Cold and Flu During Pregnancy : Symptoms, Home Remedies

Cold and flu during pregnancy : Symptoms, Home Remedies. Once you know that you are pregnant, your doctor would give you plenty of instructions along with do’s and don’ts list. During the first visit to your doctor would request for complete checkup for analyzing the blood sample and urine sample. She would also collect necessary information about your general health and the list of any medication(s) you are currently taking. From then on, you need to follow the instructions of your doctor by taking healthy diet and avoiding any medications unless specified.

Any drug that you take during pregnancy can affect the unborn child inviting complications. It is quite common for many of us to take OTC medications for Common cold and fever. But you should not do such thing once your pregnancy is confirmed. You don’t want your baby to have any health problem due to commonly used drugs.

Getting the symptoms of cold and flu is common during pregnancy and is quite common during the first month of pregnancy. As per the recommendations given by the University of Michigan Health System, you should avoid taking any medications during the first trimester of pregnancy. First 12 weeks is the critical time for the development of vital organs for the baby and any drug/medication taken during this period can interfere with the overall health of the baby.

The following Lists Of Common Medications Are Not Considered Safe For The Baby :

• Nasal strips used for Nasal Congestion


• Menthol rub used on the chest and temples


• Lozenges and cough drops


• Tylenol and similar drugs for treating pains and aches


• Mylanta and similar medications used for treating nausea and Heartburn


• Cough suppressant drugs and expectorants and other cough syrups


• Aspirin, Advil and naproxen


• Avoid taking any antibiotic and antiviral drugs totally unless given by your doctor.


• During the first 3 months of pregnancy even small things can affect the development of the baby.

Paracetamol has been widely used for getting relief from fever, and body pain. It is safe to take paracetamol during pregnancy but remember to take it in the lowest possible dosage. Healthy adults can take paracetamol 500 mg up to 4 times a day but when you are pregnant you can minimize the daily dose to 2 pills per day. There is no clear evidence that this medication can produce adverse effect on the growing fetus.

Ibuprofen belongs to NSAID (anti-inflammatory and non steroidal drug) that is used for treating any type of pain and aches. However it is good to avoid taking Ibuprofen during the early stages of pregnancy since it increases the chance of Miscarriage or abortion. And there is chance of kidney or heart problems in the baby if you take this drug. Avoid taking any kind of anti-inflammatory and steroidal medications during pregnancy.

After consulting with your doctor you can get a shot of flu vaccine, during pregnancy. Flu can cause some complications like Bronchitis, Ear infections like Otitis media and in rare cases brain infections. Hence it is better to prevent flu by taking a shot of vaccination. Flu vaccination does not cause any harmful effect for the pregnant women and her unborn baby.

Symptoms Of Flu :

It can be an attack of flu if you have any of the following signs –

• Extreme tiredness and fatigue


• Body pain, fever and chills and sweats


• Cough (mild to moderate) with runny nose


• Sore Throat and difficulty in drinking and swallowing


• Upset stomach, nausea, vomiting and Dehydration


• Flu virus or Influenza virus is a seasonal infection affecting millions of people.

How It Spreads ?

You can get infected with flu virus easily when exposed to droplets of saliva or cough from infected persons. When a person with flu coughs or sneezes, he/she spreads millions of tiny droplets that contain virus. You can get easily infected by inhaling contaminated air droplets or by touching objects that contain flu viruses.

How To Reduce The Risk Of Flu ?

Every person has to take precautionary measures to prevent flu. Pregnant women should be doubly cautious to protect the health of herself and the growing fetus.

• Avoid contacts with people with flu


• Avoid touching your nose or mouth with fingers


• Take enough rest


• Keep yourself warm and hydrated


• Wash your hands with mild antiseptic lotion often


• Follow simple home remedies if you have got cold

You need to call your doctor immediately, if you have serious symptoms like dizziness, confusion, breathing difficulty, high fever, severe vomiting and dehydration. As per the recommendation of CDC pregnant women should be treated quickly with antiviral drugs while having flu.

Cold and Flu Home Remedies During Pregnancy :

• Get enough rest


• If you have mild cold and sore throat, you can gargle salt (lukewarm) water many times a day. This is the best remedy for sore throat.


• Drink plenty of fluids.


• If you have breathing difficulty you can add humidifier in your bedroom.


• Drink chicken soup to get quick relief from congestion of nose and chest.


• Avoid going out of home particularly if the flu season is around.


• Keep your home and office atmosphere clean.

Check with your doctor if the symptoms are not improving two days after home remedies. Do not postpone your visit to doctor if you are suspecting flu since it can invite trouble both for you and the growing baby.

Flea Bites Vs. Bed Bug Bites : Symptoms, Treatment, Pictures, Home Remedies

Flea bites vs. bed bug bites : Symptoms, Treatment, Pictures, Home Remedies. Fleas are tiny black colored bugs which can cause painful bites. It is difficult to control them without the help of professional team. You are more prone to flea bites if you have pets at home than others. These tiny black or brownish insects about 1/12 inches long but can jump easily to any height and are capable of reproducing in no time. They mainly live on cats and dogs in your home and can easily bite you without your knowledge.

Flea bites can be itchy and painful and you may have signs of red spots on the affected skin, rashes, and swelling around the bite. Flea bites can cause distinctive reddish halo in the site. Apart from these problems fleas can easily transmit diseases like plaque and Typhus. Often, your legs and ankles are vulnerable places of flea bites apart from wrist, armpits and groin.

If you observe your dogs/cats licking and scratching a lot, it could be due to flea bites. Mild flea bites can be managed with home remedies like Aloe Vera gel, ointments and ice packs but severe forms have to be treated medically if HIVes are formed in the skin. It is true that fleas are able to store volumes of blood measuring about 15 times of their weight.

When compared with fleas, bed bugs would not have wings and both are tiny oval shaped insects. Color of both bed bugs and fleas are of brownish black or reddish black. Bed bugs feed on humans and animals like that of fleas. The symptoms of flea bites and bed bug bites are similar. Bites of both these insects would produce swelling on the skin with tiny red spot on the affected site. It can also cause hives and blisters in severe cases. Like fleas, areas like arms, legs and face and other exposed parts of body, are highly vulnerable for bites of bed bugs.

Symptoms :

Both fleabites and bed bug bites have similar symptoms of itchy feeling and tiny red blisters on the skin.

Symptoms Of Flea Bites :

Very itchy

The skin becomes sore and painful

Red spots with a halo is seen

Rash or hives on the skin

You cannot control scratching of skin if you are attacked by fleas

Swelling of skin in the place of bite

Symptoms Of Bed Bugs Bite :

Symptoms are mild and many times it gets unnoticed

Bed bugs bite resemble mosquito bite in many cases

Mild itchy feeling several days after getting bitten

Tiny red lesions looking like welt or raised bump

Scarring of skin after repeated bites

Disturbed sleep since bed bug bites you only during night.

Symptoms of bed bug bites may take many days to appear.

Flea bites can cause itching almost instantly and they appear in clusters. Bed bug bites are often found in rows and not in groups. Both can trigger allergic reaction in your body causing swelling and rashes.

Where Do They Live ?

Fleas are commonly found in pets in your house. If there is no pet in your house, fleas grow on the yard where you have tall grasses and piled blocks of wood.

Bed bugs are largely found in cots, pillows, mattress and the place where you sleep.

Read more on Insect Bites

Which Is More Harmful ?

Fleas are obviously more harmful than bed bugs, because it transmits disease by injecting bacteria and other micro-organisms during their bite. Bed bugs generally do not carry any parasites and they bite only to suck your blood.

Treatment :

• OTC antihistamines are effective in controlling the symptoms of flea bites.


• You can apply calamine lotion or Caladryl liberally on the area of flea bite. In case of severe itching, you can take diphenylhydramine like Benadryl for a day or two.


• Bed bug bites often needs no treatment. It can cause itchy feeling on the skin which can be managed by antihistamines.

Home Remedies :

• Apply ice packs to reduce swelling and control itching.


• Use Aloe Vera gel on the affected area daily to reduce itchy feeling.


• Alternatively, you can use Witch hazel or white vinegar on the affected skin.


• Avoid scratching of skin since it may worsen the irritation.


• Home remedies like application of ice packs are effective in getting relief from itching. Any antiseptic cream will do the job to control itchiness from bed bug bites.


• Unless you are severely bitten by bed bugs no medical treatment is needed.


• For persistent itching, you can consult your doctor to take strong antihistamines. Benadryl and similar drugs are useful in controlling itching and skin irritation.


• In severe cases hydrocortisone cream is prescribed for bed bug bites. For some people, if the doctor suspects secondary infection, antibiotic ointments are given for topical application.

Ways To Prevent Flea Bites & Bed Bug Bites :

Firstly you need to check the health condition of your pets. Get it checked with a Vet who can give suitable medication to control fleas in them.

• If your dog or cat is seriously scratching then it can be a sign of fleas.


• You can seek help of professional pest control team if you have large number of fleas at home.


• Fleas are known to cause Plague, bartonellosis, Typhus and tapeworm diseases, and hence you should take enough care not to get fleas at home.


• Bed bugs are known to hide in places like upholstery, furniture, box springs, bed frames, clutter and sofa. They are also found in unclean hospitals, hotels, shelters, military barracks and in apartments. They often hide in small places and even if you are shifting your house it bites you even in the new place.


• You can identify bed bugs presence by checking for their droppings which are nothing but tiny black dots.

Neck Pain and Strain : Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Home Remedies, Prevention

Neck Pain and Strain : Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Home Remedies, Prevention.






Neck is the region that lies beneath your face and above the chest. It encloses many vital organs including windpipe or trachea and food pipe or esophagus. Neck contains several muscles and tendons that make it possible for you to turn your head to look back. Neck is vulnerable to strain due to extensive range of movement. Neck is not a stable organ and hence even small injury or strain can affect its normal function. Neck is the most vulnerable organ of the body and hence cutting of small blood vessel in the neck may lead to death.

Neck strain does not always cause serious injury to its organs and seldom causes fracture of bones inside. However, neck strain can damage the underlying muscles and tissues causing moderate to severe pain. Any injury to the tissue can cause considerable strain to the tissues, nerves and ligaments inside. Trauma to the neck can cause mild tears to the underlying ligaments of cervical spine. Neck strain or injury needs prompt medical examination and treatment.

Neck Pain Symptoms :

• First sign of neck injury is reduced motion of neck and considerable pain.


• Swelling of the affected region of neck and redness can be seen. Inflammation of neck does not happen overnight and is a gradual process.


• In some cases pain may not be present on the first day if the underlying muscles are injured and from the second day it can cause considerable pain and reduced movement.


• The individual may not be able to perform routine activities as before when neck is injured.


• In case of severe injury it can cause Pinched Nerve leading to serious signs like dizziness, nausea, numbness and tingling sensation.


• Stiffness of the neck can occur and pain may spread to the lower back region.

Neck Pain Causes :

Several factors can cause neck injury and strain.

1. Accidents – Automobile accidents can cause indirect trauma to the neck when the head is bent in excess either backward or forward. Such extension of head portion is described as whiplash in common terms. Due to sudden compression and pressure muscles and tissues of the neck can get strained. When an individual met with an accident while driving a car his/her head bends forward and backward in excess causing severe impact to the underlying muscles. Both front impact and rear impact can damage the tissues and nerves inside.

2. Working Position – People whose job involves working with laptops or computers all through the day are highly vulnerable to back pain and neck strain. The person may not be sitting in the right posture and he/she would strain to see the monitor continuously. It is very much necessary for them to take break at regular intervals. Work from home option for many people has added more strain and injury in the present scenario.In addition to abnormal working posture, sleeping in wrong/awkward position can cause neck strain.

3. Pinched Nerve – Pinched nerve condition can occur anywhere in the body but largely it affects the legs and hands. Pinched nerve is a condition in which excess of pressure is put on the nerve by the surrounding tissues and muscles. A herniated disk of spinal cord can put pressure on the nerve endings causing pain in your legs. Similarly it can occur in the wrist causing severe pain in the fingers. In rare cases pinched nerve can occur in the nerves of the neck causing severe pain and other symptoms like Headache, dizziness and tingling feeling. Pinched nerve can be caused due to repeated Stress of working condition, Arthritis and injury.

4. Cervical Problems – Vertigo can cause neck pain and headaches. Cervicogenic dizziness can cause constant neck pain and sometimes it may cause neck injury. Several kinds of cervical problems can spill over affecting nor only the spine but other parts of the body like neck and head.

5. Migraine – Migraine is a kind of intense head pain that causes throbbing pain on some part of the head. It can cause blind spots, flashes, dizziness, nausea and significant pain on the head and neck region. Migraine attacks can occur anytime and can become chronic problem. Neck pain precedes an attack of migraine episode for many people.

6. Meningitis – Swelling of brain tissue can cause meningitis a severe form of infection. This condition can cause symptoms including nausea, vomiting, neck pain, neck stiffness and fever.

7. Barre Lieou Syndrome – This is a rare condition that occurs due to instability of vertebral column affecting the nerve cells of the neck region. This is also known as cervicocranial syndrome since the cervical nerves cause this problem. Some of the signs of BL syndrome include vertigo, neck pain, nausea, facial pain, muscle weakness and congestion.

8. Neck pain can occur due to vigorous chewing of hard meat also.

Diagnosis :

You can consult any neurosurgeon or ENT specialist for problems related with neck pain or injury. The doctor would complete physical examination after listening to the symptoms. Intensity of neck pain would be determined and based on that he may order for testing procedure.

Pain on the neck is of many types. Dull pain occurs when underlying muscles are injured. Sharp throbbing pain develops on the neck if nerve roots are damaged. Pinched nerve can cause burning pain. Bone damage can involve deep dull pain. In rare cases bone fracture may occur in the neck.

Before making any analysis, the doctor would consider several factors like age, sex, patient’s history, daily routine and level of activities. The doctor would gently press the neck region for identifying the problem inside. He may order for imaging tests like X-ray, CT scan or MRI scanning.

Neck Pain Treatment :

Treatment for neck pain and injury differs on the intensity of the problem. Your doctor would first examine the condition before devising a suitable plan for treating neck pain. In most of the cases, neck injury would heal on its own within few days without requiring any treatment. Taking complete rest and applying hot/cold compression would provide relief from pain.

If the pain is accompanied with other serious symptoms like stiffness of neck or dizziness you can consult the doctor immediately. If the pain does not reduce even after 3-4 days of home treatment, you can always check your doctor.

• Physiotherapy

For mild to moderate kinds of neck strain giving physical therapy can provide relief. Alternatively you can also consult a registered chiropractor in your area. Suitable exercises can provide relief from muscle strain in the neck. Therapist would gently massage the neck region for releasing the pressure caused by pinched nerve or any other muscle injury. Many cases of whiplash or dizziness caused by migraine can be treated with physical therapy.

• Medications

NSAID’s or similar drugs like Tylenol can provide symptomatic relief from swelling and pain. OTC medications like Ibuprofen or Motrin can be taken even without a prescription for getting quick relief from neck pain. But remember you should not take these drugs for more than 5 days without consulting your doctor.

For treating severe neck pain or injury, your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids like prednisone or similar drugs. These medications are given mostly along with other painkillers like Ibuprofen.

• Traction

Traction is the method used for keeping the broken bones in still (straight) condition. Traction also helps in reducing pressure built on the spine region and tendons of neck. This method also heals injured portion of the neck giving room for quick recovery. Neck traction or cervical traction is the best method for healing injuries of muscles and ligaments and also the pinched nerve condition.

Several devices like air neck traction equipments, air pillows and posture pumps help in relieving the pressure built in the neck quickly.

Home Remedies :

• Taking rest from daily activities can give relief from dull aching pain on the neck. Firstly you need to identify the cause of pain. Any topical analgesic at home can give quick relief from neck pain and discomfort.


• Apply cold compression on the affected site by wrapping some ice cubes on a towel and placing it on the neck for few minutes. Pain caused by muscle spasm responds well for this cold/hot therapy.


• OTC medications like Ibuprofen or Tylenol can be effective in reducing pain.


• Wearing a cervical collar is useful for managing chronic neck pain.


• Do not indulge in straining your head and neck portion when you are having pain, which may make conditions worse.

Prevention :

• You can reduce the automobile accidents by wearing seatbelts properly.


• Don’t drive when you are under the influence of alcohol. Seek help from someone to drive you home safely.


• If you are above 55 years, do not attempt to turn your head quickly and make swift movements of your neck.


• One should not bend the head forward/backward beyond the limit which may result in compression or pinched nerve.

Finally, people whose job involves using computer/laptops most of the time, should take regular breaks and practice stretching exercises daily to prevent back pain and neck strain.

Boils On Buttocks : Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Home Remedies

Boils On Buttocks : Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Home Remedies






A boil can be called as localized infection of the skin. The affected skin area becomes tender and reddened. Over time this region may develop infection when the region gets filled with excess of white blood cells produced by the immune system to fight over infection. Within few days, the affected skin region gets filled with bacteria and WBC altogether forming pus.

A boil in simple terms can be defined as skin Abscess. Boil can occur due to many factors like ingrown hair and skin infection or acne. Boils can form anywhere on the skin but regions like trunk, hands, legs, shoulders, armpits, face and groin and buttocks are highly prone and delicate to give room for a boil.

Boils on the butt is truly annoying making it difficult for the person to sit comfortably. Boils are formed when the hair follicles of the skin gets swollen or inflamed. Boils are painful and reddened bumps. Initially it starts as a small red lesion and within couple of days it grows in size and you can feel the pain when touched. Slowly bacteria and other debris would grow on it and oozes out white colored fluid called pus.

When there are multiple boils on the skin which is severe it is known as Carbuncle. Boil is nothing but skin abscess. Once the area gets filled with pus a white spot is seen on its head which soon starts releasing pus from inside.

Sitting becomes a major problem for people with boils on butt. For the first couple of days there would not be any pain and many people would not even notice the boil. As the boil grows in size and becomes a lump, pain is felt on the butt while sitting. When it further increases in size it would start releasing pus like fluid. Once the pus gets completely drained the pain and discomfort would disappear.

Boils On Buttocks Causes :

Multiple factors can give rise to boils on butt and some of them are discussed below.

1. Ingrown Hair

Hair under normal conditions would grow outward but in some cases there can be hair growth inward abnormally. The hair projects inward and grows into the hair follicle leading to the growth of abscess. Hair follicle gets blocked subsequently causing inflammation and boils in the area affected. In many people ingrown hair is the major cause of boils on butt.

2. Block In The Sweat Glands

Sweat glands are in charge of secreting sweat to keep the body cool. When dirt or debris enters into the sweat glands, it leads to the blockage of pores in the sweat gland causing accumulation of debris and sweat inside. Eventually this may give rise to boils.

3. Skin Problems

Several kinds of skin problems like acne, bruises and skin trauma can cause boils on buttocks. Any small sharp objects like nail or tiny bark of the plant can enter the butt when a person sits on it accidentally. This can bruise the skin layer causing boils. Any cut or bruise on the skin of butt may develop into an infection leading to the formation of boil and considerable pain.

4. Weakened Immunity

People who are immune compromised due to chronic diseases are highly prone to develop boils on the skin. Bacteria and other micro-organisms can invade the body easily causing infection and severe health problems. Staph bacteria group is primary cause of infection related boils.

5. Poor Hygiene

Men and women who are not keeping their anus clean and dry are susceptible to boils. Women who are not changing pads frequently during menstrual periods are inviting infection. Unclean pads left in the butt area and genitals can cause boils and acne. It is wise to follow good hygiene after using the toilet to prevent skin infection and boils.

Boils On Buttocks Symptoms :

• The skin becomes hard due to trauma, injury or bruise.


• After 2-3 days small red lump is formed on the buttocks.


• Pain is felt while sitting and pain gradually increases as the lump grows in size.


• Pus gets collected inside the lump and more pain is felt.


• If left untreated at this stage, it would lead to infection. The skin becomes red, swollen and painful.


• In severe cases mild fever may develop.

Tests :

Boils on butt do not need any medical examination and tests. Once you notice the boil after feeling the pain you can start with home remedies. In case boils are formed in many parts of the skin you can visit your doctor to get it examined.

Boils On Buttocks Home Remedies :

Generally no treatment is necessary since the boils on buttocks would drain off within few days of formation.

If the lump grows in size and increased pain is felt in the butt area, you can apply warm compress over it. This helps in reducing the pain and in pulling the pus inside to the surface. Soak a soft cloth in lukewarm water and apply it on the affected area after squeezing the excess water.

You can also try applying paste of cumin seeds on the boils of buttocks. This would help in healing of boil.

Alternatively, you can use turmeric powder paste on it for quick relief from pain and healing.

You can apply antibiotic ointment given by your doctor after the pus is completely drained and close it with a bandage.

If you have Aloe Vera paste at home, you can apply this cream on the affected area to facilitate healing.

Alternatively, you can apply few drops of tea tree oil which acts as natural antiseptic reducing the inflammation and quicken the process of healing.

If nothing is available in your kitchen, you can quickly apply some ice cubes on the boil to get instant relief from pain.

Never prick the boil or attempt to drain off the pus since it can lead to infection.

Boils On Buttocks Medical Treatment :

• Boils would have to be treated if it occurs due to infection. If there are many boils on the body and the symptoms get worse you need to consult your doctor without delay.


• He/she may order for blood tests to confirm the infection. Further antibiotics would be prescribed for treating bacterial infection.


• Your doctor may gently prick the pus with sterilized needle to drain off excess of pus inside and to get quick relief from pain and discomfort.


• Normally boils on butt would wane within few days requiring no treatment.

Tips For Preventing Boils :

• You can totally prevent getting boils, but take some steps to avoid it.


• Follow proper hygiene in using toilet and use soft dry clothing.


• Wash your towels and bedding regularly and do not share with others.


• Practice personal hygiene and treat skin wounds/cuts even if it is minor one.