Blog
Facts About Seasonal Allergies
Most people welcome the first sign of warm weather, but that’s not the case for those who suffer from seasonal allergies. If you’re one of the many, you know that the warm weather means that allergy season has arrived, and it won’t be long before you develop symptoms. Learn more about seasonal allergies and find out how you can move beyond your symptoms. It’s a Worldwide Problem It’s easy to feel like you’re alone when [...]
Signs and Symptoms of Pneumonia
Did you know there are over 30 different causes of pneumonia? The common cause of the infection is influenza, so getting the flu shot each year is rather important. Preventative care can decrease your chances of developing pneumonia and reduce its common and uncomfortable side effects. What is Pneumonia? Pneumonia is a lung infection, and bacteria, viruses or fungi cause it—the infection results from inflammation of the lungs' air sacs. The alveoli (air sacs) fill with fluid or [...]
How Do I Know If I’m Experiencing an Allergic Reaction?
Millions of people in America suffer from allergies each year. An allergic reaction results from your immune system responding to foreign substances entering the body. Things like pollen, dander or food particles will cause the immune system to produce antibodies that identify these substances as harmful, even though they aren’t. The body will then develop symptoms or reactions, such as itching, sneezing, skin rashes, difficulty breathing and more. Allergy severity varies from person to person. [...]
Should I Go to the ER for Food Poisoning?
Food poisoning – also known as foodborne illness - is caused when eating food or drink contaminated with harmful bacteria. Millions of people develop food poisoning each year, and while at-home treatments work for most cases, others require medical attention. What is Food Poisoning? There are hundreds of types of food poisoning and determining the cause of a case can be difficult. Food poisoning can be caused by consuming items contaminated with bacteria, parasites, viruses or mold. Bacteria is the leading cause of [...]
When Fevers Become an Emergency
What are typical fever symptoms? The average body temperature of a human is around 98-100 degrees Fahrenheit. The body will increase its temperature past this threshold to fight infection, resulting in a fever. Some common symptoms of fevers include: Sweating Chills and shivering Headache Muscle aches Loss of appetite Irritability Dehydration General weakness Not all fevers are accompanied by these symptoms and vary from person to person. However, even though most fevers are not severe, there [...]
Treatment for Insect Stings and Bug Bites
Bug bites and insect stings are generally minor nuisances that cause temporary irritation. They can be red, swollen and itchy, and for the most part, they disappear on their own within a few days. However, in some cases, ointment or daily care is necessary to decrease the bite or sting. In rare cases, they can require medical treatment. But how do you care for a bug bite or sting? And most importantly, how do you [...]