Sinusitis is an acute or chronic inflammation of the sinuses. Acute sinusitis is characterized by a sudden onset of symptoms that respond well to antibiotics and decongestants. On the other hand, chronic sinusitis is characterized by at least four recurrences of sinusitis that lasts 12 weeks or longer. The sinuses are made of four air cavities in the skull that lie behind your cheekbones and forehead behind the eyes. They function to warm, moisten and filter the air we breathe. The sinuses are … [Read more...]

Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that support our teeth. Classified according to severity, in its mildest form, gingivitis, the gums can become reddened, swell and bleed easily. When left unchecked, it can become a more serious disorder, periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss. Dental plaque is the primary cause of both gingivitis and periodontitis. Plaque is an adhesive fluid made up of epithelial cells, mucin and bacteria. It begins to form about 12 hours after we brush … [Read more...]

When we eat, food is mixed with large amounts of water and fluid in the stomach. It then travels through the small intestines where nutrients are absorbed. The digested food then moves into the colon where water is extracted and what remains is a semi-solid stool. If the colon doesn't absorb sufficient fluids, or if the digestive system produces too many fluids, our stool will be loose, resulting in a watery bowel movement - diarrhea.  People of all ages can have diarrhea. Usually … [Read more...]

In our bodies, our blood is carried from the heart to all parts of the body in vessels called arteries. When we measure the tension our blood exerts on the walls of our arteries, it is called blood pressure. Our blood pressure is highest when the heart beats and is pumping blood (systolic), and lowest when it rests (diastolic). Written as 120/80 and said 120 over 80, our systolic pressure is the number on top, while our diastolic pressure is the number on the bottom. If our systolic … [Read more...]

Do you hear bumps in the night? Does your hair stand on end when you walk into a room? Maybe you feel as if someone is watching you or perhaps you think you see someone out the corner of your eye, but when you turn to look no one is there? What you may be encountering in those unsettling moments is a ghost. Before you go running out of your house screaming, let's take a moment to talk about ghostly encounters and those who investigate this phenomena.A ghost is believed to be the spirit or soul … [Read more...]

Every time we blink, our eyelids spread tears over our eyes to lubricate, moisturize and wash dust and debris from them. Tears are secreted by specialized glands located around the eye and are essential for their maintenance and health. Tears are made up of a combination of water (for moisture), oil (for lubrication), mucus (for even spreading) and antibodies (to resist infections). If there is an imbalance in our tear production system, we can suffer from dry eyes.People who have dry eyes often … [Read more...]

According to the National Headache Foundation, more than 45 million Americans suffer from recurring headaches. Not all headaches are alike, but they all share one thing in common - pain. During a headache, nerves of the blood vessels and head muscles are triggered, sending pain to the brain. Of the more than 50 different categories of headaches, they are broken down into two major types: Primary Headaches and Secondary Headaches.  Secondary headaches are caused by contributing medical … [Read more...]

Until recently, the very mention of erectile dysfunction or impotence could bring about a blush to even the most manly of men. Embarrassing as it may be, erectile dysfunction affects more than 18 million men in America. It can vary in severity from an inability to achieve, maintain and sustain an erection, to an inability to achieve an orgasm, even though a healthy sexual desire exists. Because of the sensitive nature of this disorder, it often goes unreported.Achieving a normal erection is a … [Read more...]

Anyone who has ever had food poisoning can tell you just how distressing parasites can be. Ranging in size from single-celled organisms to worms visible to the naked eyes, parasites can include ringworms, roundworms, tapeworms, microbial growth and their eggs. Parasites are transmitted from host to host, in foods that are not properly washed, from the consumption of contaminated meats or water, or by putting anything in your mouth that has touched the fecal matter (stool) of an infected person … [Read more...]

When we experience any kind of inflammation, it's our body's way of letting us know we are hurt. Inflammation is the body's innate way of protecting itself from infection and foreign substances. Everyone has experienced inflammation at one time or another. It is a normal function of our body's immune system and the first response to an injury.Inflammation is characterized by redness, swelling, heat, pain and loss of function. When we cut, scratch or bruise ourselves, for example, chemicals in … [Read more...]

We all need sleep to survive. Doctors recommend that we get at least eight hours of sleep each night. The truth is, we all have occasional nights when sleep eludes us.Insomnia is defined as poor quality or unsatisfying sleep. It indicates all types of sleep loss. It can be short term and last for a few nights, or it can become a chronic condition that persists for months or even years. This includes not being able to fall asleep, waking up too early in the morning and not being able to fall back … [Read more...]

Intestinal gas, flatulence, farting or breaking wind is a natural part of the digestive process. This odorless gas, although at times embarrassing, is the result of good digestion. Every day our body produces one to three pints of gas that is ultimately passed. Intestinal gas is made up of oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, carbon dioxide and methane. If we notice an unpleasant smell, it is because the gas contains other compounds, including hydrogen sulfide and ammonia.Bacterium that lives in our … [Read more...]

Bad breath, morning breath, breath odor or halitosis are all terms used to describe a noticeably unpleasant odor exhaled on the breath. Halitosis is not a problem by itself, but it can cause concerns in our interpersonal relationships. We are all familiar with how the consumption of certain foods, such as garlic and onions, can affect our breath. This occurs because these foods are absorbed into our bloodstream, where they are transferred to our lungs and exhaled. Fortunately, bad breath caused … [Read more...]