A dry nose is a wonderful place for viruses and bacteria to enter the human body. Normally the epithelial tissue that lines the nasal passages is moist and healthy, but in arid climates or when indoor heating is used, the air is dry and the...
If you choose to drink alcohol, you may be familiar with the unpleasant side effects that occur the next day. Headaches, body aches, fatigue, nausea and dehydration may make you think twice about indulging. When you drink alcohol, you produce a...
Your nasal passages contain mucous membranes that require moistness for optimal comfort. Certain respiratory conditions, such as colds and seasonal allergies, as well as arid climates, may lead to dryness within your nasal passages and sinus...
When the body does not have enough water and fluids to carry out normal functions, the consequences can be serious. The Mayo Clinic defines the loss of fluid and inadequate replenishment as dehydration. There are some early signs of dehydration...
Nasal irrigation cleans out the nasal passages. According to the Mayo Clinic, it is a safe way to find relief for nasal congestion, dry mucous membranes and to get rid of irritants that may be lodged in them. One of the recommended ways to clean...
Keeping your skin moisturized is one of the simplest and most effective methods of maintaining a healthy complexion. Many cosmetic products, such as those made by the company Glysomed, achieve this through the use of various lipids, oils,...
In 2004, a collaborative group of physicians and researchers retrospectively evaluated flu-related hospitalizations between 1979 and 2001. Their findings, published in the Sept. 14, 2004 issue of the "Journal of the American Medical Association,"...
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that 20,000 children under the age of five are hospitalized for influenza each year--a figure that does not include visits to the emergency room, urgent care centers or physicians'...
Vaginal dryness is a common complaint for women. Normally, a layer of moisture lines the walls of the vagina, but changes in the body may cause this lining to become thin and dry. Hormonal changes, medications and medical conditions can increase...
Flu affects almost every child from time to time and may sideline even the most active child for a few days. In most cases, children with flu do not require medical attention. However, exceptions exist. According to the Centers for Disease Control...
A stuffy nose is a common symptom of allergies, a cold or flu or a sinus infection. If you are suffering from a cold or sinus infection, symptoms can last up to two weeks. Allergy symptoms can last even longer. Home remedies provide simple and...
An allergy is an abnormal immune response to environmental agents called allergens. Pollen, animal dander, dust mites and mold spores are common allergens. One of the most familiar forms of allergy is allergic rhinitis, or hay fever. Sneezing,...
Fluid depletion, also called dehydration, is a condition characterized by decreases in fluid consumption, increases in fluid loss or a combination of these two factors. If left untreated, dehydration can have serious medical consequences,...
Dehydration, or the lack of enough water in the body, can be mild, moderate or severe. The condition is most common in children and adults over 60, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. Young children are particularly...
Exercise-induced asthma, also known as EIA, and orthostatic hypotension vary greatly in comparison. They both affect different systems in the body, mainly the circulatory and respiratory system. However, it is possible to experience them both...
The rare illness known as botulism is caused by a neurotoxin produced by the spores of the bacteria, Clostriduim botulinum. This toxin may be ingested in contaminated food, or may be introduced into the body by growth of the bacteria in a deep, or...
If you are plagued by allergies, nosebleeds or frequent colds, then using a humidifier or vaporizer can provide you with relief from your discomfort. Both machines emit moisture into the air, which may make dry nasal passages and congestion more...
Sodium is necessary for muscle contraction, heart function and nerve impulse transmission. It helps your body absorb and transport amino acids, glucose and water, as well as regulates blood volume and pressure. Too little or too much can have...
Glucose, also called monosaccharide, is a simple sugar produced by carbohydrate digestion. It is the main source of energy that fuels the body. The amount of glucose in the bloodstream is regulated by a hormone called insulin. Although blood...
It is normal to feel thirsty at various points throughout the day, especially after eating salty foods and after exercise. According to Heinz Valtin, M.D., a professor at Dartmouth Medical School, you will begin to feel thirsty when your blood...
Acne vulgaris, commonly called acne, affects 40 million to 50 million people in the United States, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Acne can range from mild to severe and present as a few pimples or cysts deep under the...
Water comprises approximately 60 percent of your body weight and is needed for most bodily functions including sustaining cellular health, maintaining blood fluidity, cooling the body by sweating, eliminating waste products, moistening skin and...
Fluid and sodium loss in the body can cause hypotension, or low blood pressure. The kidneys regulate how sodium circulates in the body. Sodium chloride, or table salt, is the most common form of sodium in your diet. The medical term for low sodium...
Uniphyl (theophylline) is a bronchodilator used to treat the physical manifestations of asthma, bronchitis and emphysema. Such manifestations include trouble breathing and wheezing. According to MedlinePlus, this medication relaxes your airways...
Isotretinoin is a powerful prescription acne drug. It is commonly sold under the brand name Accutane in the United States and Roaccutane in the United Kingdom. Prior to the development of isotretinoin, the primary modes of treating severe cystic...
Finding a convenient and effective acne treatment can present a challenge. Sticking to a multiple-step treatment plan may not be feasible for people with a busy lifestyle. A one-step acne treatment may be a convenient alternative if you suffer...
An inadequate milk supply while breastfeeding is a common concern for new moms. Nearly all mothers, unless extremely malnourished, are able to produce enough breast milk for their infants. While research studies have not proven that consuming...
When we sweat, urinate, vomit and have diarrhea we lose water and electrolytes. That means following certain activities, like exercise and athletic sports, and during certain health conditions, such as heat stroke or cholera, you need to replace...
Adolescence is made much more difficult for approximately 85 percent of teenagers because of acne. Chronic acne causes depression and social anxiety, which can lead to problems in school performance and peer relationships. A common misconception...
Nose bleeds are very common and are often caused by dry air, illness, or trauma. Learn more about the causes, symptoms and treatments of nose bleeds in this medical video.
