Acid Reflux and the Risk of Ulcers

You probably spend more time thinking about your stomach -- what to feed it, when to feed it, how to keep it from sticking out so much -- than any other organ. A minor problem with another part of your body might go unnoticed, but when there?s something wrong with your stomach, you know it immediately.

Consequently, ailments like acid reflux and ulcers get a lot of attention. They?re sort of ?Everyman? diseases, striking old and young, rich and poor, many times regardless of lifestyle (though some lifestyle choices can make them worse). Since both acid reflux and ulcers are caused by acid, it?s natural to think one will inevitably lead to the other. But that?s not necessarily the case.

You see, acid reflux is the result of acid from the stomach rising up into the esophagus. This can happen because the stomach is over-full and the acid is forced upward, or because there?s been some damage to the sphincter that separates the stomach from the esophagus. Contrary to popular belief, acid reflux does NOT happen because the stomach has produced too much acid. The amount of acid is irrelevant. It?s the fact that the acid is bubbling up into the esophagus, where it doesn?t belong, that?s the problem.

Ulcers, on the other hand, are usually caused by infection from a bacterium called H. pylori. It?s commonly believed that ulcers are the product of stress, but that?s a myth. Stress can make the symptoms worse, or make the sufferer more aware of the symptoms, but stress does not cause the ulcer out of nowhere. You could be the most stressed-out person in the world and you?d never get an ulcer if it weren?t for that H. pylori bacterium or some other specific ulcer-causing substance.

So while ulcers and acid reflux both involve stomach acid, their causes -- and thus their treatments -- are very different. Having acid reflux will not cause you to get an ulcer, too. If you have both, treating the ulcer infection will take care of that problem, but it will do nothing for the acid reflux. That?ll require its own separate treatment.

As with so many health problems, both ulcers and acid reflux can often be prevented through healthy diet and exercise. For acid reflux, it?s important to avoid over-eating and eating fatty foods. Don?t lie down right after a big meal, so eat meals early in the evening to give your food a chance to digest before bedtime. Remember that chocolate and peppermint (among other foods) can trigger reflux, as can alcohol, caffeine and tobacco. Losing excess weight and exercising regularly can also do wonders for preventing reflux.

Most of those precautions work for ulcers, too. In addition, aspirin and ibuprofen can cause ulcers, so taking those drugs as sparingly as possible may help prevent them. And get this: People with type O blood are 35 percent more likely to get ulcers than people with other types. So if you?re an O, you would do well to take extra precautions.

Ultimately, there is little connection between ulcers and acid reflux other than the fact that they both have to do with stomach acid. Luckily, a healthy lifestyle can reduce the chances of getting either ailment, and there are adequate treatments available in case your precautions fail. For the most part, if you take care of your stomach, your stomach will take care of you.

Kathryn Whittaker has an interest in Acid Reflux. For further information on Acid Reflux please visit Acid Reflux or Acid Reflux Symptoms

Fighting Acid Reflux With Prilosec

Prilosec is the trademark brand name for omeprazole, an antacid drug that suppresses or decreases the amount of gastric acid secreted in the stomach. Prilosec is used for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), including duodenal and gastric ulcers. By blocking an enzyme in the stomach wall that stimulates the secretion of gastric juices, Prilozec reduces the amount of such acid from being pulsed into the esophageal passage in a reflux reaction. It is generally thought that an overabundance of acid in the stomach will contribute to the acid reflux, as will obesity, pregnancy, or the wearing of tight fitting clothes. Therefore, a reduced quantity of acid sent up to the esophagus should cause less damage or irritation.

To fight acid reflux with Prilosec, look out for such symptoms as burning discomfort in the chest, difficulty in swallowing, and chronic chest pain. If you have heartburn more than once per week, you become more susceptible in contracting GERD; and so a course of treatment with Prilosec is advised. However, an occasional heartburn is not an uncommon thing and does not pose any risk of getting GERD.

Prilosec is not a prescription drug and so is readily available over the counter. Still, Prilosec is meant primarily for people who have frequent heartburns, such as getting it 2 to 3 times a week.

Do not overdose on Prilosec. While it is generally true that high acidity in the stomach can lead to acid reflux, the opposite is ironically true as well. A lack of acid in the stomach can also prevent the stomach's exit valve to the small intestine from opening up. Instead, the contents in the stomach get to roll back up to the esophagus, and what little acid present may still cause irritation. For Prilosec, one pill a day is enough to relieve heartburn for up to 24 hours, and this is part of a recommended 14-day course of therapy. This Prilosec treatment may be repeated once every 4 months if necessary, but not more than that. When undergoing a course of treatment, do not stop taking Prilosec even when you start to feel better. Your symptoms have improved and that's a good thing, but the condition still exists and so you need to carry through with the full length of treatment before this condition is considered as fully treated. If the heartburn condition does not improve or even worsen, you would need to consult with your doctor. However, this is not the only time you seek out your doctor.

As with all medicines, OTC or not, before taking Prilosec, always let your doctor know if you have any instance of painful swallowing, difficulty in swallowing, vomiting blood, and bloody or black stools. Furthermore, if you have heartburn that has lasted three months or longer, or experience heartburn combined with wheezing, arm pain, jaw pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, chest pain, dizziness, lightheadedness, or sweating, make sure you let your doctor know before taking Prilosec.

Contact your physician if you experience frequent chest pains, inexplicable weight loss, vomiting, nausea, or stomach pain while taking the medication.

Disclaimer: The information above should not be interpreted as medical advice. Please talk to a qualified professional for more information about Prilosec.

This information concerning Prilosec sent here by Heather Colman from: prilosec-shoppe.info

Acid Reducers in the Treatment of Acid Reflux

Acid Reflux (gastro-esophageal reflux disease) is a very common disorder that involves the regurgitation of the stomach inside the esophagus. The disorder produces symptoms such as heartburn, throat inflammation and pain, difficulty swallowing and difficulty breathing. Some people experience sporadic symptoms of acid reflux, which tend to intensify after meals and during the night. However, most acid reflux disease sufferers may experience ongoing, persistent symptoms. People who are confronted with acid reflux on a frequent time basis are very exposed to the development of serious complications such as Barrett's esophagus and even esophageal cancer. In order to keep the disorder under control and to avoid further complications, people with chronic forms of acid reflux need an appropriate medication treatment.

The treatment of acid reflux includes medications that normalize the stomach's production of gastric acid. Considering the fact that most cases of acid reflux involve overproduction of digestive fluids and pepsin at the level of the stomach, the treatment of gastro-esophageal reflux disease is very similar to the treatment of ulcer or gastritis.

The most common medications used in the treatment of acid reflux are antacids. Although they provide rapid symptomatic relief for acid reflux sufferers, these medications also have some minuses. Antacids have limited action and they can only act to temporarily control the acidity of the stomach. Also, they are not strong enough to ameliorate acid reflux symptoms in more serious forms of the disorder.

Unlike other acid reflux medications, acid reducers (also known as H2 receptor antagonists or H2 blockers) have proved to be more effective in decreasing the intensity and the frequency of heartburn and other specific manifestations of gastro-esophageal disease. Strong acid reducers can only be purchased with medical prescription, while less strong types of acid reducers are also available in nonprescription forms. While the effects of antacids are diminished after only 2-3 hours, a single dose of acid reducers can prevent the occurrence of acid reflux during the entire day.

Acid reducers can be used either in short-term or long-term medical treatments. The most commonly prescribed acid reducer is ranitidine. This medication is effective in overcoming non-complicated forms of acid reflux disease. A 6-week course of ranitidine can completely eliminate the symptoms of acid reflux for most people with the disorder. For people with more serious forms of gastro-esophageal disease, doctors may prescribe cimetidine or famotidine. Acid reducers have mild side-effects that are usually perceived by people who follow ongoing treatment with such medications. Long-term use of acid reducers can produce headache, fatigue, vomiting, nausea, constipation or diarrhea. These side-effects disappear after reducing the dose of medications or after temporarily interrupting the treatment.

It is important to note that acid reducers aren't appropriate for all acid reflux sufferers. Patients with esophagitis or Barrett's esophagus don't usually respond to treatments with acid reducers. For this category of people, doctors may prescribe proton pump inhibitors, medications that temporarily block the stomach's production of gastric acid.

If you want to find great information about many acid reflux subjects like acid reflux symptoms, acid reflux treatment or many more please visit us at http://www.acid-reflux-info-guide.com .

All About Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is scientifically known as GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). It is a disease characterized by the abnormal reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus resulting to chronic symptoms or mucosal damage.

Acid reflux is often caused by temporary or permanent alterations in the lining that separates the esophagus and the stomach. Ineffectiveness of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) or a temporary LES relaxation connected with a hiatal hernia are just some of the common causes of acid reflux. The process can also lead to a backflow of gastric juices to the pharynx or mouth.

Among adults, the most common symptom of acid reflux is heartburn which is caused by the presence of acid in the esophagus. Heartburn is characterized by a painful burning sensation behind the sternum or breastbone. Another symptom or manifestation of acid reflux is esophagitis which is characterized by an inflammation of the lining of the esophagus which is also known as the mucosal lining. Esophagitis also causes swallowing difficulties and chronic pains in the chest area.

Sometimes, individuals suffering from acid reflux may also experience coughing, persistent pain in the ears, hoarseness or a change in the voice and even sinusitis. If acid reflux gets complicated it may lead to formation of a stricture or ulcers in the esophagus. It may also lead to a condition called Barrett's esophagus and in worst cases, to cancer of the esophagus.

It doesn't mean however that a person who regularly suffers from heartburn is suffering from acid reflux. By all means, the heartburn may be from other causes. But if a person suffers from heartburn for more than once a week, then he or she is at a risk of acquiring acid reflux. Persons with hiatal hernia are also at a greater risk of developing acid reflux than those who are not.

The pain felt by persons suffering from heartburn is caused by the reflux of acid contents from the stomach to the esophagus. A pain in the chest area coming upwards the mouth.

Persons suffering from acid reflux may also experience tasting something sour or salty behind her throat. This is cause by regurgitation. This sour and salty taste may persist even without heartburn,

Other less common symptoms of acid reflux include difficulty swallowing, chest pain, halitosis or bad breath, repeated throat clearing and water brash or hyeprsecretion of saliva.

The symptoms of acid reflux in children are also the same as that on adults. Acid reflux in children may manifest in frequent spitting, throwing up repeatedly, coughing and other respiratory problems. Children suffering from acid reflux may also experience weight loss, frequent crying, loss of appetite and bad breath. Parents must remember though that children may show one or many symptoms. There is not one symptom that is always present in children with acid reflux.

The cause of acid reflux in children, especially in babies is their immature digestive system. This is why infants stop having acid reflux when they reach the first year of age. However, some children do not outgrow acid reflux. Some continue to suffer from the disease up to the teen years.

The best thing to do for parents of children suffering from acid reflux is to take the children to the doctor as soon as possible to avoid any complications.

Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides acid reflux resources on www.aboutacidreflux.info

Acid reflux chokes me awake at night

by Drew Harris http://www.acid-refluxsite.com

Acid reflux has forced me to suddenly wake up countless times, in a state of panic, choking on my own acid and gasping for breath.

Nothing can really describe the burning bile feeling, or the taste it leaves in your mouth as you try not to gag and throw-up. I have had to stick a pinch of toothpaste into my mouth and leave it there to try and cut the bile taste.

I was diagnosed with a hiatal hernia as a teenager, which may contribute to acid reflux. The burning acid had left me alone for most of my 20's. However, a high stress job and a subsequent gain in weight and lack of exercise brought the acid reflux back on with a vengeance in my 30's.

When I started having almost constant waves of heartburn and acid indigestion, sitting upright at my desk, I knew it was time to see the doctor.

At that time, I had never heard of acid reflux.

He told me that more than 60 million people suffer from frequent heartburn, acid indigestion or GERD (Gastroesophogeal Reflux Disease).

Acid reflux describes the regurgitation of acid back up the throat. It can also lead to more serious medical conditions that may require hospitalization.

My doctor explained this happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not close properly and stomach contents leak back, or reflux, into the esophagus. The LES is a ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus that acts like a valve between the esophagus and stomach. The esophagus carries food from the mouth to the stomach.

When refluxed stomach acid touches the lining of the esophagus, it causes a burning sensation in the chest or throat called heartburn. The fluid may even be tasted in the back of the mouth, which is called acid indigestion. Heartburn that occurs more than twice a week may be considered GERD, and it can eventually lead to more serious health problems.

When I finally went and saw my doctor, I was having almost constant heartburn and acid indigestion.

He further explained that symptoms are usually worse at night when the person is lying flat and acid flows easily from the stomach back up the esophagus.

Anyone, including infants, children, and pregnant women, can have GERD.

I was told to make some lifestyle and dietary changes. They included:

1. Using a wedge pillow to elevate my body at bedtime 2. Eating plenty of fiber and drinking lots of fluids. 3. Eating small meals and eating slowly. 4. Not lying down for at least 1-2 hours after eating. 5. Losing extra pounds. Added weight causes extra pressure on your stomach and can irritate symptoms. 6. Wearing loose clothing. Tightly fitting clothes put extra pressure on your stomach. 7. Not exercising for at least one hour after eating. 8. Avoiding the following: alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, chocolate, carbonated beverages, spices, fried and fatty foods, tomato products, citrus, and peppermint.

I am a non smoker and I don't drink that much. I do drink a fair bit of coffee however. The real culprit for me though has been drinking fruit juice of any kind before bed. When I have, my acid reflux has been significantly worse.

As I have made many of these changes to my lifestyle, I have seen some relief.

The elevated pillow works wonderfully. I have also started taking proton pump inhibitor medication, which reduces acid production in my stomach. I have been told surgery may be an option down the road.

Drew Harris owns and operates Acid-refluxsite.com, a one-stop-shop directory for those looking for information on acid reflux and its related issues. Multiple pages of resources, referrals and expert articles. http://acid-refluxsite.com