6 prescription medicines used for treating migraines A migraine is a form of severely painful, recurring headaches that are typically accompanied by a range of sensory symptoms such as temporary vision loss, pins and needles in the arms or legs, difficulty speaking, hearing noises, seeing bright lights, and uncontrollable jerking or other movements. Depending on the severity, this condition can last for hours or even days. According to the American Migraine Foundation, over 36 million people are suffering from this condition. In addition, women are 3 times more likely to get migraines than men. While its exact cause still remains unknown, episodes can be triggered by hormonal fluctuations, emotional distress, fatigue, alcohol, caffeine, dehydration, certain types of medications, and environmental factors. Treatment The following medications are commonly used to treat migraine symptoms. Some of these help mitigate the existing headache, while some prevent the onset of a migraine, reducing the frequency of attacks. Ergomar® Ergomar® belongs to a group of compounds known as ergot alkaloids. These are specially designed for migraine-type headaches, so they shouldn’t be taken to treat common tension headaches or other headaches different from migraine. This medication alleviates migraine headaches by narrowing the widened blood vessels in the head.

6 FDA-approved asthma medications to know about There is no known cause of asthma; usually, a combination of genetic and environmental factors lead to the condition. Exposure to allergic substances and irritants can trigger asthma symptoms. The triggers and symptoms vary from person to person. Everything from airborne substances like pet dander, mold spores, the common cold, cold air, smoke, GERD, and stress can trigger asthma symptoms. These triggers can induce asthma symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest tightness, chest pain, wheezing or whistling sound when exhaling, coughing attack, or wheezing attack. These symptoms can be alleviated and controlled using asthma medications. There are no complete treatments for asthma, but therapies and medications are used to prevent flare-ups and keeping the symptoms under control. For flare-ups, quick-relief inhalers are recommended. Long-term control of asthma symptoms can be done with certain FDA-approved asthma medications. Fasenra It is a medication used for the treatment of a type of severe asthma called eosinophilic phenotype asthma. This medication is usually prescribed to patients who are 12 years or older. Younger patients whose asthma condition is not under control with current medications have found relieve with the use of Fasenra. It is prescribed along with asthma maintenance medications.

Controlling eczema with home cures and medication Eczema is a condition where patches of skin become inflamed, itchy, cracked, rough, and red. For some people, blisters may occur too. While some people are cured of this condition, some continue to have it throughout their adulthood. It is important to recognize the symptoms and seek immediate professional help to make treatment more efficient. Symptoms to be aware of: In adults; rashes commonly appearing in the creases of the elbows or knees or the nape of the neck Rashes that cause very dry skin Itchy rashes that do not seem to go away Rashes that look scaly Skin infections caused by these rashes Rashes differ in infants under two years and children aged two years until puberty. For infants; They commonly appear on the scalp and cheeks They bubble up before there is liquid leaking from it Rash interferes with sleeping, and there’s a continuous itch For children aged two years and above; Rashes can be bumpy They can be light or dark in colors It develops a permanent itch or a knot Some treatment approaches While there is no cure for eczema, there are treatments that can help control the swelling, rash, itchiness of the skin, by using a mix of home cures and some doctor-prescribed medications.

Among women, breast cancer is known to be the most diagnosed cancer after skin cancer. It develops in the cells of the breasts. Although it can occur in both men and women, breast cancer is known to be more common among women. There are no known exact causes of this type of cancer; most often it is genetic. In some cases, environmental factors can also cause breast cancer. Regular mammography and physical examination by a physician can help in early detection of breast cancer. Certain symptoms and signs include formation of a breast lump or thickening that feels different from the surrounding tissue, change in the size, shape, or appearance of a breast, changes to the skin over the breast, a newly inverted nipple, and peeling, scaling, crusting, or flaking of the areola or breast skin. There can be redness or pitting of the skin over the breast. Depending on the stage at which it is detected, it is possible to completely recover from breast cancer. Make sure you consult your doctor regarding the same. Treatments often include the use of certain medications including the following: Afinitor® Also known as Afinitor Disperz ® , this breast cancer medication works by interfering with the growth of cancerous cells.

How to manage skin flare-ups for psoriasis: treatment and medications Psoriasis is a skin condition that is known to be a recurring autoimmune disorder. This condition is characterized by red, flaky patches on the skin, and there is a rapid buildup of skin cells, which causes scaling on the skin’s surface. Though some treatments help ease the symptoms of psoriasis, there is no cure for this condition. These treatments are a combination of home remedies and prescribed medications to control specific triggers. Different treatment approaches There are two types of approaches to treating this condition. The first is topical and involves direct application of creams and ointments on the skin to relieve mild to moderate psoriasis. The other is the systemic approach, which involves taking medication orally or injecting it directly to treat moderate to severe psoriasis. Since these medications can have severe side-effects, they are just short-term prescriptions. Light therapy is another approach to treatment that uses ultraviolet or natural light to kill the overactive white blood cells that attack healthy skin cells and cause rapid cell growth, leading to the buildup. Patients are advised to use both UVA and UVB light to help reduce the symptoms of this condition.

6 FDA-approved medications for high cholesterol High cholesterol leads to fatty deposits in the blood vessels. Over time, these deposits grow, causing difficulties for the blood to flow through the arteries. In some cases, the deposits may break off and form clots. These can cause a stroke or heart attack. There can be multiple causes of high cholesterol; the causes can be genetic or a result of unhealthy lifestyle habits. This makes high cholesterol a preventable and treatable health disorder. High cholesterol can be easily managed by following a balanced and healthy diet along with regular exercise. In case the cholesterol levels are extremely high, medications may be required to control and manage the condition. There are a few medications for high cholesterol that are approved by the FDA. All these medications must be taken only when prescribed by a doctor. Kynamro A cholesterol-lowering medication, Kynamro works by lowering bad cholesterol in the blood, such as non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL), apolipoprotein-B (apo-B), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). It is effective when used along with a low-fat diet and other prescribed treatments. Kynamro is usually recommended to those with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, an inherited type of high cholesterol. It is, however, not suitable for those with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.

Nasal polyps are teardrops or grape-like shaped growth on the lining of your nasal passage. These growths are soft and painless, and hence, go undetected for the longest time. A benign condition, this can affect anyone but is most common in adults. While these growths are painless, they lead to blocking the nasal passage, which naturally leads to inconsistent breathing and those suffering from it also experience a decreased sense of smell. This is also a cause of frequent infections. Some symptoms to look out for Nasal polyps often go unnoticed but there are some common signs and symptoms that will help you recognize this condition. If you have felt some irritation or inflammation in your sinuses that has lasted for more than 12 weeks, these symptoms could mean you have nasal polyps. Consistently runny or stuffy nose Postnasal drip Decreased sense of taste Absent sense of smell Headache or facial pain Pain in the upper teeth Frequent nosebleeds Snoring Pressure on your forehead or face These symptoms overlap with the signs of chronic sinusitis and common cold, and therefore, it is advisable to see your doctor for proper diagnosis of your condition. If the symptoms make it difficult for you to breathe, immediate medical attention is required.

Eating wholesome meals is one of the top ways to manage mental health issues, especially depression. Along with medications and therapy, the right foods play a vital role in keeping the symptoms in check. Some foods affect blood sugar levels and inflammation in the body, which, in turn, impacts overall energy levels and mood. So, it’s important to eat right. This article lists a few foods to eat and avoid to manage depressive symptoms. Foods to eat Brazil nuts These tree nuts have a smooth and buttery texture, and the nutty flavor makes them perfect for eating raw or blanched. These nuts are an excellent source of selenium, and they also help lower inflammation in the body. These factors help treat anxiety and improve mood, which is highly beneficial for people with depression. Fatty fish Salmon, tuna, mackerel, tuna, and sardines are some of the popular oily fish that pack a bunch of health benefits. They are rich in vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, both of which help improve depressive symptoms. Omega-3 fats are also essential to improve brain function and lower the risk of mood disorders. Berries Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries add a pop of color and much-needed flavor to a bowl of cereal or yogurt.

Osteoporosis is a progressive bone disorder that results in the gradual deterioration of bone health. The bones become brittle and weak, thus increasing the risk of fractures among older men and women. Women are at higher risk of developing the symptoms early in comparison to men. Lifestyle choices, existing medical conditions, and a family history of the condition also increase the risk. Treatments include a combination of medications and the following nutritional changes to supplement good bone health. Nutritional changes for osteoporosis Foods, supplements, and multivitamins can be included to boost bone health in addition to the existing treatments done under a patient assistance program for Prolia®. These include the ones rich in calcium, vitamins D, C, K, magnesium, and potassium that help fortify bone heath. Fresh fruits and vegetables Green and leafy vegetables pack a ton of calcium. These mainly include spinach, broccoli, kale, okra, Brussel sprouts, and various greens like collard, mustard, turnip, and dandelion greens. Additionally, starchy veggies like potatoes, sweet potatoes, plantain and even artichokes must be included to supplement the vitamin K requirements. Studies suggest that vitamin K foods help increase bone density. Papayas, oranges, grapefruits, figs, bananas, prunes, pineapples, and a handful of raisins can be included in daily meals.

Parkinson’s is a severe progressive disorder that mainly affects a person’s motor control. The most common symptom includes gentle tremors that develop in the right hand. But as the condition progresses, Parkinson’s will start to affect muscle control, automatic motor skills, posture, and even balance. It is only possible to manage the symptoms in the long run to improve quality of life. This can be done with changes in food regime and introducing the following medications during ongoing treatment. Foods rich in antioxidants Parkinson’s symptoms can be aggravated due to an imbalance in free radicals that result in fatty tissue damage. The damage also results in oxidative stress that can lead to the rapid progression of the disease. Foods that are rich in antioxidants can help combat this stress and minimize the damage internally. Green vegetables like broccoli, spinach, artichokes, and kale are loaded with the nutrient. A healthy serving of blueberries, cranberries, blackberries, elderberries, and goji berries can also provide the necessary antioxidants. One can also include a variety of citrus-rich fruits, assorted beans, assorted nuts, and some herbs like parsley to boost the antioxidant intake. Foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids Omega 3s pack the necessary healthy fats that help slow down the progression of chronic ailments like Parkinson’s.