Heartburn Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Your Cutting-Edge heartburn info Information Resource

heartburn info Article

Heartburn Indigestion
Heartburn Indigestion Symptom
Heartburn Indigestion Symptoms
Heartburn Info
Heartburn Information

Inflammation Related To GERD May Contribute To Esophageal Cancer Risk
Inflammation might be an important factor in the progression from reflux to esophageal cancer, according to a new study in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the official journal of the American Gastroenterological Association...
Precancerous Condition Associated With Reflux Disease Triggered By Bile - Not Acid
For many people with gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, acid reflux drugs are the answer to their woes, curbing the chronic heartburn and regurgitation of food or sour liquid characteristic of the disorder. But when it comes to Barrett's esophagus, a condition commonly found in people with GERD, acid control may be less important than beating back another bodily fluid - bile...
New GERD Device Offered At Mayo Clinic
A new device to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition that can lead to serious health problems, will soon be available at the Mayo Clinic in Florida. The device will be offered to patients taking medication for the condition, who continue to have chronic reflux symptoms. The device was approved to treat GERD (also known as acid reflux disease) on March 22 by the U.S...
Sleep Disturbance Reduced By Esophageal Reflux Disease Proton Pump Inhibitor Therapy
The use of proton pump inhibitors improves the sleep and daytime quality of life for sufferers of gastroesophageal reflux disease, according to a systematic literature review in the April 2012 issue of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. A 2003 Gallup survey linked gastresophageal heartburn with frequent sleep disturbances...
Employing Bronchoscopy To Guide Effective Treatment For Refractory Asthma
Using a bronchoscope to visually examine the airways and collect fluid and tissue can help guide effective therapy for difficult-to-treat asthma patients, according to researchers at National Jewish Health...
Esophageal Cancer May Be Caused By Migration Of Cancer-Causing Stomach Cells
A new study is providing clues that may answer a decades-old question about the cells that give rise to a particularly lethal form of esophageal cancer...
'Tis The Season For Turkey, Gravy, Pie And Acid Reflux
Jack Selby, of Lansing, Mich., had suffered from heartburn all of his life, especially around the holidays when he overindulged in some of his favorite food and drink...
Acid Reflux 50% More Common Than Ten Years Ago
A long-term Norwegian study reveals the number of people who experience acid reflux at least once a week has gone up by nearly 50% in the last 10 years, with women appearing to be more susceptible to the condition than men...
Physicians Show Bias When Diagnosing Stomach Problems According To Study
Patients who complain of upper gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms often face a diagnosis of either gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or functional dyspepsia. Because the two conditions often overlap, it can be difficult to distinguish between them and diagnose them properly...
Prescribing Acid-Suppressing Drugs To Infants
Frequent spitting up, irritability, and unexplained crying in infants can be very distressing to parents. Pediatricians often prescribe acid-suppressing drugs for these symptoms in an effort to treat infants for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); however, GERD is an uncommon cause of these symptoms in otherwise thriving infants...
Prescribing Of Acid-suppressing Medication For Infants Rises Considerably
Infants who are frequently spitting up, irritable, and cry for unknown reasons can be extremely worrying for parents. The infants are often prescribed with acid-suppressing drugs by their pediatricians in an attempt to treat them for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) but in otherwise thriving infants GERD is not a common cause of these symptoms...
Acid-Suppressing Drugs Being Over Prescribed In Infants
Frequent spitting up, irritability and unexplained crying in infants are often very distressing to parents. Physicians frequently prescribe acid-suppressing drugs for these symptoms. However, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is an uncommon cause of these symptoms in otherwise thriving infants, and in his Commentary published in the October 20th issue of The Journal of Pediatrics, Dr...
GERD Treatments, Benefits And Risks - New Report
New plain-language reports compare the risks and benefits of therapies for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a digestive condition that affects millions of individuals in the U.S., and can be treated with medications or surgery. The reports are from the U.S...
Airway Function Improves Following Anti-Reflux Surgery Both Before And After Lung Transplant
Surgery to correct gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, can preserve lung function in patients with end-stage pulmonary disease both before and after transplantation, according to a new study from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine...
Proton Pump Inhibitors Should Have Black-box Warnings, Group Tell FDA
Withdrawal from PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) can lead to severe rebound acid secretion, a complication that can force users to become dependent on them - this should be mentioned in a black-box warning, consumer group Public Citizen has told the FDA (Food and Drug Administration)...
Researchers Use Neutrons To Spy On The Elusive Hydronium Ion - Could Aid In Treatment Of Peptic Ulcers Or Acid Reflux Disease
A Los Alamos National Laboratory research team has harnessed neutrons to view for the first time the critical role that an elusive molecule plays in certain biological reactions. The effort could aid in treatment of peptic ulcers or acid reflux disease, or allow for more efficient conversion of woody waste into transportation fuels...
New Study Helps Clarify Symptoms And Characteristics Of Acid Reflux In Neonates
Modifying stomach acid levels may not be enough to treat symptoms in neonates suspected of having gastroesophageal reflux disease. According to a study from Nationwide Children's Hospital, this is the first study to classify reflux and its associated symptoms in neonates based on how and what is refluxed...
Pitt Study: Esophageal Cancer Risk Higher In Medically Treated GERD Patients With Fewest Symptoms
Medically treated patients with mild or no symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are at higher risk for developing esophageal cancer than those with severe GERD symptoms, according to a University of Pittsburgh study published in the current issue of Archives of Surgery...
Leftover Embryonic Cells Connect Gastric Reflux And Cancer
The ultimate source of some cancers is embryonic cells. Research published in the June 24th Cell, a Cell Press publication, traces the precursor of deadly esophageal cancers to leftover embryonic cells found in all adults. Some people with gastric reflux disease have a greater risk of developing esophageal cancer...
First Patient Enrolled And Treated In The U.S. For EndoGastric Solutions' Randomized Study Of Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF)
EndoGastric Solutions (EGS), the leader in the emerging field of Natural Orifice Surgery (NOS), today announced that the first patient has been enrolled and treated in the RESPECT study (Randomized EsophyX vs. Sham/Placebo Controlled Trial). The RESPECT trial was designed by co-principle investigators Dr. John Hunter, Chairman of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, and Dr...
Homing In On Genetic Signature Of Esophageal Cancer
University of Rochester Medical Center researchers have pinpointed two genes that are amplified in the worst cases of esophageal cancer, providing data to support a new investigational treatment that targets those same genes. The study, led by Tony Godfrey, Ph.D., a research associate professor of Surgery at the James P...
Chronic Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease - Medication And Surgery Equally Effective
Laparoscopic antireflux surgery or taking proton pump inhibitor esomeprazole for chronic GERD (chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease) were both found to result in similar rates of disease remission of five years, researchers from Nantes University, France, reported in JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association)...
Modern Treatments For GERD Effective At Achieving Long-Term Remission For Most Patients
In an evaluation of contemporary antireflux therapies for chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), most patients who received treatment with either the proton pump inhibitor esomeprazole or laparoscopic antireflux surgery achieved and remained in disease remission for 5 years, according to a study in the May 18 issue of JAMA...
Advanced Technique For Treating Esophageal Lesions Deemed Safe And Effective In European Endoscopy Journal
An increasingly popular technique for removing lesions associated with Barrett's esophagus has been deemed a safe and effective treatment option in a study of more than 1,000 resections published this month in the European journal Endoscopy...
News From The Annals Of Family Medicine, May/June
Acid-Suppressing Proton Pump Inhibitors Associated with Fracture Risk A meta-analysis of previous research into an unintended effect of acid suppression medications - some of the most widely used medications in the world - finds evidence that long-term use of proton pump inhibitors, but not H2-receptor antagonists, is associated with increased risk of fracture...

Below, you'll find extensive information on leading heartburn info articles and products to help you on your way to success.

Heartburn Information – Why It Happens
By Anna Hart
Heartburn information is readily available from your physician. Heartburn information is readily available in books and on the Internet. Heartburn information, right and wrong, is available from family and friends.

Heartburn information tells why it happens, if it is accurate heartburn information. It explains the root cause of heartburn, and helps you understand that the burning pain is only a symptom of heartburn, not the cause. Heartburn information tells you how to treat not only the symptoms, but also the cause.


When heartburn information says why it happens, it should go on to answer this question: Will losing several pounds of weight from my waistline lower heartburn risks?

That is not the only question it should answer, but it is an important one, especially in our modern society. Daily warnings are being sounded about the growing problem of obesity, and when heartburn information says why it happens, it should include the matter of excess body fat.

Heartburn Information – Root Cause

A muscular problem is at the root of all heartburn. The muscle involved is, in shorthand, the LES. The LES (lower esophageal sphincter) is a ring of muscular tissue between the stomach and the esophagus. A healthy, strong, LES relaxes to allow swallowed food to enter the stomach. It then squeezes tight to keep that food and stomach acids where they belong.

The LES can be compared to fingers pinching shut the connection between a straw and a balloon full of water. If the fingers relax, water can slosh back up into the straw. If the LES relaxes at the wrong time, acid can slosh (reflux) back into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation.

Heartburn and Obesity

The link between heartburn and obesity has long been established, but more recent research is beginning to explain that link.

Pressure within the stomach can force open the LES in much the same way you could squeeze that full balloon, and force back the fingers holding

Heartburn Drugs Linked to Hip Fractures in Women
Postmenopausal women with a history of smoking who take heartburn drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPI) for two years or longer may be more likely to sustain a hip fracture.
FDA Panel Backs New Device for Chronic Heartburn
An implantable device to treat chronic, severe acid reflux disease has moved one step closer to approval.
Study: Acid Reflux Prevalence Increasing
The prevalence of weekly heartburn and other symptoms associated with acid reflux rose by almost 50% over the last decade, according to one of the largest studies ever to examine the issue.
Are Acid Reflux Drugs Overused?
Many people who take popular antacid pills like Aciphex, Dexilant, Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, and Protonix don't need them, according to a series of studies presented here at the American College of Gastroenterology's annual meeting.
Men, Women May Experience Acid Reflux Differently
Men and women experience symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux differently, a new study shows.
Barrett's Esophagus May Be Less Risky Than Thought
People with Barrett's esophagus, a complication of heartburn and acid reflux disease, are at risk of developing a deadly kind of cancer at much lower rates than doctors previously believed, a new study shows.
Some Acid Reflux Drugs Linked to C. diff
The popular class of acid reflux medication that includes Aciphex, Dexilant, Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, and Protonix is associated with an increased risk of diarrhea caused by the bug Clostridium difficile (C. diff).
Heartburn, Reflux Seen in 9/11 Survivors
Many people who were exposed to the dust cloud after the terror attacks on Sept 11, 2001, may have developed lasting heartburn, indigestion, acid reflux, and other symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
New Genetic Clues to Esophageal Diseases
Researchers have discovered three genetic mutations that may play a role in the development of esophageal diseases, a study shows.

its top. The more pressure on the balloon, the more likelihood that water will be forced out of the balloon. The more pressure on the stomach, the greater the likelihood that the LES will open and acid will flow back into the esophagus.

A recent study measured pressure within the stomach to see how it was affected by excess body weight (obesity). The study found, essentially, that each increase of 10 to 20 pounds of weight was linked to a 10 percent increase in stomach pressure. In other words, a person who gained 10 to 20 pounds was putting about 10 percent more pressure on his or her stomach. This, in turn, increased the pressure on the LES ring of muscle.

In 2006, an analysis was made of 20 studies on this subject. Those studies were extensive, including more than 18,000 patients. The analysis, in the U.S., showed that being overweight increased by more than 50 percent a person's odds of developing GERD – a serious disease resulting from chronic heartburn.

Obesity with heartburn more than doubled the odds of developing GERD.

When heartburn information tells why it happens, it must include this vital fact. Heartburn is greatly aggravated by excess body weight. i.e., obesity.

Lose Both Weight and Heartburn

In light of the studies mentioned, it is only common sense to conclude that many who lose weight will also lose heartburn. If the reverse of the above cited weight-gain-to-pressure ratio is true, then a loss of 10 to 20 pounds of weight would reduce pressure on the stomach by about 10 percent.

Heartburn relief for many can be as simple as reaching and maintaining a healthy weight. This is the treatment for many diseases, and it requires no medication, but somehow, we are reluctant to discipline ourselves to accomplish it.

CAUTION: The author is not a professional physician, and offers this information for educational purposes only. If you have heartburn regularly, please seek advice from your health care provider.
©2007, Anna Hart. Anna herself lives with a husband who used to suffer heartburn frequently, and she empathizes with your problem. She invites you to read more of her articles about heartburn, acid reflux, and GERD at www.heartburnreliefblog.com. Anna continues to research and post regular information on that site. If you are eager to learn more about heartburn causes, please visit Anna now.

We strive to provide only quality articles, so if there is a specific topic related to heartburn help that you would like us to cover, please contact us at any time.

And again, thank you to those contributing daily to our heartburn info website.

Heartburn Drugs Linked to Hip Fractures in Women
Postmenopausal women with a history of smoking who take heartburn drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPI) for two years or longer may be more likely to sustain a hip fracture.
FDA Panel Backs New Device for Chronic Heartburn
An implantable device to treat chronic, severe acid reflux disease has moved one step closer to approval.
Study: Acid Reflux Prevalence Increasing
The prevalence of weekly heartburn and other symptoms associated with acid reflux rose by almost 50% over the last decade, according to one of the largest studies ever to examine the issue.
Are Acid Reflux Drugs Overused?
Many people who take popular antacid pills like Aciphex, Dexilant, Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, and Protonix don't need them, according to a series of studies presented here at the American College of Gastroenterology's annual meeting.
Men, Women May Experience Acid Reflux Differently
Men and women experience symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux differently, a new study shows.
Barrett's Esophagus May Be Less Risky Than Thought
People with Barrett's esophagus, a complication of heartburn and acid reflux disease, are at risk of developing a deadly kind of cancer at much lower rates than doctors previously believed, a new study shows.
Some Acid Reflux Drugs Linked to C. diff
The popular class of acid reflux medication that includes Aciphex, Dexilant, Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, and Protonix is associated with an increased risk of diarrhea caused by the bug Clostridium difficile (C. diff).
Heartburn, Reflux Seen in 9/11 Survivors
Many people who were exposed to the dust cloud after the terror attacks on Sept 11, 2001, may have developed lasting heartburn, indigestion, acid reflux, and other symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
New Genetic Clues to Esophageal Diseases
Researchers have discovered three genetic mutations that may play a role in the development of esophageal diseases, a study shows.