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

50 entries found.

Ear Cleaning (Infant Safety)Wellness, Mother & Child · WMC
Care Approach

Wipe Only the Outer Ear

Guidance & Use

Clean only the outside of the baby's ear with a warm, damp washcloth. Never insert cotton swabs, fingers, or any objects into the ear canal, as this can push cerumen (earwax) deeper or damage the delicate eardrum.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE home care. Earwax is natural and protects the ear; it typically cleans itself out.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If you suspect a wax impaction (a hard blockage of wax), or if the baby pulls at their ear, has a fever, or has fluid draining from the ear.

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.

Ear Discharge with PainCommon Symptoms · ENTUrgent 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

Keep Dry & Antibiotics

Preparation & Use

Do not put water or oil inside. Keep ear dry. See doctor for antibiotic drops.

Safety & Precautions

CAUTION: Needs medical treatment to prevent hearing loss.

When to See Doctor

IMMEDIATELY: If discharge is pus-like, bloody, or smells bad.

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.

Ear Drum RuptureFirst Aid & Emergency · First AidUrgent 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

Keep Dry & Protect

Preparation & Use

Keep the ear completely dry. Place a loose piece of sterile cotton at the outer opening to catch any drainage. Do NOT put any ear drops or water inside the ear.

Safety & Precautions

CAUTION: Water or drops can cause severe infection in the middle ear.

When to Seek Medical Help

IMMEDIATELY: See a doctor for an examination to determine if the rupture will heal on its own or needs repair.

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.

Ear FullnessCommon Symptoms · ENT
Recommended Care

Yawning & Swallowing

Preparation & Use

Yawn widely or swallow repeatedly. Chew gum. If due to cold, use saline nasal spray.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE relief. CAUTION: Do not insert objects.

When to See Doctor

If fullness persists, causes pain, or hearing loss.

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.

Ear InfectionA–Z Health · ENT Health
Recommended Care

Warm Compress & Pain Relief

Preparation & Use

Hold warm cloth against ear for 10 mins. Take paracetamol for pain. Keep ear dry.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE symptom relief. CAUTION: Do not put oil/drops inside if eardrum might be perforated.

When to See Doctor

High fever, fluid drainage, hearing loss, or pain >24 hours.

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.

Ear Infection (Prevention Tips)Wellness, Mother & Child · WMC
Care Approach

Upright Feeding and Smoke-Free Environment

Guidance & Use

Feed the baby in a semi-upright position rather than lying flat, which prevents milk from flowing into the Eustachian tubes (the tubes connecting the middle ear to the throat). Keep the baby away from secondhand smoke, which increases ear infection risk.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE preventive care. Breastfeeding also provides antibodies that help protect against ear infections.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If the baby pulls at their ear, is unusually fussy, has a fever, or has fluid draining from the ear.

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.

Early Childhood NutritionWellness, Mother & Child · WMC
Care Approach

Offer a Variety of Whole Foods

Guidance & Use

Provide a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit added sugars and processed foods. Offer small, frequent meals and snacks to match the toddler's small stomach capacity and high energy needs.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE wellness practice. Cut food into small

When to Seek Medical Advice

manageable pieces to prevent choking.,If the child consistently refuses entire food groups, shows signs of failure to thrive, or has severe digestive 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.

Early Literacy (Infant/Toddler)Wellness, Mother & Child · WMC
Care Approach

Daily Reading and Talking

Guidance & Use

Read board books to the baby daily, point to pictures, and use expressive voices. Talk to the baby throughout the day, describing what you are doing. This builds early literacy (the foundational skills for reading and writing) and vocabulary.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE developmental practice.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If the baby does not respond to their name, babble, or make eye contact by 9–12 months.

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.

Early Potty Training ReadinessWellness, Mother & Child · WMC
Care Approach

Look for Physical and Behavioral Cues

Guidance & Use

Wait for signs of readiness: staying dry for 2 hours, showing interest in the toilet, being able to pull pants up and down, and communicating the need to go. Starting before the child is ready often leads to frustration and prolonged training.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE developmental practice. Most children are ready between 18 and 30 months.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If the child is over 4 years old and shows no interest or ability to control their bladder or bowels.

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.

Ear PainCommon Symptoms · ENT
Recommended Care

Warm Compress & Painkiller

Preparation & Use

Hold a warm (not hot) cloth against the painful ear for 10 minutes. Take a standard painkiller if needed. Do not put anything inside the ear.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE relief. CAUTION: Do not use ear drops without doctor’s advice.

When to See Doctor

If pain is severe, accompanied by fever, or if there is discharge from the ear.

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.

Ear Pain with FeverCommon Symptoms · ENT
Recommended Care

Painkiller & Antibiotics

Preparation & Use

Take paracetamol for pain/fever. See doctor for antibiotic drops. Keep ear dry.

Safety & Precautions

CAUTION: Needs medical treatment.

When to See Doctor

If fever is high, or pain is severe.

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.

Ear Pain with Hearing LossCommon Symptoms · ENT
Recommended Care

Medical Checkup

Preparation & Use

Do not insert anything. See doctor for examination. May need antibiotics or wax removal.

Safety & Precautions

CAUTION: Needs professional treatment.

When to See Doctor

If hearing loss is sudden, or pain is severe.

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.

Ear Ringing (Tinnitus)Common Symptoms · ENT
Recommended Care

Background Noise & Relaxation

Preparation & Use

Play soft background music or a fan sound to mask the ringing. Try to relax and avoid stressful situations, as stress can make the sound louder.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE management. CAUTION: Needs a checkup if it starts suddenly.

When to See Doctor

If the ringing is only in one ear, or if it is accompanied by hearing loss 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.

Ear Ringing with DizzinessCommon Symptoms · ENT
Recommended Care

Sit Still & Medical Check

Preparation & Use

Sit or lie down to avoid falling. Keep your head still. See an ENT specialist for evaluation.

Safety & Precautions

CAUTION: Needs professional diagnosis.

When to See Doctor

If dizziness is severe, or ringing is accompanied by hearing loss.

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.

Earwax BuildupA–Z Health · ENT Health
Recommended Care

Olive Oil Drops

Preparation & Use

Put 2-3 drops of warm olive oil in ear. Lie on side for 10 mins. Wipe outer ear. Do this for 3-5 days.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE softening method. CAUTION: Do not use cotton buds inside ear canal.

When to See Doctor

Persistent blockage, pain, or hearing loss after home care.

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.

Ear Wax Removal (Infant Safety)Wellness, Mother & Child · WMC
Care Approach

Wipe Only the Outer Ear

Guidance & Use

Clean only the outside of the baby's ear with a warm, damp washcloth. Never insert cotton swabs, fingers, or any objects into the ear canal, as this can push cerumen (earwax) deeper or damage the delicate eardrum.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE home care. Earwax is natural and protects the ear; it typically cleans itself out.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If you suspect a wax impaction (a hard blockage of wax), or if the baby pulls at their ear, has a fever, or has fluid draining from the ear.

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.

Echocardiogram (Echo)Diagnostics & Lab Reports · Imaging
Test Purpose & Procedure

Uses sound waves to create pictures of the heart (echocardiogram) to check its size, shape, and pumping function. No fasting or special preparation is needed. A gel is applied to the chest, and a transducer (a device that sends and receives sound waves) is moved over the skin.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE imaging test. It does not use radiation.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Discuss the results with your cardiologist to check for heart valve issues, heart failure, or structural abnormalities.

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.

EczemaA–Z Health · Skin Health
Recommended Care

Moisturize & Avoid Triggers

Preparation & Use

Apply thick moisturizer twice daily. Avoid harsh soaps and wool clothes. Keep nails short.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE management. CAUTION: Scratching can cause infection.

When to See Doctor

Infected skin (pus/crust), sleep disturbance, or no improvement.

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.