Choosing the right pain reliever involves understanding active ingredients and potential side effects. Learn the warning signs of painkiller overdose, the differences between common meds like Percocet and Vicodin, and natural alternatives.
Oxycodone is a prescription drug indicated for the relief of moderate to severe pain, according to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. Oxycodone is an opiate analgesic that is considered a narcotic and changes the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain.
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Sinus congestion occurs when a toddler has a respiratory illness or allergies. Congestion results in sinus pressure in the face and head that is painful for the toddler and a stuffy nose sensation that makes breathing difficult.
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Sore muscles occur with injury, overuse or when beginning a new intense physical activity. Sore muscles can be the first sign of positive improvement after exercise, but may also be a sign of serious muscle damage if the soreness is severe.
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Air travel can be an uncomfortable experience, causing headaches from the change in air pressure, aches from sitting in one place and, in rare cases, serious health conditions. Taking an aspirin before your flight can help ease pain and prevent problems such as blood clots.
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Animals adapt physically to survive changes in climatic conditions, human intervention in the landscape and the spread of predators, but this structural adaptation happens incrementally over very long periods of time, according to Brown University's Division of Biology and Medicine.
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Getting enough fiber in your diet -- ideally anywhere from 20 to 35 g a day -- can help with numerous health issues, including improved digestion, more moderate blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol.
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Caffeine in food, beverages or medications will rev up the nervous system. For those with certain conditions such as anxiety, caffeine may be contraindicated with or without taking pain medications. Yet caffeine can help with migraines and drowsiness.
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It's hard to sleep when you can't breathe through a stuffy nose. If you have a cold, sinus problems or allergies, you may have difficulty breathing when you lie down. Gravity contributes to the problem and can also help relieve it. Elevating your head on a few pillows may make it easier to breathe.
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Aspirin is a commonly used medication to treat inflammation, fevers, arthritis and cardiovascular disease. It was originally intended to be used as a painkiller. However, as time has passed, the uses for aspirin have grown significantly.
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Icy Hot is a topical medication available over the counter without a physician’s prescription. The medicine uses a combination of ingredients—including menthol and methyl salicylate—to dull pain and relax muscles.
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The National Institute of Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases describes Celebrex and ibuprofen as belonging to the category of medications called nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The NSAID drugs relieve pain, reduce inflammation and lower elevated body temperatures.
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Your ribcage consists of 12 ribs, with muscles and tendons between each rib. If you play a contact sport or have experienced trauma to the torso, such as after a car accident, you could be experiencing bruised ribs.
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Candida is a fungus that lives within the body; it is kept under control by other bacteria and microorganisms that also inhabits the body. Candida is not harmful in small amounts, but when hormonal imbalances occur an overgrowth may take place. It thrives in areas that are moist or have high levels of sugar.
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Doing situps and other abdominal exercises not only is important for toning your abdominal muscles, it also can help improve your balance and stability and make it easier for you to go about your normal activities. However, in some cases situps can cause testicular pain and indicate a groin injury.
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Raised, red spots on the skin can come from many sources. The spot may be a pimple, or it may be a boil or carbuncle. Determining the cause of the spot can be difficult, but you can use clues like the spot's location and size to help identify its origin.
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Ibuprofen and diclofenac are both medications used to reduce symptoms of inflammation such as pain, swelling and tenderness. Prescription ibuprofen is available in 800 milligram strength, while diclofenac comes in strengths of 100 to 200 milligrams.
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Fragrant heating pads are perfect for soothing mild aches and pains caused by arthritis or sore, overused muscles. Fragrant heating pads offer soothing comfort and aromatherapy benefits depending on the fragrances chosen, from ground cloves to lavender.
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Nyquil is an over-the-counter medication used to treat cough, cold and flu symptoms. The product, available as liquid capsule or in liquid form, contains dextromethorphan, acetaminophen, doxylamine and pseudoephedrine as active ingredients.
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Anesthetics are medications specifically designed to manage pain, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. General anesthesia is commonly produced by a combination of anesthetics including intravenous drugs and inhaled gasses. General anesthesia induces deep sleep and is often used during surgery.
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Twilight anesthesia, more commonly known as conscious sedation or sedation analgesia, according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists, consists of intravenous medications to decrease pain, reduce anxiety and facilitate relaxation during procedures such as minor surgery.
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