How can you prevent blisters using surgical tape. What are natural remedies for itchy skin and sore throats. Which foods can help suppress coughs and relieve headaches. How to treat minor burns, smelly feet, and acne at home.

Preventing Blisters: The Surgical Tape Solution

Researchers have discovered a simple yet effective method to prevent blisters, especially beneficial for runners and athletes. By applying 30p-a-roll surgical tape to blister-prone areas, friction and rubbing can be significantly reduced. In a study involving ultra-marathon runners, 98% of participants who used the tape on one foot did not develop blisters in the taped areas, while 81% experienced blisters in untaped regions.

Why is surgical tape effective for blister prevention? The tape’s thin and smooth texture decreases friction between the skin and footwear, thus minimizing the risk of blister formation. This inexpensive solution could be a game-changer for marathon runners and individuals who frequently experience blisters due to ill-fitting shoes.

Natural Remedies for Itchy and Dry Skin

For those suffering from dry or itchy skin, an unexpected solution might be found in your breakfast bowl. Oatmeal, known for its soothing properties, contains compounds called avenanthramides that can calm inflamed skin.

How to Use Oatmeal for Skin Relief:

1. Place a handful of oats into a dry sock
2. Seal the top with an elastic band
3. Drop the oat-filled sock into your bath water
4. Soak in the oatmeal-infused bath to soothe your skin

This simple home remedy can provide relief for various skin conditions, including eczema and general skin irritation.

Garlic: A Powerful Ally Against Sore Throats

When battling a sore throat, garlic might be your unexpected savior. Ronald Hoffman, medical director at New York’s Hoffman Center, recommends a garlic-based gargle to ease throat pain.

Garlic Gargle Recipe:

• Mix warm water with six pressed garlic cloves
• Gargle the solution twice daily for three days

Why does garlic work? The antimicrobial properties of garlic help fight off pain-causing bacteria in the throat. While this remedy might not be ideal for social situations due to garlic’s strong odor, it can be highly effective when used at home.

Dark Chocolate: A Delicious Cough Suppressant

If you’re dealing with a persistent, tickly cough, reaching for dark chocolate might offer some relief. Dark chocolate contains theobromine, a compound that has shown promise in suppressing coughs.

In a clinical trial conducted across 13 NHS hospitals, patients were given theobromine twice daily for two weeks. Early results indicated that 60% of participants experienced some level of cough relief. This tasty remedy offers a more enjoyable alternative to traditional cough syrups.

Unconventional Burn Treatment: Potato Peelings

While serious burns always require medical attention, minor burns might benefit from an unexpected source: potato peelings. Dr. PV Narayanan of the Jubilee Mission Medical College in Kerala, India, found that potato peeling dressings accelerated wound healing compared to conventional dressings.

How do potato peelings aid in burn healing?

• The moisture in the peel helps keep the wound moist, promoting faster healing
• Potato peelings possess natural antibacterial properties
• The treatment resulted in better post-heal skin quality

This natural remedy showcases how everyday items can sometimes offer surprising medical benefits.

Tension Headache Relief: The Pencil Trick

Many tension headaches stem from unconscious jaw clenching, which strains the muscle connecting the jaw to the temple. A simple yet effective remedy involves using a common office supply: a pencil.

How to Use a Pencil for Headache Relief:

1. Place a pencil between your teeth
2. Hold it gently without biting down
3. Maintain this position for a few minutes

This technique automatically relaxes the jaw muscle, potentially alleviating the tension causing the headache. It’s a cost-free, drug-free method that can be easily implemented anywhere.

Combating Foot Odor with Vodka

Before investing in expensive foot deodorants, consider trying an unconventional yet effective remedy: vodka. This old wives’ tale has some scientific backing to it.

How does vodka help with smelly feet?

• The alcohol in vodka acts as an antiseptic
• It destroys odor-causing fungi and bacteria
• Application is simple: wipe feet with a vodka-soaked cloth

This method leverages the antibacterial properties of alcohol to combat foot odor at its source, offering a cost-effective alternative to specialized foot care products.

Greek Yogurt: A Natural Acne Fighter

Acne sufferers might find relief in an unexpected place: their refrigerator. Full-fat Greek yogurt has shown promise in helping to combat acne and skin blemishes.

Why is Greek yogurt effective against acne?

• Contains probiotics that help balance skin bacteria
• Moisturizes the skin
• Helps unclog pores

Dr. Whitney Bowe from New York’s Mount Sinai Medical Center notes that while it’s not a standalone treatment, some patients reported fewer acne lesions after applying Greek yogurt to their skin. This natural remedy offers a gentle, affordable option for those looking to supplement their skincare routine.

Sugar: A Sweet Solution for Hiccups

Hiccups can be annoying and persistent, but a common kitchen ingredient might offer quick relief. Swallowing one or two teaspoons of sugar has long been touted as an effective hiccup remedy, and there’s science to support this claim.

How does sugar stop hiccups?

• Sugar granules stimulate the vagus nerve
• This stimulation resets the irritated nerve causing diaphragm spasms
• The brain’s focus shifts, interrupting the hiccup reflex

This simple remedy, backed by scientific studies from the 1970s, provides a quick and easy solution to a common annoyance. It’s a perfect example of how everyday items can have surprising medical applications.

Duct Tape: An Unlikely Weapon Against Warts and Verrucas

Before resorting to liquid nitrogen treatments for warts or verrucas, consider trying an unconventional yet potentially effective method: duct tape. This household item has shown promise in treating these common skin growths.

How to use duct tape for wart treatment:

1. Clean the affected area thoroughly
2. Cut a piece of duct tape slightly larger than the wart
3. Apply the tape directly over the wart
4. Leave the tape on for about six days
5. Remove the tape, soak the area in water, then gently debride with a pumice stone or emery board
6. Leave the area uncovered overnight
7. Repeat the process until the wart disappears (usually within 1-2 months)

While the exact mechanism is not fully understood, it’s believed that the tape may deprive the wart of oxygen and moisture, gradually killing the virus causing the growth. Additionally, the constant presence of the tape might stimulate the immune system to fight the wart more effectively.

Insomnia Relief: Natural Sleep Aids

Insomnia can significantly impact quality of life, but several natural remedies may help improve sleep quality without resorting to prescription medications.

Effective Natural Sleep Aids:

• Chamomile tea: Contains apigenin, an antioxidant that promotes sleepiness
• Lavender: Its scent has calming properties that can aid sleep
• Valerian root: May increase gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, promoting relaxation
• Magnesium: Helps regulate neurotransmitters directly related to sleep
• Passionflower: Can boost GABA levels, reducing brain activity and promoting relaxation

Incorporating these natural remedies into your bedtime routine may help improve sleep quality and duration. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional if insomnia persists or significantly affects daily life.

Ginger: A Versatile Remedy for Various Ailments

Ginger, a common kitchen ingredient, offers a wide range of health benefits and can be used to treat various ailments naturally.

Ginger’s Health Benefits:

• Nausea relief: Effective against morning sickness, motion sickness, and chemotherapy-induced nausea
• Anti-inflammatory properties: May help reduce muscle pain and soreness
• Digestive aid: Can help alleviate indigestion and speed up emptying of the stomach
• Potential pain relief: May help reduce menstrual pain when taken at the beginning of the menstrual period

How to use ginger for health benefits:

1. Ginger tea: Steep fresh ginger slices in hot water
2. Ginger capsules: Available as dietary supplements
3. Fresh ginger: Add to foods or chew a small piece for quick relief

While ginger is generally safe for most people, it’s always wise to consult with a healthcare provider before using it medicinally, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.

Apple Cider Vinegar: A Multi-Purpose Home Remedy

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has gained popularity as a natural remedy for various health issues. While scientific evidence is mixed, many people swear by its benefits.

Potential Uses of Apple Cider Vinegar:

• Blood sugar control: May help improve insulin sensitivity
• Weight management: Can increase feelings of fullness, potentially aiding in weight loss
• Skin health: When diluted, may help balance skin pH and fight bacteria
• Heartburn relief: Despite its acidity, some find it helps with acid reflux
• Sore throat remedy: Its antibacterial properties may help fight throat infections

How to use apple cider vinegar safely:

1. Always dilute ACV before consuming or applying to skin
2. Start with small amounts to test your tolerance
3. For internal use, mix 1-2 tablespoons in a large glass of water
4. For skin application, dilute heavily (1 part ACV to 10 parts water)

While apple cider vinegar is generally safe when used in moderation, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects, such as tooth enamel erosion or interactions with certain medications. Always consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating ACV into your health regimen.

Honey: Nature’s Sweet Healer

Honey has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various ailments. Its unique composition gives it antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties that can be beneficial for health.

Therapeutic Uses of Honey:

• Wound healing: Applied topically, honey can help heal burns and wounds
• Cough suppression: Especially effective for children’s nighttime coughs
• Sore throat relief: Its coating action and antibacterial properties soothe throat irritation
• Digestive health: May help with digestive issues like diarrhea
• Allergy relief: Local honey may help build tolerance to local pollen

How to use honey for health benefits:

1. For coughs and sore throats: Take 1-2 teaspoons of raw honey
2. For wound healing: Apply a thin layer of medical-grade honey to the affected area
3. For allergies: Consume a small amount of local, raw honey daily

While honey is a natural product, it’s important to note that it should not be given to infants under one year old due to the risk of botulism. Additionally, people with diabetes should monitor their intake due to honey’s high sugar content.

Essential Oils: Aromatherapy for Health and Wellness

Essential oils have gained popularity in recent years as natural remedies for various health concerns. These concentrated plant extracts can be used in aromatherapy or applied topically when properly diluted.

Common Essential Oils and Their Benefits:

• Lavender: Promotes relaxation and may improve sleep quality
• Peppermint: Can help with headaches and digestive issues
• Tea Tree: Has antimicrobial properties, useful for skin conditions
• Eucalyptus: May help clear congestion and ease respiratory issues
• Lemon: Often used for its mood-lifting and energizing effects

How to use essential oils safely:

1. For aromatherapy: Use a diffuser or inhale directly from the bottle
2. For topical use: Always dilute with a carrier oil before applying to skin
3. For baths: Mix a few drops with a carrier oil before adding to bathwater

While essential oils can offer various health benefits, it’s crucial to use them correctly. Some oils can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions, and certain oils should be avoided during pregnancy or by people with specific health conditions. Always consult with a qualified aromatherapist or healthcare provider before using essential oils medicinally.

These home remedies offer natural, cost-effective alternatives to over-the-counter medications for common ailments. While many have shown promise in scientific studies or anecdotal evidence, it’s important to remember that they are not substitutes for professional medical care. Always consult with a healthcare provider for persistent or severe symptoms, and inform them of any home remedies you’re using to ensure they don’t interact with other treatments or medications.

Have a sore throat, hiccups or insomnia? Here are 14 home remedies you MUST try

After scientists recently discovered a cheap and effective way to prevent blisters, we have over a dozen cures for those troubling ailments

30p-a-roll surgical tape has been shown to prevent blisters (

Image: Getty)

Blisters are the bane of Olympians and weekend runners alike. But now scientists have found a new way to prevent them – by using 30p-a-roll surgical tape.

Experts studied ultra-marathon runners on a 155-mile race and applied the tape to any blister-prone areas on one foot. Some 98 of the runners did not develop blisters on the taped areas, but 81 got blisters in untaped areas.

The researchers believe that because the tape is so thin and smooth it decreases friction and rubbing, which could come as huge relief to runners preparing for the London Marathon on Sunday week – or just those of us who have a habit of picking ill-fitting shoes.

But this is not the only ailment that could be helped by a simple and cheap trick.

Itchy skin

If you suffer from dry or itchy skin, bathing in your breakfast might assist.

Oatmeal can calm inflamed, itchy or dry skin
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Image:

Getty)

Oatmeal is known to be soothing as it contains avenanthramides, which can calm inflamed skin. It’s recommended you put a handful of oats into a dry sock, seal the top with an elastic band and drop it in your bath water.

A sore throat

Best to try this away from social situations, but gargling with warm water mixed with six pressed garlic cloves may help to ease the pain of a sore throat.

In his book, Alternative Cures That Really Work, Ronald Hoffman, medical director at New York’s Hoffman Center, says gargling the concoction twice daily for three days allows the garlic’s antimicrobial properties to fight off the pain-causing bacteria.

What’s causing that cough? Top causes and how to get rid of persistent and dry coughs

A cough

Got a tickly cough? Better get the dark chocolate out.

Dark chocolate helps suppress tickly coughs
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Image:

Getty)

The treat actually contains theobromine, which has been shown to be effective in suppressing a cough. In a clinical trial in 2012, patients at 13 NHS hospitals were given the chemical which occurs naturally in cocoa twice a day for 14 days. Early indicators were that 60% of patients experienced some relief.

Minor burns

If you have a serious burn, you need medical ­attention. But Dr PV Narayanan of the Jubilee Mission Medical College in Kerala, India, found that potato peelings worked as dressings for minor burns.

Read more:

How to banish the misery of irritable bowel syndrome with 17 easy tips

He said: “Wounds dressed with peel bandages healed faster than the conventional dressing and resulted in better post-heal skin.”

It’s believed it’s because moisture in the peel helps keep the wound moist, and the peelings also have anti-bacterial properties.

Tension headaches

Many tension headaches can be caused when you subconsciously clench your jaw and teeth, which strains the muscle from your jaw to your temple. This causes the headache.

Holding a pencil between your teeth can relieve tension headaches
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A simple remedy is to place a pencil between your teeth. Hold it but don’t bite it – and this automatically relaxes the jaw muscle.

Smelly feet

Before you splash out on deodorisers, there is also an old wives’ tale that has proven benefits – and it’s one that many people will jump at. Simply wipe smelly feet with a vodka-soaked cloth and it can help get rid of the stench. The alcohol is antiseptic and destroys odour-causing fungus and bacteria.

Acne and Spots

Forget expensive spot creams, a bit of full-fat Greek yoghurt may help blitz those zits. The probiotics in the yoghurt can help balance bacteria, moisturise and unclog the pores.

Dr Whitney Bowe, from New York’s Mount Sinai Medical Center, says that it is not a stand-alone treatment but some patients reported fewer acne lesions after applying the yoghurt.

Hiccups

Swallowing one or two teaspoons of sugar is said to help relieve hiccups. According to scientists in the 1970s, the sugar granules supposedly stimulate and reset the irritated nerve that causes the spasm of the diaphragm which is what causes the hic sound.

Sugar stimulates the vagus nerve, which can stop hiccups
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By stimulating this vagus nerve, it tells the brain that something more important is happening and the hiccups stop.

How to get rid of hiccups – the causes and why we get them

Warts and verrucas

Got an ugly wart or verruca? Before you get it frozen off with liquid nitrogen, it might be worth trying some duct tape first.

A study found that sticking tape over the verruca or wart before regularly filing away dead skin with an emery board and sticking on a fresh piece of tape was more effective than treating them with liquid nitrogen. It is believed that ­chemicals in the tape suffocate and kill the wart.

How to get rid of warts fast – the different types and home remedies revealed, plus when to see your GP

Insomnia

Everybody needs a good night’s sleep. And when you are having trouble nodding off, you will try anything for a few minutes’ shut eye. Now a US study has discovered that eating cherries before bedtime could help. The fruit contains ­melatonin, the hormone that helps your body to regulate sleep patterns.

Unable to sleep? The best ways you can trick yourself into dozing off

High blood pressure

Research has shown that people on medication for hypertension further lowered their blood pressure if they listened to 30 minutes of music daily whilst breathing slowly. B

ut it may depend what type of music you listen to. Oxford ­University researchers discovered that listening to music with a slow tempo, such as relaxing classical, could reduce blood ­pressure, while rap or pop can cause it to rise.

How to lower blood pressure including the best foods and diet tips

Teeth whitening

Kits for teeth whitening can be expensive – but something we throw in the bin may do the trick.

Rubbing banana peel on your teeth can help whiten them
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Image:

Getty)

Brush your teeth as normal and then take the inside of a banana skin and rub it on your teeth for two minutes before cleaning again. Fans of the natural method claim that minerals – such as potassium, magnesium and manganese – in the peel are absorbed by the teeth, making them whiter.

How to whiten your teeth at home – top tips on keeping your teeth white for longer

Sleep apnoea

This causes sufferers to stop breathing as sleep. While you always should see a doctor, findings by researchers in Switzerland, and published in the British Medical Journal’s online edition, have suggested learning the didgeridoo could help.

The study found that patients who played the Aussie instrument for four months saw a significant improvement in their condition and less daytime sleepiness. Researchers believe that by learning the instrument, they trained the upper airway to behave differently.

Head lice

If you mix half a cup of apple cider vinegar with a tablespoon of tea tree oil, it can be used as a cure for head lice, according to natural remedy specialists.

Rub it into clean hair, leave for 20 minutes and then comb through with a lice comb. The acid in the vinegar kills off the lice. It also leaves your hair shiny.

Are Hiccups A Sign Of Covid-19 Coronavirus? Here Is What Happened In This Case

Can persistent hiccups be a sign of a Covid-19 coronavirus infection? (Photo: Getty)

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Think you can rely on just symptoms to diagnose a Covid-19 coronavrius infection? Well, here’s yet another hiccup in that plan. Or rather a bunch of hiccups. A case report recently published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine suggests that persistent hiccups, otherwise known as hiccoughs, could actually be a symptom of Covid-19.

In the case report, Garrett Prince, MD, and Michelle Sergel, MD, from Cook County Health described what happened to a 62-year-old male, who went to the Cook County Health Emergency Department (ED) after experiencing four days of persistent hiccups and an unintentional 25-pound weight loss over a four month period. The case report described these symptoms in an interesting way, saying that the patient, “endorsed a twenty-five-pound unintentional weight loss over the last four months, and more recently, persistent hiccups for four days prompting his visit to the ED.” By the way, endorsing a hiccup is probably not quite the same as endorsing a check or a political candidate.

Nonetheless, these seemed to be the man’s only symptoms. There was no fever, nasal congestion, sore throat, chest pain, or shortness of breath. There were none of the symptoms found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) “Symptoms of Coronavirus” list. His only other medical problems seemed to be diabetes, hypertension, and coronary artery disease. A physical exam didn’t reveal much either. His body temperature was 37.3 °C, which is about 99.1 °F. That ain’t really a fever.

But the doctors weren’t ready to send the man home. After all, hiccups are like the Baby Shark Song. Hiccups for a few minutes may be OK and even entertaining to others. However, hiccups for four days is something completely different. In fact, once a bout of hiccups has reached the two day- or 48 hour-mark, it’s time to seek medical attention. Don’t keep trying to scare yourself, breath into a paper bag, or hold your breath. Holding your breath for two straight days may actually take care of your hiccups but not in the way that you’d like. You kind of need oxygen to stay conscious and alive. Of course, if the hiccups are so bad that they are impairing your ability to eat, breathe, or sleep, don’t say, “OK, I can’t breathe but will wait for the two-day mark.” Call your doctor as soon as possible.

Your lungs rest on your diaphragm. When you diaphragm contracts and sinks lower, your lungs expand. … [+] (Image: Getty)

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MORE FOR YOU

Hiccups are basically spasms of your diaphragm. No, this doesn’t mean that your birth control device is jumping out of its case. Instead, in this case, diaphragm refers to the muscles that sit below your lungs and normally help you inhale when these muscles contract. Contracting these muscles lowers the diaphragm, which then allows your lungs to expand and fill with air. These muscles contract when your phrenic nerve, which runs from your neck to the diaphragm, is activated.

Irritating this nerve may then cause involuntary contractions of your diaphragm and the “hic-hic-hic” in hiccups. An extended bout of hiccups may be a sign that something is continuing to irritate or even damage your phrenic nerve. This could be, for example, a mass somewhere along the phrenic nerve or a nervous system disorder.

Well, that was a word from your sponsors: diaphragms. Back to the case report.

Since the hiccups had persisted for well over two days, the doctors ordered a chest X-ray to check for the presence of a mass or some other abnormality. It’s a good thing that they looked because both of his lungs had “ground glass opacities.” These are hazy appearing areas that look like glass that has been ground. These are not normal findings. Ground glass doesn’t belong in your underwear or on your chest X-ray. On chest imaging, they tend to represent some type of lung inflammation, bleeding, or damage.

A CT scan of his chest confirmed the chest X-ray findings. So perhaps the inflammation in the lungs had triggered the hiccups. Blood tests showed that his white blood cell count, platelet count, sodium levels, and chloride levels were all low. Since something called the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic is going on right now (just in case you didn’t know), the doctors decided to test him for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) as well and admitted him to the Covid-19 medical unit in the meantime as a precaution.

By the time he had reached the medical unit, his temperature had crept up to 38.4 °C (101.1 °F). In the words of Paris Hilton, that’s hot, and considered a fever. His heart rate had increased too, up to 104 beats per minute. The next day his SARS-CoV2 test came back positive, but not positive in a good, optimistic way. The man had Covid-19. During his stay he received cetriaxone, azithromycin, and hydroxychloroquine. Eventually after three days in the hospital, he was able to leave the hospital in stable condition.

Of note, the case report didn’t say why the man had lost weight. Since it had occurred over a four month period, the Covid-19 coronavirus probably wan’t the culprit.

Now, all of this doesn’t mean that you should freak out the next time that you have hiccups, especially if those hiccups resolve fairly quickly. Remember that many things can trigger hiccups including drinking carbonated beverages or getting excited such as when you see One Direction or when you drink carbonated beverages while seeing One Direction or even better when you and One Direction drink carbonated beverages together. It remains to be seen how rare versus common hiccups may be as Covid-19 symptoms. Remember, something typically becomes a medical case report only when it still is considered to be rare. That’s why you probably won’t see a medical journal case report entitled, “Man Farts, It Smells, End of Story,” anytime soon. Plus a single case report is enough to show that Covid-19 can cause hiccups. It could still have been a coincidence.

Nevertheless, the list of possible Covid-19 symptoms appears to be getting longer and longer. It can seem quite confusing when you are told that Covid-19 can lead to such-and-such symptoms, except when it doesn’t. Or if you have such-and-such symptoms, you may have Covid-19 or you may not. And should such-and-such symptoms appear, you absolutely certainly maybe possibly potentially could have Covid-19, as long as these symptoms aren’t being caused by something else. Well, this virus is still very new and researchers are still learning about what it can do.

All of this is further evidence that relying simply on symptoms to diagnose a Covid-19 coronavirus infection can be like relying on Tinder profiles to determine anything. Sure, diarrhea and vomiting can be bad signs when they are present in either situation. But in either case, just because everything looks OK doesn’t mean that everything is hunky-dory. The only real way to check whether someone is infected with the Covid-19 coronavirus is via testing such as sticking a cotton up his or her nose.

Lump in the throat – the causes of occurrence, in what diseases it occurs, diagnosis and methods of treatment

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12 December

The sensation of a lump in the throat is not uncommon. Many have experienced this painless but uncomfortable condition at least once in their lives. In medical literature, it is referred to as the pharyngeal ball. In most cases, this symptom is not associated with serious diseases, but an accurate answer can only be obtained after consulting a specialist, because there are a number of diseases that may be accompanied by a sensation of a foreign body in the throat.

Varieties

There is no generally accepted classification. It all depends on the reason that caused this condition.

Possible causes of sensation of a lump in the throat

Patients complaining of a lump in the throat can be divided into two groups: in some, this condition occurs due to neuropsychiatric disorders, while in others, the cause lies in somatic, that is, diseases directly related to internal organs.

Often, a sensation of a lump in the throat appears in people who are easily excitable, sensitive to stress and emotional upheavals. A lump in the throat has long been described by doctors as a symptom of a neurotic disorder, more often occurring in young women. However, at present, this condition occurs with equal frequency in people of both sexes.

If the feeling of a lump in the throat is persistent and persists for several weeks, then first of all it is necessary to exclude oncopathology. This may be a malignant or benign process in the larynx, esophagus or other organs of the neck, causing compression of surrounding tissues. Particular attention should be shown if the patient complains of pain in the neck or when swallowing, fatigue, loss of appetite and body weight.

Infectious and inflammatory diseases of the ENT organs can also cause a pharyngeal ball.

Very often the sensation of a lump in the throat is associated with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

It is necessary to find out if the patient has symptoms such as heartburn, cough, sour belching, stomach pain and a feeling of heaviness after eating.

The sensation of a foreign body in the throat can be caused by thyroid disease. An increase in the volume of the gland is more often associated with a lack of iodine in the diet or with an autoimmune lesion (autoimmune thyroiditis).

Sometimes the reason for the sensation of a lump in the throat is a decrease and even complete cessation of salivation.

This condition can occur in patients with diabetes mellitus, in women in menopause, with systemic autoimmune diseases.

Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck can also lead to discomfort and a sensation of a lump in the throat.

Difficulty in swallowing can sometimes occur due to osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. In this case, a person may be disturbed by headache, dizziness, pain in the neck, back, stiffness of movements.

Do not forget about the possible role of traumatic effects on tissues. Endoscopic examinations and even eating rough food can contribute to the appearance of discomfort in the throat.

Sensation of a lump in the throat is mainly accompanied by:

1. Diseases of the upper respiratory tract (tonsillitis, tonsillitis, epiglottitis, pharyngitis).
2. Diseases of the thyroid gland (endemic goiter, diffuse toxic goiter, autoimmune thyroiditis).
3. Neoplasms in the neck.
4. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.
5. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
6. Esophageal dyskinesia.
7. Heterotopia of the gastric mucosa.
8. Diseases of the endocrine system (diabetes mellitus, hormonal disorders).
9. Systemic autoimmune diseases (scleroderma, Sjögren’s syndrome).
10. Psychological factors, stress.

Which doctors to contact
a general practitioner who, after examination, will be able to refer the patient to a narrow specialist, such as:

• gastroenterologist;
• otorhinolaryngologist;
• endocrinologist;
• oncologist;
• neurologist;
• psychotherapist.

Diagnosis

To clarify the diagnosis, the doctor may prescribe the following types of examination:

1. Gastroscopy (esophagogastroduodenoscopy, endoscopy) for suspected gastroesophageal disease and esophageal dyskinesia.
2. Ultrasound of the thyroid gland, blood test for thyroid hormones.

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3. X-ray of the cervical spine.
4. Culture of upper respiratory tract discharge for microflora, determination of sensitivity to antimicrobial drugs and bacteriophages (in case of an infectious process, sputum culture and scraping of epithelial cells of the oropharynx may be required to identify the pathogen in order to prescribe adequate antibiotic therapy).

Culture of the upper respiratory tract for microflora, determination of sensitivity to antimicrobial drugs and bacteriophages (Upper Respiratory Culture, Routine. Bacteria Identification. Antibiotic Susceptibility and Bacteriophage Efficiency testing)

Synonyms: Upper Respiratory Culture, Routine. Bacteria Identification. Antibiotic Susceptibility and Bacteriophage Efficiency testing.

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Careful collection of anamnesis (history of the disease), taking into account the patient’s complaints, examination and additional research will help the doctor make the correct diagnosis.

Treatment

Based on the cause of the feeling of lump in the throat, the doctor will prescribe the appropriate treatment. If the cause is psycho-emotional disorders, it is necessary to eliminate the traumatic factor, reduce stress at home and at work. You may need pharmacological therapy and consultations with a psychotherapist.

In case of diagnosing gastroesophageal reflux disease, a gastroenterologist will give recommendations on correcting the diet and diet, prescribe antacids to reduce stomach acidity and proton pump inhibitors that suppress the secretory function of the stomach.

In case of infection of the upper respiratory tract, an otorhinolaryngologist may prescribe local anti-inflammatory, antiseptic therapy and antibacterial drugs.

In case of thyroid diseases, an endocrinologist may recommend hormonal therapy, and in some cases, surgery.

What to do if you feel a lump in your throat

If the sensation of a lump in your throat is caused by stress, try to calm down. Drinking plenty of water can improve the condition.

Do not smoke, talk loudly, shout.

If the cause is gastroesophageal reflux disease, do not lie down immediately after eating.

Do not overeat, try to stick to fractional nutrition; The last meal should be 3 hours before bedtime.

Do not wear tight clothing and tight belts, corsets, bandages, leading to an increase in intra-abdominal pressure. Stop smoking and drinking alcohol.

Sources:

1. Clinical guidelines “Acute tonsillitis and pharyngitis (Acute tonsillopharyngitis)”. Developed by: National Medical Association of Otorhinolaryngologists, Interregional Public Organization “Alliance of Clinical Chemotherapists and Microbiologists”, Union of Pediatricians of Russia, Interregional Association for Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, Euro-Asian Society for Infectious Diseases. – 2021.
2. Clinical guidelines “Acute obstructive laryngitis [croup] and epiglottitis”. Developed by: Union of Pediatricians of Russia, Interregional Association for Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, National Medical Association of Otorhinolaryngologists. – 2021.

IMPORTANT!

The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For diagnosis and proper treatment, you should contact your doctor.
For a correct assessment of the results of your analyzes over time, it is preferable to do studies in the same laboratory, since different laboratories may use different research methods and units of measurement to perform the same analyzes.

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Lump in the throat with osteochondrosis: symptoms and treatment

Articles

Reading time 10 min

istockphoto. com

A sedentary lifestyle, constant sitting at work or at home, lack of regular exercise lead to osteochondro lumbar , thoracic and cervical spine. At first, there may not be any health problems. The symptom of a coma in the throat with osteochondrosis occurs when the cervical spine is affected and can be explained both by injury and compression of nerve fibers, and by the emotional state of the patient.

In the case of osteochondrosis, dystrophic changes occur, degeneration of the intervertebral discs, the latter are displaced, which can cause infringement of nerve fibers. This whole process is accompanied by inflammation, soreness, and can sometimes be manifested by a feeling of suffocation, itching, dry mouth, neck throbbing. The inflamed tissue is deformed, increasing in volume. A person has difficulty turning or tilting his head, his hyoid area hurts, his chin goes numb.

This article is advisory in nature. Treatment is prescribed by a specialist after consultation.

Fig. 1 Cervical osteochondrosis

The patient thinks that something is stuck in his throat, feels heaviness when swallowing food or water, feeling of a foreign body in the throat, “bumps”. Rarely with this phenomenon, dizziness, coughing, numbness in the arm, impaired movement can be observed.

An accompanying manifestation may be an increase in the submandibular lymph nodes, fear of swallowing, redness, pain in the occipital region.

A truly effective treatment can only be prescribed by the attending physician after a thorough examination and examination. Experts believe that for the treatment of discomfort in the throat with osteochondrosis, not only a neurologist, but also a psychotherapist should be involved.

What can be confused with?

To be sure that osteochondrosis is the cause of the sensation of a lump in the throat, the doctor must first rule out alternative conditions such as an enlarged thyroid gland with subsequent pressure on the neck, malignant neoplasms, gastroesophageal reflux, burning heartburn, chronic pharyngitis, diaphragmatic hernia of the esophagus, as well as mental illness.

Feelings of a foreign body, mucus in the throat with osteochondrosis of the cervical region can often be confused with a cold. The patient begins to independently apply the standard treatment of acute respiratory infections: gargling, warming compresses. But this does not give the desired result, because the physiological and anatomical causes of these conditions have different origins.

Diagnosis

Usually, in osteochondrosis, unlike SARS, the patient will have a normal temperature and no signs of inflammation and swelling of the throat. A frequent concomitant symptom of osteochondrosis, which makes it possible to suspect this disease, is the appearance of a headache. There may also be discomfort in the heart and liver. Often people who feel a lump in the throat with osteochondrosis of the cervical region also have complaints of hiccups, shortness of breath.

An accurate diagnosis can be obtained if you are examined by an ENT specialist, a neuropathologist and a gastroenterologist. In addition, it is necessary to make an x-ray of the vertebrae and esophagus. But the most optimal method of examination is MRI.

Make an appointment with a neurologist

Appointment lasts 60 minutes, includes diagnostics, analysis of your MRI and preparation of a treatment plan, takes place both in person and online.

Methods of treatment and what should the patient do?

If you feel discomfort in your neck, it is better to contact a general practitioner at the clinic. He can help you figure out what exactly caused such feelings. It is especially important to remember that a lump in the throat with cervical osteochondrosis is a sign of the onset of degenerative changes in the cartilage system and discs. Therefore, attempts to cope with the disease in themselves are fraught only with a deterioration in the condition.

The doctor should select the appropriate therapy depending on how severely the intervertebral discs are affected.

The main goal of therapy is to stop the process of cartilage destruction. It is also important to eliminate the inflammation that began due to the infringement of the nerve endings.

Symptoms can be relieved with warming gels and ointments. You can reduce inflammation if you use special non-steroidal agents. These can be drugs such as Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, Indomethacin and others.

To get rid of the inflammatory process, procedures such as electrophoresis, salt baths, magnetotherapy, diadynamic therapy and others can be prescribed. Massage also helps. It allows you to improve blood circulation, remove muscle tension, clamps and spasms, and effectively relax the muscles. But it is worth remembering that with hypertension, tumors, skin diseases, as well as during pregnancy, physiotherapy procedures are prohibited.

The key point in treatment is changing the patient’s lifestyle, normalizing body weight. Often, osteochondrosis is combined and is associated with other disorders: obesity, gastritis, arterial hypertension, insomnia and stress, pain in the knee joints, fatigue, changes in the functional states of internal organs and the brain.