WikEmacs - User contributions [en]

Johna2414

2013-06-25T21:06:00Z

23.27.128.102: Created page with " Do you suffer from heartburn? If you do, you are not alone. This condition occurs when there is a backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus. Almost everyone at one point f..."

Do you suffer from heartburn? If you do, you are not alone. This condition occurs when there is a backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus. Almost everyone at one point feels that burning sensation in the area behind the breast bone, usually after a meal. For some individuals, however, this uncomfortable burning sensation is very frequent, or severe enough to cause problems. For those people it is considered a medical condition known as GERD. GERD is an acronym that stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease.

GERD affects an estimated 5% to 7% of the global population. The most common symptom of this disease is chronic heartburn. Since heartburn is so common, it is usually not associated with GERD. Frequent heartburn, occurring more than once a week, suggests the possibility that they may be suffering from GERD, and should seek medical assistance. If GERD is not treated properly, it could result in serious complications.

Heartburn is not the only symptom of GERD. In fact some people who suffer from this disease do not suffer from heartburn at all. Some of the other symptoms include pain when swallowing, chronic sore throat, regurgitation of gastric acid or sour contents into the mouth, and bad breath.

GERD can affect anybody. However, it is more common for adults over 40. Even though GERD is more prevalent to adults over 40, virtually anybody can get GERD, even infants. In fact, many experts have linked GERD to sudden infant death syndrome.

Once diagnosed, GERD is easily treated. In most cases the treatment of GERD includes a change in the patient's lifestyle. Since certain foods aggravate the symptoms of GERD, a change of diet is necessary, such as avoiding fatty foods, chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol. Your doctor may also recommend taking medication that reduces the amount of acid your stomach produces.

There is no cure for GERD. However, proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help those suffering lead a normal life.

Cull1086

2013-06-25T18:36:18Z

23.27.128.102: Created page with "Because prescription medications can sometimes have unwanted side effects, many people look for natural cures for acid reflux. In addition, most prescription medications were ..."

Because prescription medications can sometimes have unwanted side effects, many people look for natural cures for acid reflux. In addition, most prescription medications were not designed to be taken for long periods of time, possibly while a person makes dietary and lifestyle changes which can be natural remedies for acid reflux. Herbal remedies for acid reflux are based on what herbalists know of traditional medicine and traditional medicinal plants. Some of these are common food herbs, which pose no danger for long-term use, but their effectiveness as natural cures for acid reflux has not been proven.

If you have been diagnosed with acid reflux, it is important to see your doctor regularly, even if you feel that your symptoms are under control. And you should let your doctor know about any botanical or herbal remedies for acid reflux that you may be using. It is important to see your doctor regularly, because stomach acid can damage the esophagus and lead to more serious conditions including cancer of the esophagus. If you are relying on natural cures for acid reflux and you become hoarse in the morning, develop a cough, or feel a need to clear your throat frequently, these may be symptoms of silent acid reflux. Silent acid reflux is the term used to describe acid reflux that affects the voice box and the vocal cords, but does not cause heartburn symptoms. So even if natural remedies for acid reflux keep your heartburn under control, you should still see your doctor regularly and report new or different symptoms.

Herbal remedies for acid reflux include chamomile, meadowsweet, slippery elm, cancer bush, fennel, catnip, angelica root, gentian root, ginger root and other botanicals, including aloe. Slippery elm was used historically by native peoples to treat stomach upset, diarrhea, constipation, heartburn and other digestive complaints. Fennel and gingerroot were also common "folk remedies" for the relief of indigestion. Modern herbalists have found that a combination of several of the herbs that had been used for indigestion could be effective natural remedies for acid reflux. Some may call them natural "cures" for acid reflux, but long-term relief of acid reflux is best accomplished by changes in lifestyle and eating habits.

For example smoking relaxes the sphincter muscles that normally prevent stomach acid from reaching the esophagus. It also dries out saliva in the mouth and throat, which normally would neutralize some of the stomach acid and begin the digestive process. If you use herbal remedies for acid reflux and you do not stop using tobacco products, then you may still have acid reflux and you are still at risk of developing esophageal cancer. The major risk factors for developing esophageal cancer include acid reflux, smoking and alcoholism.

This brings up another lifestyle change that is recommended for long-term control and relief of acid reflux. Reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption can reduce acid reflux. In particular, alcohol consumption in the evening is believed to lead to more symptoms of night time acid reflux, as well as other health problems. While some argue that a glass of red wine has many health benefits, this is a 4 ounce glass, before a meal, and for those who suffer from acid reflux, even this may be a problem. Alcohol increases stomach acid. Prescription and natural remedies for acid reflux are geared towards reducing or preventing excess stomach acid. It just does not make sense to continue to drink alcohol when you have been diagnosed with acid reflux.

Mcgovern510

2013-06-25T07:38:11Z

23.27.128.102: Created page with " When your stomach acid splashes up from the stomach into the esophagus, you get the burning pain associated with this rather painful stomach condition. The esophagus is the ..."

When your stomach acid splashes up from the stomach into the esophagus, you get the burning pain associated with this rather painful stomach condition. The esophagus is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. Stomach acid helps to digest the food you eat. The acid in your stomach is hydrochloric acid, which helps to prevent bacteria from growing in your stomach and intestines. The stomach lining prevents the hydrochloric acid from damaging your stomach.
Though an occasional bout of heartburn is quite normal, recurrent and frequent occurrence can irritate and inflame the lining of the esophagus leading to ulcers as well as bleeding caused by their rupture. In the long run, it can bring about a change in the cells of the esophageal lining and can increase the risk of esophageal cancer. Also, avoid or reduce the intake of the potential irritants like caffeine, nicotine, acidic foods, alcoholic and carbonated beverages, as well as spicy and oily foods. Also, eat several frequent meals, instead of two or three heavy meals, and avoid eating before bedtime if you are having frequent bouts of heartburn and acid reflux.
Another sign of acid reflux is that infants may refuse food or milk. They may cry while feeding, which may lead to choking. It has also been observed that some infants who have this disease may lose weight.
Persistent bouts of sore throat and pain can be prevented by boosting immunity. One should remember that having a nutritious diet, regular exercise and stress-free life helps in prevention of nearly all infectious diseases. Lastly, note that this write-up is meant for informational purposes, and should not be substituted for proper consultation from a certified medical practitioner.
Several fruits and vegetables are good when it comes to controlling the affects of acid reflux. These include, bananas, apples, figs, pineapple and papaya. You can also get the same effect from eating cabbage and carrots.
As already mentioned spitting up is a common condition among the infants that can be managed by making some lifestyle changes. In fact, there are no specific treatments for acid reflux, if the baby is healthy, active and growing normally. Generally, the symptoms of acid reflux resolves by itself, when the baby is about 1to 1 1/2 years old. The occurrence of acid reflux at this age group decreases to about two percent.
Proper food habits, more of fruits and vegetables (avoid tomatoes), proper exercise and sleep can reduce the trouble of acidity to a great extent.
In severe cases of acid reflux in infants, an endoscopy can also be done to check for any internally malfunctioning gland or sphincter.