Overview

An eating disorder is a compulsion to eat, or avoid eating, that negatively affects both one's physical and mental health. Eating disorders are all encompassing. They affect every part of the person's life. According to the authors of Surviving an Eating Disorder, "feelings about work, school, relationships, day-to-day activities and one's experience of emotional well being are determined by what has or has not been eaten or by a number on a scale." Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are the most common eating disorders generally recognized by medical classification schemes, with a significant diagnostic overlap between the two. Together, they affect an estimated 5-7% of females in the United States during their lifetimes. There is a third type of eating disorder currently being investigated and defined - Binge Eating Disorder. This is a chronic condition that occurs when an individual consumes huge amounts of food during a brief period of time and feels totally out of control and unable to stop their eating. It can lead to serious health conditions such as morbid obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.

Friday, June 5, 2009

Answer Me This - How Long Can Heartburn Last?

Heartburn is a rather common medical condition that affects not the heart, but the stomach and the surrounding muscles. The pain associated with this illness is usually very difficult to bear and can prevent a person from functioning normally. So how long can heartburn last? Some cases fade after a few hours, while some last for several days. If you want to find out how long for you, you should determine the gravity of your situation.

Symptoms may appear as one burst of unbearable pain, or as minor sporadic attacks over several weeks. The gravity of cases can vary widely, and this level of severity will determine how long it will last or when the symptoms will actually stop. Sometimes, the less serious cases will disappear on their own but more frequently, proper treatment is required to get rid of these persistent heartburn symptoms.

One of the first things you have to consider in treating any form of acid reflux is the choice of treatment method that you will use. Most of the time, the symptoms will disappear after taking a few dosages of over the counter medications, which are very effective in eliminating the pain and discomfort that is associated with it. These drugs are called antacids, and they work by bringing down the level of acidity in the stomach. This will then lessen the burning sensation that you might be feeling in your lower chest area, and it also relaxes the muscles around the stomach and esophagus.

Natural treatments methods are also very common, and many of these treatments are simply living a healthier lifestyle. Avoiding unhealthy habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol drinking will not only help you get rid of these symptoms, but reduce your risks of developing other medical problems as well.

Modifications in your diet may also be required and these can affect the question of 'how long can heartburn last?' Acid reflux is frequently caused by overeating so you must exercise more prudence during meals. You should also consume more nutritious foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and other foods rich in fiber. Getting plenty of exercise and adequate sleep are also essential both for improving your overall health and getting rid of irritating symptoms.

You can actually shorten the duration of this condition by practicing these regular healthy habits. For a more intensive treatment program, you can consult with medical professionals. With their help, you can better understand the pros and cons of each method, and you will be able to make a more practical decision.



Autor: C. K. Moore

Heartburn is a problem for many people. Charles Moore offers help to those wanting heartburn relief. For information on heartburn, acid reflux and GERD, visit the 'Heartburn Relief Center http://heartburnreliefcenter.com/


Added: June 5, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

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