Nasal congestion occurs due to excess mucus in the nasal passages. It can cause the blood vessels and tissues in these passages to get inflamed, blocking airflow and leading to pain and discomfort. Mucus buildup can result from several factors like colds, allergies, sinusitis, and changes in the weather, but it is usually temporary. Here are a few simple tips to relieve nasal congestion or stuffy nose naturally at home. Try steam inhalation Inhaling steam is a classic remedy for nasal congestion. Individuals should fill a bowl with hot water and place their face over it, covering the head with a towel to trap the steam. One should then breathe deeply for a few minutes. The steam helps loosen and clear the mucus, making breathing easier. Humidify the air Since dry indoor air can worsen nasal congestion, experts recommend using a humidifier. The machine adds moisture to the air, which in turn moistens the mucus, making it drain easily. Humidifiers can also soothe inflamed nasal tissues, ease irritation, and help one sleep better. However, individuals should clean the humidifier regularly to prevent mold growth. Stay hydrated Drinking sufficient fluids is one of the simplest yet helpful ways to relieve nasal congestion.

Viral infections are quite common and can affect any individual. When viruses, which are a type of microscopic pathogen, enter the body and start replicating, they cause illnesses that are commonly called viral infections. Different viral infections affect different systems, like the respiratory and digestive systems. These infections also show certain signs that one should be aware of to take appropriate action. The following are a few common signs of viral infections: 1. Fever and chills A sudden rise in the body’s natural temperature, generally 98.6°F (37°C), is considered fever. It is the body’s natural response to infections. Hence, if one experiences a sudden increase in their body’s temperature, it can be a telltale sign of an infection, which could also be viral. Fever is often accompanied by chills, characterized by feeling cold, shivery, and sweaty. 2. Cough If the viral infection affects one’s respiratory functions, it may lead to chronic coughing. If the cough is persistent, dry, and without mucus production, it could be a sign of the flu. On the other hand, if one is experiencing coughing with phlegm, it may be indicative of a cold. 3. Sore throat A sore throat is also commonly noticed in certain viral infections, including colds and flu.

Today, headphones have become a vital part of daily lives, whether one uses them to listen to their favorite music and podcasts or simply to make calls. But, prolonged and unsafe use of headphones can cause hearing issues. However, taking the right precautions can help one safely use earphones without compromising the audio experience or auditory health. So, here are a few things that can help prevent hearing loss when using headphones: 1. Use the right type of headphones Headphones come in many sizes, and it is imperative to choose the right type and size to prevent any lasting harm to the ears. Here, earbuds create a seal in the ears when inserted into the ear canal. These tiny devices not only amplify the bass of the audio but also increase the pressure created by the sounds and have the potential to cause harm to the eardrums. However, open-backed headphones allow air to flow in and out of the ears and help reduce pressure on the ears. These headphones also add distance between the earbuds and the audio. So, choosing the right headphones can be great for the ears. 2. Choose noise-canceling headphones One may often turn up the volume of the earphones to drown out the background noise.

Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic digestive disorder that occurs due to an increased number of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) in the esophagus. It could be a result of genetic factors, food allergies, or health conditions such as asthma and parasitic infections. When left untreated, it can lead to severe complications. This article explores the warning signs of eosinophilic esophagitis to help one recognize them and seek prompt treatment. Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) One of the most common signs of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is experiencing difficulty swallowing. It may affect people of all ages and is also known as dysphagia. This condition occurs due to swelling in the esophagus, which disrupts swallowing. As a result, people with EoE often have to drink lots of fluids to help them swallow their food. Moreover, in some cases, the esophagus may become too narrow. This can lead to food getting stuck in the esophagus (impaction), which can be life-threatening. Stunted growth Difficulties in swallowing may lead to nutritional deficiencies in children with EoE. Children with this condition may also become irritable, refusing to eat or drink. This can cause malnutrition and stunted growth, along with other symptoms such as decreased appetite, abdominal pain, vomiting, and failure to thrive (FTT).

More than half of the human body is made up of water. This fluid is indispensable in helping different organs carry out their functions correctly. Drinking less water can cause dehydration and contribute to several health conditions. To avoid complications, smartwatches and mobile apps have been developed to remind people to drink water regularly and stay hydrated. The following are a few common repercussions one may face due to less water intake. Constipation Water helps food move through the gastrointestinal tract. When the body does not have sufficient water, it cannot perform this function effectively. As a result, individuals may experience hard stools or constipation. Bad breath Water helps produce saliva and destroy the bacteria inside the mouth, resulting in optimal oral hygiene. Dehydration hampers this process, leading to bad breath. The foul smell may not recede despite brushing regularly and practicing other oral care activities. Skin problems Although moisturizing and cleansing are essential skincare practices, they are typically ineffective if one does not drink enough water. Dry skin is among the most common symptoms of dehydration. The skin may appear sunken and dull, with dark circles underneath the eyes and chapped lips. Dark-yellow urine When a person is dehydrated, the kidneys try to conserve water in the body, which causes the urine to become darker in color.

Maintaining a healthy smile goes beyond just regular brushing and flossing. One may follow several habits without realizing the potential harm they can cause to one’s teeth. From seemingly harmless activities to daily routines, these habits can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems. Here are some common but often overlooked habits that harm oral health. One must avoid them to extend the longevity of their pearly whites. Poor oral hygiene Neglecting proper oral hygiene practices, such as inconsistent brushing and skipping flossing, can pave the way for plaque buildup. This buildup contributes to tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease, which can lead to more serious dental issues if left untreated. Using teeth as a tool Using one’s teeth to open bottles, tear packages, or crack nuts might seem convenient, but it’s a recipe for disaster. This habit can cause chips or cracks in one’s teeth or lead to gum bleeding. So it’s advisable to use one’s teeth only for chewing food and not as substitutes for scissors or bottle openers. Nail biting Nail biting affects one’s nails and takes a toll on one’s teeth. This habit exerts pressure on one’s teeth and jaw, potentially causing misalignment and damaging tooth enamel.

Leukemia is a blood cancer that predominantly affects a complex network of tissues making up the bone marrow and lymphatic system. In most cases, cancer spreads and affects the white blood cells, particularly in the bone marrow leading to excess production of these infection-fighting cells. Leukemia is a slowly progressing cancer that may go unnoticed; therefore, paying attention to the following silent signs becomes necessary. Unusual bleeding Unexplained nosebleeds or frequent bleeding of the gums are among the first signs of blood clotting. Clots can force the blood out with the slightest bruises, so paying attention to these bleeds is crucial. Women may also experience heavy menstrual periods indicating a severe problem. Observing purple spots anywhere on the skin is also a sign of blood clotting, so immediate medical attention is advisable. Fatigue and weight loss Leukemia affects the body’s ability to produce new red blood cells. A low RBC count means reduced oxygenated blood flowing through the body to different organs resulting in weakness and lethargy. Persistent tiredness can force a person not to be able to keep up with daily activities. However, one’s appetite may also be affected, causing rapid weight loss. Fever, pain, and weight loss Frequent bouts of fever raise the body temperature resulting in night sweats and chills.