Heartburn or GERD can Kill

Heartburn is a common annoyance. The busy lifestyle, quick meals, fatty or spicy foods all contribute to the occasional need of a chewable pain reliever. The acceptance of heartburn as an inconvenient, but natural, part of the daily grind can blind you to the warning that a severe heartburn symptom can bring.

Heartburn as a Disorder

Heartburn can be a symptom as well as a disorder. Simple heartburn or GERD can be controlled and dealt with. However, heartburn can signal the presence of a much more serious problem. If it’s heartburn, you will have a burning sensation in the chest usually after eating. There may be a spread of the burning to the throat, sometimes accompanied by a bad taste, difficulty in swallowing, belching, coughing, hoarseness and/or wheezing.

It can become worse by lying down or bending over or by eating. Relief can come from an antacid. While the more severe heartburn symptoms may be mistaken for a heart attack, simple heartburn is usually not made worse by exercise. If there is any concern that the pain may signal a heart attack, get help quickly.

Friday, June 12, 2009

What Causes Hemorrhoids

By Jackie Michaels

One of the most understood, yet difficult medical issues to deal with are the problem of hemorrhoids and their causes. There are so many different causes of hemorrhoids it could take an entire medical team a lifetime to figure out why one individual suffers from hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids are such a common problem that both the condition and the causes are continually being studied. One link that researchers have made is the onset of hemorrhoids is often linked with obesity. This is an issue of serious concern because in addition to hemorrhoids, obesity can cause the onset of many health related problems. The problem with weight and hemorrhoids is that your body weight places a great deal of strain on your body, tending to cause hemorrhoids to flare.

Straining your body causes tiny clots to form and pool up in the rectum. This is inflammation and irritation is what creates hemorrhoids. The heavier you are, the greater your risk of developing hemorrhoids. This, along with other medical issues related to obesity, is serious. Try to watch your weight to prevent hemorrhoids and a host of other medical problems.

Hemorrhoids may be linked to genetic factors as well. Yes, this means that parents can pass the tendency to have hemorrhoids to their children. If someone in your family has them, it is possible that you will inherit this less than desirable trait. In the case of genetics and heredity, there is nothing you can do about it but be cautious to keep from causing an intentional flare and deal with one when and if it happens.

This is something that you should discuss with your family doctor. Your doctor may be able to perform tests to determine if the hemorrhoids with which you are dealing are hereditary. This may give insight as to the best way for you to deal with hemorrhoids. Your father or mother, or whomever in your family had hemorrhoids may also be able to give you insight into dealing with the issue.

The causes of hemorrhoid can be in number of factors, one of the most common reasons for them today is due to anal canal infections. If you have ever had a fissure within your anal region, you are at risk for developing hemorrhoids. This is surprisingly common.

So many people have to deal with hemorrhoid without knowing or understanding their cause. Your doctor can look at the infected area and may be able to give you insight as to the development of your hemorrhoids. In some cases hemorrhoids become so troublesome that it becomes necessary to remove them surgically.

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1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Heartburn or GERD will not kill you. If you have chest pains, you will end up in Emerg. You are ridiculous.