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.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Preventative Measures to Help You Take Control of Your Asthma and Allergies

By Twyla Ness

Allergies and asthma don't always go hand in hand, but many people suffer from both of them. Most asthma sufferers have specific triggers that provoke their attacks. Those who have allergies also experience symptoms in conjunction with certain triggers. In some cases these triggers are unavoidable, but you can often reduce them as long as you know what they are.

Asthma sufferers often feel that their asthma is controlled if they can manage attacks with an inhaler or other asthma remedies. But true control involves preventing attacks in the first place, not treating them once they occur. Here are some ways that you can stop allergic reactions and asthma attacks before they start.

* Pay attention to the circumstances surrounding your asthma attacks. What do they have in common? Making a note of these things can help you determine what is causing the attacks, and that is the first step in avoiding them.

* Avoid common triggers such as smoke and strong fumes. These are some of the things that often instigate asthma attacks, so it is best to stay away from them as much as possible.

* When the pollution and pollen levels are high you should stay inside. You are asking for trouble by going out when these are in the air in large amounts.

* Dust in the home should be gotten rid of. Keep your home as clean as you possibly can and use an air purifier. The use of a regular vacuum cleaner for vacuuming can make things worse though. Use water to clean as much as possible, as often as you can. Dust is kept out of your nose because the water traps it.

* Pets should be outside. Allergic reactions can be caused in those prone to them by pet hair, feathers, dander and even saliva. The homes of allergy sufferers need to be free of all pets except for maybe fish.

* Don't give mold a chance to grow. Mold loves damp places, so make sure that there aren't any in your home. This can be accomplished by running a dehumidifier and making sure that damp areas have plenty of ventilation.

* Cockroaches are often the cause of an allergy or asthma attack, so do everything you can to discourage them from visiting your home. Get rid of clutter, keep your food tightly stored, and don't have standing water. If cockroaches don't find these necessities in your home, they'll look somewhere else.

The use of medication is critical to the majority of those who experience asthma and allergies. It can prevent symptoms, and also help to stop an attack in its tracks. However, it is essential to control the environmental causes so you can manage these conditions more successfully. So if you have asthma, allergies, or both, try out these tips that will let you breathe easier.

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