A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a frequent illness caused by bacteria migrating into the normally sterile urinary tract and multiplying. If you have a UTI, you may notice the following symptoms: a strong desire to urinate, even after you’ve already drained your bladder; a burning feeling while urinating; heaviness in your abdominal area; and other clinical signs.

What Is Urinary Tract Infection?

UTIs are frequent conditions that occur when bacteria invade the urethra and affect the urinary system, usually through the skin of the rectum. The infestations can infect any region of the urinary system, although the bladder infection is the most prevalent (cystitis).

Another kind of UTI is kidney infection (pyelonephritis). They’re less prevalent than bladder infections, but they’re more dangerous.

What Causes UTI?

Infections in the urinary system are caused by bacteria that invade the urethra and bladder, causing irritation and inflammation. Though urethral and bladder infections are the most prevalent, bacteria can also migrate up the ureters and affect your kidneys.

E. coli, a bacterium that usually lives in the intestines, is responsible for more than 90% of a bladder infection (cystitis) incidents.

Symptoms Of UTI

Bacteria enter the body through the urethra, a conduit that connects the bladder to the outside. The majority of urinary infections are acute, but others are persistent and require medical attention to stop them from migrating to other vital organs.

It’s also possible that the infection is viral or fungal. Cystitis, or inflammation and irrigation, is caused by an E. coli infection in the bladder. The severity of the infection is determined by the number of bacteria present in the bladder. Some frequent and quick changes in urine, on the other hand, can aid in early detection.

• Pain and burning sensation during urination

• Cloudy urine

• Blood in urine

• Increase frequency of urination

• Stinky urine

• Cramps

• Lower backache

• Increased pressure on the abdominal area

• Urge to urinate frequently

• Fever

• Vomiting and nausea

Over-The-Counter UTI Treatment Options

Some infections may not even require antibiotic treatment and may even go away. However, while treating UTIs without antibiotics may be a possibility in the future, there are now just a handful of similarly effective OTC UTI remedies that can assist a patient control their conditions.

• Paracetamol

Paracetamol, which is almost always accessible as an over-the-counter medicine, is one of the finest OTC UTI treatment medicines since it relieves the pain that comes with UTI symptoms.

• Ibuprofen

Any type of UTI can cause inflammation, and because of its own anti-inflammatory and analgesic qualities, ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation. Decreased inflammation should result in decreased soreness, as well as a decrease in the intensity or regularity of urine.

• Heat Pads

Place them on your stomach, back, or between your thighs after they are warmed but not hot. The warm feeling relieves the pressure and discomfort associated with UTIs.

• Hydration

Although it isn’t one of the over-the-counter UTI treatments, hydration is nevertheless essential for resolving a UTI swiftly. If you have a UTI, it is critical to drink as much fluid as necessary so that you urinate more often and the harmful germs are washed out of your urinary tract naturally. This option entails treating your issues without using drugs.

• Probiotics

Probiotics are one of the great over-the-counter UTI treatments alternatives because they assist your body’s metabolism and resistance. Probiotics help to replenish the beneficial bacteria in your gut and minimize the risk of infection.

An Untreated Urinary Tract Infection Poses A Risk

Untreated UTIs are more likely to advance to an upper tract infection. If this occurs, the illness will worsen and spread much further. Upper UTIs are more resistant to treatment and can be dangerous if left untreated. When an infection spreads to your bloodstream, your body enters sepsis, a life-threatening condition. This is why, as soon as you discover any noticeable symptoms, you should call your doctor.

While antibiotics are the conventional medicine for UTIs, scientists are developing better over-the-counter (OTC) treatments that could reduce the need for antibiotics. However, speaking with a doctor to determine the appropriate prescription for you is always a good idea.

Breastfeeding is an intensely satisfying experience for a mother. However, it is not without its set of challenges. Right from inadequate milk production to baby not latching, mothers of newborns have their challenges to deal with while breastfeeding. A lactation consultant helps mothers in such situations with their experience and expertise.

On this page you will gain insights into how lactation consultants Houston helps new mothers and why you should hire one.

Understanding lactation

Lactation is the process of milk production in the new mothers. It is a biological process that follows pregnancy and delivery. It ensures that the baby receives her first food – the mother’s milk and is adequately nourished. Lactation also helps mothers burn the calories and bring the metabolism to the pre-delivery stage.

Meanwhile, lactation comes with its own set of challenges:

• Mothers feel fatigued with continuous feeding.

• Inadequate milk supply can stress the mother and leave the baby hungry.

• Baby is not able to latch due to various reasons.

• The breastfeeding position might be troubling both the mother and the baby.

Lactation consultants in Houston help alleviate such problems mothers face during breastfeeding. It is vital to understand that such consultants can be certified or experienced. You may find consultants who have passed the eligibility exam and some with intensive experience in nursing and helping lactation.

Benefits of lactation consultant

Here are five benefits of hiring a professional lactation consultant in Houston.

#1. An emotional assistance

Breastfeeding can be a tiring journey if not properly handled. The midnight routines of the baby leave the mother with tiredness and exhaustion. In severe cases, this can lead to post-partum depression, which might impact the mother and the baby negatively.

Here’s where a lactation specialist offers their patient assistance by listening to the woes the mother faces. They are a channel for the mother to attain relief from the emotional discomfort they experience while breastfeeding.

#2. Expert help in times of need

Babies need mother’s milk like no other food. But when they do not attain the adequate amount or find it difficult to drink, expert help in the form of a lactation specialist is imminent.

With their extensive expertise, lactation specialists explain the best practices that enrich the breastfeeding experience. They understand the needs of both the mother and the baby and offer customized solutions that are otherwise difficult to attain.

#3. Offers tips and tricks that put you at ease

New moms often confront various doubts:

• Can I eat this while breastfeeding?

• Is it okay to breastfeed when I have a fever?

• I have a cold and cough. Can I give my breast milk to my baby?

• What foods can help stimulate breast milk production?

• How often should I feed my baby?

• My baby sleeps while breastfeeding. What should I do?

And so on.

The number of doubts that haunt new mothers, especially while breastfeeding are countless. Lactation specialists understand such concerns and provide expert suggestions that help moms.

Besides, they are encyclopedias of the tips and tricks that help new mothers to enjoy a smooth breastfeeding experience.

#4. Helps clarify your doubts about the milk supply

Most often mothers doubt if their milk production is adequate for the baby. In practice, there can be various reasons for lesser breastmilk production ranging from stress to inadequate nutrition and certain special medical conditions.

In such instances, lactation specialist offers their valuable advice on how to boost breastmilk production naturally. They are known to offer alternate foods and methods to reduce and alleviate stress in mothers to naturally aid milk flow.

#5. Supports both the mother and the baby

Compared to mothers that have undergone natural deliveries, C-Section and induced mothers need more personal care for a prolonged time. During such intervals, they need someone to care for the baby and their nutrition needs.

A lactation consultant identifies the mother’s needs and supports them physically and mentally while breastfeeding the baby. They suggest the best postures for feeding that lessen the pain due to stitches and surgery. Many studies find that mothers that took the guidance of lactation experts experienced comfortable breastfeeding.

Conclusion

Lactation consultants Houston offers both emotional and physical support a mother precisely needs while breastfeeding. Taking their suggestions and help can only enrich the breastfeeding experience and helps both the mother and the baby.

Cord Blood is the leftover blood in a baby’s umbilical cord and the mother’s placenta immediately after childbirth when the umbilical cord is cut. The hematopoietic stem cells that are present in that blood are used for medical purposes.

Know About Cord Blood Banking

Cord blood and tissue banking is an essential medical procedure. Immediately after childbirth, the extra blood from the umbilical cord and the placenta are removed and stored.

They are then frozen and stored as it has vital components that can cure several diseases. It can be conserved for over two decades.

Cord blood and tissue banking started in the 1980s. In the 80s, medical experts suggested that the natural hematopoietic stem cells present in cord blood can cure a large number of human disorders and diseases.

The Costs Of Blood Banking

Giving you an exact idea of the costs of cord banking will not be viable because it largely varies.

For public storage banks, cord banking is done for free or at a very negligible price. But private banks can charge $1400 to $2400 for collection purposes only. Around $100 to $200 adds up as storage fees later.

The Benefits Associated With Cord Blood Banking

You have already mentioned the fact that cord blood is crucial for curing several deadly diseases.

There are no other cells in the human body like the hematopoietic stem cells. These stem cells can copy themselves. It is formed in the bone marrow of the human body. These stem cells can formulate themselves in distinct blood groups and strengthen the immune system cells.

Especially for patients who require stem transplants, hematopoietic stem cells play a crucial role. This is why cord blood banking is essential.

The Uses Of Cord Blood

In this section, we are going through the details of how cord blood is a boon to medical science and why its storage is valuable.

Researchers have found out that cord blood cells can cure more than 80 human ailments. A wide number of drugs, medicines, and vaccines are made by using the serum of the cord blood cells.

Here are some of the diseases that can be cured by cord blood:

• Severe blood cancer diseases such as lymphoma and leukemia.

• Various cell diseases.

• Anemia.

• Immune deficiency diseases. Can also be helpful to procrastinate AIDs formation in HIV-infected persons.

• Metabolic ailments like Gaucher’s disease.

• Various other neurological, blood-related, and immunity-related diseases and disorders.

• Transplantation of stem cells to patients going through chemotherapy.

Private Cord Blood Banking Vs Public Cord Blood Banking

• Private Cord Blood Banking: In a private cord blood bank, the parents pay to store cord blood for the future use of their family members. The cord blood completely “belongs” to the family and will be used in the future only for their medical benefits.

• Public Cord Blood Banking: In a public cord blood bank, the baby’s umbilical cord blood is donated by the parents and can be used by anyone who needs a transplant. The cord blood does not “belong” to the parents or their family in this case. It can be used by any patient in need and can also be used for medical research. Donating cord blood in public blood banks is done for free or for a very negligible charge.

The Process Of Collecting Cord Blood

Discuss your intention of donating the cord blood with your doctor before childbirth.

Immediately after birth, the cord blood is collected within minutes following a simple procedure.

With the help of a needle, the extra blood is taken out of the umbilical cord vein. Then the procedures for storing, freezing, and processing the cord blood are executed.

Cord Blood storage is extremely important. A huge number of severe diseases can be cured including HIV and different forms of cancer from umbilical blood.

For all the future mothers reading this, we would like to advise you to donate the cord blood to public or private cord blood banks, after the birth of your little one. This might save a person’s life.

People often get confused between hemp oil and CBD oil, but they are separate products with many differences. When looking for the best cannabinoid oil for dogs, it is essential to know these. Otherwise, you might get hemp-infused products that do not offer the full health benefits of CBD.

What is hemp oil?

Hemp oil, also known as hemp seed oil, is an oil that derives from the seeds of the hemp plant or the Cannabis sativa. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, nutrients, antioxidants, and fatty acids. However, it does not contain any CBD, other cannabinoids, or terpenes.

What is CBD oil?

CBD oil is a resinous oil that you obtain from the stalks, leaves, and flowers of the hemp plant and the marijuana plant (Cannabis indica). Since cannabinoids and terpenes are present in a dense amount in the stalks, leaves, and flowers, you get a high content of these compounds in CBD oil.

While you can get CBD oil from both the hemp and marijuana plants, hemp-derived CBD oil has been legally accessible to most people after the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill. The oil contains less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is a psychoactive substance that produces a high.

Since marijuana is considered a controlled substance on the federal level, marijuana-derived CBD is available only in states that have legalized marijuana usage. This oil has up to 30% content of THC. So essentially, marijuana will get you high, and hemp will not.

There are three types of CBD oils:

• CBD isolate oil: It contains only CBD.

• Broad-spectrum CBD oil: It contains CBD, other cannabinoids, and terpenes.

• Full-spectrum CBD oil: It contains CBD, terpenes, and THC.

When looking for the best cannabinoid oil for dogs, consider the effects of each of these. The full-spectrum CBD oil will provide the strongest ones.

What is the difference between hemp oil and CBD oil?

The differences between hemp oil and CBD oil are as follows:

• Hemp oil is light to dark green and has a nutty flavor, while CBD oil is a clear to dark golden with an earthy flavor.

• Hemp oil derives from the seeds of the hemp plant. CBD oil comes from the different green parts and flowers of hemp and marijuana plants.

• You can use the cold-press extraction method for extracting hemp oil from hemp seeds, while CBD oil extraction requires solvents like supercritical CO2, propane, ethanol, and butane.

• Hemp oil contains little or no CBD since the hemp seeds do not have a significant CBD amount, other cannabinoids, and terpenes. However, CBD oil is rich in CBD, other cannabinoids, and terpenes.

• While hemp oil and CBD oil offer many health benefits, CBD oil is more effective in maintaining normal health and relieving the symptoms of complex health issues. Its high content of cannabinoids, terpenes, and THC give it anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidizing properties. It can be therapeutic against infections, autoimmune disorders, cancers, and other problems.

• Hemp oil is mainly used in beauty products and cooking products, while CBD oil is generally for health purposes and is an ingredient in CBD-infused edibles, topicals, and other products.

• Hemp oil is legal for everyone throughout the United States, except for those hemp products that contain more than the legally permissible 0.3% THC. The legality of CBD oil depends on whether it is hemp-derived or marijuana-derived. The marijuana-derived CBD oil may be illegal in some US states.

• Due to the expenses involved in the production methods, CBD oil is more expensive than hemp oil.

What to consider when getting the best cannabinoid oil for dogs?

You can consider the following when getting the best cannabinoid oil for dogs:

• Consult your veterinarian and make sure that CBD oil will be safe for your pet’s health condition.

• Buy the cannabinoid oil from a reputable brand.

• Check if the cannabinoid oil is of the isolate, broad-spectrum, or full-spectrum type.

• Research the ingredient list and make sure there is nothing that could harm your pet or clash with other medications.

• Find out if the CBD oil has a certificate of analysis attesting to its safety, quality, and potency.

• Read consumer reviews by other dog owners to learn how CBD oil was beneficial for their pets.

Medical conditions and issues related to eyes are often seen as trivial. However, they can be a major deterrent to your productivity. Dry eyes are one such problem that affects millions of people.

The increasing use of smartphones, laptops, etc., which keeps you glued to the screen is seen as a significant contributor to the problem. Dry eyes lead to redness, discomfort, irritation, and blurred vision. Hence, this is a serious concern that needs to be paid attention to.

Once, you have diagnosed that you are suffering from this condition, you need to find solutions for dry eyes. Dry eyes have different causes and also vary in the level of dryness. Some people experience temporary symptoms while they are working on a screen which goes away when they take a break. However, for some people, the situation can be more severe.

There are numerous eye care solutions in the market, and you can choose whichever suits your requirements. Let us discuss these eye care solutions to understand which ones can be helpful for your condition.

1. Warm compresses

One of the primary causes of dry eyes is meibomian gland dysfunction. This is also known as evaporative dry eye, where the oils fail to protect the natural tear film. Warm compresses are an age-old home remedy that can help in unclogging the blockages and adds moisture to the eye. It also provides relief from temporary discomfort and soothes the eye.

Warm compresses for eyes can take many forms.

It is available in the form of single-use self-heating pads that you can place over your eyes to provide heat to the area and clear blockages. Also, there are goggles with moisture pads and gels that can be used for a few minutes to provide relief from dry eyes. It stimulates tear production soothes the eyelids and area around the eyes.

However, you can also use hot water and a washcloth to provide warmth and lubrication to dry eyes.

2. Eye drops

Eye drops are the easiest way to treat dry eyes. Numerous eyes drop for dry eyes are available over the counter. It provides the eyes with the necessary lubrication and eases discomfort. Your doctor can also prescribe an eye drop with antibiotic or anti-inflammatory properties depending on your specific condition.

3. Artificial tears

These are amongst the most common solutions for dry eyes. It adds moisture to the eyes and provides relief from irritation and dryness. However, they do not fix any underlying causes of dry eyes.

The artificial tears need to be reapplied from time to time to keep the eyes moist, which can be slightly inconvenient.

4. Eye inserts

Another solution that works just like artificial tears and can be used when artificial tears fail to bring the desired results. However, their usage differs from the artificial tears. The eye inserts are similar to a transparent grain. It is inserted in between the lower eyelid and the eyeball. The insert dissolves and provides moisture to the dry eyes like artificial tears.

5. Autologous blood serum drops.

Autologous blood serum drops are obtained from the person’s blood and are amongst the best solutions for dry eyes. The blood of the patient suffering from dry eye is collected and processed. It is then mixed with saline water to obtain blood serum drop.

These eye drops are used in severe cases of dry eyes where other methods do not work well. It mimics the biochemical properties of natural tears and can heal numerous ocular surface diseases.

Apart from the above-mentioned methods, some in-office procedures and surgeries can provide relief from dry eyes. However, the choice of a solution depends on the symptoms and the causes of the eye condition.

For example, for menopausal women suffering from dry eyes, a health care provider may recommend HRT (hormone replacement therapy) as a treatment alternative. However, this may not be suitable in other cases.