Anemia is a condition in which there is reduced concentration of hemoglobin in the blood. Hemoglobin is a reddish- brown substance in the red blood cells. That transports oxygen to different organs and tissues of the body. Good supply of oxygen is vital for the normal functioning of the organs and tissues. Anemia is the most common sign you find in the people of developing countries due to improper and malnourished diet. Anemia has wide spread effects on the body. It is estimated 60 to 80% of pregnant women and 50% of children in India are anemic. Causes of anemia: 1. Nutritional anemia: it is the most common type which is due to a deficiency of iron, folic acid, vitamin B 12, vitamin C are vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) in the diet. 2. Anemia due to blood loss or excessive destruction of red blood cells: This may occur due to injuries, Hookworm infestation, Excessive bleeding during menstruation, Ulcers, Piles, Thalassaemia and sickle cell Anemia (genetic conditions). 3. Anemia due to failure of bone marrow to produce red blood cells. This may be caused by drugs such as, chloranphenicol and anti-cancer drugs. 4. Anemia is also seen in chronic conditions: Such as – 1. Kidney diseases 2. Rheumatoid arthritis 3. Chronic infections 4. Cancer. Signs and symptoms of Anemia: 1. Headache 2. Dizziness 3. Fatigue 4. Breathlessness 5. Palpitation 6. Chest pain 7. Pallor in the inner surface of the lower eyelids, tongue and nail beds 8. … [Read more...]
Cough- Causes and Remedies
Cough is the main symptom especially in the respiratory tract infections (the other signs and symptoms include-breathlessness, pain in chest, hoarseness of the tone (voice), blood in the cough) etc. In the beginning, cough is dry in nature, later on it turns to wet (cough with expectoration). Cough is common during the winter season. Cough is the reaction to any allergy or infection that occurs in the respiratory system and it is a protective mechanism, adopted by the human body. Mechanism of Cough: If any infection occurs in the throat, it might pass downwards affecting lungs, so as to avoid that, the protective mechanism of the body swings into action or if an foreign body enters the throat, then the information immediately reaches the brain, in turn it sends signals to the respiratory organs, cough is produced to expel the damaged cells or the foreign body from the throat. Usually, the dry cough subsides within seven days; otherwise, it is a clue for a problem inside the body. Causes for the cough: 1. Chronic bronchitis 2. Tuberculosis 3. Pneumonia 4. Cancer of the lungs 5. Smoker’s cough (in case of tobacco smokers) 7. Allergies 8. Bronchial asthma 9. Kidney problems 10. Rheumatology disorders 11. Sinusitis 12. Cardiac asthma due to heart failure 13. Polyps in the nose 13. Allergic rhinitis (cold) 14. Otitis media (discharge from the ear) 15. Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (pain killers) 16. Beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors to control blood pressure. Cough Remedies: 1. Anti-histamines 2. Anti-biotics 3. Decongestant therapy 4. Cough … [Read more...]
