Sore eyes, aside from being embarrassing, are also contagious. Here are some tips on how to deal with sore eyes and several methods for treatment.
Nothing can be more scary or embarrassing than a couple of sore eyes. You haven’t gotten anywhere yet but it’s a sure thing that everyone’s going to be avoiding you. A lot of myths have been surrounding sore eyes. The more popular one says that you can get contaminated by looking at another person straight in the eyes. This is never true.
Sore eyes also known as conjunctivitis is an infection commonly caused by the bacteria staphylococcus or streptococcus. You can acquire it if your eyes get in contact with contaminated objects or body parts like your hands. As much as it is troubling, do not fret so much because everything’s temporary. Here’s how to deal with sore eyes.
1. Soothe.
Common symptoms of sore eyes are heat sensation, bulging and irritation in the area. Wash sore eyes with cool water, apply cold compress and keep them closed for fifteen minutes. Do not attempt to rub your eyes as this will only make them redder. It is possible that only one eye is red and infected while the other one remains okay. Avoid spreading contamination by using a clean handkerchief or tissue paper to dab the tears off your affected eye. Never touch the unaffected eye to prevent bacteria from transferring.
2. Sleep.
Sleep will keep your eyes well rested and rejuvenated. Blood circulation also rushes to the area during sleep and eradicate bacteria and other irritants. You may place a cool cloth or cold compress over your eyes as you sleep. Try to keep your hands to yourself even if it itches. Get at least ten hours of uninterrupted sleep a night to hasten recovery.
3. Clean.
Do your best to protect your eyes from exposure. Wear thick dark sunglasses to minimize possible swelling if your eyes strain too much from the glare of the sun. Also stay away from dust-filled areas that may worsen your condition. Never apply soap or other cleansing agents and only use cool running water to cleanse your eyes.
4. Medication.
Eye drops can soothe constricted vessels in your eyes and minimize swelling and redness. Be careful when instilling eye drops and put two drops in each eye. They may sting especially during the first time. Some products can also be poisonous if swallowed so never let it get close to your mouth. Antibacterial ointments are also available to directly eliminate bacterial presence and rid of the irritation for good. Do not let the medication container touch your eyes.
5. Be calm.
When you wake up one morning and see your bulging red eyes, do not panic and quickly cleanse them. To avoid embarrassment while being in public places, wear thick dark glasses to cover them up. If you follow the right treatment regimen, they’ll probably lighten and feel more eased after two days and completely be gone before week’s end.
If the problem does not get better after one week or if it worsens, seek medical attention at once. Never self-medicate and always ask your doctor to recommend the right treatment for your case. Also know the right agencies to contact in case of emergency like anaphylactic reaction or poisoning.
Author: Julieta Chin. All rights reserved.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
How to Quickly Treat Fever
Are you suffering from a fever? Before you rush yourself to the hospital, there are ways to treat the illness yourself. Here are some tips on how to quickly treat fever.
Fever is the most common symptom known to man. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a disease but a characteristic of an existing one. You should not think that fever is bad since it is a defensive mechanism of your body to fight invading microorganisms. Heat is always associated with fever as your body raises the inside temperature trying to fry pathogens.
On most occasions, fever makes you feel weak, tired and nauseous. Sometimes fever can rise to very high temperatures causing seizures and shock to patients. It is important that you maintain fever at a manageable level or treat it completely if proper medications are already present to fight pathogens. Here’s how to quickly treat fever.
1. Cool off.
Ask someone to prepare a cool sponge bath. It’s good to place water in a basin then adding ice chips to lower the temperature. Use a sponge or small towel to rub your body with. Remember to wring the sponge or towel after each dip in the basin. The idea is to promote surface cooling on your skin through conduction of cold temperature. It is vital that areas with large arteries which are generally loaded with blood are cooled off to have an overall effect. Rub areas like the neck, armpits and groin or inner thigh.
2. Air out.
Many people make the wrong move of putting on too much garments and blankets during fever. This will only increase your body temperature more. Wear light and loose fitting clothing and stay in a well-ventilated room. It is important that you remain in a cool environment since your body is generating too much heat. Air-conditioned rooms and fans are okay.
3. Fluids.
Drink a lot of water to flush out mucus and clear your entire system. Adequate hydration also promotes blood circulation and system cooling which greatly reduces fever. Drink at least ten glasses of cool water per day. Ginger ale and citrus juices are also effective for tissue recovery and fighting off pathogens.
4. Diet.
Eat lots of fruits and vegetables to facilitate healing and blood circulation. Citrus fruits are very effective in alleviating fever and other associated symptoms. Do not diet during fever and eat as much as you like. It’s also good to eat cold treats like ice cream or cold cuts to lower your body temperature.
5. Rest.
Sleep is one of the key elements in treating any kind of disease. Make sure that you get enough sleep every night of eight to ten hours. You may also nap during midday to reduce migraines and feelings of weakness associated with fever.
6. Medication.
Antipyretic medications will be the cornerstone of your treatment regimen. Ibuprofen, paracetamol, analgesics and anti-inflammatory agents are some of the most commonly used drugs in treating fever. These directly act on the pain receptors inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis thereby reducing pain sensations, weakness and body heat.
Always consult your doctor if your fever lasts for more than three days. An underlying disease may be present which needs proper diagnosis and treatment. Avoid straining your eyes so much with too much light or reading or your headaches may intensify.
Author: Julieta Chin. All rights reserved.
Fever is the most common symptom known to man. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a disease but a characteristic of an existing one. You should not think that fever is bad since it is a defensive mechanism of your body to fight invading microorganisms. Heat is always associated with fever as your body raises the inside temperature trying to fry pathogens.
On most occasions, fever makes you feel weak, tired and nauseous. Sometimes fever can rise to very high temperatures causing seizures and shock to patients. It is important that you maintain fever at a manageable level or treat it completely if proper medications are already present to fight pathogens. Here’s how to quickly treat fever.
1. Cool off.
Ask someone to prepare a cool sponge bath. It’s good to place water in a basin then adding ice chips to lower the temperature. Use a sponge or small towel to rub your body with. Remember to wring the sponge or towel after each dip in the basin. The idea is to promote surface cooling on your skin through conduction of cold temperature. It is vital that areas with large arteries which are generally loaded with blood are cooled off to have an overall effect. Rub areas like the neck, armpits and groin or inner thigh.
2. Air out.
Many people make the wrong move of putting on too much garments and blankets during fever. This will only increase your body temperature more. Wear light and loose fitting clothing and stay in a well-ventilated room. It is important that you remain in a cool environment since your body is generating too much heat. Air-conditioned rooms and fans are okay.
3. Fluids.
Drink a lot of water to flush out mucus and clear your entire system. Adequate hydration also promotes blood circulation and system cooling which greatly reduces fever. Drink at least ten glasses of cool water per day. Ginger ale and citrus juices are also effective for tissue recovery and fighting off pathogens.
4. Diet.
Eat lots of fruits and vegetables to facilitate healing and blood circulation. Citrus fruits are very effective in alleviating fever and other associated symptoms. Do not diet during fever and eat as much as you like. It’s also good to eat cold treats like ice cream or cold cuts to lower your body temperature.
5. Rest.
Sleep is one of the key elements in treating any kind of disease. Make sure that you get enough sleep every night of eight to ten hours. You may also nap during midday to reduce migraines and feelings of weakness associated with fever.
6. Medication.
Antipyretic medications will be the cornerstone of your treatment regimen. Ibuprofen, paracetamol, analgesics and anti-inflammatory agents are some of the most commonly used drugs in treating fever. These directly act on the pain receptors inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis thereby reducing pain sensations, weakness and body heat.
Always consult your doctor if your fever lasts for more than three days. An underlying disease may be present which needs proper diagnosis and treatment. Avoid straining your eyes so much with too much light or reading or your headaches may intensify.
Author: Julieta Chin. All rights reserved.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
