Posts Tagged ‘illness’
by Richard H. Ealom
INTRODUCTION: Heartburn is a digestive problem that happens when stomach acid comes into contact with the lining of the esophagus, producing irritation. It has nothing to do with the heart though the irritation may be confused with heart pain and vice versa and is the most frequent symptom of a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux or acid reflux. It is often called acid indigestion and usually happens after meals and is a daily occurrence for approximately 10% of Americans and as much as 50% of pregnant women.
SYMPTOMS: Signs of acid indigestion and a heart attack may feel the same. One of the most common symptoms is spitting up. Heartburn symptoms are just flat-out uncomfortable and very painful. However, many people will only experience the milder signs. Pay attention and treat it, particularly if you feel symptoms often.
The good news is that making changes to certain habits will go a long way to stopping acid indigestion and other symptoms of GERD.
Heartburn is usually simple to diagnose from the symptoms you describe to your Physician. If there are any questions about the diagnosis, you may take the following tests to check for ulcers or other problems that might create your signs: barium swallow x-ray study of the esophagus, complete upper GI (gastrointestinal) barium x-ray study of the esophagus, stomach, and upper intestine endoscopy: a procedure in which a thin flexible tube with a tiny camera is put in your mouth and down into your stomach so your Doctor can see your esophagus and stomach.
To help decrease the signs you can try not to put a lot of pressure on the sphincter muscle. Seek emergency treatment if the following occurs with the heartburn and do not go away within fifteen minutes of treatment: shortness of breath; sweating; weakness; or arm, back, or chest pain.
FOODS: To minimize attacks, a sufferer may find benefit in avoidance of certain foods that relax the opening between the stomach and esophagus, such as chocolate, peppermint, and chamomile tea shortly before bedtime.
Restricting diet is extremely important, since 90-95% of sufferers of heartburn or esophageal problems can link their symptoms to certain foods. If the person notices that certain foods seem to make the condition worse, or more frequent, they would be better served to stay away from them, or at least talk to their Physician about products that can help decrease the amount of stomach acid that can create acid reflux.
CONCLUSION: Heartburn normally is due to gastroesophageal reflux disease (aka GERD), the rise of stomach acid back up into the esophagus. Acid indigestion and reflux are very common, with 10 percent of the population experiencing these signs at least once a week and may be brought on or worsened by pregnancy and by various medications.
It is common condition, and an occasional episode is usually nothing to worry about. Relief in the form of milk may be effective and drinking a small quantity of milk regularly over a period of time can begin to heal the effects as it washes acid back into the stomach.
A simple and relatively harmless way to treat a one time heartburn is to drink a solution of a small amount of Sodium bicarbonate mixed with water, which quickly neutralizes the acid that causes the pain.
Chewing gum can provide short-term relief by stimulating the production of saliva, which dilutes and flushes out stomach acid. When heartburn occurs frequently, however, or becomes severe, you should consult your doctor.
About the Author:
About The Author: Richard H. Ealom is the Author of this article and the writer of "Free Articles On Diseases: How To Prevent and Cure Them". Want more Facts Please go to us at our websites@Diabetes & Cancer Secrets OR Go To Heart Disease & Obesity Secrets.
by Richard H Ealom
INTRODUCTION: Acid reflux is a condition where gastric juices containing acid travel back from the stomach into the esophagus (gullet or swallowing tube). More commonly found among adults, yet, children as well as infants, can be likewise affected.
It is most often known by its symptom of "heartburn" which reportedly affects 1 out of every 10 adults in the United States and is a very serious and common problem in the world today. In severe cases, this can be very bothersome. It is treatable and you should ask your physician what treatments are available and right for you.
GERD: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), or commonly known as acid reflux, is a chronic condition wherein the esophagus gets inflamed and irritated due to the stomach's acidic contents that backflow towards the esophagus passing from the lower esophageal sphincter. It is a severe version of reflux that often causes pain, vomiting and poor weight gain.
HEARTBURN: The name of the ailment given to a burning discomfort in the chest, just behind the breastbone. It is a symptom of another digestive disorder, and not a disorder by itself. Following heartburn, other reported signs are regurgitation, bitterness within the mouth, hoarseness, wheezing, dry cough, and throat tightness as if a hunk of food is entrapped. A heartburn every now and then does not necessarily mean one has GERD.
SYMPTOMS: Signs of acid reflux include: Heartburn (a burning feeling rising from the stomach or lower chest up towards the neck) and can be greatly relieved or prevented by lifestyle and dietary changes as well as the use of herbs known to promote healthy digestion.
TREATMENT: Treatment is the next step, but recognize that proper treatment can really only be utilized once a definitive diagnosis has been made. Moreover, after the esophagus has healed and treatment is ceased, the injury will return in the majority of patients within a few months. You may need to experiment with doses and drugs to find the right solution for your heartburn and GERD.
Drug treatment is often only needed for a short time although it may have to be repeated since some symptoms may re-occur. NEXIUM is prescribed for the treatment of frequent, persistent heartburn symptoms. But if these symptoms occur two or more days a week despite treatment and change in diet, you may have (GERD) also known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.
CONCLUSION: Acid reflux is produce by food and stomach acid coming back up from your stomach and entering your esophagus and is usually characterized by a burning sensation in the stomach and chest region. It is a medical ailment, with heartburn as a possible symptom of that ailment. You should also realize that if it remains untreated for too long, you could be facing a lifetime of dealing with it. The bottom line is that finding the correct treatment is mostly about knowing your body and your symptoms.
About the Author:
R. Ealom is the Author of this article and the creator of "Free Articles On Sickness and Diseases: How To Prevent and Cure Them". For more Facts Please go to our website "Diabetes,Cancer And Obesity Secrets" @ Diabetes,Cancer And Obesity Secrets
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Why Stomach Acid is Good for You: Natural Relief from Heartburn, Indigestion, Reflux and GERD List Price: $15.95 Sale Price: $10.85  |
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This groundbreaking book unleashes a brilliant new plan for permanently curing heartburn by relieving the root cause of the problem: low stomach acid. |
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Heartburn & Reflux for Dummies List Price: $19.99 Sale Price: $0.18 |
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How to recognize symptoms, get an accurate diagnosis, and find the most effective treatment Who is at risk for heartburn and reflux? What forms does reflux take? Is self-treatment dangerous? Heartburn and Reflux For Dummies answers these questions and helps readers work with their doctors to control symptoms, heal esophageal inflammation or injury, and avoid complications... |