Complications?

Posted by Ross: 2008-12-01 08:08:25

GERD symptoms can range from belching, some heartburn, sore throat to vomiting blood. And what's the most suggested measure to resolve this problem? Lose weight! Keeping a trim body always has its advantages. Now there's simply a more urgent reason to do so.

Or else, we run the risk of getting these complications:
-- bronchospasm
-- inflammation of the esophagus that may lead to cancer
-- stricture
-- esophageal ulcer
-- chronic pulmonary disease

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Herbal Remedies

Posted by Erin: 2008-11-13 03:54:14

I see a lot of herbal remedies on the market that claims to cure GERD. They come in capsule, pill or solution forms. I'd advise that before taking these, check with your doctor first. Many of these remedies contain natural herbs such as german chamomile, slippery elm and sutherlandia frutescens. On the label, it says that these help to "protect the inner lining of your stomach and strength the body’s digestive system."

The effects aren't instant though. They have to be taken for a long time before changes are felt. I'm a bit wary because I don't believe that just because they're ... more

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Ruling Out Other Disorders

Posted by Erin: 2008-11-13 03:36:38

Many disorders share symptoms with GERD. That's why a careful study should be made before beginning treatment. GERD is easily confused with dyspepsia, which may exhibit as a feeling of fullness, bloating, and nausea. It should be noted however that dyspepsia can be a symptom of GERD.

In a study, it was determined that 1 out of 6 who go to emergency rooms each year with chest pains actually have GERD. A heart problem is probably not responsible for the pain if it is worse at night and does not occur after exercise. These two conditions often coexist however.  more

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Diagnosing GERD

Posted by Erin: 2008-11-13 03:25:57

When attempting to diagnose GERD, doctors view your medical history with more than mild curiosity. I guess that determines whether your condition is a simple case or has other complications. Certainly treatment would depend on the diagnosis so that's how significant the examination is. Sometimes, endoscopy with biopsy is conducted. It's where a tube is pushed down your throat while a small camera inside it transmits images to a small screen. Sounds icky and trust me, it is. Fortunately, it only takes a few minutes.

When sufferers failed to improve with lifestyle changes and antacids, ... more

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H. pylori and GERD

Posted by Ross: 2008-11-06 00:52:55

The incidence of cancer of the esophagus is increasing in caucasians and a large part of that is because of the gastro-esophageal reflux disease epidemic. 20 percent of the adult American population is now suffering from GERD. The rise of gastro-esophageal reflux is caused by obesity and the reduction of the H. pylori bacteria.

Antibiotics eradicates H. pylori, which destroys the parietal cells of the stomach so it can't make acid. No acid means no heartburn and fewer cases of GERD and its complications, but as more people have taken medicines to kill H. pylori, they have eliminated the ... more

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GERD in Children

Posted by Erin: 2008-10-02 21:28:43

It's very important to distinguish between what is normal physiologic reflux and GERD in children. Well we know that infants normally spit up but if this persists beyond 1 year of age, it may be GERD. An indication is when these infants refuse to feed and have poor growth.

Monitor your child for repeated regurgitation, nausea, heartburn, coughing, laryngitis, or respiratory problems like wheezing, asthma, or pneumonia. See if he is irritable during or immediately after feedings.

There are simple strategies which you might use to relieve them. Burping the infant several times during ... more

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Lifestyle Changes to Alleviate Heartburn Symptoms

Posted by Erin: 2008-10-02 21:20:44

It's never pleasant when food and acids from the stomach leak back into the esophagus. However, the aggravation of heartburn, the primary symptom of GERD, can be avoided by doing the following:

-- Eating slowly, never going to bed with a full stomach, and not overeating.
-- Wearing loose-fitting clothes
-- Staying away from foods that trigger heartburn such as chocolate, onions, coffee, citrus fruits, and high-fat foods.
-- Losing weight
-- Avoid smoking and alcohol
-- Drinking more water.

One thing that really makes a difference is sleeping with your head raised a few ... more

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GERD Contributory Factors and Foods to Avoid

Posted by Bianca: 2008-09-21 21:34:55

I used to suffer from gastroesophageal reflux (GER) when I was pregnant. It's that awful feeling of fluid or food rising up towards the back of your mouth, also called acid reflux or acid regurgitation. Thank God it resolved on its own. I heard that if it had persisted and if it occurred more than twice a week, it would be considered Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and it can eventually lead to more serious health problems.

Anatomical abnormalities such as a hiatal hernia may contribute to GERD. Other factors include obesity, pregnancy, and smoking. To avoid the worsening of ... more

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Surgical Relief from Acid Reflux is Possible

Posted by glen411: 2008-07-23 17:01:27

GERD which is Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease is now being diagnosed at a frightening rate. GERD, ordinarily known as acid reflux disease is treatable although it has fluctuating severity rates. Physicians have often been able to treat this disease in mild cases of GERD with medication over the counter or prescription.

However, there are severe cases of GERD that are characterized by symptoms such as a burning sensation in the chest, difficulty in swallowing, bloating, extreme pain, hoarseness, cough and regurgitation. Surgery is what is often used to correct it if these symptoms do not ... more

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