Heartburn, Causes

Heartburn is a pain behind the breast bone, often described as 'burning'. Similar pain can also be felt at the same level in the mid-line of the back. Most people suffer from heartburn at one time or another.

Interestingly, heartburn has nothing to do with the heart, instead- it is a digestive problem. Heartburn is generally related to meals and posture and can often be relieved by remedies for indigestion.
Causes

Acid is present in the stomach to digest all kinds of food. Heartburn occurs when small amounts of this acid rise up into the gullet (oesophagus) - the tube which carries food from the mouth to the stomach.

This is called reflux. Some other factors that can lead to heartburn include:

Pregnancy
Smoking
Eating large meals, especially near bedtime
Being overweight
Bending a lot
Wearing tight clothing around the waist

Prevention

The most important and helpful aspects of treatment are those which you can do for yourself.
Stop smoking
After a meal, when the stomach is full, smoking increases the chances that you will suffer from heartburn.
Avoid becoming overweight

Diet
You may find particular foods can make your symptoms worse. These might include: acidic fruit drinks, drinks which are too hot, spirits (such as whiskey and brandy), or fatty and spicy meals.

Sleeping
Sleeping - Let your evening meal digest well before you go to sleeping. Night-time symptoms can also be reduced by raising the head of the bed on blocks by 6 inches.

Clothing
Clothing, Avoid tight belts and underclothes as they increase pressure on the stomach.

Pregnancy
It is common for pregnant women to suffer from heartburn.

Medical Treatments

Take antacids either in tablet or liquid form, which are available from the chemist.
If you find that you have to take these medicines regularly or you don't get any relief, it is best to visit your doctor.
Your doctor can also prescribe stronger medicine which will reduce the production of acid in the stomach and allow the inflamed gullet to heal.
Alternative medical remedies are also available that you discuss this with your doctor.

Cuts and Wounds
Minor cuts, scratches and abrasions do not require medical attention. Abrasions, such as gravel or sand rash, may have dirt embedded in the wound and are likely to be infected.

A penetrating wound or a cut may be caused by sharp objects such as a knife, scissors, blade or nail. The surface cut may be small but such objects can penetrate deeply and harm internal organs. These objects may also carry dirt and germs deep inside, increasing the risk of infection.

First aid for cuts and wounds:

Wash your hands thoroughly before treating the wound.
Gently brush away any foreign elements on the surface, such as gravel or sand.
Clean the wound and surrounding area with warm and sterile water, and a mild antiseptic.
Pat dry the skin around the wound but do not wipe away blood clots.
Apply a sterile, non-adherent dressing, if necessary.

Burns Bites and stings

Natalie Bloom
Burns
Some minor burns aren't a cause for concern and can be safely treated at home, other more serious burns require medical care. But taking some simple precautions to make your home safer and can prevent many burns.

Common Causes

Scalds, the number-one culprit (from steam, hot bath water, tipped-over coffee cups, cooking fluids, etc.)
Contact with flames or hot objects (from the stove, fireplace, curling iron, etc.)
Chemical burns
Electrical burns
Overexposure to the sun