Showing posts with label gerd. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gerd. Show all posts

Dec 20, 2008

Be Aware of Acid Reflux by Learning its Symptoms

Every day, the digestive system is always being utilized due to daily food and liquid consumption. When food and drinks are induced, it runs through a passage called the esophagus that helps breakdown the food. When food reaches its destination or the stomach, acid and pepsin is discharged to help assist in the process of digestion.

If and ever a trouble in the digestive system occur, several people frequently ignore these potential problem by applying home healing treatment to aid with digestive problems. However, a common digestive disease that most people have ignored and encountered is the acid reflux or heartburn. This digestive disease or disorder occurs when the esophagus is irritated by the acid regurgitating to the stomach while acid is being seeped back through the esophagus and throat.

There are another kinds of digestive disease but the most usual of all is acid reflux or gastro- esophageal reflux disease recognized also as heartburn. There are symptoms to indicate if you have acid reflux. These symptoms will probably help an individual indicate whether they have acid reflux.

The most common symptoms that acid reflux is related with is the searing sensation in the digestive tract, commonly the chest or throat, that individuals will encounter. Even symptoms of hoarseness, acid in the mouth, sour or bitter taste, wheezing and coughing are also symptoms of acid reflux.

Fortunately, acid reflux has specific characteristics that are most helpful in indicating its existence. These characteristics involve particular activity to be avoided; such as avoid lying down or bending over, while other individuals have trouble when eating. Other people, however, have tried physical activity like exercise to be eliminate acid reflux but unfortunately, even exercise can't ease the symptoms. Most likely, use of antacids can be helpful and can actually relief the symptoms of acid reflux. As such, symptoms of acid reflux are frequently mistaken for symptoms of a heart attack.

Acid reflux disease can happen to all ages including babies and young children. Although babies have a tendency to have acid reflux or heartburn, this circumstance normally fades in time while young children can develop acid reflux like other adults. Commonly in adults, acid reflux is caused by poor diet, lack of physical activity, and even lifestyle.

There are some other factors that could also cause acid reflux. These factors are most common during pregnancy because women in this stage have increased hormone levels and in sense, the stomach is being pressured due to pregnancy. Also, obesity, overeating, some beverages and medications, and specific foods are also factors that can cause acid reflux.

A person who believes he or she has acid reflux should learn more of the symptoms caused by it. In this way, individuals can indicate this condition and take certain precautions to prevent possible occurrences due to acid reflux. For a fact, the best way to avoid acid reflux or heartburn is through prevention. By doing so, individuals will be able to avoid occurrences of acid reflux and simultaneously, have a healthy lifestyle.

Most often, acid reflux are caused by improper diet, therefore, have a appropriate diet and nutrition to aid its eradication. A patient with acid reflux can lead to a more critical condition that could cause more problems even in the respiratory system due to continuous coughing and loss of breath. If acid enters this area, it can be harmful, therefore, learn the symptoms to avoid a more serious problem due to acid reflux.

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Nov 15, 2008

Pillows and Positional Therapy as Instant Relieve for Acid Reflux

When we eat, the substances in the stomach normally proceed into the intestines with the help of digestive muscle contractions. Still, for those who have acid reflux disease, the digestive substances move back into the esophagus. And since the digestive materials contain acids, a patient suffers from inflammation in the throat which may be associated with pains in the abdomen and breastbone. Other symptoms include dyspepsia, vomiting, regurgitation, and respiratory-related indicators.

Acid reflux is a chronic health condition. Once it has started to transmit in the body, it will remain to inhabit indefinitely. Although treatments are available, symptoms usually tend to be applied repeatedly. And this means that treatments also need to be employed recurrently.

The act of stomach liquids backing up into the esophagus is actually natural. It also happens to those without acid reflux disease. In the event of acid reflux patients, however, the stomach substances have more acid than the normal and that the acid tends to remain in the esophagus in a longer period of time.

The human body, of course, has its own mechanisms to lessen the bad effects brought about by the refluxed acids. An example of such is the salivary glands found in the mouth. These glands produce saliva, a liquid which contains bicarbonate. When we swallow, the saliva containing bicarbonates passes through the esophagus.

Bicarbonates have the ability to neutralize acids, which may have remained after an earlier regurgitation. Also, studies have shown that most cases of reflux occur during daytime. At this time, individuals are commonly on an upright position. With the aid of gravity, reflux is reduced because the stomach substances are held back down. Furthermore, when awake, individuals recurrently swallow. And this practice maximizes the benefits that saliva does in reducing the level of acids in the throat.

The noted natural ways of the body to protect itself are important in the maintenance of the esophagus. But saliva, swallowing, and gravity can only work when a person is in an upright position. During night time, when individuals are asleep, gravity cannot help much. Also, the saliva secretion is trimmed down and swallowing does not take place. It is for these reasons why acid reflux which comes about at night becomes more severe sore in the esophagus because the acids stay longer and therefore do more damage to it.

Acid reflux can be more susceptible to the pregnant and obese. The increased levels of hormones during pregnancy and high levels of fats in the body can induce acid reflux because of the pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter, a muscle that prevents the stomach contents from moving back to the esophagus, is reduced. As such, it will be easier for the partially digested substances to come back because less force is holding them back down. In addition, for the pregnant women, the pressure in the abdomen rises due to the growing fetus in the womb.

There are ways to help the body minimize the occurrences of reflux. One of the easiest to implement is positional therapy. This is done by elevating the head and the torso when in a sleeping position. Pillows, which are readily available, can be placed to raise the torso at about six to eight inches. This position can provide maximum effectiveness in holding back reflux. Studies have shown that the use of increased recommended elevation results to greater efficiency.
Acid Reflux Diet

Aug 1, 2008

Change Your Lifestyle, Avoid Food or Beverages That Cause Acid Reflux

Many people get hungry because they lack food. Children become malnourished if they are not given the right amount of food which contains the needed vitamins and minerals which in turn make the body strong and healthy.

The fact is, not all foods are healthy. The most popular unhealthy food is 'junk foods'. Just as the word suggests, junk, which means it is like garbage. But many people are still patronizing these kinds of food.

People diagnosed with certain diseases often are given a list of foods to avoid. And this is true with the case of a person having acid reflux. or the GERD is a condition wherein stomach acids go back to the esophagus because of the improper functioning of the lower esophageal sphincter. If this condition is not treated, it will only get worse which can cause serious complications.

You can effectively tell if you have acid reflux if you experience symptoms like sour taste, burning sensation in the chest or upper abdomen and your throat's back, excessive belching, breathing difficulties, tightness of throat, difficulty in swallowing food and bad breath.

If you frequently experience these symptoms, then you probably have . Visit your doctor to get an accurate diagnosis, so that you will know the severity of your condition.

There are certain beverages and foods which cause acid reflux and this includes the following:
  • chocolate
  • coffee
  • spearmint and peppermint
  • alcoholic drinks
  • fruit juices
  • fatty foods and fried foods
  • onions
  • citrus fruits
  • spicy foods
  • tomato-based products
  • caffeinated drinks
A change in your diet is the most effective way to deal with acid reflux. Although at first you may feel deprived of these foods, think of what will happen if you continue to eat or drink these beverages or foods.

Start your change in diet by keeping a record of your food intake. In this manner, you can tell which of the foods or beverages causes your acid reflux. So every time you experience that burning sensation, take note of what you've actually eaten. Once you have the list accomplished, put it somewhere where you can easily see it, like the refrigerator.

A lifestyle change may seem rather difficult. Your doctor can greatly help you in your transition. The very first thing that you should do is to set a goal, like for instance eating small meals, while avoiding those above-mentioned foods. Slowly quit smoking and drinking. Of course, you can't expect an abrupt change.

Every time you feel any of the symptoms, you will be instantly reminded that you're on the wrong path. Self-discipline is very much important to attain a successful lifestyle change.

While many people are taking antacids, others are finding it better to stick with the natural way. On the long run, antacids are not that good for your body, even to your stomach. It would be better to start changing your lifestyle, the sooner the better.

Besides, a healthy lifestyle doesn't only prevent acid reflux but other diseases as well. You will gain more benefit in changing your life entirely, especially regarding food eating habits. Eat the right kinds of food at the right amount, and you'll stay healthy. Prevent acid reflux, change…

Jun 22, 2008

Keeping Pregnant Women Away From Acid Reflux Dilemma

Many women tend to experience acid reflux symptoms when they are still carrying their babies, and this happens for several reasons.

One of these is the increase of hormones in the women’s body while they are pregnant. The occurrence of this will result in softening the ligaments which function is to keep the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) firmly closed. When the LES rests at unsuitable periods, tendency is, this will let the gastric acid and food to reflux back to the esophagus and throat.

One more reason of experiencing during pregnancy is because the changes in the body and the development of the baby creates more pressure in the women’s stomach. Therefore, the stomach contents are forced right into the LES, and then to the esophagus.

However, there are several methods that a pregnant woman can observe to lessen the discomfort brought by acid reflux. The following are good advices, although this may not remove the acid reflux totally:
  • Avoid the food that triggers acid reflux. Examples of this are chocolates, spicy foods, citrus fruits and juices, mustard, tomatoes and tomato based products, fatty foods, fried foods, and highly seasoned dishes. Try to refer to medical specialists to know the complete list of foods to avoid . Also, for foods that you may take which contains little danger of causing heartburn.
  • Get rid of drinks that have caffeine, like tea, coffee and soda. Too much of these will cause the LES to relax and let the acid to return into the esophagus.
  • Stay away from alcohol beverages. This, like caffeine tends to relax the LES thus, creating the same effect - triggering heartburn.
  • Avoid eating large meals. It is suggested that taking numerous small meals throughout the day will be better.
  • Avoid rush in eating your meals. Chewing food thoroughly will really help in avoidance of , so better take your time in eating.
  • Rest for at least three hours after having your last meal before taking your sleep.
  • A pregnant woman is advised to take more glasses of water a day, at least 8 to 10 glasses, though this must be taken not just during meals. Through this, the stomach will expand, and then the LES will be given more pressure, obliging it to open inappropriately. Hence, it is really recommended to drink more water and other fluids in between meals.
  • When sleeping elevate the head of the bed for at least six to eight inches. Try to sleep with an elevated head and shoulders through a wedge pillow. Through this, the gravity will work as much that it will keep the acids in your stomach in their place—in the stomach, not in the esophagus. Try to consult physicians to gain additional knowledge on how to relieve night-time heartburn.
  • Don’t wear tight fitting clothes. Tightness around the waist and stomach will trigger heartburn as it causes uneasiness.
  • When bending, do it at the knees, not at the waist. This will avoid in creating too much pressure in the stomach.
  • Don’t slouch; rather sit erect in a relaxing chair.
  • Maintain a sensible amount of weight, too much weight and fatness will give more stress in your stomach. As a result, this will force stomach contents throughout the LES and to the esophagus. Stay with your doctors guidelines.
  • Avoid smoking. Doctors stated that smoking could cause several effects to a pregnant woman, much that it can add to the possibility of experiencing heartburn.

May 10, 2008

Magnifying Acid Reflux

Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), the medical term for “acid reflux” is defined as the product of abnormal reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus thus, creating a mucosal damage, likewise known as the chronic symptom.

This disease strikes adult primarily, while infants and children can also be affected. Normally spurred by eating certain foods, if not pregnancy, or taking a sleep right after eating a heavy meal, a large number of persons suffer from acid reflux at one time or another.

Heartburn or acid indigestion is another name that refers to acid reflux. Heartburn, the major symptom of acid reflux in the esophagus, is described to cause a burning uneasiness at the back of the sternum.

The symptoms may come as coughing, voice transformation, hoarseness, constant ear ache, or sinusitis. The complications brought upon by acid reflux may lead to esophageal ulcers or worse this can lead to esophageal cancer.

However, constant heartburn sensations do not necessarily mean that one has captured GERD already. The risk occurs when heartburn happened more than once a week, this occasion could possibly lead in developing GERD.

The usual cause of GERD is the increase in acidity or gastric acid production in the body, obesity, pregnancy, or tight-fitting apparels, these all can add to the problem. The yeast infections are also thought to be one of the causes of GERD-like symptoms.

An added ironical cause of the GERD is the insufficient production of stomach acid in the body. The explanation says that the valve, the hollow organ with a flap that insure the one-way course of fluid through the organ, once emptied triggers acidity in the intestines. If the valve fails to open, the contents of the stomach will be blended into the esophagus, and then irritation occurs.

Meanwhile, there are already several treatments for GERD today, one of which is the balance and healthy eating habits. Now if proper diet fails to work, one can shift to medication therapy or surgery as suggested by the doctors. Below are the lists of several selections of acid reflux treatment:
  • Proper diet: the natural way to cure acid reflux is through change in their eating habits. A good number of people affected by GERD found success in following this method. Avoid the food ingredients which can intensify heart burn such as caffeine, soft drinks and smoking. Avoid eating two hours before sleeping; likewise, avoid lying down after taking meal. These are the regular suggested change in lifestyle.
  • Another easy way to treat GERD is to elevate the head of the bed. The pharmacologic therapy, the combination of prevention of food two hours before sleeping and the rise of the head of the bed, there is a great chance for a patient to gain a 95 percent relief. The rise of the head of the bed is suggested to range for only 6 to 8 inches or 20 cm. Using this method the backflow of gastric fluids will be hampered.
  • Drug treatment: drugs reduce the secretion of the gastric acid, for instance and famotidine and omeprazole lessen the secretion of gastric acid and the antacids counteract the acid.
  • Surgical treatment: the Nissen fundoplication, the standard surgical treatment for acid reflux, the medication process will only cover a short period of time. The function of this is to support the sphincter, a spherical bond of muscles that opens and closes to let the food or waste to pass, as well as stop acid reflux, and of course restore the hiatal hernia.