Sethi Laboratories

09/20/2023

5 Essential Tips to Manage Seasonal Allergies

1. Monitor Pollen Levels

One of the first steps to managing seasonal allergies is to stay informed about pollen levels in your area. Many weather websites and apps provide daily pollen forecasts, which can help you plan your activities accordingly. Pollen counts are typically higher on warm, windy days, so if you're particularly sensitive, you may want to stay indoors during these times.

Furthermore, consider investing in a high-quality air purifier with a HEPA filter for your home. These devices can help remove pollen and other allergens from the indoor air, providing you with a safe haven during high pollen seasons.

2. Consult an Allergist

If you've been dealing with persistent allergy symptoms, it's wise to consult an allergist. Allergists are medical specialists who can perform tests to identify specific allergens that trigger your symptoms. By pinpointing the exact culprits, you can develop a more tailored and effective treatment plan.

Allergy testing may include skin prick tests, blood tests, or patch tests. Once your allergist identifies your triggers, they can recommend appropriate treatments, such as allergen-specific immunotherapy (allergy shots) or prescription medications.

3. Keep Your Home Allergy-Free

Your home should be a sanctuary from allergens. To achieve this, consider the following:

a. Regular Cleaning: Dust and vacuum your home frequently, using a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter. Clean or replace air filters in your HVAC system regularly.

b. Allergen-Proof Bedding: Invest in allergen-proof mattress and pillow covers to prevent dust mites from infiltrating your bedding.

c. Pet Considerations: If you have pets, groom them regularly and keep them out of bedrooms to prevent allergens from accumulating in your sleeping area.

4. Get Tested for Medication

Over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines and decongestants can help alleviate allergy symptoms, but they may not be suitable for everyone. It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any medication, especially if you have underlying medical conditions or take other prescription drugs.

In some cases, your doctor may prescribe stronger allergy medications, such as corticosteroids or leukotriene modifiers. These medications can provide more significant relief, but they may also have potential side effects that need to be considered.

5. Keep up with Your Vitals

Monitoring your health is crucial, especially if you have severe allergies or are taking prescription medications. Keep a record of your symptoms, their severity, and any triggers you identify. This information will be valuable when discussing your allergies with healthcare providers and allergists.

Additionally, if you have asthma along with allergies, ensure that your asthma action plan is up-to-date and that you have access to necessary rescue medications and inhalers.

09/19/2023

Dealing with a cough in children can be concerning for parents, but in most cases, it is a common symptom of various respiratory infections or irritants. Here are some steps to help manage and alleviate a cough in children:

1. Determine the cause:

Identify if the cough is due to a cold, flu, allergies, asthma, or another underlying condition. Understanding the cause can help tailor treatment appropriately.

2. Ensure proper hydration:

Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids, such as water, herbal teas, or diluted fruit juices. Hydration helps soothe the throat and keeps mucus thin, making it easier to clear.

3. Use a humidifier:

Adding moisture to the air with a humidifier can help alleviate coughing, especially if the cough is due to dry air or congestion. Ensure that the humidifier is cleaned regularly to prevent mold and bacteria buildup.

4. Elevate their head:

When your child is sleeping, elevate their head slightly with an extra pillow or by placing something under the head of the mattress. This can help reduce nighttime coughing.

5. Offer honey (for children over one year old):

Honey has natural cough-suppressant properties. You can give your child a teaspoon of honey before bedtime. Make sure not to give honey to children under one year old due to the risk of infant botulism.

6. Use saline drops or spray:

For infants and toddlers with nasal congestion, saline drops or sprays can help clear mucus and reduce coughing. Follow the instructions on the product label.

7. Avoid irritants:

Keep your child away from smoke, strong odors, and allergens that can trigger or worsen coughing.

8. Encourage rest:

Make sure your child gets enough rest to help their body recover from the illness. Proper sleep can also aid in the healing process.

9. Over-the-counter medications (if advised by a healthcare provider):

Some cough medicines are available over-the-counter, but they are generally not recommended for children under six years old. Always consult your child's healthcare provider before giving any medication to young children.

10. Consult a healthcare provider:

If your child's cough persists for more than a few days, worsens, or is accompanied by severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, high fever, or unusual fatigue, consult a healthcare provider. These could be signs of a more serious condition that requires medical attention.

11. Follow the healthcare provider's advice:

If a healthcare provider prescribes medication or recommends specific treatments, be sure to follow their guidance closely.

Remember that every child is different, and what works for one may not work for another. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause of the cough and get personalized advice on how to manage it effectively. Additionally, always prioritize your child's comfort and well-being during their illness.

06/27/2022

The British Heart Foundation is calling for urgent action, saying people are consuming ‘far higher levels of salt than they realise’. Excessive salt intake is harmful to the body and contributes to numerous illnesses.
Details: http://ow.ly/A4UF50JIUt8

06/26/2022

is slowly but surely on the rise. CDC has released a new set of in-depth guidelines for clinicians so the disease can be easily diagnosed and controlled.
Link: http://ow.ly/cuAY50JHtHn

06/26/2022

The -19 virus is continuously evolving into newer variants and the only way to tackle is to evolve our responses.
Link:

How to make Covid immunity even more durable.

06/26/2022

A significant proportion of the population has weakened immune. These individuals are unable to ward off disease as effectively, and their responses to vaccines are not as robust. Researchers are set to study vaccine responses in vulnerable groups.
Link: http://ow.ly/FLLe50JHmpl

06/23/2022

Even as omicron’s subvariants fuel yet another surge in COVID-19 infections, data show that booster doses have helped avert hospitalizations and severe disease among those who received them.
Source:

Booster doses helped to avert hospitalizations and severe disease among those who received them—and they are also likely to protect us when the next wave hits.

06/23/2022

June is ‘Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month’. More than 55 million people worldwide live with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia.
Details: http://ow.ly/Pgsy50JF1hW

06/21/2022

When you participate in diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) services, you’ll learn personalized strategies to manage your diabetes, including taking medicines, planning healthy meals, and being active.
Details:

DSMES helps you manage diabetes by making a plan that works for your lifestyle.