6 Tips to Clear Nasal Congestion

6 Tips to Clear Nasal Congestion

A stuffy nose is a sign of a common illness called nasal congestion. In this condition, the nasal cavity and the sinus walls swell up, causing inflammation and fluid accumulation. Patients may also exhibit fever in cases of infection. Also, some may show signs of nasal congestion and polyps for several reasons, such as season changes, allergies, and side effects of prescription treatment options. A runny nose and watery eyes often accompany it.

Here are six home remedies that will help you get relief from nasal congestion.

Adapt to home remedies for a natural solution
For most people who are prone to nasal congestion, following certain home remedies can be the best option. Opting for prescription treatment each time is expensive, and it can adversely affect the body in several ways. For example, having the same prescriptions will cause the body to create a tolerance level, thereby reducing the chances of it affecting the body in the same way. You may need to opt for higher doses for it to be effective again. This hampers and damages your liver drastically. That said, switching to home remedies is a much safer and easier way.

Home remedies are natural options and activities that you can do with things easily available at home. This shall be highly effective for you to fight against nasal congestion. They also help in enhancing the tolerance level of your body towards allergens by improving your immunity. This further reduces the chances of getting nasal congestion persistently. Here are some home remedies that are highly effective for managing nasal congestion.

Use a humidifier
A humidifier is a small device that makes your home a humid and warm place. It uses water and releases it into the air by converting it into moisture. When one has nasal congestion, the nasal walls and the throat is highly inflamed due to the constant sneezing and coughing. Breathing in moisturized air can help soothe irritated walls. It also helps significantly with swollen blood vessels, thereby improving the drainage system of the mucus. It has similar effects to taking steam.

Stay hydrated
Having high amounts of fluids can help you stay hydrated. Optimum levels of water in your body can help thin the aggregated mucus in the nasal cavity to a great extent. This helps with faster drainage, thus helping in managing nasal congestion better. Further, another great way is to consume water fluids, such as hot water, ginger water, soups, etc. This shall not only help you keep hydrated but also help you get nutrition and food filled with anti-inflammatory properties. Further, it helps in warming the body from within, enhancing its ability to fight bacteria and viruses better.

Take a hot shower
If you are feeling uneasy and low due to nasal polyps and congestion, having a hot shower can help relax you in several ways. First, the hot water will help improve the blood flow throughout your body, thereby improving blood circulation. Further, the steam from the hot water shall enter the nasal cavity creating a warm and humid atmosphere. Steam shall also help break down the mucus molecules, causing faster drainage that helps manage nasal congestion better.

Drain your nasal sinuses

Fluid accumulation and clogging of the cavity are two main effects that are part and parcel of nasal congestion. However, paying special attention to this and draining your nasal sinuses can help you get rid of nasal congestion faster. You can make use of water therapy, where you put in water from one nostril and let it come out from the other one. This is a popularly used technique that is well known to reduce nasal fluid and get rid of clogging faster. Doing it at least two to three times a day can help you get rid of nasal congestion more quickly. You may also consider adding betadine solution if, as it has antibiotic properties.

Make use of warm compresses
Warm compresses are a great way to calm down inflamed nasal walls. They help in reducing the swelling and inflammation of the blood vessels. Thus, they help make the blood vessels more relaxed and open by improving the blood flow in the nasal cavity. This helps in making the area more nutritive and rich in oxygen, which enhances the overall activity of the muscles nearby. Further, it helps in improving the overall drainage of the nasal sinus, reducing congestion. In order to make a warm compress:

  • Take a cotton cloth and gently press it on a heated stove.
  • Apply it over the nose, the cheekbones, and the forehead.
  • Repeat this process several times for at least 5 minutes twice a day.

Include natural decongestant foods in daily meals
Vitamin C is a great way of reducing inflammation as it has anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps in decreasing the severity of symptoms in times of cold and cough, thus making it a great addition to your everyday meal plan to help combat major congestion. Having fresh lemon is a great way to consume vitamin C. Take a lemon and squeeze it in a cup of warm water. Further, add honey to this lime water in order to make it sweeter. Having this at least once a day can help get rid of the rigid mucus filled in your nasal sinus. You can also have citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits for an added dose of vitamin C.

Home remedies are a great way to get rid of nasal congestion due to nasal polyps. They are extremely helpful in the long run. Since there are almost no side effects, they can be used more frequently than prescription treatment options without the worry of after-effects. It is also important to understand that home remedies take time to prove effective and may not have an immediate effect. Do reach out to a physician if your symptoms aggravate or are persistent.

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Foods to Eat and Avoid for Optimal Kidney Health

Kidneys help filter waste from the blood and dispose of it off the body via urine. They also help balance the electrolyte and fluid levels in the body. But, conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes may intervene with their ability to work as required. Furthermore, damage to the kidney might also result in chronic kidney disease. Hence making changes in your meal plan is a vital aspect of treatment. You can prevent damage to these organs by following a kidney-healthy meal plan. Below, we will address some foods to eat and avoid for better kidney health. Foods to eat Cauliflower Cauliflower is a nutritious vegetable. It's an excellent source of folate, Vitamins B, K, and C. It's rich in anti-inflammatory compounds like indoles, a fiber source. In addition, you can use mashed cauliflower as a replacement for potatoes. For example, a cup of cooked cauliflower has 40 mg of phosphorous, 176 mg of potassium, and 19 mg of sodium. Sweet potatoes They are relatively similar to white potatoes but have more fiber content, resulting in them breaking down more gradually. Hence, you will experience a less spike in insulin levels. Sweet potatoes are also rich in vitamins and minerals like potassium that help balance the sodium levels in the body and lower their impact on the kidneys. But, since sweet potatoes have a high potassium content, people on dialysis or those with CKD should curtail the intake of this vegetable. Red bell peppers They are rich in flavor and low in potassium, but that is not the sole reason they are considered a hit among people with kidney disease. Red bell peppers have Vitamin C and A sources and are also high in fiber, folic acid, and B6 vitamin content. In addition, red bell peppers are also suitable because they have lycopene, an antioxidant that shields against some cancers. You can eat them raw with a dip, mix them into your salad, or enjoy them as an appetizer. Some people also like roasting bell peppers and using them as a topping for lettuce salads or sandwiches. Olive oil It contains healthy fat and has anti-inflammatory properties. Since it is monosaturated fat, it stays stable even at higher temperatures as you cook. Thus, switching to extra virgin olive oil can give you more antioxidants while you still enjoy your favorite dish. Green vegetables Leafy veggies like spinach, kale, romaine, arugula, and cabbage are hydrating, low in calories, and have high antioxidant and vitamin content. If you wish to be cautious about your mineral levels, you must opt for cabbage and arugula, which are nutrient-rich and lower in sodium, potassium, phosphorous, and calcium. In addition, kale and spinach have a high potassium content, which is ok for people seeking to improve their kidney health, but best for those already dealing with chronic kidney disease. Blueberries They are called superfoods because they are rich in antioxidants and are a low-calorie Vitamin-C and fiber source. You can stock them in abundance from your local grocery store or farmer’s market. You can also shop for frozen berries in the off-season and enjoy healthy smoothies. People with kidney diseases can also eat other berries like raspberries, cranberries, and strawberries. Apples Apples are low in potassium and rich in fiber when you eat them with peel. They also have a natural anti-inflammatory effect and are ideal for your kidneys. Foods to avoid Soda Soda has zero nutritional benefits and instead has high sugar content. It only adds to the extra calories. Some studies link high soda consumption to conditions like kidney disease, osteoporosis, dental problems, and metabolic syndrome. If you opt for their lower calorie alternative like coke zero, even that will do you no good, as it has no nutritional value and contains artificial sweeteners and additives. Hence, you must omit soda and opt for healthy beverages like water. If you do not enjoy plain water, add a slice or two of fresh fruit for added flavor. Avocados Avocadoes are known for their many nutritious qualities. They are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and heart-healthy fats. Even though consuming avocado is often considered healthy, people with kidney disease must avoid it as avocados have a high potassium content. An average-sized avocado has about 690 mg of potassium. If you love the taste and do not want to eliminate it, you can reduce the portion size to only 1/4th of the avocado. In addition, it will lower potassium intake.  Salty foods Sodium or salt is one of the most prevalent inclusions in foods you consume daily. However, their density is higher in processed foods. Salt results in water retention and may cause blood pressure, lung, and heart disease. Healthy kidneys work towards maintaining the correct fluid balance in the body. So, if your kidneys do not function as desired, the fluid balance may be disturbed. Hence, you must curtail sodium-rich foods like processed foods, packaged items, and soy sauce. When cooking meals at home, opt for low-sodium alternatives. You can replace salt with spices and herbs and keep the salt shaker off the table. Dairy Dairy products like yogurt, cheese, ice cream, and milk are rich in protein, calcium, and other vital nutrients. They also contain potassium and phosphorous. People with stage three kidney disease might want to curtail their potassium, phosphorous, and protein intake, which is high in dairy. So, you can instead reach out for dairy alternatives like rice, soy, or almond milk as they have lower potassium, phosphorous, and protein content than cow’s milk. Bananas Though naturally low in sodium, bananas' potassium content is significantly high. So, to ensure your kidney disease does not aggravate, monitor your potassium intake, and it might be challenging if the banana is your staple. Conclusion Whatever you eat or drink will affect your health regardless of any health issue. Therefore, maintaining a healthy weight and following a balanced meal plan are prerequisites to staying fit and controlling blood sugar levels. A kidney-healthy meal plan is less about eliminating certain foods but following portion control and finding a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.

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Hyperglycemia – Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Hyperglycemia is high blood sugar, a complication observed in people with diabetes. It develops when the body has significantly less insulin than required or when the body is unable to process insulin. A person with hyperglycemia usually has a blood glucose level of more than 125 mg/dL when fasting and over 180 mg/dL after eating. When hyperglycemia is left untreated for a long time, it can damage the nerves, organs, and blood vessels. Causes and risk factors Many factors can increase the risk of hyperglycemia in people with diabetes. Some of them are: Insufficient or inaccurate dosage of insulin that one takes to manage diabetes  Body’s inability to effectively utilize insulin treatment Excessive carbohydrate intake Leading a sedentary lifestyle Physical or emotional stress Dawn phenomenon, which is a hormonal surge or rise in blood sugar people with diabetes experience every morning Some of the other possible causes of hyperglycemia: Cushing’s syndrome results in insulin resistance Being affected by pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, and pancreatic cancer Using certain treatment options Experiencing trauma or surgery Some of the risk factors of high blood sugar are: A family history of diabetes Unhealthy lifestyle High cholesterol Polycystic ovarian syndrome History of gestational diabetes Symptoms Hyperglycemia may not exhibit symptoms unless one experiences extremely high blood sugar levels, for instance, blood glucose over 180 mg/dL. The symptoms start developing over several days or weeks. The longer one has high blood sugar levels, the more severe the symptoms. If it remains undetected for a long time, a possible complication is a diabetic coma or ketoacidosis. Diabetic ketoacidosis or DKA and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome develop as a complication of high blood sugar levels. As this is a serious complication, one should contact a doctor when they notice any such issues. When affected by DKA, ketone levels increase in the blood and urine, mainly in people with type 1 diabetes. So, it is essential to understand the early symptoms of hyperglycemia, especially when one is affected by diabetes. Here are some common symptoms one might experience: High blood sugar Headache Blurry vision Feeling excessively hungry or thirsty Frequent urination Changes in appearance Weakness Vaginal and skin infections Management options If one notices one or more symptoms of high blood sugar, they should consult their healthcare provider regarding proper management techniques. Doctors can also offer guidance regarding how various treatment options can help keep blood glucose in check. If affected by diabetes, one should avoid missing a dose and follow the doctor’s instructions. The treatment for hyperglycemia is determined by factors like the frequency and severity of one’s blood sugar. Other factors include one’s age and health, and mental health. Here are a few management options for the condition: Lifestyle changes One’s lifestyle is one of the crucial factors taken into consideration when developing a treatment plan for hyperglycemia. This includes understanding one’s overall physical and mental health and introducing healthy eating habits. Healthcare experts may also recommend staying active. Additionally, keeping an eye on one’s blood sugar levels is crucial. Further, treatment for diabetes is influenced by one’s lifestyle and will not be entirely effective if one does not make better choices. Healthy eating habits: A carbohydrate-rich meal plan can have a huge impact on one’s blood sugar. So, choosing sugary foods and beverages on a regular basis can increase the risk of developing hyperglycemia. So, it is essential to make changes to one’s meal plan to limit carbohydrates and added sugar and instead opt for fiber-rich food. Regular exercise: Avoiding a sedentary lifestyle or long periods of sitting or sleeping can help prevent diabetes. Regular physical activity can help in achieving glycemic control when one is dealing with diabetes, as exercising lowers blood sugar levels. So, one can go for a walk after having a big meal to help them burn calories and excessive sugar in the blood. Regular workout also helps improve one’s overall health. But before one introduces drastic changes in their daily routine, it is important to consult a healthcare professional.  Monitoring blood sugar: Regularly monitoring one’s blood sugar is a crucial step in diabetes management. Keeping track of one’s blood glucose also helps in evaluating the effectiveness of treatment options and lifestyle changes. Understanding the pattern of spikes in one’s glucose levels helps one manage and even prevent hyperglycemia. Treatment options While eating habits and lifestyle can help one avoid high blood sugar, certain prescriptions are required to keep blood glucose in check. The common options would include: Insulin therapy: This is a hormone that controls the level of blood sugar in the body. When affected by type 1 diabetes, the body cannot produce enough insulin. So, one would have to take regular insulin doses to deal with the disease.  Other prescription options: Along with insulin, adjunctive treatments can help control the blood sugar level when dealing with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Other oral options can also help with controlling blood glucose.  Emergency treatment If one experiences severe symptoms like diabetic ketoacidosis, they will have to be rushed to the hospital and get immediate treatment. Emergency treatment focuses on lowering blood sugar and bringing it back to the normal range. Here are the methods doctors usually use:  Fluid replacement: Here, one receives fluids intravenously until the body gets back all the fluid they might have lost due to frequent urination. Fluid replacement also assists in diluting the extra amount of sugar in the blood. Electrolyte replacement: Electrolytes are minerals in blood that are essential for the tissues to function correctly. When there is a lack of insulin in the body, one might also experience a decrease in the blood’s electrolyte levels. So, here one will receive electrolytes through veins. High blood sugar is a common concern in people with diabetes, however, healthy eating habits, an active lifestyle, and regular check-ups can help one avoid serious complications. Further, recognizing the early signs and risk factors of developing hyperglycemia is also a crucial step in managing diabetes.

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