Archive for the ‘Acid Reflux’ Category

The RISKS of Severe Acid Reflux

Monday, July 14th, 2008

by Jeff Martin

One of the most discomforting aspects of GERD as it is referred to (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is that it is recurring and will come back to hassle many people who have already fallen victim to it once. A severe acid reflex condition can then result in even worse ramifications.

So what really is acid reflux disease and what are its causes? What are the different complications of serious acid reflex that then lead to the situation worsening?

When stomach contents gets refluxed or thrown back up into the esophagus, this is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease. This stomach content that contains bile and pepsin amongst other substances then inflames and corrodes the esophageal lining. This is the root cause of heartburn, a frequent symptom of severe acid reflux disease. This can lead to serious acid reflux problems. To complicate matters, this information is not immediately obvious to a patient and it requires further investigation to know if someone is suffering from serious acid reflux problems.

In general, acid reflux is quite frequent. Data shows that older people are also more at risk in contracting serious acid reflux. Much of the population suffers from severe acid reflux problems with related symptoms such as heartburn. Although for many the symptoms are not that grave, for others this can rapidly worsen and become complications of severe GERD.

The critical thing to do for a victim of serious acid reflux is to take the correct action quickly. The reason for this is that serious acid reflux can in turn cause other health problems and therefore the quick and effective management of serious acid reflux is doubly important.

Here are some cases of serious ramifications caused by acid reflux that can result if someone fails to take action to treat a serious acid reflux condition.

Severe esophageal inflammation: known as Erosive Esophagitis

Narrowing of the esophagus. Severe acid reflux reduces the esophageal tract space to the extent that both eating and drinking can become difficult.

Severe acid reflux can result in Barrett’s esophagus.

Severe acid reflux can cause medical problems in the throat, in the pulmonary cavities and even in the teeth.

Because conventional medicine which is based on over the counter medicaments only treats the external symptoms of severe acid reflux and not the causes, it will not help with severe acid reflux because it does not target or address the underlying factors. Solutions for someone to handle severe acid reflux basically divide into two categories. The first is conventional medicine and the second is alternative medicine. However natural remedies for holistic cures are alone in their capability to resolve the real causes and they are therefore more effective.

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The Link Between Acid Reflux And Pregnancy

Tuesday, May 6th, 2008

by Richal Peyton

Pregnancy can cause a lot of body changes. In most cases, these changes may cause some discomfort and sometimes certain health conditions. One of the health conditions that women may develop due to pregnancy is acid reflux. Let’s talk about acid reflux and pregnancy.

Is Acid Reflux Normal During Pregnancy?

Acid reflux is actually common among pregnant women. In fact, 1 in 4 pregnant women experience symptoms associated with acid reflux, such as heartburn, all throughout their pregnancy. The condition is also considered a pregnancy side effect and affects a third of all pregnant women. The good news is, acid reflux normally goes away after pregnancy. If this doesn’t happen in your case though, there is always treatment available after proper diagnosis.

Why Do Pregnant Women Have Acid Reflux?

There are many reasons. The three major reasons for acid reflux during pregnancy are hormones, weight gain and pressure.

- Changes in Hormones - in a pregnant woman’s body tend to rise dramatically. When this happens, more acid is produced in the stomach, causing acid reflux. The hormones estrogen and progesterone may cause constipation and slower digestion, which in turn may worsen the symptoms of acid reflux. Furthermore, these hormones may also weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, making it easy for stomach acid to enter the esophagus.

- Gaining Weight -caused by pregnancy can contribute to hiatial hernias, a condition in which a part of the stomach extends beyond the diaphragm. As a result, acid tends to reach the esophagus.

- Bodily Pressure - builds inside the stomach as the baby grows. As a result, food is sometimes pushed through the diaphragm along with stomach acid. Thus, acid reflux occurs.

What Are The Symptoms Of Acid Reflux In Pregnant Women?

Vomiting and Nausea - During the first trimester of pregnancy, women often feel like vomiting or nauseated. For other women, these symptoms can go on for up to 9 months. These symptoms are said to be mainly caused by the rise of hormone levels in the pregnant woman’s body. Those with worse cases of acid reflux may develop malnutrition. Pregnant women who already had acid reflux before pregnancy are more likely to have worse cases of reflux compared to those who never had the condition before.

What Are Available Treatments?

H2 Blockers - If drugs are necessary, a doctor may prescribe antacids and H2 blockers. These medications mainly act to neutralize acid levels in the stomach and reduce discomfort. However, there are other kinds of treatment that can be applied during pregnancy. These include lifestyle changes such as having a special diet, elevating the head while sleeping, and staying fit.

How It’s Different - Treatment for acid reflux during pregnancy is often more challenging because most medications are not recommended to pregnant women. The welfare of both the mother and unborn child is often the focus when doctors recommend medication. Furthermore, drug interaction may occur if the pregnant woman is already taking other drugs. Treatment for acid reflux and pregnancy is either a good or bad combination. This is why you should always speak with your doctor first for the most suitable treatment for you.

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Acid Reflux Surgery: Is It Effective?

Monday, May 5th, 2008

by Richal Peyton

Acid reflux is a common condition. One of the most effect ways to treat reflux symptoms is to actually stop acid secretion in the stomach. Constant irritation such as pain in the abdomen and inner lining of the esophagus is often the main symptom of acid reflux, and this is why some people resort to surgery. In many cases, drugs are able to eliminate symptoms, but in other cases a doctor may recommend surgery. Let’s take a look at the suitability, benefits, methods, and preparations of acid reflux surgery.

When Am I A Candidate For Surgery?

When Necessary - Your doctor may recommend acid reflux surgery if initial treatments for acid reflux surgery has not worked and symptoms have continued to persist. Furthermore, you might want to consider surgery if you don’t want to be on medication for life (when that option is recommended).

Not Responding to Medication - Doctors will also sometimes find that their patients are unable to keep up with their medication and so may suggest a permanent solution such as surgery. Finally, severe damage in the esophagus will often require surgery.

Pre-Surgery Testing - Of course, your doctor will always perform tests before pushing through with surgery. Surgery is often aimed at repairing the stomach valve so that acid is blocked from leaking into the esophagus. Your current condition will often be considered and if you are deemed fit enough for surgery, then a procedure can be performed.

What Are The Benefits Of Surgery?

Remedy the Pain - Almost all patients that undergo surgery for acid reflux end up free of heartburn. More than half of all patients who undergo surgery also end up being cured from respiratory symptoms like asthma caused by acid reflux. And if you developed Barrett’s esophagus due to the condition, surgery is considered the only treatment that blocks both acid reflux and bile. And because bile reflux is an acid reflux complication that can cause cancer, surgery is definitely advantageous. Furthermore, surgery is performed on children who have severe acid reflux complications, experienced severe side effects from medication, and had no improvement from medication.

What Are The Methods Of Acid Reflux Surgery?

Two Common Methods - The common methods used include fundoplication and Intraluminal endoscopic acid reflux surgery. When a surgeon performs fundoplication, the walls of your esophagus will be tightened to increase pressure by the lower esophageal sphincter. This means that acid from the stomach will have a harder time regurgitating upwards. On the other hand, Intraluminal endoscopic acid reflux surgery apply the same method but this time with the use of an endoscope.

These methods are known to be the most effective and the safest to use. Recovery time after surgery is often quick and patients are able to go home right away with optimum results.

Post-Surgical Care - Coping after having acid reflux surgery is not a daunting task. You will simply be required to do some light exercises at home and gradually add solid foods to your diet over the course of a few days. Medication is often no longer needed and pain is usually very mild within the first few days after surgery. If there is some discomfort or pain after surgery that’s concerning, don’t hesitate to call your doctor.

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Acid Reflux Pain: Get Rid of It!

Tuesday, April 29th, 2008

by Richal Peyton

One of the most common gastro-intestinal conditions in people today is the acid reflux. Characterized by recurring pain and discomfort, people naturally often want a quick remedy. This article will show how to assess and deal with acid reflux pain.

Causes Of Acid Reflux Symptoms

What happens in an acid reflux condition? Acid reflux is basically a condition in which acid from the stomach travels up to the esophagus, therefore posing a risk for esophageal damage. Pain can be felt in the throat, center of the chest behind the breastbone, or abdomen. There are several causes to acid reflux pain and these include certain foods, stress, and gastrointestinal problems.

Acid in Foods - Certain foods can cause heartburn symptoms, as they can be highly acidic. For instance, citrus fruits like lemons and oranges are already very acidic in nature and so add to the accumulation of acid in your stomach. Furthermore, fatty foods make it hard for your stomach to digest, and so the stomach reacts by producing more acid.

Eating Habits of a Person - It’s not simply the certain foods you eat that cause acid reflux, it’s also your eating habits. Eating heavy meals a few times in one day can cause acid to build up during the long hours before each meal. You should therefore reduce portions while eating more frequently throughout each day. You should also avoid eating right before bedtime as lying down encourages acid to slide up into the esophagus.

In some cases, chest pains may occur if you have gastrointestinal problems caused by acid reflux. These can cause pain that resemble hear pains that make some sufferers think they’re experiencing a heart attach. Because acid can reflux into the esophagus, the areas around the esophagus such as the breastbone can also be affected. Chest pains are often treated with antacids.

How To Identify Pain Caused By Acid Reflux

Acid reflux patients may experience epigastric cramping, soreness in the abdomen/upper abdominal pain, stomachache, heartburn, sore throat, painful coughing, and chest pain. If you also find yourself waking up in the middle of the night because of pain or experiencing pain every time you bend your body and lie down, you are most likely to have acid reflux.

Conventional Treatment For Pain From Acid Reflux

Acid Reducers and Antacids - Conventional treatment for acid reflux symptoms usually involves antacids and acid reducers. Antacids are mainly used to neutralize acids in your stomach and can often treat symptoms fast. On the other hand, acid reducers like H2 blockers are mainly used to weaken the actual source of acid production in the stomach, but may take longer to relieve pain compared to antacids. However, both antacids and acid reducers may be prescribed as a combination treatment for fast and effective relief.

Natural Treatment For Pain From Acid Reflux

There are also natural treatments available that are just as effective in relieving acid reflux pain. These include special diets (i.e.: alkaline diets), avoiding acidic foods, and light exercises. Special diets often utilize alkaline foods to counteract with the excess acid that’s “eating away” your stomach. Sometimes, simply avoiding acidic foods can ease acid reflux discomfort. Doctors may also recommend some light exercises to make it hard for acid to travel to the esophagus.

Sometimes, certain treatments may not relieve acid reflux pain or may take longer to take effect. The point here is really to treat symptoms and the condition itself. For instance, there is treatment that reduces pain as well as heals damage caused by acid reflux. Speak with your doctor before taking any treatment.

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Are Acid Reflux and Bad Breath linked

Tuesday, April 22nd, 2008

by Peter de Vizard

Acid reflux and bad breath can sometimes occur together and could cause embarrassment. Especially if you are to give a presentation after lunch, only to have the people nearest to you back away because of your bad breath.

The embarrassment of acid reflux and bad breath during a date could shorten the night. There are many times when acid reflux and bad breath can combine and none of them are ideal. There is a natural non-medicated way to achieve fresh breath. Medication for acid reflux is only a temporary fix and will not solve the problem in the long term.

Knowing the Problem

If you have acid reflux you probably have a good idea what acid juices taste like. Every time your stomach juices enters your mouth you can taste that strong tasting liquid. Remember that taste and smells are connected; your sense of smell helps you to taste food. So if it tastes good it is likely to smell good, the opposite is also most likely.

An attack of acid reflux is most likely going to create bad breath. Normally, what you eat influences how your breath smells, which makes sense. Foods that cause bad breath can also create an acid reflux attack, eliminating or reducing these foods can help you improve acid reflux and at the same time, help a bad breath problem.

Regular exercise is also a great to incorporate into your daily life. If you complain that you have no time, then find ways of slipping it into your everyday routine. Whether that’s using the stairs instead of the lift at work or walking your dog. Weight loss can help you solve the problem of heartburn so some extra exercise will no doubt help your acid reflux and bad breath problem. Who knows, you could lose weight, live longer and healthy plus save on medical insurance.

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