Shingles (otherwise known as Herpes Zoster) is a painful, blistering rash caused by the chickenpox (varicella) virus, which affects only a limited area of skin, and makes you feel surprisingly tired, run down, and even depressed.

You may feel slightly unwell, and develop a localised area of pain and tenderness a few days or sometimes up to two weeks before the rash appears. The rash starts off as red spots, which quickly turn into blisters. They always affect only one side of the body (left or right) and never cross the midline. This is because they come out on the area of skin which is supplied by one particular nerve. 

The rash may affect any part of the body, including head and limbs. It may thus appear as a band around one side of the chest or abdomen, or down an arm or leg. It may affect the head, and when it affects the upper cheek or the side of the forehead it may also affect the eye. You should certainly see your doctor if you have shingles affecting the side of the head, and especially if it seems to affect the tip of your nose or the eye itself. 

It is usually a very painful rash, and typically people can’t bear clothes touching the affected area  There is a general debility and exhaustion, sometimes with aches and pains and sometimes a mild fever. Depression is often a feature of shingles, as in many other viruses. You may need up to three weeks off work.  

The blisters burst and crust over, usually within a week and the area slowly settles, sometimes leaving pale scars. The pain may settle as quickly as the rash, but unfortunately some people are left with pain affecting that area for many months or even years (Post herpetic neuralgia).  

You can only get shingles (Herpes Zoster) if you have previously had chickenpox. After having chickenpox the virus lies dormant in the nerves, and shingles occurs when it is revitalised in one particular nerve to the skin, thus explaining the way it affects a clearly demarcated band of skin only. 

The main thing in treatment, is to take regular pain relief (an analgesic), possibly even better an anti-inflammatory pain killer (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug), as long as these do not upset you or interact with any medications you may be taking. In addition calamine lotion can help to soothe the area. 

If any of the blisters become infected with ordinary germs (bacteria) the area becomes more red and sore (inflamed) and may take longer to heal. The doctor may treat this with antibiotics, in the form of a cream, or by mouth 

If the eye is affected (ophthalmic herpes) or looks like it may become affected, your doctor is likely to ask an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) to see you as a matter of urgency. The treatment is likely to involve specific anti-viral eye drops, and possibly treatment by mouth as well. 

You cannot do much to avoid shingles. If you have shingles you should stay away from other people until the blisters have dried (usually about seven days), as there are virus particles in the blister fluid. The risk is that people who have not had chickenpox might catch that from you. 

Shingles is caused by a reactivation of the dormant virus in the nerves of people who have previously had chickenpox. As as a result shingles can unfortunately occur more than once. 

You may have further attacks of shingles, especially at times when you are run down. These attacks may affect a different part of the body.    

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A blood clot embedded in one of the major deep veins of the lower legs, thighs, or pelvis, commonly referred to as deep venous thrombosis (DVT), blocks blood circulation through these veins, which carry blood from the lower body back to the heart. The blockage can cause pain, swelling, or warmth in the affected leg. 

Blood clots in the veins can cause inflammation (irritation) called thrombophlebitis. The most worrisome complications of DVT occur when a clot breaks loose (or embolizes) and travels through the bloodstream and causes blockage of blood vessels (pulmonary arteries) in the lung. This can lead to severe difficulty in breathing and even death, depending on the degree of blockage.

People who are elderly and those who are obese experience the highest rates of deep vein thrombosis; however, this in no way means that healthy, young individuals have nothing to worry about. Certain people, born without important blood thinning properties, are always at an increased risk for developing blood clot.

Prolonged sitting, such as during a long plane or car rideProlonged sitting, such as during a long plane or car ride; Prolonged bed rest or immobility, such as after an injury or during an illness (stroke); Recent surgery, particularly orthopedic, gynecologic, or heart surgery ; Obesity; Recent childbirth ; Use of estrogen replacement (hormone replacement therapy, or HRT) or birth control pills; Malignant tumors (cancer) and Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), a medical condition in which blood clotting occurs inappropriately, usually caused by overwhelming infection or organ failure  are some of the causes for DVT.

The most common symptoms of blood clots in the legs include tenderness, redness, pain, swelling, fever, rapid heartbeat, a sudden and unexplained cough, and joint pain and soreness. DVT can also have potentially devastating effects on pregnant women causing miscarriage or stillbirth if the clot travels to an artery in the placenta where it can reduce the supply of oxygen to the fetus

When your physician suspects that you may have a blood clot, s/he will perform a complete physical exam that includes a review of your medical history. An easy in-the-office indicator of DVT is a sharp pain in your leg when you flex your foot upward. Other tests, which can aid in your physician’s diagnosis of DVT, include: an ultrasound of the leg or an x-ray of the veins in your leg after dye is injected into a vein in your foot to allow your physician to see your blood flow. If you are in a high-risk group for developing DVT, your physician may order additional tests that measure your blood’s clotting ability.

Treatment of DVT begins with self-help techniques that you can incorporate at home including: avoiding prolonged bed rest. If bed rest is unavoidable such as in pregnancy or other medical conditions that require you to remain inactive, it’s important that you remember to move your legs on a regular basis even if it’s just swinging them over the side of your bed a few times an hour or putting your knees up and down several times. If you smoke, quit. If you don’t smoke, don’t start! Smoking is especially dangerous for people at risk for DVT. As always, regular exercise is important to reduce your risk of blood clots forming in your legs. If you have severe varicose veins, the use of support stockings can help decrease the chance that a blood clot will form.

Although a DVT may resolve on its own, the life-threatening consequences of a clot reaching the lung, called pulmonary embolism, are severe enough to warrant seeking medical attention at once  Your doctor may tell you to go immediately to a hospital emergency department if you have leg pain or swelling with any of the risk factors, go to a hospital emergency department immediately.

If you have a DVT, you will be treated with a blood-thinning medication (anticoagulant). These medications do not make the clot go away. They stabilize the clot and make it adhere to the vessel wall. The body normally lyses (breaks up) the clot on its own. This is a gradual process that may take several days or weeks. Anticoagulants prevent further clotting and worsening of the condition.

Thrombectomy is surgical removal of the clot. Much controversy surrounds using this treatment instead of anticoagulation. Thrombectomy is performed when a large blood clot is obstructing the vessels in the lung and the patient is in critical condition. Surgery is effective, and the results are immediate.

People who cannot take anticoagulant medication may undergo a placement of an umbrellalike device (filter), which is usually placed via the veins in the leg or neck, under local anesthesia. A small, metal, umbrellalike filter is inserted into the inferior/superior vena cava, the main large vein that carries blood back to the heart from the upper/lower body. This technique is performed in a hospital. The umbrella should catch any clots that break loose from the veins of your lower body before they travel to your lung. 

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The thyroid gland is located on the front part of the neck below the thyroid cartilage (Adam’s apple). The gland produces thyroid hormones, which regulate body metabolism. Thyroid hormones are important in regulating body energy, the body’s use of other hormones and vitamins, and the growth and maturation of body tissues.

Diseases of the thyroid gland can result in either production of too much (hyperthyroidism) or too little (hypothyroidism) hormone.

Causes for Production of thyroid hormones: The process of hormone synthesis begins in a part of the brain called the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus releases thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). The TRH travels through the bloodstream to the pituitary gland, also in the brain. In response, the pituitary gland then releases thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) into the blood. The TSH then stimulates the thyroid to produce the two main thyroid hormones, L-thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). The thyroid gland also needs adequate amounts of dietary iodine to be able to produce T4 and T3.

Regulation of thyroid hormone production: To prevent the over- or underproduction of thyroid hormones, the pituitary gland can sense how much hormone is in the blood and adjust the production of hormones accordingly. For example, when there is too much thyroid hormone in the blood, the TRH does not work effectively to stimulate the pituitary gland. In addition, too much thyroid hormone will prevent the release of TSH from the pituitary gland. The sum effect of this is to decrease the amount of TSH released from the pituitary gland, resulting in less production of thyroid hormones in the thyroid gland. This then works to restore the amount of thyroid hormone in the blood to normal. Defects in these regulatory pathways may result in hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

The causes for Hypothyroidism are:  1. Antithyroid antibodies: These may be present in people who have diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic hepatitis, or Sjögren syndrome. These antibodies may cause decreased production of thyroid hormones.  2. Loss of tissue: Treatment of hyperthyroidism by radioactive destruction of thyroid tissue or surgical removal of thyroid tissue can result in hypothyroidism. 3. Congenital: Hypothyroidism can be present from birth. 4. When there are defects resulting in an increased amount of TSH; the increased TSH results in a goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland itself that can be seen as an obvious swelling in the front of the neck).

 The causes for Hyperthyroidism are: 1. Graves disease: This thyroid condition results from abnormal stimulation of the thyroid gland by a material in the blood termed the long-acting thyroid stimulator. 2. Toxic multinodular goiter: This occurs when part of the thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones all by itself, without regard to TSH stimulation. It usually occurs in people with a long-standing goiter—usually in the elderly. 3. Thyroiditis: This is an inflammatory disorder of the thyroid gland. 4. Pituitary adenoma: This tumor of the pituitary gland causes independent TSH production leading to overstimulation of the thyroid gland. and 5. Drug-induced hyperthyroidism as in the case of heart medication called amiodarone. 

There is no known way to prevent hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. 

Untreated hypothyroidism may have severe effects on the brain as well as cause intestinal obstruction and inability of the heart to beat effectively. An infection, exposure to cold, trauma, and certain medications may often cause a worsening of hypothyroidism.  

Severe hyperthyroidism, called thyrotoxic crisis, may be life-threatening because of the effects it has on the heart and brain. It often occurs in people who are untreated or are receiving inadequate treatment for thyroid problems. A severe infection can also cause a thyrotoxic crisis. 

Seek immediate attention at a hospital’s Emergency Department if you have the signs and symptoms associated with thyroid problems.   

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The medical term for blood in urine is “hematuria”. The “heme” refers to the hemoglobin in red blood cells and the “uria” means that it is in the urine. Also, when we talk about blood in the urine, we really mean red blood cells in the urine.

Urine is normally a light yellow to dark amber, depending on how concentrated it is. The most common symptom of blood in the urine a change in urine color because it takes very little blood in the urine to turn it pink or red. However, many people have blood in their urine without a change in the color and have no symptoms.

The easiest way to make a diagnosis is to use a urine dipstick because it is very sensitive for hemoglobin. However, a positive dipstick doesn’t always mean there is blood in the urine. To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor needs to find red blood cells in your urine using a microscope.

There are two different types of blood in urine depending on how much blood is in the urine. If there is enough blood that it is obvious to the naked eye, it is called gross hematuria. If you need a microscope to see it, then it is called microscopic hematuria.  Despite the quantity of blood in the urine being different, the types of diagnoses that can cause the problem are the same, and the workup or evaluation that is needed is identical.

Since blood in the urine must come from one of the organs involved in making or transporting the urine, the evaluation of hematuria requires that we consider the entire urinary tract. This organ system includes the kidneys, ureter (the tube that carries the urine from the kidney to the bladder), bladder, prostate, or urethra (tube leading out of the bladder).

There are multiple causes of blood in urine. Some are serious, including cancers, trauma, stones, infections, and obstructions of the urinary tract. Others are less important, and may require no treatment. These may include viral infections, nonspecific inflammations of the kidney, medications which thin the blood’s clotting ability, and benign prostate enlargement.

No matter how obvious the reason for hematuria appears to be, a complete evaluation is almost always necessary to rule out a serious underlying disease, such as a cancer. There are usually three diagnostic tests necessary to give us a look at the entire urinary tract, and these include the intravenous pyelogram (IVP), cystoscopy, and a urine cytology.

The intravenous pyelogram, or IVP, is an x-ray evaluation of the urinary tract. In this procedure, a dye is injected into the veins, and this is filtered by the urinary tract. A series of x-rays are then taken over a thirty-minute period, looking for abnormalities. This study is especially useful for evaluating the kidneys and ureter, but not the bladder, prostate, or urethra. Therefore, a second examination called a cystoscopy is necessary. In this procedure, a small viewing tube, or cystoscope, is used to visually inspect the bladder and the urethra. In most instances, this can be done without discomfort by the use of local anesthetic jelly. The cystoscope is passed up the urethra into the bladder, and the inspection is carried out. The entire examination takes less than ten minutes. The final test is a urine cytology, which involves voiding urine into a cup and having that urine examined by a pathologist to look for cancer cells.

Management of blood in urine depends upon the underlying cause. Many times a cause cannot be found, which is fortunate, because it generally suggests that there is not a harmful situation present. Remember that the real reason for a hematuria workup is not to prove a specific cause, but to rule out a serious problem. If no cause is found for the hematuria, the urine should be checked on a yearly basis to make certain that no changes are occurring. However, if gross hematuria were to recur, repeat evaluation may be necessary, and a physician should be consulted. A blood test to check kidney function and a blood pressure check should be done as well. Men over fifty should have a yearly PSA, or prostate specific antigen, to screen for prostate cancer.

Further discussion of the treatment for hematuria would depend upon the results of the previously mentioned workup and the exact cause for the hematuria. The urologist who performs this examination would direct any further treatment or workup that would be necessary. 

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An overblown balloon bursts at its weak point. Likewise, in our body, due to overstretching or weakness, any part can give/tear and simultaneous propulsion of internal parts happens through them. This pop up is called hernia. Hernia is a protrusion of internal organs through an abnormal opening. It can occur in any weak part of the body which allows the part to protrude.

Though, may develop in any part of the body; however, it occurs most commonly in the abdominal walls. Any increase in intra-abdominal pressure contributes for hernia formations. The incidences of tear mostly coincide with weakness of abdomen after obesity, pregnancy, multiple deliveries, diseases of the abdomen which makes it bulge or weakens it. Likewise, strain in lifting heavy objects, strenuous coughing, strain while passing stool or urine, standing continuously for a long time, putting on weight can also initiate popping of herniaHernia. 

The commonest hernial sites (weak spots) are inguinal region, femoral region, umbilical area, epigastric area and in diaphragm (which splits chest from abdomen).

Hernia can be classified in different ways. Congenital – by birth i.e., development disorders; Infantile – during infant stage due to weakness;  Senile – due to weakness in elderly persons; and  Traumatic – due to injury or strain. Further, it can be classified as Bulging  or  Sliding. It may be reducible – which get back easily to original position or Non-reducible – which will not get reduced due to strangulation or obstruction.

According to region, hernia are: Inguinal ; Femoral; Umbilical; Epigastric or Hiatus.

Inguinal hernia – is the most common hernia occurring in the groin (the lowest part of abdomen or pot belly near the junction of thigh). Weakness, ageing, strain and pregnancy are the major precursors for this type of hernias. Inguinal hernia can be classified further into Incomplete hernia – hernia which has not reached the scrotum; Complete hernia – hernia that has reached the scrotum; Direct hernia – hernia that comes directly forward. This type is more common in aged people irrespective of sex. Indirect hernia – hernia that passes through inguinal canal are called indirect hernia. It can occur at any age but can be seen only in men.

Femoral hernia – Even though it can occur in any sex, fat women above the age of 40, who have given birth to multiple children, are more vulnerable to femoral hernia. This type of hernia lies below the pubic tubercle whereas inguinal hernia lies above it.

Umbilical hernia – is also one of the commonest types of hernia occurring more commonly in infants irrespective of sex. This type of hernia protrudes through umbilicus. It commonly arises due to development defect, premature delivery and in children who cry a lot, who cough a lot, and who strain a lot at stool.

Epigastric hernia – occurs in median line in epigastric region i.e. just in front of stomach and Hiatal hernia – means protrusion of stomach into chest through diaphragm.

Incisional hernia – means hernia occurring at the site of surgical incision. It can be compared with worn out thread in the stitch. It occurs due to strain or improper healing. 

Other than umbilical hernia in infants, no other hernia heals on its own. Hernia management ultimately depends on the nature of site, its intensity, pain, reducible characters and risk factors. Even though hernia can be managed and supported well with truss / hernia belt / padding, they can in no way cure it. For curing, one should opt for surgery.

According to the place and size, hernias are repaired surgically (i.e. Herniorrhaphy – with or without plastic / nylon mesh). This normally prevents intestinal damage and further complications. Surgical correction also relieves swelling, discomfort, and pain immediately. Surgery always outweighs the risk of strangulation, obstruction and other complications. 

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Sinus infection, or sinusitis, is an inflammation of the sinuses and nasal passages. A sinus infection can cause a headache or pressure in the eyes, nose, cheek area, or on one side of the head. A person with a sinus infection may also have a cough, a fever, bad breath, and nasal congestion with thick nasal secretions. Sinusitis is categorized as acute (sudden onset) or chronic (long term, the most common type).

The human skull contains four major pairs of hollow air–filled–cavities called sinuses. These are connected to the space between the nostrils and the nasal passage. Sinuses help insulate the skull, reduce its weight, and allow the voice to resonate within it. The four major pairs of sinuses are the: Frontal sinuses (in the forehead) ; Maxillary sinuses (behind the cheek bones)  Ethmoid sinuses (between the eyes) Sphenoid sinuses (behind the eyes)

The sinuses contain defenses against foreign bacteria (germs). If a disruption occurs that affects the normal host defenses inside the sinuses, those defenses may allow bacteria, which are normally present in the nasal passages, to enter any of the sinuses. Once there, the bacteria may stick to the lining cells and cause a sinus infection.

Acute sinusitis usually lasts less than eight weeks or occurs no more than three times per year with each episode lasting no longer than 10 days. Medications are usually effective against acute sinusitis. Successful treatment counteracts damage done to the mucous lining of the sinuses and surrounding bone of the skull.Chronic sinusitis lasts longer than eight weeks or occurs more than four times per year with symptoms usually lasting more than 20 days.

The sinuses are covered with a mucus layer and cells that contain little hairs on their surfaces called cilia. These help trap and propel bacteria and pollutants outward. The ostiomeatal complex (OMC) connects the nasal passage to the paranasal sinuses.

Acute sinusitis usually follows a viral infection in the upper respiratory tract, but allergens (allergy–causing substances), or pollutants may also trigger acute sinusitis. A viral infection causes damage to the cells of the sinus lining, which leads to inflammation. The lining thickens with fluid that obstructs the nasal passage. This passage connects to the sinuses. The obstruction disrupts the process that removes bacteria normally present in the nasal passages, and the bacteria begin to multiply and invade the lining of the sinus. This causes the symptoms of sinus infection. Allergens and pollutants produce a similar effect.

Fungi are also becoming an increasing cause of chronic sinusitis, especially in people with diseases that weaken the immune system, such as AIDS, leukemia, and diabetes.

Signs and symptoms of sinus infections depend upon which sinuses are affected and whether the sinus infection is acute or chronic.

A person should call a doctor when experiencing pain or pressure in the upper face accompanied by nasal congestion or discharge, postnasal drip, or ongoing bad breath that is unrelated to dental problems. Fever can be a symptom of a sinus infection or a cold. A person experiencing simple congestion with a low–grade fever probably has a cold and may not need special medications or antibiotics. Those also experiencing facial pain or headaches may have a sinus infection.

A doctor often can treat simple sinusitis. If left undiagnosed and untreated, though, complications of sinusitis can occur that may lead to severe medical problems and possibly death.

Home care can help open the sinuses and alleviate their dryness. Drink plenty of water and hydrating beverages. Hot tea is often recommended.

Inhale steam two to four times per day by leaning over a bowl of boiling hot water (not while the water is on the stove) or using a steam vaporizer with a towel over the head and bowl to prevent the escape of the steam. Inhale the steam for about 10 minutes. Taking a hot, steamy shower may also work. Mentholated preparations, such as Vicks Vapo–Rub, can be added to the water or vaporizer to aid in opening the passageways.

Expectorants are drugs that help to expel mucus from the lungs and respiratory passages. They help to thin mucous secretions, enhancing drainage from the sinuses

The main goals in treating a sinus infection or sinusitis involve reducing the swelling or inflammation in the nasal passages and sinuses, eliminating the infection, promoting drainage from the sinuses, and maintaining open sinuses

Some people experience chronic sinusitis despite adequate therapy with antibiotics and drugs for relief of symptoms. Those that have a CT scan indicative of sinus infection as well as those with any complications of sinusitis may benefit from sinus surgery.  

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Croup is an infection that often comes after a child experiences an acute viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. The infection may extend from the vocal cords (larynx) to the trachea and bronchi. This infection results in inflammation and increased mucus production. Although croup usually goes away on its own, between 5-10% of children with croup will require admission to the hospital.

Children between the ages of 6 months and 3 years are most likely to get croup. This common viral illness is estimated to occur in 5% of children between the ages of 1-2 years.  Croup is rarely seen in adults because their larger breathing passages (trachea and larynx) can accommodate the inflammation without producing symptoms.

Croup is a viral respiratory infection that is easily passed among children. Common causes include parainfluenza, influenza, adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rhinovirus, and measles.  The infection starts with a cold, cough, and low-grade temperature. Symptoms gradually develop over 2 days. The typical barking cough is usually present by day 3 and is more likely to be worse at night.

 If Your child has a temperature of 102°F or higher; or  the child’s cough continues despite cough medication and cool-mist treatments at home; or  the child is breathing faster than normal or has noisy respirations; or the child has signs of dehydration, including increased sleepiness, dry mouth, or decreased urination; call your doctor immediately.If the child starts having loud, high-pitched wheezing while breathing; or the child begins to struggle to breathe or speaks in short sentences because of lack of breath or  the child has difficulty swallowing or  the child is having signs of restlessness or sluggishness either from respiratory distress or dehydration or  the child has signs of respiratory distress including retractions of skin around the ribs from deep breathing, nostril flaring, or rapid breathing or cyanosis, which is a bluish color to the skin, lips, or nail bed, indicates severe lack of oxygen in the body and should be considered an emergency shift the child to the emergency ward of the hospital.Breathing moist air from steamed water, a hot shower, or a cool-mist humidifier is helpful in the majority of cases. Taking the child outside while dressed warmly on a cold day for a few minutes may be helpful as well. The cool moist air that the child breathes on the way to the doctor’s office or Emergency Department often helps resolve the symptoms prior to arrival. Substitute juices for milk products. Frequent sips of clear liquids can loosen mucus and prevent dehydration, which often occurs with croup.  Crying can trigger spasmodic coughing. Attempt to comfort your child to prevent agitation. Some children will benefit from sitting up straight for ease of breathing. An infant car seat can be used for small babies. Avoid exposure to respiratory irritants such as smoke.Humidified oxygen or cool mist is usually given to children coming to the hospital with croup. This treatment helps to moisten secretions and inflamed tissues to open the airway and soothe irritation. Children who are not responding to mist will receive nebulizer treatments to breathe (breathing into a machine with a face mask that generates a medication-enhanced mist). This therapy is believed to decrease the swelling in the respiratory airway. Steroid therapy has been shown to be of benefit in children with moderate to severe croup. It may be given orally, by injection, or by IV. Inhaled steroids appear to have limited value. Antibiotics have not been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of croup. Have the child rest as much as possible. Give him or her plenty of fluids to drink. Continue cool mist from a vaporizer or steam from a hot shower. Do not leave your child alone in the bathroom with hot water. Keep your child calm, because breathing symptoms can worsen with crying and agitation. Make certain your child takes his or her medications for the length of time prescribed, even if the child has improved. If symptoms return or worsen, then notify your doctor or return to the Emergency Department.Croup is a contagious disease. If possible, avoid contact with others who have colds or cough symptoms. Have children wash their hands often to reduce the chance of spreading the infection. Get prompt treatment with symptoms of respiratory infection. Increase the amount of fluids children drink. Avoid exposure to respiratory irritants such as smoke. Croup usually gets better over 5-6 days. Although most children respond to humidified air from a shower or vaporizer, studies have reported that 7% of cases will require admission to the hospital. Of these admitted, only 1-2% will be severe enough to require a breathing tube with mechanical ventilation or pediatric intensive care.  Please visit:  http://www.herbsandcures.com      

 

The scientific name of onion is Allium cepa. They belong to the same family of the garlic, the Allium family. Onion is the oldest herb cultivated and used. The Indian, Egyptian, Chinese and Roman used the herbs from the ancient civilization for treating diseases.

The other names of onion are piyaz in Hindi and Bengali, kando in Gujarathi, eerulli in Kannada, gandah in Kashmiri, ulli in Malayalam, kanda in Marathi, piaja in Orriya, ganda in Punjabi, vengayam in Tamil, neerulli in Telungu.

Onion produces strong odour and pungent taste. It contains essential oils and organic sulphides. The principal chemical constituent in onion is the sulphur containing volatile oil, allyl propyl disulphide. This is the chemical that give onion its taste and pungent odour. This volatile oil is the main culprit in causing eye irritation and tears while preparing onion. If uncooked onion is eaten the volatile oil is excreted through the lungs and saliva, giving a characteristic odour to the breath. This does not happen if cooked onion is eaten since this volatile oil evaporates when exposed to heat.

Onion is known for its nutritional value and for the utility as herbal medicine in our country. It has moderate amounts of protein, fat, fibre and good amounts of calcium, phosphorous and potassium. It has high content of moisture, which is 86.8 percent for 100 gms of the edible portion. The calorie content is comparatively less. 100 gm of onion gives about 50 kcal of energy. Apart from onion as such, even the stalk is edible. The stalk contains good amount of carotene and iron.

Onions and its stalks have power to prevent and treat certain illness. Onions are stimulant and mild counter irritant.

Crushed raw onion can be applied on the forehead to get relief from headaches.

Red small onions can be used as an expectorant. Crushed small onions should be mixed with sugar candy and kept for some time. The juice from the onion sugar candy preparation helps to liquefy phlegm and prevent its recurrence. 3 – 4 tsp. of juice has to be taken in intervals that will relieve the cough and soothens the throat.

 Eating raw onion help to reduce cholesterol levels because they increase levels of high-density lipoproteins. It is advisable to include raw onions in the salads daily. It helps in coronary heart disease, thrombosis, and blood pressure. This use of onion is controversial. There are conflicting reports are available about this property. Eating raw onion can also lead to bad breath.

Onions are beneficial in the treatment of urinary disorders. For burning sensation while passing urine, boil 100 gms of onion in 600 ml of water. When the volume reduces to half, it is ready for consumption. If onion and sugar mixture is taken, it gives good relief for retention of urine.

Sulphur compounds present in onion will help to prevent the growth of cancer cells. Onions are also used in the treatment of anaemia, bleeding piles and teeth disorders.

However, one disadvantage of onion is, it can lead to migraine in some people and flatulence. 

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Eczema is an allergic condition that affects the skin. Another name for eczema is dermatitis. Dermatitis is inflammation of the skin. 

Eczema is a very common condition, and it affects all races and ages, including young infants. About 1-2 percent of adults have eczema, and as many as 20 percent of children are affected. It usually begins early in life, even before asthma or hay fever. Most affected individuals have their first episode before age 5 years.For some, the disease will improve with time. For others, however, eczema is a chronic or recurrent disorder. Although it can occur just once, it usually occurs on and off throughout life, or lasts the entire lifetime.

Eczema can be a difficult, frustrating condition. The natural human desire to scratch or rub an itchy rash just makes the condition worse, and treatments can be slow and are not always completely effective

The exact cause of eczema is not known. Although it is activated by the immune system and is related to allergic reactions, it is not the same as other allergic reactions.

Contact with the external trigger (allergen) causes the skin to become inflamed. The duration of the contact is not important.  Soaps, Detergents, Weather (hot, cold, humid, or dry), Jewelry, Creams, Food handling, Clothing, Sweating and Emotional or mental stress are among those that triggers eczema. Severe forms of eczema are caused by powerful allergic responses to external agents that cannot be eliminated from the environment.

People with severe eczema usually also have hay fever and asthma.  Eczema is probably hereditary and often is found in other family members. But, Eczema is not contagious.

 Usually the first symptom of eczema is intense itching. The rash appears later. It is patchy and starts out as flaky or scaly dry skin on top of reddened, inflamed skin. The rash itches or burns. If it is scratched, it may ooze and become crusty, especially in young children. In adults, the patches are more likely to be brownish, scaly, and thickened. Some people develop red bumps or clear fluid-filled bumps that look “bubbly” and, when scratched, add wetness to the overall appearance. Painful cracks can develop over time. The rash can be located anywhere on the body but is most often found on the face and on the arms and legs, particularly in creases and on hands and feet. This pattern makes sense because the face and extremities are in contact with external agents more than any other part of the body. The itching may be so intense that it interferes with sleep.

Removing whatever is causing the allergic reaction is the easiest and most effective treatment. Prevent dry skin by taking warm (not hot) showers rather than baths. Use a mild soap or body cleanser. apply moisturizing skin lotions all over your body. Avoid lotions with fragrances or other irritating substances. Avoid wearing tight-fitting, rough, or scratchy clothing. Avoid scratching the rash. If you can’t stop yourself from scratching, cover the area with a dressing. Wear gloves at night to minimize skin damage from scratching. Avoid physical and mental stress. Eating right, light activity, and adequate sleep will help you stay healthy, which can help prevent flares.Once your doctor is sure you have eczema, the mainstays of therapy are anti-inflammatory medication and relief from the itching. Diet restrictions and chemical skin-drying agents may also be offered, but their success is controversial.Eczema is easier to control than cure.  

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Cholera is a water-borne disease and is caused by the infection of intestine with germs called vibrio cholerae. The first sign of cholera will be mild diarrhea, followed by violent purging, nausea and visiting. The cholera patient will have severe pain in stomach beside becoming restless and thirsty.

cholera is known to be most rapid fatal illness. Within one hour from the onset of the symptoms ofcholera on a healthy person it renders hypotensiveness and if left untreated, may kill him withuin 2to 3 hours.

Thanks to the advanced water and sanitation system, this dreadful disease is easily prevented now a days. Boiling and filgtering of water are effectivse methods of preventing this dissease.

Effective treatment for cholera includes aggressive rehydration and replacement of electrolytes with commercial or hand mixed sugar and salt solution either by oral or intravsenously.Cholera produces dehyderation; hence without effective rehyderation death rate may shoot up and with rehyderation death rate falls as low as one percent.

The foremost among the many home remedies for cholera is the use of lemon. The juice of this fruit can kill cholera bacilli within a very short time. It is also a very effective and reliable preventive against cholera during an epidemic. It can be taken in the form of a sweetened or salted beverage for this purpose. Taking of lemon with food as a daily routine can also prevent cholera.

Among the home remedies for cholera, the juice of lemon
fruit kills cholera bacilli very effectively within a short time. This could be taken as sweet or salt drinks.

Another home remedy is the guava root barks. Thirty grams of powdered barks should be boiled in half liter of water to reduce it by one-third in volume. This decoction, when taken in twice daily will arrest vomiting and the diarroea as well.

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