Vertigo and Deafness Clinic

Although nose bleeds are quite common during the cold months, they can occur in the summer months too. This is because, during the summer heat, your nose may tend to get excessively dry. The protective layer of mucus in the nasal cavity tends to dry up during the summer months, thus resulting in nose bleeds. The hot summers can also lead to allergies, which in result can cause nose bleeds.
Although a nose bleed may be quite messy, it is nothing very serious and can be easily prevented or stopped. Here are a few home remedies that you can try if you are prone to nose bleeds during the summers-
1. Vinegar
Vinegar is easily available in any household and effectively stops a nose bleed. Just pour in some vinegar in a cotton ball or a piece of cloth and plug it into your nose for some time.
2. Ice
Ice also effectively helps with controlling nose bleeds. Just rub the ice against your nose to reduce the swelling in the blood vessels. The ice will also effectively numb the pain offering instant relief.
3. Foods containing vitamin C
Ensure that during the summer months you infuse the right amount of Vitamin C into your diet. This is because Vitamin C helps with blood clotting, and will stop a nose bleed faster. Foods that are rich in vitamin C are guavas, kale, mustard, parsley, oranges, strawberries and lemons.
4. Baking soda
Baking soda works wonders for nose bleeds. Just mix some amount of baking soda into water, and transfer the solution into a spray bottle. Spray your nose with the solution.
5. Steam
Inhaling steam is a great way to prevent nose bleeds. When you take in steam, it moistens the nasal cavity and prevents it from becoming dry, thus avoiding any bleeding.
6. Another way to quickly stop a nose bleed is to elevate your head. Keep your head in that position until the bleeding stops and try not to bend, as it can just aggravate the bleeding.
7. Whole-wheat bread
Make whole-wheat bread as part of your daily diet during the summers. This is because it is said to contain Zinc, which protects the blood vessels in the body.
8. Drink water
Also ensure that you keep yourself hydrated at all times during the hot summer months. Drink plenty of water liquids like fruit juice and milkshake, to prevent your nose from drying out.

 

Tonsillitis is a disorder of the tonsils present on the back of your throat. The tonsils acts as a defensive mechanism in the body as they prevent the body from infections. This is a contagious condition and can occur at any age. It is widely prevalent among school going kids.

Tonsillitis may be classified in to two types:

1. Chronic tonsillitis: This type of tonsillitis tends to last for an extended duration with symptoms of bad breath and tenderness in the lymph nodes.
2. Recurrent tonsillitis: This is a form of acute tonsillitis which repeats itself over a year.

Causes
Tonsils prevent various virus and bacteria from entering the body through the mouth by producing antibodies. The tonsils, however, may become vulnerable to these infections. A virus that causes common cold or the bacteria that causes strep throat may result in tonsillitis. The most common cause of this disorder is the strep bacteria.

School going children are especially vulnerable to this disorder because they are most prone to various infections.

The various viruses that may cause tonsillitis are:

1. Enterovirus
2. Herpes simplex virus
3. Epstein-Barr virus
4. Influenza virus
5. Adenovirus
6. Parainfluenza virus

Common Symptoms

The various symptoms of tonsillitis are -

1. Swallowing difficulties
2. A sore throat
3. The sore throat may result in bad breath
4. You may experience fever and chills
5. Pain in the head, ear and stomach
6. You may experience stiffness in the neck and the jaw
7. Swollen tonsils with possible redness
8. Changes in voice
9. Symptoms of cold

Treatment
The treatment for tonsillitis is usually antibiotics and in some cases, tonsillectomy. The antibiotics help in getting rid of the bacterial infection. Surgery is only done in cases where tonsillitis is chronic in nature. It is important that you drink fluids and restrict smoking to prevent tonsillitis.