Posts Tagged ‘Doctor’

What is the common cold, symptoms, timeline, etc ?

The common cold is something that infects a huge number of people at any point of time, especially when the weather changes or it starts getting colder. Rare would be the person who has not been affected by the common cold. So, what is the common cold ? What are the symptoms, and what is the problems that it causes in people ? How long does the common cold last ?
Common cold is caused by a type of virus known as rhinoviruses, and is a actually a combination of problems that affect the nose and the throat (infection of these passages). Some of the symptoms of the common cold are also similar to the symptoms of influenza, and to some extent, that of mild ‘strep’ throat (which is not caused by a virus, but by a bacteria). In all these cases, proper medical attention can distinguish between them. One of the biggest problems in terms of perception about the common cold is that increased exposure to cold weather causes the cold, but this is not backed out by medical facts.
What are the symptoms of common cold ? Some of the most indicators are: cough, nasal congestion, low fever (normally does not cross 100°F, but can go upto 102°F), and a running nose. Then there are other indicators such as mild aches, scratchiness in the throat, changed voice (temporary change), and sneezing (that leaves you weak when you do sneeze) and also a slight pain in the back when you laugh heartily (you actually beg for people not to make you laugh). A running nose is mentioned, but it is actually one of the biggest indicators. And then you have some side effects that really effect you in terms of your efficiency: tiredness / weakness, headache, occasional muscle aches, tears in your eyes; these latter set of symptoms actually set you back a lot in terms of your capacity to do any kind of work (when I get a cold, I get all of these, and then do nothing but relax at home, since working is impossible when these effects of the cold are at their worst).
Initially, the nose running is very clear for the first few days, and then starts thickening (and getting colored) up over a period of time as the body gets into the infection fighting mode. These immune cells, manufactured by the body to fight the infection, also end up in the discharge from the nose and cause the thickening and coloring up of the discharge. This last bit is somewhat controversial, since many doctors apparently consider the thickening and coloring up of the discharge as an indicator of a bacterial infection, and prescribe antibiotics, but most medical personnel have met have confirmed that the discharge having a color is not an indication that there is a bacterial infection along with the viral infection.
Why do believe that more cold weather can cause an increased chance of the common cold. Well, this is because these weather conditions are actually more conducive for the virus that causes the common cold (and the humidity levels in the atmosphere is also lower).
I hope the above information helps people. Keep in mind however, that other problems such as influenza have some common symptoms with the common cold and if your cold problem is not going away, it is essential that you consult your doctor and get more scientific advice besides trying to read up on the internet.

| More

If you found this post informative, why not sign up to receive new posts ?
It's simple, and free, and you can even opt to receive by email:
Subscribe in a reader
Subscribe to Good Health Tips by Email

What are different tips to keep a healthy liver?

After brain, liver is the next important organ in our body. Liver is responsible for many vital functions like detoxifying our bodies by breaking down chemicals, helps in digestion and metabolism, regulating production, storage and release of fats, sugar and cholesterol. One needs to be extra careful in keeping an healthy liver as it performs so many functions. Liver disease symptoms include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, pain in abdomen and jaundice.

A damaged liver cannot digest the fats it needs to absorb Vitamins A, D, E and K. A fatty liver is a disease that may lead to cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer.

To keep your liver healthy, one can keep in mind:
- Alcohol consumption should be controlled.
- Keep monitoring your weight. Obesity can lead to liver problems.
- A well balanced and an healthy diet should be followed.
- Stop smoking.
- Vaccination against Hepatitis B and C should be taken.
- Water intake should be increased.
- Sugar intake should be controlled.
- High salt or high fat content foods should be controlled.
- There are some foods that one is allergic to. Avoid eating those foods.
- Eat fresh food.
- Keep your intestines clean.
- Avoid eating when you are anxious or in stress.
- A more protein based diet should be followed.
- Get plenty of restful sleep.
- Maintain a healthy hygiene.
- Liver detoxification should be done.
- A safe sex should be practiced.
- Get tested for Hepatitis C if you have ever had a blood transfusion or organ transplant.
- Visit a liver specialist once in a year.
- Get regular health check ups.

What does the term Antibiotic Resistance mean? What are the causes and how it can be avoided?

Antibiotics are medicines that fight (or prevent) infections caused by bacteria, certain parasites and some types of fungus. When bacteria are exposed to an antibiotic various things can happen:
- they can be killed.
- they can be weakened or disabled.
- they can remain unaffected, or resistant.

Antibiotics should be taken when needed and not unnecessarily. Antibiotic resistance is becoming one of the world’s major problems. Antibiotic resistance is the ability of a bacteria or other microbes to resist the effects of an antibiotic.

If you take antibiotics that cannot fight the bacteria they are supposed to kill, your infection can last longer. Instead of getting better, your infection might get worse. At the same time, your family members or other people you come into contact with will be exposed to the resistant bacteria you have.

If not recognized until the initial course of antibiotics fails to work, the delay between initial diagnosis and the start of successful treatment can result in unnecessary suffering and a deterioration of the patient’s condition.

CAUSES OF ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE

- Antibiotics are meant to treat bacterial infections and not viral infections so do not take antibiotics to treat viral infections.
- Not finishing the full dosage of the antibiotic.
- Availability over-the-counter in many countries.
- Misuse by health professionals.
- Antibiotic application in agriculture, aquaria and family pets.
- Eating raw or undercooked foods.

HOW TO AVOID ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE

- Do not demand antibiotics from the physician.
- Complete the full course of antibiotic treatment.
- Wash your hands properly to reduce the chance of getting sick and spreading infection.
- Wash fruits and vegetables, avoid raw eggs and undercooked meat, especially in ground form.
- Discard any left over medication. Do not save it for the next time.
- Do not take antibiotics that have been prescribed for someone else; they may not be appropriate for you.