The gallbladder is tucked up underneath the liver on the right side of the body. Its main function is to store bile – historically called “gall” – which is produced by the liver and carried to the common hepatic duct and the gallbladder through a series of tubules or ducts (bile ducts) embedded in the liver tissue. Normally 3-5 inches long, an inch wide and shaped like a tiny eggplant, the gallbladder can store about 1/4 cup of bile.

A tube called the cystic duct connects the gallbladder to the larger common hepatic duct to form the common bile duct. Not all bile goes to the gallbladder; some of it flows directly from the liver to the common hepatic duct to the common bile duct. The bile that goes to the gallbladder becomes concentrated by removal of fluids. When a meal is eaten, hormonal signals cause the gallbladder to contract and eject its bile.

Just before it connects with the duodenum or the first section of the small intestine, the pancreatic duct joins with common bile duct. A ring of muscle called the Sphincter of Oddi regulates passage of both bile and pancreatic juices into the small intestine. There the bile mixes with food that has come from the stomach and helps to emulsify and digest fats.

Gallbladder Disorders

Gallstones

Conditions that interfere with the flow of bile are the common sources of gallbladder disorders. Chief among these are the occurrence of gallstones (choleliths). Gallstones can be like sand grains or as large as a walnut. There are two main types of gallstones, pigment gallstones, made mostly of bilirubin, which is the breakdown product of red blood cells, and calcium salts and cholesterol gallstones.

Cholesterol gallstones are commonest and are yellowish or greenish in color. Pigment gallstones are dark-colored, either brown ones found in the bile duct or black ones found in the gallbladder. The liver synthesizes about one-quarter of the body’s daily cholesterol requirement, and it is fed into the bile along with other liver products. The liver oxidizes some cholesterol into bile salts, also called bile acids.

Gallstones cause problems when they become large or numerous enough to block bile flow within the liver, the gallbladder or the ducts between the gallbladder and small intestine. People often have gallstones but do not have symptoms (silent gallstones), in which case they are not of medical concern. The presence of gallstones in the gallbladder is called cholelithiasis; if they occur in bile ducts the condition is called choledocholithiasis. Gallstones can also block the pancreatic duct, leading to pancreatitis.

Symptoms

The symptoms of gallstone blockage, usually referred to as a gallstone attack or biliary colic, are pain in the upper right, sometimes central, abdominal region, nausea, vomiting, referred pain between the shoulder blades or below the right shoulder blade. Abdominal pain can be severe and is due to the swelling of the gallbladder and/or ducts as bile builds up due to the blockage or the passage of stones through a duct.

Presence of gas and burping can also occur. Consuming a lot of food at one sitting can trigger an attack. Often attacks occur during the night. Gallstones can move about, and symptoms often abate as they reposition themselves or are excreted and allow a renewed flow of bile.

Symptoms of more advanced gallstones, where the blockage remains in place for longer periods of time or if infection sets in, are chills and fever, jaundice or a yellow tinge to skin and eyes, pain that doesn’t go away, and light-colored stools. It is the presence of bile that gives stools the characteristic brown color. When such symptoms occur, medical help should be sought immediately.

Causes

Gallstone formation is thought to be influenced by inherited factors, by conditions that affect how often and how well the gallbladder empties, and bile imbalances such as excess cholesterol or bilirubin or lower levels of bile salts. For instance, elevated levels of estrogens encourage the liver to increase the amount of cholesterol in bile.

This higher amount of cholesterol in bile, plus possible imbalance in bile salts, which are necessary to keep the cholesterol in a liquid state, makes gallstone formation more likely. Progesterones reduce the movement of the gallbladder so that it doesn’t empty as often or as completely, allowing bile to concentrate further and crystals of cholesterol or precipitates of bilirubin and bile salts to form.

These clump together and harden to form gallstones. If there are narrow places or constrictions along any of the ducts between the gallbladder and the duodenum, blockages can more readily lodge in those areas.

People who have decreased gut motility and hence decreased gallbladder activity due to such causes as being bedridden, limited food intake, or nutrition by IV are also susceptible to gallbladder disorders. These people are likely to produce not gallstones but “sludge” or pseudoliths – small particles of cholesterol, calcium and bile salts which can also produce blockages.

Risk Factors

Risk is elevated in the following categories:

• women
• overweight people.
• people over 40 years old.
• women who have borne multiple children.
• those who have a history of gallstones in their family.
• women who have higher estrogen levels due to pregnancy or medications containing estrogen.
• those who eat foods low in fiber, high in cholesterol and saturated fats.
• people who come from certain ethnic backgrounds: Caucasian, Hispanic, Native American.
• those who take cholesterol-lowering drugs.
• people consuming no-fat or very low-fat diets.
• those who have decreased gallbladder motility due to illness, disease, paralysis, decreased oral intake of food.
• people who have rapid weight loss such as that associated with bariatric surgery or extreme diets.
• people with diabetes.
• those with excess bilirubin in bile due to blood disorders like chronic hemolytic anemia.

Prevention Tips

Estrogen and progestin. Since being female is a risk factor, female hormones estrogen and progestin are implicated in the eventual expression of symptomatic gallbladder disease. The increase of estrogen after pregnancy can be lessened when a woman breast-feeds her child, since milk production keeps her estrogen level low. Considerations should also be given to the amounts of estrogen in birth control formulations and in hormone replacement therapy given around the onset of menopause. The length of use is also important. Hormone replacement therapy has been shown to signficantly increase the number of gallbladder surgeries done.

Maintaining a healthy body weight. Being overweight increases the risk of getting gallbladder disease. In addition, fat tissue produces estrogen, which is a risk factor for developing gallbladder disorders.

Dietary considerations. Eating regular meals of moderate size and foods high in fiber content helps intestinal tract and gallbladder motility, reducing the likelihood of infrequent or partial gallbladder emptying. Reduced intake of foods high in trans-fatty acids and saturated fats is recommended. Conversely, not having enough fat in the diet can also predispose toward gallbladder disease.

Fat in food is the stimulus to produce the hormone cholecystokinin (CCK), which triggers the contraction of the gallbladder to expel its contents. In the absence of fat in foods, gallbladder activity is lessened and gallstones have more of an opportunity to form.

Testing and Diagnosing

When symptoms suggest gallstone disease, detecting their presence or absence is necessary. There are other serious conditions such as appendicitis, ulcers, hiatal hernia, pancreatitis, heart attack, hepatitis which give mid- or right-abdomen pain, and these need to be considered and ruled out since the presence of gallstones alone doesn’t necessarily cause symptoms.

Laboratory studies. These are usually most helpful in diagnosing other conditions that may give abdominal pain. They are not as useful in diagnosis of gallbladder disease except if an infection (cholecystitis) is present. Even then, elevated white blood cell counts are not present in one-third of patients. Some blood tests may indicate the possible location of the problem – if transaminase is high, the liver; if bilirubin and alkalkine phosphatase are high, the common bile duct could be obstructed.

Imaging Techniques

Ultrasound

Gallstones larger than 2 mm can be imaged by ultrasound (sonogram). Noninvasive, with no radiation risk or exposure to contrast dyes, and less expensive than most other options, ultrasound is the diagnostic tool of choice. Images can also reveal if the gallbladder wall has thickened or if the gallbladder is enlarged, both further signs of gallbladder disease.

Classic x-rays

X-rays are used in conjunction with dye tablets swallowed by the patient in doing an oral cholecystogram or OCG. The dye improves the visibility of stones when the gallbladder is x-rayed. Another test, the percutaneous transhepatic colangiogram, uses x-rays in conjunction with an injected contrast dye to image the progress of dye through the biliary system on a fluoroscope.

CT scans (Computerized tomography)

This serves as a secondary tool following sonograms to further image areas of interest. CT scans are used to find stones within the liver’s system of ducts and to delineate the possibility of persistent infections.

Scintigraphy is helpful in imaging blockage of bile ducts within the liver or of the cystic duct. This technique is part of nuclear medicine, where aharmless radioactive isoptope is administered intravenously and its eventual location in the body is mapped by a device which detects radioactivity.

ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography)

This outpatient procedure is used to view the inside of the duodenum where the common bile duct enters. It helps evaluate any blockages as well as conditions of the sphincter and ducts. After sedation, a thin tube is put from the mouth into the stomach and then into the small intestine. There is a light and an imaging device – either fiberoptic or video chip – at the end of the tube. Small tools can also be used to take tissue samples and perform other tasks.

Treatment Options

Surgical removal of the gallbladder or cholecystectomy. When gallstones are found present and symptoms occur and recur, treatment of choice is removal of the gallbladder. The biliary system is still able to function without the gallbladder. Bile flows directly from the liver to the small intestine.

Removal can be done laparoscopically or by traditional open surgery involving a 4-7 inch abdominal incision. In laparoscopic sugery, 3-4 small incisions are made at designated points on the abdomen.

Surgical tools and a small lighted camera with are inserted through these. The camera permits the physician to view the abdominal cavity and allows gallbladder removal with minimal destruction to tissues. The patient can usually go home in a day or two and is back to normal routines in about three weeks.

Traditional surgery is needed if complications arise that contraindicate laparoscopic procedures. There is a longer hospital stay and a longer recovery period. Some patients continue to feel gallstone symptoms after the gallbladder is removed (postcholecystectomy syndrome, PCS). It is unknown why this occurs. Complications occur in less than 2% of cases for both types of surgeries; these include damage to bile ducts, bleeding, blood clots, pneumonia, infection.

A possible consequence of cholecystectomy is chronic diarrhea in some patients. Causes are not known, but the laxative effect of the steady stream of bile into the intestine may be responsible. Also, without the bolus of concentrated bile from the gallbladder when eating high-fat foods, fat digestion may not be as effective. Medications can help with these conditions.

Lithotripsy (ESWL or Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy)

This is the use of shock waves (soundwaves) to break up gallstones. The smaller pieces can then be eliminated. It is used when gallstones are small or when surgery is not indicated. Abdominal pain can occur after this treatment is given.

Medical Treatments

The drugs ursodeoxycholic acid, chenodiol, methyl tert-butyl ether and monoctanoin can be administered to dissolve cholesterol gallstones. They are made from bile salts and take prolonged treatment to be effective, months to years. Ursodeoxycholic acid (Actigall) and chenodiol (Chenix) are taken orally. Actigall is expensive. The latter two drugs are given directly into the bile duct or gallbladder. None of these medications prevent formation of new gallstones once treatment is stopped. They are used primarily in patients who cannot receive surgery.

Alternative Therapies

Acupuncture has been used to treat the pain of attacks and stimulate the flow of bile. Herbal remedies include Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum), Turmeric (Curcuma longa), Globe Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) and green tea. Castor oil packs have been applied to the abdomen to alleviate swelling. Homeopathic remedies include Colocynthis, Chelidonium, and Lycopodium.

Another practice, which is not widely accepted medically, is using gallbladder cleanse, also referred to as liver cleanse or gallbladder flush. It consists of drinking a mixture of olive oil, fruit juice – usually lemon, lime or grapefruit – and sometimes herbs or epsom salt. This preparation supposedly loosens gallstones and helps to expel them in stools.

Inflamed Gallbladder (Cholecystitis)

The leading cause of inflammation is gallstones causing a blockage. When the bile can’t move, inflammatory enzymes are released by the mucus cells lining the gallbladder. The mucus cells become damaged and produce fluid in addition to the trapped bile, resulting in more swelling. Bacteria flourish in such a setting and infection can set in.

Sometimes inflammation occurs when there are no gallstones (acalculous cholecystitis). Causes are stagnant bile, bacterial infections, or reduction in blood flow to the gallbladder. Risk factors include shock, severe trauma or illness, long-term fasting, or a reduced immune system.

Diagnosis and tests are as for gallstones with the addition of antibiotics for infection and pain medications. Treatment is removal of the gallbladder. If infection is present that should be addressed first. Surgery is best performed during earlier stages of inflammation before thickening and toughening of gallbladder walls and scarring and narrowing of ducts (sclerosing cholangitis) can happen. Infection can also spread to the pancreas through the pancreatic duct.

Ongoing untreated choleocystitis can lead to organ damage and malfunction. Gallbladders can become gangrenous or even perforated, allowing the bile to leak to the peritoneal cavity. Death can result.

Gallbladder Cancer

This rare cancer is usually detected when testing for something else. Often there are no symptoms, but the following have been reported: jaundice, abdominal pain similar to that for gallstones, weight loss, diminished appetite, fever and itching.

Women get gallbladder cancer more often than men, and incidence increases with age. If some other gallbladder diseases have been present such as gallstones, cholecystitis, choledochal cysts – which is a bile duct abnormality present at birth – and a condition known as porcelain gallbladder, the person is more at risk.

Diagnosis involves the imaging tests already discussed under gallstones plus the use of MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to determine the spread and location of the cancer. Exploratory surgery is also used for this. Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer. For cancers contained in the gallbladder (Stage I), cholecystectomy is effective. If the cancer has spread to the adjacent liver (Stage II), it can still be treated surgically. If it has spread to other nearby organs (Stage III) or throughout the body (Stage IV), treatment options are radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

Porcelain Gallbladder (Calcifying cholecystitis)

This uncommon condition is associated with damage from gallstones and recurrent infections. Calcium becomes deposited in the muscles and mucosa of the gallbladder. The walls appear bluish and are brittle. There are no symptoms and most cases of porcelain gallbladder are found when conducting imaging tests for other conditions. Because of the high incidence of gallbladder cancer when porcelain gallbladder is present, gallbladder removal is advised whenever this condition is found. The best way to image it is through CT scans.

Belching Or Eructation

Belching is a perfectly normal human experience and it is common for people to belch about a dozen times in a single day. It is also known as eructation, burping and ructus. Belching releases gas from the digestive system. This gas builds up in the stomach and esophagus, and is then released through the mouth. This is generally accompanied by sound, and often also by odor.

Many people can voluntarily belch, while some suffer from a nervous habit of belching. It can also be a completely involuntary action, however, that is necessary in order to expel air and gases that have been trapped in the stomach and esophagus.

Belching is generally considered impolite in most cultures and many people feel embarrassed when they burp in public. It is usual for people to apologize or ask for pardon after belching in front of other people, particularly on a more formal occasion.

Some cultures may consider belching after a meal to be a sign of satisfaction and enjoyment of the food. This is a common custom among some tribes of Eskimos and in the traditional cultures of the South Sea Islands. Belching several times after finishing a meal is very common, since air is often swallowed along with the food and needs to be released.

Symptoms

Belching is a release of gas from the digestive system through the mouth. The resulting vibration of the upper esophageal sphincter as the gas passes it can create a distinctive belching sound.

Belching is often associated with a number of other symptoms. People who suffer from frequent belching may also experience heartburn, nausea and dyspepsia or indigestion. When it is associated with these additional symptoms, belching may be a sign that the patient is suffering from an ulcer or a hernia. It is advisable to make an appointment with a doctor if these symptoms persist.

Flatulence and bloating may also be more likely to occur in people who frequently suffer from belching, since all three symptoms can be the result of problems in the digestive system and a poor diet. The causes of flatulence can differ from those of belching, however, since the gases that are released in these two forms occur in different parts of the digestive system and can be produced in different ways.

Diagnosis

Normally it is not necessary to visit a doctor because of belching. If belching has been occurring very frequently, or has become painful, or if there are other symptoms associated with the belching, then a visit to the doctor can be helpful.

The doctor will ask about the sorts of symptoms that have been experienced, and will also want to ask about diet and other possible causes of belching and digestive problems. They will also conduct a physical examination. They will probably check the abdomen for swelling and tap it in order to discern whether there is a hollow sound that could indicate that there is trapped gas within it.

If the doctor suspects that there could be an underlying medical condition that is causing excessive belching they will usually run some additional tests in order to check for reasons why there could be a problem with belching.

Causes

Belching often occurs after air has been swallowed while eating and drinking. This air must then be released. The swallowing of air is also known as aerophagia. When belching occurs as a result of air being swallowed, the gases that are expelled in a burp or belch are mainly oxygen and nitrogen, but belching can also be caused by drinking carbonated drinks. This second type of belch is composed of the same carbon dioxide that is used to put bubbles in the drink. The diet can be a significant factor in the frequency of belching.

Burping

Burping is particularly common in babies, and they often need to be burped after feeding. The reason for this is that gases are more likely to enter the digestive system and accumulate when a baby is eating than when an adult eats.

Frequent belching may be the result of a medical condition such as a hernia or stomach ulcer, or a disorder of the gastrointestinal tract such as gastritis (inflammation of the lining of the stomach) and gastroparesis (delayed emptying of the stomach).

Acid Reflux

Acid reflux, which may occur more frequently as the result of gastroesophageal reflux disease, can increase the frequency of belching because repeated swallowing of the stomach acid that rises in the esophagus can result in more air being swallowed that needs to be expelled as belching.

Belching and heartburn are particularly common during pregnancy, but belching is not unusual in any group of people. It is normal for belching to occur in people of all ages and all conditions of health.

Certain medications can also cause belching. The diabetes treatments Byetta and metformin, for example, can lead to belching. In most cases this problem resolves itself after the medication has been taken for a few weeks.

Prevention

It is very rare for a person to belch excessively since it is considered normal for people to burp fairly often. There are cases of abnormally high frequency of belching, but they are very rare. Since burping is usually considered embarrassing and impolite, however, many people prefer to avoid doing it in public. It is often possible to avoid burping when it would be inconvenient, but constantly suppressing belches can lead to the air passing through the digestive system and escaping as flatulence instead, which is often considered more embarrassing than belching.

Avoiding foods and drinks that are likely to cause belching is an easy way of preventing the problem. Certain foods can produce gas when they are being digested in the stomach. Milk and dairy products, and a number of vegetables including beans, lentils, onions, cabbage, sprouts, apricots and prunes can all stimulate belching.

Belching often occurs as the result of drinking carbonated drinks or sodas, champagne or beer, but using chewing gum or sucking on hard candy can also increase the frequency of belching because it results in more air being swallowed. Similarly, inhaling smoke can also cause greater frequency of burping. Wearing dentures that are loose and poorly fitted can also increase the amount of air that is swallowed while eating, and so lead to an increased frequency of belching.

Eat Slowly

In order to avoid swallowing too much air while eating and drinking, it is best to do so slowly and to ensure that everything is chewed properly before it is swallowed. Avoiding overeating can also help to reduce the frequency of belching. It is also sensible to avoid using a straw while drinking.

It is possible to prevent belching by drinking plenty of still fluids and water (although carbonated water should be avoided). Eating a first course of soup at the beginning of a meal can also help to prevent belching. The liquid prepares the stomach for the following courses by stimulating the production of digestive stomach acid.

Since heartburn can increase the frequency of belching, it is possible to reduce belching by ensuring that heartburn is treated before it causes a problem. Mild cases of heartburn can be treated with antacids that are available over the counter, but more serious heartburn that occurs as the result of a gastrointestinal disorder may require prescription medication.

Treatments

Belching is generally harmless and is a natural reaction to trapped gases in the digestive system. It is unusual therefore for ay treatment to be required. There are some options available, however, for anyone who is belching frequently.

Antacid treatments can reduce the frequency of burping that is caused by acid reflux.

Burping a baby after feeding can relieve the discomfort caused by gas that has been swallowed. The baby is usually held against the shoulder and then patted gently on the lower back. This often stimulates the baby to burp, although it can also result in the expulsion of some of the food as vomit.

When there is an underlying medical condition that is causing excessive belching, it will usually be necessary to treat the condition that is causing the problem in order to get rid of the belching.

Traditional Remedies

A variety of home remedies have been used to try and prevent and treat belching. Mint is believed to help to calm the digestion and reduce belching. It can be taken by adding some fresh mint leaves to a meal or mixing some mint essence into a glass of water. Mint tea can also be used to help prevent belching, as can a number of other herbal tea. Raspberry, blackberry and chamomile teas can all be used as digestive aids and will help to reduce the frequency of belching in many people.

A useful home remedy that can provide similar relief to a store bought over the counter antacid can be concocted by mixing half a teaspoon of baking soda into a glass of water. By calming the stomach and neutralizing the stomach acid, this remedy can help to prevent acid reflux and therefore reduce belching.

Asafetida

A remedy that has been used to prevent belching since ancient times is asafetida. This is a pungent herb that is usually considered to have a repulsive odor in its raw from. It can be added to any type of food, however, or mixed with buttermilk, in order to reduce the odor. In cooking, asafetida can be cooked in oil to produce a flavor not unlike sautéed garlic or onion. When it is eaten, asafetida can help to reduce the production of gases in the stomach that can cause belching.

Garlic and Cloves

Garlic and cloves can both be eaten either before or after a meal in order to prevent belching. Since raw garlic is distasteful to most people, it can be added to the food, for example it could be used in a soup starter. Cardamom can also be chewed following a meal in order to prevent belching. Cloves and cardamom have pleasant flavors and therefore do not need to be disguised in food. Ginger can also be an effective remedy for belching. It can be taken as a tea that should be drunk after meals. Ginger tea and other herbal teas that can calm the digestion make good alternatives to an after dinner coffee, since they will be able to have a much better effect on the digestion and to reduce the chances of belching becoming a problem.

Fenugreek

Fenugreek is a plant that is used as both a spice and an herb. It is often used in curry, but the leaves can also be used to produce a drink that can help to prevent belching. In order to obtain the full benefit, it is necessary to soak the leaves in a cup of water for between two and three hours. The solution that is produced should be taken early in the morning, before eating breakfast.

A more complex mixture that can help to prevent belching can also be produced by combining half a teaspoon of baking soda and one tablespoon of freshly squeezed lime juice in a cupful of warm water, and mixing in a small amount of the paste of fresh ginger. As with the fenugreek remedy, this mixture should be drunk on an empty stomach early in the morning. It is usually sufficient to drink it over a period of about ten days. This remedy contains a high concentration of sodium, however, and is therefore not suitable for anyone who suffers from hyperemia.

More Home Remedies

Another recipe for a natural remedy for belching is to mix two teaspoonfuls of lemon juice with a small amount of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water. This mixture should be taken before a meal in order to prevent belching. It can also help to prevent excess acid being produced in the stomach.

Since nervousness and stress can increase the frequency of belching, it may also be possible to cure the problem by finding ways of reducing stress and promoting calmness. Yoga or breathing exercises may be useful, while simply taking a gentle stroll or spending some extra time relaxing can be also be helpful in people whose belching is caused by nervousness. If the problem is causing a great deal of anxiety, then it may be worthwhile seeking therapy or trying to discover the cause of the nervousness. Many people suffer from excessive belching when they are nervous about their work or other issues in their lives and the belching can therefore be cured by finding ways to deal with these stresses.

How Effective Are These Treatments And Remedies?

The success of the treatments and remedies that are available for the prevention of belching can vary between individuals, since the reasons why people suffer from excessive belching can be different. Some people can only cure their belching by making significant changes to their diet, because this is the root cause of their problem. In cases where belching is occurring as a result of heartburn, then some simple antacids or a preparation of baking soda made at home can result in an effective cure. Other people will find that it is sufficient to use an herbal remedy such as mint tea in order to calm their stomach and avoid belching.

Try Different Methods

The best way to find an effective cure for belching is by trial and error. Different methods will work well for different people, so it may take several attempts before finding the one that works. Some people may prefer to use the simpler remedies rather than having to put together one of the more complex herbal remedies. Making changes to the diet and lifestyle can be the best route to curing belching for some people who prefer not to rely on traditional remedies, but others who do not want to change the way that they eat may prefer to try a solution that can calm their stomach without significantly affecting their lifestyle, such as chewing cloves or cardamom after a meal.

When there is an underlying cause behind belching, herbal remedies and lifestyle changes are unlikely to be able to help. The cause needs to be targeted. It may be that a certain medication or disorder of the digestive system has been increasing the frequency of belching. It will then be necessary to seek medical advice and obtain treatment for the disease rather than attempt to find a cure by targeting the belching directly.

Since the remedies and treatments that can be used to prevent and cure belching are all simple and do not involve taking medication or using herbs that are not commonly taken in food, there is no reason to worry about any complications or side effects that could result from using them. They are all very safe. The only exception to this is the baking soda and lime treatment, which could be harmful for people who have hyperemia.

Costs

Treating and preventing belching is very cheap. All of the natural remedies are available at supermarkets and health food stores for under $10. Antacids can also be bought for well under $10, and can be obtained over the counter from many food stores and drug stores.

Many of the treatments that can help to reduce belching are behavioral, requiring changes in lifestyle that affect the way food is eaten, and changes to the diet that usually involve avoiding certain types of food. These treatments are all free, and can in fact end up saving money by cutting out some problematic foods from the diet. Drinking water rather than buying carbonated drinks will create savings, for example, while cutting out a habit such as smoking or chewing gum can also save some money.

Overview and Alternative Names

Mononucleosis has several names such as mono, kissing disease, Pfeiffer’s disease, Filatov’s disease, and glandular fever. Regardless of the name, infectious mononucleosis is an infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, which produces flu-like symptoms and extreme fatigue.

Causes

Infection mononucleosis is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Viruses are microscopic pathogens made up of RNA or DNA that invade an organism’s cells in order to reproduce. Viruses infect all kinds of life including humans. When a virus enters a healthy cell, it begins to take over the cell and introduces its genetic code into the host cell’s DNA. Soon, after genetically manipulating the cell’s DNA, the virus gains complete control over the cell’s functions. When this occurs, the virus can use the cell to make copies of itself so that it can reproduce.

The copies are then released, which allows them to be free to infect other cells. The process repeats itself until the body’s immune system kills the virus or acquires immunity to it. The body’s immune system is its system of defenses that protect it from invading pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. When the body detects a foreign object or organism, it produces an immune response in an effort to rid the body of the pathogen. Specialized white blood cells are released in order to hunt down the bacteria or viruses and to kill them.

Epstein-Barr

The Epstein-Barr virus is a member of the herpes virus family. Epstein-Barr virus is a common virus to which more than 90% of the population has been exposed over the course of a life time. In those who do not show immunity to the virus, it may produce infectious mononucleosis, particularly in adolescents and adults. The Epstein-Barr virus has also been shown or theorized to cause a number of diseases such as some cancers and some autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis.

The Epstein-Barr virus is primarily transmitted through saliva. For this reason, it has become known as the “kissing disease.” Once the virus has been passed from one person to another, there is a period of between 4-7 weeks from the time of infection till symptoms appear.

This is referred to as the incubation period. After the first symptoms appear, most symptoms resolve themselves after 2-3 weeks. Fatigue, however, may last much longer. Although greater than 90% of the population has been infected with Epstein-Barr virus, only between 35% and 69% of infected people go on to develop infectious mononucleosis.

Once a person is infected with the Epstein-Barr virus, they will have traces of the virus in their bodies for the duration of their lifetime. The immune system never completely removes the virus, which goes into a dormant phases when the symptoms of mononucleosis have subsided. A dormant phase is a period of inactivity where the virus goes into a kind of sleep mode and does not reproduce. Because the virus is a permanent part of the person’s body after infection, it can change from being dormant to being active again without warning. It is therefore possible that individuals infected with mononucleosis can have repeat occurrences of the disease.

Research is not conclusive over how long a person is contagious after the symptoms of the virus have subsided. Some studies show that a person is contagious for only a few weeks during and after symptoms appear, while other data show that a person can transmit the virus for as many as 18 months after symptoms subside.

Symptoms of Infectious Mononucleosis

In most cases of infectious mononucleosis, the disease causes several nondescript, flu-like symptoms that may include fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes. Another aspect of infectious mononucleosis is its ability to cause extreme fatigue in even the most robust individual. Occasionally, mononucleosis can cause inflammation of the liver, which can cause jaundice and hepatitis. Also, the spleen may become inflamed. Less common symptoms include low platelet count, low blood count, pericarditis, inflammation of the lungs, and rash on the skin. Severe swelling of lymph nodes in a person’s neck may cause serious problems such as difficulty breathing and swallowing. Immediate medical attention should be sought if breathing problems develop. Trouble swallowing can lead to dehydration if adequate fluid intake is not maintained.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis is generally made with blood tests in combination with a full patient history. When a person shows symptoms of fever, sore throat, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes, a doctor may suspect mononucleosis. However, this in of itself is not enough to make a diagnosis. In conjunction with general symptoms, a physician will do blood work on the patient. If the tests come back and show that at least 50% of white blood cells with at least 10% being abnormal are present, and the patient presents with typical symptoms of mononucleosis, a diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis can be made.

Tests for antibodies can be performed, but they frequently lack sensitivity. In other words, they produce a high number of false positive and false negative results, rendering their use ineffective without taking into account physical symptoms experienced by a patient. More recent test have been developed which can detect the Epstein-Barr virus. A shortcoming of these newer tests, though, is that antibodies may not show up for several weeks after infection and symptoms have occurred, making definitive diagnosis slow, and extending treatment time. High levels of a liver enzyme called transaminase can also indicate mononucleosis in 50% of patients.

Since the symptoms of mononucleosis can be vague and resemble the symptoms of many other diseases, diagnosis is often difficult. Many people who go to a doctor complaining of a sore throat are misdiagnosed with strep throat and given antibiotics. Antibiotics are ineffective against viruses and have no effect on the symptoms of mononucleosis.

Cytomegalovirus is another member of the herpes family of viruses and is closely related to the Epstein-Barr virus. It may also produce similar symptoms to mononucleosis, but the symptoms may be milder. Like Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus remains in the body for the duration of a person’s life.

Risk Factors

Mononucleosis can strike anybody at any age. The symptoms and the duration of the disease usually get worse as a person ages, meaning that infected children often may not even know they are infected, while adolescents and adults may develop serious complications and have fatigue that lasts for months. There are several factors that may increase the risk of a person contracting mononucleosis. These include:

Being Between Ages 10 and 24

These individuals are more likely to be unaware of the causes of mononucleosis and how to prevent infection. Persons in this age may also engage in riskier behavior, which increases the chances that they can become infected with the Epstein-Barr virus.

In Large Groups

Individuals like nurses, doctors, military personnel, and students, who come into contact with a large number of people daily, have an increased risk of being infected with mononucleosis. This is because Epstein-Barr virus is so common in the general population that increasing the number of people a person comes into contact with increases the chance that they will come into contact with someone who carries the virus and may be contagious.

Intimate Relationships

Intimate relations with someone who has Epstein-Barr virus or mononucleosis increases the chances that they will become infected as well. Kissing can expose a person to infected saliva, which can spread the virus. Also, even though a person may not have symptoms of mononucleosis at the present moment, does not mean that they are not contagious. Contagiousness may extend for up to a year and a half after symptoms disappear.

Oral Contact

Kissing is not the only way to spread mononucleosis. Any exchange or exposure to saliva can transmit the Epstein-Barr virus. Sharing food or a drink with an infected person can lead to infection. Also sharing toothbrushes or coming into contact with anything that a person may have put into their mouth may lead to an increased risk of being infected with the Epstein-Barr virus.

Immune Compromised Individuals

People with compromised immune systems are at greater risk of developing mononucleosis than individuals with normal immune systems. With a lowered immune response, these individuals may not be able to fight off the Epstein-Barr virus before it develops into mononucleosis. People who are on immunosuppressants, like those who have undergone organ transplantation are especially susceptible.

Also, individuals who have HIV/AIDS also have compromised immune systems which may increase their risk of contracting the Epstein-Barr virus. Finally, the extremely young and the extremely old often have compromised immune systems which can make them more likely to become infected with the Epstein-Bar virus. In the case of the elderly, because of their age and exposure over a lifetime, it’s much less of a problem since most have already been infected year earlier.

Conventional Treatment

Viruses do not respond to antibiotic treatment. In fact, there is still no effective way known that can target the Epstein-Barr virus specifically and kill it. Treatment of mononucleosis, then therefore, relies on treating the symptoms of the disease in order to make the patient comfortable till the disease runs its course over the period of a couple of months.

To treat fever, a doctor may recommend acetaminophen or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Patients should follow manufacturer dosing instructions and be aware of the long term consequences of taking these drugs. For patients who have inflammation of the liver, alcohol consumption should be prohibited.

The liver is responsible for metabolizing and filtering alcohol from the blood, so when it is not functioning correctly, it may not be able to handle the extra stress of alcohol in the system. Corticosteroids may be taken to reduce inflammation of the liver, spleen and throat. These may have some side effects like weight gain, fluid retention, and nervousness. Physicians may recommend a person eat cold items like ice cream or milk to sooth a sore throat. Also, it may help to gurgle salt water.

When symptoms manifest, it is important to get plenty of rest. As symptoms wane, regular activities can be continued. It is also important not to do any strenuous activity in order to avoid rupturing the spleen. Also, to prevent the infection of anyone else that may come into contact with a person suffering from mononucleosis, it is imperative to avoid sharing drinks, food, and toothbrushes. It is also important to cover the mouth when coughing to prevent aerosol droplets of saliva from entering the air.

As of now, there is no vaccine for Epstein-Barr virus, although much research is being done to develop and effective vaccine that can either destroy the virus or prevent the symptoms of mononucleosis from manifesting.

Alternative and Natural Treatments

Many alternative therapies for the treatment of mononucleosis exist. Some of these treatments focus on boosting the effectiveness of the body’s immune system.

One way to maintain a healthy immune system is to eat a diet that is full of nutrients but low in fat. Consumption of vegetables that contain antioxidants can help the functioning of the immune system. Also, supplementing with vitamins such as vitamin A and vitamin C has been shown to boost the immune system. These can be bought online and in local health food stores at very affordable prices.

Often they are sold in pills by the hundreds which should last several months. Pricing depends on the quantity and quality of the vitamin supplements. For vitamin A, the maximum recommended dose per day is less than 3000 micrograms in order to avoid toxicity. Vitamin C can be taken in higher doses because it is water soluble and easily eliminated from the body. As always, it is important to follow manufacturer provided dosages when beginning vitamin supplementation.

Coconut Oil & Herbal Tea

Coconut oil supplements may also be able to help treat mononucleosis. Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which is converted in the body to monolauric acid. This molecule is purported to be an effective antiviral agent, which may help to kill the Epstein-Barr virus. Coconut oil pills are available in soft gel capsules in health food and nutritional stores. Coconut oil is also sold in liquid form that can be taken in doses of 2 tablespoons per day to treat mononucleosis.

Herbal teas may also help combat mononucleosis. Teas made by brewing burdock, ginseng, cayenne pepper, and goldenseal root in water can be helpful in treating mononucleosis. A tea is made by boiling one teaspoon of each ingredient in 2 cups of water. The mixture should be reduced over high heat until evaporation leaves one cup of liquid. The tea can be taken once a day.

Finally, it is important to drink enough fluids to guard against dehydration and to sooth sore throats.

As always it is important to consult with a doctor before beginning any alternative treatments in order to prevent drug interactions or complications from taking supplements.

Conclusion

Mononucleosis is a very common disease that can have long lasting effects and ramifications for the patient and everyone that he or she comes into contact. Mononucleosis can be passed for a long time after the virus has caused symptoms, so caution must be taken to prevent its spread. Although the symptoms are mot typically life threatening, they can affect a person’s quality of life for several months. Mononucleosis is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Like all viruses, there is no effective cure that can target and kill the virus. Instead, treatment consists of providing support and comfort till the symptoms subside.

The immune system’s primary function is to fight off bacteria, viruses, cancer cells, toxins, and blood or tissue belonging to other humans or species. These intruders are called antigens and white blood cells go into attack mode to protect the body from anything they consider to be intruders by producing antibodies.

However, sometimes white blood cells mistakenly view the body’s healthy organs, cells, or tissue as an invader and will attack its own body tissue just as they would any antigen. The immune system is unable to distinguish between antigens and the body’s own healthy tissue. This results in the destruction of healthy body tissue caused by an autoimmune disease.

For example, when one has an allergic reaction to anything breathed, touched, or eaten, the immune system goes into action immediately to oust the foreign matter from the body. In an autoimmune disease the immune system has the same reaction against its own body tissue.

Symptoms

Approximately 50 million people in the United States suffer from the symptoms of autoimmune diseases. Some symptoms include joint pain, depression, fatigue, heart palpitations, and numbness of the hands and feet.

There are at least 80 known autoimmune diseases. A few of the autoimmune diseases that occur more frequently are listed below.

• Active Chronic Hepatitis
• Addison’s Disease
• Type I Diabetes
• Crohns Disease
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosis
• Celiac Disease
• Cushings Syndrome
• Discoid Lupus
• Fibromyalgia Fibromyositis
• Anti-phospholipid Syndrome
• Dermatomyositis

Studies have shown that one can have more than one autoimmune disease working together.

Autoimmune diseases are grouped by the body systems they affect. These body systems include

• Blood and blood vessels
• Digestive system (including the mouth)
• Eyes
• Glands
• Heart
• Joints
• Kidneys
• Lungs
• Muscles
• Nerves and brain
• Skin

Common Symptoms

Some of the more common symptoms that occur are:

• Fever Fatigue
• Cough Depression
• Wheezing Weight gain
• Diarrhea Sensitivity to cold
• Rash Dry hair
• Joint pain Muscle weakness
• Coughing up blood Constipation

Symptoms are not always present. They may also become worse over time or fade and reappear.

Causes and Risks of Autoimmune Diseases

Scientists have found there are several things that cause autoimmune diseases. Toxins from the environment, viruses, heredity, and certain drugs are considered to be possible causes.

Poor health habits such as stress, lack of exercise, poor food choices, lack of sleep, alcohol abuse, and tobacco all work to leave the immune system weaker and makes it easier to develop an autoimmune disease.

Autoimmune diseases can’t be passed from person to person. They are not spread through touch, sex, or through blood. They can’t spread like a virus or bacteria. The only occurrence of transfer has been from a pregnant mother to her fetus but that happens rarely.

Organ transplants do not transfer autoimmune disease because the white blood cell count in the organ is low and a normal immune system adjusts to handle the new organ. A graft-versus-host disease may occur; however, this is different from an autoimmune disease.

People Who Are Prone To Developing Autoimmune Disease

When autoimmune diseases were first recognized professional health authorities didn’t know what caused an immune system to suddenly not be able to recognize the difference between antigens and healthy body tissue. After careful studies have been conducted it has been noted that anyone can develop an autoimmune disease; however, women who are of childbearing age are more likely to develop the disease.

Some autoimmune diseases frequent families such as multiple sclerosis and lupus. It is also possible for several autoimmune diseases to attack certain family members due to genes. The disease may be triggered with a combination of environment and inherited genes.

The environment has an important part to play in the development of autoimmune diseases. Exposure to solvents, sunlight, bacteria, and viruses can be linked to the development of some autoimmune diseases.

Certain ethnic backgrounds are more likely to develop certain diseases than others. For example Caucasians are more likely to develop Type 1 diabetes while African Americans have a higher incidence of lupus.

Women are more prone to autoimmune diseases than men.

How to Prevent Autoimmune Diseases

Unfortunately, there are no preventative methods for autoimmune diseases. A weak immune system can make the body susceptible to numerous infectious diseases. However, the immune system can be too strong or directed against its own healthy body tissue so strengthening the immune system doesn’t help an autoimmune disease.

Practicing good health habits is your best defense in case you develop an autoimmune disease. Good habits can help relieve some symptoms and keep your body stronger while it’s under attack.

Diagnosis and Tests

Diagnosing an autoimmune disease is a long, tedious process. Many of the autoimmune diseases have the same symptoms and these same symptoms are shared by other diseases. Doctors must eliminate all possibilities of what the symptoms could mean through various tests which takes quite a long time to complete.

Some things you can do to help your doctor diagnose an autoimmune disease are:

• Choose a specialist who treats the general area of your symptoms. For example, if you are experiencing stomach and bowel problems you will need to see a gastroenterologist. Your family doctor can recommend a specialist.
• Write down your family’s health history to include every disease or symptom suffered by any family member including extended family.
• Record all of your symptoms no matter how minor they seem.
• A second or third opinion may make you more comfortable especially if your doctor seems to dismiss your symptoms as being all in your head or he tells you they are due to stress.

Blood tests are given to diagnose autoimmune diseases and to monitor them once diagnosed. Blood tests measure organ function and inflammation. X-rays are also used to monitor diseases. A schedule for the frequency of testing may be several times a day as with diabetes up to every 90 days or so with other diseases.

Diagnosis of an autoimmune disease includes the symptoms, a physical exam conducted by a health professional, and laboratory test results. Early detection is very difficult because symptoms are shared by several diseases. It may be necessary to monitor the symptoms for a long period of time to determine their course and to see if other symptoms develop in order to diagnose an autoimmune disease.

Pharmaceutical Treatment Options

Unfortunately, there is no cure for an autoimmune disease. All treatments are to lessen the frequency and severity of symptoms. The diseases get progressively worse so treatments are used to slow down their progress.

Autoimmune diseases are treated by the symptoms experienced by the body system that is being attacked. For example, inflammation is one symptom that shows up in many of the diseases and is treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) such as aspirin, naproxen sodium (Aleve) and ibuprofen. NSAIDs are purchased over the counter and stronger doses can be prescribed by your doctor.

Medicines are used to replace body substances that can no longer be produced naturally in the body. One notable example is insulin that must be injected into the body to control blood sugar levels. Another example is thyroid hormone that restores proper thyroid hormone levels. Pharmaceutical treatments will vary per person and as time goes on.

The three things rheumatologists, endocrinologists, neurologists, and other professionals do when treating autoimmune disease is relieve symptoms, preserve the organs’ functions, and slow the progress of the disease.

Herbal Remedies

There are natural herbs that can help alleviate the symptoms of autoimmune diseases. It must be understood that any alternative treatments should be shared with your doctor and are not meant to replace any medicine your doctor suggests. A doctor should know what you’re taking in order to avoid negative substance interaction.

Two of the most popular herbs to take in the treatment of autoimmune symptoms are sarsaparilla and yarrow. Both of these herbs work to purify the blood and reduce inflammation in muscles and joints.

A 300 mg dosage of milk thistle or silymarin purifies the blood and increases bile flow to the liver. Yucca reduces stiffness and pain in muscles. Yucca is also good for autoimmune diseases of the skin and is used in shampoos and body soaps.

Other herbs used in the treatment of symptoms generated by autoimmune diseases are:

Chlorella

Chlorella or spirulina is a supplement that is taken daily to treat lupus symptoms. A probiotic and a high-potency vitamin will also help combat the symptoms suffered during a lupus symptom attack.

Plant Sterols

Supplementing with plant sterols and sterolin has proven to be effective in building up a weak immune system and at the time calming down an overactive immune system. One study of sterols and sterolins on 25,000 people has proven them to be safe with no side effects, no negative interaction with drugs, and producing no toxicity. Sterols and sterolin helps reduce stress, pain, and inflammation.

(See www.evenbetternow.com/immune_health_natural_supplement_therapies.php)

These are only two of the hundreds of supplements used by people to find relief from the symptoms of autoimmune diseases. Be very careful of any product that claims complete reversal of any autoimmune disease if their supplements are taken. There are no known cures for autoimmune diseases so you must be careful to continue being monitored by your physician.

Other Possible Treatments

There are other treatments available besides pharmaceutical drugs and herbal remedies.

• Hormone replacement therapy uses hormones to bring relief from the effects of hormone deficiency.
• Enzyme replacement therapy utilizes enzymes to alleviate the effects of enzyme deficiency.
• Corticosteroid treatment uses steroids to regulate inflammation, immune response, and stress.
• Plasmapheresis is used to remove antibodies from the blood to prevent them from attacking body tissue and making more antibodies.
• Immunosuppressants or immunodepressants act to suppress or lessen the immune response.
• Methotrexate is used to slow the progress of certain cells that reproduce quickly such as cancer, skin, and bone marrow cells.
• Cyclophosphamide is used to slow the growth of cancer cells.
• Azathioprine is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis to decrease the effects of certain cells in the immune system.
• Cyclosporin is used in preventing organ rejection and in treating psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is a solution of antibodies that are sterile and concentrated. They are taken from healthy people and injected into people who have abnormal production of antibodies.

Even though there is no known cure for autoimmune diseases there are many medical and natural ways to relieve the symptoms, slow down disease progression, and reduce organ deterioration.

How To Live With An Autoimmune Disease

There are several things that can be done to better manage an autoimmune disease.

A healthy diet is essential. Eating a well-balanced diet of vegetables, fruits, low-free or fat-free dairy products, whole grains and lean proteins is the first step in keep your body well by feeding it the right things. You will need to limit the “bad” fats (saturated and trans), salt and sugars. Good foods are the best way to get the nutrients your body needs.

Physical exercise always helps in moderation. Strenuous exercise is probably not the best for you to engage in. Ask your doctor for suggestions or become a student of yoga, tai chi, Pilates, or another gentle exercise.

Reduce stress levels as much as possible. It’s a known fact that stress or anxiety can make the body more susceptible to autoimmune symptoms. Learn a few relaxation techniques such as hypnosis, guided imagery, and meditation and then stick with the one you like the best. There are hundreds of instructions books, dvds, and live teachers who teach the art of relaxation. These techniques can help you relieve pain and cope better mentally with an autoimmune disease. Some people find counseling effective in reducing stress.

Getting enough sleep can also help reduce stress levels. Adequate sleep aids the body in fighting disease. Most people need at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night.

Treatment Costs

The first thing to consider in adding up the costs of having an autoimmune disease is that treatment of any kind will be ongoing since there is no cure for an autoimmune disease. Whether you decide to use medicines or natural remedies you will be taking them for the rest of your life.

Some chemical and natural remedies can be expensive to take. Ask your doctor if the drugs you are taking have a generic form to reduce the costs. Sometimes buying medications for several months can reduce the cost. Supplements can be bought the same way.

Some online pharmacies and natural remedy companies offer an affiliate program that you can use to offset your costs. If you find a natural remedy that helps you with your symptoms you may want to spread the word by becoming an affiliate for the company that sells the product.

Some companies pay a commission as high as 50% of the cost. You may even save up to 50% off your own orders for the product. Search the site for a link that reads “affiliates” and read the program they have set up. It won’t be hard to learn how to become a successful affiliate since there is extensive information on the Web on the subject.

Additional Costs

There are other costs, too, such as doctors’ visits and tests you’ll need to take periodically. Adequate health care insurance should help you reduce these costs. There are health care plans you can explore on the Internet.

This report has explained what happens to an immune system that no longer recognizes good tissue from foreign matter in the body. The result develops into an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases can’t be cured. Science has learned to treat symptoms so the patient can reduce pain and slow down deterioration of the body system that is under attack.

Practicing good healthy habits and taking chemical or natural remedies for symptoms are two things that make having an autoimmune disease a little more bearable. It is important to have your disease monitored periodically to remain alert to any new developments.

What is Leucoderma?

Leucoderma is a cutaneous disorder in which the skin loses part or all of its pigment in spots, causing white blotches, or lesions. It is also known as Vitiligo, however, Vitiligo is a type of Leucoderma, therefore the terms are not completely interchangeable. Leucoderma is non-contagious.

The areas that lose pigment are not painful, nor will they cause harm, but the lesions are quite noticeable, especially on individuals with darker skin tone. The victim usually suffers embarrassment and depression, especially if the spots are on the face or hands. Pop superstar Michael Jackson was a victim of Vitiligo.

Leucoderma usually commences with the development of multiple white patches on the body. The white patches may grow and change shape or they may remain the same size. Frequently, sufferers will experience cycles with dormant periods when the lesions remain stable, followed by times of growth. These cycles are unlikely to end and any skin that loses its pigment will usually not regain it on its own.

While the depigmentation may occur anywhere on the body, it is most often found on the hands, feet, arms, legs and face, especially near the mouth and eyes. It can affect the eyes and any part of the integumentary system, which includes hair, skin and nails. Vitiligo Universalis covers the entire body. Non-segmental Vitiligo has symmetric patches on either side of the body. Segmental Vitiligo spreads faster and seems to focus its attack on skin having dorsal roots from the spine.

Causes of Leucoderma

Those with a family history of Leucoderma or auto-immunity diseases are more likely to experience it. Leucoderma is caused by the death of melanocytes. Melanocytes are the cells that make melanin, the pigment that gives our skin its color. However, why the melanocytes are destroyed is unknown.

It has been noted that neuropeptides reacting to skin abrasions, burns or inflammation may cause the depigmentation, implying multiple causes in sequence. However, it has also been suggested that stress may trigger the hypothalamus to initiate reactions in the thyroid or elsewhere that may cause the destruction of the melanocytes.

Risk Factors for Leucoderma

Leucoderma is a rare condition, affecting less than two percent of those in the U.S. Auto-immune thyroid disease may be a cause of Leucoderma, as could genetics. It usually presents early in life with most cases beginning between the teenage years and age 30. Only five percent of Leucoderma sufferers develop the disorder after age 40. It is equally likely in men and women.

Excessive guilt, grief, or depression may be a trigger, causing the hypothalamus to stimulate the pituitary and adrenal glands, as well as thyroid hormones, mimicking hypothyroidism. Extremely tight clothing, especially at the waist, may also be causal. Wearing tight rubber gloves also has a negative effect, perhaps from latex allergy syndrome.

Prevention Tips

Preventive therapy can alleviate the severity and slow the spread of Leucoderma.

• Avoid wearing tight clothing.
• Use a strong sun block on the white patches to avoid further aggravation from sunlight.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat and long sleeves when outdoors.
• Switch to vegetarian foods. Non-vegetarian foods have been observed to slow recovery.
• Avoid overly sour foods. The acetic acid in sour foods restricts the production of melanin.

Test and Diagnosis Considerations

Your physician can diagnose Leucoderma easily during a routine physical exam but it’s likely you have already self-diagnosed the condition. In addition to a regular, annual wellness test, it’s recommended that sufferers have a thyroid panel performed every six months to monitor the thyroid’s health. Hyperthyroidism can be a consequence of Leucoderma but it is also suspected to be causal in some fashion.

Treatment Options

Treatments may be homeopathic, herbal, pharmaceutical or surgical. Herbal remedies might be applied topically or ingested as a tea. Their effectiveness is a matter of debate. Some sufferers experience relief of their symptoms and some do not. There are web sites with ratings of the various home remedies. Most of the herbal remedies have patients who claim to have been cured. Reversal of the condition is rare, and although these remedies claim to promote repigmentation, clinical studies do not support or refute their claims. However, if the patient believes in the treatment’s efficacy, then it is more likely to succeed, if for no other reason than continued use of the treatment.

Homeopathic Treatment

Homeopathic remedies have no side effects and are cost-effective. Milder cases of Leucoderma, with minimal spread, may be treated homeopathically when other treatments fail. The treatment is usually supervised by a physician who develops the treatment specifically for the individual. Ingredients are added based on:

• what other conditions may be present
• how severe the condition is
• how long the condition has persisted
• what other treatments the patient is undergoing
• and whether the patient’s family members also had Leucoderma

Treatment is based on a total examination of the patient, including genetic, emotional, mental and physical, as all aspects may have an effect on Leucoderma. Of the dozens of possible ingredients, a treatment may include arsenic sulph falvus, arsenic album, baryta muriaticum and baryta carbonicum.

Homeopathic treatments are meant to correct what is believed by homeopathic physicians to be an outward manifestation of an internal malady. If the body can be returned to its healthy state, the Leucoderma will disappear.

Homeopathic treatment attempts to:

• Control the spread of the white patches by correcting the immune system
• Enhance normal melanin production or melanogenesis for repigmentation
• Correct hypothyroidism.

Because the treatment is tailor-made for the patient, it may take a few versions before relief begins. Full treatment may take years, so the patient must be willing to form a cooperative partnership with their homeopathic physician to realize success.

Leucoderma can be accompanied by numerous complicating factors like stress, hyperthyroidism, anemia, and intestinal disorders. Homeopathic treatment treats any associated problems at the same time.

Herbal Treatments

Herbal treatments are all natural, with no side effects and minimal cost. These home remedies have both skeptics and believers.

Water in Copper

Store water in a copper pitcher overnight and drink it the following day. Do this for six months. Symptoms will gradually diminish. This works by stimulating the melanocytes to begin producing melanin.

Basil and Lime

Mix a few drops of basil extract and lime juice. Apply to the affected area three or four times daily for six months. Symptoms will diminish in one month and disappear in six months. Basil extract and lime juice are both known for stimulating melanin production.

Ginger and Psoralea Fruit

Soak psoralea seeds in ginger juice for three days. Then dry and powder them. Add one gram to one cup fresh milk and drink daily for two months. A paste made from the ground seeds can also be applied to the white patches. Symptoms diminish in two months.

Mama-cadella

Mama-cadela, or Brosimum gaudichaudii, comes from the savannas of Brazil. It has dark-green leaves with sweet yellow fruit. Boil a tea from the root and skin. Apply it as a warm compress to the patches. The symptoms will diminish in one week.

Tamarind Seeds and Psoralea Fruit

Soak tamarind and psoralea seeds in water for four days. Dry the seeds and smash them into a paste. Apply the paste to the lesions daily for one month. The symptoms will gradually diminish and then disappear.

Vinegar and Radish

Take about one ounce of radish seeds and crush them in two teaspoons of vinegar. Apply to lesions for 6 months. The lesions will disappear.

Turmeric and Mustard Oil

To 250 ml of pure mustard oil, add five teaspoons of ground turmeric. Apply to lesions for six months to one year to make the spots disappear.

Chick peas

Eating chick peas and applying a paste to the lesions will promote repigmentation.

Piperine

Piperine is a chemical made from black pepper. It may shorten the repigmentation process.

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo Biloba has been touted to help many conditions, but the testing has been suspect and never reproduced. However, when taken with L-Phenylalanine, Ginkgo Biloba seems to have an effect on Leucoderma.

Pharmaceutical Treatment

There are no effective pharmaceutical treatments. Hypertension should be corrected, as it may aggravate Leucoderma. Depression should also be cared for, as it too may advance the condition.

Treatments with steroids like cortisone should be avoided as they may have worse side effects than Leucoderma. Cortisone/steroids treatments may cause a swelling of the face known as moon-face. It can also have other adverse side-effects like arteriosclerosis, diabetes and high blood pressure.

In some cases, the pigment can be removed from the rest of the skin to achieve an overall consistency of tone. This process takes a year and is one method of concealment or camouflaging the condition. UV light therapy is also used to treat the white patches, to re-pigment them.

Surgical Treatment

Transplantation of melanocytes to the lesions has been successful at repigmenting the region. Melanocytes were removed from a layer of normal skin and grown in culture. The lesions were abraded and the melanocytes were then transplanted to the affected area. Around 75 percent of the procedures performed were successful, with full repigmentation of the lesions, although the duration varied from patent to patient.

Ultra-Violet light treatments may be administered to attempt to smooth out the tone of the skin by repigmenting the white patches. After taking medications to sensitize the skin to light, the skin is exposed to UVA rays twice weekly for up to a year. Side effects include localized sunburn and skin freckling. UVB treatments, with narrowband Ultraviolet B, take as long and as often to complete, but skin conditioning prior to treatment is not necessary.

Cuban doctor Carlos Miyares Cao developed Melagenina, which allegedly has had success treating Leucoderma. It is not available in the U.S. and many other countries. It’s is made from human placenta and calcium chloride, which is known to stimulate melanocytes, aiding repigmentation.

Famous People with Leucoderma

Leucoderma doesn’t discriminate. These famous people are all sufferers of either Leucoderma or Vitiligo.

• Michael Jackson had Vitiligo from 1986 until his death in 2009. The white spots were rumored to have begun his wearing the signature sequined white glove. Prince Michael Jackson I, his son, inherited the disease.
• Amitabh Bachchan, the famous Indian actor, suffers Vitiligo.
• Graham Norton’s hair has white patches from Vitiligo.
• Lee Thomas, news anchor for WJBK Detroit, suffers Leucoderma.
• Singer/rapper Krizz Kaliko named his first album after the condition, Vitiligo.
• Reno 911! star Thomas Lennon has Vitiligo.
• Charly Garcia, Argentinean rock musician, has Vitiligo, as evidenced by his two tone moustache.
• Dallas County Commissioner, John Wiley Price, is slowly turning white from Vitiligo.
• Boston Celtic Rasheed Wallace suffers from Vitiligo.
• Tempestt Bledsoe , an American actress, suffers from Vitiligo.
• Gautam Singhania, the chairman and managing director of Raymond Group, underwent complete depigmentation for his Vitiligo.
• Asifa Bhutto Zardari, the daughter of Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and former Prime Minister of Pakistan Benazir Bhutto, has Leucoderma.
• Eduardo Panlilio has Vitiligo. He’s the Governor of the Philippine province of Pampanga.
• Yvette Fielding, British TV presenter, developed Vitiligo when she was eleven. Her mother developed Vitiligo when 24.
• Mikel Jollett lead singer for rock band The Airborne Toxic Event has Leucoderma.
• Fez Marie Whatley of the The Ron and Fez Show XM 202 suffers from Vitiligo.
• Scott Jorgensen – Former Pac 10 wrestling champ and current mixed martial artist with WEC.

Yeast infections, also known as candidosis, moniliasis, idiomycosis or vaginitis, are caused by too many yeast cells growing in the vagina. Yeast is naturally present on the skin and in moist areas of the body, such as the mouth and vagina. A healthy vagina has bacteria that help to keep the amount of yeast in the vagina under control. However, when the natural bacteria of the vagina are reduced, the amount of yeast increases, thereby creating a yeast infection.

Symptoms of a Yeast Infection

Yeast infections are very common, and are usually not cause for alarm, as they are easily treated. However, the first step to treating a yeast infection is to determine if a yeast infection is, in fact, present. Accurate diagnosis can be difficult, and it is estimated that only one-third of women treating a yeast infection are actually suffering from a yeast infection. Therefore, symptom recognition is imperative as a first step to accurate diagnosis. The following are common symptoms associated with yeast infections:

• Itching in vagina and vulva
• Burning in vagina and vulva
• Soreness in vagina and vulva
• Pain during intercourse or urination
• Thick, white vaginal discharge similar in appearance and texture to cottage cheese
• Discharge is either odorless or has a yeast smell similar to that of bread or beer

Causes & Prevention Tips

The over abundance of yeast in the vagina is what causes the yeast infection, but there are a variety of things that cause the over abundance that leads to the yeast infection. These causes include:

Antibiotics

Used to treat bacterial infections, antibiotics can destroy unwanted bacteria as well as the “good” naturally occurring bacteria in the vagina.

The destruction of the naturally occurring bacteria in the vagina leads to lower regulation of the yeast, therefore resulting in an over abundance of the yeast and a yeast infection. Antibacterial soap also has this problem and should not be used to clean the vaginal area (soap in general should be avoided at the vaginal area).

Clothing

Clothes that trap heat and moisture promote the growth of yeast. Additionally, tight, non-cotton, or dirty clothes aids in the growth of yeast as well. Since underwear is in direct contact with the vaginal area, it is best to opt for either no underwear or lightweight, breathable cotton underwear with no dyes. It is also important to change your underwear regularly (at least once per day) and wash them thoroughly after wear, as yeast can live in underwear.

Chemicals

Inks, dyes and perfumes can upset the balance of bacteria in yeast or cause allergic reactions leading to yeast infections. This includes any scented material that may come into contact with the vaginal area, such as scented tissue, detergents, bubble baths, and tampons or sanitary pads. In addition, the chemicals in douches are particularly bad for the vaginal area, as they destroy the bacteria present in the vagina that helps to regulate yeast.

Condoms

Although important for safe-sex practices, condoms lubricated with spermicide are linked to the occurrence of yeast infections. Also, latex allergies may result in yeast infections as well. Fortunately, it is possible to find condoms without spermicidal lubricant, as well as polyurethane condoms that do not contain latex.

Diabetes

Women with poorly controlled diabetes have an increased chance of yeast infections due to the amount of sugar in the urine. Symptoms of diabetes should not be ignored, and the advice of a medical professional should be sought if diabetes is a concern.

Hormones

Pregnancy and taking birth control pills, both of which affect the amount of hormones present, influences the occurrence of yeast infections.

Injury

Injuries to the membrane of the vulva or vagina can cause yeast infections. These injuries are usually due to too much friction and not enough lubrication. The use of external lubrication, such as sex lubricant, should be used if there is not enough naturally occurring lubrication. Avoid the use of oil based lubrication, such as Vaseline, which break down latex. Also avoid the use of non-oil based hand creams or lotions designed for the body, as these may contain perfumes and dyes that cause allergic reactions and lead to yeast infections.

Sexual Transmission

It is possible to pass yeast infections through sexual contact. Therefore, it is important to maintain healthy sex practices. If a yeast infection is present, vaginal penetration should be avoided.

Weakened Immune System: Diseases such as HIV and Lyme Disease lead to weakened immune systems, which put the individual at a higher risk for developing yeast infections.

Diagnosis of Yeast Infection

As with any illness, accurate diagnosis is imperative in the treatment of the illness. Many women mistakenly treat themselves for yeast infection when their illness is actually something else. The result is that symptoms are not alleviated with treatment and the illness is ongoing. In order to avoid this, proper diagnosis is needed. Therefore, the advice of a medical professional should be sought if the individual is uncertain of the illness causing the symptoms.

When receiving medical attention for a suspected yeast infection, the doctor will take a specimen for microscopic analysis. This means the woman will need to undergo a procedure similar to that received at her annual pap smear. The specimen is then observed under a microscope to identify yeast. If results of a microscopic analysis are inconclusive, the specimen may be sent to the laboratory for other analysis means. Either way, a trip to the doctor’s office will result in the accurate diagnosis of a yeast infection, or will rule out yeast infection and reveal the true cause of the presenting symptoms.

Yeast Infection Treatment

If proper diagnosis has been made, and a yeast infection is present, there are a variety of treatments for the infection. These treatments include over-the-counter medication, prescription medication, and at-home remedies. It is important to note that 25-30% of yeast infections may be resistant to over-the-counter medications and if such treatments are ineffective, the advice of a medical professional should be sought. The prescription medications are much stronger than over-the-counter treatments and may be necessary in resistant forms of yeast infection or for recurring yeast infections.

Over the Counter

Over-the-counter topical treatments for yeast infection are readily available at most drug stores as either topical creams or vaginal tablets. There are also oral medications that may be available, though these have side effects such as headaches, nausea, and abdominal pain that are not present with the use of vaginal treatments. Additionally, oral medications are not safe for use during pregnancy.

Over-the-counter topical creams include

Monistat

An anti-fungal drug that treats the infection within 7 days. Varieties of this are pretty expensive, ranging from $15 – $20. Additionally, this treatment breaks down latex, which is of concern to anyone practicing safe sex during the usage of this treatment. Different varieties come with different applicators, which can include plastic disposable applicators or reusable applicators that must be washed between uses.

Femstat

An anti-fungal drug used to treat the infection within 3 days, with 3 applications. Femstat comes with three pre-filled disposable applicators for ease of use. Again, this is relatively expensive, costing approximately $15, and once again use of this treatment breaks down latex

Lotrimin

An anti-fungal topical treatment used to treat yeast infection. Similar to Monistat and Femstat.
Terazol: An anti-fungal topical treatment used to treat yeast infection. Similar to Monistat and Femstat.

Over-the-counter oral medications include:

• Lotrimin
• Mycelex
• Monistat
• Micatin
• Terazol
• Mycostatin

Prescription Medication

If seeing a doctor for the treatment of a yeast infection, a prescription for powerful anti-fungal medications will probably be given. Four of the possible treatments are as follows:

Diflucan

Only requires one pill for treatment of yeast infections, but is rather expensive. Allergies to this treatment are not uncommon and sometimes the one pill treatment does not work effectively.

Nizoral

Can be taken with antibiotics to prevent antibiotic-induced yeast infections. While powerful, this treatment also has some serious side effects including liver damage and the reduced ability of adrenals to make steroids.

Gynazole

Topical treatment with a disposable applicator. This is relatively expensive, and as with the over-the-counter topical treatments, breaks down latex.

Terazol

Stronger than the over-the-counter Terazol, this is another topical treatment. As with other topical treatments, Terazol breaks down latex. It has also caused headaches, fever, and flu-like symptoms in some women.

At-home & Natural Remedies for Yeast Infections

If natural remedies are preferred over prescription or over-the-counter treatments, there are many options for the treatment of yeast infection at home. Successful at-home treatments include:

Yogurt

Contains a bacterium found in healthy vaginas that helps to kill yeast by producing hydrogen peroxide. This method requires the application of yogurt directly onto the vulva, as well as the injection of some yogurt into the vagina. Yogurt can be injected using a syringe without a needle or by more creative means, such as freezing some yogurt in the fingers of a disposable glove or tampon applicator and then inserting it into the vagina like a tampon. Plain, unflavored yogurt without added sugar must be used and it must contain live acidophilus cultures. This type of yogurt should be available in most natural food stores. This treatment should be administered once or twice per day until symptoms of the yeast infection cease.

Garlic

Contains natural anti-fungal substances that kill yeast. To administer this treatment, take one fresh clove and garlic and remove the papery skin. Wrap the clove in gauze or cheesecloth and tie the ends with un-waxed dental floss so the contraption resembles a tampon. Insert the homemade garlic tampon into the vagina and leave it for several hours, such as over night. Remove in the morning and repeat as necessary. If the gauze or cheesecloth is uncomfortable, the clove of garlic may be inserted into the vagina alone and is pretty easily removed later, either on its own naturally or through pushing. However, inserting the clove directly does mean that if it is not expelled naturally, a doctor may need to be consulted.

Teatree Oil

Commonly used in Italy to treat yeast infections, a few drops of teatree oil are added to the tip of a tampon, which has been coated with KY Jelly, and the tampon is then inserted into the vagina. The KY Jelly prevents the teatree oil from being absorbed by the tampon, thus allowing it to coat the vaginal walls.

Boric Acid

Fill capsules from a natural food store with boric acid to use as suppositories. Insert 2 capsules—about 600 mg of boric acid total—into the vagina every night for a week. The heat and moisture from the vagina will dissolve the capsules. This treatment can cause burning and discomfort for a few days and increased vaginal discharge. If burning is severe, do not continue to use this treatment.

Potassium Sorbate

A fungicide used in preserving food and brewing beer, potassium sorbate is available anywhere brewing supplies are sold and at some natural food stores. Make a potassium sorbate solution by mixing 1 tablespoon potassium sorbate to 1 cup of water. Dip a cotton tampon into the solution and insert into the vagina before bed. Remove the tampon in the morning, and continue this treatment until symptoms of the yeast infection cease. Another option is to insert a dry tampon and inject the potassium sorbate into the vagina afterwards so the tampon absorbs the solution.

Yeast infections are common and generally easily treated with either home remedies or medications available through prescription or over-the-counter. However, remember that proper diagnosis is essential in the treatment of yeast infections. There are other illnesses that present with similar symptoms, such as some sexually transmitted diseases. Therefore, it is extremely important to seek the advice of a medical professional if at-home or over-the-counter treatment has been ineffective.

Hay fever is a common condition. So common in fact that it is thought to affect one in five people. As with many common ailments, hay fever has many aliases. Other names for hay fever include seasonal allergic rhinitis, nasal allergies, pollinosis, or simply allergies. No matter which name it is called by, hay fever can mean pain, discomfort and inconvenience to the people who suffer from it.

There are many different symptoms associated with hay fever. Some people may experience only mild discomfort while others will have more severe symptoms. No matter how mild or severe symptoms may be, they are almost always distracting and unpleasant. People who suffer from hay fever may have trouble performing daily tasks such as going to school or work.

Luckily, hay fever is easily treated. There are many treatment options including prevention techniques, medications and home remedies. With so many options available, it is usually possible for each person to find just the right relief for all of their hay fever symptoms.

Symptoms of Hay Fever

The symptoms of hay fever are very diverse. Though it is possible to suffer from only one or two symptoms, it is more common to have several of the symptoms listed. Symptoms of hay fever may include:

• Itchy, watery eyes
• Runny nose
• Stuffy nose
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Puffy or dark under eye circles
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Itching in the throat, ears or skin
• Sinus pressure
• Foggy head or trouble concentrating

Most often, hay fever symptoms will occur immediately with exposure to allergens. Some symptoms, such as coughing, may occur up to 30 minutes later. Regardless of when symptoms appear, they will remain as long as a person is exposed to the substance that is causing the allergic reaction. Due to the fact that hay fever is directly caused by exposure to substances outside the body, people cannot “wait out” the symptoms in the same way that they would a cold.

The following list contains symptoms that are not associated with hay fever and may be a sign of a bigger problem. Any time there is a doubt as to what is causing symptoms, it is important to seek the advice of a doctor to ensure proper treatment. Consult a doctor if the following symptoms are present:

• Hay fever is so severe that breathing becomes difficult
• Other conditions are aggravated by the hay fever (such as asthma)
• Pain and redness in the ears
• Fever
• Skin rash or blisters (may be a sign of skin allergies)
• Hay fever medications produce painful or unpleasant side effects

Causes of Hay Fever

Hay fever symptoms are caused by an immune reaction to inhaled allergens. Common allergens can be divided into indoor and outdoor varieties. Some examples of indoor allergens are dust, dust mites, mold, pet dander, cleaning chemicals and smoke. Some examples of outdoor allergens are pollen, ragweed, mold, trees, grass and other plants.

Hay fever symptoms are the body’s way of protecting people from possibly dangerous substances. The immune reaction within the body is the same no matter which allergen causes it. When an allergen enters the body, it triggers the release of histamine to help fight off the invading substance. Nasal passages and mucus membranes will swell in an attempt to keep other allergens from entering the body. This results in sinus pressure and headaches. Sneezing is triggered in an attempt to clear the allergens that have already entered the body. At the same time, mucus membranes will release extra fluid in order to flush the system, resulting in a runny nose.

Hay fever can be seasonal, perennial (year-round) or both. It is very common for a person to be allergic to more than one substance at a time. This may cause the symptoms to last well past the end of “allergy season”. In cases where symptoms are severe and/or constant, the body can begin to wear down, leaving the hay fever sufferer irritable and cranky. Identifying the specific triggers of hay fever and receiving the right treatment will greatly reduce the time needed for recovery.

Testing and Diagnoses of Hay Fever Triggers

A doctor and/or an allergist should be able to determine the exact cause of hay fever symptoms by doing an allergy test. Knowing the season in which hay fever symptoms are at their worst will help the doctor to narrow down the causes. In preparation for an allergy test, it is a good idea to consult a doctor and develop a course of action. Have a list of symptoms, times and seasons when symptoms are at their worst, and any questions ready when the initial consultation takes place.

Allergy tests are most often performed by applying liquid solutions of possible allergens directly to the skin or under it. This can be done by lightly pricking the skin or using a swab to apply the allergen. Solutions are left on the skin for a short period of time (usually about 30 minutes) and reactions are carefully monitored. Swelling, redness or irritation indicates an allergic response to an applied substance.

Preventing Hay Fever

The best way to prevent hay fever is to avoid the allergens that cause it. Knowing what is causing the symptoms is the first step to any kind of prevention. A doctor can help narrow down the exact cause of hay fever symptoms, but there are some prevention methods that will work even if the exact allergen is not known.

Prevention of hay fever symptoms caused by indoor allergens begins with a clean house. Carpets and furniture should be vacuumed and washed regularly to prevent build up of pet dander, dust and dust mites. Filters in central air conditioning and heating units should be changed on a regular basis. It is even possible to purchase filters that are specially designed to trap allergens. Using an air purifier may also provide relief. As an added precaution, wear a mask or tie a handkerchief around the mouth and nose while dusting and cleaning the house.

Preventing hay fever symptoms caused by outdoor allergens may require a little planning and attention to detail. Pollen and other allergens are often more prevalent in the morning and late evening hours, so doing yard work in the afternoon or early evenings is recommended. In cases of severe symptoms, it is also advisable to wear a mask and/or goggles while working outside.

Though a fresh Spring breeze may be tempting, closing the windows of the house will keep most allergens out. Clothes should be dried in the house so they don’t pick up allergens while they dry on a line outside. Finally, taking a shower before bed will wash away any allergens that may have stuck to the hair or clothing and make sleeping easier while keeping bedding allergen free.

Medical and Pharmaceutical Treatments for Hay Fever

There are many medicinal treatments available for hay fever. Treatments can be OTC (over the counter) or by prescription, and be found in pills, liquid or nasal spray formulations. Knowing the cause and exact nature of the hay fever symptoms will be beneficial in choosing the correct treatment.

Most hay fever medicines will contain an antihistamine of some type. Antihistamines and histamine blockers are designed to stop the flow of histamine in the body, thus preventing unpleasant symptoms. Many newer types of antihistamines such as loratadine, cetirizine and desloratadine are available in OTC medications that improve mental clarity and do not cause drowsiness. Loratadine can be taken once every 24 hours to provide all day relief. Older antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine and diphenhydramine often cause marked drowsiness and should be used with discretion.

Hay fever medications in the form of pills or liquid are often formulated to treat a wide variety of symptoms. They may contain antihistamines, decongestants and pain relievers in different combinations or amounts. Having a combination of medications like this can provide fast and effective relief for a variety of symptoms.

Nasal sprays come in many forms ranging from a saline mist that is designed to help flush nasal passages to a steroid mist that will open nasal passages and reduce the swelling of mucus membranes.

Saline and antihistamine nasal sprays are often available in OTC formulations. Steroid sprays are available by prescription only. Regardless of the type, nasal sprays should not be considered a permanent solution and should be used for a short time only.

Hay fever medications range in price from five dollars to fifty dollars. Prices can be influenced by brand, type of antihistamine and the size of the package.

Another option a doctor can recommend is immunotherapy or desensitization therapy (allergy shots). Allergy shots are not a fast cure, but rather a way of building an immunity to allergens. The shots contain trace amounts of certain allergens. A doctor will administer the shots over a period of three to five years.

Over that time, the exposure to the allergens in the shots will desensitize the immune system and stop hay fever from happening. Immunotherapy is often expensive, but can provide huge benefits in cases where it has been recommended by a doctor.

There is no permanent medical cure for hay fever. In rare cases, such as narrow nasal passages and deviated septum, it is possible for rhinoplasty (nasal surgery commonly referred to as a “nose job”) to provide a small amount of relief by making it easier to breath. This is not a recommended cure for hay fever, however, due to the high cost and the fact that changing the nasal passages will not change the immune reactions inside the body.

Homeopathic and Home Remedies for Hay Fever

There are many home remedies for hay fever. Home remedies can use many things, including fruit, vegetables, vitamins, herbs and in some cases, water. Price ranges for homeopathic remedies are very wide spread due to the different natures of the remedies. Home remedies are not always less expensive than medications, but are often just as effective.

One home remedy that has grown in popularity is the use of a Neti Pot. A Neti Pot is used to irrigate the sinus passages by flushing them with a saline solution. Neti Pots come in many shapes and sizes and can be made from clay, metal, plastic, or many other materials. Neti Pot users are required to tilt their heads in order to control the flow of saline solution. Alternatives to a traditional Neti Pot include bulb syringes and pulsatile devices. Bulb syringes allow people to control the flow of saline solution by applying more pressure when needed. Pulsatile devices control the flow of saline solution with a small motor. Though beneficial as a temporary solution, irrigating the sinuses, like nasal sprays, can have negative side effects if done too often.

Many people have reported finding relief from hay fever symptoms by building up an immunity to the outdoor allergens (especially pollen) that cause their symptoms. This can be done by taking a daily dose of honey that comes from a local provider. Bees in the area use the pollen to make the honey, which infuses it with small amounts of the pollen. One tablespoon of the local honey each day for a year may train the immune system to recognize the pollen and no longer view it as a threat.

Herbal Options & Healthy Dieting

Drinking herbal tea is another common home remedy for hay fever. Tea should be made with filtered water to avoid heavy minerals or contamination in the water. Chamomile, echinacea and green tea contain ingredients that may boost the immune system and relieve hay fever symptoms. Adding honey and/or lemon to the tea can speed the feelings of relief.

A healthy, well balanced diet is essential to good health, and a good defense against hay fever. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables and staying well hydrated will help the body do it’s job more effectively, which will lesson or shorten hay fever symptoms.

C and B vitamins have been proven to boost the immune system. Getting enough of these vitamins will go a long way toward easing hay fever symptoms.

Having a humidifier on will help keep nasal passages from feeling dried out and painful. Adding mint, rosemary, lavender or chamomile to the water in the humidifier will help to open the nasal passages and make breathing easier. This can be especially helpful while sleeping.

The symptoms caused by hay fever can often leave people with dry and irritated nostrils. To ease the pain of irritated or dry nostrils, apply vitamin E oil or petroleum jelly to the nostrils. A thin layer on the outside and a little on the inside will be a big help.

Finding Relief

No matter what the cause or severity of hay fever symptoms is, there are many ways of treating it and finding relief from symptoms. Whether a person decides to use pharmaceutical hay fever medications, or homeopathic ones, there is no reason that they should have to suffer with constant symptoms. In the case of any medical problem, including hay fever, it is best to consult a doctor before beginning any treatment.