Believe it or not, a cough is the body's way to protect itself and occurs in perfectly healthy people. Coughing is much like a sneeze in that it is not voluntary. There are two different classes of nerves, that have endings in the lungs, which are responsible for causing us to cough.
When a person coughs, their body is trying to get rid of irritants in the air passages. Mucus is oftentimes the reason that a cough starts. The body initiates a cough in order to clear the mucus out of the air passageways. Amazingly, a cough can force air at speeds up to three hundred miles per hour.
If a person is not a smoker and their X-rays are clear then a persistent cough usually means one of three things. Asthma, post nasal drip or heartburn. Less often, it can be because of chronic bronchitis or a side effect from prescription medicines. Coughing can also be caused by an infection in your upper respiratory tract, pneumonia, tuberculosis or acute bronchitis.
For those of us who smoke, a cough is not something that is so unusual. Most smokers have a cough, or 'smoker's cough', that is the bodys natural way of getting rid of the excess phlegm that smoking causes. It is important to make sure that you quit smoking as soon as possible, especially if you cough a lot. Children are the king of coughs because their immune systems have not built up many immunities and they get sick, quite often.
Coughing can also be caused when we eat. The food goes down the wrong pipe and the epiglottis does it's job by keeping the food out of the trachea.
If you have a cough that has been going on for days and continues to get worse then you should go see a doctor. They will need to make sure that you are not dealing with some type of disease. If your cough has lasted in excess of 3 weeks then you could be dealing with several different things. The doctor will be the one to figure it out.
If you are coughing chronically then there is a high chance that you are dealing with some sort of disease. You can always use OTC cough suppressants to tame the cough down but this is not necessarily a good idea. It shuts down your body's defense mechanism and does not allow it to properly expel the mucus from your airways.
If you are looking for a natural cough remedy then there are several choices, for you. Herbs have an advantage over artificial cough suppressants in that they are gentle and have the ability to loosen phlegm while not drying out the membranes. Hyssopus Officinalis and Althea Officinalis are both beneficial to the health of your respiratory system and will make you feel better by soothing your mucus membranes.
Dee Braun, a single mom of 6, is a Cert. Aromatherapist & natural health practitioner. Click now to visit Natural Holistic Health Blog which offers info on more natural home remedies & healing techniques for common health, emotional ailments & conditions at http://www.Natural-Holistic-Health.com/
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Friday, January 15, 2010
Can Foot Orthotics Do You Any Good?
Do you know what orthotics is? You must have heard of foot orthotics but do you have any idea where the term came from?
Actually, orthotics is a general terminology for a health profession which is concerned with the development of orthoses. Orthoses are devices that support and promote correct musculoskeletal deformities or abnormalities. Orthotists are how you call the professionals engaged in the field. People who benefit from this science are usually those with orthopedic conditions like scoliosis, or fractures sustained from injuries or strokes. People with congenital abnormalities like cerebral palsy or spina bifida may also get substantial help from orthotics.
Now, perhaps the most commonly known orthotics is the foot orthotics. They provide relief to foot problems that are often painful (injuries). They are also great for people who stand or walk for long periods as part of their job or daily routine. In sports, these orthoses for the feet are known to help increase endurance, strength, and performance. You see, athletic people move a lot and give great amounts of pressure on their feet. Of course, slight imbalances in the feet are usually not harmful, however, repeated occurrences may cause injury. Orthotics work by doing away with the need for the muscles to compensate for the imbalances. This, in turn, will reduce foot fatigue and enhance muscle function, resulting to an overall better performance.
Overweight individuals also benefit from foot orthoses. They take advantage of them by letting the orthoses counteract the extra stress on the feet coming from their body weight. As you know, minor problems may aggravate when proper precautions are not taken. The legs can only support such weight to some extent. Eventually, they may have to give up.
As already mentioned, the science of foot orthotics is especially beneficial for alleviating and relieving foot fatigue. Sporty individuals and those suffering from overweight are not the only beneficiaries. People suffering from arthritis-old and young alike-are benefactors of this innovation too. Children with foot deformities may also be prescribed with orthoses. Orthoses are for all sorts of people.
If you haven't realized yet, foot orthotics can actually make a real difference in your life. Did you know that a lot of Americans miss their day at work simply because of foot problems? Just because they are foot problems do not mean they can be easily ignored. They can affect the functioning of other body parts like the knees, hips, and back. And when they do, you will fail to go on with your life as you used to or want to.
Foot orthotics are fast becoming important in feet and spine problems. To see if orthotics can help you, visit http://www.buy-foot-orthotics.com
Actually, orthotics is a general terminology for a health profession which is concerned with the development of orthoses. Orthoses are devices that support and promote correct musculoskeletal deformities or abnormalities. Orthotists are how you call the professionals engaged in the field. People who benefit from this science are usually those with orthopedic conditions like scoliosis, or fractures sustained from injuries or strokes. People with congenital abnormalities like cerebral palsy or spina bifida may also get substantial help from orthotics.
Now, perhaps the most commonly known orthotics is the foot orthotics. They provide relief to foot problems that are often painful (injuries). They are also great for people who stand or walk for long periods as part of their job or daily routine. In sports, these orthoses for the feet are known to help increase endurance, strength, and performance. You see, athletic people move a lot and give great amounts of pressure on their feet. Of course, slight imbalances in the feet are usually not harmful, however, repeated occurrences may cause injury. Orthotics work by doing away with the need for the muscles to compensate for the imbalances. This, in turn, will reduce foot fatigue and enhance muscle function, resulting to an overall better performance.
Overweight individuals also benefit from foot orthoses. They take advantage of them by letting the orthoses counteract the extra stress on the feet coming from their body weight. As you know, minor problems may aggravate when proper precautions are not taken. The legs can only support such weight to some extent. Eventually, they may have to give up.
As already mentioned, the science of foot orthotics is especially beneficial for alleviating and relieving foot fatigue. Sporty individuals and those suffering from overweight are not the only beneficiaries. People suffering from arthritis-old and young alike-are benefactors of this innovation too. Children with foot deformities may also be prescribed with orthoses. Orthoses are for all sorts of people.
If you haven't realized yet, foot orthotics can actually make a real difference in your life. Did you know that a lot of Americans miss their day at work simply because of foot problems? Just because they are foot problems do not mean they can be easily ignored. They can affect the functioning of other body parts like the knees, hips, and back. And when they do, you will fail to go on with your life as you used to or want to.
Foot orthotics are fast becoming important in feet and spine problems. To see if orthotics can help you, visit http://www.buy-foot-orthotics.com
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Causes of UTI
UTI occurs when bacteria gets into the urine and begins to grow. The infection usually starts at the opening of the urethra where the urine leaves the body and moves upward into the urinary tract. The bacteria is commonly known as E. Coli and is known to be the culprit in 90% of uncomplicated infections. The bacteria normally lives in the bowel and around the anus but can move from the area of the anus to the urethra.
You can do several things once you suspect that you have a urinary tract infection. One thing you can do that may help is to drink plenty of water and stay away from pop or other drinks that have sugar in them. Then, call your physician and make an appointment to find out if your suspicions are true. In addition, another home treatment that has been used to help with urinary tract infections is cranberry juice. Cranberry juice can sometimes be effective when dealing with a urinary tract infection. Cranberry juice has helped many and you can also buy cranberry supplements. For more complete and professional advice, speak with your physician.
Having good hygiene is important if you have a chronic UTI. Women should wipe themselves front to back when they use the bathroom. Women who have poor hygiene habits often wipe back to front which can cause fecal mater to enter the urinary tract. This creates bacteria in the urinary tract which causes recurrent urinary tract infections to occur.
When being treated with certain medications, the symptoms of urinary tract infections usually clear up in a few days; however, you may need to continue using medications for a week or longer, depending on how you respond to the medication. In additiion, your doctor may prescribe a pain medication that will help when there is pain with urination. One common side effect of urinary tract analgesics is discolored urine " bright blue or orange.
Drinking cranberry juice is beneficial to having a clean urinary tract. Think of the urinary tract the same way that you would think of a sink. If it gets clogged with bacteria too much then it will become irritated and will not function properly.
If you are experiencing pain and discomfort due to a urinary tract infection, you should try Urizol. Urizol uses a strategically mixed blend of herbs that attacks your bladder infection and gives you relief from the pain and burning as well. Urizol will help cleanse your bladder of the harmful bacteria and rid you of multiple symptoms using an all natural remedy.
You can do several things once you suspect that you have a urinary tract infection. One thing you can do that may help is to drink plenty of water and stay away from pop or other drinks that have sugar in them. Then, call your physician and make an appointment to find out if your suspicions are true. In addition, another home treatment that has been used to help with urinary tract infections is cranberry juice. Cranberry juice can sometimes be effective when dealing with a urinary tract infection. Cranberry juice has helped many and you can also buy cranberry supplements. For more complete and professional advice, speak with your physician.
Having good hygiene is important if you have a chronic UTI. Women should wipe themselves front to back when they use the bathroom. Women who have poor hygiene habits often wipe back to front which can cause fecal mater to enter the urinary tract. This creates bacteria in the urinary tract which causes recurrent urinary tract infections to occur.
When being treated with certain medications, the symptoms of urinary tract infections usually clear up in a few days; however, you may need to continue using medications for a week or longer, depending on how you respond to the medication. In additiion, your doctor may prescribe a pain medication that will help when there is pain with urination. One common side effect of urinary tract analgesics is discolored urine " bright blue or orange.
Drinking cranberry juice is beneficial to having a clean urinary tract. Think of the urinary tract the same way that you would think of a sink. If it gets clogged with bacteria too much then it will become irritated and will not function properly.
If you are experiencing pain and discomfort due to a urinary tract infection, you should try Urizol. Urizol uses a strategically mixed blend of herbs that attacks your bladder infection and gives you relief from the pain and burning as well. Urizol will help cleanse your bladder of the harmful bacteria and rid you of multiple symptoms using an all natural remedy.
About the Author:
Learn more about Naturally Treat Urinary Tract Infection- How Berries Beat the Uti Bacteria. Stop by our site where you can find out all about Acidic Diet For Urinary Tract Infections.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Should Children See Chiropractors?
While you may routinely seek chiropractic care for yourself, you may be wondering if it is safe for your child. Chiropractic and children work well together. Starting from birth, children subjected to chiropractic care can benefit greatly.
Newborns often experience spinal issues during the birth process. This stress can affect the developing nervous system, resulting in colic, sleep disturbances, nursing difficulties and breathing problems. A quick visit to the chiropractor can realign anything that is out of place and relieve many of these discomforts.
As babies grow, they have the possibility of being affected by spinal issues when they learn to hold up their head, when they learn to sit, to crawl and to walk. All the falls, bumps and just their normal activities have the potential to affect their spinal vertebrae. While the trauma may be minor, left to itself it may develop into a long-term problem as the child grows. A simple check up by a chiropractor will make sure everything is still in alignment for proper growth and development. This doesn't mean you need to rush your child to the chiropractor every time they lose their balance, but occasional preventative treatments can find and correct these issues before they create problems.
As a child grows and starts activities like skating, biking or sports, they may experience various traumas. Small misalignments may occur during these incidents that can potentially lead to more serious issues as they grow. A quick visit for a chiropractic evaluation now and then during these years can straighten these issues out before they become serious.
If a child is injured in a sports or car accident, this is an excellent opportunity to make sure their spine was not injured in any way. Many parents discover that occasional chiropractic adjustments will help with ear infections, asthma, allergies and even headaches. All of these issues could possibly be related to a subluxation (a spinal misalignment) or two. Parents are discovering that their children are no longer experiencing these problems after just a few visits.
It is important for parents to remember that chiropractors do not treat diseases or conditions. They merely check the spine for misalignments that affect the proper functioning of the nervous system. When the nerves are free to do their job, everything functions better.
When you decide take your child to a chiropractor, ask if the doctor regularly treats children and babies (especially their own). You may feel more comfortable with a doctor who treats children routinely. The doctor will take your child's case history and perform an exam to see if there are any issues with the spine that would prevent him or her from working on your child. All adjustments and examinations are gentle and are specifically done according to the developing status of the child's spine. Most children enjoy their visit to the chiropractor and look forward to the next appointment. Parents note that with regular chiropractic care, their children seem to be healthier than they were without this care.
While most spinal issues are next to impossible to ascertain for parents, there are a few signs to watch for. Child holds his or her head to one side consistently Restricted range of motion of the head or neck Sleeping patterns disrupted every hour or two Feeding difficulties in infants
Persistent earaches, sore throats, colic, headaches, bedwetting and growing pains may all be signs of minor subluxations of the spine.
Newborns often experience spinal issues during the birth process. This stress can affect the developing nervous system, resulting in colic, sleep disturbances, nursing difficulties and breathing problems. A quick visit to the chiropractor can realign anything that is out of place and relieve many of these discomforts.
As babies grow, they have the possibility of being affected by spinal issues when they learn to hold up their head, when they learn to sit, to crawl and to walk. All the falls, bumps and just their normal activities have the potential to affect their spinal vertebrae. While the trauma may be minor, left to itself it may develop into a long-term problem as the child grows. A simple check up by a chiropractor will make sure everything is still in alignment for proper growth and development. This doesn't mean you need to rush your child to the chiropractor every time they lose their balance, but occasional preventative treatments can find and correct these issues before they create problems.
As a child grows and starts activities like skating, biking or sports, they may experience various traumas. Small misalignments may occur during these incidents that can potentially lead to more serious issues as they grow. A quick visit for a chiropractic evaluation now and then during these years can straighten these issues out before they become serious.
If a child is injured in a sports or car accident, this is an excellent opportunity to make sure their spine was not injured in any way. Many parents discover that occasional chiropractic adjustments will help with ear infections, asthma, allergies and even headaches. All of these issues could possibly be related to a subluxation (a spinal misalignment) or two. Parents are discovering that their children are no longer experiencing these problems after just a few visits.
It is important for parents to remember that chiropractors do not treat diseases or conditions. They merely check the spine for misalignments that affect the proper functioning of the nervous system. When the nerves are free to do their job, everything functions better.
When you decide take your child to a chiropractor, ask if the doctor regularly treats children and babies (especially their own). You may feel more comfortable with a doctor who treats children routinely. The doctor will take your child's case history and perform an exam to see if there are any issues with the spine that would prevent him or her from working on your child. All adjustments and examinations are gentle and are specifically done according to the developing status of the child's spine. Most children enjoy their visit to the chiropractor and look forward to the next appointment. Parents note that with regular chiropractic care, their children seem to be healthier than they were without this care.
While most spinal issues are next to impossible to ascertain for parents, there are a few signs to watch for. Child holds his or her head to one side consistently Restricted range of motion of the head or neck Sleeping patterns disrupted every hour or two Feeding difficulties in infants
Persistent earaches, sore throats, colic, headaches, bedwetting and growing pains may all be signs of minor subluxations of the spine.
About the Author:
Philip Vincent is a health educator. Need a Boise Chiropractor? Consider a visit to this Boise Chiropractor.
Friday, January 1, 2010
IBS Symptoms: Irritable Bowel Symptoms
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a disease that is estimated to affect 15% of the population in the United States today. There are many IBS symptoms that can help to diagnose the disease, but there currently is no cure. The disease is one that can easily be misdiagnosed and often is mistaken for other diseases it shares its myriad of symptoms with. IBS is often accompanied with several other painful or dehibilitating medical conditions, which can also make its diagnosis a more difficult task. IBS symptoms can be treated in a number of ways and although IBS and IBS symptoms can be painful and inconvenient the disease is not thought to be deadly.
There are several common causes of IBS, which includes stress, anxiety, certain types of food, depression, hormonal changes in women and using certain types of medications such as antibiotics. Unfortunately, there are no significant cures for IBS, however the disease can be treated naturally by using herbs and supplements. I would like to share several natural, yet effective treatment for IBS sufferers.
The best way to determine if you have spastic colon is to see your doctor. He or she will ask you questions such as when your symptoms started, their intensity and when they tend to ease and worsen. Based on your answers, the doctor will be able to make a clear diagnosis of spastic colon.
Although there is no cure for IBS, there are treatments. These treatments may include diet changes, medicines, and stress relief. Your doctor might be able to help you with a treatment plan to see what works best for you. Some things that work for one person do not always work for another.
Doctors really don't know what causes IBS, but some suspect that IBS may be stress related. When you have IBS the nerves and muscles in the bowel seem to be extra sensitive. The muscles may contract to much when you eat causing pain. These contractions may cause diarrhea while eating or shortly after.
Bavolex's natural ingredients work with the body to relieve IBS symptoms. Lemon balm helps to reduce indigestion and gas. Camomile helps to reduce stress and anxiety. Fennel seed helps to reduce intestinal spasms. Together with other soothing extracts, these ingredients form a highly effective weapon against spastic colon/IBS.
There are several common causes of IBS, which includes stress, anxiety, certain types of food, depression, hormonal changes in women and using certain types of medications such as antibiotics. Unfortunately, there are no significant cures for IBS, however the disease can be treated naturally by using herbs and supplements. I would like to share several natural, yet effective treatment for IBS sufferers.
The best way to determine if you have spastic colon is to see your doctor. He or she will ask you questions such as when your symptoms started, their intensity and when they tend to ease and worsen. Based on your answers, the doctor will be able to make a clear diagnosis of spastic colon.
Although there is no cure for IBS, there are treatments. These treatments may include diet changes, medicines, and stress relief. Your doctor might be able to help you with a treatment plan to see what works best for you. Some things that work for one person do not always work for another.
Doctors really don't know what causes IBS, but some suspect that IBS may be stress related. When you have IBS the nerves and muscles in the bowel seem to be extra sensitive. The muscles may contract to much when you eat causing pain. These contractions may cause diarrhea while eating or shortly after.
Bavolex's natural ingredients work with the body to relieve IBS symptoms. Lemon balm helps to reduce indigestion and gas. Camomile helps to reduce stress and anxiety. Fennel seed helps to reduce intestinal spasms. Together with other soothing extracts, these ingredients form a highly effective weapon against spastic colon/IBS.
About the Author:
Learn more about Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms. Stop by our site where you can find out all about Diets for Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
