Is Eating Ice Bad?

Source: By Bethany Cadman https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321999.php

Many people who want to cool down or feel refreshed will eat ice or add it to their drink. Sucking on ice cubes can also help people find relief from dry mouth symptoms.

However, continually craving ice and crunching on ice cubes could be bad for a person's teeth and may be a sign of an underlying condition that requires medical attention.

Read on to discover the possible causes of ice cravings and how to treat them.

Underlying conditions that cause ice cravings

The following conditions can make people want to eat or chew on ice:

Pagophagia

Ice cravings may be caused by nutritional deficiencies or emotional issues.

Pagophagia is the term for someone who frequently craves ice.

The cravings can be persistent and often last for more than a month.

Pagophagia is a rare form of an eating disorder called pica. Pica often accompanies other mental disorders such as autism and schizophrenia and gives people compulsive cravings for foods that have no real nutritional value.

While children are generally more likely to develop pica cravings, pagophagia can affect both adults and children.

Iron deficiency anemia

Some researchers believe there is a link between iron deficiency anemia and craving ice, but the reason remains unclear.

People with anemia have an insufficient number of healthy red blood cells, which are essential for carrying oxygen around the body. In iron-deficiency anemia, a lack of iron is the cause.

Typical symptoms of anemia include:

fatigue or lack of energy, pale skin (pallor), feeling dizzy or light headed, heart palpitations, breathlessness, chest pain, a swollen tongue, cold hands or feet.

A study on people with iron deficiency anemia found that 13 of the 81 participants had symptoms of pagophagia. For some of these individuals, taking iron supplements eliminated their ice cravings.

Additional research suggests that iron supplementation may also provide relief from other pica symptoms.

One theory is that chewing ice makes people with anemia feel more alert. Researchers believe that it triggers an effect that sends more blood up to the brain, which in turn supplies the brain with more oxygen. In addition to improved alertness, this can lead to greater clarity of thinking.

Emotional issues

Some emotional issues can also make people want to chew on ice cubes. For example, a person with stress may find chewing on ice soothing.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) could also be a cause. OCD is a mental health condition that leads to compulsive behaviors or obsessive thoughts.

Nutritional problems

People who constantly crave ice may have underlying dietary issues that exacerbate the cravings.It is common to add flavored syrups to shaved ice, so cravings for this may, in fact, be sugar cravings. People should limit their consumption of this type of ice as the sugar content is high.

Dehydration

Mild dehydration can also make a person crave ice cubes. Ice cubes are cooling and can soothe a dry mouth and lips in addition to quenching thirst. They can also help to lower body temperature on a warm day.

The symptoms of mild dehydration are thirst and darker-colored urine. Anyone who is experiencing more severe dehydration symptoms, such as a seizure or feeling dizzy, confused, or disorientated will require urgent treatment.

What are the complications?

Eating ice can lead to complications, which include:

Dental issues

Consuming ice in large quantities can damage tooth enamel and cause cracks or chips in the teeth. This can lead to further problems such as higher sensitivity to temperature and pain.

People who continuously chew ice may need dental work to repair cavities and replace lost fillings.

Anemia complications

Anemia may cause complications during pregnancy.

The complications that anemia can cause include:

an enlarged heart or heart failure, pregnancy complications such as premature birth or low birth weight, an increased risk for infections in children, stunted growth or development in children.

Dietary problems

People with ice cravings may be consuming much more ice than they realize. The addition of sugar or flavoring to the ice can cause weight gain and other problems relating to excessive sugar consumption.

Pica complications

Ice is unlikely to cause any internal damage. However, if a person with pica also eats other non-food items, this could lead to severe internal problems, such as:

infections, bowel issues, poisoning, choking, obstructions forming in the intestine, tears developing in the intestine.

Treatment options

The treatment for ice cravings will depend on the cause of the problem.

As pica is a mental health condition rather than a physical one, the treatment for pagophagia can vary. A doctor may recommend therapy in combination with antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications.

Those with iron deficiency anemia should find that taking iron supplements relieves their symptoms.

Some people may also need treatment for complications arising from eating ice. For example, they may need to seek advice and treatment from a dentist if they have dental damage.

Takeaway

While sucking on or chewing ice in moderation is unlikely to cause harm, a compulsion to consume ice frequently may signify an underlying condition that needs attention. Without treatment, these conditions may cause complications.

Anyone with persistent ice cravings lasting more than a month should make an appointment with their doctor to see if there is an underlying cause. However, if the person is pregnant, they should seek medical attention as soon as they notice symptoms. Not getting the right nutrients during pregnancy can lead to severe complications.

Source: By Bethany Cadman https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321999.php

Frequent Throat Clearing...What are the Causes?

Source: By - MaryAnn De Pietro, CRT https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324980.php

Article Source: By-MaryAnn De Pietro, CRT https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324980.php

Most people clear their throat from time to time. Sometimes, it is in response to irritants, other times it is just a habit. However, frequent throat clearing may be due to a medical condition.

A person may clear their throat often because it feels like something is tickling or stuck in the throat. These sensations can occur even when nothing is there.

Throat clearing itself is not a medical condition, but it can be a symptom of one.

In this article, we explore some possible causes of frequent throat clearing. We also describe when to see a doctor and general treatment options.

Postnasal drip

Chronic throat clearing may indicate an underlying medical condition.

The sinuses, throat, and nose all produce mucus that a person usually swallows unconsciously. When mucus starts to build up or trickle down the back of the throat, the medical name for this is postnasal drip.

Causes of postnasal drip include infections, allergies, and acid reflux. A person may also notice additional symptoms, such as:

a sore throatraspy speech frequent swallowing

Treatment

Treating the cause of postnasal drip is the best way to reduce throat clearing and other symptoms. Treatment options may include:

antihistamine medications for sinus and nasal allergies antibiotics for bacterial infectionsantacids, H2 receptor blockers, and proton pump inhibitors for acid reflux

Other tips for relieving postnasal drip can include staying hydrated and using decongestants, nasal sprays, and saline irrigation methods.

What's to know about postnasal drip? Postnasal drip is a common cause of frequent throat clearing.

Acid reflux

A specific type of reflux called laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), also known as silent reflux, often causes frequent throat clearing.

LPR involves acid from the stomach flowing back up the esophagus and into the larynx and pharynx, leading to throat irritation.

According to a 2013 review, up to 60 percent of people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) develop symptoms of LPR.

Additional symptoms of LPR can include:

hoarseness, trouble swallowing, and sore throat.

Treatment

Treatment for LPR is the same as that for GERD and includes medications such as antacids, H2 receptor blockers, and proton pump inhibitors.

Lifestyle interventions are also an important part of managing a person's symptoms. These include:

maintaining a healthy weight quitting tobacco product use avoiding foods that trigger symptoms limiting alcohol intake.

Nasal allergies

Allergies occur when the body's immune system overreacts to the presence of substances, called allergens, that are usually harmless.

Common causes of nasal allergies include pollen, dust, and animal dander.

Nasal allergies can lead to excess mucus production, which can cause frequent throat clearing.

Other symptoms of throat allergies include:

a blocked or runny nose itchy or watery eyes sneezing.

Treatment

Among a range of treatment options for nasal allergies are:

antihistamines, corticosteroid, intranasal sprays, decongestants, allergy shots, which can help build a tolerance to a specific allergen.

Also, a person can reduce or prevent their symptoms by avoiding known allergens.

Swallowing problems

Swallowing problems can cause coughing and choking.

Swallowing problems can result from neurological issues or structural abnormalities inside the body. Difficulty swallowing can also lead to throat irritation and frequent throat clearing.

If a person has trouble swallowing, they may also experience:

hoarseness, coughing, heartburn, choking when eating.

Treatment

Treatment for difficulty swallowing depends on the cause but may include speech therapy.

Medication

Doctors commonly prescribe angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors to treat high blood pressure.

These drugs can cause nasal congestion and postnasal drip, and a person may respond by clearing their throat frequently.

Currently, no studies have indicated whether throat clearing is a common side effect of ACE inhibitor use.

However, research suggests that up to 15 percent of people who take these medications develop a chronic cough. The underlying cause of the cough can lead to nasal congestion, postnasal drip, and frequent throat clearing.

Treatment

Anyone who experiences a concerning or bothersome side effect of medication should speak with their doctor, who may suggest changing the dosage or switching treatments.

Tic disorders

Tics are sudden and repetitive twitches, sounds, or movements that the person cannot control.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are three main types of tic disorder:

persistent vocal or motor tic disorder provisional tic disorder Tourette's syndrome

According to a 2015 study, throat clearing is one of the five most common symptoms of tic disorders. Their cause is unclear, but these disorders appear to run in families and occur more often in males.

Other symptoms of tic disorders can vary greatly, but may include:

frequent blinking head jerking word or sound repetition snapping with the fingers

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type of disorder and the severity of a person's symptoms, but medications and behavioral therapy can often help.

Vocal cord growths

When abnormal growths — such as polyps, nodules, or cysts — grow on the vocal cords, it can feel as if something is stuck in the back of the throat. Causes of these growths can include:

tobacco smoking, allergies, overusing or straining the vocal cords, such as from excessive singing or shouting frequent or strenuous coughingGERD

Symptoms of growths in the vocal cords can also include:

hoarseness, a scratchy voice, breathlessness, pain when speaking

Treatment

First, a doctor usually treats the underlying cause of the growths. They may later recommend surgical removal of a growth that is large or does not respond to treatments. Some people require speech therapy.

When to see a doctor

A person should speak to a doctor if throat clearing is accompanied by other symptoms.

If frequent throat clearing is causing concern or discomfort, a doctor can often help.

Seek medical attention if frequent throat clearing accompanies:

a feeling that something is stuck in the throat, chronic coughing, heartburn, taking a new medication. The doctor will ask for a medical history and perform a physical exam to determine the symptom's cause. Diagnosing this is the first step toward appropriate treatment.

General treatment

Throat clearing usually only requires treatment if it is becoming bothersome or causing discomfort. The best way to reduce or prevent the symptom is to address any underlying causes.

Some treatment and prevention tips for frequent throat clearing include:

drinking plenty of water to keep the throat moist, which may relieve or lessen the feeling that something is lodged in the throat, sucking on hard candies, eating and chewing slowly if a person has difficulty swallowing, using a humidifier at home or at work to keep the air moist, which may help reduce throat irritation, trying to clear the throat gently and infrequently to avoid hurting the vocal cords.

Summary

Throat clearing is a natural response to irritation in the area or a feeling that something is stuck in the back of the throat. It can also be a conscious or unconscious habit.

Frequent throat clearing can sometimes signal an underlying health issue. Some possible causes include nasal allergies, acid reflux, vocal cord growths, and tic disorders.

If symptoms are persistent or bothersome, seeing a doctor can help. While treatments depend on the underlying cause, drinking plenty of fluids and sucking on hard candies may provide some relief.

Source: By - MaryAnn De Pietro, CRT https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324980.php

What to Know about Gargling with Salt Water

Source: MedicalNewsToday.com

Sore throats and mouth sores are common conditions that most people experience. Saltwater gargles can be a cheap, safe, and effective way to ease pain and relieve symptoms from conditions that affect the mouth and throat.

While pharmacies and other stores sell medicated mouthwashes and similar products, some people prefer saltwater gargles and other home remedies.

In this article, we discuss what saltwater gargles are and what conditions they can help treat and prevent. We also cover how to make and use a saltwater gargle, as well as risks and considerations.

What is it?

A saltwater gargle is a mixture of salt, water, and baking soda.

A saltwater gargle is a home remedy for sore throats and other causes of mouth pain. Saltwater solutions are a simple mix of water and table salt and can be a cheap, safe, and effective alternative to medicated mouthwashes.

Saltwater solutions are not well studied. A small study from 2010 of 45 children investigated the effectiveness of a saline salt water gargle and a mouthwash containing alum.

The researchers reported that children who used one of the saltwater gargle twice daily for 21 days had significantly reduced levels of mouth bacteria, compared with children who used a placebo.

However, the saltwater gargle was not as effective at reducing bacteria as the alum mouthwash. Alum, which is potassium aluminum sulfate, is an active ingredient in some medicated mouthwashes.

Doctors and dentists often recommend saltwater gargles to help alleviate mouth and throat pain.

Uses

Saltwater gargles can be effective for treating mild pain, discomfort, and tickles in the mouth and throat. We discuss some of the conditions that saltwater gargles can help treat and prevent below.

Sore throats

Saltwater gargles can be an effective way to relieve discomfort from sore throats.

Both the Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement and the American Cancer Society (ACS) recommend gargling with salt water to soothe sore throats. According to the ACS, regular use of saltwater gargles can help keep the mouth clean and prevent infections, particularly in people undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Canker sores

Canker sores are painful ulcers that can develop in the mouth. Gargling with salt water may help ease pain and promote healing of the sores.

Allergies

Some allergies, such as hay fever, can cause a person's nasal passages and throat to swell, which can be uncomfortable. Though gargling with salt water will not prevent the allergy, it may help alleviate some of the throat discomforts.

Respiratory infections

Gargling with salt water may help relieve the symptoms of the common cold.

Upper respiratory infections are typical and include common colds, the flu, mononucleosis, and sinus infections. Some research suggests that gargling with salt water can alleviate symptoms and even help prevent upper respiratory infections.

For example, a study from 2013 involving 338 participants found that those who gargled with saltwater were less likely to have upper respiratory infections.

Dental health

Regularly gargling with salt water can assist in removing bacteria from the gums, which helps in cleaning and preventing the buildup of plaque and tartar. A buildup of bacteria in the mouth can lead to gum disease and tooth decay.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that people gently rinse the mouth with a warm saltwater solution after having a dental procedure. Doing this can help keep the extraction site clean and prevent infection.

Does saltwater kill bacteria?

Saltwater may kill some, but does not kill all, mouth and throat bacteria. However, solutions of salt can help bring bacteria to the surface of the gums, teeth, and throat. Once the bacteria is brought to the surface, some of it washes away when a person spits the saltwater out.

Recipe

Saltwater gargles are easy and cheap to make. The ADA recommends adding half of a teaspoon (tsp) of salt to 8 ounces of warm water, then mixing until they are combined.

An alternative recipe involves adding baking soda to the saltwater solution. For example, the ACS recommends combining the following to make a saltwater gargle:

1 qt water1 tsp salt1 tsp baking soda.

How to gargle effectively

Gargling for as long as possible can help ensure that the mouthwash is effective.

To use the saltwater gargle:

Take as much of the solution into the mouth as is comfortable. Gargle the saltwater around the back of the throat. Rinse around the mouth, teeth, and gums. Spit out the solution.

A person should try to gargle the saltwater solution for as long as possible. Although the saltwater solution is generally safe to swallow, it is best to spit it out.

For maximum effectiveness, a person should gargle with salt water once or twice a day.

People recovering from dental procedures can use a saltwater solution to rinse their mouths. However, for the first few days, they should rinse very gently to prevent scabs from opening up, and follow the directions from their dental professional.

Risks and considerations

Gargling with salt water is considered safe for both children and adults. However, people who have trouble gargling should not use a saltwater gargle. Some young children may also not be able to gargle effectively. A pediatrician may be able to provide advice on when a child is ready to gargle. Saltwater gargles are safe to use several times a day if desired, and for most, there are no side effects. People with high blood pressure or those with other medical conditions who need to limit their sodium intake should speak with a doctor or dentist before gargling with saltwater. People who do not like the taste of saltwater solutions can try adding honey or garlic to help improve the flavor.

Summary

Gargling with salt water can help keep a person's mouth clean and may alleviate pain and discomfort from sore throats, mouth sores, and dental procedures. Saltwater gargles are quick and easy to make and are a cheap and natural alternative to medicated mouthwashes.

A person can safely gargle with salt water several times a day. There are typically no side effects. However, people with high blood pressure or those who need to limit their sodium intake should speak with a doctor before gargling with saltwater.

Content Source - https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325238.php