People in big cities and towns are often exposed to loud noises, especially those from outdoor speakers. These speakers are unavoidable at sports stadiums, movie screenings, and social gatherings, but the sound can severely damage the ears if it is too loud. Many say they cannot hear soft sounds easily after going to such events. There are quite a few ways in which outdoor speakers can potentially damage the ears. Damage to hair cells The ear’s cochlea has tiny hair strands that bend when one hears loud noises. They return to normal after some time, but some are damaged and destroyed. Many of these hair cells even die on repeated exposure to loud noises. Tinnitus It is okay to feel a ringing or buzzing noise in the ears after listening to noises from outdoor speakers. The ringing sound is called tinnitus. People exposed to loud noises for long may hear these sounds constantly, and that’s when it becomes a problem. Limiting exposure to outdoor speakers as much as possible is important to avoid this issue. Damage to auditory nerves The nerves in the ears carry auditory information to the brain. Continuous exposure to loud noises from speakers can damage the auditory nerves, but it may not become evident until much later.

Thyroid eye disease (TED) is an autoimmune health condition that inflames one’s eyes, causing bulging and affecting the connective tissues, fatty tissues, and eye muscles. This condition is often associated with Graves’ disease, which causes an overactive thyroid gland that triggers TED. If left untreated, this condition can aggravate and even cause blindness due to the pressure on one’s eye nerves. Here are some common symptoms and treatments associated with Thyroid eye disease. Symptoms of TED Some common symptoms to watch out for include- Double vision or blurry vision Eyes look misaligned Eyes seem to carry an abnormal bulge Eyelids may swell or become red Ulcers appear on the cornea or the front of the eye Baggy eyes Excessive watering or dry eyes Inability to stand under the sun or other bright lights for long Difficulty in making normal eye movements Experiencing pain behind the eyes or while making movements Inflammation on the upper eyelids Colors look less bright or vibrant than they did before A gritting sensation or a feeling that there’s sand in the eyes Treatment options for TED Those suffering from TED may experience an active or stable stage of the condition. In the former stage, the inflammation keeps growing and may last up to three years.

Antidepressants are often prescribed to individuals who are seeking relief from symptoms of depression. However, like a majority of other treatment options, these prescription treatments also come with some side effects. These side effects usually vary depending on the type of antidepressant. While some of these side effects can be managed, there are some that can be difficult to handle. Read to know about a few common side effects of antidepressants. Dizziness Dizziness is a common side effect of various kinds of antidepressants. It usually occurs due to the slight drop in blood pressure caused by the prescription treatments. If one experiences this side effect, it is advisable for them to use support when walking to avoid any accidents. Moreover, one must also avoid activities like driving or cooking as it could be highly dangerous. Reduced alertness Experiencing a decrease in alertness is another common side effect that is generally noticed during the initial phases of using antidepressants. As a part of this side effect, one may notice that their ability to concentrate and stay alert is reduced. Due to this, one may even find it hard to focus on their work or carry out daily activities, such as cooking, driving, etc.

Stomach acids and enzymes, as well as the enzymes present in the saliva, are responsible for the digestion of food. However, when a person is dealing with indigestion or heartburn, some of the acid from the stomach travels up the esophagus and might cause acid reflux and other symptoms. While this can be treated with some prescription treatments, there are some natural remedies that provide quick relief from these symptoms. Baking soda Baking soda is a natural, inexpensive, and easily available remedy for indigestion relief. All one needs to do is mix a teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of water. It helps neutralize the acid present in the stomach and relieve the symptoms quickly. However, patients who have been asked to restrict their sodium intake should consult their doctor before implementing this home remedy, as baking soda contains a substantial amount of sodium. Sugar-free gum Increased production of saliva is another natural remedy that can help relieve indigestion and its symptoms. Increased saliva production following a meal can be a great way of avoiding excessive stomach acid production. Chewing gum after a meal is one way to increase saliva production, diluting the stomach acid and keeping indigestion symptoms at bay.

Tap water, while safe, is not the recommended source of drinking water, according to studies. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the drinking water regulations in the country. According to the EPA, anything other than water molecules is considered a contaminant. However, some of these contaminants are safe at certain levels. This article discusses the safety of tap water for drinking, its side effects, and a few reasons why a water purifier is needed. Possible contaminants in tap water Some chemical compounds that could make their way into tap water include industrial runoff, pesticides, lead, mercury, and even arsenic. Other contaminants include bacteria, viruses, and parasites. There could also be contaminants from human-made nuclear waste and uranium or radium deposits in the ground. Side effects of drinking tap water Arsenic can cause partial paralysis, blindness, discoloration of the skin, vomiting, numbness in hands and feet, stomach pain, and diarrhea. Chlorine can cause chronic cough, chest tightness, airway irritation, sore throat, and breathing difficulties. Fluoride may cause severe skeletal problems and also fluorosis. Pesticides can develop extreme weakness, headaches, allergic sensitization, and also eye and skin irritation. Bacteria like E.coli can affect the stomach, causing diarrhea, abdominal pain, cramping, vomiting, and nausea.

Fever blisters, more commonly called cold sores, are a bunch of sores that form around the mouth and sometimes on the lips. The sores are painful and often start with a burning sensation or itching. As they progress, they can begin to redden and swell. Cold sores are caused by Herpes Simplex Virus or HSV, which spreads on close contact. Since there’s no cure, patients can use these five remedies to manage their condition better. Aloe vera gel Aloe vera gel is rich in anthraquinone, a strong anti-inflammatory compound. It is also antiviral and can help reduce the swelling present with cold sores. The gel can bring temporary relief from the pain and inflammation as well. One can dab some aloe vera gel over the areas impacted by the sores multiple times daily for healing. Apple cider vinegar Research tells us that apple cider vinegar can protect the body against harmful microbial activity. It can also help remove dead skin cells from the skin’s surface faster, speeding up the healing process. However, one should try this cold sore remedy only after speaking to a doctor. Sunscreen Sun exposure can trigger cold sores and aggravate the discomfort and symptoms in those with the problem.

Myelodysplastic syndromes are a group of disorders caused by poorly formed blood cells or those that don’t function properly. This condition results from something missing in the spongy section inside the bones where the blood cells are formed (bone marrow). However, some signs and symptoms can help diagnose the condition, followed by a treatment or management plan that helps keep the body functioning well. Read more to discover the common signs and a management plan. Signs and symptoms These do not appear at the start and will start to show when the condition has started affecting other body parts. Shortness in breath Unusual paleness caused by a lack of red blood cells, also called anemia Unusual bleeding or bruising that happens often and easily. This is caused by a low blood platelet count called thrombocytopenia Tiny red spots appear right under the skin, and this is caused by bleeding underneath, also called petechiae Experiencing fatigue Frequent infections due to low white blood cells, also called leukopenia Treatment options There is no cure for this disease, but some management options may help slow the progression of the disease, such as: Blood transfusions One approach to alleviate the symptoms of this illness is by utilizing healthy blood cells obtained from a donor to replace the red blood cells and platelets in affected individuals.

Hemorrhoids refer to the swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus region of the body and are also known as piles. Depending on where they develop, they can be classified into internal and external. Various treatment options are available to help get rid of them, including home remedies, minimally invasive procedures, and lifestyle changes that can help manage the condition. Here are some of the treatment options that one can explore. Home remedies and lifestyle changes High-fiber food: Foods with high fiber content soften the stool and help increase its bulk. This means the bowel movement is easy and does not cause strain. Topical treatments: Some doctors recommend using a hemorrhoid cream, which has numbing properties. Soak in warm water: Soaking the anal area in warm water a couple of times a day is recommended. Soak for 10-15 minutes to help relieve discomfort, and repeat as necessary. A sitz bath that fits over the toilet is available. Minimally invasive procedures Rubber band ligation: In this procedure, the doctor may use a rubber band at the base of the internal hemorrhoid, which cuts off the blood flow to the area. After a couple of weeks, the hemorrhoid falls off by itself.