World Mental Health Day and Why It's Important

You are not alone. You are not the only one. Don't give up one more day of your health, get help today!

October 10th is World Mental Health Day, with the purpose to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and opening up the door to conversations about what we need as people.

What is Mental Health? Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.

What are mental illnesses? Mental illnesses are serious disorders which can affect your thinking, mood, and behavior. They may be occasional or long-lasting. They can affect your ability to relate to others and function each day. Mental disorders are common; more than half of all Americans will be diagnosed with a mental disorder at some time in their life. But there are treatments. People with mental health problems can get better and many recover completely.

Why is mental health important? Mental health is important because it can help you to:

Cope with the stresses of life

Be physically healthy

Have good relationships

Make meaningful contributions to your community

Work productively

Realize your full potential

How can I improve my mental health? There are steps you can take you to help you improve your mental health. They include:

Staying positive

Being physically active

Connecting with others

Developing a sense of meaning and purpose in life

Getting enough sleep

Developing coping skills

Meditating

Getting professional help if you need it

We want to encourage you that how you feel is important, and there are people that can help you. You are not the only one. You are not alone in this. You are important and worth having a healthy mind! Reach out to your healthcare professional today!

How to Treat a Sinus Infection

Source: By Beth Sissons https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324743.php

The sinuses are air-filled cavities that surround the nose. They are present in the forehead, the cheeks, and near the eyes. When the sinuses are clear, mucous drains easily from the nose, clearing out dirt and bacteria.

A sinus infection occurs when mucus is trapped in the sinuses, allowing viruses, bacteria, or fungi to grow more easily in the moist and stagnant environment.

Sinus infections can cause painful and irritating symptoms.

In this article, learn how to get rid of a sinus infection at home or using medical remedies.

Home remedies

People may be able to treat a sinus infection at home by relieving painful symptoms and taking steps to allow the immune system to fight off the infection.

Home remedies for sinus infection include:

Over-the-counter medications

Taking OTC drugs may help relieve painful symptoms.

People can take over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, such as:

acetaminophen, ibuprofen-naproxen, aspirin.

These may help relieve symptoms including localized pain, fever, and headaches.

Nasal sprays

People can use OTC nasal sprays to reduce swelling and congestion in the nasal passages.

However, people should take care when using nasal sprays, particularly certain types of a decongestant nasal spray. Misusing nasal sprays may cause side effects.

Using a decongestant nasal spray such as oxymetazoline (Afrin) for too long could make congestion levels worse, so people should not use them for longer than the recommended duration outlined on the packaging.

There are also corticosteroid nasal sprays, such as triamcinolone (Nasacort), available over the counter. These sprays help reduce sinus inflammation and swelling and are safe when a person uses them as a doctor directs.

It is important to follow product advice carefully to avoid nosebleeds or other adverse side effects. If a person has an existing medical condition or they are pregnant, it is best to speak to a doctor before using nasal sprays.

Humidifiers

People can use a humidifier to add moisture to the air. Extra moisture can help soften dried mucus, allowing it to flow more easily and reduce congestion.

Nasal irrigation

Nasal irrigation may help get rid of a sinus infection. A 2016 study found that people who used nasal irrigation had fewer headaches and were less likely to need OTC medicines than those who did not.

People can use a neti pot, which is a small container with a spout, for nasal irrigation.

It is important not to use water straight from the tap in a neti pot. Tap water is safe to drink because the stomach acid kills off the bacteria or parasites present. The nose environment cannot kill these types of germs, so using a neti pot with tap water may cause or aggravate an infection.

People should make sure to boil the water for a few minutes and let it cool, or they can buy distilled water for use in a neti pot.

It is simple to make an irrigation solution for use with a neti pot or syringe. To irrigate the nose:

mix half a teaspoon of nonionized salt with half a teaspoon of baking soda stir the mixture into 2 cups of sterile water use a small syringe or neti pot to apply the solution repeat for both nostrils clean the neti pot or syringe after use with sterile water and dry thoroughly

People can also buy a nasal irrigation solution from a pharmacy or online.

Steam inhalation

Although there is not enough evidence to show that steam inhalation is an effective treatment for a sinus infection, many people may find that it helps relieve their symptoms.

To use steam inhalation to relieve sinus infection symptoms, people can lean over a bowl of hot water, place a towel over their head to keep the steam in and breathe deeply.

People may want to add one or two drops of essential oil, such as eucalyptus oil, to the water. Eucalyptus oil has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that may help fight the infection. People can purchase eucalyptus essential oil in health food stores and online.

Rest

People should try to get as much rest as they can while they have a sinus infection. This will help the body recover and allow it to spend its energy fighting the infection.

Staying at home and resting can also help prevent spreading the infection to other people.

Hydration

Drinking plenty of clear fluids will help people stay hydrated and can also help loosen mucus and clear congestion.

Good choices for fluids to drink when a person has a sinus infection include:

plain water hot water with lemon, honey, or ginger herbal teas, vegetable broth.

Warm compresses

Applying a warm compress to the face can help ease pain and relieve pressure from the blocked sinuses.

To make a warm compress, soak a facecloth in hot water, wring it out, and place it on the affected areas of the face.

Treatments

📷Using a prescription nasal spray can reduce swelling in the nasal passages.

Treatment for sinus infection works to unblock and drain the sinuses.

If a person has had a sinus infection for over 7–10 days, a doctor may prescribe antibiotic therapy, but only if the infection is bacterial. Viral sinus infections often improve without treatment.

Another option is to use a prescription nasal spray to reduce swelling in the nasal passages. This allows mucus to drain more easily from the sinuses. A doctor may also prescribe a saline solution for flushing excess mucus out of the nose.

If a person has a fungal infection in their sinuses, a doctor will prescribe an antifungal medicine. If antifungal medicines do not work, or if a sinus infection is very severe, a doctor may prescribe oral steroids. These are strong medicines and people should discuss any possible side effects with their doctor first.

In very severe cases, such as when the sinus infection does not respond to medication or has spread to other parts of the face, a person may need a surgical procedure to clear the blockages.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a sinus infection include:

a stuffy nose extra mucus in throat, headaches, a feeling of pressure in the face, coughing, a sore throat, a fever, bad breath, tiredness, and aching jaw or teeth.

When to see a doctor

A person should see a doctor if they have a temperature above 100.4°F (38°C).

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people should see their doctor if a sinus infection lasts for over 10 days, or if symptoms continue for longer than 10 days after treatment.

A person may have chronic sinusitis if the infection lasts for longer than 8 weeks or if they have more than four sinus infections in a year. A doctor can help reduce the symptoms of chronic sinusitis.

Both children and adults should also see a doctor if they have:

a sinus infection for more than 10 days worsening symptoms, several sinus infections in a year, no improvement after taking OTC medications, a temperature above 100.4°F (38°C)

A doctor will ask about a person's symptoms and examine their nose and throat. They may also take a swab of the inside of the nose for culture testing.

If a sinus infection is not responding to antibiotics, a doctor may examine the sinuses in more depth using a nasal endoscope. This is a flexible tube with a light and camera attached to the end.

They may also carry out a CT scan to examine the sinuses further.

Summary

It is often possible to treat a sinus infection using home remedies, such as taking OTC medications, trying nasal irrigation, and applying warm compresses.

Getting plenty of rest and staying hydrated is also essential as the body heals.

If people have symptoms of a sinus infection for longer than 7–10 days, they should see their doctor for treatment.

Antibiotics or nasal sprays and irrigation may help fight a sinus infection. In chronic cases, people may need oral steroids or more complex medical interventions.

Source: By Beth Sissons https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324743.php

How to Get Rid of a Toothache at Night

Source: By Jon Johnson https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326133.php

A toothache is a painful annoyance, especially at night. Getting a toothache at night can make falling asleep or staying asleep very difficult. However, there are a number of remedies that may help people find relief and get to sleep, including taking pain relievers or applying a cold compress or even cloves to the tooth. In this article, learn more about nine home remedies for relieving a toothache at night.

9 ways to treat a toothache at night

Treating a toothache at night may be more difficult, as there is not much to distract a person from the pain.

However, people can try the following methods to relieve pain:

1. Oral pain medication

Oral pain medication may help treat a toothache at night.

Taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) is a quick, simple way for many people to effectively reduce mild-to-moderate toothaches.

Always stay within the recommended dosage on the packaging.

If the toothache is severe, it is best to see a dentist and speak to them about stronger pain relievers.

2. Cold compress

Using a cold compress may help ease the pain of a toothache.

Applying a bag of ice wrapped in a towel to the affected side of the face or jaw helps constrict the blood vessels in the area, which can reduce pain to allow a person to fall asleep.

Applying a cold compress to the area for 15–20 minutes every few hours in the evening may also help prevent pain when going to bed.

3. Elevation

Pooling blood in the head may cause additional pain and inflammation. For some people, elevating the head with an extra pillow or two may relieve the pain enough for them to fall asleep.

4. Medicated ointments

Some medicated ointments may also help reduce toothache pain. OTC numbing gels and ointments that contain ingredients such as benzocaine may numb the area.

However, benzocaine is not suitable for use by young children.

5. Saltwater rinse

A simple saltwater rinse is a common home remedy for a toothache.

Saltwater is a natural antibacterial agent, so it may reduce inflammation. This, in turn, helps protect damaged teeth from infection.

Rinsing with salt water may also help remove any food particles or debris stuck in the teeth or gums.

6. Hydrogen peroxide rinse

Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that generally occurs as a result of poor oral hygiene. It can cause issues such as soreness, bleeding gums, and teeth that come loose in their sockets.

The author of a 2016 study found that rinsing with hydrogen peroxide mouthwash helped reduce plaque and symptoms of periodontitis.

People should always dilute food-grade hydrogen peroxide with equal parts water. Swish the solution in the mouth, but do not swallow it.

This remedy is not suitable for children, as there is a risk they may accidentally swallow the mixture.

7. Peppermint tea

Swishing peppermint tea or sucking on peppermint tea bags may also help temporarily relieve pain from a toothache.

Researchers note that peppermint contains antibacterial and antioxidant compounds. Menthol, an active ingredient in peppermint, may also have a mild numbing effect on sensitive areas.

8. Clove

Eugenol, which is one of the main compounds in cloves, can reduce tooth pain. The results of a 2015 clinical trial indicated that people who applied eugenol to their gums and socket after having a tooth extracted had less pain and inflammation during healing.

Eugenol acts as an analgesic, which means that it numbs the area. To use clove for a toothache, soak ground cloves in water to make a paste. Then, apply the paste to the tooth, or put it in an empty tea bag and place it in the mouth.

Alternatively, gently chewing or sucking on a single clove and then allowing it to sit near the painful tooth may help relieve pain.

This is not a suitable remedy for children, as they may swallow too much clove. Single cloves can be spiky and painful if a person swallows them.

9. Garlic

The antibacterial effect of garlic may help kill bacteria in the mouth.

Garlic is a common household ingredient that some people use to relieve toothache pain.

Allicin, which is the main compound in garlic, has a strong antibacterial effect that may help kill the bacteria in the mouth that lead to cavities and tooth pain.

Simply chewing a clove of garlic and allowing it to sit near the tooth may help relieve pain. That said, the taste of raw garlic can be too strong for some people, so this may not be the right solution for everyone.

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Causes

Tooth decay is a very common cause of a toothache. Tooth decay may lead to cavities if a person does not receive treatment.

Cavities occur when acids and bacteria break through the enamel and eat away at the delicate tissues inside the tooth. This can expose the nerve, causing mild-to-severe pain.

Sinus infections may also cause toothache in some people. This symptom occurs as the infection drains from the head. Symptoms such as pain and pressure from the infection may hurt more at night.

Other potential causes for a toothache include:

losing a filling, dental abscesses, trauma to the jaws, wisdom tooth or adult tooth coming in, food stuck in the teeth or gums grinding the teeth at night and gum disease.

Why do some toothaches hurt more at night?

Toothaches can be painful in the day, but they may seem to get worse at night.

One reason that this may occur is that when a person is lying down, blood rushes to the head. This extra blood in the area may increase the pain and pressure that people feel from a toothache.

Another reason why many aches feel worse at night is that there are fewer distractions. With little else to focus on but the toothache, a person may find it difficult to fall asleep.

When to see a dentist

A dentist may recommend antibiotics if there are any signs of infection within the mouth.

People with a toothache at night should see a dentist as soon as possible. Any home remedies are only for temporary relief.

If the toothache also comes with other signs of an infection, a person may need antibiotics to clear out the infection.

When a cracked or decaying tooth is causing the pain, a person should see their dentist. They will be able to find a permanent solution.

Ignoring the signs of tooth decay, such as an aching tooth, may lead to more serious issues, including abscesses, gum disease, and tooth loss.

Summary

Dealing with a toothache is a painful experience. Although many home remedies can provide temporary relief and help a person get some sleep, they are not permanent solutions.

Anyone who experiences a toothache for longer than 1 or 2 days without symptoms of a sinus infection should see a dentist for a full diagnosis and treatment.

They may need to clean out a cavity or consider more serious options, such as root canals or tooth extractions.

Source: By Jon Johnson https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326133.php