Heartburn Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Your Cutting-Edge heartburn treatment Information Resource

heartburn treatment Article

Heartburn Stress
Heartburn Symptom
Heartburn Symptoms
Heartburn Treatment
Heartburn Treatments

FDA Issues Warning on Acid Reflux Drugs
The FDA warned today that use of proton pump inhibitors -- including popular brands such as Nexium, Prilosec, and Prevacid -- may increase the risk of ALLClostridium difficile-associated diarrhea.
GERD Drugs Raise Hip Fracture Risk
Postmenopausal women who use proton pump inhibitors regularly are at increased risk for hip fracture, particularly if they have ever smoked, a prospective cohort study has confirmed.
Reflux Drugs No Help for Children With Asthma
Proton pump inhibitor treatment doesn't ease asthma for children without gastroesophageal reflux symptoms, even for those with a positive pH test, a randomized trial determined.
Label Update Shows Dexilant Okay With Plavix
The labeling on the proton-pump inhibitor dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) has been updated to reflect its compatibility with clopidogrel (Plavix), according to Takeda, the drug's maker.
ACG: Tests Help Tell GERD from Esophagitis
WASHINGTON -- Two tests -- major basic protein and eotaxin-3 -- can help physicians distinguish between eosinophilic esophagitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease, a researcher said here.
H. Pylori Not a Factor in Adenoid Hyperplasia in Kids
Whatever leads to hyperplastic adenoids in children, it probably isn't the ulcer-causing bacterium ALLHelicobacter pylori, genetic testing showed.
Consumer Group Urges Boxed Warning for PPIs
Citing research showing that withdrawal of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) leads to severe rebound acid secretion -- potentially leaving patients permanently dependent on the drugs -- the consumer group Public Citizen has told the FDA that it should require black-box warnings with the drugs.
Gene Mutations Linked to Barrett's Esophagus
Germline mutations in three genes appear to be associated with the development of esophageal disease, researchers reported.
Acid Reflux Drugs May Help in Pulmonary Fibrosis
For patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, the use of medication for gastroesophageal reflux may improve survival time, researchers found.
Both PPI and Surgery Good for GERD Long Term
With contemporary treatments for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) -- either medical with esomeprazole or surgical with a laparoscopic antireflux procedure -- most patients remain in remission for five years, an exploratory randomized trial found.
DDW: Many Gastro Docs Overdiagnose Barrett's
CHICAGO -- Asked about criteria for diagnosing and managing Barrett's esophagus, most gastroenterologists gave answers at variance from published guidelines that suggested overdiagnosis and an excessive burden on patients, a researcher reported here.
Caution Urged With PPIs in Children, Teens
There's little evidence that proton pump inhibitors are safe or effective in treating children and adolescents with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), researchers reported.
FDA Warns GERD Drugs May Deplete Magnesium
WASHINGTON -- Use of prescription or over-the-counter proton pump inhibitors (PPI) for a year or longer may lead to low levels of circulating magnesium, which may increase the risk of leg spasms, arrhythmias, and seizures, according to an FDA warning.
Another GERD Drug Goes Generic
WASHINGTON -- The FDA has approved a generic version of the pantoprazole delayed-release tablets (Protonix DR) to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Acid-Suppressive Drugs Linked to Pneumonia
Acid-reflux-suppressing drugs may modestly boost the risk of both community- and hospital-acquired pneumonia, according to a meta-analysis.

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

Natural Heartburn Treatments Versus Other Treatments
By Davion Wong
Natural heartburn treatments have been gaining momentum as the choice heartburn treatments in many households. Though there are a number of over-the-counter and prescribed medications and drugs to treat heartburn, most are non-curative unlike natural heartburn treatments. People are also increasingly concerned about the harmful side-effects of such medicines. Folks are now more willing and ready to learn about heartburn, its preventive measures and natural heartburn treatments.

Before we head to the local pharmacy for quick fixes with over-the-counter and prescribed medicines, we need to be aware of the different self care tips we can use to reduce the occurrences of heartburns and prevent them from happening in the first place. A lot has to do with our diet. It is common knowledge that consuming certain foods could trigger heartburns. We also do know that eating right before bedtime is not a good idea at all. Yet, we simply ignore these warnings and stick to our unhealthy eating habits. When the pains of heartburns strike at us, we reach out quickly for our heartburn medication. Unfortunately, in the long run, this quick fix loses its effectiveness and not only so, your heartburn condition can be aggravated.


What are possible harmful side effects of OTC and prescribed medicines and drugs?

You may not be aware but heartburn medicines such as antacids are acid blockers and in the process of offering heartburn relief by blocking stomach acids, they also block nutrients adsorption and hinder digestion. So you may end up in a worst condition. Besides this, since a number of medicines contain trace elements such as aluminum, magnesium, calcium and sodium bicarbonate, patients may suffer from constipation, stomach bloating, excessive gas, stomach upset, abdominal pain, dizziness, nausea and excessive after-effect acid production.

Enough is said about the possible risks. We will take a look at how natural heartburn treatments can help to arrest heartburns without causing repercussions in our health.

1. Diet

There are some foods that trigger heartburns. You need to also keep track of foods that can cause you to develop heartburns. Avoid them at all cost.

a. Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits like tomatoes, grapefruit and oranges increase the stomach acidity, and irritate the esophagus.

b. Fatty Foods

Fatty foods are difficult to digest and tend to stay in our stomach longer, giving

C. diff and PPIs -- Is There a Connection?
<p>The <a href="http://www.fda.gov/" target="_blank">FDA</a> has warned that using <a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/medsremedies/a/protonpumpPPIs.htm" target="_blank">proton pump inhibitors</a> (PPIs) may increase the risk of Clostridium difficile (C. diff) associated diarrhea (CDAD).</p> <p>Data from the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System was reviewed, which suggested the link between PPIs and C diff. Those persons with the highest risk are the elderly, have other medical conditions, or who are taking broad spectrum antibiotics. These factors can increase the risk of C. diff by themselves, but the FDA said PPIs couldn't be excluded as a risk factor.</p> <p>The drug makers of the PPIs are working on modifying labels to include the possible risk of C. difficile-associated diarrhea.</p> <p>The FDA is reviewing <a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/medsremedies/a/h2blockers.htm" target="_blank">H2 blockers</a> to determine if there is a higher risk of CDAD associated with them.</p>
Medications That May Cause Heartburn
<p>While we most often think of certain foods as causing heartburn, there are also some medications that may cause heartburn. This is a result of relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), irritating the esophagus, or slowing stomach-emptying. Learn about which <a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/whatcausesheartburn/a/Medications-That-May-Cause-Heartburn.htm" target="_blank">medication that may cause heartburn</a>.</p> <p><strong>Related Information:</strong></p> <ul> •&#160;<a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/library/bl_medchart_prescription.htm">Prescription remedies for heartburn</a><br /> •&#160;<a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/library/bl_medchart_otc.htm">Over-the-counter remedies for heartburn</a> </ul>
Heartburn and Your Diet - Share Your Experiences and Tips
<p>There are a some foods I have to avoid because they trigger heartburn. Over the years I've learned how to create a diet that keeps me heartburn free If you are one of those people, you can share your experiences with what foods are you triggers, and how you have changed your diet to help you live heartburn free. You can also share any recipes you use that are heartburn friendly. So, how about sharing your experiences with <a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/goodfoodsbadfoods/tp/Heartburn-And-Your-Diet-Share-Your-Experiences-And-Tips.htm" target="_blank">heartburn and your diet</a>?</p> <p><strong>Related Information:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/goodfoodsbadfoods/l/bl_hrtbrnrecord.htm" target="_blank">Keeping a Heartburn Record</a></li> <li><a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/goodfoodsbadfoods/qt/mealplanningtip.htm" target="_blank">Meal Planning Tips for Preventing Heartburn</a></li> <li><a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/goodfoodsbadfoods/a/foodscausereflx.htm" target="_blank">Why Some Foods Cause Heartburn</a></li> <li><a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/goodfoodsbadfoods/bb/heartburneatout.htm" target="_blank">Eating Out Without Heartburn</a></li> </ul>
Questions About Heartburn and Heartburn-Related Conditions
<p>Finding answers to questions concerning heartburn such as "how do I stop my <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/preventingheartburn/a/tipsnighthrtbrn.htm">nighttime heartburn</a>?" or "are there <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/goodfoodsbadfoods/a/foodscausereflx.htm">foods I should avoid to prevent heartburn</a>?" may be difficult. You have to sift through information that may be fact or mere personal opinion. And even if all the information you read is fact, many times one website will answer a few questions, and then you have to go to another site to find answers to some of your other questions. In this article, you will find answers to most of the common <a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/faq1/tp/Questions-About-Heartburn-And-Heartburn-Related-Conditions.htm" target="_blank">questions about heartburn and heartburn-related conditions</a>.</p>
Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR)
<p>There are two sphincter muscles located in the esophagus: The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and the upper esophageal sphincter (UES). When the lower esophageal sphincter is not functioning properly, there is a back flow of stomach acid into the esophagus. If this happens two or more times a week, it can be a sign of <a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/gerdacidrefluxdisease/a/gerd_acidreflux.htm" target="_blank">gastroesophageal reflux disease</a>, or GERD.</p> <p>As with the lower esophageal sphincter, if the upper esophageal sphincter doesn't function properly, acid that has back flowed into the esophagus is allowed into the throat and voice box. When this happens, it's called <a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/gastrictractdisorders/a/whatis_LPR.htm" target="_blank">Laryngopharyngeal Reflux</a>, or LPR.</p> <p><strong>Related Resources:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://heartburn.about.com/cs/heartburn101/a/hrtbrn_symptoms.htm" target="_blank">Symptoms of Heartburn</a></li> <li><a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/gerdacidrefluxdisease/qt/gerd_symptoms.htm" target="_blank">Symptoms of GERD</a></li> <li><a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/goodfoodsbadfoods/tp/8-Ways-to-Prevent-Heartburn.htm" target="_blank">Lifestyle Modifications for Treating Heartburn</a></li> <li><a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/goodfoodsbadfoods/qt/mealplanningtip.htm" target="_blank">Dietary Changes for Treating Heartburn</a></li> </ul>
Good Foods / Bad Foods For Heartburn Sufferers
<p>Does it seem like no matter what you eat, heartburn keeps occurring? You need to know what foods are safe, and avoid the foods that can trigger your heartburn.</p> <p><strong>Important Note:</strong> The foods that are considered safe foods are those least likely to cause heartburn for most heartburn sufferers. You may find some of these safe foods cause you heartburn. The same is true with the foods that are listed to be avoided. These are the foods most likely to cause heartburn, but you may find some of these foods are safe for you to eat. You should always keep track of which foods cause you heartburn, and which do not.</p> <p>Try these resources:</p> <ul> <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/cs/dietfood/a/heartburnfoods1.htm">Safe Foods for Heartburn Sufferers</a></li> <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/cs/dietfood/a/heartburnfoods2.htm">Foods Okay in Moderation</a></li> <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/cs/dietfood/a/heartburnfoods3.htm">Foods Heartburn Sufferers Should Avoid</a></li> <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/goodfoodsbadfoods/a/foodscausereflx.htm">Why Certain Foods Can Cause Heartburn</a></li> <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/goodfoodsbadfoods/qt/mealplanningtip.htm">Meal Planning Tips to Prevent Heartburn</a></li> <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/goodfoodsbadfoods/qt/schoollunches.htm">Heartburn-free School Lunches</a></li> </ul>
The Basics of GERD
<p>GERD occurs when the <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/glossaryl/g/LES.htm">lower esophageal sphincter</a> (LES) does not close properly and stomach contents reflux back up into the esophagus.</p> <p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/cs/heartburn101/a/hrtbrn_symptoms.htm">Heartburn</a> and acid regurgitation are the main <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/gerdacidrefluxdisease/qt/gerd_symptoms.htm">symptoms of GERD</a>, though some people with GERD don't experience any heartburn episodes. This is why it's important to know all the possible symptoms of GERD.</p> <p>While the majority of doctors will prescribe a trial of acid-suppressive therapy, and make a diagnosis based on the patient's response to this, there are <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/diagnosingheartburn/qt/diagnostictests.htm">tests to diagnose GERD</a> a doctor may want to have performed.</p> <p>Treatment for GERD will usually start with certain <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/goodfoodsbadfoods/tp/8-Ways-to-Prevent-Heartburn.htm">lifestyle modifications</a> and <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/goodfoodsbadfoods/qt/mealplanningtip.htm">dietary changes</a>. If you continue to have symptoms after these modifications, your physician will discuss with you the use of <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/antacid1/a/needantacid.htm">antacids</a>, <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/medsremedies/a/h2blockers.htm">H2 blockers</a>, and <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/medsremedies/a/protonpumpPPIs.htm">Proton Pump Inhibitors</a> (PPIs). If your physician and you decide a surgical option is needed, the most common surgical treatment for GERD is the <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/medicalprocedures/a/fundoplication.htm">fundoplications surgery</a>. Another procedure sometimes used in the treatment of GERD is the <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/medicalprocedures/a/radiofrequency.htm">radiofrequency treatment</a>.</p> <p>When were you diagnosed with GERD? Please take a moment to answer in the poll below. If you would like to share your story on what symptoms led to your GERD diagnosis, you can do so <a href="http://heartburn.about.com/u/ua/gerdacidrefluxdisease/gerdsymptomsledtodoctor.htm" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
Hiatal Hernia Basics
<p>A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach pushes through an opening in the diaphragm, and up into the chest. This opening is called a esophageal hiatus or diaphragmatic hiatus.</p> <p><!---rss---> Approximately 50 percent of hiatal hernia patients don't experience any symptoms. For the other 50 percent of patients, the these <a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/hiatalhern2/qt/herniasymptoms.htm" target="_blank">hiatal hernia symptoms</a> may occur. There are a number of contributing factors that can cause hiatal hernias. While some patients with a hernia hernia may also have GERD, GERD doesn't cause a hiatal hernia.</p> <p>Various tests can be used to diagnose a hiatal hernia, though the tests most often used are the <a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/diagnosingheartburn/a/bariumxray.htm" target="_blank">barium x-ray</a> and the <a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/diagnosingheartburn/a/upperendoscopy.htm" target="_blank">upper endoscopy</a>. After the presence of a hernia is diagnosed, the treatment will vary by patient. As mentioned above, approximately 50% of patients with a hiatal hernia won't experience any symptoms, and may not require any special treatment. For those who do experience symptoms, which are usually heartburn related, they can discuss with their doctor the <a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/goodfoodsbadfoods/tp/8-Ways-to-Prevent-Heartburn.htm" target="_blank">lifestyle modifications</a>, the <a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/goodfoodsbadfoods/qt/mealplanningtip.htm" target="_blank">dietary changes</a>, and any medications (such as <a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/antacid1/a/needantacid.htm" target="_blank">antacids</a>, <a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/medsremedies/a/h2blockers.htm" target="_blank">H2 blockers</a>, or <a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/medsremedies/a/protonpumpPPIs.htm" target="_blank">proton pump inhibitors</a>) that may be needed.</p> <p>In some cases, such as when complications occur with a <a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/hiatalhern2/a/paraesophhernia.htm" target="_blank">paraesophageal hiatal hernia</a>, surgery may be needed. This type of surgery is commonly done as a laparoscopic procedure.</p>
Peptic Ulcer Basics
<p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/cs/articles/a/Peptic_Ulcers.htm">Peptic ulcers</a> can cause a variety of <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/pepticulcers/qt/ulcersymptoms.htm">symptoms</a>, and these vary from patient to patient. Some patients with ulcers have minimal, unusual, or even no symptoms at all. Others may have every symptom. This is why it is very important to consult your doctor if you have any concerns.</p> <p> <p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/b/2012/01/23/peptic-ulcer-basics.htm">Read Full Post</a></p><p style="background:#f5f3ef;border: 1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/b/2012/01/23/peptic-ulcer-basics.htm">Peptic Ulcer Basics</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/">About.com Heartburn / GERD</a> on Monday, January 23rd, 2012 at 09:00:43.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/b/2012/01/23/peptic-ulcer-basics.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://heartburn.about.com/b/2012/01/23/peptic-ulcer-basics.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://heartburn.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://heartburn.about.com/b/2012/01/23/peptic-ulcer-basics.htm&#038;zItl=Peptic Ulcer Basics">Email this</a></p>
Preventing Stress-Related Heartburn
<p>While stress hasn't been linked directly to heartburn, it is known that it can lead to behaviors that can trigger heartburn. During stressful times, routines are disrupted and people may not follow their normal routines in regards to meals, exercise, and medication. More than half of people who suffer frequent heartburn say a hectic lifestyle and work-related stress increases their heartburn.</p> <p>It is important to find ways to alleviate the stress, and thus make stress-related heartburn less likely. Following the relaxation tips at <a href="http://heartburn.about.com/cs/prevention/a/hrtburn_stress.htm" target="_blank">Managing Stress to Ease the Heartburn</a> can help.</p> <p><strong>Related Information on Preventing Heartburn:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/goodfoodsbadfoods/tp/8-Ways-to-Prevent-Heartburn.htm" target="_blank">8 Quick Ways to Prevent Heartburn</a></li> <li><a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/goodfoodsbadfoods/qt/mealplanningtip.htm" target="_blank">Meal Planning Tips for Preventing Heartburn</a></li> <li><a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/preventingheartburn/a/tipsnighthrtbrn.htm" target="_blank">Preventing Nighttime Heartburn</a></li> <li><a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/preventingheartburn/a/pregnancyhrtbrn.htm" target="_blank">Preventing Heartburn During Pregnancy</a></li> <li><a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/acidrefluxcomplications/a/prevent_complic.htm" target="_blank">6 Steps to Preventing Heartburn-Related Complications</a></li> <li><a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/preventingheartburn/f/How-Can-I-Exercise-Without-Heartburn.htm" target="_blank">How to Exercise Without Heartburn</a></li> <li><a href="http://heartburn.about.com/cs/prevention/a/hrtburn_alcohol.htm" target="_blank">How Alcohol Can Cause Heartburn</a></li> <li><a href="http://heartburn.about.com/cs/prevention/a/hrtburn_smoking.htm" target="_blank">How Smoking Can Cause Heartburn</a></li> </ul>

it a greater chance of escaping to the esophagus.

c. Caffeinated and Carbonated Beverages

Avoid coffee, tea and other caffeinated beverages. These drinks increase stomach acidity. Carbonated drinks like soda promote production of gases.

d. Alcohol, Peppermint, Spearmint and Chocolate

These foods relax the lower esophageal sphincter, the valve between the stomach and the esophagus. Stomach acids could then escape to the esophagus, inducing heartburns. Alcohol can also affect muscle contractions which indirectly affect swallowing of food into the stomach, and irritate the esophagus.

e. Foods that Irritate the Esophagus

Other foods include raw onions, garlic, pepper, vinegar and other spices.

2. Home Remedies as Natural Heartburn Treatments

There are a number of home remedies which make excellent natural heartburn treatments. Here is a list you can try:

a. Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe Vera juices have been widely used in European countries as natural heartburn treatments. They are soothing to the esophagus.

b. Ginger

Ginger can be prepared with fresh foods or, sliced or powdered and prepared as ginger tea. In both ways, they are good for digestion and are known to aid in suppressing heartburn.

c. Chamomile

Chamomile tea is excellent for treating heartburns.

d. Licorice

It has been reported that licorice is one of the best natural heartburn treatments. DGL, acronym for deglycyrrhizinated licorice is readily available at any health and lifestyle shops in the form of chewing gums and tablets. Daily consumption would effectively suppress the recurrence of heartburns.

e. Fibrous Foods

Eating more fibrous foods like cereals, fruits and vegetables are useful for our digestive systems. A medical research study found that those who stick to a high-fiber diet are 20 percent less likely to suffer from acid reflux heartburns. Fruits like cantaloupe, bananas and apple and vegetables like peas, celery, carrots, broccoli and cauliflower are packed with fibers.

Find out more at my blog about effective natural heartburn treatments that have set many heartburn victims free from this nagging problem.

This article may be freely reprinted or distributed in its entirety in any ezine, newsletter, blog or website. The author's name, bio and website links must remain intact and be included with every reproduction.
Davion is a successful webmaster, author and healthy lifestyle advocate. Discover more effective and natural heartburn treatments and how you can cure your heartburn easily and naturally from home at Natural-Heartburn-Treatments.blogspot.com.

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 treatment website.

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...
FDA Approves NEXIUM(R) I.V. (Esomeprazole Sodium) For The Treatment Of GERD With Erosive Esophagitis In Pediatric And Adolescent Patients
AstraZeneca (NYSE: AZN) announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of NEXIUM® I.V. (esomeprazole sodium) for Injection for children ages greater than 1 month old for the short-term treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with erosive esophagitis when oral therapy is not possible or appropriate.1 NEXIUM I.V...
ASGS Issues Position Statement Supporting Transoral Fundoplication For Select GERD Patients
EndoGastric Solutions (EGS), the leader in the emerging field of Natural Orifice Surgery (NOS), today announced that the American Society of General Surgeons (ASGS) recently issued a position statement in support of transoral fundoplication for the surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflex disease (GERD)...
Multipolar Electrocoagulation Ablation Shown To Be Effective For Barrett's Esophagus In Long-Term Follow-Up
A new study reports that multipolar electrocoagulation in combination with acid suppression is a safe and effective method to ablate nondysplastic Barrett's esophagus over the long term. No adenocarcinoma (cancer) or high-grade dysplasia of the esophagus developed in any of the study patients...
Endurance Athletes At Heightened Risk For Gut Problems
Gastrointestinal problems are now some of the most common medical complaints in endurance athletes, according to an expert presenting today at the American College of Sports Medicine's 15th-annual Health & Fitness Summit & Exposition. While overuse injuries are the most common medical issue in endurance athletes, Lauren Simon, M.D., M.P.H...
First Online Class Teaches The Oxygen Remedy™ For Weight Loss, High Blood Pressure, Acid Reflux And More
Calworth Glenford LLC announced that for the first time, it is giving a comprehensive coaching class for the acclaimed Oxygen Remedy through online education. The Oxygen Remedy helps people who are overweight and who may have a combination of health problems, according to Richard Geller, CEO of Calworth Glenford...