March 31, 2009
acid reflux
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To an ordinary person, heartburn may seem normal after eating. One has to beware however, if it becomes persistent as it is the most common sign of the condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. In GERD the food liquid taken in travels from the stomach and back up the esophagus, the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach.
Heartburn occurs because the partially digested food irritates the esophagus and thus, causes heartburn along with other symptoms. Normally, the lower esopageal sphincter closes off the esophagus from the stomach. In gastroesophageal reflux, the sphincter fails to close properly.
Intake of extremely acidic foods is one reason why GERD occurs. Eating too much or too fast could also contribute to the condition since in both cases, the food is not cleared from the esophagus fast enough. Often, the acid of the stomach contents simply overwhelms the esophagus and triggers the reflux.
Here’s why gastroesophageal reflux disease should be taken seriously. Once the stomach contents comes back up and touches the lining of the esophagus, a person may feel a burning sensation in the chest or throat known as heartburn. Sometimes, acid indigestion occurs - the acidic fluid reaches the back of the mouth. Take note that for heartburn to be considered as a symptom of GERD, it must occur more than twice a week.
Other symptoms of gastroesophageal disease are difficulty in swallowing, hoarseness of voice in the morning, sensation of choking, bad breath, sensation of food being stuck in the throat and persistent dry cough. Of course, a person will feel pain once the stomach acid reaches the esophagus. The acid triggers the nerves in the esophagus and damages them, leading to pain. If not treated properly, gastroesophageal reflux disease can complicate into conditions such as erosive esophagitis, esophageal strictures, Barrett’s esophagus, and worse esophageal cancer.
The good news is, gastroesophageal disease can be prevented and treated in very simple ways. One way is by avoiding foods that trigger GERD symptoms. Coupled with dietary changes, alteration of lifestyle should also be considered. Eating is, after all, a kind of lifestyle. Moreover, any activity that causes stress also increases stomach acidity. Even lack of sleep can trigger the condition.
One may not know it, but shaping undergarments and other tight fitting clothing around the waist and abdomen can trigger an increase in abdominal pressure, which in turn causes GERD symptoms. Certain medications too exacerbate the condition. Thus, most medications are to be taken only after a person has eaten.
Besides a good diet and lifestyle, good posture and gravity may also help in preventing and alleviating gastroesophageal reflux. Elevating the head of the bed usually eases the symptoms at night, while sitting up straight aids digestion.
March 31, 2009
acid reflux
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Becoming a take-charge momCNNColic, acid reflux, and a milk allergy made Greta unhappy and her parents desperate. "We were in the frame of mind of doing anything we could to make her comfortable and happy." Greta is 2 now, with no acid reflux, but she's figured out that a little …
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Source:Becoming a take-charge mom - CNN
March 28, 2009
acid reflux
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No need to suffer with indigestionIrish Independent, IrelandThis is known as acid reflux, and is one of the most common causes of indigestion. Stop smoking — if you smoke, the chemicals you inhale may be contributing to your indigestion. These chemicals can cause the ring of muscle that separates your …
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Source:No need to suffer with indigestion - Irish Independent
March 26, 2009
acid reflux
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UW-Madison opens GI Pregnancy clinicSmartBrief, DCThe University of Wisconsin-Madison is opening a new GI Pregnancy clinic to treat pregnant women who have gastrointestinal conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, acid reflux and gallstones. Gastroenterologist Dr. Sumona Saha says some problems …
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Source:UW-Madison opens GI Pregnancy clinic - SmartBrief
March 24, 2009
acid reflux
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Jamaica Gleaner |
Acid reflux diseaseJamaica Gleaner, JamaicaAcid reflux is common in babies and children and should be investigated if after age one the child experiences frequent regurgitation, stomach discomfort, dry coughing or wheezing, especially during or after feeding. GORD is common in people who are …
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Source:Acid reflux disease - Jamaica Gleaner
March 21, 2009
acid reflux
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HALO Can Help Prevent Fatal Esophageal CancerMSNBCRon Oberhelman, 63, suffered from acid reflux disease for years before discovering he was in danger. "It's interesting because I really didn't know I had a problem until it was discovered I had Barrett's disease," he said. Acid reflux can lead to …
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Source:HALO Can Help Prevent Fatal Esophageal Cancer - MSNBC
March 18, 2009
acid reflux
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Examiner.com |
Esophageal cancer and its obesity linkExaminer.comAnother risk factor is chronic acid reflux disease. What happens is the stomach acid that rushes upward into the esophagus erodes its lining. If the erosion goes on long enough, people can develop what is known as Barrett's esophagus. …
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Source:Esophageal cancer and its obesity link - Examiner.com
March 15, 2009
acid reflux
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KSFY |
No Scar SurgeryKSFY, SDSo far, Dr. Thaemert and his partners are only doing scarless surgery to remove gallbladders, but they expect appendectomies, lap bands and acid reflux surgeries are on their "scarless" horizon.
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Source:No Scar Surgery - KSFY
March 13, 2009
acid reflux
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Project AED: Local survivors share support for life-saving deviceWKYC-TV, OHHe was diagnosed with Acid Reflux a year or so before. He took his (medicine) and the four of us went for a brisk walk around the Baypoint Marina. "Tim complained that his heart burn was getting worse. He decided to try to 'jog' it out since he is use …
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Source:Project AED: Local survivors share support for life-saving device - WKYC-TV
