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.

Monday, July 6, 2009

Stop Smoking Remedies You Need To Quit smoking for Good

By Denzil De Vries

After years of trying to quit smoking, you may be looking for different stop smoking remedies. "The patch", the most common stop smoking remedy which can be bought from many drugstores, helps smokers in their battle with the difficulties of quitting smoking and enables them to be able to better endure withdrawal symptoms.

In order to achieve the desired result, the patch must be used consistently for three months, each and every day. More than half of the smokers who use this particular stop smoking remedy are successful in quitting. There are some side effects and some people have trouble sleeping, and also the skin may become irritated due to the patch. Quitters are also advised to seek counseling while they are trying to kick the habit as well.

Stop smoking remedies are also available as prescription medication. One such medication is popularly referred to as the "pill." Bupropion, which is the generic form of Zyban, is a prescription anti-depressant. Although its primary purpose is that of an anti-depressant, it also curbs nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Several studies claim that Zyban has twice the effectiveness of a nicotine patch. Zyban is non-addictive, but can have some mild side effects, including sleep disturbance and dry mouth.

Less effective but still popular stop smoking remedies include gum and nicotine inhalers. Gum, which is an oral remedy, helps smokers who suffer from cravings during withdrawal periods. When symptoms begin to take their toll, individuals can chew nicotine gum instead of smoking. It is best used for three months and can be chewed often. Some individuals have even been known to chew 24 sticks of gum per day. On the other hand, nicotine inhaler allows individuals to take a dose whenever they get a craving, making the transition between smoking and not smoking easier by mimicking the effects of smoking. Side effects include throat and mouth irritation.

Some people prefer natural stop smoking remedies. Many individuals put salt on their tongue whenever they feel like they need a smoke. This psychological remedy mimics the theory of behaviorism, which claims that people can be trained to respond in certain ways. By putting salt on their tongue, these individuals come to associate the urge to smoke with the distasteful taste of salt, and thus, this helps them quit smoking,

Drinking lots of water is vital for people who are trying to quit smoking. A blend of celery and carrot juice can also help a person resist nicotine cravings. Another option which can help people quit is exercise, which both distracts the person trying to stop smoking from his or her cravings and releases endorphins to relax the body.

Stop smoking remedies will only be effective if individuals follow them. Smokers who attempt quitting must have the desire and motivation to conquer their addictions. It's imperative that quitting be their top priority. Only people who are dedicated can let go of the habit permanently and successfully.

About the Author:

No comments: