GERD and Acid Reflux Complications - Ulcers Strictures and More

        

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Take a subject most people do not want to discuss like heartburn and vomiting, then throw in pain which only the person going through it can understand and you will describe Gastroesophageal reflux disease. But, to better combat the problems and complications GERD can cause, anyone suffering form GERD or acid reflux needs to understand the disease.

Ulcers

When we mention ulcers we are talking about a break in the esophagus lining which can cause irritation or inflammation. The ulcer in the esophagus can damage the cells lining the esophagus or cause bleeding requiring surgery to repair the damage. Just because you show conditions of GERD does not mean you have an ulcer, it is just a reminder to have your doctor watch for.

Strictures

Once an ulcer has been cured or healed scarring is an issue. The scarring normally shrinks the tissue causing a stricture or narrowing of the esophagus. This narrowing can make it more difficult for food to pass through on its way to the stomach and begin the digestive process making acid reflux more of a potential problem. When strictures occur usually an endoscopic procedure is necessary to stretch out or repair the passageway to allow food through.

Barrett?s Esophagus

This form of GERD can be extremely dangerous and potentially fatal. Barrett?s esophagus gives sufferers the possibility of causing cancer, from cells lining the throat to become damaged and even cancerous. A microscopic examination or endoscopy of the ?live? cells can help determine if esophagus cell are cancerous. This condition should be monitored carefully, only about 10% of patients with GERD experience it, but it never hurts to get checked.

These are three of the seven major complications of GERD.

Jill Seimer shares tips on health at RefluxLife.com and wrote on acid reflux disorder symptoms from her experience with GERD.

Acid Reflux Can Fool You - It Might Really Be a Heart Attack or Vice Versa

        

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Pain radiating from your chest or surrounding areas can be frightening! The first thing you probably think is that you've had a heart attack -- but that's not necessarily so. You may be having an acid reflux attack instead. Acid reflux causes burning sensations in the chest and throat which can easily be confused with heart pain.

The symptoms of heart pain and acid reflux are similar, but there are some differences. However, don't take a chance with your life! Seek medical care at once if you experience any symptoms that could be related to a heart attack.

There are some distinguishing characteristics you might want to keep in mind, but don't resort to being your own doctor. With that firmly in mind, here are five ways in which heart attacks and acid reflux symptoms differ:

1. A strong feeling of pressure accompanies most heart attacks. The pressure could also be a powerful squeezing sensation. If you are having a heart attack, you may experience a lot of pain or just this feeling of pressing and squeezing. With heart attacks the pain or discomfort will usually go on for more than 10 minutes. If the pain or discomfort rapidly subsides, it probably is not related to the heart. However, you may be having symptoms of angina and that requires medical care as well.

2. If the pain is largely centered around your throat, it is probably due to acid reflux. The burning discomfort is probably the result of stomach acids that have backed up into your esophagus.

3. With heart conditions exercise can be followed by chest pain. This is not usually true of acid reflux since physical activity seldom makes acid reflux act up.

4. After you've eaten a meal, if you experience pain -- that's probably the result of acid reflux or heartburn and not a heart attack.

5. If pain or a tingling sensation spreads from your chest to nearby parts of your body -- such as your shoulders, neck, jaw and arms -- those symptoms may be telling you you're either having a heart attack or angina.

Whenever you experience any discomfort or pain in your chest or surrounding areas, you need to take that as a serious warning signal. Don't ignore the warning, but seek medical care as soon as possible.

Help yourself to a more energetic life with health tips for you. Patricia Wagner writes about a .variety of ways you can be healthier at http://www.a-to-z-wellness.com

Can you cure acid reflux?

        

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Acid reflux is regurgitation of acidic contents from the stomach into the esophagus. Reflux is prevented by the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) which remains tightly closed and opens when peristaltic waves herald the imminent arrival of swallowed food. When the LES becomes incompetent acid reflux will result.

So can you control your acid reflux? If it is due to true LES incompetence, then there is no cure. You will need maintenance treatment with acid suppressants like omeprazole, or if very severe or you develop secondary problems then fundoplication will relieve your symptoms.

There are, however, various factors that can affect the efficiency of the LES and acid reflux. Consider eliminating these factors that may impact on GERD before seeing your doctor or taking over the counter acid suppressants. Sometimes all you need is a change of lifestyle.

Obesity can cause or contribute to acid reflux. This is especially so in the apple type distribution of weight. The extra weight increases bulk in the upper abdomen and makes it difficult for the esophagus to discharge food effectively into the stomach. In addition obese individuals are prone to developing hiatus hernias. A hiatus hernia can weaken the LES. Losing weight is an important aspect of acid reflux treatment.

Wearing tight fitting clothes can cause acid reflux especially if it is two sizes too small. The increased pressure in the stomach may force acid back up into the esophagus. Wear loose clothes and your reflux symptoms will go away.

Large volume of food in the stomach will put pressure on the LES and can trigger acid reflux. It has happened to us all at some time or other. The large volume also reduces gastric clearance time allowing more opportunity for reflux. Eating smaller portions more frequently will counter this problem.

Certain foods can affect GERD. Cow's milk protein intolerance can cause esophagitis. It is called Allergic Eosinophilic Esophagitis. This is controlled by removing cow's milk protein from the diet. Other foods that can affect the LES include fats, coffee, tea, alcohol, and some spices.

Some drugs can affect the LES and cause acid reflux. These drugs include broncho-dilators such as theophylline, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), tri-cyclic antidepressants ie amitriptylline and drugs for Parkinson's disease.

Female hormones can affect acid reflux. In a Scandinavian Study, women on hormones had increased risk of GERD. These drugs include the contraceptive pill and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Sedatives and tranquillisers can slow down peristaltic waves in the esophagus affecting clearance of food from the esophagus.

If you are on medication and you have GERD, opt for liquid medication. Certain drugs ie tetracycline are corrosive to the esophageal lining. Tablets and capsules (gelcaps) can lodge in the esophagus. Always drink a glass of water after medication to wash it down into the stomach. Avoid taking medication while lying down. GERD patients should always take medication sitting up or standing and avoid lying down immediately after.

Smoking relaxes the LES and nicotine is corrosive to esophageal lining. Stop smoking and your GERD might improve.

Certain exercises can increase the risk of GERD. This is the case in competitive weightlifting and cycling. Joggers can develop acid reflux symptoms.

If you have acid reflux symptoms, look at all the potential risk factors and eliminate them. If by doing so, your symptoms disappear, you have actually cured your acid reflux. However, if the symptoms persist, the next step is a visit to your doctor.

Dr. Phil Hariram is a retired General Practitioner. He has treated Acid Reflux for 27 years. Find out more about Acid Reflux at http://www.acidrefluxguru.com

Complications of Acid Reflux and How to Avoid Them

        

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One illness caused by acid reflux is Barrett's Esophagus. It occurs when the tissue lining the esophagus actually gets changed into the type of tissue that is found in the intestine through a process called internal metaplasia. Barrett's esophagus generally does not cause symptoms of itself, but having Barrett's esophagus makes a person much more likely to get esophageal cancer. The only way to detect Barrett's esophagus at this time is through an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and biopsy. There is no cure for Barrett's esophagus other than the removal of the esophagus, which is only recommended for those who already have esophageal cancer.

Esophageal cancer occurs when cancer cells form in the esophagus. It starts on the inside lining and spreads outward. There are two common forms of esophageal cancer, squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma is found in the upper and middle parts of the esophagus and adenocarcinoma is found near the stomach on the lower part of the esophagus. There are several risk factors for getting esophageal cancer. The most prevalent risk factor is age. Almost half of patients diagnosed with esophageal cancer are over age 70. Use of tobacco and heavy alcohol use are also major risk factors for this disease.

Although Barrett's Esophagus and Esophageal cancer are the most common illnesses related to acid reflux, there are several other ailments that can be caused by untreated acid reflux. People with acid reflux are also more likely to get laryngeal cancer, which occurs when cancer cells form in the larynx. Erosive Esophagitis occurs when the esophagus is inflamed and swollen. It is caused by the acid from the stomach refluxing up into the esophagus. Esophageal Strictures can also be caused by untreated acid reflux. A stricture happens when the esophagus becomes gradually narrower. Swallowing problems often occur with strictures.

There are many ways that a person can reduce their risks of having esophageal complications. One form of protection comes from a changed lifestyle. If a person can determine what triggers their acid reflux, they can then take steps to avoid those triggers. Eating the right foods can make a huge difference in avoiding complications. There are certain foods that have almost no chance of causing acid reflux and there are others that should not be eaten at all if acid reflux is to be avoided. Learning ways to prevent acid reflux before is starts can make a huge difference because the overall number of acid reflux incidences will be reduced therefore limiting the damage done to the esophagus. Acid reflux can be extremely damaging at night as the acid remains in the esophagus for long time periods, so learning how to limit nighttime reflux can do much to prevent complications. The most important thing someone can do to prevent acid reflux complications is to talk to their doctor about their acid reflux. A doctor may prescribe medications, either prescription or over-the-counter, or they may suggest lifestyle changes to improve the reflux.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Acid Reflux

Managing Acid Reflux Symptoms While Sleeping - Changing Your Life For The Better

        

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Getting good nights sleep can be very difficult when you suffer from indigestion or acid reflux. Heartburn or nausea may keep you awake, or tossing and turning. Nighttime is one of the most common times that people battle acid reflux. If you are one of those people, you have become aware just how important a restful night of sleep can be. So, how do you relieve the symptoms of acid reflux so you can get the night of sleep you need and deserve. Following are some thing so to keep in mind during the day.

Eating After 6pm

Doctors say that if you suffer from acid reflux, you should push your dinnertime back. Try to eat no later than three hours before bedtime. What happens is that you eat at eight o?clock, but then go to bed at ten o?clock, and your body does not have time to digest dinner. That is understandable because you get home from work about six o?clock, eat at seven and are in bed by nine so you can get back up at six and go to work. To top it off, your diet is probably not the best. Give your body a chance to digest your dinner by going to bed at ten. You maybe surprised that even tough you stay up an hour later, the sleep you get will be more restful.

Raising Your Body

Elevating your head and upper body is another thing you can do to get better sleep at night. By placing blocks under the legs of the bed, you can successfully raise the top of the bed without having to think about it. The nice thing about that is your partner may not even notice the difference. But you will!

Another way to raise your body at night is to place some pillows under your head, neck and chest. The higher you can raise the top of your body, the better you will feel. There are also pillows made in a wedge shape so you don?t? have to worry about the pillows slipping out of place.

Medication Times

Medication is also an important piece of the puzzle. Keep in mind, however, you need to e careful with the timing of that as well. You want it to be most effective while you are trying to sleep. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to determine when the best time is to take the medicine. This can be figured by how long it takes for the pill to start working once you have swallowed it, and then you will know how much time to give it to kick in. This may or may not be effective for you, but it is an option.

Acid reflux and indigestion are very controllable conditions. It may take some trial and error before you find a system that works for you. But keep trying. I will be worth it when you find a way to get good nights sleep. It may be a combination of a few techniques. It is worth finding what works best for you because the more restful your sleep, the better you will feel in the morning, and the more productive your day.

Jill Seimer talks healthy living at RefluxLife.com and reported on acid reflux disorder symptoms from her experience using on natural cures for heartburn.

Is This A Symptom of Acid Reflux?

        

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We have all experienced it at one time or another. That burning, bloated feeling that accompanies a big meal. It is usually relieved by loosening your belt, or the top button of your pants. These symptoms are caused by indigestion. Certain foods can irritate the lining of your digestive track, and cause indigestion. It is not a frequent occurrence.

Sometimes that burning sensation creeps up behind your breastbone, accompanied by bloating, gas, nausea and a sour taste in the back of your throat. These are all symptoms of heartburn.

Any of these symptoms of acid reflux can occur individually, or all together. It is caused by the hydrochloric acid that your stomach uses to digest your food, backs up into your esophagus. When it happens occasionally, it is called heartburn. If it turns into a frequent occurrence, it is called a symptom of acid reflux.

When you swallow, your food passes through your esophagus, into your stomach. There is a muscle at the bottom of your esophagus that lets the food pass through, and then closes to prevent anything from escaping back up. This muscle can become weak for a variety of reasons, such as pregnancy, being overweight, stress, or as a natural event of ageing.

It also frequently happens in newborns. The muscle is not strong enough to seal the stomach. It is often called colic in babies, and they frequently outgrow the problem.

One study found that 57% of acid reflux sufferers also had a hiatal hernia that allowed the stomach acid to splash back into the esophagus, causing irritation and tissue damage.

If stomach acid makes it's way back into your lungs, it will cause you to be short of breath, and to suffer from asthma like symptoms. Repeated irritation of the lining of the esophagus will cause scarring and cell changes that can lead to cancer.

If you suffer from any symptom of acid reflux, or take antacids more than three times a week, it is time to contact your health care practitioner. Several good solutions to acid reflux can provide relief and prevent complications.

Gerri Stone publishes information to help you find Relief from acid reflux at http://www.StomachSolutions.com.

The Most Common Ways To Recognize Acid Reflux Disease

        

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The body has an armory of ways to prevent acid reflux disease but if any of these are prevented from occurring the body has very few mechanisms left to alleviate the suffering that is associated with the chronic disease. Most reflux occurs during the daytime, but during the day the top halves of our body are upright meaning that the reflux automatically flows back down to the stomach and any problems are prevented. While we are awake we regularly swallow and this action services to carry an reflux back down to where it belongs. We swallow whether there is reflux present or not. The mouth constantly creates saliva that contains chemicals that neutralize the effects of reflux and acid on our bodies. These three methods are the most effective defense we have against acid reflux disease but sometimes they don't work properly or simply aren't doing enough to prevent the onslaught of acid reflux.

Biopsies can be used to search for the existence of cancer. They can not be used to look for evidence of acid reflux disease but alternative causes of symptoms may be found.

Esophageal acid testing is probably the most accurate way to test for acid reflux disease but is the most obtrusive as well. A tube is placed through the nose and into the esophagus where it remains for 24 hours. This tube has a sensor on the end and measures the amount of reflux generated over 24 hours.

An endoscopy is another way of diagnosing acid reflux disease. A tube is swallowed so that doctors can see exactly what is going on inside your body. However, a esophagus of a patient suffering from the disease ordinarily looks quite normal so this method of diagnosis will only directly work for those patients whose esophagus has been damaged by their acid reflux disease. However, if an ulcer or other ailment that can cause similar problems is spotted then it may be possible to discount acid reflux disease.

Heartburn is by far the most common symptom of acid reflux disease and if a doctor suspects your heartburn is cause by acid reflux disease he or she will prescribe you with a medicine that stops the production of acid in your stomach. If it stops then it is assumed that you do indeed have acid reflux disease. This approach of diagnosis can be unreliable.

John Mancini has been writing about Acid Reflux online and offline for a long time. Visit http://acid-reflux-cures.net or http://acid-reflux-solutions.info to read more about matters like acid reflux diet and acid reflux disease.

Acid reflux chokes me awake at night

        

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Drew Harris http://www.acid-refluxsite.com

Acid reflux has forced me to suddenly wake up countless times, in a state of panic, choking on my own acid and gasping for breath.

Nothing can really describe the burning bile feeling, or the taste it leaves in your mouth as you try not to gag and throw-up. I have had to stick a pinch of toothpaste into my mouth and leave it there to try and cut the bile taste.

I was diagnosed with a hiatal hernia as a teenager, which may contribute to acid reflux. The burning acid had left me alone for most of my 20's. However, a high stress job and a subsequent gain in weight and lack of exercise brought the acid reflux back on with a vengeance in my 30's.

When I started having almost constant waves of heartburn and acid indigestion, sitting upright at my desk, I knew it was time to see the doctor.

At that time, I had never heard of acid reflux.

He told me that more than 60 million people suffer from frequent heartburn, acid indigestion or GERD (Gastroesophogeal Reflux Disease).

Acid reflux describes the regurgitation of acid back up the throat. It can also lead to more serious medical conditions that may require hospitalization.

My doctor explained this happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not close properly and stomach contents leak back, or reflux, into the esophagus. The LES is a ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus that acts like a valve between the esophagus and stomach. The esophagus carries food from the mouth to the stomach.

When refluxed stomach acid touches the lining of the esophagus, it causes a burning sensation in the chest or throat called heartburn. The fluid may even be tasted in the back of the mouth, which is called acid indigestion. Heartburn that occurs more than twice a week may be considered GERD, and it can eventually lead to more serious health problems.

When I finally went and saw my doctor, I was having almost constant heartburn and acid indigestion.

He further explained that symptoms are usually worse at night when the person is lying flat and acid flows easily from the stomach back up the esophagus.

Anyone, including infants, children, and pregnant women, can have GERD.

I was told to make some lifestyle and dietary changes. They included:

1. Using a wedge pillow to elevate my body at bedtime 2. Eating plenty of fiber and drinking lots of fluids. 3. Eating small meals and eating slowly. 4. Not lying down for at least 1-2 hours after eating. 5. Losing extra pounds. Added weight causes extra pressure on your stomach and can irritate symptoms. 6. Wearing loose clothing. Tightly fitting clothes put extra pressure on your stomach. 7. Not exercising for at least one hour after eating. 8. Avoiding the following: alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, chocolate, carbonated beverages, spices, fried and fatty foods, tomato products, citrus, and peppermint.

I am a non smoker and I don't drink that much. I do drink a fair bit of coffee however. The real culprit for me though has been drinking fruit juice of any kind before bed. When I have, my acid reflux has been significantly worse.

As I have made many of these changes to my lifestyle, I have seen some relief.

The elevated pillow works wonderfully. I have also started taking proton pump inhibitor medication, which reduces acid production in my stomach. I have been told surgery may be an option down the road.

Drew Harris owns and operates Acid-refluxsite.com, a one-stop-shop directory for those looking for information on acid reflux and its related issues. Multiple pages of resources, referrals and expert articles. http://acid-refluxsite.com