While the chance of getting hypothyroidism is more apparent in those who have a family history of it, people of any age can get the condition. It occurs more often in those over the age of 60, particularly in women.

Causes of Hypothyroidism

The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. This is a condtion that causes the body’s immune system to attack the thyroid tissues. This results in poor hormone production for the thyroid gland. Other causes of the condition are due to radiation therapy for cancers, viral infections, and specific drugs such as lithium.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism occur slowly over time, so it takes some people many years before they realize that they can this condition. Symptoms include a feeling of weakness, tiredness, depression, dry skin, constipation, brittle nails, trouble thinking clearly, and in women the occurrence of heavy or irregular menstrual periods.

Alternative Treatments for Hypothyroidism

There are natural products on the market that advertise as being a therapeutic thyroid extract that will raise the level of hormones that the gland can produce. While doctors have not made an effort to do a major study on these natural substances, it has proven to work in many people who want to save money with their treatment as well as having a way to wean themselves from the natural medication in time. But these natural treatments still need to be monitored by a doctor in order to know if you are getting the right amount of hormone production to make up the lack of your thyroid.

Medical treatment is necessary when you realize that you have a problem with your thyroid. An imbalance of this particular hormone can put you at risk for other diseases, so your condition should be monitored by a doctor.

Often times medical treatment for hypothyroidism is as simple as the doctor prescribing a pill. This pill be make the patient feel better and help to balance the hormones in their body. But this pill must be taken every day for the rest of the person’s life and the amount of medication needs to be closely monitored by a doctor.

Who Can Get HPV?

Anyone who comes into sexual contact with a person who has HPV can be affected. And unless genital warts appear, most people do not even know that they have it. At least half of all sexually active adults may have HPV and not know it. Children can also get it by being born to a mother who has HPV.

Causes of HPV

HPV will cause normal cells in the body to turn abnormal. This usually happens on the area of the mucous membranes or skin that was infected. In mot cases, the body can fight off HPV with the immunes system and everything returns to normal. But sometimes HPV can cause genital warts. And if the HPV was never fought off by the body’s immune system, it has the potential to turn into cancer.
For most people, there are no outward symptoms of the virus. Those who do have symptoms either find out by developing genital warts or getting an abnormal pap smear result.

Alternative Treatments for HPV

There can be topical treatments available for genital warts, but most are prescribed by the physician. Many people try hydrogen peroxide to dissolve the warts and it works for many people.

There are a few alternative treatments for genital warts that may seem silly, but can potentially treat HPV. First, a mix of vitamin E oil and crushed garlic will cause warts to fall off. Apple cider and vinegar can be applied twice a day until the wart dissolves. Tea tree oil can be applied once a day until the wart scabs over. Even bananas can be of use. A banana peel placed skin side down will be able to get rid of genital warts in a week to ten days.

Medical treatment is only necessary when cancer develops from the presence of HPV in the body. HPV and genital warts will usually go away on their own. But genital warts can be treated with topical applications of certain medications.

There is usually no medical treatment for HPV unless genital warts appear. This can be treated with topical medication, but many people just let them go away by themselves. If cancer develops, then treatment for that will be necessary.

Causes of Hot Flashes

The changes in the hormone levels in the body are the trigger for hot flashes. They usually come on at the beginning of menopause, and often disappear after a year or two. Eating well, exercising regularly, and avoiding drugs and alcohol will be the best way to manage hot flashes, but there are also other treatments available.

Hot flashes seem to come on all of a sudden. They may come with profuse sweating and irritability. What is most important during a hot flash is to try and get comfortable until it passes.

Alternative Treatments for Hot Flashes

Vitamin E is a popular treatment for hot flashes. And if a woman wants to avoid taking anything for them, they can benefit from cooling products such as extra fans, lighter clothing to sleep in, and other products to make day or night with hot flashes more comfortable.

There are many choices that women have for alternative treatments to hot flashes. Many of these have been thoroughly studied and seem to work in a majority of the women who have tried it. The most common alternative treatments for hot flashes are phytoestrogens, black cohosh, and vitamin E.

Phytoestrogens are plant estrogen compounds. These can act similar to hormone replacement therapies, but are not as risky to a woman’s health. Some women studied did develop a higher incidence of endometrial hyperplasia, which is a precursor to cancer.

Black cohosh is an herbal mixture that has been very popular in Europe. Many doctors and experts condone short term used of this compound, but use of it more than six months has not be studied for safety.

Vitamin E is probably is the most widely available treatment for hot flashes. While doses greater than 400 IU are probably not safe, anything under that is perfectly safe for women to take when they want to treat hot flashes.

There is really no reason the medical treatment would be necessary for hot flashes, but many women look to ease this symptom of menopause by consulting their doctor and finding ways to reduce hot flashes.

Some women will opt for hormone replacement therapy as a way to threat their hot flashes, but this type of treatment is not for everyone. In many women, using hormone replacement therapy will give them a higher risk of developing certain cancers. It is a discussion that needs to be carefully weighed between a woman and her doctor.

Causes of Hives

When you experience an allergic reaction to any substance, your body releases histamine as well as other chemicals into your blood stream. As a result, you experience itching, swelling and other symptoms. Swelling usually occurs around the face, lips and eyes. This is known as angioedema. Angioedema can also affect the hands, throat and feet.

Substances that may cause hives include:

• Insect bites
• Animal dander (in particular cat dander)
• Medications
• Pollen
• Foods (especially shellfish, nuts, eggs, milk and fish)

Less common causes of hives:

• Emotional stress
• Excessive sweating
• Infections (such as mononucleosis)
• Extreme cold or sun exposure
• Illnesses (including leukemia, lupus and other autoimmune disorders)

Risk Factors for Developing Hives:

Hives and angioedema are a common condition that can and may affect virtually anyone at some point in time or another. You may be at an increased risk if you fall into one of the following categories:

• Previous hives or angioedema
• Have allergies or have had a previous allergic reaction
• Have an immune disorder associated with angioedema, such as lupus, lymphoma, leukemia or thyroid disease.
• A family history or hives or angioedema.

Signs and Symptoms of Hives

There are number of different signs and symptoms you may experience should you develop hives. These symptoms may include one or more of the following:

• Raised red or white welts on your skin. These welts may vary in size and will often cover large areas of your skin.
• Welts that resolve themselves as new welts are developing on your skin. The welts may also move from one area of your skin to another.
• Itching. The itching you experience may range from mild to severe.
• Occasionally (while rare), you may experience burning and stinging.

Complications Associated with Hives

While rare, some individuals may experience complications as a result of hives. Complications can include:

• Itching and discomfort (the most common complication of hives)
• Loss of consciousness
• Breathing trouble
• Anaphylactic shock, which is a severe allergic reaction that affects your heart as well as your lungs. When you go into anaphylactic shock, your bronchial tubes become narrower. As it result, it becomes very difficult to breath and your blood pressure drops. This may result in dizziness, loss of consciousness and in some cases death.

Angioedema

Angioedema is a reaction that is very similar to hives. This condition affects the deep layers of your skin as well as the lining of your intestines and throat. Angioedema will often appear around your cheeks, eyes and lips. You may also notice angioedema on your hands, feet or genitals. This can also affect your bowels as well as the insides of your throat. Angioedema can occur on its own or with hives.

Signs of angioedema can include:

• Swelling of your skin
• Pain
• Warmth in the affected region of your skin
• Large, thick and firm welts.
• In severe cases, trouble breathing and swallowing.

There is also another form of angioedema known as hereditary angioedema. This condition is genetic and more serious. It can cause sudden, severe and very rapid swelling of your arms, face, legs, feet, hands, airways, genitalia and your digestive tract.

Indicators of hereditary angioedema can include:

• Sudden and/or severe swelling of your arms, hands, legs, feet, face, digestive tract airways and/or genitalia.
• Abdominal cramping, which is often the result of swelling that occurs in your digestive tract.
• Breathing and swallowing difficulties that occur as the result of swelling that obstructs your airways.

Treatment of Angioedema:

Mild symptoms of angioedema may not need treatment and will often resolve themselves. Moderate to severe symptoms may require medical treatment. If you experience breathing difficulties, chest tightness or swelling of the mouth or throat, you are going to require emergency medical treatment. Treatments can include (depending on severity):

• Cool compresses as well as baths (with cool water and baking soda) can provide pain and itching relief.
• Antihistamines
• Anti-inflammatory medicines (corticosteroids)
• Epinephrine
• Ranitidine (Zantac)
• Terbutaline (a bronchodilator, which can help with breathing problems)
• In severe cases, a breathing tube may be used.

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe, sometimes life-threatening allergic reaction that often involves hives.

Anaphylaxis can be caused by allergens or triggers. Common allergens or triggers include:

• Food as well as food additives. These many include eggs, seafood, peanuts, milk, fish, nuts and shellfish.
• Bee, hornet, wasp, yellow jacket or fire ant bites or stings.
• Medications (often including seizure medications, antibiotics and muscle relaxants)
• Vaccinations
• Latex products including medical gloves, condoms and medical tubing
• Dyes used during x-ray procedures and other medical tests.

Risk Factors for Anaphylaxis:                

There are a number of factors that can increase your chances of going into anaphylaxis shock. These factors include:

• A history of eczema, asthma or hay fever.
• Prior allergic reactions even if there mild allergic reactions.
• Children with medical conditions including urogenitial defects and spina bifida. This is because these children may be at an increased risk of a latex allergy due to heavy latex exposure during many surgeries that are often required to treat these conditions.

Symptoms of Anaphylaxis:

If you experience anaphylaxis, you will likely experience symptoms within a few minutes to a few hours. Symptoms can range from very mild to severe and can include:

• Hives
• Itching
• Swelling
• Redness, stinging or burning of the face, eyes, hands or mouth
• Lightheadedness
• Low blood pressure
• Shock
• Severe respiratory distress
• Chest tightness
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Nausea, vomiting, cramping or diarrhea
• Obstruction of the mouth, nose or throat
• Convulsions
• Heart Arrhythmias

Treatment of Anaphylaxis:

Hives related to anaphylaxis require immediate medical attention. Treatment for this condition may include:

• Oxygen
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (or CPR) in severe cases
• Mechanical ventilation
• Intravenous fluids
• Bronchodilators to help improving breathing function
• Epinephrine (or adrenaline) injections. These make blood vessels constrict which helps to relax the airways, stop hives, reduce itching and relieves any gastrointestinal problems.

Types of Hives

Acute Urticaria. These are hives that usually last less than three weeks. They are most frequently the result of adverse reactions to food, medications or infections. You may also find yourself with acute urticaria as the result of an internal disease or from an insect bite.  The foods that most commonly cause these types of hives include nuts, fish, chocolate, tomatoes, fresh berries, milk and eggs. Food additives and preservatives can also lead to acute urticaria. It is important to remember that fresh foods are more likely to cause hives than well-cooked foods.  There are a number of medications that can cause hives. Aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS), ACE inhibitors (blood pressure medication) and painkillers (like codeine) can all cause acute urticaria.

Chronic Urticaria and Angiodema. These hives last six weeks are more. Your doctor may have a more difficult time diagnosing these hives than other forms of hives (such as acute urticaria). For many people who experience chronic urticaria, the cause of their hives may never be known. Chronic urticaria and angioedema can affect your internal organs. Your lungs, gastrointestinal tract and muscles can all be affected. Symptoms of these types of hives can include vomiting, diarrhea, shortness of breath and muscle soreness.

Physical Urticaria.  These types of hives are caused by direct physical stimulation of your skin. Elements that can directly affect your skin may include sun exposure, heat, cold, sweating, exercise, pressure or vibration. Hives usually occur in the exact location your skin has been stimulated. Physical urticaria rarely occurs on a portion of your body that has not been stimulated. These hives usually appear within one hour of stimulation.

Dermatographism.  These hives are hives that form as the result of firmly stroking or scratching your skin. These hives may develop in conjunction with any form of urticaria.

Treatment Options for Hives

If the symptoms that accompany your hives are mild, they often go away on their own and will not require any further medical attention. In many cases, hives as well as angioedema will clear up on its own. If you experience intense itching, pain or persistent symptoms, treatment can help.

Treatment for hives as well as angioedema largely centers around antihistamine medications that are designed to reduce swelling, itching and pain that is sometimes association with hives. If you are experiencing severe hives, your doctor may prescribe an oral corticosteroid drug (like prednisone). An oral corticosteroid drug can help to reduce swelling, itching and redness.

Antihistamines. There are a number of different antihistamines. Antihistamines are broken into two different categories. These categories include first-generation and second-generation medications. Classifications are based on their chemistry and common side effects. Drugs in each category may be prescription or over-the-counter.

• Second-generation antihistamines. Second generation antihistamines may also be referred to as newer antihistamines. These drugs are less likely to cause drowsiness or reduce your reaction time during activities like driving. Second generation antihistamines do not affect you as much mentally or physically as older medications may have. Examples of over-the-counter second generation antihistamines include Loratadine (Claritin or Alavert) and Cetirizine (Zyrtect). Prescription medications may include Desloratadine (Clarinex), Fexofenadien (Allegra) and Levocetirizine (Xyzal).
• First generation antihistamines. First generation antihistamine medications are also referred to as older antihistamines. These pills tend to make you drowsy and slow down your reaction times. This can make driving, operating machinery or performing other physical tasks a challenge. Other side effects associated with these older medications may include dry mouth, vision problems, difficulty passing urine or constipation. However, these drugs are often deemed to be more helpful for people with more severe hives or with angioedema. This is because they can help to reduce significant swelling of your tongue, throat and face. These medications can also help you to sleep better should your symptoms affect your sleeping habits. Over-the-counter first generation antihistamines can include Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and Chlorphenirmine (Chlor-Trimeton). A commonly used first generation prescription antihistamine is Hydroxyzine (Vistaril).

Medications for Hereditary Angioedema:

Generally speaking, oral corticosteroids and antihistamine medications commonly used to treat angioedema and hives are not effective in treating hereditary angioedema. Medications that are used to treat this condition are often used long-term. These medications often contain androgens (male hormones) to help regulate levels of blood protein.  As of 2011, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a number of medications designed to specifically target blood proteins and their functions. These medications include:

• Cinryze and Berinert. These are two treatment methods that are derived from donated human blood plasma. Both of these prescription medications provide C1 esterase inhibitor, which is a blood protein that is often inadequate or lacking in patients who have been diagnosed with hereditary angioedema. Cinryze has been FDA approved for treatment of hereditary angioedema in adults and adolescents. This medication is given by injection into a vein every few days. You can be trained by a healthcare professional to self-administer the drug in the comforts of your own home. Berinert is another prescription medication used to treat hereditary angioedema attacks that affect the face and abdomen. This medication must be given during an attack and requires a medical professional to receive the injection.
• Ecallantide (or Kalbitor). This medication is a protein which is derived from yeast. It is designed to block the activity of a blood protein known as kallikrein, which plays a key role in the development of hereditary angioedema. It is currently approved for use in adolescents as well as adults. Ecallantide is given as a subcutaneous injection (under the skin) and must be given by your health care provider.

Home Treatments and Remedies For Hives

If you experience symptoms of mild hives or mild angioedema, there are numerous treatment options you can try in the comforts of your own home.

• Pay close attention to what may be causing your hives. If you notice you develop hives after eating a certain type of food (such as shellfish), avoid this food.
• Try an over-the-counter antihistamine to help relieve itching and pain associated with hives and angioedema. Over-the-counter antihistamines can include Claritin, Zyrtec and Benadryl, for example.
• Apply cold and wet compresses to the affected area of your skin. This can not only help soothe your skin, but it can prevent you from scratching and further irritating itchy skin.
• Take a bath. Sprinkle a few tablespoons of baking soda, uncooked oatmeal or colloidal oatmeal into your bath tub. A cool, oatmeal bath can help to relieve your symptoms.
• Watch what you wear while experiencing hives. Wear loose, cotton and smooth-textured clothing to help prevent irritation. Tight, rough, scratchy or clothing made from wool may irritate your skin.

Chronic Hives and Vitamin D Deficiency

In 2011, a University of Nebraska Medical research study revealed some interesting new research when it comes to chronic hives. The University of Nebraska Medical Center has determined that individuals with chronic hives may benefit greatly from supplementing vitamin D in their diet.  Research suggests that medical professionals should consider screening patients with chronic hives for vitamin D deficiencies.

Dr. Jill Poole, an assistant professor at the UNMC Department of Internal Medicine, was the lead investigator on this study. Dr Poole indicates that chronic hives can be frustrating for patients. She also indicates that given the health benefits and lack of side effects when it comes to vitamin D should be taken into consideration when treating chronic hives. There is no harm in taking vitamin D as directed by a healthcare provider. Vitamin D is relatively inexpensive and should be taken in 1,000 to 2,000 IU (international units) daily.

To be considered a patient with chronic hives, you must have outbreaks of hives at least three times per week and they should last longer than six weeks. Your hives should be red, itchy welts that can also lead to breathing difficulties.

The University of Nebraska Medical Center conducted a small research study on 25 patients with chronic hives as well as nasal allergies. Researchers found that patients with chronic hives had significantly reduced levels of vitamin D in their blood stream. Nearly half of these patients were considered to be deficient in vitamin D.

Vitamin D deficiencies are also common in a number of medical conditions such as autoimmune diseases, cancer, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, osteoporosis and occasional death. Vitamin D has also been proven effective in treating other skin conditions, such as eczema.

While this research study is small, it shows promise. Dr. Poole indicates more research is necessary to better understand the effects of Vitamin D in patients with chronic hives.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Mild hives as well as angioedema usually are not threatening. Mild cases normally go away on their own or can be treated at home.

You should see a doctor if your hives or angioedema are not responding to home treatment, if you have severe discomfort or if your symptoms last for more than a few days.

There are cases of hives and angioedema that require immediate medical attention. Seek emergency medical treatment if you are lightheaded, have trouble breathing, experience chest tightness or you can feel your throat swelling.

Visiting with Your Doctor

If you experience mild hives frequently, you may want to make a trip to your primary care doctor. Here your doctor may examine any welts or swelling that is currently present on your body. Your doctor will also conduct a thorough medical history to identify possible causes of your hives. The physical examination along with a medical history can sometimes solve the mystery of your hives. Your doctor is likely to ask you questions focused on your eating habits, any medications you may take and environmental factors (Do you work outdoors? Do you have animals?).

Your doctor may recommend that you keep a detailed food dairy to help diagnose your hives. If your medical history and a physical examination are not enough to determine the causes of your hives, your doctor may opt to have you receive an allergy skin test.

An allergy skin test may involve a puncture, prick or scratch test.  During this test, tiny purified allergen extract drops are pricked or scratched into the surface of your skin. This type of allergy test is normally performed when your doctor suspects allergies to animal dander, food, penicillin, pollen or insect venom.

Another test your doctor may order is known as an intradermal (or intracutaneuous) test. During this test, purified allergen extracts are injected into the skin of your arm. This test is most commonly performed when a doctor believes you are allergic to a specific irritant even when you have had a negative puncture test.

For suspected hereditary angioedema, a blood test may be ordered. This test will test for levels and functioning of specific blood proteins.

Resources:

American Academy of Dermatology:  Hives

New York Times Health Guide: Hives

HCV New Drug Research: Chronic Hives, Vitamin D Deficiency

Who Can Get High Blood Pressure?

There are many different groups of people that can get high blood pressure. Those who are more likely to see a rise in blood pressure will be those who are not on a proper diet and exercise program. Stress is also a factor, and this can lead to high blood pressure as an earlier age. Those who have extremely stressful professions should watch their blood pressure.

Causes of High Blood Pressure

There is no one particular cause for high blood pressure, so many doctors cannot predict who will get it or when, but there are risk factors that will contribute to the condition. These factors include smoking, extra salt in the diet, overweight, old age, genetics, thyroid disorders, a lack of physical activity, and excessive alcohol consumption.
There are no symptoms that are associated with high blood pressure. This makes the condition very dangerous if it is not caught and treated in a timely manner. The only way to stay on top of the risk for high blood pressure is to get regular checkups from a doctor.

If you do experience a severe headache, difficulty breathing, confusion, chest pain, or fatigue, you will need to seek medical treatment immediately because this could be a sign of a high blood pressure crisis.

Alternative Treatments for High Blood Pressure

Treatments for high blood pressure include a home monitoring system that allows a person to check their blood pressure whenever they want to. A good diet and exercise will also keep the condition in control.

Losing weight is the first step in controlling high blood pressure in a person that is overweight and lacking physical activity. Those with high blood pressure should also look at their sleeping habits and make sure that a deep sleep is being had each night. This will help to relax a person.

A good diet is also key to lowering blood pressure. More fruits and vegetables are important for a person looking to lower their blood pressure because these foods are high in Flavoniods. Chocolate (dark, not milk) and garlic also contain this important compounds.

Medical treatment is necessary when a person’s blood pressure reaches the pre-hypertension stage of 140/90 or above. This will be a consistently high pressure when closely monitored.

The most common treatments for high blood pressure are diuretics, ACE-inhibitors, and beta blockers. High blood pressure can also be better controlled with exercise and diet. Getting rid of smoking and drinking habits will also help.

Who Can Get Herpes, Cold Sores?

Anyone who comes into contact with someone who has cold sores can contract them from using the same utensils, drinking cups, or other items that have come into contact with the person’s mouth. Often children end up getting cold sores from coming into contact with an infected parent.

Causes of Herpes, Cold Sores

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus. There are two different types of herpes virus and both types can cause mouth sores as well as genital herpes. The herpes virus enters the body by finding a break in the skin around the mouth or inside the mouth.

The symptoms of cold sores can vary, but the first sign is usually a pain around the mouth or lips. Some people can also get a sore throat, fever, or swollen neck glands. Young children will often drool before the appearance of cold sores. And once the blister does appear around the mouth, it usually breaks open with clear fluid leaking from it, and then it crusts over and disappears. This can take anywhere from three days to two weeks.

Some people may also carry the virus without ever having symptoms or developing cold sores.

Alternative Treatments for Herpes, Cold Sores

There are many creams and ointments on the market that are made for reducing the pain and redness of your cold sore. Often times, this will make a person feel better, but it will not result in a faster healing time for the cold sore.

There are many natural treatments for cold sores that may help to reduce the amount of pain and the time that is takes to disappear. These different treatments may also lead to less reoccurrences.

Lysine is an amino acid supplement that has been known to reduce the reoccurrence of cold sores by suppressing the herpes virus that causes the sores. To get rid of a cold sore fast, you will want try to deprive yourself of foods that are high in arginine. Examples of foods that you should avoid are chocolate, peanuts, and other types of nuts.

Topical treatments seem to work well in order to get rid of the cold sore faster. Products that contain vitamin E, lemon balm, or zinc sulfate will work to reduce pain and speed the healing process if it is applied several times a day. You can also speed healing internally by taking supplements that contain a high amount of vitamin C and flavonoids.

Medical treatment is not necessary in order to treat cold sores.

While cold sores cannot be cured, there are pills, ointments, or creams that can be applied in order to speed up the process of the cold sore cycle. Most of the time, however, doctors suggest to just leave it alone a let it run its course.

Causes of Hernias

The most common type of hernia is usually caused by weakened muscles and connective tissue that lies near the hiatus. What happens to this weakened muscle is that it allows a portion of the stomach to push up through the diaphragm and then the hiatus moves up above the abdomen into the chest cavity.

Most of the time a hernia will not have any symptoms. It is usually noticed at a physical exam. Acid reflux can also occur, depending on the effect of the hernia on the lower esophageal sphincter. Symptoms can also include chest pain and shortness of breath. If these symptoms occur, medical attention will be needed to rule out a more serious health concern.

Alternative Treatments for Hernias

There are no specific over the counter treatments for hernias besides antacids for the acid reflux, but there are lifestyle changes that can be made in order to reduce the symptoms of a hernia.

Since many hiatal hernias do not need medical attention, there are many things that you can do at home in order to reduce any symptoms that you might be feeling due to your hernia. First, nicotine should be cut from your daily life. This relaxes the valve of the esophagus and will only add to any acid reflux that might be present. Eating habits can also be changed in order to reduce this symptom.

Being overweight can also be a complication, so if you are overweight, you can make an effort to lost weight. And you will also need to avoid putting any unnecessary pressure on your stomach from clothes or other items.

Medical treatment is necessary when there is a lot of pain or if you have developed a hernia that is not classified as a sliding hiatal hernia.

Since most hernia need no treatment, there is very little a doctor can do. But if there are symptoms due to acid reflux, you can get a prescription for it from your doctor. The only time surgery is required for a hernia is when it is a paresophageal or mixed hiatal hernia.

Who Can Get Hepatitis?

Anyone who comes into contact with a person’s fecal matter can contract type A. Anyone who has sexual contact with a person who has type B will be at risk for contracted hepatitis. And type C is spread through the blood, so only blood to blood contact will transmit hepatitis C.

Causes of Hepatitis

Hepatitis is a disease that affects the liver in different ways, depending on the type of hepatitis. Since types A and B have vaccines, they are not deemed as serious as type C.

Hepatitis is a disease that can be spread in multiple ways, depending on the type that a person has. Type A is contracted through fecal contact, type B is spread through sexual contact, and type C is spread through blood contact only.

Symptoms of Hepatitis

There are thousands of cases of hepatitis that do undiagnosed each year because the symptoms of the disease mimic the flu. There could also be no symptoms at all. The most common symptoms of hepatitis include loss of appetite, mild fever, fatigue, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Alternative Treatments for Hepatitis

Over the counter treatments can help to ease some of the symptoms of hepatitis, but this will not cure it. For example, some with hepatitis B will develop itchy skin. This can be taken care of with a product such as Benadryl.

There have been no conclusive studies done on alternative treatments for Hepatitis C, but there are herbs that people will look to in order to treat their condition without the side effects of the disease. The most common herb to treat hepatitis is usually milk thistle. While it does not cure any type of liver disease, it can improve the way that the liver works.

Milk thistle is an herb from Europe that is now also grown in the US. It promotes antioxidation, live cell growth, antihepatotoxic acitivity, and inflammation inhibition.

When is Medicinal Treatment Necessary?

Medical treatment is necessary whenever someone contracts hepatitis, though many people cannot tell if they do because many cases of hepatitis go untreated.

There are only a few ways to treat a hepatitis infection. Most doctors agree that this will start with a proper diet and plenty of rest. Close contact with other should be avoided and nonviral hepatitis can benefit from taking away the alcohol or drugs that related to contracting the disease.

Who Can Get Heartburn?

Anyone can get heartburn. A major cause of occasional heartburn is spicy or unfamiliar foods, so many people often have the experience of heartburn. But if you are a person that gets heartburn on a daily basis, you will need to be check by a doctor because this can turn into a serious problem called acid reflux. A daily occurrence of heartburn happens in about 10% of the American population, as well as about 50% of pregnant women.

Causes of Heartburn

Heartburn is caused by stomach acid that irritates the esophagus. This is due the LES (lower esophageal sphincter) either not closing tight enough or not closing at all, allowing stomach acid to rise into the esophagus. This causes the familiar burning sensation.

Symptoms of Heartburn

The most common symptom of heartburn is a burning feeling in the chest that comes from just behind the breastbone. This often occurs right after eating and can last anywhere from a couple of minutes to several hours. Chest pain also occurs with bending over and lying down. An acidic or sour taste can occur in the back of the throat, making it difficult or painful to swallow.

Alternative Treatments for Heartburn

There are many over the counter treatments for heartburn. For occasional heartburn, many people turn to products such as Tums or some other type of liquid or chewable tablet. For those who often experience heartburn, or know what can trigger it, they will often take a pill that can be ingested before the meal to prevent heartburn, such as Pepcid AC.

There are many natural and alternative treatments that will allow of person to prevent of reduce the pain from heartburn. First, never go to bed with a full stomach. Food should be eaten at least two hours before lying down, and it’s also important to remember not to overeat.
When eating, those who have recognized the triggers in their diet should avoid foods that cause heartburn and eat slower the foods that do. Also, losing weight and avoiding alcohol and tobacco have been known to reduce the symptoms of heartburn.

Medical treatment for heartburn is necessary when it occurs daily and has not special triggers, such as certain foods. Left untreated, this can turn into acid reflux and it will have the chance to damage the esophagus.

Those who have severe acid reflux disease can benefit from a radio wave procedure that will help to reduce the symptoms of the disease, but many people will not have to go trough this type of procedure. Medications, natural treatments, and over the counter treatments will work for the major of people.

Who Can Get Hypertension?

There are a lot of different people who can get hypertension. Those who are most susceptible to the condition are those who are not properly taking care of themselves. Diet, exercise, and weight all factor in to the reasons why some people have hypertension. Stress is another major factor. If a person works a very stressful job, it is likely that they will develop hypertension. High blood pressure can also have a hereditary link, especially if it is linked to other health problems.

Causes of Hypertension

While doctors cannot predict who will get high blood pressure or why, they do have many factors and different conditions that will point to higher instances of hypertension. Factors that play a role in the development of hypertension include smoking, overweight, extra salt in a diet, genetics, old age, excessive alcohol consumption, thyroid disorders, and a lack of physical activity.

Symptoms of Hypertension

Hypertension is a very dangerous condition because there are few symptoms that will appear for you to seek medical treatment. Since there are no symptoms, a good idea is to get regular checkups with a doctor so that they can monitor your pressure and see if there are any significant changes that need to be handled.

Some symptoms will show up with hypertension, but it is usually at a stage where a person is a severe risk of crisis. These are a severe headache, chest pain, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and confusion.

Over the Counter Treatments for Hypertension

There are not many over the counter treatments for hypertension. While a good diet and exercise is necessary for control of hypertension, the first line of defense when someone is diagnosed with pre-hypertension is a blood pressure monitor that can be used at home.

Alternative Treatments for Hypertension

The best alternative treatment for hypertension is to work out with the proper diet. More fruits and vegetable will give the body numerous Flavonoids that are needed. And for those who love chocolate, dark chocolate also contains many of these compounds. Garlic will also reduce the affects of hypertension.

Losing weight is just the first step. Next, those with hypertension must look at their sleeping habits. A deep sleep is necessary for a lower blood pressure. Reducing your caffeine intake will aid in better sleep habits. Relaxing activities such as yoga will also be able to reduce your blood pressure by reducing your stress and getting your active.

When is Medicinal Treatment Necessary?

Medical treatment is necessary when your blood pressure is higher than 140/90 consistently, even when you take your pressure at home. Your doctor will want to monitor your pressure and have you do the same in between doctor visits.

ACE-inhibitors, beta-blockers, and diuretics are the most common prescriptions that are given to a person who has high blood pressure. Hypertension can also be controlled with diet, exercise, and a cease in smoking and drinking.