An abscess is a collection of pus that has built up within the tissue of the body. Signs and symptoms of abscesses include redness, pain, warmth, and swelling. The swelling may feel fluid-filled when pressed. The area of redness often extends beyond the swelling. Carbuncles and boils are types of abscess that often involve hair follicles, with carbuncles being larger.They are usually caused by a bacterial infection. Often many different types of bacteria are involved in a single infection. In the ...

abscess

What-exactly-is-angina-(acute-tonsillitis)?

What exactly is angina (acute tonsillitis)? 

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Tonsillitis or inflammation of the tonsils is a viral or bacterial infection that leads to inflammation of the tonsils (Latin: tonsillae) and throat. Tonsillitis tonsils lose their ability to fight infection and can even become a source of infection on their own.&nbsp;

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There are many potential viral and bacterial causes, but the most common source of tonsillitis is a dangerous bacterium called streptococcus pyogenes. 1

Symptoms-of-angina-(acute-tonsillitis)

Symptoms of angina (acute tonsillitis)  

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The incubation period of tonsillitis from the moment when we are exposed to the infectious causative agent to the onset of the disease - about 2-4 days. In some cases, it may be even faster.

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Symptoms of tonsillitis are:

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Fatigue.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Headache.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Muscle pain.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Sore throat.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Swelling of the tonsils and the associated difficulty swallowing or even inability to swallow solid food</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Hoarse voice.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cough.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Pain in the ears.&nbsp;</li></ul>Some other symptoms may include nausea and vomiting, stuffy nose, enlarged and painful lymph nodes, and swollen nodes in the front of the neck. The throat and tonsils are usually reddish or white pus spots may even appear on the tonsils &ndash; visible as a white film or white spots. Fever sometimes does not appear at all or appears earlier than sore throat and difficulty swallowing.

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Tonsillitis, especially if left untreated, can lead to complications. Large purulent inflammation of the tonsils can even lead to a risk of suffocation associated with the penetration of purulent inflammation deeper into the tissues of the throat under the tonsils, where the so-called tonsils is formed. abscess (purulent deposit). An abscess is a cavity filled with pus, and this complication is accompanied by severe pain and swelling usually on one side of the throat and area under the jaw. From here it can spread practically anywhere.&nbsp;

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Causes of angina 

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Angina is an acute inflammation caused most often by viruses (90-95%, also infectious mononucleosis caused by Epstein-Barr virus) and by bacteria (Streptococcus pyogenes is responsible for most cases of streptococcal pharyngitis and tonsillitis).&nbsp;

Acute-pharyngitis-or-tonsillitis?-How-do-we-recognize-it?

Acute pharyngitis or tonsillitis? How do we recognize it? 

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Streptococcal pharyngitis and tonsillitis are characterized by a sudden onset - severe sore throat, temperature, brightly reddened and enlarged tonsils with purulent deposits, enlarged cervical lymph nodes. Most often sick children aged 5-15 years. On the other hand, with viral inflammation - a cold, there is a sore throat, a slight temperature or normal body temperature, cough, runny nose, reddened throat and tonsils. In mononucleosis, we can also observe generalized lymphadenopathy, abdominal pain and tonsil plaques.

How-is-acute-tonsillitis-treated?

How is acute tonsillitis treated? 

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Whether tonsillitis is caused by a viral or bacterial infection, home care strategies can aid recovery.

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If a virus is the cause of tonsillitis, these strategies are the only treatment. Then antibiotics will not be prescribed. Here's what&nbsp; can be done in the meantime:

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">More time for rest and sleep.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Optimal hydration through sufficient fluids.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Warm liquids - broth, decaffeinated tea or warm water with honey can soothe a sore throat. You can also try gargling with salt water.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Humidify the air through a device to remove dry air, which can further irritate the sore throat.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Lozenges. Children over 4 years of age can suck lozenges to relieve sore throat.</li></ul>If tonsillitis is caused by a bacterial infection, your doctor will prescribe a course of antibiotics. Penicillin, taken orally for 10 days, is the most common antibiotic treatment prescribed for tonsillitis caused by group A streptococci. In case of penicillin allergy, your doctor will prescribe an alternative antibiotic, with other options being Clindamycin and Cephalosporin.

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If a child is ill, then it is important to take the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if the symptoms disappear completely. Not taking the whole medication as prescribed may cause the infection to worsen or spread to other parts of the body.&nbsp;

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Failure to complete a full course of antibiotics can, in particular, increase the risk of rheumatic fever and serious kidney inflammation. In this case, you may want to ask your pediatrician about probiotics to support the immune system, as well as other remedies such as vitamins and minerals.

Herbal-remedies-for-angina-(acute-tonsillitis)

Herbal remedies for angina (acute tonsillitis) 

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There are a number of home remedies that can effectively reduce the symptoms of acute tonsillitis.

Gargle-with-salt-water-in-angina

Gargle with salt water in angina 

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Gargling and rinsing with warm salt water can help soothe sore throat and pain caused by tonsillitis. It can also reduce inflammation and may even help treat infections.

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Stir about 1/2 teaspoon of salt in about 150 ml. hot water. Stir until the salt dissolves. Gargle and rinse your mouth for a few seconds and then spit out. You can rinse with plain water.

Warm-tea-with-raw-honey-for-angina

Warm tea with raw honey for angina 

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Hot drinks such as tea can help reduce the discomfort that can occur as a result of tonsillitis. Raw honey, often added to tea, has strong antibacterial properties and can help treat tonsillitis-causing infections. &nbsp;<a href="https://ebm.bmj.com/content/26/2/57" target="_blank" data-ref="Effectiveness of honey for symptomatic relief in upper respiratory tract infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis" rel="noopener">[ref. 1]</a>&nbsp;

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Drink the tea warm instead of hot and mix the honey until dissolved. Some teas may enhance the benefits of this home remedy. Ginger tea, for example, is a strong anti-inflammatory, as is fennel tea, which can help reduce inflammation and discomfort.

Onions-for-angina

Onions for angina 

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Onions are capable of much more than adding a distinctive taste and aroma to food. Onions are useful in tonsillitis as it serves to improve the body's ability to fight infections.

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Add a few tablespoons of onion juice to one glass of warm water and gargle the mixture several times each day. Onions can cause bad breath, but at least it will relieve painful tonsils.&nbsp;

Apple-cider-vinegar-for-angina

Apple cider vinegar for angina 

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Apple cider vinegar is a natural product with properties that can help in the treatment of infections. A small amount of apple cider vinegar daily supports the immune system. This remedy can even prevent the recurrence of tonsillitis, but to cure yourself, gargling is more effective.

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Add half a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a little warm water. Gargle with the resulting mixture and then spit out. Repeat the same procedure several times each day.

Ginger-for-angina

Ginger for angina 

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Ginger has a spicy aroma with a refreshing taste. At the same time, it also has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that have been proven in numerous studies. 3

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Mix a tablespoon of ginger root juice with a tablespoon of honey and a few tablespoons of warm water to make a gargle liquid. Gargle with the mixture several times a day to relieve tonsillitis.

Fenugreek-seeds-for-angina

Fenugreek seeds for angina 

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Fenugreek seeds are useful for relieving tonsillitis, pneumonia and several other infections. These seeds should be mixed in warm water to prepare for gargling.

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Boil about a tablespoon of fenugreek seeds in water, let cool to room temperature, and then use them to gargle. Repeat for a few days and let the antibacterial forces of the seeds take effect.

Tulsi-(Holy-Basil)

Tulsi (Holy Basil)

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You can calm the sore throat with the help of tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum). Holy basil is used to treat sore throats, coughs and colds. Boiled water with tulsi leaves gives a calming effect to patients with sore throat. Also, tulsi acts as an adaptogen, a substance that helps counteract the effects of stress in the body. 4

Symptoms of acute tonsillitis include sore throat and pain when swallowing, fever, cough, swollen lymph nodes in the neck and headache. The condition is usually not serious, but it can be painful and unpleasant for sufferers and in severe cases can prevent people from eating or even breathing properly. If left untreated, it can lead to complications. Antibiotics are prescribed only if bacterial infection is the cause of the disease. In case it is a viral causative agent, it is approached with more rest, sleep, hydration and strengthening immunity with the help of herbal remedies.

Angina (acute tonsillitis) - symptoms, causes and herbal remedies for angina

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Angina (acute tonsillitis) - symptoms, causes and herbal remedies

Бетина Цветкова

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Author: Rositsa Tashkova, Master of Molecular Biology and Microbiology

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About 2 million people worldwide die each year from liver disease. Unfortunately, the awareness of the deterioration of the liver comes only when it’s too late and symptoms are already showing. This makes preventive examinations especially important.

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The most common diseases of this organ are viral hepatitis (hepatitis B and C), cirrhosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NSCLC), steatosis, fibrosis, alcoholic liver disease (alcoholic hepatitis), liver cancer, liver failure. Not everyone knows that elevated blood cholesterol levels are also directly related to the liver.

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The liver is the main purifying organ in our body - it has the task of neutralizing toxins and harmful substances that enter the blood. This makes it particularly sensitive to the use of drugs and herbs, especially in some diseases. Therefore, consultation with your doctor is mandatory before you start taking any herb for liver problems to avoid potential hepatotoxicity and additional damage to this extremely important organ.

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IIn this article we will look at herbs that have been shown to help with some liver diseases:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Chronic hepatitis</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Fatty liver disease (hepatic steatosis)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cirrhosis</li>
</ul>

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Most of the information is taken from the scientific article "Current Status of Herbal Medicines in Chronic Liver Disease Therapy: The Biological Effects, Molecular Targets and Future Prospects", published in 2016 in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.&nbsp;[<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Current_Status_of_Herbal_Medicines_in_Chronic_Liver_Disease_Therapy_The_Biological_Effects_Molecular_Targets_and_Future_Prospects_26633388" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.1</a>]

Medicinal-plants-for-chronic-hepatitis

Medicinal plants for chronic hepatitis

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Chronic hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. It is usually caused by viral infections, autoimmune diseases, or toxic substances such as drugs or alcohol.

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Viral hepatitis is the most common liver disease. Over time, it can develop into fibrosis and cirrhosis. The causative agents are hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). Currently, more than 30% of the world's population is infected with HBV.

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) - the active substance of licorice is called glycyrrhizin. Various studies have established its various functions in protecting the liver - has an anti-inflammatory effect on the liver by several mechanisms, inhibits the release of viral particles in HCV infection, controls the reproduction of HBV [ref.2], lowers liver enzymes ALT and AST. It is important to keep in mind that prolonged use of licorice can lead to dangerous side effects, including high blood pressure and low levels of potassium in the blood.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) - the active substance of milk thistle, with effects on the liver, is silibinin. It is extracted from the seeds of the plant. Inhibits HCV and lowers ALT, AST and alkaline phosphatase levels in patients with chronic hepatitis. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/A_pilot_study_on_the_liver_protective_effect_of_silybin_phosphatidylcholine_complex_IdB1016_in_chronic_active_hepatitis_8225695" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.3</a>] Fortunately, no side effects from the use of milk thistle have been identified.</li>
</ul>

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Gale of the wind, Stonebreaker, or Seed-under-leaf (Phyllanthus niruri) - according to some studies, the aqueous extract of the plant can help with viral hepatitis B. Side effects are upper abdominal pain and diarrhea.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Baikal skullcap or Chinese skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) - the substance baikalin from the herb seems to accelerate the regeneration of liver cells and inhibits the onset of programmed cell death (apoptosis).</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Mongolian milkvetch (Astragalus membranaceus)- the aqueous extract of the root of the herb can help with chronic viral hepatitis B and against the occurrence of liver fibrosis. There are no known side effects, but it may interact with some medications.</li>
</ul>

Medicinal-plants-for-fatty-liver-disease-(hepatic-steatosis)

Medicinal plants for fatty liver disease (hepatic steatosis)

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Hepatic obesity or steatosis is a reversible pathological process in which large vacuoles with triglyceride fat accumulate in the liver cells.

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Fatty liver disease is usually caused by excessive alcohol consumption or metabolic disorders such as obesity, insulin resistance and dyslipidemia.

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Alcoholic fatty liver disease (ALD) refers to alcohol-related steatosis, while nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (ALD) means that the primary cause of steatosis is not alcohol. Steatosis predisposes the liver to inflammation and fibrosis.

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In developed countries, fatty liver disease is the most common liver disease, the prevalence of which ranges from about 20% to 60%.

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For those with early stage non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, gradual weight loss is the only solution to prevent the progression of the disease.

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According to recent studies, some herbal products appear to have positive effects on this potentially reversible disease. Both laboratory and clinical studies have suggested that medicinal plants may have a moderate benefit in its treatment.

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cardus marianus, Milk thistle, Blessed milk thistle, Marian thistle, Mary thistle, Saint Mary's thistle, Mediterranean milk thistle, variegated thistle, and Scotch thistle (Silybum marianum) - after intake of white thistle seed extract, a decrease of hepatic steatosis was observed in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in ultrasound results.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Baikal skullcap or Chinese skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis)- according to a clinical trial, the root of Baikal hellebore has a protective effect in alcoholic fatty liver disease&nbsp;[<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0041008X11003978?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.4</a>]. In laboratory animals, intake of the herb root extract has been shown to reduce the level of total serum cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, ALT and AST and increase the level of serum HDL-cholesterol.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum)&nbsp;- the aqueous extract of the plant has been found to suppress the accumulation of cholesterol and triglycerides and prevent oxidative stress. According to a clinical trial, it lowers serum AST, ALP, insulin, lowers body fat index and insulin resistance index [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/The_add_on_effects_of_Gynostemma_pentaphyllum_on_nonalcoholic_fatty_liver_disease_16708768" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.5</a>].</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) - In laboratory animals, apricots have been found to have the potential to suppress hepatic steatosis through their antioxidant action and reduced serum AST and ALT levels.&nbsp;[<a href="https://www.wjgnet.com/1007-9327/full/v18/i31/4118.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.6</a>]</li>
</ul>

Medicinal-plants-against-liver-cirrhosis

Medicinal plants against liver cirrhosis

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Cirrhosis is a condition in which the liver does not function properly due to long-term damage, it is an extreme complication of chronic liver disease.

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According to a study in Germany, the most common etiologies of liver cirrhosis are associated with alcoholic liver disease (52%), chronic hepatitis C (28%) or hepatitis B (14%) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (6%).

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The pathological hallmark of cirrhosis is the development of fibrosis, which replaces the normal parenchyma. Fibrosis means that non-functional tissue accumulates in the liver, as a scar remains when wounds heal.

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The most effective way to fight cirrhosis is prevention, as the disease is irreversible in itself.

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In this case, the seeds of Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) and the roots of Baikal skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis), Licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis), red sage, Chinese sage, tan shen, or danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza), and East Asian arrowroot, kudzu (Pueraria lobata) have shown beneficial effects. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Current_Status_of_Herbal_Medicines_in_Chronic_Liver_Disease_Therapy_The_Biological_Effects_Molecular_Targets_and_Future_Prospects_26633388" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.1</a>]

Q&amp;A

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Where is the liver located?

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The liver is a large organ located mainly in the upper right abdomen, below the diaphragm and above the stomach.

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When can you feel liver pain?

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With liver pain, most people feel a dull, throbbing sensation in the upper right abdomen. Liver pain can also be felt as a stabbing sensation that takes your breath away. Sometimes this pain is accompanied by swelling or pain that spreads to the back or right shoulder blade.

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The causes of liver pain are the same that were discussed in the article above, but also others: viral hepatitis, alcoholic cirrhosis, liver steatosis, abscess or cyst in the liver, Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome, Bud-Chiari syndrome, thrombosis of the portal vein, liver cancer, liver injury or gallstones.

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What are the symptoms of liver diesease?

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Liver disease is not always associated with noticeable signs and symptoms. If they do occur, this may include:

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<ul>
<li>Skin and eyes that look yellowish (jaundice),</li>
<li>Abdominal pain and swelling,</li>
<li>Swelling of the legs and ankles,</li>
<li>Dark color of urine,</li>
<li>Pale stool color,</li>
<li>Chronic fatigue,</li>
<li>Itchy skin,</li>
<li>Easy bruising,</li>
<li>Nausea or vomiting,</li>
<li>Loss of appetite.</li>
</ul>

abscess

The liver does not hurt. Which are the herbs that can improve its health in the case of hepatitis, steatosis, and cirrhosis