Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Nexium For Acid Reflux

The Purple Pill; Nexium to Cure Acid Reflux

People that suffer from acid reflux are constantly looking for a solution. Now, experts argue whether the disease can really ever be cured, but products like Nexium have proven that if there isn’t a cure, there’s at least ongoing relief available.

Nexium is the second best-selling prescription drug in the U.S. It generates more than $5 billion in annual sales. Nexium is largely used to treat acid reflux or GERD.

Known as the purple pill by anyone who has seen their commercials or print advertisements, Nexium for acid reflux is a very popular medication prescribed by thousands of doctors everyday.

If you visit the Nexium company’s website, it is packed with valuable information for the readers to get themselves familiar with the product, what it does and how it can help them. The product actually sells itself even before the patients reach their doctor’s office.

At the Nexium website you’ll find information about what causes acid reflux and how Nexium offers pain relief along with a cure for esophagus erosion. You’ll find a link that takes you to see a virtual doctor to help determine whether you have acid reflux disease, and you’ll find a handy list that will help you to communicate better with your doctor about the product.

The website also offers valuable cooking tips and recipes for food that will greatly decrease the occurrence of acid reflux. Actually the information on the website itself is enough to help many people to cope with their acid reflux problems, even before they try the little purple pill!

Nexium is regarded as one of the best medications on the market for treating acid reflux at this time. However, this doesn’t mean the medication is right for you. Don’t try someone else’s little purple pill, talk to your doctor first to determine whether it’s right for you. If Nexium for acid reflux isn’t the right answer, your doctor will help you find a solution that works.

Heartburn And Acid-Free Coffee

Do you know that there are approximately 130 million Americans drink an average of two to three cups of coffee a day? For many people, coffee is simply a part of their life, it's a part of their morning routine.

Study has shown that coffee had antioxidant property which can reduce inflammation and prevent chronic diseases. A cup of coffee or two a day is actually good for your health. But problem is that coffee contains acid which can cause stomach pain and heartburn for those who suffer from acid reflux.

More than 60 million Americans experience heartburn at least once a month. Many coffee drinkers who suffer from heartburn take drugs called antacids which has the function to reduce acid in the stomach. The side-effect of a long-term use of antacids can negatively affect the acid balance in our body. Our body needs natural acids to fight and kill bacteria as they try to enter our body through the digestive track. Without these acids, our body is unable to prevent illnesses.

So what should those coffee drinkers who suffer from heartburn or acid reflux do? Fortunately, there is now a solution for these people. Namely "Acid-Free Coffee". Coffee company such as Tyler's Coffee provides both caffeinated and decaffeinated acid-free coffee. This special blend of coffee eliminates acid through the use of computer-based process.

Acid-free coffee also has an effect of promoting dental health. Eating foods or drinks with high acid level promotes a higher risk of developing cavities in our teeth. So for those coffee drinkers who suffer from heartburn, they should consider acid-free coffee.

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Acid Reflux And Asthma

Do you know that acid reflux affects 20% of people who have asthma. Even if you have never experienced acid reflux before but when you have an acute asthma, you can have your asthma further worsen by acid reflux.

Acid reflux can occur because when you have an acute asthma, you are continually trapping air inside your lung. This can stretch your diaphragm and its surrounding muscle causing acid coming out of your stomach into your esophagus.

Another thing you need to know is that some asthma medicines such as the albuterol inhaler and theophylline tablets can actually cause acid reflux. These medicines help you breathe by relaxing your esophageal muscle or valve causing it to open and allow acid to flow up.

That's why all the sudden you have acid reflux even though you don't normally have it.

Monday, September 17, 2007

Esophageal Cancer Causes

People who are suffering from chronic heartburn are at risk for Barrett's esophagus, which is a severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Barrett's esophagus has been recognized as the cause of esophageal cancer. It's the seventh deadliest cancer in men in the United States alone.

Barrett's esophagus is marked by an abnormal cellular changes in the esophagus lining that, if not treated, will lead to a type of cancer called esophageal adenocarcinoma (also known as esophageal cancer).

The treatment for Barrett's esophagus is a two-prong approach: the use of radiofrequency ablation to destroy the abnormal esophagus lining and stopping GERD or chronic acid reflux as well. Once the bad lining is destroyed, the GERD must also be stopped or controlled otherwise those abnormal cells can grow back and put the patient at risk for esophageal cancer once again.

In the situation where Barrett's esophagus has developed into cancer, the entire esophagus must be removed through a surgery and construct a new one by stretching the stomach.

Barrett's esophagus is most prevalent in middle-aged men, it can affect anyone even those who don't have symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) before. For a safe measure, remember to do full body medical check up yearly if you are already reaching 40 years of age.

Saturday, September 15, 2007

GERD-friendly Meals

GERD (GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease), also known as acid reflux affects millions of Americans. When you suffer from GERD, you will experience frequent and persistent heartburn two or more days a week. The physical symptoms of GERD can be very painful.

GERD occurs when there is a weakness in the lower esophageal sphincter (stomach muscle), allowing stomach acid to flow back up to the esophagus. In children, the most common GERD symptoms are stomachache, nausea, vomiting, wheezing, difficulty swallowing, heartburn and weight loss.

The best way to fight GERD or acid reflux is through healthy lifestyle and dietary changes.

What is GERD-friendly Meals?

GERD-friendly meals are meals that designed to avoid ingredients which could trigger heartburn. For example, some foods like tomato-based sauces, chocolate, coffee, spicy and deep fried dishes can trigger symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn. Always write down what you eat and when you experience heartburn. This will help you to identify which foods trigger your heartburn and what to avoid.

Friday, September 14, 2007

Stomach Acid Reflux

Stomach Acid Reflux Can Cause Lost Sleep

One of the worst feelings in the world is when you are settling down in bed and get that horrible feeling of stomach acid reflux. In most cases, you are not going to get to sleep until you can settle your stomach and quell the burning sensation in your stomach and chest. It may hurt so bad that you think you are having a heart attack.

Stomach acid reflux can be caused by a variety of things, such as overeating, eating too many spicy foods or those containing having a high acid content or it could be an overactive acid producing gland. Whatever the cause, there is help available in many forms to help quell the sour taste in your mouth and the burning in your chest or lower abdomen. Many over-the-counter products are available for temporary relief, but to have a complete cure, the root cause need to be diagnosed.

Typically, stomach acid reflux is when acid in the stomach travel back into the esophagus burning its sensitive lining. This happens because of a weakened upper stomach sphincter muscle that allows the contents of the stomach to travel upwards. For an animated description of stomach acid reflux, watch the following video: Acid Reflux Animated Video.

Getting Help With Indigestion Symptoms

Calcium carbonate is often used for temporary relief of stomach acid reflux as it absorbs the excess acid in the stomach. Some over-the-counter medications may offer extended relief by taking them daily or prior to eating. By absorbing the acid, it greatly reduces the chance of acid refluxing back into the esophagus.

Depending on the individual, some medications are designed to slow or stop the production of stomach acid, and while this will reduce the incidents of stomach acid reflux, it can lead to other problems if used for long-term. Acid in the stomach is part of the digestive system so eliminating it may lead to poor digestion and the absorption of nutrients in the food.

Those suffer from chronic stomach acid reflux should contact a health professional for advice. Using antacid remedies for an extended period can lead to other problems hence finding the root cause and having a healthy lifestyle are the only sure way to eliminating the disease.

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Home Remedies For Acid Reflux

Home Remedies For Acid Reflux: A Natural Way To Counter Acid Reflux

Acid reflux affects many people all over the world, and this condition can be very distressing and uncomfortable. There are many great medications for those who suffer from acid reflux, but there are also many home remedies for acid reflux. One of the major reasons why home remedies for acid reflux is attractive because of its natural benefits. Acid reflux happens when the acid from the stomach flow upward to the esophagus. Although the acid is a very strong substance that helps with the digestion of food, the stomach is made to cope with it. The esophagus, however, is not made to cope with acid.

The acid reflux into the esophagus can be very painful and often occurs when people try to sleep in a prone position. The acid easily moves into the esophagus if people have this condition. A home remedy for acid reflux includes elevating the head while lying down on a bed to prevent the acid enter the esophagus. There are some beds that are designed to raise the head, and these kind of beds will help those who suffer from acid reflux.

Ginger: A Home Remedies For Keeping Acid Reflux At Bay

Ginger seems to have some healing qualities, and those with acid reflux might try adding ginger to some of their food and beverages. Fresh ginger is available in the grocery stores, and this can be ground up and added to meals. Some dishes call for this in the recipe, but it can be added to other dishes. Ginger can also be added to tea. There are some cuisines that include ginger in many dishes such as Chinese cuisine. Those with acid reflux might patronize the Chinese restaurants and look for those dishes with ginger.

Green tea is also a great home remedy for acid reflux as it is known to help the body digest other food and beverages. Herbal teas contain substances such as chamomile and licorice root provide a repair mechanism for the stomach so those with acid reflux should include these into their diet plans. People with acid reflux should try to drink plenty of water which will help the body expel the excess acid more efficiently.

Sunday, September 9, 2007

Treat And Reduce Heartburn

How To Treat And Reduce Heartburn

It's estimated that 10% or 30 millions Americans suffer from heartburn at least once a week. The term heartburn is not referring to the heart but rather the stomach. Heartburn is the result of content in our stomach flows up to the esophagus, which is the tube that takes in foods to our stomach. The flow of foods in a stomach back to the esophagus is a condition or disease known as acid reflux. When this happens, it produces a very uncomfortable feeling or pain in the esophagus, this feeling or pain is called heartburn.

To understand how acid reflux occur, go here: Acid Reflux and Chest Pain.

Lifestyle Changes to Treat and Reduce Heartburn

Before you take any nonprescription medicine such as antacids, try changing your lifestyle first. If you take medicines to treat your heartburn without making lifestyle changes, your heartburn will not disappear. So lifestyle changes is the best medicine.

Change what and how you eat. Try to eat smaller meals each time, having a full stomach will increace your chances of getting a heartburn. Avoid chocolate, fatty or fried foods, and peppermint- or spearmint-flavored foods. Do not drink alcohol, coffee and other caffeinated drinks; or carbonated drinks. Limit spicy foods that contain lots of pepper or chilies.

Remember, having a healthy lifestyle is the most effective way of treating and reducing heartburn. Healthy lifestyle will also lead you to a more healthy body.

Wednesday, September 5, 2007

Endoscopic Plication Acid Reflux

NEWS FLASH :
Endoscopic Plication: An Alternative Treatment for Acid Reflux that Works!

The procedure known as endoscopic plication uses a device called the Plicator to restore the anti-reflux barrier, a fold over the top part of the stomach that acts to prevent acid and other stomach contents from going up into the esophagus.

Infant Acid Reflux Disease

Infant acid reflux disease is the technical term used when a baby spits up. The frequency of this condition generally takes place following the baby’s feeding. However, infant acid reflux can occur following any incidents of strain placed upon the baby’s stomach. The symptoms can include coughing and crying.

The condition of infant acid reflux usually resolves itself within the first 18 months of birth. However, for the new parents, this condition may prove to be very disturbing. Therefore, it is important to know what causes infant acid reflux disease, what steps to take and when to consult with a doctor.

Causes Of Infant Acid Reflux Disease

When an infant spits up or exhibits infant acid reflux there are certain physiological dynamics taking place which causes this condition. This spitting up may be due to the fact that the baby has taken in too much liquid or foods or may be due to other causes.

Those other causes may be an added strain on the stomach. The infant acid reflux disease, in these situations, is due to the fact that the muscle sphincter or muscle ring between the stomach and the esophagus relaxes or opens due to crying, coughing, etc. When this muscle relaxes or opens the contents of the stomach are released causing the backward flow of the food or liquid (ie. foods are flowing upwards to the esophagus).

In addition, it is important to note that infant acid reflux disease is a natural occurrence due to the age of the baby. This young age reflects the underdeveloped strength of this particular muscle ring in the stomach. As the baby develops in a healthy manner, the strength and the function of the muscle sphincter will develop correspondingly.

Practical Steps To Minimize The Condition Of Infant Acid Reflux

To minimize the condition of infant acid reflux disease there are a number of steps that the parent can take. First of all, it is important to remain calm. This will not only help to reduce the tension and anxiety that the parents may be experiencing, but will also help to minimize the anxiousness of the infant.

Also, the position of the baby is important during feeding times. Therefore, the child should be sitting up when taking liquid or being fed with solid food. This upright position will help the food to remain in the stomach.

Additionally, a helpful tip to minimize infant acid reflux is to have more frequent feedings with less foods for each feeding. This will help in preventing overeating and yet satisfy the infant’s hunger.

Take note that it is important to burp your child frequently. This will allow for the escape of air that may be building up in the stomach. It is best not to burp the child by placing the infant over the shoulder. This may cause additional pressure on the baby’s stomach.

Consulting With A Doctor

However, in some situations, there may be a need to consult with your doctor regarding infant acid reflux disease. This consultation may be indicated by some serious symptoms exhibited by your child.

Some of those symptoms may include limited or no weight gain. Additional warning signs maybe the spitting up of brownish or green fluid, frequent vomiting, loss of appetite or a raspy voice. Also, if urination is very minimal or if diarrhea is present or the child is feverish, these could be possible signs associated with infant acid reflux disease or other severe stomach ailments. Then it’s best to consult a doctor.

Tuesday, September 4, 2007

Gall Bladder Acid Reflux

Acid Reflux Resulting From Gall Bladder Surgery

There are many people report problems with heartburn and acid reflux shortly after gall bladder surgery. There is not any major evidence that the two are directly linked but enough people suffer from acid reflux post gall bladder surgery.

In few instances the symptoms of acid reflux can be mistaken for gall bladder related problems and surgery has been administered mistakenly. Some of the problems associated with the gall bladder that require surgery are often linked to acid reflux as well. For example, overweight people are thought to require gall bladder surgery and suffer from acid reflux more frequently than those who are at the optimum weight for their height.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is thought to be the leading cause of acid reflux after gall bladder surgery. It is an illness that can be easily treated but is often undiagnosed. There are also other causes such as gastroperesis but a qualified physician is the only person who should diagnose the source of the problems resulting in acid reflux after gall bladder surgery.

Preventing Acid Reflux After Gall Bladder Surgery

The best ways to prevent acid reflux after gall bladder surgery is to slightly change your diet and lifestyle and there is no better time to improve your health than after surgery because your body requires a little bit of extra effort to heal itself.

Losing excess weight is important as obesity can dramatically increase the chances of acid reflux occurring. Maintaining a healthier lifestyle is essential. Excessive alcohol consumption and cigarettes should be cut out altogether as both negatively affect the stomach.

Eating healthy fruit and vegetables particularly non acidic kinds is a good method of preventing acid reflux after gall bladder surgery. Many of us consume far too much acidic foods and by simply regulating our diets; we can prevent acid reflux or at the very least, minimize the problem.

Sunday, September 2, 2007

Acid Reflux And Chest Pain

Acid reflux occurs when the contents of the stomach rise back up through the lower esophageal sphincter. This causes an irritation that feels like a burning sensation. Since the heart is in close proximity, acid reflux is commonly called heartburn. Some people experience intense chest pain caused by acid reflux. Often, they feel as if they are having a heart attack.

Seek emergency medical attention if you have chest pain or dizziness, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, sweating, nausea or vomiting.

Watch this video to understand more about acid reflux and chest pain...

Saturday, September 1, 2007

Acid Reflux And Bad Breath

It is not unusual for a person to suffer both acid reflux and bad breath as the stomach acid flowing back to the esophagus often carries with it the odor of the stomach acids that reach all the way up into the throat.

Of course bad breath can also be caused by the foods we eat such as hot and spicy foods, the chemicals in the spices will enter the blood stream. As the blood passes through the lungs and is exchanged for oxygenated air, the person’s breath will reflect the odor leaving the blood stream. So some of the same foods may be causing both acid reflux and bad breath. Hence, a change of diet is important to alleviate both problems.

Chronic acid reflux and persistent indigestion can cause damage and burn the lining of the esophagus, it can also cause pain in the ears as well as damage to the voice box and upper larynx.

Brushing And Flossing Not Always Effective

A person suffering from acid reflux and bad breath will find that consistent brushing and flossing may not help with the bad odor. While contributing causes include lack of saliva activity such as morning breath and many people suffer morning breath as a result of indigestion.

When a person sleeps, chances are they are lying flat, and contents of the stomach can slip upwards through the lower esophagus sphincter muscle. Allowing the acid to rise back up causes bad breath and acid reflux. Elevating the upper torso when lying down can help to keep contents in the stomach where it belongs.

If you suffer a feeling of acid rising in your throat, even when not accompanied by a burning sensation, it is an indication that acid reflux is in motion. Even if the acid reflux symptoms disappear, you may still suffer bad breath. To determine if you have bad breath, lightly lick the inside of your wrist and allow it to dry for a few seconds. If the spot has an odor once dry, then bad breath is present.