Conditions that May cause Hiccups

Everyone has had the hiccups at one time or another, and most people have had an experience with hiccups that just don't seem to go away for a couple hours. However, there are others who experience hiccups that last for days, weeks, and even years. In these instances the cause of hiccups is usually medically related. In fact, there are many different types of medical problems that could cause hiccups. People who have recurring hiccups or a case of hiccups that just doesn't seem to go away should definitely make an appointment with their medical doctor to explore any underlying medical problems.

Potential Problems:

Diaphragm problems are one reason an individual may experience continued hiccups. A tumor or abscess on the diaphragm, diaphragm nerve irritation, and the like are sometimes the culprit. There are other physical conditions that could irritate the diaphragm muscle and this could cause hiccups. Pregnancy, pleurisy, pneumonia, stomach disorders, kidney failure, pancreas disorders, intestine disorders, hepatitis, esophagus abscess, liver disease, heart attack, esophagus tumor, chest tumor, inflamed intestines, psychological disorders, heart surgery, back surgery, and even long surgery could result in the hiccups. Some individuals may develop the hiccups after a reaction to anesthesia. Brain damage can also be the cause of hiccups.

If when examined the patient does not appear to have any specific health problem causing the hiccups then the doctor may prescribe various medications including tranquilizer Valium or an antispasmodic like Reglan to help the body relax and stop hiccupping. Sometimes passing a tube through the nose down to the stomach can help stimulate the throat and release trapped air, which can stop the hiccups in their tracks. In other cases, doctors may choose to use lidocaine to numb the throat to help stop the hiccups.

If an underlying condition is found to be the cause of the hiccups then treating it is usually enough to get the hiccups to take a hike. When nothing seems to work, then the doctor must get creative and find ways to help the patient end their battle with the hiccups.

Having the hiccups for a couple hours can be annoying, but imagine having recurrent hiccups for months or even years. One particular case involved chronic hiccups for 60 years. This could truly be unbearable and have a significant impact on work and life. As a result, anyone suffering from persistent or recurrent hiccups should seek medical care as soon as possible to seek out possible causes and determine the correct course of action.

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10 weird pregnancy symptoms your Doctor might forget to Mention

Aside from being a Master Herbalist, I'm the mother of two. I remember many details about being pregnant, some with pleasure, some with gratitude and some I would have been happier not having to deal with. Here are a few of the things you may notice during your pregnancy, and what (if anything) you can do about them.

1) Abdominal Movement: As your baby approaches the time to be born, he or she is fairly sizable. I remember watching our daughters turning over and moving around. You could see the movement, and it can cause a lot of stares if you're out in public.

2) Cravings: There are two types of cravings, one is psychological and one is biological. The psychological part is that we're told that pregnant women crave things, therefore we should, too. The biological, I believe, is your body telling you that you are missing something in your diet. As an example, if you are craving orange juice, you may low on Vitamin C. Try to notice if there is a pattern to your cravings and mention them to your OB. It may be important information.

3) High Blood Pressure: This could be the sign of pre-eclampsia or toxemia in pregnancy. Consider it an emergency and get medical help right away. If it's after hours, call the doctor for instructions and be prepared for a trip to the emergency room.

4) "I Gotta Go!" When the girls would kick out in the area of my bladder, it caused an intense urge to head to the bathroom. If I was lucky, I got there in time, but...

5) Kicking Daddy Awake: We were sure our younger daughter was going to be a hockey star. Not only could she wake *me* up with kicking, she could kick my husband awake. That's some pretty powerful kicking.

6) Losing the Mucus Plug: At the beginning of labor, your cervix will dilate enough that the plug protecting the baby from outside infections comes out. That is called the mucus plug, and it is a sign that your baby is ready to be born.

7) Milk Letdown: This also usually occurs towards the end of pregnancy. Whether you intend to breast feed or not, milk production will start prior to labor and delivery. You'll notice it most strongly if you are around a crying baby. I recommend that you get the lactation pads normally used for breastfeeding moms and wear them when you go out. It can be very embarrassing, otherwise.

8) Prelabor Contractions: These are actually called Braxton-Hicks contractions. They are normal, and they're helping you prepare for the birth.

9) Relaxing the Pelvis: In order to allow the child to pass through the birth canal, the joints in your pelvis need to be stretched somewhat. A hormone is released that will relax the joints. It doesn't feel very good, but it is normal.

10) Swollen Ankles: Some swelling is expected, but it can also be a sign that you are heading into pre-eclampsia and/or toxemia. Make sure to mention this to your OB, so it can be checked out.

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How to treat Nausea in First Trimester of Pregnancy

I have been a victim of morning sickness, and it is an annoying part of pregnancy. In most people, it lasts only the first trimester or so, though it can go on throughout the entire pregnancy. Finding a safe way to combat it is imperative or you won't be able to live a normal life, and it could put the baby at risk.

There are things that you can do safely, though I recommend you discuss them with your OB before implementing them. That will help insure that neither you nor the child will be harmed.

1) Apples: Fresh, raw apples are best, though you might find some relief from applesauce, as well. I recommend eating both skin and flesh, but in this matter the flesh is the more important part. Choose an apple that doesn't have a lot of sourness to it, as the acids could be detrimental.

2) Crackers: Despite my ban on eating things that crumble in bed, the saltines my mother recommended actually did help. Eat them before you sit up, as for some reason the motion of that process can make your stomach roll even more. The crackers will absorb stomach acid and may boost sugar levels.

3) Eat Slowly: Growing up in a large family taught me to consume my meals quickly. It wasn't a lack of funding, but seven people can put a dent into any dining table, and when my brother was in his growing stage, he could handle it alone with one hand tied behind his back. I had to unlearn that during pregnancy. Eating slowly, carefully chewing and taking small bites are going to help you keep the food you consume in the right location.

4) Hydration: You need to consume more fluids during pregnancy, both to take care of the baby and to prevent sickness. If you are dehydrated, it could cause premature labor and other life threatening issues.

5) Lie on your Left Side: There is a special muscle, called a sphincter, that separates your esophagus from your stomach. Lying on your left side helps insure that this muscle prevents stomach contents from washing up into your esophagus.

6) Peppermint Tea: This is one to clear with your OB. Some approve, some don't. I've used it successfully, and no one I know of has had any problems with it, but it's best to be sure. One warning, if it's strong and the inevitable happens, it will burn your nose, throat and mouth. Eating saltines or a plain piece of bread could help.

There may come a point when you need medical intervention. If you are unable to keep anything down, if you become dehydrated or if it lasts past the first trimester, discuss it with your OB. He or she can make the determination about whether or not you would benefit from medications.

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Role of Multivitamins In Pregnancy

Adding prenatal vitamins to my already long list of things I must do or not do for the coming baby seemed a bit much. However, the doctor recommended it and I went along. Now, I know better and in turn, I recommend that you use them.

You may wonder why you need a special formula during pregnancy. Why wouldn't a regular vitamin do the job? While you aren't eating for two, you are providing nourishment for two, and that means you need more of certain vitamins and minerals.

When I was growing up, there was a saying handed down for generations. A woman lost a tooth per child born. In a way, that is correct. Without enough calcium in your diet or your vitamin, the baby will get it from your bones. That translates to early osteoporosis, and it may also mean tooth loss.

There have been both commercials and news reports about the necessity for folic acid during the early part of a pregnancy. In the first few weeks of pregnancy, your baby's nervous system is being developed. Without proper amounts of folic acid, there is a strong chance that there will be problems in this development.

The scary thing is that most women don't know they're pregnant until it's too late. If you're trying to conceive, start taking the vitamins immediately so as to make certain an adequate amount is taken.

Iron is used by the blood, and now you need to provide enough for two bodies. In order to make sure both you and the child have enough, prenatal vitamin/mineral tablets add it.

B-Complex is mostly for you. The B vitamins provide energy, and that's important while you're gestating. Pregnancy is hard on your body and you will find yourself lagging without adequate intake.

Some women can't tolerate prenatal vitamins well. This is especially true if you're already dealing with morning sickness. Talk to your doctor so that you can find a vitamin you can tolerate. There are liquids and chewable tablets available now, and they may not make you feel sick.

When it comes to choosing a brand, you may want to ask your doctor for guidelines. Not all of these products are the same. Some may not have enough of one nutrient or too much of another. Many doctors have a specific brand in mind when they recommend them to you, and it's a good idea to listen. This means they've already reviewed the nutrition information on it and they feel confident it will provide you what you need.

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