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Ascensia Breeze Glucose Meter Rated
Simple Testing Over and Over * simple and easy testing. Simple single-function buttons are easy-to-use and easy to understand * No more having to use individual test strips. You have One easy-to-load autodisc which includes 10 individual test...
Cord Blood and its uses
Cord blood is the blood left in the umbilical cord and placenta after the birth of the child and is collected after the cord has been cut off. The umbilical cord is routinely discarded with the placenta after a child is born. It is also called...
Fast Weight Loss Programs - The importance of low body-fat levels!
My name is Greg Ryan and I am a high profile fitness expert. In twenty years of being a personal trainer and health club consultant, I am frightened at how fast the health of Americans is deteriorating. You are being eaten alive from the inside out...
FIFTY TIPS FOR A SLIMMER SHAPE
The majority of Americans are overweight (Big surprise, huh?) Below are some tips I have given to my patients (and vice versa) in helping to lose weight. Many of them you've probably heard of, and some may be new to you. Some are serious, and...
Why Hydrogenated Oils Are Bad For You
Warning: Do not eat foods that contain partially
hydrogenated and hydrogenated fats. These fats are
found in all kinds of packaged and junk food. Food
manufacturers really don't care about your health
when they add hydrogenated oils to their...
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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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| children with DIABETES Online Community |
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