Categories
Ailmemts & Remedies

Snoring

Snoring is a noise produced when an individual breathes (usually produced when breathing in) during sleep which in turn causes vibration of the soft palate and uvula (that thing that hangs down in the back of the throat). The word “apnea” means the abscence of breathing.
All snorers have incomplete obstruction ( a block) of the upper airway. Many habitual snorers have complete episodes of upper airway obstruction where the airway is completly blocked for a period of time, usually 10 seconds or longer. This silence is usually followed by snorts and gasps as the individual fights to take a breath. When an individual snores so loudly that it disturbs others, obstructive sleep apnea is almost certain to be present.

click & see

There is snoring that is an indicator of obstructive sleep apnea and there is also primary snoring.

Primary Snoring, also known as simple snoring, snoring without sleep apnea, noisy breathing during sleep, benign snoring, rhythmical snoring and continous snoring is characterized by loud upper airway breathing sounds in sleep without episodes of apnea (cessation of breath).

How Does Primary Snoring Differ from Snoring that Indicates Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
A complaint of snoring by an observer
No evidence of insomnia or excessive sleepiness due to the snoring
Dryness of the mouth upon awakening
A polysomnogram (sleep study) that shows:
Snoring and other sounds often occurring for long episodes during the sleep period
No associated abrupt arousals, arterial oxygen desaturation (lowered amount of oxygen in the blood) or cardiac disturbances
Normal sleep patterns
Normal respiratory patterns during sleep
No signs of other sleep disorders
What can be done about primary snoring?
First of all, it is absolutely necessary to rule out obstructive sleep apnea or other sleep disorders. Be wary of any doctor who says it is not necessary. Behavioral and lifestyle changes may be suggested. Losing weight, sleeping on your side, refraining from alcohol and sedatives are often recommended.

The Causes Of Snoring:
Modern research reveals snoring to often have more than one cause. These include the many factors that lead to nasal blockage such as nasal allergy or deformities of the nasal septum (the cartilage partition between the two sides of the nose) and other internal nasal structures. This nasal blockage can contribute to poor nasal airflow into the lungs and can in turn set the soft tissues of the palate (roof of the mouth) and throat vibrating. These vibrations cause the loud fluttering noise of snoring.

Other factors which can influence the snoring condition are obesity; lack of fitness or aging and associated loss of general muscle tone, congestion of the throat due to the reflux of stomach acid (heartburn); and the effects of alcohol or smoking.

Congestion of the throat tissues leads to swelling of fluids within the tissues. This causes loss of muscle tone and generally makes the lining tissues of the airways flop. Where nasal congestion causes faulty or turbulent airflow through the airway, then the resonance of these floppy tissues contributes to the noise known as snoring.

Correction of snoring may not only require surgical intervention, but will probably also need cessation of smoking, minimised alcohol consumption, control of gastric acid reflux where neccessary and weight control.

The Anatomy of the Upper Airway Passages.

CURE & TREATMENT:
Pillar Procedure
The Pillar Procedure is a new snoring treatment. It is an operation carried out under local anaesthetic in most cases. Three tiny implants, made from woven polyester, are injected into the tissues of the soft palate. Floppiness of the soft palate, that part of the roof of the mouth which extends from the bony hard palate to the uvula (or central, dangling portion of the soft palate), is a frequent contributor to snoring. Stiffening the soft palate has been well known to quieten snoring in selected cases. However, palatal stiffening is suitable for patients who have been carefully evaluated by an ear, nose and throat surgeon with an interest in snoring problems. It does not assist every patient. Other factors may be contributing to snoring in these patients.

Now, what are Pillar implants?
The Pillar implants, made from polyester material, were developed in Europe and now have FDA US Government authority approval for surgical use. This material has been frequently used in medical products and can be safely inserted within the body. The implant creates a fibrous capsule around the implant which is the mechanism of the stiffening.

How do they work?
During the Pillar Procedure, three tiny woven inserts are placed in the soft palate to help reduce both the vibration that causes snoring and the ability of the soft palate to obstruct the airway. The Pillar inserts add structural support to the soft palate over time and prevents palatal fluttering (snoring).

The complex anatomical structure of the upper airway passages is due to the close association of the air, food and fluid passages. We not only breathe through our mouth and nose, but we also eat and drink through our mouth. The food passages of the mouth, throat and oesophagus leading to the stomach are separated from the airway by the soft palate and epiglottis and associated structures of the larynx or voicebox. This normally prevents food or fluid passing into the air passages and lungs. Occasional strong coughing fits are reminders that this is not always the case!

The nasal air passages serve to moisten the air intake and also provide the olfactory, or smell sense. Alternating congestion of the nasal passages helps channel the air intake between the two lungs.

ORAL/DENTAL DEVICES
There are mouth/oral devices (that help keep the airway open) on the market that may help to reduce snoring in three different ways.

Some devices:
bring the jaw forward or
elevate the soft palate or
retain the tongue (from falling back in the airway and thus decreasing snoring).

SURGERY
There is also surgery. Snoring is Not Funny, Not Hopeless. There is uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) or Laser-Assisted Uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP), that involves removing excess tissue from the throat.

The newest surgery, approved by the FDA in July 1997 for treating snoring is called somnoplasty and uses radio frequency waves to remove excess tissue.

Injection Snoreplasty and Non-Surgical Snoring Cures are some other options.

10 Natural Tip for a Silent Night

Home Remedy of Snoring…….(1)

Home Remedy …………...(2 )

Regular Yoga Exercises like Meditation, Breathing Exercise etc. are also a permanent cure for snoring and sleep apnea.

Disclaimer: This information is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advise or help. It is always best to consult with a Physician about serious health concerns. This information is in no way intended to diagnose or prescribe remedies.

Source: www.snoring.com.au

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta
Categories
News on Health & Science

Giving up hope increases risk of cancer

[amazon_link asins=’0974894613,B00WDEBKBO,0987086901,B00PDRT466,B06XX7X2MW,B000E7YJ8S,B000MF87WG,1852287659,B0007KAITG’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’27f1efae-ef6d-11e7-a7be-332f42e7613b’]

 Many people fear they can do nothing to protect themselves from cancer, and they may be creating a self-fulfilling prophecy, US researchers said.

Their survey of more than 6,000 Americans found that nearly half 47% agreed that “nearly everything causes cancer” and that more than a quarter felt there was little they could do about it.

Yet an estimated two-thirds of cancer cases can be prevented with common-sense measures, such as not smoking, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables and avoiding too much sun, according to the American Association of Cancer Research and the National Cancer Institute.

“They say, ‘Well, there is nothing much you can do about it,’ and, as our survey shows, they indeed do nothing about it,” said Jeff Niederdeppe of the University of Wisconsin, who helped lead the study.

“Yet we know that approximately 30% of cancer deaths are attributed to smoking, while 15 to 20% are linked to overweight and obesity. Clearly, there are very specific things we can do to reduce our personal risk for getting cancer.”

Niederdeppe and colleagues analysed a National Cancer Institute survey that asked people whether they agreed with three statements about cancer.

About 47% of those surveyed agreed that “it seems like almost everything causes cancer”, while 27% agreed that “there’s not much people can do to lower their chances of getting cancer.”

Most of all, Americans are confused, with 71.5% agreeing that “there are so many recommendations about preventing cancer, it’s hard to know which ones to follow,” researchers wrote in their report, published in the current issue of the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.

People who agreed with at least one of the three statements were less likely than others to exercise weekly and eat five daily servings of fruits and vegetables, said Niederdeppe and colleagues.

Those who said there were too many recommendations were the most likely to smoke, and overall, less-educated people were more likely to hold one or more of the three beliefs. Part of the problem could be the way medical research is reported, with one discovery at a time dribbling out and some findings contradicting others.

Cancer is the second-leading killer of people in the United States and most developed countries, after heart disease. Half of all men and one third of all women will develop some type of cancer in their lifetime. Severity of symptoms depends on the location and character of the malignancy.

Source: The Times Of India

Related articles
Categories
Ailmemts & Remedies

Nausea and Vomiting

[amazon_link asins=’B076G3BML7,B005P0X14W,B00112DW1K,B0006MQ5LA,B01M0AEJ74,B009ZYJG9S,B014DXOLY0,B000BOADG6,B009ZBO7QI’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’0070dddd-eefe-11e7-82c7-d750f4e54ead’]

Alernative names:Alt Emesis; Vomiting; Stomach upset; Upset stomach

Definition :Nausea is the sensation of having an urge to vomit. Vomiting is forcing the contents of the stomach up through the esophagus and out of the mouth.

Considerations:Your body has a few main ways to respond to an ever-changing, wide variety of invaders and irritants. Sneezing ejects the intruders from the nose, coughing from the lungs and throat, diarrhea from the intestines, and vomiting from the stomach.

Nausea and vomiting are natural, possibly lifesaving, reactions to eating something dangerous or to illness. But occasionally they occur even when there’s no risk to health.

Vomiting is a forceful action accomplished by a fierce, downward contraction of the diaphragm. At the same time, the abdominal muscles tighten against a relaxed stomach with an open sphincter. The contents of the stomach are propelled up and out.

CLICK & SEE

You may have more saliva just before vomiting.

Vomiting is a complex, coordinated reflex orchestrated by the vomiting center of the brain. It responds to signals coming from:

The mouth, stomach, and intestines
The bloodstream, which may contain medicines or infections
The balancing systems in the ear (motion sickness)
The brain itself, including unsettling sights, smells, or thoughts
An amazing variety of stimuli can trigger vomiting, from migraines to kidney stones. Sometimes, just seeing someone else vomit will start you vomiting, in your body’s effort to protect you from possible exposure to the same danger.

Vomiting is common. Almost all children will vomit several times during their childhood. In most cases, it is due to a viral gastrointestinal infection.

Spitting up,  the gentle sloshing of stomach contents up and out of the mouth, sometimes with a burp, is an entirely different process. Some spitting up is normal for babies, and usually gets gradually better over time. If spitting up worsens or is more frequent, it might be reflux disease. Discuss this with your child’s doctor.

Most of the time, nausea and vomiting do not require urgent medical attention. However, if the symptoms continue for days, they are severe, or you cannot keep down any food or fluids, you may have a more serious condition.

Symptoms :

Dehydration is the main concern with most vomiting. How fast you become dehydrated depends on your size, frequency of vomiting, and whether you also have diarrhea.
Sweating and chills.

Common Causes:
The following are possible causes of vomiting:

Viral infections
Medications
Seasickness or motion sickness
Migraine headaches
Morning sickness during pregnancy
Food poisoning
Food allergies
Brain tumors
Chemotherapy in cancer patients
Bulimia
Alcoholism

These are possible causes of vomiting in infants (0 – 6 months):
Congenital pyloric stenosis, a constriction in the outlet from the stomach (the infant vomits forcefully after each feeding but otherwise appears to be healthy)
Food allergies or milk intolerance
Gastroenteritis (infection of the digestive tract that usually causes vomiting with diarrhea)
Gastroesophageal reflux
An inborn error of metabolism
Hole in the bottle nipple may be wrong size, leading to overfeeding
Infection, often accompanied by fever or runny nose
Intestinal obstruction, evidenced by recurring attacks of vomiting and crying or screaming as if in great pain
Accidentally ingesting a drug or poison.

Call the doctor immediately or take the child to an emergency care facility if you suspect poisoning or drug ingestion!

Home Care
It is important to stay hydrated. Try steady, small amounts of clear liquids, such as electrolyte solutions. Other clear liquids — such as water, ginger ale, or fruit juices — also work unless the vomiting is severe or it is a baby who is vomiting.

For breastfed babies, breastmilk is usually best. Formula-fed babies usually need clear liquids.

Do not drink too much at one time. Stretching the stomach can make nausea and vomiting worse. Avoid solid foods until there has been no vomiting for six hours, and then work slowly back to a normal diet.

An over-the-counter bismuth stomach remedy like Pepto-Bismol is effective for upset stomach, nausea, indigestion, and diarrhea. Because it contains aspirin-like salicylates, it should NOT be used in children or teenagers who might have (or recently had) chickenpox or the flu.

Most vomiting comes from mild viral illnesses. Nevertheless, if you suspect the vomiting is from something serious, the person may need to be seen immediately.

There is currently no treatment that has been approved by the FDA for morning sickness in pregnant women.

The following may help treat motion sickness:

Lying down
Over-the-counter antihistamines (such as Dramamine)
Scopolamine prescription skin patches (such as Transderm Scop) are useful for extended trips, such as an ocean voyage. Place the patch 4 – 12 hours before setting sail. Scopolamine is effective but may produce dry mouth, blurred vision, and some drowsiness. Scopolamine is for adults only. It should NOT be given to children.

What Else You Can Do
Lie down with a cool cloth on your forehead to relieve nausea. Focus on your breathing to prevent thinking about how you feel.

Supplement Recommendations:

Ginger
Dosage: 200 mg every 4 hours as needed.
Comments: Standardized to contain gingerols.

Peppermint Oil
Dosage: 1 enteric-coated capsule 3 times a day.
Comments: Each capsule should contain 0.2 ml peppermint oil.

Goldenseal
Dosage: 125 mg standardized extract every 4 hours as needed.
Comments: Don’t use during pregnancy or with high blood pressure.

Simple Home Remedy :
Powdered cinnamon and sliced ginger work by interrupting nausea signals sent from the stomach to the brain. If you are a herbal tea drinker, simply sprinkle powdered cinnamom on the tea and drink. You can also drink ginger-tea to check nausea.
CanTravel – Proven natural healing herbal motion sickness remedy
Motion Sickness Remedy – Home Treatment for Nausea and Vomiting.

Home Remedy For Nausea

10 Stomach-Soothing Solutions for Nausea

Call your health care provider if :
Call if the person has:

Vomiting longer than 24 hours
Blood or bile in the vomit
Severe abdominal pain
Headache and stiff neck
Signs of dehydration
Signs of dehydration include:

Increased thirst
Infrequent urination or dark yellow urine
Dry mouth
Eyes that appear sunken
Crying without tears
Loss of normal skin elasticity (if you touch or squeeze the skin, it doesn’t bounce back the way it usually does)
You should also call if:

A young child is lethargic or has marked irritability
An infant is vomiting repeatedly
A child is unable to retain any fluids for 8 hours or more
The vomiting is recurrent
An adult is unable to retain any fluids for 12 hours or more
Nausea persists for a prolonged period of time (in a person who is not pregnant)

The following diagnostic tests may be performed:

Blood tests (such as CBC with differential and basic electrolytes)
Urinalysis
X-rays of the abdomen
If dehydration is severe, you may need intravenous fluids. This may require hospitalization, although it can often be done in the doctor’s office. The use of antivomiting drugs (anti-emetics) is controversial, and they should be used only in severe cases.

Prevention:

Chewing a couple of cloves while traveling will relieve motion sickness.
A number of medicines are effective at preventing vomiting. Your doctor is unlikely to prescribe these because, in most situations, the vomiting is an important part of getting well. In some situations, however, preventing the vomiting makes life much better.

Disclaimer: This information is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advise or help. It is always best to consult with a Physician about serious health concerns. This information is in no way intended to diagnose or prescribe remedies.

Source:http:www.nlm.nih.gov and www.rd.com

Related articles
Categories
Herbal Beauty & Body Care

Foods for Healthy Skin And Flawless Complexion

[amazon_link asins=’B071ZWB4TY,1743793049,0307987205,B009B88LE4,B071JS5BW2,1581825749,B00FU132B8,0804189587,0857833928′ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’81d8b9bd-799d-11e7-bafb-e5fd22b5c6f7′]

Revitalize Your Skin Without Chemicals or Plastic Surgery:

Aging is a fact of life. While many people try harsh chemical peels, exfoliants and costly plastic surgeries to reclaim their youth, walk no farther than your kitchen to achieve a radiant complexion naturally using ancient Chinese food therapy.

Let us face that Aging is a Fact of Life.
While you can always try harsh chemical peels and a host of costly and risky plastic surgeries to revitalize your skin, look no further than your local market to find effective, natural ways to achieve a flawless complexion.

Just as Chinese herbs promote health, beauty, healing and rejuvenation for our face and body, Chinese texts laud the healing and beautifying effects of many foods. Food therapy can be a powerful tool for smoothing wrinkles and diminishing those dark eye circles, bags and facial discolorations.

Many foods and vegetables provide far more than essential nutrients, though. In fact, most can be used directly as healing agents. The distinction between staple foods, vegetables, spices, herbs and drugs are often rather arbitrary.

Food therapy for facial complexion adheres to the basic tenet of Chinese medical philosophy, which holds that external beauty is a mirror reflecting internal health. These foods help address the internal imbalances that result in a spotted or discolored complexion. Of course, their beneficial effect is gradual but without any side effect, and for best results, any food therapy program should go hand in hand with other natural complexion treatments  such as herbs, acupuncture, and acupressure. and regular systematic YOGA Exercise .

Here are some of the best foods the Chinese associate with a spotless and radiant complexion:

COIX SEED.
Chinese Name: Yi Yi Ren

This wonderful barley-like grain, when eaten as food, can help the body clear up discoloration of the facial complexion. It is also a very effective strengthener of the digestive system.

To find and prepare coix seed: Cook it in soup as you would with other beans and barley, or boil it into tea (15 g) and drink it all day.

MULBERRY FRUIT
Chinese Name: Sang Shen Zi
These fruits of the mulberry tree contain beneficial antioxidants, help overcome weakness, and brighten a withered-looking complexion. They also are beneficial for clearing dark spots from the face.

To find and prepare mulberry fruit: Mulberry fruit is available in food markets and can be eaten as you would any berry. You also can buy fresh mulberry juice and drink it, or use it in your cooking.

WHITE TURNIP
Chinese Name: Bai Luo Be
This is a fairly common turnip, often called daikon, which offers plenty of medicinal benefits. It detoxifies the skin and has a beneficial effect on the complexion when eaten regularly.

To find and prepare white turnip: It can be found in most regular food markets. Clean and cut it into small pieces, and then cook it with your regular soup. You also can shred and prepare it as a salad. For facial discoloration, juice white turnip every morning and drink about half a cup.

LUFFA
Chinese Name: Si Gua
This common Chinese vegetable rejuvenates the skin and is used by the Chinese for facial discoloration and wrinkle conditions. It also is commonly processed for use as a bath sponge, to exfoliate and polish the skin.

To find and prepare luffa: You easily can grow these zucchini-like vegetables yourself if you have the space. You also should be able to find them at Chinese markets. Prepare them as you would any squash. It also makes an excellent topical mask for dealing with wrinkles, dark spots and uneven facial discoloration. The best way to collect the juice is to cut the vein and let the liquid drip into a jar, and then apply it topically to the face while fresh.

Food therapy, as effective as the other traditional Chinese medicine techniques in a facial rejuvenation program, is a powerful tool for smoothing wrinkles and diminishing those dark eye circles, bags and facial discolorations.

PERSIMMON
Chinese Name: Shi Zi
Persimmon has been known for centuries to cool the body, nourish the lungs and moisten the skin   all actions that improve facial complexion.

To find and prepare persimmon: You may find two different kinds of persimmons. The Chinese version is sometimes called kaki. Both the Chinese and the American persimmons are great for complexion. Eat them raw as fruit, but make sure they are very ripe. Dried persimmons are a special treat that can be found in Chinese markets. Another way to use persimmon to brighten the complexion is by applying the fresh peel to the face

GINKGO NUT
Chinese Name: Bai Gou
The health benefits of ginkgo leaf extract have been widely recognized in the West. Much modern research indicates that the antioxidant plant chemicals in ginkgo benefit blood flow and might even slow memory loss. Not many are aware that in Chinese medicine, the nut of the ginkgo tree is more often used medicinally. Ginkgo nut is used herbally, but the whole nuts themselves, often roasted, are a traditional Chinese food that nourishes lung energy and calms wheezing. The best way to use ginkgo to clear the complexion is topical application.

To find and prepare ginkgo nut: It is available in Chinese markets. Crush the fresh nuts into a paste and apply directly to the face.

WINTER MELON
Chinese Name: Dong Gua
This gourd vegetable and its seeds are very popular in China, especially as a soup. It benefits the heart, detoxifies the body and beautifies the skin. Whether eaten as a food or taken in herb form, winter melon can improve a variety of complexion problems.

To find and prepare winter melon: You can find it in Asian markets or even in Western-style organic food stores. It is also called wax gourd or white gourd. Eat it as you would any melon, peeling off the outer skin. Remove the seeds and pulp, cut it into small pieces, and put in soup or saute with garlic. For topical skin beauty use, take a small piece, including the juice, and apply the liquid directly to your face as a skin brightener.

Source :    www.toyourhealth.com

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta
Categories
News on Health & Science

Dogs as Disease Detectors

 

There is no question that dogs can provide companionship, protection, and other services. But could there be another use for our canine friends? Some anecdotal evidence and a sprinkling of scientific studies suggest that dogs can detect seizures and cancers (like skin melanoma and prostate cancer). Though the research is still in its infancy, preliminary results have already provided insight on developing new medical technologies…………..CLICK & SEE

Detecting Seizures
Though many anecdotal stories suggest dogs can alert their owners before a seizure, there has been little research on how dogs might detect seizures before they happen. Some theorize that the dogs may smell a chemical or other scent that is released just prior to a seizure. Others believe the dog‘s attachment to his or her owner helps in detecting subtle scent and behavioral changes before a seizure. Only a very small percentage of these service dogs are currently able to reliably warn their owners before a seizure. Some researchers have studied whether these skills could be taught………….click & see

Researchers in the UK reported in the January 1999 and January 2001 issues of Seizure on dogs they had trained that could detect seizures 15  to 45 minutes prior to the episodes beginning. In addition, the researchers found that the people using these dogs actually reported fewer seizures. Though these results are promising, in most cases it still seems that this skill is inherent in a dog’s personality, rather than something that can be taught. Future research may reveal what these dogs are detecting and how this information can be applied in the hospital setting.

There is no doubt that trained seizure alert dogs can alert help, help prevent injury and watch over someone when they are having a seizure. However, the Epilepsy Foundation cautions people against rushing into spending thousands of dollars for a dog said to have skills of prior seizure detection, at least until the research supports a specific training regimen.

Detecting Cancer
There has also been anecdotal evidence of dogs being able to sniff out cancer and warn their owners. A brief report in a 1989 issue of the Lancet describes how one dog discovered a cancerous skin tumor on her owner’s leg. Researchers have been able to teach bomb-sniffing dogs how to detect cancer using similar training techniques. Other research supports the theory that dogs have the ability to smell cancer. But the real promise may be in learning how dogs can do this and possibly developing medical technology to do the same..…click & see

The Future of Dogs as Doctors….click & see
Dogs may never be used in the physician’s office. However, studying how animals can detect disease conditions in humans could lead to future advancements in medicine and medical technology. For instance, by learning about the ways dogs  smell   a seizure or cancer cells, we can develop technologies to detect those same molecules. Medical   sniffing machines  have already been developed and are providing insight into the smells of disease for disease detection.
RESOURCES:

The Epilepsy Foundation
http://www.efa.org

The National Cancer Institute
http://www.nci.nih.gov

Related articles
css.php