Tuesday, September 26, 2006

Hiatal hernia common in overweight people

Most hernias occur in the abdominal area. Hiatal hernia appears in the upper parts of the abdomen, at the diaphragm. A simple definition of hernia is that it is a disease that appears when a certain part of the body loses its resistance, because it gets old in most cases, and another part of the body that is in contact with the first one slips through a small hole that appears in the first part. Depending on the body parts involved in this hernia can be divided into more types.

Hiatal hernia affects both sexes equally. Although it can occur at any age, the disorder has the highest incidence in elderly people. Hiatal hernia is also common in overweight people and in people who frequently sustain intense physical effort like weight lifting.

Uncomplicated hiatal hernia can be effectively cured by making lifestyle improvements. An appropriate diet and a healthy eating schedule have proved to be very effective ways of correcting hiatal hernia. Also, people who suffer from hiatal hernia are recommended to avoid weight lifting and straining in order to prevent complications.

Some people who suffer from hiatal hernia usually don’t have any symptoms at all. However, hiatal hernia can generate symptoms such as heartburn, abdominal pain and discomfort and nausea. Most people affected by hiatal hernia suffer from heartburn, which usually intensifies after meals. This common symptom of hiatal hernia occurs due to reflux of the stomach content inside the esophagus.

Friday, September 15, 2006

Children suffer from acid reflux

When you suspects that a child is afflicted with acid reflux, should have the child seen by his or her pediatrician. After examining the child and evaluating the symptoms, the doctor may run tests to diagnose whether acid reflux is present. Often, the doctor will begin treatment before testing for acid reflux.

Acid reflux is a condition normally associated with adults. Sadly, many children also suffer the effects of acid reflux.
Though quite common in children, most people are not aware of it's occurrence. In most cases, the process of gastro-esophageal reflux occurs quickly, the acid comes up into the esophagus and then rapidly goes back down into the stomach. In this case, the esophagus suffers no damage. However, if the stomach acid stays in the esophagus, it damages the esophagus lining. This process causes a number of symptoms such as a chronic cough, or a hoarse voice. More serious symptoms can include difficulty in swallowing, wheezing, and chronic pneumonia.

Hiatal hernia are also at a greater risk of developing acid reflux than those person who are not.

Acid reflux in children may manifest in frequent spitting, throwing up repeatedly, coughing and other respiratory problems. Children suffering from acid reflux may also experience weight loss.

Sunday, September 10, 2006

hiatal hernia : Adjustable Beds - More Popular Than Ever

We have all heard of them but how many people have actually considered buying one? Well it is really something to think about if you are considering buying a new bed and/or mattress set. In the last few years there has been such advancement in adjustable beds. More people than ever before are purchasing them.

Just think, with the touch of a button you can change positions and ease that tired back. Most people wake up more refreshed and ready to begin a busy day. Unlike flat beds, adjustable beds support the curvatures of your body.

Some of the benefits of adjustable beds are easier breathing and pressure point reduction. Being able to change your sleeping position at the touch of a button can relieve pain in the back, neck, shoulder and hip. Most people with these problems do not get a good restful night's sleep.

Blood circulation to the legs is less impaired with adjustable beds.

An adjustable bed can make many positive changes in your life such as:

- Getting more sleep

- Improves overall health

- Wake up refreshed

- Getting more sleep may help you think clearer

- Better concentration

The adjustable beds with the new mattresses helps to ease lower back pain by eliminating the pressure points and providing the support you need to get good nights sleep. And adjustable beds are just the thing for a person confined to a bed. It makes their life easier and it makes it easier on the person tending them.

They also make watching television easier and you can easily sit up for reading. Many people report less acid reflux and less trouble with a hiatal hernia when sleeping on an adjustable bed. These beds also make it easier for a person that has had surgery. And if one suffers from knee pain it can be adjusted to relieve even this annoying pain.

Most people think adjustable beds are very expensive, but this doesn't have to be the case. Shop around and you may find them at online stores which can save you hundreds of dollars. Stores on the internet are sometimes able to keep their own costs down which cuts the cost for the purchaser.

There are many types of mattresses to go on adjustable beds. Some mattresses have what is call memory. These mattresses return to there normal shape without sinking like a normal mattress. Some have air that allows you to adjust them to suit what is comfortable for you. Some can be adjusted for a couple sleeping in the same bed. If one person wants firm and the other soft, it can be arranged with a simple push of a button.

The makers of the adjustable bed have made it so simple to get relief from pain, hernia, acid reflux and sleepless nights.

So if you have never tried one and you suffer from neck aches, back aches, knee aches or just plain don't sleep well, it might be in your best interest to check one out. There is nothing to lose but sleepless nights and the elimination of pain.

by Michael Russell

hiatal hernia : Change Your Lifestyle and Control Hiatal Hernia

Hiatal hernia (often referred to as hiatus hernia) is the protrusion (or hernia) of the upper part of the stomach into the thorax through a tear or weakness in the diaphragm

Hiatal hernias may develop in people of all ages and both sexes, although it is considered to be a condition of middle age. In fact, the majority of otherwise normal people past the age of 50 have small hiatal hernias.

Lifestyle adjustments to control a hiatal hernia

If you're overweight, losing weight alone may relieve your symptoms.

If you smoke, quit.

Do not wear tight clothes around your chest or abdomen (belly). They put pressure on your stomach.

Elevate the head of your bed 6 inches by placing blocks under the bed frame. Gravity will help prevent stomach acid from moving up into your esophagus as you sleep. Using a foam wedge to raise your mattress also may help. Don't try to use pillows, which tend to increase pressure on your abdomen.

It is important to avoid large meals. Eating small, frequent, bland meals to keep pressure on the esophageal sphincter.

Do not eat for at least 2 hours before going to sleep.

Avoid spicy and acidic foods.

Do not bend over or lie down after eating.

By Uthkusa Gamanayake