About Me

Testing, Testing 123: Phlebotomy Basics

When my mother underwent chemotherapy, we spent a lot of time visiting the phlebotomy lab for blood testing. I was always impressed by how easily the phlebotomist was able to find and puncture a vein to draw blood on the first try. I knew there had to be a method to it, and was astounded by how effortless and painless they made the process. It led me to research a lot about blood tests, from drawing to the actual screening. I've created this site to share what I've learned in the hopes of teaching others. The more you understand, the more control you can have over your own health care.

Search

Latest Posts

Tags

Testing, Testing 123: Phlebotomy Basics

Are You Constantly Coming Down With Minor Health Issues? 3 Tips To Break The Cycle Of Frequent Allergies And Infections

by Francisco Arnold

When it comes to your health, it sometimes seems like one minor illness sometimes brings on a flood of other problems. Although it is irritating to constantly feel unwell, you do have some options for regaining control over your health. Naturally, your first step is to seek out the advice of a trusted physician to get an accurate diagnosis and recommendations for things such as cold treatments. Once you do that, you can then use these tips to begin breaking the cycle or frequent health issues.

Explore Possible Connections

Sometimes, one health issue triggers another. For instance, your allergies could cause things such as sinus congestion and overproduction of mucus. If the mucus is thick and cannot run out of your nose, then the dark, moist conditions of your nasal cavity combined with bacteria can lead to you developing the symptoms of a cold or sinus infection. Alternatively, the mucus from allergies could run into your lungs and trigger a cough. Try to note how and when your symptoms began. You can then provide your doctor with this information for a more accurate diagnosis, and you can also use this knowledge to prevent a cold in the future. Getting a handle on early allergy symptoms may help you avoid having them turn into a full-on bacterial infection.

Consider Environmental Factors

There are also things that happen in your environment that could be making you sick. For instance, urinary tract infections are more common when hot indoor and outdoor conditions lead to a greater risk for dehydration. In some cases, allergies to laundry detergents or soaps can trigger symptoms that are similar to what you experience with a bladder infection. Try to take a look at the whole picture to figure out if something may be making you feel unwell that you haven't noticed.

Focus On Boosting You Immune System

Being sick taxes your immune system. While your body is fighting off one thing, it may not have the defenses it needs to battle another. Try to make healthy choices such as getting enough rest, drinking plenty of water, and exercising to help increase the efficiency of your body's immune system. You may also need to take supplements containing vitamins or probiotics to help give your immune system a boost until the cycle of illnesses is fully broken.

When you get that dreaded cough or sniffle, you don't have to let it turn into weeks of feeling unwell. Instead, address your symptoms and do some detective work to find the real underlying cause. Soon, you'll feel better and know what to do the next time a minor symptom arises.

Share