September 26th, 2008 -- Posted in Health |
Snoring is among the most common sleep problems and while it is neither a debilitating nor death threatening condition, it still causes some grave issues that may or may not directly root from its effects. Middle-aged men and overweight people are more likely to experience problems because they have more tissue in areas likely to be affected by relaxed breathing. This passage narrows due to relaxation of the tissues and explains why we only snore when we are in our most restful position,snoring roots from narrowed airway in between the throat and the nose so when we sleep.
With a narrowed passage, the pressure of the air from the mouth and back are highly increased and this drives the flapping muscles to vibrate more, which in turn creates the snoring sounds. Anything that helps to narrow the airway and the muscles to relax will most likely initiate the vibrations. Stopped up noses also limit the amount of air which pass through the air passages resulting in some individuals having snoring problems that are a consequence of sinus issues.
The position in which someone sleeps could also cause them to snore. Your tongue and throat muscles are pulled back by gravity if you sleep on your back, so it is advised to begin sleeping on your side. Since the only problem here is the unwanted relaxation of the muscles and tissues lining the respiratory tract, specifically the throat and the nasal passages, the most possible cure is to repair any excess muscles.
An otolaryngologist, a specialist in conditions that are directly linked with ear, nose and throat issues, will help determine what truly causes your snoring problem. He alone can make a thorough examination of your condition. Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty or UPPP is the normal process in which the air passages are enlarged in order to allow air to pass through and stop snoring. The treatment consists of removing any extra tissue that may be shrinking the passageway in the throat. This type of excess growth is often associated with the uvula, adenoids, tonsils and pharynx.
Laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty, also known as LAUP, is an intensive therapy which involves removing the muscles that block normal breathing. The methods work better for those that snore mildly, not those suffering from disruptive snoring or sleep apnea. Nasal surgery, on the other hand, is recommended for patients whose snoring is caused by unnecessary blockage in the nasal septum.
One method of treatment is called Tongue Suspension Procedure. A small screw is inserted into the lower jaw. The tongue is then stitched to it. This treatment keeps the tongue from falling backward. The use of an electrode needle that release energy to shrink the excess tissue in the throat is called somnoplasty. This then will be reabsorbed by the body. Loose throat muscles may be corrected by surgery, and this may be the best solution. However, you should discuss your questions and concerns thoroughly with your surgeon to obtain the correct treatment.
September 17th, 2008 -- Posted in Health |
Knowing when to start on solids
For most babies, between the age of 4 and 6 months is the right time to start on solids. In the past, babies under 4 months old used to be given solids, and you may encounter older parents who’ll advise you to “try a bit of something solid” for a wakeful 3-month-old. But research suggests that the vast majority of babies aged under 4 months do best on a milk-only diet.
Once your baby is 4 months old, watch her for signs that she’s ready for solids. The obvious clue is that she’s asking for more baby food, but she’s probably showing an interest in what you’re eating, too. Start to encourage this when you feel she’s nearing the time to try a bit of solid food. Make sure that she sees you and your partner, and other children if you have them, eating. Sit her up near the table with you so that she can watch. But don’t try to force solid food on her if she really doesn’t seem willing.
Don’t reduce the amount of milk you’re giving your baby in the early weeks of solids. These tastes are just an introduction to proper food, rather than a supplement for her milk intake.
Making a start on solids
My eldest daughter’s first taste of real food - at the age of 4 months - was a big event. The food offered was a rice mixture, most of which was dribbled down her new bib, and the proceedings were reported eagerly by telephone to both grandmothers as soon as the “meal” was over. My third daughter’s introduction to the world of real food was rather different. Because my life was busier as a mother of three than as a mother of one, I almost always breastfed her while I ate my own food. One day when she was around 6 months of age, she turned from my breast with interest to see what was on my plate. It seemed as good a time as any to start solids, so I offered her a bit of mashed potato, which was her first taste of real food.
Comparing approaches
Although I don’t think that the way we started Rosie, my eldest, on solids was wrong, it was much easier to just let Miranda, my youngest, pick from my plate as she did for the first few weeks. Babies aren’t ready for salt in their diets, and it’s best to give them quite watery food in the beginning. But if you leave the salt out when you’re cooking, you can give your baby a little taste of the food that you make for yourself.
Most pediatricians recommend rice cereal as the first solid food to feed your baby, because it is one of the least allergenic foods.
The other difference I noticed between the two approaches I used was that waiting until a baby really is ready - which is likely to be nearer 6 months than 4 months - means that she gets the idea more quickly. And when you start giving your baby fruits and vegetables, introduce her to one or two at a time, so that any allergies can be spotted straight away.
As your baby starts to enjoy putting food into her mouth herself, try not to deter her on the grounds that she’s “making too much mess.”
It is advisable not to introduce egg whites, peanut butter, shellfish, or berries to your baby’s diet until she is around 12 months old, because of possible allergies.