proper wound care: Even a small cut can catch infection and lead to sepsis.

Have probiotic-rich foods: Foods like yogurt, kefir, pickles etc. contain probiotics that can help good bacteria flourish in the gut and fight off invading bacteria.

Opt for zinc and selenium rich-foods: Foods like meat, seeds, nuts, eggs, mushrooms etc. have therapeutic role in preventing and treating sepsis.

Boost your immune system: Eat immune boosting foods like oranges, broccoli, ginger, almonds etc. Doing that will help you prevent minor infections that can lead to sepsis.

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-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/    

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When to Say No to Antibiotics for Infections

Every year doctors prescribe millions of antibiotics. But about one-third of the antibiotics prescribed in doctor's offices  are unnecessary, according to a report released earlier this year by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Unless an infection is caused by bacteria—which is usually not the case—the drugs will have no effect.

And antibiotics can cause serious side effects, says a medical epidemiologist and head of the CDC’s program. These can include allergic reactions as well as an infection called C. difficile, which can cause severe—and sometimes deadly—diarrhea.

Plus, she says, the more bacteria are exposed to antibiotics, the less likely they are to respond to the drugs. “You increase your risk of developing an antibiotic-resistant infection the more antibiotics that you take,” he notes.

Doctors know that, but they often prescribe antibiotics anyway, in part because patients expect it. 
 Here are six conditions where it’s wise to question the use of antibiotics.

1. Respiratory Infections

Colds, the flu, and most other respiratory infections are caused by viruses, which generally can’t be wiped out by antibiotics. Bronchitis is usually caused by a virus or an irritant in the air, such as cigarette smoke. Most sore throats are viral, too.
For these viral infections, skip the antibiotics and ease symptoms by drinking plenty of liquids, breathing moist air, gargling with salt water, and taking acetaminophen (Tylenol and generic) or ibuprofen (Advil and generic).
About one in 10 sore throats are due to strep, a bacterial infection that can be treated with antibiotics, Dr. says. So talk to your doctor if you or your child show signs of strep, such as a sore throat that comes on suddenly, accompanied by a fever but without a cough, swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck, swollen tonsils, or tiny red dots on the roof of the mouth. He or she can do a rapid strep test to diagnose the condition.

2. Sinus Infections

Sinusitis which can prompt a stuffy or runny nose and facial pain, is almost always caused by a virus. Even when bacteria are the cause, these infections usually clear up on their own in about a week.
To loosen mucus and help it drain, drink warm liquids; breathe warm, moist air; and keep your head propped up when you lie down.
Consider antibiotics only if you’re still sick after 10 days, if you get better and then worse again, or if you have a high fever and thick, colored mucus for three or more days in a row.

3. Ear Infections

Most ear infections improve on their own in two or three days, especially in children ages 2 or older.
Give your child over-the-counter pain relievers for a few days, and avoid antibiotics. Go to a doctor if symptoms aren’t better in two to three days or if they worsen.
Get antibiotics right away for babies 6 months or younger, for children 6 months to 2 years old who are experiencing moderate to severe ear pain, and for children 2 years or older with severe pain, according to the doctors.

4. Pink Eye

Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is usually caused by a virus or allergy, so antibiotics won’t help. Even bacterial pink eye usually goes away on its own within 10 days.
Soothe pink-eye symptoms with a clean, cool, wet compress. Pink eye resulting from allergies can be helped with antihistamine eye drops.
Consider antibiotics for bacterial pink eye if you have a weak immune system, if the condition doesn’t improve in a week without treatment, or if the eye is very swollen or painful or develops a thick, puslike discharge.

5. Urinary Tract Infections in Older People

Antibiotics are useful in treating urinary tract infections (UTI). But sometimes older adults are treated for a UTI after a routine urine test reveals bacteria—even if they’re not experiencing symptoms.
“It is not uncommon in older adults to find that bacteria are living in the bladder but not necessarily causing an infection,” he says.
Consider antibiotics only when UTI symptoms, such as pain or burning during urination or a strong urge to go often, are present as well.

6. Eczema

Doctors may try to control eczema, which causes dry, itchy, red skin, with antibiotics. But antibiotics won’t help with itching and redness.
To ease eczema, moisturize your skin regularly and avoid triggers, which vary from person to person. Ask your doctor about a medicated cream or ointment to relieve itching and swelling.
Consider antibiotics only if you show signs of a bacterial infection, such as bumps full of pus, honey-colored crusting, very red or warm skin, or a fever.

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-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/       
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Diabetics Must \drink Amla / Indian Gooseberry Water Daily

Diabetes is one of the biggest health concerns of the world currently. Often dubbed as the 'silent killer', diabetes mellitus currently affects over 425 million people worldwide. More than 72.9 million cases of diabetes were reported in India in the year 2017. Diabetes refers to a set of metabolic diseases which results in elevated blood sugar or glucose levels. There are different kinds of diabetes like Type 1, Type 2 and Gestational diabetes. Diabetics are often advised to keep a close eye on their diet. While it is not possible to reverse the condition yet, experts say that the condition is manageable if the patient eats a balanced diet low on refined carbohydrates, engages in regular physical activities and takes prescribed medicines. The ancient Hindu discipline also suggests many fruits and herbs that may help keep the blood sugar spike in control. Amla or Indian gooseberry is one such  wonder that may be one of the best additions to your diabetes diet. 

Why Should You Include Amla water to your Diabetes Diet 

Amla is an excellent source of Vitamin C. Including it in your diet may help boost your immunity, metabolism and prevent viral and bacterial ailments, including cold and cough. Several modern studies have claimed that diabetics must include foods rich in vitamin C in their diet. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant too. Studies claim that oxidative stress may make diabetes management even tougher. Vitamin C enriched amla makes sure it fights free radicals that cause oxidative stress. Amla, along with spices like fenugreek, cinnamon and cumin, is one of the traditional remedies to control high blood sugar levels. It contains chromium which is known regulates carbohydrate metabolism and helps in making your body more responsive to insulin. According to the researchers, amla is an effective traditional remedy to prevent pancreatitis. Insulin, which is produced in pancreas, is important to keep blood sugar levels in check. However, when pancreas tends to become inflamed, it causes pancreatitis that may injure insulin-secreting cells and result in a spike in high blood sugar levels. Therefore, amla is known to control pancreatitis and eventually manage blood sugar levels effectively.

Amla or Indian gooseberries can be consumed fresh and raw or in murrabbas /  as amla sugar candies . But since they are bitter in taste, it is not easy for everybody to palate the same. You can mix a spoonful of the amla powder you get in market in a glass of water and drink it daily on an empty stomach, you can also add a dash of lemon juice and rock salt to it. You can make Amla powders at home too. Cut a few amla fruits into small pieces and keep them out in the sun to dry for 3-4 days. Now take these dried amla pieces and blend them in a mixer grinder. Your amla powder is ready. 
Try this easy home remedies to keep your blood sugar levels in check. However, do remember to not go overboard with it. Too much of anything is never a sustainable strategy to manage any condition.

One amla gives us enough Vitamin C for the day. We need Vitamin C to absorb iron from foods like spinach, dark green leafy veges, flaked rice etc. 

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-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/   

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Try Natural remedies to Fight Cough

Even if you get your flu shot, sleep a solid 7-8 hours sleep each night, and wash your hands religiously, there's a good chance you'll still some down with bad cold this Winter — and with it, a nagging cough. (After all, by a certain point in cold and flu season, places like your office are literally crawling with germs.) While most doctors agree that your best line of defense is an over-the-counter-cold medicine, as well as nasal irrigation systems and lozenges, they also recommend some more natural methods for soothing a cough. Here are five that, while not as ironclad as a medication, get the expert stamp of approval. 

While the research is mixed, some studies have found honey to be as effective as a cough suppressant,  at least when treating a cough in children. "Mixing a small amount of honey with water and lemon or lime juice and sipping that prior to sleep may help coat the throat and reduce coughing overnight "according to an alternative therapist.

Research suggests green tea may actually hep prevent viral and bacterial infections, like the kinds that bring with them a nasty cough. Plus, " drinking hot tea is a good way to stay hydrated when you have a cold, and adding honey can also reduce the symptoms of cough," said a doctor.

The steam from a humidifier can help ease cold symptoms by shaking loose the gunk in your sinuses. "For my patients with cough illnesses, I always recommend using a humidifier to possibly bring relief and ease congestion," said a Dr.

"Warm fluids such as soup or hot tea are great options to consume when you have a cough, as they provide a moist environment to help loosen congestion similar to the feeling you may get being around a hot shower," the Dr. said. Try some chicken soup (your mom was right). 

Pineapple juice contains an enzyme called bromelain, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help ease cold symptoms such as a cough, at least when used alongside cold medications. "This also falls into the general recommendation of making sure you're eating a high quality diet with a diverse array of foods,"the Dr. said.

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-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/   

FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                          https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/                              

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