Have you seen your family doctor about your tinnitus, and found that the medical treatment options are limited? Are you hesitant to try drugs and herbal remedies for fear of inducing substances into your body that can cause other, possibly worse, side effects? Rest assured that you’re not alone in the quest to find a safe and effective alternative to ingesting chemicals to fight the whooshing and ringing sounds of tinnitus.

Many sufferers of tinnitus have been able to develop, by themselves, a sort of “barrier” to the noise they hear in their ears. Regardless of the cause of tinnitus,these people are able to ignore, or at least block out the extra noises, or are merely bothered less by them.Others are not so successful with this type of self-treatment.

Because of the subjectiveness of tinnitus – meaning that actual measurement of the noises are virtually impossible, everyone’s perception of their tinnitus is different – comparing one’s tinnitus to another’s is impossible. So no tinnitus sufferer can say that their tinnitus is worse than another’s – just that their perception of the sounds affects them in a different (or worse) way.

That means that the results of each type of treatment is completely subjective – and statistically impossible to quantify. We must rely solely on the judgment of the tinnitus sufferer to say whether a tinnitus treatment or remedy has helped their tinnitus.

I’ve researched a few more possible treatments for tinnitus. Only you will be able to say that one has worked or not. What have you got to lose? Give them a try.

• Find some “white” or background noise. This remedy is inexpensive and has much grounding in medical fact. As the damaged nerve cells in the cochlea self-generate the tinnitus noises that are heard by the tinnitus sufferer in the absence of other noise, supplying a similar, external noise can stop, or cancel, these noises in the cochlea. Similar to the noise-canceling headphones that so many find effective at blocking the constant noises during air travel, this remedy has had much success. And, it can be as simple as turning your radio dial to an unused portion of the dial (static) – a perfect source of white noise. Try this if you’re having trouble falling asleep due to the maddening noises in your ears.

• Avoid alcohol and caffeine. Alcohol and caffeine are known to aggravate other conditions – they are powerful chemicals that can depress and stimulate your body’s central nervous system. For many people with sleeping problems, a bit of alcohol before bedtime can help them fall asleep. For others with tinnitus, the alcohol can aggravate already-damaged nerve cells, and assist in the generation of the tinnitus ringing and whistling sounds. Although this cause of tinnitus may seem mild to many, why not substitute the white noise generation for the alcohol as discussed above for a few nights instead? What have you got to lose – your tinnitus noises? Try it. The same applies for caffeine – try a decaffeinated beverage at dinner to make sure that there is no caffeine in your system at bedtime.

• How’s your blood pressure? Some tinnitus sufferers have a condition called “pulsatile” tinnitus. Simply put, the cause of tinnitus in these folks are “noisy” blood vessels. Possible causes include artery disease (hardening of the arteries), narrowed, or “kinked” arteries in the ears, or just plain high blood pressure. Of those who have high blood pressure, 70% know they have it and only 34% have it under control. It’s well worth looking into – you can even stop into a grocery store or chain drugstore and check your blood pressure on a machine.

Once again, these are just several of the many treatments and remedies that have been proven to help those who suffer from tinnitus.

If one of these ideas does nothing to help the ringing in your ears – move on to the next treatment. Despite the cause of your tinnitus, you’re bound to find something that will work for you, if you keep trying.

Infestation with parasitic worms is a common occurrence worldwide, but climate and other factors determine which are the most prevalent in any region. Most worms that infect humans reside in the intestinal tract, spreading through poor sanitation or food or water contaminated with worm eggs. In the United States, pinworms are the most common, afflicting an estimated 5 to 15 percent of the population at any given time. These parasites, which look like tiny straight pins, mature in the human intestinal tract. While the host sleeps, the female worm emerges from the anus to lay thousands of eggs, causing skin irritation and severe anal itching. Scratching transfers some of the eggs to the hands and fingernails; if they are carried to the mouth and swallowed, the cycle of infestation begins again.

The eggs can also be picked up from toilet seats, bedding, clothing, and other objects; some become airborne and can be inhaled and swallowed. Hookworms infect about 25 percent of the world’s population, but they are relatively uncommon in the United States, occurring mostly in the rural South. The eggs are discharged in the stool and hatch a day or two later in the soil. The larvae then enter the human body through the skin, usually on the soles of children or others who go barefoot. They migrate to the lungs, are coughed up, and swallowed. They then take up residence in the small intestine, where they attach themselves to its wall and feed on the person’s blood. Left untreated, a large infestation of hookworms can cause iron deficiency anemia and abdominal pain.

Threadworms, which have a life cycle similar to that of hookworms, can cause coughing, shortness of breath, and even pneumonia when lodged in the lungs. In the small intestine, they can produce abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, and other GI symptoms. Roundworms enter the body as eggs carried in contaminated water, food, or soil contaminated hands. The adults resemble earthworms, and are some times found in the stool or vomit. Thpeworms are rare in the United States but common in the developing countries of Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Eastern Europe. Humans become infected by eating undercooked pork, beef, or fish that contain cysts of larvae. When these cysts reach the intestinal tract, the worms develop into their adult stage and may grow up to 30 feet in length. The body is made up of hundreds of segments called proglottids, which contain eggs. These break off and are passed in the stool, beginning a new life cycle. Many tapeworm infections are asymptomatic; others may cause anemia, diarrhea, and pain.

Diagnostic Studies And Procedures

The diagnostic procedure varies according to the type of worm. Pinworms can sometimes be seen by in specting the anal area a few hours after a child has gone to bed. Otherwise, the eggs can be detected by patting the anal skin with a piece of transparent tape, sticky side down, and then exam ­ ining the tape under a microscope. This should be done when the child first awakens in the morning. In other infes tations, a doctor may order a stool analysis to look for eggs or worm parts. Repeated tests may be needed, as eggs may be discharged only sporadically. Blood tests may be ordered to check for possible iron-deficiency anemia, especially if hookworms are found.

Medical Treatments

Worms are treated primarily with medications called antihelminthics, with specific drugs used depending on the type of worm. Pinworms, hookworms, and roundworms are usually eradicated with pyrantel pamoate or mebendazole . A single dose is usually effective, but a follow-up dose may be needed to eliminate all eggs and larvae. If one child in a family has pinworms, any siblings between ages 2 and 10 should also be treated. In some instances, adult family members may also be advised to take the medication. Japeworms are generally eliminated with niclosamide or praziquantel .

Alternative Therapies

A number of folk remedies are said to eliminate worms, and some may actually work. However, antihelmin ­ thic drugs are the fastest and surest treatment; any alternative approaches should be considered adjuncts to a doctor’s prescribed treatment. Herbal Medicine. Garlic, taken fresh or in capsule form, is believed to help eliminate worms.

Nutrition Therapy

Worms can cause anemia and other nutritional deficiencies; maintaining a well balanced diet is important. If you are anemic, iron supplements may be recommended, but you should consult a doctor before taking iron pills.

Self Treatment

Self care is focused on preventing reinfestation. To avoid resurgence of pinworms, clean the entire house on the same day that medication is taken. Wash towels, bed linens, pajamas, and underclothes in hot water, using a strong detergent and bleach. Clean the bathroom with a disinfectant and sterilize objects that might go into a child’s mouth by washing them also with disinfectant, then rinsing thoroughly. Trim children’s fingernails and make sure that they wash their hands after going to the toilet and before eating. To avoid hookworms or thread worms , do not go barefoot outdoors and use proper sanitary measures. To prevent tapeworm infestations, cook beef, pork, and fish until they are well done.

Other Causes of Worm Symptoms

Hemorrhoids or an anal fissure can cause anal itching. Intestinal disorders, such as appendicitis, colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome can produce abdominal discomfort, and diarrhea.