Thursday, March 18, 2010

Pain From Depression

Many people suffering in pain may not realised that it could be a symptom of depression. That's because many depressed individuals don't know that they are depressed. The pain and the depression go hand in hand. They are not just in your head. They are for real.

Experts believe that depression allows you to experience pain differently than other people.

Headache - This condition is common in depressed people. Those who already had migraine headaches may experience worse episodes when depressed.

Back pain - Just like a headache, individuals suffering from back pain may experience more pain when depressed.

Muscle aches and joint pain
- Depression can make any kind of chronic pain worse.

Chest pain - While it can be a sign of serious heart conditions, chest pain is also linked to depression.

Fatigue - Depressed people may feel tired even after a long sleep that they find it hard to get up from bed.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Dental Emergencies

Accidents happen when you least expect them. In the case of dental emergencies, from the common toothache and broken tooth to the much more complicated situations like broken jaw and knocked out tooth, do not panic. Follow the tips below for first aid treatment:

For toothaches
– Do not put painkillers on the gum to avoid burning sensation. Instead, gargle with warm water to clean and rinse your mouth. If there's any food particle left in between teeth, try flossing. Should the toothache persists, see a dentist.

For broken tooth
– Gargle with warm water to clean your mouth. Reduce swelling in the area by applying cold compress. Then, contact your dentist immediately.

For broken jaw
– Reduce swelling by applying a cold compress to the area. It is better that you call your dentist or go the emergency room of a nearby hospital or clinic.

For knocked out tooth – Gargle with warm water to rinse the tooth. Avoid brushing and do not pull out any tissue that may still be attached to it. Instead, try to place the tooth back into the socket. If not, keep the tooth in a safe container and bring it to the dentist.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Abdominal Pain: When Is It Serious?

Everyone has experienced abdominal pain at one point in their lives. While most abdominal pain cases can easily be treated, some conditions may be symptoms of a health problem and may prove to be serious.

Recognizing the cause of abdominal pain can help you be aware which needs no cause for alarm and the ones that need immediate medical attention.

The list of common abdominal pain causes include:

  • Menstrual Cramps
  • Indigestion
  • Gas
  • Ulcers
  • Constipation
  • Stomach “flu”
  • Food poisoning
  • Food allergies
  • Lactose intolerance
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease
  • Hernia
  • Gallstones
  • Kidney stones
  • Endometriosis
  • Crohn's disease
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • If the pain is severe, watch out for the following symptoms which may be an indication that immediate doctor's attention is required:
  • Fever
  • Inability to keep food down for several days
  • Inability to pass stool accompanied by vomiting
  • Vomiting blood
  • Bloody stools
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Painful or unusually frequent urination
  • Pain during pregnancy
  • Tender abdomen that is sensitive to the touch
  • Pain resulting from previous injury to the abdomen
  • Pain lasting for several days