Sore Throat

A sore throat is a painful, dry, or scratchy feeling in the throat.
Most sore throats are caused by infections, or by environmental factors like dry air. Although a sore throat can be uncomfortable, it’ll usually go away on its own.
TYPES OF SORE THROAT 
Sore throats are divided into types, based on the part of the throat they affect:
– Pharyngitis affects the area right behind the mouth.
– Tonsillitis is swelling and redness of the tonsils, the soft tissue in the back of the mouth.
– Laryngitis is swelling and redness of the voice box, or larynx.
CAUSES OF SORE THROAT 
– Viral infection
– Colds
– Influenza (flu)
– Mumps
– Chickenpox
?Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Acid reflux happens when stomach acid travels up into the esophagus, irritating its lining.
This irritation can lead to a sore throat, a dry cough, and wheezing. It can also cause heartburn, a bitter taste in the mouth, regurgitation, indigestion, and difficulty swallowing.
?Smoke, chemicals, and other irritants
Outdoor air pollution and indoor pollution such as tobacco smoke or chemicals can cause a chronic sore throat. Chewing tobacco, drinking alcohol and eating spicy foods also can irritate your throat.
?Dry air
Dry indoor air can make your throat feel rough and scratchy. Breathing through your mouth often because of chronic nasal congestion also can cause a dry, sore throat.
?Allergies
Allergies to pet dander, molds, dust and pollen can cause a sore throat. The problem may be complicated by postnasal drip, which can irritate and inflame the throat.
?Bacterial infections (Streptococcus bacteria)
SYMPTOMS OF SORE THROAT 
The symptoms of a sore throat can vary depending on what caused it. A sore throat can feel:
?scratchy
?burning
?raw
?dry
?tender
?irritated
HOME REMEDIES FOR SORE THROAT 
?Gargle with salt water
Gargling with warm salt water can help soothe a scratchy throat. The salt pulls the mucus out of your swollen, inflamed tissue and helps relieve the discomfort.
? Try OTC pain relief
Viruses cause most sore throats. Viruses can’t be treated with antibiotics, which only kill bacteria. Instead, the virus has to run its course in your body.
OTC nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen can reduce inflammation and swelling in your throat. They can also relieve soreness or scratchiness.
?Enjoy a drop of honey
Warm tea (green tea)
that is sweetened with honey can help soothe your irritated throat. Tea also keeps you hydrated, which is another important step in treating a sore throat. Brew up a cup next time a sore throat starts to tickle.
?Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated is an important part of treating a sore throat. When you’re dehydrated, your body can’t produce enough saliva and mucus to keep your throat naturally lubricated. This will make the swelling and inflammation worse.
WHAT TO AVOID WITH A SORE THROAT
While all of these remedies have been shown to ease sore throat pain, there are some items you may want to avoid.
If you have a sore throat, try avoiding any foods that may be difficult to swallow. We suggest sticking to soups and soft foods until the sore throat pain has resolved.
Written by: Josephine Wuraola 
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World Health Day: Our Planet, Our Health

OUR PLANET OUR HEALTH!
Human life is well-adapted to our planet. A healthy environment is essential to optimal health and well-being. Conversely, disease and early death are often due to environmental agents called pathogens, both biological and physicochemical.
Climate change, heatwaves, floods, land degradation, and the loss of biodiversity also threaten human health in a variety of ways, both directly and indirectly.
Pollution causes or worsens respiratory illness, cancer, accidents, and deaths. Lots of early deaths occur because of air pollution, outdoor and indoor. Polluted drinking water causes lots of deaths.
Shortages of safe water, as well as flooding, have led to the displacement of people.
The rising temperatures predispose to heat-related morbidity like heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and strokes. Productivity goes down, food poisoning increases; kidney disease risk increases, as do crime rates and sleeplessness. Cardiovascular disease worsens as does the number of workplace accidents.
Changes in agricultural practices and clearing land for farming are often associated with outbreaks of debilitating disease. These include malaria, which infect millions of people every year, respectively. Other illnesses are transmitted via a contaminated water system.
Millions of children and babies die of diarrheal diseases from contamination of their food or water. It is estimated that over a million die of malaria every year, worldwide, among over 260 million cases. Most of these are children less than five years old.
ENVIRONMENTAL VS POPULATION HEALTH 
It is widely accepted that a huge explosion occurred in population growth around the world, whereby the population increased over five-fold.
This has put enormous demands on the supply chain for food, water, clothing, education, jobs, and medical/social care. The resulting shortfalls, caused largely by human greed rather than actual shortages of resources, have reduced living conditions to critical levels in satellite towns and cities. Poor sanitation and hygiene facilities, lack of drinking water, and noise pollution are just some of the vicious cycles taking place as a result.
Environmental Degradation
Global environmental issues that directly impact health include acid rain; ozone depletion; greenhouse gas emission; hazardous waste disposal; ocean degradation; and endangerment of biodiversity.
Industrial Pollution
Industrialization is associated with the contamination of air, water, and land by multiple pollutants that have toxic effects on the lungs, brain, bone marrow, nerves, kidneys, and skin. Industrial accidents lead to the release of dramatically large amounts of pollutants into the environment, killing plant and animal life on a large scale.
Acid Rain
Fossil fuel combustion products released high into the atmosphere via tall chimneys change into acids formed from sulfur and nitrogen oxides, to fall as acid rain or snow, destroying forests and acidifying lakes and soils. The acids may leach metals from pipes, soils, and solder, all of which could end up in human drinking water and food.
Ozone Depletion
The ozone layer in the stratosphere is undergoing damage from various chemicals such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in aerosols, refrigerants, halons, and organic solvents of various types. This could allow ultraviolet radiation to reach the earth’s surface at higher levels, predisposing to skin cancer, cataracts of the eye lens, and general aging.
Air Pollution
Fossil fuels represent the greatest source of air pollution, almost three-quarters of its use being in developed countries, who use it for power, industrial processes, transport, and heating homes. Coal plus biomass combustion contribute a major chunk of human disease due to energy production. This is because the latter is used to heat and cook by half of the world’s population. Household air pollution is severe in most low-income homes.
Hazardous Waste
The dumping of hazardous wastes from highly industrialized countries in developing countries is another issue that could endanger the health of those living near the site of disposal, especially as this is unlikely to be properly regulated in such regions. Run-off from such heavily polluted dumps that can pollute rivers, lakes, and oceans.
Ocean Pollution
Ocean pollution occurs most heavily near the coast, especially with large bays and seas. Both biological and chemical pollution can occur, contaminating and eventually killing off fish and beach species. This can cause seafood poisoning and epidemics of food-borne diseases.
Sound Policy is Fundamental
A failure to use sustainable development policies, in growing enough food, manufacturing goods, disposing of waste, obtaining raw materials, or transporting people and goods, leads to the breakdown of natural systems. This endangers both current health and survival, as well as leaving behind an increasingly fragile and toxic world to future generations.
“There is a powerful synergy between health, environmental protection, and sustainable resource use. Individuals and societies who share the responsibility for achieving a healthy environment and managing their resources sustainably become partners in ensuring that global cycles and systems remain unimpaired.”
Happy World Health Day from us at Troop Pharmaceuticals Ltd!!
You take care of your planet and you take care of your health!! ?
Written by: Josephine Wuraola
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Menopause

Menopause is the time that marks the end of your menstrual cycles. It’s diagnosed after you’ve gone 12 months without a menstrual period. Menopause can happen in your 40s or 50s.... Read More | Share it now!

Iron Deficiency Anemia

Iron deficiency occurs when there is not enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to the body organs.
Hemoglobin is the main protein in the red blood cell. It carries oxygen and deliver it throughout the body. If one has anemia, the hemoglobin level will be low, and when that happens, organs may not get adequate oxygen.

As the name implies, iron deficiency anemia is due to insufficient iron. Without enough iron, your body can’t produce enough of a substance in red blood cells that enables them to carry oxygen (hemoglobin). As a result, iron deficiency anemia may leave you tired and short of breath.... Read More | Share it now!

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen veins in the lower part of the anus and rectum. When the walls of these vessels stretch, they can become irritated.
Although hemorrhoids can sometimes be painful, they often get better on their own. Lifestyle changes, such as eating more fiber and exercising, can help relieve symptoms and lower the risk of future hemorrhoids.
Symptoms
✨ bleeding
✨ itching or irritation in the anal area
✨ discomfort, pain, or soreness around the anus
lumps and swelling in the anal region.
✨ dilation, or bulging, of a vein, which may or may not be painful, depending on where it occurs. Symptoms can be uncomfortable or alarming, but they often improve on their own after a few days.
Causes
? Pregnancy : During pregnancy, tissues in the rectum become weaker, and hormones cause veins to relax and swell. Hemorrhoids may occur in up to 35% pregnant women.
? Aging : Hemorrhoids are most common among adults over age 50. However, young people and children can also get them.
? Diarrhea : Hemorrhoids can occur after cases of chronic diarrhea.
? Chronic constipation : Straining to move stool puts additional pressure on the walls of the blood vessels, which may result in hemorrhoids.
? Sitting for too long: Spending a long time in a seated position, especially on the toilet, can cause hemorrhoids.
? Diet : Eating low fiber foods may contribute to hemorrhoids.
? Heavy lifting : Repeatedly lifting heavy objects can lead to hemorrhoids.
? Anal intercourse : This can cause new hemorrhoids or worsen existing ones.
? Weight : being overweight gives  a higher chance of hemorrhoids. This may result from increased pressure within the abdomen.
? Genetics : Some people inherit a tendency to develop hemorrhoids
Types
Hemorrhoids can be either internal or external. Healthcare professionals use a grading system to describe internal hemorrhoids based on whether they remain in the rectum or protrude out of the anus.
Internal hemorrhoids
Internal hemorrhoids are located inside the rectum and are not visible from the outside. They are typically painless. Often, rectal bleeding is the first sign of internal hemorrhoids.
If an internal hemorrhoid protrudes through the anus, it’s called a prolapsed hemorrhoid. This condition may be due to a weakening of the muscles around the anus and can be painful.
Healthcare professionals grade internal hemorrhoids from 1 to 4, depending on the degree of prolapse:
?️ Grade 1 hemorrhoids remain in the rectum without prolapsing (protruding out of the anus).
?️ Grade 2 hemorrhoids prolapse when a person passes stool, then return inside on their own.
?️Grade 3 hemorrhoids are prolapsed and must be pushed back in.
?️Grade 4 hemorrhoids are prolapsed and cannot be pushed back in.
External hemorrhoids
External hemorrhoids occur in the skin around the anus and are therefore visible.
There are more sensitive nerves in this part of the body, so external hemorrhoids can be very painful. Straining when passing stool may cause external or internal hemorrhoids to bleed.
Treatments
In most cases, simple measures will alleviate symptoms while hemorrhoids heal on their own. However, medication or surgery may be necessary in certain cases.
Home treatments
The following home treatments may help relieve symptoms of hemorrhoids:
?Topical creams and ointments:
?Over-the-counter (OTC) creams for external hemorrhoids can help reduce itching, discomfort, and swelling.
?Fiber supplements: Taking supplements like methylcellulose (Citrucel),  psyllium (Metamucil) can reduce constipation and help with hemorrhoids.
?Ice packs and cold compresses: Applying these to the affected area may help ease pain.
?A sitz bath: A sitz bath involves sitting in a tub of shallow, warm water. Taking one a few times each day may help reduce hemorrhoid pain.
? Analgesics: Painkillers such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen may help alleviate pain from hemorrhoids.
Medications
Hemorrhoid medications come in various forms, including suppositories, ointments, and pads. A person can usually buy them over the counter.
Several common medications include:
Zinc oxide: Creams containing zinc oxide may help with irritation. One ointment, Calmoseptine, combines zinc oxide and menthol. It may be effective for relieving anal itching, which can be related to hemorrhoids.
Witch hazel: Experts say that astringents, such as witch hazel, may provide temporary relief.
Steroid cream: Corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone are commonly used to treat hemorrhoids. They can help reduce inflammation, but they may damage the skin.
A person should talk with a doctor if symptoms do not improve after using these medications for a week.



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Indigestion

Indigestion is often a sign of an underlying problem, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcers, or gallbladder disease, rather than a condition of its own.
Also called dyspepsia, it is defined as a persistent or recurrent pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen.
What Are the Symptoms of Indigestion?
The symptoms of indigestion can include:
• Burning in the stomach or upper abdomen.
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating (full)
• Belching and gas
• Nausea and vomiting
• Acidic taste
• Growling stomach
These symptoms may increase in times of stress.
People often have heartburn (a burning sensation deep in the chest) along with indigestion. But heartburn itself is a different symptom that may indicate another problem.
Who Is at Risk for Indigestion?
People of all ages and of both sexes are affected by indigestion. It’s extremely common. An individual’s risk increases with:
• Excess alcohol consumption
• Use of drugs that may irritate the stomach, such as aspirin and other pain relievers
• Conditions where there is an abnormality in the digestive tract, such as an ulcer
• Emotional problems, such as anxiety or depression
• Obesity
• Smoking
What Causes Indigestion?
Indigestion has many causes, including:
Diseases:
• Ulcers
• GERD
• Stomach cancer (rare)
• Gastroparesis (a condition where the stomach doesn’t empty properly; this often occurs in people with diabetes)
• Stomach infections
• Irritable bowel syndrome.
•  Chronic pancreatitis.
• Thyroid disease.
• Pregnancy
Medications:
• Aspirin and other painkillers, such as NSAIDs like ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), and naproxen (Naprosyn)
• Estrogen and oral contraceptives
•  Steroid medications
• Certain antibiotics
• Thyroid medicines
Lifestyle:
• Eating too much, eating too fast, eating high-fat foods, or eating during stressful situations
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Cigarette smoking
• Stress and fatigue
Indigestion is not caused by excess stomach acid.
Treatment for Indigestion
Because indigestion is a symptom rather than a disease, treatment usually depends upon the underlying condition.
How Can I Prevent Indigestion?
The best way to prevent indigestion is to avoid the foods and situations that seem to cause it. Keeping a food diary is helpful in identifying foods that cause indigestion.
Here are some other suggestions:
• If stress is a trigger for your indigestion, learn new methods for managing stress, such as relaxation
• If you smoke, quit. Smoking can irritate the lining of the stomach.
• Cut back on alcohol consumption, because alcohol can also irritate the stomach lining.
• Avoid wearing tight-fitting garments, because they tend to compress the stomach, which can cause its contents to enter the esophagus.
• Don’t exercise with a full stomach. Rather, exercise before a meal or at least one hour after eating a meal.
• Don’t lie down right after eating.
• Wait at least three hours after your last meal of the day before going to bed.
• Sleep with your head elevated (at least 6 inches) above your feet and use pillows to prop yourself up. This will help allow digestive juices to flow into the intestines rather than to the esophagus.
Finally, Because indigestion can be a sign of a more serious health problem, call your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:
• Vomiting or blood in vomit (the vomit may look like coffee grounds).
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Black, tarry stools or visible blood in stools.
• Severe pain in the abdomen.
• Discomfort unrelated to eating.
Symptoms similar to indigestion may be caused by heart attacks. If indigestion is unusual, accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, chest pain, or pain radiating to the jaw, neck, or arm, seek medical attention immediately.
Written by: Chinonye Machie
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Oral Thrush

What is thrush?
Thrush is a fungal (yeast) infection that can grow in your mouth, throat and other parts of your body. In your mouth thrush appears as a growth that can look like cottage cheese – white, raised lesions on your tongue and cheeks. The condition can quickly become irritated and cause mouth pain and redness.
CAUSES
Thrush is caused by the overgrowth of a type of fungus called Candida. Mouth and throat thrush is called *oropharyngeal candidiasis. A thrush infection is annoying but it’s generally a minor problem for healthy people and will clear up in a few weeks with anti-fungal treatment.
While thrush can affect anyone, babies under 1 month old, toddlers, older adults and people with weakened immune systems (where symptoms can be harder to control) are at more risk. Thrush in the esophagus (swallowing tube) is one of the more common infections in people with HIV/AIDS.
Thrush can be contagious to those at risk (like people with weakened immune systems or are taking certain medications). In healthy people, it’s unusual for it to be passed on through kissing or other close contacts. In most cases, thrush isn’t considered particularly contagious but it can be transmitted.
If you’re worried about getting thrush from another person who has it, avoid coming into contact with their saliva (spit). It’s smart to wash your hands as often as possible if you’re near someone who has thrush.
Why is thrush a concern during breastfeeding?
Because infants are more at risk, getting or giving thrush during breastfeeding is a worry with many moms. It’s a common breastfeeding problem, and in some cases treatment can be tricky.
Babies with thrush can pass the infection to their mothers. When the infection in a baby’s mouth leads to sore throat and pain, they cry and are irritable during feeding. Mothers (especially if they’re taking antibiotics) may also develop thrush infections around the breasts and nipples and transmit it to their babies.
When both mom and baby develop thrush they should be treated for the condition at the same time to prevent an ongoing exchange of the infection.
DIAGNOSIS
How is thrush diagnosed?
Your health care provider can usually tell right away if you have thrush by looking for the distinctive white lesions on your mouth, tongue or checks. Lightly brushing the lesions away reveals a reddened, tender area that may bleed slightly. A microscopic exam of tissue from a lesion will confirm whether or not you have thrush (but a physical exam is not always necessary).
If thrush extends into your esophagus other tests may be needed. Your health care provider might:
– Take a throat culture (swabbing the back of your throat with sterile cotton and studying the microorganisms under a microscope).
– Perform an endoscopy of your esophagus, stomach, and small intestine (examining the lining of these body areas with a lighted camera mounted on the tip of a tube passed through these areas).
– Take X-rays of your esophagus.
MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT
How is thrush treated?
Healthy kids and adults can be effectively treated for thrush. But the symptoms may be more severe and hard to treat in those with weakened immune systems.
Anti-fungal medications (like nystatin) are often prescribed to treat thrush. These medicines are available in tablets, lozenges or liquids that are usually “swished” around in your mouth before being swallowed. Usually, you need to take these medications for 10 to 14 days. Your health care provider will have a specific treatment approach designed for you based on your age and the cause of the infection.
The presence of Candida infection can be a symptom of other medical problems. Be sure to talk to your health care provider to look for these and set up a treatment plan if needed.
PREVENTION
How can thrush be prevented?
You can do these things to help you avoid a case of thrush:
– Follow good oral hygiene practices: Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day.
– Avoid certain mouthwashes or sprays
– Get regular dental checkups. Especially if you have diabetes or wear dentures. Even if you’re healthy and don’t have dental issues, you should get your teeth cleaned by your dentist every 6 months.
– Treat chronic health issues. A condition such as HIV or diabetes can disturb the balance of bacteria in your body and lead to thrush. If you’re taking medications for an ongoing health condition, take them regularly, as directed.
– Don’t overuse mouthwashes or sprays. Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash once or twice a day to help keep your teeth and gums healthy. Using any more than that may upset the normal balance of bacteria in your mouth.
– Clean inhalers after using them. If you have a condition like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), clean your inhalers after each use to kill germs.
– Limit foods that contain sugar and yeast. Bread, beer, and wine will cause extra yeast growth.
– If you smoke, quit. Ask your doctor or dentist about ways to help you kick the habit.

Oral Thrush Outlook... Read More | Share it now!

Measles and Its Treatment

Measles is a viral infection that is serious for small children but is easily preventable by a vaccine. The disease spreads through the air by respiratory droplets produced from coughing or sneezing.... Read More | Share it now!

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