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Showing posts from December, 2021

IBS vs. colon cancer: Symptoms, similarities, and differences - Medical News Today

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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and colon cancer can share several common symptoms, but a person living with IBS does not have a higher risk of developing colon cancer. IBS is a chronic condition that causes abdominal pain and other symptoms. The condition affects the large intestine, also known as the colon. Colon cancer affects the same area as IBS and can cause several of the same symptoms in some people. This article reviews the similarities and differences between symptoms of IBS and colon cancer. People living with IBS may experience one or more symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms of IBS include: abdominal pain, often related to bowel movements changes in bowel movements, which can include constipation, diarrhea, or possibly both People assigned female at birth may also experience increased symptom severity around their period. Other common symptoms of IBS can include: whitish mucus in stool feeling as though a bowel movement is not finished bloating Though IBS can be pain...

Bryonia: Benefits, Side Effects, Dosage, Interactions - Verywell Health

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Bryonia (B. alba), also known as bryony, is a plant commonly used as a homeopathic remedy for headaches, muscle pain, cold or flu symptoms, coughs, nausea, and constipation. It's also sometimes used to provide relief for the symptoms of chronic conditions such as arthritis, cancer, liver disease, and metabolic disorders.  Tom Meeker / Getty Images The Bryonia plant is in the gourd family. Native to Northern and Eastern Europe, this perennial climbing vine has white flowers, red berries, and a thick, fleshy root with a strong, bitter odor. The Bryonia plant is toxic when consumed, and homeopathic remedies should only be prepared by certified homeopathic practitioners. The root is the part of the plant used in homeopathic healing, and the Bryonia remedy is diluted to an extent that only a few (or even no) molecules of the original substance are present.  Though Bryonia has been used for thousands of years as a healing remedy for s...

Nurses Push Back on New CDC Isolation Guidance for Health Care Workers - Infection Control Today

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With an eye on Omicron and the staffing shortages, the agency shortened isolation time for those who test positive for COVID-19. Infection preventionists will need to be extra vigilant. A nurses union charges that a change in quarantine guidance for health care workers that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued yesterday makes nurses more vulnerable to COVID-19 in the face Omicron, and what the union says "could be the most devastating COVID-19 surge yet…." National Nurses United noted its concerns in a letter to CDC Director Rochelle Walensky, after the CDC shortened the recommended isolation time for health care workers exposed to COVID-19 in high-risk situations from 10 to 7 days. The CDC argues that "these updates provide health care facilities with the strategies to limit the effects of staff shortages caused by COVID-19 on patient care…." Sharon Ward-Fore, MS, MT(ASCP), CIC, FAPIC, a member of Infection Control Today ® 's ( ICT ® ...

Does NyQuil contain alcohol? What to know - Medical News Today

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NyQuil is an over-the-counter cold and flu medicine. There are several different NyQuil products on the market, many of which contain alcohol. Although there are alcohol-free Nyquil products, people should not consume alcohol while taking NyQuil, even if they are using alcohol-free versions. This is because other active ingredients can cause drowsiness and impairment, which alcohol may worsen. NyQuil is an over-the-counter (OTC) flu and cold medication that contains several different ingredients. Many NyQuil products contain alcohol, although not all of them. They also include some ingredients that may cause adverse effects that alcohol can worsen. This article will take a detailed look at the ingredients of NyQuil products, explaining how they work. It will also look at the alcohol content in many of them, discuss the health risks of drinking alcohol while taking NyQuil, and list some alcohol-free NyQuil medications. The company Vicks produces NyQuil products as OTC medications, which...

Can I Take This Cold Medication With That One? - Verywell Health

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From fever to nasal congestion, body aches to sore throat, colds can come with several bothersome symptoms. Many reach for over-the-counter (OTC) medications to ease them—and some reach for more than one, especially if their cold symptoms are varied or severe. Some cold medications can be taken at the same time without issue, but other combinations can pose safety concerns. Verywell / Theresa Chiechi General Rules Most multi-symptom cold and cough medications should not be combined with each other. If you need to take more than one medication at a time, always check the labels and be sure you aren't taking multiple medications with the same or similar active ingredients.  If you are taking single symptom medications, in general, it is OK to take several medications as long as they do different things. For example, taking a decongestant, expectorant, and pain reliever would be OK, but taking two decongestants would not.  To ...

These tips will help you figure out if you have a cold, the flu, cedar fever or COVID - WFAA.com

[unable to retrieve full-text content] These tips will help you figure out if you have a cold, the flu, cedar fever or COVID    WFAA.com

Bloody boogers: Causes, removal, prevention, and more - Medical News Today

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Bloody boogers form when blood mixes with mucus in the nose and the mucus dries. Boogers are usually whitish when a person is healthy, so a reddish or brownish tinge indicates the presence of blood. The nose lining is delicate and rich in blood vessels, and even a minor nick may trigger bleeding. A ruptured blood vessel in the nose can have many causes, but common ones include picking the nose or blowing it too hard. A person can remove boogers by gently removing them with a tissue after washing their hands. If necessary, they can use a saltwater spray to loosen them. Afterward, a person should dispose of the tissue and boogers and then wash their hands again. In this article, we examine the causes of bloody boogers. We also discuss how to treat a nosebleed and how to prevent bloody boogers from reoccurring. Boogers are dry pieces of mucus in the nose. In addition to lining nasal passages, mucus lines other moist surfaces of the body, including the: sinuses lungs stomach mouth intestin...

Daily OTC Pearl: Sambucol (Black Elderberry) - Pharmacy Times

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Elderberry has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating constipation and other conditions. OTC/Lifestyle Pearl of the Day: Sambucol (Black Elderberry) Indication : Elderberry has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating constipation. Elderberry is also possibly effective in reducing the symptoms of influenza. Insight: Elderberry is a berry from a European or Black elder tree. The berries are used to make medicine. Other uses that have not been proven with research have previously included heart disease, gum disease, high cholesterol, obesity, or the common cold. Caution against use for patients with multiple sclerosis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. Adverse effects include diarrhea, numbness, weakness, dizziness, and runny nose. Directions to use: Dissolve entire tablet in mouth. Do not chew and do not swallow whole. Take 1 tablet at the outset of symptoms. Repeat ...

Tips for Managing High Blood Pressure during Cold and Flu Season - City Pulse

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(NewsUSA) - Although COVID-19 continues to dominate health news, don't discount the impact of seasonal colds and flu on health, especially for individuals with high blood pressure. According to the American Heart Association, heart attacks and strokes increase during the winter months along with the arrival of colds and flu, so it is important for anyone with high blood pressure to treat cold and flu symptoms safely and to take steps to avoid getting sick. The American Heart Association offers several safety tips for managing high blood pressure, especially for those taking blood pressure medications: - Check labels. Many over-the-counter decongestant medications, as well as some pain relievers, contain ingredients that are known to raise blood pressure and may make your prescription medication less effective. If you are taking blood pressure medication or have a history of a heart attack or stroke, ask your doctor or pharmacist which options are safe for you before you...

Elderberry and COVID-19: What You Need to Know - Healthline

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As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, people are turning to supplements to help boost their immune systems. Even before the pandemic, some people used elderberry supplements to help boost their immune systems, particularly during cold and flu season. However, there's currently no scientific research to support the use of elderberry supplements treating or preventing COVID-19. If you're interested in taking elderberry as an overall health supplement, read more about its potential benefits and possible risks. Discuss these with your doctor before taking elderberry — or any other supplement. Elderberry is a dark purple fruit that's indigenous to Europe, Asia, northern Africa, and North America. While supplements are derived from the black elder ( Sambucus nigra ) tree, the actual elderberries — and other parts of the plant — aren't eaten raw because they can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. Instead, you can find elderberry supplements in different forms, su...

Managing cold and flu season | Health | chronicleonline.com - Citrus County Chronicle

[unable to retrieve full-text content] Managing cold and flu season | Health | chronicleonline.com    Citrus County Chronicle

Sore throat remedies: 17 natural treatments and medicines - goodtoknow

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What are the symptoms of Omicron and has anyone died from it? Flu symptoms, treatments and when to see a doctor Can you exercise with Covid? What doctors recommend Adblock test (Why?)

Baby Shots Schedule: What Parents Need to Know - Verywell Health

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Your baby's vaccination schedule may look complicated at first glance. There are several vaccines recommended for infants and young children. These vaccines are an important way for parents to keep their babies safe and healthy.   This article will describe the vaccines recommended for children from birth to 4 years old. It will also cover the diseases that these vaccines protect against.  Overview of Vaccines The recommended immunization schedule for babies and children includes the following vaccines: Hepatitis B The hepatitis B vaccine series includes three shots that span from birth to 18 months old. This vaccine is recommended at birth because hepatitis B can be passed from a mother to her baby during childbirth.  The hepatitis B vaccine protects against the virus hepatitis B. Hepatitis B is a serious chronic liver disease that can lead to liver damage and liver cancer. Hepatitis B does not often cause sym...

Medications for Lung Inflammation - Healthline

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Inflammation is the process in which the body's immune system deals with infection, injury, and harmful substances. Lung inflammation may happen in one or both lungs and in different areas of the lungs. It may also be caused by other health conditions, stress, or allergens. Lung inflammation can happen from infectious causes, such as pneumonia caused by bacteria, fungi or viruses, and noninfectious causes, such as pneumonitis, or a type of allergic reaction. This inflammation can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-standing). Acute inflammation happens suddenly and resolves in a few days to weeks. Chronic lung inflammation can happen gradually and take 6 weeks or longer to recover. In some cases, your immune system can attack healthy cells, which leads to chronic inflammation. This may happen if you have an autoimmune condition such as asthma. Treatments for lung inflammation vary based on the cause of the inflammation, whether it's acute or chronic, and the severity of you...