About Morning Coffe

Does your morning coffee cause you pain? Are you frustrated when
a night out dining with friends ends in discomfort instead of
relaxed conversation? Do you carry antacids with you every day?

Heartburn is more than just a nuisance. It can detract from
enjoying a meal, force you to change your routine and hang over
your every decision - what to eat, what to drink, when to lay
down.

What is this monkey on your back and how can you find relief?


WHAT CAUSES HEARTBURN?

Heartburn occurs when the acid content of the stomach makes its
way back into the esophagus. A burning sensation and even a
bitter taste are experienced by heartburn sufferers.

If you are suffering more than twice a week you may have acid
reflux disease - also known as GERD. Why is this important?

Not all heartburn is caused by GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux
disease). Occasional heartburn can be caused by a variety of
factors but if you have regular episodes there are things you can
do to help.


WHAT CAN I DO?

If you have regular heartburn the first thing you should do is
stay away from regular use of antacids. Antacids can relieve the
pain of occasional heartburn, but because they are designed to
neutralize the acids in your stomach they can cause the stomach
to create MORE acid - a cycle called 'acid rebound'. Some
medications can also cause diarrhea or constipation or even
increase the risk of food poisoning by inhibiting the growth of
good bacteria.

Watch out for trigger foods such as caffeine, alcohol, citrus,
chocolate, minty, spicy or tomato-based foods as well as fatty or
fried foods, onions or garlic.

Being overweight or smoking also increases the risk of GERD and
lifestyle changes may help to control the symptoms.

Activities such as lying down after a meal, bending forward,
lifting heavy items or eating large meals can bring acid reflux
on. Avoiding these activities after a meal, eating smaller
portions and raising the head of your bed several inches may
help.

Some natural products such as orange peel extract are being
researched for their abilities to curb heartburn.

WHO IS AT RISK?

Anyone. But it should be noted that pregnant women, children,
overweight individuals and smokers are all likely candidates.

Young babies have immature digestive systems. National Digestive
Diseases (NDDIC) says that most children outgrow GERD by the time
they are one year old. However, because the symptoms are painful
precautions like frequent burping and keeping the infant upright
for 30 minutes after eating can reduce the occurrence.

Older children may have to take similar precautions in diet and
activity as adults. You should always consult your doctor when
you suspect GERD to avoid future complications.

Being overweight or pregnant increases the pressure in the
abdomen. 25% of pregnant women experience heartburn at some time
during their pregnancy.

If you suspect GERD it is important to contact your doctor as
there can be harmful side effects of persistent heartburn
including scaring of the esophagus, asthma, erosion of the teeth
and even increased risk of esophageal cancer. Frequent,
persistent heartburn can also be a symptom of other serious
conditions and should be checked on by a professional.

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes
only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any
disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any
health care program.

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Mesothelioma Disease

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer in the general population. However, in individuals that were exposed to asbestos, it is not as rare. There are experts that have speculated on other causes. There are incidences of Mesothelioma with no known asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma is not a lung cancer. Smoking does not cause it. It is a cancer of the mesothelial cells.

Causes of Mesothelioma
The only known, established cause of Mesothelioma is asbestos. The asbestos fibers are breathed in, travel through the lung and become lodged in the pleura, the thin, saran wrap-type membrane that lines that encases the lung. The pleura, produces a special lubricating fluid that facilitates the ability of the lungs to move inside the chest during breathing. The process of irritation from the infiltration of the asbestos fibers creates changes in the cells, which causes the Mesothelioma. This is known as pleural Mesothelioma. Less common is peritoneal Mesothelioma, which is a cancer of the membrane that encompasses the lining of the abdomen.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma
An individual with Mesothelioma experiences chest pain usually caused by a build-up of fluid in the pleural space called an effusion and shortness of breath. Since many doctors may not have expertise in the area of asbestos-related diseases, these symptoms are often believed, at first, to be attributable to other medical problems. A biopsy of the pleural tissue or fluid may reveal the cancer of the mesothelial cells and a proper diagnosis can thus be established. A history of the individual’s occupational exposure shall be taken. Since there is no “safe” level of exposure to asbestos, even brief, low level exposures may be enough to cause Mesothelioma.

Occurrence of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer and its incidence is actually increasing day by day. There is presently no known cure for Mesothelioma. As the disease progresses, the cancerous cells harden the pleura and spread. As time passes, breathing, sleeping and eating become more difficult and eventually it becomes increasingly more challenging for the victim to engage in normal activities and enjoy life.

Treatments of Mesothelioma
A number of treatments have been established to help contain the spread of the disease and reduce the pain associated with it. Chemotherapy, radiation and radical surgery to remove the lung and pleura are among the options that have been explored by the treating physician.

Prevention is better than Cure
Mesothelioma is a preventable disease. Many of the corporations that manufacture and make profit from the sale of asbestos-containing products are aware of the hazards of asbestos. Alternative fibers are available that could be used instead of asbestos. But asbestos is cheap, and available, and is a good filler and binder.

To Sum up
The varied and non-specific symptoms associated with Mesothelioma, can delay detection and diagnosis The cancer has a very long latency period, which means that it could be thirty years or more before the person even realizes that they have contracted the cancer .The onset of symptoms can take up to fifty years or more in some cases, but once the symptoms have manifested the lifespan of the person can be as short as several months. So, if you or a loved one is experiencing any of the above symptoms, consult your doctor right away. Make sure that your physician is aware of any previous asbestos exposure, and occupational risk factors.

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Lifestyle Factors

There are several health and lifestyle factors that contribute to snoring; and this is true for both men and women, since snoring is a condition that does affect both genders (though surveys suggest that men snorers outnumber women snorers by a ratio of 2:1).

Some of the major health and lifestyle factors that can contribute to snoring include:

Allergies, which can clog the airway and trachea

Allergy medications, which can dry the nasal cavities

Cold and Flu, which can similarly clog the airway (this is why some people experience snoring only when they’re suffering a cold or flu)

Thickened tissues in the nasal passages, which can sometimes result from some surgeries unrelated to snoring

Overuse of nasal sprays which irritate the nasal passageway

Enlarged adenoids and/or tonsils

Goiter (swelling of the an ineffective thyroid gland in the neck)

A disproportionately large tongue that blocks airflow

Ineffective regulation and neural control of mucus membranes

Obesity and excess weight (leading to an enlarged neck and excess soft tissue in the trachea)*

Excess gut/belly (relatively decreasing the size of the lungs)*

Drinking alcohol**, which: sedates the throat muscles and causes them to collapse, and dilates blood vessels which swells up throat tissue

Cigarette smoking, which inflames the upper airway

The normal aging process, which can simply lead to a loss of muscle tone in the neck and thus snoring

* Since relatively more men tend to experience an excess gut, this is one reason why more men tend to experience snoring than women.

** Any medication (prescribed, over the counter, or illicit) that leads to excessive relaxation can lead to snoring.

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GERD For Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease, a clinical condition that occurs when reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus is severe enough to impact the patient’s life and/or damage the esophagus. Gastroesophageal refers to the stomach and esophagus while reflux means to flow back or return. You see, when chewed-up food slides down the esophagus or swallowing tube, and into the stomach, there digestive juices begin to break down the food. A special type of muscle called a sphincter connects the esophagus and the stomach. The sphincter works like a gate. It opens up so food can get into the stomach, and then it closes again. This keeps the food and acidic stomach juices from flowing back into the esophagus. However, if the sphincter is weak or opens at the wrong time, there's a problem. Whatever's in the stomach goes the wrong way, which is back up into the esophagus. And because what's in the stomach is high in acid, this can irritate the esophagus. This condition is then called reflux.

GERD affects at least an estimated 5% to 7% of the global population. GERD is most common in adults over age 40 but virtually anyone can get GERD, even infants. Persistent heartburn is the most frequent symptom of GERD. It is an uncomfortable burning sensation behind the breastbone, most commonly occurring after a meal. This condition has nothing to do with the heart, but everything to do with the stomach and the esophagus. Eating too much and going to bed in a very full stomach can cause heartburn in a lot of people. The difference between GERD and heartburn is that GERD is a disease and heartburn is its most common symptom. Almost everyone has experienced heartburn. About 25 million American adults suffer daily from heartburn. Someone who experiences recurring, significant heartburn two or more times a week may have GERD. Frequent heartburn that disrupts one's lifestyle suggests the diagnosis of GERD. Another symptom of GERD is regurgitation. It is a sensation of acid backed up in the esophagus.

Early diagnosis of GERD is important to avoid complications in the future. A physician can usually make an easy diagnosis of GERD if the patient finds relief from persistent heartburn and acid regurgitation after taking antacids for short periods. Laboratory or more invasive tests, including endoscopy, barium-swallow radiograph, PH monitor examination, and manometry may be required if the diagnosis is still uncertain. If patients develop persistent GERD with frequent relapses, however, and it remains untreated, serious complications can develop over time. Such complications can include the following: ulcers, severe narrowing of the esophagus, erosion of the lining of the esophagus, precancerous changes in the cells of the esophagus, and problems in other areas, including the teeth, throat, and airways leading to the lungs

There are various methods to effectively treat GERD starting from lifestyle measures to the use of medication or surgical procedures. But initial treatment of GERD is with lifestyle changes. Eating anything within three hours before bedtime should be avoided, stop smoking, avoid fatty foods, decrease portions of food at mealtime, elevating the head of the bed or mattress 6 to 8 inches, and losing weight if overweight. It is essential for individuals who suffer GERD to change their lifestyle, and seek an accurate diagnosis with their physician to receive the most effective treatment available.

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Best Treatments for Acid Reflux

Acid reflux disease, or GERD, is a common compliant of the digestive system, often characterised by persistent burning or discomfort behind the breastbone. As the symptoms of GERD can mimic those of coronary disease, it is important that you visit your doctor, if you have chronic heartburn. If you have been diagnosed as having acid reflux disease, there are many treatment options available to you to help you manage your symptoms.

The treatment of GERD usually incorporates simple lifestyle changes. It is very important for patients suffering from GERD to monitor their diets, eliminating any foods or beverages, which seem to aggravate their symptoms. Avoiding a diet high in fatty foods and alcohol is very important and quitting smoking can also help decrease your symptoms. Another effective way to alleviate your symptoms of acid reflux disease is
to try to manage your stress, which causes the body to produce more acid, often causing a flare-up.

If these changes are not enough to alleviate your discomfort, however, your doctor may prescribe drug therapy. Drug therapy is usually prescribed for the lifetime of the patient and often includes medications which inhibit the production of stomach acids, such as proton pump inhibitors or antacids.

While most patients tend to respond well to these treatments, sometimes surgery is the only option for those who do not respond well to other methods. The most common form of surgery used to treat GERD is fundoplication surgery, which repairs the lower esophagal sphincter, thus stopping the stomach acid from backing up into the esophagus. The average hospital stay is between one to four days, and it can sometimes take a patient up to five weeks to fully recuperate. Although surgery can successfully eliminate symptoms, a small number of patients will still need to take medication to fully control their GERD.

Whether you have been recently diagnosed with acid reflux disease or are a long-time sufferer, there are many treatment options available to you, and with a few simple lifestyle changes, under a doctor's supervision, can help you live with your symptoms.

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Relation Between Acid Reflux and Your Diet

There is an undeniable connection between the occurrence of acid reflux and diet. Everything in your body has a delicate balance. The human body is a miracle of systems that maintains just the right conditions to keep everything running smoothly. Therefore it’s the healthiest when there is an acidic balance or equilibrium. The stomach regulates acidic digestion with enzymes that convert acids into manageable alkaline or basal substances. However, when there is an over-production of acid, usually helped along by lifestyle choices like overeating or smoking, acid reflux is likely to occur, and if it goes unregulated, acid reflux disease can develop.

Fortunately, acid reflux and diet can be effectively improved by launching a few lifestyle changes. One of the most important things you can do to cool heartburn down is to avoid certain foods. In many cases, just changing the diet is all that is necessary to control acid reflux. Most health care professionals recommend a low-acid diet consisting of more alkaline or basal foods. Foods such as chocolate, foods with a lot of extra cheese, tomato sauce or catsup based foods, onions, chilies, caffeinated beverages, fatty or fried foods, alcohol, mint, and citrus fruits have been known to aggravate digestion, acting as catalysts for acid reflux.

So what foods are safe to eat? The key qualities in heartburn-friendly foods, for most people, are low fat and non-spicy. So, with that in mind you can probably guess that leafy greens and broccoli, lean cuts of grilled meat, egg whites, low-fat cheeses like feta, apples and bananas, multi-grain breads, and low-fat salad dressings are good choices. Junk food? Occasionally, but with caution, choose fat free cookies, baked potato chips, or red licorice. A good exercise to do if you suffer from heartburn regularly is to create a food diary and log your meal intake for 2 or 3 weeks. Then note each time you experience heartburn in order to target the foods you need to avoid.

In addition to making better food choices, consider changing your portion perception. Overeating is another acid reflux aggravator. Exercise caloric conscientiousness and choose to skip that second helping or fatty side dish, eat slow and drink plenty of water. Living without heartburn is within anyone’s grasp, and shouldn’t require drastic medical treatment. Simple, reasonable modifications in your eating habits can do wonders for quelling acid reflux, not to mention improving overall health.

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What ou Should Know About Heart Fluttering

Heart fluttering is a condition that most people have experienced at some time or another. It is the sensation of a heart beating too much swiftly or irregularly. Heart fluttering is usually called "palpitations," which are rapid, forceful, regular or irregular heartbeats that are quite noticeable to the individual. A rapid, regular heart fluttering may be associated with sensation of pounding in the neck as well, due to simultaneous contraction of the upper, priming chambers of the heart which is the atria and the lower, main pumping chambers called the ventricles. If the heart fluttering feels very irregular, then it is likely that the underlying rhythm is atrial fibrillation. During this type of rhythm abnormality, the atria beat so rapidly and irregularly that they seem to be quivering, rather than contracting. The ventricles are activated more rapidly than normal and in a very irregular pattern.

Heart fluttering occurs normally during an exertion or an emotion, but some people can have an increase or irregularities of heart rate without warning and without an apparent reason. This generates the sensation of heart fluttering which is due in the majority of cases to an impairment of cardiac rhythm o arrhythmia. Heart fluttering may also be associated with feelings of anxiety or panic; it is normal to feel the heart thumping when you are terrified of something If heart fluttering is short-lasting there is no problem for the child, but if it last more than half an hour, it is advisable to call on a physician or a hospital to make an examination and an ECG.

While heart fluttering can be a cause of concern to people who experience them, it is usually not a sign of an impending heart attack. For most people who are physically healthy and emotionally well-adjusted, they do not signify an underlying heart disorder but are most commonly caused by physical exertion, anxiety, fear, excessive smoking, too much caffeine, and ingredients in certain medications, including some cough and cold medications. In rare cases, heart fluttering is a long-standing accompaniment to an underlying severe anxiety disorder.

Heart fluttering can also be caused by actual heart disease. This can be distinguished by its particular pattern, depending on how heavy and regular the beating is. A cardiologist may be able to make a diagnosis based on the pattern, or may order an electrocardiogram for more precise information. When symptoms such as sweating, faintness, and chest pain occur with the heart fluttering, it is best to consult a cardiologist. As soon as the heart fluttering cause is determined, most people are able to live and deal with it and would not even notice.

Generally heart fluttering is not dangerous, even if it can provoke anguish, because it is unpleasant to feel the proper heart beating swiftly without reason. If extra beats are enough of a problem to warrant treatment, then usually a beta-blocking drug will be used. These block the effect of adrenaline on the heart, and are also used for the treatment of angina and high blood pressure. However, they can cause increased tiredness, sleep disturbance, depression, impotence, and can aggravate asthma. Other anti-arrhythmic drugs can be used if beta-blockers are not appropriate, but they too have potential side effects.

Heart fluttering which can already cause blackouts or near blackouts should be taken seriously. Even if ultimately nothing untoward is found you should contact your doctor as soon as possible to arrange the appropriate investigations if heart fluttering is associated with blackouts.

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