Individuals who suffer from recurring panic attacks suffer from a condition called panic disorder. This condition can very often lead to agoraphobia (fear of open or public places). Having a panic attack means suffering an attack of fear or anxiety which comes on very suddenly for no apparent reason. As well as anxiety, panic attacks can be accompanied by the following symptoms: thumping heart or palpitations; sweating; chills or hot flashes; shortness of breath; feeling sick; chest pains; dizziness or feeling faint; fear of dying; fear of going mad; pins and needles or numbness; and, feelings of detachment.

Any physical symptoms associated with an attack do not indicate a physical problem with the chest, heart, abdomen, etc – they usually occur due to a rush of nervous impulses originating in the brain which go to various parts of the body during the attack.

It is known that at the very least, one in ten people have had an occasional panic attack, but to have a panic disorder means to have recurring panic attacks, the frequency of which varies in different people.

No treatments are usually necessary for the occasional panic attack, but for those who have a panic disorder the aim is to try and reduce the severity as well as number of panic attacks that occur and the main types of medication for these are antidepressants.

Panic Disorder

Indigestion, or dyspepsia, describes the discomfort or pain felt in the chest or upper abdomen area normally soon after eating a meal. It sometimes describes the burning sensation felt in the chest, otherwise known as heartburn.

Indigestion normally occurs when the acid found in the stomach starts to flow back up the oesophagus (this is the pipe that attaches the mouth with the stomach). Although normally occurring after eating a meal, it can happen at any time. Symptoms of indigestion include discomfort, pain or a feeling of fullness in the upper abdomen or chest area; loss of appetite; heartburn; nausea; and burping or flatulence.

Occurrences of indigestion can be triggered by smoking; excessive alcohol use; anxiety or stress; some medicines; some foods; or not eating regularly which leads to a buildup of excess acid in the stomach.

Individuals can reduce the symptoms of indigestion by doing some of the following: stopping smoking; cutting down on coffee, tea, alcohol and fatty foods; eating three hours or more before going to bed; stop overeating or eating too fast; and reducing stress.

Antacid medication is an over-the-counter treatment that is effective at relieving symptoms of indigestion. These help neutralize excess acid in the stomach and usually contain aluminum or magnesium. Others contain an ingredient known as alginate which acts by forming a barrier of sorts that floats at the top of the stomach, therefore preventing reflux.

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