Yewande woke up with a severe pain in her throat. She went to the sitting room, sat on the chair close to the television. She felt a scratch in her throat. She put her hands into her throat to scratch her throat. Her hands couldn't reach her throat and the discomfort she felt increased. She tried to focus on the show being displayed on the television hoping her pain would subside until her parents came out of thier room. When that did nothing to allay her pains, she shifted her gaze to the wall clock and kept counting as the clock ticked. She had just counted up to sixty when her mother came out of the room.
'Yewande mi, why are you not in your room?' Her mother asked as she entered the kitchen
'Good morning mummy. I woke up with a pain in my throat and it is itching me'.
Her mother moved closer to her and raised her hand 'Ehn?, oya open your mouth, let me see it, my baby'
Yewande drew closer to her mother, raised her chin and opened her mouth while her mother inspected it.
'I can't see it clearly but it seems your throat is swollen' She stood up straight and went to the kitchen.
'Follow me. I will give you salt water to gargle and some pain relievers to help the pain. If nothing happens in the next three days, we would go to the doctor's office' Her mother said.
*****Three days later****.
'Yewande!!! Dress up quickly and let us go to the hospital' Yewande's mother called her from the room
'Yes, mummy. I'm coming'.
'Good morning, Mrs Ajanaku. What brought you here today?' The doctor asked with a smile on his face.
'Good morning doctor. My daughter woke up with a swollen throat three days ago. Her throat feels itchy and painful. She has not been eating well due to the swelling and pain'.
'Alright.. We will run some tests and examination to find out what is wrong'
'Alright. Thank you doctor'
***Few hours later****.
'Mrs Ajanaku, your daughter is suffering from tonsilitis, a throat infection' The doctor said as he took his seat behind the table. 'It is actually not very serious. With the right lifestyle and dietary modification, it can be prevented. I will give you the contact of a trusted and good health and lifestyle coach who will guide you through the process' .
'Thank you so much doctor'
Tonsilitis is inflammation of the tonsils, the two masses at the back of the throat. It is majorly caused by bacteria and viruses. Symptoms include throat pain, headache, loss of appetite, ear pain, red and swollen tonsils, difficulty in swallowing. Tonsillitis, an inflammation of the tonsils, can be a recurrent and uncomfortable condition. There are however, lifestyle and dietary modifications that can contribute to healthier throat and prevent inflammation of the throat.
1. Maintain good hygiene: Regular handwashing helps prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria that can lead to tonsillitis. Avoiding close contact with individuals experiencing respiratory infections also reduces the risk of contacting tonsillitis.
2. Stay Hydrated: Drinking an adequate amount of water keeps the throat moist, preventing irritation and supporting the body's natural defenses and warm herbal teas or gargling with saltwater can provide soothing relief.
3. Eat balanced nutrition: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains provides essential vitamins and minerals that strengthen the immune system. Also, include foods with high antioxidant content, such as berries and leafy greens, to support overall immune health.
4. Limit Sugar and Processed Foods: Excessive sugar and processed foods can contribute to inflammation and compromise the immune system. Therefore eat whole, nutrient-dense foods to reduce the risk of infections.
5. Take Probiotics for strong and healthy immune system: Probiotics, found in yogurt and fermented foods, promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria, positively impacting the immune system. Incorporate probiotic-rich foods or supplements into your diet to help build a strong immune system that will help prevent inflammation from occuring.
6. Engage in regular exercise: Physical activity enhances overall health and contributes to a strong and healthy immune system. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week to support your body's defense mechanisms.
7. Sleep adequately: Quality sleep is vital for strong and healthy immune function and overall well-being. Sleep for at least 7-9 hours each night to allow your body to recharge and effectively fight off infections and inflammation.
8. Manage stress properly: Chronic stress weakens the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections. Incorporate stress-reducing activities such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises into your routine.
9. Avoid Tobacco Smoke and Irritants: Exposure to tobacco smoke and environmental irritants can aggravate the throat and increase the risk of infections. Maintain a smoke-free environment and limit exposure to pollutants.
10. Practice Safe Hygiene During Illness: If you're sick, practice good respiratory hygiene by covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of tissues properly and wash hands regularly to prevent the spread of infection.
Preventing tonsillitis involves a holistic approach that combines good hygiene practices, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management. By incorporating these lifestyle and dietary modifications into your daily routine, you can strengthen your immune system and reduce the likelihood of tonsillitis.
ASTHMA, A CHRONIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE
Adaobi, an SS 2 student had gone to her aunt's place to spend the second term holiday. She was playing with her cousin who was sweeping the dust-covered rug when she suddenly started feeling breathless. She coughed and spat out thick mucus. She could not breathe properly and could barely call for help. Her cousin thought she was joking as they had once argued about who could act more between the two of them? Tears filled her eyes as she struggled to call for help. She held her chest in pain and fell to the ground. Her cousin dropped the broom she was holding and started laughing. She went to her side.
'Ada, better stand up. You will make a good actress, I swear. You should fill theatre arts as your course of choice once you get your jamb form next year' she said amidst laughter.
'Please, he......lp meeee. I'm not joking' Adaobi managed to say amidst pain.
'Ada! Ada!! Ada!!! Biko, tell me it's a joke. What should I do?' Her cousin dropped to her side not knowing what to do.
'My inhaler, it's in my bag' Adaobi said drawing out each word.
Her cousin ran to the room they shared and emptied her bag on the bed. She found the inhaler, picked it and raced back to the living room. She wasn't sure how to use it, but she had seen a YouTube video in passing on how to use an inhaler. She opened Adaobi's mouth and sprayed it into her mouth twice. Few minutes later, Adaobi felt better.
'You scared me' Her cousin hugged her thankfully.
'I have told you girls not to play or have anything to do with dust especially you, Adaobi. You won't kill me o. Thank God you had your inhaler with you' Her aunt scolded them after they narrated the event to her.
'We will be more careful next time, ma' They chorused.
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the airways causing narrowing and swelling of the airways, excessive production of mucus and difficulty in breathing. It can be minor or life-threatening depending on its severity. It is triggered by exposure to certain allergens like dust, chemicals etc, stress, illness, weather conditions.
Signs and symptoms of asthmatic attack include:
Wheezing, chest tightness, chest pain, coughing especially at night, shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty in breathing, pale and sweaty face.
Lifestyle modifications that can help to reduce or prevent asthmatic attacks include:
1. Minimise exposure to your triggers: Limit exposure to what triggers your asthmatic attack. If possible, avoid those triggers.
2. Drink enough water: It is important to take large quantity of water as this helps to make the mucus thinner thereby preventing obstruction of the airway by mucus as well as aiding respiration and digestion.
3. Minimize your exposure to dust in your environment: Dust is a major trigger of asthmatic attack, and we live in a dusty environment. Minimize your exposure to dust by covering your mouths and nose especially during harmattan. Also, use vacuum to dust your house rather than broom. Use carpets and tiles instead of rugs.
4. Engage in regular physical exercise: This has been shown to help the respiratory muscles relax thereby preventing asthmatic attack. However, do not engage in rigorous exercises as this may trigger asthmatic attack. Engage in low-impact exercises.
5. Avoid smoking: Smoking has been known to construct the respiratory muscles and cause inflammation thereby triggering an asthmatic attack. Do not smoke to avoid frequent episodes of asthmatic attack.
6. Minimize stress: Stress has been found to trigger asthmatic attack. Take enough rest and engage in relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercise, progressive muscle relaxation to relieve stress thereby preventing or reducing the occurrence of an asthmatic attack.
7. Add ginger to your daily diet: Ginger has been shown to reduce allergic reaction. Therefore, adding ginger to your diet helps to reduce asthmatic attack as asthma occurs majorly as a result of allergic reaction.
8. Watch out for and manage your symptoms: Be knowledgeable and aware of your symptoms and manage them such that you can prevent an asthmatic attack from occuring once you see one of the symptoms showing up.
9. Keep your inhaler handy: keep your inhaler in a place where it can be accessible once the attack starts. Do not go out without taking your inhaler along.
NB:We are bio individuals which is to say not all size fits all.prioritizing yourself and your journey with the support and guidance of a health coach will further help in your progress and such a person would be able to get detailed information about themselves that could facilitate results.
Wheezing, chest tightness, chest pain, coughing especially at night, shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty in breathing, pale and sweaty face.
Lifestyle modifications that can help to reduce or prevent asthmatic attacks include:
1. Minimise exposure to your triggers: Limit exposure to what triggers your asthmatic attack. If possible, avoid those triggers.
2. Drink enough water: It is important to take large quantity of water as this helps to make the mucus thinner thereby preventing obstruction of the airway by mucus as well as aiding respiration and digestion.
3. Minimize your exposure to dust in your environment: Dust is a major trigger of asthmatic attack, and we live in a dusty environment. Minimize your exposure to dust by covering your mouths and nose especially during harmattan. Also, use vacuum to dust your house rather than broom. Use carpets and tiles instead of rugs.
4. Engage in regular physical exercise: This has been shown to help the respiratory muscles relax thereby preventing asthmatic attack. However, do not engage in rigorous exercises as this may trigger asthmatic attack. Engage in low-impact exercises.
5. Avoid smoking: Smoking has been known to construct the respiratory muscles and cause inflammation thereby triggering an asthmatic attack. Do not smoke to avoid frequent episodes of asthmatic attack.
6. Minimize stress: Stress has been found to trigger asthmatic attack. Take enough rest and engage in relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercise, progressive muscle relaxation to relieve stress thereby preventing or reducing the occurrence of an asthmatic attack.
7. Add ginger to your daily diet: Ginger has been shown to reduce allergic reaction. Therefore, adding ginger to your diet helps to reduce asthmatic attack as asthma occurs majorly as a result of allergic reaction.
8. Watch out for and manage your symptoms: Be knowledgeable and aware of your symptoms and manage them such that you can prevent an asthmatic attack from occuring once you see one of the symptoms showing up.
9. Keep your inhaler handy: keep your inhaler in a place where it can be accessible once the attack starts. Do not go out without taking your inhaler along.
NB:We are bio individuals which is to say not all size fits all.prioritizing yourself and your journey with the support and guidance of a health coach will further help in your progress and such a person would be able to get detailed information about themselves that could facilitate results.
