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

A sore or hole in the lining of an organ is known as an ulcer.  A stomach ulcer is known as a gastric ulcer while a duodenal ulcer is an ulcer in the duodenum which is part of the small intestine. Duodenal ulcers occur more frequently in men and usually between the ages of 20-45, while stomach ulcers occur more often than not in people over the age of 50.

The stomach is protected from acid by a lining of mucus but if the lining is damaged then the acid can come into contact with the stomach or intestine wall, causing an ulcer.

Symptoms of an ulcer include abdominal pain, feeling sick after eating, loss of appetite, weight loss, or difficulty swallowing.  More serious symptoms include black or tar like stools, severe stomach pain, or vomiting blood.

Stomach Ulcers

Ulcers can be caused by bacteria known as Helicobacter Pylori and also use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin.  Other causes of ulcers are smoking and drinking alcohol and it is also thought to run in some families.  Stress can aggravate an ulcer as it causes the stomach to produce more acid.

Diagnosis of an ulcer is confirmed through a procedure known as an endoscopy.  This is done in a hospital and it involves a thin tube being passed down to the stomach through the mouth and gullet.  This can show the doctor whether an ulcer is present.

Treatment of an ulcer depends on whether the cause was a bacterium or by using NSAIDs. Proton pump inhibitors are prescribed for ulcers which have not been caused by the H pylori bacteria and they work by reducing the amount of acid in the stomach.  For ulcers caused by H pylori bacteria, treatment is usually a combination of proton pump inhibitors and two antibiotics.

Skin Ulcers