Acid reflux is made up of an uncomfortable combination of heartburn and acid indigestion (or pyrosis). It causes acidic stomach contents to regurgitate back up into the esophagus, resulting in burning pain in the heart area, often following meals or during sleep. Also commonly referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a digestive disorder that affects the function of the lower esophageal sphincter (or LES), which is the ring of muscle between the esophagus and stomach that controls the downflow of food. In most individuals, the LES opens allowing food to pass into the stomach, shutting immediately and preventing regurgitation. However, in those with GERD, food and acidic stomach juices flow back up into the esophagus due to a relaxed or too weak LES. While many populations suffer from GERD, the condition often strikes overweight or obese individuals, pregnant women, and older individuals with hiatal hernia. Treatment for acid reflux may include the following: 1. Dietary changes Doctors may recommend avoiding foods and beverages that are known to weaken the LES and cause regurgitation of food and stomach acids, such as fatty foods, citrus, tomatoes, spicy foods, alcohol, and chocolate. 2. Quitting smoking Smoking cigarettes or pipe tobacco is linked to LES deterioration, which means quitting smoking is imperative for reducing acid reflux symptoms.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental disorder that is characterized by hyperactivity and inability to control impulses, as well as inattentiveness, trouble with focus, being organized, and setting a goal and following through. A person with ADHD has difficulty in paying attention often resulting in poor performance. Cases differ from one patient to another, however, ADHD is one of the most diagnosed mental disorders among children and adolescents. ADHD is classified into two categories—adult ADHD and child ADHD. The condition affects ages differently, and thus, different medications and treatments are available for both children and adults: 1. ADHD in children Child ADHD cases are more documented than in adults because the treatment of the condition usually starts in childhood. According to WebMD, children with ADHD may outgrow the condition in some cases, while there is a 60% chance that kids with ADHD will carry the condition in into their adulthood. Symptoms of ADHD in a child include: Inattention Forgetfulness Inability to follow directions Impatience Irritability Impulse control issues Lack of focus Excessive talking or interrupting Restlessness Treatment for a child with ADHD includes the combination of ADHD medications, psychological therapies, behavioral therapies, and stimulants (i.e., Adderall, Focalin, Vyvanse, Ritalin, and other drugs that decrease hyperactivity and improve concentration).

According to the John Hopkins Society, over 50 million people in the U.S. suffer from allergies. Pollen allergy (i.e., hay fever or allergic rhinitis) is the most common, accounting for roughly 8% of U.S. adult allergy cases. While roughly 25.7 million people in the U.S. have asthma. Thankfully, there are numerous treatments available to life comfortably free of allergy and asthma symptoms. Whether you suffer from seasonal allergies, pet allergies, or chronic asthma, the following treatments may provide relief: 1. Talk to an allergist When allergies or asthma is so severe that over the counter solution aren’t effective, it may be time to talk to an allergist, which is a medical practitioner who specializes in diagnosing and treating allergies. Allergist may conduct multiple tests (i.e., pin prick test, breathing tests) to pinpoint allergen triggers. They may suggest allergy shots, a form of immunotherapy that exposes the patient to a tiny amount of the allergen to stimulate your immune system and gradually create immune tolerance to the trigger. 2. Quick action asthma inhalers Quick-relief inhalers are taken as required for quick, short-term relief of asthma symptoms—usually to prevent or treat an asthma attack. They may come in forms of oral corticosteroids, ipratropium (Atrovent), and short-acting beta agonists (Albuterol).

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that has significant health concerns yet is significantly under diagnosed. In fact, many folks living with sleep apnea are now even aware they have a chronic sleep disorder. A person with this sleep disorder will likely snore, feel tired even after sleeping the entire night, and most concerning, will repeatedly stop breathing many times throughout the night. Sleeping cessation occurs when the throat muscles relax, or when one’s brain fails to send the correct signals to the system that controls breathing. Other symptoms include gasping for air when sleeping, dry mouth upon waking up, morning headaches, and trouble staying awake during the day. It is often another person who notices the symptoms, such as a roommate or spouse. Undiagnosed sleep apnea increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, type 2 diabetes, liver issues, and causes complications with medication and surgery when general anesthesia is required. A professional sleep study is often required to diagnose sleep apnea properly. Fortunately, there are several sleep apnea treatments available, including: 1. Positive airway pressure devices Continuous positive airway pressure machines (or CPAP), bilevel positive airway pressure, and variable positive airway pressure devices consist of a breathing mask that fits over the mouth and nose.

Roughly 45 million people in the U.S. struggle with irritable bowel syndrome, also known as IBS, International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders. However, emerging irritable bowel screening and treatment options are helping patients manage the severity of symptoms that may include a combination of weight loss, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, anemia, fever, and even rectal bleeding. Here are the most effective treatments for IBS symptoms: 1. Lifestyle changes It is possible to successfully achieve IBS management and one of the best ways to get relief from the many symptoms is to simply make a lifestyle change or two. It is important to avoid any foods that irritate the stomach and to eat more fiber-rich foods. It is also important to get plenty of exercise and to get enough sleep every night. By simply making these few changes, many patients are better able to control the unwanted and uncomfortable symptoms of IBS. 2. Eliminate gluten As far as food goes, it may be necessary to eliminate gluten which can be difficult to digest for patients with IBS. However, gluten is in many foods that we eat beyond mere wheat, barley, and rye products. But the good news is that there are plenty of options available to replace gluten with and so many yummy gluten-free foods to choose from.

Did you know there have been found to be approximately 3 million cases of clinical depression per year worldwide? In the world that we live in today many people have mental health issues and even suffer from depression. While in many cases, pharmaceutical pills such as antidepressants can temporarily relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety disorder, pills don’t always get to the root of the problem. Clinical depression is an illness that results in persistent highs and lows or loss of interest in things they once enjoyable, therefore causing a impairment in daily life. Mental Illness is a very serious epidemic in our world today. While medication may be an option for most patients, immersion in nature has been shown to benefit mental health in the following ways: 1. Nature walks Have you ever noticed that you feel more refreshed and uplifted when you take a simple walk on a nature trail? That is because we as humans are able to cope better with pain in nature. Nature can restore us, change our mood for the better, and viewing nature scenes can sometimes increase our human ability to pay better attention. Nature can help our wellbeing, vitality, and meaningfulness in life.

Migraines of any kind should not be brushed off, because they often indicate an underlying health issue. There are many reasons for migraines to occur. In most cases, slight migraines can be alleviated with the proper amount of rest, and the use of over the counter remedies. More severe migraines, such as a cluster headaches, which are not likely to go away on their own, may require prescription treatment from a doctor. Not only that, but the pain associated with severe migraines can hinder our everyday life. Remember, it is important to consult a doctor before taking medications for migraines. Only a healthcare professional will be able to prescribe the appropriate and safe medication and dosage. Here are the most common treatments for migraines: 1. Preventative migraine medications Our bodies are equipped with many pathways that send signals to our brain when something is wrong. Migraine are one of those signals. The primary cause for migraines is hormonal imbalance, which can lead to mood swings, nausea, body temperature fluctuations, among other side effects. If this is the case, antidepressants and other hormonal medications will help to restore hormonal levels. These types of medications are known as preventive medications. They should be used by patients who have experienced migraines for one or more months.

Eczema is an allergy that affects the skin in dry, red, raised patches of flaky skin that itches. In severe cases eczema may cause blisters, or oozing, crusting skin. Also referred to as atopic dermatitis, which refers to skin conditions that affect the immune system—whereas simple dermatitis refers to inflammation and swelling of the skin. While the majority of eczema cases are not due to allergies, the patient may suffer flare ups when exposed to triggers causing an allergic reaction and triggering an immune-response. When it comes to managing eczema and skin allergies, most doctors prescribe treatments that treat symptoms (i.e., affected skin) and prevent the condition from flaring up: 1. Home Care Certain natural remedies that can be done at home may help boost the health of skin and minimize symptoms, for instance: Lukewarm baths Moisturizing the skin regularly Wearing soft, breathable clothing (i.e., cotton) Excessive sweating should be avoided Avoid known allergens 2. Medications for eczema There are different types of medications that can be suggested by doctors to treat eczema, such as topical creams and oral tablets that contain steroids (prednisone), methotrexate, azathioprine, cyclosporine, and mycophenolate mofetil. Topical corticosteroids creams are applied directly to the affected area to reduce swelling, itching, and redness.