Hay fever is a leading cause of missed work days and poor productivity.  

An estimated 55 percent of employees reported experiencing hay fever symptoms for an average of 52.5 days, according to a study published in Current Medical Research and Opinion. they were absent an average of 3.6 days per year due to allergies, and were unproductive 2.3 hours per workday when they experienced symptoms. 

That results in an estimated cost of more than $601 million in total lost productivity annually, according to a study in the American Journal of Managed Care.

Why the poor performance? Allergies don’t just cause sniffling and sneezing, which most people can ignore. they can cause sore throats, headaches, sinus infections, itchy eyes, fatigue and general malaise—symptoms that make it difficult to tough it out.    

But experts believe that people with allergies don’t have to suffer quite as much as they do. many people don’t treat their allergies as aggressively as they could be. Here’s what you need to do to reduce your symptoms and increase your productivity at work:

1. start taking meds–now. Some people wait until the symptoms build up to the point of distraction before they start taking their allergy medications.  but as symptoms worsen, they become more difficult to treat, and can lead to complications like sinusitis. in addition, nasal steroid sprays take 5 to 7 days to quell your inflammatory response. It can prevent sneezing and congestion if started early, says allergist Dr. Dean Mitchell, author of The Allergy and Asthma Solution.

Start taking allergy medications a few weeks before allergy season hits (this year, spring has come early so you’ll need to start right away).

2. Don’t quit your meds.  Nasal sprays can take several days to reach their full effect, so don’t assume they’re not working if you don’t get relief right away. Make sure you stick with it for at least a week. And don’t stop using nasal sprays once your symptoms are under control, because your allergies will just return. if symptoms do get worse or your over-the-counter nasal sprays are not working, ask your doctor to write a prescription for a nasal cortisone spray.

3. take an antihistamine at night. The older OTC antihistamines (like Benadryl) are stronger than newer drugs, but they make you drowsy. That makes them perfect for nighttime use.

4. Don’t forget your eyes.  use a prescription antihistamine eye drop as soon as you feel mild itching. Avoid OTC decongestant eye drops because they can cause rebound redness when you stop using them.

Laurie Tarkan is an award-winning health journalist whose work appears in the new York Times, among other national magazines and websites. She has authored several health books, including “Perfect Hormone Balance for Fertility.” Follow her on Twitter and Facebook. 

By Dr. Katherine Seibert Published: 2:00 AM – 12/07/11

Influenza viruses Types A and B cause annual outbreaks of flu affecting approximately 5-10 percent of adults each year, with higher rates in children.

There are multiple varieties of A and B viruses; the swine origin H1N1 virus is one of the Type A viruses. in the United States, influenza causes an average of more than 36,000 deaths per year and more than 130,000 hospitalizations.

People over age 65 constitute about half of the excess hospitalizations from the flu and more than 85 percent of the deaths.

However, in the U.S., most people who become ill with the flu recover without requiring any medical treatment. the flu occurs annually in this climate between December and March.

The flu virus changes its surface proteins so fast that no one becomes fully immune. This year’s virus is not a carbon copy of last year’s, thus necessitating a change in the composition of the yearly flu vaccine.

Symptoms of the flu come on abruptly, and usually include fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle aches and loss of appetite. Sore throat and dry cough may occur early in the illness. Secondary bacterial pneumonia can follow within one to three days, with rapidly progressing symptoms.

Influenza is thought to spread mainly person to person through coughing or sneezing by infected people. it may also be spread by touching infected objects, such as a phone, then touching one’s nose or mouth.

In many circumstances, the diagnosis of influenza can be made clinically. Several laboratory tests are available, but viral cultures do not yield timely results. Rapid antigen tests are available, but sensitivities are variable, between 60 and 90 percent. Specimens for influenza testing are aspirates and swabs from the nasopharyngeal area.

The flu is often treated symptomatically with rest and fluids. People who are at high risk of serious complications from influenza may benefit most from antiviral medications. Several antiviral drugs are available for treatment of influenza. These antivirals, if begun early, will reduce the duration of fever and symptoms by one to three days and provide more rapid overall recovery.

Little or no benefit is seen when treatment is initiated two days or more after the onset of uncomplicated influenza symptoms. the greatest effect occurs when antivirals are begun within the first 24 hours.

Influenza vaccines are available in two forms:

Flu vaccine protection is recommended for all persons 6 months old and older. the intranasal vaccine is currently approved only for healthy people ages 2-49 who are not pregnant.

Administration of the inactivated vaccine is associated with arm soreness in about one-third of people, and other side effects are infrequent. Adequate immunity is achieved in about two weeks after vaccination, and it is very effective in preventing the flu.

To protect yourself and others from the flu, it is important to follow good hand-washing and hygiene practices.

If you become sick with flu-like symptoms, stay at home for least seven days after the onset of illness or until 24 hours after your symptoms resolve, whichever is longer.

Katherine Seibert, M.D., Ph.D., FACP, is a practicing internist who sees patients at Hudson River HealthCare in Monticello. she is also a doctor of microbiology and a Sister of Charity of new York. she has been serving Sullivan County as a physician for the past 20 years.

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if you are experiencing symptoms of low blood pressure, consult your doctor. Picture: Supplied. Source: Supplied

THE risks of high blood pressure are well known. But low blood pressure can be problematic, too. Here?s what to do.

We all know having high blood pressure puts you at risk of a heart attack and stroke, but what if your blood pressure is too low? a growing number of people are seeking treatment for hypotension (low blood pressure), says cardiologist Dr Gautam Vaddadi from the Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Research Institute in Melbourne. “People assume low blood pressure is good because they won’t have a heart attack,” he says. “But if your blood pressure is too low you can be prone to recurrent fainting, which is disabling.” low blood pressure doesn’t always cause problems, but symptoms can include: + Dizziness+ Blurred vision + Feeling shaky+ Nausea+ Fatigue+ Fainting

>> why it happensSome people have a natural tendency to low blood pressure, but even if you know you have it, symptoms such as dizziness or fainting should be investigated. It can also be a sign of something more serious. “call an ambulance if someone passes out and it’s the first time it’s happened,” Dr Vaddadi says. Some people look as though they are having a seizure and can lose control of their bladder or bowels when they faint. there could be underlying factors including heart disease, brain disease (stroke, epilepsy) or other metabolic or blood disorders.Some drugs, particularly those for high blood pressure, can cause blood pressure to become too low. Diuretics, which increase the amount of urine your kidneys excrete, can cause blood pressure to drop, as can some antibiotics. a Canadian study found people on blood-pressure medication and certain antibiotics were up to six times more likely to be hospitalised for low blood pressure.

>> Diet’s roleIf you drink a lot of caffeine and not enough water, you risk dehydration, which can cause your blood pressure to drop. And if you drink a lot of alcohol and don’t eat enough, your blood pressure can drop so low you pass out, Dr Vaddadi says. “It’s not what you expect to hear from a cardiologist, but sometimes a bit of salt can make dizzy spells go away,” he says. Smaller meals can also help. “when you eat a big meal, blood is diverted to the gut to help digestion, so some people with low blood pressure can pass out.”

>> How to avoid fainting“when someone faints, people often feel they should prop them up or support them,” Dr Vaddadi says. “however, lying down gets blood to the brain more quickly. sometimes you can prevent a fainting spell by crossing your legs in a standing position and clenching your buttocks and thighs for 10 to 15 seconds.” this squeezes the blood vessels in the legs and allows more blood to reach the brain.

“I was worried I’d faint at the altar”Laura Greaves, 30, has had low blood pressure for most of her life. “the first time I fainted I was about 12, but it didn’t occur to me it might be blood pressure-related. For about 10 years, from the age of 15 or so, I’d faint a handful of times a year. I passed out in some pretty strange places! I was eventually diagnosed with low blood pressure.“I rarely feel the actual fall and I don’t seem to lose consciousness - as soon as I’m on the ground I come good. “the fainting always starts the same way: the edges of my vision go dark and everything goes black pretty quickly. if I’m talking to someone, their voice will recede into the distance. “I’ve fainted in several queues. Standing still for an extended period is a trigger, especially if it’s hot or stuffy. “I was so worried I’d faint at the altar during my wedding that my now-husband and I worked out a signalling system in case I suddenly felt I was going to pass out. Luckily, the ceremony was uneventful. “I avoid long queues or other circumstances where I have to stand up for a long time. I don’t skip meals and I try to stay hydrated. Earlier this year I nearly fainted while driving, which was a bit scary, but I managed to pull over and it quickly passed.”

I have dizziness whenever I stand from sitting or just rapid change of height in general, also I have fatigue with the dizziness. my blood pressure however is normal.
Does anyon know why this could be??

I am not a doctor, but it sounds like it might be anemia, or low iron in the blood. The only way to know for sure is to make an appointment.

Not enough information in your post to give a relevant and meaningful answer.

What do you mean by "dizziness?"
How long does it last?…secs, minutes, hours?
Do you vomit with the dizziness?
are you on any medication? e.g blood pressure tablets.
Any problems with your hearing during an attack?
Any fullness in the ears during an attack?

As you appreciate. these questions need answering.

Jaundice, which causes yellowing of the skin, is present in approximately 50% of patients at the time of diagnosis and may be associated with less-advanced disease. Other symptoms include weight loss, fatigue, discomfort in the abdomen, loss of appetite, and glucose intolerance.
In addition, you may experience pain in the abdomen and back. The pancreas may produce too much insulin, causing such symptoms as dizziness, weakness, diarrhea, chills, or muscle spasms.

Pancreatic cancer is characterized by anorexia, weakness, dramatic weight loss, epigastric or back pain, jaundice, prutitus, an abdominal mass that a doctor can feel, the recent onset of diabetes, and clay-colored stools if the pancreatic ducts are obstructed. Non functioning islet cell lesions produce gastrin, causing symptoms of peptic ulcer or in some cases , acute diarrhea and low potassium Hope this is of help to you.

I'm terrified and losing sleep thinking that I have it. I want to hear what were the first symptoms of other people who have MS. thanks!!

My very first symptom actually happened when I was 16, 13 years before I was diagnosed with MS.
I had always had trouble with migraines but when I was 16, I had a migraine where I lost the vision in my right eye for three days and it hurt to move my eyes (like physically move them from side to side or up and down). this lasted for about three to five days and then went away so I didn't think anything of it. it turns out that what I had was Optic Neuritis, which is very common as the first symptom in some MS people.
And the three years before my diagnosis, I started with loss of balance where I could trip over anything, forgetfulness, and fatigue.
You can also go to the National MS Society's website. I found it extremely helpful when I was going through the diagnosis process.
Good Luck!

Every case is different. in hindsight, I had attacks 11 years ago (but blamed it on other things (I'm always tired; my scoliosis must be pinching a nerve and making my leg spasm; I must have strained a muscle and that's why it's weak feeling today, etc.), the symptoms always disappeared. By the time I was diagnosed last year and I had 30+ lesions. my symptoms are minimal. we discovered it accidentally when I was having an MRI for something else (couldn't get a precise glasses prescription).

Of my MS, the following things are persisting issues…
–Visual changes: can't get a precise glasses prescription so everything is just a bit off. at 20:30 most people wouldn't notice.
–Speech impediment: problem articulating words. probably the thing I can trace back the farthest. this is the thing I hate the most. I worry I don't sound smart, particularly hard on me if I am teaching at work or speaking to someone professionally who doesn't know MS is the problem and I can't think of the right words.
–Going right along with the speech problems, is decreased concentration. probably the thing my husband gets the least.
–Fatigue, which is very sensitive to hormonal changes.

Transient problems, that I have rarely…
–Muscle spasms, fatigue, numbness, and prickling pain in my legs.
–Had paralysis on the left side one time, which resolved quickly with high dose steroids.
–Dizziness and being off balance, have fallen on the steps a few times. I've been clumsy for a long time, makes me wonder was it clumsiness all along or MS.

Here's a easy to understand article medicinenet.com/multiple_scle…

The National MS Society has a wealth of information. Health caree professionals often refer patients/family/friends to it. nationalmssociety.org/index.a…

I also like the "MS for Dummies" book. For me MS was the devil I knew since my mom and aunt have it. but the book was a good reference for my husband. plus there were tips I hadn't heard of or thought about.

The best advice I have is to have great communication with your GP or neurologist!

General MS info: There are many symptoms of MS, but visual changes (blurred vision, color distortion, or sudden blindness in one eye) are often the first ones people notice.

Other common symptoms:
Fatigue, Numbness, Gait/Balance/Coordination Problems, Bladder Dysfunction (infections, retention, spasms), Constipation, Dizziness/Vertigo, Sexual Dysfunction (erectile dysfunction for men, decreased lubrication and sensitivity for women), Pain, Cognitive Function (decreased concentration, attention deficit, memory loss), Emotional changes, Depression, Spasticity

Less common:
Speech problems articulating, Swallowing Problems, Headache, Hearing Loss, Seizures/Tremor, Breathing Problems, Itching

Because the symptoms have a broad range and are often subtle, MS may not be diagnosed for months or years after the onset of symptoms. A good neurologist will run tests to look for MS as well as to rule out other possible causes before making a diagnosis of MS.

Some diagnostic tests used are:
*Blood work – look for Vit B12 deficiency and Lyme disease markers
*MRI scans with intravenous gadolinium – identify and date lesions (plaques) in the brain. Newer lesions show up brighter.
*Evoked potentials – hearing, vision, and motor impulses are tested to see if they move normally or too slow.
*Spinal tap (lumbar puncture) – cerebro-spinal fluid is tested to identify cells that suggest MS. can also be used to differentiate from Lyme disease.

For a definite diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, at least two separate symptomatic events or changes on MRI and a physical indicator (i.e. change in the central nervous system) must occur. You have a history of symptoms, now you need to have the diagnostic tests. be assertive with your GP if you need to.

My sister has MS and what sent her to the hospital was being pretty much numb from the waist down with the pins and needles feelings mostly in her right leg. but from what she tells me, in retrospect, she'd had symptoms for years that she attributed to getting older and being a gymnast in her younger years.

Every case of MS is different. my first symptom was muscle cramps in my legs. then I noticed that when I was walking alongside somebody, I would inevitably walk into them. the third symptom was a feeling of exhaustion that would not go away no matter how much I slept.

My son has MS
his 1st signs were being off balance and his one eye he kept say ing he had a spot in his vision

Please include your source for the information. My head, my own knowledge, and my brain do not count as adequate sources!

I have a friend with MS. Her common symptoms are: numbness in the fingers and toes as well as tingling. Vision problems such as floaters and flashes. Weakness and fatigue. Lack of concentration and energy.
Check out WEBMD.com also.

this is really serious numbness headaches are most common.

The best thing to do is to see a doctor. MS symptoms are varied. There are so many symptoms that you may think arre MS related and you actually have something entirely different.. I had a friend that was convinced he had MS because of all of the reading. He found 15 symptoms of MS and he had 12 of them.

He ended up having a pinched nerve. He had minor surgery and is fine. in the meantime, he worried himself for three months.

Multiplesclerosis.com i hope this helps since there are alot of different symptoms, consult your doctor.

Let me see if I can answer your question.

While it is true that each person who gets MS will experience different symptoms, there are a set of symptoms that are most commonly related to MS.

The most common symptoms are (in no particular order):

– Bladder and Bowel Problems
– Changes in Cognitive Function, including problems with memory, attention, and problem-solving
– Dizziness and Vertigo
– Depression
– Fatigue (also called MS lassitude)
– Difficulty in Walking and/or Balance or Coordination Problems
– Abnormal sensations such as numbness or “pins and needles”
– Sexual Dysfunction
– Spasticity
– Vision Problems

Less common symptoms include:

– Headache
– Hearing loss
– Itching
– Seizures
– Speech and Swallowing disorders
– Tremor

HTH

I have a persistent cough but it only happens when I felt hot. sometimes it also occurs during sleeping. I've had this about more than a month. I have no loss of my appetite and no loss weight too. I can eat a lot. But this cough really keep me in confuse because for sometime, i cough for the whole day. I've done the x-ray but nothing interesting in there. Have also a lot of kind of medicine

Symptoms are:
1. Cough that is worse in the morning hours; hemoptysis (blood in the sputum) can accompany cough
2. Mild fever, headace, chills, night sweats
3. Chest pain from pleurisy
4. Breathlessness
5. Swollen glands
6. Feeling unwell, fatigue
7. Signs of pnemonia

I think you dont have tuberculosis, maybe just an allergy on air thats why you cough when exposed to it. if you already consulted a doctor and still not getting well after taking his medicine prescription, then its time to change your doctor

Cough deep. Get sputum examined for Acid fast bacteria. that confirms T.B. Evening rise of temperature, dry cough,and loss of weight are other symptoms.

Please see the webpages for more details on Tuberculosis. Please consult a chest physician for second medical opinion.

It could be heat induced asthma.

I took a pregnancy test yesterday because my ovulation calendar software said it was time to test, and got a positive result. but, I have had really no symptoms, aside from a bit of fatigue and being overly emotional and hungry more often, all of which can be explained away. When can I exepct some of the other symptoms: breast tenderness, morning sickness, etc?

Congratulations! Well everyone is different but I would say that most start around 6-8 weeks

I started feeling sick at about 7 weeks pregnant. BUt I had little cramping and definite fatigue as soon as I found out I was pregnant around 4 weeks. My breasts didnt start feeling really tender until 12 weeks or so, and now they are super bad! I am 16 weeks pregnant with my first baby! So I have just recently experienced these things!

Within the next couple of weeks, and definetly within the first 2 months, especially the fatigue. I think at no other time is it so bad as in the beginning.

Everyone is different. some go through the whole nine months with nary a symptom, many don't even know they're pregnant until a friend mentions the "glow" around them, and yet some women insist they feel a life inside them within moments of conception. So it really depends, but I'm happy for you and maybe if you start shopping you'll notice some symptoms as you're picking out the crib.

Mine symptoms started around 4-6 weeks. with my last/third baby I had symptoms starting at 4 weeks.

when your **** start hurting too mush. and throuing up with no food poisning

last month (Aug 13th) was my last period date, and this month 17th i had been to hospital and the result came to be positive. but still i experience back pain and sometimes stomach ache and other symptoms of menses. Please help???

you aren't considered to be pregnant. you are.

I didn't know I was prego til after a couple of weeks late cuz my symptoms were the same as when I get my monthly…sore breasts, bloating, fatigue. I'm usually on time but never more than a week late, but I thought I was going to get my monthly because it was the exact same symptoms. around 4-5 weeks when I started the pre-natal vitamins I started getting the 24/7 morning sickness. Hope you don't get the morning sickness! good luck!

Many early pregnancy symptoms are the same as premenstrual. its normal.