Get Rid Of Threadworms

Threadworms, also known as pinworms, are small, white parasitic worms that cause infection of gastrointestinal tract in humans. They are commonly seen in children in the United Kingdom, affecting nearly millions of children under 10 years of age. The risk of infection spreading to other family members through child is 75%.

Children often touch many objects containing the parasites and then eat food with those infected hands. This is how worms invade the body; they hatch in the digestive tract and wriggle out through stools to lay more eggs. Threadworm is highly contagious and the infection passes on by not washing hands properly and poor hygiene. Humans are the only creatures who are susceptible to threadworms and pass on the infection.

Symptoms of threadworm

People with threadworm infection are asymptomatic. The infection can cause intense itching and burning around the anal region and vaginal region (in females), which usually aggravates at night. Other associated symptoms are –

• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Skin infection
• Trouble in sleeping
• Bedwetting

It is important to seek medical attention if you suspected threadworm infection during pregnancy or breastfeeding and in children less than two years of age.

Treatment

It is best to treat the whole house to get rid of infection. That is because if one person is infected in a family, others are more likely to suffer. You can overcome infection by following strict hygiene measures for nearly six weeks. You need to consult a GP right away if you experience anal or vaginal itching. The most common medicines used to treat threadworm infections are piperazine and mebendazole, which are anti-helminthic drugs.

Threadworm medicine alone will not kill the parasite; you need to maintain good hygiene to prevent re-infection. Wash all towels, bed linen, sleepwear, cuddle toys, etc. Dust the whole house and clean your bathroom and kitchen. Wash your hands frequently and try to maintain hygiene.

An Overview Of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects millions of people, worldwide. It is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by the symptoms of abdominal cramp, abdominal pain, bloating and alternate diarrhoea or constipation. IBS is a chronic medical condition that needs long-term management. It affects the colon (large intestine). Most of the IBS cases are asymptomatic and the cause is idiopathic. Very few people with IBS are known to have signs and symptoms.

The symptoms of IBS can be managed effectively by eating healthy diet and curbing stress. However, many people may need counselling and medications. Irritable Bowel Syndrome is not a life-threatening disease and it will not cause any complications like other disorders such as colon cancer, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

What are the causes?

The exact cause of IBS is idiopathic; however, a variety of factors can develop this condition. It is believed that people with IBS have some problem with contractions of abdominal muscles. Poor intestinal contractions can slow down the digestion process, leading to hard and dry stools. Another cause could be abnormality in the gastrointestinal nervous system. The triggering factors associated with IBS are –

• Irregular diet
• Stress
• Underlying digestive disorder
• Hormonal imbalance

Management of IBS

Since the cause of IBS is unknown, the treatment primarily focuses on relieving the sign and symptoms. Lifestyle changes can greatly help reduce and prevent the symptoms. One may need to eat right, exercise, drink plenty of water, get enough sleep and reduce stress in order to manage IBS. However, moderate to severe cases of IBS need medications and counselling. Medications include –

• Anti-diarrhoeal drugs (to relieve diarrhoea)
• Anti-spasmodic drugs (to reduce colicky pain or abdominal discomfort )
• Antidepressants (to relieve depression caused by IBS)
• Antibiotics (for bacterial infection)

In addition to these medicines, one should make some dietary changes by eliminating foods rich in gluten, carbs and gas. It is always better to consult a medical professional to manage Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Things To Know About Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is a common gastrointestinal condition characterised by the occurrence of loose, watery stool for more than three times a day. Usually, it lasts for a day or two without any kind of medical intervention. However, persistent diarrhoea with dehydration signs can be an indication of some underlying problem.

Diarrhoea is classified as acute or chronic. Acute diarrhoea starts suddenly and can persist up to a week or two. Chronic diarrhoea can occur for more than two weeks with signs of dehydration. It can be due to gastrointestinal conditions like Crohn’s disease or long-standing bowel infection.

Acute diarrhoea is more common and it is one of the classical symptoms of enteritis, a bacterial infection of digestive system. Acute diarrhoea caused by bacterial infection usually subsides in two or four days with home care. However, seek medical attention if the diarrhoea is bloody with dehydration. Dehydration caused by diarrhoea is quite dangerous in children and older people; it must be treated immediately.

Statistics

• Worldwide, millions of people are prone to diarrhoeal diseases
• It is the second largest cause of death in children (below 5 years of age)
• It kills around 1 million children every year
• Diarrhoea is one of the leading causes of malnutrition in children

Treatment

Diarrhoea usually clears up within two or four days without any specific treatment. However, children and elders need special attention when it comes to treating diarrhoea. Drinking plenty of water and using oral rehydration solutions help treat diarrhoea. Enteritis caused by bacterial infection may need anti-diarrhoeal drugs, antibiotics, antacids and painkillers.

Severe dehydration caused by diarrhoea requires hospitalisation. Treating the underlying medical condition is another way of treating diarrhoea. Hence, it is essential to seek medical help before using any medicine for this digestive symptom.

At PharmacyOutlet, you can browse through a wide range of medicines that are beneficial for treating diarrhoea.

Few Things About Indigestion

Indigestion is a common digestive ailment that is associated with other symptoms in your stomach or abdomen. It is usually caused by the inflammation or irritation of the mucus membranes of the stomach, which is chiefly due to excessive secretion of acid. If acid secretion is more, it travels to the oesophagus and upper stomach to produce an inflammation, causing indigestion symptoms.

Indigestion is characterised by the symptoms of –

• Heartburn – Burning sensation in the chest region
• Nausea or vomiting
• Regurgitation of food/fluids
• Belching
• Abdominal fullness
• Bloating of stomach

Etiological Factors

• Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)
• Erosive oesophagitis
• Gastritis
• Gastric ulcers or duodenal ulcers
• Helicobacter Pylori infection
• Hiatus hernia
• Stomach or oesophageal cancer

Certain medicinal drugs are known to cause indigestion. Drugs causing indigestion are painkillers (aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs), antibiotics, corticosteroids, digoxin, biphosphonates and iron supplements. If you experience indigestion symptoms after taking any of the aforementioned drugs, immediately consult a GP.

Most of the people get relief simply by making changes in their diet. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables, and drinking plenty of water suffice the condition. However, in case of chronic and severe indigestion caused by peptic ulcers, gastritis and cancer, it is essential to see doctor. One may need a test called endoscopy to reveal the exact cause of indigestion.

Indigestion Treatment

Indigestion is often treated with antacids that suppress the secretion of stomach acid. Other effective ways to manage the symptoms are – quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, losing weight, avoiding tight clothing and reducing stress.

PharmacyOutlet deals with a broad range of medicines that are useful in treating indigestion. Excessive use of antacids can increase the risk of digestive problems, so make sure you consult your doctor before using any acid reducer medicine. Many antacids are available over-the-counter.

Causes and Treatment of Constipation

Constipation is a very common digestive problem. It is characterised by the difficulty in passing stools. It means a person either goes to toilet less than usual, or passes hard stools with great difficulty. It is often caused by eating foods lacking fibre or by drinking very less amount of water. However, there are other causative factors giving rise to constipation problem, such as underlying medical condition related to digestive system or bad effects of certain medications.

Causes of Constipation

• Eating foods that lack fibre – In the UK, an average person eats around 12 g of dietary fibre each day. However, the daily recommendation is 18 g. Dietary fibres is a component of plant foods, which is not digested, instead, it remains in your digestive tract. Food rich in fibre helps with proper bowel movement by adding bulk to stool.
• Drinking less water – Not drinking enough water throughout the day can increase the risk of constipation. Water helps move the food content in your gut and retains stools consistency.
• Underlying medical conditions – Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Thyroid disorders or any Gastrointestinal diseases
• Iatrogenic causes – Adverse effects of certain medicinal drugs can cause constipation, such as painkillers, antacids, antidepressants and iron supplements.

Treatment of Constipation

Lifestyle changes help you cope with constipation, such as eating healthy foods rich in fibre, drinking plenty of water, exercising regularly and avoiding smoking or limiting alcohol. Laxatives are often prescribed to manage constipation, but they are advised for a specific duration. Excessive use of laxatives should be avoided, as they may increase the risk of gut problems. Initially, bulk-forming laxatives are prescribed to treat constipation. If they fail, physicians advise osmotic laxatives.

At PharmacyOutlet, you can come across a wide range of medicines that are beneficial for treating constipation. Make sure you consult your doctor before using any medicine!

Things To Know About Sore Throat

A sore throat is characterised by the pain, irritation or itchiness of the throat. The pain and discomfort aggravates when you swallow food or drink liquids. Other associated symptoms are dryness of throat, hoarseness, swollen gland in the neck and white patches over the tonsils. Throat pain can affect anybody, irrespective of age and gender, but the risk is high in some sensitive people.

Salient Features

• Pain in throat with itching and irritation that aggravates during gulping solids and liquids
• Consult doctor if the symptoms persist for more than a week or associated with other symptoms like fever, skin rash, joint pain and breathlessness
• Managing mild sore throat with warm water gargle, soothing lozenges, OTC painkillers or other medicines is effective

Causes

Most of the cases of sore throat are due to viral infection; however, certain bacteria can also increase the risk of throat pain. Allergic conditions are also responsible for giving rise to sore throat. Smoking and excessive use of vocal cords can develop sore throat. In addition, digestive disorders and gastrointestinal reflux disease may also increase the soreness of throat.

Managing sore throat

Many sore throat cases are treatable at home; they do not require medical intervention. In severe cases, the treatment depends on the causative factor. Home care for sore throat includes –

• Gargling with warm saline water
• Drinking plenty of warm fluids like herbal teas and soups
• Taking throat lozenges
• Avoiding triggering factors – allergens and irritants like chemicals or smoke
• Quitting smoking
• Using anti-inflammatory (painkillers) medicine to reduce pain

If your sore throat is due to bacterial infection, your doctor will prescribe specific antibiotic. If your sore throat is caused by viral infection, you may need antiviral drug therapy, painkillers and decongestants.

At PharmacyOutlet, you can come across a wide range of medications that are beneficial for treating sore throat. Make sure you use any medicine after consulting a medical professional.

Cough & Cold Treatment

Cold and cough are common and millions of people are prone to such conditions. There are several factors responsible for developing cold and cough. There is no cure for common cold, but the condition is treatable. The aim of the treatment is to make you feel better and help you fight the infection. Cough can be due to bacterial infection of upper or lower respiratory system.

Bed rest is the key to treat cold. Your symptoms usually ameliorate in a humid, warm environment. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water is another way to treat common cold and cough. Drinking warm fluids or water makes the mucus flow, which reduces congestion. At the same time, you need to avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages.

There is no specific treatment for common cold caused by viral infection. Most of the cases need symptomatic treatment. For instance, you need anti-pyretic or anti-inflammatory medicines to manage aches or pains and fever, such as Aspirin and Tylenol. Gargling with warm water helps improve sore throat.

It is essential to talk to doctor before using over-the-counter (OTC) cold and cough medicines. The Food and Drug Administration and pharmaceutical organizations say that OTC medicines should not be given to anyone who is under 4 years of age.

OTC decongestants can help clear nasal passages and treat dryness. Nasal decongestants are quite beneficial, but overuse is not recommended, as it may cause recurrence. This means you will experience more congestion and mucus, thus it is better to use nasal congestion only after seeking medical assistance.

OTC cough suppressants are helpful if your cough is severe and interferes while talking or sleeping. Antihistamines are effective against allergic conditions like hay fever.

In addition to these medicines, a well-balanced diet is essential to recover from common cold and cough. You can opt for multivitamin supplements that boost your immune system. To ease cold and chest congestion, you can make use of balms or creams and peppermint or eucalyptus oil.

Commonly Used Painkillers

Painkillers are the cornerstone of pharmaceutical industry. There are numerous painkillers available in the market and choosing the right one is essential. And this is possible only by consulting a general practitioner (GP). The type of medication that you need to relieve pain depends on the type and severity of the pain you have.

Pain is an unpleasant sensation that can be experienced in any part of the body, irrespective of age and gender. However, pain is commonly experienced in joints, muscles and head. Constant wear and tear can increase the risk of pain in later life; hence, elders often complain about pain in various joints and muscles.

For pain caused by inflammation such as backache, headache and joint pain, you need non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or Paracetamol, as they work best. If the pain is associated with damaged or sensitive nerves such as sciatica or shingles, you need a painkiller that acts on central nervous system, such as tramadol or codeine.

The aim of taking medicine is to get rid of the pain, and improve the quality of life. Painkillers, generally, have potential adverse events, so you need to seek medical help and know about the merits and demerits.

Commonly used OTC and prescription painkillers are as follows –

• Paracetamol
• Aspirin
• Ibuprofen
• Codeine
• Morphine
• Amitriptyline and Gabapentin

Most of the painkillers act on an enzymatic level to reduce prostaglandin secretion, which is responsible for causing inflammation and pain. Few medicines like codeine and morphine are useful in treating severe pain, as they act on the central nervous system.

At PharmacyOutlet, you can come across a wide range of painkillers that are useful in eradicating joint and muscle pain, headache & migraine, backache, dental pain, sinus pain, period pain, etc. It is always safe to use painkillers after seeking proper medical help. Do not self-medicate or overdose with painkillers.

An Overview Of Sinus Problem

Sinus pain is a common condition, which is often associated with sinus inflammation, also known as sinusitis. The tissues lining the sinuses inflame and swelling. The sinuses are filled with air, which are blocked and filled with germs and fluid, causing an infection. Sinus blockage includes common cold, nasal polyps, deviated nasal septum and allergic rhinitis.

Types of sinusitis

• Acute – The symptoms reduce within 10 or 15 days
• Subacute – Sinusitis may last for 4 to 8 weeks
• Chronic – The symptoms persist for more than 8 weeks
• Recurrent – Several episodes of sinusitis every year

Signs and symptoms

• Sinus pain or pressure
• Nasal stuffiness
• Post-nasal discharge
• Nasal congestion
• Loss of smell
• Cough
• Fever
• Fatigue

Treatment

The aim is to reduce the symptoms and treat an infection. Bacterial sinusitis needs antibiotics and painkillers. Antihistamines and decongestants are quite helpful in bringing down the sinus pain. Longer use of nasal decongestants is not recommended, as they aggravate the symptoms.

Acute sinusitis usually subsides within a week or two with proper home care and medication. Chronic sinusitis is severe and may need consulting a specialist for appropriate treatment. Keeping your sinuses moist and maintaining good hygiene can prevent recurrence.

Pain relievers help reduce inflammation in your sinuses. If they do not help, your doctor may prescribe you corticosteroids to overcome inflammation. If you experience sinus pain due to an allergic reaction, you need allergy medicines such as antihistamines.

Overuse of decongestants or painkillers might increase the risk of side effects. Therefore, it is important to seek medical help before using any medicine for sinus problem. In rare cases, doctors may recommend sinus surgery to correct deviated nasal septum or to remove nasal polyps.

At PharmacyOutlet, you can browse through painkillers, decongestants and antihistamines for relieving sinus pain. It is always safe to use sinus pain medicines after consulting a medical advisor.

An Overview Of Period Pain

Period pain, medically termed as dysmenorrhoea or menstrual cramps, is quite common and many women experience it during menstrual cycle. Every woman experiences period pain at some point of life. Painful cramps may occur before or during menstrual period. Pain is often felt in the lower abdomen and/or back, which can be mild to moderate to severe.

Signs and symptoms

• Aching pain in abdomen
• Backache
• Hip pain
• Thigh pain

In severe cases of period pain, women may experience nausea with vomiting and generalised weakness.

Causes

Period pain is caused by the contractions of muscles present in the uterus. This usually happens on the commencement of menstrual cycle. The pressure is created on the nearby blood vessels during strong contractions of muscles. This cuts the blood and oxygen supply, releasing certain chemicals (prostaglandins) that cause pain and discomfort in pelvic region. Prostaglandins are responsible for inflammation.

Your GP may conduct pelvic examination to diagnose any underlying gynaecological conditions that cause period pain. You may require certain blood tests and ultrasound to detect any abnormalities.

Treatment

Many cases of period pain are mild and treatable at home. Over-the-counter painkillers like Aspirin and Ibuprofen are useful in managing the pain. However, there are certain limitations on using pain relief medicines. For instance, they are not advisable if you are having asthma, liver ailments and kidney diseases. If OTC painkillers fail to eradicate your pain, your GP may suggest stronger medicines like codeine or naproxen.

Other ways to prevent and treat period pain are warm water bath, application of heat pads and relaxation techniques. Eating right, exercising and quitting smoking helps in preventing period pain. Treating an underlying medical condition also helps in averting menstrual cramps.

At PharmacyOutlet, you can browse through a wide range of medicines that are useful in treating period pain. It is essential to use OTC painkillers or any medicine after seeking proper medical advice.