July 3, 2020 by Gogodoc Editor 0 Comments

Chest infection: Causes, Symptoms and treatments

What is Chest Infection?

A chest infection is a type of respiratory infection that impacts the lower part of your respiratory tract.
Your lower respiratory tract includes your windpipe, bronchi, and lungs.
The two most common types of chest infections are bronchitisand pneumonia. Chest infections can range anywhere from mild to severe.

Causes of chest infection:

A chest infection can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection. The exact cause will depend on the type of infection.
For example, bronchitis is often caused by a virus, whereas most cases of pneumonia are bacterial in origin.
You can catch a chest infection by inhaling the respiratory droplets that are generated when someone with an infection coughs or sneezes. That’s because the respiratory droplets carry the infection.
Additionally, coming into contact with a surface that’s contaminated with the virus or bacteria, and then touching your mouth or face can also spread the infection.
You may be at an increased risk for a chest infection if you:
- Are elderly
- Are pregnant
- Are a baby or young child
- Smoke
- Have a chronic health condition, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), asthma, or diabetes
- Have a weakened immune system, either from a condition such HIV, or from being the recipient of an organ transplant.

Symptoms of chest infection:

The symptoms of a chest infection can include:

Chesty cough (wet or phlegmy)
wheezing
Coughing up yellow or green mucus
Feeling short of breath
Discomfort in your chest
Fever
Headache
Muscle aches and pains
Feeling tired or fatigued

When to seek help from a healthcare provider?

In some cases, a chest infection, such as acute bronchitis, will go away on its own and you won’t have to see a doctor.
A pharmacist may be able to help you by recommending over-the-counter (OTC) decongestant medications to help loosen any mucus in your chest, which will make it easier to cough up.

You should always go to see a doctor for a chest infection if you:

Are over 65 years old
Have a child under 5 with symptoms of a chest infection
Are pregnant
Have a chronic health condition or a weakened immune system
Cough up blood or bloody mucus
Have symptoms such as a fever or headache that gets worse
Have a cough that lasts longer than three weeks
Have quick breathing, pain in your chest, or shortness of breath
Feel dizzy, confused, or disoriented

Treatment for chest infection:

If your chest infection is caused by a virus, antibiotics won’t be effective. Instead, your treatment will focus on easing your symptoms until you begin to get better.
If you have a bacterial infection, you’ll be treated with antibiotics. In a mild case, you can take these at home in tablet form.
If you have a severe bacterial chest infection, you may need to be treated with IV antibiotics in a hospital.
Always take the full course of antibiotics, even if you begin to feel better.

Home remedies for chest infection:

These home remedies may help ease the symptoms of your chest infection. Try these tips:

Take OTC medications such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) to lower your fever and help relieve any aches and pains.
Use OTC decongestants or expectorants to help loosen mucus and make it easier to cough up.
Be sure to get plenty of rest.
Drink lots of fluids. This keeps you hydrated and can loosen mucus, making it easier to cough up.
Avoid lying flat when sleeping. This can cause mucus to settle in your chest. Use extra pillows to elevate your head and chest at night.
Use a humidifier or inhale steam vapor to help relieve coughing.
Have a warm drink of honey and lemon if your throat is sore from too much coughing.
Avoid smoking, or being around secondhand smoke or other irritants.
Stay away from cough suppression medicines. Coughing actually helps you to get over your infection through clearing mucus from your lungs.

How long does it take to recover from a chest infection?

Most chest infection symptoms typically go away within 7 to 10 days, although a cough can last up to three weeks.
See your doctor if your symptoms haven’t improved or have gotten worse in this time.

What are possible complications from a chest infection?

Sometimes, a case of bronchitis can lead to pneumoniain some individuals.
The possible complications from a chest infection like pneumonia can include:
bacteria in your bloodstream (sepsis)
accumulation of fluid within your lungs
development of lung abscesses

How to prevent a chest infection?

You can help prevent chest infections by following the tips below:

Make sure your hands are clean, particularly before eating or touching your face or mouth.
Eat a healthy well-balanced diet. This can help boost your immune system and make you less susceptible to infection.
Get vaccinated. Chest infections can develop following an infection such as influenza, for which there’s a seasonal vaccine. You may also want to consider receiving the pneumococcal vaccine, which offers protection from pneumonia.
Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke.
Reduce the amount of alcohol that you consume.
If you’re already ill, wash your hands frequently and be sure to cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of any used tissues properly.

‘Ask Gogodoc About’ is an educational series providing information on various symptoms, pains, and disorders. (*intended for educational purposes only. If you are experiencing symptoms, please reach out to book an online GP consultation with a Gogodoc GP.) Talk to a doctor online at a time that suits you from home with a phone or video appointment. You can easily book an appointment with GP.

Book a video consultation today! and get expert advice.

July 2, 2020 by Gogodoc Editor 0 Comments

Chapped lips: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

What are Chapped Lips?

Chapped lips are a common condition that only occurs for most people. But some people may develop a more severe form of chapped lips called cheilitis. Cheilitis can be caused by an infection, characterized by cracked skin at the corners of the lips.
You can usually treat dry lips with simple treatment and preventive measures. If your lips continue to be severely dry and cracked, you should consider make an appointment with a dermatologist.

Causes of Chapped Lips:

Chapped lips are typically caused by environmental exposures that lead to irritation, including saliva and licking your lips, spicy foods, and cold, dry weather. The common coldand sun damagecan also cause chapped lips, he adds, as well as medication like cholesterol-lowering agents.
Allergic or irritant contact is another common cause of chapped lips, where exposure to an external product causes a true allergic reaction or a direct irritation to the skin. But most of the time, chapped lips are caused by dryness, and wind is a prime culprit.
Chapped lips can also be associated with a variety of underlying medical conditions, including thyroid disease, vitamin deficiencies, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Angular cheilitis, or inflammation in the corners of the mouth, is another common condition that can cause dry or chapped lips.

Symptoms of chapped lips:

You may experience any of the following symptoms on or around your lips:

Dryness
Flaking
Scales
Sores
Swelling
Cracks
Bleeding

How to Treat Chapped Lips:

Chapped lips can sometimes heal on their own, but if that isn’t happening after a day or two, try using a lip balm.
Stay away from products that contain fragrance, camphor, menthol, and salicylic acid, because these ingredients can cause irritation of the skin, leading to disruption of the skin barrier and loss of hydration, which can make chapped lips worse. You also want to avoid exfoliating lips that are already dry and irritated because that can lead to more harm than good.
If lip balms are not helping, visit your dermatologist. You can also try 1 percent hydrocortisoneto treat chapped lips if they are not improving on their own after a few days of using lip balm.
If you’re looking for a natural home remedy for chapped lips, try coconut oilbecause it spreads easily without dripping. “The same types of products you use for dry skincan often be used for the lips.

How to Prevent Chapped Lips?

Here are three simple ways to prevent chapped lips and keep your lips smooth and hydrated.

Avoid licking your lips.People sometimes lick their lips to reduce the feeling of dry lips, but saliva actually worsens the situation.
Pay attention to your lips.If they start to feel dry or itchy, apply a lip balm early.
Skip spicy foods.If you have sensitive skin, try to avoid spicy foods, which can irritate the lips.

‘Ask Gogodoc About’ is an educational series providing information on various symptoms, pains, and disorders. (*intended for educational purposes only. If you are experiencing symptoms, please reach out to book an online GP consultation with a Gogodoc GP.) Talk to a doctor online at a time that suits you from home with a phone or video appointment. You can easily book an appointment with GP.

Book a video consultation today! and get expert advice.

July 1, 2020 by Gogodoc Editor 0 Comments

Cellulitis: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

What is Cellulitis?

Cellulitis is a common and sometimes painful bacterial skin infection. It may first appear as a red, swollen area that feels hot and tender to the touch. The redness and swelling can spread quickly.
It most often affects the skin of the lower legs, although the infection can occur anywhere on a person’s body or face.
Cellulitis usually happens on the surface of the skin, but it may also affect the tissues underneath. The infection can spread to your lymph nodes and bloodstream.

Causes:

Cellulitis occurs when certain types of bacteria enter the skin through a cut or crack. Staphylococcus and Streptococcus bacteria can cause this infection.

The infection can start in skin injuries such as:

cuts
bug bites
surgical wounds

Symptoms:

Cellulitis symptoms include:

pain and tenderness in the affected area
redness or inflammation of your skin
a skin sore or rash that grows quickly
tight, glossy, swollen skin
a feeling of warmth in the affected area
an abscess with pus
fever

More serious cellulitis symptoms include:

shaking
chills
feeling ill
fatigue
dizziness
light headedness
muscle aches
warm skin
sweating

Symptoms like these could mean that cellulitis is spreading:

Contact your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms.

Treatment:

Cellulitis treatment involves taking antibiotics by mouth for 5 to 14 days. Your doctor may also prescribe pain relievers.
Rest until your symptoms improve. Raise the affected limb higher than your heart to reduce swelling.
Cellulitis should go away within 7 to 10 days after you start taking antibiotics. You might need longer treatment if your infection is severe due to a chronic condition or a weakened immune system.
Even if your symptoms improve within a few days, take all the antibiotics your doctor prescribed. This will make sure all of the bacteria are gone

Contact your doctor if:

You don’t feel better within 3 days after starting antibiotics
Your symptoms get worse
You develop a fever

You may need to be treated with intravenous (IV) antibiotics in a hospital if you have:

A high temperature
Low blood pressure
An infection that doesn’t improve with antibiotics
A weakened immune system due to other disease.

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June 29, 2020 by Gogodoc Editor 0 Comments

Boils: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

What are Boils?

A boil is a skin infection that starts in a hair follicle or oil gland. At first, the skin turns red in the area of the infection, and a tender lump develops. After four to seven days, the lump starts turning white as pus collects under the skin.

The most common places for boils to appear are on the face, neck, armpits, shoulders, and buttocks. When one forms on the eyelid, it is called a sty.
If several boils appear in a group, this is a more serious type of infection called a carbuncle.

Causes of Boils:

Most boils are caused by a germ (staphylococcal bacteria). This germ enters the body through tiny nicks or cuts in the skin or can travel down the hair to the follicle.

These health problems make people more susceptible to skin infections:

Diabetes
Problems with the immune system
Poor nutrition
Poor hygiene
Exposure to harsh chemicals that irritate the skin

Symptoms of Boils:

A boil starts as a hard, red, painful lump usually about half an inch in size. Over the next few days, the lump becomes softer, larger, and more painful. Soon a pocket of pus forms on the top of the boil. These are the signs of a severe infection:

The skin around the boil becomes infected. It turns red, painful, warm, and swollen.
More boils may appear around the original one.
A fever may develop.
Lymph nodes may become swollen.

When to Seek Medical Care?

You start running a fever.
You have swollen lymph nodes.
The skin around the boil turns red or red streaks appear.
The pain becomes severe.
The boil does not drain.
A second boil appears.
You have a heart murmur, diabetes, any problem with your immune system, or use immune suppressing drugs (for example, corticosteroids or chemotherapy) and you develop a boil.
Boils usually do not need immediate emergency attention. However, if you are in poor health and you develop high fever and chills along with the infection, a trip to a hospital’s emergency room is needed.

Treatments:

Your doctor can make the diagnosis with a physical exam. Many parts of the body may be affected by this skin infection, so some of the questions or exam may be about other parts of your body.

Boils Treatment -- Home Remedies

Apply warm compresses and soak the boil in warm water. This will decrease the pain and help draw the pus to the surface. Once the boil comes to a head, it will burst with repeated soakings. This usually occurs within 10 days of its appearance. You can make a warm compress by soaking a wash cloth in warm water and squeezing out the excess moisture.
When the boil starts draining, wash it with an antibacterial soap until all the pus is gone and clean with rubbing alcohol. Apply a medicated ointment (topical antibiotic) and a bandage. Continue to wash the infected area two to three times a day and to use warm compresses until the wound heals.
Do not pop the boil with a needle. This could make the infection worse.

Medical Treatment for Boils

If there are concerns about the seriousness of the infection, additional bloodtests will be performed. The doctor may prescribe antibioticsif the infection is severe. If the boil is drained, a culture may be done to determine the type of bacteria causing the infection and to assess if an appropriate antibiotic was given.
Whether the boil is drained at home or is lanced by a doctor, you will need to clean the infected area two to three times a day until the wound is healed. Apply an antibiotic ointment after washing and cover with a bandage. If the area turns red or looks as if it is getting infected again, contact your doctor.

How to prevent boils?

Help prevent boils by following these guidelines:

Carefully wash clothes, bedding, and towels of a family member who is infected with boils.
Clean and treat minor skin wounds.
Practice good personal hygiene.
Stay as healthy as possible.

‘

Ask Gogodoc About’ is an educational series providing information on various symptoms, pains, and disorders. (*intended for educational purposes only. If you are experiencing symptoms, please reach out to book an online GP consultation with a Gogodoc GP.) Talk to a doctor online at a time that suits you from home with a phone or video appointment. You can easily book an appointment with GP.

Book a video consultation today! and get expert advice.

June 25, 2020 by Gogodoc Editor 0 Comments

Bloating: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

What is Bloating?

Abdominal bloating refers to a condition in which the gastrointestinal tract is filled with gas and you experience tightness and discomfort around your belly area. Often people complain about pain, frequent burping or rumbling sounds from the stomach and flatulence.

What causes bloating?

Abdominal bloating is caused due to many reasons, it can be due to food, lifestyle and few medical conditions.

Gastric:
Reaction of certain medication:
Food and lifestyle:

Symptoms of bloating:

Bloating can be solved by changing your lifestyle but in some cases it requires medical attention. When you cannot control the pain or when you have bloating even after making certain lifestyle changes then you definitely need to consult a doctor. Here are some reasons that needs a special medical attention:

· Crohn’s disease

· Constant heartburn or acidity

· Constipation with blood flow

· Regular Vomiting or diarrhea

· Hormonal issues in women Weight gain

· Irritable bowel syndrome

Bloating can be irritating and cause long term issues, therefore try following these remedies to have a happy tummy!

Treatments for bloating:

Bloating can be cured if you make certain alternation in your daily lifestyle. You should make a list of food items that needs to be avoided such as carbonated drinks, deep fried and junk foods, processed food that contains a lot of preservatives, avoid excess intake of red meat and products with excess carbs in them, limit your sodium intake, avoid dairy products especially if you are lactose intolerant, quit smoking and limit alcohol intake, avoid eating chewing gums.
Have a proper balanced diet and try to stay hydrated throughout the day. Don’t delay your meals, and try to avoid binge eating. Make a schedule and stick to it, so that you can eat in proper and regular intervals. That would help in proper digestion of your food. Try including pro-biotic food items like yogurtto insure a healthy gut.

Include some kind of physical activity in your lifestyle. It will ensure a proper digestion and boost your metabolism as well. Go for walks or runs in the mornings or evenings and stay active throughout the day.

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June 24, 2020 by Gogodoc Editor 0 Comments

Aches: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Aches

Body aches are common. They can result from tiredness or exercise, but they can also be a symptom of an underlying condition.
People can often identify and treat body aches without seeing a doctor. Sometimes, however, they may need medical help.

Causes:

Body aches may occur for many different reasons. Most are easily treatable and relatively harmless, but sometimes body aches can be due to more serious medical conditions.

Possible causes of body aches include:

Fibromyalgia
Infections and viruses
Medications
Fluid retention
Hypokalemia
Stress
Dehydration
Lack of sleep
Pneumonia
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
Arthritis
Autoimmune disorders

The doctor can help diagnose the cause of body aches and determine if treatment is necessary.

If a person experiences body aches for more than 2 weeks, and they do not know what is causing them, they should see a doctor regardless of whether any other symptoms occur.

Symptoms:

Mild body aches that improve over time and ease with rest, rehydration, and OTC treatment are usually no cause for concern.
However, body aches can also be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.
If a person experiences frequent or persistent body aches or aches that occur alongside other, more severe symptoms, they should speak with a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Some common symptoms that occur alongside body aches are:

Pain in a specific part of the body
Weakness
Fatigue
Shivers or changes in body temperature

Cold and flu-like symptoms

Treatments:

A doctor will prescribe treatment for any underlying condition that causes body aches and pains, but a person can also try the following remedies to help alleviate the discomfort:

Resting: This allows the body time to repair and recuperate.
Drinking plenty of fluids: Staying hydrated can help ease achiness caused by dehydration.
Taking over-the-counter medications (OTC): Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which can reduce pain and inflammation.
Having a warm bath: The heat can help relax muscles and ease tension in the body.
Regulating temperature: This may include reducing a fever, keeping warm, or staying cool to alleviate shivering and prevent the muscles from seizing up.

When to see a doctor?

A person should see a doctor if they experience:

Persistent pain that does not improve with home remedies
Severe pain, especially if there is no apparent cause
Any body aches or pains that occur with a rash
Body aches and pains after a tick bite
Body aches or muscular pain accompanied by severe redness or swelling
Body aches caused by a particular medication
A persistent fever

Other symptoms that can accompany body aches may require emergency medical attention. These include:

Severe water retention
Difficulty swallowing, eating, or drinking
Shortness of breath
Vomiting, particularly with a high temperature or fever
A stiff neck
Changes in vision
Extreme exhaustion that does not go away
Sensitivity to light
Weak muscles or inability to move part of the body
Fainting or loss of consciousness
A seizure

The doctor can help diagnose the cause of body aches and determine if treatment is necessary.

If a person experiences body aches for more than 2 weeks, and they do not know what is causing them, they should see a doctor regardless of whether any other symptoms occur.

Book a video consultation today! and get expert advice.

June 22, 2020 by Gogodoc Editor 0 Comments

Balanitis: Causes, Symptoms and treatments

What is Balanitis?

Balanitis is an inflammation of the skin at the end of the penis (the glans). Often the foreskin is also inflamed at the same time as the glans. (The foreskin is the loose skin that covers the glans if you have not been circumcised.)

Balanitis is common and it can occur at any age. It more commonly affects boys aged under 4 years and also men who have not been circumcised. In middle-aged or older men, it is called Zoon’s balanitis. About one in 25 boys and about one in 30 uncircumcised men are affected with balanitis at some time in their lives. Not being circumcised increases the risk of balanitis.

Causes of Balanitis:

Balanitis can be caused by:

· Poor hygiene, leading to a build-up of smegma

· Irritation under the foreskin caused by pee

· Soaps, shower gels, and other skin irritants

· Thrush

· A bacterial infection

· A sexually transmitted infection (STI)

· Skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, and lichen sclerosus

· Children fiddling with their foreskin

Symptoms of Balanitis:

· A sore, itchy and smelly penis

· Redness and swelling

· Build-up of thick fluid

· Pain when peeing

Some adults may also have a tight foreskin that won’t pull back. This is a condition called phimosis.

When to see a doctor?

You should see your GP if you think you’ve got balanitis just to make sure it isn’t a sign of something more serious like a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

Treating Balanitis:

Most cases of balanitis are easily treated with good hygiene and creams and ointments recommended by your GP.

ü Hygiene

· If you have balanitis, you should clean your penis daily with lukewarm water and gently dry it.

· Don’t use soap, bubble bath, shampoo or any other potential irritant.

· Dry gently under the foreskin after peeing.

· Try a soap substitute like an emollient, available from a pharmacy.

ü Creams and ointments

Depending on what’s causing the balanitis, your GP may recommend creams or ointments, such as:

Steroid cream or ointment for a simple skin irritation

Antifungal cream or tablets for a yeast infection

Antibiotics for a bacterial infection

ü See your GP if the treatment doesn’t start to
work within seven days. You may need another treatment or be advised to see a
specialist.

ü Circumcision may be advised in rare cases where a child keeps getting balanitis.

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June 19, 2020 by Gogodoc Editor 0 Comments

Birth control (Oral): Cause, Symptoms and Treatments

Birth control (oral)

Birth control is a way for men and women to prevent pregnancy. There are many different methods of birth control, including hormonal contraception such as “the pill.”

Women take the pill by mouth to prevent pregnancy, and, when taken correctly, it is up to 99.9% effective. However, the pill does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV (the virus that causes AIDS).

Causes:

Birth control pills work by preventing ovulation. No egg is produced, so there is nothing for the sperm to fertilize. Pregnancy cannot occur. Also it has both advantages and disadvantages. People with different risk factors may be advised to use a particular kind of pill.

Side Effects:

Common side effects of oral contraceptives include:

Inter-menstrual spotting

Nausea

Breast tenderness

Headaches and Migraine

Weight gain

Mood changes

Missed periods

Decreased libido

Vaginal discharge

Changes to eyesight for those using contact lenses

Risks:

The combined pill can increase the risk of cardiovascular problems, such as blood clots, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a clot on the lung, a stroke or heart attack.

Birth control pills have also been associated with an increase in blood pressure, benign liver tumors, and some types of cancer.

The pill should not be taken by:

Women who are pregnant
Smokers over the age of 35 years, or anyone who stopped smoking within the last year and is over 35 years, old
anyone with obesity
Those who are taking certain medications
Anyone who has or has had thrombosis, a stroke, or a heart problem
Anyone with a close relative who had a blood clot before the age of 45 years
People who have severe migraines, especially with an aura as the warning sign
Anyone who has or had had breast cancer or disease of the liver or gallbladder
Anyone who has had diabetes for at least 20 years or diabetes with complications

If any of the following occur, the user should see a doctor.

Abdominal or stomach pain
Chest pain, shortness of breath, or both
Severe headaches
Eye problems such as blurred vision or loss of vision
Swelling or aching in the legs and thighs
Redness, swelling or pain in the calf or thighs

They may indicate a more serious condition.

Combination pills can slightly increase the risk of cardiovascular side effects, such as heart attack, stroke, and blood clots. These can all be fatal.

The risk is higher with some pills. A doctor can advise on suitable options.

Anyone who has uncontrolled high blood pressure or a personal or family history of blood clots, heart attack, or stroke should ask their medical provider about alternative methods.

‘Ask Gogodoc About’ is an educational series providing information on various symptoms, pains, and disorders. (*intended for educational purposes only. If you are experiencing symptoms, please reach out to book an online video consultation with a Gogodoc GP. Through Gogodoc you can get online doctor visiting with the expertized GP online services.

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June 18, 2020 by Gogodoc Editor 0 Comments

Bee Stings: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Bee Stings:

People with a bee sting allergy often worry about spending time outdoors in the summer months. People who have never been stung may fear that they could be allergic. For most people, a bee sting only produces temporary pain and irritation at the site of the sting. For others, bee stings cause an allergic reaction that can range from mild to severe. In extreme cases, a bee sting can cause life-threatening anaphylaxis.

Causes of Bee stings:

When a bee stings, its sharp, barbed stinger remains lodged in the skin. This stinger can release venom for up to a minute after the bee has stung.
Bee venom contains proteins that affect the skin cells and immune system, resulting in pain and swelling at the site of the sting, even if a person is not allergic to the venom.
In those who are allergic to bee stings, the venom triggers a more severe immune system reaction.

Symptoms of Bee stings:

The symptoms of a bee sting allergy vary depending on how allergic the person is. A person can have a mild, moderate, or severe reaction shortly after being stung by a bee:

Mild reaction

The majority of bee sting symptoms are very mild and do not require medical attention. They are limited to the site of the sting itself, and include:

a sharp, burning pain
an area of raised, red skin
slight swelling
Moderate allergic reaction

In a person with a moderate bee sting allergy, the body has a stronger response to bee venom, called a large local reaction (LLR). In such cases, the symptoms can take over a week to heal completely.

Symptoms include:

severe redness around the sting
swelling around the sting, which may gradually increase in size to a diameter of 10 cm or more over a period of 24–48 hours

If a person experiences a LLR, there is a 5 to 10 percent risk that they will develop a systemic reaction to a sting in the future.

Severe allergic reaction

In certain individuals, a bee sting can cause anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening allergic reaction requiring emergency medical treatment. The following symptoms of anaphylaxis develop rapidly:

itchy, red hives on the skin
pale or flushed skin
a swollen throat or tongue
difficulty breathing
abdominal pain
nausea and vomiting
dizziness
a weak, rapid pulse
loss of consciousness.

Treatments for Bee stings:

Top of Form

The treatment for bee sting allergy will depend upon the severity of the allergic reaction.

Treating a mild to moderate reaction

After a bee sting, remove the stinger as soon as possible using a pair of tweezers, taking care to avoid squeezing the venom sack. Removing the stinger will limit the amount of venom released into the bloodstream.

‘Ask Gogodoc About’ is an educational series providing information on various symptoms, pains, and disorders. (*intended for educational purposes only. If you are experiencing symptoms, please reach out to book an online video consultation with a Gogodoc GP, as we provide the best online doctor consultation with the expertized GP online services.

Book a video consultation today!

and get expert advice.

June 17, 2020 by Gogodoc Editor 0 Comments

Back Pain- Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Back pain is a very common problem and will affect many of us at some point during our lives.

The good news is that in most cases it isn’t a serious problem, and it might just be caused by a simple strain to a muscle or ligament.

Causes:

The human back is composed of a complex structure of muscles, ligaments, tendons, disks, and bones, which work together to support the body and enable us to move around.
The segments of the spine are cushioned with cartilage-like pads called disks.
Problems with any of these components can lead to back pain. In some cases of back pain, its cause remains unclear.
Damage can result from strain, medical conditions, and poor posture, among others.

Symptoms:

The main symptom of back pain is an ache or pain anywhere in the back, and sometimes all the way down to the buttocks and legs.
Some back issues can cause pain in other parts of the body, depending on the nerves affected.

The pain often goes away without treatment, but if it occurs with any of the following people should see their doctor:

weight loss
fever
inflammation or swelling on the back
persistent back pain, where lying down or resting does not help
pain down the legs
pain that reaches below the knees
a recent injury, blow or trauma to the back
urinary incontinence
difficulty urinating
fecal incontinence, or loss of control over bowel movements
numbness around the genitals
numbness around the anus
numbness around the buttocks

When to see a doctor?

You should seek medical help if you experience any numbness or tingling, or if you have back pain:

that does not improve with rest
after an injury or fall
with numbness in the legs
with weakness
with fever
with unexplained weight loss

Treatments:

Taking some painkillers, staying active and doing some specific exercises are generally the most helpful treatments for people with back pain. However, some people will need further medical treatment.

Home treatments

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief medication, usually nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, can relieve discomfort. Applying a hot compress or an ice pack to the painful area may also reduce pain.

Resting from strenuous activity can help, but moving around will ease stiffness, reduce pain, and prevent muscles from weakening.

Medical treatment

If home treatments do not relieve back pain, a doctor may recommend the following medication, physical therapy, or both.

Surgery

Surgery for back pain is very rare. If a patient has a herniated disk surgery may be an option, especially if there is persistent pain and nerve compression which can lead to muscle weakness.

‘

In-Clinic GP Consultation, Online Consultations & GP Home Visit

What is Chest Infection?

Causes of chest infection:

Symptoms of chest infection:

When to seek help from a healthcare provider?

Treatment for chest infection:

Home remedies for chest infection:

How long does it take to recover from a chest infection?

What are possible complications from a chest infection?

How to prevent a chest infection?

What are Chapped Lips?

Causes of Chapped Lips:

Symptoms of chapped lips:

How to Treat Chapped Lips:

How to Prevent Chapped Lips?

What is Cellulitis?

Causes:

Symptoms:

Treatment:

Contact your doctor if:

What are Boils?

Causes of Boils:

Symptoms of Boils:

When to Seek Medical Care?

Treatments:

Boils Treatment -- Home Remedies

Medical Treatment for Boils

How to prevent boils?

What is Bloating?

What causes bloating?

Symptoms of bloating:

Treatments for bloating:

Aches

Causes:

Symptoms:

Treatments:

When to see a doctor?

What is Balanitis?

Causes of Balanitis:

Symptoms of Balanitis:

Treating Balanitis:

Birth control (oral)

Causes:

Risks:

Bee Stings:

Home treatments

Medical treatment

Surgery