Simple Remedies

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  • How to Identify Appendicitis at Home & Natural Remedies for Treatment

    The appendix is a narrow pouch shaped organ, attached to the colon, on the right side of the abdomen. Occasionally, although it is a vestigial organ, it tends to produce certain complications. Appendicitis or inflammation of the appendix, by and large, occurs between the 10 to 30 years. Timely recognition of the symptoms can lead to prompt treatment and helps ward off severe complications.

    Home Remedies for Appendicitis

    • The most effective natural remedy for appendicitis is a blend of 100 ml beet juice, 100 ml cucumber juice, and 300 ml carrot juice.
    • Buttermilk is an effective cure too. Consume 1 liter of buttermilk, everyday for 15 days.
    • Fenugreek seeds are a wonderful remedy for appendicitis too. Fenugreek ameliorates the pain appreciably. Add 2 spoons of fenugreek seeds to water and let it boil. Have about half a glass of this decoction daily. It fights infection and alleviates pain successfully.
    • Coriander juice and spinach juice has been advocated by experts too. The blend is known to ease pain and inflammation speedily.
    • Ginger tea is another beneficial home remedy. The root supplies large amounts of gingerols, which are powerful anti inflammatory agents. Ginger is especially indicated when there is extreme nausea and vomiting.  Ginger also eases the inflammatory reaction; thus reducing the swelling and the pain. Boil 1 inch of grated ginger and boil for 15 minutes. Have this tea twice a day.

    Symptoms of Appendicitis

    • The clinical manifestations begin as an indistinct ache, around the navel, which moves to the right, lower portion of the abdomen.
    • The pain becomes excruciating as the adjacent tissues get affected by the inflammation.
    • Eventually, the pain settles in the lower right side of the abdomen
    • Nausea, accompanied by vomiting occurs
    • Appetite reduces
    • Fever is seen
    • Diarrhea or constipation occurs
    • The abdomen gets swollen

    Causes of Appendicitis

    Appendicitis is basically the swelling and inflammation of the appendix. In case the appendix gets blocked or occluded, by worms, calculi or impacted feces, appendicitis gets triggered. The organ becomes irritated and inflamed and filled with pus, thus, leading to appendicitis. If the blockage is not managed promptly, bacteria proliferate, and eventually, the appendix gets ruptured.

    How to Check and Identify Appendicitis At Home

    • You need to understand how the pain occurs to make a diagnosis at home. Appendicitis pain commences near the navel, and then moves to the lower right part of the abdomen.
    • Gently apply pressure at the site of pain and release promptly. If case of appendicitis, the area will feel very tender when pressure is applied; when you release the pressure, the pain aggravates because of rebound tenderness.
    • Also, watch out for other symptoms. Nausea and vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal swelling are quite common.
    • You must contact your doctor without delay. In the intervening period, do not to eat / drink anything, because it may holdup or make matters worse, especially, if surgery is required.

  • How To Get Rid Of Cryptic Tonsils? Symptoms & Surgical Treatment

    Cryptic tonsillitis occurs when the tonsils develop small pits or holes called crypts. These pits tend to trap food and even form tonsilliths (tonsil stones). These stones comprise of food particles, bacteria and dead cells; and carry a disagreeable odor.

    The condition is rather unpleasant and uncomfortable, and occasionally even dangerous, if the stones get too big and occlude the flow of air.

    Symptoms Of Cryptic Tonsils

    Characteristic symptoms of cryptic tonsils include:

    • Soreness and pain in the throat.
    • The tonsils are swollen, enlarged and painful. There will be inflammation and / or infection.
    • Difficulty in swallowing; depending on the severity of the case, you may not be able to swallow solids and / or liquids
    • Halitosis or bad breath is a significant sign of the condition.
    • There will be white debris at the back of the mouth and in the throat.
    • Fever may be occasionally.
    • Malaise and body pain.
    • Ear pain is an associated feature too.

    How To Get Rid Of Cryptic Tonsils?

    If, the case is not too severe, your health care provider may ask you to wait and watch and follow up with your symptoms.

    Alongside, he may recommend salt water gargles to manage the throat pain and to help deal with difficulty whilst swallowing. Salt water eases the discomfort and fights infection.

    • Antibiotics may be prescribed to battle the infection and prevent a progression of the condition.
    • Talk to your healthcare provider and start a vitamin C supplement. Vitamin C is very essential for good oral health and to fight off infections. 2 doses of vitamin C supplement per day for about 10 days is advocated.
    • Homeopathy offers excellent results for cryptic tonsils. Homeopathy drugs such as – Merc Sol, Baryta Carb and Drosera proffer quick, effective and brilliant solution to cryptic tonsils. These medicines battle infections and help to reduce the inflammation, swelling and pain in the tonsils, handle halitosis and eliminate throat and body pain.

    Surgical Treatment For Cryptic Tonsils

    Surgical intervention is necessary in some cases of tonsillar crypts. Your doctor may advise you to remove the stones surgically and to excise the tonsillar tissue too. Discuss your options with your doctor and understand what is best for you. In certain cases, your surgeon will carry out a relatively simple procedure using a local numbing agent to get rid of the tonsillar calculi. Then you may not need general anesthesia.

    Tonsil calculi are fairly common in those who have chronic tonsillitis, hence, the only way to deal with them effectively is via tonsillectomy. This procedure gets rid of the tonsils completely, thus eliminating the likelihood of calculi formation. A tonsillectomy is usually done under general anesthesia. When you undergo the surgery, you will have some difficulty swallowing for a couple of days after the procedure.

    By and large, doctors recommend tonsillectomy – complete removal of the tonsils to manage tonsillar crypts. This procedure, as effective as it may be, is decidedly painful and uncomfortable postoperatively, and complete recovery takes 1 to 2 months.

    A substitute to tonsillectomy is having your tonsils shriveled up through a procedure known as somnoplasty. The doctor will introduce small needle electrodes in to your tonsils and release an energy wave that will burn away the tonsil tissue. The tonsils begin to shrink and shrivel up on their own.

    Confer with your health care provider about your best treatment options and recovery.

  • Upper Back Muscle Spasms: Causes And Treatment For Back Muscle Pain

    A muscle spasm of the back is a painful, involuntary and sudden contraction of the muscles. The muscles of the back are very prone to spasms primarily as they are weight bearing muscles. The back muscle spasms may lead to mild to severe back pain. Estimates have suggested that back pain due to muscle spasms is one of the most common cause for loss of workdays across the globe.

    What Causes Upper Back Muscle Pain?

    Common causes for muscle spasms of the back are:

    • Muscle pull among athletes and sports persons, is a fairly common cause of back pain.
    • Trauma to the muscles especially associated with a fall is a common cause.
    • Wrong body posture especially among computer users is considered to be a common factor.
    • Excessive strain on the back muscles (either due to heavy strain / rigorous exercises).
    • Nerve damage caused primarily due to nerve root compression or spondylosis can also contribute to muscle spasms.
    • Vitamin and mineral deficiency can also contribute to back muscle spasms.
    • Osteoporosis especially among the elderly can lead to back pain.
    • Arthritis and gout can also contribute to back pain and muscle spasms.

    Treatment For Upper Back Muscle Spasms

    Here are some simple treatment regimens that can help in the management of back pain associated with muscle spasms,

    • Applying ice to the affected area helps ease the pain and inflammation speedily.
    • Occasionally, a hot bag is applied to increase blood circulation of blood in the area, which helps loosen the muscles. Experts recommend alternate hot and cold therapy.
    • Traction helps unload the spine.
    • Visit a physiotherapist to relieve the pain and stress in the muscles.
    • Certain exercises and stretches for the back are decidedly effective. They allay pain and discomfort in the strained muscles, reduce the spasm and alleviate swelling.
    • Massage is greatly advocated to loosen taut muscles. Oils such as: mustard oil, sesame seed oil, and olive oil work wonders. Massaging with essential oils like lavender oil and clove oil can also help relieve muscle spasms.
    • Acupressure is another effective therapy that quickly relieves back spasms. Acupressure helps in the normal flow of the blood.
    • Nutritional deficiencies including calcium and magnesium deficiency can lead to muscle spasms. Include natural food sources like dairy products, dry fruits and nuts and fresh fruits like apple, bananas, etc in your diet. Alternatively include Vitamin and Mineral supplements in your diet.
    • Homeopathic remedies like Bryonia Alba and Rhus Tox play a vital role in management of lower back pain and improving mobility and reducing stiffness.
    • Maintaining a healthy posture. Ensure that your spine is erect while working on for long hours on the computer. Use a strong and hard mattress for sleeping.
    • A warm up exercise is always beneficial, as it improves circulation across the body and prevents a strain on the muscles. Try to warm up for about 10 to 15 minutes before engaging in a activity involving physical exertion.

  • How to Prevent and Get Rid of Bladder or Kidney Stones?

    Bladder stones, otherwise known as kidney stones, urolithiasis, or renal calculi, are often recurrent urologic conditions. Almost anyone can be afflicted with this common condition, as it is one of the oldest medical abnormalities known to humans. Morbidity rates are higher among men than women, and those diagnosed with bladder stones will eventually suffer from recurrence within a decade.

    Bladder stones can occur anywhere in the urinary tract. Presence of which may cause obstructions in the kidneys, bladder, or urethra. A diagnosis of urolithiasis must be suspected if symptoms such as abdominal pain, dysuria (painful urination), or blood in the urine are observed.

    What Causes Bladder Stones

    Basically, any condition that leads to the stagnation of urine within the bladder can result to the formation of stones. Once urine becomes too concentrated, wastes clump together and form crystals. Eventually, these become calculi. Bladder stones are made up of different components. Some are composed of calcium oxalate, uric acid, struvite, or cystine. The formation of these calculi depends on the following factors:

    • Low urine volume. This is usually a result of low fluid intake.
    • Hypercalciuria. Excessive amount of calcium in the urine can lead to stone formation.
    • High urine pH
    • Spinal cord injuries. Such conditions incapacitate the extremities, including control of the urinary tract. Incontinence follows and urine stays within the bladder walls.

    How to Prevent Bladder Stone

    Health conscious individuals can prevent the formation of bladder stone by adhering to the following recommendations:

    • Calcium. Consume just the right amount of dairy products and calcium-fortified orange juice.
    • Sodium. Fresh or frozen vegetables must comprise majority of the diet when possible.
    • Protein. Meat such as beef and pork intake must be kept to a moderate level.
    • Potassium. Low intake of potassium rich foods such as vegetables and fruits increase the risk of kidney stone formation.
    • Limited oxalates. Precaution must be observed in eating foods such as spinach, rhubarb, beets, nuts, chocolate, tea, wheat bran, and strawberries.
    • Supplements. Vitamin C supplements and antacids must be avoided.

    How to Get Rid of Bladder Stones

    By far the best home remedy for getting rid of bladder stones is hydration. The patient must drink lots of fluids, with simple water as the best choice. Other alternative choices are ginger ale, lemon-lime soft drinks, and fruit juices. At least 2.5 quarts of urine a day is needed to prevent stone formation, which is about 10 to 12 full glasses of water a day. More glasses of fluids must be consumed to wash away the buildup of wastes within the urinary tract.

  • Symptoms Of Carpopedal Spasm: Its Causes And Treatment Options

    Spasms are sudden, involuntary movements that the muscles of various parts of the body go in to due to a host of underlying etiological factors. Given the uncontrollable nature of a spasm, it can be rather painful and occasionally, alarming for one experiencing it for the first time. Spasms tend to be fleeting, lasting for a few seconds to a minute.

    In a carpopedal spasm, the thumbs, fingers, toes, wrist or ankle joints go in to spasms / convulsions / contractions or twitching. This usually happens when the calcium level in the body is inadequate.

    Carpopedal spasm is a spasmodic contraction of the muscles of the hands and feet seen in medical conditions such as alkalosis and tetany. The contractions / spasms are usually short-lived and momentary, but they can be very excruciating and painful.

    Carpopedal spasm is known to have diverse etiological factors, including, hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, Parkinson’s disease, thyroid irregularities, Huntington’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and certain medicines.

    What Causes Carpopedal Spasm?

    The spasms often have no precise cause. Likely reasons for hand and foot contractions are:

    • Dehydration
    • Strenuous exercise
    • Thyroid irregularities
    • Brain disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease.
    • Chronic kidney disorder and dialysis.
    • Alkalosis
    • Impairment of single nerve or multiple nerves connected to muscles.
    • Disorders or trauma involving peripheral nerves.
    • Hyperventilation, i.e. rapid or deep breathing which occurs with fear or anxiety.
    • Pregnancy, more often during the third trimester.
    • Insufficient levels of calcium and / or magnesium in the body.
    • Deficiency of vitamin D
    • Certain medicines

    Symptoms Of Carpopedal Spasm

    Common manifestations and presenting features include:

    • Excessive cramping of fingers, wrist, toes or ankle. The cramps / contractions are involuntary and occasionally very painful.
    • Weakness of the muscles. This is known to occur due to decreased supply of calcium; the muscles weaken and one is incapable of carrying out simple actions such as standing up or moving the hand or the leg.
    • Tiredness
    • Tingling and numbness. One may complain of a ‘pins and needles’ sensation in the affected area. Also, when the contraction lasts for longer than a minute, the affected area becomes numb.
    • Tickling sensation is also fairly common in some people.
    • Twitching
    • An accompanying feature is uncontrolled, pointless, speedy movements which have no apparent cause or purpose.

    Treatment Options For Carpopedal Spasm

    The treatment for carpopedal spasm depends up on the exact cause of the condition. You need to talk to your health care provider to understand the cause for the contractions and how to manage them effectively.

    • In case a deficiency of vitamin D, vitamin D supplements should be taken under the doctor’s guidance. Calcium supplements are recommended in case of hypocalemia where calcium levels are low resulting in muscle contractions. Alongside, you need to increase your intake of the following foods – egg, milk, cottage cheese, and yogurt.
    • There are stretching exercises that you can do to reduce the spasms significantly. Stretches help keep your muscles from getting tighter or shorter. Experts also recommend aerobic exercises, particularly swimming, as well as strength building exercises. Staying active and exercising regularly is advocated, but it can make matters worse if overdone. So confer with your health care provider before embarking on an exercise regimen.
    • Furthermore, ensure that you are well hydrated and drink ample water; especially, during exercise.
    • Spasms associated with pregnancy tend to pass off after the delivery.
    • Thyroid irregularities; i.e. hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism need to be managed appropriately.

  • What Are Hypertrophic Tonsils? Its Symptoms And Natural Treatment

    Tonsils are lymphatic glands that are located around the throat and play a crucial role in protecting the body from infections. The tonsils comprise of pharyngeal tonsils that are located along the posterior wall of the nasopharynx, tubal tonsils that are located along the Eustachian tube, palatine tonsils that are located along the palates and lingual tonsils that are located at the base of the tongue.

    Tonsils are composed of T cell lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes. As per experts, tonsils are involved in production of lymphokines, antibodies and interferon-gamma which contribute towards secretory immunity. In contrast to other lymph nodes, tonsils are not involved in filtering of the lymph tissue.

    Hypertrophic tonsils are referred to enlargement of tonsils to extent that they may obstruct breathing. The tonsils usually get enlarged in presence of an infection around the ear, nose and throat region. Enlargement of the tonsils are one of the most common pediatric problem and significantly affects the upper respiratory tract.

    Tonsils are most active within the age group of 3 to 10 years, after which involution begins. Though hypertrophic tonsils are not a disease conditions in them, they tend to harbor pathogenic bacteria, especially around the poorly drained crypts, increasing the risk of tonsillitis.

    Further, hypertrophic tonsils are associated with increased immunological activities, which may result in recurrent airway obstructions and often require treatment.

    Symptoms Of Hypertrophic Tonsils

    Hypertrophic tonsils may result in airway obstructions and can be associated with a wide range of symptoms depending upon the extent of obstruction. Some of the key symptoms include,

    • Recurrent acute and chronic infections of the middle ear due to obstruction of the Eustachian tube.
    • Recurrent episodes of sinusitis and rhinitis, with symptoms of fever, malaise and weakness.
    • Poor development of the upper jaw and palatal arch due to repeated opening of the mouth.
    • Chronic hypoxia can lead to poor mental growth and development.
    • Sleep apnea is common in children with very large tonsils.
    • In severe cases, the condition may lead to development of pneumonia, cor pulmonale, pulmonary hypertension and even right heart failure.

    Natural Treatment For Hypertrophic Tonsils

    The treatment module depends upon the severity of the symptoms, size of the enlargement and overall prognosis. While tonsillectomy may be recommended in about 30% of the cases, there are certain home remedies and natural treatment options that can help improvement in the condition,

    • Salt water gargling along with steam inhalation is recommended. Salt water gargling helps in reducing the risk of spread of infection while steam inhalation helps soften the nasal mucosa and improves drainage. While these treatments may not directly help in reducing the size of the tonsils, they can prevent associated infection and airway obstructions.
    • Prepare a paste of comprising of equal parts of raw honey and turmeric and consume it four times a day. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties which help reduce hypertrophy while honey has potent anti-microbial properties which can prevent secondary infections.
    • Maintaining utmost oral hygiene is also crucial in preventing tonsillar infection.
    • Homeopathic drugs namely Baryta Carb and Phytollaca are considered helpful in the management of hypertrophic tonsils. These drugs are known to deal with symptoms ranging from airway obstruction, hypoxia and recurrent upper respiratory tract infections.

    In severe cases, tonsillectomy is inevitable, as hypertrophic tonsils poise a greater health risk of the overall growth and development of the child.

  • Head Hurts When I Cough: Causes, Symptoms of Headache, Cough

    Head Hurts When I Cough

    You sometimes hear people say, “My head hurts when I cough and bend over”. This is a common problem for people who are suffering from dry cough, or coughs that have been around for weeks. Actually coughing continuously creates pressure that pushes the head, neck and chest, and consequently creates a headache and pain in other parts of the body. Benign cough headache is usually bilateral and of sudden onset.

    Many physicians call such type of headache as primary cough headache. Soon after a bout of coughing, the patient may complain of a headache.

  • Home Remedies For Itchy Skin And Lips: Causes Of Dry Itchy Lips

    While itchy lips may not be a serious illness, it can cause lot of discomfort. Many people, young or old, suffer from this complaint. The symptoms of itchy lips include puffiness and redness around the lips with constant itching. Some times small blisters may develop around the lips, more so, in a case of an allergic reaction.

    Dry and Itchy Lips Cause

    • The most important cause for itchy lips is allergy to various substances; ranging from food to cosmetics.
    • Vitamin deficiencies are another significant cause, particularly the B group of vitamins.
    • Climate changes from hot to cold climates also tend to give you itchy, inflamed lips.
    • Certain prescription medicines and certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, or skin conditions such as cheilitis are noteworthy causes as well.
    • Atmospheric pollution causes itchy lips too.
    • A sting or an insect bite is a cause too.

    How to Treat Itchy Lips Using Home Remedies?

    There are diverse causes for the occurrence of itchy lips, thus, it is important to ascertain the exact cause and treat it effectively. Prompt treatment is essential to prevent a severe aggravation.

    • If the reason for itchy lips is cosmetics, then you ought to discontinue and change the offending cosmetic immediately.
    • In case of dry and / or cold weather, keep your skin well moisturized and drink plenty of water to stay well hydrated.
    • Whenever you come in, from outdoors, wash your face and lips with plain water; this helps wash off various irritants stuck on your face and lips.
    • Ensure that you are eating a well balanced diet. Dietary deficiencies are a significant cause for dryness of the lips. Supplementing your diet with B complex and folic acid is advocated, at least for a month.
    • Avoid smoking as tobacco tends to dry the lips.
    • Alcohol consumption dehydrates the body, and consequently alcohol should be avoided when you suffer from dry, itchy lips.
    • Drink enough water so that you are well hydrated. It helps your lips and skin retain moisture and prevent drying.
    • Aloe Vera gel: is an excellent home remedy for itchy lips. Apply the gel on your lips several times in a day; it will ease the itching and discomfort almost immediately. Slit the aloe Vera leaf and squeeze the gel out. Apply it on your lips.
    • Honey and almond oil: blend together 1 spoon of honey and 2 to 3 drops of almond oil and apply over the lips. Leave overnight. Honey naturally soothes the condition and almond oil prevents the lips from drying out. In is useful in food allergies as well as cosmetic allergies.
    • Baby oil: apply baby oil over your lips in winter to prevent itchy and dryness of the lips.

  • Numbness In Face: Causes, Symptoms And Home Remedies

    Numbness is an abnormal sensation which is characterized by increased or reduced sensation on the skin and can be present on any part of the body. This sensation is often associated with tingling or sensation of formication (i.e. sensation of ants crawling on the skin). Numbness of the face is a very distressing condition, though it may not be associated with any functional problems.

    What Causes Numbness In Face?

    Some of the leading factors that can contribute to numbness on the face include some of the following,

    • Sleeping on one side of the face for long duration of time can result in numbness on that side. This cause is attributed to compression of the nerve supplying to that part and is temporary in nature disappearing after a few minutes.
    • Nerve damage, especially to the nerves supplying to the face can lead to numbness. Usually the facial nerve (i.e. the fifth cranial nerve) is affected. Head injury or injury to the face can precipitate into nerve damage.
    • Infection, tumor or scarring of tissue can also lead to inflammation or pressure on the concerned nerve resulting in numbness in face. Usually in most cases, this affects only one side of the face.
    • Shingles or herpes zoster affecting the nerve can lead to numbness sensation.
    • In relatively rare cases, reduced blood supply to the affected area, as in cases of peripheral vascular disease, atherosclerosis or frost bite, numbness is common.
    • Other medical conditions associated with numbness of the face include multiple sclerosis, seizures, diabetes, migraine, under-active thyroid, etc.
    • Abnormal electrolyte balance resulting in altered levels of potassium, sodium or calcium can cause this condition.
    • Vitamin B12 deficiency is another leading factor attributed to numbness in face.
    • Other causes include medications, radiation therapy or overuse of alcohol or tobacco.
    • Lead poisoning can also trigger an episode of numbness in face.

    Symptoms Of Numbness In Face

    The typical symptoms associated with numbness in face include tingling sensation along with burning (especially if the condition is associated with diabetes or other metabolic disorders). In most cases there is a loss of sensation; however hypersensitivity to touch may also be present in some cases.

    In cases of nerve damage, numbness may be associated with loss of motor functions resulting in dropping of eyelids, inability to open the mouth and sensation of numbness along one side of the tongue. Dribbling of saliva from the affected side is another symptom associated with damage of motor functions.

    Home Remedies For Numbness In Face

    Certain simple home based treatment options can help in alleviating numbness in face. Some of these treatment options include dietary and lifestyle corrections,

    • Include vitamin and calcium supplements in your routine. Include foods like dairy products, eggs, pulses, legumes, nuts, etc to increase the supply of these nutrients naturally.
    • Management of diabetes is crucial in alleviating the symptom of numbness in face. Consume 2 to 3 grams of cinnamon after a meal. Cinnamon helps increase uptake of sugar by the body cells and thereby reduces the negative effects of high blood sugar levels. Consult your physician before attempting to use cinnamon.
    • Regular neck and face exercises can help improve blood circulation to the face and thereby reduces the chances of numbness. Simply chewing a gum or smiling can be very helpful to improve facial blood supply.
    • Stop smoking and limit the consumption of alcohol. Reduce sea foods as they can increase the risk of lead poisoning.

    If dietary and lifestyle modifications fail to improve the condition, consult your physician immediately to get a thorough evaluation.

  • Mastoiditis In Adults Causes: Its Symptoms And Treatment Options

    Inflammation and infection occurring in mastoid bone is known as mastoiditis. The mastoid bone is a part of temporal bone of skull which is located behind the ear. Unlike the hard structure of other bones, mastoid bone contains tiny air spaces which give it a honeycomb appearance. It is like a sponge.

    In majority of cases mastoiditis is caused due to spread of infection from middle ear. Although mastoiditis is more common in children, adults can also suffer from this condition. Recurrent middle ear infection also known as otitis media can lead to mastoiditis. The condition can be acute and chronic.

    Mastoiditis is not common in adults but when it occurs, the condition can cause pain behind the ear and if left untreated it can result in hearing loss.

    What Causes Mastoiditis In Adults?

    In majority of cases mastoiditis occurs due to infection in middle ear, which is also called acute otitis media. The causative organisms responsible for infection are gram positive bacteria such as staphylococcus aureus, streptoccocus pyogenes, etc. Mastoiditis is rarely caused by gram negative bacteria. The infection from middle ear can spread into the tiny air cells of mastoid bone.

    Mastoiditis can also develop as a result of cholesteotoma, a skin tumor in the middle ear which blocks the fluid drainage and thus destructs the honeycomb structure of mastoid bone.

    Perforation of eardrum can lead to infection in the middle ear which in turn can cause mastoiditis. In adults this problem is common. Eardrum can perforate due to several reasons; traumatic injury to the ear is leading cause for perforation. In severe cases mastoiditis can lead to hearing loss, brain abscess, meningitis, facial nerve paralysis, vertigo etc.

    Mastoiditis Symptoms In Adults

    Severe pain in bone behind the ear is first symptom which almost all patients with mastoiditis complain of. The skin over the mastoid bone area is red and tender to touch. On examination the physician finds swollen eardrum. There is a history of purulent discharge from the affected ear. The discharge is thick and often mixed with blood.

    In case of acute mastoiditis patient may complain of low grade fever associated with headache. Vertigo is common in chronic cases of mastoiditis. Also patient may complain loss of hearing if the problem persists for long duration. In case if the condition remains untreated for long duration, there is associated risk of complications ranging from facial nerve palsy to serious brain disease such as meningitis.

    Treatment Options For Mastoiditis In Adults

    Although the symptoms are indicative of mastoiditis, it is important to perform certain diagnostic tests such as MRI or CT scan and X-ray of mastoid process. This helps the physician to know the extent of damage caused to the mastoid bone. He can plan the treatment accordingly.

    • A broad spectrum antibiotic is prescribed to control the infection. Since oral antibiotics may not be able to reach deep inside the infected air cells of mastoid bone, often intravenous antibiotics are recommended by physician. It is given under supervision of a doctor.
    • If antibiotics fail to cure chronic mastoiditis, the other option left for the physician is surgery of mastoid process. This surgery is called mastoidectomy. In this surgery, the infected bony part of mastoid is removed and the area thoroughly drained. Surgical intervention prevents spread of infection to facial nerve and in the brain. It also helps to reverse the hearing loss.
    • If the infection is mild and chronic, homeopathic medicines are useful in treating the condition. The medicines are selected on symptoms, extent of damage and tests. Homeopathic medicines such as merc sol, merc iod, kali iod, tuberculinum are useful in chronic cases of mastoiditis.
    • Patient should also take certain precautions such as use of ear plugs while taking shower. It prevents water to enter in the ear canal.
    • Patient should boost his immunity by eating healthy nutritious diet. Also he should not smoke or drink alcohol.