Effective Sitting Postures That Reduces The Risk Of Back Pain

Bad posture is one of the leading causes of back pain in most people.  Most people suffer from back pain at some point in their lives. The pain may be severe but it is usually not serious, and it lasts for a few days. 

It is important to remain active when one has back pain because staying in bed all day long is likely to make the pain worse. When one is immobile, the muscles in the back and the whole body become weak, and this makes the pain to be severe. The sitting postures that can help to reduce back pain include:

Resting the feet on the floor                                              

It is important to rest the feet on the floor when one is seating. In cases where the foot does not reach the floor, one can use a footrest, and this allows one to assume a comfortable position. It is important to avoid crossing the legs as this can lead to other problems that are linked to posture.

Using the keyboard

Place the keyboard in front when typing to leave enough space for resting the wrists between bouts of rest. It is advisable to leave a space of 4-6 inches approximately. Keep the wrists in a straight position when using the keyboard. Keep the elbows in a vertical position on the side and under the shoulder. It is also advisable to use a wrist rest to keep the wrists straight and at the same level as the keys.

Adjustment of the chair

The chairs that one uses at the workstation should be stable, and this is because one spends many hours at the workstation. The standard office chair has five legs, and they are usually in a star shape. The height of the seat should be adjustable. The backrest should also be adjustable in tilt and height. The backrest should be able to move independently of the seat, and this is in order to allow a comfortable position. 

It is important to seat upright with the support of the small area at the back. The feet should be placed flat on the floor, and the hips and knees should be level. It is also advisable to use a rolled up towel or a small cushion to support the back in places where one is feeling uncomfortable. In cases where one works on a computer all day long, it is advisable to make sure that the forearms are at a horizontal while the elbows are at a right angle.

 

Keep the mouse close

It is important to position the mouse as close as possible when working. A mouse mat that has a wrist pad will help to keep the wrist straight, and this will avoid awkward bending. When the keyboard is not in use, push it to one side and keep the mouse near. It is also advisable to place the screen at the eye level to avoid straining when working. The best guide when using a screen is to place the monitor at an arm’s length away with the top roughly at the eye level. To achieve this position, one may need to get a stand for the monitor. In case where the screen is too low or too high, one will have to bend the neck, and this is likely to cause severe back pains.

Keep objects accessible

Keep the objects that are in frequent use in a place that is accessible or within easy reach. This includes the telephone, writing pad, pen, stapler, paper punch and other things that are in frequent use. It is important to avoid repeated twisting and stretching to reach things.

Avoid straining at the phone

It is important for people who spend most of their office hours over the phone to try and exchange the handset for a headset. Repeated cradling of the phone between the shoulder and the ear can strain the muscles in the neck. Most people who use the phones for long hours slouch without realizing the damage they are causing to their backs.

Conclusion

It is important to maintain the right sitting position when working and when one is at home.  It is advisable to break the long periods of working with stretching exercises to help prevent the occurrence of back pain. The practice of good and proper posture will aid in maintaining the natural curves of the back and keep it strong. The major cause of back pain is an improper posture especially at the workstations where one spends most hours of the day.

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Home Remedies To Get Rid of Stretch Marks Naturally

Stretch marks are caused due to two main reasons – pregnancy and sudden dramatic weight loss or gain. However you don’t have to feel miserable now because we will be introducing you to some of the most effective home remedies to get rid of these stretch marks naturally.
Let’s explore several ways to eliminate or reduce stretch marks without seeking medical intervention.

Image credit: blog.myskin.com

Cacao Butter
You should apply cacao butter on the stretch mark area of your skin. Many people have tried this application and have seen good results. It is a well known household technique practiced by many.

Lavender or Coco Oils
Application of these oils has a super moisturizing effect on the stretches. You will see the results quickly if you apply it on the stretch marks at least thrice a day at regular intervals.

Try Olive Oil
Olive oil seems to produce desired results as it is rich in Vitamin A, D and K. Apply olive oil on the stretch marks once in a day daily to see its positive effects.

Lemon Juice
You need to rub the lemon juice very gently onto the stretch marks. Let the juice remain on the mark for at least ten minutes before you rinse it with warm water. Lemon Juice is known to be naturally acidic which heals stretch marks comprehensively.

Stretch mark creams
There are many stretch mark creams available in the market, but unfortunately very few of them really stick to their claims. Don’t lose hope; instead you can give a try to dermology stretch mark cream. Buying a stretch mark prevention cream and applying it on the stretch marks should help you in eliminating those marks.
Don’t believe in any claims that the manufacturer of stretch mark cream makes; instead try those creams and see for yourself whether it works or not. 

Sugar effect
It is unbelievable to see the results that white sugar produces if mixed with almond oil and lemon juice. Apply the mixture onto the stretch marks. Rub the mixture for at least ten minutes before heading for a shower. Follow this practice for a month and you will see a considerable change in your stretch marks.

Exercise daily
Follow a regular exercise regime to erase stretch marks completely. Exercising will help you keep your muscles toned and firm, thereby, erasing and preventing stretch marks, respectively. Practice Yoga and do more of cardio to see the effects.

Potatoes
An item present in every kitchen - potatoes are extremely beneficial in treating   stretch marks by stimulating new skin cell formation. Rub thick slices of the vegetable to ensure that the juice penetrates skin layers.

Besides using oils, sugar and lemon juice, try applying a reliable stretch mark cream as well. Do a good research on many stretch mark creams that are available in the market.

You should now have the knowledge of several home remedies that would work wonderfully well on your stretch marks. These practices have been followed by many others and it worked for them and it will work for you too.

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How to Overcome Emotional Eating

Eating is a part of life.  Your body gets its nutrients from food.  Sometimes we can go overboard with our eating habits and it can result in gaining weight.  One issue with food is emotional eating. 

The problem of emotional eating may end with the scale but it begins in the mind.  Stress takes its toll on your life.  When your defenses are compromised your health takes a hit and so do your emotions. 

Everyone has good days and bad days.  How we deal with the bad ones brings emotional eating into play.  You look for comfort for your hurts.  People who turn to food for comfort find a coping mechanism that won’t judge them, hurt them or tell them “no.” To complicate the issue, eating pleasurable foods can stimulate the release of endorphins just like exercise.  So, after you eat, you feel better.

Emotional eaters use food to relieve stress.  They hide behind the food instead of seeking solutions to the problems.  This is not uncommon when the stressor is something horrible such as physical abuse or a death.

But, how do you know you are using food in this way?  The first sign is obvious.  You will gain weight if you eat too much.  In light of the weight gain, examine other areas of your life:

* Have you been under stress lately at work or at home?
* Has anything traumatic happened in the last year?
* Are you dealing with a problem but haven’t found a solution?

Answering “yes” to any of these questions could mean that you are an emotional eater.  You eat but you are not necessarily hungry at the time.  The foods that you choose are what we term “comfort foods”:

* High fat foods like French fries, fried foods
* High carb foods like macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes
* Sugary foods like ice cream, donuts, cookies, cake

There is help for emotional eaters.  The first step is recognizing that you have a problem.  You’ll experience feelings of helplessness and guilt.  The guilt is over potentially ruining your health and the helplessness lies in the fact that you don’t see a way out.

Secondly, seek counseling.  There are many types of counselors out there that can meet your need.  Emotional eating has nothing to do with dieting or changing your eating habits but gaining control over your emotions. 

A counselor might suggest things like visualization, practicing problem solving skills, relaxation techniques and family support.  Visualization helps you to see your problems in a realistic way and not blown out of proportion.  You will also learn to see food as nutrition for the body and not an emotional crutch.

Thirdly, your family can learn your triggers for stress and be on the lookout for changes in your eating habits.  They can help you be aware of the foods you are eating, assist you in making healthy food choices and exercise along with you.  Proper diet and exercise increases immunity, blood flow and positive thinking.  Yoga enhances the mind/body connection so you don’t eat when you aren’t hungry.

Finding new ways to solve your problems and deal with stress will push food out of the equation.  You’ll feel good about finding solutions which will replace the dependence on food.  

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Effective Steps for Managing Anxiety

Have you ever been in a situation that brought on sweats, rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath? You probably weren’t having a heart attack but an anxiety attack.  If you suffer from anxiety disorders, learning to manage it is the first step to overcoming it.

Anxiety is characterized as extreme reactions to fearful situations.  When someone follows you into a dark alley, those anxious feelings of a racing heartbeat and sweaty palms gives way to heightened senses and a rush of Adrenalin that can save your life.  This is the fight or flight syndrome. 

In the case of frequent anxiety, the fearful feelings are dread of a particular situation and not the situation itself.  Getting caught in traffic can cause an anxiety attack over what might happen when you get to work late.  Starting a new job can bring on anxiety attacks.  You don’t know anyone and fear of that unknown can send you into a panic.

Everyone experiences panic or anxiety in small ways.  Like the fight or flight example, it can save your life.  In new situations, we get panicky but when the outcome we fear fails to materialize, the anxiety stops.  For someone with chronic anxiety, this is not the case.

Every situation that brings anxiety is not life-threatening.  More than likely it is an extremely stressful situation that has brought on the anxiety as a way of dealing with it.  Unchecked anxiety of this type can lead to depression.

If you suffer from anxiety attacks on occasion or a more frequent anxiety disorder, there are steps you can take to keep your anxiety under control. 

1. See a professional.  This is always a good first step.  Self-diagnosis of any type of physical or mental condition is unwise and can be dangerous.  A professional psychologist can help you understand your anxiety and prescribe medication or other effective techniques.

2. Get a good night’s sleep.  During the sleep cycle, your body repairs itself.  You feel more rested after several hours of restorative sleep, reaching the REM stage.  Most people need eight hours a night which varies within an hour or two each way.

3. Exercise on a consistent basis.  Exercise helps you to use oxygen more efficiently.  It helps to get more oxygen to the brain.  It also increases focus which may help you see solutions to problems rather than simply worrying about them. 

4. Meditate.  Meditation is more than chanting mantras.  Yoga is an exercise that involves quieting the mind and controlling your breathing.  Simple mediation such as taking 5 minutes to clear your mind everyday can work wonders in the fight against anxiety.

5. Manage the worry.  When you feel your pulse start to quicken, count backwards from ten.  As you count, focus on the situation.  What has actually happened? Resist the urge to read anything more into the situation. 

6. Don’t use alcohol.  You might think that the glass of wine is relaxing your tension but alcohol is a depressant.  In anxious situations you could rely too heavily on it and gain another problem in the process.

7. Find some relaxing activities.  Stress can rob you of your energy.  On a regular basis, do something you like such as gardening, painting, reading or listening to music.  

Anxiety can come into your life at any time.  It’s normal.  When the anxiety becomes frequent you could be at risk for more serious conditions.  If you feel your anxiety is starting to take over your life or increasingly causing you problems, seek professional help immediately.  There is no need to suffer this terrible condition in silence.

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The 10 most painful places to get a tattoo

No one gets a tattoo without expecting a little pain. But there's a difference between a lil' sting and the fire of a thousand suns.

Luckily, Cincinnati-based tattoo artist Andy Eschenbach of Flying Tiger Tattoo filled Mashable in on which body parts to avoid inking if you don't want to ride the Carousel of Agony.

Want a tattoo with minimal pain? Eschenbach suggests opting for the arms, lower legs and shoulders — all popular locations. However, he also stresses that even the areas listed below are manageable. "People get tattooed in all these places all the time, and they usually do fine," he says. "The real enemy is their own fear."

 

"No one has died in my chair yet," he adds. "Well, except that one guy, but that was totally his fault."

Source : MashAble

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Dealing With Body Odour

We all have that one friend we love so much but hate to be around. I know it sounds contradictory but much as they make you laugh and are very generous, you can't stand the way they smell. Yes, today we will be talking about the topic body odour.

Also known as bromhidrosis, osmidrosis or ozochrotia, B.O as it is popularly called is quite a common phenomenon.
One of the many reasons this is an issue is the fact that many times, the sufferers are not aware and when a few gutsy people try to create awareness things most likely than not go south.Being told that one has a body odour isn't a very pleasant experience so if you do have a friend with such an issue, be as polite about it as possible. You could get them a deodorant as a 'just cos it's Tuesday' present or suggest they take refreshing evening showers. If you've been told that you have a body odour,  don't feel slighted. It happens to the best of us, just try to take steps to work on it.
Now it has been said there is a genetic component to body odour meaning that it could be inherited...pretty weird huh? True story though.

In a lot of cases though poor hygiene and a number of disease conditions are the culprits. Some people sweat excessively, a condition known as hyperhidrosis. For some this happens naturally, in other cases it might be due to a medical condition such as thyroid disease. A fishy or fruity smell might be a pointer to diabetes or kidney disease. To put it simply,body odour is caused by the action of bacteria on sweat. It goes to reason then that to reduce the risk of body odour, one needs to put measures in place to avoid that.

Some tips that may help include;
1) Bathing regularly.
A bath at least once a day is recommended but on days when you work really hard and sweat a lot, a second bath might be indicated cos the more sweat accumulates, the higher the tendecy for bacteria to act on it.
 2) Shave your armpits!
The hair in your armpits tend to trap sweat allowing bacteria to have a good time creating that unwanted odour.
3) Wash your clothes regularly. Sometimes we wear clothes once and feel like they don't seem dirty and could be worn a second time.
What we don't know is that sometimes we sweat on these clothes and when sweat gets onto clothes, bacteria can also
grow there, making the clothes smelly too.
4) Use an anti-deodorant/anti-perspirant.These work by making the environment acidic and making it difficult for bacteria to thrive.
5)You are what you eat.
Excessive consumption of certain things such as garlic, onion,curry and alcohol and the use of certain medications also increase the risk for body odour.
6) In extreme cases where lifestyle changes do not work, there are certain medications that may be used.
They work by reducing the rate at which the sweat glands work (eg oxybutinin). Side effects include dry mouth, dry eyes and the fact that the body might not be able to cool itself by sweating.
7) A chemical known as botox may also be injected into the skin. It works by blocking a substance necessary to stimulate the sweat glands to produce sweat.
8)Finally, surgical options exist for extreme cases. They include laser surgery,  excision and sympathectomy where some nerves sending signals to the body to produce sweat will be cut. Most people will do well with lifestyle changes and treatment of underlying disease conditions so these should always be the first line of treatment.
Remember that when you smell good, it automatically makes you more attractive so stay looking and smelling good

Dami Daniel is a Medical Doctor who considers herself a health missionary-educating people on health issues far and wide. Spunky & witty, there's always something up her sleeves including dodo, if she can help it. Twitter: @drdamidaniel

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How Alcohol Afects The Brain

I once had the unusual, though unhappy, opportunity of observing the same phenomenon in the brain structure of a man, who, in a paroxysm of alcoholic excitement, decapitated himself under the wheel of a railway carriage, and whose brain was instantaneously evolved from the skull by the crash. The brain itself, entire, was before me within three minutes after the death. It exhaled the odor of spirit most distinctly, and its membranes and minute structures were vascular in the extreme. It looked as if it had been recently injected with vermilion. The white matter of the cerebrum, studded with red points, could scarcely be distinguished, when it was incised, by its natural whiteness; and the Pia-mater, or internal vascular membrane covering the brain, resembled a delicate web of coagulated red blood, so tensely were its fine vessels engorged.

I should add that this condition extended through both the larger and the smaller brain, the cerebrum and cerebellum, but was not so marked in the medulla or commencing portion of the spinal cord.

The spinal cord and nerves.
--------------------------

The action of alcohol continued beyond the first stage, the function of the spinal cord is influenced. Through this part of the nervous system we are accustomed, in health, to perform automatic acts of a mechanical kind, which proceed systematically even when we are thinking or speaking on other subjects. Thus a skilled workman will continue his mechanical work perfectly, while his mind is bent on some other subject; and thus we all perform various acts in a purely automatic way, without calling in the aid of the higher centers, except something more than ordinary occurs to demand their service, upon which we think before we perform. Under alcohol, as the spinal centers become influenced, these pure automatic acts cease to be correctly carried on. That the hand may reach any object, or the foot be correctly planted, the higher intellectual center must be invoked to make the proceeding secure. There follows quickly upon this a deficient power of co-ordination of muscular movement. The nervous control of certain of the muscles is lost, and the nervous stimulus is more or less enfeebled. The muscles of the lower lip in the human subject usually fail first of all, then the muscles of the lower limbs, and it is worthy of remark that the extensors muscles give way earlier than the flexors. The muscles themselves, by this time, are also failing in power; they respond more feebly than is natural to the nervous stimulus; they, too, are coming under the depressing influence of the paralyzing agent, their structure is temporarily deranged, and their contractile power reduced.

This modification of the animal functions under alcohol, marks the second degree of its action. In young subjects, there is now, usually, vomiting with faintness, followed by gradual relief from the burden of the poison.

Effect on the brain centers.
----------------------------

The alcoholic spirit carried yet a further degree, the cerebral or brain centers become influenced; they are reduced in power, and the controlling influences of will and of judgment are lost. As these centers are unbalanced and thrown into chaos, the rational part of the nature of the man gives way before the emotional, passional or organic part. The reason is now off duty, or is fooling with duty, and all the mere animal instincts and sentiments are laid atrociously bare. The coward shows up more craven, the braggart more boastful, the cruel more merciless, the untruthful more false, the carnal more degraded. ' In vino veritable ' expresses, even, indeed, to physiological accuracy, the true condition. The reason, the emotions, the instincts, are all in a state of carnival, and in chaotic feebleness.

Finally, the action of the alcohol still extending, the superior brain centers are overpowered; the senses are beclouded, the voluntary muscular prostration is perfected, sensibility is lost, and the body lies a mere log, dead by all but one-fourth, on which alone its life hangs. The heart still remains true to its duty, and while it just lives it feeds the breathing power. And so the circulation and the respiration, in the otherwise inert mass, keeps the mass within the bare domain of life until the poison begins to pass away and the nervous centres to revive again. It is happy for the inebriate that, as a rule, the brain fails so long before the heart that he has neither the power nor the sense to continue his process of destruction up to the act of death of his circulation. Therefore he lives to die another day.

Written By Sharkul For DHF-Blog

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Causes Of Bad Breath

Bad breath is a common health problem which greatly affects the day today activities of so many people. The offensive odor from the mouth is unpleasant to those who come in close contact with bad breathers. The problem will be doubled by psychological trauma leading to depression. The sufferers from this problem wil be isolated from the society. This can even lead to marital disharmony.

Literally speaking all human beings are bad breathes. Oral cavity contains millions  of  anaerobic bacteria like fusobacterium and actinomyces which acts on the protein of food materials and purifies them. This process results in the formation of offensive gases like hydrogen sulphide,methyl mescaptan,cadaverin,skatol,putrescine ect causing bad odor. If oral hygiene is not maintained properly all will suffer from  bad breath. Most of us control this by regular brushing,tongue cleaning and gargling. Even after maintaining cleanliness in the mouth some individuals suffer from offensive smell due to various causes which has to be diagnosed and treated properly.

Some common causes of bad breath.

1) Poor oral hygiene:

If oral hygiene is not maintained properly the mouth becomes the seat for millions of bacteria which produce offensive gases by degrading the food debris. Bad breath is severe in those who do not brush their teeth regularly and clean their mouth after every food. Snacks taken inbetween meals can also produce bad breath because of improper cleaning.
Badbreath is common in almost all people in the morning on waking. During sleep there is less production of saliva .Saliva  has got some antibacterial properties which help to keep the mouth clean. Saliva contains oxygen molecules which is needed to make oral cavity aerobic. So the reduction in it's quantity during sleep makes a favorable condition for anaerobic bacteria.

2) Food habits:

The main cause of bad smell is due to degradation of protein by the bacteria and hence all food products rich in protein flavors bad breath. Meat,fish,milk products, eggs,cakes,nuts,pear and ect can cause bad breath. Some food articles can produce particular type of smell which may be unpleasant. Raw onion can produce typical bad smell. It is said that an apple a day keeps the doctor away,a raw onion a day keeps everybody away. Eating groundnuts can also produce bad smell. However if proper cleaning is done smell can be reduced irrespective of the nature of food.  Irregularity in timing of food can also produce bad breath. Small food articles taken in between the meals can also produce bad smell.

3) Biofilm:

There is formation of a thin sticky coating  called biofilm on the tongue and oral mucosa. This coating is thick on the posterior aspect of the tongue where millions of gram negative bacteriae are seen .The thick coating on the tongue is always associated with badbreath. Even a  thin biofilm can make anaerobic condition favourable for bacterial proliferation.

4) Dental caries:

This is a destructive process causing declassification with destruction of enamel and dentine resulting in cavitisation of the tooth. These are produced mainly by the lactobacilli . Food particles are deposited inside these cavities and are putrified by the anaerobic bacteria producing bad smell. Normal brushing will not remove the food debris easily and hence they are putrified completely. Caries are common in school going children and in those who do not maintain proper oral hygiene .Calcium and vitamin deficiency can also predispose caries.

5) Gingivitis:

Gum is a mucus membrane with supporting connective tissue covering the tooth bearing borders of the jaw .The main function of gum is protection .Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gum .Due to various causes gum tissue get infected resulting in swelling,pain and discharge. If the condition become worse the infection spread towards peridontal area leading to continuous discharge called pyorrhoea. Some times the infection goes deep producing alveolar abscess with discharge of pus. Infection can even reach the bone causing osteomyelitis.All these conditions can produce offensive smell.

6) Gum retraction:

When the gums retract from the teeth a gap is developed which will lodge food particles and cause bad breath.

7) Dental plaques and tartar deposits; Plaques and tartar is deposited mainly in the gaps  between the teeth and gum. This will provide shelter for the food debris and bacteria causing  bad breath.

8) Ulcerative lesions& coatings:

Almost all ulcerative lesions of the mouth are associated with bad breath. These lesions may be caused by bacteria,viruses,food allergies or due to autoimmune disorders. Apthous ulcer is the commonest among ulcerative lesions. Others are herpes,fungal infections,vincents angina,infectious mononucleosis,scarlet fever,diphtheria,drug reactions  and ect. Cancerous ulcers produce severe bad breath. All fungal infections produce white coating(candidiasis). Leucoplakia is a white thick patch on the mucus membrane of the mouth & tongue. It is considered as a precancerous condition. Offensive breath is associated with these conditions.

9) Diseases of the salivary glands:

Saliva is very useful to supply oxygen to all parts of the oral cavity. Even a thin film of coating called biofilm can provide an anaerobic condition in the mouth. Saliva can wet these layers and make an aerobic condition which is unfavorable for the bacteria .Any condition which reduces the production of saliva can increase bacterial activity.  Some times the salivary duct is obstructed by stones or tumors.Cancer of the salivary gland is associated with offensive odor. In superlative parotitis purulent discharge in to the mouth causes bad breath.

10) Tonsillitis:

Tonsils are a pair of lymphoid tissue situated  in the lateral wall of oropharynx. Inflammation of the tonsil is called tonsillitis. Bad breath is seen in both acute and chronic tonsillitis. Quinsy or peritonsillar abscess can also produce bad breath.

11) Tonsillar plaques & tonsillar fluid:

If bad breath persists even after maintaining proper oral hygeine there is possibility of this condition. Serous fluid secreated from the folds of tonsil is very offenssive. Some patients complain that they hawk some cheesy materials from the throat;which are very offenssive in nature. These are formed inside the tonsillar crypts which contain thousands of bacteriae. In such conditions tonsillectomy gives noticiable relief from bad breath.              

12) Pharyngitis& pharyngial abscess:

Pharynx is a fibromuscular tube which forms the upper part of the digestive & respiratory tract. Inflmmation of the pharynx is called pharyngitis, caused mainly by bacteria and viruses. Bad breath is present in pharyngitis along with other signs like cough and throat irritation. Abscesses in the wall of pharynx can also produce offensive discharge of pus in to the throat.

13) Dentures:

Denture users may complain about bad smell due to lodgement of small food debris in between. Proper brushing may not be possible in denture users especially fixed dentures.

14) Tobacco:

Tobacco chewing is associated with bad breath. The smell of tobacco itself is unpleasent for others. Tobacco can irritate the mucus membrane and cause ulcers and coatings. Gingivitis and pyorrhoea are common in tobacco chewers. Tartar is deposited on the teeth mainly near the gums. Tobacco chewers get gastric acidity with eructations. All these causes offensive smell.

15) Smoking:

Smokers always have  bad smell. It can also produce lesions in the mouth & lungs causing bad breath.Smoking increases carbon dioxide in the oral cavity & reduces oxygen level,causing a favourable condition for bacteria. Smoking reduces appetite & thirst hence acid peptic disease is common in chain smokers.

16) Lesions in the nose & ear:

Bad breath is occasionally seen in sinusitis(infection of para nasal sinuses). In case of post nasal dripping bad breath is common due to the presence of protein in the discharges. These proteins are degraded by the bacteria. Infection in the middle ear with discharge of pus in to the throat through the eustachian tube(passage from middle ear to the throat)can also cause offensive odor. Chronic rhinitis(infection of mucus membrane of nose) and foreign bodies in the nose can also produce bad smell in the expired air.

17) Diabetes mellitus:

Mostly all diabetic patients suffer from bad breath. Coated tongue,ulcers &coatings in the mouth ,increased sugar level in tissues ect are responsible for bad breath.Bacterial growth in diabetic patient is very faster than non diabetic individuals.

18) Fevers:

Bad breath is common in almost all fevers. Even an acute fever can produce bad breath. Severe bad breath is seen in typhoid .Other infectious diseases like Tuberculosis , AIDS ect produce bad smell.
 
19) Fasting & dehydration:

Dry mouth favors bacterial activity. So any condition which produce dryness in the mouth makes the breath offensive. Even though the food particles are known to produce bad breath, fasting can also produce the same. Production of saliva is also reduced during fasting. Chewing and swallowing also helps to keep the mouth clean.

20) Bedridden patients:

Bedridden patients suffer from offenssive breath due to thick coating on the tongue. water intake is also limited in these patients. Regurgitation of food aggravates the condition. Since they talk less aeration in the oral cavity is reduced which favors anaerobic bacteria to become active.

21) Diseases of stomach & esophagus:

Eructation of gas and food produce unpleasant smell. Abnormality in the function of lower sphincter can allow the food to regurgitate upwards causing bad breath. Bad breath is also common in gastritis,gastric ulcer and cancer of stomach.

22) Intestinal diseases:

Bad breath is common in patients suffering from ulcerative lesions of intestine like ulceration collitis..Other diseases are malabsorption syndrome intestinal tuberculosis, peritonitis ect.

23) Diseases of lungs:

Lung diseases like pneumonia, lung abscess,chronic bronchitis,bronchiectasis,tuberculosis, lung cancer ect can produce bad odor during expiration.

24) Liver disorders:

Liver diseases like hepatitis, cirrhosis,can  cause bad breath.Gall bladder diseases with vomiting also causes unpleasant odor.   

25) Psychiatric  patients:

Bad breath is common in psychotic patients due to poor hygiene,irregular food habits,less water intake and ect.


26) Somatisation disorder:

This is a psychiatric disorder characterized by the presence of a physical symptom that suggest a medical illness .These patients come with physical complaints like pain,nausea difficult respiration, bad smell ect. This condition is diagnosed after detailed examination of the patient with all investigations.Since this is a psychiatric disorder it has to be managed with a psychological approach.

[ THE POINTS MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION. ANY PERSON HAVING BAD BREATH SHOULD CONSULT  A QUALIFIED DOCTOR ]

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