Sour taste in mouth

The sour taste in mouth is a very unpleasant condition a person faces. The foul taste in mouth does not let the affected person consume food in appropriate amounts. It reduces appetite due to the bad taste in mouth. This problem is not serious and hazardous for health. Many people ignore this problem and do nothing to cure it. [hana-code-insert name=’rectangle’ /]There are a host of reasons why a person may suffer from sour taste in mouth. They are discussed below.

Reasons for sour taste in mouth

Sour taste in mouth due to post Nasal drip

This is one of the major causes of sour taste in mouth. The nasal mucus is enriched with protein thus giving a good reason for the bacteria to develop here. The bacteria keep on multiplying and reach the back of the tongue, getting accumulated there. This in turn develops the sour tastes in mouth. Sinusitis is also a major breeder of the sour taste in mouth.

Sour taste in mouth due to bacteria

Anaerobic bacteria are most responsible for the sulphur like smell in the mouth. These bacteria sit at the back of the tongue giving a sour taste in the mouth. In the day time the mouth develops enough saliva to wash out the bacteria. However at night the production of saliva lessens giving enough chance for the bacteria to again sit at the back of the tongue and produce the sour taste in mouth. Therefore in the morning the person experiences the sour taste in mouth coupled by bad breath. The bacteria develop in the whole of the mouth overnight and the sour taste can not only be felt but smelled too.

Sour taste in mouth due to heartburn

Heartburn is considered to be one of the most common factors that lead to the sour taste in mouth. While digestion the oesophagus doesn’t have much work to do and lays idle. All the acids that get produced in the stomach during the process reach up to the throat. This leads to the sour taste in mouth.

Sour taste in mouth due to deficiencies and disorders

There are certain deficiencies that when developed causes sour taste in mouth. Vitamin deficiencies and gum diseases cause this problem largely. Pregnancy is also a condition that leads to the sour taste in mouth. Diseases such as diabetes and respiratory problems contribute to this problem too.

Sour taste in mouth due to medications

Antibiotics and most medicines lead to the bitter and sour taste in mouth. They taste bad and leave the effect in mouth even after swallowing causing this problem.

Sour taste in mouth due to Zenker’s Diverticulum

This is a condition wherein the decayed food particles get accumulated in the oesophagus. On lying down immediately after eating these particles fall out from the pouch of the oesophagus and come back to the throat resulting in sour taste in mouth.

Phantom sour taste in mouth

As the name suggest this problem has to do with something superficial. Actually because of this problem the sour taste gets developed due to the misinterpretation of olfactory sense by the nerves. It basically is a disorder of the nerves that gives sour taste sensation which is not real. The patient develops illusions of sour taste in mouth in Phantom sour taste in mouth problem. Epileptic seizures are often preceded by the sour taste. This condition unlike other reasons for sour taste in mouth is serious and demands immediate attention if the problem persists. Consulting a physician and getting a complete diagnosis done is of utmost priority.

How to prevent sour taste in mouth

The basic solution to sour taste in mouth is prevention of development of bacteria in the mouth. Regular use of tongue cleaner is the most essential thing one must do if he/she suffers from this problem. Every time they brush or consume something it is important to clean the tongue too.  If the problem persists or is due to any disorder or deficiency then consulting the physician is very important.

Pain in heel of foot

Heel pain in foot is very discomforting. [hana-code-insert name=’rectangle’ /]A lot of people face this problem at both young and old ages. Once a person faces such a problem it is very important to go to a doctor and diagnose the reason behind the pain in heel of foot. Any delay in visiting the doctor can aggravate the problem further.

Reasons for pain in heel of foot

There are many reasons why pain in heels may develop. They are

• Plantar Fasciitis: This is the most common reason among all for pain in heels of foot. At the arch of the foot are present some tight tissues. Any irritation and inflammation in those tissues is a result of this plantar fasciitis. The symptoms include pain in prolonged walking or standing.
• Heel Spur: This is associated with the above mentioned problem, Plantar Fasciitis and is again witnesses in people who are in to a profession that requires long standing hours.
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: When the large nerve at the back of the foot becomes entrapped or pinched this problem develops.
• Stress Fractures: This problem is more commonly seen in athletes and long distance runners. It develops due to stress fractures of the calcaneus.
• Posterior Heel Pain: This problem triggers pain behind the foot and not necessarily beneath the foot.

When to go to the doctor for pain in heel of foot?

This is a very important question that might arise in many heel pain patients. They seem to wonder when the right time to visit the doctor is. Estimating it might be a little difficult. The signs that send warning signals that it is time to visit the doctor are given below.

• Inability in walking due to the intensity of the pain.
• The heel pain in the foot continues even at night or while resting.
• The history of pain dates back to months or years.
• Pain in heel of foot is accompanied by redness, sharp pain, inflammation, fever or any other symptom.

Treatments for pain in heel of foot

The treatment of such a pain depends on the reason behind the problem. Therefore the most important step is to find out the reason behind the pain in heels. Some common treatments to lessen the pain and bring relief are given below.

• Rest: This is the best way to bring relief to the painful heels of the feet. If you’ve been running around from quite some time and have been constantly bearing the pain, it’s time for some rest now.
• Applying ice packs: Applying ice packs bring instant relief to the paining heel. This might therefore be a great way of bringing immediate relief to the pain.
• Exercises: There are certain exercises that are helpful and specialised in bringing relief to the pain in heel. Consulting an expert or a doctor is advisable to know more about such exercises.
• Medications: Some medications are dedicated to healing from the pain in heels. Taking such medicines is only advisable after consulting your doctor.
• Shoe inserts: There are some shoe inserts available in the markets that bring great relief to paining heels. They must be used after consulting the doctor.
• Changing shoe type: Changing the kind of foot wear you’ve been wearing over the years may also come out to be a great way to bring relief to the painful heel. There are few special kinds of shoes that are designed to decrease the pain in the heels. Again doctor’s consultation is a must here.

Urinary tract infections in women

Urinary tract infection also called UTI occurs due to bacterial infection in the urinary tract system. These bacteria multiply in number and create infection. This infection although is not very serious but does have very discomforting symptoms. Women are most prone to urinary tract infections. [hana-code-insert name=’rectangle’ /]The reason behind this is that they have shorter urinary tract than men. Such an infection gets treated with antibiotic medications. Some women are so prone to UTI that they suffer from recurring infections.

Symptoms of urinary tract infections in women

There are some very common and easily recognisable symptoms of urinary tract infection. They are given below.

• Pain and inflammation while passing urine
• Frequent urges to urinate
• Soreness in the lower abdomen, back or sides
• Back pain, fever, nausea, chills and /or vomiting

Causes of urinary tract infections in women

There are many reasons why a woman will be affected by urinary tract infections. The possibilities and the reasons are given below.

• One of the most common causes of UTI is bacteria of bowel that reside on the skin of vagina or rectum that gets spread and enters urinary tract. These bacteria then move upwards causing infection in the bladder.
• Sexual intercourse is one very common cause of urinary tract infections in women. During this activity bacteria in the vaginal area sometimes are passed into the urinary tract causing infection in the urethra.
• Women who have more than one sexual partner or indulge in sexual activity very frequently come in contact with urinary tract infections sooner.
• Other factors leading to UTIs are menopause, pregnancy, diabetes, stone in kidney etc.

Diagnosing urinary tract infections in women

The basis of diagnosing whether a woman is affected by urinary tract infection is through urine tests wherein number of bacteria and white blood cells is determined. A pelvic examination and urine culture test is necessary to detect urinary tract infection in women.

Treatment of urinary tract infections in women

Treating urinary tract infection is not a very complicated task. Antibiotics are prescribed by the doctor to cure this problem. Also liquid intake has to be increased. Drinking lots of water, fresh juices and soups is advised. Maintaining hygiene of highest order is also necessary to avoid/cure this problem.