Top Foods that Cause Acid Reflux

Top Foods that Cause Acid Reflux

If you suffer from a burning sensation or acute discomfort that travels up from your stomach into your chest and the regurgitation of food that you recently ate along with a sharp and sour taste of acid, these symptoms are native to acid reflux. While the occasional experience of acid reflux need not worry you, if it becomes regular, more intense, and disturbs your sleep, you must visit your doctor. Food that enters the stomach is retained by means of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is a muscular ring, and it must close immediately as it may become weak or damaged. If it doesn’t close fully or remains open too often, it causes digestive acids to move up into the food pipe or esophagus. This causes the typical symptoms of heartburn, sour taste in the mouth, regurgitation, dyspepsia or burning sensation in the stomach, nausea, upset stomach, bloated feeling, difficulty swallowing, burping, dry cough, and a sore throat. Sometimes, the symptoms are so severe that they can be mistaken for a heart attack. If symptoms persist and are left untreated, you can develop gastroesophageal reflux disease. Relationship Between Food and Acid Reflux Your diet has a significant impact on acid reflux. Foods that are acidic in nature contribute to the increase of acids in the stomach and there are more chances of these causing reflux through a weak or damaged LES. There are many such trigger foods, and along with the medication, exercise and lifestyle changes that your doctor recommends, avoiding such foods can help you manage and eliminate your symptoms. Eating heavy meals close to bedtime and lying down immediately after a meal can trigger an attack. Being obese or pregnant, bending over after a meal, snacking close to bedtime, smoking, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin, ibuprofen and muscle relaxants, certain antibiotics, and blood-pressure medications can set off acid reflux symptoms.
Causes and Home Remedies for Heel Pain

Causes and Home Remedies for Heel Pain

An extremely common complaint, heel pain has several common causes. It is vital to make an accurate diagnosis of the cause of the symptoms in order to get appropriate and timely treatment that is directed at the exact cause of the problem. Once the source of the heel pain is clear, a more targeted treatment plan can help in a speedy recovery. Furthermore, knowing the right and the exact cause of the symptoms may help in taking steps to prevent the condition from reoccurring. Below is some information about the common causes of knee pain and the treatment and remedial options. Causes Heel pain can sometimes be caused by an injury like a fracture or a sprain. The most common causes of heel pain are caused by medical conditions like: Plantar Fasciitis – The plantar fascia is a large ligament in the foot that stretches from the heel bone to the balls of your toes. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of this ligament, causing pain in the underside of the heel. Achilles tendinitis – The Achilles tendon attaches the calf muscles to the heel bone. Overuse or stress of this muscle can cause wear and tear in this tendon, causing severe pain at the back of the heel. This condition can lead to a gradual degeneration of the Achilles tendon. Bursitis – Bursae are the fluid-filled sacs that surround the joints. Bursitis is a condition that causes inflammation in these sacs. The foot has 33 joints, so foot bursitis can cause severe pain. Stress fracture – A stress fracture is caused by heavy and rigorous activities involving the feet. Runners are prone to this condition. Continual stress to the feet weakens the muscles and their ability to act as shock absorbers. Eventually, the bones begin to feel the impacts directly, which can lead to tiny fractures.
Causes, Complications, and Treatments for Excessive Sweating

Causes, Complications, and Treatments for Excessive Sweating

Sweating is a way of keeping the body cool. The amount of sweat produced varies in every person. Some people suffer from the problem of excessive sweating that is medically associated with hyperhidrosis, normally observed around the areas of hands, armpits, feet, and groin. The problem can be inborn or an individual may develop it during the later stages of his life. If the sweating is without any known cause, then it is defined as primary hyperhidrosis, but if the body sweats more due to an underlying medical condition, it is called secondary hyperhidrosis. The causes of primary hyperhidrosis can be partial hereditary. Today, there are thousands of curative methods available that can be helpful to cure the problem. Mentioned below are the causes of excessive sweating, have a look at these: Diabetic hypoglycemia Endocarditis Fever for an unknown cause Generalized anxiety disorder Heart attack Heat exhaustion Hyperthyroidism Leukemia Malaria Menopause Obesity Stress Tuberculosis Gout Respiratory failure Hodgkin’s disease HIV Pregnancy Some medications Above affirmations are the causes of excessive sweating that can be prevented by various way outs. If hyperhidrosis doesn’t get treated in time it may lead to the following complications: Nail infections: The excessive sweating can result in toenail infections that can further cause several disorders. Warts: This is a severe skin infection whose cause is virus HPV that generally attacks the body in sweaty conditions. Bacterial infections: Excessive sweat results in a number of bacterial infections. The main targeted areas are hair follicles and the space present between adjoining fingers of feet and hands. Heat rashes : This complication results in itching to the body. A large red rash on the skin is observed that causes the stinging sensation. This happens due to blockage of sweat ducts and the deposition of sweat trapped beneath the skin.
Understanding the Symptoms and Causes of Sleep Disorders

Understanding the Symptoms and Causes of Sleep Disorders

Symptoms of sleep disorders occur due to a variety of reasons and it is important to identify the reasons for their occurrence. The lifestyle of the patient is disrupted, and if occurrs at the wrong time, it could provide fatal in certain situations. Symptoms of Sleep Disorders Symptoms of sleep disorders normally manifest themselves in the following ways: Perpetually Feeling Tired This is one of the main symptoms of sleep disorders. Even having eight hours of sleep does not help and you have a feeling of grogginess as well as suffering from exhaustion. When the sleep cycle is normal, there are moments of deep sleep as well as light sleep. You should be feeling awake as well as alert. When a full night of sleep still makes you feel sleepy, your brain, as well as your body, are unable to reach the sleep levels that restore your energy. Breathing Stoppage You are told by your partner that you snore loudly and your breathing stops sometimes. Snoring is not as harmless as it appears to be as it could be an underlying sign of sleep apnea which could have fatal consequences. Dozing off During the Day You have a tendency to fall asleep during the day even with a proper night of sleep. There is a continuous need for sleep all through the day. You fall asleep while at work or while driving. These are indicators that you might be suffering from a sleep disorder and need to see a doctor immediately. When the problem with falling asleep persists for a month, then this is a clear indication of a sleep disorder. It is important to recognize the problem and seek medical attention immediately. Medical Conditions There may be a medical condition that you are suffering from which is chronic in nature.
Causes and Treatments for Nerve Pain in the Feet

Causes and Treatments for Nerve Pain in the Feet

The tingling sensation that you are having on your feet could be an early indication of something serious in your body. Most people at some point in their life will experience this numbness on their feet which at times could become really painful. One reason that could seem quite trivial is sitting at the same posture for too long. However, this feeling will fade away after some time if the sitting posture is the reason behind it. If the tingling in your feet is persistent, you should know that it could be the indication of the following concerns: Diabetic neuropathy Your diabetes could be one of the reasons for that tingling sensation on your feet. High-blood sugar damages your nerves, and as a result of that, you get nerve pain in the foot. Symptoms Extreme thirst Frequent urination Itchy skin Dry mouth Numbness or pain in your feet and hands Breathe smelling fruity The unexpected loss of weight Increased hunger Yeast infections Very slow healing of sores or cuts Lethargy or drowsiness Nausea or vomiting Changes in vision Treatment The doctor will do a complete medical check-up of your body and look at your medical history. He or she will also run blood tests in order to determine the exact cause of this tingling sensation on your feet. Then the doctor will recommend lifestyle changes and medications like insulin that will help you to fight diabetes. Pregnancy Many women feel the tingling sensation in their feet during their pregnancy phase. When the size of the uterus increases, it will put some pressure on your nerves which goes down the leg and feet. This will cause a sensation of “pins and needles.” Treatment Keep your feet up while resting Change your posture from time to time Drink plenty of water so that you stay hydrated If this tingling on your feet during the pregnancy period persists and also cause swelling and weakness of your feet, then you should consult with your doctor in order to ensure that there is nothing to worry.
Causes and Treatment Options for Swollen Ankles

Causes and Treatment Options for Swollen Ankles

Swollen ankles are very common and not a cause for too much worry. They are painful at times but do not pose any serious threat. The main reason for swollen ankles or feet would be pressure on the legs. So, walking or standing for a long time may typically lead to swelling of the ankles. In most of the cases, swollen feet and ankles get better on their own. They go away in a short time with enough rest to the legs. But sometimes the swelling may remain for a long time. It may cause severe symptoms and lead to serious complications. Here we discuss the various causes and the treatment options for swollen ankles. Causes There are many causes of swollen ankles. It may occur due to an injury or any underlying medical conditions. Doctors tend to place importance on understanding the cause of swollen ankles before delving into different swollen ankles treatment options. So, understanding some of the causes is important. Some of the common causes of swollen ankles are: Pregnancy – Swollen ankles are very common during pregnancy. It may occur due to the increased weight or increased pressure on the legs. But sometimes, it may be a sign of preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication that needs immediate medical attention. Hot weather – When the weather is hot, the veins expand and sometimes cause poor blood flow. The fluids start collecting in the feet and ankles. This results in swelling of the ankles. Injury – This is one of the main causes of swollen ankles. When there is an injury, the blood rushes to that area. The sudden rush of blood causes the ankles to swell. Edema – It is a condition where tissues in the body trap the excess fluid. This results in swelling of the tissues near the feet and ankles.
Lower Back Pain and Its Causes

Lower Back Pain and Its Causes

Lower back pain on the right side can be a sudden cause of concern for many people. The reasons for this pain can be many. However, most of the time, it is just caused by muscle pain because of your back getting hurt by some physical exercise or being stretched to the point of getting hurt. In such a case, the back pain will subside on its own, without you having to do anything. If the problem persists, you can apply an ointment or pain reliever cream or use sprays that are available in every local drug store. However, the main cause of back pain can be more serious or even life-threatening if not looked into. Kidney issues Apart from the kidneys, no other organ is located in that part of the body. If the problem is caused due to the kidney, it may not be just limited to urinary tract infections or kidney stones. While the former is easy to treat, the latter can be very painful but is still treatable with good outcomes. Kidney infections are also a common cause of pain in the kidneys, and, by extension, it can also lead to back pain, on the left or the right side. The other causes of kidney pain can be the direct impact a recent penetrating/blunt trauma may have had on the area. Such cases are called the lacerated kidney. If a woman is pregnant and experiences these issues, she should immediately consult her doctor. Symptoms of kidney pain can include fever, painful urination, flank pain, and nausea or vomiting. Other causes of back pain on the right side can be the following: Appendicitis The small tube that is attached to the large intestine and is sitting in the lower right side of the body is called the appendix.
Common Causes of Pain and Tightness in the Chest

Common Causes of Pain and Tightness in the Chest

Many people experience chest pain due to various reasons. In extreme cases, chest pain can be an indicator of a heart attack. But it can also be a sign of respiration issues, digestion problems, and other conditions. Chest pain should be taken seriously as it can lead to life-threatening conditions. Below are a few of the reasons why you might be experiencing chest pain. Angina : It is a condition wherein you feel pressure in your heart as if it is being squeezed. The blood is still flowing to the heart but its supply is exponentially reduced. You might experience dizziness or pain elsewhere in the upper body. Angina is very similar to a heart attack but does not cause permanent damage to the heart tissue. It is one of the common causes of chest pain. As soon as you feel the symptoms, you should consult the doctor to get professional medical help. Heart attack : When you feel a very sharp pain in the heart, then it is most likely a heart attack. A heart attack is caused when one of the arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle is blocked. There might be a sharp stabbing sensation along with pressure or tightness in the chest. Some other symptoms are shortness of breath, nausea, cold sweat, a lump in the throat, and numbness in the arm or hand. A heart attack is a medical emergency and the sooner you see a doctor the lesser will be the damage. Collapsed lung : A collapsed lung is the condition when the air gets in between the chest and the lung walls. This can cause a feeling of pressure when you inhale. In case of a collapsed lung, breathing in becomes really difficult. If you suspect this you should immediately see a doctor.
Causes of Bad Breath and Ways to Cure It

Causes of Bad Breath and Ways to Cure It

Halitosis or as it is commonly known, bad breath, is an embarrassing condition. Gum, mints, mouthwashes, and other products designed to fight bad breath are only temporary measures as they don’t address the cause of the problem. Some food items, health conditions, and habits are the main causes of bad breath. You can cure bad breath with proper and consistent dental hygiene. The malodor may vary depending on the underlying cause. If self-care techniques don’t work, it is best to see your dentist or physician to make sure that it isn’t a symptom of other serious condition. Symptoms Some people may have bad breath and don’t know about it. Other people worry too much about their breath even though they have little or no mouth odor. It is hard to self-assess your breath. Therefore, ask a close friend or relative to check if you have bad breath. Causes There are many probable causes for bad breath. They are: Food The breakdown of food particles in your mouth increases bacteria and causes a foul odor. When you eat certain foods like onions, garlic, and spices, they enter your bloodstream, are carried to your lungs, and affect your breath. Tobacco products Smokers and oral tobacco users are prone to having gum diseases, which could lead to bad breath. Tobacco has an unpleasant odor as well. Poor dental hygiene Food particles remain in your mouth and cause bad breath if you don’t brush and floss daily. Plaque, a colorless and sticky film of bacteria, forms on your teeth. This plaque can irritate your gums and eventually form plaque-filled pockets between your teeth and gums if you don’t brush regularly. Not only your teeth, but the tongue can also trap bacteria that produce odors. Dry mouth or xerostomia Saliva helps cleanse your mouth. If you have a problem with your salivary glands, it may result in chronic dry mouth.
Causes and symptoms of chronic myeloid leukemia

Causes and symptoms of chronic myeloid leukemia

Chronic myeloid leukemia is a form of cancer that affects the White Blood Cells (WBCs) in the bone marrow. Chronic means the disease grows and spreads gradually, comparatively slower than acute forms of leukemia. This type of cancer is usually diagnosed in older adults and is rare among children, but it can affect people at any age. This article discusses the condition’s causes and symptoms, understanding which can facilitate early diagnosis and ensure timely treatment. What causes chronic myeloid leukemia? This form of leukemia develops due to a genetic mutation. While it isn’t quite understood what sets it off, how it progresses to cancer has been discovered. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes. In people with chronic myeloid leukemia, a part of the 9th chromosome switches places with a section of the 22nd chromosome, resulting in an extra-short 22nd chromosome (aka the Philadelphia chromosome) and an extra-long 9th chromosome. The Philadelphia chromosome is found in up to 90 percent of chronic myeloid leukemia patients. The DNA swapping between the two chromosomes leads to the formation of a new fusion gene called BCR-ABL. BCR-ABL causes the myeloid cells to produce an abnormal enzyme called tyrosine kinase, which allows WBCs to grow uncontrollably. These abnormal WBCs multiply rapidly and do not leave room for the healthy cells, leading to the development of chronic myeloid leukemia. What are the symptoms of chronic myeloid leukemia? Chronic myeloid leukemia shares symptoms with several other conditions, making diagnosis difficult. Additionally, the condition may not always cause symptoms and is usually detected in a blood test. That said, the signs may include the following when they do appear: Fatigue or weakness A person may experience tiredness, fatigue, and shortness of breath while doing everyday activities. Abdominal swelling Patients may experience abdominal discomfort and swelling, usually in the upper left part of the abdomen.
Symptoms, causes and preventive measures for rotavirus

Symptoms, causes and preventive measures for rotavirus

Rotavirus is a contagious virus that causes inflammation in the intestines and stomach. It is one of the most common causes of diarrhea in children. Although there is no cure for this condition, there are medications that help manage the symptoms. Understanding the symptoms of rotavirus can help one treat the condition immediately. In this article, we will be discussing the symptoms, causes, and prevention methods of rotavirus. Symptoms The symptoms of rotavirus start two days after the exposure to the virus. However, the symptoms can last for up to seven days. Fever and vomiting During the first three days, one may notice fever and vomiting. However, these symptoms may fade away by the fourth day. Dehydration Babies and younger children may experience severe dehydration. Irritability, lack of fluid consumption, little to no urine, and lethargy may be common symptoms of dehydration. Seek immediate medical help if you notice any of these symptoms. Watery diarrhea After the fever and vomiting fade away, one may experience watery diarrhea. This may last for up to seven days. Abdominal pain The diarrhea may be accompanied by abdominal pain. Nevertheless, the stomach pain should subside within a couple of days. Causes Rotavirus is present in the fecal matter of a person and spreads through hand-to-mouth contact. It may be present in the infected person’s stool for two days before the symptoms show up. If a kid or a parent does not wash hands after using the toilet or changing a diaper, the virus can spread easily. The virus can stay on surfaces that have not been disinfected for up to months at a time. Contracting the viral infection is possible even after getting vaccinated. Therefore, prevention is crucial. Prevention To prevent or reduce the risk of getting contaminated, one must wash their hands after using the washroom.
Here’s What Causes Chronic Diarrhea

Here’s What Causes Chronic Diarrhea

Diarrhea, an illness that leads to frequent watery stools, is a common healthcare concern in most developing countries, and even elsewhere. Almost everyone goes through some form of diarrhea at some point in their lives. Diarrhea is one of those conditions where the intensity of the illness makes the difference. While mild diarrhea may cause mere inconvenience, chronic diarrhea causes disabling and life-threatening conditions. Usually, diarrhea can majorly be characterized by loose stools, dehydration, cramping, and the like. Diarrhea becomes a major concern when it leads to dehydration and reduction of essential fluids in the body. While a minor case of diarrhea generally lasts for a few days, acute diarrhea gets cured in a couple of weeks. Chronic diarrhea, however, is the one that usually lasts for more than four weeks. Such a condition usually requires complete diagnosis and treatment. Several reasons can cause chronic diarrhea. While diarrhea that is caused by an excess of a certain food item can be easily treated, chronic diarrhea that may have stemmed out of a disease or a serious medical condition requires extensive treatment and care. Some of the common chronic diarrhea causes have been listed below. Infections Infection is one of the most common chronic diarrhea causes that requires immediate treatment. Chronic diarrhea can also be a result of the presence of an intestinal parasite or infection. An infection can be contracted from contaminated food and water, undercooked food, and the like. Often, food poisoning also causes chronic diarrhea that may also cause you to have the runs. People who are frequent travelers to tropical countries may have recurrent bouts of diarrhea. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) IBS is another common cause of chronic diarrhea which is accompanied by cramping and bloating. While most doctors cannot entirely diagnose the real cause of IBS, it is often caused by imbalances in gut bacteria, alterations in the gut motility, issues with fermented sugar, etc.