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.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

It's Better to Avoid Hemorrhoids Than It Is to Cure Them

By Richard Hill

hemorrhoids; we all know that painful word, and many of us have suffered from them. Of course they are uncomfortable, but they can actually be very painful or itch, and many people suffer from them for a great portion of their lives. For some people, hemorrhoids even bleed. It can be upsetting and even cost quite a bit of money when hemorrhoids go undetected but are still aggravated. Therefore, it's better to prevent hemorrhoids than it is to cure them, if at all possible.

There are a several tips in order to avoid hemorrhoids. First, avoid constipation by eating more fiber. Take in foods such as whole-grain breads and cereals, raw and dried fruits, raw vegetables and beans. Minimize consuming low- or no-fiber foods, such as ice creams, soft drinks, white bread, cheese, and red meat.

In addition, make sure you drink enough; most people need at least eight to 10 glasses of water a day. Becoming dehydrated increases your risk of constipation, and you can also become dehydrated if you drink liquids that are dehydrating themselves, like alcohol or coffee.

It is a good to practice healthy bowel habits like going to the comfort room immediately when you feel the urge to, avoid straining to pass bowels. Give yourself time to allow things happen in their own natural course. Do not hold your breath as you pass stools.

Modification of daily activities is also advised. Avoid prolonged sitting or standing, instead take a few short walks. Lifting heavy objects can also be a factor, so when lifting heavy objects, exhale as you lift but don't hold your breath. For pregnant women, sleeping on your side will reduce the pressure on the blood vessels in your pelvis thus reducing the risk of hemorrhoids.

A woman who observes painful stools during menstruation would be wise to begin taking additional dietary fiber and fluids several days prior to that time. Avoid wearing tight clothing especially underwear, tight clothes also contribute to irritation and poor muscle tone in the anal region and promote hemorrhoid growth. Some people with hemorrhoids testify that is more comfortable without underwear or wearing lightweight underwear.

Fluids given off by the intestinal tract may have irritants that may add to the fissures associated with hemorrhoids. It is also advised to wash the anus with cool water and soap to reduce the swelling and increase blood supply for quicker healing and may take out irritating fluids.

If you are prone to developing hemorrhoids, the best thing to do is to follow these preventive measures to avoid the development of this painful and frustrating condition. Some people are just prone to it. But it is worth a try to practice preventive measures. After all, it is always better to be safe than sorry, and prevention is better than cure.

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