Drugs and medicines for acid reflux are readily available. They are found in various spots, some medicines for heartburn are sold over the counter, and most doctors are happy to prescribe on a promise of immediate termination of the penalty paralyse acid reflux. After all that, you are surely ask medication for acid reflux are in no way effective if it is a question of determining the real cause of your acid reflux and if the temporary respite justifies the side effects.Heartburn , Also known as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), just when the valve in the esophagus (ERP or lower esophageal sphincter) becomes weak and instead of acting in a sense, allows flow of acid content the stomach into the esophagus. Usually, after glutition, ERP opens to let food in the stomach before closing to prevent the return of acid into the esophagus. The reflux of acid from the acid reflux is often seen as a burning sensation known as heartburn. Hence, acid reflux patients often experience a burning sensation particularly in the sternum, often come to night.Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a threat condition requiring immediate diagnosis and treatment. If unattended, Gerd evil can corrode the lining of the esophagus, causing inflammation continues and maybe even a cancer of the esophagus. Persistent GERD concomitant with the symptoms of heartburn can be distracting and painful enough to ruin your daily activities and seriously encroach on esophagus.Acid reflux medications are not necessarily the solution of choice, even if they seem to be most easily available for the treatment of heartburn. There are four main categories of medicines for use of gastroesophageal reflux: 1. Antacids take effect in neutralizing acid in the esophagus and for a few hours. They can be purchased in various formats, such as liquid, chewing gum or tablets and on.2. Alginates summarize the contents of the stomach and reduce reflux.3. H2-receptor antagonists imitate the production of stomach acid in order to put a block on your gastric system. They take 30 to 60 minutes to start working and can then produce this effect for a maximum of 12 hours.4. IPP (pump inhibitors protons) inhibit the release of acid in the stomach by acting on the stomach cells.These all medicines have a common element, although they vary in how they work and for their duration and effect: 1. They are temporary effect. Acid reflux is complicated, created by a group of environmental factors, lifestyle and diet. However, most acid reflux medicines focus on treating short-term causes of acid reflux, so that they bring only temporary relief and avoid the real causes of heartburn.2. The use of these drugs for a long time can produce many side effects. Usage extended antacids may aggravate the damage long-term acid reflux: gastric acid is necessary for proper digestion and immunity and the ingestion of antacid continually interferes with these processes. IPP, generally does more good than harm for side effects. His most frequent serious side effects, including headaches and diarrhea, PPI had also been involved in osteoporosis.Most medication for acid reflux will more than make a temporary respite, but with many side effects. The reason is that conventional drug therapy for heartburn is based on the approach that, compared to the holistic approach, not care for the body, but seeks only to eliminate the symptoms of the disease. Alternative treatments for acid reflux, such as homeopathic solutions, changes in lifestyle and diet, medicinal plants, and detoxification, the order in the cause inside acid reflux to safely and effectively " prevented from returning.
Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/acid-reflux-medications-do-they-work-485730.html
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Thursday, August 14, 2008
The DANGERS that Lurk in Severe Acid Reflux
One of the most discomforting aspects of GERD as it is referred to (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is that it is recurring and will come back to hassle many people who have already fallen victim to it once. A severe acid reflex condition can then result in even worse ramifications.
So what really is acid reflux disease and what are its causes? What are the different complications of serious acid reflex that then lead to the situation worsening?
When stomach contents gets refluxed or thrown back up into the esophagus, this is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease. This stomach content that contains bile and pepsin amongst other substances then inflames and corrodes the esophageal lining. This is the root cause of heartburn, a frequent symptom of severe acid reflux disease. This can lead to serious acid reflux problems. To complicate matters, this information is not immediately obvious to a patient and it requires further investigation to know if someone is suffering from serious acid reflux problems.
Statistically, serious acid reflux is quite common. Much of the population suffers from severe acid reflux problems with heartburn and related symptoms. Although for many the symptoms are not that serious, for others this can degenerate into severe acid reflux complications. Research indicates that older people are also more in danger of suffering from serious acid reflux.
It is crucial that a sufferer with serious acid reflux reacts quickly and correctly. The logic for this is that serious acid reflux can become a sequence of problems impacting in turn other areas of health, and so the speedy resolution of serious acid reflux with workable remedies is increasingly important.
Here are some cases of serious ramifications caused by acid reflux that can result if someone fails to take action to treat a serious acid reflux condition.
Erosive Esophagitis, meaning severe esophageal inflammation.
Narrowing of the esophagus. Severe acid reflux reduces the esophageal tract space to the extent that both eating and drinking can become difficult.
Barrett's esophagus can be caused by severe acid reflux.
Severe acid reflux can cause medical problems in the throat, in the pulmonary cavities and even in the teeth.
Because conventional medicine which is based on over the counter medicaments only treats the external symptoms of severe acid reflux and not the causes, it will not help with severe acid reflux because it does not target or address the underlying factors. Solutions for someone to handle severe acid reflux basically divide into two categories. The first is conventional medicine and the second is alternative medicine. However natural remedies for holistic cures are alone in their capability to resolve the real causes and they are therefore more effective.
by Jeff Martin
source: http://www.webhealthinsurancenic.com/the-dangers-that-lurk-in-severe-acid-reflux.php
So what really is acid reflux disease and what are its causes? What are the different complications of serious acid reflex that then lead to the situation worsening?
When stomach contents gets refluxed or thrown back up into the esophagus, this is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease. This stomach content that contains bile and pepsin amongst other substances then inflames and corrodes the esophageal lining. This is the root cause of heartburn, a frequent symptom of severe acid reflux disease. This can lead to serious acid reflux problems. To complicate matters, this information is not immediately obvious to a patient and it requires further investigation to know if someone is suffering from serious acid reflux problems.
Statistically, serious acid reflux is quite common. Much of the population suffers from severe acid reflux problems with heartburn and related symptoms. Although for many the symptoms are not that serious, for others this can degenerate into severe acid reflux complications. Research indicates that older people are also more in danger of suffering from serious acid reflux.
It is crucial that a sufferer with serious acid reflux reacts quickly and correctly. The logic for this is that serious acid reflux can become a sequence of problems impacting in turn other areas of health, and so the speedy resolution of serious acid reflux with workable remedies is increasingly important.
Here are some cases of serious ramifications caused by acid reflux that can result if someone fails to take action to treat a serious acid reflux condition.
Erosive Esophagitis, meaning severe esophageal inflammation.
Narrowing of the esophagus. Severe acid reflux reduces the esophageal tract space to the extent that both eating and drinking can become difficult.
Barrett's esophagus can be caused by severe acid reflux.
Severe acid reflux can cause medical problems in the throat, in the pulmonary cavities and even in the teeth.
Because conventional medicine which is based on over the counter medicaments only treats the external symptoms of severe acid reflux and not the causes, it will not help with severe acid reflux because it does not target or address the underlying factors. Solutions for someone to handle severe acid reflux basically divide into two categories. The first is conventional medicine and the second is alternative medicine. However natural remedies for holistic cures are alone in their capability to resolve the real causes and they are therefore more effective.
by Jeff Martin
source: http://www.webhealthinsurancenic.com/the-dangers-that-lurk-in-severe-acid-reflux.php
Monday, August 11, 2008
Get Rid Of Your Acid Reflux With No Drugs
What is acid reflux and where does GERD come from?
Often triggered after consuming food, heartburn, the burning feeling in the middle of the chest, is one of the most common signs of a more complicated syndrome known as GERD (Gastro esophageal reflux disease) or acid reflux - the phenomenon where the stomach pushes liquid, acids and juices back into the esophagus.
The liquid that gets back into the esophagus then attacks the esophageal lining, corroding and burning the tissue because of the stomach contents of acid as well as bile, pepsin and other digestive enzymes.
If no mechanism prevents the acid substances from getting back into the esophagus, then over time serious injury can result to the esophagus and generate further complications. The esophagus is a tube composed of muscle which passes food from the mouth to the stomach by a series of muscular movements. At the bottom of the esophagus is the LES, the lower esophageal sphincter, which should normally operate as a one-way valve, opening by reflex to let food into the stomach, then closing to prevent stomach content from moving back into the esophageal cavity. But upon weakening of the LES, or lack of synchronization (remaining open when it should be shut), acidic stomach content can flow back into the esophagus.
Acid reflux significance is determined by three factors:
1. The muscular effectiveness or weakness of the LES.
2. The stomach liquid type and quantity.
3. The natural ability of esophagus muscles to throw such content back from the bottom of the esophagus.
It is of interest to see that with most individuals who are victims of acid reflux, the concentration of acid within the gastric contents is more pronounced than with people not suffering from acid reflux. It has also been found among sufferers of heartburn that the liquid stomach content comes into contact with the esophageal lining and remains there longer than is the case for people not suffering from acid reflux.
In addition, when awake and upright, gravity helps the body to keep the stomach liquids in the stomach. The body also uses saliva as a means of protecting the esophagus. The saliva contains water, enzymes, mucus and electrolytes to neutralize the corrosive effects that acid reflux might have in the esophagus.
Nonetheless, at night when saliva production falls to a low point, when gravity is no longer a help and swallowing decreases while the body is horizontal, the reflux liquids remain in the esophagus for longer and increase corrosion and injury to the esophageal lining.
GERD is a complicated phenomenon and involves much more than one facto. This is the reason why physicians still find this chronic ailment so hard to treat if all they have is conventional over the counter or prescribed medications to apply. Fortunately, there are alternative solutions - the holistic remedy that addresses the root cause and then brings back the natural balance on the inner gastric and esophageal environmental levels.
by jeff martin
source: http://www.articledirectory.com/Art/131262/155/Get-Rid-Of-Your-Acid-Reflux-With-No-Drugs.html
Often triggered after consuming food, heartburn, the burning feeling in the middle of the chest, is one of the most common signs of a more complicated syndrome known as GERD (Gastro esophageal reflux disease) or acid reflux - the phenomenon where the stomach pushes liquid, acids and juices back into the esophagus.
The liquid that gets back into the esophagus then attacks the esophageal lining, corroding and burning the tissue because of the stomach contents of acid as well as bile, pepsin and other digestive enzymes.
If no mechanism prevents the acid substances from getting back into the esophagus, then over time serious injury can result to the esophagus and generate further complications. The esophagus is a tube composed of muscle which passes food from the mouth to the stomach by a series of muscular movements. At the bottom of the esophagus is the LES, the lower esophageal sphincter, which should normally operate as a one-way valve, opening by reflex to let food into the stomach, then closing to prevent stomach content from moving back into the esophageal cavity. But upon weakening of the LES, or lack of synchronization (remaining open when it should be shut), acidic stomach content can flow back into the esophagus.
Acid reflux significance is determined by three factors:
1. The muscular effectiveness or weakness of the LES.
2. The stomach liquid type and quantity.
3. The natural ability of esophagus muscles to throw such content back from the bottom of the esophagus.
It is of interest to see that with most individuals who are victims of acid reflux, the concentration of acid within the gastric contents is more pronounced than with people not suffering from acid reflux. It has also been found among sufferers of heartburn that the liquid stomach content comes into contact with the esophageal lining and remains there longer than is the case for people not suffering from acid reflux.
In addition, when awake and upright, gravity helps the body to keep the stomach liquids in the stomach. The body also uses saliva as a means of protecting the esophagus. The saliva contains water, enzymes, mucus and electrolytes to neutralize the corrosive effects that acid reflux might have in the esophagus.
Nonetheless, at night when saliva production falls to a low point, when gravity is no longer a help and swallowing decreases while the body is horizontal, the reflux liquids remain in the esophagus for longer and increase corrosion and injury to the esophageal lining.
GERD is a complicated phenomenon and involves much more than one facto. This is the reason why physicians still find this chronic ailment so hard to treat if all they have is conventional over the counter or prescribed medications to apply. Fortunately, there are alternative solutions - the holistic remedy that addresses the root cause and then brings back the natural balance on the inner gastric and esophageal environmental levels.
by jeff martin
source: http://www.articledirectory.com/Art/131262/155/Get-Rid-Of-Your-Acid-Reflux-With-No-Drugs.html
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Guard Your Infant Against Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Data from recent studies show that children from 3 to 7 must endure acid reflux symptoms between 2 and 8% of the time, with this figure rising to 20% of infants who suffer. Since the 1990s, infant gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been on the increase. Infants challenged on a developmental or neurological level are even more at risk from attacks of GERD.
Before relating the reasons and dangers of GERD in babies, we'll look briefly at the cause both local and immediate underlying this medical condition. In plain words, acid reflux is when the digestive system malfunctions. The weakening of the LES is the most common cause for this. The LES is the lower esophageal sphincter. When it is not strong enough to keep all the stomach contents in the stomach, then those contents move to the throat and even past the larynx to get into the upper air passage. Reflux may also occur under normal LES pressure, for example after feeding, crying, going to the toilet and coughing. However there may also be serious complications of health involved such as infections, ulcers, pain, feeding problems, issues with the voice, going sometimes as far as cancer.
Many infants "spit up" on a regular basis, which, as vomiting, does not in itself cause discomfort, vomit passing through the mouth or nose. GERD and normal vomiting can be easily mistaken one for the other in infants. Diagnosis of GERD can be a special problem. Because of the limited volume of their esophagus, infants vomit or regurgitate more than adults. To add further difficulty, signs that all may not be well are difficult to see, especially as infants have no way of putting into words what they are feeling.
Additional signs include pain in the belly, infections of the middle ear, a whistling breathing sound, enlargement of the adenoids, chronic coughing, asthma, anemia, spitting up of blood (known as hematemesis), croup that repeats, back-arching and inflammation of the nose and /or sinus. When GERD attacks your infant, a number of further symptoms such as these appear. For instance, as GERD vomiting is inherently painful, babies who vomit too often will often cry or scream for hours on end or stay awake unable to go to sleep, an indication that they may well be victims of this.
Early diagnosis and treatment is justified, and they are prerequisites for your infant to return to safety and good health. An appointment with a gastroenterologist or an ENT (ear, nose, throat) doctor is the best solution for an accurate diagnosis for your infant. The threat from ignoring acid reflux in infants is that it may evolve into further serious complications as well. An infant who comes to believe that feeding will be painful may stop breastfeeding and lose weight. Inherently serious conditions such as erosive esophagitis can also be the result of gastroesophageal reflux disease.
If a diagnosis of GERD is the doctor's opinion, then parents must make a choice of treatment. Options of remedies for an infant with gastroesophageal reflux disease are of three kinds: surgical; medications (over the counter or prescription); or a holistic program.
Surgical solutions are not often considered, because of the danger of serious complications worse than acid reflux itself. Nissan Fundoplication, a surgical procedure, is one possibility, done to reduce looseness between the esophagus and stomach.
Prescription medicaments are also unsatisfactory for the reasons following: 1. Medications concentrate too much on symptoms of GERD (such as acid generation) but skip fundamental causes, such as lifestyle, diet and inner body triggers and factors. 2. For infants even more than adults, medications have certain risks. Cisapride with its severe secondary effect of heart arrythmia was taken out of circulation for that very reason. Pneumonia and Tourette's syndrome are some of the serious side effects of other common medications. Reglan and bethanechol for example have not even been tested for babies as prescribed reflux medications. 3. Medication of any kind may engender a long-term reliance and work against your child's auto-immune system to then aggravate the condition.
Studies done recently show the benefit of all natural holistic treatments of GERD. For instance, studies done by Ravelli, Tobanelli and Volpi which appeared in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition in 2001, showed that formula based on cow's milk can result in delayed gastric emptying in infants with allergy to milk proteins. Studies by Rudolph, Mazur and Liptak also published in this journal indicated that changing from cow's milk formula to a formula based in casein hydrolysate could be better for infants who vomit. And also, for infants with GERD, breastfeeding turns out to have significant advantages compared to any formula for babies, because milk from the breast is better for the digestion and gives faster digestive transit.
The conclusions above as well as many others reinforce the theory that infant GERD is not local in its manifestation (the esophagus only), but in fact that it is a bodily reaction to a set of factors that are internal, dietary and environmental. This explains why the holistic approach taken by holistic medicine which focuses on protecting your infant from gastroesophageal reflux disease can be safe and also the most effective choice in the long term.
Had you heard that the best way to protect your infant from the distress and pain of GERD symptoms is to choose a holistic approach in conjunction with comprehensive moves towards a natural lifestyle and diet?
by jeff martin
souce: http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/guard-your-infant-against-gastroesophageal-reflux-disease-487570.html
Before relating the reasons and dangers of GERD in babies, we'll look briefly at the cause both local and immediate underlying this medical condition. In plain words, acid reflux is when the digestive system malfunctions. The weakening of the LES is the most common cause for this. The LES is the lower esophageal sphincter. When it is not strong enough to keep all the stomach contents in the stomach, then those contents move to the throat and even past the larynx to get into the upper air passage. Reflux may also occur under normal LES pressure, for example after feeding, crying, going to the toilet and coughing. However there may also be serious complications of health involved such as infections, ulcers, pain, feeding problems, issues with the voice, going sometimes as far as cancer.
Many infants "spit up" on a regular basis, which, as vomiting, does not in itself cause discomfort, vomit passing through the mouth or nose. GERD and normal vomiting can be easily mistaken one for the other in infants. Diagnosis of GERD can be a special problem. Because of the limited volume of their esophagus, infants vomit or regurgitate more than adults. To add further difficulty, signs that all may not be well are difficult to see, especially as infants have no way of putting into words what they are feeling.
Additional signs include pain in the belly, infections of the middle ear, a whistling breathing sound, enlargement of the adenoids, chronic coughing, asthma, anemia, spitting up of blood (known as hematemesis), croup that repeats, back-arching and inflammation of the nose and /or sinus. When GERD attacks your infant, a number of further symptoms such as these appear. For instance, as GERD vomiting is inherently painful, babies who vomit too often will often cry or scream for hours on end or stay awake unable to go to sleep, an indication that they may well be victims of this.
Early diagnosis and treatment is justified, and they are prerequisites for your infant to return to safety and good health. An appointment with a gastroenterologist or an ENT (ear, nose, throat) doctor is the best solution for an accurate diagnosis for your infant. The threat from ignoring acid reflux in infants is that it may evolve into further serious complications as well. An infant who comes to believe that feeding will be painful may stop breastfeeding and lose weight. Inherently serious conditions such as erosive esophagitis can also be the result of gastroesophageal reflux disease.
If a diagnosis of GERD is the doctor's opinion, then parents must make a choice of treatment. Options of remedies for an infant with gastroesophageal reflux disease are of three kinds: surgical; medications (over the counter or prescription); or a holistic program.
Surgical solutions are not often considered, because of the danger of serious complications worse than acid reflux itself. Nissan Fundoplication, a surgical procedure, is one possibility, done to reduce looseness between the esophagus and stomach.
Prescription medicaments are also unsatisfactory for the reasons following: 1. Medications concentrate too much on symptoms of GERD (such as acid generation) but skip fundamental causes, such as lifestyle, diet and inner body triggers and factors. 2. For infants even more than adults, medications have certain risks. Cisapride with its severe secondary effect of heart arrythmia was taken out of circulation for that very reason. Pneumonia and Tourette's syndrome are some of the serious side effects of other common medications. Reglan and bethanechol for example have not even been tested for babies as prescribed reflux medications. 3. Medication of any kind may engender a long-term reliance and work against your child's auto-immune system to then aggravate the condition.
Studies done recently show the benefit of all natural holistic treatments of GERD. For instance, studies done by Ravelli, Tobanelli and Volpi which appeared in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition in 2001, showed that formula based on cow's milk can result in delayed gastric emptying in infants with allergy to milk proteins. Studies by Rudolph, Mazur and Liptak also published in this journal indicated that changing from cow's milk formula to a formula based in casein hydrolysate could be better for infants who vomit. And also, for infants with GERD, breastfeeding turns out to have significant advantages compared to any formula for babies, because milk from the breast is better for the digestion and gives faster digestive transit.
The conclusions above as well as many others reinforce the theory that infant GERD is not local in its manifestation (the esophagus only), but in fact that it is a bodily reaction to a set of factors that are internal, dietary and environmental. This explains why the holistic approach taken by holistic medicine which focuses on protecting your infant from gastroesophageal reflux disease can be safe and also the most effective choice in the long term.
Had you heard that the best way to protect your infant from the distress and pain of GERD symptoms is to choose a holistic approach in conjunction with comprehensive moves towards a natural lifestyle and diet?
by jeff martin
souce: http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/guard-your-infant-against-gastroesophageal-reflux-disease-487570.html
Monday, August 4, 2008
Acid Reflux Home Remedy That Scores Results
It is important to note that acid reflux is a complex issue and the result of many internal factors. Most acid reflux remedies are not effective remedies themselves. Even if acid reflux remedy at home, when properly selected and applied, can reduce the most acid reflux symptoms, choosing the right treatment and take the correct dose, almost miraculous results have proven to Most acid reflux sufferers.Let to examine briefly immediately behind biological reasons GERD as a state of health before considering acid reflux home remedies that can be applied and how to choose them.Normally, the system is controlled gastric by a ring of muscle at the end of the esophagus. This muscle is the lower esophageal sphincter or LES. D'food or drinks went to the esophagus to trigger the opening of ERP, allowing food and drink in the stomach. Acid Reflux as a disease that occurs when stomach acid splashes back at the bottom of the esophagus, resulting in poor combustion sensation.Physiological weakening of ERP caused by a combination of influences such as hereditary traits (which we must accept) and several aspects of lifestyle and diet create the "inner environment" leading to gastroesophageal reflux disease. Unfortunately, the majority of treatment if drugs or surgery, the goal that the immediate cause acting locally to trigger acid reflux.The holistic programme also offers a methodology for tackling the root causes of acid reflux, which can be very simple to use. The majority of these treatments are holistic easily be obtained from your local grocers application in the privacy of your home. As a bonus, provides a holistic treatment acid reflux who suffer a wide range of natural remedies that have been shown to provide almost immediately relief.As an example, you can find relief for the symptoms of acid reflux taking organic vinegar apple cider . Another treatment would be simple changes to your diet. Eat smaller meals exerts a strong recommendation for people with GERD two doctors and other therapists. A large quantity of food is more difficult to digest and need much more time. Eating small and frequent meals, your digestive system is a remnant of eating heavy. Yet another example, some foods and beverages were associated with an increased risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease and should not be consumed. The list includes alcohol, coffee, citrus, soda, chocolate, foods that are rich in fats and dairy products products.Enhancing sleep, including changes to your sleeping position was demonstrated to effectively mitigate the symptoms of acid reflux. Quitting May to bring considerable benefits, that substances in cigarette smoke May act to relax the LES that opens to cause acid reflux of stomach. Changes in lifestyle is still another category of responses to acid reflux.Different herbal supplements are available for patients who want an immediate solution to relieve the symptoms of acid reflux through home remedies. These herbal supplements May provide short-term benefits. When you use them in conjunction with a comprehensive set of protocols to address the root causes of acid reflux, you will be able to stop the symptoms permanently and block his return.
source: http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/acid-reflux-home-remedy-that-scores-results-487523.html
source: http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/acid-reflux-home-remedy-that-scores-results-487523.html
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Acid Reflux Medicine And You
One of the basics in terms of acid reflux medicine is finding a type that suits your needs the best. You should determine what type of medicine you need by determining, first, your actual condition and how your body is functioning within it. This means taking the time to properly identify your symptoms as acid reflux and determining what foods are bringing the symptoms on. If it is not related to food, it may be more serious and you should consult a physician so as to be able to gather any additional information about your condition as a whole.
One of the simplest forms of acid reflux medicine is actually to change the way your lifestyle operates. This may not seem, at first, like any form of medication but it does actually involve a medicinal process that may include refurbishing your system with proper foods and taking some of the harmful chemical reaction inducing foods out of it. This is vital in terms of acid reflux prevention and serves to be the top recommended ideology to process after you are diagnosed with acid reflux. Any additional types of acid reflux medicine are subsequently offered after lifestyle changes fail to change it.
Other Possibilities
The reflux of the acid is more likely to occur at night as you sleep. This is because the patient is lying down and it is generally easier for the acid to reverse flow and travel up the esophagus to cause harm. The additional effect of the gravity on the acid can cause more flow to occur and can make the symptoms worse around the time at which you decide to lay down for sleep. These problems can be overcome by sitting up partially in bed or changing the way you sleep. Any acid reflux medication may reduce the amount of acid in this case, but it will not curb the situation as a whole in the same way that a physical alteration of the way you sleep will.
Antacids are an acid reflux medication that relies on the principle of reducing the amount of acid in the stomach, so that it is actively reduced when acid reflux occurs. Less acid means less acid reflux, but there are also harmful counter effects to this notion that can be less than ideal for the patient. The acid that dissipates from the stomach is actually useful in digestion, so removing it with an antacid can actually harm the digestive system if it is constantly used as a form of relief.
source: http://acidrefluxsymptomstips.blogspot.com/2008/07/acid-reflux-medicine-and-you.html
One of the simplest forms of acid reflux medicine is actually to change the way your lifestyle operates. This may not seem, at first, like any form of medication but it does actually involve a medicinal process that may include refurbishing your system with proper foods and taking some of the harmful chemical reaction inducing foods out of it. This is vital in terms of acid reflux prevention and serves to be the top recommended ideology to process after you are diagnosed with acid reflux. Any additional types of acid reflux medicine are subsequently offered after lifestyle changes fail to change it.
Other Possibilities
The reflux of the acid is more likely to occur at night as you sleep. This is because the patient is lying down and it is generally easier for the acid to reverse flow and travel up the esophagus to cause harm. The additional effect of the gravity on the acid can cause more flow to occur and can make the symptoms worse around the time at which you decide to lay down for sleep. These problems can be overcome by sitting up partially in bed or changing the way you sleep. Any acid reflux medication may reduce the amount of acid in this case, but it will not curb the situation as a whole in the same way that a physical alteration of the way you sleep will.
Antacids are an acid reflux medication that relies on the principle of reducing the amount of acid in the stomach, so that it is actively reduced when acid reflux occurs. Less acid means less acid reflux, but there are also harmful counter effects to this notion that can be less than ideal for the patient. The acid that dissipates from the stomach is actually useful in digestion, so removing it with an antacid can actually harm the digestive system if it is constantly used as a form of relief.
source: http://acidrefluxsymptomstips.blogspot.com/2008/07/acid-reflux-medicine-and-you.html
Monday, July 28, 2008
The RISKS of Severe Acid Reflux
by Jeff Martin
One of the most distressing aspects of GERD as it is known (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is that it is chronic and will return to plague many people who have already suffered from it once. A severe acid reflex condition can in turn cause worse medical complications.
So what really is acid reflux disease and what are its causes? What are the different complications of serious acid reflex that then lead to the situation worsening?
To make matters even more complicated, it is not always obvious and requires further investigation to know if a patient is suffering from serious acid reflex difficulties. When stomach contents get pushed back into the esophagus, the medical name for this is gastroesophageal reflux disease. This stomach content contains bile and pepsin amongst other things. It attacks the cells lining the esophagus and corrodes the lining. This is the main cause of heartburn severe acid reflux problems.
Statistically, serious acid reflux is quite common. Much of the population suffers from severe acid reflux problems with heartburn and related symptoms. Although for many the symptoms are not that serious, for others this can degenerate into severe acid reflux complications. Research indicates that older people are also more in danger of suffering from serious acid reflux.
It is crucial that a sufferer with serious acid reflux reacts quickly and correctly. The logic for this is that serious acid reflux can become a sequence of problems impacting in turn other areas of health, and so the speedy resolution of serious acid reflux with workable remedies is increasingly important.
Here are some examples of serious complications due to acid reflux that can come about if someone neglects the correction of a serious acid reflux condition.
Erosive Esophagitis, meaning severe esophageal inflammation.
Narrowing of the esophagus. Severe acid reflux reduces the esophageal tract space to the extent that both eating and drinking can become difficult.
Severe acid reflux can result in Barrett’s esophagus.
Throat, pulmonary and dental medical problems can all be caused or exacerbated by serious acid reflux.
Because conventional medicine which is based on over the counter medicaments only treats the external symptoms of severe acid reflux and not the causes, it will not help with severe acid reflux because it does not target or address the underlying factors. Solutions for someone to handle severe acid reflux basically divide into two categories. The first is conventional medicine and the second is alternative medicine. However natural remedies for holistic cures are alone in their capability to resolve the real causes and they are therefore more effective.
source: http://www.healtharticleshq.com/health/the-risks-of-severe-acid-reflux/
One of the most distressing aspects of GERD as it is known (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is that it is chronic and will return to plague many people who have already suffered from it once. A severe acid reflex condition can in turn cause worse medical complications.
So what really is acid reflux disease and what are its causes? What are the different complications of serious acid reflex that then lead to the situation worsening?
To make matters even more complicated, it is not always obvious and requires further investigation to know if a patient is suffering from serious acid reflex difficulties. When stomach contents get pushed back into the esophagus, the medical name for this is gastroesophageal reflux disease. This stomach content contains bile and pepsin amongst other things. It attacks the cells lining the esophagus and corrodes the lining. This is the main cause of heartburn severe acid reflux problems.
Statistically, serious acid reflux is quite common. Much of the population suffers from severe acid reflux problems with heartburn and related symptoms. Although for many the symptoms are not that serious, for others this can degenerate into severe acid reflux complications. Research indicates that older people are also more in danger of suffering from serious acid reflux.
It is crucial that a sufferer with serious acid reflux reacts quickly and correctly. The logic for this is that serious acid reflux can become a sequence of problems impacting in turn other areas of health, and so the speedy resolution of serious acid reflux with workable remedies is increasingly important.
Here are some examples of serious complications due to acid reflux that can come about if someone neglects the correction of a serious acid reflux condition.
Erosive Esophagitis, meaning severe esophageal inflammation.
Narrowing of the esophagus. Severe acid reflux reduces the esophageal tract space to the extent that both eating and drinking can become difficult.
Severe acid reflux can result in Barrett’s esophagus.
Throat, pulmonary and dental medical problems can all be caused or exacerbated by serious acid reflux.
Because conventional medicine which is based on over the counter medicaments only treats the external symptoms of severe acid reflux and not the causes, it will not help with severe acid reflux because it does not target or address the underlying factors. Solutions for someone to handle severe acid reflux basically divide into two categories. The first is conventional medicine and the second is alternative medicine. However natural remedies for holistic cures are alone in their capability to resolve the real causes and they are therefore more effective.
source: http://www.healtharticleshq.com/health/the-risks-of-severe-acid-reflux/
Monday, July 21, 2008
Downing a shot a day may keep the doctor away
By Gannett News Service
The use of apple cider vinegar as a health aid has prompted debate.
Pop singer Fergie says she does a shot of vinegar every night to help maintain her physique. Natural Solutions magazine recommended taking a few tablespoons with meals to counter acid reflux.
Meanwhile, the April issue of Health magazine listed honey-and-vinegar mixtures among its list of "health whoppers" that do nothing for arthritis pain.
Although a daily cocktail of apple cider vinegar may sound like another celebrity trend or folk remedy, recent studies suggest vinegar might ease or prevent a variety of ailments.
A Swedish study found that people who ate white bread with vinegar felt full up to two hours later, while those who ate just bread started losing their satiety after 30 minutes.
In a study from Arizona State University, the blood sugar spikes of people with type 2 diabetes were 4 percent to 6 percent lower in the morning when participants took two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar before going to bed.
In January, a report in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology recommended that an anti-inflammatory diet including vinegar "should be considered for the primary and secondary prevention of coronary artery disease and diabetes."
These findings don't surprise or concern those who have preached the virtues of ACV - apple cider vinegar - for decades.
Jerry Berube, 85, who lives in Montgomery, Ohio, with his wife, Patricia, says he hasn't had a cold or sore throat in 35 years. He's never battled weight gain or suffered from arthritis. He has no prescription medications.
Berube partly credits his vitality to the drink he's sipped nearly every night since 1973: one tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar mixed with one tablespoon of honey and 8 ounces of warm water.
Even physicians who don't support ACV as a remedy see little harm in drinking moderate amounts diluted with water.
"The placebo effect is very strong. I don't argue with that if it makes them feel better. But I can't promote it and say, 'Yes it's going to help you,'" says Dr. Debra Krummel, researcher with the University of Cincinnati's Department of Nutrition.
Research from Arizona State University and the University of Lund in Sweden - the only groups known to be investigating ACV - has focused on ACV's potential for managing diabetes and hunger.
"I was doing low-carb diets with diabetics. But I came across [ACV] and I thought, 'This could be easier than changing their entire diet,'" says Carol Johnston, chairman of the department of nutrition at Arizona State.
In the study, acetic acid - found in any vinegar - controlled the blood sugar spikes that diabetics experience after a meal or first thing in the morning. Because these spikes destroy cells that produce insulin, ACV and other antiglycemic agents could prevent or delay the onset of the disease for those diagnosed with pre-diabetes.
source: http://www.saukvalley.com/articles/2008/07/16/features/health_and_medical/6b0ff64ac5d8146936ddef3e8ed64c0e.txt
The use of apple cider vinegar as a health aid has prompted debate.
Pop singer Fergie says she does a shot of vinegar every night to help maintain her physique. Natural Solutions magazine recommended taking a few tablespoons with meals to counter acid reflux.
Meanwhile, the April issue of Health magazine listed honey-and-vinegar mixtures among its list of "health whoppers" that do nothing for arthritis pain.
Although a daily cocktail of apple cider vinegar may sound like another celebrity trend or folk remedy, recent studies suggest vinegar might ease or prevent a variety of ailments.
A Swedish study found that people who ate white bread with vinegar felt full up to two hours later, while those who ate just bread started losing their satiety after 30 minutes.
In a study from Arizona State University, the blood sugar spikes of people with type 2 diabetes were 4 percent to 6 percent lower in the morning when participants took two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar before going to bed.
In January, a report in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology recommended that an anti-inflammatory diet including vinegar "should be considered for the primary and secondary prevention of coronary artery disease and diabetes."
These findings don't surprise or concern those who have preached the virtues of ACV - apple cider vinegar - for decades.
Jerry Berube, 85, who lives in Montgomery, Ohio, with his wife, Patricia, says he hasn't had a cold or sore throat in 35 years. He's never battled weight gain or suffered from arthritis. He has no prescription medications.
Berube partly credits his vitality to the drink he's sipped nearly every night since 1973: one tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar mixed with one tablespoon of honey and 8 ounces of warm water.
Even physicians who don't support ACV as a remedy see little harm in drinking moderate amounts diluted with water.
"The placebo effect is very strong. I don't argue with that if it makes them feel better. But I can't promote it and say, 'Yes it's going to help you,'" says Dr. Debra Krummel, researcher with the University of Cincinnati's Department of Nutrition.
Research from Arizona State University and the University of Lund in Sweden - the only groups known to be investigating ACV - has focused on ACV's potential for managing diabetes and hunger.
"I was doing low-carb diets with diabetics. But I came across [ACV] and I thought, 'This could be easier than changing their entire diet,'" says Carol Johnston, chairman of the department of nutrition at Arizona State.
In the study, acetic acid - found in any vinegar - controlled the blood sugar spikes that diabetics experience after a meal or first thing in the morning. Because these spikes destroy cells that produce insulin, ACV and other antiglycemic agents could prevent or delay the onset of the disease for those diagnosed with pre-diabetes.
source: http://www.saukvalley.com/articles/2008/07/16/features/health_and_medical/6b0ff64ac5d8146936ddef3e8ed64c0e.txt
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Gastroesophageal reflux-associated chronic cough in an adolescent and the diagnostic implications: a case report
A 15-year-old girl was referred with a 2-year history of perennial non-productive cough, which had been preceded by Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia and subsequent asthma. Symptoms were only partially responsive to anti-asthma treatment including an inhaled corticosteroid and a leukotriene receptor antagonist.
The patient's BMI was 27.8; she had gained over 10 kg in the previous two years. Typical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease were not evident except for belch.
Coughing worsened on eating and rising from bed. Although esophagography failed to disclose reflux esophagitis, esophageal pH monitoring revealed significant acid reflux.
Asthma was considered well controlled. Treatment with the proton-pump inhibitor rabeprazole resulted in disappearance of cough.
Frequency Scale for the Symptoms of Gastroesophageal reflux disease (FSSG) score, a questionnaire evaluating the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, was initially high but normalized after treatment. Capsaicin cough sensitivity also diminished with treatment.Chronic cough due to gastroesophageal reflux disease has been considered rare in adolescents, but this condition might be increasing in line with the recent trend in adults.
Clinical features of gastroesophageal reflux disease-associated cough typical for adult patients and a specific questionnaire for evaluating gastroesophageal reflux disease validated in adults may also be useful diagnostic clues in adolescents.
source: http://7thspace.com/headlines/286806/gastroesophageal_reflux_associated_chronic_cough_in_an_adolescent_and_the_diagnostic_implications_a_case_report.html
The patient's BMI was 27.8; she had gained over 10 kg in the previous two years. Typical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease were not evident except for belch.
Coughing worsened on eating and rising from bed. Although esophagography failed to disclose reflux esophagitis, esophageal pH monitoring revealed significant acid reflux.
Asthma was considered well controlled. Treatment with the proton-pump inhibitor rabeprazole resulted in disappearance of cough.
Frequency Scale for the Symptoms of Gastroesophageal reflux disease (FSSG) score, a questionnaire evaluating the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, was initially high but normalized after treatment. Capsaicin cough sensitivity also diminished with treatment.Chronic cough due to gastroesophageal reflux disease has been considered rare in adolescents, but this condition might be increasing in line with the recent trend in adults.
Clinical features of gastroesophageal reflux disease-associated cough typical for adult patients and a specific questionnaire for evaluating gastroesophageal reflux disease validated in adults may also be useful diagnostic clues in adolescents.
source: http://7thspace.com/headlines/286806/gastroesophageal_reflux_associated_chronic_cough_in_an_adolescent_and_the_diagnostic_implications_a_case_report.html
Sunday, March 23, 2008
tips for calming night time reflux
Tips for Calming Nighttime Acid Reflux
Heartburn and other gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms experienced during the night commonly cause sleep disturbances, including arousal from sleep, increased wakefulness and overall poor sleep quality.
Here are several tips to help reduce nighttime acid reflux so you can sleep better:
1. Sleep with your head and shoulders elevated
2. Wear loose-fitting clothes
3. Wait 2 to 3 hours after eating to go to sleep
4. Avoid foods that trigger heartburn
source: http://www.acg.gi.org/
Heartburn and other gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms experienced during the night commonly cause sleep disturbances, including arousal from sleep, increased wakefulness and overall poor sleep quality.
Here are several tips to help reduce nighttime acid reflux so you can sleep better:
1. Sleep with your head and shoulders elevated
2. Wear loose-fitting clothes
3. Wait 2 to 3 hours after eating to go to sleep
4. Avoid foods that trigger heartburn
source: http://www.acg.gi.org/
Thursday, March 20, 2008
night time acid reflux
According to results of a survey presented at the 72nd Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology, nighttime acid reflux, along with some of the less typical manifestations or symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is associated with significant sleep impairment.
In a recent national survey, researchers assessed the prevalence of sleep impairment among people with GERD and people without GERD based on response to an Internet survey of a general population of U.S. adults. Using a validated GERD screening tool, 701 respondents were identified with GERD and the remaining were controls. Bonnie Dean, MPH, PhD, of Cerner LifeSciences, Ronnie Fass, MD of the University of Arizona and their research team found that sleep impairment was more common among people with GERD (41.9 percent) than those without GERD (19.4 percent). Researchers found that 49.5 percent of respondents with nighttime GERD reported sleeping poorly often or most of the time, compared to 36.7 percent of people with daytime GERD.
Using the survey, researchers also assessed sleep impairment among patients experiencing frequent nighttime atypical manifestations of GERD. In this case, Dr. Dean and her colleagues evaluated the subgroup of respondents with GERD, as identified using the validated GERD screener. They found that atypical manifestations or symptoms of GERD (i.e. coughing, sore throat, snoring, wheezing, choking, and chest pain) were common among those with acid reflux. Of GERD patients, 74 percent had at least one nighttime atypical manifestation. For almost every daytime and nighttime atypical manifestation assessed, more than 20 percent of GERD patients reported their occurrence as frequent (more than 2 days or nights per week). Researchers also found that sleep impairment was more common among GERD patients with atypical manifestations compared to GERD patients with only typical or classic symptoms such as heartburn and acid regurgitation. For eight of the nine nighttime atypical manifestations assessed, the proportion of GERD cases reporting sleep impairment was significantly higher for GERD cases with the atypical manifestation compared with GERD cases without the atypical manifestation.
"Awareness of nighttime reflux, atypical manifestations, and associated sleep complaints should allow more complete evaluation and treatment of GERD patients," said Dr. Dean about this project.
source: http://www.acg.gi.org/
In a recent national survey, researchers assessed the prevalence of sleep impairment among people with GERD and people without GERD based on response to an Internet survey of a general population of U.S. adults. Using a validated GERD screening tool, 701 respondents were identified with GERD and the remaining were controls. Bonnie Dean, MPH, PhD, of Cerner LifeSciences, Ronnie Fass, MD of the University of Arizona and their research team found that sleep impairment was more common among people with GERD (41.9 percent) than those without GERD (19.4 percent). Researchers found that 49.5 percent of respondents with nighttime GERD reported sleeping poorly often or most of the time, compared to 36.7 percent of people with daytime GERD.
Using the survey, researchers also assessed sleep impairment among patients experiencing frequent nighttime atypical manifestations of GERD. In this case, Dr. Dean and her colleagues evaluated the subgroup of respondents with GERD, as identified using the validated GERD screener. They found that atypical manifestations or symptoms of GERD (i.e. coughing, sore throat, snoring, wheezing, choking, and chest pain) were common among those with acid reflux. Of GERD patients, 74 percent had at least one nighttime atypical manifestation. For almost every daytime and nighttime atypical manifestation assessed, more than 20 percent of GERD patients reported their occurrence as frequent (more than 2 days or nights per week). Researchers also found that sleep impairment was more common among GERD patients with atypical manifestations compared to GERD patients with only typical or classic symptoms such as heartburn and acid regurgitation. For eight of the nine nighttime atypical manifestations assessed, the proportion of GERD cases reporting sleep impairment was significantly higher for GERD cases with the atypical manifestation compared with GERD cases without the atypical manifestation.
"Awareness of nighttime reflux, atypical manifestations, and associated sleep complaints should allow more complete evaluation and treatment of GERD patients," said Dr. Dean about this project.
source: http://www.acg.gi.org/
incisionless operations for acid reflux
Surgeons at the Ohio State University Medical Center have performed the first incisionless operations in the United States using a device recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration to stop gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Ohio State's Medical Center is one of the nation's leaders in incisionless surgery, a new procedure that leaves no outside scarring; results in minimal, if any, post-operative pain; reduces patients' recovery time significantly; and is expected to be one of the next major medical advancements.
Surgeons at Ohio State have treated the first two patients, using the device known as EsophyX. The mechanism, new in the United States, has been proven safe and effective in patients treated throughout Europe for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also known as heartburn.
"The medical device offers a treatment for patients who suffer from an advanced degree of GERD and, until now, would have been candidates for surgery," said Dr. Scott Melvin, division director, general and gastrointestinal surgery, and director, Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery at the OSU Medical Center.
Heartburn is a condition in which acid refluxes from the stomach into the esophagus. The burning sensation felt in the chest can last for countless hours, resulting from inflammation, bleeding or ulcers in the esophagus. GERD is known to be associated with an increased risk of cancer of the esophagus.
Almost 30 million Americans are diagnosed with chronic reflux disease that requires medication for relief of symptoms. It is estimated that millions of dollars are spent on over-the-counter and prescription medications for treatment of the condition.
The incisionless surgery allows reconstruction of the one-way valve at the top of the stomach, when the valve is defective. The new tubular device is introduced to the body totally through the mouth, and is then advanced down the esophagus into the stomach. During the procedure, the operation is viewed through a small fiberoptic camera located within the tubular surgical tools. Patients are normally in the hospital overnight and, after the procedure, are symptom free.
"Throughout medical history, we have gone from a very painful surgery, to a better tolerated surgery and, now, to a potentially pain-free incisionless procedure. In addition, the new procedure allows a treatment option for many patients when reflux is not severe enough to require surgery," noted Melvin.
"We are far from incisionless technology's adoption for widespread use with other diseases, but there is a lot of discussion among surgeons about these new techniques," said Melvin. "Our use of this type of technology will continue to allow us to treat many diseases with minimal pain from surgery."
source: http://medicalcenter.osu.edu/
Ohio State's Medical Center is one of the nation's leaders in incisionless surgery, a new procedure that leaves no outside scarring; results in minimal, if any, post-operative pain; reduces patients' recovery time significantly; and is expected to be one of the next major medical advancements.
Surgeons at Ohio State have treated the first two patients, using the device known as EsophyX. The mechanism, new in the United States, has been proven safe and effective in patients treated throughout Europe for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also known as heartburn.
"The medical device offers a treatment for patients who suffer from an advanced degree of GERD and, until now, would have been candidates for surgery," said Dr. Scott Melvin, division director, general and gastrointestinal surgery, and director, Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery at the OSU Medical Center.
Heartburn is a condition in which acid refluxes from the stomach into the esophagus. The burning sensation felt in the chest can last for countless hours, resulting from inflammation, bleeding or ulcers in the esophagus. GERD is known to be associated with an increased risk of cancer of the esophagus.
Almost 30 million Americans are diagnosed with chronic reflux disease that requires medication for relief of symptoms. It is estimated that millions of dollars are spent on over-the-counter and prescription medications for treatment of the condition.
The incisionless surgery allows reconstruction of the one-way valve at the top of the stomach, when the valve is defective. The new tubular device is introduced to the body totally through the mouth, and is then advanced down the esophagus into the stomach. During the procedure, the operation is viewed through a small fiberoptic camera located within the tubular surgical tools. Patients are normally in the hospital overnight and, after the procedure, are symptom free.
"Throughout medical history, we have gone from a very painful surgery, to a better tolerated surgery and, now, to a potentially pain-free incisionless procedure. In addition, the new procedure allows a treatment option for many patients when reflux is not severe enough to require surgery," noted Melvin.
"We are far from incisionless technology's adoption for widespread use with other diseases, but there is a lot of discussion among surgeons about these new techniques," said Melvin. "Our use of this type of technology will continue to allow us to treat many diseases with minimal pain from surgery."
source: http://medicalcenter.osu.edu/
Monday, March 17, 2008
heartburn drugs and pregnancy
The Do's and Don'ts of Using Heartburn Drugs during Pregnancy
Pregnant women with mild reflux usually do well with simple lifestyle changes. If lifestyle and dietary changes are not enough, you should consult your doctor before taking any medication to relieve heartburn symptoms.
Pregnant women with mild reflux usually do well with simple lifestyle changes. If lifestyle and dietary changes are not enough, you should consult your doctor before taking any medication to relieve heartburn symptoms.
According to ACG President Amy E. Foxx-Orenstein, DO, FACG, "Heartburn medications to treat acid reflux during pregnancy should be balanced to alleviate the mother's symptoms of heartburn, while protecting the developing fetus."
Based on a review of published scientific clinical studies (in animals and humans) on the safety of heartburn medications during pregnancy, researchers conclude there are certain drugs that are considered safe for use in pregnancy and those which should be avoided.
Antacids are one of the most common over-the-counter medications to treat heartburn. As with any drug, antacids should be used cautiously during pregnancy.
Antacids
Antacids containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium are considered safe and effective in treating the heartburn of pregnancy.
Magnesium-containing antacids should be avoided during the last trimester of pregnancy because it could interfere with uterine contractions during labor.
Avoid antacids containing sodium bicarbonate. Sodium bicarbonate could cause metabolic alkalosis and increase the potential of fluid overload in both the fetus and mother.
Histamine-type II (H-2) Receptor Antagonists
While limited data exists in humans on the safety of histamine-type II (H-2) receptor antagonists, ranitidine (Zantac?) is the only H-2 antagonist, which has been studied specifically during pregnancy.
In a double-blind, placebo controlled, triple crossover study, ranitidine (Zantac?) taken once or twice daily in pregnant heartburn patients not responding to antacids and lifestyle modification, was found to be more effective than placebo in reducing the symptoms of heartburn and acid regurgitation. No adverse effects on the fetus were reported. (Larson JD, et al., "Double-blind placebo-controlled study of ranitidine for gastroesophageal reflux symptoms during pregnancy." Obstet Gynecol 1997; 90:83-7.)
A study on the safety of cimetidine (Tagamet?) and ranitidine (Zantac?) suggests that pregnant women taking these drugs from the first trimester through their entire pregnancy have delivered normal babies. (Richter JE., "Gastroesophageal reflux disease during pregnancy. Gastroenterol Clin N Am 2003; 32:235-61.)
Proton Pump Inhibitors
Proton pump inhibitors should be reserved for pregnant patients with more severe heartburn symptoms and those not responding to antacids and lifestyle and dietary changes. Lansoprazole (Prevacid?) is the preferred PPI because of case reports of safety in pregnant women. Limited data exists about human safety during pregnancy with the newer PPIs.
Friday, March 14, 2008
heartburn and pregnancy
Heartburn symptoms are one of the most commonly reported complaints among pregnant women.
Heartburn usually starts during the first trimester and tends to worsen during the second and third trimesters.
Heartburn usually starts during the first trimester and tends to worsen during the second and third trimesters.
Studies have shown elevated levels of the hormone progesterone accompanied by increased intra-abdominal pressures from the enlarging uterus, may lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure in pregnant women contributing to heartburn symptoms, according to research highlighted in the newly updated "Pregnancy in Gastrointestinal Disorders" monograph by the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG).
From the monograph, physician experts from ACG have compiled important health tips on managing heartburn symptoms, and importantly, identifying which heartburn medications are safe for use in pregnant women and those, which should be avoided.
Strategies to Ease Heartburn Symptoms during Pregnancy
According to the ACG, pregnant women can treat and relieve their heartburn symptoms through lifestyle and dietary changes. The following tips can help reduce heartburn discomfort:
Avoid eating late at night or before retiring to bed. Common heartburn triggers include greasy or spicy food, chocolate, peppermint, tomato sauces, caffeine, carbonated drinks, and citrus fruits.
Wear loose-fitting clothes. Clothes that fit tightly around your waist put pressure on your abdomen and the lower esophageal sphincter.
Eat smaller meals. Overfilling the stomach can result in acid reflux and heartburn.
Don't lie down after eating. Wait at least 3 hours after eating before going to bed. When you lie down, it's easier for stomach contents (including acid) to back up into the esophagus, particularly when you go to bed with a full stomach.
Raise the head of the bed 4 to 6 inches. This can help reduce acid reflux by decreasing the amount of gastric contents that reach the lower esophagus.
Avoid tobacco and alcohol. Abstinence from alcohol and smoking can help reduce reflux symptoms and avoid fetal exposure to potentially harmful substances.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
what to do when a baby has GERD
If you feed your baby with a bottle, add up to 1 tablespoon of rice cereal to 2 ounces of infant milk. You can add cereal to expressed milk if you are breastfeeding. If the mixture is too thick for your baby you can change the nipple size or cut a little “x†in the nipple.
Burp your baby after he’s consumed 1 or 2 ounces of formula. For breast-fed infants, burp after feeding on each side.
Do not overfeed. Talk with your infant’s doctor or nurse about the amount of formula or breast milk that your baby is consuming.
When possible, hold your infant upright in your arms for 30 minutes after feedings.
Infants with GER should usually sleep on their backs, as is suggested for all infants. Rarely, a physician may suggest alternative sleep positions.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Symptoms in Babies
GERD is common in healthy infants. More than half of all babies experience reflux in the first 3 months of life, but most stop spitting up between the ages of 12 to 24 months. Only a small number of infants have severe symptoms. An infant with GER may experience
spitting up
vomiting
coughing
irritability
poor feeding
blood in the stools
In a small number of babies, GER results in symptoms that cause concern. These symptoms include
poor growth due to an inability to hold down enough food
irritability or refusing to feed due to pain
blood loss from acid burning the esophagus
breathing problems
These problems can be caused by disorders other than GERD. Your health care provider will need to determine whether GERD is the cause of your child’s symptoms.
source: digestive.niddk.nih.gov
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
GERD
GERD is a chronic condition. Once it begins, it usually is lifeâ€"long. If there is injury to the lining of the esophagus (esophagitis), this also is a chronic condition. Moreover, after the esophagus has healed with treatment and treatment is stopped, the injury will return in most patients within a few months. Once treatment for GERD is begun, therefore, it usually will need to be continued indefinitely although it is argued that in some patients with intermittent symptoms and no esophagitis, treatment can be intermittent and done only during symptomatic periods.
In fact, the reflux of the stomach's liquid contents into the esophagus occurs in most normal individuals. One study found that reflux occurs as frequently in normal individuals as in patients with GERD. In patients with GERD, however, the refluxed liquid contains acid more often, and the acid remains in the esophagus longer. It has also been found that liquid refluxes to a higher level in the esophagus in patients with GERD than normal individuals.
As is often the case, the body has ways (mechanisms) to protect itself from the harmful effects of reflux and acid. For example, most reflux occurs during the day when individuals are upright. In the upright position, the refluxed liquid is more likely to flow back down into the stomach due to the effect of gravity. In addition, while individuals are awake, they repeatedly swallow, whether or not there is reflux. Each swallow carries any refluxed liquid back into the stomach. Finally, the salivary glands in the mouth produce saliva, which contains bicarbonate. With each swallow, bicarbonateâ€"containing saliva travels down the esophagus. The bicarbonate neutralizes the small amount of acid that remains in the esophagus after gravity and swallowing have removed most of the liquid.
Gravity, swallowing, and saliva are important protective mechanisms for the esophagus, but they are effective only when individuals are in the upright position. At night during sleep, gravity is not in effect, swallowing stops, and the secretion of saliva is reduced. Therefore, reflux that occurs at night is more likely to result in acid remaining in the esophagus longer and causing greater damage to the esophagus.
Certain conditions make a person susceptible to GERD. For example, GERD can be a serious problem during pregnancy. The elevated hormone levels of pregnancy probably cause reflux by lowering the pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter (see below). At the same time, the growing fetus increases the pressure in the abdomen. Both of these effects would be expected to increase reflux. Also, patients with diseases that weaken the esophageal muscles (see below), such as scleroderma or mixed connective tissue diseases, are more prone to develop GERD.
source: www.medicinenet.com
Saturday, March 1, 2008
acid reflux defined
from www.wikipedia.com
acid reflux is also known as GERD or Gastroesophageal reflux disease. it is defined as chronic symptoms or mucosal damage produced by the abnormal reflux in the esophagus.
This is commonly due to transient or permanent changes in the barrier between the esophagus and the stomach. This can be due to incompetence of the cardia, transient cardia relaxation, impaired expulsion of gastric reflux from the esophagus, or a hiatus hernia.
from www.medicinenet.com
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly referred to as GERD or acid reflux, is a condition in which the liquid content of the stomach regurgitates (backs up or refluxes) into the esophagus. The liquid can inflame and damage the lining (cause, cause esophagitis) of the esophagus although visible signs of inflammation occur in a minority of patients. The regurgitated liquid usually contains acid and pepsin that are produced by the stomach. (Pepsin is an enzyme that begins the digestion of proteins in the stomach.) The refluxed liquid also may contain bile that has backed–up into the stomach from the duodenum. (The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine that attaches to the stomach.) Acid is believed to be the most injurious component of the refluxed liquid. Pepsin and bile also may injure the esophagus, but their role in the production of esophageal inflammation and damage is not as clear as the role of acid.
acid reflux is also known as GERD or Gastroesophageal reflux disease. it is defined as chronic symptoms or mucosal damage produced by the abnormal reflux in the esophagus.
This is commonly due to transient or permanent changes in the barrier between the esophagus and the stomach. This can be due to incompetence of the cardia, transient cardia relaxation, impaired expulsion of gastric reflux from the esophagus, or a hiatus hernia.
from www.medicinenet.com
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly referred to as GERD or acid reflux, is a condition in which the liquid content of the stomach regurgitates (backs up or refluxes) into the esophagus. The liquid can inflame and damage the lining (cause, cause esophagitis) of the esophagus although visible signs of inflammation occur in a minority of patients. The regurgitated liquid usually contains acid and pepsin that are produced by the stomach. (Pepsin is an enzyme that begins the digestion of proteins in the stomach.) The refluxed liquid also may contain bile that has backed–up into the stomach from the duodenum. (The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine that attaches to the stomach.) Acid is believed to be the most injurious component of the refluxed liquid. Pepsin and bile also may injure the esophagus, but their role in the production of esophageal inflammation and damage is not as clear as the role of acid.
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