Cold Cough Health Feed

Viral fever is a cumulative term which refers to a group of viral infections and is characterised by high fever, headaches, body ache, burning in the eyes, nausea and vomiting. It usually comes in package with severe cough and cold.

It actually is not an ailment but is the result of an underlying cause, which is viral infection. This infection can occur in any part of the body such as lungs, intestines, air passage, etc., and the high fever is the sign of immune system of the body fighting against the invasion of viruses.

How does viral fever, cough and cold occur?

Just like its name, 'viral fever' travels from one person to another. Whenever an infected person yawns, coughs, sneezes or even talks, he/she releases tiny fluids in the environment, putting the nearby people at risk of suffering from the infection.

The infection may occur due to mosquito, tick bites or by coming in contact with the infected person’s blood or semen.

Symptoms:

Symptoms:The symptoms of viral fever include:

• High fever
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Severe weakness
• Muscle and body ache
• Painful tonsils
• Sore throat
• Burning sensation in eyes
• Skin rashes
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Running nose
• Cough

Diagnosis

As the symptoms of the viral fever have too much resemblance to other diseases like dengue, malaria, chikungunya, typhoid, etc., it is better to consult a doctor before taking any random antibiotic. The doctors often recommend blood test to be sure about your disease before beginning with the treatment.

Treatment

As there are no antibiotics for viral fever, the doctors prefer prescribing fever-reducing medicines. If a doctor is prescribing antibiotics, then it is to ensure that you do not get infected with any other viruses while being sick.

It is always very important to complete the full course of antibiotics recommended by the doctor. If you stop taking the medication midway, your body will create antibiotic-resistant bacteria and the same medicines will become ineffective.

How can we prevent viral fever?

Keeping ourselves and our daily activities clean and maintaining appropriate distance from infected people is the best prevention for the disease. Some prevention measures are as follows:

• Wash hands properly before eating
• Avoid eating outside in open areas
• Always cover your mouth while coughing, sneezing or yawning
• Drink as much water as you can

The doctors, however, do not give any dietary restrictions, but it is always good to follow a balanced diet and completing the course of prescribed medicines prescribed by the doctor.
 

In your everyday life, it is quite common to experience several first aid and domestic health emergencies. This may include many health conditions, which are minor in nature, but require medical attention. Accidents like cuts, bites, grazes, bruises, bumps and burns can occur any time. Equally common headaches, cramps and ailments, which include cold, cough, flu, viral fever, sore throats, indigestion and several others.

And, homeopathic medicines are a great, natural remedy for effectively treating the above mentioned health conditions. So here are some common homeopathic medicines, which you should keep in your first aid box in order to treat common health issues:

1. Arnica: This is a very famous and common homeopathic medicine used to treat all kinds of injuries. It acts as an instant pain reliever and by taking it immediately after an injury, quick results are obtained. It gives relief to internal cuts and bruises by a process called extravasation, which involves the breaking of tissues beneath the skin. Effective healing of bruises, cuts and other injuries is also provided. It also helps in relieving the mind in case of any emotional trauma.

2. Aconite: This homeopathic medicine works effectively in treating several physical and emotional conditions. It successfully treats ailments such as cough, cold, sore throat, fever and all conditions related to exposure and cold. Aconite can also calm the anxiety in patients.

3. Apis Mel: This homeopathic medicine treats bee stings. It can be taken after being stung by a bee or wasp and if stinging pain is felt along with inflammation. It is also used to treat heat rashes and conditions where the skin gets swollen. This medicine is a diuretic and encourages the body to release water.

4. Argentum Nitricum: This homeopathic medicine is useful in treating anxiety and tension. When a person is extremely worried about something, this medicine can be used to calm him down and provide mental relief. It can help avoid loose bowel movement which often occurs due to tension and sickness. You can take this before examinations, flights and sea voyages.

5. Arsenicum Alb: This medicine is ideal for treating several symptoms related to stomach and digestion problems. Problems such as food poisoning, stomach upset, diarrhoea and vomiting are treated efficiently with it. It is also used for mental conditions, such as panic attack and extreme anxiety.

6. Belladonna: This homeopathic medicine is extensively used for treating sunstroke, different types of inflammations and throbbing headaches, which worsen when exposed to noise and light. Ear infections are treated with this as well.

Since homeopathic medicines are safer than their allopathic counterparts due to absence of side effects, they can be taken for treating day to day health worries. But if in doubt, feel free to consult a homeopathic doctor for more information.

The ear, nose and throat may seem disconnected but in fact are very closely connected. For this reason, a cold often turns into a cough and earaches are common symptoms of throat infections. ENT or ear, nose and throat problems are very common and can affect children and adults. Homeopathy can be very effective in treating ENT problems. Here are a few common ENT problems and homoeopathic remedies that can be used to treat them.

Common cold
Whether a cold is minor or severe it can cause a lot of discomfort to the patient. If not caught in time, a cold can turn into a cough, chest congestion etc. A cold can cause nasal discharge, burning eyes, sneezing, headaches etc. Some of the homoeopathic remedies used to treat a cold are:

1. Aconite Nap: This is used in cases where a cold is brought on suddenly by a change in climate or exposure to cold winds.
2. Allium cepa: A cold that leads to a watery discharge from the eyes, a bitter nasal discharge and crusting around the nostrils and upper lip may be treated with Allium Cepa.
3. Euphrasia: A cold that causes acrid discharge form the eyes and inflammation can be treated with euphrasia.
4. Arsenicum album: A blocked nose that is accompanied by crusting of nasal discharge on the upper lips and around the nostrils can be treated with this homoeopathic remedy.

Nasal polyps
A fleshy swelling that grows in the lining of the nasal tissue and in the sinuses can create nasal congestion and blockages in the nose. This is often seen in cases where the person suffers from asthma or hay fever.

Some of the homoeopathic remedies for this condition are:

1. Pulsatilla: People who benefit from the use of pulsatilla to treat nasal polyps are usually thirsty and prefer being outdoors.
2. Sanguinaria: Nasal polyps that cause heightened sensitivity to odours can be treated with sanguinaria. In such cases, the patient often suffers from nasal polyps on their right side.
3. Teucrium: In cases where a person suffers from repetitive nasal polyps along with fibroids or other polyps can be treated with this homoeopathic remedy.

Sore throat: 

Sore throats are as common as colds or the flu. Depending on the symptoms presented it can be treated with a number of homoeopathic remedies. These include:

1. Belladonna: This can be used to treat sore throats that make the tongue appear coated and gives the person a flushed pallor.
2. Calcarea carbonica: Sore throats that are associated with the development of large glands on the neck may be treated with this remedy.
3. Lac caninum: This can be used to treat sore throats accompanied by pain that moves from one side to the other.