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.
Filed under Acid Reflux by admin
July 5, 2011
Acid Reflux and Sore Throat
Millions of adults and children suffer from sore throat caused by acid reflux. Acid reflux, also called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is caused by certain foods and drink that tend to stimulate excess stomach acids. Most sufferers reach for over-the-counter or prescription medications that offer temporary relief that only mask the symptoms rather than cure the condition. There are natural, holistic cures that offer permanent relief from acid reflux disease that we will discuss in this article.
What is acid reflux?
The digestive system is a complex combination of processes that is used every day to break down food to be used by the body for nourishment. Food and drink enters the mouth, passes through the esophagus to the stomach where food is broken down to nourish the body with the help of stomach acids and pepsin.
How does acid reflux cause sore throat?
Some spicy or acidic foods can cause excess gas in the stomach to the point that the esophageal sphincter, the valve that keeps food from traveling back up the esophagus, is opened and stomach acid is allowed back into the esophagus. These acids may reach the throat causing a sour taste and a sore throat. There is also a burning sensation in the chest area that has been mistaken for a heart attack.
Natural remedies for acid reflux
Certain foods should be avoided to reduce the occurrence or eliminate acid reflux. Spicy foods, fried foods, fatty foods, tomatoes, citrus fruits and their juices, caffeine, garlic, onions, peppermint, chocolate and alcoholic beverages are known to cause acid reflux. Even vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli and Brussels sprouts can trigger acid reflux.
Drinking the right amount of water daily keeps the body hydrated and aids the digestive system. Adequate water intake maintains stomach acids at the proper level. The correct amount of water is half of the body weight in ounces. For instance, if a person weighs 200 pounds then the correct amount of water to drink is 100 ounces per day.
Avoid late evening or night eating so that food is digested before going to bed. Use gravity by elevating the head so that stomach acids will not enter the esophagus. When food portions are reduced the stomach is allowed to empty quicker and the amount of stomach acids is kept at normal levels.
Milk helps reduce the symptoms of acid reflux as do apple cider vinegar. Ginger has been found to reduce acid reflux.
Relief for sore throat
Sore throat is a common symptom of acid reflux. Gargling with warm salt water 3 to 4 times a day is one of the most common natural cures for sore throat pain. Decaffeinated tea with honey works well to alleviate a sore throat. Sucking candy or taking natural lozenges can also relieve a sore throat.
There are many natural ways to beat acid reflux and sore throat that are better than expensive medications or surgery. These suggestions and others found in the ?Reflux Remedy Report? can take you to a life free from acid reflux. Feel free to download this report at refluxremedy.com today.
Filed under Acid Reflux by admin
March 7, 2011
Signs of Hiatal Hernia
Hiatal hernias occur when a part of the stomach organ relocates to another area. The new area may be within the chest or beside the esophagus. This is allowed to happen when a weak diaphragm opens wider than normal and permits the stomach and lower esophageal sphincter to move upward. There are two kinds of hiatal hernias: sliding and rolling. These types are differentiated based on the location of the stomach.
It is essential that you become aware of the signs of a hiatal hernia. Being able to classify the symptoms will enable you to detect this condition early. Signs of a hiatal hernia often appear to be the same symptoms of gastroesphageal reflux disease (GERD). These symptoms may include burning in the throat or chest, regurgitation, chest pain, sore throat and hoarseness. Pain in the chest and stomach areas are very common ailments associated with a hiatal hernia.
Chest Pain
Chest pain is a major sign of a hiatal hernia. The chest pain experienced can range in level of intensity, but is usually accompanied by heartburn, another sign. This pain is commonly located behind the breastbone but can affect the lower and upper sections of the torso. Chest pain can be confused as a symptom of a heart attack or other cardiac condition. If you encounter numbness in the arms along with shortness of breath, you may be at risk of a heart attack.
Heartburn
Hearburn is a key sign of a hiatal hernia. Heartburn is caused when stomach acid backs up to the esophagus causing irritation and pain. There is increased vulnerability with a hiatal hernia because this condition pushes the stomach and lower esophageal sphincter into the chest and allows acidic fluid to flow backwards through the esophagus. Heartburn pain can be severe and is worsened by lying down. Chest pain, a burning sensation, bitter taste, chronic coughing and difficulty swallowing are just some of the signals of heartburn.
Hiatal Hernia Signs and GERD
The signs of a hiatal hernia strongly resemble the signs of gastroesophageal reflux disease. The signs of these two conditions can sometimes confuse you. Hiatal hernias can contribute to GERD but do not have to be present for GERD to develop. GERD is caused by gradual or sudden changes to the lower espohageal sphincter that fails to stop acid from refluxing into the esophagus.
What You Can Do
If you are experiencing any of these signs, you probably are suffering from a hiatal hernia. To reverse the effects of a hiatal hernia there are a number of treatment options that require lifestyle changes. By eating smaller meals, refraining from eating right before bed and not smoking or drinking a lot of alcohol, you reduce the presence of symptoms. You can also change your diet by limiting fatty foods and foods that are spicy and difficult to digest.
If you seek more information on the causes, signs, symptoms or treatments of a hiatal hernia, visit refluxremedy.com now. There you can get all of your questions answered and move forward with your life.
Filed under Hiatial Hernia by admin
February 23, 2011
Homeopathic Cures for Acid Reflux
The condition acid reflux, commonly referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), has a number of symptoms. If these symptoms persist, this can lead to scarring of the esophagus lining, irritation, inflammation, ulcers and even cancer of the esophagus.
Symptoms
Symptoms of acid reflux can vary from person to person.
- Heartburn: Heartburn is a main symptom of acid reflux. A burning feeling in your chest and throat can signal that you have heartburn. Heartburn that takes place three times a week or more is a sign of GERD.
- Dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing is the hallmark of dysphagia. Those suffering from dysphagia feel as though food is stuck in their throat or neck.
- Regurgitation: Vomiting or constant burping are characteristics of regurgitation. When acid refluxes and makes its way to the mouth, this can leave a sour taste in your mouth.
- Nausea: Having an upset stomach can point toward acid reflux. Feeling uneasy or unsettled in your stomach can be a reflection of the stomach acids that have exited to the esophagus.
- Sore Throat/Hoarseness: Neck and throat irritation is common and can cause you to have a sore throat or become hoarse.
Causes
There is more than just one cause for acid reflux. Most of the common causes have the same negative effect on the lower esophageal sphincter or LES. The LES is the entrance point for foods after you chew and swallow. When the food goes down the esophagus, it must cross through the LES to reach the stomach. An LES that is weakened does not effectively safeguard your esophagus from coming into contact with gastric acid and bile.
- Alcohol Consumption: Drinking alcohol can irritate the esophagus and increase the burning sensation caused by heartburn.
- Smoking: Smoking diminishes the strength of the LES which is needed to block stomach acid.
- Hiatal Hernia: A shift in stomach and esophagus placement can make the LES weak and allow acid to reflux.
- Pregnancy: Extraordinary hormone levels and a compressed stomach can cause acid to reflux
Home Remedies
There are several nontraditional cures for acid reflux that consist of natural ingredients.
- Ginger tea or root is great for naturally absorbing stomach acid and has a soothing effect.
- Apple cider vinegar, although it has an acidic pH on its own, is not acid forming once digested. Apple cider vinegar has an alkaline quality after it is broken down in the stomach.
- Fennel seed is a natural herb that aids the digestive process by regulating stomach spasms that may contribute to GERD.
- Aloe consumed as a juice is great for acid reflux because it relieves heartburn and settles the stomach.
- Papaya contains an enzyme that naturally helps to digest your food, preventing the stomach from having to produce a lot of gastric acid.
- Drinking water frequently can help to neutralize stomach acid as well.
Handling your acid reflux can be a challenge if you don’t have all the tools for treating this disease. For more information on homeopathic cures for acid reflux, review the Reflux Remedy Report or visit www.refluxremedy.com today.
Filed under Acid Reflux Cure by admin