Headaches are a very common condition that most people will experience many times during their lives. The main symptom of a headache is pain in your head or face. This can be throbbing, constant, sharp, or dull. Headaches can be treated with medication, stress management, and biofeedback.
The multidisciplinary team takes a new approach to headaches.
How common are headaches in adults?
your head is throbbing, you're not alone. Headache is one of the most common pain conditions in the world. Up to 75% of adults worldwide have had a headache in the past year. Headaches are a major cause of absenteeism from work and school. They also take a toll on social and family life. For some people, continually battling headaches can lead to feeling anxious and depressed.
What are the types of headaches?
There are more than 150 types of headaches. They fall into two main categories: primary and secondary headaches.
Primary headaches
Primary headaches are those that aren't due to another medical condition. The category includes:
headaches
Secondary headaches are related to another medical condition, such as:
Are headaches hereditary?
Headaches tend to run in families, especially migraines. Children who have migraines usually have at least one parent who also suffers from them. Kids whose parents have migraines are up to four times more likely to develop them too.
Headaches can also be triggered by environmental factors shared in a family's household, such as:
What causes headaches?
Headache pain results from signals interacting among the brain, blood vessels, and surrounding nerves. During a headache, an unknown mechanism activates specific nerves that affect muscles and blood vessels. These nerves send pain signals to the brain.
What causes migraines?
Migraines aren't fully understood. But researchers think migraines result when unstable nerve cells overreact to various factors (triggers). The nerve cells send out impulses to blood vessels and cause chemical changes in the brain. The result is disabling pain.
What triggers headaches and migraines?
Common triggers of tension headaches or migraines include:
What do headaches feel like?
Headache symptoms vary, depending on the type of headache you have.
Tension headaches
Tension headaches are the most common type of headache. Tension headache pain tends to be:
Migraines
Migraines are the second most common type of primary headaches. Symptoms of migraines include:
Cluster headaches
Cluster headaches are the most severe type of primary headache. Cluster headaches come in a group or cluster, usually in the spring or fall. They occur one to eight times per day during a cluster period, which may last two weeks to three months. The headaches may disappear completely (go into remission) for months or years, only to recur later. The pain of a cluster headache is:
New daily persistent headaches
New daily persistent headaches (NDPH) come on suddenly and last for more than three months. They typically occur in people who weren't having frequent headaches before. The pain of NDPH is:
Sinus headaches
Sinus headaches are the result of a sinus infection, which causes congestion and inflammation in the sinuses (open passageways behind the cheeks and forehead). People and even healthcare providers, often mistake migraines for sinus headaches. Symptoms of sinus headaches include:
Medication overuse headaches
Medication overuse headaches (MOH) or rebound headaches affect up to 5% of people. They happen when you frequently take pain relievers for headaches. Eventually, this practice can increase your number of headaches. Signs of MOH include:
Headaches in children
Most kids have had a headache by the time they get to high school. For about 20% of them, tension headaches and migraines are reoccurring problems. Similar to adults, triggers for headaches in children include:
What headache did symptoms require immediate medical care?
If you or your child has any of these headache symptoms, get medical care right away:
headache that is associated with neurological symptoms such as:
Symptoms requiring an appointment with your health care provider or a headache specialist
Contact your health care provider if you or your child has any of the following symptoms:
How are headaches evaluated and diagnosed?
If you have headaches often or if they are very severe, reach out to your healthcare provider. You can usually start with your family physician, where the diagnosis process will begin. It's important to diagnose headaches correctly so that specific therapy can be started to help you feel better. Your healthcare provider will complete a physical examination, discuss your medical history and talk to you about your headache symptoms.
This conversation is part of a headache evaluation. During the headache evaluation, your provider will ask you about your headache history, including:
Your headache can be more accurately diagnosed by knowing:
Your doctor will also ask additional questions about performance at work, family background, and if there is any history of drug abuse.
Clinical description of headaches
Describe how you feel when you have the headache, and what happens when you get the headache, such as:
History of headache treatments
You should provide your physician with a history of prior headache treatments. Tell your doctor what medications you have taken in the past and what medications are you currently taking. Don't hesitate to list them, bring in the medication bottles, or ask your pharmacist for a printout. If any studies or tests were previously performed, bring them with you. This may save time and repetition of tests.
Physical and neurological examinations for headaches
After completing the medical history part of the evaluation, your physician will perform physical and neurological examinations.
The physician will look for signs and symptoms of an illness that may be causing the headache. These signs and symptoms can include:
Neurological tests focus on ruling out diseases that might also cause headaches, such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and other cerebrovascular diseases.
A disorder of the central nervous system might be suspected in the development of serious headaches. These include:
After evaluating the results of your headache history, physical examination, and neurological examination, your physician should be able to determine what type of headache you have, whether or not a serious problem is present and whether additional tests are needed.
If possible, try to write down how you feel when you are experiencing a headache. Keeping a journal of your headaches and how they make you feel can be helpful when you are talking to your healthcare provider.
The information you give your healthcare provider about your headaches is the most important part of the diagnosis process. By giving your provider as much information as possible about your headaches, you're more likely to get an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan that will help you feel better.
Although scans and other imagining tests can be important when ruling out other diseases, they do not help in diagnosing migraines, clusters, or tension-type headaches. However, if your healthcare provider thinks that your headaches are being caused by another medical condition, several imaging tests may be done. A CT scan or MRI can be used if your provider thinks your headaches are connected to an issue with your central nervous system. Both of these tests produce cross-sectional images of the brain that can show any abnormal areas or problems. X-rays of your skull are generally not done. An EEG (electroencephalogram) may not be needed unless you've ever passed out during a headache.
How are headaches treated?
One of the most crucial aspects of treating headaches is figuring out your triggers. Learning what those are — typically by keeping a headache log — can reduce the number of headaches you have.
Once you know your triggers, your healthcare provider can tailor treatment to you. For example, you may get headaches when you're tense or worried. Counseling and stress management techniques can help you handle this trigger better. By lowering your stress level, you can avoid stress-induced headaches.
Not every headache requires medication. A range of treatments is available. Depending on your headache type, frequency, and cause, treatment options include:
Stress management
Stress management teaches you ways to cope with stressful situations. Relaxation techniques help manage stress. You use deep breathing, muscle relaxation, mental images, and music to ease your tension.
Biofeedback teaches you to recognize when tension is building in your body. You learn how your body responds to stressful situations and ways to settle them down.
During biofeedback, sensors are connected to your body. They monitor your involuntary physical responses to headaches, which include increases in:
Occasional tension headaches usually respond well to over-the-counter pain relievers. But be aware that using these medications too often can lead to a long-term daily headache.
For frequent or severe headaches, your provider may recommend prescription headache medications. Triptans and other types of drugs can stop a migraine attack. You take them at the first signs of an oncoming headache.
Drugs for high blood pressure, seizures, and depression can sometimes prevent migraines. Your healthcare provider may recommend trying one of these medications to reduce headache frequency.
How can I prevent headaches?
The key to preventing headaches is figuring out what triggers them. Triggers are very specific to each person — what gives you a headache may not be a problem for others. Once you determine your triggers, you can avoid or minimize them.
For example, you may find that strong scents set you off. Avoiding perfumes and scented products can make a big difference in how many headaches you have. The same goes for other common triggers like troublesome foods, lack of sleep, and poor posture.
Many people, however, are not able to avoid triggers or are unable to identify triggers. In that case, a more personalized multidisciplinary approach with a headache specialist is often necessary.
Can headaches or migraines be cured?
Treating health problems that cause headaches, such as high blood pressure, can eliminate head pain. Recently, there have been several new advancements in our understanding of what causes headaches. Although we are closer than ever before to a cure, at this time there is no cure for primary headaches. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing future episodes.
What if treatment doesn't work?
There are many different ways to address headaches. When you start a treatment program, keep track of your results. A headache log can help you measure progress. Ask yourself:
If you don't notice an improvement, talk to your doctor at the next follow-up exam. You may need to try something new.
When should I see my healthcare provider?
Most of the time headaches, although painful, don't pose a serious threat. However, headaches can sometimes be a symptom of a life-threatening condition. Signs you should seek immediate medical care include:
Are there any headache remedies I can try at home?
You can treat the occasional, mild headache at home with over-the-counter pain relievers. Other self-care treatments for headaches include:
Headaches are a very common condition that most people will experience many times during their lives. The main symptom of a headache is pain in your head or face. This can be throbbing, constant, sharp, or dull. Headaches can be treated with medication, stress management, and biofeedback
Book your appointment today and find expert solutions that can help you manage your condition from the comfort of home.
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a condition when the pressure exerted by the blood on your vessel wall is abnormally high. Normal blood pressure is around 120/80 mm Hg, where 120 is systolic pressure (exerted during the contraction phase of the heart) and 80 is the diastolic pressure (exerted during the relaxation phase of the heart). A person is said to have hypertension if it rises above 140/100 mm Hg.
Complications of hypertension cause damage to organs like the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes and include:
It's important to address high blood pressure as soon as possible. Our experts will devise management plans accordingly to your goals. Let Galileo Life help curb your hypertension.
Fortunately, high blood pressure can be controlled with simple modifications if addressed timely. If you have high blood pressure or feel any of the aforementioned symptoms, talk to our experts now. We provide the best-personalized treatment plans because we believe that your health always comes first.
Fortunately, high blood pressure can be controlled with simple modifications if addressed timely. If you have high blood pressure or feel any of the aforementioned symptoms, talk to our experts now. We provide the best-personalized treatment plans because we believe that your health always comes first.
Allergies are your body's reaction to a substance it views as a harmful “invader.” For example, coming into contact with what is normally a harmless substance, such as pollen, might cause your immune system (your body's defense system) to react. Substances that cause these reactions are called allergens.
An “allergic reaction” is the way your body responds to the allergen. A chain of events occurs that results in an allergic reaction. If you are prone to allergies, the first time you're exposed to a specific allergen (such as pollen), your body responds by producing allergic (IgE) antibodies. The job of these antibodies is to find the allergens and help remove them from your system. As a result, a chemical called histamine is released and causes symptoms of allergies.
You can be allergic to a wide variety of substances – including pollen, animal dander, mold, and dust mites.
Seasonal allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, is an allergic response to pollen. It causes inflammation and swelling of the lining of your nose and the protective tissue of your eyes (conjunctiva).
Symptoms include sneezing, congestion (feeling stuffy), and itchy, watery eyes, nose, and mouth. Treatment options include over-the-counter and prescription oral antihistamines, anti-leukotrienes, nasal steroids, nasal antihistamines, and nasal cromolyn. In some people, allergic asthma symptoms (wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and/or chest tightness) can be caused by exposure to pollen.
Your symptoms can be reduced by avoiding pollen. Stay indoors when pollen counts are high, close your windows, and use air conditioning. Ask your healthcare provider about immunotherapy (“allergy shots”) to treat pollen allergy.
Dust mites are tiny organisms that live in dust and the fibers of household objects, such as pillows, mattresses, carpets, and upholstery. Dust mites grow in warm, humid areas.
The symptoms of dust mite allergy are similar to those of pollen allergy. To help manage dust mite allergies, try using dust mite encasements (airtight plastic/polyurethane covers) over pillows, mattresses, and box springs. Also, remove carpet, or vacuum frequently with a high-efficiency filter vacuum cleaner. Treatment may include medications to control your nasal/eye and chest symptoms. Immunotherapy may be recommended if your symptoms are not adequately controlled with avoidance methods and medications.
Molds are tiny fungi (like Penicillium) with spores that float in the air like pollen. Mold is a common trigger for allergies. Mold can be found indoors in damp areas, such as the basement, kitchen, or bathroom, as well as outdoors in grass, leaf piles, hay, mulch, or under mushrooms. Mold spores reach a peak during hot, humid weather. Treatment may include medications to control your nasal/eye and chest symptoms. Immunotherapy may be recommended if your symptoms are not adequately controlled with avoidance and medications.
Allergic reactions can be caused by the proteins secreted by sweat glands in an animal's skin, which are shed in dander, and by the proteins in an animal's saliva. Avoidance measures don't work as well as simply removing the pet from your home. However, because many people are reluctant to do this, second-best measures include keeping your pet out of your bedroom, using air cleaners with HEPA filtration, and washing your pet (cat or dog) frequently.
Some people develop a latex allergy after repeated contact with latex. Rubber gloves, such as those used in surgery or home cleaning, are a major source for causing this type of reaction. Skin rash, hives, eye tearing, and irritation, wheezing and itching of the skin may occur if you have a latex allergy.
Allergic reactions to latex can be mild, such as skin redness and itching. More severe reactions can occur if your mucosal membranes are exposed, such as during an operation or a dental or gynecologic exam.
Treatment of latex reactions begins by removing the offending latex product. If you have a latex allergy, you need to wear a Medic Alert® bracelet and carry an emergency epinephrine kit. All procedures should be carried out in a “latex-safe” fashion. There is no cure for latex allergy, so the best treatment for this condition is prevention and avoidance.
Food allergies develop when your body develops a specific antibody to a specific food. An allergic reaction occurs within minutes of eating food and symptoms can be severe.
In adults, the most common food allergies are shellfish, peanuts, and tree nuts. In children, they include milk, egg, soy, wheat, shellfish, peanuts, and tree nuts.
It is extremely important to avoid foods that cause allergy symptoms. If you (or your child) have a food allergy, your doctor may prescribe injectable epinephrine (adrenaline) for you to carry at all times. This is needed in case you accidentally eat foods that cause allergies. There are new therapies for peanut allergies called oral immunotherapy.
If you get a bee sting, a normal reaction includes pain, swelling, and redness around the sting site. A large, local reaction includes swelling that extends beyond the sting site. For example, if you are stung on the ankle, you may see swelling in your leg.
The most serious reaction to an insect sting is an allergic one, which needs immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to an insect sting include:
If you react like this, a re-sting can cause a serious reaction that can be life-threatening.
An allergic reaction is treated with epinephrine (adrenaline). If you've had an allergic reaction to bee stings, see a board-certified allergy/immunologist to get a skin and/or blood test to confirm your allergy to bee venom. Venom immunotherapy is recommended if venom allergy is confirmed. This will help reduce the possibility that a re-sting will cause a serious reaction.
Nasal allergy symptoms and hay fever are referred to as “allergic rhinitis.” Seasonal allergic rhinitis is a nasal allergy that changes with the seasons because of pollen from plants (trees, grasses, or weeds). Seasonal symptoms arise during the pollinating seasons for particular plants. Because you can be allergic to more than one thing, your symptoms may get worse at different times throughout the year or maybe constant.
No. Most allergies are inherited, which means they are passed on to children by their parents. People inherit a tendency to be allergic, although not to any specific allergen. If your child develops an allergy, you or your partner likely have allergies.
Allergy symptoms are classified as mild, moderate, or severe:
Anything that you come into contact with that your body views as a “harmful invader” can be a cause of an allergy. Normally harmless substances that are common causes of allergies include pollen, animal dander, mold, dust, foods, insect venom, and latex
Technically, your symptoms are the result of a chain of events that are your body's response to the “harmful invader.” Your body “sees” the invader, makes antibodies to fight the invader and in so doing, releases histamines that cause your allergy symptoms.
If you think you have allergies, don't wait to see if your symptoms go away.
When your symptoms last longer than a week or two and tend to come back, make an appointment with an allergy/immunology specialist.
Allergy skin testing may be used to identify the allergens that are causing your allergy symptoms. The test is performed by pricking your skin with an extract of an allergen and then checking your skin's reaction. If a skin test can't be performed, blood work may be obtained. This test is not as sensitive as a skin test. The test evaluates the number of antibodies produced by your immune system. Higher levels of certain antibodies suggest a possible allergy to that allergen. Other types of allergy testing are available too.
How are allergies treated?
Although avoiding the allergen is an important treatment approach, it usually doesn't completely end the allergic reaction.
Medications such as antihistamines (e.g., Allegra®, Zyrtec®), decongestants (eg, Sudafed®, Contact®), or a combination of over-the-counter and prescription medications, are used to treat your allergy symptoms. Nasal sprays such as topical nasal steroids (e.g., Flonase®, Nasonex®), cromolyn sodium, and topical nasal antihistamines also can be used to treat allergy symptoms. Asthma medications, which reduce allergy symptoms, include:
Immunotherapy (“allergy shot therapy”) or allergy oral immunotherapy is recommended if your symptoms aren't adequately controlled with a combination of avoidance measures and regular medication use. This shot has been shown to be effective in properly selected patients with allergic rhinitis and/or allergic asthma.
Another treatment option is saline irrigation using a sinus rinse kit. These rinse kits (e.g., Neilmed®) are sold over-the-counter or can be made at home. To make your rinse, combine one-half teaspoon non-iodinated salt with one-half teaspoon baking soda in eight ounces of distilled or boiled water. This mixture rinses out allergens and decreases the amount of inflammation (edema) they cause.
Can allergies be cured?
Allergies can't be cured, but symptoms can be controlled using a combination of avoidance measures and medications, as well as allergen immunotherapy in properly selected cases
Are you having a hard time managing your breakouts? At Galileo Life, we provide expert treatments and personalized aftercare plans to help you restore your skin.
Book your appointments and enjoy expert opinions and consultations, all without having to step out of your door.
Acne is one of the most common inflammatory skin conditions experienced by people worldwide. It manifests oily skin with characteristic lesions called blackheads and whiteheads. For most people, it is triggered by hormonal changes during puberty and does not last long. For others, however, it can develop into an acute inflammatory condition that is far more painful and can leave permanent scars.
In acne, pustules, whiteheads, and blackheads cover the skin. Most commonly affected include the face, chest, back, scalp, and armpits. Diet plays an important role in the development of acne and dietary factors can affect the severity of your skin condition. Expert consultations at Galileo Life can provide you with dietary recommendations to help you manage your acne.
Our physicians will also assess the severity of your condition and your general skin health status before determining a treatment plan.
If you have long-standing acne with severe symptoms such as pain and irritability, medical intervention may be needed. Good thing, we at Galileo Life offer the best dermatologists to provide treatment plans for our patients.
Our doctors assess your condition through a detailed history and provide the best medical treatments for a quick and easy recovery.
Book an appointment today!
Is bronchitis keeping you from seeing a doctor? Well, tune in to our clinic and enjoy expert services from the comfort of your couch.
Bronchitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the bronchi in the lungs. Bronchitis is usually infectious but can also occur due to environmental factors such as allergens and smoking that irritate the bronchial lining and cause inflammation.
The most common cause of long-standing bronchitis is smoking. Other causes include occupational pollution and other environmental pollutants. These factors increase the susceptibility of your respiratory tract to develop inflammation following a bacterial or viral infection. The obstruction of air passageways by thick and infectious mucous makes it fairly difficult to breathe. Hence if left untreated, chronic bronchitis can lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Symptoms include:
If you have a cough that has lasted for about 3 months with consistent thick mucus production, you are likely suffering from chronic bronchitis.
The experts at our telehealth clinic assess your status based upon clinical signs and symptoms and devise the safest medical plan.
If you have acute bronchitis, consultation with an expert is always the best way forward. Most cases of acute bronchitis resolve naturally because of the own immune system. Taking antibiotics only helps resolve the symptoms early but at the expense of developing antibiotic resistance in bacteria. So, before you put your shoes into anything, talk to our experts from the convenience of your homes and get professional opinions to help you deal with your bronchitis.
So if you have bronchitis, don't hesitate to book your appointment right away.
Came down with the common cold? Talk to our experts now and enjoy a quick and easy recovery, all without having to step out.
The common cold is a viral infection that affects your nose and throat. It is a very common condition. A common cold usually resolves on its own in about a week and a half. General household remedies such as warm water and proper cover can do the trick. Medical treatment is not required unless the symptoms persist for long or grow severe. If this happens, you can book experts at Galileo Life to get professional medical help from the comfort of your home.
The symptoms of a common cold usually begin two to three days after exposure to the virus. The symptoms vary among individuals and include:
If your symptoms have persisted for more than 10 days and you have a fever of greater than 100 °F, see our doctors now. In cases of a persistent fever along with wheezing and shortness of breath, it is important to seek medical attention.
If you are having trouble with a common cold, clock in now at Galileo Life and get expert consultations and treatments. Don't hesitate, it's just a click away!
The flu is a respiratory infection caused by a virus (germ). Influenza occurs most often during the winter and easily spreads from person to person. The "flu season" in the Northern hemisphere runs from October to May and usually peaks between December and February.
Most people who get influenza feel sick for a week or two and recover. In some people, the flu leads to more serious lung infections or to worsening of underlying conditions, such as heart failure or emphysema.
Many conditions — such as a common cold, diarrhea, and vomiting — are called "the flu," but are not influenza. “Stomach flu” is a misnomer, since viruses other than the flu cause such illness.
Many cold and flu symptoms are similar. Both the common cold and the flu are caused by viruses. There are some differences with influenza. Symptoms of influenza often hit suddenly and cause you to become weaker and weaker. While the more uncomfortable symptoms of flu generally last from three to seven days, the dry cough and fatigue of influenza can last two to three weeks. Signs that influenza is getting worse include an increasing degree of fever and shortness of breath. If you think that your illness is getting worse, contact your doctor right away.
| Symptom | Cold | Flu |
|---|---|---|
| Fever | Adults-rare; children-sometimes | High fever (100°F up to 104°F in adults and 106°F in children); can last 3 to 4 days) |
| Runny nose | Common (Nasal discharge may have a yellow- or green-colored tint. This does not mean you have a bacterial infection.) | Sometimes |
| Stuffy nose | Common | Sometimes |
| HeadacheCommon | Sometimes (usually mild) | common(usually severe) |
| Body aches and pains | Sometimes (usually mild) | Common (can be severe) |
| Fatigue (tiredness), weakness | Sometimes (usually mild) | Common (can last up to 2-3 weeks) |
| Chills, sweating | Not common | Common |
| Nausea | Uncommon | Common in children |
| Loss of appetite | Sometimes | Common |
| Sneezing | Common | Sometimes |
| Cough | Common (mild to moderate) | Common (can be intense, severe) |
| Sore throat | Common | Sometimes |
| Chest congestion, discomfort | Common (mild to moderate) | Common (can be severe) |
| Vomiting | Not common Sometimes | (more in children) |
| Diarrhea | Not common Sometimes | (more in children) |
| Watery eyes | Common | Sometimes |
| Complications Sinus congestion, earache | Sinus congestion, earache | Bronchitis, pneumonia (can be life-threatening) |
It's important to take flu medicines very early (within 48 hours of coming down with symptoms), so you should contact your doctor as soon as you think you may have the flu.
Most people with influenza who are otherwise healthy do not need special drugs or treatments. If you have the flu, you should:
If you are seriously ill, your doctor might order an antiviral drug for you. Antiviral drugs for influenza include oseltamivir phosphate (Tamiflu®); zanamivir (Relenza®); peramivir (Rapivap®); and baloxavir (Xofluza®).
This drug is approved to treat influenza in patients who are two weeks of age, and older, and it works best in people who have had the flu for fewer than two days. It is also approved to prevent flu in patients who are one year of age and older. There is a generic version of this product available, but it costs nearly as much as the brand name. Potential side effects include nausea, vomiting, nosebleeds, headaches, and tiredness.
This drug is approved to treat flu in patients seven years old and older and to prevent flu in patients who are five and older. This product is inhaled and not recommended for people who have respiratory illnesses like COPD or asthma. Common side effects include headaches, nausea, diarrhea, nose irritation, and vomiting.
This drug is approved to treat flu in people 2 years old and older. This product is given into the vein (intravenously) by a healthcare provider. A common side effect of peramivir is diarrhea.
This drug, a pill, is approved to treat flu in people 12 years old and older who are otherwise healthy and in people who are at higher risk of developing influenza-related complications. Common side effects are diarrhea, bronchitis, nausea, and headaches. The side effects mentioned for the above drugs are only the most common. There are other possible side effects. As with any type of medication, you might be allergic. Please discuss side effects with your doctor or pharmacist. Amantadine and rimantidine have also been approved to treat influenza, but flu viruses are widely resistant to them.
Infections from bacteria are more likely when you have influenza. Healthcare providers treat these bacterial infections with antibiotic drugs. Common secondary infections include:
Yes. If you get the flu vaccine, you are likely to be protected from the flu for the duration of the flu season. The vaccine is given as a shot or a nasal spray. You must get the vaccine every year in the fall to be protected. Sometimes the vaccine does not prevent you from getting the flu but makes the flu less severe if you do get it. The vaccine is safe, even for pregnant women. You can't get the flu from the ‘flu shot.' In addition, some of the antivirals (Relenza and Tamiflu) given to treat flu can be given to prevent flu in people who are in close contact with people who have the flu. Because the flu is so contagious, you can do other things that may help you prevent getting or spreading the flu:
It's recommended that everyone 6 months or older should get an influenza vaccine each year. You will protect yourself and other people around you. People who have any of the following conditions are at high risk of becoming seriously ill from influenza :
You also have a higher risk of becoming seriously ill from influenza if you:
If you work in a healthcare facility, you may transmit influenza to patients and other workers, but you are not at a higher risk of becoming seriously ill. The recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is that everyone over the age of 6 months gets a flu vaccine if there are no contraindications. This includes individuals who are not at high risk.
You shouldn't get the influenza shot if you are
(Please remember that the above list is for people who should not receive the NASAL flu vaccine. It does not refer to the flu shot.)
The best time to get the flu vaccine is in the early fall. It takes about 3 weeks for the vaccine to exert its protective benefits, so don't delay receiving it. OUTLOOK / PROGNOSIS
People over 65 and those with chronic(long-term) illnesses have hard time-fighting influenza because the body's system for fighting infections is often weakened by age and illness. In older people, influenza is also more likely to lead to:
Because of the importance of taking flu medicines within 48 hours of coming down with symptoms, call immediately if you think you have the flu. If you continue to feel unwell after you have been treated for the flu, you should call your doctor's office. If you find yourself feeling better and then getting sick again, you should also contact your doctor. The flu might have left you with some kind of secondary illness, like a sinus infection.
You are contagious for one day before starting feeling ill and for 5 to 7 days while you have the flu symptoms. At the very least, you should stay at home until can go 24 hours without taking something for fever. If you have other severe symptoms, such as incessant (non-stop) cough or shortness of breath, you should stay at home.
A gout is a painful form of arthritis. When your body has extra uric acid, sharp crystals may form in the big toe or other joints, causing episodes of swelling and pain called gout attacks. Gout is treatable with medications and changes in diet and lifestyle.
Doctors place gout under the umbrella term “arthritis” — a broad range of joint diseases and joint pain. Some forms of arthritis inflame joints, while others don't.A Gout is a common form of inflammatory arthritis. It's due to a crystal called uric acid.
A gout causes pain and swelling in one or more joints. It typically affects the big toe. But it's also found in other joints, including the knee, ankle, foot, hand, wrist, and elbow.
A gout can affect anyone. It usually occurs earlier in men than women. It generally occurs after menopause in women. Men can be three times more likely than women to get it because they have higher levels of uric acid most of their lives. Women reach these uric acid levels after menopause.
People are more likely to get gout if they have:
You are also more likely to develop gout if you:
The human body makes uric acid during the breakdown of chemicals called purines found in certain food and drinks. This normal byproduct goes through the kidneys and exits the body when you pee.
Sometimes the body produces too much uric acid. Or the kidneys can't do a good job handling it. When the body has high levels of uric acid or hyperuricemia, uric acid crystals can concentrate in the joints. The sharp, needle-like crystals cause gout. However, many people with higher uric acid levels never get gout.
An episode of gout is called a gout attack. Gout attacks are very painful and can happen quite suddenly, often overnight. During a gout attack, symptoms in the affected joint(s) may include:
A gout attack can last a week or two. Between gout attacks, you may have no symptoms at all.
Some people have gout attacks frequently, while others go years between episodes. If gout isn't treated, attacks may become more frequent and last longer. Gout attacks can happen over and over again in the same joint or affect different joints.
If you have sudden or severe pain in a joint, you should talk to your primary care provider (PCP). Your PCP may send you to a rheumatologist, a doctor who specializes in gout and other kinds of arthritis.
Healthcare providers consider several things when confirming gout:
Your healthcare provider may prescribe certain medications to treat gout.
Some drugs help control symptoms:
Drugs that help lower levels of uric acid in your body to prevent or reduce future episodes of gout attacks:
You can make certain lifestyle changes to help prevent gout:
Do your best to limit the purines in your body, since these chemicals can trigger uric acid buildup. Foods and drinks containing high purine levels include:
Certain medications can lead to elevated uric acid levels. These medications include:
If you experience sudden, intense pain in a joint, call a healthcare provider right away. If the joint is hot and inflamed, you might have gout — or you might have another problem like an infection.
Untreated gout can lead to permanent joint damage. The buildup of uric acid in the joints and soft tissue is called tophus. Some people with gout can also develop other health problems, such as severe arthritis, kidney stones, and heart disease. It's important to discuss your symptoms with a healthcare provider.
When you have a gout attack, you can manage your symptoms by:
Consider asking your healthcare provider:
Gout is a painful form of arthritis. Extra uric acid in your body creates sharp crystals in the joints, leading to swelling and extreme tenderness. Gout usually starts in the big toe but can affect other joints. Gout is a treatable condition and the uric acid level can be decreased by medication and lifestyle changes. Talk to your healthcare provider about medications that can reduce uric acid levels. They can also discuss changes you can make to your diet and lifestyle to prevent and reduce gout attacks.
Is diarrhea keeping you home and canceling your outings? Don't worry, you don't even have to step outside to take advantage of expert healthcare at Galileo Life.
Diarrhea is a condition in which you get frequent loose and watery stools. Usually, the condition develops and then resolves on its own over a few days. During this time, it can create abdominal bloating and cramping in the lower abdomen but never something serious. Sometimes, however, it can create serious complications.
Diarrhea causes dehydration and if not corrected, it leads to a significant electrolyte imbalance in the body. This In Turns Gives Rise To Renal Failure and Other Important Bodily Functions.
Where mild diarrhea manifests as watery stools with mild abdominal cramps and bloating, severe diarrhea can also cause other significant symptoms. These include:
Severe diarrhea and associated dehydration can create serious complications. Symptoms include:
Contact our experts right now. We will provide you best consultations and treatment plans for your condition.
Stomach problems? Log in to Galileo Life and get expert solutions right away.
What Is Constipation?
Constipation is a condition characterized by hard stools that are very difficult to expel from the intestines. These stools lead to forceful bowel movements that can be painful.
What Are Symptoms Of Constipation?
Constipation is not a life-threatening condition unless it's chronic. People with constipation have difficulty in passing stools. They face constant abdominal bloating and a significant drop in appetite. Failure to pass hard stools also causes stomachaches, and you might also experience bloody stools. It is advisable to contact your physician if your constipation has lasted for more than 2 weeks. Book an appointment now and let us connect you with an expert physician to resolve your concerns.
What Should I Do If I Have Constipation?
Constipation can usually be reverted by eating a balanced diet with good fiber content along with maintaining an adequate level of hydration. Things that can fuel constipation should be avoided such as caffeine as it generally dehydrates your stools. Also, some people get constipation after consuming dairy products. Hence, these people are advised to limit their dairy consumption. Acute or short-term constipation is usually not a big issue and can be quickly corrected with laxatives. On the contrary, long-standing (chronic) constipation can lead to hemorrhoids, bloody stools, permanent obstruction, and even prolapse of the rectum (a condition where your rectum bulges out).
So, if you strain to pass stools, expert solutions are just a click away. Book your appointment now!
Do you often feel burning sensations in your chest after you eat a meal? If yes, contact our experts to discuss your condition. We offer the best clinicians to help you out with a swift and easy recovery.
What Is Heartburn?
Heartburn, medically known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a condition when the acid from your stomach propels backward toward the esophagus. The esophagus, commonly known as the food pipe, is a muscular tube that connects your mouth to your stomach. The food that you eat goes down the esophagus through muscular movements called peristalsis. When it reaches the bottom of the esophagus, a ring of muscles called the lower esophageal sphincter, allows its passage into the stomach. It then closes to prevent any backflow of food.
In GERD, the lower esophageal sphincter becomes weak and allows retrograde movement of the stomach contents. Also, the gastric acid goes back up into the esophagus and damages it. What Are The Symptoms Of Heartburn?
Gastroesophageal reflux presents with very obvious symptoms:
Moreover, GERD can also cause symptoms such as a sore throat and hoarseness of voice. The acid that is flushed back into the esophagus is strong enough to create ulcers in its wall. There is also persistent inflammation of the esophageal wall that leads to narrowing and the development of strictures.
The most serious complication of a long-standing GERD is metaplasia (change in the epithelial lining of the esophagus). It is called a Barret's Esophagus and it predisposes a person to esophageal cancer.
What Should I Do If I Have Heartburn?
If you feel burning in your chest, you can consult our doctors for effective treatment. In case your GERD is due to a hiatal hernia, you'll be subjected to diagnostic imaging.
So, tune in right now and find your best treatment option at Galileo Life.
At Galileo Life, we provide consistent support to help people with diabetes. Appointments with exerting physicians are just a click away.
Diabetes is a condition in which your blood sugar levels become too high. It occurs due to the dysfunction of your body's sugar-regulating mechanisms.
Because it has affected millions of people worldwide, diabetes has become a global health concern. Normally, whenever there is an increase in your blood sugar level (say after you eat a meal), your pancreas releases a hormone called insulin to bring it down. In diabetes, this regulatory mechanism is disturbed such that either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells do not respond to insulin despite its normal circulatory levels.
In Type I diabetes, the body is deficient in insulin. The deficit in insulin is a result of autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells that produce insulin. Lack of insulin leads to high blood sugar levels.
In Type 2 diabetes, the cells of the body don't react to insulin (a phenomenon called insulin resistance). This type of diabetes is most commonly associated with obesity. Of both types, Type 2 is more common (90 % of people have Type 2 diabetes).
Symptoms of diabetes are:
Complications of diabetes arise due to the damaging effects of high blood sugar levels on blood vessels. Microvascular damage in the eyes leads to diabetic retinopathy, which significantly impacts vision. Similarly, damage to renal vessels leads to diabetic nephropathy in which the kidneys do not function properly (which leads to a build-up of wastes in the body). Other complications include nerve damage and sexual dysfunction.
If you have diabetes, connect to our expert doctors without delay. We will formulate the best treatment plan for your condition. Also, our team will make sure you have consistent guidance and support to help you with your concern.
Book your appointments now! Don't hesitate. Your health always comes first.
At Galileo Life, we offer the best ENT specialists from across the globe. Book your appointment now.
Pain in the ear is can be mild or severe. Although sometimes it originates in the ear itself, most of the time it is a referred pain. A referred pain is a pain that originates somewhere else and then gets transferred to another part owing to a similar nerve supply. Thus usually, ear pain is a referred pain of tonsillitis or sinusitis.
Conditions related to the ear itself that result in an earache are as follows:
Collection of fluid inside the ear often results in pain. Of special interest is the collection of fluid in the middle ear (cavity of the ear behind the eardrum). Fluid collected here provides a breeding ground for bacteria. These in turn cause an infection and the resulting increased pressure causes serious pain.
The eustachian tube is a narrow tube that connects the back of your nose to the middle ear cavity. Obstruction of this tube due to colds and the flu affects the outflow of fluid from the middle ear, resulting in a buildup of fluid, which causes earache. A Eustachian tube block also creates negative pressure inside the middle ear. This leads to a bend in the eardrum toward the middle ear that can be detected with an otoscope (the instrument used to visualize the ear internally).
Earache can also develop as a result of pressure differences between the inside and outside of your eardrum. One of the causes is a blocked eustachian tube. Others include extreme changes in altitude such as flying or taking a trip to the mountains.
A bacterial infection of the bone behind the ear (mastoid bone) also causes intense earache.
An earache that fails to go away can be managed with medication. So, if you have an earache that is bothering you, talk to our experts now. You can get professional opinions, consultations, and treatments just a click away.
We at Galileo Life clinic offer the best ENT specialists from across the globe to treat all types of earaches. So don't think twice and book your appointment now.
Eye infections are very common and can cause serious irritation. But you've got Galileo Life at your disposal.
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the thin membrane that covers the white part of your eye. This type of inflammation can be fueled by an infection, allergy, or mechanical irritation. More so, it can target a single eye or both eyes.
Conjunctivitis displays a wide array of symptoms and these mostly depend upon the underlying cause. Some common symptoms are:
Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea (the transparent dome in front of the eye). It is most commonly due to an infection or injury and, if left untreated, can cause corneal ulcers, scarring, and loss of vision.
The symptoms of keratitis include painful and itchy eyes, blurred vision, increased sensitivity to light (photophobia), and watery discharge. If keratitis is not treated in time, it can lead to corneal ulcers and scarring and significantly hamper vision.
Other types of eye infections include:
If you have an eye infection that is causing a lot of irritation and is persistent, talk to our experts now. They will assess your condition and provide you with an effective plan for a quick and easy recovery from your ocular infections.
So, book your appointment now and get expert opinions from the comfort of your home.
Itchy genitals that interfere with your quality of life should be addressed by your healthcare provider. You could have a skin condition like psoriasis or eczema, an infection such as a yeast infection, or maybe a sexually transmitted disease such as trichomoniasis. There are treatments to manage or even eliminate the symptoms.
If you feel the need to scratch your skin, you're likely experiencing itchiness. Itchiness is an uncomfortable irritation you may feel on your genitals or any other area of your skin. Everyone has likely felt an itch in their genitals, but if that itch doesn't go away and interferes with your quality of life, then you may need to see your healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
Females and males with itchy genitals may be experiencing one or more of the following conditions, including:
Conditions that cause vaginal itch exclusively in females include:
Conditions that cause genital itch exclusively in males include:
Both males and females of all ages are at risk of getting itchy genitals.
Itchy genitals can be a symptom of many conditions. These may include vaginal infections in females or jock itch in males. In either sex, itching can be caused by skin irritation, sexually transmitted diseases, and allergies.
In many cases, itchy genitals caused by irritation will clear up on their own if the irritants (lotions or soaps for example) are removed. Other causes of itching may require more intensive treatment. If you are concerned about itchiness in your genitals that do not go away, talk to your healthcare provider.
Sweating, tight clothing, and substances like soap and detergent can aggravate itchy genitals caused by a skin condition.
Itchy genitals in a woman can be caused by trichomoniasis, a type of sexually transmitted disease. Genital herpes can also cause itchiness.
Itchy genitals are self-reported symptoms of various conditions and infections. Your healthcare provider may have to examine your skin for the following:
Your healthcare provider may need to confirm a diagnosis by taking a scraping of your skin or performing a biopsy.
Try not to scratch! In some cases, the more you scratch the itchier the skin gets. You might also tear your skin, causing bleeding, soreness, and/or burning. Torn skin can sometimes become infected.
The treatment for your itchy genitals depends on the cause. If you have eczema, your healthcare provider may prescribe steroid creams. Lichen sclerosis responds to phototherapy (light therapy). Antifungal medications are often prescribed for jock itch. Your healthcare provider will diagnose you and recommend the best treatment.
Itchy genitals can be treated by your primary healthcare provider. However, if your skin condition is severe, you might want to get a referral to a dermatologist, a healthcare provider who specializes in skin.
Females should take the following steps to help avoid itchy genitals:
Males should take the following steps to help avoid itchy genitals:
Both males and females should take the following steps to help prevent itchy genitals:
The prognosis depends on what's causing the itch.
Psoriasis, for example, has no cure. However, the symptoms can be managed. Trichomoniasis is curable. With treatment, it can clear up in about a week. Ask your healthcare provider about a timeline based on your diagnosis.
Yes, but if the itch gets worse or lasts for a long time, you should be evaluated by your healthcare provider. You might have mild skin irritation, or it might be something more serious such as a sexually transmitted disease.
Yes. Itchy genitals shouldn't keep you from living your normal life. If it does, then you should seek treatment right away from your healthcare provider.
There are several ways you can take care of your itchy genitals. Examples include:
See your healthcare provider about your itchy genitals if they last for a long time and affect your quality of life.
You don't have to just live with itchy genitals. There are effective treatments to relieve or even eliminate your symptoms. See your healthcare provider for help and be sure to take your medications as directed. Itchy genitals shouldn't interfere with your quality of life. Do your best not to scratch so that you don't make your itchiness worse!