October 27, 2011

Pediatric Reflux

What is Pediatric Reflux?

Acid reflux is a condition where acid and other contents from the stomach flows back into the esophagus. There is a sphincter on the esophagus that prevents contents from the stomach from coming back up. Acid Reflux occurs when this spincter cannot close properly. When acid reflux occurs in children, it is often referred to as pediatric acid reflux. Studies have shown that there are approximately 7 million and infants in the United States who suffer from pediatric reflux.

What are some of the symptoms of pediatric reflux?

Parents will usually be able to tell if that there is something unusual going on with their child. Some of the symptoms of acid reflux include: sore throat, chest pain, trouble sleeping, gagging and hoarseness. The child may also become malnourished and lose weight.

What are some of the causes of pediatric reflux?

Doctors believe that most cases of pediatric reflux can be attributed to a problem with the digestive tract. Overeating is another cause of pediatric reflux. Additionally, certain medications, food and obesity are also possible causes of this condition.

Can a child get complications from pediatric reflux?

It is important to note that many babies will experience a case of pediatric reflux and most of them will grow out of it. However, if this condition is left untreated, complications can result. One of the most common complications associated with pediatric reflux is a damaged esophagus. The reason that this complication is so common is because acid erodes the lining of the esophagus. Untreated Pediatric reflux also increases the chances of the child developing esophageal cancer later in life.

What are some of the treatment options for pediatric reflux?

There are a number of treatment options available. A physician will perform a thorough physical exam and prescribe a treatment based on the findings of that exam. Changing the positioning during feeding time may help alleviate acid reflux in infants. A physician may also advise that the child’s diet be changed. Foods that are acidic, spicy and high in fat have been shown to contribute to pediatric reflux.

If this condition cannot be alleviated by changing the diet or positioning of the infant, the doctor may prescribe a medication. Antacids, acid blockers and barriers are some of the most commonly prescribed medications that are used to treat pediatric reflux. It is important to note that finding the right medication may be a matter of trial and error.

If the child does not respond to any other treatments, the physician may advise doing surgery. Surgery poses several risks to a child, which is why doctors only recommend it as a last resort. The procedure is done by tightening the esophageal spinchter so that acid and other contents cannot flow into the esophagus.

Where can I find more information about pediatric reflux?

People who are looking for more information about pediatric reflux should visit Reflux Remedy at refluxremedy.com today.

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Heartburn and Indigestion

Heartburn and indigestion are two words often used interchangeably that describe a condition in which one feels a burning in his or her chest, esophageal region, and the oropharynx. Although these two words are used to describe the same condition, contemporary research reveals that many people complain of one condition while having another. Heartburn can be burning, tightening, or hot sensations in the chest area that worsens upon inspiration where indigestion is an acidic burning that follows the upper digestive pathway from the epiglottis to the pylorus. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a major diagnosis most receive when seeking medical attention for their heartburn or indigestion. GERD is at its worst when a person eats, lies down after eating, and sleeps. Alcohol is a major contributor to the worsening of GERD. However, heartburn is not considered a form of GERD and may have other causes such as one of the many forms of heart failure or heart disease .

Indigestion has been the cause of discomfort for billions of people every year. Medical treatment for this condition consists of the purchase of over the counter remedies, books for homeopathic remedies, and visits to primary care or emergency departments for extreme cases. However, there are many ways in which one can control his or her indigestion with simple measures. For instance, food is a major contributor to causing reflux. Foods that are high in acid content, such as tomatoes, dairy products, citric acid, peppers, and anything based in vinegar all cause heartburn. By simply avoiding these foods in large quantities, one can limit his or her indigestion significantly. Overeating is another substantial cause of indigestion. When one overeats, the esophageal sphincter becomes stretched and displaced. Over the long term, the elasticity of this small muscle ring loses its ability to contract, which allows the reflux of acidic contents back up into the esophagus. By controlling your eating patterns, you allow for the proper function of the esophageal sphincter and reduction of acidic reflux.

While there are many foods that contribute to increased indigestion, there are plenty of foods that will counteract indigestion. First and foremost, water and hydration is one of the most important factors to reduce indigestion. Water and fluids allow for the proper flow of contents through the stomach and into the small and large intestine. However, it is important to note that fruit juice, because of the citric acid, should be avoided or watered down when consumed. Foods high in fiber should also be consumed on a regular basis. High fiber foods push contents through the digestive system quickly and have the ability to clear the digestive tract of unwanted debris, which leads to more efficient digestion. Apples are a very good choice of high fiber fruits that have no citric acid.

Remedies for indigestion can be found at the local pharmacy as over the counter remedies as well as prescription drugs. Antacid tablets are the most common medicine to control indigestion and are considered the first line of defense. If indigestion is uncontrolled by over the counter drugs, prescription medication such as omeprazole, which stops stomach acid production, may be used. For those suffering from heartburn, he or she would benefit from seeking more information at Reflux Remedy, refluxremedy.com today.

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October 20, 2011

Diet for Reflux

A diet for reflux can help you avoid the consequences of consuming foods and beverages that are harmful to your stomach. Acid reflux is not just an uncomfortable inconvenience. When acids back up through the top of the stomach into the esophagus, it can cause inflammation and result in serious harm to the lining. An acid reflux diet involves abstaining from foods and beverages that cause heartburn and eating healthy foods that have a calming effect on your digestion.

Those who suffer from acid reflux often find themselves chewing antacids after meals or downing pills to prevent the reflux from occurring. The problem with chewing antacids after meals is that by the time you chew them, you are already in pain and chewable antacids may contain unwanted, or even harmful ingredients. The problem with pills to prevent acid reflux is that there are often many unwanted side-effects and problems that may occur as a result of long term use. A diet for reflux can help heal your problem and keep you feeling well without all the worry over whether you have your medication on hand, or what your medication will do to you.

When you have problems with frequent heartburn, the first foods you should cut out of your diet are acidic foods. Citrus fruits and tomatoes are often triggers for an episode of reflux, but so are some starches, sugars, dairy products, and meat. The foods that trigger your heartburn may be different than the foods that cause others trouble. For instance, some people find that chocolate gives them heartburn, while others who suffer from acid reflux can handle chocolate just fine, but end up in pain over something as simple as a few french fries.

The first step of an acid reflux diet involves figuring out what your particular triggers happen to be. You can do this by keeping a food journal over the course of one or two weeks. For the best results, record everything you put in your mouth as well as your reactions to each item. Once you have pinpointed your trigger foods, the next step is to remove them from your menu and test different ones. In this way, you will discover the foods that cause flare-ups of reflux and will be able to structure a diet plan around your particular needs. Your diet should include grains, such as oats and bran; fresh vegetables, low-acid fruit, such as bananas and apples; and lean meats, including poultry and fish.

Eating is not the only action that can cause acid reflux. If you have heartburn problems, try abstaining from drinking beverages that contain alcohol, carbonation, caffeine, sugar, or citric acid. Smoking and certain types of drugs can exacerbate the condition.

Another way to decrease attacks of reflux is to eat several small meals throughout the day rather than eat two or three large meals. Large meals result in more acid production and empty stomachs can also bring on heartburn. A diet for reflux should leave you feeling energized and healthy rather than feeling hungry or too full. Contact Reflux Remedy at refluxremedy.com to learn more about diets for acid reflux today!

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Healing Gastritis

Having frequent stomach pain? Wondering if there is anything you can do about it? If your stomach pain is caused by gastritis, you have several options for treatment and healing.

Gastritis is any inflammation of the lining of the stomach. It can be brief and passing, which is referred to as “acute gastritis,” or long-lasting, or “chronic gastritis.”

Gastritis can occur for a variety of reasons. The method of treatment and healing used will vary depending on the cause of the gastritis. Some possible causes of gastritis include:

  • Excess consumption of alcohol
  • Medications such as ibuprofen, which are known to cause irritation to the stomach lining
  • Ulcers caused by the bacteria H. pylori

Gastritis is an uncomfortable condition. You might suspect gastritis if you are having any of the following symptoms:

  • Stomach or abdominal pain
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Indigestion

Severe gastritis may involve bleeding of the stomach lining. This is signified by black-colored stools or vomit that looks like coffee grounds. Do not attempt to treat this on your own. See a doctor immediately if you are having these symptoms.

Treating Gastritis

If a medication is causing your gastritis, you might make the decision to stop taking the medication. If the medication was prescribed to treat or prevent a certain condition, you will need to discuss this with your doctor first. For example, aspirin can cause irritation to the stomach lining, but it may be necessary to take a daily aspirin to maintain heart health or prevent stroke. Ibuprofen may be preventing inflammation in another part of the body from getting out of control. Talk to your doctor to find out if it’s okay to stop these or if they have another alternative that is easier on your stomach.

Sometimes gastritis is caused by an excess of stomach acid. Taking an over-the-counter antacid may be helpful to reduce the discomfort and even allow the gastritis to heal. Antacids like Tums or Rolaids may be helpful, or try H-2 antagonists such as Pepcid, Zantac or Tagamet. If these are not effective, you can try a proton-pump inhibitor like Prevacid or Prilosec. If you are taking other medications, especially those that thin the blood, talk to your doctor before you add one of these to your routine.

Natural Treatments for Gastritis

Some remedies to treat and heal gastritis that don’t involve medication might work for you. Try some of the following:

  • Drink plenty of water to help dilute the stomach acid.
  • Try taking 400 units of Vitamin E to help soothe the stomach and allow the lining to heal.
  • Some people have reported relief from gastritis with deglycyrrhizinated licorice, or DGL. This can be found in the natural section of your grocery store or at a natural supplements store.
  • Ginger is one of the best and most effective treatments for stomach pain or upset. It can be taken as a capsule, or try drinking natural ginger ale made with real ginger. It can be found in natural food sections and is usually packaged in green bottles.

Find out more about healing gastritis by visiting Reflux Remedy at refluxremedy.com today!

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