Posts Tagged ‘sinus’

Natural Cure for Allergies and Sinus Conditions Via Allergy-fighting Foods

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

Allergies is a common condition which affect many of us. Allergies can take many forms such as skin allergy, sinus, asthma, are the common ones. Most people would not hesitate to popping antihistamines or other prescription by doctors. These prescriptions do not cure allergies, rather it just suppress the symptoms. As long as the root of the allergy is not taken care of, the allergies will be back. While allergens should be avoided or removed, if possible, a healthy and strong immune system is the best remedy for fighting allergies.

We should be aware that the symptoms of allergies is a sign from our body trying to tell us something is wrong. So if we take medication to suppress these symptoms, we are ignoring these important signs our body trying to tell us. Instead of suppressing it, we should instead pay attention to what our body is trying to tell us. Allergies is usually a sign that our body needs to be nourished. Allergies, such as eczema, is also a possible sign that our body is attacked by toxins which need to be eliminated fast. For the purpose of this article, I would like to focus on the basics, food.

Do you know that by making positive changes to our diet is the first step to a healthier immune system, thus reducing allergies attacks. Are you taking the right type of food your body needs? Are you guilty of eating too much processed and instant food? We are responsible for our body, so make the right choices.

There are types of food which helps to fight allergies. Therefore, it is beneficial to make it a point to include these foods in your daily diet:

- Eat more cold water fish

Omega-3 fatty acids from cold water fish such as tuna, salmon, sardines can protect the body against over production of certain antibodies which trigger allergies. Bake, steam or poach are the healthiest way to cook the fish.

- Yoghurt

The cultures or probiotics contain in yoghurt is good for the gut as well as helps skin allergies. However, most commercial yoghurt’s culture is weak due to over processed. The best is making your own yoghurt from organic milk. If you are allergic to cow’s milk, substitute with goat’s milk or soy milk.

- Canola Oil

This is a rich source of allergy fighting Omega-3 fatty acids. Other alternatives include soybean oil, flaxseed oil, walnut oil and wheatgerm.

- Green Tea

According to the Japanease, green tea contains methylated epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) which is found to be anti-allergenic.

- Magnesium Rich Foods

Magnesium seems to be the minural which is found lacking in those who are allergy prone. Include magnesium rich foods in your daily diet such as spinach, sunflower seeds, pinto beans, tofu and halibut.

- Zinc Rich Foods

Some studies have shown that people with eczema are zinc deficient. It is a good idea to include zinc rich food such as tofu, beef, lean ham, chicken and crab in your diet.

- Fresh Fruit and Juices

Vitamin C is the best natural antihistamine. So make sure you have plenty of fresh fruits and juices in your diet.

A healthy diet is the very basic way to combat allergies. Without a good diet, you are not giving the nutrients your body needs to fight allergies. So start healthy eating today!

Sinus Infection or Nasal Cancer

Wednesday, January 6th, 2010

Sinus infection symptoms may be mistaken for nasal cancer symptoms and vice versa. A clear understanding between the two is essential.The space situated behind our nose and below the brain is known as the Nasopharynx which connects our windpipe to the nose. On the sidewall of the nasopharynx, a small tube-like canal connects it to the ear called the eustachian tube.What is Nasal Cancer?Nasal cancer develops when cells of the lining of the nasopharynx start to mutate. Soon, a cancerous lump or malignant tumour is formed which then spreads to the brain, ears and the jaw. The cancer also spreads into the lymph glands of the neck. Nasal cancer can also spread to the bones and lungs via the bloodstream.Known Risk Factors related to Nasal cancer1. Epstein Barr Virus (EB Virus)This virus has an association with nasal cancer.2. DietConsuming a variety of salted foodstuff such as salted vegetables, fish and meat is an associated risk.3. Genetic FactorsThe genetic makeup of certain individuals may predispose them to nasal cancer. Nasal Cancer Symptoms

1. The most obvious sign (90%) is a lump in the neck. That indicates a swollen lymph node invaded by cancer cells.

2. Nosebleed, blocked nose and mucus production.

3. Buzzing noise, discharge from the ear, hearing loss and pain,.

4. Voice become hoarse and difficulty in swallowing.

5. Facial paralysis on one side.Diagnosis Of Nasal Cancer1. Nasal EndoscopyThe procedure involves introducing a flexible fiber-optic tube with a light at its tip into the nose. The nasopharynx is examined visually and any suspicious lump is removed and examined for a biposy.

2. CT scan of the head and neckThis type of scan reveals the extent to which the cancer has spread.

3. Blood test to verify the level of antibodies against EB virus.If the level of antibodies is high,then nasal cancer is suspected.

4. Chest, abdominal CT scans and bone scans are required to determine if the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.Nasal Cancer Treatment

1. Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy is the use of high-energy x-rays to destroy cancer cells. Nasal cancer responds well to radiotherapy and is utilized as the main treatment option. Radiotherapy is given daily 6 weeks. Temporary side effects include redness of the skin on the neck, dry mouth and throat, mouth ulcers, loss of sense of taste and appetite. The lymph nodes in the neck will also undergo radiotherapy.

2. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a medical procedure which uses toxic drugs to kill cancer cells. Its role in nasal cancer treatment is limited and is used in 2 situations:

a. Advanced nasal cancer which has spread to the bones, liver and lungs.b. In combination with radiotherapy to improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy.

3. SurgeryThe role of surgery is limited in nasal cancer because of the difficulty in removing the cancer without injuring vital neighboring organs. If nasal cancer recurs in an area which had received radiotherapy before, surgery can be used to remove the recurrence.Treatment Outcome And Survival Rates

1. Nasal cancer in the early stage when the tumour is small and located only in the nasopharynx, the survival rate is very good (90%) after radiotherapy.

2. Nasal cancer in the intermediate stage When the nasal cancer has spread to the neighbouring organs or the lymph glands in the neck, the survival rate drops (40% to 50%).

3. Nasal cancer in the late Stage if the nasal cancer has spread elsewhere in the body. The survival rate is poor (less than 10% of patients survived 5 years). Nasal cancer patients have a very good survival rate if detected early. By comparing sinus infection symptoms and nasal cancer symptoms, you will be in a better position to decide if a visit to an ENT specialist for your condition is called for.

Learn more about sinus infection symptoms at http://www.sinusinfectionhelp.com/sinus_infection_symptoms.html

and sinus infection treatment at http://www.sinusinfectionhelp.com/sinus_infection_treatment.html

from Sinus Infection Help at http://www.sinusinfectionhelp.com.