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  • Common Nasal Spray Side Effects: What to Look Out For

    Common Nasal Spray Side Effects: What to Look Out For

    It’s that time of year again: pollen season. Soon, runny, stuffy noses and sneezing will be the rule of the day. If you’re often battling seasonal allergies, maybe you’re considering using a nasal spray to keep the runny, stuffy nose from occurring.

    Do you know about some of the common side effects of nasal sprays?

    Common Nasal Spray Side Effects

    Common Nasal Sprays

    Common types of nasal spray, like Flonase, work by reducing the inflammation of the mucous membranes in the nose. Typically, they are synthetic steroids of the glucocorticoid family of drugs. They are commonly prescribed for rhinitis or a stuffed-up nose.

    These sprays are usually taken once daily, with one spray in each nostril. Occasionally nasal sprays can be taken twice daily. They typically include a number of side effects, but the severity can change depending on the person and the type of nasal spray.

    Common Side Effects

    There are a number of potential side effects with nasal sprays like Flonase. Notably, patients who take these types of nasal sprays often note that headaches and back pain can accompany them shortly after applying the medication. Sore throat and sneezing can also occur shortly after application, due to the nature of the medicine being taken.

    Typically, a cough will accompany sore throat side effects. When paired with a headache, the side effects of a nasal spray can mimic feeling sick with a cold or flu. These are just the most common side effects, though others can occur.

    Other sinus problems, such as soreness and nosebleeds, can also occur.

    Other Side Effects

    Other side effects that are rarer could include nausea, vomiting and loss of interest in sex. These side effects occur less commonly but are still a consideration. Some patients report getting white sores in their mouths or around their noses as a side effect, as well.

    Some women also note menstrual problems as a side effect of some nasal sprays.

    Alternatives

    Nasal sprays are a common medication for allergy season, though they’re not the only way to deal with congestion. If you find that the side effects of nasal sprays effect you harshly, then you could consider some alternatives.

    There are decongestant versions of some common allergy medicines, for instance. Allegra, Benadryl and other brand-name allergy medicines all have decongestant variants that can help with a stuffy nose. Keep in mind that these medications also have side effects, and make sure to never mix different decongestants together.

  • The Best Way to Beat the Flu: Don’t Suffer Needlessly

    The Best Way to Beat the Flu: Don’t Suffer Needlessly

    Everyone dreads that feeling of the flu creeping up on them. The aches, the stuffy nose, the cough: it all adds up to make you feel miserable. When you feel the flu coming on, don’t just roll your eyes and resign yourself to suffering through it. Here are the best ways to beat the flu.

    How to Beat the Flu

    Step One: Stay Home

    Firstly, cancel your plans. Call out from work and get ready to stay home. Now’s a great time to get deep into your favorite video game, or maybe start reading that book you’ve been meaning to finish. Staying home will help you rest up to beat this thing, as well as prevent you from spreading it around.

    Don’t look at this as a bad thing. Consider it down time to get caught up on whatever show you’ve been watching or just a chance to stay home from work or school.

    Step Two: Stay Hydrated

    While you’re kicking it at home beating this darn flu, make sure you’re staying well-hydrated. Gatorade, orange juice, apple juice, chicken noodle soup and the like are all great for this. Of course, good, old-fashioned water is your best bet, so just keep pounding glasses of the life-giving liquid.

    If you don’t get enough water, you’ll get dehydrated. It’s much harder to fight the flu and recover if you’ve got no water in your system.

    Step Three: Treat Yourself to a Steamy Shower

    If you’re stopped up, groggy and feeling just plain gross, a steamy shower can be a huge help. Turn the water up to “freaking hot” (be careful you don’t burn yourself!) and let the steam fill up the room. If you don’t feel well enough to sit under the hot water, just sit on the commode and let the room fill with steam.

    The steam will help to break up your congestion and will generally just feel good on your inflamed mucous membranes.

    Step Four: Humidifier

    If you own a humidifier, now is the time to use it. Much like the steamy shower, a well-humidified room will make you feel much better when it comes to coughing and sniffling. Dry air can further irritate your membranes, making your cough and sniffles that much worse.

    Make sure the device is clean and not harboring molds. Likewise, you should use the cold mist setting, as warm, humid air could promote further growth of bacteria or mold and creates a more hospitable environment for the flu virus.

  • Remedies for Neck Pain and Stiffness

    Remedies for Neck Pain and Stiffness

    We all know that awful feeling of waking up with a stiff, sore neck. Maybe you slept on it funny or pinched a nerve. Maybe you’ve got muscle soreness, maybe you’re stressed, or maybe you just need a good vacation.

    Whatever the case, you just want some relief from this neck pain. Here are some of the top remedies for neck pain and stiffness.

    Neck Pain and Stiffness

    NSAIDs

    One of the most straightforward ways to deal with neck pain and stiffness is through over-the-counter NSAIDs like aspirin or ibuprofen. These medications are anti-inflammatory and can ail minor aches and pains. These are best when taken with water, as your muscle pain could be related to dehydration, too.

    Make sure you only take NSAIDs as directed. Taking these medications improperly can result in liver damage. Also, we recommend mentioning any new medications you’re taking to your doctor to make sure they don’t have any negative combined effects.

    Massage Therapy

    While not everyone can afford the cost or time off work, getting a massage can be a huge help with neck pain and stiffness. Seeing a massage therapist can be incredibly helpful with this muscle stiffness, as they are able to work with your muscles and find tension points.

    Massage therapy can be stress-relieving as well as physically stimulating. This combination can go a long way to remedying neck pain and stiffness. Some of the common causes of this type of stiffness are addressed directly by massage therapy.

    Stretching

    Getting the right amount of stretching in can be a huge help for neck stiffness. Roll your shoulders up and down, touch your ears to your shoulders, press your head back into a headrest. These types of stretches help to keep your neck muscles loose and limber, making it less likely for them to lock up and become stiff.

    Likewise, you can address many forms of pain and stiffness with these types of stretches. It’s not hard to take a few minutes to limber up!

    Sleeping Well

    Another important thing to remember is that you should avoid sleeping on your stomach. When you sleep facedown, you’ve got to turn your head one way or the other for hours. This is really quite bad for your neck, and you should sleep on your back or side instead.

    Along these lines, make sure your pillow is the right one for your sleeping style. If you sleep on your back, you need a shorter pillow. If you sleep on your sides, you need a taller pillow. Not following these guidelines could result in neck soreness and stiffness.

  • Best Treatments for Muscle Aches

    Best Treatments for Muscle Aches

    Everyone knows what it feels like to get done with a hard day at work and feel muscles aches and soreness. When you’re trying to just unwind and relax, you just want relief from aching muscles.

    Today we’re going over some of the best treatments for muscle aches to help you relax and unwind.

    Best Treatments for Muscle Aches

    Myalgia

    Another name for muscle aches is myalgia, and it’s a rather common condition. Anything from strenuous activity to the common cold can cause aching muscles. Stress and tension are other common causes, though muscle pain can also result from damaging muscles during exercise.

    Whatever causes your myalgia might have, there are a number of treatments you can try to ease your pain. Remember, if your pain is extreme or causing you serious medical problems, contact your doctor immediately.

    Take it Easy

    This one might seem like a no-brainer, but you need to take it easy on a sore muscle. If your bicep is aching and sore, don’t exert it. Drink plenty of water and just relax. Tension can be a huge factor in muscle aches, so simply relaxing and letting your muscles rest can be a huge help.

    Stretching is another way to help your aching muscles. Gently stretch out the affected muscle before using cold and hot compresses on it.

    Hot and Cold Compress

    Using a cold compress or ice pack can help reduce inflammation and soreness. Following that up with a warm compress or hot pack is then great for relaxing muscles and helping them heal. Products like Icey Hot are marketed for this exact purpose.

    NSAIDs

    An over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen can be a huge help when it comes to soreness of the muscles. Make sure you take NSAIDs only as directed, as they can cause liver damage if taken improperly.

    When to See the Doctor

    If your pain persists for more than a few days, or causes you extreme discomfort, see your doctor. There’s no reason to try to treat an injured muscle at home if you’re experiencing serious discomfort. You risk further injury if you improperly treat a damaged muscle, so don’t hesitate to see your doctor.

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis: Diagnosis and Treatments

    Rheumatoid Arthritis: Diagnosis and Treatments

    Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition that includes symptoms of joint pain and weakness in the muscles around the joints.

    Diagnosing RA can be difficult in the early stages, as its symptoms can mirror that of many other diseases. Today we’re looking into the diagnosis of and treatments for RA.

    Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosis

    Diagnosis

    Diagnosing Rheumatoid arthritis can prove somewhat difficult. Even in patients with symptoms that are consistent with RA, there might be a number of other diseases that could be to blame. When your doctor attempts to find out what’s causing your joint pain and inflammation, they will likely start with a physical examination of your joints.

    During a physical exam, the doctor will look for redness and swelling. Warmth is another indicator of potential RA. This check could also involve checking your reflexes and strength in order to rule out certain other conditions.

    Other Tests

    There are a few other tests doctors can try to determine whether a patient has RA. Blood tests to determine if you have an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate are common. Likewise, X-Rays or other imaging tests could be used to determine the severity of arthritis.

    It is worth noting that there is no single test that can show that a patient is suffering from RA. There are a number of other diseases and conditions that can send similar symptoms and evidence, making diagnosis a complex undertaking.

    Treatments

    There is no cure for arthritis. The disease is degenerative and will only become more severe as time goes on. There are, however, treatments that can help to slow the disease’s progress. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, or DMARDs, are one such treatment that has been shown to offer remission from certain symptoms.

    DMARDs

    DMARDs offer relief from joint pain and work by slowing the progress of the disease. In fact, when taken soon enough, DMARDs can even safe joints and bones from permanent and lasting damage. They aren’t without side effects, though. DMARDs can cause lung infections, liver damage and marrow suppression in some patients.

    A new type of DMARDs, called biologic agents, work by targeting parts of the immune system that give rise to arthritis. In particular, they stem the onset of inflammation in the body that leads to the lasting joint damage found in arthritis patients.

    Like traditional DMARDs, biologic agents can also lead to a higher risk of infection. Also, while DMARDs can result in remission from symptoms, they are not a cure. Once you have arthritis, you have it for life.

  • Best Medicine for Heartburn: Keep the Party Going

    Best Medicine for Heartburn: Keep the Party Going

    Nothing kills the idea of a fun night out with friends faster than remember your acid reflux could act up. Overactive stomach acid can put a damper on any party. When you want to just have fun and enjoy your friends, what are your options? Today we’re going over some of the best medicine options for heartburn to help you keep the party going.

    Best Medicine for Heartburn

    Oral Suspension Medicines

    Oral suspension medicines include brand names like Pepto Bismol. These medications work by coating the inside of the esophagus, offering up protection from short-term heartburn symptoms. Generally speaking, Pepto and the like is more ideal for people who suffer acid reflux symptoms less frequently. That’s because once the coating wears off, it loses its effectiveness.

    Antacids

    Antacids are a common medicine used to combat the worst heartburn symptoms. Brands like Tums, Rolaids, Mylanta and Maalox are all antacids. These medicines work by neutralizing the stomach acid that is over-acting in your stomach and causing you discomfort.

    Generally speaking, antacids are used for fast relief from acute symptoms. For instance, if you’re out to dinner with friends and you begin feeling heartburn, you can pop a Tums to try to settle your stomach. Generally, antacids are used by infrequent sufferers because they give fast relief but aren’t ideal for long-term use.

    Make sure you don’t take too many antacids in a short period. Taking too many can lead to diarrhea or constipation, so make sure you only take the ones you need.

    H-2-Receptor Blockers

    These medicines were once only available by prescription, though they are now available over-the-counter. Pepcid AC and Zantac are examples of brand names of this variety of medicine. Generally speaking, these receptor blockers are slower to act than antacids but work over a longer period.

    That’s because receptor blockers stop the production of stomach acid, allowing people with mild symptoms of heartburn to treat their symptoms proactively. These medications are taken over a long period, instead of being taken in response to the appearance of symptoms.

    Proton Pump Inhibitors

    Medicines like Prilosec and Nexium fall under this category. These medications keep your stomach acid neutralized and can even heal damaged esophageal lining. These medications are ideal for people who suffer from more severe heartburn symptoms that are quite frequent. The trade-off is that these medications tend to be more expensive and require you to take them regularly.

  • Most Effective New Antidepressant Medications

    Most Effective New Antidepressant Medications

    Trying to make it through the day when you’re struggling with depression can feel impossible. Some people need antidepressant medicine to keep their depression symptoms in check.

    Many adults struggling with depression have tried some antidepressants, and maybe some people have found they don’t work well.

    Today we’re breaking down some of the most effective new antidepressants. Talk to your doctor about some of these medications to see what would be right for you.

    Most Effective New Antidepressants

    SSRIs

    Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are commonly prescribed to start. These are medications with relatively few noted side effects and are largely considered unlikely to have complications. SSRIs, notably, tend to be prescribed at higher doses by doctors due to their lower side effect risks.

    The most common types of SSRIs are fluoxetine, sertraline, escitalopram, citalopram and paroxetine. Brand names of this variety include Prozac, Zoloft, Lexapro, Celexa and Paxil. Note that these medications do, in fact, have side effects, they just don’t have as many as other antidepressants.

    SNRIs

    Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, like Cymbalta, Fetzima, Effexor XR and Pristiq are similar to SSRIs. These medications are notable for their lower amounts of potential side effects, though doctors don’t often begin by prescribing these medications. Typically, those who want these medications ask about them directly from their doctor.

    Tricyclic Antidepressants

    Medicines like nortriptyline, doxepin, imipramine and desipramine often have more reported side effects. These antidepressants can lead to side effects such as an increase in suicidal thoughts, nausea, insomnia or blurred vision. Usually these are only prescribed if other antidepressants are having no effect on the patient.

    MAOIs

    Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are notable because their side effects can be extreme. These are normally prescribed as a last resort if every other type of antidepressant on this list simply isn’t cutting it.

    These medicines, like Nardil and Parnate, can be dangerous in combinations with certain foods. Certain cheeses, wines and even birth control can have lethal side effects in some people, so they require close consideration by the patient and doctor.

    Atypical Antidepressants

    Medicines like Remeron, Trintellix, Aplenzin and Wellbutrin are uncommon antidepressants. They are not prescribed in very high numbers, so they’re unlikely to be in the conversation with your doctor. Typically these are prescribed if other medicines haven’t worked and your doctor would rather you not start a regiment of MAOIs.

  • Important Info You Need to Know about Blood Thinners

    Important Info You Need to Know about Blood Thinners

    Blood thinners are commonly prescribed for people with atrial fibrillation and pulmonary embolisms. Common blood thinners, or anticoagulants, are coumadin and warfarin. These medications can be very important, but they do have some side effects that people, especially older men, need to be aware of. Here’s the important info you need to know about blood thinners.

    Important Info on Blood Thinners

    What They’re For

    Blood thinners are commonly prescribed for atrial fibrillation. A fib, as it’s commonly shortened to, is a condition that causes the patient’s heart to beat irregularly. Defibrillation pads are also commonly used to address an acute incident of fibrillation, essentially stopping and restarting a heart that is beating irregularly.

    Blood thinners are also prescribed for those suffering from pulmonary embolism. A pulmonary embolism is a blockage in one of the arteries of your lung. This is a problem, of course, as the lung is where your blood goes to receive oxygen. Blood thinners prevent your blood from clotting, thus breaking up the embolism.

    Prescription

    You can only get blood thinners via prescriptions. They’re not available over the counter. That’s because they have a lot of side effects that you should be aware of, and you should only take blood thinners as directed by your doctor. Blood thinners don’t actually thin your blood: they’re more accurately referred to as anticoagulants.

    That’s because coumadin and warfarin primarily are given to prevent blood from clotting as easily. These medicines do so by blocking certain proteins in the blood from doing their job, preventing your platelets from clotting up.

    Side Effects

    As you may be guessing, there are some notable side effects to this type of medication. Since it prevents your blood from clotting, when you’re on anticoagulants, you need to avoid becoming injured. That might seem like silly advice, as you would of course normally avoid injury. However, being on anticoagulants means you should shift your priorities.

    Since your body can’t create blood clots, you need to avoid any strenuous or dangerous activity altogether. Something as simple as a cut from a kitchen knife could be deadly if you can’t stop bleeding. This goes double for internal injuries. If you were to get in a car accident and had internal bleeding, it would be incredibly difficult to get it to stop.

    If you do become injured while on blood thinners, wrap the injury and apply pressure to it, then call your doctor. If the bleeding is severe, call an ambulance and go to the emergency room. The same goes if you think you may have internal bleeding: don’t waste any time. Call an ambulance and get medical help as soon as possible.