Types of cat litter and their effects on humans

Types of cat litter and their effects on humans
One may have to deal with cat waste if they have a domesticated feline friend at home. Many pet owners prefer using cat litter as they are easy to clean the excreted waste. All pet cats are litter trained, meaning they will only pee or poop inside the cat litter placed in the house. As a pet parent, one must ensure that the litter box is cleaned at least twice daily to keep it germ-free. But are there any dangers to having cat litter? Let’s find out. While having a cat litter box at home may not expose humans to fatal dangers, cleaning the litter box may lead to health issues if one is not careful with this sanitation process. There are different types of litter. Therefore, one must know how to manage them as they can adversely affect human health in the long run. Clumping litter Clumping litter contains bentonite, a substance that allows the liquid to clump together. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is best if humans do not inhale or ingest this substance. Some of these clumping cat litters also contain silica, which has carcinogenic effects leading to an increased risk of lung cancer.

10 unfavorable cities for people with allergies

10 unfavorable cities for people with allergies
Over 50 million people live with allergies every year and many of them have seasonal pollen allergies. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) studies over 100 cities every year to curate a list of the best and worst cities for people with spring or fall allergies. Factors such as seasonal pollen scores, over-the-counter treatment use, climatic conditions, and availability of board-certified health professionals or allergists are taken into consideration. Based on these reports, here are the 10 worst cities for people with allergies to live in: Scranton, PA Scranton is surrounded by forests and grasslands, which are pushed into the city by the fall winds, causing higher-than-average pollen levels, making it one of the worst cities for allergy sufferers. Wichita, KS The city of Wichita is windy and flat. With pollen flowing down the plains and virtually no trees to stop them, the city is one of the worst places to live for people with allergies. McAllen, TX McAllen faces hot weather in the summer with abundant pollen and flowering plants. Over the last few decades, the city has also seen a stable rise in ragweed pollen, worsening the situation for allergy sufferers. Richmond, VA Richmond is known for its subtropical climate and excessive humidity.

6 common signs of eosinophilic esophagitis

6 common signs of eosinophilic esophagitis
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a rare condition mainly affecting the food pipe or esophagus—a muscular tube connecting the mouth and stomach. When affected by EoE, certain white blood cells called eosinophils grow exponentially in the esophageal lining, causing inflammation. While the precise cause of the condition is unknown, it is believed to be a reaction to allergens like foods and environmental irritants or a result of allergic diseases like hay fever, eczema, and asthma. Common signs 1. Trouble swallowing food EoE makes it hard to swallow food due to inflammation in the muscular tube. This symptom is called dysphagia. So, those with EoE may get the sensation that the food, solids, in particular, is stuck in the throat. This can make one avoid eating. If the condition worsens, it can actually result in food impaction (food stuck in the throat) or choking, where medical intervention may be required. 2. Chest pain and acid reflux Another common sign of eosinophilic esophagitis is acid reflux, which causes symptoms like heartburn, chest pain, and regurgitation. The chest pain, which can feel sharp or intense, is often localized behind the breastbone. A condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) also causes similar symptoms, making one often mistake EoE for GERD.

GERD and its critical aspects

GERD and its critical aspects
GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease and is a condition in which the stomach acid rises back into the food pipe and causes a sense of discomfort. Over time, this continuous backwash impacts the esophagus lining and causes heartburn. A lot of people occasionally experience acid reflux and heartburn, but GERD occurs when this problem becomes a lot more frequent. In this article, we will look at the various aspects that need to be considered when it comes to GERD. Signs of GERD There are plenty of signs and symptoms of GERD, and heartburn is the biggest one. Other major symptoms of GERD include Chest pain Difficulty when it comes to swallowing A continual regurgitation of both food and sour stomach liquids A sensation or a lump inside the throat For people who have night-time acid reflux, the common symptoms include laryngitis, chronic cough, or asthma as time progresses. They may also suffer from disrupted sleep. For such instances of GERD and heartburn, we recommend consulting an expert as soon as these symptoms become frequent. Causes of GERD GERD is the consequence of acid reflux and heartburn occurring frequently in the body. When we swallow our food, the circular band of muscles around the esophagus relaxes to ensure that the entire ingestion process happens smoothly.

6 easy home remedies for nasal polyps

6 easy home remedies for nasal polyps
Nasal polyps are soft, non-cancerous growth of the tissues that form in the nose or sinuses. If they are too large or there are many nasal polyps, it causes itching, runny nose, sneezing, and breathing difficulty. Nasal polyps are quite common and may be caused by allergies, inflammation, or infection. Surgery is a common treatment option; however, not everyone needs it. Here are some natural remedies to help ease nasal polyps symptoms and avoid surgery. Steam inhalation Inhaling steam can help unblock the nasal passages by thinning nasal mucus. It can also reduce swelling within the airways. An easy way of inhaling steam is to take a hot shower. Alternatively, you may heat a bowl of water and position the face over it while keeping a towel draped over the head to prevent steam from dispersing. Turmeric Turmeric is a yellow spice known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties. In people with nasal polyps, turmeric can decrease irritation and inflammation of the airways. There are many ways of using this spice. One can make turmeric tea by mixing 1-2 tablespoons of the spice in a cup of boiling water or add turmeric powder to curries, stir-fry recipes, and smoothies. Cayenne pepper Cayenne pepper contains an active compound called capsaicin, which makes the hot pepper taste hot.

Common causes of shortness of breath

Common causes of shortness of breath
Shortness of breath occurs when the lungs are not able to absorb oxygen to support vital organs and functions that rely on fresh air. It is one of the most commonly observed discomforts of known health complications that affect respiration. The intensity of breathlessness varies depending on the underlying cause and severity of the triggers. Here are the most common causes of shortness of breath that can affect young children, men, and women. Existing diseases and disorders Shortness of breath is one of the primary noticeable discomforts triggered by health complications that affect respiration. These could range from a panic attack to pneumonia, and even serious asthma flareups. In addition, seasonal allergies causing inflammation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and even chronic respiratory failure can worsen breathlessness. The severity of the symptom will vary depending on the underlying disease. Pollution Exposure to polluted air can also trigger shortness of breath due to the particulate matter irritating the respiratory tract. Carbon monoxide is one of the more dangerous gases that affects breathing and impairs respiratory function. It’s a common pollutant in the atmosphere released during forest fires, volcanic eruptions, and even lightning strikes. Carbon monoxide is also an industrial pollutant that is released due to burning of fossil fuels for powering vehicles and machinery.

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5 early Black Friday deals to expect this year

5 early Black Friday deals to expect this year

Black Friday might be a couple of months away, but you need not wait until then to begin your annual shopping. Many retailers start advertising discounts weeks before and pick up the pace around Thanksgiving. To help you save time and money, here are five early-bird Black Friday deals that might be available sooner based on last year’s trends. Start shopping early to enjoy faster shipping and lesser supply issues! Save big on tablets, phones, and smartwatches Smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches are great items to gift loved ones during the holiday season. With Black Friday approaching, get ready for some exciting deals on these products from the top brands and retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart. You will find never-seen-before deals in stores and online that you can check out. Brands like Motorola, Samsung, and Apple offered over $100 off their best-selling phones last year, and you can expect better deals for 2022! But remember that the items on sale change regularly, so check the sites frequently to avoid missing out. Incredible deals on games, gaming laptops, and accessories Get the best savings on gaming accessories when some fantastic deals go live in a few weeks. There might be a massive price drop on games for PC, Xbox, and PS5.
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50 Black Friday 2022 sales to check out

50 Black Friday 2022 sales to check out

This year’s biggest Black Friday specials will likely offer some of the most substantial cuts ever across a wide range of popular businesses and brands. Stores are working hard to offer seasonal items and avoid supply chain problems. While major shops are expected to offer great bargains, it is essential to buy with local businesses, especially in the post-pandemic era. Based on the discounts offered last year, here’s a look at what you can expect this year. Nordstrom Nordstrom could offer up to 50% off hundreds of selected goods from leading brands, as was the case last year. Longchamp items, such as the Le Pliage Cuir Leather Shoulder Bag, were discounted by 20-30%. Kiehl’s skincare sets The Daily Hydrating Skincare Gift Set was discounted at $48 (original value $66), which includes full-sized versions of two Kiehl’s classics: Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane and the renowned Avocado Eye Cream, suitable for everyone. Home Depot Refrigerators Home Depot previously offered up to $900 off refrigerators. Refrigerator discounts of up to $900 are available at Home Depot on some of the greatest brands in large appliances. Shop for Black Friday deals on Samsung, LG, and Whirlpool appliances. Amazon Amazon has some of the best discounts, and the Black Friday sales are chock-full of must-haves!
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