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How to deal with swelling

Swelling is the enlargement of body or body parts and is one of the five characteristics of inflammation. Swelling may occur in body’s response to injury, infection or disease. Generally swelling and pain are common with injuries. Here are some ways to deal with swelling.

P.R.I.C.E

The primary treatment for swelling or swelling due to injury is P.R.I.C.E that is Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression And Elevation. Protection is to stop any further activity and protect the area from damage. Rest is to give the tissues adequate time to heal. Mild icing within twenty four to forty eight hours on soft tissue injury helps managing the pain and inflammation. Ice should not be put for longer period or directly on the skin as it may cause frostbites. Best is to apply ice for ten minutes and again after ten minutes for ten more minutes. Compression with elastic bandage or wrap helps to keep the swelling minimum. Elevate the body part to reduce swelling.

Non-prescription medicines

If swelling is accompanied with pain, certain medications can be taken without prescriptions. Some trusted non-prescription medicines are Acetaminophen (Tylenol or Panadol), NSAIDs (Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs) such as Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) or Naproxen (Aleve or Naprosyn). Aspirin tablets (Bayer or Bufferin) can also be taken but not for children below twelve years. Aspirin increases bleeding so is not recommended for new injury, also NSAIDs are to be taken after two to three days of injury.

NSAIDs reduces swelling and pain by blocking certain enzymes and proteins in the body. They also help ease cramps.

Many steroid containing medicines called corticosteroids can also be used as gluco-corticoid ( a steroid) reduces swelling and pain by binding to gluco-corticoid receptors.

Herbs and foods

Certain herbs possess anti inflammatory properties such as ginger, turmeric, Arnica montana, willow bark (contains salicylic acid) etc.

Also inflammation can be controlled by consumption of anti inflammatory foods. Well balanced diet that has got lots of green vegetables and low in refined fats and carbohydrates are recommended. Other anti inflammatory foods include colorful fruits, oil fish (as it contains omega 3 fatty acids), nuts and seeds.

Oleocanthal, found in extra virgin olive oil acts like Ibuprofen. Omega 3 fatty acid blocks cell signaling pathways that causes inflammation by binding to GRP120 receptor. Diet full of vegetables and low on carbohydrate, saturated and trans fat enhance the production of prostaglandins (PG-E1 and PG-E3) that have anti inflammatory properties.

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