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8 easy home remedies for sinus infections

8 easy home remedies for sinus infections

Sinus infection or sinusitis is usually triggered by colds or allergies. The condition clogs up the nasal passage with fluids, swelling the tissues and causing pain in the forehead, ears, or teeth. Additionally, one may have a fever, cough, or feel pressure on their face. Sinus infection is curable, but prompt treatment is advised to avoid worsening the symptoms. Here are some home remedies one can try to manage the condition better.

Ginger tea
Ginger is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties that can relieve sinusitis symptoms like swelling and redness. So, a glass of hot, ginger-infused water can be beneficial.

Warm compress
Heat melts tough sinus infections, relieving pressure and inflammation in the affected areas like the forehead, nose, cheeks, and head. Here, one can try a simple home remedy of dipping a clean washcloth in hot water, wringing it, and placing it on the affected areas. One can repeat the process until the pain is relieved.

Essential oils
Essential oils are extracted from plants and are antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. Peppermint, rosemary, tea tree, and eucalyptus are some popular oils used to relieve sinusitis symptoms. One can add a few drops of these oils to a steam bath or a diffuser and inhale the vapor.

Adequate rest
Uninterrupted deep sleep for at least 7 to 8 hours is crucial for the body to heal quicker when affected by sinusitis. While sleeping, the body produces more white blood cells. This, in turn, strengthens the immune system to fight off infection-causing viruses or bacteria. One should prop pillows under their head to prevent mucus buildup and a congested nose in the morning.

Hydration
Staying hydrated is important to keep the nasal passage moist and the mucus membrane functioning effectively. Water also helps the body to flush out toxins. Apart from water, one can choose fresh fruit juices and hot soups to stay hydrated.

Turmeric
Turmeric is another popular herb that has healing properties. Turmeric mixed with warm milk is a great home remedy for sinus infection, helping ease inflammation, cold, cough, and runny nose.

Steam inhalation
Steam inhalation is one of the quickest ways of clearing the nasal passage. This technique drains the mucus and relieves discomfort and inflammation caused by sinusitis. Inhaling the steam from pure boiling water can be beneficial. One can also add a few drops of essential oils to the water.

Humidifiers and vaporizers
Dry air tends to clog up the mucus membrane and worsen the irritation. Humidifiers and vaporizers release water vapor and spike moisture levels in the air. A humidifier lets out cool vapor, while a vaporizer releases warm mist. Keeping these devices in the bedroom overnight can help the mucus to loosen up by morning.

Apart from these home remedies for sinus infections, one should use doctor-recommended nasal drops or sprays for a quicker recovery. Nasal drops are designed to clear blocked nasal passages and reduce inflammation, pain, and discomfort. A severe infection can be a sign of chronic rhinosinusitis, a condition that lasts 12 weeks. In addition to nasal drops and home remedies, a healthcare professional may suggest antifungal treatment, saline nasal irrigation, immunotherapy, or even nasal-clearing surgery in extreme cases.

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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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Best and worst foods for lung health

Nutrition is integral to keeping one’s body healthy, including maintaining respiratory or lung health. Though several healthy lifestyle changes can help keep lung health in top shape, some specific food choices can further facilitate this by safeguarding one’s lungs from illnesses. On the other hand, some food items should be avoided entirely to ensure no infections or inflammation in the respiratory tract. Here are some foods that are best and worst for one’s lungs. Safe foods High fiber foodsThese include whole wheat foods like brown rice, wheat pasta, and even brown bread. Also, baked beans, quinoa, chia seeds, pears, broccoli, raspberries, peas, lentils, and black beans are excellent fiber sources. Research suggests that people who add more fiber to their meals are more likely to have better lung health than those who don’t include fiber. CoffeeThe caffeine present in coffee is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It also contains polyphenols which are a well-known antioxidant and are also anti-inflammatory. Research indicates that drinking some caffeine every day will keep your lungs healthy and fit. Whole grainsBarley, brown rice, whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta, quinoa, and even oats are good examples of whole grains. Besides being fiber-rich, they contain nutrients like vitamin E, essential fatty acids, and selenium. These foods are also known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. All of these nutrients are essential for keeping the lungs healthy. Green leafy vegetablesEating greens can never go wrong, and research suggests the same. Kale, swiss chard, and spinach are all great examples of nutritious leafy greens that must be added to the daily meal plan. Due to the high content of carotenoids, these foods are known to have excellent antioxidant properties, which help keep the lungs healthy and functioning well. Foods to avoid Sugary drinksStudies suggest that having too many sugary drinks, specifically having more than five sweetened drinks in a week, can lead to a higher risk of developing lung illnesses like bronchitis. Kids can even develop asthma due to drinking too many such sweet beverages. Nutritional experts advise switching these drinks to plain water or healthier beverage options like tea, smoothies, or vegetable juices. Excessively salty foodsSalt is an essential flavor in any dish, but too much salt can ruin the food and lung health. According to studies, people who overeat salty foods are more likely to deal with long-term bronchitis complications. High-sodium foods and meals can also increase the risk of developing asthma. It is advised that the daily salt intake should be restricted to 1500 to 2300 mg, but one should try to keep it at the lower limit. Processed meatsAnything processed is always bad news, and that mainly includes processed meats. Bacon, deli meat, ham, and sausage are all processed meats that should be avoided at all costs. Due to the high presence of nitrites in the meat, it is observed that they can cause inflammation that can add stress to the lungs. How these foods worsen lung function is reason enough to quit them for better respiratory health.

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What you should know about depression

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