An anxiety disorder can loosely be described as a condition where feelings of anxiety can get in the way of normal, everyday life. Many things can cause or even be classed as an anxiety disorder, and these can include phobia, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic attacks and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

Anxiety attacks can be caused by a variety of conditions, both mental and physical. On the mental side of things, problems such as alcohol dependence, depression, substance abuse (including drugs, nicotine and caffeine) and medicine withdrawal can all cause anxiety. Physically, a person could be affected due to illnesses or cosmetic reasons such as appearance. It can also be brought on by stress due to traumatic events like bereavement.

Anxiety

There are some physical symptoms attributed to being anxious and these occur due to the body’s natural “fight or flight” response due to the release of adrenaline. These can include dry mouth, diarrhoea, tightness in the chest, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, shortness of breath, shaking, the need to urinate more frequently and swallowing difficulty.

A few psychological symptoms associated with anxiety include uneasiness, insomnia, irritability, tiredness, lack of concentration and a fear of “going mad”. Sometimes, when anxiety disorders and other conditions such as schizophrenia, depression or bipolar disorder occur together, suicide or self-harm can often be the regrettable outcome.

HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, is the virus which can lead to AIDS. There are many ways to contract this virus, with the most common being through unprotected sex and the sharing of needles.

People who are infected with HIV may initially not realize there is anything wrong with them as they do not show any symptoms. Nevertheless, some people tend to develop some flu like symptoms which can last for several weeks. Some of these symptoms may include fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, aching muscles and joints, rashes and swollen lymph glands.

HIV Virus Structure

When the virus enters the body, it takes residence in white blood cells that are known as CD4 lymphocytes. The virus takes total control of these cells and starts producing billions of replicas of itself every day.

Once infection of HIV occurs, the body starts to attack the virus and because of this the virus cannot make any copies of itself. This in turn leads to a false sense of wellness as although one would still have HIV, the infected person will begin to look and feel better. Unfortunately, during this period the virus is still attacking the lymph nodes, which are the body’s immune system center.

During the course of ten to fifteen years, the HIV manages to kill so many of the CD4 cells that the body no longer has the ability to fight off infections. Once the CD4 cell count drops below a certain number (200 or lower per mL – the average is 600 to 1000) the sufferer is classed as having AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Once a person has AIDS, the risk of infection form almost anything can cause fatal complications.

HIV Virus Cycle

Motion sickness can also be referred to as travel sickness and is caused by recurring movements when traveling.  Symptoms of motion sickness include, feeling sick, headaches, light headedness or perspiration.  The reason for these symptoms occurring is down to the brain receiving mixed messages from what your eyes are seeing outside the mode of transport compared to the messages being sent by the inner ear when these bumps are felt.  Motion sickness can also occur when trying to read while traveling.

Motion sickness can be quite frequent in children but luckily many find this can disappear as they get older. Some people are more prone to motion sickness and can also develop similar symptoms on fairground attractions, particularly those which involve spinning around.  Most sufferers find that the symptoms will disappear once they have completed their journey or finished their fairground ride; for the unlucky few, symptoms can last for a few hours or even longer.

There are some ways to avoid motion sickness symptoms such as sitting in the front of a car or if in the back usually sitting by the window with the window open can help.  It can also help to sleep or just keep eyes closed.  It can also help to keep to simple foods before traveling to avoid nausea.  There are also over the counter medicines which can help to prevent or reduce the symptoms of motion sickness.  These types of medicines are best taken before traveling but can also help if taken during the journey.  Some medicines for motion sickness can cause drowsiness so it is recommended not to drive or work with heavy machines.