Harvard Health Content API

There are many ways to help reduce heartburn and acid reflux without medication, including:

• Elevate the head of your bed at least six inches.

• Limit foods that cause the lower esophageal sphincter to relax during their digestion, such as coffee, chocolate, fatty foods, peppermint and spearmint.

• Limit acidic foods that make the irritation worse when they are regurgitated. These include citrus fruits and tomatoes.

• Avoid carbonated beverages. Burps of gas force the esophageal sphincter to open and can promote reflux.

• Do not lie down after eating.

• Use lozenges or gum to keep producing saliva.

People with akathisia are restless, have a compulsion to keep moving, and are unable to stay still.  They may fidget, cross and uncross their legs repetitively, or constantly walk around.  The movement disorder is associated with certain types of medications such as antipsychotics as well as some medical conditions, like Parkinson’s disease.  While there is no specific treatment for akathisia, if medication-induced, changing the medication or lowering the dose may relieve symptoms.  Beta-blockers and sedatives may also help.

A hallucination occurs when you perceive a sight, sound, smell, touch, or taste that is not actually present.  Hallucinations are often a symptom of psychosis-related mental disorders such as schizophrenia, but they can also occur with substance use and neurological conditions, like epilepsy.  The exact mechanism is still not completely understood but may involve chemical disruptions that interfere with the brain’s ability to interpret information from the outside world.

When to worry and seek medical evaluation of a cough depends on whether there are other symptoms and how long you have had the cough. Cough with high fever, shortness of breath or bloody sputum needs prompt medical evaluation. Even without other symptoms, a persistent cough for more than four to six weeks requires a medical appointment.

Anyone considering or engaging in self-harm needs to reach out to a trusated family member or friend or call the Hotline 988. Trying to stop yourself is admirable. But even if you don’t think you would actually harm yourself, it does mean there are issues you want to address.

Surgery for craniosynostosis is usually done in the first year or so of life. Surgery can be done later, but it is more difficult and carries more risk. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits with a surgeon who has significant experience in surgery for this problem.

Vaginal itch is most commonly caused by a yeast infection or irritation and inflammation of the skin. Other possible causes include trichomoniasis, a parasitic infection that is often sexually transmitted, bacterial vaginosis, and vaginal dryness due to reduced estrogen levels after menopause. Treatment depends on the cause and can include antifungal, antifungal, corticosteroid, and estrogen creams. Some of these remedies are sold over-the-counter, but if you are not sure what is causing your vaginal itch, see your doctor so you can get a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

During a menstrual period, the body releases chemicals called prostaglandins which stimulate muscles in the uterus to tighten and contract, causing pain in the lower abdomen, back, and thighs. While the pain is usually milder than the contractions felt during childbirth, for some women, menstrual cramps can be severe. Over-the-counter pain relievers and oral contraceptives can help reduce the pain associated with menstrual periods.

Dandruff itself shouldn’t cause hair loss. However, the reasons for dandruff can lead to itching and excessive scratching which can damage hair follicles leading to hair loss. It’s best to consult with a medical provider to determine if the problem is just a dry scalp, seborrheic dermatitis or an overgrowth of a common fungus. By addressing the underlying reason for dandruff should help stop the hair loss.

People with osteoporosis or at risk of developing osteoporosis need to be sure they get adequate amounts of vitamin D and dietary calcium. No specific foods need to be avoided in people with the condition. However, it's best to limit salt and not consume large amounts of caffeine. High amounts of salt and caffeine can cause the kidneys to excrete more calcium, which could potentially worsen osteoporosis.