|
Below, you'll find extensive information on leading
toddler acid reflux articles and products to help you on your way
to success.
GERD Essentials
By Michael Sanford
GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease, a clinical condition that occurs when reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus is severe enough to impact the patient’s life and/or damage the esophagus. Gastroesophageal refers to the stomach and esophagus while reflux means to flow back or return. You see, when chewed-up food slides down the esophagus or swallowing tube, and into the stomach, there digestive juices begin to break down the food. A special type of muscle called a sphincter connects the esophagus and the stomach. The sphincter works like a gate. It opens up so food can get into the stomach, and then it closes again. This keeps the food and acidic stomach juices from flowing back into the esophagus. However, if the sphincter is weak or opens at the wrong time, there's a problem. Whatever's in the stomach goes the wrong way, which is back up into the esophagus. And because what's in the stomach is high in acid, this can irritate the esophagus. This condition is then called reflux.
GERD affects at least an estimated 5% to 7% of the global population. GERD is most common in adults over age 40 but virtually anyone can get GERD, even infants. Persistent heartburn is the most frequent symptom of GERD. It is an uncomfortable burning sensation behind the breastbone, most commonly occurring after a meal. This condition has nothing to do with the heart, but everything to do with the stomach and the esophagus. Eating too much and going to bed in a very full stomach can cause heartburn in a lot of people. The difference between GERD and heartburn is that GERD is a disease and heartburn is its most common symptom. Almost everyone has experienced heartburn. About 25 million American adults suffer daily from heartburn. Someone who experiences recurring, significant heartburn two or more times a week may have GERD. Frequent heartburn that disrupts one's lifestyle suggests the diagnosis of GERD. Another symptom of GERD is regurgitation. It is a sensation of acid backed up in the esophagus.
Early diagnosis of GERD is important to avoid complications in the future. A physician can usually make an easy diagnosis of GERD if the patient finds relief from persistent heartburn and acid regurgitation after taking antacids for short periods. Laboratory or more invasive tests, including endoscopy, barium-swallow radiograph, PH monitor examination, and manometry may be required if the diagnosis is
[drugstore.com] Fleet - Children's Pedia-Lax, Liquid Glycerin Suppositories For Ages 2-5 years, 6 ea ($6.99)
<img style="float:right;" src="http://images5.sortprice.com/img/573/Dx8KnMI4huQtDIb0HE63"/>Kids Find a wide variety of FSA Store Products at drugstore.com, where you get 5 back and free shipping!... Price: $6.99
[Hocks.com Online Pharmacy] Kaopectate Liquid Regular 12 Ounces ($7.1)
<img style="float:right;" src="http://images5.sortprice.com/img/3867/qPYayrVn4tAagPJbX7sT"/>Anti-Diarrheal Uses Treatment of diarrhea. Directions Shake well immediately before each use. For accurate dosing, use convenient pre-measured dose cup. Repeat dose every 1/2 hour to 1 hour as needed, to a maximum of 8 doses in a 24-hour period. Drink plenty of clear fluids to help prevent dehydration which may accompany diarrhea. Adults and children 12 years and over 30 mL or 2 tablespoonfuls. 9 to 11 years 15 mL or 1 tablespoonful. 6 to 8 years 10 mL or 2 teaspoonfuls. 3 to 5 years 5 mL or 1 teaspoonful. Under 3 years ask a doctor. Warnings Reyes syndrome children and teenagers who have or are recovering from chicken pox, flu symptoms, or flu should NOT use this product. If nausea, vomiting, or fever occur, consult a doctor because these symptoms could be an early sign of Reyes syndrome, a rare but serious illness. This product contains salicylates. If taken with other salicylate-containing preparations (such as aspirin) and ringing in the ears occurs, discontinue use.... Price: $7.1
[ClassicCloseouts] Rolaids Original Antacid/Calcium Supplement Peppermint 3 Roll Pack ($3.99)
<img style="float:right;" src="http://images5.sortprice.com/img/4639/yLiO8fvrYYdqzOU8NA0"/>Rolaids Original Antacid/Calcium Supplement Peppermint Relievs heartburn and acid indigestion 3 roll pack... Price: $3.99
still uncertain. If patients develop persistent GERD with frequent relapses, however, and it remains untreated, serious complications can develop over time. Such complications can include the following: ulcers, severe narrowing of the esophagus, erosion of the lining of the esophagus, precancerous changes in the cells of the esophagus, and problems in other areas, including the teeth, throat, and airways leading to the lungs
There are various methods to effectively treat GERD starting from lifestyle measures to the use of medication or surgical procedures. But initial treatment of GERD is with lifestyle changes. Eating anything within three hours before bedtime should be avoided, stop smoking, avoid fatty foods, decrease portions of food at mealtime, elevating the head of the bed or mattress 6 to 8 inches, and losing weight if overweight. It is essential for individuals who suffer GERD to change their lifestyle, and seek an accurate diagnosis with their physician to receive the most effective treatment available.
You can find more informative articles at the acid reflux info center.
|
|
We strive to provide only quality articles, so if there
is a specific topic related to gerd that you
would like us to cover, please contact us at any time.
And again, thank you to those contributing daily to our
toddler acid reflux website.
- Scientists honored for contributions to cancer fight
(<i>Albert Einstein College of Medicine</i>) The American Cancer Society -- the nation's leading voluntary health organization and largest non-governmental funder of cancer research and discovery -- will present its highest honor, the Medal of Honor, to four Americans who have made outstanding contributions to the fight against cancer. - New MacArthur network to examine impact of aging society
(<i>The Gerontological Society of America</i>) The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation is creating a new inter-disciplinary research network to help America prepare for the challenges and opportunities posed by our aging society. - Fall babies: Born to wheeze?
(<i>American Thoracic Society</i>) It is said that timing is everything and that certainly appears to be true for autumn infants. Children who are born four months before the height of cold and flu season have a greater risk of developing childhood asthma than children born at any other time of year, according to new research. - Long-term antibiotics reduce COPD exacerbations, raise questions
(<i>American Thoracic Society</i>) Long-term use of a macrolide antibiotic may reduce the frequency of exacerbations in patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by as much as 35 percent, according to a London-based study.
|
