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Preterm Labour and Birth - Reasons, Signs & Treatment
Throughout the entire cycle of pregnancy, a baby proceeds through multiple stages of growths, right up to the very final weeks of the due date. However, there might be scenarios that labour is induced and the baby is born before it has had a chance to grow fully.
What is Premature Birth?
If a baby is born before it completes the requisite 37 weeks of pregnancy, such a birth is generally termed as a premature birth.
If a baby is born around the 35th week of pregnancy, he generally does not have any serious issues. A small percentage of such babies may develop some respiratory related difficulties.
If a baby is born earlier than the 35th week but has completed 28 weeks of pregnancy, he still has its internal organs struggling to cope with the demands of a real life. He is generally very weak and find extreme difficulty in suckling milk or breathing properly.
But if a baby is born before 28 weeks of pregnancy are completed, the chances of it surviving are very low. Even the ones that do manage to survive develop complications and disabilities that can be debilitating ahead in life.
How Common is it?
Out of 100 babies that are born in India, nearly 13 babies are born prematurely. The number of premature births here constitutes for about a quarter of premature births taking place in the entire world.
What Causes Premature Childbirth?
The reasons for premature birth range from medical factors to social and lifestyle choices and cannot be conclusively pinpointed on a specific factor as such.
The presence of twins in the uterus can slightly raise chances of a premature birth.
A weak cervix is also known to cause preterm labour.
If there is a bacterial infection inside the mother’s vagina, it could be a trigger to induce premature birth.
If the mother bleeds heavily during pregnancy, the body could react to it by inducing premature birth.
Certain abnormalities of the uterus could be a possible reason as well.
A history of previous abortions is a known reason for having a premature birth later.
If the mother has had miscarriages previously in early stages of pregnancy, they could be indicative of a premature birth for the current one.
The early breaking of the water is a strong sign as well.
If the mother has grown up in a violent family or has faced domestic violence, the chances of premature birth are slightly higher.
Any woman with a history of smoking and drug abuse is known to face preterm labour.
If the mother’s job involves long and arduous physical work, even during pregnancy, then the risk of premature delivery increase threefold.
Being underweight or overweight can further increase the risk of complications, including preterm labour.
Signs and Symptoms Premature Delivery
Preterm delivery symptoms can be recognised by observing the baby closely for specific signs.
The baby has a small sized body, but the head is extremely large and out of proportion.
The features of the baby can be instantly recognized. This is because of a lack of fat for the baby’s growth, leading to the development of sharp facial features.
The baby’s body is covered with a lot of fine hair.
Since the baby’s body lacks the necessary amount of fat of a full growth cycle, its body temperature would be comparatively lower, especially right after the birth.
The baby would struggle to breathe or seem to perpetually be in distress withdrawing in required amounts of air.
The reflexes that a baby requires being able to suck for food and swallow it would be weak or missing. This further leads to difficulties in feeding the baby.
Diagnosis of Premature Birth
In most cases, doctors prefer to know the entire history of your current pregnancy as well as any previous ones. Certain tests such as urine tests, vaginal swabs, blood tests, amniotic tests, might be conducted to check various biological factors of the pregnancy.
The cervix might be examined by the doctor to check if it has reduced and started opening. Once labour has begun, it cannot be stopped either by medical professionals or by forcing yourself to rest. In case you have not completed 34 weeks of your pregnancy, a drug to delay your delivery temporarily might be administered.
A dose of steroids would have to be given to allow the baby’s lungs to mature properly. Since the lungs are not fully developed until 36 weeks of the pregnancy are complete, premature delivery is bound to cause breathing problems for the infant. Steroids help them grow in a shorter duration of time.
Preterm Delivery Complications
Some complications that may arise during preterm delivery are,
1. Short-Term Complications
The weak respiratory system of the baby will result in breathing issues. If the lungs are missing the essential substance for expansion and contraction, termed as a surfactant, the baby might experience extreme respiratory distress. They may also develop lung disorders or have long pauses between their breaths, which is termed as apnea.
Premature babies may also have a heart defect when they are born. Certain defects such as PDA, where an opening that exists between the aorta and the pulmonary artery, does not close off on its own, other untreated defects can lead to heart failure in certain cases. Babies may have low blood pressure leading to injection of IV fluids, medicines, or carrying out blood transfusions.
If a baby is born very prematurely, he carries an extremely high risk of internal brain haemorrhage. Most of them are mild and do not have a large impact but the ones with a lot of internal bleeding might suffer from permanent brain injuries.
Premature babies lack the fat that is necessary to generate energy and maintain the body heat. Hence, they have trouble maintaining the right body temperature which can sometimes dip too low and cause hypothermia. This further leads to breathing problems and a drop in blood sugar levels. Sometimes, the infants use up all energy just to maintain the body temperature and fail to leave anything for other aspects of their growth. In such cases, an incubator is used for these babies to help them maintain proper body heat levels.
With immature gastric systems, premature babies face the risks of injuring cell linings in the bowels which can be a problem when they start feeding. Breastmilk is known to reduce chances of it.
Most premature newborns suffer from anaemia or jaundice since they lack a good amount of red blood cells. Also, the skin and eyes of the baby might be yellow coloured due to excess bilirubin in the blood.
Premature babies may suffer from hypoglycaemia due to improper metabolism. As compared to fully grown babies, premature babies do not have large enough stores of glucose within them. They also struggle with converting stored glucose to active glucose that is necessary for metabolic activities.
A major risk for premature babies is a heightened risk of infection, given that they have weak immunity. Any infection can instantly spread throughout the body through their bloodstream.
2. Long-Term Complications
When the blood flow to the infant’s brain is not enough, the brain fails to develop as needed which results in a disorder called as cerebral palsy. This affects the bodily movements, muscle mass, and the general posture. It could also be a result of an infection or an injury to the brain.
Most premature babies suffer from learning impairments causing them to not proceed at the pace of kids their age.
Certain premature kids are known to have a visual disease called as retinopathy. This is where blood vessels grow in the light-sensitive area behind the retina in humongous quantities. These, over time, may scar the retina and detach it. If left untreated, this can cause full vision impairment, leading to blindness.
Nearly all premature babies undergo a hearing test to check for hearing loss since that is one of the most common problems premature births have to face.
Late tooth emergence, discolouration of teeth, and misaligned teeth are issues that premature babies are at a higher risk of.
Beyond physical, premature babies can have certain psychological problems that can manifest later during their growth.
Most children who were born prematurely, constantly fall ill with infections, suffer from asthma, primarily due to weak immunity. Certain infants may also have a risk of SIDS, termed as sudden infant death syndrome, requiring immediate hospital care.
Treatment for Premature Birth
Some treatment options for premature birth are,
1. Supportive Care
An incubator will ensure that your baby is able to maintain a healthy body temperature throughout.
Vital signs of your baby would be monitored using various sensors attached to it. In case of breathing issues, a ventilator would be used for your baby.
Fluids and feeding might be conducted via an intravenous tube. Breastmilk would also be supplied externally through the tube until it is strong enough to start sucking it naturally.
Bodily fluid balance and minerals will be maintained and monitored by replenishing them intravenously.
If your baby is suffering from jaundice, he would be placed under special bilirubin lights. This helps break down the excess bilirubin in your baby’s blood. Your baby might wear an eye mask to sleep under those lights.
If multiple blood tests are being conducted or your baby has circulation issues, blood transfusions might be undertaken.
2. Medications
Surfactant might be administered to allow the lungs to function normally.
Aerosolized mist and IV medications would be used to strengthen the baby’s heart rate.
If ill and infected, antibiotics will be administered to the infant.
Diuretics might be utilized as well to maintain a good urine output.
The eye might be injected with medication to prevent retinopathy from occurring.
Certain medications to help heart defects from healing might be administered, too.
3. Surgery
Doctors might advise you to undertake surgery for your baby to treat certain complications. It is necessary to understand the risks associated with each and the necessity of each procedure as well.
4. How to Take Care of Your Baby at Home
Once your baby is breathing fine, has a good and stable body temperature, can breastfeed, has shown weight gain, and is healthy, doctors might allow you to take your child home. Certain precautions related to the living arrangements at home, the baby’s siblings if any, other relatives and additional pediatric care might be suggested by the nursing professionals.
How Can You Reduce Risk of Premature Childbirth?
As to how to prevent premature birth from taking place, even though the exact causes are unknown, certain precautions can help reduce those chances.
The presence of a short cervix or a history of premature delivery might require the use of progesterone supplements to reduce the risk of them happening again.
A surgical procedure, termed as a cervical cerclage, might be undertaken, where the cervix is closed to provide extra support to the uterus.
Premature Baby at Different Gestational Ages
For Boys
Gestational age
Weight
Length
Head circumference
40 weeks
7 lbs., 15 oz.
(3.6 kg)
20 in. (51 cm)
13.8 in. (35 cm)
35 weeks
5 lbs., 8 oz.
(2.5 kg)
18.1 in. (46 cm)
12.6 in. (32 cm)
32 weeks
3 lbs., 15.5 oz.
(1.8 kg)
16.5 in. (42 cm)
11.6 in. (29.5 cm)
28 weeks
2 lbs., 6.8 oz.
(1.1 kg)
14.4 in. (36.5 cm)
10.2 in. (26 cm)
24 weeks
1 lb., 6.9 oz.
(0.65 kg)
12.2 in. (31 cm)
8.7 in. (22 cm)
For Girls
Gestational age
Weight
Length
Head circumference
40 weeks
7 lbs., 7.9 oz.
(3.4 kg)
20 in. (51 cm)
13.8 in. (35 cm)
35 weeks
5 lbs., 4.7 oz.
(2.4 kg)
17.7 in. (45 cm)
12.4 in. (31.5 cm)
32 weeks
3 lbs., 12 oz.
(1.7 kg)
16.5 in. (42 cm)
11.4 in. (29 cm)
28 weeks
2 lbs., 3.3 oz.
(1.0 kg)
14.1 in. (36 cm)
9.8 in. (25 cm)
24 weeks
1 lb., 5.2 oz.
(0.60 kg)
12.6 in. (32 cm)
8.3 in. (21 cm)
Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premature-birth/symptoms-causes/syc-20376730Source
Premature birth is unavoidable if it is bound to happen. However, with certain precautionary measures, and being prepared to handle any unforeseen consequences, one can ensure a healthy delivery of the baby and help the child lead a normal life no matter what.
Also read: Helping Your Premature Baby Gain Weight Read more
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Causes of Infertility in Males & Females
A couple is diagnosed as infertile if their efforts toward attaining a pregnancy have been unsuccessful over the course of one year. For a newlywed couple looking to start a family, infertility can be outright devastating.
Reasons of Infertility in Females
Cyclical ovulation and menses, and the changes that are triggered when the womb accepts the sperm are extremely complex, and can be affected by lots of different factors. An unfortunate physiological slip-up in any of these complex processes is what causes female infertility.
1. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Also known as PCOS, it is one of the leading causes of infertility in women.
What is it?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that can affect women during their childbearing years, which falls in the range of 15 to 44 (approximately), and affects the woman's ovaries.
Possible Signs Include:
Irregular periods with heavy flow (caused by uterus lining building up over a longer time).
Presence of high levels of male hormones causes extra hair growth on the face, back and chest while also triggering male pattern baldness.
Weight gain and formation of dark patches which is caused by insulin resistance which often accompanies PCOS.
Other signs include headaches and acne.
Treatment:
Persons with PCOS are prescribed birth control pills to regularise periods. This is accompanied by medication to combat insulin resistance and cholesterol. Lifestyle changes and hormonal therapy could reverse some signs of PCOS.
Success Rate:
Unfortunately, there is no specific cure for PCOS yet. Reversing the imbalance of hormones through medication and lifestyle changes can increase one’s chances of becoming pregnant. The effects of these vary from person to person.
2. Hypothalamic Amenorrhea
Hypothalamic Amenorrhea refers to an impairment in the functioning of the hypothalamus leading to infertility.
What is it?
The hypothalamus is a gland that regulates the production of hormones in the body. The hypothalamus is easily affected by factors such as stress, diet, sudden weight gain or loss and over-exercise. This can lead to a situation where the menstrual cycle of women is affected, leading to problems such as infertility.
Possible Signs:
Increase in appetite
Cold chills
Poor sex drive
Depression
Treatment:
A lifestyle change is needed to address the problem and is usually the first step in treatment. Hormonal therapy, using injections is another option for treatment. In Vitro fertilization of the egg is the safest method of dealing with this condition.
Success Rate:
Hypothalamic Amenorrhea is reversible, and success rates for attaining pregnancy are quite good.
3. Premature Ovarian Failure
Premature Ovarian Failure is a condition where there is a lack of a sufficient number of eggs being produced.
What is it?
A condition experienced by women under the age of 40, it is caused by the poor production of oestrogen. Please note that this should not be confused with premature menopause. Menopause is the complete cessation of egg production leading to infertility. Premature ovarian failure, on the other hand, is dysfunctional or insufficient egg production.
Possible Signs:
The symptoms of Premature Ovarian Failure include:
Vaginal dryness
Lowered sex drive
Hot flashes and night sweats
Irregular periods
Treatment:
Treatment for this condition addresses the insufficiency of oestrogen that arises from the condition. IVF is also a viable treatment option.
Success Rate:
Unlike menopause, there are instances where women still experience menstrual bleeding and conception is possible.
4. Overproduction of Prolactin
Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland.
What is it?
If prolactin production is higher than normal, it will suppress the production of oestrogen, which in turn affects the regularity of one’s menstrual cycle and fertility.
Possible Signs:
Irregular or no periods
Vaginal dryness
The growth of hair on face and body, accompanied by acne.
Milky discharge from breasts (though the person is not lactating)
Treatment:
This condition can be treated by medication and even surgery. The drug Bromocriptine is used for women who suffer this condition and want to boost their fertility.
Success Rate:
The normal pituitary function can be restored, and fertility regained in most cases.
5. Tubal Infertility
As the name suggests, it concerns the fallopian tube.
What is it?
A block in your fallopian tube or a damaged fallopian tube will hinder the transfer of egg from your ovary to the womb, affecting one’s normal menstrual cycle.
Possible Signs:
Irregular periods and in some cases, lower abdominal pain may indicate a block or damage in fallopian tubes.
Treatment:
Blocked fallopian tubes can be treated by operation. Damaged tubes are not easily repairable and doing so poses a risk for further complications.
Success Rate:
Success in achieving pregnancy after treatment for blocked fallopian tubes is guaranteed. In-Vitro fertilization is recommended to avoid the risk of complications of a damaged fallopian tube.
6. Endometriosis
Endometriosis usually affects the fallopian tubes, ovaries and other tissues in the pelvic region.
What is it?
The Endometrium tissue is a mucous membrane tissue that lines the uterus and is required for the implantation of the egg. When the Endometrium tissue grows outside the uterus, it results in Endometriosis. When the tissue grows in the ovaries, it can lead to the formation of ovarian cysts which can affect fertility.
Possible Signs:
Painful periods
Pain with intercourse
Pain with urination and bowel movements
Heavy bleeding during periods and sometimes bleeding between periods
Treatment:
As endometriosis is caused by an overabundance of oestrogen, hormone therapy is the definitive treatment for it, barring surgery. Patients will also need pain relief medication.
Success Rate:
Opting for in vitro fertilization is advised over constructive surgery. Doctors also advise women suffering from this condition to opt for pregnancy earlier rather than later as the condition could worsen over time, impairing their ability to carry a pregnancy to term.
Reasons for Male Infertility
Inability to conceive a child may subject a man to guilt and shame. It also comes with some societal stigma despite the fact that many people may are unaware of what causes male infertility. However, there are many forms of infertility that can be treated.
1. Varicocele
If you feel a sharp growing pain in your testicles you may be experiencing varicocele.
What is it?
Varicocele is a condition where the veins surrounding the testicles in the scrotum get enlarged and hinder the quality of one’s sperm.
Possible Signs:
Varicocele shows almost no outward signs in most cases. It may sometimes cause pain in and around the testis. This pain appears in the following ways:
Varies from sharp to dull
Increases with a long time spent standing or doing physical activity
Pain can be relieved only while lying down
Treatment:
Mild forms of varicocele do not need treatment and may not cause an inability to conceive. If the condition becomes painful, surgery is used to treat it.
Success Rate:
If treated surgically, the alleviation of varicocele can improve the quality of one’s sperm and bolster one’s ability to father a child. Varicocele is considered to be effectively reversible.
2. Infection
Some infections can affect sperm quality, quantity, and delivery in men.
What is it?
An infection is caused by the action of foreign bodies such as virus and bacteria. Infections that cause male infertility are:
Mycoplasma
Tuberculosis
Gonorrhoea
Urinary tract Infections
Chlamydia
Treatment:
Treatments for genital infections vary depending on the nature of the infection.
Success Rate:
Most infections can be treated and reversed with proper medical care. If one suspects an infection, they should seek help immediately, as its development and the damages it causes over time may prove irreversible.
3. Retrograde Ejaculation
This is related to the improper ejaculation of the semen.
What is it?
Certain conditions may cause a man’s semen to enter the bladder instead of being released out through the penis.
Possible Signs:
Little to no semen ejaculated during orgasm.
Cloudy urine after orgasm, caused by semen in the bladder.
Treatment:
Medications may help somewhat in correcting the problem, where it is caused by nerve damage.
Success Rate:
Retrieving sperm, in order to use it for In Vitro fertilization, effectively bypasses the problem of infertility caused due to retrograde ejaculation.
4. Tumours
These include benign and malignant tumours.
What is it?
The swelling of a part of a body without any considerable inflammation, and when is caused by the abnormal growth of tissue, is called a tumour. Tumours growing near different glands in the body that control the creation of hormones could push into the glands, affecting their release of hormones.
Possible Signs:
The growth of a tumour inside the scrotum can be scanned physically. Internal tumours may be harder to locate.
Treatment:
Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are all used to treat tumours.
Success Rate:
Non-malignant tumours can be removed by surgery and are highly unlikely to cause long-term damage to one’s fertility. Cancer patients who have been exposed to radiation or chemotherapy may need to wait for a while before sperm production is regained. The time taken in regaining fertility increases with the age of the patient.
5. Hormonal Imbalance
Just like women, men also suffer from hormonal imbalances.
What is it?
When hormones that influence sperm production are thrown off the normal range of required quantity, it could cause infertility.
Possible Signs:
Symptoms of hormonal imbalances vary widely, and it is commonly diagnosed when seeking medical attention for infertility. Reasons that could cause hormonal imbalance range from genetics to lifestyle choices.
Treatment:
Hormonal therapy can help restore the proper balance of hormones in an affected person’s body.
Success Rate:
Treatment of hormonal imbalance has a high rate of success. However, restoring sperm production and potency may take a year or longer.
Female infertility causes and treatment differs from person to person and case to case. As despairing as coming to terms with such circumstances may be, please do not opt to rely on unscientific, “one cure for all” infertility treatments that could damage one’s health further. For men, sperm production, delivery and quality are all factors that determine male fertility. Most can be treated with surgery or medication. As long as production of viable sperm hasn’t been determinedly disqualified, options such as IVF can provide solutions.
Also Read: Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) Process for Infertility Treatment Read more
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Remedies to Try at Home to Get Rid of Bad Breath
Having bad breath is quite an unpleasant situation in any social interaction, and most people get by without knowing what to do about it. Medically known as Halitosis, bad breath can make people self-conscious and embarrassed while talking to others. Although the cause of Halitosis is varied, there are a number of simple solutions that can treat most causes that lead to it.
Home Remedies for Bad Breath
Here are some natural remedies for bad breath that are well within everybody’s reach.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Gargling with apple cider vinegar or using it as mouth wash is beneficial for treating bad breath in general.
What You Will Need
2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
One glass of cold water
What To Do
Prepare the mouthwash by mixing 2 tablespoons of vinegar in a glass of cold water.
Swish the solution in your mouth for a minute.
Gargle with the solution for 3 to 5 minutes.
Do this once in the morning and once before going to bed.
How It Works
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has antibacterial properties which kill bacteria that are responsible for bad breath throughout the night or during the day. ACV also restores the pH balance in the mouth.
2. Activated Charcoal
Brushing with activated charcoal not only cures bad breath but also makes your teeth sparkling clean.
What You Will Need
Half a teaspoon of activated charcoal
A toothbrush
What To Do
With a wet toothbrush scoop some of the activated charcoal and apply it over your teeth.
Brush your teeth gently for 3 to 5 minutes.
Rinse the mouth thoroughly to remove all charcoal.
Brush with normal toothpaste if required.
Use this technique 2 to 3 times a week until the bad breath resolves.
How It Works
Activated charcoal is good at absorbing impurities in the mouth and scrubbing away plaque buildup. It kills bacteria while making your teeth whiter.
3. Coconut Oil
Using coconut oil is a simple and old technique to fight bad breath.
What You Will Need
1 or 2 tablespoons of virgin coconut oil
What To Do
Swish the virgin coconut oil in your mouth for 5 to 10 minutes and spit it out.
Rinse the mouth with lukewarm water to remove oil.
Repeat this once every day until the bad breath is gone.
How It Works
Coconut oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that discourage the growth of bacteria in the mouth.
4. Epsom Salt
Epsom salt has a remarkable ability to fight bad breath.
What You Will Need
1 teaspoon of Epsom salt
One glass of lukewarm water
What To Do
Gargle for 3 to 5 minutes with the salt water.
Gargle with the salt solution every day for a few days. Then gargle every alternate day as your bad breath problem resolves.
How It Works
Gargling with salt water makes the mouth and throat produce excessive saliva and water that flushes all bacteria out. Epsom salt also has antibacterial properties that kill bacteria responsible for bad odour in the mouth.
5. Fennel Seeds
This is a simple remedy that many people use without being fully aware of its advantages.
What You Will Need
1 teaspoon of fennel seeds
What To Do
Chew the fennel seeds and swallow them, preferably after meals.
This remedy can be used whenever required.
How It Works
Fennel seeds are a basic part of Indian culinary culture as they are very effective in resolving bad breath. Offered after most meals, chewing on the seeds freshens the breath and resolves any infection in the mouth that might cause bad breath.
6. Green Tea
Green tea along with its nutritional benefits is also effective in treating bad breath.
What You Will Need
Green tea bags
A cup of hot water
Honey
What To Do
As with all green tea preparation, steep the bag in the cup of hot water for a few minutes.
Add one teaspoon of honey for a sweeter taste.
Drink 1 to 3 cups of green tea every day.
How It Works
Green tea has phytochemicals that have a strong antibacterial effect that can eliminate odour-causing bacteria. Having a cup of green tea in the morning instead of tea or coffee made out of a milk can help one get rid of bad breath effectively.
7. Guavas
This highly nutritious fruit is not only great for your immunity but can also for bad breath problem.
What You Will Need
One unripe guava
What To Do
Eat guava anytime during the day.
You can also cut it into slices and sprinkle some pepper and salt for extra flavour.
Eat this fruit every day or a few times a week.
How It Works
Guavas are loaded with Vitamin C, Malic acid, tannic acid and oxalate which is a perfect remedy for mouth ailments such as bleeding gums, sensitive teeth, and bad breath. Chewing on the fruit keep the teeth clean and healthy.
8. Saltwater
Gargling and rinsing your mouth using salt water is one of the best ways if you are wondering how to get rid of bad breath permanently.
What You Will Need
1 tablespoon of salt
1 glass of lukewarm water
What To Do
Mix the salt and water to make a solution.
Gargle with the solution and rinse the mouth.
Do it twice a day.
How It Works
Saltwater flushes out bacteria in the mouth and throat which causes bad odour. It also neutralises the pH of the mouth.
9. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a very effective gargling solution to get rid of bad breath.
What You Will Need
A few drops of tea tree oil
One glass of lukewarm water
What To Do
Add 1-2 drops of tea tree oil to one glass of lukewarm water and stir well.
Gargle with the solution for 3 to 5 minutes.
Repeat this every day until the bad breath is cured.
How It Works
Tea tree oil is a powerful antibacterial and antioxidant. The oil works against many different types of bacteria to kill them. A few drops of the oil can also be added to your toothpaste in the morning while brushing your teeth.
10. Cardamom
Cardamom is another popular and natural mouth freshener that’s effective against bad breath.
What You Will Need
1 cardamom pod
What To Do
You can either chew on the pod whole or peel the pod and chew the seeds.
You can chew it after having a meal with heavy garlic or onions or other strong flavours.
How It Works
Cardamom has long been used in India as it acts as a natural aromatic freshener for the mouth. The aroma of cardamom seeds masks bad breath and acts as a deodoriser.
Additional Tips to Stop Bad Breath
Below are a few additional tips on how to treat bad breath.
1. Brush Regularly
Brush your teeth at least twice a day to keep them clean of food particles that can get lodged in the gaps. Clean the tongue along with the palate as these are also areas where bacteria accumulate and grow.
2. Use Chewing Gum
Chewing sugar-free gum after meals is an excellent way to avoid bad breath. Along with containing mouth freshening flavours, gums promote the circulation of saliva which keeps the mouth clean.
3. Use a Mouthwash
If you’re wondering how to get rid of bad breath quickly, look no further than a good mouth wash. pH-balanced mouthwashes are excellent in giving an instant remedy from bad breath.
4. Rinse Your Mouth After Meals
If you cannot brush your teeth after a meal, rinse the mouth with fresh water to get rid of lingering food particles in the teeth.
5. Stay Hydrated
A dry mouth is one of the most common causes of bad breath. Keep sipping water every now and then to keep your mouth hydrated.
By maintaining good oral hygiene, bad breath can be kept at bay. Simple habits such as rinsing the mouth or chewing gum after meals can go a long way in keeping the mouth fresh.
Also Read:
Useful Home Remedies for Acidity
Home Remedies for Dengue and Malaria
Effective Home Remedies for Cracked Heels Read more
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Well This Changes Everything (A New Mom's Confusion Post Delivery)
I casually took the test one day, and the 2nd line was so faint that I peed on it a little more for it to give me the news. Although still faint, boy did that line smack me right where it had to...right in the face. Then it all began. I had the chance and behaved like a complete baby. I saw the shots and took them and excelled at being irrational. Drove the big guy crazy with my pregnant mind games of mood swings, food cravings and other cravings ? Big guy got his way as well when he wanted his baby girl to listen to classical music through the placenta (btw dint know what it was or if it were some fancy word to describe a mundane flower). So he had me take music lessons till I was panting to sing the Aarohana of Kalyaani Raagam(very cool Raagam to be honest). You know what moms say right.. girls take after their dads.. well I didn't have high hopes for this child ? baby shower was a jackpot! The free stuff came in like pink confetti. Well soon I was in the hospital. When the big guy saw the nurse unpacking the pink baby stuff, he couldn't wait for her to arrive. Well.. it was D day, and I was on the table when only one thought kept crossing my mind when they were cutting me up. How much it seemed like fruit ninja(the game), except I was the fruit. Now I like to be surprised but, how did my baby girl have a little dangler down there?? I had no idea for a minute there!!
" Oh BOY ??"
P.S. just so I'm clear, it is a boy. Yeah. That's it.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
16 hours ago
Q. i am 39 week of pregnant and having AFI level of 8 is this normal?and is delivery possible for me?
Dr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
9 hours ago
A. yes. better to show to specialist always as they get the correct diagnosis. try to avoid self and extra medication that will only complicate this and create more damage to the childdo ultrasound n necessary tests after consulting a specialist. without proper check up we can't advise or help you.. Avoid shirt cuts when it comes to health if mother n baby. ok.
Vandana Sharma has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
10 hours ago
Q. please tale me how much dengerous for may 7 days old baby and she was 2.9 kg.
Vandana Sharma
Nutritionist
9 hours ago
A. Hello mom the blood sugar level of baby is quite low , could say hypoglycemia as well .
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
9 hours ago
Q. hlw hospital bag main baby nd mom ke liye kiya kiya le jana chahiye???
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
9 hours ago
A. hospital bag mein baby ke essentials Deni hogi aap YouTube per dekh sakte hain. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
8 hours ago
Q. my last period was on 29 February 2024 according to which I am 8 weeks 4 days pregnant but my usg scan shows 7 weeks 3 days
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
8 hours ago
A. For this purpose I’d like to tell you plus -1 or two weeks is completely normal to be seen during ultrasound till the time doctor does not say anything in order of you need to worry about the don’t worry like I said this can be commonly seen in one plus or 2+ weeks or minus weeks is fine
Ashima Malhotra has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
8 hours ago
Q. Am craving to have a burger at McDonald’s. Am 15 week pregnant.
Is it safe to have
Ashima Malhotra
Mom of a 10 m old boy
7 hours ago
A. avoid it
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
7 hours ago
Q. It's my 12th week of pregnancy but last night I noticed some bleeding. So, my doctor prescribed Duphaston for 2 weeks. Is there anything to worry about? Please guide me.
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
7 hours ago
A. at present take rest and use medicines as advised by the doctor. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
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