NOVEMBER 6, 2023 – We can experience discomfort and pain in a variety of ways. While some of these ways are large and need immediate medical attention, others are minor and can potentially be treated at home. Below, we’ll list a few of these minor pains and discomforts and ways to reduce them.
Keep in mind that none of these methods are intended to replace actual medical attention. If any of the following issues arise too frequently or the remedies don’t work, make an appointment with a family medicine specialist in Houston, Texas, to receive a diagnosis and potential prescription. If these issues are occasional or you need relief while you wait for your appointment, then keep reading on.
Compresses and Diet Changes for Headaches
Headaches are one of the most common minor maladies we experience in each of our day-to-day lives. They can have a variety of causes and can impede how we function by making it hard to focus and think.
Luckily, there are just as many remedies as there are causes. Some headaches are caused by food allergies. If you notice that your headaches seem to either appear or worsen after certain meals, then try removing certain foods from your diet and reintroducing them one at a time to find the culprit.
No matter the cause, a cold or warm compress may help alleviate pain for a while. Put some ice cubes in a bag or grab an ice pack, wrap it in a towel, and place it on your temples, the back of your neck, or directly onto your forehead and leave it there for a bit, holding as necessary. With luck, the cold compress will allow you at least a temporary relief.
If you believe your headache is caused by tension in the muscles of your neck or shoulders, then a heating pad on those areas could also provide relief. Try correcting your posture and doing exercises to help prevent these issues in the future. Do not use the heating pad directly on your head, as this can raise your body temperature and cause other issues.
Supplements and Exercise for Gas Pain
Gas pain is an often underestimated ailment. Those who suffer from lactose intolerance are well aware of this issue, though those who eat too many foods high in fiber too frequently have an underlying condition, and more can also suffer from gas pain.
The best way to ease it is to prevent it, though this doesn’t help those in pain too much. Instead, consider taking supplements such as activated charcoal and simethicone with plenty of water. The charcoal can reduce symptoms but should not be taken alongside medication as it can prevent the body from absorbing it properly. While simethicone has little clinical evidence saying it eases gas pain, it breaks up any bubbles in the gas and may help it move through your digestive tract, so you may see some relief.
The biggest things you can do are to move around and burp as needed, as moving will encourage the gas to move and prevent it from getting trapped, while burping will release the gas. Consider doing some lightweight exercises while in pain to try and get the gas to move. To prevent it in the future, discover what caused the pain and introduce supplements for when you eat these foods and reduce how much of them you eat.
For example, if you’re lactose intolerant, take a lactase pill before eating or drinking lactose and limit how much dairy is in your diet.
Showers and Moisture for Nasal Congestion
Nasal congestion is when an irritant or illness increases the blood flow in the nose. The nasal passages swell, which narrows the passages and can make it more difficult to breathe. Those with allergies or colds can attest to this, but there are a few ways to relieve it though.
A common and simple method that you may already be aware of is to take a hot shower. Actually, any action that creates enough steam for you to breathe in will work just as well. The steam helps your sinuses drain and reduces sinus pressure and pain as a result.
This is part of why you may have been given bowls of soup when you were sick, as you probably breathed in the steam as you leaned over it to take a spoonful and felt better. This will only work for a little bit, though. You can also use humidifiers to add moisture to the air, so long as you’re careful with them and clean them often.
Easing Your Pain and Discomfort at Home
We hope that these home remedies brought you some amount of relief. While we mentioned it earlier, we’ll do so again now; if any of these issues persist or worsen or the remedies make the problem worse, then speak with a family medicine specialist.
After consulting with them, they’ll be able to determine the cause and prescribe any medication that you may need.