Health Care

Gastric or stomach ulcers and duodenal ulcers both fall into the general category of peptic ulcers. Peptic Ulcers and the   H. pylori   Bacterium Peptic ulcers are sores or breaks in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, primarily in the stomach or duodenum. Ulcers can vary in size, with the average ulcer between a quarter and half an inch in diameter. The most common cause of peptic ulcer is the bacterium  H. pylori  ( Helicobacter pylori ). What is Pepsin? Pepsin is a digestive enzyme produced by the gastric glands, which, along with hydrochloric acid, plays an important role in the breakdown of proteins, fats and starch. If the stomach or duodenal lining is irritated by medications or by H. pylori , pepsin and hydrochloric acid may erode the lining of the stomach and duodenumthe first part of the small intestine into which food passes after leaving the stomach. What is   H. pylori ? Helicobacter pylori  is a bacterium often found on t...

Rapid and delayed gastric emptying are functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) that occur when undigested foods, primarily sugars and carbohydrates, move too quickly from the stomach to the small intestine. Some people suffer from both rapid and delayed gastric emptying disorders. Symptoms for both types disorders range from mild to severe and treatment depends on the underlying symptoms. Diagnosis for Gastric Emptying Disorders Diagnosis may involve a barium x-ray, a  radioisotope gastric-emptying scan  and blood tests. A  gastric manometry test  may also be performed to measure muscle activity in the stomach. Rapid Gastric Emptying (Dumping Syndrome) Rapid or early gastric emptying (dumping syndrome) occurs when undigested food or fluid passes too quickly from the stomach into the lower section of the small intestine (jejunum), the part of the gastrointestinal tract involved with digestion. Rapid gastric dumping usually occurs immediately after ...

Stomach problems are an all too common facet of modern day living. Most of us at some time during our lifetime experience the discomfort of diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or abdominal cramps, that are associated with a wide range of common stomach disorders. Stomach problems range from mild stomach upset and indigestion to more troublesome conditions such as peptic ulcers and stomach cancer, not to mention the odd bout of debilitating gastroenteritis. With irregular eating schedules, travel, work stresses and the escalation of food disorders, it's no surprise that our stomachs pay the price. Now, fascinating research has shown that some people are more susceptible than others to stomach problems; that our driven contemporary lifestyles may aggravate existing problems and, in some cases, may even trigger the onset of certain stomach disorders. We overeat, we eat too quickly, we consume too much alcohol, we smoke, we become over-stressed, and our stomachs begin to rebel! Other stud...

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a common condition that can affect the lower limbs at any time of day. Uncomfortable sensations in the legs force individuals to stand and move about for relief. Symptoms can occur at any time, but RLS is often worse in the evening and nighttime. Restless leg syndrome can make it difficult to sleep well, so sufferers often report fatigue and daytime sleepiness. Restless Leg Syndrome Symptoms Many people find it difficult to describe restless leg syndrome symptoms. Irritating sensations include tingling, aching and burning deep inside the legs. The urge to move the legs becomes irresistible, making it difficult to stay still. Restless leg syndrome symptoms can affect anyone — even children — although older women seem to be most commonly affected. A high percentage of people diagnosed with RLS also suffer from periodic limb movement disorder — up to 80 percent, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (2010). People w...

Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) is a condition involving repetitive limb movements that disrupt sleep. PLMD usually affects the lower limbs from the hip to the big toe, but may also affect the upper limbs. PLMD or Sleep Myoclonus? Period limb movement disorder was originally called sleep myoclonus. A myoclonus is a sudden muscle contraction. The name was changed to periodic limb movement disorder because the sleep twitching associated with PLMD isn't the sudden spasm seen with true myoclonus. A condition called sleep myoclonus does exist. True sleep myoclonus is an unexpected muscle spasm that usually occurs just as the individual is drifting off to sleep. PLMD sleep twitching is less startling and occurs in light sleep. Periodic Limb Movement Disorder Symptoms The sleep twitching associated with PLMD is less noticeable than true sleep myoclonus, which awakens the sleeper. Periodic limb movement disorder sleep twitching does cause partial arousal, but the sleeper...

No cure for narcolepsy exists. Treatments for narcolepsy only relieve symptoms of the disorder. Narcolepsy medication provides relief from daytime sleepiness, cataplexy (loss of muscle tone that leads to sudden weakness) and other symptoms. Lifestyle changes can make it easier to achieve a restful night's sleep. Stimulants and Narcolepsy Medication Stimulants are a first-line narcolepsy treatment. However, stimulants can be habit-forming and should only be used as narcolepsy medication under a doctor's supervision. Preventing daytime sleepiness is the primary goal of stimulant narcolepsy treatment. Stimulant treatments for narcolepsy include methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. While an effective treatment for daytime sleepiness, stimulants can disrupt nighttime sleep patterns, cause heart palpitations and increase anxiety. Provigil ®  Medication (Modafinil) Provigil ®  medication, or modafinil, is a newer stimulant that is typically the first choice for narcolep...

Narcolepsy is a chronic condition. While it is not a deadly illness, narcolepsy side effects can lead to health complications, and the effects of narcolepsy can take a toll on a person's quality of life, personal safety, relationships and job productivity. Narcolepsy Effects and Safety Accidents and injuries are potentially serious narcolepsy effects. People living with narcolepsy have an increased risk of accidents due to excessive daytime sleepiness, sleep attacks and cataplexy. A sleep attack while cooking can result in serious cuts or burns. A sleep attack while driving or operating heavy machinery could prove fatal, either to the person with narcolepsy or other people. The University of Maryland (2009) reports that up to 75 percent of people with narcolepsy have fallen asleep while driving. Cataplexy is a sudden loss of muscle tone and one of the more common effects of narcolepsy. A severe cataplexy attack can cause people to collapse, increasing the risk of injuries...