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Man holding his chest with his two hands.

How Do You Know if it is Heartburn and Not a Heart Attack?

Written on . Posted in Health Articles.

How do you know if it is heartburn and not a heart attack?

Did you ever have a painful sensation in the center of your chest during a regular after-dinner walk around the house or backyard? It could be your heartburn flaring up again or it may be something more serious like a heart attack.

Heartburn and a heart attack may have similar manifestations on the chest and their symptoms may sometimes be difficult to differentiate.

Heartburn is a common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), often called acid reflux. This makes acid from the stomach move up into the esophagus, causing a painful burning sensation just behind the breastbone. Not surprisingly, heart attack may also present with a discomfort in the same area. In the emergency room alone, heartburn accounts for nearly half the cases in which actual heart problems are ruled out according to a study by Mousavi et al. in 2007.

Chest pain caused by a heart attack result from reduced blood flow from the heart muscles and is often described as a feeling of tightness, constriction or pressure rather than a burning sensation. But it is not always easy to tell the difference.

The symptoms of heartburn may mimic those of a heart attack. Here are the common symptoms that differentiate heartburn from a heart attack:

 Heartburn

• Burning chest pain that begins at the breastbone
• Pain that moves up toward the throat
• Pain or discomfort that does not typically radiate to the shoulders, neck or arms
• Sensation that food is coming back into the mouth
• Bitter or acidic taste at the back of the throat
• Pain that worsens when lying down or bending over
• The appearance of symptoms after a heavy or spicy meal

Heart attack

• Tightness, pressure, squeezing, stabbing or dull pain most often in the center of the chest
• Pain that spreads to the shoulders, neck or arms
• Irregular or rapid heartbeat
• Cold sweat or clammy skin
• Lightheadedness, weakness or dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea, indigestion and sometimes vomiting
• Symptoms are associated with physical exertion, extremes of emotions or stress

The treatment of the two conditions are entirely different. For heartburn, doctors may prescribe antacids and acid-suppressing drugs such as omeprazole and pantoprazole. 

For symptoms of a possible heart attack, immediate consult at the emergency room is necessary for prompt management. If you have symptoms and you are not sure as to what they are associated with, seek emergency medical consult especially if you feel chest tightness, have trouble breathing, have cold clammy perspiration or cold sweat, have a feeling of light headedness and there is body weakness, sudden dizziness, fatigue, paleness and pain in your chest or arm that may extend to your neck or jaw.

Always consult a doctor who can best tell you if your symptoms are caused by heartburn or a heart attack.

References:

Role of clinical presentation in diagnosing reflux-related non-cardiac chest pain.

Heartburn vs heart attack

Woman holding nasal spray towards nostrils.

Saline Nasal Spray Helps Control Nosebleeds

Written on . Posted in Health Articles.

Epistaxis, popularly known as nosebleed, is a common problem affecting many people. While majority of cases can be easily treated, some can cause significant problems or can even be life-threatening if associated with serious disorders.

Nosebleeds usually occur during cold or dry months and are often associated with various types of cold, hay fever and allergic symptoms that may irritate the delicate nasal tissues.

In most instances, bleeding occurs when the lining of the nose or nasal mucosa becomes dry and irritated causing the blood vessels along the surface of the nasal lining to break or rupture.

Common medications used to control or prevent nosebleeds include decongestants and antihistamines. However, excessive, or prolonged use of these drugs may further aggravate the dryness and increase risk for more nosebleeds.  Keeping the nasal tissues hydrated or moist with the use of saline nasal spray is frequently offered as a simple intervention which may be as effective as drug therapy in controlling nosebleeds. Apart from addressing the underlying condition or factor that causes epistaxis, using saline nasal spray traditionally becomes a practical part of medical management to prevent recurrence of nosebleed. Saline nasal spray becomes handy in humidifying the nasal environment and in moisturizing the nasal mucosa thus preventing future episodes of bleeding.

The 2020 Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) for Nosebleed published in the American Academy of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery authored by Dr. David Tunkel and his team outlined some supportive measures such as nasal saline spray in keeping the nose humid to prevent dry crusts and to facilitate healing.

The authors underscored that nasal saline spray or gel which can help moisturize the tissues inside the nose can reduce or prevent nosebleeds together with the elimination of contributing factors such as digital trauma (nose picking), vigorous nose blowing and proper nasal hygiene.

To prevent additional nosebleeds in patients taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs, who are at increased risk of recurrent epistaxis, the CPG recommended saline lubrication as well as control of comorbidities.

The result of a North American study which was published online in the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) in 2016, demonstrated that salt-based spray is as effective as medicated spray in controlling nosebleeds among patients with Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT), also known as Osler-Weber-Rendu Disease). In Hereditary Hemorrhagic telangiectasia, a condition characterized by abnormal blood vessel formation, patients suffer from frequent episodes of nosebleeds that may occur once a week or several times a day in some patients.

This double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial which included 121 patients afflicted with HHT used either a saline spray or sprayed one of three drugs, bevacizumab, a drug for cancer and macular degeneration, a hormone, Estriol and tranexamic acid, a drug that promotes clotting.

The US-based study lead by Dr. Kevin Whitehead, an Associate professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Utah School of Medicine, said in the news release that none of the drugs proved any better than the saline spray at preventing nosebleed. No drug treatment was significantly different from placebo for epistaxis duration. Participants in the US-based study who are afflicted with HHT revealed that they had significant improvement in Epistaxis Severity Score even if they were solely using the saline spray.

References:

Clinical Practice Guideline: Nosebleed (Epistaxis)

Effect of Topical Intranasal Therapy on Epistaxis Frequency in Patients With Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia

Dealing with Post-nasal Drip

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Did you ever take notice of times when you had a runny nose that was accompanied by a tickle in the back of your throat which triggered you to cough or clear your throat? That is probably post-nasal drip following an allergy, upper airway infection (i.e., common cold), inhalation of irritants in the air (i.e., fumes or dust) or even an exposure to a cold and dry weather.

Regardless of the cause, the problem with post-nasal drip is the steady trickle of mucus from the back of the nose that irritates the throat, a nagging cough or other symptoms. While post-nasal drip as a symptom of an upper airway condition is very common, there are several things that a person can do to deal with post-nasal drip. These include home remedies and over-the-counter medications:

     • A humidifier may help moisturize airways and improve symptoms

     • Being hydrated is beneficial in thinning the mucus

     • Sleeping propped up on pillows will keep the mucus from collecting at the back of the throat

     • Nasal wash or irrigation is effective in clearing away excess mucus

     • Decongestant and antihistamine medications help in controlling the swelling and production of mucus

In most cases, post-nasal drip is uncomfortable but is generally not dangerous. However, experiencing the following symptoms should prompt someone to consult a doctor:

     • Unexplained fever

     • Bloody mucus

     • Wheezing or shortness of breath

     • Foul smelling drainage

     • Persistent symptoms despite treatment

For allergies, it is also good to consider the environmental factors by dusting and vacuuming often at home. Covering mattresses and pillowcases and using air filter can help reduce exposure to allergy triggers.

Nasal washing using a nasal spray or irrigation solution helps in keeping the nasal passages clean. It also helps prevent attendant complications by flushing away irritants that cause allergy such as dirt, dust, pollens and infectious agents like bacteria and viruses. Nasal saline spray or irrigation has been reported to relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis and improve the quality of life.

Though this condition may linger for weeks or months, most of the causes can be quickly identified and generally improve with appropriate treatment.


References:

Treatments for post-nasal drip.

Rabago D, Zgierska A. Saline nasal irrigation for upper respiratory conditions. Am Fam Physician. 

FAQs on ALLERGIC RHINITIS

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Allergic rhinitis is a common medical problem with bothersome symptoms that can significantly interfere with daily activities and affect performance at work or school. Here are some basic facts that can help in dealing better with allergic rhinitis and its impact on daily life.

     1. WHAT IS ALLERGIC RHINITIS?

Allergic rhinitis is an inflammatory condition of the nasal passages that develops in response to outdoor or indoor allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, or tiny flecks of skin and saliva shed by cats, dogs, and other animals with fur or feathers (dander) causing cold-like signs and symptoms, such as runny nose, congestion, sneezing, and pressure on the sinuses. It may also affect the throat and the eyes.

     2. IS ALLERGIC RHINITIS THE SAME AS THE COMMON COLD?

No. While allergic rhinitis may present with symptoms similar to the common cold, allergic rhinitis is not caused by a virus unlike the common cold.

     3. WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF ALLERGIC RHINITIS?

Allergic rhinitis can be seasonal and may occur when certain plants come into bloom and release their pollen into the air.

Allergic rhinitis may also be triggered by dust mites, spores from fungi, mold, animal dander, or other indoor allergens and symptoms may occur all year round.

When there is allergy, the immune system produces antibodies to an allergen or substance. The next time the individual encounters the substance, the antibodies signal the release of chemicals such as histamine which causes the signs and symptoms of allergy.

Some factors may trigger or worsen allergic rhinitis, such as chemicals, pollutants, cigarette smoke, perfume and cold temperatures.

     4. WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ALLERGIC RHINITIS?

Signs and symptoms may include an itchy, stuffy, runny nose, and sneezing. Allergic rhinitis may also affect the eyes and throat causing red, itchy or watery eyes, itchy or sore throat, postnasal drip and cough and sometimes it may also cause fatigue.

     5. HOW IS ALLERGIC RHINITIS TREATED?

The best way to prevent allergic rhinitis is avoidance of triggers. However, once symptoms develop, treatment is directed towards the control of the allergic response with the use of antihistamines, steroids, and supportive therapies such as nasal saline wash or irrigation.

     6. CAN PATIENTS WITH ALLERGIC RHINITIS BENEFIT FROM SALINE NASAL WASH?

Cleaning the inside of the nose with saline wash is a highly recognized measure widely prescribed by doctors worldwide. Nasal saline wash has been shown to relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis and to improve the quality of life. As part of regular hygiene, nasal washing can also help in keeping the nasal passages clean and in preventing illness by flushing away irritants that cause allergy such as pollens, dirt, dust, and infectious agents like bacteria and viruses that may sometimes complicate allergy.

Nasal washing is commonly done either with a saline spray or large volume saline irrigation, each with its own set of benefits suited for the right condition.

When nasal washing is being considered, medical experts advise nasal washing devices prepared under stringent standards of manufacturing like nasal sprays and large-volume irrigating kits which are already available over the counter in neighborhood drugstores and pharmacies. This will help avoid the risk of using contaminated solutions prepared at home and eliminate the inconvenience of mixing one’s own salt solution.

It is always best to consult a doctor for prompt and adequate management of the recurring symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

References:

Mayo Clinic. Hay fever.

Nasal irrigation as an adjunctive treatment in allergic rhinitis 

The Benefits of Multivitamin and Mineral Supplements

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What are the benefits of multivitamin and mineral supplements?

Failing to meet the body’s vitamin and mineral requirements can have serious health concerns. Read on and see the benefits of taking multivitamin and mineral supplements.

“What are the benefits of multivitamin and mineral supplements? Do they really work?”

Nowadays, multivitamin, and mineral supplements have become increasingly popular. This can be attributed primarily to the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of this, people have become more acquainted with various brands available in the market that cater to their specific health status and needs. With a significant portion of the population taking them, it is no surprise that multivitamins and minerals have become essential in our day-to-day lives.

Multivitamin and mineral supplements refer to the combination of various vitamins and minerals typically found in food sources. They are usually taken to meet our daily recommended amount of nutrients which are not sufficient in our usual diet. They can be in the form of tablets, powder, capsules, liquids, or chewable gummies.

There are many instances wherein vitamin and mineral supplementation becomes necessary. One is when your diet fails to meet your body’s requirement for vitamins and minerals. Another is when you are in a state of nutrient loss, as in severe or chronic illnesses.

Here are some benefits of taking multivitamin and mineral supplements:

1. Boosts the Immune System

Our immune system protects our body against harmful bacteria, viruses, and free radicals. Some vitamins and minerals function similarly to improve our immune defense. These include Vitamin C, A, D, E, B Complex and minerals such as Zinc, Selenium, Copper, and Iron found in multivitamin and mineral supplements. In addition, they also provide antioxidant protection.

2. Reduces Anxiety and Depression

Vitamin B-12 and other B vitamins are responsible for producing the chemical neurotransmitters that affect brain functions. Low levels of B-12 and other B vitamins such as vitamin B-6 and folate may be linked to depression. Furthermore, Vitamin B6 is also part of the processes involved in producing brain chemicals responsible for regulating our mood.

3. Improves Overall Health

Our body requires essential nutrients to function, grow, and repair itself.
Vitamins and minerals contribute to the normal metabolism and functioning of the human body and are essential in maintaining good health.

Consuming appropriate amounts of vitamins and minerals is part of a balanced and healthy diet. However, in cases where your diet fails to meet the body’s daily requirements, supplementation can support and improve your overall health. Take advantage of the benefits of multivitamin and mineral supplements and begin your healthy journey today.

References:

Vitamin B-12 and depression, Mayo Clinic

Niacin and depression

Nine Tips for Healthy Digestion That You Can Do Now

Written on . Posted in Health Articles.

Healthy digestion involves the breaking down and absorption of nutrients without distressing symptoms such as upset stomach, gas, heartburn, nausea, constipation, or diarrhea.

Your food and lifestyle have a direct impact on your digestive health. Improving these factors can support your digestive system’s function and boost your overall health and sense of well-being.

Simple Ways You Can Do Today for Healthy Digestion

You can implement plenty of ways to achieve healthy digestion, and here are simple practices that you can immediately do today.

     1. Eat Real Food – There are many ways to start eating real food. Consider a whole diet, limit your processed food intake, and avoid food additives, trans fats, and artificial sweeteners. These will not only improve your digestion but will protect you against digestive diseases as well.

     2. Get Plenty of Fiber – A high-fiber diet helps food keep moving through your digestive tract, making you less likely to get constipated.

     3. Eliminate the Fats – Fats stay and burn the longest in your system. Decrease your fat intakes, such as junk foods, burgers, fries, and other greasy meals. Be mindful in your cooking. Maybe you can choose steaming over frying most of the time.

     4. Stay Hydrated but Drink with Care – Water is essential to good health and normal bowel function. It helps keep stool soft but solid and well-formed. Avoid drinking beverages such as coffee or soda, especially if they trigger your digestive problems.

     5. Manage Your Stress – Stress hormones directly affect your digestion. As a result, stress can negatively impact your digestion. In fact, it is linked to irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers, constipation, and diarrhea.

     6. Eat Slowly and Mindfully – Mindful eating is the practice of paying attention to all aspects of your food and how you eat them. Eating slowly and mindfully may help prevent common digestive issues such as indigestion, bloating, and gas.

     7. Chew Your Food Well – Chewing thoroughly breaks down the food more easily. The act of chewing also produces saliva, which aids in mixing food in your stomach properly.

     8. Get Moving – Since exercise and gravity help food travel through your digestive system, it can improve your digestion and reduce constipation symptoms. In addition, it can also help reduce inflammation, which can prevent inflammatory bowel conditions.

     9. Consider Oral Digestive Enzymes – Consult your doctor for medicines that may help your dyspepsia, such as digestive enzymes.

Oral digestive enzyme supplements aid in the digestive process reducing symptoms of indigestion. Digestive enzyme supplementation is also reported to significantly reduce symptoms of flatulence, bloating, belching, and fullness after meals.

In case of recurring symptoms of indigestion, it is best to consult your doctor for appropriate evaluation and management.

Having a healthy digestion is an effective way to improve your overall health.  Paying attention to the above tips can make a huge difference.

Understanding the Signs and Symptoms of Iron Deficiency Anemia

Written on . Posted in Health Articles.

Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA), according to the World Health Organization (WHO), remains to be one of the most common nutritional deficiencies across all ages worldwide.

IDA is a condition where your blood doesn’t have enough of the body mineral iron, resulting in a decrease in the hemoglobin or red blood cells. Iron is important in the production of the red blood cell which carries oxygen to the different parts of the body. IDA may go unnoticed initially but may lead to severe condition.

Know the signs and symptoms of Iron Deficiency Anemia.

Constant fatigue and weakness

Some patients may feel unusual tiredness which is one of the most common symptoms of IDA. This can be explained by the low oxygen delivery to the tissues due to insufficient production of blood elements.

Pale skin or pallor

Pallor or skin paleness is also one of the most common signs of IDA in all ages and is usually the first symptom that the doctor will look for. Hemoglobin gives the red color to the blood. The low level of hemoglobin makes the blood a little less red.

Shortness of breath

With the decrease in the delivery of oxygen to the different body tissues, your body will try to increase your rate of breathing trying to get more oxygen which could be perceived as shortness of breath.

Dizziness and headache

Headache and dizziness occur because of the low level of oxygen in the blood reaching the brain. When this happens, blood vessels in the brain reactively compensate and dilate to increase the delivery of blood to the tissues of the brain.

Soreness of the mouth and tongue

Commonly seen in the mouth of patients with IDA are dry mouth, ulcers, burning sensations, and red cracks at the corners that sometimes sore. The tongue may also become swollen, inflamed and pale.

Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeats

Like the lungs, the heart also compensates for the deficiency of oxygen that is not being delivered to its tissues. The heart will work extra hard to deliver more oxygen to the body by beating faster. This abnormally fast beat is called palpitations. In extreme cases, this could lead to irregular heartbeats.

Other symptoms of IDA include dry or damaged hair and skin, brittle and spoon-shaped fingernails, and poor appetite.

A single sign or symptom may serve as a clue in detecting IDA and knowing the most common signs and symptoms may save someone from the severe form of this disease. Always consult your doctor for proper and prompt medical management. 

References:

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. National Institute of Health. Iron Deficiency Anemia.

Brown Mary Jane PhD. 10 signs and symptoms of Iron Deficiency. Healthline.

NUTRICAP Tablet

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Fill the gap in your daily nutrient intake! Get a broad antioxidant protection and immunity boost with 26 vitamins, minerals and special nutrients in one Nutricap Tablet. Nutricap is your practical and cost-effective choice of a comprehensive dietary supplement, reinforced with energy enhancing and body rejuvenating agents, and helps promote heart, brain, and eye health. 

Antioxidant protection and immunity

Vitamins A, C, and E, together with the minerals zinc and selenium, plus the natural ingredients lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and rutin act together to support the immune system and fight against the damaging effects of pollutants and free radicals.

Heart health and circulation

Lycopene, lecithin, ginseng, gingko biloba, rutin, B Vitamins, Vitamins C and E help keep the heart healthy and blood flowing smoothly.

Sharp mind and healthy nerves

Keep focused and protected against mental stress with the brain and nerve-enhancing B vitamins, lecithin, Ginseng, and Gingko biloba.

Healthy eyesight

Together with Vitamin A, the nutrients lutein and zeaxanthin support eye health and maintain good vision.

Energy boost and body rejuvenation

Iron, Ginseng, Gingko biloba, B Vitamins, Vitamins C and E work against stress and fatigue to help you keep going the whole day.

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Polynerv E with Lecithin Tablet

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22 nutrients, 1 tablet. Polynerv E with Lecithin is SV More’s premier dietary supplement specially formulated for the demanding lifestyle. Polynerv E with Lecithin’s wide array of vitamins, minerals, and special nutrients, including the heart nutrients CoQ10 and Omega-3 fatty acids, offers multiple health benefits:

Heart health 

Lecithin, CoQ10, Ginseng, Omega-3 fatty acids along with other special ingredients help promote healthy heart and blood circulation.

Brain and nerve health 

Six B-Vitamins for optimum nerve health, along with Lecithin and Korean Ginseng, help make sure that your mind is kept sharp and alert.

Energy boost

B Vitamins, CoQ10, Ginseng and many other nutrients keep you going all day.

Antioxidant and immune system support 

Vitamin E, Zinc, Selenium and other nutrients such as Lecithin and CoQ10 help strengthen your body’s natural defense against infection. 

Eye health and glowing skin   

Vitamins A and E, Beta-Carotene, Zinc along with the colorful nutrients, Lutein and Zeaxanthin help promote healthy eyesight and make you look great with glowing skin.

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Aminobrain Tablet

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Aminobrain Tablet 

Your brain and body need more than just vitamins and minerals. Get more benefits with Aminobrain tablet that offers a broad formula of 32 active ingredients, including Essential Amino Acids, the “building blocks” of life, and special nutrients such as Taurine and Lecithin.

Tissue Growth and Repair

Essential Amino Acids, as the building blocks of proteins, are vital for tissue growth and repair. They act together with Vitamins A, C, D and E, to ensure proper production of various body proteins such as muscle, bones, hormones, antibodies, blood elements, and neurotransmitters.

Enhanced mental function

The special nutrients, Lecithin and Taurine are known for their mental-boosting properties to keep your brain function sharp and focused.

Antioxidant protection and immunity

Vitamins A, C, and E, together with the minerals zinc and selenium, act together to support the immune system and fight against the cell-damaging effects of pollutants and free radicals. 

Healthy nerves

The nourishing effects of B vitamins help promote nerve health.

Healthy eyesight

Vitamin A supports eye health and helps maintain good vision.

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