Motion sickness can also be referred to as travel sickness and is caused by recurring movements when traveling.  Symptoms of motion sickness include, feeling sick, headaches, light headedness or perspiration.  The reason for these symptoms occurring is down to the brain receiving mixed messages from what your eyes are seeing outside the mode of transport compared to the messages being sent by the inner ear when these bumps are felt.  Motion sickness can also occur when trying to read while traveling.

Motion sickness can be quite frequent in children but luckily many find this can disappear as they get older. Some people are more prone to motion sickness and can also develop similar symptoms on fairground attractions, particularly those which involve spinning around.  Most sufferers find that the symptoms will disappear once they have completed their journey or finished their fairground ride; for the unlucky few, symptoms can last for a few hours or even longer.

There are some ways to avoid motion sickness symptoms such as sitting in the front of a car or if in the back usually sitting by the window with the window open can help.  It can also help to sleep or just keep eyes closed.  It can also help to keep to simple foods before traveling to avoid nausea.  There are also over the counter medicines which can help to prevent or reduce the symptoms of motion sickness.  These types of medicines are best taken before traveling but can also help if taken during the journey.  Some medicines for motion sickness can cause drowsiness so it is recommended not to drive or work with heavy machines.

Vaginitis is the name given to an infection of the vagina.  Symptoms of vaginitis include a sore itching vagina with possible abnormal discharge.  There are various types of vaginitis and each type has its own cause and symptoms.  These different types are yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, non-infectious vaginitis, and trichomoniasis.

Yeast or Candida infections are the most common type of vaginitis and are caused by an excess of the fungus Candida growing in the vagina.  Symptoms of yeast infections include a thick white discharge which causes the vagina to become itchy and red.

Vaginitis

Bacterial vaginosis is a frequent infection which affects women of reproductive age and is caused by bacteria in the vagina.  Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis can include a thin smelly vaginal discharge although some women find they have no symptoms at all and only become aware of the infection during a visit to the gynecologist.

Non-infectious vaginitis can be caused by a reaction to products used such as soaps, fabric softeners, douches, vaginal sprays or spermicidal products.  It can cause the vagina to become itchy or burn and is accompanied by a vaginal discharge.

Trichomoniasis is an infection of the vagina which is caused by a single cell parasite.  This form of vaginitis is a sexually transmitted disease and will cause soreness, itching, and burning of the vagina.  It can also cause a burning feeling when urinating.

Each type of vaginitis has its own treatment.  An anti-yeast infection is used to treat yeast infection.  An antibiotic is used to treat bacterial vaginosis as there is no remedy which can be purchased over the counter.  In order to treat non-infectious vaginitis it is necessary to cease using the product which caused the reaction and a cream can be used to relieve symptoms. Trichomoniasis is treated with an antibiotic but it is important to avoid any sexual contact until it has been treated.

The tonsils are small glands which are found at the back of the throat behind the tongue, and the infection of these glands is known as tonsillitis. Frequent recurring infections of the tonsils may result in an operation to remove them known as a tonsillectomy.  The infection is usually caused by bacteria or a viral infection and usually affects children from 5-15 years.  Tonsillitis can be passed from person to person through hand contact, airborne droplets or saliva.

The more common symptoms of tonsillitis include pain when swallowing, fever, coughing, tiredness, pain in the ear or neck, swollen tonsils, or swollen glands in the neck (lymph nodes).  Other less common symptoms of tonsillitis are constipation, bad breath, difficulty opening the mouth, vomiting or a ‘furry tongue’.  It can also cause abdominal pain in young children due to swollen lymph glands in the stomach.

Tonsillitis can be treated at home by getting plenty of rest and making sure to eat and drink plenty of fluids.  Painkillers and antibiotics can help to clear up the infection but it will clear up on its own over a few days.  There are also lozenges or sprays which can help to relieve pain in the throat.

The most effective way to avoid tonsillitis is to keep away from people who have the infection.  Do not use the same cups or cutlery etc as someone who has the infection and maintain good hygiene by washing hands frequently.

Tonsillitis