The steady rise in the cost of health care facilities can make arrangement of funds difficult if you are not sufficiently prepared. The onus of settling these hospital bills will shift to your family members and may impact their savings. Therefore, there is a need to buy personal health insurance plan which will offer coverage for several hospitalisation costs and other related expenses.

Several important aspects must be carefully considered when purchasing personal health cover as the investment made towards the premium is a considerable sum. A comprehensive insurance is a good choice as it has a wider coverage range and will ultimately reduce your overall expenses during a medical crisis. Key aspects like medical expenses covered, premium payable, maximum sum insured and several other policy details must be looked into. A clear idea about all these essential factors will help you choose a good personal insurance plan to secure your health.

A comprehensive health insurance policy plan like the health booster plan offered by ICICI Lombard offers enhanced coverage. This policy goes beyond the standard hopitalisation costs to cover Out Patient treatment expenses (OPD). Thus coverage for room charges, hospital boarding expenses, nursing expenses, ambulance charges is offered by the plan. Moreover, this personal health insurance policy also covers costs for dental treatment, surgeon and other related medical practitioners. This policy is extremely beneficial for those undergoing treatment which requires dialysis, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. This is because this plan covers costs of medicines and drugs as well as consultancy charges. As reimbursed is offered once the claim is made, the financial burden on the insured is greatly reduced.

This personal insurance for health does not have any sub-limits on room rent, doctor’s fees, hospital charges or any disease. The policy also does not have co-payments for any disease or hospitalisation expenses. Co-payment is the fraction of cost to be borne by the insured when making claims while sub-limit is the restriction on the sum insured for any disease, treatment or service covered by the policy. This policy also offers cashless claims across any of its 4000+ network hospitals and avail of optimal treatment without worrying about the bills. Thus, you do not have to worry about paying for any hospitalisation charges as all additional costs are taken care of by the policy.

It is therefore important to carefully select your insurance cover so that you can secure your health optimally and relieve yourself or your loved ones of any financial stress during an exigency.

Exploring the realm of health insurance is always advantageous, and in this article, we delve into the specifics of Personal Accident Insurance, shedding light on its unique benefits and considerations.

What does this insurance offer?

• Compensation to nominee

Personal accident offers compensation to the nominee in the event of accidental death of the insured.

• Compensation on permanent or temporary disability

In case of permanent or temporary disability, personal accident insurance provides security to the insured and his or her family by offering a compensation for the loss of livelihood.

• Reimbursement of hospitalization cost

insurance cover hospitalization expenses and also earmark a sum for daily allowance during hospitalization.

How is it different from other insurance ?

• Fills the gap in a finance portfolio

Health policies promptly reimburse expenses relating to medical exigencies while life insurance policies offer the assured sum in the eventuality of death. Personal accident insurance on the other hand step up to neatly fill the unnoticed gap in a finance portfolio by securing the potential monthly earnings of a family.

• Secures family earnings

Cover the risk of partial or complete loss of earnings of the breadwinner of a family. insurance may be extended to offer coverage to all kinds of accidents - major and minor that may result in physical separation or loss of use of limbs, organs etc.

• Universal coverage

Personal accident insurance offers a worldwide coverage to the insured.

Who should opt for personal accident insurance?

All individuals who wish to create a contingency plan to meet liabilities in case their earning capacity is impaired should opt for personal accident insurance. For example, salaried employees who need to pay monthly EMIs for a home loan.

What should be the ideal sum assured for personal accident insurance?

It is advisable to avail the personal accident cover for a sum that takes into consideration the insured's monthly earnings including earning from salary as well as other avenues.

Corollary

A personal accident insurance policy is instrumental in supporting the insured's family so that they continue to lead a normal life despite the loss or discontinuance of income.

As ailments and medical contingencies arise without prior warning, the least you can do is to remain sufficiently prepared. This is because given the increasing costs of healthcare in India; it does not take long for a medical emergency to turn into a financial one. The burden of arranging for finances can leave you stressed and hassled. To prevent such an unfortunate situation from materialising during a medical emergency, it is best to secure a health insurance cover.
In order to get maximum benefits, it is important to purchase an insurance policy which has comprehensive coverage. A policy with comprehensive coverage takes care of basic medical coverage, hospitalisation expenses as well as several small yet significant expenses like pre and post hospitalisation costs, doctor’s expenses, surgeon’s fees, room rent, etc. Such extensive covers will further lighten your financial burden. The ICICI Lombard complete health insurance may one such cover you may choose, which is comprehensive in its design.
With the floater benefit of this insurance cover, you may secure your entire family (subject to policy terms) with a single insurance premium amount. Not only that, with this comprehensive insurance you get lifetime policy health renewal. Thus, you can enjoy the benefits of your health insurance cover without any interruptions. The premium amount for this health plan can be easily customised to match your requirement. You may also have the option of selecting the 1 or 2 year (automatic policy health insurance renewal) policy period as per plans offered.
The cashless claims facility offered by this health insurance plan is most beneficial. With this, the insured can avail of treatment from any of the 4000+ network premium health care providers without having to worry about the costs of treatment.
In case of no claims made in the previous policy term, the insured can get a cumulative bonus as an additional sum insured (as per insurance plan chosen) with policy health renewal. This will help to keep your health insurance cover abreast with the times and will adequately meet the rising cost of medicines due to inflation. Thus, you not only enjoy uninterrupted coverage but can also avail of the benefit of a larger sum insured.
This insurance policy can be purchased without undergoing any medical tests if you are below 46 years of age. As the policy is available online, you simply have to fill in the essential details, the premium amount will be generated by the online calculator and you can make instant payment using several options available. This online feature is also extended to policy health insurance renewal which further saves time and effort.

Tobacco use is no reason to skip health insurance

According to an all India survey conducted by Achutha Menon Centre for Health Science Studies – Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, there are around 206 million adult users of smokeless tobacco in India, a figure that is much higher than the 111.2 million tobacco smokers. As per an ICICI Lombard survey, work-related stress (35%) and peer pressure (38%) are the leading causes for taking up smoking. These figures are dire especially when it comes to availing health insurance.

Why Are Smokers Reluctant to Buy Health Insurance?

57% smokers in India do not have a health insurance, as per a recent survey of 1011 participants by ICICI Lombard. In such a case, the smoker is not covered for any unfortunate health eventualities. This is far more grievous if the smoker happens to be the only working member and provider in his family. The smoker and their family are not covered for any medical eventualities.
Smokers generally believe that their insurer will consider all arising future ailments to be a result of their unhealthy habit and reject claims. This is the most common fear stopping them from purchasing health insurance. Such apprehensions are of course unfounded.

Smoking Effects on Premium

Insurance companies define a smoker as anyone who uses any form of nicotine. This includes cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco and even nicotine patches or gum.
Being a smoker or having pre-existing ailments are not direct grounds for rejection by your health insurer. However, if smoking leads to further health complications, the insurer might be apprehensive about approving your application.
It is no surprise that smoking is the leading cause for cancer and several other serious diseases. Smoking is also the leading factor for 80% of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Additionally, smokers are 16 times more prone to the risk of heart attack. This liability is not lost on insurers. They charge higher premiums to nullify the effects of raised health risks and shorter life expectancy.
The increased premiums for smokers are not at a flat rate. Different levels of smokers have proportionate rates of premium, with a current chronic smoker however paying the highest. The rate of premium for smokers can be as much as 56% higher than that for non-smokers. Some companies offer incentives and discounts to non-smokers to discourage the habit and resulting liability.

Parkinson's disease impacts the nervous system, gradually affecting various bodily functions. The early signs of this condition can be subtle, often going unnoticed until they become more pronounced. Typically, the initial indication is a barely perceptible tremor in one hand, though other symptoms may also manifest. Parkinson's disease's early symptoms progressively worsen over time, making early detection and intervention crucial.

In this blog, we will discuss Parkinson’s symptoms so that you can go for timely treatment.

What are the Symptoms of Parkinson's?

Parkinson's symptoms can vary from person to person, but they generally follow a pattern. Here are the primary symptoms associated with this condition:

• Tremor

A rhythmic shaking, known as a tremor, frequently begins in a limb, typically in the hand or fingers. It may resemble a pill-rolling motion and can occur when the affected limb is resting. Tremors may diminish during purposeful movements.

• Slowed movement (Bradykinesia)

Over time, Parkinson's disease can reduce movement speed. Everyday tasks like walking or standing up from a chair may become challenging as your steps become shorter and your gait less fluid.

• Rigid muscles

Stiffness can affect any part of your body and can be painful and restrictive. Range of motion becomes limited, making everyday activities increasingly difficult.

• Impaired posture and balance

Many individuals with Parkinson's experience stooped posture or balance issues, leading to falls or instability while walking.

• Loss of automatic movements

Unconscious movements like blinking or swinging your arms while walking may become more challenging.

• Speech changes

Speech may become soft, quick, slurred, or hesitant. Individuals may also exhibit a more monotone speech pattern than usual.

• Writing changes

Writing may become difficult, and handwriting may appear smaller and less legible.

Learn how you can ace at work without stress. Ever experience blurred vision, watery eyes, or pain behind the neck? Often feel exhausted and sluggish at the end of the day, even without much physical exertion? These could be your body's way of telling you that you have been sitting for long hours at a stretch at your work desk, impacting not only your productivity but also your overall well-being. Consider incorporating simple exercises, stretching routines, and mindfulness techniques into your daily routine. Additionally, ensure to take short breaks to stand, stretch, and walk around. Prioritizing your health through regular movement is crucial, and you may also explore options for comprehensive health insurance coverage to address any arising concerns and ensure your well-being in the long run.
Working without breaks can be counterproductive and might result in stress. Here are some simple ways in which you can de-stress yourself without getting away from your desk:

1. Gaze out of your window

In school, we were told not to gaze out of the window while classes were going on. However, sometimes that is just what your mind needs for rejuvenation and regained focus.
If your thoughts happen to drift away, take a short break. Allow your thoughts to flow. The sub-conscious works in mysterious ways; you just might find the solution you were looking for, in the midst of your daydreaming.

2. Doodle Away

Whenever you panic over an important assignment, or hyperventilate over an impossible deadline, take a pen and paper and let your right brain go crazy. Make some cartoons or just draw whatever comes to your mind.
Meanwhile, your left brain takes a break so you can start fresh with your work once again. Remember, you want to relax, not add to your stress. So don't worry about how your picture or sketch turns out, even random squiggles can help!

3. Meditate

While it may seem boring, meditation has been proven quite effective to manage your mind. Simply close your eyes and take deep breaths.
If you are unable to concentrate with your eyes closed, then look at soothing images or listen to relaxing music. The sound of flowing water is known for its calming effect. Perform better in meetings or achieve deadlines with a clear head.

With the count in cases of deadly diseases such as dengue and cancer on the rise, the popularity for disease-specific insurance plans is increasing in the city of ‘Nizams’. The health insurance firms have started floating disease-specific plans for their customers. In addition to the health insurance policy that encompasses a myriad of diseases, these disease-specific plans come with protection from deadly diseases, which are otherwise excluded in general healthcare plans.

The experts say that, apart from increasing cases of these diseases, the popularity of these plans are also high, due to the high treatment costs that is involved with it. According to rough estimates, the healthcare expenses for dengue can easily touch ₹1 lakh and more depending on the severity. Whereas treatment for cancer and other such severe diseases cost no less than ₹3-5 lakh.

Industry insiders noted, while these trend of disease-specific policies were introduced about 3 years ago, it has picked up pace in Hyderabad only now. Apart from cancer and dengue related policies, diabetic and cardiac insurance plans are also being purchased in substantial numbers in the city. Firms are also seen rolling out special policies for HIV/AIDS, kidney diseases, neuro disorders etc.

In what is sure to be good news for parents of new-born babies admitted to neonatal ICUs, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has termed the definition of a newborn as a “baby born during the policy period and aged up to 90 days” in the realm of health insurance.

This definition has also been conveyed to the Newborn Medical Insurance Committee of the National Neonatology Forum (NNF), a body that has been fighting relentlessly for providing health insurance coverage to newborns.

Prior to this communication by IRDAI, insurance benefits for newborns were limited to vaccination in the first 90 days of the baby’s birth, that too in family health insurance policies having newborn coverage. By defining the term ‘newborn’, IRDAI has ensured that a newborn can avail the health insurance benefits from the time of birth itself.

The move comes at a time when the medical fraternity is worried over the rising cases of neonatal complications, and the dismal health insurance coverage provided to newborns. Treatment for the little ones is expensive and can range from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000/day.

A rise in dengue cases in the National Capital Region (NCR) has led to insurance companies offering single disease-specific covers. These covers will not only cover dengue but also other critical illnesses including cancer, diabetes, and hypertension.

Most health insurance policies launched after 2014-2015 cover dengue under the umbrella. However, policies launched prior to 2014-2015 are offering add-ons against diseases like dengue.

ICICI Lombard General Insurance is offering add-on covers for dengue and chikungunya for all health insurance policies launched and issued prior to 2014-2015. Quoting Sanjay Datta, Chief of Underwriting and Claims, ICICI Lombard General Insurance, “For our newer policies, like Complete Health Insurance and Health Booster we have inpatient coverage for all vector-borne diseases including dengue and chikungunya. Besides allopathic treatment, the insured has the choice to undergo inpatient AYUSH treatment.”

Doubly benefit from your insurance policy

Insuring health comes with a distinct advantage of tax benefit. Premium paid on health insurance policy is tax-deductible under section 80D of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
The current law states that an individual or Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) can claim deduction for premium paid on medical insurance policy. Read on to know more.

Amount of Deduction

Deduction is allowed if insurance Premium is paid for medical insurance policy for self, spouse and dependent children. There is an additional deduction allowed for premium paid for policy for parents.

Amount paid from

The amount should be paid out of the income chargeable to tax.

Mode of payment

Insurance Premium should be paid by any mode other than by cash. In other words, if insurance premium is paid by cash then deduction is not available.

Super Senior Citizens

For uninsured super senior citizens (age 80 years or more during the relevant year), medical expenditure incurred up to ₹30,000 shall be allowed as a deduction under section 80D. However, total deduction for health insurance premium and medical expenses for parents shall be limited to ₹30,000.

Expenditure on Preventive health check up

A sub limit of ₹5,000 is allowed for deduction for preventive health check-up for self, spouse and dependent children and parents. This can be paid by any mode including cash. However, the upper limit of ₹25,000 (₹30,000 in case of senior citizens) cannot be exceeded.

Example:

An individual pays (through any mode other than by cash) during the year 2015-16 medical insurance premiums as under:

• ₹17,000 for himself, his wife and dependent children
• ₹27,000 for his parents
  • According to above provisions, he will be allowed deductions of ₹42,000 (17,000 + 25,000) if neither of his parents are senior citizens.
  • However if any of his parent is a senior citizen, he will be allowed a deduction of 44,000(17,000+27,000).
  • Further, in the above example, if total premium on parents (not senior citizens) is 40,000 out of which ₹27,000 is paid by the son and ₹13,000 by the father out of their respective taxable income, the son will get deduction of ₹25,000 (in addition to deduction of ₹17,000 for the medical insurance on self and family) and father will get deduction of ₹13,000.

Health insurance provides dual benefits:

• Financially safeguarding policy takers from sudden medical emergencies and
• Tax saving

With increase in limits of deduction under section 80D from the year 2015-16, policy takers will benefit with increased tax savings.

ICICI Lombard Health Insurance Cashless Network Hospital List in Silvassa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli

Explore ICICI Lombard’s health insurance plans :

• Family Health Insurance
• Personal Accident Insurance 
• Top Up Health Insurance
• Arogya Sanjeevani Policy
• Corona Kavach Policy
• Senior Citizen Health Insurance
• Parents Health Insurance
• Children Health Insurance

which offers people much needed financial backup during any medical emergencies.

ICICI Lombard Health Insurance Cashless Network Hospital List in Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh

Explore ICICI Lombard’s health insurance plans :

• Family Health Insurance
• Personal Accident Insurance 
• Top Up Health Insurance
• Arogya Sanjeevani Policy
• Corona Kavach Policy
• Senior Citizen Health Insurance
• Parents Health Insurance
• Children Health Insurance

which offers people much needed financial backup during any medical emergencies.

ICICI Lombard Health Insurance Cashless Network Hospital List in Raipur, Chhattisgarh

Explore ICICI Lombard’s health insurance plans :

• Family Health Insurance
• Personal Accident Insurance 
• Top Up Health Insurance
• Arogya Sanjeevani Policy
• Corona Kavach Policy
• Senior Citizen Health Insurance
• Parents Health Insurance
• Children Health Insurance

which offers people much needed financial backup during any medical emergencies.

ICICI Lombard Health Insurance Cashless Network Hospital List in Raigarh, Chhattisgarh

Explore ICICI Lombard’s health insurance policies :

• Family Health Insurance
• Personal Accident Insurance 
• Top Up Health Insurance
• Arogya Sanjeevani Policy
• Corona Kavach Policy
• Senior Citizen Health Insurance
• Parents Health Insurance
• Children Health Insurance

which offers people much needed financial backup during any medical emergencies.

ICICI Lombard Health Insurance Cashless Network Hospital List in Korba, Chhattisgarh

Explore ICICI Lombard’s health insurance plans :

• Family Health Insurance
• Personal Accident Insurance 
• Top Up Health Insurance
• Arogya Sanjeevani Policy
• Corona Kavach Policy
• Senior Citizen Health Insurance
• Parents Health Insurance
• Children Health Insurance

which offers people much needed financial backup during any medical emergencies.

Cerebral palsy is a disorder that affects a person's movement, muscle tone, balance, and posture. It is caused by damage or abnormality in the brain, usually before, during, or shortly after birth. Cerebral palsy can significantly impact the quality of life of the affected person and their family. Let's explore some possible causes of cerebral palsy and how they can affect brain development.

What are the Causes of Cerebral Palsy?

Here are some key reasons of Cerebral Palsy

Brain Damage Before or After Birth

• Brain damage during pregnancy due to infections, lack of oxygen, or problems with blood flow.
• Brain injuries during childbirth, especially if it is a complicated delivery.
• Brain damage that occurs in the early years of life.

Infections During Pregnancy

• Certain diseases like rubella (German measles) or cytomegalovirus can harm the developing baby's brain.

Premature Birth

• Babies born too early may have underdeveloped brains, increasing the risk of Cerebral Palsy and can be the cause of cerebral palsy in the child.

Genetic Factors

• Genetic factors can sometimes play a role, although it's not usually the primary cause.

Multiple Births

• Twins, triplets, or more are at a higher risk because of the potential for complications during pregnancy or birth.

Jaundice and Rh Incompatibility

• Severe jaundice or Rh incompatibility between the baby and mother can lead to brain damage if not treated promptly.

Head Injuries

• Traumatic head injuries, like those from a car accident or a fall, can result in Cerebral Palsy.
• The kind and seriousness of cerebral palsy can change based on when, where, and the extent of the brain damage. There are various forms of cerebral palsy, such as:

• Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common type, characterised by stiff and tight muscles that cause difficulty in movement and coordination.

• Dyskinetic cerebral palsy: It is characterised by involuntary movements that can affect the face, mouth, arms, legs, or trunk

• Ataxic cerebral palsy: It causes issues with balance and coordination that can affect walking and fine motor skills

• Mixed cerebral palsy: It arises when a person has a mix of two or more types of cerebral palsy

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition which attacks your gut system when you eat gluten. Basically, it is a condition of major intolerance to gluten – a protein primarily found in a wide range of grains like wheat, barley, rye etc. This protein does not offer any necessary nutrients and people with celiac condition can get heavily triggered by it. Over time this trigger damages the internal lining of the small intestine and does not allow you to absorb nutrients, leading to malabsorption. This blog dwells on the causes of celiac disease in adults.

How is celiac disease in adults caused?

Let us directly dive into understanding the causes of celiac disease. While the exact cause of celiac disease is not well defined, medical science has effectively four primary triggers or causes of celiac disease in adults as well as children, which are discussed below -

• Genetics – Research and study shows that one of the primary causes of celiac disease is genetic mutation. This means this autoimmune condition is passed on to an individual through family lines. However, note that the presence of the concerned genetic mutation does not necessarily imply that the individual will develop celiac disease or vice-versa.
• Physical stressful event – While there is no definitive or precise pattern to this, sometimes major physical stress can also be the cause of celiac disease in adults. Physically straining events like major surgery, a major illness or even pregnancy can cause celiac disease.
• Gastrointestinal infections – This is a common but again a highly non-definite cause of celiac disease. In several cases of gastrointestinal infections, the affected person has been found to develop the celiac condition. It is non-definite in the sense, that gastrointestinal infections can vary well lead to celiac disease and in many cases, it may not.
• Bacteria in the gut – Some studies and observations have indicated that sometimes celiac disease may be caused by the bacteria, or the microorganisms present in the gut. Their presence may trigger an avid intolerance against gluten and may cause celiac disease.

Conclusion

While these causes of celiac disease are not precise, the above discussion will help you gain a fair understanding of what are the causes of celiac disease in adults. This will however make you prepared to understand what treatment you should avail of in case you develop celiac disease. Having a suitable health insurance plan can help cover the costs of diagnostic tests, dietary consultations, and ongoing treatments, ensuring that managing celiac disease is both accessible and affordable.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the topic featured in the article. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.

Coeliac disease is a chronic condition affecting the digestive and immune systems. It occurs when the body reacts to gluten. You must be wondering what gluten is. It is a protein in barley, wheat, and rye. Gluten triggers an inflammation in the small intestine. It then damages the villi, the finger-like projections that help absorb food nutrients. This may cause various symptoms and complications, such as diarrhoea, bloating, weight loss, anaemia, osteoporosis, skin rashes and neurological problems. Coeliac disease is not curable, but you can manage it with a strict gluten-free diet and proper coeliac disease treatments.

Coeliac Disease Treatment 

Here are some common coeliac disease treatments

• The best way to handle coeliac disease is by always eating foods without gluten. That means saying no to anything with wheat, barley, rye, and some oats. Refrain bread, pasta, cereals, cakes, cookies, and certain sauces. You can easily find gluten-free alternatives in the market. 

• Sometimes, people with coeliac disease might have to take extra vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, folic acid, and vitamin D. That is because malabsorption can lead to shortages of these nutrients, which can harm your health differently. Taking these supplements can return these levels to normal and stop or treat issues like anaemia and weak bones.

• Some people need medication for specific symptoms or complications. For example, anti-diarrhoeal drugs can help control diarrhoea. If you are dealing with gut pain and swelling, use anti-inflammatory drugs. Similarly, corticosteroids can help treat severe inflammation or skin rashes. However, use these medicines only under medical supervision.

• Some people follow a lactose-free diet or take lactase enzyme supplements. Lactose intolerance can develop due to damage to the gut lining. Lactose is a sugar found in milk and dairy products, which requires lactase enzymes to digest. Lactose intolerance results in abdominal pain, bloating, gas and diarrhoea. 

Crohn's disease is a severe condition that causes inflammation and irritation in the digestive tract. Although it can affect any part of the digestive system, including the mouth and the anus, the small and large intestines are most frequently affected. Abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea, weight loss, and rectal bleeding are just a few of the symptoms that Crohn's disease can produce. Complications like fistulas, abscesses, ulcers, and intestinal blockage can also result from it. While there is no recognised treatment for Crohn's disease, there are methods to control the signs and lessen the inflammation. Understanding the causes for Crohn's disease

What are the Causes of Crohn’s Disease?

The specific Crohn's disease reason is not known, but a combination of factors may influence it, such as

• Genetics: Sometimes, it runs in families. You might be at a higher risk if your close relatives have Crohn's.

• Immune System: Your immune system usually fights off harmful elements, like germs. But Crohn's can get confused and attack your intestines, causing inflammation.

• Environmental Factors: Crohn's disease etiology also includes some lifestyle or environmental aspects like smoking or certain infections. These can increase your chances of getting Crohn's.

• Gut Bacteria: You have tons of friendly bacteria in your gut. Sometimes, an imbalance can trigger Crohn's.

• Diet: While diet alone doesn't cause Crohn's, it can play a role. Some foods might make symptoms worse.

• Stress: Stress doesn't cause Crohn's but can worsen symptoms or trigger flare-ups.

• Medications: In rare cases, certain medications can lead to Crohn's as a side effect.

• Age and Ethnicity: Crohn's disease is often seen in young adults but can affect people of any age. It is more common in some ethnic groups.

• Smoking: Smoking poses a significant risk, particularly when it's the onset of Crohn's disease or its symptoms start worsening.

Croup disease is a condition that affects your breathing and voice. It happens because a part of your throat called the larynx gets swollen and narrow. This swelling makes it harder for air to pass through, making breathing difficult, especially at night. A cough that resonates like a barking seal is a distinctive sign of croup, which is why it is also called a barking cough. It can be scary, but with proper care and the right barking cough treatment, most people with this condition get better within a few days.  

What are the Treatments of Croup?

Discussed below are some of the common treatments of Croup –

• Steamy Bathroom: Steamy bathroom is considered an effective treatment of Croup. Turn on the hot shower and allow the shower area to fill with steam. The warm, moist air can ease the swelling in the throat, making breathing easier.

• Cool Mist Humidifier: Running a refreshing mist humidifier in your room can also help. It adds moisture to the air, which can soothe their throat.

• Stay Calm: It is necessary to stay calm because when your child sees you are worried, it can make their breathing even more difficult. Calm them and reassure them that everything will be okay.

• Medicines: In some cases, a doctor might prescribe Croup medication to reduce the swelling in the throat. In severe cases, they may also give a medicine called epinephrine to open up the airways quickly.

• Rest: Rest is crucial. Make sure your child gets plenty of it. They need to save their energy to fight off the croup.

• Hydration: Encourage your child to drink fluids like water or juice. Staying hydrated helps the body heal faster.

• Avoid Irritants: Keep your child away from smoke or other things that can irritate their throat.