Hernia generally involves penetration of the internal organs through the protective muscle walls that surround them. Depending on the organs involved in causing the disorder, there can be many different types of hernia. Hiatal hernia is a common type of hernia that occurs when the stomach wall presses against the esophageal hiatus, an opening in [...]
Many people knowingly experience asthma for the first time when they are rushed to the emergency room with acute breathing problems. Many of them did not realize that asthma could develop in adults. Consequently they did not seek medical help when symptoms first appeared. This neglect can be fatal.
If you suspect you have adult or [...]
Most people become lousy at breathing. Our bodies are naturally designed to breathe properly, but we tend to override this advantage with bad breathing habits. Your shoulders should not lift. Your chest should not stiffen. Your stomach should not push out as you exhale. If you breathe in more than sixteen times a minute your [...]
Before you reach that cup of coffee or that bar of chocolate, which will probably only give you an energy boost for a couple of minutes and your probably feel worse after it as your body crashes again and you end up at square one again.
Here is a breathing exercise you can use as a [...]
When the upper part of the stomach pokes through the esophageal hiatus, because of a weakness in its muscles, hiatal hernia occurs. The esophageal hiatus is the opening in the diaphragm through which the esophagus enters the abdominal cavity.
At the esophagus’ end there is the lower esophageal sphincter which has the role of a valve [...]
Acid reflux or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) occurs when the liquid that is in the stomach backs up into the esophagus. This is usually a condition which persists throughout the life of the individual. Because the acid backs up into the esophagus, the esophagus may be damaged.
Acid reflux (GERD) can have many causes. [...]
Most people have bouts of hiccups from time to time, but why is
this? In most cases they start for no apparent reason, last a
short while, then stop. To understand why, it is necessary to
establish exactly what a hiccup is. They are basically a
diaphragmatic spasm and occur when a [...]
Yes, breathing is an art, and it is a very scientific art. The act of breathing is much more than inhaling and exhaling air. It triggers off a whole chain of physio-biological reactions, spanning each of the billions of cells that make up our bodies. Extra oxygen in the blood stream stimulates the excretory system, [...]
A number of conditions are believed to cause GERD. Different conditions may be active in different individuals, or even the same individual at different times. Chief among these are:
Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES)
The esophagus is a muscular tube extending from the lower part of the throat to the stomach. At its lower-most end, where it joins [...]
It?s getting to close to bedtime and your stomach is looking for a late night snack. You go to the kitchen and decide on a nice thick slice of chocolate cake. After brushing your teeth you tuck yourself into bed and within hours you feel the familiar hand of your spouse trying to [...]
