Common Illness

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Allergies

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Causes

foods (nuts, eggs, milk, soy, shellfish, wheat)
pollen
mold
latex
pet dande

Symptoms

Eye irritation
Runny nose
Stuffy nose
Puffy, watery eyes
Sneezing
Inflamed, itchy nose and throat

Treatment

if you are allergic to dust mites, make an effort to keep your room clean and free of dust by frequent vacuuming, dusting, and washing of bedding.
Use this treatment
Antihistamines
Decongestants
Anti-inflammatory agents (e.g., corticosteroid)
Allergy shots

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Cold and Flu

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Causes

These are causes in upper respiratory infection like nose,throat and lungs
Most of these are occurs through hand-to-hand.

Symptoms

Flu symptoms:
fever (100° F)
headache
more intense pain and fatigue
more severe, often dry cough.

Cold symptoms:
a runny or stuffy nose (nasal congestion)
sneezing
sore throat
cough.

Treatment

1)a fever of 102° F or greater (which may indicate a more serious infection)
2)a persisting cough, especially with a significant fever (which could indicate pneumonia)
3)a persistent sore throat (especially if runny nose does not develop - which could indicate a strep infection)
4)any cold lasting more than 10 days.
5)Rest more than usual and avoid exercise until symptoms are gone.
6)Drink lots of clear fluids (e.g., water, tea).
7)Stay away from cigarette smoke.
8)Do not take antibiotics unless specifically prescribed for you to cure the illness from which you currently suffer.
9)Avoid drinking alcohol because it weakens your immune system and may interact with medications.
10)Avoid caffeine, which can increase congestion and dehydration.
11)Eat a well-balanced diet, including fruits, vegetables, and grains.

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Pink Eyes

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Causes

It could be a bacterial or viral infection, an allergic reaction to pollen or animal dander, or a result of chemical irritants (smoke, chlorine, lens solution, etc.).

Symptoms

redness
itching
tearing
burning sensation
pus-like discharge
crusting of the eyelids.

Treatment

1) Wash your hands frequently to prevent spreading an existing infection to your other eye, and to other people.
2)Don’t rub your eyes.
3)Use a cool wet washcloth to soak off any crusting.
4)Use a warm or cool compress to reduce discomfort.
5)Discard eye make-up because it may cause future infection.
6)Wash any clothing that may be contaminated, including towels and pillowcases. Try to use clean towels and pillowcases everyday.
7)Avoid wearing contact lenses and discard current lenses.
8)If eye drops are prescribed, place drop in pocket formed by pulling down lower lid. Make sure you don’t touch the bottle to the eye in order to prevent contamination.
9)If the infection does not improve in 2 or 3 days, make an appointment for re-evaluation.

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Diarrhea

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Causes

Bacterial infection, caused by contaminated food or water
Viral infectionv
Parasites, which can enter the body through food or water
Food intolerance, such as the inability to digest lactose, the sugar in milk
Overuse of alcohol or laxatives
Medication, such as some antibiotics or antacids containing magnesium
Menstrual cramps
Stress or a panic attack

Symptoms

watery, loose stools
frequent bowel movements
cramping or pain in the abdomen, nausea, bloating
possibly fever or bloody stools, depending on the cause

Treatment

1)Avoid foods that are milk-based, greasy, high-fiber, or very sweet because these are likely to aggravate diarrhea.
2)Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
3)Do not eat solid food if you have signs of dehydration (thirst, light-headed, dark urine). Instead, drink about 2 cups of clear fluids per hour (if vomiting isn’t present), such as sports drinks and broth. Water alone is not enough because your body needs sodium and sugar to replace what it’s losing.
4)Avoid high sugar drinks, like apple juice, grape juice, and soda, which can pull water into the intestine and make the diarrhea persist.
5)Don’t drink clear liquids exclusively for more than 24 hours.
6)Begin eating normal meals within 12 hours, but stick to food that is bland and won’t irritate your intestine. Some doctors suggest the “BRAT“ diet which includes foods that are low in fiber, fat, and sugar. BRAT stands for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast.
7)Use over-the-counter lactobacillus acidophilus capsules or tablets. These bacteria help maintain a healthy intestine, and are found in yogurt with live active cultures.
8)Decrease level of exercise until symptoms are gone.
9)Over-the-counter drugs, such as Imodium A-D, should only be used if absolutely necessary because it is important to let diarrhea flush out the bacteria or parasite that’s causing the infection

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Headaches

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Causes

Emotional and physical stress
Fatigue
Irregular sleep habits (sleeping too much or too little)
Skipping meals
Caffeine use or withdrawal
Hormonal factors, such as menstruation
Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
Foods with nitrates, such as hot dogs
Alcohol
Some medicines
Certain foods, including red wine, chocolate, aged cheeses, pickled foods, nuts, and aspartame
Changes in weather, altitude, or time zone

Symptoms

1) pulsing or throbbing quality
2)begins with intense pain on one side of the head, which eventually spreads
3)felt on one or both sides of the head
4)lasts several hours
5)severe enough to interfere with routine activities
6)may be accompanied by nausea or vomiting
7)sometimes preceded by visual changes, such as an aura of zigzag lines or flashes of light
8)light and noise can make the headache worse, while sleep tends to relieve symptoms
Symptoms of a tension-type headache: constant, dull ache
felt on both sides of the head
a feeling of squeezing or pressure
does not usually interfere with routine activities
lasts from 30 minutes to a few days

Treatment

1) Ice pack held over the eyes or forehead
2)Heating pad set on low or hot shower to relax tense neck and shoulder muscles
3)Sleep, or at least resting in a dark room
4)Taking breaks from stressful situations
5)Regular exercise to increase endorphin levels and relax muscles. Even if you already have a headache, exercising may relieve the pain. However, intense exercise may bring on a headache.
6)Occasional use of over-the-counter medicines such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin can relieve both migraine and tension headaches.
7)Prescription drugs for severe headaches