The sight of blood coming from the mouth can be quite distressing. Depending on the nature and site of the bleed, the blood may be passed out on its own or within sputum/phlegm or vomit. If blood is pooling in the mouth, then this requires immediate medical attention as it indicates a rupture of an artery.
Vomiting Up Blood
The medical term for vomiting up blood is haematemesis (US ~ hematemesis). It may vary from bright red and fresh blood in the vomit to pink streaks or dark brown to black clumps resembling coffee grounds.
Jaundice is the yellow tinge of the skin, sclera (whites of the eyes) and inside of the mouth that arises when the bilirubin level in the blood is higher than normal. While it is often referred to as “yellow jaundice”, the word jaundice in itself means yellow tinge. Jaundice is more often seen in newborn babies but can also occur in adults as a result of liver and blood disorders.
Chest pain is considered as any pain felt between the collarbone (clavicle) and lower border of the ribcage. This includes pain emanating from the thoracic (chest) cavity and upper abdomen. Chest pain is often a cause for concern because it may indicate some disease of the heart, however, other important organs lie in the area which should also be considered in a case of chest pain.
Halitosis can be an embarrassing problem and can affect a person’s self confidence and social interactions. The most effective way to treat bad breath is to identify the cause and receive the appropriate medical treatment. Preventing bad breath is an ongoing endeavour that we all undertake on a daily basis. In the case of halitosis, even the best dental hygiene is insufficient to avoid bad breath.
Halitosis is the medical term for persistent bad breath that may vary in severity and the type of odor. It can range from a stale to sickening, fruity odour and in more severe cases, it may smell fishy or extremely foul similar to rotting matter. At times, the type of smell can provide some indication as to the cause of the bad breath.
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The vuvuzela is a popular South African noise-maker that has gained much attention in the recent months due to the 2010 World Cup soccer tournament. This plastic horn has also been the subject of much debate related to the hearing damage that it may cause, especially in a stadium where thousands of fans are blowing on their horns in unison. Love it or hate, the vuvuzela is here to stay, in South Africa at least, and it is important to learn how to protect your ears should you be in close proximity to the instrument.
Can the vuvuzela sound damage hearing?
Yes, if blown in close proximity to the ear, the vuvuzela may cause temporary noise-induced hearing loss. This, however, should return in a few days to weeks depending on the sound volume and period of exposure. Repeat or prolonged exposure will result in permanent hearing problems although the onset in these instances are usually more gradual – initially there is some loss but the hearing returns partially. The sound volume from a single vuvuzela may clock in at about 125 decibels although the cacophany within a stadium may reach up to 140 decibels (dB).
Diarrhoea, or “runny tummy”/”running stomach”, is frequent liquid stools or loose bowel movements which is one of the most common illnesses that affects all age groups. In most cases it resolves on its own without leading to any complications. However, in babies, toddlers and children, a parent has to be especially careful and guard against dehydration. This can rapidly set in with dangerous consequences and may even become life-threatening. In babies, sometimes the stool can be so liquid that it can be mistaken for urine.
