Constipation is a common condition where infrequent bowel movements or difficult passage of stools persists for several weeks or longer due to which a person is unable to empty the bowel. Affecting people of all ages, constipation can cause significant pain and discomfort to the patient. Key symptoms of constipation include dry and hard stool, painful bowel movements and having fewer than three bowel movements a week. Constipation treatment often involves dietary changes, increased fluid intake, regular exercise, and, in some cases, medical intervention to facilitate easier bowel movements.

Treatment of constipation

The following treatments can help ease constipation:

• Change the Diet

To ease the symptoms, make changes in diet to make stools softer and easier to pass. Including more fibrous food (22 to 34 grams of fibre per day) in the diet can help ease constipation. There are mainly two types of dietary fibres: insoluble and soluble fibres.

1. Insoluble fibres: These are mostly present in wheat bran, vegetables and whole grains. They add bulk to stools and help to release motion more quickly and easily.
2. Soluble fibres: These fibres present in oat bran, barley, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, peas and in some fruits and vegetables absorb water and form a gel-like paste in the digestive tract, which softens the stools and improves its consistency.

• Get Regular Physical Activity

It is important to do some regular physical activity to help relieve the symptoms of constipation.

• Try Bowel Training

Doctors recommend establishing a consistent daily routine, including having breakfast at the same time each day and allowing a 30- to 45-minute gap before attempting to pass stool. This practice assists the colon in moving stool regularly and facilitates easier bowel movements.

• Stop Taking Certain Medicines or Dietary Supplements

If certain medicines or dietary supplements are causing the problem of constipation, then talk with the doctor who may change the dose or suggest a different medicine that does not cause problems related to constipation. 

• Take Over-the-Counter Medicines

Doctors may prescribe certain medicines with laxatives for constipation treatment to help ease the symptoms. These are:

1. Fibre supplements (Citrucel, FiberCon, Metamucil)
2. Osmotic agents (Milk of Magnesia, Miralax)
3. Stool softeners  (Colace, Docusate)
4. Lubricants, such as mineral oil (Fleet)
5. Stimulants (Correctol, Dulcolax)

If someone has been using these laxatives for a longer period, consulting a doctor is advisable to discuss a gradual cessation plan. This approach may enable the colon to resume its normal stool movement once the laxatives are gradually phased out.

Strep throat or pharyngitis is a contagious bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils caused by a type of bacteria called Group A Streptococcus. The infection usually spreads through small respiratory droplets that become airborne when someone with this infection sneezes or coughs. In some severe cases, it can cause serious illnesses such as rheumatic fever that can lead to permanent damage to the heart and heart valves. Therefore, it’s important to diagnose the condition using a rapid strep test or a throat culture. Timely strep throat treatment resolves the infection within seven to 10 days.

Treatment of Strep Throat

The treatment for strep throat includes the use of antibiotics which is a type of medicine that kills bacteria that cause an infection. 

The antibiotics commonly used to treat strep throat are penicillin and amoxicillin. These antibiotics help relieve a sore throat and other symptoms caused by Group A Streptococcus. 

The antibiotics may also reduce the level of infectivity to spread to others by decreasing the bacterial load in a sample of the patient. They also help prevent minor complications, such as sinus and tonsil infections, and more serious issues like rheumatic fever. 

If the patient is allergic to penicillin, then the doctor may prescribe other antibiotics recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for strep throat treatment. They include:

• Amoxicillin (oral)
• Cephalexin (oral)
• Cefadroxil (oral)
• Clindamycin (oral)
• Clarithromycin (oral)
• Azithromycin (oral)

In addition to antibiotics, some home remedies can also help to reduce the symptoms of strep throat. These include:

• Drinking plenty of warm water to stay hydrated
• Getting plenty of rest to ease body pain
• Using a humidifier to provide moist air to relieve discomfort. Be careful to clean the humidifiers routinely to prevent mould and bacteria from building up. 
• Prefer eating soft foods like yoghurt
• Taking over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen
• Salt water gargling twice or thrice daily
• Essential oils distilled from the leaves, bark, stems and flowers of some medicinal plants can be used to promote healing by reducing inflammation. 

• The studies have reported the use of certain essential oils from thyme, lavender, cinnamon, peppermint, clove, eucalyptus, and tea tree to relieve body pain.

Remedies for Children

If a child develops a fever and a strep throat infection, then follow these tips to avoid the spread of infection: 

• Washing hands frequently
• Try warm salt water gargles 
• Keep the child away from social gatherings to avoid the spread of infection
• The child should take leave from school and rest to avoid the spread of infection
• Give the child plenty of fluid to drink to keep the throat moist 
• Give over-the-counter painkillers, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, with proper dosage as recommended by a doctor to manage the pain.

Vitiligo is a type of autoimmune disorder characterised by the loss of melanin-producing cells called melanocytes from the skin's surface. Melanin is a pigment produced by melanocytes, the expression of which gives everyone a particular skin colour. 

Vitiligo is the most common disease that is associated with skin de-pigmentation, and it can occur at any age. The reasons behind vitiligo include both genetic and non-genetic or environmental factors. The loss of melanocytes occurs due to its destruction, resulting in decreased melanin production. The destruction of melanocytes might be caused due to various autoimmune or cytotoxic reasons and can be managed through some available vitiligo treatment modalities. 

Treatment of Vitiligo

Once vitiligo is diagnosed, there are several therapies that can be offered to control & cure this disease. The treatment offered includes much of topically applicable creams and systemic medicines. Some types of light therapies, such as phototherapy and laser therapies, are also used to treat vitiligo. However, the most common vitiligo treatments are topical creams and surgical interventions for localised or segmental vitiligo. 

The following treatment options are recommended for vitiligo: 

• Topically applicable creams – Topical treatment with corticosteroid creams is recommended as it might help start re-pigmentation at the affected site. This treatment works particularly for new lesions and body areas with good sun exposure. Other topical therapies include topical calcineurin inhibitors and topical vitamin D3 analogues, which are used in combination with certain other medicines.  
• Medicines – Medicine is particularly provided to those which work for the immune system and reduce inflammation. Corticosteroid pills and injections are also prescribed as per the needs of the patient. Systemic corticosteroid treatment along with tacrolimus in some hard-to-treat segmental vitiligo. 
• Phototherapy – It is one of the effective options for vitiligo treatment that includes Narrow-Band UVB Phototherapy and is given 2-3 times a week. This therapy suppresses the immune system and increases the melanin synthesis process. This therapy is better than psoralen and phototherapy as it reduces the side effects due to psoralen. PUVA irradiation is also done to suppress the immune system and make a conducive environment for melanocyte formation. Excimer Laser is used to treat limited vitiligo patches. 
• Surgical therapies – Surgical therapies are limited to small or segmental vitiligo patches. Different types of surgical methods are used to restore melanisation in the affected areas, including - suction epidermal graft, non-cultured epidermal suspensions, punch grafting, thin dermo-epidermal grafts, and cultured epidermis with melanocytes.  All these techniques have proven their efficacies in re-storing melanin pigmentation.                                                                                                                                                                                      
• New therapies – Some emerging therapies for easy and efficient vitiligo treatment are Afamelanotide inhibitor, JAK inhibitor therapies, and topical ruxolitinib.     

Graves' disease is an autoimmune situation that primarily affects the thyroid glands on the front side of our neck. Other organs that might also be affected by Graves' disease are skin, heart, eyes, bones, liver, and skeletal muscles. If not diagnosed and treated on time, this disease can cause exaggerated thyroid gland function, which is associated with a high disease burden and death rate. The treatment offered for Graves' disease depends upon the stage of the disease and the symptoms experienced. Usually, treatment offers good outcomes with rapid control over the symptoms. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of Grave disease treatment.

Treatment of Graves Disease

Graves' disease is the primary cause of hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid). In most cases, the presentation of this disease comes with conventional hyperthyroidism symptoms, which also depend upon the age of disease onset and gender. The following options are recommended for Graves' disease treatment: 

• Beta-adrenergic Blockers – Patients with initial symptoms of Graves' disease are mostly recommended beta-adrenergic blockers. It is particularly useful for elder hyperthyroid patients with a medical history of cardiovascular diseases. Propranolol and Metoprolol are beta-blockers which is generally prescribed in patients with Graves' disease to regulate associated cardiopathies. 
• Anti-thyroid Drugs (Thionamides) – The two most common anti-thyroid drugs in use are Methimazole (MMI) and propylthiouracil (PTU).  These drugs work by reducing exaggerated thyroid function.  Propylthiouracil is also known to partially block the peripheral conversion of T4 to T3. Methimazole is a common drug to treat non-pregnant patients. For pregnant women in the first trimester, propylthiouracil is recommended to avoid harmful side effects.
• Thyroidectomy – This is the surgical removal of the thyroid gland. It is recommended for patients with significant thyroid enlargement, which can result in neck compression. It is also recommended for patients who have thyroid cancer or thyroid nodules.  
• Treatment of Graves' Orbitopathy – The treatment recommended depends upon the severity of the disease. In most cases, the thyroid hormone level is controlled first. For patients with mild orbitopathy, RAI (Radioactive Iodine therapy) therapy is recommended. For moderate to severe cases of Graves' orbitopathy, prednisone and methylprednisolone therapy is recommended. Glucocorticoids, teprotumumab, rituximab, and orbital irradiation are also recommended.

Pulmonary hypertension refers to a condition with increased pulmonary artery pressure. The pulmonary artery carries blood from the right upper chamber of the heart to the lungs for oxygenation. The pressure in this artery is usually low. An increase causes the arteries to narrow, leading to pulmonary hypertension, which subsequently reduces blood oxygenation.  Since the symptoms of pulmonary hypertension are similar to other heart and lung conditions, it is usually hard to diagnose. The symptoms can be managed well with certain inhaled medicines and other therapies. In this article, we’ll explore the different forms of pulmonary hypertension treatment.

Treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension

The following options are recommended for pulmonary hypertension treatment: 

1. Medicines – Various medicines are available for symptomatic relief from pulmonary hypertension, which can be categorised as follows:

• Calcium channel blockers or CCBs – They are used as first-line pulmonary hypertension treatment in many cases. Depending upon the symptoms and severity, different CCBs are recommended. Some common CCBs are Amlodipine, Nifedipine, Diltiazem, and more.  
• Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors or PDE-5i and soluble Guanylate cyclase stimulators or sGCS – These are nitric oxide (NO) pathway modulators and work by increasing NO levels that consequently causes vasodilation (expanding blood vessels and reducing pressure). 
• Endothelin receptor antagonists or ERAs -  Endothelin -1 receptor A is known to cause vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels). Blocking endothelin A receptors thus gives symptomatic relief to pulmonary hypertension patients. One example of an endothelin receptor type A antagonist is Ambrisentan, which is recommended for pulmonary hypertension patients.   
• Prostacyclin analogs (PCA) and prostacyclin receptor agonists or PRA – Pulmonary hypertension patients exhibit deregulation of a process called the prostacyclin pathway which further causes platelet aggregation and blood thickening. So, medicines targeting this pathway and acting as blood thinners are recommended for pulmonary hypertension. Examples of such medicines are Epoprostenol, Treprostinil, and Iloprost. Another blood thinner often recommended is warfarin.
• Other medicines – Some medicines that impact cardiac arrhythmia are also recommended to regulate the heartbeat. Diuretics or water pills are usually given, as the kidney works well to remove excess fluid, and the consequent pressure build-up is low, resulting in lower stress on the heart. 

2. Oxygen Therapy – This therapy aims to provide extra supplemental oxygen to breathe. This helps the idiopathic pulmonary hypertension patients in particular, allowing for easier breathing. 

3. Surgery – This is done when the medicinal treatment does not provide a good outcome. It includes: 

• Interventional Therapy: Therapies like balloon atrial septostomy and Potts shunt are used to relax the right upper chamber of the heart and to improve systemic blood flow.
• Lung and Heart-Lung Transplantation: This is done only in case the other therapies fail. It is recommended in patients with diseases such as pulmonary veno-occlusive disease or pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis.

Ear infections, usually caused by bacteria and viruses, are common worldwide. The bacteria particularly responsible are Streptococcus pneumoniae or Haemophilus influenzae. Children are more prone to ear infections than older age groups. About 80% of children have ear infections at some point. Adults too are not immune to such infection, which can become severe if left unattended for a long time. 

With every disease comes a financial burden, so obtaining health insurance must be a priority. Thus, keeping yourself protected from financial duress as common as ear infections is necessary. Let us now have a look at the treatment methods for ear infections.

Treatment of Ear Infection

Ear infections can be mild or severe. Here is how ear infection treatment works:

• Waiting and observing: The first step involves waiting a few days and seeing if the infection disappears. A check on body temperature and other symptoms is necessary during this waiting period. Usually, it goes away in a couple of days on its own.

• Home treatments: You can try some home treatments for mild infections. Placing a warm cloth over the affected ear can help soothe pain and discomfort. The warmth may aid in improving blood circulation and easing tension. Also, changing sleeping positions to avoid pressure on the affected ear can contribute to comfort and prevent further irritation. 

• Pain medications: Ear infection accompanies pain. Treatment often includes prescribing painkillers. Over-the-counter medicines can relieve pain and reduce fever. Anaesthetic drops, applied when the eardrum is intact, may also provide temporary relief by numbing the ear canal. It's essential to follow recommended dosages and guidelines, especially for children. 

• Antibiotics: Health professionals also prescribe antibiotics after assessing the extent of ear infection. These are recommended for specific days, and completing the correct dosage is essential for effective ear infection treatment.

• Ear tubes: Another treatment method includes ear tubes. These are also known as tympanostomy or ventilation tubes and are small, cylindrical devices surgically placed into the eardrum to treat recurrent ear infections or persistent fluid accumulation in the middle ear. This procedure is often considered when other methods, such as antibiotics or a wait-and-see approach, have not effectively resolved the ear issues. It is done through a surgical procedure. A small incision is made in the eardrum, and the tube is inserted to create a tiny passageway that allows air to enter the middle ear.

These are some of the commonly used treatments. While some treatments, such as home remedies, can be adopted without any professional advice, it is important to consult a doctor before administering medicines, both painkillers and antibiotics. 

Mesothelioma is a tumour that develops in the mesothelium (membrane found in several body cavities) and is diagnosed only through professional help. The types of this condition are classified based on the affected part. For instance, pleural mesothelioma is a condition when the tissue surrounding the lungs gets affected. The mineral asbestos is universally acknowledged by health authorities, including the WHO, as a highly carcinogenic substance capable of causing mesothelioma. As per studies and empirical evidence, mesothelioma affects men more than women, at a rate of 3 to 1. As this disease can be fatal, we cannot emphasise enough on securing health insurance. Let us turn our attention to the treatment for mesothelioma. 

Treatment of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma treatment depends on the body part it affects, the stage of the tumour, and various other factors. The following are some of the commonly adopted mesothelioma treatment methods:

• Immunotherapy: This treatment is for mesothelioma cancer and harnesses the patient's immune system. Various immunotherapy options exist, such as vaccine therapy (including autologous vaccines made from the patient) and a treatment involving immune cytokines. These treatments aim to activate the patient's immune response against the cancer; multiple strategies within this approach have been explored for mesothelioma treatment. 

• Chemotherapy: This method comprises a set of potent drugs that, by causing DNA damage, eliminate cells, including those affected by mesothelioma, other cancers, and even healthy cells. It is classified as a cytotoxic therapy, indicating its ability to kill cells. Chemotherapy can be administered before or after surgery depending on the patient's condition. However, chemotherapy drugs can also affect healthy cells, and may lead to certain side effects. Therefore, seeking medical help from time to time is inevitable, and we would reiterate the need for health insurance immediately!

• Surgery: This is another treatment mode. Surgeons look to eliminate mesothelioma upon early detection, and in certain cases, this can lead to a complete cure. However, when removing all of the tumour is not feasible, surgery may still be beneficial in mitigating the signs and symptoms associated with the spread of mesothelioma throughout the body.

• Targeted therapy: This treatment for mesothelioma focuses on specific molecules involved in the growth and survival of cancer cells. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which affects both cancerous and healthy cells, targeted therapy aims to interfere with specific pathways or proteins related to the development and progression of mesothelioma.

• Radiotherapy: Radiation therapy is a method for treating mesothelioma by employing high-energy X-rays or other forms of radiation to eliminate cancer cells or stub their growth. In external radiation therapy, a machine positioned outside the body directs radiation towards the specific area affected by cancer. Additionally, this treatment can be applied as palliative therapy to alleviate symptoms and enhance the overall quality of life for individuals with mesothelioma.

These are some of the commonly used treatment modes for all types of mesothelioma.

Raynaud's phenomenon is a condition in which smaller arteries that supply blood to the skin shrink excessively in response to cold, limiting blood supply to the affected area. It is a condition in which some areas of the body feel numb and cool. Raynaud's disease treatment doesn't always involve medications or invasive treatments, but lifelong strategies to minimise triggers and manage symptoms effectively are typically necessary once diagnosed. Treatment for Raynaud's disease typically involves managing symptoms and preventing episodes by keeping warm, managing stress and avoiding triggers.

Treatment for Raynaud's Disease 

Blood tests can help determine if another condition, like an autoimmune or connective tissue sickness, is causing Raynaud's disease.

Blood tests for Raynaud's include:

• Antinuclear antibodies test or ANA test: A positive experimental outcome frequently implies an autoimmune disease.

• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate. This test shows the rate at which red blood cells tumble to the lower part of a tube. A quicker-than-normal rate could indicate swelling or autoimmune disease.

Side effects of Raynaud's disease can be soothed by dressing up in layers with thick socks and gloves to keep the hands and feet warm. Medicines can treat more serious side effects. 

The objectives of Raynaud's disease treatment are to:

• Decrease the number and seriousness of attacks
• Prevent tissue harm
• Treat the basic illness or condition

Prescription

Depending upon the reason for symptoms and effects, medication could help. Medicines used to treat individuals with Raynaud's sickness might include:

• Calcium channel blockers: These medications unwind and open little veins in the hands and feet. These medications can additionally assist with mending injuries on fingers or toes. Models incorporate nifedipine (Procardia), amlodipine (Norvasc), felodipine and isradipine.

• Vasodilators: These medications loosen up veins. They incorporate the hypertension drug losartan (Cozaar), the erectile dysfunction medication sildenafil (Viagra, Revatio), the anti-depressant stimulant fluoxetine (Prozac) and a class of prescriptions called prostaglandins.

Medical procedures and operations

Medical procedures or injections can treat severe Raynaud's disease.

• Nerve surgery: Nerves in the hands and feet control the opening and contracting of veins in the skin. Through little cuts in the impacted hands or feet, a surgeon strips small nerves around the veins. This medical procedure, if fruitful, could result in fewer and shorter attacks.

• Chemical injection: Shots of desensitising medications or onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) can block/freeze nerves in impacted hands or feet. If the symptoms persist, the injections are given more than once. 

Lifestyle changes and home remedies

Some lifestyle changes can help prevent Raynaud's attacks such as:

• Keep away from smoke: Smoking, vaping or taking in another person's smoke shrinks veins. This leads to a drop in skin temperature.
• Workout: Physical activity increases blood flow. Furthermore, it has numerous other medical advantages. In case of secondary Raynaud's disease, converse with the medical expert before exercising outside.
• Extra pressure: Stress can initiate the side effects. Track down ways of decreasing and staying away from stress and pressure. Getting more activity, practising self-care and joining support groups are a few options to lessen anxiety.
• Try not to change temperatures quickly. Do whatever it takes not to go rapidly from heat to cool temperatures like an air-conditioned room.

Scleroderma is a group of rare diseases that more often affects women. It commonly occurs between the ages of 30 and 50. This disease causes chronic hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues. Scleroderma treatment can help, but the condition is not curable and requires lifetime treatment. 

The condition  requires a medical diagnosis, and the symptoms include 

• Skin tightening 
• Joint pain
• Exaggerated response to cold (Raynaud's disease)
• Heartburn

Treatment of Scleroderma

It is an autoimmune condition wherein your immune system starts attacking your body instead of protecting it. Experts don't know for sure what causes scleroderma. Some studies have found that it can run in families (biological parents can pass it on to their children), but this is rare enough; hence, there's no definite proof it's a genetic disorder.

There's no remedy for scleroderma, yet your medical specialist will assist you with a mix of therapies that deal with side effects and limit the degree to which they influence your daily schedule.

The medicines you require depend on where you encounter side effects and how extreme they are.

 Some regular scleroderma medicines include:

• Skin medication: Your doctor may prescribe creams and lotions to keep your skin from drying.
• Immunosuppressants: They prevent your immune system from harming healthy cells and tissues.
• Medicines to manage specific symptoms: For instance, you could require treatment to control your blood pressure, work on your breathing, oversee kidney dysfunction, or reduce gastrointestinal side effects.
• Physical therapy: A physiotherapist will assist you with further developing how your body moves.
• Light treatment (phototherapy): Light treatment utilises UV light to treat skin conditions. It can assist with treating thickened skin.
• Stem cell transplants: Certain individuals with extreme side effects could require stem cell transplants. A stem cell transplant replaces damaged cells with healthy donor cells.

While dealing with scleroderma, certain lifestyle changes can be adopted to sustain your health, such as

• Following an eating regimen and exercise plan that is good for you
• Staying away from serious work when you are not feeling your usual self
• Safeguarding your skin with the proper attire for your current circumstance and wearing excellent sunscreen when you're outside
• Visiting a dentist regularly for regular cleaning and examination

Salmonella is a group of bacteria that causes gastrointestinal infections. According to the World Health Organization, it is one of the top four leading causes of diarrhoeal diseases worldwide. Some common symptoms of the infection include a sudden fever, stomach pain, diarrhoea, and sometimes vomiting. These bacteria can be found in various animals, including pets, poultry, pigs, and cattle. 

Salmonella can infiltrate the entire food chain, starting from animal feed, passing through the production process, and ending up in our homes. It is crucial to consult a doctor if symptoms worsen. Now, let's explore the treatments used for salmonella infection.

Treatment of Salmonella

Although many recover without any therapy, some do require proper medical intervention. Here are some of the Salmonella treatment methods:

• Stay hydrated: When dealing with a Salmonella infection, it's crucial to address dehydration as a critical concern. The main focus is on replenishing the fluids and electrolytes lost during the illness. Electrolytes are essential minerals that help balance the body's water levels. In severe cases, the treatment includes electrolyte replacement, where essential ions like sodium, potassium, and chloride are provided to compensate for the losses resulting from vomiting and diarrhoea. This process is known as rehydration, aiming to restore the body's fluid and electrolyte balance.

• Antibiotics: Antibiotics are prescribed to eliminate the Salmonella bacteria. This action is typically considered when there are concerns that the bacteria have entered the bloodstream, the infection is severe, or the individual has a weakened immune system. The goal of antibiotics is to combat the bacterial infection and aid in a quicker recovery. It's essential to follow the healthcare provider's guidance regarding the use of antibiotics and complete the prescribed course to ensure effective treatment and minimise the risk of antibiotic resistance.

• Anti-diarrhoeal medications: Anti-diarrhoeal medications, such as loperamide (Imodium A-D), are beneficial in controlling diarrhoea during a Salmonella infection. These drugs can also relieve cramping. 

• Symptomatic relief: Over-the-counter medications may be recommended to alleviate pain and reduce fever. 

• Rest: Adequate rest is essential during a Salmonella infection as it allows the body to focus on fighting the bacterial invasion and repairing tissues. It also helps manage symptoms such as fatigue and weakness, common during infections. Individuals can promote a faster and more effective recovery by getting enough rest.

Eat normally: Steer clear of spicy, greasy, or dairy-rich foods that may irritate the digestive system. Eat simple and easily digestible food. This helps in Salmonella treatment.

Angina refers to chest pain during activities such as exercise or stress when the heart is exerted and working harder. It is essential to differentiate between Angina and other types of chest pain because their treatments differ and can have varying long-term effects on health.

Angina treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and the condition's underlying cause. It typically involves lifestyle changes, medications, and possibly medical procedures to improve blood flow and reduce heart strain. Furthermore, purchasing health insurance can be a wise decision to address potential medical expenses related to these conditions. Now, let us take a look at how Angina is treated.

Treatment of Angina

Following are some ways of angina treatment:

• Nitrates: Nitrates relax and widen blood vessels, reducing the workload on the heart by improving blood flow to the heart muscle. They are often used to provide rapid relief during angina episodes, helping to alleviate chest pain and discomfort.

• Aspirin: Aspirin is an antiplatelet medication that inhibits blood clot formation by reducing the stickiness of platelets. It is used to prevent the formation of blood clots in narrowed coronary arteries, promoting better blood flow.

• Clot-preventing drugs: They are often prescribed with aspirin to minimize the risk of clot-related issues in coronary arteries.

• Beta-blockers are used to manage Angina by decreasing the workload on the heart, making them particularly useful for chronic stable Angina and reducing the frequency and severity of episodes.

• Calcium channel blockers: These are used to dilate coronary arteries, enhance blood flow to the heart, and reduce the frequency of angina episodes, particularly in vasospastic Angina.

• Ranolazine: It is used in angina treatment to manage chronic Angina, especially when other medications may not be fully effective, by improving blood flow to the heart and reducing angina symptoms.

• An alternative for individuals experiencing persistent pain is Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP). This therapeutic option involves applying pressure to the lower legs to enhance blood circulation to the heart. By doing so, EECP seeks to alleviate angina symptoms. 

• Lifestyle changes: Addressing Angina involves lifestyle modifications such as quitting smoking, achieving a healthy weight, and managing high blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
  
  Adapting daily activities more slowly is beneficial, especially if certain activities consistently trigger Angina. Considering that the heart is under increased stress in the mornings and after meals, reducing physical activity during these times can be helpful. 

Additionally, managing stress and anger through techniques like stress-reduction programs or meditation is advised, mainly if these emotional factors regularly contribute to angina episodes. These lifestyle adjustments collectively play a crucial role in controlling and mitigating the impact of Angina.

Sarcoidosis is a disease of unknown etiology that can affect multiple organs. The clinical presentation is the presence of small collections of inflammatory cells. The lumps formed are called granulomas. In a sarcoidosis patient, the granuloma mostly appears in the lungs, skin, and eyes. It can also be found in other body parts like the heart, kidneys, central nervous system, exocrine glands, etc. Granulomas are not cancerous as they are formed in response to inflammation, infection, irritant exposure, etc. The symptoms often depend upon the organ affected and may not be even experienced in mild cases. Such cases do not require treatment but in advanced stages, treatment is required.    

Treatment of Sarcoidosis

The symptoms of sarcoidosis vary with the organ affected. Since it is an inflammatory disease, most of the treatment involves the use of anti-inflammatory drugs. Medicines that are known to suppress immune response are also given to sarcoidosis patients. Depending upon the symptoms and the severity, treatment options are recommended. 

The following treatments are recommended for sarcoidosis:

For pulmonary sarcoidosis:

• Oral glucocorticoids as recommended by the physician. 
• Immunosuppressive medicines like Infliximab, Methotrexate, Leflunomide, Azathioprine, etc. are given to patients. These drugs suppress the immune system to prevent inflammation.  
• Pulmonary rehabilitation – It uses techniques to reduce pulmonary distress and improve breathing efficiency.

For skin sarcoidosis:

• Medicines like Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) are recommended to reduce skin lesions.

For heart (cardiac) sarcoidosis:

• Steroids and immunosuppressive medicines are recommended by the physician, depending upon the severity of the disease.
• The doctor may place an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) in the patient.

For musculoskeletal sarcoidosis:

• If the indications worsen, then anti-inflammatory medicines and corticosteroids are recommended to reduce symptoms. Hydroxychloroquine and colchicines are the medicines usually recommended. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) inhibitors are also given in some cases. 

Sarcoidosis could affect the eyes, muscles, spleen, liver, and many other internal organs so it is advisable to pay attention to symptoms experienced and seek medical help. 

Diphtheria is a contagious infection of the nose and throat caused by bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheriae that create toxins. These microbes usually affect the respiratory system. The bacteria consume solid tissues in the respiratory organs. Within a few days, the dead tissue becomes a thick, dark covering that can develop in the throat or nose. This disease can cause shortness of breath, sore throat, gentle fever, and enlarged organs in the neck. Diphtheria treatment is required from a specialist to make your body's essential life process, respiration, run smoothly.

Treatment of Diphtheria

Diphtheria is a serious sickness that requires medical help. Specialists treat it right away and carefully. Doctors first check that the airway isn't obstructed or diminished. Sometimes, they might have to put a breathing tube in the throat to ensure that the airway remains open until it is less inflamed. Diphtheria treatment includes:

• Antibiotics, for example, penicillin or erythromycin, assist with killing microorganisms in the body clearing up the disease. Antibiotics decrease the time that somebody with Diphtheria is infectious.

• An antitoxin: The administration of diphtheria antitoxin effectively inhibits the harmful effects of the bacterial toxin on the body. While this treatment is crucial for respiratory diphtheria infections, it is seldom employed for diphtheria skin infections.

Before giving an antitoxin, specialists might perform skin sensitivity tests. These are done to ensure the contaminated individual doesn't react to the immunising agent, i.e. antitoxin. If a patient is sensitive, the doctor may suggest that the person should not get the antitoxin. 

People affected with diphtheria may be isolated in an intensive care unit because Diphtheria can spread easily from person to person. It can contaminate anyone not vaccinated against the disease.

It’s important to note that diphtheria treatment requires Severe isolation when you are infectious to prevent the spread of the disease. Cautious and frequent hand-washing by everybody in your house significantly restricts the spread of contamination/infection.

Gallstones, which are hardened deposits of digestive fluid in your gallbladder, can be irritating or cause discomfort in your abdomen. However, there are ways that medical professionals may assist. Some gallstone treatment therapies concentrate on utilising certain medications or altering your diet. In certain cases, removing the gallbladder may involve surgery. Knowing about these therapies can assist you and your family in making the right decision. Health insurance coverage for these treatments can also be a crucial aspect to consider for your healthcare needs. Let us explore these simple and helpful ways to deal with gallstones together so that you can feel better and happier! 

Treatment of Gallstones

The following methods are employed for gallstones treatment:

1. Surgery to Remove the Gallbladder (Cholecystectomy):

• For recurring gallstones, cholecystectomy—or the removal of the gallbladder—is advised. 
• This method avoids the gallbladder and allows bile to travel straight from the liver to the small intestine, preventing future stone development. 
• Digestion is not greatly affected by living without the gallbladder. However, transient diarrhoea could happen. 
• The procedure offers comfort by eliminating the possibility of more gallstone-related disorders, guaranteeing a more seamless digestive process in the absence of the gallbladder, and resolving recurrent gallstone-related problems.

2. Medications for gallstone dissolution

• Gallstones can be dissolved using oral medicines, but the process can take time, taking months or even years. Additionally, stopping treatment shortens the time it takes for gallstones to regenerate.
• It is not widely used because of doubts regarding its effectiveness; it is usually chosen for those who cannot undergo surgery.
• Although it can dissolve gallstones, its long duration and tendency to recur after treatment are major drawbacks that affect its general use as the main therapy for gallstone-related problems.
  

• The gallbladder can be removed using a minimally invasive surgery called a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. 
• Surgeons make tiny incisions in the abdomen using tiny instruments and a tiny camera. For improved vision and ease of operation, they inject carbon dioxide gas. 
• Patients heal more quickly, have fewer scars, and spend less time in the hospital when using this technique. 
• With this method, patients can return to their routine more quickly and with less discomfort than with open surgery, which necessitates a larger incision. 
• Ultimately, compared to open surgery, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a more advanced method of removing the gallbladder that causes less pain and a quicker recovery for patients.

Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. It can affect both men and women but is more symptomatic in women. Effective treatment for trichomoniasis involves prescription antibiotics like metronidazole or tinidazole. These drugs aim to restrict the parasite's growth or destroy it. Whether you have recently been diagnosed or are simply curious about this widely prevalent infection, this article will provide you with valuable insights into the most effective trichomoniasis treatment methods.

Treatment of Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis treatment involves the following procedures:

1. Prescription for Different Genders:

• For women, doctors typically prescribe metronidazole, which is taken over seven days to treat the infection. 
• However, men may only need a single dose of the same medication, which cures around 95% of cases. 
• So, the treatment duration can be longer for some, while others might need only one dose for the infection to go away. 
• Following your doctor's advice is essential to ensure the infection gets treated completely.

2. Partner Treatment:

• Trichomoniasis necessitates simultaneous treatment for both you and your sexual partner(s). 
• Failing to treat everyone involved concurrently can perpetuate the infection's transmission between partners.
• Even if one person undergoes treatment while their partner does not, the infection might persist, fostering a cycle of reinfection. 
• Treating all parties at the same time disrupts this cycle, preventing the infection from lingering and minimising the risk of recurrent infections between partners. 

• Cooperative treatment is pivotal in containing the spread of trichomoniasis within sexual relationships, ensuring comprehensive eradication and reducing the likelihood of further transmission.

3. Abstaining from Sex:

• It is essential to wait at least one week after completing the recommended pharmaceutical regimen before engaging in any sexual activity. 
• This length of time gives the treatment enough time to eradicate the infection and ultimately reduce the symptoms.
• Having sex too soon after treatment might increase the chance of reinfection and reduce the medication's effectiveness.

4. Follow-Up Care:

• It is essential that you make an appointment with a doctor for a follow-up visit after three months of trichomoniasis treatment. 
• This follow-up is essential to verify the infection's total absence and guarantee its eradication. Frequent monitoring provides peace of mind regarding your sexual health and helps prevent any recurrences. 
• A follow-up visit assists in confirming the parasite's absence even in cases where symptoms have subsided after treatment, lowering the possibility of transmission and subsequent problems.
• By guaranteeing the effective resolution of trichomoniasis, prioritising these follow-ups shows a dedication to comprehensive health management and enhances general well-being.

Liver cirrhosis, a condition characterised by scarring of the liver, needs different treatments to help manage symptoms and slow down its progress. Treatment focuses on lifestyle changes like eating better, not drinking alcohol, and handling other problems like hepatitis. Certain medications might also assist with alleviating symptoms. A successful course of therapy depends on early diagnosis, individual care, and addressing associated health conditions. Improved quality of life, reduced complications, and delayed liver deterioration are the goals of these initiatives for cirrhosis patients. Read on to learn more about the various liver cirrhosis treatment methods.

Treatment of Liver Cirrhosis

Depending on the underlying cause and extent of liver damage, cirrhosis therapy attempts to control symptoms, minimise liver scarring, and avoid consequences. Approaches to liver cirrhosis treatment include:

1. Dealing with the Root Causes

a) Alcohol Addiction:

• Quitting drinking is essential for those with cirrhosis brought on by excessive alcohol consumption. 
• Given that alcohol damages the liver no matter how much of it is consumed, treatment programmes for alcohol addiction may be suggested to help achieve sobriety.

b) Weight Management: 

• Blood sugar management and weight decrease can help alleviate cirrhosis associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

c) Managing Viral Hepatitis: 

• Certain drugs assist in preventing more hepatitis B or C virus-induced liver damage.

2. Managing Other Causes:

• If detected early enough, medications that target forms of liver cirrhosis—such as primary biliary cholangitis—can reduce the disease's progression.

3. Medicines and Symptom Control:

• Pain, weariness, and itching are among the symptoms that medications reduce. 
• Nutritional supplements can prevent osteoporosis and combat malnutrition associated with cirrhosis.

4. Addressing Complications:

• Targeted approaches are necessary for the successful treatment of cirrhosis complications. 
• A low-sodium diet, medicines, and, in extreme circumstances, fluid drainage techniques or surgery are used to treat ascites or fluid accumulation. 
• Medication for high blood pressure and frequent upper endoscopy to repair veins are used to treat portal hypertension, which is defined by increased vein pressure and lowers the risk of life-threatening bleeding.
• Antibiotics are used to treat infections; hepatitis, pneumonia, and influenza shots are advised. 
• While drugs help reduce toxin accumulation causing hepatic encephalopathy, they also improve the overall treatment of cirrhosis-related problems. Regular blood tests and ultrasounds are used to screen for liver cancer.

5. Liver Transplant:

• When liver failure occurs due to advanced cirrhosis, a liver transplant may be required as a last-resort for liver cirrhosis treatment. 
• This entails using a healthy liver from a deceased or living donor to replace the damaged liver.
• Patients are put through a rigorous testing process to guarantee an excellent surgical result.
• Previously, transplants were not available to those with alcoholic cirrhosis because of the risk of alcohol recurrence.
• According to recent research, some people with severe alcoholic cirrhosis who match the conditions of the transplant centre and pledge to abstain for life can succeed after receiving a transplant.

The common cold affects the respiratory tract. It is a prevalent disease. As per studies, on average, adults experience around two to three colds annually. Despite its harmless nature, the common cold is a cause of discomfort for individuals experiencing it. More than 200 viruses can be responsible for causing a cold, with rhinoviruses being the most prevalent.

These viruses are highly transmissible, quickly spreading from person to person or from one surface to another. Many viruses can persist on surfaces for extended periods, ranging from hours to even days. Common cold treatment aims to alleviate its symptoms and facilitate a speedier recovery. We have curated the list of most commonly tried and tested modes of treatment for the common cold.

Treatment of Common Cold

Take a look at the multifaceted standard cold treatment:

Drink plenty of fluids: Ensure we are well-hydrated by consuming water, juice, clear broth, or warm lemon water. Adequate hydration helps soothe the throat, keeps us hydrated, and assists in breaking down mucus.

Prioritise rest: Allow body the necessary time to recover by getting ample rest. Adequate sleep supports the immune system's efforts to combat the viral infection and promotes a faster recovery.

Use a saltwater gargle: Gargling with a saltwater solution can help alleviate a sore throat. This simple remedy reduces inflammation and provides temporary relief from discomfort.

Try saline nasal drops or sprays: Saline nasal drops or sprays can help moisturise the nasal passages, ease congestion, and facilitate the removal of mucus. These are especially useful for relieving nasal symptoms.

Zinc lozenges: Zinc lozenges are often used as a potential treatment for the common cold.

Use a suction bulb: A suction bulb can clear nasal passages for younger children who may have difficulty blowing their noses. This helps in reducing congestion and improving breathing.

Humidifying the air: Humidifying the air helps prevent the air in our living spaces from becoming too dry. This is especially important during the colder months when heating systems can remove moisture from the air, leading to dry nasal passages and throat.

Warm bath: A warm bath provides a calming environment, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. This can be particularly beneficial when feeling unwell due to a cold. Steam from a warm bath can help alleviate nasal congestion. The heat and steam may help open up nasal passages.

OTC medicines: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as Advil (ibuprofen), Aleve (naproxen), or Tylenol (acetaminophen), along with cold medications, have the potential to alleviate symptoms.

Echinacea: based on research findings, Echinacea has shown potential effectiveness in reducing the duration of a cold in certain instances. Studies suggest that using Echinacea may contribute to a shorter duration of cold symptoms, offering a possible benefit in managing and alleviating the effects of a cold.

The thyroid, a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck, plays a crucial role in regulating our body's metabolism and overall health. Unfortunately, thyroid disease is quite common, affecting millions of people worldwide. But fear not, as various treatment options are available to help manage these conditions and restore balance to your life. In this article, we will explore the most effective thyroid disease treatments currently available. 

Treatment For Thyroid

Thyroid disease treatment is possible in various ways, and every form of treatment will rely upon the reason for your thyroid condition.

Assuming you have elevated degrees of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism), treatment choices can include:

• Anti-thyroid medications (methimazole and propylthiouracil): These are meds that prevent your thyroid from making hormones.

• Radioactive iodine: This treatment harms your thyroid cells, keeping them from making elevated degrees of thyroid hormones.

• Beta-blockers: These don't change how much hormones are in your body, yet they assist with dealing with the side effects of hyperthyroidism.

• Surgery: Your medical services supplier may precisely eliminate more severe thyroid diseases through surgery. This involves the removal of the thyroid, which will prevent it from making hormones. In this case, you will be placed on thyroid replacement hormone therapy until the end of your life.

The surgical procedure to remove your thyroid gland is called a thyroidectomy. There are two ways this surgery can be carried out:

• With an incision on the front of your neck

It is a more traditional way of removing the thyroid, and the doctor makes an incision on the front of the throat. 

• With an incision in your armpit

It is a scarless way of removing the thyroid, and the doctor makes an incision through your armpit, creating a tunnel to the thyroid. The specialist will utilise a mechanical arm that will travel through the passage to get to the thyroid. It can remove the thyroid back through the passage and out of the entry point in your armpit.

Assuming you have low production of thyroid hormones(hypothyroidism), the main treatment choice is:

• Thyroid substitution prescription: This medication is man-made (synthetic) which will replace thyroid hormones in your body. One drug that is ordinarily utilised is ]levothyroxine. Using this medicine, you can oversee thyroid disease and carry on with an ordinary life.

Chest infection refers to the infection and inflammation of the lungs and upper respiratory tract. Depending upon the cause and extent of infection, the condition can be mild or severe. Chest infection can be due to bacterial or viral infection.  In the lungs and airway, the pathogen grows resulting in inflammation, and mucous formation. This leads to constant cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, muscle pain, etc.  The chest infection passes from one person to another and can cause mass infections. To control this condition and avoid the spread, it is important to take action on time.    

Treatment of Chest Infection

If the infection is due to a virus, then it usually goes by itself depending upon the immunity of the patient. But if it is caused due to bacteria, then the doctor will provide antibiotics along with other medicines to relieve symptoms.

The following are the chest infection treatment options: 

• Antibiotics and medicines – In case of bacterial chest infection antibiotics are recommended for severe symptoms like pneumonia. Common antibiotics used are amoxicillin (a type of penicillin), clarithromycin, doxycycline, etc. Other than antibiotics some medicines like analgesics, antipyretics, and cough medicines are recommended to ease the symptoms. These medicines are recommended in both bacterial and viral chest infection cases. In the case of viral chest infections like acute bronchitis, no specific antibiotic is recommended.
• Home remedies – In case of mild chest infection, some herbal medicines are recommended and they work very well. Some common home remedies are warm water gargle, hot lemon-ginger tea, ginger, and honey cough drops, etc.  Drinking warm water helps to loosen the mucous accumulated. 
• Restraining from physical activity – Depending upon the severity of infection the patient is recommended to take rest and avoid heavy physical activity. 

Chest infection can be prevented in the following ways:

• Awareness – Being aware of the seasonal flu and other infections circulating in the surrounding area is important. Depending upon the type of viral strain causing the flu, flu shots are given. This gives protection from the circulating strain and helps us avoid severe infection.
• Avoid catching and circulating infection – The following ways are used to prevent chest infection circulation:

• Regular hand washing
• Wearing a mask if an infection is suspected in the surroundings 
• Cover mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing 

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) happens when the median nerve in the wrist gets squeezed or pressed. This nerve helps us feel things on the palm, tip of our thumb, and fingers, except the little finger. When this nerve is squeezed, it can make our hand and wrist feel tingly, numb, weak, or painful. Different things like doing the same hand movements a lot, health issues like arthritis, or wrist injuries can lead to CTS. It can hurt a lot and make it hard to do regular things. Treatments are aimed at easing the symptoms and making our hands work better.

Treatment of Carpel Tunnel Syndrome:

Carpel tunnel syndrome treatments include the following:

Carpel tunnel syndrome treatments include the following:

In the early stages, simple things that we can do to make the problem go away are:

• Taking frequent breaks: Giving regular rests to our hands during activities can reduce strain.
  
• Avoiding straining activities: Activities that worsen symptoms should be avoided or modified to lessen pressure on the wrist.
  
• Applying cold packs: Cold compresses can aid in reducing swelling and discomfort.

For cases diagnosed early, non-surgical methods are often recommended:

• Wrist splinting: Wearing a splint to immobilise the wrist during sleep can alleviate nighttime symptoms of numbness and tingling. We can also benefit from wearing a splint during the day. For a pregnant lady, nighttime splinting may be a good option.
  
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen may provide short-term relief from CTS-related pain, although they don't treat the condition directly. However, there is no evidence that these drugs improve carpal tunnel syndrome.
  
• Corticosteroids: Injections of corticosteroids into the carpal tunnel can decrease swelling and alleviate pain. Sometimes, ultrasound is used to guide these injections, ensuring more accuracy.

If CTS stems from conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, treating the underlying condition may alleviate the symptoms of the disease, although this approach lacks conclusive evidence.

• Surgery: Surgery may be an appropriate option if symptoms are severe or if an individual does not respond to other treatments. The objective of surgery for Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is to reduce the pressure on the median nerve by cutting the ligament that's pressing against it. There are two different techniques to perform surgery. Surgical options include endoscopic surgery, a minimally invasive procedure using a small camera. A tiny incision is made on the palm or wrist to visualise and cut the pressing ligament. Alternatively, open surgery involves a palm incision to access and release the nerve. Even though it's a bit more invasive, this surgery effectively helps ease the pressure on the median nerve when symptoms continue despite trying other treatments.