About Heartburn / GERD

Preventing Holiday Heartburn

2009-11-25T08:00:49Z

If you suffer from frequent heartburn, you know that it is very likely to pay an unwelcome visit to your holiday feast. To help ensure the heartburn doesn't spoil your celebrations, try the following tips.

Avoid Foods That Can Trigger Heartburn
If you aren't sure what foods can trigger your heartburn, try keeping a heartburn record for a week or two, and write down what you eat and indicate which foods cause heartburn symptoms and which don't.

Don't Overeat
A too full stomach increases the chances of heartburn.

Avoid Lying Down After Eating
Laying down within two to three hours after a meal increases your risk of having heartburn.

Watch Your Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol increases the amount of acid the stomach produces, and relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).

Chew Gum
Chewing gum increases the production of saliva. This saliva can relieve heartburn by bathing the esophagus and lessening the effects of acid refluxed into the esophagus by washing it back down to the stomach.

Take an Antacid or H2 Blocker
Taking an antacid, such as Tums or Mylanta, can neutralize existing acid to provide short-term relief. A H2 receptor blockers, such as Pepcid AC or Zantac 75, reduces acid production.

Preventing Holiday Heartburn originally appeared on About.com Heartburn / GERD on Wednesday, November 25th, 2009 at 08:00:49.

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Children and GERD

2009-11-24T07:00:47Z

GERD isn't just an adult's disease. I was diagnosed with GERD when I was in my 30's. My grandson was diagnosed with GERD when he was 6 months old.

Because children and infants can also have GERD, it's important to know know what symptoms to look for:

Many times child's doctor may base a diagnosis of acid reflux on your child's symptoms, medical history, and a physical examination. Sometimes, however, diagnostic tests are needed:

Once a diagnosis has been made, treatment will begin. The age of your child will determine what course of treatment is used:

Children and GERD originally appeared on About.com Heartburn / GERD on Tuesday, November 24th, 2009 at 07:00:47.

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The Basics of GERD

2009-11-23T07:00:04Z

GERD occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not close properly and stomach contents reflux back up into the esophagus.

Heartburn and acid regurgitation are the main symptoms of GERD, though some people with GERD don't experience any heartburn episodes. This is why it's important to know all the possible symptoms of GERD.

While the majority of doctors will prescribe a trial of acid-suppressive therapy, and make a diagnosis based on the patient's response to this, there are tests to diagnose GERD a doctor may want to have performed.

Treatment for GERD will usually start with certain lifestyle modifications and dietary changes. If you continue to have symptoms after these modifications, your physician will discuss with you the use of antacids, H2 blockers, and Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs). If your physician and you decide a surgical option is needed, the most common surgical treatment for GERD is the fundoplications surgery. Another procedure sometimes used in the treatment of GERD is the radiofrequency treatment.

The Basics of GERD originally appeared on About.com Heartburn / GERD on Monday, November 23rd, 2009 at 07:00:04.

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GERD May Be an Autoimmune Disorder

2009-11-20T18:21:21Z

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may not develop as a direct result of acid reflux into the esophagus as previously thought, but may instead be an autoimmune disorder.

In a new animal study performed at UT Southwestern Medical Center, it appears the acid reflux triggers the esophagus to release chemicals called cytokines, which in turn attract inflammatory cells to the esophagus.It is these inflammatory cells that cause the characteristic esophageal damage of GERD. The symptoms of this inflammatory include heartburn.

The study was performed on rats, and involved connecting the first part of the small intestine (duodenum) directly to the esophagus. This operation would allow stomach acid and bile to enter the esophagus of the rats, in a situation similar to acid reflux in people. The results were not as expected.

Soon after the operation, the researchers expected to see the death of surface cells of the esophagus, and they expected to see the injury progress later to the deeper layers. Instead, they found the opposite. Three days after the surgery, there was no damage to surface cells, but the researchers did find inflammatory cells in the deeper layers of the esophagus. Those inflammatory cells didn't rise to the surface layer until three weeks after the initial acid exposure.

"That doesn't make sense if GERD is really the result of an acid burn, as we all were taught in medical school," said Dr. Stuart Spechler, professor of internal medicine at UT Southwestern and senior author of the study. "Chemical injuries develop immediately. If you spill battery acid on your hand, you don't have to wait a month to see the damage."

Dr. Souza, staff physician at the Dallas Veterans Affairs Medical Center and part of the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center at UT Southwestern, noted, "In animal models of reflux esophagitis designed to mimic the human disease, researchers hadn't looked at the early events in the development of esophageal injury. Most of those investigators have been interested in the long-term consequences of GERD, and we found virtually no published data about what happens later that induces gastroesophageal reflux."

The next step for researchers is to conduct additional studies in humans.

The study was supported by the Dallas VA Medical Center and the National Institutes of Health, and appears in the November issue of Gastroenterology.

GERD May Be an Autoimmune Disorder originally appeared on About.com Heartburn / GERD on Friday, November 20th, 2009 at 18:21:21.

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Before You Eat Out

2009-11-13T16:13:00Z

You can eat out without fear of heartburn if you know what to ask for and what you should avoid. When you ask how the food is prepared, avoid certain beverages, and watch portion sizes, you can prevent the heartburn.

Dining out at Chinese, Mexican, or Italian restaurants may be more difficult, since food at these restaurants may contain more ingredients that can trigger your heartburn. It is possible to enjoy dining there if you know what to avoid.

You can read more about the suggested do's and don'ts when eating out by reading Before You Eat Out.

_{Photo by lovleah (stock.xchng)}

Before You Eat Out originally appeared on About.com Heartburn / GERD on Friday, November 13th, 2009 at 16:13:00.

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Treating Barrett's Esophagus

2009-11-13T11:56:26Z

Currently, there are no medications that will reverse Barrett's esophagus. Treating underlying GERD, however, may slow the progress of the disease and help prevent complications. The best treatment strategy for Barrett's esophagus is prevention. However, if you have already been diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus, there are some treatment options for Barrett's esophagus your doctor may discuss with you.

Treating Barrett's Esophagus originally appeared on About.com Heartburn / GERD on Friday, November 13th, 2009 at 11:56:26.

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Share Your Experience: What is the Most Annoying Thing About Having GERD?

2009-11-05T07:16:29Z

What is the most annoying thing about having GERD for you? For me, it is the food I have to avoid in order not to experience heartburn, some of which is food that I love. What has been your experience?

Share Your Experience: What is the Most Annoying Thing About Having GERD? originally appeared on About.com Heartburn / GERD on Thursday, November 5th, 2009 at 07:16:29.

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Share Your Experience: What symptoms led you to your GERD diagnosis?

2009-11-05T07:00:42Z

Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can vary from person to person and can include hoarseness in the morning, difficulty swallowing, and a persistent dry cough. When did you first suspect you were suffering from GERD? What symptoms prompted you to go to your doctor about it? Share your experiences with others.

Share Your Experience: What symptoms led you to your GERD diagnosis? originally appeared on About.com Heartburn / GERD on Thursday, November 5th, 2009 at 07:00:42.

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When should you see your doctor?

2009-11-04T10:17:51Z

A large part of your treatment of chronic heartburn will involve your doctor. First, you need to know what symptoms should prompt a doctor's appointment. Next, it is important to prepare before your appointment. For example, writing down any questions you have so you'll remember to ask everything you want to. Then you'll want to know what you need to discuss with your doctor at the appointment itself. The resources below will help you through these three areas.

When to Call the Doctor
Most people suffer from heartburn occasionally, usually after a meal, with millions experiencing heartburn at least once a month. When heartburn occurs frequently, however, or becomes severe, you should consult your doctor.

Preparing for Your Doctor's Appointment
You are seeing a doctor about your chronic heartburn. To get the most our of your appointment, it will help to prepare ahead of time. These tips will help you get started.

At Your Doctor's Appointment
As important as preparing before your doctor's appointment, you will need to know what you should discuss with your doctor.

When should you see your doctor? originally appeared on About.com Heartburn / GERD on Wednesday, November 4th, 2009 at 10:17:51.

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Heartburn Friendly Vegetarian Recipes

2009-10-30T07:00:10Z

People go vegetarian for a variety of reasons, whether it's health related or for some other personal reason. You can learn more at About's Vegetarian Food site.

Here are a few heartburn friendly vegetarian recipes. All these recipes are meatless, but still contain a lot of flavor, and won't trigger your heartburn.

Heartburn Friendly Vegetarian Recipes originally appeared on About.com Heartburn / GERD on Friday, October 30th, 2009 at 07:00:10.

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