Girls as young as 8 are turning up at dermatologists’ offices with rashes, chemical burns and other allergic reactions to products not intended for children’s sensitive skin.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/influenced-skincare-routine-mental-health-f59bb09114ab93323e3a47197a1ad914
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides some eye-opening stats and trends:
Here are the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among American teens, based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other reputable health organizations:
Key points:
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has some important advice for teens and their parents when it comes to sexual health:
Studies show that comprehensive sex education can reduce risky behaviors. Here’s how:
Staying informed and proactive can make a big difference in teen sexual health and well-being. Let’s keep the conversation going and make sure our teens have the knowledge and resources they need!
Pardon us if we are a bit under the weather today.
Due to inclement weather, some of our staff are having difficulty coming to work.
Hence we may be a bit delayed in opening and in our patient care.
What’s the deal with allergies in the Lone Star State?
According to a recent study, there is a 20- DAY INCREASE in length of allergy season since 2018 and a 21% INCREASE in pollen concentration in North America since 19901.
Well, it turns out that pollens from trees like oak and elm, grasses, and even mold spores can be major trouble-makers for the little dudes. Oh, and let’s not forget about dust mites and pet dander – those tiny critters can also trigger some serious allergy attacks!
Texas and National Trends:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the prevalence of allergies in children has been increasing in recent decades, both in Texas and nationwide. Some key statistics include:
But it’s not just Texas. Allergies have been on the rise across the nation, and more kids are dealing with stuff like hay fever, respiratory issues, and even food allergies than ever before.
Now, here’s the deal – allergies can hit kids and teens differently based on their age, gender, and even their background. For instance, younger kids are more likely to have food allergies, while respiratory allergies tend to kick in more as they get older. Children from low-income families and certain racial/ethnic minority groups (e.g., non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic children) may have higher rates of allergies and asthma (CDC, 2019). And boys seem to be more prone to allergies during childhood, but then the tables turn when they become adults. Crazy, right?
So what do I do?
Parents can take several steps to manage their child’s allergies:
And, as always, we are always there when you need us. Call 972-618-3547 if you need an appointment.
The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Always make sure to seek a doctor or a professional’s advice before proceeding with the home treatment plan.
Source 1: Anderegg WRL, Abatzoglou JT, Anderegg LDL, Bielory L, Kinney PL, Ziska L. Anthropogenic climate change is worsening North American pollen seasons. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2021;118(7):e2013284118. doi:10.1073/pnas.2013284118
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, offers various natural and holistic solutions to maintain healthy skin for kids. Here are some Ayurvedic tips and remedies to keep a child’s skin glowing and nourished:
The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Always make sure to seek a doctor or a professional’s advice before proceeding with the home treatment plan.
Mindfulness is a holistic approach to living that can enhance well-being, reduce stress, and improve the quality of one’s experiences. It’s a practice that involves being fully present and engaged in the current moment without judgment. It’s about cultivating awareness of your thoughts, feelings, sensations, and the environment around you. How?
While mindfulness may be an ancient Hindu practice rooted in pranayama and yoga, it is the crux of all eastern philosophies, that when incorporated in life can help our mental health.
The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Always make sure to seek a doctor or a professional’s advice before proceeding with the home treatment plan.
The color, consistency, and frequency of an infant or child’s poop and urine can provide clues about their health. While it is normal for there to be some variation, any significant changes should be reported to a doctor.
Color
The color of poop can vary depending on what the infant or child is eating. Breastfed babies typically have yellow or mustard-colored poop, while formula-fed babies may have tan or brown poop. Green poop is also normal, especially in breastfed babies.
However, some changes in color can be a sign of a problem. For example, red or black poop can indicate blood in the stool, which can be a sign of a digestive problem or infection. White or clay-colored poop can be a sign of liver problems. And pale yellow or colorless poop can be a sign of dehydration.
Consistency
Breastfed babies typically have soft, seedy poop, while formula-fed babies may have firmer poop. However, both breastfed and formula-fed babies can have loose or runny poop, especially when they are sick.
Diarrhea is a common problem in infants and children. It is characterized by loose, watery stools that can occur more frequently than usual. Diarrhea can be caused by a variety of factors, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, and food allergies.
Constipation is another common problem in infants and children. It is characterized by hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass. Constipation can be caused by a variety of factors, including dehydration, lack of fiber in the diet, and certain medications.
Frequency
Breastfed babies typically poop several times a day, while formula-fed babies may poop less often. However, both breastfed and formula-fed babies can go several days without pooping.
If an infant or child suddenly starts pooping more or less frequently than usual, it is important to talk to a doctor. This could be a sign of a problem, such as a digestive infection or food allergy.
Smell
Breastfed babies typically have a mild, sweet smell, while formula-fed babies may have a stronger, more unpleasant smell.
However, any significant changes in smell should be reported to a doctor. For example, a foul-smelling stool can be a sign of infection or a digestive problem.
Other aspects
In addition to color, consistency, frequency, and smell, there are other aspects of poop that can be used to assess a child’s health. These include:
If you notice any of these changes in your child’s poop, it is important to talk to a doctor. They can help you determine if there is a problem and recommend the best course of treatment.
Ailments that can be inferred from poop and urine
Urine
The color, clarity, and frequency of urine can also provide clues about a child’s health.
Other aspects of urine
In addition to color, clarity, and frequency, there are other aspects of urine that can be used to assess a child’s health. These include:
If you notice any of these changes in your child’s urine, it is important to talk to a doctor. They can help you determine if there is a problem and recommend the best course of treatment.
When to see a doctor
If you notice any changes in your child’s poop or urine, it is important to see a doctor. Even if the changes seem minor, it is better to be safe than sorry.
The doctor will be able to assess your child’s health and determine if there is a problem. If there is a problem, the doctor can recommend the best course of treatment.
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:
The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Always make sure to seek a doctor or a professional’s advice before proceeding with the home treatment plan.
Health status
Obesity
Health insurance coverage
Access to care
Mortality – Children aged 1-4 years
Mortality – Children aged 5-14 years
Leading causes of death – Children aged 1-4 years
Leading causes of death – Children aged 5-9 years
Leading causes of death – Children aged 10-14 years
Source: CDC Fastfacts
Heat is called a “silent killer” because you can’t see it but it can quickly turn deadly.
Our bodies are accustomed to a cozy temperature range of around 36 to 37 degrees Celsius (97 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit). When the mercury rises above this level, our bodies start sweating to keep cool. But here’s the catch: the hotter it gets, the tougher it is for us to cool down, especially in those humid conditions when our sweat refuses to evaporate like it’s playing hide-and-seek.
Now, let’s talk about the villains of the story: heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat exhaustion is like an annoying neighbor, bringing along dizziness, nausea, and headaches when your body overheats. But watch out, because heat stroke is the supervillain of the heat world. It strikes when your body temperature skyrockets to 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) or higher. Left untreated, it can wreak havoc on your organs or even bring you face-to-face with the Grim Reaper.
As the plot thickens, the number of heat-related illnesses among children is on the rise. This can be attributed to various factors, including climate change, the growing prevalence of childhood obesity, and the increasing participation of children in outdoor activities.
Certain regions become the playgrounds for heat-related illnesses, with the southern and southwestern United States, along with the Gulf Coast, taking center stage. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported an average of 618 annual deaths in the United States due to heat-related illnesses between 1999 and 2010.
Now, let’s take a stroll through the stages of heat-related illness in children. First up, we have heat cramps. They’re like the hiccups of heat-related illness, causing muscle cramps that like to make themselves at home in your legs or abdomen. Then we have heat exhaustion, a more serious troublemaker. It comes with a sweaty performance, pale skin, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and even a bit of vomiting. But the grand finale is heat stroke, the superstar of heat-related illness. It brings a scorching body temperature (often over 104 degrees Fahrenheit), skin as dry as a desert, confusion, seizures, and even a surprise appearance by the coma squad.
So, what causes this heat havoc among kids? Well, hot weather takes the cake! When it’s sizzling outside, our bodies work overtime to keep cool. And let’s not forget about the energetic adventurers who find themselves playing a part in this story. Physical exertion or playtime can raise the body’s temperature and make cooling down a challenging task. Dehydration is also on the list. Remember, water is the superhero that saves the day by cooling us down. But there are some sneaky accomplices as well, like certain medications that increase the risk of heat-related illness by causing fluid loss. Oh, and those troublemaker medical conditions like heart disease and obesity—they make the heat drama even more intense.
Actions and precautions to take:
The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Always make sure to seek a doctor or a professional’s advice before proceeding with the home treatment plan.
The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Always make sure to seek a doctor or a professional’s advice before proceeding with the home treatment plan.
A strong and healthy immune system is essential for protecting your child from illness and disease, and can help to promote overall well-being.
First, it’s important to ensure that a child is getting the proper nutrition to support their immune system. This includes eating a balanced diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and healthy fats. Some specific foods that are known to support the immune system include garlic, ginger, turmeric, and omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and flaxseed. Some specific foods that are known to be particularly beneficial for the immune system include:
Herbal remedies can also be used to support the immune system. Some popular herbs that are known to have immune-boosting properties include echinacea, astragalus, and elderberry. These herbs can be taken in supplement form or made into teas. Some popular herbs that are known to be beneficial for the immune system include:
Vitamin C is a well-known immune system booster, and can be found in many fruits and vegetables, including oranges, lemons, limes, and bell peppers. Vitamin D is also important for immune function and can be obtained from sunlight and certain foods, such as fatty fish, eggs, and mushrooms.
Exercise and physical activity are also important for supporting the immune system. Regular exercise can help to improve circulation, which can help to transport immune cells throughout the body more effectively. Additionally, physical activity can help to reduce stress, which is known to have a negative impact on the immune system.
Another effective way to boost the immune system is through yoga postures. Yoga postures such as the warrior pose, the sun salutation, and the triangle pose are believed to help improve circulation, which in turn can help to support the immune system. Pranayama breathing techniques, such as the alternate nostril breathing, can also be beneficial in strengthening the immune system.
Other natural remedies include probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that are found in fermented foods like yogurt and kefir, and can help to improve gut health, and in turn, boost the immune system. Homeopathy is also a natural approach that can be used to boost the immune system, with remedies such as Calcarea carbonica, Pulsatilla, and Silicea which can be used to help improve the body’s natural defenses.
It’s important to note that it’s always a good idea to consult with a pediatrician or qualified health professional before giving any supplements or herbal remedies to a child. Additionally, it’s important to make sure that your child is getting enough rest, exercise, and is practicing good hygiene to support the overall health.
The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Always make sure to seek a doctor or a professional’s advice before proceeding with the home treatment plan.
Covid-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has had a significant impact on children and adolescents worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, children and adolescents account for around 10-15% of total confirmed Covid-19 cases. However, severe disease and death among children and adolescents is rare.
In terms of transmission, children and adolescents are less likely to become infected and less likely to transmit the virus to others when compared to adults. Studies have also shown that children and adolescents with Covid-19 tend to have milder symptoms than adults, with the most common symptoms being fever, cough, and fatigue. However, some children and adolescents can develop severe illness, including multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
The trend of Covid-19 in children and adolescents has varied by region and over time. In the early stages of the pandemic, children and adolescents were less affected than adults. However, as the pandemic has progressed, the proportion of confirmed cases among children and adolescents has increased in some countries.
The challenges of Covid-19 in children and adolescents include the impact of school closures on their education and social development, as well as the psychological impact of the pandemic on their mental health. Additionally, the pandemic has also disrupted routine health services, including vaccination campaigns and the detection and management of other childhood illnesses.
As for natural remedies, There is no scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of any specific natural remedies in preventing or treating Covid-19 in children and adolescents. It is important to note that while natural remedies may have some benefits, they should not be used as a substitute for proven medical treatments.
It is recommended that children and adolescents maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, adequate sleep, and a healthy diet, to support their overall health and well-being. Additionally, they should practice good hand hygiene, wear a mask when in public, and follow other preventive measures, such as physical distancing, to reduce their risk of infection.
It is also important to consult a healthcare professional if a child or adolescent develops symptoms of Covid-19, such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, as they may require medical attention.
The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Always make sure to seek a doctor or a professional’s advice before proceeding with the home treatment plan.
Since the ER wait times are over 12 hours long and our kids are facing a triple whammy of illnesses (Flu, RSV and Strep), Natural Pediatrics staff will be working on Saturdays (for the next month) to help our children avert ER visits.
Tentative Timing
* 11/12/2022 – 8.00 to 11.30 am (Frisco)
* 11/19/2022 – 8.00 to 11.30 am (Plano)
* 11/26/2022 – OFF for Thanksgiving
* 12/2/2022 – 8.00 to 11.30 am
Parents – be aware…..
About three-quarters of pediatric hospital beds are in use across the country, well above the average over the past few years. They’re more than 90% full in Rhode Island, Minnesota, Maine and Texas, as well as in Washington, DC, according to data from the US Department of Health and Human Services.
The amount of RSV detected in wastewater trended upward in many parts of the United States between August and October 2022.
Takeaway:
Parents of children at high risk for developing severe RSV disease should help their child, when possible, do the following
Avoid close contact with sick people
Wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Avoid touching their face with unwashed hands
Limit the time they spend in child-care centers or other potentially contagious settings, especially during fall, winter, and spring. This may help prevent infection and spread of the virus during the RSV season
What are they?
Probiotics are live microorganisms that are intended to have health benefits when consumed or applied to the body. Probiotics may contain a variety of microorganisms. The most common are bacteria that belong to groups called Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Other bacteria may also be used as probiotics, and so may yeasts such as Saccharomyces boulardii.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulate probiotics as a dietary supplement, a food ingredient, or a drug.
Why are they needed?
People often think of bacteria and other microorganisms as harmful “germs,” however many are actually helpful. Probiotics might:
Probiotics have shown promise for a variety of health purposes, including prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea (including diarrhea caused by Clostridium difficile), prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis and sepsis in premature infants, treatment of infant colic, treatment of periodontal disease, and induction or maintenance of remission in ulcerative colitis.
Where do you find it naturally?
Probiotics are added to some foods like yogurt and cultured cottage cheese. They are naturally occurring in fermented foods like buttermilk, kefir, and sauerkraut. Raw cheese made from unpasteurized milk is another source.
Probiotics for kids
Children develop their microbiome in the womb and through early childhood. It’s thought that an unhealthy microbiome is responsible for many diseases.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that giving infants probiotics in the first three months of life may help prevent colic, constipation, and acid reflux.
Some decent brands for probiotics:
Side effects
Probiotics have an extensive history of apparently safe use.
Source: Internet, CDC, NIH, FDA, Healthline, Medical News & Others
The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Always make sure to seek a doctor or a professional’s advice before proceeding with the home treatment plan.
What is Monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. Monkeypox virus is part of the same family of viruses as variola virus, the virus that causes smallpox. Monkeypox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder, and monkeypox is rarely fatal. Monkeypox is not related to chickenpox.
Monkeypox spreads in different ways. The virus can spread from person-to-person through:
It’s also possible for people to get monkeypox from infected animals, either by being scratched or bitten by the animal or by preparing or eating meat or using products from an infected animal.
Current Status
World Health Organization says monkeypox outbreak in more than 70 countries is now a global emergency. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said more than 2,300 confirmed cases of monkeypox have been found in the United States as of July 20. Not many pediatric cases of monkeypox have been reported but public health experts warn that no one is immune, and both pregnant women and children could catch the virus. The international public health agency notes that the overall case fatality rates have been higher among young children than in the general population, and children with medical issues or compromised immune systems are at particular risk if they get the highly contagious virus.
Takeaway:
Source: Internet, CDC, FDA, Babycenter, Medical News & Others
The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Always make sure to seek a doctor or a professional’s advice before proceeding with the home treatment plan.
The most comprehensive and unbiased study on our health came out in The Lancet today. They studied data for 30 years in 200+ countries and discovered this:
* People under the age of 40 start risking their health if they consume any more than two teaspoons of wine or two-and-a-half tablespoons of beer per day.
* For young adults between the ages of 15 and 39, there were zero health benefits—only risks—associated with drinking alcohol.
* The recommended amount of alcohol that could be consumed before risking their health is a little more than one-tenth of a standard drink. (~0.3 oz of wine)
Takeaway: Young people should not drink
The city of Plano is making all libraries, except Harrington, available to serve as cooling stations.
Carpenter Recreation Center, Oak Point Recreation Center, Tom Muhlehbeck Recreation Center and Liberty Recreation Center are also available cooling stations. Sam Johnson Recreation Center is also an option for members of Plano’s senior community. Each facility will be open for normal operating hours, provided they have power.
Oncor encourages Plano residents to take the following conservation steps:
The new BA.5 is one of the “worst” subvariants circulating the country, infecting even those who have immunity from previous infections and vaccines. Those who are experiencing severe infection are unvaccinated people.
Symptoms of BA.5 are similar to previous COVID infections and includes fever, runny nose, coughing, sore throat, headaches, muscle pain and fatigue.
Reported COVID case numbers have remained steady with 36.1 new cases per 100,000, but hospitalizations with confirmed cases have jumped from the last week — at more than 4,000.
In March, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended immunocompromised people and those over 50 years old who had their first booster dose at least four months ago to get another mRNA booster.
Takeaway: Wear a mask
The normal fasting blood sugar levels in children is in the range of 70-100 mg/dL (milligram of sugar in deciliter of blood plasma). For children under 6, targeted plasma blood glucose range is considered to be 100-180 mg/dL before meals, while bedtime reading is between110-200 mg/dL. For school going children with age 6-12 years, the normal blood sugar levels before meal is in the range of 90-180 mg/dL and bedtime reading is between100-180 mg/dL.
Medically, the condition of low glucose levels in the bloodstream is called hypoglycemia. It is quite common in young children and a short episode is not dangerous. However, if the blood sugar reading is below 70 mg/dL consistently, it is a medical concern.
If the blood glucose levels in children fall between 200-350 mg/dL consistently, then it is considered as a high reading. The notable diabetes symptoms in children are tiredness, increased thirst, increased urination, increased appetite, slow wound healing, blurred vision and body pain.
Monitoring blood sugar levels in children is a practical step towards effective treatment for hypoglycemia and also, hyperglycemia. Every responsible parent should make a point to examine their child’s glucose concentration regularly, as directed by the concerned physician. Based on the readings, it is easy to determine whether diabetes medication and diet are effective for long-term control over diabetes or not.
How to control your blood sugar is one of the most common questions these days and various medicines are available but all come with some kind of side effects. Instead, use Cinnamon, a natural remedy to control sugar content in your blood.
Regulate Blood Sugar Naturally
Ingredients :
2 sticks of cinnamon
3 grams of cloves
5 liters of water
Instructions :
Mix all three ingredients in a bowl and place them in the refrigerator to sit for 5 days for drinking.
Consume 100 ml (roughly 3 ½ ounces) of this tonic upon waking, on an empty stomach. You may want to strain the liquid before drinking it to avoid a potentially gritty texture.
When you are left with only 400 ml (13 ½ ounces) of this tonic, prepare a new dose. After you have consumed 3 batches, take a 2 week break.
Repeat as needed.
This recipe is full of amazing spices, not only in taste, but for your health as well. This easy to prepare recipe will help to speed your metabolism and positively affect your overall health, all from the superstar spices – cinnamon and clove.
Cinnamon is considered anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial and is also considered to help regulate blood sugar levels. Because it helps to slow the rate at which the stomach empties after meals, this aids in reducing blood sugar surges after meals.
It’s also been shown to stimulate insulin receptors and inhibit the enzyme that inactivates them, which in turn increases the cells ability to use glucose efficiently.
Not to mention that cinnamon is a very powerful antioxidant!
When it comes to health benefits, clove is not far behind. Cloves are a good source of vitamins, minerals and fiber. They’ve also been shown to be beneficial in fighting fungus, bacteria and yeast (that includes candida). They also contain health-promoting antioxidants!
In addition, cloves may aid in stomach bloating and gas, due to their ability to reduce pressure and help to carry out toxins through elimination. Clove oil is also said to be a great natural healer for oral health, relieving toothaches and sore gums in particular.
Source: Internet, CDC, FDA, Babycenter, Medical News & Others
The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Always make sure to seek a doctor or a professional’s advice before proceeding with the home treatment plan.
Experiencing occasional bloating and flatulence is part of normal human digestion. In fact, an average adult passes gas between 13 and 21 times a day.
Problems begin when the abdominal gas produced in the gut becomes trapped, which sometimes feels like a sharp stabbing pain in your belly or chest. This pain can sometimes be so severe that people mistake it for appendicitis or even a heart attack.
Treating the problem as fast as possible can help relieve the pain before it becomes severe. The home remedies listed in this article can effectively relieve trapped gas pain.
Symptoms and Causes of Trapped Wind
People who experience trapped gas describe it as acute discomfort in the belly. Bloating and stomach cramps can be present too. Sometimes, trapped wind bubbles can cause a sudden sharp and stabbing pain in the abdomen and chest that can be confused with other serious health conditions, such as appendicitis, gallstones, or a heart attack.Trapped gas can occur for a vast variety of reasons.
Certain foods, such as beans, cabbage, and bran can also make your gut bacteria produce more carbon dioxide gases in the intestinal tract, which can lead to bloating excess gas.
People suffering from food intolerances, chronic constipation, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and other digestive issues are more likely to experience the inability to pass gas too. But even healthy people can experience trapped wind if they happen to eat too fast, smoke, chew a lot of gum, or have a stuffy nose, which makes them swallow a lot of air.
Therefore, knowing how to address the issue rather than focusing only on prevention is key when it comes to trapped intestinal gas, bloating, and constipation.
Gas in kids
Gas pain in children and toddlers is rarely serious but can be uncomfortable and keep a gassy toddler up at night. Gas pain is a sign of excess gas in the digestive tract, and it will usually clear up on its own. If your child is often gassy, it’s possible that a particular food or eating habit is to blame.
Your child’s diet often plays a role in their gas pain or indigestion. Certain foods like beans, broccoli, and cauliflower are all culprits. Some children may be sensitive to high-fiber foods, such as cereal, and fatty foods, like French fries. Carbonated beverages and caffeine – even that in chocolate – can also be to blame. Juice, which is high in sugar, can bring on gas and diarrhea.
Home Remedies For Trapped Gas
We list several effective home remedies for expelling trapped wind below. Do keep in mind that different remedies work best for different people, so trying a few of these or combining them is probably the best strategy to find quick relief.
1. Move Your Body and Bowels
Walking around the house, doing some light housework, playing, or taking a child or a pet for a walk all help tremendously to expel the trapped gas. Activity moves and engages the abdominal and intestinal muscles, which can help you release the gas and speed up a bowel movement, which can also encourage the gas to make its way out of the digestive system.
2. Give your belly a massage
If moving around is difficult and painful, a gentle self-massage can help stimulate the digestive system and promote peristalsis – wave-like muscle contractions that move food and abdominal gas through the GI tract. Gently massage the tender spot or massage the entire abdominal cavity by moving your palm in counter-clockwise circles.
3. Apply heat to the area
The sensation of warmth can be very soothing and relaxing, which can help relax you emotionally and ease the spasm of the muscles in your gut that cause the pain. You can take a warm bath, use a heating pad, or just a hot water bottle for that purpose. Make sure not to use excessive heat and wrap the heating pad or hot water bottle in a towel or blanket to protect the skin from a burn.
4. Drink herbal tea
Drinking warm herbal tea or any noncarbonated liquid can help relieve the pain for many people. The advantage of herbal teas is that they combine the warming action with medicinal properties.
Mint, ginger, anise, or chamomile tea all calm the gut from the inside out, relieving bloating and hydrating your body to promote digestion. Read more about herbal teas that are excellent for digestion and how to prepare them in the article 8 Herbal Teas Capable Of Relieving Bloating.
5. Explore your spice drawer
Certain spices have been used as a natural kitchen remedy for trapped gas for millennia. Here are a few of such herbs as:
Steeping these seeds in a glass of warm water and drinking the mixture can help you expel the trapped wind and reduce abdominal discomfort and pain. Fennel seeds, in particular, are an ancient solution for trapped gas. Simply chew on 1 teaspoon of the seeds to find relief. One traditional Persian remedy suggests that you mix 1 teaspoon ground fennel and cumin seeds each with ½ teaspoon of ground anise, and soaking them in 1 cup of boiling water for 15 minutes.
6. Try the knee-to-chest yoga pose
Yoga stretches are an excellent option for helping the trapped gas be expelled from the intestines. There are several yoga poses that target this specific concern. We discuss 6 of such poses in this article – 6 Yoga Stretches to Relieve Bloating. But if you’re looking for just one simple option that you can even when you’re experiencing abdominal discomfort and pain, apanasana is probably the best choice. This yoga stretch is literally translated as “wind-relieving pose” from Sanskrit. Here’s how to do it:
7. Some gas pain relief options also include:
When to take your child to the doctor?
Talk to your provider right away if you’re noticing any of the below symptoms:
In summary, trapped wind can be extremely uncomfortable and painful. But the good news is that it’s highly treatable using home remedies and lifestyle tweaks. If the tips we mentioned didn’t help or you’re experiencing other symptoms, make sure to consult your doctor to rule out any serious health conditions and find a treatment that works for you.
Source: Internet, CDC, FDA, Babycenter, Medical News & Others
The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Always make sure to seek a doctor or a professional’s advice before proceeding with the home treatment plan.