Knoxville, TN was recently named the capital of allergies in America. I think there are many Eastern Shore natives that may disagree. According to reports, about 35 million Americans suffer from allergies. The pollen count is high in addition to mold making this a terrible allergy season. Here are some tips to help...
1. Wash/shower before bed to remove the pollen from your body
2. Keep windows and doors shut to prevent the allergens from coming into the home
3. Use the recirculating air setting in your car
4. Wear sunglasses/eyeglasses to prevent eye exposure to allergens
5. Keep your car windows rolled up during peak season
6. Stay indoors in the morning (9am-2pm) when pollen count is high
7. Clean air filters in your home and dust shelves, vents, and windows
8. Vacuum (HEPA filter preferably) at least weekly
9. Wash bedding weekly
10. Do not dry laundry outdoors during allergy season
11. Wear a mask when mowing the lawn
12. Saline wash/rinse your nose at least twice a day...a combination of warm water, about a quarter-teaspoon of salt, and a quarter-teaspoon of baking soda administered through a squeeze bottle can help
13. Over the counter anti-histamine medications such as Zyrtec, Claritin, or diphenhydramine can help with symptoms
14. Decongestants can help with stuffy noses but should be used with caution. Nasal decongestants should only be used for three days or less.
15. Try a neti-pot to help flush out the allergens...click here for more information
16. Know your triggers and avoid them...talk to your physician for guidance
There are prescription medications ranging from tablets to steroidal nasal sprays that can help with allergies. Immunotherapy or allergy shots can also help. It works by exposing small amounts of the allergen to your body thereby increasing your tolerance to the substances (allergens) that provoke the allergy symptoms.
Hope this was helpful. For more information, talk with your health care professional.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Monday, April 5, 2010
UTI
Urinary tract infections are common infections, accounting for about 8 million physician visits each year. UTI's affect the urinary system which consists of the bladder, urethra, ureters (the connecting tubes), and kidneys. The most common area is the bladder. Women are at greater risk than men; at least one in five women will develop a UTI in their lifetime.
The most common bacteria cause of a urinary tract infection is E. coli. Other organisms involved include Staphylococcus, Chlamydia, Proteus, Klebsiella, and Herpes.
Risk factors include:
1. Female gender due to anatomy (shorter urethra)
2. Being sexually active
3. Men with enlarged prostates
4. Blockage in the urinary system such as a stone
5. Pregnancy
6. Catheters
7. Co-morbid conditions that decrease immune function such as diabetes and HIV
8. Diaphragm use
9. Vesicoureteral reflux
10. Neurogenic Bladder Dysfunction
11. Advanced age
Signs and Symptoms include:
1. Pain on urination (dysuria)
2. Urinary frequency
3. Blood in the urine (hematuria)
4. Urinary urgency
5. Foul smelling urine
6. Passing small amounts of urine frequently
Diagnostic tests for an uncomplicated UTI include a urinalysis and urine culture. Typically, tests are not necessary to treat for uncomplicated UTI's.
Treatment includes:
1. Antibiotics such as Bactrim, Ciprofloxacin, Nitrofurantoin, etc...
2. Good hygiene and proper wiping from front to back
3. Removing diaphragm and utilizing an alternative form of birth control
4. Drinking plenty of fluids
5. Avoiding coffee, alcohol, spicy foods
6. Stop smoking!
7. Analgesic to help with pain (Pyridium)
8. Heating pad for pain relief
There are different guidelines for the management of UTI's in children. It depends on the sex, age, and the frequency of the infections. In some cases, an ultrasound of the kidneys is necessary to evaluate pediatric UTI's.
Recurrent infections will need further evaluation and prophylactic treatment.
Preventative measures include:
1. Drink plenty of water
2. Urinate when you feel the need; don't resist the urge to urinate.
3. Wipe from front to back
4. Take showers instead of baths
5. Cleanse the genital area before sexual intercourse
6. Avoid using feminine hygiene sprays and douches
7. Drink cranberry juice
Talk to your health care professional for more information. Thank you and have a nice day!
The most common bacteria cause of a urinary tract infection is E. coli. Other organisms involved include Staphylococcus, Chlamydia, Proteus, Klebsiella, and Herpes.
Risk factors include:
1. Female gender due to anatomy (shorter urethra)
2. Being sexually active
3. Men with enlarged prostates
4. Blockage in the urinary system such as a stone
5. Pregnancy
6. Catheters
7. Co-morbid conditions that decrease immune function such as diabetes and HIV
8. Diaphragm use
9. Vesicoureteral reflux
10. Neurogenic Bladder Dysfunction
11. Advanced age
Signs and Symptoms include:
1. Pain on urination (dysuria)
2. Urinary frequency
3. Blood in the urine (hematuria)
4. Urinary urgency
5. Foul smelling urine
6. Passing small amounts of urine frequently
Diagnostic tests for an uncomplicated UTI include a urinalysis and urine culture. Typically, tests are not necessary to treat for uncomplicated UTI's.
Treatment includes:
1. Antibiotics such as Bactrim, Ciprofloxacin, Nitrofurantoin, etc...
2. Good hygiene and proper wiping from front to back
3. Removing diaphragm and utilizing an alternative form of birth control
4. Drinking plenty of fluids
5. Avoiding coffee, alcohol, spicy foods
6. Stop smoking!
7. Analgesic to help with pain (Pyridium)
8. Heating pad for pain relief
There are different guidelines for the management of UTI's in children. It depends on the sex, age, and the frequency of the infections. In some cases, an ultrasound of the kidneys is necessary to evaluate pediatric UTI's.
Recurrent infections will need further evaluation and prophylactic treatment.
Preventative measures include:
1. Drink plenty of water
2. Urinate when you feel the need; don't resist the urge to urinate.
3. Wipe from front to back
4. Take showers instead of baths
5. Cleanse the genital area before sexual intercourse
6. Avoid using feminine hygiene sprays and douches
7. Drink cranberry juice
Talk to your health care professional for more information. Thank you and have a nice day!
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