Home Remedy Information Center

The following should not be considered medical advice and is prepared for informational purposes only. Always consult a professional health-care practitioner for medical problems. Do not give aspirin to children under the age of 15 unless directed by a physician.

ALLERGIES, SEASONAL
Symptoms Water eyes, stuffy nose, coughing. Asthma symptoms include a wheezing/hacking cough that may get worse at night, causes a tight feeling in the chest, and is often accompanied by panicky feelings of being unable to breath. See your doctor if you experience these symptoms.

Remedies
Drink plenty of fluids to flush your system of allergens. Avoid strenuous exercise, especially if it causes asthmatic wheezing (see your doctor). Sleep with your head/chest elevated to facilitate breathing. Don't smoke or wear cologne and avoid others who do. Keep your home and office dust-free (vacuum with a special filter, if necessary). Stay away from known irritants, such as smoke, perfumes, animals, and outdoor activities. Over-the counter antihistamines and analgesics usually provide some relief, but remember that antihistamines cause drowsiness, and follow package directions carefully. Decongestants can provide temporary relief, but nasal congestion may return when use is discontinued. Horseradish and red/cayenne pepper can also be used as decongestants, either by adding them to food or by placing a small pinch under the nostrils or on the tongue. Get plenty of rest, and see your doctor if symptoms persist.

BACK PAIN FROM MUSCLE STRAIN
Symptoms Pain that occurs when you move the affected portion of your back, which may ache and be sore to the touch; swelling and bruising, may be present in severe cases. (Always call your doctor about sudden, unexpected back pain that occurs for no reason or about pain that moves from one body part to another, is severe, lasts more that 2 to 3 days, or is accompanies by fever or vomiting.)

Remedies
Rest in bed to take pressure off the back and allow it to heal. Take analgesics, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, or acetaminophen. If there is swelling or bruising, apply a cold pack (ice in a plastic bag wrapped in a towel) for 20 minutes and then remove the pack for 20 minutes, repeating this process for 2 to 3 hours.

BURNS, FIRST-DEGREE
Symptoms A feeling of heat with pain and reddening but no blistering. If signs of infection (fever, chills, swelling, increased redness, or pus in the burned area) develop, seek medical attention. (Always see a doctor for more serious burns or any that cover a large area of the body.)

Remedies
hold the burned area under cold tap water for 5 to 10 minutes to stop the burn process and reduce the amount of skin damage. (Don't apply ice or ice water, which can further damage the skin.) Leave the burn uncovered and keep it elevated, if possible. Use a dry, sterile dressing if necessary. Do not rub butter or salve onto the burn, as this can cause more damage. Analgesics may be take orally to relieve pain, but experts advise against using local anesthetic sprays or ointments, as these can slow the healing process and may cause allergic reactions. See also "Treatment for Health Emergencies: Burns."

CONSTIPATION
Symptom Hard, small, dry bowel movements (usually fewer than three times a week); pain and difficulty having bowel movements; feeling bloated and uncomfortable; an urge to defecate but inability to do so.

Remedies
Drink plenty of water (8 to 10 glasses per day) and exercise regularly. Eat foods containing plenty of fiber, such as beans, whole grain and bran cereals, fresh fruits, and vegetables (such as asparagus, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and carrots). Respond immediately to the urge to have a bowel movement - putting it off is one of the major causes of constipation, especially in busy, stressed people. Adults and children may become constipated from a reluctance to defecate in public bathrooms (at school or work) because of lack of privacy or time constraints. If this is a problem, try eating fruit or cereal an hour before bedtime and setting the alarm to rise 30 minutes earlier.