Home
Discover BRAC
BRAC Network
Services
CampaignsForever FundContact
Start FundraisingSign UpLogin
Free Health Library

Everyday Health Guide

Explore health conditions, symptoms, first aid, medical tests and family wellness.

1,600 health information entriesAdvanced Search ↓No login required
Browse Categories

Explore the Health Library

Browse alphabetically or find an entry using Search.

Clear Filters / Back
Advanced Search — Refine Results
Reset All

94 entries found.

Air Travel with Infant (Ear Pressure Relief)Wellness, Mother & Child · WMC
Care Approach

Ear Pressure Relief Techniques

Guidance & Use

Offer a pacifier, breast, or bottle during takeoff and landing to encourage swallowing. This helps equalize ear pressure (the difference in air pressure between the middle ear and the outside environment, which can cause pain) and prevents discomfort.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE wellness practice. CAUTION: Avoid letting the baby sleep during takeoff and landing if possible.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If the baby shows signs of severe ear pain, persistent crying, or fluid draining from the ear after the flight.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) TestDiagnostics & Lab Reports · Blood Test
Test Purpose & Procedure

Checks for liver damage by measuring ALT (an enzyme found mostly in the liver). Fasting for 8–12 hours may be recommended. A standard blood draw is performed.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE routine test.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If levels are elevated, consult your doctor to investigate potential liver inflammation or damage.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

Albumin TestDiagnostics & Lab Reports · Blood Test
Test Purpose & Procedure

Measures the level of albumin (a protein made by the liver) in the blood. Fasting (not eating or drinking anything except water) for 8 hours may be required if done with other tests. A standard blood draw is performed.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE routine test.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If levels are abnormally low, consult your doctor to check for liver or kidney issues.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

Alcohol Addiction (Sharaab Ki Lat)A–Z Health · Mental WellnessUrgent information
This entry includes urgent or emergency precautions. Read the original Safety and Medical Help information below. In an emergency, contact local emergency services.
Recommended Care

Professional Counseling (Madad Lena)

Preparation & Use

Seek help from a de-addiction center. Join support groups. Stay hydrated and eat nutritious food.

Safety & Precautions

CAUTION: Stopping suddenly can be dangerous. Medical supervision is often needed.

When to See Doctor

IMMEDIATELY: If experiencing shakes, confusion, or seizures after stopping.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

Alcoholic Liver (Jigar Ki Bimari)A–Z Health · Liver Health
Recommended Care

Complete Abstinence (Sharaab Band Karna)

Preparation & Use

Stop alcohol consumption completely. Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

Safety & Precautions

CAUTION: Needs medical monitoring. Withdrawal can be severe.

When to See Doctor

Yellow eyes/skin, swelling in legs, or confusion.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) TestDiagnostics & Lab Reports · Blood Test
Test Purpose & Procedure

Measures ALP (an enzyme found in the liver and bones). Fasting for 10–12 hours is usually required. A standard blood draw is performed.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE routine test.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If levels are high, consult your doctor to check for liver disease or bone disorders.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

Allergen Avoidance (Infant)Wellness, Mother & Child · WMC
Care Approach

Create a Low-Allergen Environment

Guidance & Use

Wash baby bedding in hot water weekly. Avoid strong perfumes, scented lotions, and harsh chemical cleaners. Keep pets out of the baby's sleeping area and vacuum frequently with a HEPA filter.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE preventive care.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If the baby develops unexplained rashes, persistent sneezing, or difficulty breathing.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

Allergic Conjunctivitis (Eye Allergy)A–Z Health · Eye Health
Recommended Care

Cold Compress (Thandi Sikai)

Preparation & Use

Soak clean cloth in cold water. Place over closed eyes for 10 mins. Do not rub eyes.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE for relief. CAUTION: Use separate cloth for each eye.

When to See Doctor

Vision changes, severe pain, or thick yellow discharge.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

Allergic Reaction (Food)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
This entry includes urgent or emergency precautions. Read the original Safety and Medical Help information below. In an emergency, contact local emergency services.
First Aid Approach

Stop Eating & Monitor

Preparation & Use

Stop eating the suspected food immediately. If mild, take an antihistamine. If there is any swelling of the lips or throat, use an epinephrine auto-injector (a device that delivers adrenaline to reverse severe allergies) if prescribed.

Safety & Precautions

CAUTION: Food allergies can escalate to anaphylaxis (a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction) rapidly.

When to Seek Medical Help

IMMEDIATELY: If there is trouble breathing, facial swelling, or dizziness.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

Allergic Reaction (Mild)First Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach

Wash & Apply Cream

Preparation & Use

Wash the affected area with mild soap and cool water to remove the allergen (the substance causing the allergy). Apply hydrocortisone (a mild steroid cream to reduce itching) or calamine lotion.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE first aid. CAUTION: Monitor closely in case it escalates.

When to Seek Medical Help

If the rash spreads rapidly, or if breathing difficulties develop.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

Allergic Reaction (Severe / Anaphylaxis)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
This entry includes urgent or emergency precautions. Read the original Safety and Medical Help information below. In an emergency, contact local emergency services.
First Aid Approach

Epinephrine & Emergency Call

Preparation & Use

Call an ambulance immediately. Help the person use their epinephrine auto-injector (a device that delivers a dose of adrenaline to reverse severe allergy symptoms) into the outer thigh. Have them lie flat with legs elevated.

Safety & Precautions

EMERGENCY: This can cause the airway to close within minutes.

When to Seek Medical Help

IMMEDIATELY: Always go to the hospital after using an epinephrine injector, even if symptoms improve.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

Allergic Rhinitis (Nose Allergy)A–Z Health · Respiratory Health
Recommended Care

Saline Nasal Rinse (Namak Paani Se Naak Dhona)

Preparation & Use

Mix quarter teaspoon salt in 1 cup lukewarm boiled water. Use your hand to gently draw water into each nostril. Blow nose softly after.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE for all ages. CAUTION: Use only boiled and cooled water.

When to See Doctor

Symptoms lasting beyond allergy season, sinus pain with fever, or wheezing.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

Allergies (Skin)A–Z Health · Skin HealthUrgent information
This entry includes urgent or emergency precautions. Read the original Safety and Medical Help information below. In an emergency, contact local emergency services.
Recommended Care

Cold Compress (Thandi Sikai)

Preparation & Use

Apply cold wet cloth to itchy area. Avoid scratching. Wear loose cotton clothes.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE for mild reactions. CAUTION: If swelling of face/lips occurs, it is an emergency.

When to See Doctor

Swelling of face/tongue, difficulty breathing, or rash spreading rapidly.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

Allergy-Friendly Laundry (Infant)Wellness, Mother & Child · WMC
Care Approach

Use Fragrance-Free Detergent and Double Rinse

Guidance & Use

Wash all baby clothes, bedding, and blankets in a hypoallergenic (designed to minimize the risk of an allergic reaction), fragrance-free detergent. Run an extra rinse cycle to ensure no soap residue remains on the fabric.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE preventive care. Crucial for babies with eczema or sensitive skin.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If the baby develops persistent red, itchy patches on the skin where clothing makes contact.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

Allergy Testing (Child)Wellness, Mother & Child · WMC
Care Approach

Consult a Pediatric Allergist

Guidance & Use

If a child shows recurrent hives, wheezing, or digestive issues, a doctor may perform a skin prick test (placing a tiny amount of allergen on the skin and lightly scratching it) or an IgE blood test to identify specific triggers.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE medical procedure when performed by a specialist.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If the child experiences recurrent unexplained rashes, swelling, or breathing difficulties after eating or environmental exposure.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) TestDiagnostics & Lab Reports · Blood Test
Test Purpose & Procedure

Measures AFP (a protein normally produced by the fetal liver, but can be elevated in liver disease or certain cancers). No fasting is required. A standard blood draw (venipuncture, drawing blood from a vein) is performed.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE routine test. CAUTION: Minor bruising at the needle site is normal.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If levels are abnormally high, consult your doctor to evaluate liver health or screen for specific cancers.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

Altitude Sickness (Pahad Ki Bimari)A–Z Health · Travel HealthUrgent information
This entry includes urgent or emergency precautions. Read the original Safety and Medical Help information below. In an emergency, contact local emergency services.
Recommended Care

Rest and Hydration (Aaram aur Paani)

Preparation & Use

Stop climbing immediately. Rest at the same altitude. Drink plenty of water. Do not go higher until symptoms disappear.

Safety & Precautions

CAUTION: If symptoms worsen, descend immediately.

When to See Doctor

Confusion, difficulty walking, or severe shortness of breath.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

Amnesia (Memory Loss)A–Z Health · NeurologicalUrgent information
This entry includes urgent or emergency precautions. Read the original Safety and Medical Help information below. In an emergency, contact local emergency services.
Recommended Care

Mental Exercises & Diet (Dimagi Kasrat)

Preparation & Use

Practice puzzles or reading. Eat walnuts and almonds. Ensure 8 hours of sleep.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE lifestyle support. CAUTION: Sudden memory loss needs emergency care.

When to See Doctor

Sudden onset, after head injury, or affecting daily life significantly.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

If this page helped you, consider supporting BRAC with a small donation as little as ₹10 INR or $1 USD.

DONATE NOW

Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. It is not a diagnosis or a replacement for care from a qualified professional. This is not legal or medical advice. Consult a professional for specific needs. BRAC® is not liable for errors or consequences arising from the use of this content. Unauthorized commercial use is prohibited. For corrections or permissions, email info@brac.in.