Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, occurs when stomach acid or the juices of the stomach flow back into the oesophagus, which is the tube that connects the throat and the stomach. This can occur after eating too much or bending over soon after eating and can leave a sour taste in the mouth. When this process only happens occasionally, it is known as heartburn, but having it occur at least a couple of time each week means it is gastroesophageal reflux disease. If this is the case then it is imperative to get it treated because GERD can actually lead to damage of the oesophagus or can cause ulcers.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease GERD

Diagnosis of the condition is usually in the form of a physical examination by a doctor, who will also question the patient about their overall health. Depending on the severity of bouts, the doctor may or may not suggest further tests. The doctor may prescribe medication that helps block or reduce stomach acid – if the heartburn disappears then the individual will probably be diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Apart from the medication the doctor can prescribe, there are certain over-the-counter solutions available such as antacids and H2 blockers. A change in lifestyle is also very effective at controlling the condition, with losing weight and changing the diet two leading ways to do this.

Nail fungus is a common condition that causes nails to become thickened and rather unsightly, sometimes being painful as well. There are a lot of reasons for contracting nail fungus. These include catching it from another fungal condition present on the body, athlete’s foot for example; catching a fingernail fungus from toenail fungus, and vice-versa; fingernail infections can occur if the hands are washed frequently or are immersed in water a lot – this damages the protective skin at the base of the nail, making it easier for infection to enter; a recently damaged nail; having a general poor state of health or other conditions such as diabetes, psoriasis or circulatory issues; more common in hot and humid regions; and, smoking.

Nail Fungus

Commonly, just one nail is infected with the condition, but several can become affected. Initially, infection is painless and the nail may appear discolored and thickened. Usually, this is all that occurs with no other symptoms, but it does, and can, look unsightly. Occasionally though, the infection can become worse. When this happens the whole nail could come away; bits of the nail could fall off; skin adjoining the nail can become inflamed; and, patches could form under the nail. Left untreated, the fungus could destroy the nailbed and the nail itself, while being very painful.

Treatments for nail fungus include antifungal tablets, antifungal nail paint, or nail removal to allow a new nail to form.

People with personality disorders may have conditions such as not being able to live with others, not being able to maintain relationships with other people, finding it difficult to control emotions or upsetting other people when distressed.

Causes of personality disorders can include genetic makeup, mental or emotional state or brain problems. There are three types of personality disorder: suspicious, emotional and impulsive, and anxious.

Suspicious personality disorders are where the sufferer is often paranoid of other people, and finds it difficult to interact with others, preferring their own company instead.  The person with a suspicious personality disorder is often seen by others as strange or peculiar.

Emotional and impulsive personality disorders are where the sufferer is indifferent to other people’s feelings and can be quite aggressive.  They often find it difficult to control emotions and will do this spontaneously without thinking about the consequences.  Sufferers will also self harm if they feel really bad about themselves.

Anxious personality disorders are where the sufferer worries about everything.  They are very indecisive and worry constantly about doing the wrong thing.  Anxious sufferers are overly sensitive to criticism and can often feel worthless or incompetent.

There are therapies which can help such as psychotherapy or cognitive behavioral therapy.  There is also medication available to help with the different groups of personality disorders.  Antipsychotic drugs can help those in the suspicious group while antidepressants can help to relieve the symptoms of those in the emotional group.  There are also some antidepressants which have been shown to help those in the anxious group such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI).

Personality Disorders