Although it is a substance found naturally in plants, caffeine is considered a drug. While most adults can safely consume 2 to 4 cups of coffee daily without feeling any ill effects from the caffeine, combining caffeine with certain medications...
Norepinephrine, a hormone secreted by the adrenal gland, transmits signals between nerve cells in the brain and also works to constrict blood vessels. Doctors inject it to help regulate blood conditions or use medication to increase levels of the...
The nicotine in tobacco products is heavily addictive, so much so that many ex-smokers start smoking again within a few weeks or months, according to the National Cancer Institute. If you want to kick the habit but find the cold turkey method...
You know all the reasons you should quit smoking -- you want to avoid lung cancer, heart and cardiovascular disease and other smoking-related illnesses. You want to lead a longer life. Now that you're trying to kick the habit, you may not know...
Nearly 25 percent of teenagers in the United States acknowledge that they smoke cigarettes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although two-thirds of this group expresses a desire to quit and in spite of the fact that...
Thrush, like athlete's foot, jock itch and vaginal yeast infection, is caused by an overgrowth of a normally harmless bacteria -- Candida albicans. Candida lives in your mouth and throughout your digestive tract. If you take antibiotics, birth...
Nicotine is as addictive as alcohol, cocaine and morphine, according to MedlinePlus. Smoking withdrawal results in both mental and physical symptoms. These withdrawal symptoms usually peak in between the third and fifth days and fade after two...
The hazards of smoking can make it difficult to understand why a person would begin smoking--increased risk of lung cancer, emphysema and heart disease all are connected with smoking, according to Kids Health. Although different reasons exist for...
Chantix (varenicline) is an anti-smoking drug associated with serious side effects. The prescription medication can help with smoking cessation. An FDA panel ruled on July 1, 2009, that Chantix and Zyban should carry "black box" warnings,...
A stomach ulcer, also called a peptic ulcer, is an open sore in the lining of your esophagus, stomach or small intestine. According to MayoClinic.com, ulcers are caused by a bacterium called H. pylori, but non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,...
Numerous conditions can cause right-sided upper abdominal pain. According to The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library, the most common cause of abdominal pain is intra-abdominal disorders. Organ problems can cause localized or diffuse pain...
Stomach pain occurs in the abdominal region. According to MedicineNet, the abdominal region is defined as the lower area of the ribs, the diaphragm, the pubic bone and the areas on each side. Stomach pain is usually related to pain felt in the...
The duodenum, the starting point of the small intestine, attaches to the stomach at one end and the jejunum, the middle portion of the intestine, at the other. The first of three sections making up the small intestine, the duodenum is short, only...
Bleeding in the brain, what doctors call hemorrhagic stroke, is a potentially life-threatening condition. The rupture of a blood vessel interrupts blood supply to some brain cells. Other cells are damaged by pressure--since the skull cannot...
Nausea refers to the uncomfortable feeling preceding vomiting, though vomiting does not always occur afterward. Certain foods, contaminated foods and eating too quickly may contribute to nausea. In some cases, nausea indicates a serious underlying...
Smoking and its effects on our body has been studied for years and will continue to be as long as people are addicted to cigarettes. Smoking can be directly linked to numerous diseases and is a risk factor for the development of many other health...
The U.S. government has approved 599 additives for use in cigarettes, notes Tri-County Cessation Center. Some additives are known carcinogens, meaning they are known to cause cancer. Other additives can lead to other health problems. Despite the...
Certain foods such as broccoli, cabbage, baked beans and carbonated beverages can cause burping. Even chewing gum or eating hard candy can cause burping as you may swallow excess air, which is the leading cause of burping, according to the...
Oral health is more than dazzling teeth and a bright smile. Practice frequent and thorough inspections of your mouth's inner surfaces, including the underside of your tongue, to ensure no hidden medical problems are present. Although usually no...
A stomach ulcer, or peptic ulcer, is a lesion in the gastric lining. One common cause is H. pylori, a bacterium that can be treated with medications. Anti-inflammatory medicines, smoking, alcohol abuse and poor diet are other factors associated...
The most beneficial diet for a stomach ulcer is one that includes easily digested and mildly flavored foods. Everyone reacts to food differently, so there is no single diet that works across the board. Ulcers stem from an infection caused by...
Smoking cessation aids and pills are products designed to help you diminish your addiction to smoking and eventually learn how to live nicotine-free. Typically, you will use these products in combination with counseling, education and support as...
Gastritis is a term used to describe a group of conditions characterized by inflammation of the lining of your stomach. in some cases, gastritis can lead to ulcers and an increased risk of stomach cancer. For most people, however, gastritis isn't...