Thursday, November 06, 2008

Health Tips for November 6

Health Tip: Hiccups Can Wreak Havoc

Hiccups can be annoying and even uncomfortable, and they can last for a long time.

Here's information on what causes them and a couple of suggestions on how to stop hiccups from the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

  • Abdominal surgery, conditions that affect the nerves surrounding the diaphragm, and damage to the portion of the brain that affects hiccups can all cause them.
  • Eating hot and spicy foods or liquids or inhaling noxious fumes can also cause the hiccups.

To stop hiccups, try breathing into a paper bag or holding your breath.

Or you can try drinking a glass of water or swallowing a teaspoon of sugar to stop hiccups.

Health Tip: When a Stomachache Requires Medical Attention

While stomachache or abdominal pain are quite common and often harmless, these conditions sometimes can signal a more serious problem.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine says the following symptoms require a trip to the emergency room:

  • Very sharp, severe and sudden pain.
  • Fever along with your stomach or abdominal pain.
  • Vomiting blood, or having bloody diarrhea.
  • Soreness or tenderness in the abdomen.
  • An abdomen that is hard and rigid.
  • Inability to have a bowel movement, particularly if you are also vomiting.
  • Pain in the chest, neck or shoulder.
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness.

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