Health and Diet Blog

Michele Payne-Salomon asked:




The Hepatitis-Cirrhosis Connection

According to the American Liver Foundation, more than 25 million Americans are afflicted with liver and gallbladder disease and more than 43,000 die of liver disease each year. While several factors contribute to liver damage, viral hepatitis is the single most important cause of liver disease in the United States and worldwide. Roughly 200 million people worldwide are infected with the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). 4.9 million of those are in the United States (estimates go as high as 15 million) and 5 million in Western Europe. For every one person infected with the AIDS virus, there are more than four infected with Hepatitis C. There are up to 230,000 new hepatitis C infections in the U.S. every year. Currently, 8,000 to 10,000 deaths each year are a result of HCV. Within the next 10-20 years, chronic hepatitis C is predicted to become a major burden on the health care system as patients with no symptoms progress to end-stage liver disease and develop hepatocellular carcinoma. Predictions in the USA suggest that there will be a 60% increase in the incidence of cirrhosis, a 68% increase in hepatoma incidence, a 528% increase in the need for transplantation, and a 223% increase in liver death rate.

The roles of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in causing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are well documented. The frequency of HCC correlates with chronic HBV infection rates. HCC is a cancer arising from the liver. It is also known as primary liver cancer or hepatoma. HCC is the fifth most common cancer in the world and the majority of patients with HCC will die within one year because of the cancer. The majority of primary liver cancers (over 90 to 95 %) arises from liver cells and is called hepatocellular cancer or carcinoma. In 1990, the World Health Organization estimated that there were about 430,000 new cases of HCC worldwide, and a similar number of patients died resulting from this disease. Moreover, recent data show that the frequency of HCC in the U.S. overall is rising. Is there a way to curb this rise?

A Healthy Liver is Essential!

While there is no cure for hepatitis and no completely effective treatment, the threats resulting from HCC, cirrhosis, and various hepatitis strands may best be combated by supporting the liver with natural supplements.

Extreme Health’s Liver Support Formula

This extremely effective combination of ingredients has Double Blind Studies verifying decreases in degenerative liver damage in patients with chronic liver disease (cirrhosis of the liver) in as few as 30 to 90 days. This combination has proven studies for detoxifying the liver, normalizing liver metabolism and preventing further liver damage due to internal and external toxins like alcohol, cigarettes, long term pharmaceutical use, and environmental poisons

The artichoke bud / sarsaparilla extract utilized in Extreme Health’s Liver Support Formula is an entirely unique complex of phytochemicals extracted from the bud of a hybrid artichoke plant (Cynara floridanum) and the root of the sarsaparilla plant (Smilax officinalis) which can be found at www.extremehealthusa.com or by calling 1-800-800-1285. Proprietary extraction process uses a method in which all plant materials are first combined, macerated, and put into a distilled water / ethanol solvent. This allows the plant materials to interact within the solvent resulting in an exceptional, health-providing formulation of polyphenols and flavonoids.

The artichoke has a long folk history in treating many liver diseases. Recent evidence supports this longtime use. The active ingredient in artichoke is cynarin. This compound is found in highest concentrations in the leaves. Cynara extract has demonstrated liver-protecting and regenerating effects, and promotes the outflow of bile from the liver to the gallbladder. This is very important because if the bile is not being transported adequately to the gallbladder, the liver has an increased risk of being damaged.

Again, there is no cure or completely effective treatment for hepatitis, however the risk of hepatitis-related cirrhosis should not be ignored. Extreme Health is proud to offer perhaps the only liver support protocol with Double Blind Studies verifying its ability to decrease cirrhosis-related liver damage.

The Liver’s Functions Include

An expanding corpus of scientific studies verifies the healthy liver’s prophylactic role in maintaining optimal health. This is precisely due to the liver’s role in regulation, synthesis, and secretion of substances key to maintaining a healthy body. The liver’s functions include, but are not limited to the following:

1) Converts nutrients into energy

2) Helps resist infection

3) Metabolizes proteins

4) Helps regulate blood-sugar levels

5) Filtering and removing toxins ts

6) Removing drugs in our system 12) Manufacturing new body proteins

7) Manufacturing and storage of bile

Removing bacteria from our system

9) Regulating fat storage

10) Manufacturing protein and nutrients

11) Storing iron and essential nutrien

We easily comprehend why the liver is considered the body’s refinery. Accordingly, an overburdened, toxic, or otherwise diseased liver necessarily comprises centrifugal detoxification organs such as the kidneys and gallbladder and can result in extreme pain and even death within 12 to 24 hours! Reciprocally, various diseases and viruses actually engender liver damage; the most dangerous of which is potentially hepatitis.

Complications

- 25,000 Americans die of cirrhosis, the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S.

- 85% of individuals infected with HCV will develop long-term infection.

- 75% of individuals may develop chronic liver disease.

- 15% of individuals may develop cirrhosis over a long period of time.

Fatty Liver (Steatosis) Steato Hepatitis / Cirrhosis

Fatty liver or steatosis is a common condition where fat has accumulated within liver cells (hepatocytes) without causing any specific symptoms.

Recent studies demonstrate that a fatty liver of either alcoholic or non-alcoholic origin can lead to inflammation, cell death, and fibrosis (steatohepatitis), and eventually even cirrhosis.

To receive a complete copy of the double blind studies, please visit ExtremeHealthUSA.Com , or call to order 1-800-800-1285

Paul Courtney asked:




A Guide To Natural Colon Cleansing

Colon cancer is the most prevalent cancer found in both men and women, and each year is increasing in number of diagnosed cases through out the world.

Modern medicine recognizes that our diets are having a lot to do with the health of our colons, especially when you take into count the fact that most of us eat large quantities of processed foods containing chemical preservatives, artificial coloring, along with the residue from fertilizers and pesticides used in the production of many of the ingrediance that go into these processed products.

Little wonder then that our digestive system is suffering in particular the colon where waste product is accumulated prior to excretion.

Colon cleansing is a natural health method for ensuring that the colon is flushed of all the toxic waste that accumulates on the walls of the colon thus discouraging colon cancer and a variety of other ailments. The colon is a main part of your digestive system and owing to the nature of the work it performs is prone to disease if not allowed to perform properly to to the build of plaque on the walls and therefore an ailing colon affects the rest of your body as well.

You should recognize that colon cleansing is a vital aspect to your health in general, and this means cleaning your colon on a regular basis. As with most medications there are the more conventional synthetic colon cleansing formulas that you can use which include chemicals, but then there are also natural colon cleansing treatments available that do the same job naturally.

Important Information

We will use the analogy of a car’s engine, the service man can clean out the engine of old dirty oils and fuels so that it is like new but if you the driver use dirty fuel and neglect to change your oil regularly the engine will stop performing as it should.

The same thing applies with colon cleansing. Natural colon cleansing processes include not only using natural colon cleansing supplements but will require you to include a specific colon cleansing diet. Naturally you can get rid of all the toxins presently in your body, but if you go back to your unhealthy lifestyle after the cleanse then you are just going to be reverting to your old ways and with harmful toxins once again. Good health is an ongoing process and This is why it is so important that you follow a strict diet, one that includes lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grain breads and cereals.

Natural colon cleansing formulas include a variety of herbs. Dietary fiber for one is widely accepted as being a great natural colon cleanser. Fiber is known to help to reduce the body’s blood cholesterol, thereby reducing heart disease and related ailments. Psyllium is one type of fiber that is particularly useful, and it is a natural, water-soluble, gel-reducing fiber that is extracted from the husks of blond psyllium seeds.

Of course you can consult with herbalists and concoct your own colon cleanse formula however, if you would rather take the easier route then you can just head to your local health foods store and find natural colon cleansing formulas already available for use. It is recommended that you make sure to check the list of ingredients before purchasing any so you can be sure of what is included is completely natural and safe.

Ask yourself what is the common denominator causing the increase in colon diseases and I am sure you too will realize that our diets are mostly to blame. Colon cleansing has never been more important than it is today. Toxins accumulate in the body incredibly fast posing a risk to your health. If you want to prevent disease and more importantly feel healthy and happy, regular natural colon cleansing is a must.

natisha asked:


Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder characterized with the most common symptoms including abdominal cramping or pain or discomfort, bloating, gas, diarrhoea, constipation, depression and anxiety causing a huge amount of discomfort and distress. IBS affects the colon, or large bowel, which is the part of the digestive tract that stores stool. It is one of the most common disorders diagnosed in adult population and is more common in women than in men. Irritable bowel syndrome is not a serious disease nor is it contagious, inherited, or cancerous. However, IBS often disrupts daily living activities.

IBS occurs in people due to the presence of a colon, or large intestine that is primarily sensitive and reactive to certain foods and stress. For this reason IBS is also known as spastic colon, functional bowel disease, and mucous colitis. IBS may also be due to a bacterial infection in the gastrointestinal tract. It is found that women suffering from IBS may have more symptoms during their menstrual cycle, thus indicating that reproductive hormones can worsen IBS problems.

IBS symptoms can be controlled with diet, stress management and prescribed medications. The most common suggested medications for IBS include iber supplements or laxatives for relieving constipation or medicines like Lomotil or loperamide (Imodium) to decrease diarrhea, such as Lomotil or loperamide (Imodium). In order to control colon muscle spasms and reduce abdominal pain, an antispasmodic is generally prescribed. Alosetron hydrochloride (Lotronex) is a medication used specifically to treat IBS and which has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for women with severe IBS. Stress management is an important in treating IBS as it affects the immune system. Hence it is important to follow certain stress management options such stress reduction or relaxation therapies such as meditation, regular exercise such as walking or yoga and

getting adequate sleep. It is also impotant to follow certain diet changes and avoid some foods and drinks that make IBS worse. Also, tracking your daily intake of food can help in controlling IBS symptoms.

Peter rodrick asked:


Acute diarrhea is something nearly everyone has experienced at one time or another. The loose, watery stools and abdominal cramps that characterize diarrhea usually last a couple of days. Diarrhea often means more-frequent trips to the toilet and a greater volume of stool.

Diarrhea Causes

The leading cause of acute viral diarrhea in children in the Toronto area is the rotovirus. It was found in 32% of the stool specimens from 1,365 children with acute diarrhea. Some of the children were hospitalized, others were treated as outpatients. Children 12-23 months old had the highest incidence rate (43%), followed by 24-35 month olds (38%).

Bacteria and parasites. Contaminated food or water can transmit bacteria and parasites to your body. Parasites such as Giardia lamblia and cryptosporidium can cause diarrhea. Common bacterial causes of diarrhea include campylobacter, salmonella, shigella and Escherichia coli. This type of diarrhea can be common for people traveling to developing countries.

Evaluate yourself for irritable bowel disease. IBD causes an increase in the wave-like motions in the intestines (peristalsis), so stool is pushed through your intestines before it has a chance to fully form.

Prevention: Avoiding potentially contaminated foods and beverages is the main form of prevention, though there are certain drugs (Dukoral) and new TD vaccinations coming available. Always consult a doctor to determine the best preventative measures for you.

People in developing countries suffer most from infectious forms of diarrhea. Most infections pass through a fecal-oral route. This results from environmental causes such as poor sanitation, decreased access to clean water, and a poor understanding of transmission and treatment of disease. These are conditions that arise most frequently in the developing world, though they affect both rural and urban populations. Improvements in these areas result in a dramatic reduction of cases of infectious diarrhea, as shown in studies in numerous developing nations, such as India, Gambia, and elsewhere, where poor socioeconomic status affects a large percentage of the population.

Symptoms of Diarrhea

The common illness, which may last several days, often called “intestinal flu,” is often due to one of a number of viruses that infect the bowel, making it weep fluid. The excess of fluid in the bowel leads to liquid stools. The inflammation may also be associated with cramping abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Patients with diarrhea present with various clinical features depending on the underlying cause. Diarrhea due to small-intestinal disease is typically high-volume, watery, and often associated with malabsorption, and dehydration is frequent. Diarrhea due to colonic involvement is more often associated with frequent small-volume stools, with the presence of blood and a sensation of urgency. Patients with acute infectious diarrhea typically present with nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, and frequent stools, which may be watery, malabsorptive, or bloody depending on the specific pathogen. In general, small-intestinal pathogens are noninvasive, and ileocolonic pathogens are more likely to be invasive.

Diarrhea Treatment

When you get diarrhea, you tend to lose electrolytes due to the massive loss of body fluids. Fluids are lost through the frequent bowel movements and vomiting, if any. Hence a diarrhea treatment is essential in helping you gain back electrolytes.

The key to treating chronic diarrhea is to determine its cause. If chronic diarrhea is caused by an infection, it may be treated with antibiotics (if it is caused by bacteria) or other medicines. Diarrhea not caused by an infection is more difficult to diagnose and treat. Long-term medication (such as steroids) or surgery may be required. For people with lactose intolerance, celiac disease, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diarrhea treatment may involve modifications to the diet.

Robert Baird asked:




Type of Drug

Proton pump inhibitors (PPls); gastric (stomach) acid secretion inhibitors.

How The Drug Works

PPls reduce gastric acid secretion significantly and for a prolonged period by blocking the final step of acid production by the stomach lining.

Uses

For short-term treatment (8 weeks or less) of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD, the reflux of stomach contents into the food pipe, which can cause heartburn), and to maintain healing and reduce relapse rates of heartburn symptoms in patients with erosive or ulcerative GERD.

Esomeprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole: For short-term treatment (4 to 8 weeks for esomeprazole and omeprazole; 8 weeks or less for lansoprazole) or to maintain healing of inflammation and erosion of the food pipe (erosive nsophilqitis).

Esomeprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole, rabeprazole: In combination therapy with antibiotics for treatment and elimination of Helicobacter pylori infection and associated active duodenal ulcer and to reduce the risk of ulcer recurrence.

Lansoprazole: For short-term treatment (up to 12 weeks) to reduce the risk of NSAID-associated gastric ulcers.

Lansoprazole, Omeprazole: For short-term treatment (4 to 8 weeks for omeprazole; 8 weeks or less for lansoprazole) of active benign gastric ulcers; to treat and reduce the risk of gastric ulcers associated with the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (Iansoprazole only).

Lansoprazole, Omeprazole, Pantoprazole, Rabeprazole: For long-term treatment of hypersecretory (increased acid secretion) conditions (eg, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome).

Lansoprazole, Omeprazole, Rabeprazole: For short-term treatment (4 to 8 weeks for omeprazole; 4 weeks or less for lansoprazole, rabeprazole) of active duodenal ulcers; to maintain healing of duodenal ulcers (Iansoprazole only).

Other Uses: These agents may increase the effectiveness of pancreatic enzyme replacements used to treat the “fatty stools” of patients with cystic fibrosis. Omeprazole has been prescribed to treat laryngitis.

Pregnancy: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed and the potential benefits out weigh the possible risks to the fetus.

Breastfeeding: It is not known if proton pump inhibitors are excreted in breast milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from PPI, decide whether to discontinue nursing or the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.

Children: Omeprazole can be used in children 2 years of age and older.

Safety and effectiveness of other agents have not been established.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or planning to take any over ­ the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements with these drugs. Drug doses may need to be modified or a different drug prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with these drugs:

Ampicillin (eg, Principen)

Clarithromycin (eg, Biaxin)

Benzodiazepines (eg, diazepam)

Cyclosporine (eg, Neora/)

Disulfiram (eg, Antabusn)

Iron salts (eg, ferrous sulfate)

Phenytoin (eg, Dilantin)

Sucralfate (eg, Carafate)

Side Effects

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many patients experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

Digestive Tract: Diarrhea; nausea; vomiting; stomach pain; constipation; gas; belching.

Nervous System: Dizziness; headache; weakness.

Other: Rash; back pain; upper respiratory tract infection; cough; high blood sugar.

Guidelines for Use

Dosage is individualized. Take exactly as prescribed.

Do not stop takingor change the dose, unless instructed by your doctor.

Usually taken once daily, at least 1 hour before a meal. Dosages and dosing regimens may vary depending on condition being treated.

Take rabeprazole after the morning meal when treating duodenal ulcers.

Take pantoprazole with or without regard to food.

These medicine must be taken daily to be effective in treating and preventing acid-related gastrointestinal diseases. Do not take on an “as needed” basis.

Antacids may be used as needed with these medicines.

Do not chew, crush, or split capsules or tablets. Swallow whole. If you have difficulty swallowing esomeprazole, omeprazole, or lansoprazole capsules, they maybe opened, sprinkled on 1 tablespoon of apple sauce, Ensure pudding, cottage cheese, yogurt, or strained pears, and swallowed immediately without chewing the granules. Lansoprazole capsules can also be emptied into a small glass of either orange or tomato juice (60 ml; approximately 2 oz), mixed briefly, and swallowed immediately. To ensure complete ingestion, rinse the glass with 4 or more oz of juice and swallow the cOntents immediately.

Orally-disintegrating tablets – Place tablet on the tongue. Allow to melt with or without water until particles can be swallowed.

Lansoafazole suspension – Empty the packet contents into a container with 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of water. Do not use other liquids or foods. Stir well and drink immediately. More water can be added if material remains in the container; drink immediately.

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless instructed by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed, or it is necessary to establish a new dosage schedule, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, become pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

PPls should be taken at least 30 minutes prior to taking sucralfate.

Store at controlled room temperature (59° to 86°F) in a tightly closed container. Protect from light and moisture.

us drugstore asked:




The signs and symptoms of pulmonary hypertension are subtle in the early stages of the disease and may not be noticeable for months or even years. As the disease progresses, signs and symptoms become worse.

They include:

Fatigue Shortness of breath (dyspnea), either while exercising or at rest Dizziness or fainting spells (syncope) Swelling (edema) in your ankles, legs and eventually in your abdomen (ascites) Chest pressure or pain Racing pulse or heart palpitations Bluish color to your lips and skin (cyanosis) Definition

You’ve probably heard of high blood pressure (hypertension), a common condition that affects the way your blood flows through the arteries in your body from the left side of your heart. A less common type of high blood pressure, called pulmonary hypertension, affects only the arteries in the lungs and the right side of your heart.

Pulmonary hypertension begins when tiny arteries in your lungs, called pulmonary arteries and capillaries, become narrowed, blocked or destroyed. This makes it harder for blood to flow through your lungs, which raises pressure within the pulmonary arteries. As the pressure builds, your heart’s lower right chamber (right ventricle) must work harder to pump blood through your lungs, eventually causing your heart muscle to weaken and sometimes fail completely.

Pulmonary hypertension is a serious illness that becomes progressively worse and is sometimes fatal. Although it isn’t curable, treatments are available that can help lessen symptoms and improve your quality of life if you have pulmonary hypertension.

Causes

Your heart has two upper and two lower chambers. Each time blood passes through your heart, the lower right chamber (right ventricle) pumps blood to your lungs through a large blood vessel (pulmonary artery). In your lungs, the blood releases carbon dioxide and picks up oxygen. The oxygen-rich blood then flows through the pulmonary veins to the left side of your heart. From there, it’s pumped by the left ventricle to the rest of your body through another large blood vessel, the aorta.

Ordinarily, the blood flows easily through the vessels in your lungs, so your blood pressure is usually much lower in your lungs. With pulmonary hypertension, the rise in blood pressure is the end result of a process that begins with changes in the cells that line your lungs’ arteries. These changes cause the formation of extra tissue that eventually narrows or completely blocks the blood vessels. Scarring (fibrosis) usually also occurs, making the arteries stiff and narrow. This makes it harder for blood to flow, raising the pressure in the pulmonary arteries.

Secondary pulmonary hypertensionPulmonary hypertension resulting directly from another medical problem is called secondary pulmonary hypertension. This type of pulmonary hypertension is more common than idiopathic pulmonary hypertension. Medical conditions that may lead to secondary pulmonary hypertension include:

Blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary emboli) Connective tissue disorders, such as scleroderma Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, such as emphysema Sleep apnea Sickle cell anemia Congenital heart disease Chronic liver disease (cirrhosis) Lupus AIDS Left-sided heart failure Lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis, a condition that causes scarring in the tissue between the lungs’ air sacs (interstitium)

If you live above an altitude of 8,000 feet you can develop pulmonary hypertension as a result of low blood oxygen (hypoxemia) or pulmonary edema (a condition in which the air sacs in the lungs fill with fluid instead of air), which constricts the small pulmonary arteries. People who climb to high elevations without first becoming acclimated are especially at risk of developing a temporary form of pulmonary hypertension known as transient reversible pulmonary hypertension.

Cristian Stan asked:




Bad breath is a common health problem which greatly affects the day to day activities of so many people. The offensive odor from the mouth is unpleasant to those who come in close contact with bad breathers.

The problem will be doubled by psychological trauma leading to depression. The sufferers from this problem will be isolated from the society. This can even lead to marital disharmony.

Literally speaking all human beings are bad breathers. Oral cavity contains millions of anaerobic bacteria like fusobacterium and actinomyces which acts on the protein of food materials and putrefies them. This process results in the formation of offensive gases like hydrogen sulphide, methyl mescaptan, cadaverin, skatol causing bad odor. Most of us control this by regular brushing, tongue cleaning and gargling. Even after maintaining cleanliness in the mouth some individuals suffer from offensive smell due to various causes which has to be diagnosed and treated properly.

Here are the most common causes of bad breath.

1) Poor oral hygiene:

If oral hygiene is not maintained properly the mouth becomes the seat for millions of bacteria which produce offensive gases by degrading the food debris. Bad breath is severe in those who do not brush their teeth regularly and clean their mouth after every food. Snacks taken in-between meals can also produce bad breath because of improper cleaning.

Bad breath is common in almost all people in the morning on waking. During sleep there is less production of saliva .Saliva has got some antibacterial properties which help to keep the mouth clean. Saliva contains oxygen molecules which are needed to make oral cavity aerobic. So the reduction in it’s quantity during sleep makes a favorable condition for anaerobic bacteria.

2) Food habits:

The main cause of bad smell is due to degradation of protein by the bacteria and hence all food products rich in protein favor bad breath. Meat, fish, milk products, eggs, cakes, nuts, pear can cause bad breath. Some food articles can produce particular type of smell which may be unpleasant. Raw onion can produce typical bad smell. It is said that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, a raw onion a day keeps everybody away. Eating groundnuts can also produce bad smell. However if proper cleaning is done smell can be reduced irrespective of the nature of food. Irregularity in timing of food can also produce bad breath. Small food articles taken in between the meals can also produce bad smell.

3) Biofilm:

There is formation of a thin sticky coating called biofilm on the tongue and oral mucosa. This coating is thick on the posterior aspect of the tongue where millions of gram negative bacteria are seen .The thick coating on the tongue is always associated with bad breath. Even a thin biofilm can make anaerobic condition favorable for bacterial proliferation.

4) Dental caries:

This is a destructive process causing decalcification with destruction of enamel and dentine resulting in cavitisation of the tooth. These are produced mainly by the lactobacilli. Food particles are deposited inside these cavities and are putrefied by the anaerobic bacteria producing bad smell. Normal brushing will not remove the food debris easily and hence they are putrefied completely. Caries are common in schoolgoing children and in those who do not maintain proper oral hygiene .Calcium and vitamin deficiency can also predispose caries.

5) Gingivitis:

Gum is a mucus membrane with supporting connective tissue covering the tooth bearing borders of the jaw .The main function of gum is protection .Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gum .Due to various causes gum tissue get infected resulting in swelling, pain and discharge. If the condition becomes worse the infection spread towards periodontal area leading to continuous discharge called pyorrhea. Some times the infection goes deep producing alveolar abscess with discharge of pus. Infection can even reach the bone causing osteomyelitis. All these conditions can produce offensive smell.

6) Gum retraction:

When the gums retract from the teeth a gap is developed which will lodge food particles and cause bad breath.

7) Dental plaques and tartar deposits; Plaques and tartar is deposited mainly in the gaps between the teeth and gum. This will provide shelter for the food debris and bacteria causing bad breath.

Ulcerative lesions and coatings:

Almost all ulcerative lesions of the mouth are associated with bad breath. These lesions may be caused by bacteria, viruses, food allergies or due to autoimmune disorders. Apthous ulcer is the commonest among ulcerative lesions. Others are herpes, fungal infections, vincents angina, infectious mononucleosis, scarlet fever, diphtheria, drug reactions. Cancerous ulcers produce severe bad breath. All fungal infections produce white coating (candidiasis). Leucoplakia is a white thick patch on the mucus membrane of the mouth and tongue. It is considered as a precancerous condition. Offensive breath is associated with these conditions.

9) Diseases of the salivary glands:

Saliva is very useful to supply oxygen to all parts of the oral cavity. Even a thin film of coating called biofilm can provide an anaerobic condition in the mouth. Saliva can wet these layers and make an aerobic condition which is unfavorable for the bacteria .Any condition which reduces the production of saliva can increase bacterial activity. Some times the salivary duct is obstructed by stones or tumors. Cancer of the salivary gland is associated with offensive odor. In suppurative parotitis purulant discharge into the mouth causes bad breath.

10) Tonsillitis:

Tonsils are a pair of lymphoid tissue situated in the lateral wall of oropharynx. Inflammation of the tonsil is called tonsillitis. Bad breath is seen in both acute and chronic tonsillitis. Quinsy or peritonsillar abscess can also produce bad breath.

11) Tonsillar plaques and tonsillar fluid:

If bad breath persists even after maintaining proper oral hygiene there is possibility of this condition. Serous fluid secreted from the folds of tonsil is very offensive. Some patients complain that they hawk some cheesy materials from the throat, which are very offensive in nature. These are formed inside the tonsillar crypts which contain thousands of bacteria. In such conditions tonsillectomy gives noticeable relief from bad breath.

12) Pharyngitis and pharyngeal abscess:

Pharynx is a fibro muscular tube which forms the upper part of the digestive and respiratory tract. Inflammation of the pharynx is called pharyngitis, caused mainly by bacteria and viruses. Bad breath is present in pharyngitis along with other signs like cough and throat irritation. Abscesses in the wall of pharynx can also produce offensive discharge of pus in to the throat.

13) Dentures:

Denture users may complain about bad smell due to lodgment of small food debris in between. Proper brushing may not be possible in denture users especially fixed dentures.

14) Tobacco:

Tobacco chewing is associated with bad breath. The smell of tobacco itself is unpleasant for others. Tobacco can irritate the mucus membrane and cause ulcers and coatings. Gingivitis and pyorrhea are common in tobacco chewers. Tartar is deposited on the teeth mainly near the gums. Tobacco chewers get gastric acidity with eructations. All these cause offensive smell.

15) Smoking:

Smokers always have bad smell. It can also produce lesions in the mouth and lungs causing bad breath. Smoking increases carbon dioxide in the oral cavity and reduces oxygen level, causing a favorable condition for bacteria. Smoking reduces appetite and thirst hence acid peptic disease is common in chain smokers.

16) Lesions in the nose and ear:

Bad breath is occasionally seen in sinusitis (infection of para nasal sinuses). In case of post nasal dripping bad breath is common due to the presence of protein in the discharges. These proteins are degraded by the bacteria. Infection in the middle ear with discharge of pus in to the throat through the Eustachian tube (passage from middle ear to the throat) can also cause offensive odor. Chronic rhinitis (infection of mucus membrane of nose) and foreign bodies in the nose can also produce bad smell in the expired air.

17) Diabetes mellitus:

Mostly all diabetic patients suffer from bad breath. Coated tongue, ulcers and coatings in the mouth, increased sugar level in tissues are responsible for halitosis. Bacterial growth in diabetic patient is very faster than non diabetic individuals.

18) Fevers:

Bad breath is common in almost all fevers. Even an acute fever can produce bad breath. Severe bad breath is seen in typhoid .Other infectious diseases like Tuberculosis, AIDS produce bad smell.

19) Fasting and dehydration:

Dry mouth favors bacterial activity. So any condition which produces dryness in the mouth makes the breath offensive. Even though the food particles are known to produce bad breath, fasting can also produce the same. Production of saliva is also reduced during fasting. Chewing and swallowing also helps to keep the mouth clean.

20) Bedridden patients:

Bedridden patients suffer from offensive breath due to thick coating on the tongue. Water intake is also limited in these patients. Regurgitation of food aggravates the condition. Since they talk less aeration in the oral cavity is reduced which favors anaerobic bacteria to become active.

21) Diseases of stomach and esophagus:

Eructation of gas and food produce unpleasant smell. Abnormality in the function of lower sphincter can allow the food to regurgitate upwards causing bad breath. Bad breath is also common in gastritis, gastric ulcer and cancer of stomach.

22) Intestinal diseases:

Bad breath is common in patients suffering from ulcerative lesions of intestine like ulcerative colitis. Other diseases are malabsorption syndrome intestinal tuberculosis, peritonitis.

23) Diseases of lungs:

Lung diseases like pneumonia, lung abscess, chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, tuberculosis, lung cancer can produce bad odor during expiration.

24) Liver disorders:

Liver diseases like hepatitis, cirrhosis, can cause halitosis. Gall bladder diseases with vomiting also causes unpleasant odor.

25) Psychiatric patients:

Bad breath is common in psychotic patients due to poor hygiene, irregular food habits, less water intake and.

26) Somatisation disorder:

This is a psychiatric disorder characterized by the presence of a physical symptom that suggest a medical illness .These patients come with physical complaints like pain, nausea difficult respiration, bad smell. This condition is diagnosed after detailed examination of the patient with all investigations. Since this is a psychiatric disorder it has to be managed with a psychological approach.

peterhutch asked:


Abdominal pain is a common problem in children. Although most children with acute abdominal pain have self-limited conditions, the pain may herald a surgical or medical emergency. The most difficult challenge is making a timely diagnosis so that treatment can be initiated and morbidity prevented. This article provides a comprehensive clinical guideline for the evaluation of the child with acute abdominal pain.

The term “recurrent abdominal pain” as currently used clinically and in the literature should be retired. Functional abdominal pain is the most common cause of chronic abdominal pain. It is a specific diagnosis that needs to be distinguished from anatomic, infectious, inflammatory, or metabolic causes of abdominal pain. Functional abdominal pain may be categorized as one or a combination of: functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, abdominal migraine, or functional abdominal pain syndrome (see table below titled “Recommended Clinical Definitions of Long-Lasting Intermittent or Constant Abdominal Pain in Children”).

The most common medical cause is gastroenteritis, and the most common surgical cause is appendicitis. In most instances, abdominal pain can be diagnosed through the history and physical examination. Age is a key factor in evaluating the cause; the incidence and symptoms of different conditions vary greatly over the pediatric age spectrum. In the acute surgical abdomen, pain generally precedes vomiting, while the reverse is true in medical conditions.

Abdominal pain and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, such as vomiting or diarrhea, are common chief complaints in young children presenting in emergency departments (ED). It is the emergency physician’s role to differentiate between a self-limited process such as viral gastroenteritis or constipation and more lifethreatening surgical emergencies. Extra-abdominal conditions such as pneumonia or pharyngitis caused by streptococcal infection also can present with abdominal pain and must be considered.

Abdominal pain is one of the most common reasons for a parent to bring his or her child to medical attention. The evaluation of a “tummy ache” can challenge both parents and the physician.

Possible causes for a child’s abdominal pain range from trivial to life threatening, with little difference in the child’s complaints. Fortunately, abdominal pain in a child most often improves quickly. The difficulty for a parent or caregiver lies in deciding which complaints need emergency care and which do not.

Bacteria and viruses are responsible in case of abdominal pain due to infections. Gastroenteritis and stomach flu are some of the examples of infections that can cause stomach aches. Gastroenteritis is the inflammation and irritation of stomach and the gastrointestinal passage. Extra care must be taken by travelers, as the food and drinks can be contaminated at new locations and can lead to traveler’s getting diarrhea.

Abdominal pain in children may be mild or serious. It can be termed serious, if it is accompanied by diarrhoea and sickness or if it has lasted continuously for more than three hours or if it is accompanied by fever and the child’s neck glands are found swollen and his throat red or if the pain persists for several days.

The character of abdominal pain vary according to the site of the pain and the underlying cause. Thus in case of colic, a frequent cause of this problem, the pain may be sudden and spasmodic. There may be faintness, nausea and perhaps vomiting. The patient lies on his back and folds the legs and presses them over the abdomen to put pressure on it, which gives a sense of relief.

Dr.Eswararamanan VR asked:




Cleansing your colon is an effective way of rejuvenating your body and there are many ways to do it. Cleansing your colon helps your body to heal itself and rest your digestive system for some time. There are many ways to cleanse your colon, and here we will discuss a few of the easy and effective homemade colon cleansing recipes.

The Lemon Cleanse, popularly known as the master cleanse, is a popular home recipe where you abstain from eating solid food and drink only lemon water, cayenne peppers, and maple syrup based drinks and drink a laxative tea before retiring for the night.

When you wake up in the morning, you are supposed to consume a liter of salt water, which will flush your system and rest all the organs in the digestive system. This method of cleansing also helps your body to eliminate a lot of toxins like mucoid plaque, because the cayenne peppers help to break up the mucus and remove the plaque formed within it.

The Green Papaye Tropical Cleanse is a colon cleanse made out of the papaya fruit or ‘paw paw’ as it is often known in a few places where it is grown. Papaya, especially when green, contains an enzyme which acts very strongly on your colon called papain. Papain helps to break down and remove any hardened mucus from your colon and flushes out toxins from the colon. Mucoid plaque occurs when the mucus lining in your colon dries up and hardens. When this happens, parasites start breeding in the dried up mucous and further degenerates the lining. The colon excretes mucus when it is irritated by any food passing through it which irritates it. If there is an excess of such food, then the excess mucus dries up and forms a layer on top of the intestines and colon’s inner layer which prevents nutrients from being absorbed into the body.

Papain, which is present in great abundance in unripe papaya, can break down proteins, fats and starches in a medium of any pH value where as our own bodily enzymes are capable of breaking down nutrients in a medium of a particular pH value only. Therefore, papain is able to cleanse and break down toxins all through the digestive system and not just in one localized area, as it travels through the alimentary canal.

Water fasting is a very effective method of cleansing the body, but it is best practiced only by the experts because it can have dangerous consequences in inexperienced hands. During water fasting, you have to abstain from consuming anything other than pure water. While water fasting, there are a few rules to be followed, like:

Resting often.

Drinking water at regular intervals.

Abstaining from all food and drink other than water.

Performing enemas before and during the cleansing.

Avoiding unnecessary talking and sex.

Meditating as much as possible.

Conserving your energy as much as possible.

Juice Fasting is another popular method of colon cleansing where you drink a lot of fruit and vegetable based juices. Popular and effective fruits and vegetables include mango, apple, pineapple, papaya, and carrot. These have certain enzymes which detoxify the body breakdown the hardened mucus in your colon lining.

As you can see, colon cleansing is easy, unless you have any specific digestive problems.However, if you feel that any particular recipe does not suit you, you should not hesitate to contact a doctor. For recipes you don’t feel comfortable with are best avoided.

The Colon Cleansing & Constipation Resource Center asked:


One of the most important tips you can receive if you are dealing with constipation is to not avoid eating breakfast. The bowels can go to sleep at night. Eating a meal for breakfast and consuming a hot beverage can wake up your bowels. If you are dealing with constipation and you lead a very busy life in the morning, you should work to rearrange your schedule so you can retrain your bowels. Allow yourself time to eat. Once your bowels have been retrained you should expect to have a bowel movement about a half hour after breakfast.

Another important constipation tip is learning how to sit on the toilet so your bowels can open properly. Placing a stool under your feet when you are sitting on the toilet can help your body assume the squatting position that is necessary for proper elimination. Once you have positioned your feet on the stool, relax, lean forward and place your elbows on your thighs.

When you are sitting on the toilet, it is important that you do not hold your breath when you are trying to eliminate a stool. A good constipation tip is to breathe in your nose and out through your mouth. Holding your breath while you are trying to pass a stool can actually hamper the elimination process because it closes up the bottom.

Another constipation tip for those who are prone to straining is to learn how to push without actually straining. When you have placed your feet on the stool, simply lean forward and breathe normally. This will enable your stomach muscles to push the stool out without straining. Essentially, you are pushing from your waist.

If you are dealing with constipation you should increase your dietary fiber and consume an adequate amount of water. Eat green leafy vegetables and fruits. Munching on dried fruits throughout the day can also help to relieve constipation. Drinking a glass of water the first thing in the morning can also help to regulate the bowels. Try to eat at the same time each day so you can get your system on a regular schedule.

You should always respond to any sign that your bowels want to move. Delaying or putting off a bowel movement can aggravate constipation. No matter where you are, if you feel like your bowels want to move, find a bathroom.

You should also try to become more active. Taking a small walk every day can go far in helping your constipation. You do not have to join a gym or take up an expensive exercise. Simply taking a walk in the evening after supper will suffice.

Another constipation tip is to cleanse and detoxify the body. Oxy-Powder is an all natural product that can clean out your pipes and keep you regular. It works by oxidizing the mucous, sludge and fecal matter that has built up in your system. Not only does Oxy-Powder work to clean out your system, but it sets up a welcome environment for the good bacteria that is needed to keep your digestive system healthy. Oxy-Powder is recommended for someone who wants to rid their life of constipation once and for all.

If you are prone to constipation, you should avoid food that are fried, fatty, spicy and are full of preservatives. These foods are very hard to digest and put a strain on your body’s digestive enzymes. If you think your system is depleted of enzymes you can supplement your dies with enzymes.

Watch the type of medication you take. Many medications (both prescription and non-prescription) can aggravate or cause constipation. Take with a pharmacist about any medications you are given to see if it can cause constipation.

Try to avoid stimulant laxatives. Many of these can actually make constipation worse because they can make the bowels lazy. While they may provide temporary relief, it is just not worth the potential problems. If you need to have your system cleaned out, use a product like Oxy-Powder that we referenced above. Oxy-Powder cleanses the colon and helps you to maintain regular bowel movements.

The last constipation tip is to not assume that constipation is simply a fact of life – because it does not have to be. Whether you are young or old, you can take the steps needed to become regular. Don’t let constipation dictate your lifestyle to you. With a little time and attention, you can kick constipation to the curb for good.