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All pregnant women who regularly use beauty products

Posted on by f jeffery

If it’s about your personal grooming routine Is there anything more rewarding than having hair that is thick and shining hair? Do you separate your day into good and bad days? Do bad hair days cause you to feel depressed and unmotivated while a great one can propel you to the top of the mountain. You’re not alone! You’re not the only one!

Based on Hoovers(r) Hoovers(r) there’s around 65,000 salons that provide hair care services within the United States with combined annual revenues of around $19 billion! A small percentage of these sales is for haircuts, however the majority of these dollars are invested in… colors for hair.

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If you’re pregnant, expecting or you hold an appointment at any of the salons listed above, you should be sure to read the following. More than 20 million Americans predominantly women get exposed to the hair dye every year. It is estimated that 35 to 40% of females in United States and Europe use hair dyes. Solutions are used either by a hairdresser in a salon or by those who purchase at-home products.

Based on IARC International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Concerns are raised about security of the drugs. Why? because some of the components used in hair dye are believed to be carcinogenic as well as toxic (causing birth defects in the fetus). Hairdressers have been reported to have an increased risk of spontaneous abortions and congenital malformations, as well as developmental and cancer-related issues in children are common. The older literature of the 1980’s reveal that both genders who work with hair dyes their work may have a higher chance of developing leukemia as well as bladder cancers, the GI tract, ovary as well as respiratory system. Nasca has reported in Journal of the NCI, that there is a greater chance of developing breast cancer in women who use hair dyes.

All pregnant women who regularly use beauty products are concerned about the dangers of exposure to themselves and their fetus because of the potential carcinogenic chemicals found within these items. Many women are afraid to use any dyes in pregnancy due to concerns about chemical exposure and absorption that could harm the foetus.

The most alarming aspect is that a lot of women give birth later in life and consequently, the application of hair dyes will increase in popularity. The combination of hormonal hair growth during pregnancy, as well as the need to dye hair as women age is a clear indication of an increase in the usage of these products.

With these in my mind, I decided it was an excellent concept to create an essay that reviewed the research up to date on the safety of hair dyes to ensure that you are able to make the right decisionfor yourself on whether or not to make use of these products. Conclusions, however, must be based on the method used to apply dye (personal or hairdresser) and the color used and the frequency of color and the different characteristics of various components that are that are available.

What are the different types of hair dyes?

There are three types of classifications:

Permanent,

Semi-permanent

Temporary

The chemical composition of hair dye determines which classification it falls.

Permanent dyes are most common and make up around 75 percent of the hair dyes. They work by oxidation hydrogen peroxide from dye precursors that penetrate the hair fiber and produce the color that goes by the pigment. Hair dyes that are permanent can be typically applied with a hairbrush and by hairdressers. Permanent hair dyes can cause more dramatic changes to hair color. They don’t wash out and last until the hair grows , or is cut.

Semi-permanent dyes make up around 20 percent of all dyes. They directly reach the hair’s cortex without the need for the oxidizing agents. The color typically lasts between 6 and 12 washes. These dyes, usually applied with a hand typically used to cover grays or to enhance the natural color. They can be available at the store.

Temporary dyes comprise approximately 5 percent from all dyes for hair, are employed for just a single wash. The hair coloring is put onto the cuticle of hair and is left there until it’s washed out. It will generally not make hair lighter, but can be is used to enhance natural hair color, tint it other colors, or to add highlights to the natural or tinted hair. It can also be employed to cover a small proportion of gray hair, or get rid of yellowish hues in gray or white hair.

What hair dyes cause concerns during the womb?

A number of studies have revealed the risk for developing brain tumors (CBT) caused by exposure to N-nitroso compounds often present within hair coloring products.

There are two broad classes of N-nitroso compound

nitrosamides

nitrosamines

Nitrosamides are unstable , and don’t require enzyme activation and are prone to develop tumors in the area of exposure. In rats, they traverse the placenta and can cause neurocarcinogens.

Nitrosamines, which are commonly present in cigarettes and in beer, are regarded as carcinogenic substances.

The chemicals in the hair coloring products are aromatic amines that are converted into the nitrosamines. Nitrosamines require this bioactivation to trigger the formation of tumors in places other than the original exposure area. Hair dyes are classified as NOC-related aromatic amines . They contain ammonia-based solutions, coal-tar dyes, hydrogen peroxide as well as lead acetate. A number of studies classify these substances as carcinogenic for animals when administered orally since they alter DNA. However, there is “inadequate evidence” to determine the possibility of human carcinogenesis when applied to the skin.

Other toxic chemicals found in hair dyes include phthalates, cobalt salts, formaldehyde releasing preservatives, lead acetate, nickel salts, 1,4-dioxane, diethanolamine/triethanolamine, and parabens.

What happens to the fetus happen in a pregnant woman who is using hair dyes?

Exposure to the fetus can occur when you use your regular products as a lot of the chemicals that are used can be absorbed by skin. Particular characteristics of dyes and their capacity to penetrate skin affect their toxic effects. Exposure can also happen via oral, ocular or inhalation methods that be then absorbed into the placenta to alter the foetus. Many of these chemicals may store in body fats and then enter the mothers milk.

What kind or toxics have you seen reported during the course of pregnancy?

There have been a number of contradictory outcomes between the hair dyes and a variety of childhood cancers.

Certain studies have demonstrated that there is a link between the maternal hair dye and an increased chance of developing cancer in children. The nervous system that is still developing in the fetus has been shown to be particularly susceptible to mutagens and carcinogens. When exposure occurs during the development of the nerve system in the first trimester, it can cause the nervous system to be more vulnerable to brain and cancer tumors.

Neuroblastoma which accounts for 6 to 10 percent of all childhood cancers worldwide, has been identified as among the most frequent cancers among young children within their first few years of their lives. A threefold increase in risk was observed for children who were exposed to dyes for hair during pregnancy, as per an article by Kramer in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute in 1987. This risk increase is verified by McCalls article in 2005’s Cancer Causes and Control. Wilms tumor, which is a kidney cancer in children, was associated with an increased risk of 4 times as per a study done in the journal of Bunin on Cancer Research in 1987. A lot of the chemicals that were that were used in 1987 for hair dyes have been eliminated (2-4-diaminoanisole, 4-amino-2-nitrophenol as well as HC Blue No.1) but other compounds found that are in the N-nitroso aromaticamines frequently employed in hair dyes remain present and can cause cancer in animals.

Other studies conducted on other studies from the West Coast have found no relationship between the use of hair dyes prior to and during the pregnancy. (Holly In Pediatric Perinatal Epidemiology, 2002) A large study conducted by Effird in the Journal of Neuro-Oncology in 2005 also found that there is no statistically significant relationship between semi-permanent, temporary, as well as permanent hair color used during pregnancy and brain tumors in children in addition to three times the incidence of brain tumors among Israeli children who use semi-permanent color for their hair.

Do different hair dyes have different risk levels?

Temporary dyes (includes semi-permanent) are thought to be more toxic than permanent dyes during pregnancy. Research on scalp penetration by semi-permanent dyes as compared with permanent dyes on both monkeys and humans revealed the semi-permanent dyes penetrated scalp more deeply than permanent dyes from both species. In contrast to permanent dyes which contain oxidizing agents, which allow the dye to permanently bind with the shafts of the hair, and consequently reduce skin absorption semi permanent dyes get their coloration by the use of solvents (alcohols and ethylene glycol ethers) that penetrate the scalp more effectively than permanent dyes. Additionally, more contact with the skin is found with semi-permanent colors since they are applied in foam rinses or surfactant solutions that facilitate absorption of the dye by skin. Semi-permanent hair coloring products contain Nitro derivatives of phenylenediamines as well as aminophenols and azo dyes as well as aminoanthraquinone-based dyes and N-nitroso- which have been proven to be neurocarcinogens that can be transmitted through the placenta in rodents.

Furthermore, semi-permanent colors are more likely to be applied by the individual herself, while permanent dyes were more likely to be applied by hairdressers. When self-application occurs, there is more skin surface, for instance hands and feet, than if an outside person was applying the dyes.

Smokers also were found to be more toxic than non-smokers using dyes. Additional exposure to nitrosamines and other carcinogens found in cigarettes in addition to the carcinogens found in hair dyes.

Do hairdressers pose a risk to their clients?

The job of a hairdresser can bring with it some dangers that could be carcinogenic. (International Agency for Research on Cancer, IARC-1993) Certain skin diseases such as occupational asthma and contact dermatitis are significant health issues for hairdressers. Studies haven’t proven an higher risk of reproductive problems for hairdressers, like infertility and abnormalities in the reproductive system, congenital malformations or childhood cancers. the development of disorders in offspring. (Kersemaekers, 1995)

While we tend to think of the contamination of drinking water

Posted on by f jeffery

While we tend to think of the contamination of drinking water as something that occurs exclusively on regions of the Third World, it’s not! Even the biggest American cities that have modern treatment facilities could have drinking water that’s contaminated. Whatever your location and if you’re concerned about safeguarding those around you, it’s important to be aware of this issue and be aware of how you can address it.

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When we consider drinking water pollution We immediately think of Sub-Saharan Africa, or some region that has been ravaged by war in the Middle East. The type of pollution we envision is the emergence of waterborne illnesses such as cholera. While I’m not trying to minimize the gravity of the global water crisis However, I’d like to highlight that developed nations, as well as that of the United States, have issues with water that is contaminated. Our contaminants differ.

There have been studies conducted across research conducted in U. S. recently that have discovered all kinds of pesticides and prescription drugs in our drinking water. Ralph Nader’s group conducted research on various American drinking water sources and discovered more than 2,000 carcinogens that are known to be present in our water. The most recent research on 29 American cities has revealed that pesticides were present in the water that was treated in all 29cities! Although drinking small amounts of an anti-cardiovascular medication isn’t likely to cause death in the immediate time, the long-term effects of this kind of contaminant are not fully comprehended. Researchers, however, believe there is a connection between the myriad of chemicals found within our water as well as our alarming rate of cancer.

It’s true pollution of water sources is an problem in America and other advanced nations! The most important issue is what do you do to safeguard both your children and yourself?

There has been a massive increase in the sales of bottled water in the last 10 years (to the point of creating a new ecological risk – millions of non-biodegradable plastic containers)! Certainly, bottled water companies profit from our concerns about the quality of water that flows from our taps. We’re sorry to say that bottled drinking water will not be your answer to the water quality issue. Bottled water is just as likely to be affected by contamination as tap water or even more! In fact, there are less federal regulations that apply to bottles of water than tap water regulations. About 70% of the packaged water sold isn’t subject to federal regulations since it’s not being shipped across states’ boundaries.

There is only one option: filter your water at your home! The only thing you have to do is learn more about which water filters work most effective. There’s plenty of information available on Web on this subject. In order to protect your family from water-borne illness and ensuring their health is only one click away.

Should You Take Nutritional Supplements?

Posted on by f jeffery

Throughout the world, a lot of people have problems with their digestive systems that make it hard to absorb nutrients and break down the food they eat. This is a common problem that is usually caused by a poor level of acid in the stomach, toxins, or a lack of enzymes that assist in the process of breaking down food. There are other causes as well, although the above are the most common.

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Problems with the digestive tract can be improved quite a bit if you slowly increase your intake of quality nutrients. A diet that is high in organic matter is the preferred way to improve your digestion, although you may need to use nutritional supplements as well.

The best thing about nutritional supplements is the fact that you don’t need a prescription. You can select which ones you want on your own then purchase them at your local nutrition store or online.

The ideal time to take supplements is with your meals. During this time, your body can absorb the nutrients better, as your digestive system will be stimulated with food. If you are using time released supplements, you should take them with food to ensure that they move through your body at the right pace and release the proper amount of nutrients and vitamins your body needs at the right time.

Vitamins that are water soluble are the easiest to use, as they will pass through the body easily and quickly, and should be taken three times a day. Vitamins that are fat soluble are best absorbed if they are taken with food that contains fat. You should always take vitamins with meals, as the minerals and nutrients found in food will work with the vitamin supplements.

There are some supplements that may interfere with others when your body absorbs them, so you should always make sure what you are taking is acceptable to take with other forms of vitamin supplements. Below, is a list of the most common vitamins and how you should go about taking them.

1. Vitamins A, D, and E – These vitamins should always be taken with meals that contain fat or oil.

2. Vitamin B – You should always take vitamin B supplements as soon as you wake up, to get the maximum benefit. You can also take them during the day with a whole grain meal.

3. Vitamin C – Supplements containing vitamin C should be taken with meals and never on an empty stomach.

4. Iron – Iron supplements should always be taken with food, as they are easy to absorb this way.

5. Multi-vitamins -You can take multi-vitamins at anytime, although you should always consume a small meal with the supplement.

Even though you may be on a healthy diet, you should still make sure that you are getting the proper vitamins and supplements as well. Supplements will help your body get the vitamins and minerals it needs, especially on days that you aren’t able to eat what you should. Life can get hectic at times, which is where supplements can really come in handy.

If you include supplements in your diet and take them correctly, you’ll find that your body will be much healthier. There are many different vitamins and supplements that you can take, although they will depend on what you are trying to achieve. You should always research a vitamin that you are interested in taking, and make sure it fits your nutritional needs before you decide to purchase it.

Sleepiness and Snoring Apnea Sleep Apnea and Snoring – How Are They Related?

Posted on by f jeffery

Sleep is an extremely important element in our daily lives. According to experts , we should get around 9 hours of uninterrupted sleep to “recharge your batteries” so that we can be energetic, lively, and ready to take on the day ahead. If sleep disorders disrupt our sleeping patterns, or diminish the quantity of restful rest that we receive, it will impact our ability to function effectively in the coming day. Sleep apnea is an example of such condition, and in this article , we’re going to review of snoring and sleep apnea in order to understand how they’re related to each other, the reasons they occur and how they can be treated.

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Snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea, and is one of the most obvious signs to detect, in fact it’s often the source of confusion between the two partners. However, it does not necessarily mean that if you sleep you’re suffering from Sleep Apnea, but on the other hand, most of those who suffer from what’s called professionally “OSA”, (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) are snorers which means that in this instance sleeping apnea and snoring are interconnected.

Let’s begin by defining the meaning behind OSA. OSA is a term used to describe a condition in which people experience instances where breathing ceases for a brief time (often more than 10 second) in the course of sleep. It alters the pattern of sleep which can alter your sleep pattern However, most of the time the patient does not awake and, therefore, probably not even know of the condition. To understand how sleep apnea and snoring can be related, we must take an in-depth look at the potential causes.

When we’re awake when we are awake, the muscles of the upper throat open the airway which allows us to breathe. While we sleep the muscles in the upper part of our throat relax, however with the majority of people , their airways remain open. However, in some individuals the throat region is smaller and during sleep, it is completely closed, causing an increase in breathing, and the snoring. Sometimes, the breathing ceases for short periods of time, and this is is known as sleep apnea.

In many instances such as the ones mentioned in the previous paragraph, snoring as well as sleep apnea may be identified with the help of your companion. It is common for those suffering from sleep apnea they begin to snore heavily when they fall asleep. If they stop snoring for some time, which is that is followed by a gasp or more frequently, an exaggerated “snort” that means that the breathing stopped, and has resumptuated. This can be extremely annoying for both parties, and for the sufferer of apnea, it can result in excessive drowsiness throughout the day as their sleep patterns are constantly disrupted, even when they don’t wake up.

If you are a person who sleeps alone there may be other signs to be on the lookout to that could suggest that you have snoring issues and sleep apnea. If you do, you could then schedule an appointment for a consult with your physician. The symptoms are:

* Extreme drowsiness throughout the day, and falling asleep unintentionally.

Unrefreshed after a night of sleep.

* Feelings of depression may be a possibility.

* Feelings of fatigue

* Poor memory

* Poor concentration

* Morning headaches

Possible personality change

• Hyperactivity among children

* Severe swelling of the legs

For your doctor to accurately and clearly diagnose snoring and sleep apnea, they will need undergo a polysomnogram (sleep diagnosis). Other tests your doctor might suggest include blood gas analysis of arterial blood as well as electrocardiogram (ECG) as well as echocardiogram and/or thyroid function tests.

There are certain things you can do to stop or reduce snoring or sleep apnea. It is possible to avoid drinking the consumption of alcohol or taking any type of sedation prior to bedtime and putting in a device which moves the jaw forward and losing weight. If these methods fail the doctor might suggest CPAP, (continuous positive airway pressure). There are also a couple of surgical options; UPPP (Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty) which involve removing excess tissue from the back of the throat; a tracheotomy, (very rarely done), or for children, the removal of tonsils.

If treated properly sleep apnea, snoring, and sleep ap can be controlled or eliminated however, many aren’t ready to undergo CPAP because they think it’s too intrusive.

Alternative solutions can include Yoga and breathing exercises that can aid in strengthening the throat muscles enough to stop from causing breathing problems like apnea or snoring. Some individuals find that changing their sleeping positions may help, specifically elevating the upper part of their torso about 30 degrees. This can allow gravity’s force to aid.

It is nonetheless crucial that people suffering from snoring and sleep apnea must try to treat or treat their condition, as it could have severe consequences like cardiovascular disease (sufferers are 30 percent more susceptible to heart attack) as well as the high pressure of blood, strokes clinical depression, diabetes and overweight.

Babies are a goal of yours or not, your system will always

Posted on by f jeffery

Women are such amazing creatures that it’s downright mind boggling at times. I know what you’re thinking – you and I are both women, so such self-praise sounds a bit excessive.

But really, think about it for a minute. Our physical makeup is dramatically different from that of our male counterparts. We have to train nearly twice as hard to make any substantial gains in the gym, and we’re genetically preprogrammed to store more fat than men, all because of the differences in our hormonal makeup.

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Let’s face it, ladies, our bodies are built for child rearing, not heavy lifting or figure competitions. Regardless of whether those babies are a goal of yours or not, your system will always do its best to ensure a soft & comfortable atmosphere for that baby’s development during the first nine months of its existence.

Nature’s plan.

What’s even more interesting is the fact that if you’re actively working on preventing pregnancy, you’ll likely have an increased hormonal imbalance and even more pronounced effects of the estrogen hormone doing its job.

Not sure what I’m talking about? There is a phrase that will conjure up memories of bloat, fat gain, nausea, spotting or breakthrough bleeding, mood swings, and even severe headaches. It’s a short phrase with a lot of power. Ready?

“The Pill.”

Most of those who’ve tried birth control pills are well aware of their possible side effects. These are to be expected; anytime hormone levels are changed in any way, the body is bound to let you know of the changes.

Birth control pills are comprised of synthetic estrogen and progesterone (or in some cases, just one of those two). Since the menstrual cycle and ovulation are regulated by these hormones, this increase results in a variety of changes within the reproductive system, which results in pregnancy prevention.

Now, as any woman in the fitness industry knows, we try our very best to decrease the female hormones in our bodies. We all know that increased levels of testosterone, along with decreased estrogen hormones, are essential to the sense of well-being and overall health.

It’s testosterone that helps us gain lean mass, reduce fat storage, increase sexual desire, ward off that “I’m PMS’ing-leave-me-alone” mood, keep our skin healthy, and our minds sharp. Excessive levels of its opposing hormone, estrogen, produce the exact opposite effect on our bodies.

Clearly, increasing your very own estrogen levels by going on the pill sounds more than just a little crazy. It is, however, seen as an absolute necessity by most women. Many of us just accept the unfortunate side effects and learn to deal with the consequences of a less than perfect hormonal balance.

After all, what else is there?

That’s the question we’ll answer in this article. I’ve done some extensive research on the topic, including interviewing numerous fitness and figure competitors regarding their personal experiences with birth control pills. Each of these girls has discovered what works for her; whether it’s a lower dose estrogen pill or a viable alternative that does the job while keeping those hormone levels at least somewhat conducive to her hardcore fitness lifestyle and ultra-lean body goals.

Birth control is widely used in the world these days

Posted on by f jeffery

There are a lot of options women can choose from now as there has been much advancement in birth control technology. One of the most widely used contraceptive devices in the world today is the IUD contraceptive devices. This is a T shaped device that is inserted inside the uterus. This device was first invented in the 1970’s, and was known to be somewhat infection prone, but advancements in technology and use of new materials have allowed manufactures to transform this device into an effective pregnancy prevention method.

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The biggest breakthrough was made when manufacturers replaced the so called “string” (the longest part of the T) with plastic material. This is one of the biggest advancements as plastic is an infection resistant material. This has made this device one of the most effective pregnancy prevention devices. They usually cost anywhere between $200 to $600 dollars but are worth every penny. You could buy these at any local gynecologist or health care provider. They are known to be very effective and statistics show that if used properly only one in a hundred women will become pregnant using these IUD contraceptive devices. It’s important to remember that these devices are not perfect. They certainly provide excellent protection against pregnancy they do not protect you against any other STD’s (sexually transmitted diseases).

There two main types of IUD’s available in the market today. They are the ParaGard and the Mirena. The ParaGard is a copper version of the device and contains no hormones. This type of device last for up to 12 years which is a very long period. On the other hand the Mirena does release hormones and will do you good for about 5 years. The main reason why most couples opt for IUD contraceptives is because they can have spontaneous intercourse. Since the ParaGard version contains no hormones it does not make any change in hormone levels. The Mirena on the other hand has known to lighten a woman’s period. The benefit of these devices is that both IUD’s allow women to quickly become pregnant after they are removed.

But as mentioned earlier these devices are not perfect. They do have a few minor drawbacks which are quite notable. With the ParaGard, women have been known to have heavier periods. This is even worse for women who already experience heavy periods as this device have a significant impact on your menstrual flow. These devices have also known to cause spotting between periods. Women have also reported menstrual cramps as well as back aches.

Another option you could choose is a birth control patch. These birth control patches are usually placed on a women’s arm, thigh or abdomen. Birth control patches work by releasing hormones that prevent ovulation. The logic’s simple. No egg for the sperm to fertilize, no pregnancy. The application of the patch needs to be synced with the monthly menstrual cycle. The Birth patch needs to be applied on the day after the period or on a particular day of the week (for example Sunday), and then changed on every week on the same day, for 3 weeks. The patch is not applied in the fourth week and the period starts. An additional form of contraception is recommended during the first week to prevent any surprises. The patch should be applied to area of skin that is free of any makeup, creams or lotions. The patch should never be trimmed in any way. Like IUD contraceptives, birth patches do not protect against STDs. This makes them ideal for married couples that are looking to have children yet.

Irritating cough may cause you to splutter and cough at the most inappropriate times

Posted on by f jeffery

Physiology of the cough

Why do we all cough? We have all coughed in our lifetime, and there is no-one who escapes coughing from time to time. A cough has the function of clearing our airways of any obstruction. This can be fluid, phlegm, or a foreign body. It is a response to build up enough pressure in our chest to expel any obstructions so our airways are clear to breath again. When we detect any obstruction, or if we feel that our airways are not working as they should be then we tend to cough.

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Difference between a wet cough and a dry cough

A wet cough normally occurs when we have an infection. Anything such as pneumonia or a chest infection usually results in a phlegmy cough. The body produces a lot of inflammatory fluid to fight the infection, and a wet cough is produced. However, a dry cough does not have any fluid, and is just as a result of irritation. It can be just as disabling as a wet cough, and potentially can last a lot longer.

Diagnosis

If you are worried about a cough that has not gone away you should consult medical advice. A doctor or nurse may ask you more questions about your medical history and examine you. They may weigh you, and send you for blood tests and an X-ray if they think it is necessary. Normally most physicians are able to diagnose you quickly and easily.

Possible causes

There are many dry cough causes, from infection to allergy, and from trivial causes to serious ones. The causes can be divided up into different main categories:

Allergy

One of the biggest dry cough causes is an allergy. This may be allergy to grass, dust, or animals. These are the most common forms of allergy, although it is possible that you can be allergic to anything. Allergens in the air are a prime source of dry cough causes as these allergens cause irritation of the airways. This can cause muscles surrounding your airways to become inflamed. The only way to clear the obstruction is to cough, hence you get a dry cough. Your doctor can diagnose this by taking a history and running some breathing tests. He or she may also run an allergy test so that you know exactly what to avoid. In the meantime, taking antihistamines may help with your cough.

Asthma

It is estimated that in the Western world up to one in six of us suffers from some form of asthma at some point in our lives and is one of the more common dry cough causes. Typically asthma affects us more at night, and after hard exercise. Our airways can become more sensitive, and we can end up coughing when there is nothing to cough up. Your doctor can normally tell whether you suffer from asthma by running breathing tests and seeing if you do better when you use an inhaler.

Autoimmune disorders

There are some rare conditions that can affect the lungs. Rare conditions such as sarcoidosis can result in the body attacking itself and damaging the lungs. This can result in a dry cough, weight loss and make the sufferer very concerned about the possible dry cough causes.

Cancer

The biggest fear for many people is cancer. This is an uncommon one of the dry cough causes, but it is worth mentioning. If you have had a cough that has not gone away for a long time, and you have been losing weight then you should see your doctor. If you smoke, or live an unhealthy lifestyle, this can all make cancer more likely. Usually this can be seen on an X Ray or a CT scan of your chest. Your doctor will be able to see if this is appropriate for you.

Infection

There are some infections that do not cause you produce a lot of phlegm. Some viral infections can linger for a few days and still one of the dry cough causes. Equally if you are recovering from a major infection then coughing can just be your lungs getting used to be able to inflate normally again and is nothing to worry about.

Medication

There are plenty of medications that cause people to cough, and pills are a very common one of the dry cough causes. One of the most common are blood pressure tablets that act on the lungs. These tablets have an undesirable effect of causing coughing in up to 10% of people who take them. If your cough has started once you have taken your new medication, then it is worth seeing if there is an alternative.

Lung fibrosis

Some older people may suffer from a condition called lung fibrosis. This occurs as the lungs begin to scar over. No-one knows why this happens, but it can cause a dry cough in the elderly alongside weight loss. This can normally be discovered on examination and confirmed with an X ray.

Treating a dry cough

The most important thing to do about a dry cough is to make sure you know what is causing it. Many of the dry cough causes are entirely reversible, and should not be a cause for concern. There is usually a tablet or even just reassurance that you can take to make yourself feel better. If it is something serious, then it is best to get yourself diagnosed so that you can have your peace of mind rather than worry yourself with possible dry cough causes.

Caring for Your CPAP Machine Made Easy

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Like anything in the house, your CPAP machine and accessories need to be regularly cleaned and taken care of. Doing this not only eliminates any unwanted germs/dust but it also extends the life of your equipment as well.

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If you’ve been on a CPAP at home you are already aware of its benefits, so giving it a little TLC will benefit both you and the machine. Common CPAP care issues:

• CPAP machines WILL degrade over time.

• CPAPs can be a breeding ground for bacteria, if not regularly cleaned. If using humidification, make sure your humidification chamber and tubing are always clean. If you aren’t sure of the cleanliness, the best bet is to order new accessories.

• CPAP masks WILL also degrade over time, this includes the cushions and headgear. If you have been noticing an increased leak in your mask, no matter how tight you adjust it, it is likely you need to replace your nasal/intranasal cushions.

• Most CPAP machines have an external filter that needs changed regularly. Not only does this eliminate any airborne particles but it will also extend the life of your machine as well.

Both-new and experienced CPAP should know how to maintain their device. Here are a few tips on maintaining your machine:

• Every BiPAP including the DreamStation BiPAP (one of the trusted brands of CPAP and BiPAP machines), has an expected life span of about five years. The better it is maintained, the longer it should last you BUT remember it still is a machine! Most CPAP manufacturers offer a 1-year warranty on their machines.

• Consistent care is needed to maintain peak functionality. It is essential to clean, or if necessary, change the machine-specific filters. As per standards, the disposable filters should be replaced once every month while the non-disposable filters should be replaced once every 3-6 months.

• The non-disposable filters are made of foam that can be easily washed out with water and set out to dry completely before putting to use. These still should be replaced every 3-6 months.

• If cleaning the CPAP machine itself, make sure to only dust/wipe it down with a antibacterial cloth. Do not ever submerge the machine in water.

• If your CPAP has a humidification chamber, it is recommended to replace the water daily and rinse out the chamber as well. Place the chamber on a towel to dry out and you will be all ready for the next night!

No matter the CPAP machine, maintenance and cleaning are always an important part to keeping your machine running at an optimal level. The SoClean products will remove 99% of the bacteria present on the CPAP machine and accessories, not only improving the cleanliness of your machine but giving you the ease of mind that you can get a good night’s sleep knowing your machine is clean.