The Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) is a ring of muscles at the end of the esophagus that relaxes to allow food to move from the esophagus into the stomach. Acid reflux occurs when the LES relaxes too much and allows the stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus. This article lists a few common symptoms of acid reflux. Experiencing these symptoms more than twice a week can point toward Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). 1. Chest or abdominal pain Pain associated with GERD usually starts behind the throat, breastbone, or sternum and spreads to the back. One may also experience tightness or discomfort in the middle or upper part of their abdomen. While the pain may not last long, it is a warning sign that should not be ignored. It’s also important to note that a heart attack may sometimes be confused with GERD pain. So, it’s best to seek immediate medical attention if one is unsure about the cause of their chest pain. 2. Throat irritation The acids that flow back from the stomach irritate the lining of the esophagus and lead to hoarseness. The irritation can also cause dry cough, and persistent coughing can result in a sore throat.

Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, develop on or around the lips due to an infection with the herpes simplex virus. They usually take about a week or two to clear, but several factors can trigger recurrences. Although there is no way to get rid of cold sores overnight, certain treatments can speed up the recovery process. This article lists a few at-home treatment options for cold sores. 1. Lemon balm The antiviral properties of lemon balm make it an effective at-home treatment for cold sores. It can relieve the swelling and redness associated with blisters and prevent future infections. It’s advisable to use a lip balm that contains at least 1% of lemon balm to fight cold sores. Alternatively, a compress made with an infusion of lemon balm can be used for similar benefits. 2. Ice Ice might not be a useful remedy to heal cold sores, but it can be an effective treatment against the inflammation and discomfort caused by the blisters. Applying an ice pack directly on the cold sores can provide temporary relief. Using an ice pack wrapped in a towel can help relieve pain and any burning or itching associated with the cold sores.

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) develops due to high blood pressure in the arteries that go from the heart to the lungs. This disorder may be life-threatening, but it can be managed with effective and timely treatment. The treatment depends on the causes of the disease, so it’s important to understand the common causes. This article attempts to answer the question of “what are the causes of PAH?”. 1. Family history People with a family history of PAH are at a higher risk of developing it. The BMPR2 gene has been linked to familial pulmonary hypertension. The disease is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern (one defective gene copy is enough to cause the condition), but only about 20% of people with a defective gene copy develop it. It’s advisable to consult a doctor for guidance if one has a family history of the condition. 2. Heart-related diseases or disorders People born with heart diseases or disorders are more likely to develop PAH. Congenital heart disease, wherein a child is born with a defect in the heart structure that interferes with blood circulation, is a common illness that can lead to PAH. 3. Blood clots Blood clots in certain areas of the lungs can also result in PAH.

Osteoporosis is a bone disorder that weakens the bone density or the degree of bone tissue in the body, increasing one’s susceptibility to developing fractures. Weak bones tend to break easily, even from a simple fall. This bone disorder is the prime cause of fractures in the pelvis, hip, spine, and wrist in older adults. But, what are the main causes of osteoporosis? Read on to find out. 1. Low estrogen level in women and low testosterone level in men Estrogen deficiency in women is one of the main causes of osteoporosis. Once women reach menopause, bone loss accelerates as the women experience a quick drop in estrogen levels. With time, the fracture and osteoporosis risk increase as women lose more bone than their bodies can replace. At the same time, younger women, including girls with eating disorders or athletic girls, also have poor bone density. Another cause of osteoporosis includes having both the ovaries surgically removed. It is known as bilateral oophorectomy and might result in low bone density and osteoporosis. Men, too, need both testosterone and estrogen for their bone health, as testosterone is converted to bone-preserving estrogen. Therefore, while examining men for osteoporosis, testosterone levels are tested first. 2. Medical conditions Gastrointestinal issues, hormonal diseases, and endocrine diseases are all possible causes of osteoporosis.

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that can cause liver inflammation and serious liver damage if left unchecked. Hepatitis C virus transmits through infected blood. Most people show no signs and symptoms of Hepatitis C. But in most cases, an infected person may experience fatigue and nausea. Upon detection, the doctors may prescribe antiviral medication. However, it is important to recognize these warning signs to seek timely treatment. Read on to know more. Early signs of hepatitis C 1. Fever The most common early sign of HCV is a low-grade fever that occurs due to the presence of the virus in the body. Getting tested at this stage can lead to early detection. 2. Fatigue When the body is infected by a virus, the immune system starts to fight the infection. It is due to this relentless fight with the infection that one feels inexplicably tired and fatigued. 3. Loss of appetite Hep C affects the liver, making one feel nauseated and disrupt the taste buds as well. As a result, many people experience loss of appetite when they are infected with HCV. 4. Stomach cramps Hep C infection affects the liver that is located in the upper half of the abdomen.