esophagus

November 24, 2010

Acid Reflux and Coughing

Acid reflux and coughing due to acid formed within the human body is one of the major problems many people face due to improper digestion. It is sometimes ignored as a minor ailment; however, people suffering from this problem should keep in mind that this can lead to major complications.

This acid, which is a part of the digestive system that helps to break down food that is consumed, is the main cause of acid reflux and coughing. When functioning properly, the lower esophageal sphincter opens up to allow food to flow through the esophagus and into the stomach.

If, in the process, some of the acids come back into the esophagus due to malfunctioning of the lower esophageal sphincter or as a result of immense pressure and fermentation in the stomach, a burning sensation is caused in the throat. This is known as acid reflux. When the acid escapes the stomach and irritates the larynx and or the esophagus, coughing is caused. Stomach acids can do fairly significant damage to the esophagus, and coughing and burning pain are mere symptoms of the havoc that is wreaked by misplaced stomach acids.? There are various processes through which the patient can fight acid reflux and coughing. Medications are becoming a fairly popular option to help soothe acid reflux and coughing.? These over the counter or prescription medicines help to neutralize the effect of the acid or even absorb it which helps to reach a comfortable level of relief. The nice thing about medications is they can target your specific acid reflux problem.? Each pill is designed to do something different.? Some will neutralize stomach acids, others will turn off acid production all together.? However, this is an expensive road, and is not the most ideal permanent solution.? In fact, all over the counter medications are not meant to be taken for more than two weeks.? Additionally, you should always consult your doctor before starting a regimen with any medicine.

For those that don’t want to be pill poppers, there are a number of natural remedies that many people have had huge successes with.? For example, some people have found eating an apple after meals helps control stomach acids.? Others use ginger.? Some people find relief by drinking a glass of water after meals to help flush things through a bit faster.? Even changing your daily habits, like eating less more frequently or not eating right before bed can help get acid reflux issues under control.? The Reflux Remedy Report focuses on a host of natural methods like these that are low impact, don’t require a financial commitment and can be started today.

Sometimes, in severe cases of reflux and excessive coughing, surgery may be required for a permanent solution.? This is rare, and most doctors use this as a last resort.? The majority of acid reflux sufferers can find relief simply by changing their diets, and trying any one or a combination of the methods suggested in The Reflux Remedy Report.

Visit www.RefluxRemedy.com to start finding relief from your acid reflux and coughing today.

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November 22, 2010

Acid Reflux Disease Diet

For those who suffer from acid reflux, burning, pain and discomfort are frequent companions.? However, they don’t have to be.? There’s a huge amount of natural remedies out there to try that are effective and won’t break your bank.? Often managing your diet is the easiest way to get your acid reflux under control.

There are various types of fruits, vegetables, meats, nuts, herbs and others that can help you manage acid reflux disease. These foods can help your body create an acidic balance, and keep acid from creeping into your esophagus.. Many fresh fruits are extremely helpful for people suffering from acid reflux problems. Among them, apples and bananas are very popular.? Additionally, consuming apple in other forms, like dried apples or apple juice can help too. Papaya is also said to have some acid fighting properties.? It contains a digestive enzyme that helps break down food, which prevents pressure from building up and overproduction of acids, which prevents heartburn pain.

Some of the vegetables that can help stem acid reflux include cabbage, peas, broccoli, green beans, baked potato, carrots and others. However, tomatoes, citrus vegetables and fruits like raw onions, cranberry juice and tomatoes can be problematic for people withacid reflux problems and should be consumed sparingly.

Dairy products such as ice creams, sour cheese, milk shakes and others are not good for people suffering from acid reflux disease. These products are hard to digest and cause the body to overproduce acid.? However, when consumed in moderation, products like fat free sour cream or cream cheese and dairy cheese can provide some relief.

Though there is a perception that most meats are bad for the patients suffering from acid reflux disease, there are several animal foods that can help cure relieve symptoms. These include skinless chicken breast, egg whites, fatless fishes, steak, ground beef and others.

Ginger is an herb that may prove helpful for acid reflux relief.? It has been used to relieve all types of stomach discomfort for centuries and heartburn is no exception.? It can be found candied, or in tea form and both are equally useful in neutralizing and eliminating stomach acid.? Chammomille tea is another herbal remedy some have found helpful.

Simple dietary changes can also help significantly relieve discomfort from acid reflux.? Things like eating smaller meals more frequently help to prevent the buildup of pressure and overproduction of acids.? Basically, smaller meals are easier to digest and are less likely to cause heartburn than that huge Thanksgiving feast.? Also, avoiding food two hours before you go to bed can prevent that night time burn.? Gravity helps your body keep stomach acids where they belong, and when you lay down to soon after eating, acids can meander out of the stomach.? Along those same lines, sleeping with an extra pillow under your head can help keep your head properly aligned above your stomach and give gravity just enough of an edge over your stomach acids.

For more natural remedies and dietary suggestions for resolving your acid reflux issues, visit www.RefluxRemedy.com today.

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November 16, 2010

Treatments for Heartburn

Heartburn is a common complaint in today’s fast-paced, fast food world.? The feeling of burning in your upper stomach, perhaps in your throat…the tightness in your chest or even trouble swallowing…all can be symptoms of heartburn. When the acid pumps in your stomach are overactive, it starts to erode the esophagus, which is responsible for keeping acid down in the stomach. Esophagitis can occur, where there are tiny fissures (or tears) in the lining of the esophagus, and other more serious ailments can be caused if this condition is left untreated for a long period of time. Treatments for heartburn vary widely, from homeopathic remedies to prescription medication and even surgery, so first of all, see your doctor if your heartburn persists for more than a few weeks.

If your doctor okays, it you can try lifestyle changes first, including switching your diet away from fatty meals and acid-producers, such as alcohol and coffee. Maintaining a healthy weight is another way to combat heartburn naturally, so limiting fatty foods might have two benefits in your lifestyle. Other tricks include eating smaller, more frequent meals, and even elevating your head a couple of inches when you sleep can help keep acid down in your stomach where it belongs. Other specific food culprits that you might want to avoid include chocolate, tomato and tomato-based products, citrus fruits, fried foods, and pepper. Also, try staying hydrated. Eight glasses of water a day is not only good for your whole body, but it can help your body naturally dilute strong stomach acid and give your esophagus a break.

Other treatments for heartburn include over-the-counter medications, including Pepcid and Zantac. These work by decreasing the amount of stomach acid produced and are effective remedies against gastroesophageal reflux disease (or GERD), where acid from the stomach actually makes it past the esophagus into the throat. Other OTC remedies include antacids, which neutralize stomach acid. Brands include Tagamet and TUMS.? However, these medications are not meant as a permanent solution and should not be taken for more than two weeks, unless otherwise advised by your physician.

Prescription treatments for heartburn can include proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which stop the release of acid in the stomach; this class is frequently prescribed as well for GERD sufferers. Another class of prescription medication is a promotilty agent, which helps patients who have slowed emptying of their stomach.? These medicineshelp hasten digestion, and are often effective against sufferers of GERD.? Prescription medications can often be pricey, and sometimes taking a pill every day for the rest of your life is not the most appealing option.

In that case, there are a number of natural methods for combating this problem on your own. Homeopathic treatments for heartburn include lifestyle changes, as mentioned above, and supplements like calcium carbonate to quell acid, and deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), which can be found in a natural foods or supplements store. This latter product has inflammatory properties, and lines the stomach, intestines and esophagus, forming a barrier between tissue and acid. Fresh ginger can help some sufferers, which you grind up and add to foods or drinks like herbal tea. Chamomile tea is another good one to try, along with licorice root.

For further treatment ideas, the Reflux Remedy Report contains a host of natural ideas.? Visit their Web site at www.refluxremedy.com.

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November 5, 2010

Acid Reflux Hernia

A hernia is generally defined as the displacement or protrusion of an organ through a hole or into a cavity.? There are two types of hernias related to acid reflux – Sliding Hiatal Hernia and Para-Esophageal Hiatal Hernia.

Sliding Hiatal Hernia

Sliding Hiatal Hernias are the most common.? They occur when the muscle at the junction between the esophagus and the stomach – the lower esophageal sphincter – becomes too relaxed.? This allows the diaphragm to become displaced and a portion of the stomach to pass into the lower esophagus.

Roughly half of people with a Sliding Hiatal Hernia don’t suffer symptoms.? If symptoms do occur they are identical to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, and can include heartburn, acid reflux, regurgitation and frequent belching and hiccups.

Treatments can include over the counter antacids or prescription drugs; a change in diet that involves eating smaller, more frequent meals, or eliminates foods like citrus, alcohol, caffeine, garlic, mint, or any other foods that would cause heartburn; quitting smoking; eliminating tight clothing which can cause pressure on the stomach resulting in reflux; and taking care not to lie down too quickly after eating.? If symptoms are severe, surgery may be necessary and would involve pulling the stomach down and tightening the opening to the stomach, which would prevent recurrence.

Para-Esophageal Hiatal Hernia

Para-Esophageal Hiatal Hernias are slightly more severe than Sliding Hiatal Hernias.? They occur when a portion of the stomach becomes displaced and ends up next to the esophagus.? This condition can be problematic as a result of complications associated with it.? Strangulation can occur when blood can’t get to the affected area, resulting in tissue death.? It can also put pressure on the esophagus, causing food to lodge there after swallowing.? Ulcers can also form from damage caused by food stuck in the esophagus or stomach acid.

Most Para-Esophageal Hiatal Hernia’s aren’t symptomatic, but if there are, symptoms can include nausea, chest pain and pressure, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, and trouble swallowing.

The complications due to an untreated hernia can become severe, so early surgical intervention is the most successful treatment for Para-Esophageal Hiatal Hernia.

Diagnosing Hiatal Hernia

A doctor can diagnose a Hiatal Hernia many ways; however a few tests are used regularly.? An upright chest x-ray can be performed.? This would reveal any obvious abnormalities to the esophagus and stomach.? A barium x-ray involves digesting barium, a thick solution that is visible under x-rays.? Or, an upper endoscopy could also be performed, which involves a physician inserting a lighted tube to search for problems in the esophagus and upper stomach.

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