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14 Home Remedies for Cold-Like Symptoms

14 Home Remedies for Cold-Like Symptoms

Feeling sick and congested is common during the flu season. The combination of fever, chills, body aches and nasal congestion can make anyone feel miserable. Fortunately, certain at-home remedies can relieve the symptoms, helping one return to their daily activities. These remedies can also alleviate cold and cold-like symptoms, like those of the flu. So here are some natural ways to manage cold-like symptoms, such as nasal congestion and sore throat:

Stay hydrated
One should have a lot of fluids, especially warm beverages, when they are affected by a cold, flu, or fever. Staying hydrated can help relieve congestion and keep the throat moist. So one can opt for water, sports drinks, herbal tea, and fresh juices. However, caffeinated beverages like coffee, tea, and sodas can cause dehydration, worsening the symptoms.

Get adequate rest
Dealing with an infection like Covid or the flu can drain one’s energy, leaving one feeling tired. So, to allow the body to combat the underlying infection, one must give it the rest it deserves. Those dealing with cold, flu, or other infections should take a break from school and work and rest to speed up recovery. As infections can be contagious, one should stay indoors and isolate themselves to avoid spreading the illness.

Gargle with warm salt water
Warm salt water can moisten the scratchy and sore throat and offer temporary relief. One can add half a teaspoon of salt to eight ounces of warm water and garage with it four times a day till one’s health improves. Further, gargling or having warm tea can soothe the tickle in the throat.

Try steam inhalation
Inhaling warm steam or using a humidifier can help relieve the mucus buildup. It can also help one deal with a cold by reducing the recovery time. Humidifiers convert water into vapor to moisten the dry air. So, when one breathes in moisture, it dislodges and thins the mucus. Additionally, it also helps soothe irritated sinuses. However, one should ensure that the humidifier is cleaned once in a while, or it can become a breeding ground for microorganisms like bacteria and mold, which can aggravate sinus issues.

Use a neti pot
A neti pot can help rinse the mucus from the nose. This tool is designed to help flush out phlegm. All one has to do is bend their head sideways over the sink and insert the neti pot spout in their upper nostril. Next, they should pour the saltwater solution into the nostril and let water flow out of the other nostril. Alternatively, one can use devices like pressurized canisters and squeeze bottles if they do not have a neti pot.

Choose foods with vitamin C
Vitamin C offers several health benefits. Some excellent vitamin C sources include leafy greens, grapefruits, oranges, limes, lemons, and other fruits and vegetables. Adding some fresh lemon juice and honey to hot tea can help reduce phlegm when dealing with cold and nasal congestion . Cold or hot lemonade can also be beneficial. Even though these drinks might not relieve colds entirely, they can help one get the vitamin C that the immune system requires. Getting adequate amounts of this nutrient can offer relief from respiratory tract infections.

Try beetroot juice
Beetroot has healthy nutrients and antitumor, antioxidant, and liver-guarding properties. Beets also help stabilize blood sugar levels, reduce blood pressure, and help improve cognitive and physical performance. Further, studies suggest that beetroot juice can help combat cold symptoms, especially among people with asthma.

Clear the nose frequently
This is the most straightforward technique to relieve cold and congestion. Blowing one’s nose can sometimes be better than sniffing the mucus back. However, one should be gentle and do not blow too hard as it can send the germ-carrying phlegm into the ear passages, resulting in ear aches.

Take hot showers
If one is looking for instant relief from all the viral symptoms, one should take a quick hot shower. Like steam and humidifiers, the vapors from hot water can help with a stuffy and runny nose. One should position their face directly into the steam for better results.

Add spices and veggies to meals
Some vegetables that help the immune system fight infections include broccoli and red bell peppers. Spices such as astragalus, garlic, and curry can also help with inflammation.

Use a warm compress
A warm compress helps unclog the stuffy nose by opening the nasal cavity and lowering inflammation. One can directly apply a hot compress to relieve cold-like symptoms. It will reduce the inflammation in the airways, making it easier to breathe.

Increase zinc intake
Zinc has a crucial role in strengthening one’s immunity and can prevent infectious agents like rhinovirus from reproducing and thriving. So, when one is affected by a viral infection, they can take zinc supplements or lozenges. In addition, adding zinc to daily meals can help relieve cold symptoms like sneezing and a runny nose in a day or two. However, one should seek expert advice on the dosage and type of zinc sources to consider.

Try cold compresses
If a sinus headache accompanies the cold, one can place a cold compress on the affected area to ease the symptoms by lowering the inflammation. One can make a cold compress by moistening a towel or cloth and freezing it for 15 minutes before placing it on the part of the body experiencing pain. When one has a fever, placing a damp and cool cloth on the forehead can help lower the temperature.

Try honey
Coughing at night can hamper sleep, making it difficult to get the rest one needs to recover. So, one can try some honey by adding a spoonful to lukewarm water. It may help soothe the throat and temporarily ease coughing.

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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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Causes and Warning Signs of Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer is a rare type of cancer affecting the thyroid gland, a gland situated at the base of the neck. The cause of the disease may not be known at the initial stages, but some environmental and genetic factors may lead to the onset. Some people may have the symptoms early on, while some may experience none. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of the silent warning signs to avail of timely diagnosis and treatment. Causes of thyroid cancer Unregulated cell growth When cells in the thyroid grow and divide at an abnormally fast rate, it can lead to the development of thyroid cancer. Genetic mutation Sometimes, a mutation in a gene can cause it to become faulty, leading to a higher risk of developing thyroid cancer. Radiation exposure Exposure to high doses of radiation, such as radiotherapy treatment, may increase the risk of developing thyroid cancer. Age Thyroid cancer is more common in people over age 45. Certain health conditions People with certain autoimmune disorders, such as Hashimoto's and Graves' disease, may be more likely to develop thyroid cancer. Additionally, those with goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland) or those who have previously been exposed to therapeutic levels of iodine (such as those undergoing health imaging procedures) may also be more prone to developing thyroid cancer. Silent warning signs of thyroid cancer Thyroid cancer is a severe condition. While it is relatively rare, it can be fatal if not detected early. Therefore, it's essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms of this condition. Here are some of the silent warning signs of thyroid cancer that should be not ignored: A lump in the neck One of the most common signs of thyroid cancer is a lump in the neck, either in the throat or below the Adam's apple. This lump may feel soft or hard, and it can be painful or even painless. It is usually painless and may only be noticed when you swallow. Pain in the neck Pain in the neck can also be a sign of thyroid cancer, although it is rare. This pain may range from a dull ache to a sharp stabbing pain and can worsen with movement or pressure. Swelling in the neck Swelling or enlargement in the neck can also be a sign of thyroid cancer. This swelling may cause the neck to appear larger than usual, and you may feel fullness in the throat area. Difficulty in swallowing Difficulty swallowing can also be a sign of thyroid cancer. This difficulty may occur when swallowing food or liquids and may cause a sensation like something stuck in the throat. Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck One of the most common silent warning signs of thyroid cancer is enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. Lymph nodes act as filters in the body and can become enlarged when cancer-causing cells affect them. Shortness of breath Shortness of breath may also be an indicator of thyroid cancer. As the tumor grows, it can begin to press on the windpipe, making breathing difficult. Hoarseness Hoarseness can also be a sign of thyroid cancer. The growing tumor starts putting pressure on the vocal cords, causing them to become inflamed, leading to hoarseness. Cough Coughing can be a potential symptom of thyroid cancer. While it is usually associated with more common illnesses like colds and the flu, it can also indicate a more serious underlying problem. A persistent cough, especially one that does not improve or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as a lump in the neck, should be evaluated by your doctor. Coughing can be caused by the enlargement of the thyroid gland, which can press on the airway, leading to difficulty breathing and coughing. Fatigue It is one of the silent warning signs of thyroid cancer. If you feel exhausted for extended periods and it doesn't seem to be due to any other underlying causes, such as lack of sleep or a busy schedule, it could be a sign that something is wrong. You may feel like you need more energy, and it takes more effort than usual to accomplish daily tasks. If you notice that you are feeling incredibly exhausted, you should get checked out by a doctor immediately. Nausea and vomiting Nausea is discomfort that often leads to a desire to vomit, while vomiting forces the stomach contents up through the esophagus and out of the mouth. In some cases, nausea and vomiting may be caused by changes in hormone levels due to thyroid cancer. How is thyroid cancer diagnosed and treated? Thyroid cancer is usually diagnosed with a combination of blood tests, imaging tests (such as a CT scan or an MRI), and biopsy. A biopsy is a procedure in which a small tissue sample is taken from the affected area of the thyroid and examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis of thyroid cancer. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the healthcare expert chalks down a treatment plan. Treatment options for thyroid cancer vary depending on the severity of cancer but generally include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or other supplements. Surgery is also a treatment procedure for thyroid cancer. During surgery, the surgeon will remove part or all of the thyroid gland and any surrounding lymph nodes and other tissues that are affected by cancer. This treatment option is used as a last resort when other or a combination of treatment methods fail to improve the affected person's condition.  Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays or different types of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Chemotherapy involves using prescriptions to kill cancer cells. Other supplements may be used to help boost the immune system, reduce symptoms, and/or improve the overall quality of life. No matter what treatment plan is chosen, it's essential to work closely with the licensed doctor to get the best possible care and outcome.

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