Reflux in Infants
Stomach-acid rising into the gullet (or oesophagus) causes reflux. The typical symptom in adults is a burning sensation in the lower chest - "heartburn" but reflux can occur at any age.
In infants the symptoms can include vomiting or regurgitation, difficulty with feeding, sleep disturbances, crying (especially during or after feeds) and irritability. None of these are absolutely specific. They may be regular or intermittent. It ranges from mild to severe. Reflux can occur in both breast and bottle-fed babies.
Enlarged Prostate
The prostate gland sits under a man's bladder. As men get older it slowly enlarged. It is thought to double in size between ages 21 and 50 and again between 50 and 80 and we don't know why.
Benign prostate enlargement (BPH) is universal but not all men experience symptoms nor need treatment. It is important to note that prostate cancer can also cause prostate enlargement but is a completely separate condition to BPH.
Vaginal Thrush
Thrush is caused by the fungus candida albicans. While it is part of healthy vagina flora, in certain circumstances it can multiply excessively and lead to typical thrush. About 75% of women will experience thrush at some stage while some get it frequently.
Iron for Vegetarians
Iron defiency is a potential problem for those on a vegetarian or vegan diet. This is particularly the case for women whose daily iron requirements (especially in reproductive years) because of menstruation are greater than for men. Iron is essential for red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body. Iron deficiency leads to anaemia, which causes fatigue, headache and weakness.
