Coming down with a nasty cold — or worse, the flu – is never fun. When you’re pregnant, though, it’s really the pits! not only do all of those unpleasant symptoms seem magnified (like you weren’t already queasy!), it’s like there’s nothing you can do to make yourself feel better. All the usual tricks of the trade, like knocking back a nighttime decongestant, are definite “don’ts” when you’re preggers.

But don’t get too dejected — you’re not doomed to have the most miserable winter of your life. there are some ways to make yourself feel better when you’re sick and expecting, and they really do work. really! I’ve tried them.

Try a Neti Pot. okay, I know it looks weird and the concept of pouring warm salt water into one’s own nostrils is less than appealing, but I’m telling you, this thing is magic! one second, you can’t breathe through your nose, the next — ah! Relief! Granted, the Neti Pot takes some getting used to, but once you get the hang of it, you’re golden.

Use a Humidifier. Trust me, a humidifier in the bedroom is the secret to a decent night’s sleep when you’re pregnant with a cold or flu. and guess what? Chances are you’re going to need that humidifier after the baby is born, so might as well get a good one now!

Heat or Cold. We’re gonna take it way back for a moment, ladies … back to stuff your grandma used to do when you got sick as a little kid. like an ice pack for a headache or a washcloth soaked in hot water on your face to relieve sinus pressure. Hey, it worked — remember?

SLEEP. this might seem obvious, but believe me when I tell you there is nothing — NOTHING — like a good night’s sleep to cure what ails you when you’re pregnant. in fact, a good 48 hours of sleep is often more like it. if your nose is all stuffy, try sleeping propped up on a couple of pillows. Do not disturb!!

Drink, drink, drink. again, this tip might seem like a given, but it’s approximately eight million times more important to stay hydrated when you’re sick and expecting. Check with your doctor about herbal teas (some aren’t safe during pregnancy) and watch your caffeine intake, but otherwise — chug, chug, chug! my all-time favorite under-the-weather pregnancy cocktail? Hot water with honey and lemon.

Have you tried any of these cold & flu remedies during your pregnancy?

Image via Nick Perla/Flickr

Countless men suffer from prostate problem throughout the globe. Prostate health frequently decline as men get to their forties. this is due to the natural reduction in men’s testosterone generation as they age, and with other hormones rising in generation, testosterone level increases in quantity in the prostate, which hormone will be converted to its active form, DHT (dihydrotestosterone), that a lot of experts believe to result in the enlargement of the gland.

Having an enlarged prostate, men might encounter urinary problems. Symptoms such as a weak urine flow, dribbling or dripping, and frequent urination particularly during the night might be encountered. Prostate dimensions does not always indicate the severity of the signs and symptoms. Some might have larger prostates but fewer signs and symptoms than men with less-enlarged prostates.

Acute urinary retention, a blockage while urinating, is a prostate problem that can be triggered through the consumption of allergy or cold medications. These kinds of medication usually contain sympathomimethic, which is a decongestant. Consumption of this medication might produce side effects such as preventing the opening of the bladder from calming down and emptying the urine. If there is a partial blockage, urinary retention might be triggered by chilly temperatures, immobility, or alcohol.

Most often than not, urinary conditions suggest BPH (benign prostate hyperplasia, or prostate enlargement. BPH is not deadly, though it may present painful urinations and extreme back pains. Urinary conditions might also indicate prostate cancer, which has been documented as the second most common in the United States, with skin cancer leading the record. the chance of having this condition raises as men get to their fifties, and might be worsened by the consumption of fatty foods.

The sooner prostate cancer is discovered, the better possibility it can be corrected, which makes determining its signs and symptoms an important job for growing older men. These signs and symptoms include an elevated frequency in urination, especially during the night, sense of sickness after urination, or sense of being unable to empty the bladder.

Prostate Problems like Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or cancer might be examined by having a rectal exam, in which the urologist positions a finger through the anus and checks the prostate size. PSA (prostate specific antigen) may be examined by having a blood sample to determine any irregularities with the prostate’s release of the element.

A regular examination with the doctor (a couple of times a year) might be enough to sustain the health of your prostate. Men typically tend to disregard the indicators of Prostate Problems, but it helps to be careful enough, as it might be cancer. Resources:prostate enlargement

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If you’ve been to the doctor for a cough or cold this season he may have recommended medicine for your symptoms.

But what’s in these products? Pharmacist Ira Katz breaks down the label; “There really are very few actual ingredients that you what you see in the cough and cold area are just combinations of things as well as individual products. Decongestants are really only 2 decongestants approved for over the counter sale, actually one now is behind the counter that’s the old psudoephedrine and the other is phenalephrine.”

Decongestants have a tendency to elevate blood pressure. to loosen mucus in the chest, some products contain an expectorant called guaifenesin. Others contain a cough suppressant. Katz says, “The DM stands for dextromethorphan that’s the cough suppressant ingredient. Sometimes you have CF or cough formula and that would be your decongestant your expectorant and cough suppressant. the next ingredient you will find will be an antihistamine to help dry you up. if you see something with an antihistamine you just need to be aware that in some cases it can cause a little drowsiness.”

And remember, before you take any medication consult with your doctor or pharmacist.

Some could interfere with other medications, particularly heart drugs

My boyfriend recently started taking Claritin-D to help with his allergies to dust mites, mold spores and pet dander. While regular Claritin seems to work on his burning eyes and difficulty breathing, it doesn't help with congestion. He started taking Claritin-D to combat all his symptoms, but is discouraged by the price. His doctor is resistant to write a prescription because it is now sold over the counter. He's hoping to switch to a Singulair prescription or something similar so that it is covered by insurance, but is afraid that it won't help with his congestion. Does anyone know if Singulair works as a decongestant as well? if not, what does? Thanks!

Singulair does NOT have decongestant activity and will NOT help your boyfriend in this case. E-mail or im me, I can give you some more suggestions.