Reflux Resources

Weak Esophageal Muscles May Cause GERD

Posted: Aug 31 in Reflux Resources tagged by admin

GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, affects as much as 35% of the U.S. population. GERD sufferers may often experience acid reflux and heartburn symptoms two or more times a week if left untreated. Over the counter antacids and prescription medications, including proton pump inhibitors, work to neutralize or decrease the stomach acid that refluxes into the esophagus and causes heartburn pain. While most current treatment plans for GERD focus on reducing the amount stomach acid that is produced, new research suggests that the problem may be found earlier in the digestive system.

Researchers used molecular imaging to examine the esophageal muscles of 49 participants who were believed to be suffering from GERD. It was reported that strong evidence suggested poor esophageal muscle tone was a factor in the acid reflux. This poor muscle tone may, researchers speculated, be partly responsible for allowing stomach acids to blow back up into the esophagus, regardless of how much stomach acid is present.

If these findings can be confirmed, new medications for treating GERD may be developed that address esophageal muscle tone. Members of the Society for Nuclear Medicine who reviewed the study of esophageal function, speculated that physicians may develop treatment plans that combine medications to reduce acid production with ways to improve esophageal muscle tone in the future, offering more long-term relief for GERD patients.

Is Medication the Best Answer for Heartburn?

Posted: Aug 26 in Reflux Resources by admin

New research indicates that medicating your heartburn may put you at risk for more serious medical problems. While prescription medications, especially proton pump inhibitors, have been extremely successful in treating heartburn symptoms over the last several years, a closer look at the side effects suggests that lifestyle changes may be more appropriate and less risky for some patients.

Tagged: | Comments: None

Don’t Let Stress Make You Sick

Posted: Aug 17 in Reflux Resources by admin

None of us wants to feel stressed, but you may assume that it’s a necessary part of adult life. Perhaps you think that everyone has stress from work or relationships or life in general, and so you don’t spend a lot of time worrying about how to get rid of it.

Tagged: | Comments: None

Are Acid Reflux and GERD the Same?

Posted: Aug 11 in Reflux Resources by admin

If you suffer from heartburn or acid reflux, you may have read about GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. Are GERD and acid reflux the same thing? Not exactly, and understanding the difference may help you determine which treatment options are right for you.

Tagged: | Comments: None

GERD And Bad Breath

Posted: Aug 02 in Reflux Resources by admin

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, or GERD, is a disease characterized by acid reflux that occurs two or more times per week. The most common symptom associated with this disease is heartburn, but GERD can also cause hoarseness, chronic coughing, difficulty swallowing, and bad breath. That’s right, if you have bad breath it could be a result of your digestive tract rather than your oral hygiene.

Tagged: | Comments: None