Steps you can take to combat acid reflux and heartburn - The Seattle Times

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p>Reflux and heartburn have reached alarming levels, a troubling footnote to our modern lifestyle.</p><br /><p>One in three Americans experiences gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with more than $13 billion spent annually on heartburn drugs, including proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as Nexxium, the top seller of all drugs in 2012.</p><br /><p>The problem starts when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. It can cause chest pain severe enough to be mistaken for a heart attack and alter the cells lining the esophagus, which can create a precancerous condition known as Barrett’s esophagus. The stomach lining is designed for acid but the esophagus is not.</p><br /><p>PPIs help control symptoms and reduce the erosive damage to the esophagus by suppressing the cells of the stomach that produce hydrochloric acid. Side effects, however, are an increasing concern. Those cells also produce intrinsic factor, a protein that facilitates the absorption of vitamin B12. A recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association reported reduced vitamin B12 levels in chronic PPI users, adding to the list of potential risks for this class of drugs. Other risks include osteoporosis, anemia, stomach infection, muscle loss and dementia.</p><br /><p>So what is a heartburn sufferer to do?</p><br /><p>If you are using a PPI, don’t suddenly stop after reading this article. For the short term, the benefits of the drug may outweigh the risks. Have a talk with your doctor.</p><br /><p>If you have had symptoms or used heartburn drugs for more than five years, an esophageal scope can tell you if there is damage. It’s an outpatient procedure done by a gastroenterologist or surgeon and usually covered by insurance. Checking vitamin B12 and folic acid levels, a quick blood test, is also worthwhile.</p><br /><p>For the long term, consider addressing the reasons for your reflux. Simple steps such as not eating too much and avoiding alcohol, coffee, smoking and foods that are difficult to digest or constipating may solve the problem.</p><br /><p>Chew well so that the enzymes in your saliva predigest your food before it reaches your stomach.</p><br /><p>Don’t eat right before going to bed, especially if you experience heartburn at night.</p><br /><p>You can substitute other treatments for drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen that cause heartburn.</p><br /><p>Maintaining your ideal weight, getting regular exercise and avoiding circumstances that cause stress and anxiety are also helpful.</p><br /><p>If you are pregnant or have a mechanical issue such as hiatal hernia your doctor can show you strategies that help.</p><br /><p>Digestive enzymes and herbs are effective in controlling both reflux and symptoms with few or no side effects but are best prescribed with the help of a naturopathic physician or other provider skilled in their use. Choosing the wrong ones can make you worse rather than better. Acupuncture, spinal manipulation and meditation have also been reported to help.</p><br /><p>Reflux, heartburn and the drugs that treat them have risks, but the disease is almost always curable without drugs if you are willing to make a few changes.</p><br /><p><em>Dan Labriola, N.D., is director of the Northwest Natural Health Specialty Care Clinic and medical director for naturopathic services, Swedish Medical Center’s Cancer Institute. The clinic website is nwnaturalhealth.com. Labriola can be reached at DrLabriola@nwnaturalhealth.com.</em> </p><br /><br/></div>

Steps you can take to combat acid reflux and heartburn - The Seattle Times

Reflux and heartburn have reached alarming levels, a troubling footnote to our modern lifestyle.One in three Americans experiences gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with more than $13 billion spe…

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Coliseum Northside Hospital to Host Acid Reflux Lunch-n-Learn - 41 NBC News

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><span id='startOfPage'> </span><br /><p><iframe class='c2' allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' src='//www.youtube.com/embed/j-ROBCkzinw' height='480' width='640'>[embedded content]</iframe> </p><br /><p>MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) -- Many people suffering from acid reflux, may not even know it. According to medical professionals at Coliseum Northside Hospital, it's inevitable that millions of adults will complain of their acid reflux being worse during the holiday season.</p><br /><p>Coliseum Northside Hospital's Director of Endoscopy, Sarah Jackson joined 41 Today to discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatments for acid reflux.</p><br /><p>There will be a free educational seminar Wednesday, January 8 at Coliseum Northside Hospital located at 400 Charter Boulevard in Macon.</p><br /><p>Lunch will be provided and registration is required. For more information, call (478) 746-4646.</p><br /></div>

Coliseum Northside Hospital to Host Acid Reflux Lunch-n-Learn - 41 NBC News

[embedded content] MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) -- Many people suffering from acid reflux, may not even know it. According to medical professionals at Coliseum Northside Hospital, it's inevitable that…

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Surgical device brings hope to those with acid reflux - STLtoday.com

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><strong>ORLANDO, Fla. •</strong> For two years, Milagros Camacho struggled with what she thought was heartburn after every meal. At night stomach acid would sometimes come out of her mouth and nose. Even drinking water would set off her symptoms.</p><br /><p>“I was afraid to eat,” recalled Camacho, 55. Eventually she was diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. It’s a chronic condition that can eventually lead to cancer of the esophagus.</p><br /><p>But after undergoing an innovative surgical procedure at Florida Hospital Celebration Health, Camacho is symptom-free and finally able to eat normally.</p><br /><p>Camacho had what’s known as a LINX device implanted around her esophagus. A ring of titanium magnets similar to a bracelet, it stretches to allow the patient to swallow food and liquid but contracts to keep stomach acid out of the esophagus.</p><br /><p>Camacho, who had the surgery Oct. 30, spent just one night in the hospital and reports she had an easy recovery.</p><br /><p>Side effects are minor and rare but can include difficulty swallowing. Occasionally patients will complain that they can feel the device, but Camacho so far has no complaints.</p><br /><p>Her procedure was performed by Dr. James “Butch” Rosser, a general surgeon for whom the issue is personal. As a young medical student working at a Veterans Affairs hospital in Mississippi, he treated his uncle, who was suffering from esophageal cancer. That uncle, Korean War veteran Ludie Mitchell Jr., later died of the disease.</p><br /><p>“There needs to be illumination on this issue because it’s so needless,” Rosser, 59, said. The National Cancer Institute reports slightly fewer than 18,000 new cases of esophageal cancer each year and more than 15,000 deaths.</p><br /><p>It’s the fastest-growing type of cancer in the U.S., Rosser said, up 600 percent since 1972.</p><br /><p>“This problem is increasing as our diet gets more fatty and as our BMI gets higher,” he said. And Americans’ increasing reliance on pills to treat heartburn, he said, can actually make the problem worse.</p><br /><p>“People are self-medicating, or their doctors are putting them on pills,” he said. “The symptoms may go away, but the problem is still there.”</p><br /><p>The LINX procedure has so far been performed on 2,000 people worldwide. Rosser is the only Central Florida surgeon trained to do the procedure.</p><br /><p>The band is implanted using four to six small incisions in a surgery much less invasive than earlier techniques. The previous method, known as Nissen fundoplication, involves disconnecting the stomach from the spleen and then manipulating the stomach. It has a much longer recovery time than LINX.</p><br /><p>In addition, it makes it very difficult for patients to burp, Rosser said, and physically impossible to vomit.</p><br /><p>The main constraint of the LINX procedure is that it forces patients to eat more slowly and chew more carefully, which is healthier anyway.</p><br /><p>Camacho hopes other people will heed the warning to get their symptoms checked out.</p><br /><p>“Don’t let it happen like me,” she said, “waiting two years and suffering.”</p><br /></div>

Surgical device brings hope to those with acid reflux - STLtoday.com

ORLANDO, Fla. • For two years, Milagros Camacho struggled with what she thought was heartburn after every meal. At night stomach acid would sometimes come out of her mouth and nose. Even drinking wate…

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Surgical device brings hope to those with acid reflux - Medical Xpress

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Surgical device brings hope to those with acid reflux - Medical Xpress

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Check Your Health: Suffer From Acid Reflux? There Are Ways To Find Relief - Cheshire Herald

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><h3 class='meta'>December 30, 2013 by <em>Special To The ...</em> </h3><br /><p><img align="left" alt="Check Your Health_6.jpg" class="c2" height="141" src="http://www.cheshireherald.com/sites/default/files/Check%20Your%20Health_6.jpg" width="143"/><em>Check Your Health is a web-only feature being offered monthly by The Cheshire Herald. Each month, a professional from MidState Medical Center will offer advice on a different issue pertaining to health.</em> </p><br /><p>An estimated 40 percent of Americans suffer from the daily effects of heartburn, and approximately 20 percent have been diagnosed with GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. What some people don’t realize, however, is that there are highly effective and safe surgical options to help relieve them of this uncomfortable, painful and oftentimes disruptive disease.<br/><br />What is GERD? GERD occurs when the reflux of stomach contents causes troublesome symptoms and/or complications, which can affect a person’s health, comfort, and well-being. To know how to treat GERD, your doctor first needs to understand what may be causing it. In an effort to make a proper diagnosis, your doctor may first try prescription antacid medications, such as Nexium, Protonix, or Prilosec.<br/><br />When the symptoms are not well-controlled with any of these, it’s often reason to do further testing to see what may be causing the pain and discomfort. Testing may include endoscopy, barium esophagram, manometry or pH studies. In some cases, a structural cause may be found, which may require a procedure to address. These may be from an injury, a narrowing of the esophagus, a hernia, or in more rare cases, from cancer. Knowing which of these problems the patient has can help steer the course of treatment.<br/><br />For patients who show no anatomical abnormalities, and have only mild reflux symptoms, it is often recommended that they try lifestyle modifications. These may include changing their diet to avoid foods which are known to cause reflux, weight loss, along with antacid medication. For those individuals with more severe disease, longer term antacid medication has traditionally been the standard approach.<br/><br />However, research has shown that long-term use of some antacid medications, such as PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) can potentially be associated with unintended side effects, including the inability to absorb calcium, heart rhythm issues related to reduced magnesium absorption, and increased risk for certain infections. And some people simply do not want to be on medication for the rest of their lives.<br/><br />When medications and lifestyle changes are exhausted and no longer effective (or only partially effective) at controlling a patient’s symptoms, surgical options can correct the problem and greatly decrease, if not eliminate, symptoms and need for medication. For most patients, surgeons are able to make 5 very small incisions in the abdomen (each ½ centimeter wide) and fix the underlying cause in approximately 1 ½ - 2 hours. During the surgery, they are checked with an endoscope to see down the esophagus into the stomach to ensure the best result has been achieved. Patients awake from general anesthesia with no catheters or drains, begin a liquid diet on the same day, and are generally discharged home the next morning. It is recommended that the patient stay on a pureed diet for two weeks, after which time they can return to normal healthy eating. Approximately 90% of patients report complete resolution of their reflux symptoms and no longer have a need for medication. In a study that followed patients 5 years after surgery, the patients reported fewer heartburn and belching episodes, and generally had better feelings of health and vitality as compared to medical therapy.<br/><br />Thankfully, advances in minimally invasive surgical techniques have given patients more and better options to find relief from their symptoms. If you’re suffering from heartburn or reflux, it’s best to see your doctor and discuss your options so that together, we can find the best treatment for you.</p><br /><p><em>Kenneth Schwartz, MD<br/><br />Minimally Invasive and General Surgeon<br/><br />Hartford HealthCare Medical Group<br/><br />MidState Medical Center</em> </p><br /></div>

Check Your Health: Suffer From Acid Reflux? There Are Ways To Find Relief - Cheshire Herald

December 30, 2013 by Special To The ... Check Your Health is a web-only feature being offered monthly by The Cheshire Herald. Each month, a professional from MidState Medical Center will offer advice …

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Surgical device brings hope to those with acid reflux - Orlando Sentinel

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p>For two years, Milagros Camacho struggled with what she thought was heartburn after every meal. At night stomach acid would sometimes come out of her mouth and nose. Even drinking water would set off her symptoms.</p><br /><p>"I was afraid to eat," recalled Camacho, 55. Eventually she was diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. It's a chronic condition that can eventually lead to cancer of the esophagus.</p><br /><p>But after undergoing an innovative surgical procedure at Florida Hospital Celebration Health, Camacho is symptom-free and finally able to eat normally.</p><br /><p>The St. Cloud resident had what's known as a LINX device implanted around her esophagus. A ring of titanium magnets similar to a bracelet, it stretches to allow the patient to swallow food and liquid but contracts to keep stomach acid out of the esophagus.</p><br /><p>Camacho, who had the surgery Oct. 30, was the first person in Central Florida to undergo the LINX procedure. She spent just one night in the hospital and reports she had an easy recovery.</p><br /><p>Side effects are minor and rare but can include difficulty swallowing. Occasionally patients will complain that they can feel the device, but Camacho so far has no complaints.</p><br /><p>Her procedure was performed by Dr. James "Butch" Rosser, a general surgeon for whom the issue is personal. As a young medical student working at a Veterans Affairs hospital in Mississippi, he treated his uncle, who was suffering from esophageal cancer. That uncle, Korean War veteran Ludie Mitchell Jr., later died of the disease.</p><br /><p>"There needs to be illumination on this issue because it's so needless," Rosser, 59, said. According to the National Cancer Institute, there are a little fewer than 18,000 new cases of esophageal cancer each year and more than 15,000 deaths.</p><br /><p>It's the fastest-growing type of cancer in the U.S., Rosser said, up 600 percent since 1972.</p><br /><p>"This problem is increasing as our diet gets more fatty and as our BMI gets higher," he said. And Americans' increasing reliance on pills to treat heartburn, he said, can actually make the problem worse.</p><br /><p>"People are self-medicating, or their doctors are putting them on pills," he said. "The symptoms may go away, but the problem is still there."</p><br /><p>The LINX procedure has so far been performed on 2,000 people worldwide, but Rosser estimated fewer than 100 have been done in Florida. He's the only Central Florida surgeon trained to do the procedure, and Celebration is one of only three Florida hospitals where it's performed. The other two are in Tampa and Jacksonville, Rosser said.</p><br /><p>The band is implanted using four to six small incisions in a surgery much less invasive than earlier techniques. The previous method, known as Nissen fundoplication, involves disconnecting the stomach from the spleen and then manipulating the stomach. It has a much longer recovery time than LINX.</p><br /><p>In addition, it makes it very difficult for patients to burp, Rosser said, and physically impossible to vomit.</p><br /><p>The main constraint of the LINX procedure is that it forces patients to eat more slowly and chew more carefully, which is healthier anyway.</p><br /><p>Camacho hopes other people will heed the warning to get their symptoms checked out.</p><br /><p>"Don't let it happen like me," she said, "waiting two years and suffering."</p><br /><p><em>dbreen@tribune.com or 407-420-5189</em> </p><br /></div>

Surgical device brings hope to those with acid reflux - Orlando Sentinel

For two years, Milagros Camacho struggled with what she thought was heartburn after every meal. At night stomach acid would sometimes come out of her mouth and nose. Even drinking water would set off …

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Treatments available for acid reflex - Sarasota Herald-Tribune

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><strong>DEAR DR. ROACH:</strong> <em>I have evidently gotten acid reflux from using verapamil for many years. I understand that calcium channel blockers can cause this over time. I had my blood pressure medicine changed three months ago, but this problem just doesn't go away. Since I get very nauseated taking H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors, I am left with an extreme sore throat, and I find it so uncomfortable to eat anything. What can you tell me about this horrible situation? -- L.H.</em> </p><br /><p><strong>ANSWER:</strong> Acid reflux is caused by stomach acid going backward up into the esophagus, and it can damage the esophagus as well as causing pain. Many conditions predispose toward acid reflux (often called GERD -- gastroesophageal reflux disease), especially those that affect the lower esophageal sphincter, a structure of smooth muscle at the end of the esophagus, which acts as a valve to prevent the acid from going backward. Calcium channel blockers like verapamil relax smooth muscle, as can other medications, such as albuterol, nitroglycerine and theophylline. These medications cause the LES to weaken, and they do so immediately.</p><br /><p>In your situation, there probably is more to it than just the medication, since it didn't start right away. GERD symptoms are very common. Although the medications you mention, H2 blockers (antihistamines that work on stomach acid production) and proton pump inhibitors (which directly stop acid production), can help, non-drug treatments -- including not eating three hours before bed, raising the head of the bed and stopping any other potential irritants, especially anti-inflammatory medication, fatty foods and caffeine -- can be very effective. Tobacco and alcohol are triggers for most people. Many people can find other food triggers that can be avoided. Antacids are effective for occasional symptoms, but your symptoms sound too severe for antacids to be effective (usually used only once a week or so). Chewing gum often is helpful.</p><br /><p>There are some situations in which an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD, an upper endoscopy) should be done right away. People who require an EGD are those with evidence of bleeding, weight loss, recurrent vomiting, difficulty swallowing or anemia.</p><br /><p><strong>DEAR DR. ROACH:</strong> <em>I was on Pradaxa because I have atrial fibrillation. I had a total knee replacement in November 2012, and within a month I had to have hematomas removed on two separate occasions. My surgeon said that the blood thinner, Pradaxa, might have been the culprit. What are your thoughts?</em> </p><br /><p><em>I am going to start taking Xarelto. Could this cause the same problem in the future?</em> </p><br /><p><strong>ANSWER:</strong> Both of these medications reduce the body's ability to make blood clots. The major side effect of both is excessive bleeding. Any surgery increases the likelihood of bleeding, so the combination of a major surgery, like a total knee replacement, with a medication that increases bleeding risk means that bleeding is going to be likely. However, as the body heals in the days and even months after surgery, the risk of bleeding goes down. If you were to require another surgery, the risk of bleeding would be high.</p><br /><p>On the other hand, the risk of a blood clot causing stroke in people with atrial fibrillation is about 5 percent per year without treatment, which is why treatment is recommended. It sometimes can be hard to balance clot/stroke risk against bleeding risk.</p><br /><p><em>* * *</em> </p><br /><p><em>Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Health newsletters may be ordered from www.rbmamall.com.</em> </p><br /></div>

Treatments available for acid reflex - Sarasota Herald-Tribune

DEAR DR. ROACH: I have evidently gotten acid reflux from using verapamil for many years. I understand that calcium channel blockers can cause this over time. I had my blood pressure medicine changed t…

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New Procedure Helps Acid Reflux Sufferers - KEYE TV

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><img class="fltlft storyimg" height="90" src="http://www.keyetv.com/news/features/top-stories/stories//images/linx1_15028.jpg" width="160"/><span class='udate'>Updated: Tuesday, December 17 2013, 01:44 PM CST</span><br/> </p><br /><p>Do you pop Tums or Pepcid after every meal? Studies show more than 15 million Americans experience heartburn symptoms each day. But if you can't seem to find relief from medication there may be another option for you.</p><br /><p>There's now a new surgical procedure that's changing lives.</p><br /><p>When Kirk Zeller found out he had acid reflux he couldn't believe it.</p><br /><p>"I was like you've gotta be crazy. These are classic heart attack symptoms. This can't be reflux," he says.</p><br /><p>He had no idea heartburn could be as painful as a heart attack.</p><br /><p>"At night my chest would just burn, just really nasty burning. And sometimes really dull pains in my lower back as well," Zeller says.</p><br /><p>Seven years of bland food and countless medications later he knew he had to try something else.</p><br /><p>"Despite the fact that I was on a very restricted diet, I was on a double dose of Nexium and taking several other reflux medications. Even despite all that I got back again where I couldn't sleep," Zeller says.</p><br /><p>Kirk's doctor -- Tripp Buckley -- also suffers from reflux and he wanted to be the first in Central Texas to learn a new surgical technique called the LINX Procedure.</p><br /><p>"So we've had heart valves, artificial heart valves for a number of years and now we have an artificial esophageal value that really protects against heartburn," Dr. Buckley says.</p><br /><p>A beaded bracelet is what does the trick.</p><br /><p>"We go in and wrap this around the base of your esophagus right where it meets the stomach," Dr. Buckley says. "And the way this works is when you swallow, these beads expand and when you're done swallowing they contract."</p><br /><p>"Dr. Buckley said after the procedure you're not going to need your reflux medication anymore and I'd been on it for seven years so I was very skeptical about getting off the medication. But sure enough I haven't taken one since," Zeller says.</p><br /><p>The cherry on top? Kirk Zeller can now eat whatever he wants.</p><br /><p>Dr. Buckley says the LINX Procedure is covered by most insurance companies and Medicare.</p><br /><p><em>By Deeda Payton</em> </p><br /><span class='c14'>New Procedure Helps Acid Reflux Sufferers</span><br class='clear'/></div>

New Procedure Helps Acid Reflux Sufferers - KEYE TV

Updated: Tuesday, December 17 2013, 01:44 PM CST Do you pop Tums or Pepcid after every meal? Studies show more than 15 million Americans experience heartburn symptoms each day. But if you can't seem t…

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Popular Acid Reflux Meds Linked To Vitamin Deficiency - Ring of Fire

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p dir='ltr'>A study recently published by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) has linked proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs), known to consumers as acid reflux medication and includes popular name-brand drugs such as Prilosec (omeprazole), Nexium (esomeprazole), and Prevacid (lansoprazole), to causing serious vitamin B12 deficiencies in several users. Vitamin B12 deficiencies were also found in several individuals taking H2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs), which include Tagamet (cimetidine), Pepcid (famotidine), and Zantac (ranitidine).</p><br /><p>According to Reuters <span class='c2'>Dr. Douglas Corley, a gastroenterologist at the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research in Oakland, California, along with a team of researchers studied medical records of approximately 26,000 residents of Northern California that had been diagnosed with a B12 deficiency between 1997 and 2011 and compared them to roughly 185,000 who had healthy vitamin B12 levels.</span> </p><br /><p><span class='c2'>Corley’s observations discovered that 12 percent of the individuals in the group that were diagnosed with a vitamin B12 deficiency had been taking PPIs for at least two years. It was also discovered that 4 percent with the vitamin deficiency had been taking H2RAs for several years as well. Higher dosages of the medications were also associated with vitamin B12 deficiencies in users. The study ultimately concluded that individuals who took PPIs for more than two years were 65 percent more likely to have a vitamin B12 deficiency.</span> </p><br /><p><span class='c2'>The researchers explain that because PPIs and H2RAs limit the production of acid in the stomach. According to the JAMA study, medications could “theoretically increase the population’s risk of vitamin B12 deficiency” as stomach acid helps with the absorption of vitamin B12.</span> </p><br /><p><span class='c2'>“Studies conducted on drugs already on the market sometimes reveal risks that pharmaceutical companies fail to warn about,” commented</span> Megan McBride<span class='c2'>, a lawyer with the</span> Levin, Papantonio law firm <span class='c2'>who represents individuals who have</span> developed acute liver failure <span class='c2'>from acetaminophen, the main ingredient found in the over-the-counter pain reliever, Tylenol.</span> </p><br /><p><span class='c2'>Additional studies are needed to validate the link between PPIs and H2RAs to the development of a vitamin B12 deficiency. However, individuals who use acid reflux medications are encouraged to continue to monitor their health while on these medications.</span> </p><br /><p>Krysta is a writer and researcher with Ring of Fire. Follow her on Twitter @KrystaLoera.</p><br /></div>

Popular Acid Reflux Meds Linked To Vitamin Deficiency - Ring of Fire

A study recently published by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) has linked proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs), known to consumers as acid reflux medication and includes popular name-br…

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Magnetic device helps some acid-reflux sufferers - Philly.com

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><div class='article_timestamp'><br /><h5 class='byline'>Marie McCullough, <em>Inquirer Staff Writer</em> </h5><br />Posted: <span>Sunday, December 8, 2013, 8:51 AM</span> </div><br /><div readability='56' itemprop='description' class='article-firstGraf'><br /><p><img border="0" class="img_noborder_vertical" src="http://media.philly.com/designimages/partnerIcon-Inquirer.jpg"/> </p><br /><p>Acid reflux disease was making Jeff Pugh's life miserable.</p><br /><p>Like millions of Americans, he took medications to suppress and counteract the digestive juices that backed up from his stomach into his esophagus. But drugs don't address a basic underlying problem: the esophageal muscle that acts as a valve between the stomach and esophagus gets too weak or loose to shut out the acids.</p><br /><p>For Pugh, 45, of West Norriton, the fix was a recently approved device - a tiny necklace of magnetic titanium beads that encircle the lower esophagus. The beads separate slightly during the pressure of swallowing to allow food to pass, then close to prevent the backwash of acid.</p><br /><p>Pugh had the LINX Reflux Management System implanted in June during a minimally invasive, one-hour surgery at Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia. It freed him from reflux symptoms that included excruciating heartburn, a sleep-disrupting nighttime cough, and esophageal bleeding. It also liberated him from daily doses of an antacid, a proton pump inhibitor, and other drugs.</p><br /></div><br /><p>"I went into the hospital in the morning, came home at 3 p.m., and that night I had roast beef, a baked potato, and asparagus," recalled the Continental Bank commercial-loan executive. "I had the procedure on a Friday and was back to work on Monday. This really was a godsend."</p><br /><p>Not all patients have such an easy adjustment. In the pivotal, five-year study that led to Food and Drug Administration approval in March 2012, six of the 100 patients had to have the device removed because of persistent difficulty with swallowing or other complications.</p><br /><p>But the ability to remove the LINX is an advantage. The only other surgical treatment for unmanageable reflux, called fundoplication, involves wrapping the upper portion of the stomach (the fundus) around the esophagus and sewing it into place. The surgery is difficult or impossible to reverse, and can have side effects such as bloating, an inability to belch or vomit, and swallowing problems.</p><br /><p>Einstein bariatric surgeon Ramsey Dallal, who performed Pugh's LINX procedure, said only a small minority of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients had such severe, hard-to-control reflux that they were candidates for fundoplication or the new device.</p><br /><p>"But GERD is so common," he added, "that we're talking hundreds of thousands of people."</p><br /><p>For them, GERD can lead to serious complications. They may develop asthma or breathing problems if the acid goes into the lungs. Or Barrett's esophagus, a tissue abnormality that is a risk factor for esophageal cancer. Or chronic hoarseness.</p><br /><p>"I had a patient last year who could barely speak and was going to get fired because he couldn't talk on the phone," Dallal said. "After the [LINX] operation, his voice was completely normal."</p><br /><p>The LINX is the invention of Torax Medical Inc., a Shoreview, Minn., company created to find a way to treat what doctors call an "incompetent esophageal sphincter."</p><br /><p>"We knew reflux disease is based on patients' having a mechanical defect," said Torax CEO Todd Berg. "But when you start from scratch to develop a device to fix the defect, it's not obvious what the parameters need to be."</p><br /><p>It took more than 100 animal studies to figure out how much magnetic attraction would allow the titanium beads to separate during swallowing and spring back.</p><br /><p>Because of the metal beads, LINX patients cannot have MRI exams. They may also still need to take reflux medications.</p><br /><p>The LINX costs the same as fundoplication - $15,000 to $20,000 - but insurers are balking at covering it, Berg said.</p><br /><p>"Unfortunately, payers say, 'We still think it's investigational,' " Berg said. "When we appeal the refusal, we win more than we lose."</p><br /><p>Einstein, one of 14 centers in the pivotal study, is the only hospital in the Philadelphia area now offering the LINX. But the company, Berg said, hopes it will be more widely available as more physicians are trained to implant the device.</p><br /><hr/><br /><p><span class='c7'>mmccullough@phillynews.com</span> </p><br /><p>215-854-2720</p><br /><p>@repopter</p><br /></div>

Magnetic device helps some acid-reflux sufferers - Philly.com

Marie McCullough, Inquirer Staff Writer Posted: Sunday, December 8, 2013, 8:51 AM Acid reflux disease was making Jeff Pugh's life miserable.Like millions of Americans, he took medications to suppress…

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Dr. Max Gomez: A New Weapon In The Fight Against Acid Reflux - CBS Local

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><div class='entry-other-bar'><br /><div class='entry-category entry-left-column'><br /><h5>Filed under</h5><br />Health, Health, Healthwatch, Heard On 1010 WINS, WCBS, WFAN, Lifestyle, News, Seen On CBS 2HD, Syndication, Watch, Watch + Listen</div><br /></div><br /><div class='entry-content-textbox'><br /><p><strong>NEW YORK(CBSNewYork)</strong> — Acid reflux has been known to cause everything from heartburn and a chronic cough to hoarseness and even cancer.</p><br /><p>Some 30-million Americans suffer from acid reflux, CBS 2′s Dr. Max Gomez reported.</p><br /><p>Roy Gernhardt was among those 30-million. He used to gobble antacids to treat his condition.</p><br /><p>“You get the bulk antacids and you keep it in the glove compartment of every one of your cars. You keep one in the desk at work. You keep one beside your bed,” he said.</p><br /><p>Gernhardt’s struggle is familiar to many Americans.</p><br /><p>“About 44-percent of Americans get reflux at least monthly and at least 7-percent of Americans get reflux on a daily basis,” Dr. Hiran Fernando said.</p><br /><div class='entry-injected-ad narrow'> </div><br /><p>The most common reflux treatments involve a group of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors that block the production of stomach acids. This includes Prilosec, Prevacid, Nexium, and Protonix.</p><br /><p>The drugs didn’t work for Gernhardt so he opted for a different treatment, a device known as a Lynx. A Lynx is an elastic string of tiny magnetic beads that is implanted laparoscopically.</p><br /><p>“As you swallow hopefully you can see that food will come down and then boom, the thing opens and then it closes and then this will stop reflux from occurring below in the stomach,” Dr. Fernando said.</p><br /><p>For Gernhardt the device may have been a lifesaver.</p><br /><p>“I had a 30 to 35-percent chance of dying of esophageal cancer by time I am 65,” he said.</p><br /><p>The longest follow-up with Lynx is about six years, 85-percent of patients said that they have completely come off of their reflux medication.</p><br /><p>Medical experts said that Lynx should only be used by patients who have failed to get relief from their medications.</p><br /><p><strong>You May Also Be Interested In These Stories</strong><br/> </p><br /></div><br /></div>

Dr. Max Gomez: A New Weapon In The Fight Against Acid Reflux - CBS Local

Filed underHealth, Health, Healthwatch, Heard On 1010 WINS, WCBS, WFAN, Lifestyle, News, Seen On CBS 2HD, Syndication, Watch, Watch + ListenNEW YORK(CBSNewYork) — Acid reflux has been known to cause e…

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What is Acid Reflux Really All About? - Toronto NewsFIX

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><span>30</span>Nov</p><br /><div class='post-details rowa'><img alt="" class="avatar avatar-35 photo" height="35" src="http://1.gravatar.com/avatar/52dea71e96d555a6a7ad6231471c3941?s=35&d=http%3A%2F%2F1.gravatar.com%2Favatar%2Fad516503a11cd5ca435acc9bb6523536%3Fs%3D35&r=G" width="35"/> </div><br /><p>Acid reflux often starts after a meal or a snack. There’s a burning sensation along with a tight feeling in the chest area. Sometimes it can be quite bad and the pain spreads to the neck, back or arm. That looks and feels suspiciously like a heart attack and can cause extreme panic in the affected person. Fortunately, in many cases, it’s just a severe case of acid reflux.</p><br /><p>Despite the panic-inducing symptoms, the remedy can be quite simple – a deep burp will bring relief in a lot of cases. The burning sensation may be caused either by stomach acids in the esophagus or by acidic fumes trapped in the esophagus or both. That’s why burping can help – it releases these fumes from the esophagus and brings relief.</p><br /><p>The symptoms of acid reflux are usually called heartburn. The medical term for the condition is gastroesophageal reflux disease, which is abbreviated to GERD. As much as 36% of all Americans have this condition, according to some estimates.</p><br /><p>Here is how acid reflux occurs. The stomach contains an acidic fluid that is necessary for digestion. The upper part of the stomach contains a valve called the lower esophageal sphincter or LES. The function of the LES is to keep the acids and the food within the stomach and prevent them from coming up into the esophagus.</p><br /><p>The LES does its job well in most cases. However, in acid reflux patients, the LES tends to relax more than it is supposed to and as a result, food and acid sweep upwards into the esophagus.</p><br /><p>The stomach is equipped to handle this acidic medium, but that’s not true of the esophagus. So acid tends to damage the esophagus lining and produces the burning sensation referred to as heartburn.</p><br /><p>What happens when acid reflux occurs? A process called secondary peristalsis starts off. The esophagus pushes the food-acid mixture back into the stomach. Usually at least 90% of this mixture is sent back into the stomach and what remains in the esophagus is neutralized by saliva.</p><br /><p>Many cases of acid reflux are relatively harmless. They are transient and don’t do any lasting damage.</p><br /><p>GERD, mentioned above, is actually a larger category to which acid reflux belongs. GERD includes any symptoms or changes in tissue structure that might result from the contents of the stomach or duodenum moving into the esophagus.</p><br /><p>GERD can have many causes. Some include delayed gastric emptying, lowered tissue resistance, problems with LES tone at rest or lower saliva production. Sometimes, GERD is caused by a transient relaxation of the LES.</p><br /><p>Acid reflux is often a lifestyle disease. Consuming large, heavy meals is one possible cause. This puts pressure on the LES and may push the stomach contents up into the esophagus. Excess consumption of caffeine and fatty foods can also produce acid reflux.</p><br /><p>So can smoking. In fact, smoking is a common reason for acid reflux symptoms. Smoking causes problems because it alters the bicarbonate levels in saliva.</p><br /><p>More reasons for acid reflux include lying down shortly after a heavy meal and wearing tight clothing among other things.</p><br /><p>Acid reflux is usually not completely curable, but it can be managed well by adopting healthy lifestyle changes.</p><br /><blockquote readability='11'><br /><p><strong>MEDICAL DISCLAIMER</strong><br/><br />The information contained in or made available through This Site cannot replace or substitute for the services of trained professionals in the medical field. We do not recommend any treatment, drug, food or supplement. You should regularly consult a doctor in all matters relating to physical or mental health, particularly concerning any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention.</p><br /></blockquote><br /></div>

What is Acid Reflux Really All About? - Toronto NewsFIX

30Nov Acid reflux often starts after a meal or a snack. There’s a burning sensation along with a tight feeling in the chest area. Sometimes it can be quite bad and the pain spreads to the neck, back o…

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What You Should Know About Acid Reflux Symptoms - Toronto NewsFIX

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><span>30</span>Nov</p><br /><div class='post-details rowa'><img alt="" class="avatar avatar-35 photo" height="35" src="http://1.gravatar.com/avatar/52dea71e96d555a6a7ad6231471c3941?s=35&d=http%3A%2F%2F1.gravatar.com%2Favatar%2Fad516503a11cd5ca435acc9bb6523536%3Fs%3D35&r=G" width="35"/><br /><div class='post-details-info'>By admin, November 30th, 2013 | Health | 0 Comments</div><br /></div><br /><p>Acid reflux symptoms are fairly common across age groups. Surprisingly, they occur even in infants and young children, although the disease usually disappears as they grow older.</p><br /><p>However, if acid reflux symptoms persist over long periods of time, it can do real damage at all ages. Since acid reflux involves regurgitation of stomach acids into the esophagus, the soft tissue of the esophagus may become scarred, swollen or inflamed as a result.</p><br /><p>Acid reflux can also lead to several other health issues ranging from voice problems to esophagus cancer. The greater the frequency with which the problem occurs, the higher the probability of serious damage.</p><br /><p>That is why it is essential to be aware of acid reflux symptoms and take remedial action if they persist.</p><br /><p>Formally known as gastro-esophageal reflux disease, acid reflux can have several interrelated causes. Excessive generation of acidic fluids in the stomach, harmful diet, alcohol consumption, reduced esophageal pressure, incorrect contraction of the sphincter at the lower end of the esophagus – one or more of these and other factors could cause acid reflux.</p><br /><p>The lower esophageal sphincter muscle is meant to keep the stomach contents confined to the stomach. Sometimes, it doesn’t do its job well. It may become too relaxed or function inappropriately, which results in a mixture of food and digestive juices in the stomach coming up into the esophagus.</p><br /><p>Infants exhibit the highest incidence of acid reflux among various age groups. Most infants will outgrow the symptoms over time. But if that doesn’t happen, other complications can result in their gastro intestinal system.</p><br /><p>Common acid reflux symptoms in infants include the following:</p><br /><ul><br /><li>Vomiting</li><br /><li>Coughing</li><br /><li>Persistent irritability</li><br /><li>Discomfort when they feed</li><br /><li>Traces of blood in the feces</li><br /></ul><br /><p>While most of these acid reflux symptoms occur in infants of age three months or below, if the problem persists past twelve months, it should be viewed with seriousness.</p><br /><p>If an infant shows any of the following symptoms, it may mean that the problem is worsening.</p><br /><ul><br /><li>Spitting blood</li><br /><li>Blood coming up while coughing</li><br /><li>Breathing problems</li><br /><li>Significant pain or discomfort while feeding</li><br /><li>Inadequate growth</li><br /></ul><br /><p>Adults may show acid reflux symptoms such as:</p><br /><ul><br /><li>Abdominal pain at various times that tends to get worse after eating</li><br /><li>Abdominal pain that grows worse when lying down</li><br /><li>Excess saliva secretion</li><br /><li>Bitter taste in the mouth for no known reason</li><br /><li>Bad breath</li><br /></ul><br /><p>Having some of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that the person has acid reflux, since these symptoms are not unique to acid reflux. However, if the symptoms occur frequently – say more than two or three times a week – the person may have chronic acid reflux disease.</p><br /><p>Some acid reflux symptoms may indicate that the person has developed greater complications from the disease. Here are some of those symptoms to watch out for.</p><br /><ul><br /><li>Poor appetite</li><br /><li>Blood in stools</li><br /><li>Blood in vomit</li><br /><li>Difficulty swallowing</li><br /><li>Inflamed throat area</li><br /><li>Burning / aching sensation in the chest</li><br /><li>Breathing difficulties</li><br /></ul><br /><p>If you notice any of these acid reflux symptoms indicating severe disease, or if the less severe symptoms persist, it is important to see a doctor immediately. It is often possible to control the symptoms through diet and lifestyle changes.</p><br /><blockquote readability='11'><br /><p><strong>MEDICAL DISCLAIMER</strong><br/><br />The information contained in or made available through This Site cannot replace or substitute for the services of trained professionals in the medical field. We do not recommend any treatment, drug, food or supplement. You should regularly consult a doctor in all matters relating to physical or mental health, particularly concerning any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention.</p><br /></blockquote><br /></div>

What You Should Know About Acid Reflux Symptoms - Toronto NewsFIX

30NovBy admin, November 30th, 2013 | Health | 0 CommentsAcid reflux symptoms are fairly common across age groups. Surprisingly, they occur even in infants and young children, although the disease usua…

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What is Acid Reflux - Symptom, Causes, Treatments - Toronto NewsFIX

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><span>30</span>Nov</p><br /><div class='post-details rowa'><img alt="" class="avatar avatar-35 photo" height="35" src="http://1.gravatar.com/avatar/52dea71e96d555a6a7ad6231471c3941?s=35&d=http%3A%2F%2F1.gravatar.com%2Favatar%2Fad516503a11cd5ca435acc9bb6523536%3Fs%3D35&r=G" width="35"/> </div><br /><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full" src="http://www.newsfix.ca/2013/11/30/what-is-acid-reflux-symptom-causes-treatments/"/><br /><p>Acid reflux usually occurs due to excessive accumulation of digestive fluids inside the stomach and inappropriate activity of the sphincter (the valve that connects the esophagus to the stomach). In normal conditions, the sphincter should be able to protect the esophagus from stomach gastric acids. The lower esophageal sphincter normally closes the exit of the esophagus by contracting itself. The sphincter should only relax when swallowing foods or fluids, allowing them to enter the stomach. However, due to abnormal pressure at the level of the sphincter or inconstant muscular contractions, the excess of digestive acids inside the stomach is pushed upwards into the esophagus and the throat. There are many factors that facilitate the occurrence of acid reflux and inadequate diet is considered to be one of them.<br/> </p><br /><div readability='34' class='wp-caption alignright c1' id='attachment_728'><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-728" height="300" src="http://newsolio.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/What-is-Acid-Reflux-Symptom-Causes-Treatments-171x300.jpg" title="What is Acid Reflux - Symptom, Causes, Treatments" width="171"/><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>What is Acid Reflux - Symptom, Causes, Treatments</p><br /></div><br /><p>Acid reflux doesn’t occur all the time and the phenomenon is more likely to appear after a meal abundant in acid foods. The phenomenon is very common in infants and small children and usually disappears with time. However, acid reflux can occur to anyone, at any age. Some people are only confronted with acid reflux after consuming inadequate foods or drinks, while other people are confronted with the condition on a regular time basis, regardless of their diet.</p><br /><p>People with acid reflux should consider changing their diet, as the consumption of large amounts of processed, acidic foods at a single meal can cause the regurgitation of the stomach content back into the esophagus and throat. Acid reflux doesn’t occur due to one or two inappropriate meals; the condition is developed in time and can be caused by unhealthy eating habits. After eating large amounts of food at once, (especially acid foods or foods that are rich in proteins) the stomach is not able to digest it and usually produces more gastric acid, in an attempt to dissolve and process the ingested food. Due to the excess of gastric acid, low pressure at the level of the esophagus and inappropriate activity of the lower esophageal sphincter, the stomach content is pushed upwards, causing gastro-esophageal reflux (acid reflux).</p><br /><p>A good way to correct the activity of the stomach and to prevent the occurrence of acid reflux is to keep a balanced diet. An appropriate diet and a healthy eating schedule considerably reduce acid reflux. In the case of people who are frequently confronted with acid reflux, surgery can be the best alternative. The simplest form of surgery can be performed through the means of an endoscope and is considered to be a risk-free medical intervention. Surgery fortifies the natural barrier at the union of the esophagus with the stomach, correcting the physiological abnormalities of the sphincter.</p><br /><p>Acid reflux is a very common condition and can become serious if it is not appropriately treated. If you suffer from acid reflux, take steps to ameliorate your condition either through the means of medications, diet or surgery. Left untreated, acid reflux can be very dangerous to the body.</p><br /><h2>Acid reflux’ most common symptom – heartburn</h2><br /><p>Acid reflux is very common in infants, babies and young children. Acid reflux usually disappears with age, although in some cases it may persist for long periods of time. The condition can also occur in teenagers, adults or elderly people. Acid reflux can cause serious damage at the level of the esophagus, due to its constant exposure to stomach gastric acid. Acid reflux can cause inflammation, swelling and even scarring of the esophageal soft tissue. It is very important to pay attention to the symptoms of acid reflux, and act quickly in overcoming the condition. If acid reflux occurs frequently, it can cause serious complications.</p><br /><p>Acid reflux (gastro-esophageal reflux disease) is a physiological condition caused by multiple interconnected factors. In most cases, weakness of the lower esophageal sphincter is responsible for acid reflux, allowing the content of the stomach to be regurgitated upwards, inside the esophagus and the throat. Other factors include: inappropriate diet, excessive production of digestive fluids, low pressure at the level of the esophagus or inappropriate muscular contraction of the sphincter.</p><br /><p>Acid reflux has the highest incidence in infants. Although in the case of most babies the symptoms of acid reflux disappear in time, in some cases the condition can persist for years, causing serious harm to the gastro-intestinal system and esophagus. The most common symptoms of acid reflux in infants are: spitting, vomiting, coughing, irritability, discomfort when feeding and the presence of blood in feces.</p><br /><p>These common symptoms of acid reflux are characteristic to infants younger than 3 months and usually disappear after the age of 12 months. However, if the condition persists and occurs frequently, serious complications may be developed at the level of the esophagus, throat and gastro-intestinal system. The symptoms of acid reflux which suggest the aggravation of the condition are: growth problems, pronounced pain when feeding, spitting or coughing blood, problems with breathing.</p><br /><p>The most common symptoms of acid reflux in adults are: abdominal pain and discomfort (it usually intensifies after meals or when lying down), bad breath, bitter taste in the mouth, excessive secretion of saliva. Not all people who have the symptoms of acid reflux suffer from the condition, as the symptoms of the disorder have an unspecific character. However, most people that have the symptoms of acid reflux more than 2 or 3 times a week may be suffering from a chronic form of the condition.</p><br /><p>Symptoms of acid reflux in adults that indicate the possible occurrence of complications are: difficult, painful swallowing, chest burn and aching, poor appetite, nausea, presence of blood in vomit and stools, throat inflammation and pain, breathing difficulties. The symptoms of acid reflux can become very intense, suggesting the aggravation of the condition.</p><br /><p>It is very important to timely detect the symptoms of acid reflux and to ask for medical advice. Acid reflux can be overcome through diet, medication or surgery, depending on the seriousness of the condition. If is important to act quickly, as acid reflux can become severe and lead to complications if it is left untreated.</p><br /><h2>Causes of acid reflux occurrence</h2><br /><p>As we said before acid reflux is a very common condition. Its causes are various and of multiple natures. For most of the patients, avid reflux is a condition that is the consequence of physiological dysfunctions on the premise of inappropriate activity of the lower esophageal sphincter or excessive pressure inside the stomach. The lower esophageal sphincter is a valve that normally acts like a barrier between the esophagus and the stomach. For persons without acid reflux, this valve opens during swallowing foods, otherwise remains closed. If this valve is weakened or its integrity is compromised because of a physical trauma, the content of the stomach can be easily regurgitated inside the esophagus and the oral cavity.</p><br /><p>Along with the upper mentioned cause of acid reflux development we have to mention another physiological cause which is excessive pressure at the level of the abdomen which pushes the content of the stomach upward to the esophagus. This cause is frequently seen in obese people, pregnant women or smokers.</p><br /><p>Acid reflux is sometimes associated with hiatal hernia. Hiatal hernia usually occurs when the upper wall of the stomach moves above the diaphragm. Even if this is only a supposition that has not been yet confirmed, specialists believe that there is a connection between hiatal hernia and acid reflux. The very interesting thing is that many patients that suffer of acid reflux also suffer of hiatal hernia, while very few of those with hiatal hernia suffer of acid reflux.</p><br /><p>Many drugs can stimulate the overproduction of gastric acid inside the body so we can also consider drugs another cause of acid reflux.</p><br /><p>Diet is also a cause for acid reflux. Inappropriate diet that consists of acidic, irritant foods contribute to the occurrence of acid reflux by generating the overproduction of stomach acidand causing relaxation for the esophageal valve.</p><br /><h2>Treatments for acid reflux</h2><br /><p>Read: Health topics: what natural remedy options are there for acid reflux?</p><br /><p>For treating this condition doctors usually prescribe medicines that normalize the stomach’s production of gastric acid. Knowing that most of the cases of acid reflux involve overproduction of digestive fluids and pepsin at the level of the stomach, we can say that the treatment for gastro-esophageal reflux disease is very similar to the treatment of ulcer or gastritis.</p><br /><p>The most frequently used medicines are antacids. Even if we know that these medicines provide rapid symptomatic relief for acid reflux sufferers we should also know that these medications also have some minuses. Antacids have only temporary action of controlling the acidity of the stomach. More than that, these antacids can not ameliorate acid reflux symptoms in more serious forms of disease.</p><br /><p>Not like other acid reflux medications, acid reducers proved to be more effective in decreasing the intensity and the frequency of heartburn and any other specific symptoms of the gastro-esophageal disease. Strong acid reducers can be purchased only with medical prescription, while less strong acid reducers are available without any prescription. As we said earlier, antacids are effective about two or three hours while a single dose of acid reducers can prevent the occurrence of acid reflux during the entire day.</p><br /><p>Acid reducers can be used either in short-term medical treatments or in long-term medical treatments. The most frequently prescribed acid reducer is ranitidine. Ranitidine is effective in overcoming non-complicated forms of acid reflux disease. It was noticed that 6 weeks of treatment with ranitidine can completely eliminate the symptoms of acid reflux for most of the people with this disorder. For more complicated cases specialists might prescribe a different treatment such as cimetidine or famotidine. The side effects of acid reducers are usually experienced by persons who receive an ongoing treatment and might lead to headache, fatigue, vomiting, nausea, constipation or diarrhea.</p><br /><h2>Weight and its connection with acid reflux</h2><br /><p>Acid reflux is defined as being a condition that involves regurgitation of the stomach’s content inside the upper level of the esophageal tract. This condition is usually caused by acquired or genetically inherited physiological dysfunctions such as high pressure inside the abdomen or inappropriate activity to the lower esophageal sphincter which is a ring shaped muscular valve that connects the esophagus to the stomach. Even if we know that inappropriate diet and unhealthy lifestyle greatly contribute to the occurrence of acid reflux we still know that in most of the cases this condition occurs as a consequence of physiological abnormalities.</p><br /><p>Obesity is believed to be a common risk factor for leading to reflux disease. Because of the increased abdominal pressure, obese persons are commonly confronted with acid reflux. Studies also proved this fact and concluded that even the slightest gain in weight can facilitate the occurrence of acid reflux. More than that, medical scientists sustain that people who experience difficulties in maintaining a constant weight are very likely to suffer of acid reflux.</p><br /><p>Until later studies, the connection between acid reflux and body weight was vague because of the lack of conclusive evidence and so specialists could only have hunches upon this matter. However, later studies proved that the connection between weight gain and acid reflux disease exists.</p><br /><p>In order to sustain their affirmation, specialists have calculated the incidence of acid reflux in women, judging by the body mass index of the subjects. The study referred to 10.000 women that participated to the study and had to complete several questions in a questionnaire. The questionnaire asked for information about the occurrence of acid reflux in the past and about the intensity, frequency and duration of the symptoms. About 20 percent of the subjects answered affirmative to the first question, while a smaller number of participants were still confronted with the condition at the day of study. More than 50 percent of the participants agreed that they experience moderate or intense symptoms.</p><br /><p>The study proved that the incidence and the seriousness of acid reflux increased gradually according with body weight.</p><br /></div>

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What is Acid Reflux - Symptom, Causes, Treatments - Toronto NewsFIX

30Nov Acid reflux usually occurs due to excessive accumulation of digestive fluids inside the stomach and inappropriate activity of the sphincter (the valve that connects the esophagus to the stomach)…

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What Causes Acid Reflux Disease? - Toronto NewsFIX

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><span>30</span>Nov</p><br /><div class='post-details rowa'><img alt="" class="avatar avatar-35 photo" height="35" src="http://1.gravatar.com/avatar/52dea71e96d555a6a7ad6231471c3941?s=35&d=http%3A%2F%2F1.gravatar.com%2Favatar%2Fad516503a11cd5ca435acc9bb6523536%3Fs%3D35&r=G" width="35"/> </div><br /><p>Acid reflux disease, medically known as gastro esophageal reflux disease, can have a variety of causes. While the common symptoms of this illness may appear fairly benign, it can cause serious problems if it persists. Let’s take a look at some of the known causes of acid reflux disease.</p><br /><p>As you might be aware, the inadequate functioning of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) causes caustic fluids in the stomach to back up into the esophagus. This is what creates the sensation of heartburn. The LES muscles work to open and close the passage to the stomach at appropriate times. When they become weak, they can’t fully close and acidic fluid passes into the esophagus.</p><br /><p>Acid reflux disease can come about because of malformations in the esophagus. There are several possible abnormalities that can affect the esophagus. Peristalsis is one that can lead to acid reflux. Something called adult-ringed esophagus is another. Adult ringed esophagus is the name given to a condition in which small rings within the throat cause difficulties in swallowing. This may result in acid reflux.</p><br /><p>Also, if the stomach muscles are not functioning properly, the stomach will not be able to respond to stimuli the way it should. As a result, food is retained in the stomach far longer than it should be. This can lead to acid backing up into the esophagus. It is estimated that more than fifty percent of all acid reflux disease cases are associated with stomach muscles that do not function properly.</p><br /><p>A condition called hiatal hernia can also indirectly lead to acid reflux disease. The hole in the diaphragm that connects the esophagus and stomach is called the hiatus. The organs above and below the diaphragm must be kept separate; for this reason, the hiatus is fairly tight.</p><br /><p>In some people, the hiatus becomes weak. When that happens, a part of the stomach protrudes through the hiatus. This condition is called a hiatal hernia. Hiatal hernias cause acid reflux disease because they don’t allow the LES muscles to work well. As discussed earlier, the latter can lead to acid reflux disease.</p><br /><p>In addition to the above factors, researchers report that about fifty percent of all asthma patients have acid reflux disease. It is not known which is the cause and which the effect.</p><br /><p>Diabetes is also associated with acid reflux. Diabetics often have a condition called gastroparesis, which causes long delays in emptying the stomach. That can cause regurgitation of stomach contents into the esophagus.</p><br /><p>Some kinds of medication may play a role in this disease. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are thought to contribute to developing acid reflux disease. These drugs may also worsen the condition in those who already have it.</p><br /><p>Studies show that patients who consume NSAIDs are approximately twice as likely to also have acid reflux disease. These drugs are quite common and familiar brand names include Advil, Aleve, Motrin and Nuprin.</p><br /><p>All the causes of acid reflux disease are not fully understood and research efforts are underway to uncover more factors. It is important to consult a doctor as soon as possible if you suspect you have this health condition.</p><br /><blockquote readability='11'><br /><p><strong>MEDICAL DISCLAIMER</strong><br/><br />The information contained in or made available through This Site cannot replace or substitute for the services of trained professionals in the medical field. We do not recommend any treatment, drug, food or supplement. You should regularly consult a doctor in all matters relating to physical or mental health, particularly concerning any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention.</p><br /></blockquote><br /></div>

What Causes Acid Reflux Disease? - Toronto NewsFIX

30Nov Acid reflux disease, medically known as gastro esophageal reflux disease, can have a variety of causes. While the common symptoms of this illness may appear fairly benign, it can cause serious p…

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Lifestyle Changes Can Help Cure Acid Reflux - Toronto NewsFIX

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><span>30</span>Nov</p><br /><div class='post-details rowa'><img alt="" class="avatar avatar-35 photo" height="35" src="http://1.gravatar.com/avatar/52dea71e96d555a6a7ad6231471c3941?s=35&d=http%3A%2F%2F1.gravatar.com%2Favatar%2Fad516503a11cd5ca435acc9bb6523536%3Fs%3D35&r=G" width="35"/> </div><br /><p>The medical term for acid reflux is gastroesophageal reflux disease, abbreviated GERD. This is a fairly common health condition across the world. Can you cure acid reflux? Once someone has this disease, it is likely that they will continue to face it to a greater or lesser degree throughout their lives.</p><br /><p>The stomach contains an acidic fluid that plays a key role in the digestion process. In acid reflux patients, the stomach fluid moves upwards into the esophagus. This can cause damage to the lining of the esophagus, leading to inflammation and other problems.</p><br /><p>In acid reflux patients, the regurgitated fluid may contain bile and pepsin, apart from stomach acid. Stomach acid is quite corrosive to tissues and can damage the esophagus. Pepsin is an enzyme normally present in the stomach that assists in starting the digestive process. Although bile is produced in the liver, it may be released into the stomach and subsequently regurgitated in acid reflux episodes.</p><br /><p>How can you cure acid reflux? Or at least bring it down to manageable levels? Here are several steps you can take.</p><br /><ul><br /><li>Acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is unable to stay closed and contain the acid within the stomach. This problem is worsened if you eat large meals, because then the stomach tends to expand and put pressure on the LES. Therefore, one way to improve acid reflux is to eat smaller meals. You can eat more frequently, to compensate.</li><br /></ul><br /><ul><br /><li>On similar lines, try to avoid lying down for three hours or so after a meal. When you lie down after eating, it is easier for the stomach acid to flow upwards. By maintaining an erect posture, you reduce the chances of this happening. Try to eat dinner at least three hours before bedtime.</li><br /></ul><br /><ul><br /><li>It will also help if you raise your head a bit while sleeping. When you do this, gravity will assist in keeping the contents of the stomach from backing up into the esophagus.</li><br /></ul><br /><ul><br /><li>Certain foods stimulate the creation of acids and can therefore be harmful to those with acid reflux. Such foods may include citrus fruits, alcohol, onions, carbonated beverages, tea, coffee, pepper, fried foods, spices and chocolate, among others. Foods that exacerbate acid reflux can vary from one person to another. You should experiment with the help of your doctor to find out which foods are suitable for you.</li><br /></ul><br /><ul><br /><li>Keep a record of heartburn episodes. Note when you have heartburn. Also keep a record of everything you eat. This will help you isolate foods that trigger acid reflux. Also write down what you did to relieve the symptoms and the effect it had. Keep these records everyday for two weeks and show it to your healthcare professional. He or she can then guide you to better manage the problem.</li><br /></ul><br /><ul><br /><li>Obesity has been linked to acid reflux. Excess body fat may put pressure on the stomach and tend to push its contents into the esophagus. Consult your doctor for the optimal weight range for your body and take the necessary steps to stay within that range.</li><br /></ul><br /><ul><br /><li>Cigarette smoking may cause acid reflux. Smoking tends to lower the amount of bicarbonate content of saliva. Since these bicarbonates work to neutralize acid, smoking can worsen acid reflux.</li><br /></ul><br /><ul><br /><li>Learning how to relax can help you not just with acid reflux, but with a whole host of other heath problems as well. Stress can lead to habits and behaviors that are detrimental to heartburn patients.</li><br /></ul><br /><p>While these measures will not necessarily cure acid reflux, they should help contain the problem.</p><br /><blockquote readability='11'><br /><p><strong>MEDICAL DISCLAIMER</strong><br/><br />The information contained in or made available through This Site cannot replace or substitute for the services of trained professionals in the medical field. We do not recommend any treatment, drug, food or supplement. You should regularly consult a doctor in all matters relating to physical or mental health, particularly concerning any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention.</p><br /></blockquote><br /></div>

Lifestyle Changes Can Help Cure Acid Reflux - Toronto NewsFIX

30Nov The medical term for acid reflux is gastroesophageal reflux disease, abbreviated GERD. This is a fairly common health condition across the world. Can you cure acid reflux? Once someone has this …

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Mankato DPS Will Hold Award Ceremony Dec. 2 - KEYC

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><h4 class='wnContent headline' itemprop='headline'><span class='text'>Sibley Park in Mankato under the glow of the Kiwanis Holiday Lights</span> </h4><br /><h4 class='wnContent headline abridged' itemprop='headline'><span class='text'>Sibley Park in Mankato under the glow of the Kiwanis Holiday Lights</span> </h4><br /><p><label class='wnContent timestamp'>Updated:</label> <span class='wnContent timestamp servertime'>Friday, November 29 2013 11:53 PM EST</span><span class='wnContent timestamp gmttime'>2013-11-30 04:53:32 GMT</span> </p><br /><div class='wnContent summaryImage left width180'><img border="0" data-path="http://KEYC.images.worldnow.com/images/24100080_SS.jpg" itemprop="image" width="180"/> </div><br /><div class='wnContent summaryImage abridged left width90'><img border="0" data-path="http://KEYC.images.worldnow.com/images/24100080_SA.jpg" itemprop="image" width="90"/> </div><br /><p><span class='text'>The switch has been flipped, and Sibley Park in Mankato is glowing once again.</span> </p><br /><p><span class='text'>The switch has been flipped, and Sibley Park in Mankato is glowing once again.</span> </p><br /><h4 class='wnContent headline' itemprop='headline'><span class='text'>Online Personal Training a Growing Trend</span> </h4><br /><h4 class='wnContent headline abridged' itemprop='headline'><span class='text'>Online Personal Training a Growing Trend</span> </h4><br /><p><label class='wnContent timestamp'>Updated:</label> <span class='wnContent timestamp servertime'>Friday, November 29 2013 11:48 PM EST</span><span class='wnContent timestamp gmttime'>2013-11-30 04:48:05 GMT</span> </p><br /><div class='wnContent summaryImage left width180'><img border="0" data-path="http://KEYC.images.worldnow.com/images/24100059_SS.jpg" itemprop="image" width="180"/> </div><br /><div class='wnContent summaryImage abridged left width90'><img border="0" data-path="http://KEYC.images.worldnow.com/images/24100059_SA.jpg" itemprop="image" width="90"/> </div><br /><p><span class='text'>Personal Trainer Ryan George is meeting one of his busiest clients in New York City. Just not the way you might expect. Fadi Zoghby is in his apartment on the other side of town... watching George in</span> </p><br /><p><span class='text'>Imagine having a real life personal trainer any time you want in the comfort of your home.</span> </p><br /><h4 class='wnContent headline' itemprop='headline'><span class='text'>Black Friday: Some Stores Waiting Until Today to Open</span> </h4><br /><h4 class='wnContent headline abridged' itemprop='headline'><span class='text'>Black Friday: Some Stores Waiting Until Today to Open</span> </h4><br /><p><label class='wnContent timestamp'>Updated:</label> <span class='wnContent timestamp servertime'>Friday, November 29 2013 8:04 PM EST</span><span class='wnContent timestamp gmttime'>2013-11-30 01:04:32 GMT</span> </p><br /><div class='wnContent summaryImage left width180'><img border="0" data-path="http://KEYC.images.worldnow.com/images/24098541_SS.jpg" itemprop="image" width="180"/> </div><br /><div class='wnContent summaryImage abridged left width90'><img border="0" data-path="http://KEYC.images.worldnow.com/images/24098541_SA.jpg" itemprop="image" width="90"/> </div><br /><p><span class='text'>And after all the turkey and stuffing was eaten, for many, it was time for another holiday tradition: Black Friday shopping. But this year's shoppers got a head start due to several stores opening Thanksgiving</span> </p><br /><p><span class='text'>And after all the turkey and stuffing was eaten, for many, it was time for another holiday tradition: Black Friday shopping.</span> </p><br /><h4 class='wnContent headline' itemprop='headline'><span class='text'>Small Business Saturday</span> </h4><br /><h4 class='wnContent headline abridged' itemprop='headline'><span class='text'>Small Business Saturday</span> </h4><br /><p><label class='wnContent timestamp'>Updated:</label> <span class='wnContent timestamp servertime'>Friday, November 29 2013 8:01 PM EST</span><span class='wnContent timestamp gmttime'>2013-11-30 01:01:52 GMT</span> </p><br /><div class='wnContent summaryImage left width180'><img border="0" data-path="http://KEYC.images.worldnow.com/images/24098690_SS.jpg" itemprop="image" width="180"/> </div><br /><div class='wnContent summaryImage abridged left width90'><img border="0" data-path="http://KEYC.images.worldnow.com/images/24098690_SA.jpg" itemprop="image" width="90"/> </div><br /><p><span class='text'>Get ready shopping season is not over yet!</span> </p><br /><p><span class='text'>Get ready shopping season is not over yet!</span> </p><br /><h4 class='wnContent headline' itemprop='headline'><span class='text'>Pickup Collides With Armored Car</span> </h4><br /><h4 class='wnContent headline abridged' itemprop='headline'><span class='text'>Pickup Collides With Armored Car</span> </h4><br /><p><label class='wnContent timestamp'>Updated:</label> <span class='wnContent timestamp servertime'>Friday, November 29 2013 7:58 PM EST</span><span class='wnContent timestamp gmttime'>2013-11-30 00:58:56 GMT</span> </p><br /><div class='wnContent summaryImage left width180'><img border="0" data-path="http://KEYC.images.worldnow.com/images/24098524_SS.jpg" itemprop="image" width="180"/> </div><br /><div class='wnContent summaryImage abridged left width90'><img border="0" data-path="http://KEYC.images.worldnow.com/images/24098524_SA.jpg" itemprop="image" width="90"/> </div><br /><p><span class='text'>An accident between an armored car and a pickup truck sent one man to the hospital with head injuries late this morning. The t–bone happened at the intersection of Division and Main Street in Mankato</span> </p><br /><p><span class='text'>An accident between an armored car and a pickup truck sent one man to the hospital with head injuries late this morning.</span> </p><br /></div>

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Mankato DPS Will Hold Award Ceremony Dec. 2 - KEYC

Sibley Park in Mankato under the glow of the Kiwanis Holiday Lights Sibley Park in Mankato under the glow of the Kiwanis Holiday Lights Updated: Friday, November 29 2013 11:53 PM EST2013-11-30 04:53:3…

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New procedure to permanently get rid of chronic acid reflux - WWL

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><strong>Meg Farris / Eyewitness News<br/><br />Email: mfarris@wwltv.com | Twitter: @megfarriswwl</strong> </p><br /><p>NEW ORLEANS -- Heartburn is much more than temporary discomfort. Chronic acid reflux can drive asthma, a chronic cough, breathing problems and even cancer.</p><br /><p>Now a new quick procedure to get rid of it permanently has come to this area.</p><br /><p>Melanie Verdin hasn't had a good night's sleep in years.</p><br /><p>"The worst part is when I go to bed at night, no matter what time I ate last, as soon as I lay down, it's coming up on me," said Verdin.</p><br /><p>Always feeling full and miserable, she got short-term relief from Tums and sleeping more upright.</p><br /><p>Then LSU Health Sciences Center gastroenterologist Dr. Gary Reiss diagnosed gastroesophageal reflux disease, called GERD.</p><br /><p>"(It's caused by) contents that are supposed to stay in the stomach, not reflux or travel up into the esophagus. Your risk of esophageal cancer is about 20 fold compared to the average population if you have uncontrolled reflux. It's a serious condition," Dr. Reiss said.</p><br /><p>In the past, GERD patients could have invasive surgery to fix that leaky valve between the stomach and the esophagus, or cope by taking acid suppression medications or by losing weight and cutting down on spicy foods and alcohol.</p><br /><p>"Unfortunately in Southern Louisiana, it's not that that easy to tell people to avoid Tobacco and no red gravies, no boiled crab, no gumbo, you know you can't just, it's easy to say these things. It's hard to do," said Dr. Reiss.</p><br /><p>But now a quick procedure, FDA approved just more than 10 years ago, is being done for the first time in this area, at West Jefferson Medical Center. It's called "Stretta."</p><br /><p>A scope goes down the esophagus to that weak valve and heats it with radio frequency, stimulating the muscle to grow overtime. It takes 30 minutes or so under sedation in the operating room.</p><br /><p>Patients leave in a few hours and are back at work the next day.</p><br /><p>Within a couple of months, patients start to get relief from their symptoms, and then within that next year, that weak muscle thickens and strengthens.</p><br /><p>"It looks like the effect is permanent, which is spectacular," said Dr. Reiss, referring to the current studies.</p><br /><p>Many patients are no longer on medications. And just eight weeks post op, Melanie is changed.</p><br /><p>"Much better. I mean I can eat, you know. I can drink. I used to love drinking my tea at night. Now I could drink it, you know, at 8 o'clock. Don't have to worry. Oh yeah, don't have to sleep sitting up," Verdin said happily.</p><br /><p>Most insurance companies will pay for the Stretta procedure here in Southeast Louisiana.</p><br /><div id='storytools-bottom' class='storytools'><br /><h5>Print</h5><br /><h5 id='emailtool-top' class='emailtool'>Email</h5><br /><h5 id='beloShareToolsDivider'>|</h5><br /></div><br /></div>

New procedure to permanently get rid of chronic acid reflux - WWL

Meg Farris / Eyewitness NewsEmail: mfarris@wwltv.com | Twitter: @megfarriswwl NEW ORLEANS -- Heartburn is much more than temporary discomfort. Chronic acid reflux can drive asthma, a chronic cough, br…

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New procedure to permanently get rid of chronic acid reflux - WWL

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><strong>Meg Farris / Eyewitness News<br/><br />Email: mfarris@wwltv.com | Twitter: @megfarriswwl</strong> </p><br /><p>NEW ORLEANS -- Heartburn is much more than temporary discomfort. Chronic acid reflux can drive asthma, a chronic cough, breathing problems and even cancer.</p><br /><p>Now a new quick procedure to get rid of it permanently has come to this area.</p><br /><p>Melanie Verdin hasn't had a good night's sleep in years.</p><br /><p>"The worst part is when I go to bed at night, no matter what time I ate last, as soon as I lay down, it's coming up on me," said Verdin.</p><br /><p>Always feeling full and miserable, she got short-term relief from Tums and sleeping more upright.</p><br /><p>Then LSU Health Sciences Center gastroenterologist Dr. Gary Reiss diagnosed gastroesophageal reflux disease, called GERD.</p><br /><p>"(It's caused by) contents that are supposed to stay in the stomach, not reflux or travel up into the esophagus. Your risk of esophageal cancer is about 20 fold compared to the average population if you have uncontrolled reflux. It's a serious condition," Dr. Reiss said.</p><br /><p>In the past, GERD patients could have invasive surgery to fix that leaky valve between the stomach and the esophagus, or cope by taking acid suppression medications or by losing weight and cutting down on spicy foods and alcohol.</p><br /><p>"Unfortunately in Southern Louisiana, it's not that that easy to tell people to avoid Tobacco and no red gravies, no boiled crab, no gumbo, you know you can't just, it's easy to say these things. It's hard to do," said Dr. Reiss.</p><br /><p>But now a quick procedure, FDA approved just more than 10 years ago, is being done for the first time in this area, at West Jefferson Medical Center. It's called "Stretta."</p><br /><p>A scope goes down the esophagus to that weak valve and heats it with radio frequency, stimulating the muscle to grow overtime. It takes 30 minutes or so under sedation in the operating room.</p><br /><p>Patients leave in a few hours and are back at work the next day.</p><br /><p>Within a couple of months, patients start to get relief from their symptoms, and then within that next year, that weak muscle thickens and strengthens.</p><br /><p>"It looks like the effect is permanent, which is spectacular," said Dr. Reiss, referring to the current studies.</p><br /><p>Many patients are no longer on medications. And just eight weeks post op, Melanie is changed.</p><br /><p>"Much better. I mean I can eat, you know. I can drink. I used to love drinking my tea at night. Now I could drink it, you know, at 8 o'clock. Don't have to worry. Oh yeah, don't have to sleep sitting up," Verdin said happily.</p><br /><p>Most insurance companies will pay for the Stretta procedure here in Southeast Louisiana.</p><br /><div id='storytools-bottom' class='storytools'><br /><h5>Print</h5><br /><h5 id='emailtool-top' class='emailtool'>Email</h5><br /><h5 id='beloShareToolsDivider'>|</h5><br /></div><br /></div>

New procedure to permanently get rid of chronic acid reflux - WWL

Meg Farris / Eyewitness NewsEmail: mfarris@wwltv.com | Twitter: @megfarriswwl NEW ORLEANS -- Heartburn is much more than temporary discomfort. Chronic acid reflux can drive asthma, a chronic cough, br…

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The heartburn holiday: Don't let acid reflux ruin your Thanksgiving - OregonLive.com

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p>Thanksgiving barrels toward us almost as fast as the heartburn that follows. So, of course, medical folks concerned with gastrointestinal issues have designated Nov. 24-30 GERD Awareness Week, GERD being short for gastroesophageal reflux disease, a condition believed to affect 10 percent to 20 percent of us.</p><br /><p>GERD isn't the simple heartburn anyone might experience from time to time. Rather, it's a chronic condition that if left uncontrolled can lead to an increased risk of esophageal cancer and other problems.</p><br /><p>The International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, which sponsors the awareness week, issued this list of 15 tips to help reduce GERD symptoms this holiday season:</p><br /><strong>1. Schedule an earlier meal.</strong> It's best not to eat late at night if you suffer from GERD.<br /><p><strong>2. Serve light appetizers.</strong> Fatty foods like chips, dips and cheeses are slow to empty from the stomach and more likely to aggravate symptoms.</p><br /><p><strong>3. Stay active.</strong> Stick with your exercise routine during the holidays. Weight loss can help alleviate GERD symptoms.</p><br /><p><strong>4. Don't smoke.</strong> Nicotine weakens the muscles within your food pipe that prevent back flow, or reflux, of stomach contents.</p><br /><p><strong>5. Nix the juice.</strong> Citrus fruits and juices, such as grapefruit, orange and tomato, are acidic and can worsen GERD symptoms.</p><br /><p><strong>6. Season lightly. Spicy</strong> foods, as well as such things as onions and garlic, often bother those with GERD and make heartburn worse.</p><br /><p><strong>7. Limit your drinks.</strong> Alcohol can worsen reflux.</p><br /><p><strong>8. Pass on deep-frying your turkey.</strong> Fried foods exacerbate GERD symptoms.</p><br /><p><strong>9. Use smaller plates and try eating smaller meals spread throughout the day.</strong> Eating large meals can trigger symptoms.</p><br /><p><strong>10. Drink water instead of soda.</strong> Caffeinated and carbonated beverages are notorious heartburn aggravators.</p><br /><p><strong>11. Watch the desserts.</strong> Chocolate often bothers those with GERD.</p><br /><p><strong>12. Skip the after-dinner mint.</strong> Peppermint is a heartburn irritant.</p><br /><p><strong>13. Slow down.</strong> Physical exertion after a meal can lead to reflux.</p><br /><p><strong>14. Stay awake.</strong> While the turkey might make you sleepy, fight the urge to nap. Lying down within three hours after eating can cause GERD symptoms to flare.</p><br /><p><strong>15.</strong> Talk to your doctor if you believe you may suffer from GERD. An accurate diagnosis is the first step to receiving the most effective treatment.<br/> </p><br />-- Katy Muldoon</div>

The heartburn holiday: Don't let acid reflux ruin your Thanksgiving - OregonLive.com

Thanksgiving barrels toward us almost as fast as the heartburn that follows. So, of course, medical folks concerned with gastrointestinal issues have designated Nov. 24-30 GERD Awareness Week, GERD be…

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