Breaking the Habit of Nicotine Addiction

Nicotine addiction is unhealthy dependence to nicotine that is normally found in tobacco products. Nicotine is described as a colorless and toxic alkaloid that contains a combination of nitrogen, hydrogen and carbon. Tobacco products like pipe tobacco, cigarettes and cigars all contain nicotine. 

Nicotine is a substance that may produce some physical and mood altering changes in the brain of a smoker. A smoker may take pleasure in the temporary physical and mood changes thus resulting to continuous smoking. Continuous smoking may lead to nicotine dependence thus making a smoker to break the habit of smoking.

What are the Symptoms of Nicotine Addiction?

Anyone who uses any type of tobacco products is susceptible in developing nicotine addiction. Some symptoms of nicotine addiction include:

• Habitual smoking is one common symptom of nicotine addiction. Any one who tries to stop smoking but instead of stopping have continue and even increase the number of times they smoke are may be on the onset of developing nicotine dependency. 

• Individuals who continue to smoke despite suffering from health problems like heart or lung ailments.

• Work and personal relation is affected since they spend more time smoking than doing their work or being with their families. 

• Those people who exhibit withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop smoking. Some  of the withdrawal symptoms are: 

• Anxiety 
• Mood changes
• Lack of focus 
• Anger 
• Inability to sleep 
• Increase of appetite
• May develop food cravings 

Complications of Nicotine Addiction

Nicotine addiction is often seen in these activities. However, if an individual want to stop nicotine dependence, these habits and activities should be properly dealt with to avoid serious complications later on.  
Like any type of addiction, smoking is very bad for the body. It carries complications, which will definitely harm the body. Some of the complications that are related to smoking are:

• Lung problems like emphysema and lung cancer is cause by smoking. It can also worsen your asthma attacks if you do not stop smoking.

• Smoking can also result in impotence and infertility. 

• A cardiovascular problem like stroke is also linked to smoking. It can also worsen any existing heart ailments. 

• Smoking during pregnancy is very harmful to the unborn baby. It may result to miscarriage, low birth weight or learning disability to the child later on. 

• It increases the susceptibility of developing diabetes because smoking increases the resistance of insulin. 

• Secondhand smoking is bad to your family especially to children as it lowers their immune system and makes them at risk of developing respiratory problems. 

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How to Keep Your Brain Sharp?

As you get older, you will soon notice that you start to slow down and this may also affect your ability to think. You may no longer be able to solve math problems as fast as you would when you are younger or your comprehension skills may even lag sometimes.

You may also observe that you became more and more forgetful. From as simple as forgetting where you put your car keys to more important things like returning calls to your clients. At first, these may mean nothing to you but if these things become a regular occurrence, then, it is now 
time that you find ways to keep your brain sharper.

Here are some simple things that can keep your brain sharp. Some of these ways may include:

1. Increase your Intake of Veggies

Vegetables like tomato and carrots are great in boosting your brain functions. Eating more of tomato and carrots regularly can definitely make your brain sharper and even more alert.
Veggies, which also contain vitamin E, B6 and folic acid, can also protect your brain against cell damage. To make sure that you get the best out of veggies, it will be better if you eat fresh veggies instead of frozen ones.

2. Engage in Exercises

Aside from keeping you fit, exercises can also boost neurogenesis or the process of generating new brain cells. So, next time rev that exercise since it can boost your physical body as well as your mental health.

3. Drink Red Wine

If you are drinking, it will be better if you drink red wine instead of white wine. Red wine has resveratrol, which according to recent studies can prevent plaque buildup. Plaque buildup is often related to Alzheimer’s disease. The buildup is also responsible for breaking down the transmission between neurons.

4. Try to Learn New Things

As you get older, often you lose the interest to learn new things. You always do the same things out of routine but if you want to keep your brain sharp, you have to learn something new. It is not too late to learn new musical instrument or perhaps take a new hobby.

Trying new things can revitalize not just your brain but it can definitely boost your self-esteem.

5. Wear Protective Gear

Brain is like a hard-boiled egg. It needs protection because one wrong move or bruising in your brain can affect your ability to remember. So, next time that you take part in extreme sports, make sure that you are well protected because you may not know that one wrong blow can alter your memory.

As a whole, keeping your memory sharp is not hard, you just need to remember that brain like the rest part of the body, also needs to be nourished and protected.

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5 Treatments of Pediatric Sleep Apnea

Pediatric sleep apnea is a breathing problem that is getting common in children. It is also known as obstructive sleep apnea.  It happens when the airway of a child gets narrow while they are sleeping. Pediatric sleep apnea should not be confused with adult sleep apnea, as they are different.

In pediatric sleep apnea, children may have recurring episodes wherein they stop breathing while they are sleeping. This normally happens due to the obstruction of the airway. A common reason for obstruction is inflammation of tonsils or abnormal growth of adenoids that is located at the back portion of throat.

During an episode of sleep apnea, a child may seem breathing but actually, no air enters the lungs. When this occurs, the child may be involuntary awaken and will try to catch breath. This episode may happen for several times during the night thus resulting to poor sleep. The child may feel agitated and may not be able to focus in play or school the following day.

Without proper treatment, pediatric sleep apnea may damage the heart and the lungs due to lack of air.

What are the Symptoms of Pediatric Sleep Apnea?

Pediatric sleep apnea is common to children between three to six years old. It can also be related to other health conditions.

The severity of symptoms may vary from one child to another. Some symptoms of pediatric sleep apnea may include:

• ·        Loud snoring

• ·        Episodes of not breathing during sleep

• ·        The child is breathing through the mouth instead of the nose

• ·        The child may show signs of irritation due to poor sleep

• ·        Hyperactivity

• ·        Lack of focus during the day

• ·        The child may appear excessive sleepy the next day

• ·        In some cases, child may exhibit signs of behavioral problems in school

Pediatric sleep apnea is now recognized as one reason why children may have problems in school. Parents may see their child's pediatrician to know if their child is suffering from pediatric sleep apnea.

What are the Causes of Pediatric Sleep Apnea?

There are several causes related to pediatric sleep apnea. Some of the causes are:

• ·        The tonsils and adenoids that are found at the back of the throat are enlarged. Untreated infections may cause the enlargement. When the adenoids are enlarge, it may result to obstruction of the nasal passages where air normally enters. The enlargement of adenoids may make breathing difficult.

• ·        The muscles found in the head and neck aids in keeping the airway open. However, when a child sleeps, the muscle tone also relaxes thus allowing the tissues to close. Thus making it hard for a child to have normal breathing while sleeping.

• ·        Another possible cause of pediatric sleep apnea is unusual growth of tumor in the airways.

• ·        Certain birth defects may also be a culprit of obstruction sleep apnea

• ·        Children who have syndrome like Pierre Robin Syndrome may also developed pediatric sleep apnea later on.

• ·        Overweight is also another factor that may have direct relation though this is reason that is more common in adult sleep apnea than in pediatric cases.

What are the Treatments for Pediatric Sleep Apnea?

Treatments related to sleep apnea differ for each child. Your child's pediatrician along with the help of otolaryngologist may create a course of treatment based on the following:

• ·        The main cause of your child's condition.

• ·        Over all health of your child.

• ·        Expectation for the treatment

• ·        Parent's preferred way of treatment

Your doctor may determine the right course of treatment. Some possible treatments may include:

            1. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure is a breathing device in the form of tube and mask. It gently blows air to make sure that the airway is not blocked. This mask is less invasive form of treatment however, it may be quite hard to convince children to wear the tube and mask while they are sleeping.

            2.  Removal of tonsils or adenoids

If the cause of pediatric sleep apnea is the tonsils or adenoids. Your doctor may recommend removal of tonsils or adenoids. This procedure may require general anesthesia. It is important that the parents and the doctor weigh the benefits and risk of the procedure.

            3. Nasal spray

Nasal spray is recommended if the cause of the condition is severe nasal allergy.

            4. Weight loss

If the cause is being over weight, your doctor may recommend that weight loss.

            5. Jaw surgery

Your child may have to undergo jaw surgery if the cause of the condition is the structure of the jaw. Oftentimes, this procedure is done those who are already in adolescents who does not respond to other type of treatments before.

Treatment s to pediatric sleep apnea may also differ depending on the severity of the condition. Discuss with your healthcare provider the several treatments available for your child.

 

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3 Proper Treatments for Paralyzed Vocal Cord

Paralyzed vocal cord also refers as vocal cord paresis occurs when the nerve impulses located in the laryngeal muscles is interrupted. With the interruption of the vocal cords, paralysis affects the ability to normally speak and breathe. 

Speaking and breathing is affected because the vocal cord or also known as vocal fold is responsible in producing sound and in protecting your trachea from the food and drinks to enter the windpipe to avoid possible instance of choking.

Paralyzed vocal cord may affect both men and women. Likewise, it is seen in adults and children alike. The causes of paralyzed vocal cord may differ from each person. Some common causes may be a neurological disorder and viral infection.

This condition may also affect individuals in different ways. A person who uses his or her voice for a living like a singer or sports announcer may find difficulty in the condition than a person who works as a banker who only uses hand movements in dealing with the customers.

Treatment for vocal cord paralysis is possible. Voice therapy and surgery can be done to treat the condition.

What are the Symptoms of Paralyzed Vocal Cord?

Vocal cord is generally two flexible bands that are found in the opening of the windpipe. When a person is speaking, the two bands will come together and vibrate in order to make a sound. However, when a person is not making a sound, the vocal cords are in relaxed position, thus allowing a person to normally breathe. 

Most common case of paralysis affects only one but certain cases, both vocal cords is affected. When both are affected, swallowing and breathing problems is also possible. 

Some symptoms of vocal cord paralysis may include:

·        Changes in the voice are observed. The voice may sound breathy or even loud whisper is noted.

• ·        Voice is hoarse

• ·        Breathing may sound noisy

• ·        Unable to speak loud

• ·        May find hard to swallow food or drink

• ·        Cough

• ·        Gag reflex is lost

What are the Causes of Paralyzed Vocal Cord?

The exact cause of paralyzed vocal paralysis is not clear. However, several factors may play a role. Some of the possible causes may include:

• ·        Neck injury is one possible cause of the vocal cord paresis. Severe neck injury caused by accidents that may result to severe trauma of the neck or larynx can also damage the vocal cord.

• ·         Viral infections that may affect the nerves of the vocal cords

• ·        Some forms of surgery may cause scarring in the cartilage of the vocal cord. The scarring may result to further inflammation that may stop your vocal cords from normally opening and closing. Some common surgeries that may cause the paralysis are surgeries to chest, thyroid glands, neck and esophagus.

• ·        Individuals who suffered from stroke may damage the area of the brain and may interrupt the transmission of the messages to your voice box.

• ·        Tumor growths in the area may result to paralysis of the vocal cords.

Risk Factors of Paralyzed Vocal

Various factors may increase your risk of developing paralyzed vocal cord. Some of the risks are:

·        Women are more at risk than men are.

• ·        Those who have respiratory problems that require breathing instruments to be inserted are more at risk of developing paralyzed vocal cord. The breathing tubes may indirectly damage the nerves located in the vocal cord area.

• ·        Individuals suffering neurological conditions are also at risk. Those who have multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's syndrome can also have weakness of the vocal cord that may lead to paralysis of the cord.

What are the Treatments for Paralyzed Vocal Cord?

Several treatments available for paralyzed vocal cord may include:

            1. Voice therapy

Voice therapy is initially recommended in the early part of the treatment. This may include some voice exercises that may aid in strengthening the vocal cords. Your speech therapist will also teach some techniques to use your voice properly. Swallowing can also improve after the therapy sessions.

            2. Injection

Injection of fats or filler substance is done to strengthen the muscles affected by the paralysis. After the injection, speaking and swallowing will also improve.

            3. Tracheotomy

Tracheotomy is a surgical process wherein an incision is made in the neck to allow the insertion of breathing tube in the trachea. Breathing problems will get better after the surgical procedure.

Having a paralyzed vocal cord is hard especially if your voice is your bread and butter. However, there are possible treatments that may help you in dealing with the condition. Visit your health care provider to know the right treatment.

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6 Panic Disorder Treatment

Panic disorder is different from any normal fear that an individual feels in facing a problem. Generally, a person may have experience severe panic at least once or twice in their life but having it more than twice can be a symptom of panic disorder.

Panic disorder is classified as episode of fear with too much intensity that a person having it feels like he or she is dying. The symptoms of panic disorder may appear like a heart attack and this usually happens without any given warning.

During an attack of panic disorder, a person may exhibit exaggerated response towards a situation that may not really be threatening. In the end, a person who had panic disorder may develop constant debilitating fear of anticipating another attack. 

Panic disorder may affect day to day activities and the over all quality of a person. However, certain treatments are available to help individuals deal with the condition.

What are the Symptoms of Panic Disorder?

Panic disorder is often related to chronic anxiety disorder. The symptoms associated with panic disorder attack may look like another serious medical condition. It is important that you see health care provider to make sure that your symptoms is panic disorder. Likewise, a diagnosis will rule out other serious conditions like heart attack.

Diagnosis will be based depending on the following symptoms. Some of the following symptoms may include:

·        Severe sweating

·        Excessive fear of incoming doom

·        Shaking

·        Feeling of choking

·        Pounding headache

·        May feel faint

·        Hot flashes

·        Shortness of breath

·        Stomach ache

·        Dizziness

·        Numbness in the fingers

·        Increase heart rate

·        May have hard time swallowing

·        Fear of loosing control

These symptoms can usually strike anytime of the day and in any location. It can strike whether you are in your office, school or at home. There is generally no symptom when the attack might happen.

The symptoms may last from 10 minutes to 30 minutes. After an attack, the person suffering from panic disorder may feel lethargic.

People with panic disorder may try to avoid the places they frequently visit to avoid an attack, however, this is not a guarantee that an attack will not strike if you avoid certain places.

What are the Causes of Panic Disorder?

The exact cause of panic disorder is relatively not known. However, there are certain factors play an important role in the development of panic disorder. Some of these may include:

·       Genetics play an important factor. Studies show that if one of twins have panic disorder, the another twin  may also develop panic disorder later on.

·       Stressful situation is another possible cause of panic attacks. It can worsen the severity and increase the number of panic attacks.

·       Changes in brain function may also change the manner how the body reacts in response to danger. With panic disorder, it is not clear why the body overreacts even if there is no imminent danger.

Risk Factors for Panic Disorder

There are possible factors that increase the risk of developing panic disorder. Some of the possible risks include:

·        History of panic disorder in the family

·        Physical or sexual abuse

·        Death of a close friend or relative

·        Stressful situations

·        Experiencing traumatic situation or accident

What are the Panic Disorder Treatments?

Treatments of panic disorder differ from each patient. Your doctor may recommend one type or several type of treatments depending on your condition. Here are the possible panic disorder treatments:

            1. Oral medications

Part of oral medications is anti depressants and mild sedatives. These medications will lessen the symptoms related to panic attack. A healthcare provider should properly prescribe medications because some oral medications have some risk. Do not attempt to take them on without proper prescription.

            2. Psychodynamic psychotherapy

Psychodynamic is an effective way to deal with the emotional conflict that may be behind the panic attack. Your therapist may schedule weekly schedule to see how you cope with your condition. The weekly visits may be reduced when your number of attacks had lessened or finally stop.

 

            3. Yoga

Yoga and other relaxation techniques may help you deal in dealing with stress and anxiety related to panic disorder.

            4. Join support groups

Joining support groups that deal with the same situation that you have may help you. Having a support group that understands you may inspire you in coping with your medical condition.

            5. Have a good and regular sleep

                        Having a good and regular sleep will help you to be more relax during the day.

            6. Exercise

Exercise can help in dealing with the stress that is related with panic disorder. Regular exercise can also give calming effect to individuals with panic disorder treatment

Panic disorder treatment aims to help a person deal with the condition and with proper treatment, individuals with panic disorder can still live a normal life.

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All you Need to Know About Night Sweats

Night sweats also known as sleep hyperhidrosis is not really a disease but it can be a symptom of a medical condition. It is characterized as excessive sweating while a person is sleeping. It is normal to have sweating once in a while especially in humid weather but night sweats that develop even if the person is sleeping in a room with cold temperature can be a cause of alarm. Likewise, it is surprising to see someone or yourself soaking with night sweats that even soak clothes and beddings that you slept.

Though it is not a medical condition, it still needs medical attention to determine the root cause of night sweat since it can be a symptom of underlying health condition. Excessive perspiration can also be bothersome, since it can disrupt your sleep.

Night sweats affects men and women, though the causes of the night sweats may be different between the two.

The treatment of night sweats may differ from one person to another. Your doctor will run series of tests to know the cause of your excessive sweating.

What are the Symptoms of Night Sweats?

Symptoms of night sweats may include:

• ·        Excessive night sweats that drench pillows and bed sheets
• ·        Clothes are totally soaked as if the person took a bath
• ·        Face or trunk is reddish in color
• ·        Individuals may have a hard time falling back to sleep

These symptoms may be related to night sweats. However, if the episodes of night sweats becomes regular and affects the sleep pattern, it is important that the person see a doctor.

Seek medical attention immediately if the person having night sweats also experience the following:

• ·        If excessive sweating becomes regular occurrence
• ·        If individual have disrupted sleep pattern and may feel lethargic the next day
• ·        Experience chills
• ·        If sweating comes with fever

What are the Causes of Night Sweats?

Causes of night sweats may differ from each person. Simple reason of sweating can be unnecessary blankets in your bed or some type of medications. Some medications that you take can give you excessive sweating as part of its side effects. In women, night sweats can be a symptom of menopause or hormonal problem.

Your doctor may ask you about the severity of your night sweating and how many times at night, it occurs. Your doctor will try to distinguish if your sweating is the result of poor ventilation in your room or if the sweating is unusually excessive.

Your physician will determine your condition based on the following possible causes:

• ·        Menopause is the most common reason of night sweats. It also refers to as hot flashes. Those women who are at menopause or near their menopause will likely to experience excessive sweating anytime of the day or even at sleep.

• ·        Idiopathic hyperhidrosis is physical condition where in the body actively produce excessive sweat. This condition may occur without any specific medical reason but this can be bothersome.

• ·        People with hypoglycemia or low blood sugar can result to night sweats. Those who regularly receive insulin or those who take diabetic medication may have episodes of hypoglycemia that may be accompanied with night sweats.

• ·        Hormone disorders like hyperthyroidism, pheochromocytoma and carcinoid syndrome is also linked to night sweating.

• ·        Neurological conditions that are rare conditions like autonomic neuropathy and dysreflexia may also increase the risk of sweating.

• ·        Excessive sweat at night can also be an early sign of cancer. Lymphoma is the most common type of cancer associated with night sweats.

·        Sweating can also be a side effect of certain medications. Some medications that may cause night sweats are antidepressants and antipyretics. Stopping the medications may lessen or stop the sweating, however, talk to your doctor before discontinuing any medications.

What is the Night Sweats Treatment?

Some cases of night sweats do not really require treatments as it may only require some lifestyle change. However, some cases may require treatments though not directed to night sweating itself but rather to the underlying cause of the problem.

  1. Estrogen therapy

If the cause of night sweats is the onset of menopause, your doctor may recommend estrogen therapy. It may help to minimize the hot flashes as well as other symptoms related to menopausal stage.

  2.  Medications

If the cause of night sweats, is some form of cancer or neurological conditions. Your physician will start immediately the course of treatment to these health problems

  3. Do not eat spicy foods

Spicy foods at dinnertime can increase your body temperature thus resulting to night sweats. It is recommended that you do not eat spicy foods at least three hours before retiring at night.

  4. Polyester material

Beddings made of polyester material takes away the extra moisture away from the body thus lessening the soaking. Do not use flannel beddings as it is too heavy and can add heat as you sleep.

5. Avoid alcohol

Alcohol can generally increase your body temperature. It is important that you do not drink alcohol two hours before going to bed.

Night sweats treatment may vary according to severity of the condition. You may visit your physician to rule out other underlying problems.

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Tips to Take Care of Your Nails

Nails help us with our daily routines like cleaning, typing and even scratching. Though it may be simple, taking care of our nails is still indeed very important.

Here are some tips to take care of your nails.

1. Use rubber gloves

Use rubber gloves every time you do gardening, scrub the floor or wash dishes. This will protect your nails from being soiled and away from the harsh chemicals used in cleaning. Gloves will not only protect the nails but will also keep your hands soft.

2. Use of Petroleum Jelly

Petroleum jelly is recommended to keep your nails well hydrated. You may apply a generous amount of petroleum jelly to your nails and to its surrounding area to make prevent dryness.

3. Polish your nails

Polishing your nails will make your nails attractive and this will make your nails stronger. However, nail polish are should just stay in your nails for 7 to 10 days, after that, you have to remove them to avoid fungi thriving to your nails.

4. Add zinc to your diet

Adding zinc to your diet is recommended, as it will make your nails stronger. Foods rich with zinc are eggs and milk.

5. Avoid wearing damp shoes

Damp shoes and socks may give you fungi in your toenails. It is important that you only wear shoes and socks that are dry and clean.

6. Cut your nails regularly

Cutting your nails regularly will make your nails more healthy and will prevent the presence of fungi.

7. Avoid bad habits

Bad habits like biting the nails or picking the cuticle should be stop as these habits are unhealthy and may result to antifungal infection.

In the end, healthy nail is a sign of a good health. If you observe that you have recurring several problems in your nails, you may visit your doctor to rule out vitamin deficiency disorder or other health problems.

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