Diseases & Conditions Anatomy Ear, Nose and Throat Pain Management

Archive for November, 2017

Hemoptysis

Nov 22 2017 Published by under Diseases and Conditions

Hemoptysis is simply that condition that causes a person to cough up blood from the lungs. Hemoptysis can be a sign of a medical condition that is serious. Problems in the blood vessel, cancer as well as infections could be responsible for the problem. In addition, hemoptysis can be caused due to nosebleed and it may come out as only blood or a mixture of blood with phlegm. Hemoptysis will generally require some medical examination except if the cause is due to bronchitis. However, the symptoms can be confusing at times especially with coughing of blood from the stomach instead of the respiratory system.

Symptoms of Hemoptysis

Hemoptysis is scary in the first instance since it has to do with coughing of blood. This is the first indication that all is not well with the internal body system. However, there are a lot of symptoms that may indicate that something is seriously going wrong and require medical emergency. The symptoms include situations where hemoptysis keeps reoccurring with time, fever, night sweat, unexpected weight loss, chest pains and losing breath in activities that should never exert energy. Whatever the case, any symptom of hemoptysis should be taken seriously and it is best to see a medical practitioner as soon as it observed.

Hemoptysis Causes

The reality is that there are a whole lot of causes of hemoptysis and the job of the experts will be to pinpoint the exact cause of it. There are times when no cause is identified. However, the most important or most common among possible causes is known to be acute bronchitis. It is important to note that bronchitis is said to have become acute when it has become swollen or inflamed. Note that these cases may clear by itself but also has the tendency to lead to other serious conditions. Another popular cause is the bacteria infection of the lungs known simply as tuberculosis. Having said that, below are the list of other possible causes of hemoptysis.

  • Cigarette smoking
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Trauma that happens as a result of an accident
  • Use of crack cocaine
  • Autoimmune disorder
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Pulmonary embolism
  • Pneumonia
  • Parasitic infection
  • Benign tumors in the lungs
  • Using blood thinners and other medications
  • Lung cancer
  • Bronchiectasis
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD
  • Presence of a foreign body in the lungs
  • Chronic inflammatory conditions

It is also important to note that bleeding outside the airways and lungs is capable of causing hemoptysis. While nosebleed and vomiting blood from the stomach may not cause hemoptysis directly but can indirectly lead to it since blood could be drained into the windpipe and appear as hemoptysis.

Diagnosis

There are a lot of causes of hemoptysis and this makes the diagnoses tricky at times. However, the first step to diagnosing hemoptysis is to carry out some physical examination and also review the medical history of the patient. Other ways to diagnose it include the following:

  • Chest X-ray: What the x-ray does is to see if there is a congestion of the lungs, area of the fluid or even mass in the chest
  • CT Scan: A CT scan will have the ability to pinpoint some of the causes of hemoptysis
  • Complete Blood Count: This test simply looks at the number of red and white blood cell along with the cells that could help the blood to clot.
  • Bronchoscopy: This is a process where a small tube attached to a camera is fed through the mouth into the lungs. What the camera does is simply to capture the source of the bleed from the inside
  • Coagulations Test: this kind of test tries to see what contributes to the bleeding
  • Pulse Oximetry: A kind of test that checks the oxygen levels in the blood
  • Urinalysis: The tries to check if there are abnormalities in the urine because some causes of problems with simple urine can also cause hemoptysis.

Treatment

Diagnosis of hemoptysis is the first step and once done, the most important thing that follow is always to stop the bleeding. However, stopping the bleeding is not just the only thing, it is expected that the cause is found and the affected person does not in any way suffer breathing problems. Having said that, the various treatment options include:

Bronchial Artery Embolization

This type of treatment is made easy by the use of technology. For example, a catheter is passed through the legs to the artery that is known to supply blood to the lungs. This time a dye is injected and the arteries are being watched on the screen. With this, the source of the bleeding is immediately identified. To get it treated, a metal coil is then used to block the artery.

Surgery

When the condition gets so severe, then a surgery option might be needed. What the surgery will do is to remove a lung. Surgery should be the last resort when hemoptysis becomes too severe and extremely dangerous.

Bronchoscopy

This can be used to treat a case of hemoptysis. In this case, a balloon which is inflated inside the airways will have the capacity to stop the bleeding.

It is important to note that whatever treatment chosen should be able to address the main reason for it in the first place. Other treatment options available for this condition include steroids which is good for any inflammatory condition, chemotherapy for lung cancer and antibiotics mainly for tuberculosis or Pneumonia. One thing you must note that is that all these treatments would come with its own side effects and that is why it is important to consult the doctor for proper diagnosis and right treatment.

Hemoptysis vs Hematemesis

Do not confuse hemoptysis with hematemesis because they are different. While hematemesis is vomiting of blood which normally comes from the upper gastrointestinal tract, hemoptysis is the coughing of blood. Hemoptysis normally affects the throat while hematemesis affects mainly stomach causing an upset.

There are other differences between the two especially in terms of blood color. For instance, the blood for hemoptysis is usually bright red while in hematemesis it is dark red.

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Right Hand Itching

Nov 22 2017 Published by under Infections,Skin Conditions

In an ideal sense, itching is not really a disease but in most cases, it can be an indicator of an impending health problem whether mild or severe. There are a lot of things that can cause itching anywhere in the body. When itching occurs, it is always advisable to avoid scratching the area even though it may seem like the only way out. Whatever the case, it is important to see a dermatologist to diagnose and prescribe the right treatment.

Right hand itching means that there is irritation or an unwanted sensation on the affected area. Due to the number of people using their right hand all over the world, right hand itching is more common when compared to the left hand itching. For people that are left handed, it is not unsurprising to find that their left hand itches more than the right one.

There are a lot of meanings associated with itchy hands especially from superstition point of view. However, there are medical meanings of itchy hands.

Possible Causes

Of a truth, a lot of causes can be attributed to causing itchy right hand. In fact, over 20 factors can be linked to itch right hand. However, there are most common causes of this problem and this is what this article will look at. Check them below:

Infections

Do you know that infections can cause the right hand to itch? Studies have shown that infections whether fungal or bacterial infections can cause the right hand to itch. It is important to note that infections are normally associated with inflammation which then leads to itchiness of the right hand.

Dry Skin

There are a lot of things that can make your hand dry. Some of those things include exposure to sunlight, unfavorable weather, irritants, hot bath among others. In fact, dryness can be as a result of not moisturizing the hands or palms enough and this could cause itchy hands. Note that a dry palm or hand could lead to inflammation and even peeling.

Bad Nutrition

Your right hand could become itchy if you are lacking some very important nutrients in the body. In this case, it is possible that the symptoms appear anywhere in the body even before getting to the hand. It is also worthy to mention that taking overdose of some nutrients could cause itchy hands. An example is taking an overdose of vitamin B6. This can cause itchy right hand and make one very uncomfortable. Therefore, it is always advisable to ensure that you take the right nutrient and one way to do that is by consulting a nutritionist to get the best advice for your nutrient intake.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

It is important to note that sexual transmitted diseases have been known to throw up some early symptoms of itchy hands and palms. Syphilis is one of the sexually transmitted diseases that is known to cause itchy right hand. However, when these diseases are discovered, it is best to follow up on the treatment immediately or practice safe sex to prevent it from happening.

Diabetes

According to medical experts, diabetes is one cause of itchy right hand. Diabetes is a condition when there is excess sugar in the blood. The good thing here is that the itchy right hand caused by diabetes disappears as soon as the sugar level in the blood is brought under control. Diabetes can throw up other issues in the body apart from itchy right hand.

Allergies

There are a lot of factors that can give rise to allergic reaction. It could be medication, food and even environment. However, all these have the ability to cause an itch right hand. It is important to note that allergic reactions are likely to happen when there is a fight back against a foreign substance in the body through the immune system. If the cause of the allergy is discovered and eliminated, there is every possibility that the itchy hand will stop.
The causes of right hand itching listed above are some of the most common ones but there are other mores serious causes that can be attributed to right hand itching. For example, people who suffer from thyroid problems often experience itching on their hand, crohn’s disease, liver and kidney problems as well stress and depression are among the causes of right hand itching.

Relief

The first step to relieving right hand itching problems is to know the main cause or causes of the problem. There are a lot of treatment and relief options that can be used for any stage of the problem whether mild or severe. For example, the following are some of the medications that can be used for these itchy problems:

  • In case of infections that gives rise to itchy right hand, then oral antibiotics can be used
  • Some medications like the immune suppressing ones can also be used
  • There are also some medications that heals itchy right hand problem. For example, corticosteroids is a good one
  • When the itchy feeling is as a result of allergies, then antihistamines treatments will be a good start
  • There are some instances where itching of the right hand could be very severe. In this case, there are some surgical procedures that can solve the problem

The right hand itching is not really something that cannot be handled. Sometimes, it disappears after some few hours. However, if it does not disappear, then do not forget to consider seeing your dermatologist. It is important to note that right hand itching problem could be a pointer to a more serious medical condition and must be handled with all sense of urgency.

Myths and Superstitions

There are superstitions that are built around itchy right hand. Some of these superstitions sound bizarre and has been with humans for generations making it something should not be ignored. One of these superstitious beliefs is that an itching right hand indicates the coming of a massive financial windfall and scratching it will make you lose it. Unfortunately, most people believe this and avoid scratching their right hand when it itches. According to the belief, the itching indicates energy transfer through the hands and this is what is believed earns you the money.

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Black Blood

Nov 22 2017 Published by under Womens Health

What Does Black Blood Mean?

Black blood is something that carry a lot of significance. In the first place, it is important to note that the color of blood has a relation with the amount of oxygen in the red blood cells. The implication is that the higher the oxygen in the blood, the more red it will appear. To put it another way, if the blood oxygenation gets lower, the blood will keep getting darker in color. In some cases where there is acute shortage of oxygen level, then the blood will become black. It is important to note that when black blood becomes significant, it can be an indication that there is no circulation of blood in the periphery veins of the body.

One thing to note about black blood is that both the male and female genders could experience bleed where the color is considered to be dark or black during an injury in which a wound draws blood from the vein. This is normally because the blood from the vein is considered to be where the least amount of oxygen can be found in the body. For examples, areas such as fingers and toes are known to have blood that are less oxygenated. This is why it is not actually uncommon to see some dark blood when there is an injury in the toe or finger.

In addition, there is also a possibility of women having menstrual cycle to experience some black blood occasionally. This is because blood clot breaks and gets released out of the body regular circulation for a period of time. However, one thing that is important to note here is that this should not be regular. If dark blood menstrual cycle starts becoming regular, then a medical examination should be needed immediately.

Possible Causes of Black Blood

The main cause of black blood in the body is due to low blood oxygen levels. This occurs especially when there are few or inadequate red blood cells in the body that can carry oxygen to several organs and tissues in the body. There is also a situation where fluid buildup in the lung sacs. It is important to note that as fluid continues to accumulate, the amount of oxygen reaching the blood becomes less. This will lead to black blood if an injury occurs during this situation.

Another possible cause of black blood can be traced to Emphysema damage of the air sacs in the lungs. It is important to note that this can be done when they break down their inner walls and then have them fused into a large mass. When this happens, the surface area of each of the lungs will be reduced and the implication of this is that the amount of oxygen getting into the blood will be greatly reduced. Deoxygenated blood tends to become black at some point and this is as a result in color difference between the oxyhaemoglobin and deoxyhaemoglobin.

Treatment of Black Blood

There are a lot of ways in which problems of black blood can be treated. However, it is important to note the conditions in which you need to see a doctor before it gets out of hand. For example, one very important symptom to note is shortness of breath especially when you are at rest. In addition, if shortness of breath start getting worse after some physical activities or exercises, then it calls for concern and a kind of treatment will be required.

The treatment of black blood problems may also require some self-care to reduce the risk of escalation of the problem. For example, if you are suffering from black blood as a result of low oxygen levels in the blood, stopping smoking could be a good thing. In fact, experts recommend that people in this category should quit smoking entirely. For other who do not smoke directly but known as passive smokers, it is also important that they avoid those places where others smoke. Then another thing you can do is to get some regular exercises which could improve your overall system.

It is important to note that treating black blood problems will require getting more oxygen into the body. You will need to go to the hospital and get some proper diagnosis on your oxygen level. However one way of getting more amount of oxygen into the bloodstream is the home oxygen therapy. There are a lot of benefits associated with home oxygen therapy and one of the main aim is the improvement of oxygen supply in the blood stream which is part of the treatment of black blood. It is important to note that this therapy is very sensitive and must be administered under the supervision of a doctor through some oxygen devices considered to be safe for use at home.

In treating black blood problems, the doctor will likely examine and determine whether the affected person will require a supplemental oxygen which is called the oxygen therapy treatment. Part of the treatment will require that the doctor write a prescription that suits the individual after confirming the oxygen levels while the individual sleeps, exercises and rests. By monitoring the therapy, the doctor will have to determine whether the treatment will be for long or short term.

Should I be Worried?

If you are having problems of black blood, then getting worried would depend on the situation at hand or the level of the problem. It is important to note that black blood could be minor or severe depending on the level of oxygen in the bloodstream. If problem is mild, it is important to get a medical examination in order to ascertain the cause and treatment of the condition. In severe situations, it is not out of place to be worried as it could lead to other severe symptoms like chest pain or difficulty in breathing. However, no matter the level of problem, seeking an emergency medical attention remains a good way to overcome the problem of bad blood.

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Exfoliative Keratolysis

Nov 17 2017 Published by under Diseases and Conditions

What is Exfoliative Keratolysis?

Exfoliative Keratolysis often called “keratolysis exfoliativa” or “focal palmar” peeling is an integumentary disease wherein peeling of the skin occurs, it usually affects the distal parts of the fingers and the palmar toes. The disease is thought about as seasonal as this usually affects young adults during summer. Although there has not been any studies to confirm it, it is very rampant around that time of the year.

Skin peeling happens when the outer layer of the skin called as epidermis; which is made up of keratin, breaks down, loses its strength and exfoliates. As a result, the skin begins to shred. Because of this prevalent condition, the disease is sometimes mistaken for “eczema”. The difference between the two is that the former only peels and shreds while the latter has an accompanying ‘itchy feeling” on the skin. When it comes to the blisters, the former is usually air filled while the latter tend to be fluid filled. Eczema can be painful too unlike the aforementioned which doesn’t have accompanying pain. The latter isn’t seasonal as well and happens all year round and is also common for people who have skin asthma.


Picture 1: Fingers affected with Exfoliative Keratolysis

Symptoms of Exfoliative Keratolysis

One of the primary signs of the disease starts with bursting blisters, scales that peel and are circular in shape, and areas appear to be cracked and peeled too. However, this is not generally itchy in contrast to eczema. Another sign of the condition is the appearance of skin tags. It is a result when blisters concentrated on the palm peel off and split making it look like it is shredding. As they do so, new skin is born out of the process. However, the condition is recurrent sometime after the skin returns to normal. The same also occurs when the condition affects the palm or the soles of the feet.

It is important to note that prolonged healing occurs when the blisters centers on the base of the fingers due to consistent shredding and peeling of the skin. Because of this, the skin’s ability to heal is compromised. Additionally, numbing sensations of the skin are marked accompanied by hardening of the skin as well.

Causes

There is no definitive cause for Exfoliative Keratolysis, however, there are a couple of situations that make someone susceptible to accumulating the disease.

  • Firstly, exposure to allergens can cause the condition to develop as it can sometimes be a result of an allergic reaction. The example can be best explained by skin asthma. It is triggered by allergic reactions to substances, food or even air.
  • Secondly, genetic predisposition may also expose someone to this condition as certain environmental or external factors can trigger the disease to develop.
  • Thirdly, detergents, irritating soaps and sometimes solvents can cultivate exfoliation reactions.
  • Fourthly, although unproven, medical researchers believe that extremely hot climate during summer increases episodes of perspiration. This situation is linked to destruction of keratin layers in the epidermis resulting to unwarranted skin exfoliation.
  • Fifthly, prolonged exposure to salt water and the bacteria present on sea creatures contributes to skin peeling. This is common among fishermen but no significant evidence has been correlated to this incident.
  • Lastly, stress can be an important triggering factor for Exfoliative Keratolysis. It can activate the condition or worsen it if one is already afflicted by it.

Exfoliative Keratolysis Treatment


Picture 2: Palm with Exfoliative Keratolysis

The best way to treat the condition is to avoid the causative factors. For example, avoiding irritants such as soap, detergents and solvents can really prevent the condition from recurring again. Another is to be extra careful during outbreaks particularly summer season. When the weather is so hot, it can cause skin peeling that may eventually lead to lamellar dyshidrosis and to prevent that it is strongly advised to apply lotion in the sensitive prone areas such as the fingers and the feet. It is also recommended to keep the hands clean to keep the bacteria away from getting inside the cracks. Getting oneself rehydrated is a good condition as well as well hydrated cells aren’t easily affected by extremely hot weather conditions.

In addition to the above, topical use of emollients that contain urea, silicone and lactic acid is also beneficial in keeping the skin’s layers healthy because the disease usually attacks the outermost layer of the skin therefore it is best to make sure this is protected.

Use of topical steroids and cortisone cream and even increased levels of prednisone is also effective in treating the problem.

Natural Remedies

  • Oatmeal bath – this gains improvement when practiced daily
    Use of anti-inflammatory herbs like ginger, chamomile, clove, licorice
  • Taking daily Vitamin supplements as weakened immune system predisposes someone to the disorder
  • Fresh aloe vera gel and cucumber gel
  • Honey application over the peeled area
  • Mint application on affected area; mint contains healing properties and has moisturizing effects as well
  • Pineapple juice applied over to damaged skin
  • Eating protein rich foods such as meat, liver, carrots as they aid in cell repair
  • Drinking apple cider vinegar pills and olive extracts
  • Frequent cutting of fingernails and toenails to maintain hygiene
  • Avoidance of eating egg as it is a known allergen as well as crustaceans or seafoods
  • Eating peanut butter ( works for some )

Another medical approach to treat the disorder is photochemotherapy (PUVA). This approach has been present since 1976 and uses ultraviolet rays to treat the condition. It also involves the use of Psoralens which are compounds found in plants that also includes methoxsalen, 5-methoxypsoralen and trisoralen. This method has been used by Egyptians thousands of years ago to treat severe integumentary disorders.

There are different ways to do the treatment. The following methods are Listed below:

Whole Body PUVA

Oral – for this method, methoxsalen capsules are ingested orally a few hours before the procedure usually 2-3 hours

Bathwater PUVA – in this scenario the patient soaks himself to a bath tub with water mixed with psoralen solution. This is usually repeated 2-3 rows in a week.

For this procedure, the patient is contained in a cabinet consisting 24 UVA fluorescent bulbs. They are also advised to take on protective goggles to shield the eyes from being exposed to the harmful radiation. In addition, the patient is advised to wear minimal clothing sometimes just underwear so the body can be openly exposed. However, there are situations that local approach is utilized.

Localised PUVA

For this scenario, only the affected hands or feet are soaked in methoxsalen solution for half an hour before it is being exposed to UVA rays. The procedure runs from a minimum of one minute to a maximum of 30 minutes depending on the patient’s tolerance. Fans and air conditioning equipments are readily available to neutralize the heating process as lengthened periods of treatment tend to get very hot sometimes.

Topical – psoralen emollients such as gels or lotions are typically applied to the affected areas for 10 minutes before skin is exposed to UVA

Psoralens – Another way to treat the condition is the use of PUVB ( this is a mixture of psoralens and short wave ultraviolet radiation). But this method is rarely recommended as psoralen activation works best with UVA.

As use of PUVA can be costly sometimes, some dermatologists recommend exposure to sunlight as it is safer compared to methoxsalen. However, one has to take psoralen by mouth or apply topical psoralen before exposing oneself to the sun as it is difficult to calibrate the correct amount of exposure.

Although effective, PUVA treatment can also have some negative side effects such as:

  • Burning – usually occurs 24-72 hours post treatment
  • Skin aging and cancer – extensive and lengthened therapies predisposes someone to skin cancer
  • Itching – this is common after treatment but can be relieved by antihistamines or moisturizers
  • Eye damage – cataracts and keratitis is a possible when protective goggles aren’t worn during treatment
  • Tanning – this is common the most common yet it usually runs for a couple of months but skin can still burn easily

How long does Exfoliative Keratolysis last?

As previously mentioned above, there is no definitive cure for this disorder. And because of that, the condition is recurrent as the root problem of the disorder isn’t directly addressed. Although treatments are available, it is more of palliative. Meaning, the signs are symptoms are treated but the underlying cause is not addressed. Once the scales and the redness heals, the condition hibernates. However, after a few months or sometimes even after a few weeks the condition recurs again. In cases like this, it would be recommended to consult a physician for extensive treatment and care but their management can only be limited too as it is best to treat the condition on its early episodes. Most of the time, when a patient walks in for help, the disease has already worsened and has repeatedly recurred. As a result, the disorder is already difficult to treat.

Pictures of Exfoliative Keratolysis

List of photos, images and pictures of Exfoliative Keratolysis:

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Sore in Corner of Mouth

Nov 17 2017 Published by under Oral Health

Sore in the corner of the mouth is a condition in which the corners of the lips get cracked, chapped and in some cases start bleeding. The sore in the corner of the mouth is a very common condition and happens to people regularly. There can be a lot of reasons for the sore corners of the mouth and if not taken care of can lead to infections. Sore in corner of the mouth symptoms might range from low to high and so does the discomfort. In the cases where the pain is intense and you have problems even with the normal day to day tasks, consulting a good doctor is very important.

Signs and Symptoms

There are lots of signs and symptoms associated with the sore in corner of mouth. The symptoms can occur exclusively or all together depending on what is causing the condition.

Symptoms includes the following:

Redness

There is redness in the corners of the mouth the spreads all across the lips. The redness is because there is a small wound on the side of the lips and as a response to any injury caused to the body, our brain increases the blood flow to that area. This is done in order to fasten the healing process.

Pain and inflammation

The lips when sore cause immense pain when moved or when the mouth is opened. If any substance that can irritate the wound is applied on the lips, pain is felt. The area around them gets red due to inflammation and the irritation in the skin. In more severe cases a person is not even able to chew his food.

Bleeding

The corners of the mouth start bleeding if the mouth is opened improperly or the dryness makes the cracks in them. If the lips are not taken care of, the blood and the other material accumulate on the side of the lips causing even more discomfort.

Pus formation

If the skin around the corners of the lips gets infected due to poor hygiene or carelessness, the place starts forming small bumps that are filled with pus. Sometimes there are no bumps and the skin in itself gets red and swollen and pus fills inside it. It gets drained out when the condition heals. This condition increases the pain in the already painful lips.

Dryness

Dehydration is one of the causes of the sore in the corner of the mouth. The lips get dry and this leads to the formation of the cracks on them. The cracks on the side of the mouth are the worst. They even pain while opening up or chewing. Drinking lots of water and moisturizing can help.

Blisters

Small or large blisters are formed on the side of the lips. These blisters are filled with liquids and when burst causes immense pain and even bleeding. The blisters are usually seen in the case of cold sores or herpes. They can get worse because of drooling and not keeping the area clean.

Stiffness

Another symptom a person feels is the stiffness in the lips. The inability to talk, chew or open the mouth. As the person opens the mouth, there is an intense pain that stays for a long time. The lesser the movement of the lips, the less pain will be felt. This stiffness gets worsened in the case of blister formation and extreme dryness.

Swelling

The area around a blister or a crack usually swells. It becomes risen, red and tender to touch. When touched or if some pressure is applied to it, inflammation and pain are caused. The lips give an illusion of becoming enlarged due to the swelling in them.

Causes of Sore in Corner of Mouth

There are a number of causes that lead to the sore in the corners of the mouth. Sometimes it might just be because of the basic things like dryness and sometimes might indicate a serious condition like an HIV or Herpes infection. The causes are explained in the detail below:

Infections

Many viral infections such as herpes and bacterial infections such as staph are the reason for the sore in the corner of the mouth. Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease and along with this, it has many other symptoms as well. Staph is a bacterium that is usually found in our respiratory tract and the skin. Even though this is some friendly bacteria, but sometimes it gets irritated and activated which leads to the infection in the different parts of the skin, especially around the nose and the lips.

Iron or Zinc Deficiency

The deficiency of iron or zinc in the body is also indicated by the sore corners in the mouth. The deficiency of minerals does a lot of harm to our immune system causing infections like this. If you have sore corners of the mouth, it is important to get your minerals levels checked. Iron is the main component in the transportation of oxygen from one body part to the other through blood and iron deficiency can lead to many other big problems. Anemia is an extremely prevalent problem and should be treated immediately.

Chapped lips

Sometimes a simple chapping of the lip can cause sores in the corner of the mouth. The chapping is not treated properly causes worse effects and pain. It becomes worse with licking the lips of drooling or not cleaning the area regularly.

Sun

Excessive exposure to the sun might lead to sun poisoning on the lips. The sun poisoning dries them and causes them to crack. The condition can lead to the sores in the corners. Sun also dehydrates the skin and burns it. So there is a chance that the person might even see redness and inflammation on the lips.

Allergic reaction

Mostly the allergic reactions happen to the cosmetic products like lip balms and lipsticks or everyday products like toothpaste and mouth cleansers. These can lead to the formation of small bumps and blisters all around the lips including the corners of the mouth and goes away as soon as the skin stops getting irritated.

Poor Diet

Sometimes the sores are also the reason of eating improper food. Foods that produce heat and are might be the reason of indigestion. Many stomach conditions are indicated by the sores in and around the lips.

Dehydration

Dehydration is the number one cause of the dryness and the chapping of the lips. Dehydration leads to the development of cracks on the side of the lips. These cracks if not taken care of might lead to many other infections and turn into a big disease.

Cold Sores

Cold sores are a cluster of blisters that are formed on or around the lips. These happen due to a bacterial infection and the blisters appear all of a sudden. They are very painful and sometimes cover the whole mouth. Cold sores are one of the biggest reason for sore in the corner of the mouth.

Dentures

Wearing dentures that do not fit appropriately is another reason for the sore corner. Dentures are made up of metals or fiber and are pointy. So when they do not fit properly, they tend to injure the area around them forming wounds leading to soreness.

Vitamin Deficiency

The sore in the corner of the mouth might also indicate a vitamin deficiency. The deficiency of vitamin B is the reason for this. Foods rich in this can help cure the condition easily.

Treatment

The sore in the corner of the mouth is not a big problem and can be easily treated with the over the counter medicines in most cases.

Treatments includes the following:

Antifungal

In the case of a fungal infection the doctor prescribes an antifungal ointment for the affected areas on the corners of the mouth. Regular application of the ointment helps heal them.

Zinc Oxide paste

Zinc oxide is very helpful in repairing the skin. In addition to this, it also acts as a good antifungal paste and be used to kill the fungal infection.

Medicine

Other oral antibiotics are given in the case of a viral and bacterial infection. The doctor will usually determine the cause of your problem and then prescribe the medicine to you.

Cocoa butter

Cocoa butter is an excellent moisturizer and helps keep the lips hydrated. No matter what has caused the sores in the corner of the mouth, moisturizing them is very important and nothing better than cocoa butter can be used.

Vitamin E and Tea tree oil

Vitamin E and tea tree oil are some products that can do magic for the skin. Make a mixture of vitamin E, tea tree oil, and petroleum jelly and apply it on the cracked part of the lip many times a day.

Avoid

Avoid spicy foods, licking the lips and drooling. All these activities can worsen the situation and sometimes lead to further infections.

How to Heal the Cracked Lip Corners Fast?

In addition to the above treatments, following the pointers were given below can help treat the cracked lips fast.

Hydrate

Most of the cracked lips corners are caused by dehydration. So, drinking at least 6 glasses of water daily and increasing the intake according to the need is important. Water maintains the elasticity of the skin and its deficiency makes the skin dry.

Avoid Sun

Avoid going in the direct sunlight especially during the summers. The ultraviolet rays can do more harm than good to the already cracked lips and also lead to sunburns.

Proper Diet

Take a proper diet to overcome anemia and vitamin deficiency in the body. A proper diet containing lots of vegetables, fruits and proteins are very important to keep a person healthy.

Hygiene

Maintain the hygiene of the lip area. Clean the area regularly and do not let any buildup of substance take place on the corners of the mouth.

Pictures

Wondering how sore in corner of mouth looks like? We’ve put together few pictures of cracked corners and sores in corner of mouth for your understanding…

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Small Amount of Blood in Vomit

Nov 17 2017 Published by under Diseases and Conditions

Small amount of blood in vomit is a condition when a person finds small traces of blood while throwing up. Scientific name for vomiting blood is hematemesis. Blood in vomit can be due to a lot of reasons and some of which can be serious diseases. Small amount of blood in vomit although is not that serious but if continues for a longer time, should be examined by a medical professional. In some cases, the vomit in a cough is mistaken with blood in the vomit. These are two very different conditions but both are equally harmful. A small amount of blood in vomit can be normal or a symptom of some major disease.

Symptoms of Blood in Vomit

The symptoms associated with the blood in vomit can be:


Picture 1: Vomiting small amount of blood

Stomach aches 

In most of the cases vomiting that has a small amount of blood in it is accompanied by stomach aches. The aches are not very severe and go away after a small period of time. Usually, after throwing up, a person might feel a slight pain in his stomach and in esophageal area along with throat.

Nausea

Nausea is a feeling of discomfort in upper abdominal area of a human body that causes an urge to vomit. After vomiting, there is a nauseous feeling and the person constantly feels as if they are going to throw up again. This usually happens if vomiting has happened due to some infection.

Weakness

Usually after constant episodes of vomiting a person feels weakness in legs and even in the whole body. While vomiting a lot of abdominal and upper body strength is used to push out the food that has been fed to the body.

Abdominal cramps

In addition to the pain in stomach, a person also sometimes suffer from abdominal cramps. Abdominal cramps differ from stomach ache because these happen in lower abdomen area that is small and large intestine. This usually happens due to either rupture or bruising of the inner intestinal lining.

Dizziness

As already mentioned above, vomiting requires a lot of strength and a person feels weak after doing it. In addition to weakness there is also dizziness while standing up or sitting down too fast. If the amount of blood in the vomit somehow increases and if person feels dizzy or faints, immediate medical assistance should be sought. This might indicate some very serious medical condition.

Breathlessness

Breathlessness, and anxiety are also two very common symptoms that are associated with small amount of blood in the vomit and constant vomiting. A person is not able to breathe properly since not a lot of oxygen is able to reach the body. In the cases of constant bleeding, there is a lot of blood loss which leads to the lessening in the transportation of blood and hemoglobin to the brain and the other parts of the body.

Blurred vision

Along with nausea and dizziness a person might have difficulty in seeing things for sometimes after throwing up. Head might feel heavy and vision affected. This usually goes away in a little while.

Dehydration

Due to constant bouts of vomiting the body loses a lot of water. If the water is not replenished then there is a big chance that the body might get dehydrated. Drinking a lot of water after throwing up is advisable in such cases.

Is it normal to have a small amount of blood in vomit?

Having small or large amount of blood is not a normal thing. Although if this happens only once, the situation can be put under control. But if the bleeding lasts more than a week and starts to increase with time, consulting a doctor is very important. This might be the reason for some underlying disease. Many pregnant women often see small traces of blood in their vomits, this happens when the vomiting is done in excess and is totally normal if it occasionally happens. If the baby has a small amount of blood in their vomit, then it should not be ignored and immediate medical attention should be sought. Sometimes a person might get small traces of blood after drinking a lot of alcohol, this is common when you have been throwing up for a long time. However, it is advisable to avoid consuming alcohol for some time after the bloody vomit.

Causes

The basic and the most prominent cause of the small amount of blood in vomit is the scratching or tearing of the abdominal cavity. But sometimes this might be an indication of something big. In future, the blood might increase and the condition should not be taken lightly.

Here are a few causes that might lead to bleeding in the stomach:

Bleeding in the digestive tract

This is the most common reason for the small amount of blood in vomit. When a person constantly keeps vomiting, a pressure is repeatedly exerted on their stomach to throw out its contents. In doing so, in most cases, the soft inner lining of the stomach gets scratched or bruised. This leads to a little bleeding the next time a person vomits. Pregnant women have morning sickness and vomit many times. So, small traces of blood is common in their cases. If color of the blood that comes out is red then that means blood is fresh and if the blood that comes out is brownish or maroon in color, this means that it has been in the stomach for a while and there has been an injury sometimes back.

Stomach Ulcer

Stomach ulcers are sores that have an open mouth and usually are formed on the inner lining of the stomach. They are usually caused due to erosion of inner lining of stomach. They are like small wounds. In many cases ulcers do not bleed but, sometimes when not cared for properly there is a slight bleeding. This blood is either passed out through stools or has to be passed out through vomit. These ulcers usually worsen after drinking alcohol or eating spicy food.

Esophageal Varices

Esophageal varices is a condition in which due to a blockage in the normal blood flow to the liver. This happens either due to a scar tissue or a clot that forms in the liver. To compensate for this, the blood is transferred to smaller blood vessels. These blood vessels do not have the capacity to hold a lot of blood and eventually leads to leakage of some. This is the blood that goes to the stomach and comes out with the vomit. However, if continued, this condition might even cause life-threatening blood loss.

Swallowed blood

This is another reason for small blood in the vomit. Sometimes a person swallows the blood that has come out of the nose or with a cough. This blood might be due to some nasal or throat infection or a nose bleed. The swallowed blood goes into the stomach and is then thrown out while vomiting. This throwing up blood usually happens once.

Continuous vomiting

If the person keeps on constantly vomiting there is a fair chance that he might damage his gastrointestinal tract. Constant vomiting is the cause of bleeding in the case of toddlers. This can be due to some allergic reaction to a food item, or an infection caused due to some virus or bacteria. If the bleeding continues for more than one time, medical assistance should be sought.

Swallowing a foreign substance

When a person accidentally swallows some foreign substance that is hard to the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, it might lead to some amount of bleeding. This blood accumulates in the stomach. Since the substance does not get digested and irritates the wall of the stomach, the body throws it out. This happens as the natural reflex of the body.

Treatment

  • Diagnose – The most basic step in the treatment of small amount of blood in vomit is to find out the reason behind it. So the doctor usually runs a few of the following tests in order to determine the exact cause that has been causing the bleeding in the stomach or the gastrointestinal tract.
  • Endoscopy – Endoscopy is a medical procedure in which a small fiber tube is inserted into a person’s digestive tract. This tube has a small high definition camera attached to it which helps the doctor in looking for any tear or bruise in the lining of the stomach.
  • Ultrasound – Ultrasound of the upper and lower abdomen is done to see whether there is any ulcer or swelling in the digestive organs that might be the reason for the bleeding in the area.
  • Blood test – The doctor might also run the complete blood count in order to determine any deficiency in the blood.

Medicines

Whatever might be the reason for the bleeding, oral medicines in the form of capsules or tablets are given to the patients in order to reduce the vomiting and heal the wounds in the gastrointestinal area.

Avoid

For the time, till the body is completely healed, avoid eating spicy food and drinking alcohol. Both these things might cause further irritation in the lining of the stomach and further bleedings. In addition to this, oily foods should also be avoided.

Water

Drinking lots of water is very important. Not only does water helps neutralize acids in the stomach, but it also helps to keep body hydrated. A lot of water is lost while vomiting and there is, even more, water loss if the vomiting is accompanied by diarrhea. So drink more than 6 glasses of water each day.

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Scratchy Throat

Nov 16 2017 Published by under Ear, Nose and Throat

What is a Scratchy Throat?

A scratchy throat is one condition that could be irritating or annoying to the sufferer in the sense that it may not progress into a full blown sore throat but still continues to be a burden to the sufferer. It is a common way to describe an itchy, irritated or an inflamed throat. Scratchy throat has been experienced by a lot of people many time in their lifetime and like mentioned earlier, it could just be a mild irritation that may not warrant seeing a doctor while at other times, it could progress fully into a full blown sore throat. If it remains at a mild level, it can last for just a few days except it becomes a sore throat which will take longer to heal. However, whatever the situation, it is important to note that a scratchy throat is a problem which can irritate and affect the so many things in your life like sleeping, eating and talking peacefully.

When it comes to scratchy throat, it is important to make unnecessary assumptions especially when they appear or develop suddenly because it could be an indication of something more serious about to happen. For example, a sudden development of a scratchy throat could be an indication or a symptom of an upper respiratory tract problem or a throat problem. The truth is that early diagnosis of those sudden scratchy throat development could prevent it from getting into a worse situation like pharyngitis. Unfortunately, most people do not take scratchy throat seriously because it looks like a common and simple ailment which does not require a medical attention until things get worse. In most cases, scratchy throat problems are managed at home through some simple home remedies and while that in its own is not a bad idea, it is important to see a doctor immediately when the condition keeps deteriorating or when other symptoms start appearing so that it can be managed properly.


Picture 1: Woman with a scratchy throat

Symptoms of Scratchy Throat

Note that a scratchy throat may not just be a symptom of an approaching cold, it might come from allergies, irritation and other sources. However, as soon as the source of your scratchy throat is identified, then the treatment can be done and this is can be more effective.

The symptoms of a scratchy throat include an itchy feeling or burning sensation at the back of your throat, tenderness along the neck and this would likely happen especially after eating or swallowing and in some cases, drinking as well.

Other possible symptoms that can manifest for scratchy throat problem includes:

  • Stomach Pain
  • Swollen glands in the neck
  • Fatigue
  • Mild fever
  • Runny nose
  • Rash
  • Hoarseness
  • Dry cough and sneezing

However, it is important to mention that the symptoms will vary from person to person and will also depend on the possibility of other health concern present in the sufferer. Whatever the case, the most important thing is to consult your doctor as soon as you feel these unusual manifestations of these symptoms.

Causes of Scratchy Throat

There are a lot of causes for scratchy throat and as said earlier, it will vary from people to people depending on their exposure to certain environment, health, status and other factors. However,the following are some of the major causes of scratchy throat.


Picture 2: Person with an itchy scratchy throat

Common Cold

This could be caused by a lot of viruses present in the system and at the end it leads to itchy throat. In fact, majority of the people will find that cold is accompanied with itchy throat and if this is the case, the likelihood of experiencing fatigue, dry cough, nausea and runny nose will remain on the high side. Naturally, common cold will last for few days but if the scratchy throat does not go away in that time frame, then it is important to consult your doctor.

Allergies

The reality is that some allergies can actually trigger itchy throat. For example, there are some food allergies that have the potential of causing irritation and swelling of the throat. However, these allergies could be treated. Another thing that may not be an allergy is mild asthma which would normally cause an itchy throat because of the wheezing and coughing that comes with it.

Dehydration

One thing most people overlook often is the effect of dehydration on the throat. However, it is important to note that dehydration can actually induce or cause a dry throat which leads to itching. What dehydration actually does is to make the mucus lining the throat to become clogged with over production. When this mucus goes away, it causes the throat to become irritated and this is what leads to the itchiness of the throat. Things that could cause dehydration include caffeine for the is reason, it is expected that the intake of caffeine into the system is limited. Note that if the scratchy throat is caused by dehydration, it then means that taking in water will help alleviate or cause a relief to the itchiness.

Other causes

Other causes of scratchy throat include shouting or excessive talking, viral or bacterial tonsillitis, snoring, breathing through the mouth for a long time, smoke inhalation which includes cigarette smoking and postnasal drip. It has also been reported that acid reflux could also be responsible for itchy throat in some people but it is a rare occurrence.

How to Get Rid of a Scratchy Throat

A scratchy throat could be frustrating but may not be enough reason to see doctor if you are sure of the cause. Sometimes, even antibiotics may not even be necessary. However, if the itchy throat continues, it is advisable to see a doctor immediately. You can get rid of scratchy throat and this is not as complex as it looks.


Picture 3: Some of the home remedies you can use at home to get rid of scratchy throat

The following can help you get rid of it:

Honey

The good thing about honey is that it is a multipurpose and useful commodity because of what it does in the system. Honey contains the important vitamins plus the added advantage of boosting your immune system to fight infections. In fact, honey is said to do a better job than most cough syrup in the sense that it coats the throat better making it more effective. According to research, darker honeys are better due to the fact that their level of oxidants is high.

Salt Water

Another important way of getting rid of scratchy throat is by using salt water. It is important to note the importance of salt in the first place. Salt is capable of killing bacteria and this is the reason why it is used as a preservative by most people. According to some studies, salt water is capable of reducing pain and itchy throat because it can fight whatever virus or bacteria that is responsible for it.

Licorice Root

You can get rid of scratchy throat by using licorice root. This root has been known to treat infections for many years and it works well when it is mixed with water. Note that people who used licorice root when experiencing sore throat get relief faster than just taking in ordinary water.

Garlic

The problem with garlic is that the probability of liking it is low due to its effects. However, it is a good ingredient to use when trying to get rid of your itchy throat. Note that it contains allicin which is known to kill bacteria and viruses due to its high antibiotic properties.

Home Remedies

There are many home remedies that can take care of scratchy throat problems. Some of these remedies are just so easy to do even though it is sometimes neglected or not taken serious. So if you are having an itchy throat, the following home remedies will be of help.

Moisten the Air

One of the main causes of scratchy throat is dryness. The reality is that a dry environment will contribute a lot in drying up your throat at faster pace. However, one way to go about this is by using a humidifier which is very necessary in countering the dryness of the air. What the humidifier does is to send water vapor that help to moisturize the air in such a way that minimizes the possibility of a scratchy throat. Note that a humidifier will be relevant in a closed room, therefore, you can use it when sleeping.

Keep your Voice and Throat at Rest

Your throat does not need to be stressed, therefore, it is advisable to rest at some point. One way to achieve this is by sleeping and this is because you may not need to eat or even speak when you are sleep hence affording you the much needed opportunity to rest your throat. If your scratchy throat is as a result of stress on your throat, then note that taking some few days of bed rest without shouting and minimal talking will sure fix things or prevent it from worsening.

Avoid Inhaling Irritants

For cigarette smokers, the itchy throat you experience may be as a result of smoking and if that is the case, it is time to call it quit. This is because smoking cigarettes has a way of worsening scratchy throat and this could also be a sign of another more serious problem. It is important to note that this whole problem is not just for smokers alone because people who do not smoke but live with someone who smoke who have the problem. Note that there are other inhaled irritants like air pollution, airborne dust among others. Just avoid them as much as possible.

Ensure Enough Body Hydration

To get rid of scratchy throat, it is expected that you keep your body hydrated. What adequate dehydration does is to ensure that your body produces enough saliva and less mucus so as to sustain the natural lubrication of your throat. Dehydration is bad in the sense that it causes the already painful situation to become worse.

See Your Doctor

There is no doubt that there are many home remedies for scratchy throat that you can do without seeing a doctor. However, note that there is a limit to what you can do at home. Naturally for some, these home remedies will get rid of the itchy throat while some others may just start exhibiting some other symptoms. The most important thing here is to know the limit of home remedies and see a doctor because it may actually be a symptom of a much more serious problem.

Is a Scratchy Throat Contagious?

Yes, scratchy throat could be contagious. It can be transmitted from one person to another by viruses and bacteria that are present in the infected person’s saliva, nasal discharge or mucus. In fact, it can be transmitted by just coming into contact with the substances listed above whether it is directly or indirectly. Others may contact it by touching items that are contaminated like toothbrush or even towels.

Also Read:

Causes of Food getting stuck in throat

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Excessive Smelly Gas

Nov 14 2017 Published by under Diseases and Conditions

Excessive smelly gas is a condition that occurs when stomach or abdominal cavity has some kind of problem or sufferer has eaten something that is causing the bad smell. Gas is a normal phenomenon of human body and is passed out at least 20 times daily; either through the mouth in the form of burps or from the anus as farts.

Gas can be caused either by directly swallowing air or are made by bacteria in the intestine. When you eat food it passes from stomach to small intestine, and from small intestine to the large intestine. There, the bacteria present in large intestine, which helps in digesting food also produce gasses like hydrogen, methane and carbon dioxide as a by-product of their activities. These gases are later passed out. Also, while eating food or drinking water, you tend to swallow air, which are usually later released as burps. Whatever is left of the air is later forwarded to the large intestine.

Some foods are bad for our system as they can cause foul-smelling gas. There are other causes for production of excessive smelly gas and flatulence like infections, indigestion and much more besides.

Symptoms of Excessive Smelly Gas


The symptoms that usually occur with excessive smelly gas are:

Bloating

Bloating is a condition in which the diameter of a person’s abdominal area increases. The stomach might feel full and stretched, causing stomach pain and growling sensations. other symptoms include shortness of breath and excessive smelly gas.

Stomach ache

Excessive smelly gas is usually accompanied by stomach ache. In many conditions the smelly gas can be caused by infections that might also lead to pain or cramps in the stomach and is most notable in babies.

Vomiting

Vomiting is very rare but does happen in cases of infections. Stomach either cannot hold food that has been fed it, or the lining of the abdominal cavity gets irritated, thereby leading to vomiting through reverse peristalsis.

Acidity

Acidity or heartburn is the leading cause of indigestion, which happens when the air consumed during eating is not easily digested by the stomach. This causes  production of excessive acids in stomach and soon leads to acidity. Acidity is always accompanied by excessive smelly gas and sufferers might also experience nausea.

Constipation

When a sufferer has irritable bowel syndrome, he/she usually feels constipated. Constipation is one of the main causes of excessive smelly gas since the stools are not passed out properly and undigested food remains in the digestive tract. Constipation is usually caused by eating meat, cheese and other foods that are tough to digest.

What Causes Excessive Smelly Gas?

Excessive smelly gas can happen for a number of reasons. It can sometimes even be a symptom of an underlying disease.

The causes of excessive smelly gas are as follows:

Infection

There are a huge number of bacteria and viruses that can cause a plethora of infections in the digestive tract. Some bacteria work as catalysts for digestion process in our body. These sometimes go haywire and harms the stomach. The symptoms that can be experienced along with excessive smelly gas are diarrhea, stomach-ache, and fever. While they can be easily treated with some antibiotics, it is still very important that you consult a doctor beforehand.

Colonic Bacteria

There are some bacteria that are present in human colon and the large intestine that are responsible for digestion of food. These release gasses like carbon dioxide and methane, which are later passed out. When a person eats foods rich in sulfur, these bacteria start releasing sulfur along with other gasses and so cause excessive smelly gas.

Lactose Intolerance

Number of people in the world with some degree of lactose intolerance is huge. Lactose is a type of sugar present in dairy products. People who suffer from lactose intolerance do not have the required amount of enzymes to properly digest lactose. So, lactose stays in the stomach and cause excessive smelly gas. If you are lactose intolerant it is advisable that you totally avoid eating dairy products.

Carbohydrate Malabsorption

Gluten is present in most carbohydrate-rich foods like wheat, rice, and barley and is responsible for carbohydrate malabsorption in our body. People intolerant to gluten might suffer from abdominal pain and bloat, along with excessive smelly gas. Avoiding eating of these products is advisable if your body has problems absorbing carbohydrates.

Slow digestion

Some people have a slowly-digesting metabolism and retain the food in their digestive tracts for longer periods. The longer the food is kept in the digestive tract the more it causes smelly gas. This is usually due to the lack of fibrous materials in the diet, and is the most common cause of excessive smelly gas in pregnant women.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome is also responsible for excessive smelly gas. This syndrome might lead to either constipation or loose bowels. In both of the cases, a foul odor is produced by the bacteria that are responsible for it. It can easily happen to people of any age from babies to adults.

Home Remedies

The smelly gas is usually caused by bacteria in the colon or large intestine. Some stomach conditions also leads to production of smelly gas by the body. Apart from medications that are taken in order to treat the underlying cause of excessive smelly gas, there are also home remedies that can be very beneficial to sufferers of the malady.

Some of these simple home remedies include:

Baking Soda

Baking soda is very helpful in neutralizing stomach acids. It produces bubbles of carbon dioxide in stomach that successfully leaches the gas away from the body. Mix half tablespoon of baking soda with half glass of water and drink this every two to three hours. If consumed regularly it also solves future smelly gas problems.

Ginger

Ginger is one of the best remedies for flatulence. It is so versatile and effective that it can be consumed in varied forms like powders and liquids. To tap into its healing properties mix half a tablespoon of powdered ginger in half a glass of warm water and drink this every night to avoid excessive smelly gas. You can also soak ginger in lime juice and eat the pieces. Additionally, make a habit of adding ginger to your food.

Honey

Drinking one tablespoon of honey mixed in dill oil just after eating is very helpful in getting rid of excessive smelly gas. Honey has many antioxidant properties and also helps relieve stomach acidity.

Fennel

Chewing a few fennel seeds when you are having smelly farts has been said to easily get rid of the condition. This is one of the fastest and the most effective home remedies and speedily resolves the issue of excessive smelly gas in about ten minutes. Apart from this you can also soak a few fennel seeds in a cup of warm water for about five to ten minutes and slowly drink the water.

Peppermint

Various forms of peppermint are used in treating smelly farts, because peppermint is very useful in the curing of stomach ailments. Take some fresh peppermint leaves and put them in boiling water for some time. Sip the mixture slowly when it’s cool. Alternatively, take some peppermint oil and put it in a cup of hot water. Let it stand and cool. Drink this mixture two to three times a day for the best result.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has been used for centuries to treat stomach issues like smelly farts, acidity, and indigestion. You need to mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of warm water and drink it two to three times a day.

Cinnamon

This is yet another humble ingredient present in everyone’s kitchen which has not been given enough attention. Cinnamon is a remedy that gives instant relief from the embarrassment caused by excessive smelly gas. Mix one tablespoon of cinnamon in one tablespoon of honey and let the solution sit for five minutes. Now, consume it two to three times a day. If possible mix some heated soy milk in it for better results. However, If you are allergic to soy milk avoid using it.

Foods to Avoid

  • Excessive smelly gas are mostly caused by the food we eat. So, be careful of the food you consume. The smell of the gas is primarily due to an increase in the sulfur content. Therefore, sulfur-rich foods should be avoided till the problem subsides. Sulfur-rich foods comprise eggs, cauliflower, meat, onions, cabbage, broccoli, mustard greens, kale, Brussel sprouts, collards, horseradish, garlic and other cruciferous vegetables. Even though most of these vegetables are very healthy for the body, in order to avoid smelly gas their intake should be either entirely stopped or limited.
  • People that are lactose intolerant might get smelly gas from their consumption of dairy products. After eating foods like cheese, cottage cheese, milk, curd, buttermilk etc. these people might get excessive smelly gas. They are therefore advised to stop eating such foods in order to get rid of the problem.
  • Foods that are very rich and hard to digest must be avoided after suffering from stomach flu or any other stomach disorder, because they might lead to the passing of excessive smelly gas. Also, such foods need to be shunned at night and after eating a gap of at least two hours should be kept before sleeping.

Also Read:

What Causes Stomach Bloating after Eating?

Possible Reasons for Food getting stuck in your throat

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