STREP THROAT

Strep throat. Group A Streptococcus, often known as group A strep, is a kind of bacteria that causes infections in the tonsils and throat. A painful and extreme inflammation are symptoms. A throat culture or a quick strep test can usually be used by a medical professional to diagnose the illness. Antibiotics are typically used in treatment.

STREP THROAT

This infection affects both your tonsils (the lymph nodes in the rear of your mouth) and your throat. Having strep throat causes your tonsils to become extremely inflamed. A sore throat (pharyngitis). is usually the result of this inflammation, which also affects the area around your throat. More serious conditions like rheumatic fever, which can permanently harm your heart and heart valves, are rarely brought on. Therefore, for a timely diagnosis and treatment, it’s critical to visit a healthcare professional. If you treat your strep throat properly, it should go away in seven to ten days.

Signs

A sudden pain is one of the early signs. Furthermore, you could get a fever quite quickly, reaching its peak on the second day of illness.
Chills are another symptom.
Headache.
appetite loss.
abdominal discomfort.
vomiting and nausea.

Coughing is one symptom that typically doesn’t induce. You most likely have a viral infection rather than strep throat if you have a cough along with other cold symptoms.  Furthermore, some strep throat sufferers might not experience any symptoms at all.

Causes

The bacteria that causes this is called group A Streptococcus, or group A strep. This distinguishes strep throat from the majority of other viral sore throat cases.

Treatment

Antibiotics are part of the treatment. One class of medication that eliminates the microorganisms causing an infection is an antibiotic.
Common antibiotics used by medical professionals to treat this include amoxicillin and penicillin. A different antibiotic may be prescribed by the doctor if you have a penicillin allergy.
Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic in pill or liquid form, or they may give you an injection. Typically, you will take the liquid or pills for ten days. Observe the guidelines provided by your supplier. Even if you feel better, you should still take the entire prescription. Even if you are feeling well, the bacteria may still be present.

Prevention

The best defense against this is proper cleanliness. Hands should be periodically washed for 20 seconds with soap and water. It is particularly crucial to wash your hands after coughing and sneezing (to protect others) and before eating (to protect yourself). Additionally, you can avoid it by doing the following:
In the absence of soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Cough or sneeze into a tissue if you can. Useless tissues should be thrown in the trash.
Instead of using your hands to cough or sneeze, use your elbow if you don’t have a tissue.
When someone is ill, avoid sharing glasses and utensils with them, and when you are ill, avoid sharing your own.

Summary

Also, fever, inflammation, and an excruciating sore throat are all symptoms of strep throat. The infection is easy curable, despite the fact that it may cause pain. However, strep throat should not be treated at home. An antibiotic is required to treat it, which is caused by a particular type of bacterium. Getting the right diagnosis and treatment is crucial.

Sinus infection. Sinusitis, which is typically brought on by the common cold but can also be caused by other viruses, bacteria, fungi, and allergies, is an inflammation of the tissues in your sinuses (spaces in your forehead, cheeks, and nose that are normally filled with air). It causes facial pain, a runny or stuffy nose, and occasionally a fever, among other symptoms.

SINUS INFECTION

The swelling or inflammation of the tissue lining your sinuses is known as sinusitis. Your face contains structures called sinuses that are typically filled with air. Allergies,  Bacterial infections, viral infections can irritate them, resulting in blockage and fluid accumulation. A stuffy nose, nasal congestion, and facial pressure and pain are some of the symptoms that may result from this.
Rhinosinusitis is another name for sinusitis.

Signs

The following are typical signs of a sinus infection:
Mucus running down your throat is known as postnasal drip.
thick yellow or green mucus with a runny nose.
stuffed nose.
pressure on your face, especially in the areas around your eyes, nose, and forehead. Bending over or moving your head around may make this worse.
Your teeth may feel pressure or pain. ache or pressure in the ears.
Fever.
Halitosis, or poor breath, or a terrible taste in your mouth.
Cough.
Headache.
Tiredness.

Causes

Sinusitis can be brought on by bacteria, fungus, viruses, and allergies. One of the specific causes of sinusitis is the common cold.
The influenza virus.
microorganism called Streptococcus pneumoniae.
influenza-causing Haemophilus bacterium.
bacteria called Moraxella catarrhalis.
seasonal and nasal allergies.

Treatment

Depending on your symptoms and how long you’ve had them, there are numerous ways to treat sinusitis. A sinus infection can be treated at home using:

Decongestants.
over-the-counter drugs for allergies and colds.
saline nasal rinses.
consuming a lot of liquids.
If sinusitis symptoms don’t go away after ten days, a doctor could recommend:

Antibiotics.
either topical or oral decongestants.
Intranasal steroid sprays with a prescription. (Nonprescription sprays and drops may worsen congestion, so don’t use them for more than three to five days.)
In order to treat chronic sinusitis, providers address the underlying cause. Among the possible treatments are:
sprays of intranasal steroids.
oral medications or topical antihistamine sprays.
Montelukast is an example of a leukotriene antagonist.
surgery to address fungal infections, polyps, or structural problems.

Prevention

There are several strategies to lower your chance of developing sinus infections, depending on the cause, such as:
following your provider’s instructions to rinse your nose with saline (salt water).
taking precautions against allergies. Medication, allergy injections, and avoiding recognized triggers for your allergies (such as smoke, dust, or pollen) are all part of this.
If your doctor advises it, use steroid nasal sprays.
developing healthy handwashing practices and other behaviors that lower your risk of contracting infectious diseases.
Steer clear of smoke. If you smoke, there are strategies to help you stop.

Summary

Most of the time, sinus infections are not dangerous. Numerous factors, such as allergies, nasal polyps, and germs and viruses, can cause them. Generally, you may take care of yourself at home by getting enough sleep, using over-the-counter medications, and drinking lots of water. If your symptoms don’t go away, if you get sinusitis frequently, or if you have any symptoms that are concerning to you, get in touch with your doctor.

STOMACH FLU

Stomach flu. A virus-induced inflammation of the stomach and intestines, commonly referred to as “stomach flu,” usually causes vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Although it is a widely used term, it is not medically correct because it is not brought on by the influenza virus. Usually, the sickness is mild and self-limiting, and its symptoms go away in a few days.

STOMACH FLU

A viral infection called stomach flu can infect your intestines and stomach. Viral gastroenteritis is the phrase used in medicine. Enter signifies small intestine, and gastro means stomach. “It is” is an acronym for inflammation, which is typically brought on by an illness. “Viral” also indicates that the infection was brought on by a virus. GI symptoms such as cramping in the abdomen, diarrhea, and nausea are brought on by stomach flu. You could also refer to it as a “stomach bug.” The symptoms of a stomach bug are identical whether the cause is a virus, bacteria, or parasite. It may be difficult for you to determine whether your problem is a virus or not.

Symptoms

The following are the most typical signs of stomach flu:

Diarrhea.
vomiting and nausea.
appetite loss.
cramps and pain in the abdomen.
Your intestines and stomach are inflamed, which causes these symptoms. Although the term “gastritis” describes inflammation in the stomach and small intestine, it can also migrate to the large intestine. Your immune system kicking in to combat the pathogen is called inflammation.

Causes

Norovirus. With an estimated 50% of cases occurring globally, this is the most common cause of stomach flu in adults. Compared to others, it is more resilient to disinfectants and temperature changes.
Rotavirus. The most common cause of stomach flu in children worldwide is rotavirus. Most adults are immune because most contract it before the age of three. A vaccination is now available.
Astrovirus. Children under three are most commonly affected by astroviruses. They frequently spread via childcare facilities. However, elder care facilities are another way they might spread.
Adenovirus. Although adenoviruses are more likely to cause respiratory infections, they can also inadvertently cause stomach infections. All ages are infected by them.

Treatment

The stomach flu is eliminated by your immune system using its own natural mechanisms. It completes its task in a matter of days. Even though they are unpleasant, your symptoms indicate that your immune system is functioning properly. The stomach flu has no known cure. Antibiotics treat bacterial illnesses; they do not treat viruses.

Resting at home, drinking plenty of water, and eating a little, if you can, are the greatest ways to support your immune system. Provide the energy your body requires to combat the infection. Suck on ice chips or take tiny sips throughout the day before you feel thirsty to keep hydrated.

Prevention

Handwashing
Since hand sanitizer isn’t always effective, proper handwashing is the most vital prevention against stomach flu viruses. It’s particularly crucial before coming into touch with food and after using the restroom or changing a diaper.

Cleaning
Any surfaces or objects that you or the infected individual have come into contact with should be cleaned and disinfected. Particularly in the restroom, disinfect surfaces using a solution of bleach and water (up to 25 teaspoons per gallon). When washing garments and bed linens, use the high heat setting on your washing machine.

Summary

At some point, almost everyone suffers stomach flu. It may recur since it can be caused by a variety of viruses. In addition to having a higher chance of contracting it from their communities, individuals in care facilities and children attending childcare centers and schools may also have more severe symptoms.