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I'll Wait 'til it Hurts
News Release/Health Story/Diabetes Awareness FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 6, 2004 I'll Wait 'til it Hurts "If it ain't broke, most people don't fix it." Do you know if you have diabetes? Did you know type 2 diabetes symptoms only become ...
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Hair loss causes range from simple to complex. Some of the simple causes of hair loss include recovery from major surgery. Such invasive medical treatments cause trauma to the hair follicles and large clumps of hair often come out when you are...
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Acid Reflux (GERD) - Facts & Treatment Options
Acid reflux, also known as GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) is a chronic, often life-long condition where liquids and acids from the stomach regurgitate into the esophagus. These liquids can inflame the esophageal lining and in a minority of patients causes damage.
It's estimated that 5 to 7 percent of the global population, including infants & children suffer from GERD and it is often misdiagnosed because the symptoms are either too mild to warrant a doctor's visit or downplayed and misunderstood.
What causes GERD?
Usually GERD is caused by a faulty sphincter. The esophageal sphincter is a little muscular ring at the end of the esophagus and is designed to prevent stomach contents from "backing up". Sometimes this sphincter becomes weak and stops functioning properly, allowing stomach acids to push up through the opening into the esophagus. In other cases, GERD is caused by a hiatus hernia, where the stomach pokes through the diaphragm, preventing the esophagus from closing. There are also certain health conditions where a higher incidence of GERD occurs, such as in those with asthma and diabetes.
What are The Symptoms of GERD?
The symptoms vary from person to person, may be mild or severe and may come occasionally or daily.
- A painful burning in the abdomen and/or chest. Sometimes this pain will radiate through your back.
- Excessive belching and persistent heartburn.
- Feeling a sudden surge (spitting up) of acids spill into the back of your throat and mouth. It usually tastes very sour and burns.
- People with severe acid reflux can experience breathing problems and hoarseness due to damage to the respiratory tract and larynx.
- Consistently waking up with pain in the abdomen and/or chest. This can feel like a single painful cramp in the pit of your stomach and usually goes away within an hour or so.
- Symptoms may be triggered after eating a large meal, fatty foods, and alcohol. Smoking can cause symptoms as well.
- Bending over and feeling a sensation of sour fluids spilling into your throat.
- Over time and without treatment, GERD can cause scar tissue to form, making it difficult to swallow.
At this stage, seeking medical intervention is needed.
How is GERD diagnosed?
Most doctors will be able to diagnose the condition based on the symptoms you report, but if there is any doubt, a gastroscopy can provide a better idea of what is causing your symptoms. Your doctor may want to rule out conditions with similar symptoms - such as peptic ulcers, angina, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, gallstones, and pancreatic disease.
What are the treatment options for GERD?
The first step in treating GERD is to adjust your habits. Stop smoking, avoid meals that trigger symptoms, and limit coffee and alcohol intake. If you have problems with GERD symptoms in the morning because of lying flat all night, try elevating your upper body 8 inches so that you are sleeping on an angle, allowing gravity to minimize the amount of stomach acids settling in your esophagus while you sleep.
Even when taking good care of yourself, you might need to take extra measures to keep GERD under control. Most non-prescription antacids work well in controlling symptoms, however if they simply aren't working, then a trip to the doctor is in order.
Prescription treatments may include:
- Histamine-2 (H2) Blockers such as Axid, Pepcid, Tagamet and Zantac
- Proton Pump Inhibitors such as Aciphex, Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec and Protonix
As with everything, what works for one person may not work for you. It is important to discuss your condition with your doctor and evaluate the side effects before diagnosing yourself and taking any medication or treatment, whether prescribed or over the counter. This article does not substitute a medical professional's advice and is not intended as such.
About the Author: Carole Nickerson has been a writer and web developer since 1998, writing articles & websites on various topics of interest. For more links and information on acid reflux and GERD, and for more articles visit: http://www.Readerpoint.com
Source: www.isnare.com
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American Diabetes Association Home Page |
Their mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by this disease. Available in English and Spanish. |
www.diabetes.org |
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Diabetes Information - American Diabetes Association |
The American Diabetes Association recommends the FPG because it is easier, ... Take the first steps toward better diabetes care by visiting the Diabetes ... |
www.diabetes.org |
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Diabetes UK home page - Diabetes UK |
Diabetes UK is the largest organisation in the UK working for people with diabetes, funding research, campaigning and helping people live with the ... |
www.diabetes.org.uk |
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Canadian Diabetes Association |
To promote the health of Canadians through diabetes research, education, service, and advocacy. |
www.diabetes.ca |
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Diabetes information including treating type 2 diabetes at ... |
Offers dietary recommendations, including recipes and tips on managing blood sugar levels. From GlaxoSmithKline. |
www.diabetes.com |
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Diabetes |
Web site for Diabetes. ... publishes Diabetes. Stanford University Libraries' HighWire Press ® assists in the publication of Diabetes Online ... |
diabetes.diabetesjournals.org |
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CDC Diabetes Public Health Resource |
The diabetes information homepage of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, provided by the CDC’s Division of Diabetes Translation. |
www.cdc.gov |
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CDC - Health Topic: Diabetes |
Diabetes · Diabetes and Research Diagnostics · Diabetes Surveillance Report · FAQ's on Diabetes · Physical Activity and Health: A Report of the Surgeon ... |
www.cdc.gov |
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National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse |
Provides educational materials to increase knowledge and understanding about diabetes among patients, health care professionals, and the general public. |
diabetes.niddk.nih.gov |
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Diabetes mellitus - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia |
For diabetes mellitus in pets, see diabetes in cats and dogs. ... Type 1 diabetes mellitus - formerly known as insulin-dependent diabetes (IDDM), ... |
en.wikipedia.org |
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MedlinePlus: Diabetes |
(National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases) - Links to PDF ... Select services and providers for Diabetes in your area. ... |
www.nlm.nih.gov |
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MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Diabetes |
Diabetes affects about 18 million Americans. There are many risk factors for ... These levels are considered to be risk factors for type 2 diabetes and its ... |
www.nlm.nih.gov |
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Diabetes |
What to expect from your diabetes diagnosis? Get up-to-the-minute information about medications, insulin, blood sugar management, nutrition requirements, ... |
diabetes.about.com |
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WebMD Diabetes Health Center - Information on Type 1 and Type 2 ... |
Find in-depth information here about diabetes prevention, diet, ... Study Shows Burned-Out Staffers More Likely to Get Type 2 DiabetesGo To Article ... |
www.webmd.com |
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WebMD Health - 404 Error |
Allergies|Anxiety Disorders|Arthritis|Asthma|Back Pain|Bipolar Disorder|Cancer|Children's Health|Cholesterol|Depression| Diabetes|Diet & Nutrition|Erectile ... |
www.webmd.com |
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Diabetes Overview |
Defines diabetes, including the various types and treatments. Provides information on the impact and cost of the disease, its increasing prevalence, ... |
www.niddk.nih.gov |
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Diabetes News - The New York Times |
A free collection of articles about diabetes published in The New York Times. |
topics.nytimes.com |
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children with DIABETES Online Community |
An online community for kids, families, and adults with diabetes, featuring message boards, chat rooms, and questions/answers from medical professionals. |
www.childrenwithdiabetes.com |
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International Diabetes Institute - Diabetes Research, Education ... |
The International Diabetes Institute is the leading national and international centre for diabetes research, diabetes education and diabetes care. |
www.diabetes.com.au |
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Diabetes New Zealand |
Educates and informs people about diabetes, its treatment, prevention, and cure of diabetes. |
www.diabetes.org.nz |
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