Swine Flu Symptoms and Treatment

Swine Flu or the so called H1N1 Virus first became a news in 2009 when it was spread in Mexico. The flu virus which usually infects humans is different from the one that infects the pigs. But those who work closely with pigs in the pig farms often get flu from each other, but it remained a local infection and never spread to large populations until the 2009 Mexico outbreak. After that this infection became worldwide people became aware of this kind of flu. As it was an infection commonly found in pigs with the same symptoms of flu, people called it swine flu.

Swine Flu Symptoms in Adults

Swine Flu symptoms resemble to seasonal flu. Following symptoms may occur.

• Cough
• Fever
• Runny or Stuffy nose
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Muscle pain
• Chills
• Vomiting or Diarrhoea

Even if any one of these occur then it may be swine flu. Number of symptoms increase with severity.

Swine Flu Symptoms in Kids
Symptoms in Kids is same as seasonal flu. If you feel that kid is getting high fever or being irritating then you must consult a doctor.

How does Swine Flu Spreads ?

This disease can spread through air. If you are near an infected person then you may get the virus through air or through a tiny droplet of sneeze or cough. If a person in infected by this virus then it may take 1 to 4 days to develop the symptoms. An infected person can start spreading the virus 24 hours before appearance of symptoms and continue to do so after 5 to 7 days after the symptoms are developed.

Who is at risk of Swine Flu ?

However Swine Flu can infect person of any age and sex but a few groups are at more risk as the H1N1 virus can do more harm in these groups. These groups are

• People with weakened immune systems
• Children below three years of age
• Adults above 60 years of age
• Pregnant women
• People already suffering from heart disease, lung disease, asthma or diabetes

Swine Flu Prevention

Swine Flu prevention can  be done by avoiding exposure to the H1N1 Virus. It can be done by taking following precautionary measures.

• Avoid touching things at a public place
• Washing hands more frequently, especially if have been to a public place or touched some things which is accessible to others such as door handles.
• Avoid touching your face, especially nose and mouth
• Don't go near a person showing symptoms of flu.
• Clean your door handles and other touchable items with some disinfectant regularly and H1N1 virus may survive on such surfaces for upto 48 hours. 

Foods that prevent Swine Flu

A good immune system is best to save you from swine flu. So you may eat foods rich in protein, vitamin C and Zinc, which help in building a healthy immune system. Green Vegetables, orange fruits (such as carrots, pumpkins, apricots, and mangoes) and protein rich diet can help you in saving yourself from Swine Flu.

Swine Flu Treatment

Swine Flu treatment is usually same as seasonal flu. But its better to consult a doctor and let him decide which treatment is best for you. Vaccine to prevent you from getting H1N1 infection is also available in market. The groups listed above who are at higher risk of swine flu need special attention of medical practitioners. People with healthy immune system and good resistance power can easily recover from this infection. Apart from antiviral medication and pain relievers doctors may suggest rest and plenty of fluids to save you from dehydration. 

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Placebo - The Pill with No Medicine

Placebo is medicine and a well known effect in the medical world known for the fake treatment, but that does not mean that it can't treat any person. Some diseases are not physical, instead psychological, where a person believes that he/she is suffering from some disease while he/she is not. In such a case doctors use Placebo, which is a pill with no medicine in it. It may be a sugar tablet or a capsule with glucose filled in it. In such a case doctor don't tell the patient that it is a Placebo, instead they admit that it is a very good medicine and it will definitely cure the patient. Very less people know about placebo, however it is a tested and experimented technique to treat some diseases.

How does Placebo treats a person ?

Most of the people find it difficult to understand that how can an empty pill with no medicine in it can treat a person. These placebo not only works on psychological diseases but some actual diseases as well. The logic behind the treatment with a placebo lies in the human brain. In past few centuries our brain was made to believe so much in medicine that we forgot the power of our will. Our self confidence can empower our body so much that it can itself treat some minor problems in body. But instead of relying on the body and brain we believe on medicine. Due to this fact, medical community decided to use the power of patients brain to treat him/her. They give a placebo and make the patient believe that it is a good medicine. In most of the cases the problem is solved as the brain get the confidence that now the disease will be gone due to that medicine. That belief makes the body work in a better way and the patient is automatically cured.

Facts about Placebo

• Placebo is a Latin word which means "I will please".
• Placebo effect has been measured in thousands of medical experiments.
• When a new drug is tested for human trial, some researchers give placebo to 50% of the subjects and measure if the success rate of actual drug is more or not. In some trials the success rate of placebo was found better.
• In a drug trial of a cough medicine, the result concluded that 85% of subjects were successfully treated with placebo, while just 15% was the success rate of actual medicine.
• Drug companies are made to show that their drug works better than a placebo.
• The Color and size of a placebo also have effect of their success rate.
• A Capsule creates a better placebo effect than a tablet. An injection creates better effect than a capsule. And two tablets work better than one. However all of them have same ingredient (mostly sugar) but still the placebo effect varies by these factors.
• Placebos are used by doctors for Parkinson's disease, depression, anxiety, fatigue.
• The exact mechanism behind placebo effect is unknown, but some people believe that the mechanism is self-healing property of human body and the evolutionary biology.
• Placebo analgesia is treating pain with help of a placebo.

If you believe that a medicine will cure you then even a placebo can work, but if you believe that no medicine can cure you then even a real one won't work.

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Robotic Surgery - Science Fictions becoming Reality

If you have seen robots performing surgery in Hollywood Science Fiction movies and think that they are something impossible then you are wrong. Robotic Surgery is becoming a reality. Day by day new technology is being developed and these robots are becoming more advanced. However still these robots need to be controlled by an expert surgeon but they can perform surgery with more precision and accuracy without getting tired.

Benefits of Robotic Surgery

• Minimal Invasion: Robotic Surgery need minimal invasion, which means minimum size cut on the body. Its possible because robotic hands are designed in a way to operate through minimal invasion, while if a surgeon performs that task then the cut size should be sufficient enough to have space for surgeon's hand.
• More Accuracy: Robotic hands can work with more accuracy as they won't move in any wrong way unless they are told to. They can measure each move with accurate precision. Robotic hands won't shake in any condition.
• Minimum Recovery Time: As a result of minimal invasion and more accuracy the recovery time of the patients is reduced a lot.
• Lesser blood loss: Due to minimum invasion the loss of blood is also reduced. 
• Remote Surgery: This method allows a specialist surgeon sitting in any country of the world to perform surgery in any hospital of the world with the help of robotic arms that work with the help of tele-manipulators.

Types of Robots used for Surgery

• Just like Surgeons have their specialization, there are different robots for different surgeries. For example a robot to operate an eye or brain should be more precise and accurate than any other surgical robot. Robotic surgeries are going on from past several years but first eye surgery using a robot is done recently on 9th Sep 2016. The robot used in that operation can make accurate movements to 100th part of a millimeter. Even the instruments in that robot are of very minute size compared to other surgical robots.
• Robotic surgery is also used in organ transplant. Kidney transplant using a robot were started around a decade ago, and it emerged as one of the most successful robotic surgeries.
• German KUKA KR 240 is a Robot to perform radio surgery with high accuracy. It can treat tumors with high energy radiation rays. In this procedure the patient don't need to be moved, but the robotic arm itself moves without disturbing the patient and triggers the rays on the correct point with high accuracy.
• Some robots are also designed keeping the children in mind, when the size of body is smaller and smaller incisions are necessary for faster recovery. First pediatric robotic surgery was performed at Children's Hospital of Michigan in 2002.
• NeuroMate was the first commercially available Neurosurgical Robot and it performed more than 8000 brain surgeries between 1997 to 2009. Now its newer version NeuroArm is working successfully.
• Robot assisted Endoscopic surgery is one of the most famous surgeries where heart surgery is done through small incision in blood vessels.

History of Robotic Surgery

• PUMA 560 was a robotic arm used in 1985.
• PROBOT was developed in 1988 at Imperial College London and used for prostatic surgery.
• ROBODOC was developed in 1992 and used for human Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA).
• IGOS was used in 1997 for total knee replacement surgery.
• The da Vinci Surgical System is a robot that can do cutting and sewing in guidance of a surgeon with its robotic arms. During year 2000 and 2001 FDA approved the usage of this robot in various types of surgical procedures. It can produce a 3D image of the object and has 3 or 4 arms to assist in operation and handling tools. Two of its hands act as hands of surgeon, who sits in surgeon console to operate the patient.

• By 2012, 1840 da Vinci Surgical System were installed in 1450 different hospitals worldwide.

Nanotechnology has assisted a lot in developing these surgical robots. Nanotechnology is itself a very costly thing. These surgical systems cost a lot and thus increase the cost of surgery. The maintenance cost of these systems is also very high. But the good thing is that these robotic surgeries saves the number of days spent by a patient in hospital and the recovery time is also reduced. A surgeon should also be trained on these surgical robots before applying it on real patients.

A lot more new surgical robots will come in next few decades. We should hope that in coming decades the surgery cost should also be reduced by making these robots both cost effective and safe for patients.

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Sciatica Exercises and Pain Treatment (Yoga & Alternative Therapies)

Sciatica is a disease in which the pain arises from hips and leads itself to either both legs or just one leg. Usually it happens due to herniated disc, in which the soft tissue of the disc is lead outside forming a tumor type structure, which makes pressure on a nerve and it makes a sensation of pain extending towards one or both leg.

Sciatica Treatment

Primary treatments of sciatica are just to get relief from pain temporarily. In extreme conditions even surgical measures are used to treat sciatica. Here we are focusing on treatments that are non surgical and can be done at home. Some yoga and alternative therapies are also used to treat sciatica, and some patients find them more effective than any other treatment. The benefit of these treatments is that they are free from any side-effect. Apart from that you can stop the treatment if you find it uncomfortable and switch to any other therapy. Here of the list of therapies that might be useful for you.

Hot/Cold Water Therapy: Using to hot/cold water in a rubber bottle to warm/cool the affected area is sometimes useful. Hot water therapy is preferred by more people.
Massage: Some people massage therapy a useful one. But thew right technique is the key in this treatment. If you are getting the massage using the right technique then you will be benefited more.
Exercise: Exercises suggested by physiotherapist or you physician is sometime the best treatment of sciatica pain. The exercise may vary person to person depending on the symptoms and exact cause of pain. So don't just go for any exercise, instead ask your doctor to suggest one.
Acupuncture: This is one of the alternative therapies used to treat Sciatica. Hair thin needles are inserted into the affected area, which are usually not felt. This therapy works by directing some kind on energy flow in the body.
Yoga and Stretching: Yoga is a good therapy to get relief from sciatica pain. Some stretching exercises in Yoga are beneficial in getting relief from the pain. Some of these stretching exercises are raising your legs, squatting, and bringing your knees towards chest. Doing these stretching exercises on regular basis can be better.
Avoid one posture for longer duration: Sitting, Walking or Standing for longer duration can trigger the pain. So avoid being into one of those movements or postures for longer duration.
Spinal Adjustment: Some type of spinal adjustments by specialist medical professionals can also help in getting relief from herinated or ruptured discs.

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Zika Virus Infection Symptoms Cure Treatment and Facts

Zika Virus

Family: Flaviviridae
genus: Flavivirus
Other viruses related to this family and genus are dengue, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, and West Nile viruses.

Facts about Zika Virus Infection

• Zika virus is enveloped and icosahedral and has a nonsegmented, single-stranded, 10 kilobase positive-sense RNA genome.
• There are two types of Zika Viruses according to their lineages. One is of African lineage and other is of Asian lineage. The virus spreading in America is 89% similar to African lineage.
• Zika Virus Infection is spread by the female Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is active mostly in the daytime.
• This Virus was first isolated in Zika Forest of Uganada during year 1947. The name of the the virus comes from that Zika Forest.

How does Zika Virus transmits in Humans ?

• Zika Virus is primarily spread by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
• This can also be transmitted through sexual contact.
• Another common mode of transmission is blood transfusions.

Zika Virus Infection Symptoms
Zika virus causes fever commonly known as Zika Fever. Other symptoms of Zika infection are similar mild symptoms of Dengu. Other symptoms of Zika infection may include fever, red eyes, joint pain, headache, and a maculopapular rash.

Zika Virus Infection Cure
Zika virus infection can not be prevented by using any medication or vaccine. The best preventive measure is to prevent yourself from mosquito bites. Avoiding sexual contact with people showing symptoms of zika infection is also necessary if the infection has already spread in your locality.

Zika Virus Infection Treatment
There is no specific treatment of Zika Virus Infection. Paracetamol is normally used medicine for fever. Other treatments are done according to the symptoms to get rid from them. Getting admitted in hospital is rarely needed when the symptoms are not reduced.

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Endemic Typhus Fever Symptoms and Treatment

Endemic Typhus Fever is usually spread by fleas and it has caused more deaths in human history than all wars put together. Endemic Typhus fever is caused due to two types of bacteria: Rickettsia typhi or Rickettsia felis. Both of these bacteria are normally found in rats. Fleas act as carrier of these bacteria. They carry it from rodents to humans with their bite. Therefore unhygenic places are best playground for Endemic Typhus Fever. Due to this reason this fever is also know as Jail Fever. Another type of typhus known as Epidimic Typhus is spread by body lice and as its name suggests it spreads after wars and natural calamities.

Endemic Typhus Fever Symptoms

Symptoms of Endemic Typhus Fever are visible after 6 to 14 days of Infection. Its symptoms are common to several other diseases, so its hard to diagnose it on the basis of physical symptoms. Some of the symptoms of Endemic Typhus Fever are body aches and pains, headache, chills. A visible rash on chest, back, arms, legs can also appear as a symptom. The rash is the primary point of infection, through where the flea infected your body. For a confirmation it better to get your blood tested for its bacteria. If the test is positive then most probably doctor will advise you to get admitted.
Following test can also help in diagnosing of Endemic Typus Fever:

• High levels of typhus antibodies
• Low sodium level
• Low albumin level
• Mildly high liver enzymes

Endemic Typhus Fever Treatment

This fever can be treated by appropriate antibiotic therapy. Antibiotics such as Doxycycline, Tetracycline and Chloramphenicol are used for treatment. The doctors can correctly prescribe the correct antibiotic for you. Tetracycline is avoided in children as it can stop the growth of permanent teeth. Sometimes the patient may need oxygen and intravenous fluids. If proper treatment of Endemic Typhus Fever is not done then it is a life threatening condition.

Some Unknown Facts about Endemic Typhus

• A person who was earlier had Endemic Typhus Fever may again shown mild symptoms of this fever in elderly age (years after first infection). This is called Brill-Zinsser disease. In this disease the bacteria becomes active again.
• Infected fleas can pass the bacteria to their offspring for next 17 generations.
• Cat can also get infected by bacteria responsible for Endemic Typhus Fever without showing any symptoms. Fleas from cats can also spread this disease very easily.
• Rats, opossums and cats can help in spreading this disease. So in case of any outbreak of this disease, its better to stay away from these animals.

Living in hygienic environment is the key to stay away from Endemic Typhus fever.

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Celiac Disease Test Diagnosis Treatment & Diet

Celiac Disease Definition

Celiac Disease is a medical condition in which our small intestine become hypersensitive to gluten and causes difficulty in digestion of food. Its a genetic autoimmune disorder where the indigestion of gluten can also cause damage in small intestine.

If this disease remain undiagnosed then it causes long term health complications. 1 in every 100 person is affected by this disease. According to celiac.org two and one-half million Americans don't even know that they are suffering from this disease. As shown in the image, Celiac disease damages the internal layer of small intestine. It flattens the surface of small intestine and thus the food flows more easily than required for proper digestion. The finger like projections in small intestine are used to absorb nutrients from food. Damage to these structures lead to indigestion and nutrient deficiency.

Celiac Disease Symptoms

• Depression
• ADHD-like behavior
• Chronic fatigue
• Headaches
• Bone or Joint Pain
• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal Pain
• Constipation

Long term health risks connected to Celiac disease are

• Anemia (Iron deficiency)
• Malfunctioning of Gall bladder
• Infertility and miscarriage
• Early onset osteoporosis or osteopenia
• Lactose intolerance
• Diseases related to deficiency of Vitamin and minerals
• Nervous System disorders
• Pancreatic insufficiency

Celiac Disease is also found connected with other autoimmune disorders such as thyroid disease and Type 1 Diabetes.

Celiac Disease Test Diagnosis

Screening Test: Screening test for Celiac Disease can be done by simple blood test. There are some antibodies in our blood which should be in normal range even after having a gluten diet. Therefore this test is done after having gluten diet (not gluten free diet). If these antibodies rise more than normal in your blood then you need to go through a confirmation test.
Endoscopic Biopsy:  Endoscopic Biopsy of the small intestine is the confirmation test for Celiac Disease, which confirms the damage done by these antibodies in our blood.

Celiac Disease Treatment & Diet

The most effective and primary treatment of Celiac Disease is Gluten Free Diet. In most of the cases the this diet reduces the symptoms gradually. Those suffering from Celiac Disease should strictly avoid wheat, rye and barley in their food. Therefore doctors suggest to stay away from bread and beer. Even eating the bread crumbs can start intestinal damage.
If you are diagnosed positive for Celiac Disease then you should go to your doctor for follow-up on a regular basis.

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Gambling Addiction : Symptoms Causes and Treatment

Overview

Side Effects

Symptoms

Causes

Treatment

Helpline

Gambling Addiction (Problem Gambling)

Gambling Addiction is also known by other names such as Problem Gambling, Compulsive Gambling or Gambling Disorder. It is a condition when you can't stop gambling even when you know that its hurting you and your closed ones. Gambling Addiction is not only related to gambling in Casinos, it can be betting on your favorite team, betting in card games with friends, and gambling online (the latest trend). There are some clear symptoms, causes and treatment to this problem. Mood Disorders and depression are clear indications of Gambling Addiction. Here we will discuss some of these things in detail.

Side Effects of Gambling Addiction

Side effects of Gambling Addiction are not like side effects of other diseases which are visible on our body. Side effects of Gambling are visible in our life and our relationships.

• There is no need to gamble on daily basis to be a gambling addict. Just playing gamble is sufficient to be an addicts, if you are having the symptoms listed below.
• Even if you can afford the gambling losses, you can still be in Gambling Addiction. Only financial loss is not to be worried about in gambling. The time you lose in gambling can cost a lot in your relationships.
• Addict Gamblers often blame their friends that they drive them into gambling, but its just a way of not taking responsibility of their own actions.
• Non-gambler friends often clear the debts of their Addict friend to help them out of the situation. But its not a right thing to do. It will make their addiction worst.

Symptoms of Gambling Addiction

There are some clear symptoms of Gambling Addiction. You can notice these symptoms in any addict gambler.

• When you hide the facts from your family: If you have started to hide the truth about you gambling from your family, then it means that you are going towards the Addiction circle.
• When you can't stop yourselves until to lose each dollar you have got: A healthy gambler will stop after losing upto a certain level, he will never spend every penny in his pocket in the hope to win the last game.
• When you spend money you don't own: Addict Gamblers often play games with credit card money or taking money on interest from some lender. Its the beginning of worst phase of an addict gambler. People suffering from Gambling addiction often think in other way (taking themselves as positive thinker) that they will win and clear all debts very soon. Sometimes some adult gamblers suffering from addiction often spend the inheritance of their grown-up children. Sometime people spend the money for their home loan repayment, theirs kids school fee and the money for their monthly expenditure.
• Mood Disorders and Depression: These symptoms usually remain unnoticed by an addict, but a closed one can easily notice them.

Causes of Gambling Addiction

Some of the causes of Gambling Addiction seems really foolish to healthy people but it happens.

• Gambling Addiction starts from Gambling. A non gambler can't be a problem gambler.
• People often start gambling as a way to kill some time or getting impressed from movies.
• Sometimes too much positive attitude in gambling gives hope to win in the end.
• Sometimes people think themselves of as an intelligent being and can't loosing makes them feel as a foolish person, and in the hope to show their intelligence they keep gambling.
• Some people take win and loose on their ego. Their ego don't let them accept the defeat and they keep playing.
• Some people find themselves as winner in the beginning and in the hope to win a big game they keep playing.
• Some people gamble to give some excitement to their lives.
• Some time the boredom also takes people to gamble.
• The last but not least, some people gamble to solve their money problems. 

Treatment of Gambling Addiction

There are two types of treatment for Gambling Addiction. First is Personal Treatment and second in Professional Treatment. Professional treatment is meant for those where it can't be cured by personal treatment.

Personal Treatment of Gambling Addiction

• Have company of family or friends: Isolation can very easily take you back to gambling. So try not to be isolated. Always spend your free time with your some friends or family.
• Engage yourself: Don't let yourself be free or getting bored. Get engaged in some sports or gym. You may also spend your time in any hobby such as watching movies or reading novels or doing something creative.
• Visualize yourself Loosing: Even after implementing last two steps if you feel an urge to gamble, then visualize yourself loosing a gamble and how you feel after you have lost everything in your pocket. It will discourage you from going for gamble.
• Postpone: If you still feel the urge then tell yourself that you will go after sometime, and then keep postponing the gamble and engage in some other task.
• Reduce Internet Usage: If you are online gambling addict then reducing the internet usage can also help you in keeping yourself away from it.

Professional Treatment of Gambling Addiction

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This therapy specially focuses on gambling addicts by changing their thoughts and false beliefs.
• The Four Steps Program: Four steps of this program are re-label, reattribute, refocus, and revalue.
• Group Based Recovery Programs; Such programs have some patients who are going through the same process as you. It helps by sharing thoughts and motivating each other for giving up gambling.
• Residential Treatment Centers: In such type of treatment you have to live like a hospitalized patient. In such centers you go through various therapies and never get a chance to play a gamble.
• Luxury Gambling Addiction Facilities: These centers are just like the previous residential treatment centers apart from the fact that they are meant for those who can afford it. Here you get all therapies with the luxury of a good hotel or resort.
• Executive Gambling Addiction Programs: Its for those who can't afford to live away from their work for weeks or months. Such programs are usually live weekend classes, where therapies are given only on weekends. 
• Outpatient Gambling Rehab: Its just like OPD in a hospital, where you don't need to get admitted. Here you just need to visit on regular basis for some therapies. Sometimes after attending a residential rehab program you need to attend Outpatient Gambling Rehab for some weeks or months. It helps in monitoring your progress.

Gambling Addiction Helpline and Hotline

• National Council on Problem Gambling, US: 1-800-522-4700
• California Council on Problem Gambling: 1-800-Gambler (426-2537)
• Gambling Helpline New Zealand: 0800 654 655, 8006 for texting
• Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ): 800-GAMBLER
• National Council on Problem Gambling, Singapore: 1-800-666-8668

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Ayurveda on Hernia Treatment

Some types are hernias are considered curable in Ayurveda while some don't. Incisional Hernia is one of those types which can't be cured by ayurvedic medicines. If there is no pain your hernia and its size is not large then surgery will not be suggested by any doctor. But your condition is severe then even the ayurvedic doctors will suggest surgery as the better option.

Ayurvedic Medicines for Hernia

There are various types of Hernia and therefore we can't suggest a single medicine for all types of hernias. Sometimes the ayurvedic medicine is given to give relief from some symptoms. For example constipation can cause some types of hernia and can make hernia worst, therefore ayurvedic medicines are given to get relief from constipation. If you think that those were medicines for hernia, then you are wrong. So its better to take prescription from an ayurvedic practitioner after describing your complete hernia condition. There is Hernia Ayurvedic Medicine Package available in the market, but we suggest you to consult a ayurvedic doctor before taking it.

Yogasans for Hernia Patients

Hernia Patients are not advised to practice hard yogasans. Only mild yogas and pranayams are advised for hernia patients. If you are a hernia patient and going to some yoga class then we advise you to tell it to your instructor. Some yogasans such as Chakrasana are never advised for hernia patients. Those yogasanas which exert pressure on abdominal region are harmful in hernia.

Those Yogasans that you can do with hernia are listed here. You should do these yogas under strict supervision and in case of any discomfort stop doing it.

Here is the list of yogansans for hernia patients:

• Sarvangasana
• Matasyasana
• Pawan Muktasana
• Utthan Pada Asana
• Pashchimotasana Vajrasana
• Shashanka Asana
• Ushtra Asana
• Pranayamas  such as Bhramari, Anulom Vilom
• Mudras such as Ashwini Mudra, Vajroli Mudra

Hernia: Symptoms and Treatment

Ayurvedic Advise for Umbilical Hernia

if the size of your Umbilical Hernia is less than 1 cm then it can be cured by yogasanas insted of taking medicines. A combination of proper diet and exercise is always a better thing to treat a health problem.
Yogasanas for Umbilical Hernia

• Uthitha Padasana
• Paschimottasa
• Pavanamuktasana
• Padahastasana
• Supta Vajarasana
• Uttana Padasana
• Savasana
• Yog Nidra

Pranayamas such as Ujjayi, Kapalabhati, Anulom Viloma are also better for Umbilical Hernia.
If size of Umbilical Hernia is more than 2.5 cm then surgery is advised.

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Hernia: Symptoms, Types, Treatment, Surgery and Prevention

Overview

Symptoms

Causes

Types

Treatment

Prevention

Hernia Overview

Hernia is a medical condition in which an organ pushes itself out of a weekened tissue wall or muscles. Mostly this condition occurs in abdominal region when intestine bulges out of abdominal region. There are various types of Hernia depending on the location of bulge. Sometimes it can be treated by medication, but in adverse conditions surgery is suggested immediately.

Symptoms of Hernia

Hernia usually occurs in two age groups. Before the age of one or after the age of Fifty. It doesn't mean that it can't happen in between. Everybody should have basic knowledge about Hernia and its symptoms. Sometimes kids under the age of one can't tell it if they are having hernia. Its the responsibility of parents to notice the condition and immediately concern the doctor. Most of the symptoms of Hernia are self-diagnosable.
Here are a few symptoms of Hernia:

• A bulge coming out of body in Abdominal or Groin area. Location of bulge depends on the type of hernia.
• The pain in bulge may vary from mild to severe.
• The pain in the bulge increases with time if not treated.
• Abdominal discomfort and tenderness.
• Sometimes hernia can cause chest pain and pain with eating.
• Most commonly hernia occurs on right side of abdomen.
• Discomfort in coughing and going to toilet.

Ayurveda on Hernia Treatment

Causes of Hernia

• Some previous open appendectomy can cause Hernia.
• Sometimes its genetic and occur more often in certain families.
• Smoking is also considered as one of the factors.
• Hernia occur more often in obese people.
• Putting stress on abdominal muscles, such as heavy weight lifting can sometimes cause hernia.
• Constant constipation is also a risk factor for hernia.

Types of Hernia

Following Types of Hernia are based on the location of bulge.

• Inguinal Hernias: Its most common type of hernia. More than 60% of total cases of hernias are Inguinal Hernias. It occurs more often in men. There is a inguinal canal, where a man's testicles must descend before birth, it leaves a space in the abdominal wall. If this space is not sealed properly naturally, then at some point in life the intestine might try to come towards that space into the inguinal canal. Thats why its called Inguinal Hernia. If inguinal hernia occurs on both sides (both inguinal canal ) then its called bilateral inguinal hernias.
• Femoral Hernias: This type of hernia is more common in females. There is a space called femoral canal, a space near the femoral vein that carries blood from the leg. During Pregnancy or Childbirth the intestinal sac can drop into this femoral space due to pressure in the abdominal region. Femoral hernia can cause complications during pregnancy hence advised to repair as soon as they are noticed.
• Ventral Hernias: Also known by other name incisional hernia, occur on a site of previous surgery in the abdominal region. It can occur weeks, months or years after surgery.
• Umbilical Hernias: It occurs near the bellybutton or navel due to natural weakness from the blood vessels of the umbilical cord. Mostly it occurs before the age of one and resolves by the age of 3 or 4 years. But if it occurs in an adult, then it does not resolves itself and need medical intervention. Excessive coughing, obesity and pregnancy are some of the reasons behind the occurrence of Umbilical Hernias.
• Epigastric Hernias: This type of hernias are relitively uncommon and occur due to gaps and weakness in muscle tendons in the abdominal wall. Epigastric Hernias occur more in men.
• Hiatal Hernias: It occurs due to weakness in diaphragm, which is a group of muscle separating chest cavity from abdominal cavity. Its surgery is more complicated than other types of hernias.

Hernias can also be classified in two more ways.

• Reducible and Nonreducible Hernias: Reducible hernias are those which flattens when the person attains a certain position. Such hernias are not immediate danger to a person's health. While if the hernia doesn't flatten itself and has taken a prominent shape, then it called nonreducuble hernia. Nonreducible hernia often pains a lot and need immediate medical attention.
• Acquired and Congenital Hernias: Congenital hernia are present from child birth due to weakness of some tissues while Acquired Hernias are caused by our life-style such as smoking, weight lifting, constipation, pregnancy etc.

Treatment of Hernia

Mostly Doctors try to make your hernia condition better through lifestyle changes.

Lifestyle changes treatment of Hernia

• Eat lesser food at a time / Avoid heavy meals.
• Don't lie down just after having meal.
• Reduce Weight if your are overweight or keep your body weight in a healthy range.
• In case of Hiatal Hernias, stop consuming spicy foods, tomatoes and all such food items that can cause acid reflux or heartburn.
• Giving up cigarettes can also help in reducing the symptoms of Hernia. 

Treatment of Hernia through medication

Medication for Hernia treatment should be taken only on medical prescription. Some over the counter drugs like antacids, H-2 receptor blockers, and proton pump inhibitors can help in certain conditions.

Surgery to Treat Hernia

Sometimes surgery is suggested to treat hernia if it can't be treated with lifestyle changes. If your hernia is growing larger and causing pain then surgery is the only option to treat it. During surgery the hole in abdominal cavity is sewed with the help of some surgical mesh as a patch to repair the hole. Laparoscopic surgery is also done in some cases which require very short incision and takes lesser time to recover. Normal Surgery of Hernia takes upto 6 weeks to recover while laparoscopic surgery much lesser time to recover. In some cases of Hernia, such as Inguinal Hernia , lapraroscopic surgery is not suggested.

How to prevent Hernia

As somebody said prevention is better than cure, same is with hernia. A healthy lifestyle can help you in preventing the occurrence of hernia. However no prevention is 100% safety, as genetic reasons can't be avoided. But still we suggest following prevention to avoid hernia.

• Quit Smoking
• Treat constipation without any delay.
• Don't be obese. Obesity is a risk factor for Hernia, and being slim can prevent it.
• Never start Heavy Weight Lifting suddenly. Increase the weight gradually.
• Don't take any bulge in abdominal area as normal. Proper treatment on time can save you from surgery.

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Bed Bug Bite Treatment

Bed Bugs

Bed Bugs are little pests often found in bed, chairs, carpets and other furniture. The main reason of their production is uncleanliness and unhygienic conditions in a home. People often come to know of their existence once they get a beg bug bite. Usually these bites are never a single bite but a bunch of bites.

Beg bugs mostly feed on human blood. Due to this reason they try to hide in furniture, especially in bed and most feed between 3AM to 6 AM. Here we will provide you some easy Bed Bug Bite Treatment.

Bed Bug Bite

Bed Bug bites are usually red and itchy. Mostly bed bug bites are found in a row unlike the mosquito bites. They usually bite on arm, shoulders and neck.

Beg Bug bite is not taken as a serious thing as they disappear after a few week except in some cases where they cause some allergic reactions.

Bed Bug Bite Treatment

• Usually bed bug bite don't need any special treatment. But you can use antihistamine pill or cream such asdiphenhydramine (Benadryl). Never scratch the bite mark as it can cause bacterial infection.
• Make a thick paste of baking soda and water. Apply it on bed bug bites and leave it there for at least 2 hours and then wash it off with warm water.
• In some rare cases bed bug bite can cause allergic reactions, so if you think that you are feeling it much more itchy then contact a doctor.
• If a secondary bacterial infection occurs in the bed bug bitten skin then doctors might prescribe some anti-bacterial ointment or some oral antibiotic. 
• Corticosteroid creams (hydrocortisone) can also help some people.

Some Unknown facts about Bed Bugs 

• These nasty bugs can survive upto an year without eating or feed anything.
• Bed Bugs can reproduce three generations in an year.
• Bed Bugs can suck human blood upto seven times of their own weight.
• Beg Bugs try to avoid sucking the blood of smokers and drinkers (they know whats better).
• Beg bugs move so fast that they can go from one end of a bed to another within five seconds.
• Bed Bugs usually feed between 3AM to 6AM.
• A room or bed infected with Bed Bugs usually smell like a mixture of raspberries and almonds.

Best Hiding places of Bed Bugs

Bed bugs show some intelligent behavior and try to hide near the sleeping places of humans. They usually hide at following places in your home.

• Under the mattress
• In cracks of furniture
• Under the carpet
• On edges of curtains
• Behind the wallpapers

Apart from these places there are some more places outside your home where bed bugs exist. These places are

• movie theaters
• office buildings
• laundries
• shelters
• transportation vehicles

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Dengue Ayurvedic Treatment

Ayurveda is considered as one of the most reliable therapy by a millions of people around the globe. People often search for ayurvedic treatment for Dengue Fever. Here we will try to provide in-depth information about Dengue ayurvedic treatment.

Ayurvedic Name of Dengue Fever: Dandak Jwara (दंडक ज्वर )
Other Names : Dandy Fever, Breakbone Fever

Dengue Ayurvedic Treatment

Some of the commonly used ayurvedic treatment for Dengue fever are given below.

• Mix 360 mg of Shunthi Churna with 125 mg of Hinguleshwar and now take this mixture at least 4 times daily with hot water or milk. Shunthi is ayurvedic name of Ginger which is known for various medicinal properties. Hinguleshwar Ras contain heavy metal ingredients and it is usually used to treat body-ache and headache. This medicine should be taken strictly on prescription of an Ayurvedic Doctor.
• Tulsi (Holy Basil) leaves are also used in Dengue Fever. Tulsi leaves provide soothing effect on nervous system and strengthen the stomach.
• Fruits rich in Vitamin C should be given to patient. Vitamin C helps in better absorption of iron from the food consumed.
• Coriander leaves (हरा धनिया ) is also used to get relief from dengue fever.
• Papaya leaves are also considered as a good medicine by some Siddha physicians of South India. There is no studies to support this belief but people say that platelets count increase after taking papaya leaves.
• Goat milk is also considered as a good alternative to increase platelet count which usually decreases in  Dengue fever.  

You must consult an ayurvedic doctor before applying any of the above given treatments for Dengue Fever.

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Slipped Disc in neck Symptoms, Exercises and Recovery Time

Slipped Disc is one of the major causes of continuous pain in neck. In medical terminology Slipped Disk in Neck is known as Cervical Disc Prolapse. In the following article we will explain what is Slipped Disc in Neck, what are its symptoms and how much time does it take to recover.

Slipped Disc in Neck

Discs in our spinal cord are the cushions between the bones which helps in bending forward and backward. These discs also absorb the shock to secure our spinal cord. When these discs are reduced in size or misplaced from their actual position due to continuous pressure or improper posture then it is called slipped disc. Slipped Disc in neck most affects those people who do long sitting jobs, especially those who work on computers or laptops. Don't get frightened if you use one.

The image on left side shows what happens to the spinal disc (blue colored discs are normal while red colored disc is slipped disc). Its just an illustration, not the actual color of discs.

Slipped Disc in Neck Symptoms

• Sudden or gradually increasing neck pain
• Stiffness in Neck
• Severe Pain that radiates towards Arm, Forearm and fingers.
• Sometimes some particular neck movement makes the pain worst.
• Numbness, Tingling or Weakness in Arm and forearm.

Slipped Disc in Neck Exercises

There are some simple exercises that you can do at home to get relief from slipped disc in neck. Some of them are mentioned below.

• Sit straight and turn your head towards left. Put some pressure on your chin by using your left hand to turn it a little more. Hold it for twenty seconds and then repeat it on right side. Do it for 5 to 10 minutes.
• Sit straight and bend your head on left side, till your ear touches your shoulder. Use some pressure on your temple by using your left hand to bend it a little more. Hold for 20 seconds and then repeat it on right side.Do it for 5 to 10 minutes.
• Sit Straight and bend you neck straight so that your chin touches your chest. Hold for 20 seconds and then come back to relaxing position. do it for 5 to 10 Minutes.

If you feel pain discomfort or pain in any of these exercises then don't do that particular step.

If you are an Athlete and suffering from Slipped Disc in Neck then there following three exercises for you:

1). Wall Stretches

Stand near a wall and put you arms and shoulders against the wall and push your hips towards the wall till you are comfortable. If you feel some pain the pause little bit before it to be comfortable. Wait for few seconds and then return to normal position. Repeat it 10 times. 

2). Medicine Ball Bounces

It makes spine flexible and warm up the muscles. You have to sit on the Medicine Ball and then bounce up and down at a moderate rate. Don't go too fast as it may increase the pain. If you don't have a medicine ball then you may do it on the side of a bed with some support. Bouncing for 5 minutes is sufficient.

3). Trampoline March

Stand in the middle of the Trampoline and start spot point running  at a slow speed. Don't go fast, as it may harm. Do it for 10 Min.

These exercises heal slipped disc in neck at a quicker rate.

Slipped Disc in Neck Recovery Time

Usually it takes 5 to 10 days for a slipped disc in neck to recover. If you are doing the exercises mentioned above then you may recover early. Apart from these exercises don't put any pressure on your neck. Always use a support for your neck while working. Also make sure that you don't carry much weight during these days. But if you think that your condition is not improving or becoming worse with time then consult a doctor.

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Acne Treatment, Home Remedies and Medicines

Acne, medically known as acne vulgaris, is a skin disease involving sebaceous glands and hair follicles. When the sebaceous glands become overactive or inflamed, the pimples or nodules appear on skin. It is a life threatening, or a very alarming disease yet it has a lot to do with the self-esteem. Teenagers are one who is affected most by acne. It causes scars on the face, neck, chest and shoulders that interfere with good looks. It is one of the causes of persistent stress for many young ones.

What causes acne?

It is necessary to know the causative factors of acne in order to get rid of this disease. The main factors that precipitate the acne are:

• Increased oil production
• Bacterial residing in skin
• Hormonal changes (increased androgens)
• Skin irritation due to imbalance shedding or environmental factors
• Genetic causes
• Increased number of sebaceous glands
• Dirt
• Stress
• Cosmetic products
• Drugs (such as steroids)
• Greasy and junk foods

Treatment of acne

The main theme of acne treatment is to lower the oil production, to control the sebaceous glands, to avoid the hair follicles’ irritation and to keep the hormones in a balance. Most of us want an over the night treatment but it is not possible. It takes about 3 months to cure the acne.

Home Remedies

There are a lot of easy things that can eradicate your acne problem. These are cheap and easily available methods without any side effects. Some main natural remedy tips are:

• First of all, have a look at your diet. Is it balanced? Food has a lot much to do with our hormones and natural hygiene of body. So take a well balanced food containing fruits and raw vegetables.
• Apply lemon juice or fresh squeezed lemon on your skin. Lemon is antibacterial because of its acidity, so it can help clear your skin.
• Tea tree oil is also an antibacterial and is very useful in getting rid of acne.
• Honey is both an antiseptic agent and also a good moisturizer. Hence, it can also be very helpful in case of acne.
• Cucumber, orange peel and grapes are rich in vitamin C and are effective in treating acne.

Medicines

The medical treatment becomes compulsory in case of very severe acne. It may include:

• Topical agents: There are some products available that you put on your affected skin and get desired results. Commonly used topical agents include sulfur, salicylic acid, benzyl peroxide, tretinoin and some other antibiotics.
• Oral drugs: In case of severe acne, several oral medications are also used to decrease the bacterial growth. Drugs are also given to reduce the inflammation along with topical creams.

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Hyperaldosteronism Or CONN's Syndrome Explained and Treatment

Aldosterone is a mineral corticoid produced and released from the most superficial layer or zona glomerulosa of adrenal cortex. Cortisol which is a glucocorticoid and de-hydro-epiandosterone which is a sex hormone is produced and released from the deeper layers: zona fasciculata and zona reticularis of the adrenal cortex.

• In the cells of zona glomerulosa aldosterone is synthesized and released: 
• Cholesterol is taken from low density lipoproteins by the mitrochondria. 
• Cholesterol is converted to pregnenolone in mitrochondria. Pregnenolone is then taken up by endoplasmic reticulum and converted to progesterone. 
• Progesterone is converted to deoxycorticosterone in endoplasmic reticulum.
• Deoxycorticosterone is again taken up by mitrochondria and converted first to corticosterone and then to aldosterone.

Aldosterone acts on the epithelial cells of distal convulated tubule, collecting tubule and collecting duct of nephrons. When aldosterone acts on an epithelial cell, it enables the excretion of potassium ions into the lumen and enables the reabsorption of sodium ions and water from the lumen into the interstitial fluid.

Aldosterone also stimulates cells of large intestine, mammary glands, sweat glands and salivary glands to do the same functions. Aldosterone function may also be performed by its pre-cursors de-oxy-corticosterone and corticosterone.

Prolonged aldosterone excess:

Hypernatremia (Increased concentration of sodium in blood) +water retention leading to hypertension, hypokalemia (decreased concentration of potassium in blood), alkalosis or formation of HCO3- due to excessive H+ excretion.

Prolonged aldosterone deficiency: 

Hyponatremia + water loss, hyperkalemia, acidosis or formation of H2CO3.

Coticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) released by the hypothalamus acts on corticotropes (CRH releasing cells) of anterior pituitary to release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ATCH). ACTH mainly acts on fasciculata and reticularis cells and causes release of cortisol and dehydro-epiandosterone. The secretion of aldosterone from glomerulosa cells is mainly stimulated by renin-angiotensin system, little by ACTH and hyperkalemia.

Renin-angiotensin system: 

It is performed by the juxta-glomerular apparatus. The juxta-glomerular apparatus consists of part of the distal convulated tubule that is surrounded by a V-shaped fork formed by the afferent and efferent arteriole moving to and from the glomerulus. The smooth muscles of the arterioles forming the V-shaped fork are called granular cells. During low blood pressure, the granuler cells produce a substance called renin. Renin converts angiotensin (a plasma protein found in blood secreted by the liver cells) to angiotensin1. When blood containing angiotensin1 passes through the pulmonary capillaries an enzyme there, angiotensin converting enzyme converts angiotensin1 to angiotensin2.

Angiotensin2 acts on smooth muscles of blood vessels causing their vasoconstriction. Angiotensin2 also acts on granular cells inhibiting renin release by negative feedback. It acts on liver cells and stimulates them to release more angiotensin by positive feedback. It also acts on glomerulosa cells and stimulates them to release aldosterone. Opposite to that, low angiotensin2 levels in the blood stimulate granular cells to secrete renin so that more angiotensin2 can be produced.

Low BP causes renin release so that there can be vasoconstriction. The opposite is also true i.e. inhibition of renin in response to high BP.

Causes of low BP: 

Dehydration, hemorrhage, shock, stenosis of renal artery or low BP caused by movement from supine to erect position.

Catecholamines can also act on beta adrenergic receptors on luminal surface of granular cells and stimulate them to release renin which causes production of angiotensin2. Angiotensin2 acts on smooth muscles of arteries and causes vasoconstriction.

Primary hyperaldosteronism or CONN’S syndrome: 

Characterized by increased Na+ retention, water retention, hypertension, increased ECF expansion volume, hypokalemia, and alkalosis. High blood pressure is detected by receptors on the luminal surface of granular cells, inhibiting renin production.

Diagnosis: plasma with increased aldosterone and decreased renin.

Causes of CONN’S syndrome:

• Adrenal adenoma. 
• Bilateral hyperplasia of adrenal glands which may be due to congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH): 

It is caused by genetic defect in one of the enzymes that converts 17-hydroxy-pregnenolone to cortisol. Decrease in cortisol stimulates the cells of hypothalamus to secrete corticotropin stimulating hormone (that in turn causes the release of ACTH) and the corticotropes to release ACTH. Excessive release of ACTH causes hyperplasia of adrenal cortex.

Secondary hyperaldostronism: 

Different from primary as plasma sample contains both high aldosterone and renin. It is due to hypersecretion of renin secondary to granular cell tumor or low renal perfusion pressure. Therefore it is characterized by hypovolemia while primary hyperaldosteronism is characterized by hyper-volemia. A third distinguishing factor is that alkalosis is seen in primary but not in secondary because due to hypervolemia HCO3- is excreted in urine.

Treatment of primary and secondary hyperaldosteronism: 

It is aimed at decreasing the levels of aldosterone to decrease the symptoms. Aldactone is a drug mainly given for primary hyperaldosteronism. It competitively binds with aldosterone sensitive receptors on epithelial cells of distal convulated tubule and acts as an antagonist causing excretion of Na+ and water while retaining K+ and H+. In CAH cortisol is injected which inhibits corticotropin releasing hormone by negative feedback. The glomerulosa cells can detect both high levels of aldosterone and cortisol and in response the cells inhibit aldosterone release. In normal physiology an enzyme secreted by the granular cells binds to cortisol and does not allow it to perform its inhibitory effect on zona glomerulosa cells so that cortisol levels have no regulatory action on aldosterone. Glycirrhizic acid injected into plasma can bind with the enzyme, letting cortisol free to act on zona glomerulosa cells and inhibit release of aldosterone. Following glycirrhizic acid injection, cortisol is given that freely performs inhibition of aldosterone.

In blood sample:
Primary hyperaldosteronism: decrease in renin due to negative feedback caused by high levels of aldosterone.
Secondary hyperaldosteronism: increase in renin due to low BP.
Pseudo-hyperaldosteronism: hypertension, hypokalemia and acidosis are the symptoms but plasma levels are not high in aldosterone. It is due to genetic defect in the Na+, K+ and H+ pumps in distal convulated tubular cells that are retaining Na+ and excreting K+ and H+.

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Home Remedy for Heartburn

Heartburn

Heartburn is one of the worst pains that one has to undergo face now and then. It is the burning feeling that a person has to face this takes place when the food comes back into the esophagus. The food in the stomach sometimes comes out along the esophagus into the mouth, in that occasion the acids in the partly digested food make the pain in ones chest or throat. It is named by the doctors as pyrosis cardialgia or in other words acid ingestion. A person should take suitable advises from the doctor if the symptom occurs more than once a month or less times per week. The person can get the relief from a home remedy. It will save a lot of money for the doctor as well as swallowing number of pills. But if there are more than once a month, the person said to be chronically ill and he or she has to take the medicine.

Medicine for the Acid Ingestion or Heartburn

As there are millions of the victim of these diseases, they have been treated with many types of remedies. For a person who is suffering chronic, it is better to follow the doctors’ advice and use medical therapy. Those patients are advised to use antacids, H2 blockers and the photon pump inhibitors. It is not advisable to treat the patients of heartburn with home remedies or the treatments. Before practicing the home made treatments or therapies the patient must get an understanding about his or her illness. Those treatments are given for the occasional illnesses. He or she must get proper treatment otherwise the situation will be increased into the serious level. The serious level is gastro esophageal efflux disease.

Some successful home remedies for Heartburn

• There are some food items that increase the rate of the disease. So it is advisable to refrain from those kinds of food items. They are food as well as beverages too. The person must not take citrus fruits, citrus juice. Chocolate, peppermint, tomato based food products and drinks with caffeine.
• Do not go to bed 2 or 3 hours after a meal.
• The food can go into the stomach after 2 or 3 hours, so that it will not come back. The person should keep the head in an elevated position in order to prevent the food coming back along the food pipe.
• The person should not smoke, as the smoke increases the acid secretion in the stomach.
• The patient can use a small amount of Baking Soda, as it has antacid features. But it should be used carefully.
• Banana is a natural antacid agent; therefore the patient can gain satisfactory results by eating bananas. The people, who eat one or two bananas a day, are free from heart burn.
• Another age old treatment is ginger. It can be used in the cooking, as a drink with tea or eaten raw. Many patients are used to consume this traditional remedy to get away from the burning pain of heartburn.

There are many more home treatments of this particular disease, but they should be practiced in a very careful manner. A particular treatment will be the reason for improving another type of symptom, so it is better to practice these things in the perfect manner.

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Home Remedies for Gout

The human body is a creation of the superior knowledge and experiences of the Mother Nature. The systems are interrelated and work as a complex machine to maintain the body. But sometimes this marvelous machine also goes out of the proper track and Gout is one such occasion.

Gout Disease 

The uric acid is created in the process of respiratory process of the body and it takes all the effort to remove this acid out of the body, but in some cases it has become an impossible task for the human body to remove this uric acid, the acid turns into tiny crystals inside the tissues and they deposit in various tissues of the human body. These crystals may become problematic when they deposit in the joints of the human body. In certain situations it causes a great pain and joint inflammation takes place. This situation is known as arthritis by common people. The function of the kidneys’ is also reduced by the gout.

Home Remedies for Gout

• Mother Nature has provided the people the medicines too. The fruits can reduce the gout in a considerable extent and make the patients to have a sigh of relief. The cherries and pineapples are the best treatments for the gout and they will remove the pains in a very short time. The fresh fruits are the best but if they do not have in the area the frozen fruits can be used. Those fruits can lower the pain and they help to reduce the inflammation.
• The water can do a great service to give the relief to the patients. The uric acid crystal is formed as a result of a less hydrated situation of the body. If he or she takes ample water the gout symptoms will not bother the patient. Some people do not take water instead of that they turn towards soda and other beverages, but that is not practicable. He or she must take water.
• The grapes are very useful to fight gout, as they have special chemical, which reduces the concentration of the uric acid. So by eating fresh or frozen grapes, the patient can observe positive changes in his body.
• The food can do a great service to get rid of the gout. Grains, seeds and nuts can do a great service in the body in order to cure gout; they can neutralize uric acid in the body. The berries are very good in the process of healing they have vitamin C and some important minerals.
• Running cold water on the afflicted area is another natural method to cure gout. It is known as the hydrotherapy. The pain and swelling can be reduced by soaking the relevant place with cold water.
• The affected place must be rubbed by using juniper oil. This method is also very popular among the people, who are suffering from gout.

Note : The main reason for gout is not taking enough water, so it is advisable to take ample water in order to refrain from gout.

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Enema Kits for Kids and Adults | Extreme Constipation Treatment

Enema is a medical term. To be more precise it is a medical therapy quite popular in medical science. For this therapy special type of kits are available in the market known as enema kits. The process of enema is usually carried out in the supervision of an expert practitioner but with the help of enema kits one can take the advantage of this medical therapy at home. In these enema kits a special type of liquid used for the therapy is present along with the device needed for this action. The kit also contain a paper with instructions clearly written on it so that any one at home can easily carry out the process of enema. Enema therapy is used for curing constipation and encropresis patients. The process involves inserting liquid via anus to the rectum and colon of the large intestine. In doing such, according to medical science, the problem of constipation gets resolved as the liquid exerts force and pressure inside the tract of the large intestine resulting in bowel movement within the tract and ultimately leading to excretion.

Records prevailing from the olden times

It is found that the process of enema existed in the olden times and was widely used by the people then. Let us read a gist on the history of enema.

1. A special type of syringe called clyster syringe was used for this purpose in the 17th century in Greece. To be accurate, this process of cleaning of intestinal tract was carried out by this clyster syringe, a type of syringe with nozzle to force out the liquid from the device and inject it to the anus.
2. This syringe was in use from the 17th century till 19th century. In the preceding part of the 19th century this clyster syringe got replaced by enema bulb syringe. This device had got a bulb of rubber at the end where the liquid was filled and at the other end a thin nozzle was fitted. The rubber bulb was needed to be pressed which would release the liquid into the tract through the nozzle. The nozzle would then be pushed in through the anus.
3. In ancient times, the patient suffering from bowel problem was kneeled down with their bumps facing upwards, then the apothecary used to push the nozzle inside the anus and injected the liquid
4. Unlike olden days, enema kits are now available in the market for carrying out this process at home without the need to visit a doctor.

Some facts about Enema

The other facts related to the process of enema are-

• It is mainly used in place of a laxative as laxatives are taken orally which need time to act, whereas the process of enema gives result instantaneously. Nothing harmful gets mixed up with the blood. Taking pills orally mixes with the blood and the effect is also seen slower to that of the enema.
• The liquid that is used in this process for cleaning rectum and colon consists of water which primarily works as regulator in the act of cleaning. This liquid can also be made of water with baking soda in it or by adding mild hand soap in the water.

While buying enema kits from the market one should definitely check the manufacturing and expiring dates of the kits and read the instruction manual well.

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How LASIK Operation is Performed by an Ophthalmologist

LASIK or also known as Laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis, a sprouting technique in the field of ophthalmology that deals with treatment and fixing eye defects such as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. Among these eye problems, they have different characteristics that distinguish one from another. Thus, different processes by the help of this technique are required in each case. Often ophthalmologists are specialized on a certain area of defect.Because it is simpler to grasp the field of expertise without any other mixture of ideas and theories of other defects and also it takes specialization to master the topic. But some prefers to be a general ophthalmologist when he or she is dealing minor cases of surgeries or vision correction process. 

Just like in myopia or the nearsightedness, it is a correctable eye defect that arise from a condition that sunlight or light waves pass to the eye but as it penetrates continuously, the fraction of lights went to a wrong direction not in the center of retina going to the optic nerve necessary to relay the image to the brain. Because of this condition small amount of lights are recovered, that is why people having like this eye defect are having a hard time to focus standing far from objects because it seem to look blur or something that cannot readily understood. Thus to cope from deficiency, these people are going nearer to have focus and to see clearly the objects with details. Using LASIK it is corrected using refractive surgery which means to move again until it reaches the center where light supposedly must enter.

However, in Hyperopia there is also a specific method to follow in fixing or when having a LASIK surgery dealing this kind of eye defect which is far different from Myopia. Hyperopia is generally caused by an imperfect eye,an eye which has an abnormal structure that might result to embossed and short eyeballs or may rise from unrounded cornea. Due to these characteristics of eyeballs, it is difficult for a person to observe objects nearly because as he or she comes nearly, image went blur because of his or her lenses and also he or she cannot focus well that makes them easily dizzy. So the thing they will do is to look the object at a distant to view the image clearly. Using LASIK surgery, corneas are treated using the microkeratome technique. A technique using sets of incision patterned to a spokes wheel to carefully adjust the cornea and from the time the glass will be remove from incision, the cornea will heal and will be formed on a round shape. 

Ophthalmologist are required to be registered and expert before doing the surgery because a single mistake might lead the patient to a total black out and will lose the opportunity to see normally the same with people having a normal eyesight. And these ophthalmologists are also required to perform the surgery using sterile equipment and good physical condition to estimate laser emission and also to avoid inaccuracy while incising foreign objects to the eye.

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Postpartum Depression and Effects of Yoga in its Treatment

What is Postpartum Depression ?

Having a baby is a momentous and joyous occasion – and a huge life change. In addition to the usual stress that accompanies a newborn child, many women suffer from postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is a mood disorder that begins after childbirth. Women who suffer from postpartum depression often experience crying spells, episodes of anxiety, poor mood and feelings of hopelessness 
Postpartum depression varies in severity and might affect up to 1 in 5 women. Traditional methods for treating postpartum depression include: medication, diet, exercise, and hospitalization in severe cases. Recent studies have shown that yoga is highly beneficial to mothers suffering from postpartum. Mothers with postpartum who have practiced yoga have reported improvements in their overall wellbeing.

How Yoga Helps in Treatment of Postpartum Depression

1. Relaxation

Yoga is excellent for stimulating the para-sympathetic nervous system. This engages the “rest & restore” response (the opposite of “fight or flight”). Movement in combination with breathing exercises and meditation aid in focus and help the practitioner to relax and let go of stress. Stress is known to intensify postpartum effects. By effectively managing their stress though yoga, mothers with postpartum depression can begin to assert control over their emotional wellbeing.

2. Self-Image

Women often feel pressure to quickly lose the weight gained during pregnancy. A new mother struggling to regain her pre-baby body can easily develop a poor self-image. Mothers who suffer from a poor self-image are more likely to experience the effects of postpartum depression. When mothers spend time listening to their bodies & meeting their own physical needs as they do in a yoga class, they have more internal resources to put the pressure to lose weight from outside sources into perspective.

3. Balancing Hormones

Perhaps the most interesting way yoga combats postpartum depression is by supporting the body’s endocrine system and in turn balancing hormones. In a recent study conducted by the University of California, Irvine, it was found that postpartum depression is caused by a chemical imbalance. The endocrine system is responsible for releasing and balancing the body’s hormones. Yoga supports the endocrine system and even prompts it to release endorphins into the body which elevate mood. A properly functioning endocrine system will regulate mood, metabolism, aid in digestion and stress management. For a mother suffering from postpartum depression a functioning endocrine system is vital.
Yoga is a holistic practice, incorporating the mind and body. Those who choose to practice yoga regularly make a commitment to self-awareness and self-care. By becoming more aware of and caring for both body and mind, mothers may ease the effects of postpartum depression or even cure themselves completely.
If you've experienced postpartum depression, what did you do about it? Did you practice yoga during that time, and if so, did it help?

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