Anxiety Medication for Children

Anxiety is a normal and necessary part of life. Without a healthy amount of anxiety, we would end up making decisions which could be harmful for us. However, when anxiety becomes severe and out of control,it begins to affect the normal functioning of a person, which is when it comes under the category of anxiety disorders. Adults are not the only ones who experience anxiety disorders, even children suffer from them. Given below are the common anxiety disorders in children that need to be treated with anxiety medications.

Anxiety Disorders in Children

Separation Anxiety Disorder: It should not be confused with separation anxiety, which is a normal part of growing up, and is seen in children between 18 months and 3 years of age. Separation anxiety, which continues beyond this age, however, may be categorized as separation anxiety disorder and it usually begins between 7 to 9 years of age. It is characterized by severe anxiety when leaving parents or primary care takers and familiar environment like home, and extreme homesickness or sadness when away from parents or home.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Generalized anxiety disorder, as the name suggests, is marked by general anxiety in day-to-day life. The child exhibits excessive worrying about many things in everyday life, and is generally tense and wound up most of the time. Generalized anxiety disorder usually occurs between 6 and 11 years of age.

Social Anxiety Disorder: It involves extreme anxiety in social situations, which range from socializing with peers, initiating conversations, developing friendships, speaking in front of others, and so on. Social anxiety disorder is usually seen among adolescents, but younger children are affected by it too.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder:Obsessive-compulsive disorder, also known as OCD, is characterized by obsessive thoughts and compulsive actions. Children suffering from this disorder experience severe anxiety due to recurrent thoughts that they are unable to get rid of, and repetitive actions to overcome the recurrent thoughts, that they are unable to stop, which in turn, affects their functioning severely.

Panic Disorder: Panic attacks disorder involves episodes of sudden, extreme anxiety, known as panic attacks. The onset of panic attacks is sudden, and its symptoms are severe, including trembling, nausea, shortness of breath, sweating, vomiting, chest pain, and heart palpitations. In fact, a panic attack resembles a heart attack so closely, that the person having the panic attack feels that he is having a heart attack, which, in turn causes more anxiety.

Phobia: A phobia is an intense and specific fear about a certain object or situation. The fear is completely out of proportion to the situation, and the child is unable to overcome it even though it is irrational. Children normally deal with phobias by avoiding the object or the situation that causes them anxiety, all together.

It is difficult to identify anxiety disorders in children, unlike adults, because children can react very differently to situations which cause them anxiety. Following is a list of symptoms that children might exhibit if they are suffering from an anxiety disorder.

Symptoms

• Constant worrying about things
• Avoiding social situations
• Headaches, stomach pain
• Poor performance in school
• Avoiding going to school
• Lack of confidence and low self-esteem is a major anxiety symptom
• Anger and depression
• Inability to concentrate
• Sleep problems, nightmares
• Loss of appetite and fatigue

Treatment for anxiety disorders include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and medication. Medication is normally prescribed by a child psychiatrist, and should be taken only under his supervision.

Medication

Benzodiazepines: These are antianxiety medicines used primarily for short-term anxiety, because of their quick action. They are very effective in treating the various symptoms of anxiety. However, they are recommended only for short-term use, as long-term use results in dependence on the medication, and stopping them abruptly causes severe withdrawal symptoms.

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs): Tricyclic antidepressants are preferred over benzodiazepines as for long-term treatment of anxiety. They take two to three weeks to start showing results, and may need to be taken for a time span ranging anywhere between a couple of months, to a couple of years, depending on the severity, frequency, and duration of the anxiety episodes. They are commonly used as medication for generalized anxiety disorder. They are, however, not as preferred as SSRIs in the treatment of anxiety disorders, because they have significant side effects.

Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): SSRIs have become the favored anxiety medication in the case of children because of their effectiveness in treating anxiety, as well as their minimal side effects. They are used as anxiety panic attack medication and obsessive compulsive disorder medication, in addition to being used for the treatment of depression. SSRIs work by limiting the reabsorption of the neurotransmitter, serotonin, by the brain cells, which increases the amount of serotonin available to transmit neuro-signals, resulting in a calming effect. They are known as 'selective' because they only block the neurotransmitter, serotonin, and not other neurotransmitters.

Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs): SNRIs are also used for the treatment of anxiety disorders, especially generalized anxiety disorder. They work by affecting the reabsorption of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. They are as effective as SSRIs and have few side effects.

Mono-Amine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): MAOIs are another class of depression medications used for children. They are also non-addictive and have less side effects. However, care needs to be taken while taking them because they have a number of adverse food and drug interactions.

Side Effects

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Clumsiness
• Confusion
• Memory loss
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Headaches
• Constipation
• Diarrhea

Anxiety medication for children must only be taken on the advice of a doctor. Hope this article assists you in making an informed decision about the treatment of your child's anxiety disorder.

Treating ADD with Medication

Attention deficit disorder (ADD) is referred to a condition of behavioral and developmental disorder, which is mostly seen in children. Many parents and teachers might have come across children with ADD since it is a common disorder. About 3-5% of preschool children in the United States are affected by this disorder. Studies have revealed that more than 50% of ADD cases are due to hereditary factors and about 20% are caused due to environmental factors like exposure to alcohol and smoke during pregnancy and also exposure to lead after birth. Other causes may include brain injury and food additives.

Symptoms of ADD are mostly seen in children before 7 years of age and include inattention (lack of attention and difficulty in listening) and impulsiveness (disorganization and acting before thinking). ADD along with hyperactivity symptoms is called ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Sometimes anxiety, stress and depression may accompany ADD. Previously, it was assumed that the symptoms of ADD disappear as the child grows up. However, it is not true since the symptoms related to hyperactivity may remain even in adolescence. There are no tests to diagnose ADD; it can only be diagnosed by studying the behavior of the child by qualified psychiatrists, psychologists, pediatricians or family physicians.

Treatment of ADD with Medication

Different treatments of ADD are followed, namely treatment with medicines, behavioral therapy, and combination of both. According to a study, it has been found out that the medication and combined treatments are found out to be more effective than the behavioral therapy alone. In some specific cases, the combined treatment was proved to be more effective than medication, regarding a child's behavior, interaction with his/her parents and other social issues. In a combined method, lower doses of medication were prescribed as compared to only medication treatment.

The most effective type of medication that has been used for treatment of ADD is use of stimulant drugs. Stimulants act on the dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter found in the brain responsible for the normal functioning of the central nervous system. There are different types of stimulants that are prescribed according to the particular age group of the children. Here is a list of the generic names along with the age group of children to which the drugs are to be given.

• Methylphenidate - 6 years and above
• Amphetamine - 3 years and above
• Dextroamphetamine - 3 years and older
• Dexmethylphenidate - 6 years and older

There may be side effects of stimulants such as headache, loss of appetite, hypertension and change in the blood sugar level, sleep difficulty, depression, etc. It is advisable to discuss with your concerned physician if any of these symptoms are noticed after giving stimulants to avoid further complications.

Recently, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has approved another medication called atomoxetine for treatment of ADD, which is not a stimulant. It acts on the norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that is involved in the autonomic activity of the nervous system. However, more studies have to be done to confirm whether atomoxetine can replace the present stimulants or not.

The support of the family members and teachers are the most important factors for successful treatment of ADD. Special training of the parents should be conducted to take care of the child suffering from this type of disorder. Every child may show some symptoms of inattention, impulsiveness or hyperactivity to some extent. It is to be noted that not every child with the said symptoms has ADD. Consult a qualified health specialist for a proper diagnosis before coming to any conclusion about a child suffering from any of these behavioral symptoms.

Physical Symptoms of Anxiety

Anxiety is an unpleasant emotional feeling. You feel it when you are under too much of mental stress. Your body respond this way as it feels threatened by some unseen danger. We all feel anxious for one reason or the other once in a while and there is nothing wrong it. However, problem arises when you start feeling anxious all the time. In this condition, your mind is gripped with too much of fearful thinking and you feel restless without any valid reason. When it continues for a long time, then it starts affecting your physical health as well. As a result, physical symptoms of anxiety show up.

Physical Symptoms

There are many different factors that causes anxiety. Childhood insecurity, absence of support system, job loss, failed personal relationships and so on. It can be found in people of any age group. In fact, anxiety symptoms in children are as common as in adults. There are several different types of physical symptoms of anxiety and stress. Among them, those which are most commonly observed are discussed here:

Palpitation: This is an abnormal heartbeat sensation, where one feels that the heart is missing a beat or two or the beats are stopping temporarily in between. One can sense it in the chest as well as throat or neck area.

Chest Pain: The pressure on the chest wall, twitching chest muscles and other such characteristics of chest pain have lots of similarity with heart attack symptoms. As a result, many people wrongly assume that they are suffering from heart attack and get more panicked. The difference is that chest pain disappear on its own after some time and does not get aggravated with passage of time.

Breathing Difficulty: When you are about to get a panic attack, then you find it difficult to maintain normal breathing. Your breathing becomes fast and shallow. You may get a choking sensation in throat as well. Some people are gripped by a fear that their breathing is going to stop soon.

Dizziness: This gives a sense of lightheadedness which makes your head spin. You feel that cannot hold the body balance anymore and you will fall down any moment.

Allergies: Some people get allergy symptoms quite often. Their body becomes highly sensitive towards a number of substances. The worst part is that it becomes difficult to get relief from such allergy problems.

Other Symptoms: There are some general symptoms which cannot be specified that they are triggered by anxiety. They are: excessive sweating, tremors, upset stomach, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, muscle tension, headache, loss of appetite, fatigue, hot or cold flashes, etc. Some prevalent physical symptoms of anxiety in women are sleep disorder, menstrual irregularity and infertility. Sometimes anxiety symptoms in women can be seen during pregnancy

Treatment

When anxiety symptoms turn severe, then doctors use medicines to reduce their intensity. Antidepressants and benzodiazepines are most commonly given for the treatment of anxiety and depression. These medicines are effective for bringing down the severity of the symptoms. To control the palpitation and sweating, beta blockers are used. Sometimes, antianxiety medicines are used to control panic attack. Medicinal treatment is a temporary solution. The root cause of anxiety has to be identified and should be controlled with the help of cognitive behavior therapy. Various relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, breathing control are also helpful for overcoming anxiety and other such unwanted feelings.

Do not ignore physical symptoms and delay the treatment unnecessarily. Take necessary help on time and get rid of the problem as soon as possible. With proper treatment, you can see signs of improvement within two weeks. For complete cure, you may have to continue with the therapeutic treatments for few more months.

Symptoms of Ulcers in Men

A peptic ulcer which is what ulcers in general are referred to as, come about in two common kinds - stomach/gastric ulcers or duodenal ulcers. An open sore or lesion, that takes form on either the skin/mucous membrane on any part of the body, is known as an ulcer. Usually where acids like pepsin and hydrochloric acid are present, in the lining of the stomach or duodenum, is where these ulcers emerge from.

When an ulcer is formed within the stomach, it is known as a gastric ulcer, and when it is present in the duodenum, that is the upper region of one's intestine, it is known as a duodenal ulcer. Besides lifestyle issues that bring about ulcers, there's a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori or H. pylori, that also plays a role in creating an ulcer. Bad habits like smoking and drinking, even stress, are some reasons why ulcers take place, but we look into it much deeper, to find out what other causes come into focus, as well as the symptoms of ulcers in men.

Causes of Ulcer Formation

When tissue is destroyed, it is because of the stomach's acids and gastric juices that lead to open sores/lesions. Peptic ulcer diseases, which include the two types of ulcer problems mentioned above, arise due to the following causes.

1. Surgery sometimes leads to ulcers.
2. Radiation therapy in some cases.
3. Caffeine is known to aggregate stomach ulcers, which may be a stimulant in promoting stomach acid formation.
4. People who live together, and share the same kitchen/bathroom.
5. When the stomach can no longer fend off hydrochloric acid and pepsin, it can lead to ulcer formation.
6. Those who suffer from arthritis.
7. Stool contamination, through fecal-oral transmission (eating or drinking foods/water with the H.pylori bacterium).
8. If one were to have an increase of alcohol in the system, where the liver is overloaded with its effects over a period of time, it can lead to ulcers.
9. Smoking is known to increase the chances of one getting ulcers, and slows down the process of an ulcer healing.
10. Emotional stress is known to aggravate ulcer pain.
11. Generalized anxiety disorder can bring about peptic ulcers.
12. Intestinal bleeding from a previous condition, makes it easier for an ulcer to sprout up.
13. The H.pylori bacterium can be carried through one's life, by being infected during childhood.
14. The H.pylori secretes a substance that weakens the stomach's mucus layer - which protects the insides, allowing it to be open to damage caused by pepsin and hydrochloric acid, leading to excess acid secretion by the stomach.
15. A condition called, Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome, can cause ulcers and even tumors in the duodenum and pancreas.
16. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs, like naproxen sodium, aspirin, celecoxib and ibuprofen are known to make the stomach susceptible to the damaging effects of stomach acids.

Ulcer Symptoms in Men

We look into the symptoms of ulcers in men, to help you distinguish between what is normal and what isn't. Get it checked out as soon as possible, should these symptoms of stomach ulcers in men persist for days or continue beyond a week.

1. Burning sensation in the upper part of the abdomen
2. Poor appetite
3. Vomiting and nausea
4. Discomfort
5. Tiredness and weakness
6. Pain in the abdomen, hours after a meal
7. Escalation of pain as nighttime and early morning come around
8. Weight loss
9. Severe condition leads to vomiting a dark kind of substance, that comes out in chunks
10. Anemia
11. Blood present in stool, or sticky looking feces caused as a result of bleeding ulcers
12. Loss of energy
13. Complications leading to bleeding, caused after an ulcer eats through muscle tissue and the duodenal wall, attacking one's blood vessels
14. Swelling and scarring, narrowing the intestinal opening
15. Inflammation of the peritoneum membrane lining the abdominal cavity (peritonitis)

The ulcer symptoms in men can build up to something that requires drastic medical care, for ultimate stomach ulcer treatment. Pay attention to odd signs that your body portrays, and get in touch with a doctor in time, to help treat ulcers.

Anxiety Reduction Techniques

We all feel anxious at certain times in life. Usually before exams, before facing an important interview, appointment, waiting for a loved one late at night, etc. Little bit of anxiety is natural and also normal, and definitely not a reason for concern. However, excess of anxiety gives rise to disorders. You must have come across several people who constantly worry about their family, job, money, etc.; have difficulty in sleeping, are constantly worried about something, and are irritable. If you too fall in the similar category, you must look for anxiety reduction methods and follow them immediately. It should be noted that chronic anxiety leads to high blood pressure, sleep disorders, insomnia, etc. Following are some of the most effective techniques for reducing anxiety.

Techniques for Reducing Anxiety

Loss of appetite, lack of sleep, palpitations, inability to concentrate, inability to make decisions, headaches, etc are some of the symptoms caused due to anxiety. It is essential to get rid of these conditions before they lead to a serious consequence.

Accept
It has been found that, in most of the cases, anxiety attack is caused when a person experiences a situation which he cannot change. The dead-end situation causes anxiety and fear. Therefore, one of the first and foremost thing to remember is to accept the situation as it is. In most of the cases, we cannot change the situation and hence, the only alternative we have is to accept it. Secondly, forgiving and letting go, also helps in overcoming irritability caused due to certain situations.

Adapt
Most of the people who face anxiety are rigid, unwilling to change and 'A' type personality individuals. They demand perfection, are aggressive and hence, easily stressed and irritated. When these individuals face a situation that cannot be changed, or a problem that cannot be solved with their rules; they experience anxiety. Remember, adapting to the situation, flexibility, openness to suggestions and advice are the qualities that can reduce stress. You should also have to share your feeling and thoughts with someone, rather than bottling them up and being nervous.

Relax
Every person following the modern-day lifestyle needs to follow relaxation techniques. Relaxation techniques may vary from person to person. A person may feel relaxed when he spends time with his loved ones; while other may be feel relaxed by having a good nap or reading a good book. You should find your own relaxation techniques and carry them out every day.

Breath
Doctors often recommend breathing techniques, as it is believed that the way you breath affects the way you think. By concentrating on your breathing, you can increase your sense of awareness, relax your body and mind, and definitely reduce stress. You can join a Yoga or meditation class to learn different techniques of breathing. Remember one basic rule that the human body and mind are like machines and need regular relaxation in order to work efficiently.

Time Management
One of the best tips for reducing anxiety is to learn time management. Inability to complete work in given time, inability to meet targets and deadlines, etc are common causes of anxiety in people. Time management is one thing every one needs to learn in order to survive the competition, without succumbing to stress. You should plan a routine and try to follow it regularly, as long as you can. This way, you can manage your work, family time, sleep, etc in your daily schedule, without being anxious.

Positive Attitude
Last, but not the least, optimism or having positive attitude is one of the best anxiety reduction techniques for adults and children. Adults can learn the method of self motivation or self positive talk which can motivate them. You can also mingle with supportive and like-minded people. Secondly, if you are a parent and are looking for tips on reducing anxiety in children, then remember that having a chat and being supportive of the child helps motivate the child. Children should be encouraged to express their feelings, and should be kept away from negativity.

These are some of the best and the most effective anxiety reducing tips for children and adults. Lastly, note that if none of these methods work, you should look for professional help. Therapy and counseling effectively helps an individual to overcome anxiety.

Duodenal Ulcers

In common, terminology an ulcer is defined as the sore or boils on the skin. Medically it is the cut on the mucous membrane, which is defined as a thin issue that lies on the inner surface of the skin openings. The causes for ulcers infection are many. Most important among them are bacteria and general weakness. The healing process of the ulcers is also very time-consuming. The digestive part of the human body is mostly affected by the ulcers. Depending upon the area affected by ulcers, they are called gastric ulcers, peptic ulcers and duodenal ulcers.

What Is It?

A duodenum is called the lining in the upper part of the small intestine, just below the stomach. Ulcer can affect the stomach, duodenum, gullet or throat. When duodenum is affected it is called so. The stomach acid and digestive juices eat away the lining of the stomach.

In addition to this, H. pylori bacteria are the chief causer. Anti-inflammatory medicines and cigarettes are other causes. It is hereditary in nature. It has been found that in the case of men of over 50 years of age the chances of occurrences are four times greater than the women of same age group. It can be diagnosed by means of barium X-ray or endoscope treatment. The complications may lead to bleeding, perforation and gastric obstruction.

Symptoms

The symptoms occur in the form of heartburn, stomach pain, weight gain and a burning sensation at the back of the throat. Normally it occurs two or three hours after meals. In most of the cases, it can cause pain to the patient at midnight and it persists for two to three hours. Apart from this, the followings are the less common symptoms.

Belching
Belching is releasing of gas from the stomach through mouth making loud noise in the throat. The outgoing gases create lot of inconvenience to the patient.

Nausea
Nausea is the unsettling feeling in the stomach. It creates an urge to vomit.

Vomiting
Vomiting is the process of emptying the stomach content through mouth. Normally vomiting occurs when the person has digestive problem.

Poor appetite
Poor appetite is the absence of desire for food. It is good symptom for identifying the illness.

Loss of weight
Loss of weight relates to decrease in the weight of the body regularly in spite of standard diet. People afflicted undergo weight loss because of poor appetite.

Feeling tired and weak
Feeling tired and weak is becoming worn out. The poor appetite leads to poor intake of food, which is not digested because of its presence.

Treatment

The doctors seriously analyze the symptoms before prescribing any medicine. In addition to this, the patient's medical history is also carefully verified before actually starting the treatment. The treatment includes GI X-ray, blood tests, stool test.

In the GI x-ray tests, the patient is asked to swallow liquid barium to identify the ulcer on X-ray. Endoscopy is the one common treatment which is resorted to for ulcer related problems. In this type of treatment the upper digestive tract is verified. Biopsy is another form of treatment in which one piece of tissue is removed during the process of Endoscopy, and tested by sending it to laboratory. Ulcer symptoms include Hemorrhage, Penetration, Perforation and obstruction. These complications may arise depending upon the severity of the ulcer. The treatment include administration of antibiotics to kill the H. Pylori bacteria, use of antacids for laying a protective barrier over the site of ulcer and reducing the generation of acid inside the stomach. In ex-ordinary cases of ulcer resulting in hemorrhage, obstruction etc, and surgery may be needed for treatment.

It can be treated completely. But recurrence of the disease can be avoided if only the affected person cooperates by not consuming alcohol, by non-smoking tobacco products and avoiding inflammatory medicines like aspirin, ibuprofen etc, for other treatments. Duodenal ulcer is better avoided by prevention.

ADHD Symptoms in Adults

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD is a chronic neurological disorder which affects children and also persists into adulthood. This condition is also known as hyperactivity or Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). There are three types of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, they are ADHD mainly inattentive, ADHD mainly hyperactive impulsive and ADHD combined. Some doctors believe that ADHD symptoms can be observed during childhood and these symptoms often continue to exist in the teens and into adulthood. It is essential to notice any signs of this condition and identify them in childhood itself to prevent them from becoming intense. Adults who suffer from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are unable to perform their daily activities properly and may also have relationship problems.

Unfortunately, the exact cause of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is not yet known but research has suggested that changes in the structure of the brain can be one of the causative factors. A few doctors and psychiatrists believe that this condition can be inherited in families. Pregnant women who smoke, drink alcohol or use drugs can give birth to children who are at an increased risk of contracting this chronic neurological disorder. Exposure to certain toxins like lead can also be one of the causes of ADHD.

Symptoms of ADHD in Adults

It is very difficult to define the ADHD symptoms in adults, mainly because there was no proper research conducted on this disorder in adults. The symptoms can be categorized into two types - symptoms of impulsiveness and hyperactivity and inattentiveness symptoms. Other conditions which may be related to the symptoms of this chronic disorder are obsessive compulsive disorder, personality disorder and bipolar disorder. The symptoms may vary from those seen in children and teenagers. For instance, if a child shows hyperactivity as an ADHD symptom, when he grows up it may change into restlessness.

• Occasional mood swings
• Lack of attention and carelessness
• Feeling stressed all the time and inability to cope with it
• Getting angry at petty things
• Being fidgety and restless
• Unable to complete tasks
• Switching to new tasks before completion of older ones
• Showing impatience
• Procrastination and getting bored quickly
• Poor organizational skills
• Cannot prioritize and unable to focus
• Disorganized and constantly losing things
• Acting on an impulse without worrying about the after effects

Treatment of ADHD in Adults

Diagnosing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults can be a bit challenging since the signs can be more or less similar to the symptoms caused due to alcohol or drug abuse, mood or anxiety disorders and certain medications. The doctor may evaluate the signs and symptoms of ADHD based on some criteria and questionnaires. Once the diagnosis is done, the doctor may prescribe some stimulants which help in balancing the neurotransmitters or the chemicals produced by the brain. The psychostimulants prescribed can include lisdexamfetamine, methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine etc. Some other ADHD medications like antidepressants and atomoxetine pills may be prescribed.

There are also a few herbal remedies for ADHD which are quite effective. Apart from these drugs and medications, the patient may also have to go for therapy and psychological counseling. Some psychotherapy techniques include cognitive behavioral therapy, marriage and family counseling. These therapies help in improving the self-esteem, problem solving techniques of the individual. Regular therapy and counseling will help bring changes and improvement in the lifestyle and relationships of the individual. Apart from these treatment methods, a proper diet, taking nutritional and herbal supplements and practicing yoga will also prove helpful when it comes to treating this neurological condition.

Thanks to modern medical technology, the signs of ADHD in adults can be identified and treated. There is more awareness of this disorder now, than it was in earlier days. Timely diagnosis and administering treatment for this neurobehavioral disorder will ensure that the individual leads a normal life.

Vomiting Blood while Pregnant

Pregnancy is almost always associated with some or the other health problem. Be it morning sickness, constipation, or weight gain, these are probably the many symptoms of pregnancy and thus a part and parcel. It is difficult to really tell whether the problems are associated with the hormonal changes during pregnancy or otherwise, but the bottom line is that appropriate treatment needs to be followed for the safety of the would-be-mother and her baby. Although, not all health problems are a reason to worry about, some unexpected symptoms like vomiting blood is reason enough to get concerned.

Vomiting, scientifically termed as Hyperemesis gravidarum, is a very common, perhaps, the earliest symptom of being pregnant. It is commonly observed in first pregnancies and latter trimesters, mainly due to the dietetic deficiencies, hormonal changes, and family history. However, many women experience a feeling of throwing up (while they actually do not), precisely because of nausea and morning sickness.

Causes
Blood noticed in vomit during pregnancy is mainly associated with the later stage of hyperemesis gravidarum wherein the frequency of vomiting increases to manifold, leading to excessive vomiting. Now let's see the reasons behind such a happening.

Dehydration - The main reason for vomiting blood during pregnancy is dehydration. When the body runs out of all the body fluids, the nauseous feeling generally leads to vomiting of bile pigments and blood.

Starvation - It is very necessary for the mother-to-be to eat at regular intervals and not to starve. In extreme conditions of starvation, you may feel more sick, which will result in vomiting blood.

Esophagus - During pregnancy, you may feel nauseated and may vomit frequently. If the vomiting is quite forceful and for a long time, it can rupture the esophagus (the swallowing tube), which can result in stains of blood while vomiting.

Improper Diet - If you are not able to follow the diet that is advised to you, then the body might reciprocate through blood in vomit after having a meal, or early in the morning.

Hypertension - Vomiting blood can also be a result of pregnancy-induced hypertension. So, it is very necessary for you to take ample rest and stay in a happy environment.
Treatment
Blood in vomit during pregnancy should not be ignored since it means that the woman is weak, which is absolutely not good for the baby's health. It is also characterized by an unpleasant feeling in your mouth which seems disgusting.

After vomiting, the body becomes deficient in optimum body fluids. A phase such as pregnancy needs a female to be well-hydrated, so as to avoid any of the other pregnancy issues.

In case of severe dehydration, it might require the woman to get admitted as well, wherein she gets all the body fluids and supplements through intravenous saline.

If you are looking for home remedies, then the best option is to have lots and lots of water as well as fruit juices, ginger ale, or electrolyte solutions on a repeated basis.

It's a necessity to follow the regular pregnancy diet, which provides all the essential nutrients and minerals in the right amounts, because this time around, it is the baby as well as the mom-to-be who needs to get the proper nutrition.

Also, what is really a prerequisite is a good well-balanced and healthy diet that provides the appropriate amount of energy.
Steps You Can Follow at Home
Feeling nauseated and throwing up are the common symptoms of pregnancy, but you can avoid them to some extent by taking the following precautions:

When you get up in the morning, maybe eat a toast or a biscuit, which will give you some energy and won't make you nauseous.

Drink at least 10-12 glasses of water and as much juices as you can all day to avoid dehydration.

Eat food in little quantity, but after every two to three hours. Do not eat in large quantities, specially before sleeping.

Do not eat any kind of fatty or spicy food. Have simple and less oily food.

Try to include ginger in your drinks and food, which always helps in reducing the nauseated feeling.

Do yoga, gentle exercises, or go for a walk so as to keep fit and avoid complications.

While sleeping, keep your windows open, so that you breathe fresh air all night.

And finally, the most important thing is to take rest as much as possible all day so as to avoid any kind of stress.
Instead of taking risks, it's always better to seek the doctor's help when you notice blood in vomit during pregnancy. Make sure you opt for natural remedies since it is not advisable to consume antibiotics during such a phase. Eat healthy and take rest -- that is the best solution to all pregnancy-related issues.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical professional.

How to Stop Vomiting Bile

Vomiting, as most of us are aware, is the act of throwing up. In other words, stomach contents are forcibly expelled through the mouth. The act may be voluntary, and more often, involuntary. Vomiting is not a condition, as it is often a symptom or indication of something that has gone wrong in the body . In case you were not aware, vomiting is one of the body's natural responses to get rid of substances that it sees as invaders and irritants in the stomach. Vomiting occurs when the diaphragm muscle contracts downwards in a severe manner. There could be various causes behind this problem; common ones being, food poisoning, overeating, brain injury, disease of the gallbladder, intense pain, migraine, chemotherapy drugs, motion sickness, pregnancy, stomach flu, disorder of the stomach muscles, general anesthesia, and psychological illnesses such as bulimia. And depending upon what has caused the vomiting, other symptoms may also be observed. In some cases, along with the stomach contents, a person may throw up even bile.

Vomiting Bile

What is bile? It is a fluid that gets produced in the liver, and stored in the gallbladder. It is greenish-yellow in color, and its main function is to digest fat. Besides this, it also helps in getting rid of blood cells that have died or worn out, and certain toxins from the body. Now, if a person is vomiting severely, then it may cause the small intestines to contract. This in turn may allow the bile to get mixed with the stomach contents that get vomited. The main symptom that may indicate the presence of bile, is the vomit being yellow. Apart from this, there are other causes behind this condition, and most of them are associated with mild to severe underlying medical conditions. As what doctors have been able to find, some of the common causes of vomiting bile in infants and kids may include intussusception, and malrotation. In adults, the main offenders are inflammatory bowel disease, bile reflux and less commonly, volvulus. Alcohol abuse may also cause the presence of bile in vomit.

Treatment

Vomiting bile along with the stomach content is not like any ordinary case of vomiting. Treating it requires the aid of a medical professional, who would diagnose the underlying cause, and try to correct it. For instance, if we consider intussusception, which causes part of the small intestine or colon to slide into another part of the intestine, then treatment is a medical emergency. First, the affected child is stabilized at the hospital with the help of fluids given through intravenous (IV) line. Thereafter, an air enema is carried out for treating the problem. But if it does not work, then surgery may be required.

Likewise, if bile reflux happens to be the culprit, then first, medications are administered to promote bile flow, and lessen the production of acid. However, if medications do not work, then surgery becomes a necessity. In one surgical method, manipulations are made which help the bile flow away from the stomach. And in another method, the surgery is performed on the esophageal sphincter, which helps in reducing acid reflux. So depending upon the underlying cause, the course of the treatment is decided upon. Self-medication must be avoided, and medications must be used only after having consulted with a doctor. However, one can take a few self-care measures at home to calm down the symptoms:

• Experts are of the view, rest is often the best method to manage the symptoms.
• Never try to fight the urge to vomit. Whenever the urge is felt, one should go for it. As I said, vomiting means that the body is trying to get rid of something that is not accepted by the digestive tract
• Severe vomiting can cause the body to lose out on a great amount of fluid thus, may cause dehydration. So it is necessary to drink plenty of water, including other fluids such as diluted non-citrus fruit juices. For infants and little children, oral rehydration solution must be administered
• Severe and persistent vomiting can take a lot out of the body, and may also cause stress. It may be beneficial to apply a cold compress on the head. While, it may not stop the vomiting, but would make the person feel a lot better
• Doctors also advice patients to eat smaller meals, instead of going for the traditional three meals a day
• Immediately going to bed after eating is not considered healthy. One must stay upright for at least 2 - 3 hours after a meal. This buys enough time for the stomach to digest most of the food
• Cranberry juice, or a glass of lemon juice mixed with a teaspoon of honey also helps in calming the stomach, thus reduce vomiting
• Let one-fourth cup of aniseed to steep in a half a cup of boiling water for 5 minutes. Strain the tea and drink once a day
• Ginger is also one of the most effective methods that help in reducing vomiting. Chew on a small piece of ginger, or sip ginger tea
• Equally beneficial is mint tea. Steep a tablespoon of dry mint leaves in a pint of boiling water. Let them steep for 30 minutes. Without straining, drink the tea once or twice a day

As said earlier, vomiting bile is not like the normal episodes of vomiting commonly encountered by people. The above remedies may be helpful if the condition is a mild one. But if it's otherwise, and if the vomiting is becoming persistent, then delay in seeking medical help can make matters worse.