Snoring can be a common problem (Getty Stock Photo)Around 45 percent of adults snore occasionally, while 25 percent snore regularly.
Men are more likely to snore, meanwhile there are certain factors that put you at a higher risk.
For example, if you've been drinking alcohol, taking sleeping pills, sleeping on your back, or if you have a higher BMI, you're more likely to snore.
There are a number of conditions associated with snoring, too. For example, obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), which is when your breathing stops and starts during your sleep.
According to New Scientist, OSA is associated with a number of cardiovascular diseases - for example, strokes.
Snoring can also be linked to carotid atherosclerosis in which solid, fatty deposits build in the arteries of the neck, which in itself causes a major stroke risk, too.
New Scientist explains that it was originally thought this link was associated with OSA, rather than snoring in general, but a study has changed the consensus.
In 2008, scientists at the Westmead Institute for Medical Research in Sydney, looked at the carotid arteries in snorers and non-snorers.
They discovered that the heavier the snorer, the more likely they were to have carotid atherosclerosis.
It was believed that the vibrations produced during snoring could be damaging the artery.
To understand if this was possible, researchers exposed carotid arteries in rabbits to hours of vibrations similar to snoring.
The arteries constricted as they had predicted, indicating that the theory was possible.
Following the study, Jeremy Rich and his team at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, looked at 77,000 cases of regular snorers.
They found that while most had OSA, 6,000 people did not, however they were still at a higher risk of death.
Snoring can be difficult for partners, too (Getty Stock Photo)In addition to cardiovascular issues, milder heath problems associated with snoring include sleepiness in the daytime, irritability, headaches and a reduced cognitive performance.
Meanwhile, the long-suffering partner can also be at risk of hearing loss.
So what can you do if you're a regular snorer?
The NHS explains there are a number of different treatments you can try, as well as surgery.
For example, an instrument can be worn in the mouth called a mandibular advancement device, which brings your tongue forward.
Other treatments include using a chin strap to keep your mouth closed, as well as strips that hold your nose open while you sleep.
There are different ways of treating snoring (Getty Stock Photo)For treating sleep apnoea, the NHS explain that the condition 'can sometimes be treated by making lifestyle changes like losing weight, giving up smoking and reducing how much alcohol you drink'.
However, some people need to use a CPAP machine, which gently pumps air into a mask you wear over your mouth or nose while you sleep.Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images
Topics: Health, Sleep
Lucy Devine
Updated 20:59 12 Sep 2024 GMT+1Published 20:53 12 Sep 2024 GMT+1
People warned that amount of times they burp after eating could be sign of major health issues
It's not all bad news, but it's something to be aware of
Saskia Calliste
As humans, some bodily functions we have - although not very tasteful - are perfectly normal occurrences.
Passing gas (from either end) isn’t the most pleasant thing to happen after eating a meal, but if you say you don’t do it then you’re clearly lying to yourself.
I say it's not pleasant but in some cultures it's actually a sign of respect for the food.
And most of the time, it's a sign of healthy bodily function, as it aids normal digestion.
However, how do we know when farting, or in this case burping, is a cause for concern?
Excuse you. (Getty Stock Image)What causes burping?
The good news is that burping after a meal, no matter how much it gets you dirty looks from across the table, is in no way a sign of bad health and there are plenty of reasons as to why we do it.
You could have swallowed some air (yum) or wolfed your food down a bit too fast, burping is simply your body's way of pushing out excess amounts of air from your upper digestive tract.
Even excessive burping is common according to the Mayo Clinic, and isn't necessarily a cause for concern, but maybe a little switch up to your lifestyle is needed.
However, burping after a meal can become concerning if it regularly exceeds the average, which is four times by the way, or is paired with other symptoms.
What health issues can cause excessive burping?
Gastroenterologist Dr Alison Schneider, MD, told The Cleveland Clinic that regularly going well above the 'normal' amount may be a sign you need to see the doctor.
But why?
Doctor issues warning about long-term paracetamol use
Credit: ITV/This Morning
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Depending on the food you've eaten for dinner that night, if it's something particularly belch-worthy, burping more than four times might just be a one off.
Dr Schneider says: “You’re more likely to swallow air and burp if you eat too quickly, drink carbonated beverages, chew gum, suck on hard candies, drink through a straw or have dentures that do not fit well."
Those pesky dentures, eh.
However, when paired with other symptoms like stomach pain, bowel issues, heartburn or bloating, then it's time to call your local GP at 8AM on the dot and pray that you can get seen some time this year.
If you're experiencing heartburn alongside your burp-athon, Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) might be lurking. GERD is a 'common condition, where acid from the stomach leaks up into the oesophagus (gullet).'
Another is Gastritis, which 'can be associated with pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen, feeling full soon after eating a meal, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite,' Dr. Schneider said.
Oh, but it doesn't end there.
There's a time and a place, but if in doubt, you know what to do. (Getty Stock Images)Bloating, gas, abdominal pain, diarrhoea or constipation? Yep, that could be Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
IBS, as explained by the NHS, has 'no cure, but diet changes and medicines can often help control the symptoms.'
If the belching is really bad to the point where it's affecting your day-to-day life, although rare, could potentially be a symptom of stomach cancer, which can cause feelings of constant fullness, weight loss and lethargy.
“If burping or belching too much is interfering with your daily life or if pain or other symptoms accompany this symptom, this may indicate another underlying illness requiring treatment,” Dr. Schneider continued.
Even if you have no other symptoms but excessive burping continues, you may have aerophagia and supragastric belching, according to health information site Medical News Today.
It explains these are conditions in 'which a person moves air into their oesophagus, either consciously or unconsciously'.
The bottom line here is, if you're in any doubt it's always better to get it checked out - and no I didn't mean for that to rhyme.
Hopefully, chances are you just scoffed your food down a bit too quick, in which case, slow down because no one is going to take it away from you.Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images
Topics: NHS, Health, Food And Drink
Saskia Calliste
Published 20:07 3 Jul 2024 GMT+1
Dentist shares the seven main reasons your teeth go yellow and ways to stop it happening
It's not a great look, and you'll want to keep your chompy smile healthy too
Joe Harker
Ok gang, it's time to brush up on some of the finer points of dental hygiene.
Keeping your teeth clean is a useful and healthy thing to do, especially since you only get two sets of teeth and the first set is due to fall out of its own accord.
Once your adult teeth grow in, that's your lot for the rest of your life so it's either time to take care of them or time to look up comfortable sets of false teeth.
The dentists at Mawson Dental Care have identified seven main reasons why your teeth go yellow and start to suffer, and there's some things you can do to help with that.
Old age
Sorry for this one, but as you get older your natural layer of enamel on your teeth wears down to possibly show the lower layer of dentin contained beneath.
Dentin is part of your tooth and the natural colour is a pale yellow.
We're not going to tell you 'don't age', so this one is relatively unavoidable and you're best off looking after your teeth as best you can.
"You can't handle the tooth!" (Getty Stock Photo)Smoking
You've likely seen the impact of smoking on your teeth, and dentists agree that it's very much not good for you.
The nicotine, tar and tobacco in cigarettes can stain your teeth even with light smoking, and a heavy habit could lead to your pearly whites going brown.
Fortunately the solution for this one is easy, though perhaps easier said than done.
Simply quit smoking, ditch one of the most addictive habits in the world and maintain a good level of dental hygiene.
Bad hygiene
Speaking of dental hygiene, the experts agree that not cleaning your teeth well enough can lead to stains not being shifted.
Dentists say this leads to something known as 'extrinsic tooth staining', which is where what you eat and drink produces stains on the upper layer of the tooth.
This is one of the most common forms of discolouration in teeth.
The solution to this is to brush and floss those teeth properly to clear those stains and prevent new ones from building up.
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"You haven't been flossing, I can tell." (Getty Stock Photo)Dental procedures
Yes, sometimes going to the dentist can result in tooth discolouration.
Certain materials used in dental procedures such as amalgam restorations may give your teeth a 'grayish-black tint'.
This one you may just have to live with a bit, and if your dentist needed to perform a procedure on you then it was likely for the greater good.
Medication
This one mostly applies to young children under the age of eight as their teeth are still developing.
Certain medicines which are administered can result in teeth looking more yellow, though good dental hygiene can help remove stains from teeth.
If you really want to try something else, then there's a range of tooth-whitening procedures which can be done, as well as potentially adding baking soda to the toothbrush.
There's another procedure known as 'oil pulling' which involves coconut oil.
He could probably do with looking at this list. (New Line Cinema)Illness
Certain illnesses can affect your dentin, while dentists have said that some treatments for serious medical ailments can also result in teeth becoming more yellow.
Your genetics
Yes, you could have different looking teeth just because of the family you're in.
Some people are born with thicker enamel on their teeth, which makes them look a little more yellow.
However, this isn't a bad thing health-wise as enamel can protect your teeth and you do need it.
Sadly, there's not a lot you can do to tackle the root cause of this discolouration, only keep using dental products which keep your teeth looking less yellow.Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images
Topics: Health, UK News
Joe Harker
Updated 13:53 15 Aug 2024 GMT+1Published 13:51 15 Aug 2024 GMT+1
Doctor explains why you sometimes get random ringing in your ear and ways to stop it happening
Have you ever wondered what that annoying noise we sometimes get in our ears is?
Anish Vij
A doctor has finally explained what the random ringing noise in our ear is - and it's a surprisingly common occurrence.
It often comes out of nowhere and can feel quite alarming, at first.
You'll be doing the dishes or watching TV, minding your own business, then it hits you all of a sudden.
Taking to TikTok, a medical professional has since claimed that '75 percent of people' have experienced this at least once in their lifetime, so don't worry - it's not just you.
75 percent of people experience this at least once. (Getty Stock Images)Dr Kunal Sood, MD, who practices in the US, has a significant following on social media and was responding to a viral clip with the caption: "When you're going about your business and your ear does that thing."
On what the ringing noise probably is, he said: "This is the human equivalent of going offline.
"Have you ever experienced this? Transient ear noise, also called 'SBUTT', which stands for 'sudden brief unilateral transient tinnitus'.
"Thankfully, it does not mean something bad is going on, and it is pretty common with over 75 percent of people experiencing this at some point in their life."
That annoying noise we sometimes get in our ear has been explained. (Getty Stock Images)According to the doctor, you might think of it as a 'random twitching of your ear', however, sleep deprivation, stress, caffeine, or infection are all possible risk factors of SBUTT.
"It usually lasts for less than a minute." he continues to say.
"But if it occurs more frequently, or for a longer duration, it could be a sign of something more serious. At that point, please see your doctor."
People in the comments were stunned, as one person wrote: "This whole time I thought it was my spirit guides trying to get my attention."
Another quipped: "My brain must be rebooting often lol."
"We always thought that happened when someone was talking bad about you," a third penned.
While someone else said: "I've dealt with it at least once or twice in the past year, and in my case it was due to severe stress.
"Along with it, I also had what felt like my ear drum vibrating intensely.
How to check if you have tinnitus
According to the NHS, tinnitus can sound like a ringing or hissing noise in the ear. It also can cause your ear to throb.
See a GP if:symptoms are regular or are getting worse
tinnitus is bothering youth the point that it's affecting your sleep or concentration
How to cope with tinnitusthink about taking up yoga to relax
try to cut down on caffeine and come up with a more effective sleep routine that works for you
try to avoid stress or loud background noises when you can
talk to others who are going through the same thingFeatured Image Credit: Getty Stock Photo/Instagram/@doctorsood
Topics: TikTok, Health
Anish Vij
Published 11:57 30 Jan 2024 GMT
NHS advises why you can occasionally get a 'twitch' in your eye and ways to stop it happening
The 'occasional' twitch in your eye is more common than you think.
Anish Vij
That unavoidable eye 'twitch' you sometimes get can be massive pain in the a*** - especially when it looks like you're winking at people on your way to work.
Not ideal.
But it turns out that 'twitches' are very common and aren't usually anything to worry about, for most people.
Lewis Capaldi explains twitching video
Credit: TikTok/@lewiscapaldi/@itslauramy
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What causes eye twitches?
The NHS says that twitches - which can affect any part of the body - are often linked to people who suffer from stress or anxiety.
Also those who are tired, exhausted or have consumed too much caffeine or alcohol can get a common twitch in the eyes or legs.
“There are several reasons why a twitch in the eyelid can happen,” Dr Cornelius Rene, a consultant oculoplastic surgeon at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge told The Guardian.
“But the commonest cause is something called benign essential blepharospasm, or BEB, which is an uncontrollable spasm of the eyelid, for which there is often no underlying cause.
"If it’s just one eyelid twitching, then that is usually what we call myokymia, which is a pretty benign condition that is usually transient and typically gets better on its own."
How do you stop eye twitching?
The good news is that although twitches come and go, it normally stops after a couple days or weeks.
Getty Stock ImagesTo avoid twitching in the first place, the NHS say there are four things you can do:
-get plenty of rest
-try to find ways to relax
-stretch and massage muscles affected by cramps
-try not to worry about it because it only makes it worse
Dr Rene said: “Myokymia will usually resolve itself over a short space of time.
“If you’d like to minimise your chances of suffering in the first place, you can cut down on the amount of coffee you’re drinking or try to reduce your stress, but it will typically go away in minutes, hours or days anyway.”
When should you see a doctor about your eye twitches?
If you have a twitch for more than two weeks, the NHS advises that you go and see your GP.
They might take a look at what medicines you're having or either refer you to a specialist.
Getty Stock ImagesThey also note to lay off the caffeine and booze for a bit.
Dr Luke Powles, associate clinical director at Bupa Health Clinics, told the Guardian: “If you experience a persistent twitch that lingers for more than two weeks and notice any unusual changes in your eye’s appearance or sensation, it may be indicative of an underlying issue.
“These might be early indicators of multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease, a progressive brain disorder that can lead to muscle stiffness and tension, making movements and facial expressions more challenging.
