• Allergy Relief
    Here’s what you need to know about the Influenza type B virus

    Generally known as the flu, Influenza is a form of respiratory infection that is triggered by flu viruses. There are 3 identified types of flu; i.e. A, B, and C. Type A is the most widespread variety of influenza that can be contracted via animals and is also known to cause epidemics.

    Similarly, type B is also highly contagious. However, unlike type A, type B only spreads via human contact. It is a misleading belief that type B is a comparatively milder form of influenza. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concludes that type B can be as severe as type A. Therefore, it is important to seek timely and proper treatment for this condition.

    Type C is the mildest kind of influenza, indicating one might not be critically affected by the symptoms.

    Symptoms of influenza type B virus
    An early diagnosis of influenza type B can prevent the condition from worsening and help the doctor adopt the most effective type of treatment. The primary symptom of flu is a high fever that could be as high as 106ºF. If the fever doesn’t come down within a couple of days, one should immediately seek medical assistance. Some of the other common symptoms of influenza type B are a sore throat, coughing, chills, fatigue, body ache, runny nose, and sneezing.

    Like a common cold, influenza can trigger respiratory symptoms that can include congestion, coughing, sore throat, and a runny nose. These might affect a person more severely, especially in cases, where the patient is already dealing with asthma. Such symptoms can also trigger an asthmatic episode. If left untreated it can lead to grave consequences such as pneumonia, bronchitis, kidney or respiratory failure, sepsis, or myocarditis (inflammation of the heart).

    In rare cases, the flu may cause abdominal pain and diarrhea. This might be more common in children and can be mistaken for a stomach bug. Additionally, kids may also suffer from symptoms like loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting.

    Treating type B influenza
    To treat type B influenza, a doctor might prescribe antiviral medications or pain-relievers to cut down the infection period and prevent the onset of any new complications. It is extremely important that you have plenty of hydrating fluids and get adequate rest to bounce back faster. If your child is exhibiting the symptoms of influenza, it is wiser to consult the doctor before trying any home treatment methods or remedies.

    One of the best ways to prevent type B influenza is by getting an annual shot just before the flu season.

     

  • Allergy Relief
    3 essential things to know about influenza type B virus

    Caused by flu viruses, influenza is an infection of the respiratory system. There are three types of influenza virusesA, B, and C. Each has different levels of severity and the treatment too varies accordingly. The symptoms and severity of influenza type A and B are nearly similar, while influenza type C is fairly mild. Read on to know more about what is the influenza type B virus, its causes, symptoms, and risk factors.

    Causes of influenza type B
    Flu caused by influenza type B virus is highly contagious and spreads from person to person. This is why flu outbreaks are commonly observed during a particular season, especially during winter. The flu spreads through droplets from a sneeze or cough of the person who is infected by the virus. In certain cases, the virus can spread by breathing in aerosols, which are small air particles. These particles have been known to travel nearly six feet after they have been exhaled by an infected person.

    Symptoms of influenza type B
    Influenza type B virus affects the respiratory as well as the digestive system. Some of the common symptoms include fever, chills, sore throat, coughing, runny nose, sneezing, fatigue, muscle aches, and body pain. The symptoms are often similar to a common cold. On the onset of flu, the respiratory system experiences congestion. A person will also experience a sore throat just before the flu hits them completely. There may be fever as high as 106F. Furthermore, a person with influenza type B flu may also experience chills, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and weakness.
    People with asthma need to be extremely careful and seek treatments as soon as possible. This is because influenza type B virus triggers asthma attacks and the symptoms become very severe. If flu caused by this virus is not treated on time, it may lead to many health complications such as sepsis, heart inflammation, kidney failure, respiratory failure, bronchitis, and pneumonia.

    Risk factors
    There are specific groups of people who may have a higher susceptibility to flu caused by influenza type B virus. Children between the ages of 2 years and 5 years have a high risk of contracting this flu. Similarly, adults who are older than 65 years are at a high risk. Residents of long-term care facilities and nursing homes are also susceptible to influenza flu due to the lack of fresh air and staying in air-conditioned rooms for long hours. Other risk factors include a weak immune system, obesity, and chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma, liver disease, and kidney disease. Pregnant women and women who are two weeks into postpartum are also highly susceptible to influenza type B virus.

     

  • Allergy Relief
    Foods that are effective for sinus drainage

    Sinus drainage treatments usually include excessive use of prescribed antibiotics along with techniques like nebulization, humidification, and the like. While these are the tried and tested medical sinus drainage treatments, many people rely on natural relief remedies including nasal irrigation, taking steams, and applying compresses. Apart from these home remedies, many sinus patients believe in eating foods that help relieve sinus symptoms and allow drainage. Here’s a list of the diet that can be incorporated to make sinus drainage treatments effective.

    Pineapple
    This food is known to be rich in antioxidants that help the delicate mucous membranes from any damage. Pineapple also contains enzymes that help break the congestion in the sinuses and reduces inflammation.

    Peppers
    Hot spices and peppers are known to clear the sinuses by giving them enough heat and effectively reducing pain and inflammation. While having peppers is one of the most trusted sinus drainage treatments, it is required that you do so in moderation.

    Garlic
    Onion and garlic are two effective components in the diet that help stimulate the sinus pathways. By incorporating these two elements in the diet, you can get quick relief to pain and inflammation. Apart from being one of the most useful foods that can be used in sinus drainage treatments, crushed and cut garlic has antifungal and antibacterial properties.

    Probiotics
    Fermented foods that contain enough bacteria help keep inflammation, fungi, and bacteria at bay. Vegans too can choose products that have enough probiotics including pickles, coconut yogurt, probiotic drinks, and the like.

    Have foods rich in antioxidants
    Since oxidation is known to contribute to chronic sinusitis adversely, it is important that you consume enough antioxidants so that the mucous membranes stay protected from radical damage. Fruits and vegetables like kiwi, berries, pumpkin, spinach, and the like help relieve sinus.

    Turmeric
    Quite like ginger, turmeric is an effective spice that has several health benefits including sinusitis relief. You can add turmeric to curries or water to effectively relieve your symptoms.

    Try to be dairy-free
    People with a tendency of sinusitis should avoid dairy as dairy products tend to thicken the mucus and facilitate microbial growth.

    Tea
    Warm, milk-less, herbal teas often help keep the nose moisten and carries the mucus away. Some of the common herbal teas that help relieve congestion include ginger, chamomile, holy basil, peppermint, and the like.

    Chicken soup
    The home-made chicken broth is one of the most popular sinus drainage treatments that is known to relieve congestion from all sinus points, chest, and even the upper respiratory system. A dash of pepper in the chicken soup can help alleviate symptoms of sinusitis.

  • Allergy Relief
    4 natural remedies for sinus drainage

    Everybody at some point in their lives struggles with a blocked or leaky nose that causes a lot of discomfort and uneasiness. When a runny nose is accompanied with puffy eyes and sore throat, the trouble only gets multiplied. People with sinus drainage issues, experience this discomfort several times throughout the year. Therefore, many sufferers resort to home remedies for sinus drainage treatments to get rid of the uneasiness. Some of these sinus drainage treatments have been listed below.

    Hydrate yourself well
    Drinking enough fluids is one of the essential sinus drainage treatments for instant relief. Additionally, running a humidifier or vaporizer may help thoroughly drain the sinuses. Humidification helps lubricate the sinuses and keeps the skin well hydrated. While having huge quantities of water is recommended, it is important that you refrain from caffeinated and alcoholic drinks.

    Try nasal irrigation
    Nasal irrigation is one of the most effective sinus drainage treatments for instant congestion and irritation relief. Saline irrigation is an efficient method that helps you flush out the nasal passage with a solution. Mostly this is done with a neti pot, special squeeze bottle or syringes. A neti pot is a simple apparatus that helps you effectively carry out nasal irrigation.

    Steam
    Steam is one of the most inexpensive sinus drainage treatments that help relieve loosening mucus from the sinus passages and helps get rid of the discomfort that is associated with congestion. Since hot vapor help moistens the sinuses, it helps alleviate the problem quicker. Taking steam is an extremely easy process that can be accomplished using just a bowl of hot water and a large towel. To make the technique more effective, you can choose to add menthol, eucalyptus oil, or camphor. Often, it is recommended that you should take steam until the trapped steam from the hot pot dissipates.

    Warm and cold compress
    Another technique that is a part of one of the best sinus drainage treatments includes alternately rotating cold and hot compresses around the affected sinuses. This is usually done by making the sufferer lie back draped with a warm compress around the nose, forehead, and cheeks for a couple of minutes. After a few minutes, the warm compress must be replaced with a cold compress and kept at the affected spots for about half a minute. The process must be repeated a couple of times and at least six times a day.

  • Allergy Relief
    4 effective home remedies to cure cold sores

    In a bid to lead a healthy life, people have started altering their lifestyle. They eat healthy, exercise and try to keep stress at bay. However, in spite of these preventive measures, various malicious elements in the nature that wreak havoc in our systems. The Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is one such element that enters our system through a break in the skin and subjects us to misery for weeks.

    The HSV causes immense pain in the form of cold sores that appear on the surface of the mouth and lips. A group of blisters appears on the mouth and lips, and hamper our daily process like eating and drinking. What makes cold sores dangerous is the fact that they are highly contagious. It can spread to others if the person comes in contact with the infected person.

    However, even though cold sores can seem quite a serious matter, various 1-day cold sore treatments can treat them effectively. These 1-day cold sore treatments are all home-based remedies and will not cause side-effects.

    Here are some effective home remedies for cold sores.

    • Peppermint Oil- Peppermint oil is bestowed with various antiviral properties, which makes it the perfect 1-day cold sore treatment option. Also, the methanol content of the peppermint oil makes it the perfect healing agent. Peppermint oil is quite effective and easy-to-use and poses no threat to anyone. It can be used as a form of treatment for children affected by cold sores.
    • Tea Tree Oil– Tea tree oil is another effective home remedy which can cure cold sores in no time. It can be used on the cold sore on the lips as well. Soak a cotton ball in tea tree oil and apply it on the affected area. The antiviral and antibacterial properties of tea tree oil speed up the healing process, and in no time, one can get rid of cold sores.
    • Ice– The sores cause irritation and an itching sensation that refuses to subside. This is why ice works like a miracle on cold sores. Ice reduces the swelling and soothes the irritation, which, in turn, will allow the cold sores to heal. So, apply ice directly to the affected area for best and quick results.
    • Coconut Oil– Coconut oil is known to keep the skin healthy and glowing. So, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that coconut oil can be used as a 1-day cold sore treatment. Coconut oil is antimicrobial in nature, and the triglycerides are known to kill viruses and began the healing process right away.

    These home remedies for cold sores are free from side-effects and can help cure cold sores quickly. If it persists, it is advisable to seek the right medical help.

  • Allergy Relief
    Top 4 FAQs about cold sores

    Our body is equipped with mechanisms to combat whichever disease comes its way. However, there’s only how much the body can take, and when the immune system becomes weak, the disease begins wreaking havoc on the body. One such infection that causes great discomfort and unease are cold sores.

    What are cold sores?
    Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are a group of small blisters that appear on the surface of the lip and around the mouth. The blisters are painful, and when they burst, the liquid that oozes out of these blisters can infect any other person who comes in contact with it. The skin surrounding the blisters is red, swollen and raw, and can cause a burning sensation if it is repeatedly touched.

    What causes cold sores?
    Like every other skin infection, cold sores too are caused by viruses which prey on individuals with a weak immune system. Cold sores are caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV), which are of two types- HSV-1 and HSV-2.
    The cold sore causing virus makes way into the body through a break in the skin and is highly contagious. Though cold sores look unpleasant, there are various 1-day cold sore treatments are considered to be one of the fastest cold sore treatments.

    What are the symptoms of cold sores?
    Fever, sore throat, swollen glands in the neck and pain around the lips and mouth are indicative of the onset of cold sores. People often use the term canker sores and cold sores interchangeably. Cold sores are characterized by the appearance of blisters on the mouth and lips, whereas canker sores are ulcers that appear inside the mouth and the herpes virus doesn’t cause them. So, canker sore treatments and 1-day cold sore treatments differ.

    What are the popular 1-day cold sore treatments?
    Cold sores, if left untreated can be the cause of immense pain that you will experience for the next few weeks. However, there are various 1-day cold sore treatments that can get rid of the cold sores in no time. They are as follows-

    • In case of an outbreak of cold sores, one can seek relief from these by opting for topical creams or ointments, even over-the-counter medicines, which will be instrumental in reducing the pain and irritation caused by these cold sores.
    • Various antiviral medicines are available to reduce the misery caused by cold sores. The doctor will prescribe the right antiviral medicine for you which will reduce the itching and swelling caused by the cold sores.
    • One can also opt for vitamin C supplements or zinc oxide topical cream for combating cold sores.

    In addition to those mentioned above 1-day cold sore treatments, there are several home-remedies for treating cold sores.

  • Allergy Relief
    Home remedies that help in treating allergy cough symptoms

    A cough is a way of reacting to any kind of allergy that a person’s immune system reacts to. When an irritant or allergic substance comes in contact with the lining of nose, throat or lungs. The constant urge to cough can be extremely irritating and cause pain in the chest. Although it is essential to visit the doctor if the problem persists for long, here are several kinds of foods that will help treat a cough.

    A saltwater gargle – This one of the simplest remedies that your grandma often swears after. With amazing effects, it is no wonder that this remedy has been followed through for years now. A mixture of water and salt, this liquid soothes the itchy throat, whether caused by an allergen or even cold. Add one teaspoon of salt to a glass of water and gargle. You will instantly feel relieved.

    Consume fluids – If you begin you experience an allergy cough symptom, immediately drink water so as to clear your throat. Moreover, it is necessary to keep the body well hydrated as it helps in draining the mucus that mainly causes coughing. You can also consume fluids in the form of warm broth, fruit and vegetable juices, etc.

    Inhale steam – When the nasal is congested due to an allergic irritant, you are likely to suffer from repeated coughing. Relieving the congestion in the nose will help in reducing allergy cough symptoms. The easiest way to do this is to inhale steam from a pot of hot water. Place your face a little away from the pot and use a towel to prevent the steam from escaping.

    Honey – Honey has been around for more than a million years and believed to be on of the best remedies to cure a cough. It is also used as the primary ingredient in several over the counter medicines that are meant to cure a cold. All you have to do is mix a tablespoon of honey with hot water and you will find that the allergy cough symptoms subside.

    Thyme tea – Thyme is a herb that is widely used in treating respiratory diseases. It comes with great benefits and has culinary as well as medicinal uses. The beneficiary elements in thyme can relax the muscles of the throat and reduce the inflammation caused by allergy coughs. Boil some thyme with a cup of water and consume it after a while.

    Although these remedies are great, make sure that you determine the source of the allergy and eliminate it if possible.