Farts are common with both young and elders, but are seldom discussed, and often seen as an embarrassment. However, it is something that one and all do once in a while. In fact, farts can speak volumes about our health and wellness. Farts are composed of the air that accidentally enters the digestive system, it might be while swallowing, eating too fast, chewing gums, due to intake of carbonated drinks or the by-product of the indwelling bacteria within the gut. It might sound stinky and shameful but regular farting is a sign that you’re consuming enough fiber, and have a healthy collection of bacteria in your intestines. On contrary to the myth, that farts are due to indigestion, it is due to better digestion. Different types of farts are their inferences:- Frequent Farting :– A person who consume healthy vegan diet, which is mainly due to carbohydrate-rich and veggies which are rich in sulfuric acid such as garlic and onions, an average person might fart up to 20 times per day. Scentless Farts :– Not all farts are smelly, there are not healthy or normal. These are similar puffs of air that have seeped to the gut, by our unhealthy eating habits. Stinky Farts :– The stink is added due to hydrogen sulphide gas which is produced by the breakdown of food with sulfur compounds. These are not unhealthy, these can also occur with the consumption of beans, broccoli, cauliflower, red meat or dairy products. So do not panic if you farts are slightly stinky. Extremely Stinky Farts :- Passing gas that is truly awful in odor, it may be a sign of an underlying health problem. If noticed post the intake of dairy products, it indicates lactose intolerance. -Koya Satyasri  

  These plague or flake-like white are usually found dispersed over the nail in many people. Usually our finger-nails and toe-nails are generally pale pink in color, with a paler crescent at the bottom of the nail called lunula. White spots may occasionally appear over nail, then this condition is called leuconychia, i.e., white nails. Total leuconychia refers to complete nail plate turning milky white. Partial leuconychia is when a part of the nail plate turns white; it is the most common one. There 3 types of partial leuconychia: Punctate leuconychia is the most common of all, it presents as small white spots.   Longitudinal leuconychia which presenting as a white band along the length of the nail. Lastly, striate or transverse leuconychia, one or more milky white lines parallel to lunula. True leuconychia, is when there is damage to the nail plate, and these areas grow along with the nail and do not blanch with pressure. While, apparent leuconychia is when there is damage to the structure underneath the nail plate, these blanch on pressure and do not grow normally along with nail.   The causes of white spots on nails are contrary to the common notion of calcium deficiency. Traumatic insult is the most common cause of white nails, it can range from nail-biting, manicures, nail injuries, constricting footwear or even as minute as nail paint insult.   It can also present with heavy metal poisoning such as lead and arsenic, or mostly with chemotherapy for the treatment of cancer. Fungal disease or infection of the nail or skin disease around the nail can also cause white spots. If none of the above is the causes, it can be rarely due to systemic causes such as, liver cirrhosis, kidney disorders, heart failure, diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, psoriasis and zinc deficiency.   There is no treatment for just white spots on their own. Those that have been caused by trauma will naturally grow out over time. Blood tests can identify the under cause and these can be treated medically. -Koya Satyasri  

  It is a common notion that when we spend out our pockets on pricey and fancy shampoos, we need not seek for a conditioner. This is completely wrong, unless our expensive shampoo is a 2-in-1 product for nourishing hair. Hair consists of shaft which is dead and a hair follicle which is very much alive and nourishes the shaft. The hair shaft is composed of minute scale like structure all along its length.   There are two types of conditioners, the one which should be rinse after use and those which can be left in, called as leave-in conditioners. Before choosing a conditioner it is important to understand your hair first, this includes its length and texture. Short hair does not as frequent conditioning as long hair, as long hair without proper conditioning is prone to damage and tangled.   Understanding the texture of hair, greasy hair requires conditioners with less oil content; thin hair requires a volumizing conditioner; while dry hair requires conditioners enriched with essential oils. Conditioners as a rule are products that nourish with nutrients, but some can harm our locks too, especially the one with silicone as an ingredient, silicone strips off the natural nutrient of hair, opt of silicone-free products.   Our usual practice is to use conditioner post shampooing, applying coin sized blobs to dampen hair from mid-lengths to the roots which requires utmost attention and care, and never apply conditioner to scalp, post this rinse your hair thoroughly. For people who wash their hair almost every day can resort to alternate day wash with the remaining days conditioning, conditioning need not be always preceded by hair wash.   As per the experts, conditioner is never rinsed out completely, leaving some amount of conditioner , may weigh down the strands and giving your hair an illusion of low volume, reversing this habit can help in creating extra bounce else can also practice deep cleansing once in month. Colored hair requires deep conditioning, and occasionally hair mask is effective in sealing in the color and also to protect the hair shafts.  -Koya Satyasri  

  For a woman lips are a silver lining to their beauty! It is of paramount importance that she keeps them healthy and beautiful. Darkening of lip, appearance of fine lines and appearance of dark spots are all categorized as lip discoloration, in beauty industry is called as lip pigmentation.  The causes of lip pigmentation are varied, such as:- Lifestyle :– Following an unhealthy lifestyle, resorting to smoking, drinking, hogging fast foods or foods with high amounts of saturated fats and most important Stress! Stress upturns our beauty regimes. Dehydration :– Intake of insufficient water is one of the most common cause. Based on your level of activity and lifestyle, keep your water consumption accordingly. People who exert physically more need to take in more liquids than the standard i.e., 8-10 glasses. Brews :– Caffeinated drinks like coffee and tea tend to steal off the moisture and turning them darker. Cosmetic Use :– Usage of lip cosmetics, that do not go well with you or the outdated ones are the culprits. These cosmetic may be harmful, and in some instances they may prove to be carcinogenic. Anemia :– Lip coloration is common among people suffering from iron deficiency, due to lack of oxygenated blood supply to lips. Home remedies includes:-  Yoghurt, it is one of the best spot clearing tonic found in our kitchen. Regular application of ice cubes, act as natural hydrators which keep them well hydrated. Beetroot application can be very effective; it acts as natural lip balm. Exfoliation is also necessary for lip, it is common notion that lips do not require exfoliation; it can be done by gently scrubbing petroleum jelly with toothbrush. Make sure you choose lip balm that offers optimum sun protection. -Koya Satyasri  

  The tongue is usually coated with tiny structures that aid in tasting, these are called taste buds, one variety of these are papillae which are commonly involved in the causation of yellow tongue. Yellow tongue is a harmless condition that cured on its own in most cases, but may persist in rare instances. Yellow tongue is the infestation of bacteria within the mouth.  Yellow tongue usually occurs as a result of a harmless buildup of dead skin cells on the tiny projections (papillae) on the surface of your tongue. The bacteria that infest the papillae produce pigment, thus staining the tongue. Longer than usual papillae can trap cells and are prone staining by tobacco or other foods. The yellowish discoloration can occur anywhere over the tongue, on the back of tongue, tip of tongue or over the sides. The symptoms are: the visually yellow-coated tongue, bad breath, bad taste, cold or dry mouth, irregular surface of the tongue, bumpy tongue, red and fiery tongue, and furry tongue.  The causes of yellow tongue: it is the first stage of Hairy tongue infested by Candida albicans, regular intake of antibiotics or corticosteroids, excessive use of alcohol-based mouthwash, habitual mouth breathing or due to blocked airways causes drying up of tongue, due to smoking, and due to systemic infections such as HIV infection, fever, liver or gallbladder disease and jaundice. Self-care is the best treatment, regular cleaning of tongue with tongue scrapers. Intake of high-fibre foods such as fruits and vegetables help in keeping the tongue clean. Gargling with alcohol-free mouthwashes reduces the tooth-decay and discoloration of tongue. See a doctor if yellow tongue does not subside with these measures and if there is yellowish discoloration of eyes, suggesting jaundice. -Koya Satyasri

    Apart from presenting with highly distressing symptoms, COPD is also known to cause complications like:- * Respiratory Infections:– Since the lung tissues are inflamed and weakened, thus are more prone to infections like common    cold, flu and pneumonia. Thus, it is advisable to take annual flu vaccinations and pneumococcal vaccinations. * Lung Cancer:– Both COPD and lung cancer have the same predisposing factor, i.e., smoking. Cessation of smoking can    reduce the risks of both. * Hypertension:– COPD, is known to cause pulmonary hypertension rather than systemic hypertension. Pulmonary vascular    remodeling in COPD is the main cause of increase in pulmonary artery pressure and is thought to result from the combined    effects of hypoxia, inflammation and loss of capillaries in severe emphysema. * Heart Problems:– It is not known to directly cause heart diseases, but it worsens the conditions, reducing the survival. * Depression:– Chronic diseases, drain out the person in all aspects mentally and physically.    COPD is diagnosed with the help of; Lung function test, which is predominantly spirometry it measures the air inhaled and exhaled through our lungs, these are reduced. Chest X-ray and CT scan shows emphysema.   The main-stone of the treatment is smoking cessation. Bronchodilators are used to dilate the airways, to relieve shortness of breath, usually administered as inhalers. Inhaled or oral corticosteroid medications can reduce airway inflammation and help prevent exacerbations. Frequently antibiotics are used for the treatment of respiratory infections.  -Koya Satyasri

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease also abbreviated as COPD. This includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema; these are strongly associated with smoking. Broadly they are of two types, the ‘blue bloaters’ those suffering from chronic bronchitis predominantly and the ‘pink puffers’ those battling emphysema. However the intermediate types are also known, though not common.   Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs. Both chronic bronchitis and emphysema have different underlying pathology and their cardinal symptoms. Chronic bronchitis is the inflammation of the membrane lining the air sacs or the alveoli, which leads to alveoli flooded with mucus and cough with copious mucus is the lead. In emphysema, the end bronchioles are destroyed by the nicotine and the other particulate matter produced during the act of smoking, usually presenting as shortness of breath predominantly.   The common presentation includes: shortness of breath, labored breathing, persistent cough with mucus (sputum), wheezing, cyanosis (bluish discoloration), chest tightness, unintended weight loss, frequent respiratory infections and lack of energy or ever tiredness. At the risk people are the long-term cigarette smokers, ones suffering with asthma and chronic smokers, long-term exposure to chemical fumes, vapors and dusts at workplace which irritate and inflame the lungs, genetic deficiency of alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency is the cause in some cases and with age the disease slowly sets in!

  Fighting back Insomnia needs a multi-faceted approach. Since many of the medical, physical and psychiatric conditions are the culprit, insomnia simply disappears with the cure of the underlying disease. However, the incidence of Insomnia is on a rise especially among the young adult students, elderly, menopausal woman, pregnant women, frequent travelers and people suffering with mental disorders. The other approaches include:- * Techniques that relax, like meditation and muscle relaxing procedures, useful especially in people with anxiety disorders. * Stimulus control therapy – Going to bed only when sleepy, avoid having a heavy meal or indulging in media or gadgets and    avoiding caffeinated drinks at or close to bedtime.  * Maintaining a sleep cycle, avoid sleeping too much or too little, follow a schedule throughout a week, do not take long daytime     naps and set your alarm for the same time even in weekends. Do not force yourself to sleep, do not go to bed hungry and    ensure  a comfortable sleeping environment. * Rarely people might require one-on-one counseling for certain mental distresses.   Though the medical treatment for insomnia is more popular, the non-pharmacological ones are safer and longstanding.   Drugs such as; sleeping pills, antidepressants, over-the-counter sleep aids and melatonin may be prescribed. -Koya Satyasri

  Insomnia is a sleep disorder that regularly affects millions of people worldwide. People suffering from insomnia find it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. It is a sleep disorder, which includes lack of sleep in both quality and quantity. Some of the recent researches have concluded that insomnia is an issue with the brain being unable to sleep, it is believed that brain has a wake cycle and sleep cycle, while one functions other one is dormant, in case of insomnia can be a problem with either part of this cycle: too much wake drive or too little sleep drive.  Broadly, insomnia is divided into 3 categories, Transient – lasting for about three nights, Acute – lasting for about three weeks, and Chronic – lasting for months or even years. Insomnia is caused by a wide variety of medical, psychiatric and physical causes such as: Disturbances in the circadian rhythm – jet lag, job shifts, travelling to different time zones, environmental noises and high altitudes. Psychiatric disorders - depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders and psychosis. Medical conditions – chronic backaches, heartburns, gastro-esophageal reflux disorders, congestive cardiac failure, angina, asthma, obstructive pulmonary disorders and sleep apnea. Others – pregnancy, heavy meal close to bedtime, snoring partner, during menstruation and genetic conditions. Studies have suggested that the light emitted from the gadgets, slow down certain mechanisms, thereby prolonging the time taken to slip into bliss! Post a sleepless or a sleep-deprived night, the person is sleepy all-day along, irritated , loss of focus, diminished productivity, haphazard food habits, straining the eyes, tension headaches and gastrointestinal symptoms such as indigestion. -Koya Satyasri

  We, woman spend loads of time and money on keeping our face flawless, and often neglect the hands. Our hands can be an indicator of your age, just as much, if not more than your face. Pigmentation, dryness and wrinkle age the look of our hands.  The skin on our hands is very thin and tender; usually it is well-maintained by the production of the collagen, elastin and fat. But after we cross the mark of 30 years, the renewing process slows and gradually shuts down, thus giving them an aged look, this is when we can see the veins protrude and the fine lines appear. The soaps and detergents are harsh on the skin they break down and dry them, resulting in aged look. Thus repeated hand wash or regular use of antibacterial agent is not advisable, however hand-wash is an essential part of hygiene, the damage can be minimized by the use of gentle soap, and use of gloves while cleaning with harsh detergents. Nails and cuticles are the most fragile ends of our hands, and are more prone to damage, keeping them supple with petroleum jelly or chapstick is an easy hack and avoid nibbling on them. As time passes by, and the constant insult to our hands, the skin loses its smoothness, a regular oil-based exfoliation is advisable, if you are not a fan of cosmetic products, a home-made exfoliating scrub consisting of olive oil and sugar can do the trick for you! Make sure you lock in the moisture, by applying moisturizer post a shower or washing hands. Most importantly skin of your hands also requires the same attention as your face, so do not hesitate to use sunscreen of SPF 30 or more and marks clearing cream, in case of blemishes and freckles. -Koya Satyasri

  Sneezing is a protective reflex of the upper airways; in medical terminology it is also called sternutation. Sneezing is the act of expelling a sudden and uncontrollable burst of air through the nose and mouth. Sneezing is the physiological response of the mucous membranes, i.e. the lining of the respiratory tract which is most commonly the nose and throat, to the irritation caused by various chemical agents, biological agents and even environmental triggers. The nasal membrane is the check post, making sure it’s free of dirt and bacteria. In most cases, the nose traps this dirt and bacteria in mucus; then the stomach digest the mucus, which neutralizes any potentially harmful invaders. Sneezing can be triggered by:  * Viral agents, those causing flu and common cold  * Nasal irritants; chemical, physical and biological  * Inhalation of nasal corticosteroid  spray  * Biological allergens  * Certain drug withdrawal, like opioid narcotics  * Trauma to nose  * Inhalation of cold air The best treatment is to treat or keep the offending cause at bay. By treating the infections with antiviral drugs and knowing the allergens with the help of the doctor or the symptoms you face. Changing the filters of the air-conditioning system frequently can help. If you house pets along, and their fur bothers you then make sure that they are cleaned and trimmed regularly.  In extreme cases, you may need to get your home checked for mold spores, which may be causing your sneezing. If mold infests your home, you may need to move. Certain people require antihistamine drug such as cetrizine and chlorpheniramine maleate, these are most often used pills.   - Koya Satyasri  

Well flu usually present similar to that of common cold; with running nose, sneezing and occasionally sore throat. The only distinction between them being, common cold sets in slowly unlike flu which is abrupt. The usual presentation of flu consists of: Fever over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, with chills and sweats Fatigue and weakness, with aching and sore muscles especially back, arms and legs Headaches Dry and persistent cough, sore throat Nasal congestion Warm, flushed skin and red, watery eyes This virus usually spreads through droplet infection, which is when an infected person sneezes or coughs. They can breach into our body through fomites or objects, get transfers to eyes, nose or mouth through hands. The Red Flag Signs, which require an Immediate Medical Help are: Trouble breathing or shortness of breath, sudden pain in chest or belly, dizziness or confusion and severe vomiting. Most dreadful complication of influenza is Pneumonia, apart from pneumonia, asthma flare-ups, heart diseases and recurrent ear infections are the other common complications. Not all people suffering from flu require medication some of them can be managed by certain home remedies like; being well-hydrated with fluids and giving good amount of rest, so that the body defenses can revive. Certain antiviral drugs can be vital in the treatment. However, prevention is the best medicine! Maintain good hygiene, covering your sneezes and coughs, avoiding crowded areas in flu seasons and annual flu vaccination for everyone over the age of 6 months.  -Koya Satyasri

  Influenza is a viral infection of the respiratory tract, which commonly also called as Flu. Influenza virus A, B and C are the main agents that cause influenza. These influenza viruses are difficult to fight with since these keep changing their subtypes after every flu season, post the exposure to the medications and vaccinations during the season.   Flu season is an annually recurring time period characterized by the prevalence of outbreaks of influenza or the flu. The season occurs during the cold half of the year, whose duration is variable; it may vary where between 6 months to 3 weeks. During the cold months the incidence of flu increases tenfold.   Each annual flu season is normally associated with a major influenza virus subtype. The associated subtype changes each year, due to development of immunological resistance to a previous year's strain through exposure and vaccinations, and mutational changes in previously dormant viruses’ strains. A prior infection or vaccination does not guarantee, immunity to the flu strain prevailing during the particular outbreak.    There are certain groups of people who are more prone to flu, this includes; Children under 5 year of age, the elderly most above 65 years, those suffering from chronic debilitating diseases such as heart diseases, kidney diseases, asthma and diabetes mellitus; people with weakened immune systems, pregnant woman and up to weeks of the post-partum period, and people with high body mass indices, i.e., over 40.    -Koya Satyasri

  Ingrown Nails seems to be mere issues which may not catch our attention at initial stages, but later these worsen to an extent that it may disable us from our day-to-day activities. Ingrown toenails occur when the edges or corners of the nails grow into the skin next to the nail. The big toes are the most likely victims.    Ingrown nails have no age barrier, more likely to occur in people with sweaty feet, diabetic patient due to poor circulation and in old-aged people due to thickening of the nails with age. Apart from these some our activities also play a role in their causation like; irregular and curved nails, cutting the nails straight across which leaves the edges poking into the skin encouraging to grow inwards, toenail injury, unhygienic foot care, footwear putting on undue pressure, and activities like kickboxing and ballet.    They usually present with a tender, hardened and swollen skin next to the nail, pain on pressure and fluid build-up may be occasionally seen. If left unattended it may get infected, with oozing pus, bleeding and excruciating pain.   The management at home is to maintain foot hygiene, wear proper sized shoes, Soaking the feet in a tub of warm water and pushing skin away from the toenail edge with a cotton ball soaked in olive oil. If these practices do not give relief then consult a doctor, who may prescribe pain killers (NSAIDS) and topical antibiotics in case of an infected one. Rarely a surgery may be required which involves either partial or complete removal of the nail. -Koya Satyasri  

  Acne is widespread issue being battled by many of us; these outbreaks may occur anywhere but most often occur over face, back, chest, and at times the neck and shoulders. Most of these outbreaks subside without any residual effect, but may occasionally leave behind ugly scars.    It is a known fact that, skin secretes sebum which protects the skin from drying out; on the contrary excess production may lead to acne. Blackheads and whiteheads are kinds of sebaceous plugs, or comedones. These sebaceous plugs are formed by the accumulation of dead cells, oil or sebum, and bacteria which clog the pores of the skin.    When the pore is clogged up and stays open, its contact with air oxidizes the fat or it accumulates dirt at its tip imparting it a darker shade thus called a Blackhead, since they are open pore these are extractable. When a clogged pore is closed it develops into a Whitehead, these are not extractable to squeezing. Normally, a whitehead does not become inflamed. If bacteria enter the comedone, however, it can become infected and turn into an inflamed papule or pustule.   The exact cause of acne is however still a mystery, hormonal changes are at the top of the list of causes. These can also be caused by certain cosmetics, perspiration or fabrics. Yet, another most common cause being the intake of high fatty food and seldom physical work. The best medicine is to gently wash your face twice a day with mild soap and lukewarm water, and also keeping away from the known culprits. - Koya Satyasri  

  Vitamin D is also known as the Sunshine Vitamin, it is naturally produced within the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D is synthesized in the epidermis by the action of UVB rays of sunlight on 7-dehydrocholestrol which is then further hydroxylated by liver enzymes, then again hydroxylated in the kidneys forming Calcitriol or 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. It is also occurs naturally in a few foods - including some fish, fish liver oils, egg yolks, in fortified dairy and grain products.   Vitamin D is essential for strong bones, strong teeth as it aids in absorbing calcium from gut. The deficiency of this vitamin is associated with rickets especially in children, a disease in which the bone tissue doesn't properly mineralize, leading to soft bones and skeletal deformities. People who scare away from sunlight, suffering from milk allergies or people who strictly adhere to vegan diet are at higher risks of vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency is also seen in dark skinned people as high levels of melanin inhibit the synthesis of vitamin d in epidermis. The most common symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency are bone pain and muscle weakness.   Researchers have confirmed that adequate levels of vitamin D can prevent type1 and type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, hypertension, glucose intolerance, and multiple sclerosis. Low level of vitamin D are associated with risks such as cardiovascular diseases, cognitive impairment, severe asthma in children and cancer. The treatment modalities include, diet and supplementation, usually adequate exposure to sunlight suffices the deficiency, yet if the symptoms persist the doctor might prescribe topical ointments.  -Koya Satyasri

  Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disorder characterized by dry mouth and dry eyes. As in any other autoimmune disease, there is abnormal production of extra antibodies in the blood that are directed against various tissues of the body. This overactive and misdirected immune system causes inflammation of the tissues; these immune forces are particularly directed at the glands that produce tears (lacrimal glands) leads to decreased water production for tears and dry eyes, the glands that produce the saliva in the mouth (salivary glands, including the parotid glands) leads to decreased saliva production and dry mouth and dry lips.   Primary Sjogren’s Syndrome, it is solely characterized by the glandular inflammation and barring the inflammation of other connective tissues. While, Secondary Sjögren’s Syndrome is a combination of glandular inflammation along with inflammation of other soft tissues presenting as  rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus or even scleroderma. In certain patients there is only dryness of eyes and mouth without any other symptoms of Sjögren’s Syndrome.   Since it is an autoimmune disorder, the cause is not well known, it might be genetic cause. These are more commonly associated with other autoimmune illnesses, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, autoimmune thyroid disease, type I diabetes, etc. Most patients with Sjögren's syndrome are female.   Though there is no specific treatment for this syndrome, however the suffering can minimized by supportive treatment, such as artificial tear and intake of huge amounts of liquids. -Koya Satyasri