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.

Advanced Search — Refine Results
Reset All

1,600 entries found.

Insect Bite (Spider/Scorpion)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

Wash Ice & Immobilize

Preparation & Use

Wash the bite with soap and water. Apply a cold compress to reduce pain and swelling. Keep the bitten limb still and below heart level. Try to safely take a photo of the insect for the doctor to identify the venom type.

Safety & Precautions

CAUTION: Venom can spread quickly and cause severe allergic reactions.

When to Seek Medical Help

IMMEDIATELY: If there is difficulty breathing, muscle cramps, or severe spreading pain.

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.

Insect BitesA–Z Health · Skin Health / First Aid
Recommended Care

Baking Soda Paste

Preparation & Use

Mix baking soda with water to make paste. Apply on bite. Leave for 10 mins. Wash off.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE external care. CAUTION: Do not scratch to prevent infection.

When to See Doctor

Swelling spreading, difficulty breathing, or signs of infection (pus).

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.

Insect Sting (Hornet)First 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

Remove Stinger & Cold Compress

Preparation & Use

Scrape (to gently rub something off the surface) the stinger out with a flat object. Wash with soap and water. Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth for 10 minutes to reduce swelling.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE first aid. CAUTION: Watch for severe allergic reactions.

When to Seek Medical Help

IMMEDIATELY: If there is trouble breathing, swelling of the face/lips, 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.

InsomniaA–Z Health · Mental Wellness / Sleep
Recommended Care

Warm Milk & No Screens

Preparation & Use

Drink warm milk with pinch of nutmeg before bed. Avoid phone/TV 1 hour before sleep. Keep room dark.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE lifestyle fix. CAUTION: Avoid caffeine after 4 PM.

When to See Doctor

Insomnia lasting >3 weeks, affecting daily work, or accompanied by anxiety.

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.

Insulin Autoantibody (IAA) TestDiagnostics & Lab Reports · Blood Test
Test Purpose & Procedure

Measures IAA (antibodies that mistakenly attack insulin or insulin receptors) to help diagnose or predict the risk of Type 1 diabetes. No fasting is required. A standard blood draw is performed.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE routine test.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If positive, consult an endocrinologist for further evaluation and monitoring of blood sugar levels.

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.

Intellectual DisabilityA–Z Health · Child Health / Neurological
Recommended Care

Special Education & Therapy

Preparation & Use

Work with special educators. Speech/occupational therapy. Patient and supportive environment.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE support. CAUTION: Needs professional assessment.

When to See Doctor

For diagnosis and individualized education plan (IEP).

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.

International Normalized Ratio (INR)Diagnostics & Lab Reports · Blood TestUrgent information
This entry includes urgent or emergency precautions. Read the original Safety and Medical Help information below. In an emergency, contact local emergency services.
Test Purpose & Procedure

Measures INR (a standardized number that measures how long it takes blood to clot). It is primarily used to monitor patients taking blood-thinning medications like warfarin. No fasting is required. A standard blood draw is performed.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE routine test.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If the INR is outside the target range set by your doctor, consult them immediately to adjust medication dosage.

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.

Iron-Rich Foods (Pregnancy)Wellness, Mother & Child · WMC
Care Approach

Combine Iron Sources with Vitamin C

Guidance & Use

Include lean meats, beans, lentils, spinach, and fortified cereals in the diet. Pair these with Vitamin C-rich foods (like oranges or tomatoes) to significantly boost iron absorption. Avoid drinking tea or coffee with meals, as they block absorption.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE wellness practice. Essential for preventing maternal anemia and supporting fetal growth.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If dietary changes are not enough and blood tests show low hemoglobin, a doctor may prescribe iron supplements.

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.

Iron DeficiencyA–Z Health · Blood & Immunity
Recommended Care

Iron-Rich Diet & Vitamin C

Preparation & Use

Eat spinach, jaggery, and dates. Drink orange juice with meals to help absorption. Avoid tea/coffee with meals.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE dietary support. CAUTION: Supplements need doctor’s advice.

When to See Doctor

Extreme tiredness, pale skin, or 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.

Iron Profile (Serum Iron)Diagnostics & Lab Reports · Blood Test
Test Purpose & Procedure

Measures the amount of iron circulating in the blood. It is usually done alongside TIBC and ferritin tests. Fasting for 8–12 hours is recommended for accuracy. A standard blood draw is performed.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE routine test.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If levels are abnormal, consult your doctor to diagnose iron deficiency anemia or iron overload (hemochromatosis).

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.

Iron Supplementation (Pregnancy)Wellness, Mother & Child · WMC
Care Approach

Daily Iron with Vitamin C

Guidance & Use

Take prescribed iron supplements to prevent maternal anemia (low red blood cell count). Take with a source of Vitamin C (like orange juice) to improve absorption, and avoid taking it with milk or tea.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE preventive care. CAUTION: Iron can cause constipation or dark stools

When to Seek Medical Advice

which is normal.,If constipation is severe or if you experience signs of severe anemia like extreme fatigue 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.

Itchy AnusCommon Symptoms · Digestive
Recommended Care

Hygiene & Deworming

Preparation & Use

Wash area with warm water after bowel movement. Keep dry. Take deworming medication if advised. Wear cotton underwear.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE hygiene practice. CAUTION: Could be worms or hemorrhoids.

When to See Doctor

If itching persists, bleeds, or is accompanied by visible worms.

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.

Itchy EyesCommon Symptoms · Eye Health
Recommended Care

Cold Compress & Artificial Tears

Preparation & Use

Apply a cold, wet cloth to closed eyes. Use lubricating eye drops. Avoid rubbing eyes.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE relief.

When to See Doctor

If itching is severe, accompanied by discharge, or vision changes.

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.

Itchy Eyes with DischargeCommon Symptoms · Eye Health
Recommended Care

Hygiene & Medical Check

Preparation & Use

Wash hands frequently. Do not share towels. Clean discharge with a clean, wet cloth. See a doctor for eye drops.

Safety & Precautions

CAUTION: Highly contagious. Do not rub eyes.

When to See Doctor

If discharge is yellow/green, or vision becomes blurry.

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.

Itchy ScalpCommon Symptoms · Skin Health
Recommended Care

Neem Oil & Mild Shampoo

Preparation & Use

Apply neem oil or coconut oil to your scalp 1 hour before washing. Use a mild anti-dandruff shampoo. Do not scratch your scalp with your nails.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE external care.

When to See Doctor

If you see sores, bleeding, or if you start losing hair along with the itching.

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.

JaundiceA–Z Health · Liver Health
Recommended Care

Rest & Sugarcane Juice

Preparation & Use

Complete rest. Drink fresh sugarcane juice or coconut water. Eat light, low-fat food. Avoid oil/spices completely.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE supportive care. CAUTION: Highly contagious if viral (Hep A/E).

When to See Doctor

Yellow skin/eyes, dark urine, pale stools, or vomiting.

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.

Jaundice (Breastfeeding Jaundice vs Breast Milk Jaundice)Wellness, Mother & Child · WMC
Care Approach

Understand the Difference and Continue Feeding

Guidance & Use

Breastfeeding jaundice is caused by insufficient milk intake in the first few days. Breast milk jaundice is caused by substances in the milk that slow bilirubin breakdown. In both cases, continue frequent breastfeeding and consult a lactation consultant if needed.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE wellness practice. Stopping breastfeeding is rarely necessary and can worsen the situation.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If you are unsure about the type of jaundice, consult your pediatrician.

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.

Jaundice (Breast Milk)Wellness, Mother & Child · WMC
Care Approach

Continue Breastfeeding and Monitor

Guidance & Use

Breast milk jaundice is a condition where substances in breast milk slow the breakdown of bilirubin (a yellow pigment produced by the breakdown of red blood cells), causing mild yellowing of the skin. It is harmless. Continue frequent breastfeeding to help the baby excrete bilirubin through stool.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE wellness practice. It typically peaks around 2 weeks and resolves by 12 weeks.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If the jaundice worsens, the baby becomes lethargic, or if the doctor recommends a bilirubin blood test to rule out other causes.

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.