Refresh Optive Mega-3 Lubricant Eye Drops For Dry Eyes, Preservative-Free, 0.01 Fl Oz Single-Use Containers, 30 Count

 Refresh Optive Mega-3 Lubricant Eye Drops For Dry Eyes, Preservative-Free, 0.01 Fl Oz Single-Use Containers, 30 Count

•     Preservative-free moisture-rich formula; On-the-go single use vials
•     Designed to relieve eye dryness that may be due to Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.
•     Delivers advanced hydration and lubrication
•     Supports all three tear film layers
•     Helps prevent tears from evaporating
•     The only eye drop in the U.S. with Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium, Glycerin, and Flaxseed Oil (an inactive ingredient)
•     Hydrocell technology enables hydration and maintains the volume of cells on the ocular surface
•     The Number 1 selling brand in preservative-free artificial tears; IRI Artificial tears preservative-free dollar and unit sales by manufacturer, 52 weeks ending 11/29/20

Dry eye

What is dry eye?
We say that we are facing a dry eye when there are no tears in sufficient quantity and quality to keep the eyes lubricated, and the problem may affect only one eye (unilateral) or, then, both eyes (bilateral). In most cases, the problem affects both eyes.

In certain occasions or circumstances, the eye may be dry without any eye problem or eye disease. Pollution, overexposure to the sun, wind, exposure to air conditioning or environments that somehow make the air drier, are factors that can act as facilitators in the evaporation of tears and, in this way, cause dryness in the eyes. .

Watching television for long periods or frequent use of a computer, mobile phone, tablets, and other digital devices also causes dry eye. This fact is related to the difference between the number of times that we “blink” our eyes in a usual way and when we use this type of devices. In addition to these, other factors may be at the root of the problem. See more information on factors that contribute to dry eye and prevention.

In some patients there may be an eye problem (pathology) that causes dry eye, as we will see below.

Dry eye syndrome
In dry eye syndrome or dry eye disease, there is not enough tears produced, or even though the tears are sufficient, they do not have the quality necessary to keep the eyes lubricated.

Tears also aim to protect the eye surface from infections and harmful effects of the environment. These contain vitamins, minerals, proteins and lipids. The presence of all these substances allows to obtain quality tears to hydrate, feed and lubricate the cornea.

Tears are produced by the tear glands, located behind the upper eyelid. With blinking, they spread and make the corneal surface shiny and transparent, forming the tear film.

The tear film consists of three layers: lipid, aqueous and mucin. The lipid layer is the outermost layer and prevents the evaporation of the tear, the innermost layer is the mucin and allows the tear film to stick to the cornea, in turn, the thickest layer is the watery layer and consists of water.

The eye can be considered dry not only due to the lack of sufficient quantity of these constituents, but also when the quality is altered. The eye may be dry not only due to the quantity of these constituents but also if the quality is altered.

Thus, if the diagnosis of dry eye syndrome is confirmed, the patient, as he has poor eye lubrication, the eye suffers a kind of aggression, even trauma, with blinking.

When dry eyes occur upon waking up, this problem is likely to be related to dry eye syndrome or disease, that is, there is a decrease in the amount of tears, essentially in the basal production, or deficiency in the quality of the same, namely, alteration of the lipid layer or the mucin of the tear film.

Dry eye symptoms
In dry eye, one of the most frequent symptoms is redness and burning or itchy eyes . The p excessive tears roduction ( " watery eyes "), al excessive eye rritação (smoke or wind) eod esconforto and complications with the use of contact lenses are also the most frequent signs and symptoms in dry eye.

Patients typically report that their eyes are dry and red, accompanied by burning. Blurred or "blurred" vision can occur , fundamentally, at the end of the day. In some situations there may be pain in the eyes that can be more severe in the most severe cases.

Patients who suffer from dry eye syndrome experience several signs and symptoms that can cause a lot of discomfort, fundamentally, in the presence of severe dry eye.

Causes of dry eye
The most frequent causes of dry eye are: age, menopause, use of a computer in a continuous or excessive way, air conditioning, use of contact lenses and some medications (diuretics, antihistamines, benzodiazepines, antidepressants, analgesics, contraceptives, in some eye diseases and in some systemic diseases, etc.). Dry eye can occur in people of both sexes and at any age, although the female sex is the most affected.

The diagnosis must be made by an ophthalmologist through tests that measure the quality and production of tears. The tests are quick, painless and non-invasive.

Is dry eye curable?
Dry eye syndrome has no cure . However, there are effective ways of controlling the disease that allow patients to restore their lives to a perfectly normal life. Next, learn how to treat dry eye.

Dry eye treatment
The treatment for dry eye essentially involves the use of artificial tears in drops ( eye drops ) placed in the eyes several times a day, as needed. Sometimes, the use of eye drops is not enough and it may be necessary to use anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, among others, for an effective control of the disease. In certain situations, the occlusion of the tear points is useful, avoiding the drainage of tears through the tear pathways, allowing their maintenance on the ocular surface.

The ophthalmologist, based on the observation and exams performed, will make the decision about the treatment for dry eye most appropriate for each patient.

Patients, in addition to medical treatment, should avoid contact with the risk factors mentioned above, such as prolonged and excessive use of the computer (taking breaks for example), avoiding air conditioning, etc.

Eye drops for dry eye
In the treatment of dry eye, several types of artificial tears ( eye drops ) are used , it is important to choose the best eye drops for an effective treatment. In these eye drops it is essential that no preservatives are present, since their use can cause serious eye allergies ( conjunctivitis ).

Counseling with the ophthalmologist (specialist in ophthalmology), on the correct use of eye drops for dry eyes, or other medication, is essential for an effective treatment.

Dry eyes - what to do?
In addition to the consultation with an ophthalmologist in order to make a possible diagnosis of dry eye syndrome, it is also necessary to take some preventive measures or "natural treatment" for the health of your eyes.

Changing habits when using a computer or other digital devices, choosing a monitor, adapting lighting in the workplace and at home, routines during the day or night, among others, are all measures that can help prevent or treat the problem of dry eyes.

Xlear Nasal Spray with Xylitol, All-Natural Saline Nasal Spray for Sinus Rinse & Sinus Relief 1.5 fl oz

Xlear Nasal Spray with Xylitol, All-Natural Saline Nasal Spray for Sinus Rinse & Sinus Relief 1.5 fl oz
 

•     NATURAL SALINE SOLUTION & NASAL RINSE: Our nasal saline spray will gently clean and moisturize the sinus tissues. Unlike other normal saline nasal sprays our spray can also decongest the sinuses by targeting the primary causes of nasal congestion. Our nose spray will help reduce tissue swelling from pollen, pollution, bacteria, and other irritants.
•     SAFE NASAL RINSE & SPRAY: Our all-natural nasal cleaner is safe for kids, non-addictive, Non-GMO Project Verified and is effective without the use of steroids, drugs, or chemicals. It is the ideal daily sinus medicine that will reduce swelling and open your airways. Using our saline nose spray before bed may reduce snoring.
•     IMPROVED FORMULA WITH XYLITOL: Our patented saline nasal spray solution may reduce tissue inflammation and naturally open airways. Xylitol's powerful oral and upper respiratory health benefits come from its unique five-carbon structure. Xylitol may help reduce swelling and allergy symptoms by reducing bacterial adhesion on your nasal tissue.
•     EASY TO USE DIRECTIONS: Clear the nasal passageway by gently blowing your nose before using Xlear. Prime the pump by holding the sinus rinse bottle upright and pumping one or more times until the saline solution is dispensed. Insert nozzle into nostril and depress pump completely while breathing in through your nose. Spray each nostril 2-4 times and use at least twice daily.
•     WASH AWAY POLLUTANTS: Our natural saline nasal spray can wash away pollutants and help to bring sinus relief. Use our sinus spray daily to protect and keep your nasal passages clean. Each 1.5 oz bottle delivers approx. 240 fine mist Sprays so you can find fast and quick relief.

SYNUSITIS - SYMPTOMS, CAUSES AND TREATMENT

WHAT IS SINUSITIS?
Sinusitis, or sinusopathy, is the name given to inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, also known as the sinuses.

Sinusitis can result from viral, bacterial or fungal infections, allergies or immune system problems, including autoimmune diseases .

Sinusitis is usually accompanied by rhinitis , which is inflammation of the nasal cavity, causing a condition called rhinosinusitis. In most cases, rhinosinusitis is caused by respiratory viruses, such as rhinovirus, influenza virus and parainfluenza virus.

WHAT ARE PARANASAL SINUSES?
Paranasal sinuses, also called nasal sinuses or sinuses, are air-filled cavities within the skull and face bones, which communicate with the nasal cavity.

There are four number of paranasal sinuses, namely:

• Frontal sinus.
• Ethmoidal sinus.
• Sphenoid sinus.
• Maxillary sinus

The sinuses are important anatomical structures, as they perform the following functions:

• Humidification and heating of the air breathed through the nose.
• Increased voice resonance.
• Balance of intracranial pressures when there are variations in atmospheric pressure (dives, plane trips or high altitude climbs).
• Mucus secretion for protection of the upper airways.
• Impact absorption in cases of trauma (hollow materials absorb more impact than solid materials).
• The paranasal sinuses are bilateral and symmetrical, connected to the nasal cavity through small holes through which the mucus produced is drained.

Allergies or flu, for example, cause edema of the nasal mucosa and increased secretions, easily obstructing the drainage of the sinuses. The inability to drain the mucus produced leads to sinus congestion and, consequently, sinusitis.

TYPES
Sinusitis can affect any of the 4 paranasal sinuses, and can be bilateral or unilateral.

Sinusopathy can be classified into:

• Acute sinusitis : when symptoms last less than 4 weeks.
• Subacute sinusitis : when symptoms last between 4 and 12 weeks
• Chronic sinusitis : when symptoms last more than 12 weeks.
• Recurrent sinusitis : when there are 4 or more episodes of sinusitis during the year.
• The vast majority of acute sinus infections are of viral or allergic origin, but it is not uncommon for them to turn into bacterial sinusitis.

It turns out that the obstruction and stasis of mucus in the sinuses favor the proliferation of bacteria that live quietly in the airways. The patient, therefore, may have an initial case of allergic or viral sinusitis that after a few days can turn into a bacterial sinusitis.

Bacterial sinusitis that is not completely cured can progress to chronic sinusitis.

SYMPTOMS
The main symptoms of acute sinusitis are:

• Nasal congestion .
• Purulent nasal discharge (yellowish coryza).
• Headache .
• Pain in the face.
• Pain in the upper dental arch.
• Pain around the eyes.
• Feeling of pressure when the head is lowered.
• Clogged ears,
• Cough (mostly nocturnal).
• Decreased taste and smell.
• Pain is common when pressure is placed on the sinuses with the fingers, especially in the frontal and maxillary sinuses, which are the most superficial.

Most cases of viral or allergic sinusitis improve spontaneously within 10 days. Mild bacterial sinusitis can also be self-limiting, but in the most symptomatic cases, with high fever and a purulent runny nose, the cure usually only comes with antibiotic treatment.

Bacterial sinusitis
When there is contamination of sinusitis by bacteria, fever is common. However, as the flu can trigger sinusopathy and also develop a fever, it is not always easy to distinguish between viral sinusitis and bacterial sinusitis. As already pointed out, sinus disease can start as a viral infection or an allergic condition and after a few days it turns into bacterial sinusitis.

In many cases it is not possible to distinguish between viral sinusitis and bacterial sinusitis in the first 10 days of illness.

The existence of an acute bacterial rhinosinusitis should be suspected in patients with any of the following characteristics:

• Signs or symptoms of acute sinusitis lasting 10 days or more with no clinical improvement.
• Onset of the condition already with more severe symptoms, such as fever above 39ºC and purulent nasal discharge, lasting at least three consecutive days.
• Acute sinus disease that improves after a few days, but suddenly worsens again, with fever, pain in the face and a purulent runny nose.

COMPLICATIONS

As the sinuses are closely related to noble organs, such as eyes, ears and brain, bacterial sinusitis can lead to serious complications.

It is important to seek medical attention whenever there are the following signs of complication listed below:

• Fever above 39ºC.
• Edema or redness on the face.
• Edema and redness around the eyes.
• Double vision or any other visual change.
• Mental confusion.
• Very severe headache.
• Neck stiffness.
• Intense prostration.

Bacterial sinusitis, despite having a low mortality rate, is an infection that should not be overlooked, especially when there are the signs described above.

Among its possible complications we can mention the infection of the eyes, meningitis , brain abscess, infection of the bones of the face, otitis and labyrinthitis .

DIAGNOSIS
The diagnosis of sinusitis is almost always clinical, obtained through history and physical examination.

If the doctor you are attending is an otorhinolaryngologist, he can perform a rhinoscopy (nasal endoscopy) to try to directly view the paranasal sinuses and confirm the clinical suspicion.

X-ray of the sinuses
In case of doubt, imaging tests may be used. The radiography of the sinuses, widely used in the past, is no longer considered a good exam, as its sensitivity is low.

When the result is positive, as in the photo below, which shows sinusopathy of the left maxillary sinus, the diagnosis can be confirmed. The problem is that if the radiograph is normal, you cannot rule out the existence of sinusitis, as the test cannot detect up to 40% of cases.

Computed tomography of the sinuses

The most used imaging exam today is computed tomography (CT). Compare the images below with two CT scans of the sinuses and see how the quality of the images is much higher.

Sinusitis
The CT on the right is normal and the paranasal sinuses are filled only with air (black image). On the left, we can see a CT scan of the sinuses showing bilateral sinusopathy, more evident in the right maxillary sinus, which is completely filled with liquid (gray image).

The images provided by TC are much better defined. Contrary to what happens in the simple radiography of the sinuses, a computed tomography scan with normal results is able to exclude the diagnosis of sinusitis.

TREATMENT
Most cases of acute sinusitis improve spontaneously in 7 to 10 days. Treatment, therefore, is basically symptomatic. Even bacterial sinusitis usually has a good prognosis, as complications are uncommon.

For the treatment of acute non-bacterial sinusopathy, it is indicated to wash the nasal cavity with saline solution (saline) and spray nasal corticosteroids . Warm compresses on the face can bring relief, and vigorous fluid intake helps to dilute secretions.

During attacks it is important to avoid contact with cigarette smoke, as this is an important irritation factor in the airways. In addition to smoke, it is important to try to identify other stimuli that may be irritating to the airways, such as cold or strong odor-producing chemicals.

Apart from these guidelines, nothing else is very effective. Contrary to what most people think, it is not necessary to fill up with medicines to treat sinusitis.

Nasal decongestants
Nasal decongestants are often used excessively and unnecessarily. When necessary, its use is indicated for a maximum of 3 days, since these drugs are associated with relapses, caused by rebound nasal congestion. The patient uses the decongestant, has temporary relief of symptoms, but when he suspends it, nasal congestion returns quickly, thus creating a vicious cycle.

Antihistamines
The use of antihistamines (antiallergic), despite being widely prescribed, does not present evidence of benefits in sinusitis. If there is no allergic process behind it, it is unlikely that this class of remedies will bring any benefit.

Antibiotics
Antibiotics should only be used when there is evidence of bacterial sinusitis. The most used are amoxacillin with clavulanic acid , Bactrim® , levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, clarithromycin or azithromycin .

Care must be taken not to use antibiotics indiscriminately so that there is no selection of resistant bacteria. If sinus disease does not have characteristics of bacterial origin, there is no reason to use antibiotics.

CHRONIC SINUSITIS
Chronic sinusitis is one that remains for more than 12 consecutive weeks despite treatment.

The chronic form is very associated with the presence of deviated nasal septum and / or nasal polyps . Both provide chronicity because they cause communication obstruction between the paranasal sinuses and the nasal passages.

Other causes of chronic infection are fungus sinusitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease , recurrent respiratory allergy, HIV , asthma and cystic fibrosis.

While acute sinusitis usually resolves on its own in a few days, chronic sinusitis is an inflammation that is more difficult to control and should always be evaluated by an otolaryngologist. Despite being difficult to cure, it can be controlled with appropriate treatment.

HealthAndYoga(TM) Deep Breathing Exerciser - Breath Exercise Measurement System

HealthAndYoga(TM) Deep Breathing Exerciser - Breath Exercise Measurement System
 

•     Compact, high quality break-resistant plastic, 3-ball inhaling breath measurement system
•     Solid, non-shaky Construction; Removal bottom for thorough cleaning and hygiene maintenance
•     Deep Breathing Exerciser for comprehensive respiratory fitness - 3 chambers for differing inhalation rates from 600cc/sec to 1200 cc/ sec
•     Helps achieve optimum lung capacity and restoring disrupted breathing patterns
•     Complete Instructions Provided; See video in images alongside; Ball Colors may vary

Breathing through your mouth and 5 more signs that you don't breathe properly

What is Breathe Well?
This may seem like an easy question, but in practice it is not always. The thermometer can accurately measure our temperature. We can easily measure blood pressure, heart rate and even breathing, but there is no simple and definitive way to measure the quality of breathing .

There are some old tests like the Glatzel mirror (photo) and others more sophisticated like the computerized rhinomanometry, but both are just a way to see the respiratory restriction. While many people are uncomfortable with the way they breathe and seek help in our offices, others are not even aware that they have a serious problem. Some take their lives to breathe through their mouths, with their chronically blocked nose due to allergies, infectious, inflammatory changes and anatomical deformities.

When the problem gradually sets in, this mouth breathing can gradually be considered “normal”. That is why we often treat patients who simply do not breathe through their nose, but came to us for other issues, be it a hearing loss or a sore throat. Only when asked about the quality of their breathing that they begin to be aware of the problem ...

Our oxygen every second
Breathing provides us with access to one of our fundamental “foods”:  oxygen . Although nitrogen represents almost 80% of the composition of the air we breathe, it is the 20% of oxygen that most interest the proper functioning of our cells. Without it, there could be no physiological reactions that transform fats and sugars into energy, in a phenomenon known as cellular respiration.

For oxygen to get there in the cells, we need to draw room air into our lungs through inspiration . It is in the pulmonary environment that, inside the alveoli, oxygen is exchanged for carbon dioxide, produced by breathing. After this exchange (oxygen for carbon dioxide), the air is expelled from the lungs back to the atmosphere by exhalation , completing the respiratory cycle that is repeated an average of 15 times every minute in adults, or 21,600 times a day! Most of the time, especially during all sleep, breathing happens automatically and unconsciously.

However, we need to assume it consciously for some important physiological acts such as speaking (and singing), playing sports, sneezing, yawning, laughing or playing a wind instrument. Some meditation techniques, such as Yoga, are also based on voluntary breathing control.

The wing opener
For oxygen to start its way to the lungs and cellular respiration, ambient air must first pass through the nose. Located right in the middle of our face, the nasal pyramid and its nostrils are the entrance gates of this journey. More than that, inside the nasal cavities the ambient air is tempered (heated or cooled), humidified and partially filtered, through an efficient cleaning and drainage system, with the participation of hair cells and mucus producers.

Cellular cilia act as a "conveyor belt" capable of carrying away trapped particles, viruses and bacteria, while antibodies present in the mucus begin to attack and destroy them. Thanks to this protective role the nose is known as the guardian of the lung .

Breathe through your mouth
Chronic nasal obstruction leads to a picture that is already well known to doctors, dentists and speech therapists: mouth breathing. Nasal airflow is essential for the development of facial anatomy. When a chronically obstructed nose is established, the nasal airflow starts to generate a series of deformities, especially in children: tapering face, short upper lip without closing the mouth, dental malocclusion, high and deep palate (roof of the mouth) that reduces the size of the nasal cavity.

Some of these deformities are irreversible and will affect respiratory quality for the rest of your life. The fight against mouth breathing should be intensive and as soon as possible.

Other Signs
Although most people who do not breathe well through their nose are aware of this, some secondary signs can help to suspect a nasal breathing problem.

Breathing discomfort
Many people report “bad” breathing, but without being able to explain how and why. Although breathing also occurs consciously, it is not expected to be uncomfortable. When you have to focus your attention repeatedly on your breathing or nasal obstruction, it is best to go and see what is going on. We used to say that " a good nose is one that we don't even remember that we have ".

Snoring at night
Snoring often cannot be considered normal. The breathing noise that generates snoring is a clear sign that something is obstructing the flow of air and preventing good breathing during sleep. This phenomenon often leads to sleep apnea , a disease that can become serious and fatal.

Short of breath for physical exercises
When we are quiet or at rest, our demand for oxygen is low. By putting the body in motion, especially in aerobic activities, our muscle cells greatly increase their demand for energy and the oxygen needed to create it in cellular respiration. As a consequence, we need more "air" entering the nose. In this situation, it is common for people who have already become accustomed to poor breathing at rest to perceive their restriction more clearly, getting tired more quickly than normal. It is a frequent complaint in patients with deviated nasal septum .

Decreased sense of smell and taste
The sense of smell is the result of the reception of chemical particles by receptors of olfactory cells, present in the roof of the nasal cavity. When the flow of air through the nose is blocked to some extent, these receptors stop receiving the chemical signals necessary for their detection. The reduction of smell, and consequently of taste, is frequently seen in cases of nasal polyposis.

Constant nasal discharge
The passage of air through the nasal cavity, in addition to providing comfortable breathing and the correct development of facial anatomy, also helps to keep you “dry”. Clogged noses also tend to produce phlegm, since the internal swelling of its mucous surface increases mucus production and becomes a culture medium for bacteria, making rhinitis and sinusitis frequent  .