Health

Published March 27, 2023

It’s important to take note of how our tongue looks since it can be a good indicator of our health as well as provide insight into what’s going on inside of our bodies. For example, it is connected to many of our vital organs, and its many colors, coatings, textured, and shapes can provide information about our health. But what does it mean if you have a gray tongue?

What Causes Gray Tongue

Your tongue is not something you often notice since you’re used to it. In addition, you’re likely more inclined to avoid tooth decay; therefore, it’s unlikely to be the most important area of your mouth. But if your tongue has a different color, you probably have some health problems. 

When you have digestive issues, your tongue may turn gray. When debris, bacteria, and dead cells get stuck between the enlarged and sometimes inflamed papillae, it looks like a white or gray coating on the tongue. Poor oral hygiene, on the other hand, can also cause your tongue to have a gray color.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

GERD develops when stomach acid rushes back repeatedly into the tube connecting the mouth and stomach. This backwash may cause irritation to the esophagus lining.

Changes in lifestyle and over-the-counter drugs can be used to treat GERD. However, if you do not find relief within a few weeks, you should seek immediate medical help.

Food Intolerance

When your digestive system cannot tolerate certain meals, you have a food intolerance. In contrast to food allergies, which can cause rashes, hives, and respiratory problems, food intolerance only affects the digestive system.

Celiac disease is one form of food intolerance that causes digestive problems when eating gluten. People who have celiac disease must stick to a gluten-free diet to minimize experiencing symptoms and damage to the small intestine.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

IBD is a chronic swelling that affects one or more parts of the digestive tract. IBD comes in two forms: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. In addition, IBD can result in more general digestive disorders, including abdominal pain or diarrhea. Other symptoms include incomplete bowel motions, fatigue, night sweats, rectal bleeding, loss of appetite, and weight loss.

Treatments for IBD differ depending on the specific type and symptoms. Medications can help reduce inflammation, thus eliminating symptoms. Anti-inflammatory medications, antibiotics, biologics, corticosteroids, and immunomodulators are used to treat IBD.

Chronic Constipation

Chronic constipation shows a problem with waste elimination. This occurs most frequently when the colon is unable to transfer stools through the digestive tract. You may have abdominal pain, bloating, and a decrease in bowel movements.

Fiber, water, as well as exercise are likely to help in the prevention of constipation. In addition, medications can provide relief for more serious conditions.

Published March 27, 2023

The tongue is a tiny, muscular organ that can vary in color depending on its condition. Yet, it is not unusual for some underlying health issues to cause the tongue to become red, purple, or other colors. While it is normal for the color of your tongue to vary, any noticeable change may indicate that something is wrong.

Continue reading to learn about the various colors that can happen on your tongue as well as the qualities of a healthy tongue.

What a Healthy Tongue Means

Pink is the usual color of a healthy tongue, but its shade can still vary between dark and light shades depending on a person’s health. Moreover, the top and bottom of your tongue have tiny nodules. Certain medical conditions may cause changes in the color of your tongue, and a change in tongue color may be the first sign of a serious underlying problem. 

Suppose, for instance, that your tongue swells and then becomes painful, changes significantly in appearance, and develops persistent spots or lesions. In that case, you should go to the dentist or a doctor immediately to find the cause of the problem.

What an Unhealthy Tongue Looks Like

A considerable shift in color from the normal pink hue is one of the earliest indications of an unhealthy tongue. Pain when chewing, drinking, or swallowing and the appearance of new lumps and bumps are other indications of a possible health problem.

Based on color or appearance, the following are potential reasons for tongue abnormalities. This list serves only as a guide. See a doctor immediately if you observe any of these changes.

Appearance and Color

A high fever can cause red bumpy patches on the tongue’s surface, which disappear when the fever subsides. Meanwhile, “Leukoplakia” can occur if your tongue is irritated; it is frequently found in smokers and tobacco users. But, if you are not a smoker and notice white patches on your tongue, you should immediately call your dentist or doctor to check for oral cancer.

A tongue that’s excessively red may indicate a vitamin deficiency, like folic acid or B12; Kawasaki disease and scarlet fever may also cause redness. In the meantime, a protein buildup can cause little lumps on the tongue to become elongated, creating the appearance of hair on the tongue. Lastly, a tender tongue could be caused by anything from a food allergy to a canker sore.

Poor oral hygiene, a dry mouth, cigarette or alcohol use, inflammation of the stomach lining, or a poor immune system can lead to a buildup of bacteria on the tongue, causing it to appear yellow or develop a yellow coating. Meanwhile, a white coating may indicate oral thrush, a condition caused by an overgrowth of yeast in the oral cavity.

Published March 13, 2023

While some people experiences that their ear won’t stop ringing, some may hear a different sound inside their heads, such as buzzing, roaring, hissing, or clicking. It is possible for the sounds to be intermittent or continual. The ringing sound could be a small inconvenience or a serious distraction. But, if you are one of the people who keep asking, “why won’t my ears stop ringing?”; there may be something to be done about it.

Why Your Ear Won’t Stop Ringing

Tinnitus is the condition when you hear ringing in your ears. It typically starts in your inner ear. Mostly, the ringing sound is a result of damage to or loss of cochlear sensory hair cells. Tinnitus can manifest in various ways, including ringing sounds.

The sound might be heard softly or loudly in one or both ears. Usually, it is more evident at night when you are not preoccupied or distracted. Moreover, it is frequently accompanied by hearing loss.

Almost everyone has experienced temporary tinnitus following exposure to excessively loud noise. For instance, exposure to noisy environments might trigger temporary tinnitus. In addition, several drugs can cause tinnitus that disappears after the drug is stopped. Chronic tinnitus is defined as tinnitus that lasts for longer than six months.

Hearing loss is linked to this condition, which affects as many as 50-60 million people in the United States. Many people worry that tinnitus is an indication of deafness or another serious medical condition, although this is rarely the case.

Causes of Tinnitus

Tinnitus is usually a symptom of hearing loss. Noise-induced hearing loss is considered to be one of the most common causes of tinnitus. This can be caused by always being exposed to loud sounds or maybe by one serious incident which damages hair cells in the ear. Your tinnitus could also be caused by the following:

• Ear infection
• Sinus infection
• Earwax buildup
• Meniere’s disease
• Head injury

What You Can Do

It is recommended that anyone experiencing tinnitus get medical attention. Your doctor will take a medical history, perform a physical exam, and conduct a series of tests to determine the problem’s cause. The majority of patients who seek medical help learn that no serious medical issue is causing their condition. This information alone is typically enough for some people to adjust to the noises they hear. If your ears won’t stop ringing, do this immediately.

• Biofeedback therapy — this can help reduce tinnitus sounds for many people. Once trained in the technique, you will have the ability to influence the automatic functions of your body.
• Earwax removal — when you remove the ear wax, hearing returns to normal, and any temporary tinnitus disappears. This means that if ear wax is creating any ringing in the ears, then removing the ear wax will return your hearing to normal.
• Hearing aid — a hearing aid will allow you to hear ambient sounds, which can distract you from the ringing.
• Musculoskeletal factors — sometimes, clenching the jaw, grinding the teeth, a previous injury, or muscle strain in the neck can amplify tinnitus. Try tensing muscles or making specific jaw or neck movements to see if you can control the sound.
• Avoid silence — tinnitus can be louder when there is complete silence. Listening to relaxing music or the sounds of nature can help you feel more relaxed.
• General health — the intensity of tinnitus can be affected by your general health. You can also lessen the impact of tinnitus by treating anxiety, depression, pain, and insomnia with psychotherapy or medicine.

Published March 6, 2023

Your child is continuously developing and discovering new things, and it may feel as if you are always playing catch-up while trying to ensure that everything is fine. Obviously, you will be alarmed if you suddenly observe your baby pulling on ear.

As long as it is not accompanied by crying, discomfort, or other symptoms, ear tugging in children younger than 2 or 3 years old is a perfectly natural behavior. Your baby may be tugging on their ears because:

Baby Tugging at Ear: Causes

A baby or young toddler who pulls at their ears may be tired or simply interested in exploring these unfamiliar parts of their body. For instance, as your baby grows, it may have recently discovered its ears, and your baby grabbing ear is learning how to use its hands.

Meanwhile, some babies relax by sucking on their thumbs or pacifiers, while others touch their ears. On the other hand, soap and other irritants can become stuck in the ear canal and may cause itching.

The most common cause of ear pulling in older children is a buildup of earwax, which happens when their guardians use cotton swabs to clean their baby’s ears, which actually push the earwax further back. Teething is also a likely cause of a toddler’s ear tugging, as it can sometimes resemble an ear infection, and your child may be uncomfortable about it. However, it is unclear whether teething and pulling are related.

Pain from an ear infection is a common cause for babies to tug at their ears, but in most cases, you may also notice other symptoms of illness in your baby, such as excessive crying, irritability, fever, or signs of a cold or flu.

Baby Tugging at Ear: Treatments

The eardrum separates the ear canal from the middle ear, preventing water from entering your baby’s middle ear while you bathe them. So, if your child gets water in their ear, it will not be dangerous; however, it can be uncomfortable.

If a buildup of earwax is the cause of your baby’s ear condition, you can remedy it at home with warm mineral oil. The earwax can be softened by placing a couple of drops in the ear twice daily for five days. When the earwax is loose, a warm shower is typically required to remove it. Direct the warm water into your child’s ear, and then tilt the head to allow the earwax to drain out.

Published February 27, 2023

When the tympanic membrane in the ear that aids hearing breaks, it causes a perforation known as a ruptured eardrum. Ear infections, rapid pressure changes, and injuries caused by inserting foreign objects into the ear can all cause damage to the eardrum. As ruptured eardrums can be uncomfortable and disrupt sleep, you may question, “What side should I sleep on with a ruptured eardrum?”

This article will talk about the most common signs and causes of a ruptured eardrum, as well as when to seek medical attention and what to expect from the treatment and follow-up care.

What Side Should I Sleep On With a Ruptured Eardrum?

Some people may experience a ruptured eardrum in only one ear, while others may experience it in both. Since a ruptured eardrum might cause ear pain; sleeping position, respective of the cause, is important to help you sleep properly. For example, if only one of your eardrums is ruptured, you may find sleeping on your back or on the opposite side more pleasant, with the ruptured ear facing up.

You can sleep on your back if you have ruptured your eardrums from diving or flying (rapid pressure change). Make sure you have the correct pillow for back sleeping. When you have an ear infection, it is important to sleep with your head elevated so that the drain is unobstructed; otherwise, pressure may continue to build up in the middle ear, causing pain.

If you have ruptured eardrums in both ears, lying on your back may be the most advisable position while your ears heal. Then, if you experience a lot of pressure inside, try sleeping in an upright position or on multiple pillows.

What Causes a Ruptured Eardrum?

Most cases of a ruptured eardrum, mainly in children, are brought on by an infection in the middle ear. With a middle ear infection, fluid and pus fill the middle ear. The resulting pressure can result in the eardrum rupturing and cause drainage.

Rapid pressure changes can also lead the eardrum to rupture; this can happen while scuba diving, flying, or going to high-altitude places. The eardrum can also be ruptured by extremely loud sounds or blasts, such as an explosion; however, this is highly unlikely.

Another cause of ruptured eardrums is ear trauma. Children and adults alike may accidentally pierce their eardrums using ear-cleaning tools. Moreover, head traumas that compress the ear might rupture one or both eardrums. In addition, those who have had ear surgery or recurrent middle ear infections are at a greater risk for ruptured eardrums.

Published February 20, 2023

Ear congestion results from obstructed Eustachian tubes. The Eustachian tube links the nose to the middle ear. It helps balance the middle ear’s pressure.

Blocked Eustachian tubes cause ear fullness and heaviness. You may also experience ear pain and hearing loss. Middle ear or ear canal issues that affect the eardrum can also cause ear congestion (a.k.a. the tympanic membrane).

Sinus infections, allergies, and the common cold can cause ear congestion. Air travel or altitude changes can also cause Eustachian tube dysfunction, causing ear congestion. Continue reading to find out how to clear ear congestion fast and what is causing it.

How to Clear Ear Congestion

Before beginning treatment for ear congestion, it is necessary to determine the root cause of the problem. Here are some things that can cause ear congestion and how to treat them.

Earwax Blockage

Earwax may be densely packed to naturally exit the ear canal. When this happens, applying a few drops of glycerin or baby/mineral oil to the wax can help soften it. Then, water can be introduced into the ear using a syringing kit after 15 to 30 minutes; to prevent dizziness, the liquid should be at room temperature.

You should avoid ear syringing if you have a hole in your eardrum or ear tubes, which could introduce water deeper into the ear canal.

Sinus Congestion

Any condition that causes sinus congestion (like sinusitis, flu, allergies, etc.) can also cause ear congestion. These are the following treatments on how to drain sinus from ear to clear sinus and ear congestion:

• Gently blow your nose
• Use a nasal decongestant
• Drink plenty of water, especially at night, to thin the mucus in your nose
• Use a humidifier, a nasal rinse, or a nasal irrigation system to clear the sinuses behind ear

Air Travel (Changes in Altitude)

Rapid changes in air pressure that occur during air travel or changes in altitude can stress your middle ear and eardrum. You can prevent or alleviate congestion by yawning, swallowing, chewing gum, or eating hard candy.

You can also try the Valsalva maneuver by blowing your nose while closing your mouth and pinching your nostrils; repeat as necessary. Earplugs and nasal decongestant sprays available over-the-counter may also be helpful.

Published February 14, 2023

Probiotics are microorganisms that, when ingested, provide health benefits, but how long do probiotics stay in your system? These probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that support the body’s health and proper functioning. Although bacteria are the most common kind of probiotics, yeasts can also fulfill this function.

How Long Do Probiotics Stay in Your System?

The effects of probiotics subside within one to three weeks of discontinuing usage. This is why it is important to take probiotics on a regular basis. Your immune system allows a variety of bacteria to exist in your digestive system. The duration of the probiotic’s effects after a single dose is also dependent on the strain. Bacterias like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium can survive in your digestive tract for a longer period of time than most others.

If you want significant results, you should check into prebiotics because probiotics are foreign microorganisms that are introduced into the gut; they are prone to dying upon entry or being eradicated by the immune system.

However, prebiotics does not introduce new bacteria into the body. Instead, you consume a complex of fibers that can withstand your digestion process and reach your gut. After reaching your stomach, it nourishes and fortifies the healthy bacteria already present in your gut, making them more effective at maintaining your gut health.

How Long Do Probiotics Last in the Gut?

The amount of time probiotics remain in your gut depends on numerous factors, such as:

• Choices in diet and lifestyle
• How often it’s taken
• The type of strain
• Antibiotics and other drugs
• How much was taken

The majority of probiotics are temporary, meaning that they travel through the gut completing their job without attaching to the wall lining of the gut; this is why it is so important to take probiotics daily — to give your gut a consistent supply. Unfortunately, this also suggests that the effects you enjoy while taking the probiotics are likely to wane if you stop taking them.

Published February 6, 2023

Clogged ears are unpleasant and can make it difficult to hear. When this occurs, popping your ears could be helpful, but is popping your ear bad?

Is Popping Your Ear Bad?

When you pop your ears, the air is forced up the eustachian tube behind the eardrums. The popping sound is caused by the opening and closing of the eustachian tube. By releasing air, the eardrum’s pressure is equalized on both sides.

In most cases, popping your ears is safe. Typically, only the movement of the mouth muscles is required. Some techniques to unclog your ears are swallowing, the Toynbee maneuver, and nasal decongestants, but whatever approach you choose, remember to exercise caution. If your condition worsens, you must immediately stop trying to clear your ears and seek medical attention.

How Popping Your Ears be Bad?

Infection is the first reason why popping your ears can be harmful to your health. If you are experiencing sinus pressure or congestion, it is likely that you also have mucus buildup. In addition, the eustachian tube is connected to the nose; therefore, if you pop your ears, fluids from your nose may enter your ear and cause an ear infection.

Another risk associated with popping your ears is the possibility of rupturing your eardrums. Commonly, ears are popped by holding the nose and blowing out, but excessive pressure can rupture the eardrum. Never block your ears while sneezing, as this places excessive pressure on your ears.

If you are going to pop your ears by pinching your nose and blowing, you must stop if the pressure becomes painful.

What Causes Ear Congestion?

Changes in air pressure can sometimes cause ear congestion. However, it may also be a sign of eustachian tube dysfunction, in which the tube swells and mucus or fluid accumulates. In addition, a cold, flu, sinus infection, or allergies can also cause eustachian tube dysfunction.

What are the Techniques to Pop Ears?

You can pop or unclog your ears using the following techniques:

Valsalva Maneuver

Close your nostrils by pinching them with your fingers. Try to maintain neutral or pulled-in cheeks and gently blow air through your nostrils; this may help to open the eustachian tube by generating pressure in the back of the nose. The eustachian tube then opens, and this is the reason why if you’re asking yourself, “why do my ears pop when I blow my nose?”

Toynbee Maneuver

To perform this maneuver, pinch your nose with a finger or two and then swallow. A sip of water can make this technique more natural.

Published January 31, 2023

The common cold is caused by the infection of the nose and throat by a virus. It can cause a variety of symptoms, such as a runny/stuffy nose, cough, as well as congestion. In addition, you may sometimes experience headaches and body aches.

Occasionally, a cold might also cause cough and ear pain. Discomfort in or around your ear typically manifests as a dull aching.

An earache may occur during or following a cold. In any case, it is possible to ease discomfort and improve your condition.

Learn what is the best ear pain due to cold air remedy at home and when you should consult a doctor.

Best At-Home Ear Pain Due to Cold Air Remedy

The majority of people feel well on their own after a few days of earache due to a cold. Fortunately, there are remedies you can make at home to lessen the discomfort.

1. Rest and Sleep

Sleeping and resting will help the immune system in fighting off cold and possible secondary infections. Tip: the pressure on your aching ear can be relieved by sleeping on the opposite side.

2. Sleeping Position

Resting or sleeping in an upright position, as opposed to lying down, can help fluid drain from the ear as well; this could ease pain and pressure in the middle ear. Sleeping upward can be achieved in a reclined armchair or by stacking pillows in the bed.

3. Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of fluids and stay hydrated, regardless of what’s causing your earache. Hydration loosens mucus and accelerates recovery. You will find it useful to carry along a  water bottle at all times.

4. Hot or Cold Compress

Heat or ice packs applied to the affected ear may alleviate pain. For best results, try alternating hot and cold packs over your aching ear every twenty minutes. Keep your skin safe from the pack’s heat or cold by wrapping it in a clean towel before use.

5. Nasal Rinse

Try rinsing your nose with saline solution if you think your earache is caused by a sinus infection. This will aid in draining and clearing the sinuses. If you believe that the irrigation is treating your symptoms, you can repeat it as many as three times each day.

Published January 27, 2023

The bones of the skull and face have air-filled spaces known as the paranasal sinuses. They are located in the nasal cavity and serve different purposes, including lightening the head’s weight, heating and humidifying inhaled air, enhancing the resonance of the voice, and protecting the face in the event of a head or face impact.

There are four pairs of sinuses: 

• Maxillary, 
• Frontal, 
• Sphenoid, and 
• Ethmoid.

The sinuses become clogged with mucus whenever a person is ill. This obstruction produces congestion and can result in severe pressure and headaches. While nasal sprays and medicines are available to relieve symptoms, a simple massage treatment, like on how to drain maxillary sinus, can also provide relief.

Steps on How to Drain Maxillary Sinus

The maxillary sinuses, the largest of the sinuses, are found below the cheeks on both sides of the nose. The following is a guide for massaging the maxillary sinuses to improve nasal breathing:

• Apply pressure on the area near the nose, between the cheekbones and jaw, with the index and middle fingers.
• Circulate both fingers in the direction of the ears. For a deeper massage, use the thumbs instead of the index and middle fingers.
• This sinus massage should take about 30 to 60 seconds. Repeat once or twice more.

Steps for Frontal Sinus Massage

The frontal sinuses can be found above each eye, right in the center of the forehead. Here are the steps for massaging the frontal sinuses to improve breathing and relieve sinus headaches:

• Place the tips of the index and middle fingers just above the eyebrows and rub gently in a circular motion.
• Move both fingers diagonally toward the center of the forehead before moving them slowly toward the temples.
• This sinus massage should take about 30 to 60 seconds. Repeat once or twice more.