|
Below, you'll find extensive information on leading
how to get rid of heartburn 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
[click for otc] Senna-S Tablets by Preferred Plus - 60 each ($3.55)
<img style="float:right;" src="http://images6.sortprice.com/img/8031/cpXB0XC1QRFG3lxFz"/>Senna-S Tablets by Preferred Plus - 60 each... Price: $3.55
[click for otc] Triptone Tablets For Travel Sickness - 12 each ($4.22)
<img style="float:right;" src="http://images.sortprice.com/na.gif"/>Triptone Tablets For Travel Sickness - 12 each... Price: $4.22
[Hocks.com Online Pharmacy] Titralac Plus Tablets 100ct ($5.99)
<img style="float:right;" src="http://images6.sortprice.com/img/3867/Cg2MtW0QAeb3XRgrE9ib"/>Antacid, Anti-Gas Uses Relieves symptoms referred to as gas. Relieves heartburn, sour stomach, acid indigestion. Calcium rich, sugar free, low aluminum, very low sodium. Directions Chew, swallow or let melt in mouth two tablets every two or three hours as symptoms occur or as directed by a physician. Do not take more than 19 tablets in a 24 hour period or use maximum dosage for more than two weeks. Warnings Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are taking a prescription drug. Antacids may interact with certain prescription drugs. Stop use and ask a doctor if symptoms last for more than 2 weeks. Keep out of reach of children. Active Ingredients Per Tablet Calcium Carbonate 420 mg (168 mg Elemental Calcium) Simethicone 21 mg Inactive Ingredients Glycine Magnesium Stearate Saccharin Spearmint Oil Starch May Also Contain Croscarmellose Sodium... Price: $5.99
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
how to get rid of heartburn website.
- Study: Kidney disease a big risk for younger, low-income minorities
(<i>American Society of Nephrology</i>) Chronic kidney disease (CKD) afflicts a large number of younger minority adults receiving medical care in settings that serve the uninsured and under-insured (settings collectively known as the health care safety net). Poor, minority adults with moderate to severe CKD are also two to four times more likely to progress to kidney failure than non-Hispanic whites. These are the findings from a study published online in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.
|
