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What is
gastroesophageal reflux?Gastroesophageal
reflux or GERD, is the presence of stomach contents in the
esophagus. A weakened valve between the esophagus and stomach allows gastric
contents to irritate the esophagus.
GERD affects many people, an... |
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It seems that my husband has heartburn every night. I think he
should see a doctor. He thinks he should just continue taking antacids. Who’s
right?
Occasional heartburn is common and generally not serious. However, prolonged
heartburn can be a sympto... |
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What is esophageal manometry?
Esophageal manometry is a test used to measure the function of the lower
esophageal sphincter (the valve that prevents reflux of gastric acid into the
esophagus) (see diagram). This test will tell your doctor if your esopha... |
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What is heartburn?
Despite its name, heartburn has nothing to do with the heart. (Some of the
symptoms, however, are similar to those of a heart attack.
Heartburn, also called acid indigestion, is an irritation of the esophagus
caused by stomach acid... |
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Acid reflux - the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus. Acid
reflux generally occurs because the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxes and
allows harsh stomach juices flow into the esophagus.
Acid blockers - medicines that slow down the prod... |
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Web Sites
Cleveland Clinic Department of Gastroenterology
www.clevelandclinic.org/gastro
Atlas of Digestive Endoscopy
www.luz.ve/ICA/Atlas_med/i_index.html
Columbia University Gastroenterology Web
http://cpmcnet.columbia.edu/dept/gi
Digestive Dise... |
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What does heartburn feel like?
Heartburn symptoms include the following:
A burning feeling in the chest just behind the breastbone (the sternum)
that occurs after eating and lasts a few minutes to several hours
Chest pain, especially after be... |
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You should contact your health care provider for any of the following
reasons:
Your heartburn symptoms have become more severe or frequent.
You are having difficulty swallowing or pain when swallowing, especially
with solid foods or pills.
... |
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Over-the-counter liquid antacids are helpful in treating occasional
heartburn. If your symptoms persist, do not respond to treatment, or occur
frequently, you need to see a physician for testing and treatment.
A visual
examination of the esophagus, ... |
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An occasional bout of indigestion or heartburn is generally nothing to worry
about, but if the pain and irritation become frequent or cause you to wake at
night, it’s time to talk to your doctor. Heartburn, known in medical terms as
gastroesophageal ref... |
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Heartburn—that burning sensation—noticeable in the chest after a meal--is
experienced by 44 percent of all Americans at least once a month, and over 7
percent complain about it daily. It occurs when sufficient amounts of acid and
stomach contents reboun... |
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A variety of medical problems can affect your appetite. Your illness,
medications, or surgery can cause these problems. Many patients become
frustrated when they know that they need to eat to get well but they aren't
hungry, or when they gain weight bec... |
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Preventing and managing your heartburn
You can get relief and prevent heartburn by making changes in your
diet and lifestyle. The first things to try are the following:
Don't go to bed with a full stomach. Eat meals at least 2
to 3 hours bef... |
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What is upper endoscopy?
Upper endoscopy is a routine, outpatient procedure in which the inside of
the upper digestive system is examined.
The procedure is commonly used to help identify the causes of:
Abdominal or chest pain
Nausea and vomiting... |
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Various lifestyle and dietary factors can contribute to heartburn by:
increasing the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter; allowing it to open; increasing the amount of acid in the stomach;
increasing stomach pressure; or by making the esophagu... |
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