Home Remedies

Ongoing mucus or phlegm problems can make your life hell. According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, about 12.5 percent of Americans suffer from at least one bout of sinusitis each year  (1) . Sinuses are air-filled cavities located on either side of the nose. Due to certain allergies, cold, viral or bacterial infections, the sinuses may become clogged or infected. The Infectious Diseases Society of America states that 90 to 98 percent of sinusitis cases are caused by viruses  (2) .When the sinus cavities become inflamed or irritated, they  swell and secrete more mucus, making proper drainage difficult . Also, smoke, environmental pollution as well as dietary irritants like dairy, gluten and artificial additives all can trigger changes in mucus that can make you feel uncomfortable and frustrated at the same time. Clogged sinuses can lead to various symptoms and related issues, such as  headaches, snoring or difficulty breathi...

Xerosis is the medical term used to describe very dry skin, which affects a lot of people, especially during the dry and cold winter months. It happens when your skin lacks moisture in its outer layer. According to the American Skin Association, xerosis occurs due to the  combination of low humidity levels and cold temperatures sucking the moisture out of your skin  during the winter months. Additionally, the use of heaters and air ventilation during the winter can further dehydrate your skin  (1) . Some of the other causes of xerosis include use of harsh soaps, overly long showers or baths, extended sun exposure, poor diet, dehydration and swimming frequently in chlorinated pools. It can also be a side effect of aging, diabetes and some medications. While xerosis is a temporary problem, it may cause a lot of discomfort. Symptoms of xerosis include  red, irritated or inflamed skin that’s scaly, rough and itchy or painful . If left untreated, it can lead to ...

Few things are scarier than watching your child wheeze and pant due to asthma, an inflammatory disease of the lungs that is very common in children. Approximately 25 million Americans have asthma and about 1 in every 10 children in the United States has asthma, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (1) . The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology states that asthma is the most common chronic illness in childhood, accounting for 13.8 million missed school days each year. It also accounts for 14.2 million lost work days for adults  (2) .In children suffering from asthma,  the lungs and airways become easily inflamed when exposed to triggers like inhaling airborne pollen or catching a cold or another respiratory infection . The underlying cause of asthma in children is not fully known. However, an overly sensitive immune system has a major role. Some other factors that can lead to this condition are some types of airway infect...