Asthma is a breathing disorder of the lungs in which the airways develop chronic inflammation, making breathing very difficult. Asthma has a very high prevalence rate in the country with approximately 27 million individuals being affected with the disorder. In asthma, the lining of the airways gets obstructed due to deposition and subsequent tightening of the mucus. This deposition adversely affects the air movement in the lungs and causes the classic symptoms of asthma, like coughing and tightness in the chest region. Symptoms of asthma Common asthma symptoms are wheezing, coughing during the night or during physical exercise, shortness in breath, and weakness. Causes of asthma A few important triggering factors and causes of asthma are described below: Allergy It has been reported that 75% of adults between 20-40 years of age also suffer from allergy. It shows that there is a link between asthma and allergic reactions. Smoking Smoking is directly linked with higher incidences of asthma. Moreover, its detrimental effects on airways augment the symptoms of asthma, such as shortness of breathing, excessive mucus production, and higher chances of infections. Obesity There are pieces of evidence that chronic inflammatory condition found in obesity is associated with asthma. Environmental factors Air pollution is one of the most important triggering factors for asthma attacks.

Allergy is a common overreaction of our immune system in response to harmless substances. When someone with an allergy comes in contact with an allergen, their immune system slowly builds sensitivity to it before it begins to overreact. However, as it becomes sensitive to the allergen, it begins creating antibodies that attack it, and this process is called sensitization. However, sensitization can take time. The most common types of allergies are: Weeds: Late summer and early fall is the time for weed allergies. Most people are allergic to 17 species of ragweed found in almost every region across the country. Dust mites: These small, eight-legged creatures belong to the same family as spiders and ticks. They multiply quickly in warm and humid places and are found everywhere around the house — from beddings to carpets and more. Grass: Grass causes the symptoms of an allergy after trees complete pollinating, which can last from late spring to the early summer. Varieties like sweet vernal, timothy grass, and red top are the most common allergens. Mold: These microscopic plants reproduce by sending spores into the air, and people may develop an allergy to these spores. Mold thrives in warm, moist, and dark areas.

When it comes to infertility treatments, a lot depends on the various factors associated with women, like their age, the time span for which they have remained infertile, and even their personal preferences. Infertility in itself is a complex disorder and its treatments involve a considerable amount of physical, financial, psychological investment. Treatments aimed at curing infertility can either help women get pregnant using complex techniques or try to restore fertility. So, let’s look at a few treatment options available to treat fertility problems in women. Fertility Medication can Help Stimulate Ovulation and Restore Fertility Most of the fertility medicines aim to stimulate or regulate ovulation. They are mainly used for women suffering from ovulation disorders that render them infertile. Just like natural hormones, fertility medicines help in triggering ovulation through luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). This is also used for women who are trying to get extra eggs or enhance their egg’s health. Fertility medications include: Gonadotropins – This is an injectable medication that stimulates the ovary to produce more eggs. Clomiphene  – This is an oral medication that directly impacts the pituitary gland so that it releases more hormones such as LH and FSH that are known to stimulate the growth of the ovarian follicle.

Ear infections, also called otitis media, is an inflammation in the middle ear which causes accumulation of fluid behind the eardrum. It can happen to anybody but is most commonly observed in children between the ages of 6 months to 3 years. Ear infections are usually not severe or contagious. However, timely diagnosis and treatment can prevent any discomfort. In most cases, ear infections occur when the child has had a cold for quite some time. Causes Generally, the cause of an ear infection is viral or bacterial infections. The thin Eustachian tube connects the middle ear with the back of the throat. In some cases, the Eustachian tube allows the passage of germs from the throat to the middle ear, especially when the child has a cold. Symptoms Common symptoms of ear infection in children are fever, issues with eating, sucking, chewing, and drinking. Ear infections also cause pain when a child lays down due to the pressure change in the middle ear. Types of ear infections Acute otitis media: It is the most common type. It develops due to an infection of the middle ear and subsequent build-up of fluid behind the eardrum, leading to ear pain and fever.

Testosterone is an essential male hormone without which men can have lower than normal energy levels, mood swings, and reduced sex drive. The good news is that low testosterone levels can be treated with testosterone replacement therapy. However, the decision of whether or not you can benefit from this therapy must be made in consultation with a doctor because testosterone replacement therapy can lead to side effects in the long run. Why is testosterone therapy beneficial? Every man responds differently to testosterone therapy. Most men have reported an increase in libido, and others have had an increase in energy levels, the quality of erections, and improvements in muscle mass and bone density as a result of this therapy. In many cases, it also reduces mood swings. However, in yet other cases, patients show negligible effects of the therapy. Thus, it can be difficult to predict the effects of testosterone therapy. How is testosterone replacement therapy administered? There are many forms of testosterone supplements that may be used for testosterone replacement therapy, and each form can increase a man’s testosterone levels. The most popular forms include the following: Transdermal skin patches Testosterone in the form of a skin patch that slowly releases testosterone into the body must be worn on the arm or on any part of the upper body.