Allergies are the result of our body’s immune system responding to a foreign substance, which might not be harmful, entering the body. These foreign substances are referred to as allergens and can be found in certain food items, air, pet dander, pollens, etc. Herein, we respond to some of the common FAQs about allergies. What are allergies? The immune system of the body is responsible for ensuring that the body is healthy by keeping all kinds of allergens at bay. The immune system does this by launching an attack on anything that appears to be a foreign substance and can pose a threat. Based on the kind of allergen that enters the body, the response of the immune system can differ. Sneezing and inflammation are among the several symptoms that are a part of our immune system’s response to the allergens. Many people suffer from allergies and once the symptoms are identified, they can easily be treated. What are their common symptoms? The symptoms of allergies depend largely on the allergen that has entered your body. Different kinds of allergens can impact various body parts such as the digestive system, airways, sinuses, or nasal passages. The level of allergic reactions can vary between mild to severe.

The most common type of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease causes problems related to memory, thinking, and some behavioral attributes. The development of symptoms happens over a period and the condition gets with time. At a certain point in time, the condition is so severe that the patient might face problems carrying out basic daily tasks. Around 70 percent of all dementia cases can be linked to Alzheimer’s Disease. While it occurs in aging people, the condition cannot be considered as a normal part of the aging process. Currently, there is no cure for this progressive disease, and the condition can only be slowed down with an attempt to improve the patients’ quality of life. Symptoms There are different stages of Alzheimer’s disease and mild Alzheimer’s might last for approximately two to four years. Then, the stage advances to moderate and finally the severe condition. When a person reaches the later stages of the disease, he or she might not be able to live alone or take care of himself or herself. Let us understand the different symptoms associated with mild Alzheimer’s disease: Being low on energy and not having the will to do things. Being disinterested in working and spending a lot of time sitting idle, watching TV, or even sleeping.

Often, individuals suffer from congestion, sneezing, headaches, and other related symptoms but cannot seem to figure out the exact cause. Most of the time, it’s because of nasal polyps. These polyps are painless, abnormal growths on the lining of the nasal passage that affects almost four percent of the population in the country. They are affiliated with allergies, asthma, sinus infections and more. Read on to find out more about nasal polyposis. What are nasal polyps? Nasal polyps are benign growths on the mucosa inside the nose. The mucosa is a wet layer that helps protect the inside of the nose. It helps humidify the air that we breathe and protect the sinuses. If the mucosa is constantly irritated, it can form a polyp. This small growth can affect an individual’s ability to breathe as it blocks the nasal passage. What causes nasal polyposis? While scientists have not been able to find the exact cause of nasal polyposis, they do have an inkling about its possible triggers that include: Sinus infections Asthma attacks Hay fever Churg-Strauss syndrome Cystic fibrosis In many cases, individuals who develop nasal polyposis do not even have a trigger. Some may develop it due to genetic factors.

Nasal polyps are teardrop-like growths that line the nasal passages or lining. These are common noncancerous growths caused by allergic reactions, and around 3-4 percent of the country’s population suffers from the condition. Conventional treatment methods include antihistamines, steroids, and even surgery in some cases, but nasal polyps can also be treated naturally. Here, we’ve listed a few effective natural remedies: Turmeric The curcumin present in turmeric can reduce inflammation in the sinuses caused by nasal polyps. The powerful herb can also protect against any infection that might lead to the development of polyps. Cayenne pepper Cayenne peppers are rich in vitamins B6, C, and E, beta carotene, manganese, potassium, and flavonoids. These nutrients have antioxidant properties that ensure a healthy immune system, and they also prevent allergies that might aggravate nasal polyps. Apart from this, the vitamin A content in these peppers can reduce inflammation associated with polyps. Probiotics Healthcare experts suggest that a healthy gut microbiome balance can maintain good sinus health. So, including probiotic foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, tempeh, and kefir can help reduce the risk of nasal polyps. At the same time, high-fiber foods like sweet potatoes and chia seeds should be added to the diet to balance it and prevent the formation of polyps.

Teeth braces are a means to correct the alignment and bite of teeth. However, despite their widespread use, not all are aware of how beneficial they can be, and how to care for them. Keeping this in mind, we have put together a list of some things that you need to know before getting braces: It’s not just about the perfect smile Many people think that getting braces is just about getting that perfect smile. But, that is far from the truth. Getting braces ensures that you have a good bite, which, in turn, prevents jaw alignment troubles. It even works towards ensuring good oral health. You need to get your teeth cleaned Another thing that you need to know and do before getting braces is thoroughly cleaning your teeth. All dental work and cleaning need to be done before the braces are placed on your teeth. Some also get rid of their wisdom teeth to prevent them from interfering with the braces. Fitting braces can be painful We’re saying it like it is—getting teeth braces can be painful. It takes up to two hours to complete. Since the process can be discomforting, it is best to take the day off, stay in, and relax on the day you get your braces.

Maintaining that pearly white smile is a hands-on task, and it does not stop at brushing, flossing, using a mouthwash, or regular dental checkups. For advanced teeth problems, even adults have to wear braces to correct the alignment. This is done to ensure no further health complications arise out of poor oral hygiene and care. The following are the most common and widely used teeth braces for men and women. Traditional braces Traditional teeth braces, made from high-grade stainless steel, come with individual mounting brackets, which can be affixed to a tooth using a safe adhesive. A thinner stainless steel wire is then strung around the brackets and tightened to pull the teeth in place. Any pressure created by the arch of the wire slowly moves the teeth back into its correct position. Note that depending on the teeth’s crookedness and extent of correction required, traditional braces can be adjusted and modified. Lingual braces Lingual teeth braces are quite similar to traditional metal braces in terms of use, except that the brackets are fixed inward and not necessarily visible. This makes the braces almost invisible, but they are less effective and cause the teeth to take more time to be correctly aligned.

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1 : At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2 : The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3 : At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4 : This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression:

A proper family and pregnancy planning is one of the most important aspects of life. The entire pregnancy period lasts for about 40 weeks. During this time, it is very important to stay healthy and safe. Early diagnosis and proper care ensure that both the mother and the child remains in good health. It is important that you understand the different stages of pregnancy to make sure of taking proper care. Stages of pregnancy The duration of the pregnancy is generally divided into three trimesters or stages. First trimester The first 12 weeks of the pregnancy is known as the first trimester. By the end of this stage, the heart, muscles, nerves, and the sex organs of the baby starts to form. Second trimester The 13 th week to the 28 th week is known as the second trimester. This is when the baby starts to form fingerprints and footprints. Hair starts to grow on the head and the blood cells are created by bone marrow too. By the end of this trimester, the baby can become up to 12-inches long. Third trimester The remaining of the pregnancy up to the 40 th week is the third stage. By the 37 th week, the organs of the baby can function on their own.