Headache

Common Cold – The common tips and tricks to prevent and treat common cold.

Common cold includes running nose, sore throat, coughing and sneezing. Many viruses causes common cold out of which rhino-virus is the most common type. The condition of the mucous that comes from the nose (commonly known as a runny nose) changes over a time period. In the initial days of the cold, the mucous is transparent, being just meant to wash germs from the nose. After a period of around two days, there is a fight back by the body’s immune system, which makes the mucous more white. As the helpful bacteria in the nose starts to come back, the mucous starts to get a tinge of green.

The symptoms of a common cold are running nose, sore throat, sneezing, watery eyes, headache and body aches, cough and stuffed nose.

For minor symptoms of common cold:
- Drink good amount of fluids and take a lot of rest.
- Take pain relievers and a decongestant but do not use if you have high blood pressure.
- For sore throat tea with honey relieves the dysphagia.
- Fresh air stimulates the circulation and provides oxygen to body.
- Lime Juice is the most effective remedy for common cold. Take a glass of lukewarm water and dilute the lime juice in it. You can add a tablespoon of honey to enhance its efficiency.
- Take steam for cleaning nasal and pre-nasal areas.
- Avoid the things that trigger cold.
- Try some breathing exercises for fresh air circulation.
- Wash hands very regularly.
- Do not touch your face, nose, ears, mouth as common cold spreads on touching.
- The disposable items should be used if someone in your family is infected.
- Maintain proper hygiene and healthy lifestyle.
- Emotional stress should be controlled.

Infection by cold viruses can be causes by either touching your skin or environmental surfaces that have cold germs on them and then touching your eyes or nose. It can also be caused by inhaling drops of mucus full of cold germs from the air.

See a doctor if temperature is higher than 100.4° F and the symptoms last more than 10 days and they are not relieved by over-the-counter medicines.

There is a common misconception that antibiotics can cure common cold. The fact is that antibiotics are used for treating a bacterial infection and not a viral infection. You should use antibiotics only when the doctor subscribes.

There is an important reason why colds are so common in children is because they are often in close contact with each other in daycare centers and schools.

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Headaches during Pregnancy – Causes and Treatment

It is common to have headaches during pregnancy, especially in the first quarter and if you have always been susceptible to them, pregnancy can worsen the problem. Headaches during pregnancy are even more painful because their treatment options are more limited. Some women who regularly suffer from chronic headaches, such as migraines, may have fewer episodes of them. Other women who rarely experience any headaches can have them all of a sudden.. And others, who are usually victims of pre-pregnancy, chronic headaches, can have even more.

Causes:
Many women experience headaches during pregnancy, especially in the first and third trimesters. The hormonal changes that affect estrogen levels, along with an increase in blood volume and circulation are the most likely causes.
Headaches during pregnancy are probably caused by hormones and changes in how blood circulates. If you have given to caffeine, it can also make the head pounds. Other possible reasons include fatigue, nasal congestion, high blood pressure, stress and hunger. Headaches can also be caused by excessive sun exposure and dehydration.
Migraines are different. Some women who experience migraines often find they have fewer problems with them during pregnancy. Others find that these painful episodes becoming more frequent and intense when they are pregnant.

Causes of more frequent headaches during pregnancy include:
- Stress, Fatigue
- Low blood sugar
- Dehydration
- Sleep disorders
- Sinus congestion
- Removal of caffeine

Treatment:
Most headache medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen are not recommended for pregnant women. Paracetamol, however, is considered safe for occasional use.
There are few things that can also be tried to cure the headache:

- A cold towel
Apply a warm compress around the eyes and nose for sinus headaches and a cold compress on the base of the neck for tension headaches.
- Treat the cold
Cod and stuffy nose can give you a headache. Try to ease the pain with a steam inhalation with one or two drops of peppermint oil added.
- Beat the heat
Sun exposure, use an umbrella or dupatta to cover the head andd sunglasses to protect the eyes from glare. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated too.
- Eat little and often
Blood sugar is a common cause of headache. Try eating small, frequent meals. If you are moving, keep some snacks (cookies, fruit, and whole wheat crackers) in the bag.
- Get a massage
Treat yourself and o for a professional massage and shampoo. Massage works especially well for tension headaches, which are based in the muscles of the neck, shoulders and back. If using essential oils, tell the provider you are pregnant. Some essential oils are best avoided during pregnancy.
- Undergo testing
Sometimes pregnancy can affect the eyes, causing headaches. A trip to the ophthalmologist can help.
- Alternative treatments
Experts believe that therapy color green calm of mind and is particularly effective for stress headaches. You can also try yoga and breathing exercises as Anulom viloma eliminate stress.

Some doctors approve taking acetaminophen (Tylenol), but should not take any pain reliever for headache pain, including herbal products, without first consulting a health professional.

While most headaches during pregnancy are harmless, others can be a sign of a more serious problem. In the second or third trimester, headaches may be a sign of preeclampsia, a serious condition that includes high blood pressure.

If you have a migraine for the first time during pregnancy, or if you have a headache that feels unlike any you’ve experienced before, call your healthcare provider to make sure it is not a sign of more serious problems.