Sunday, October, 25, 2009

Gullet

Health Encyclopedia: Acid Reflux (Gerd) And The Esophagus

Introduction

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which acids from the stomach move backward into the esophagus (an action called reflux). Reflux occurs if the muscular actions in the esophagus or other protective mechanisms fail.

Click the icon to see an animation about heartburn.

The hallmark symptoms of GERD are:

Heartburn: a burning sensation in the chest and throat.
Regurgitation: a sensation of acid backed up in the esophagus.

Although acid is a primary factor in damage cau...

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Expert & Community Posts

Dr. Eisner Answers Your Questions Part 2

By Todd Eisner , Health Expert

...normally suits me. Is this something to do with the gullet being sensitive? I find it very... Read more »

Acid Reflux... and Cancer?

By Todd Eisner , Health Expert

Is there a potential relationship between acid reflux and cancer? The most significant... Read more »

New Treatment May Help Barrett's Esophagus

By Tracy Davenport , Health Expert

Barrett's esophagus can result from ongoing heartburn, which allows a constant splashing of acid... Read more »

Dr. Eisner Answers Your GERD Questions: Barrett's Esophagus

By Todd Eisner , Health Expert

I was a long-time sufferer with heartburn and was diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus a few years... Read more »

Barrett’s Esophagus: Endoscopic Surveillance and Treatment Options

By Todd Eisner , Health Expert

Q: I was diagnosed with Barrett's Esophagus a few years ago and have been feeling great on Prilosec... Read more »

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Health Guide

What is GERD? "

GERD is an acronym that stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease. GERD occurs when the protective mechanisms in the esophagus (the tube that runs from your mouth to your stomach) fail. The lower... Read more »

What are the symptoms of GERD?"

The hallmark GERD symptom is heartburn. This symptom of acid reflux involves a burning sensation in the mid-sternum area, thus the name heartburn. Another acid reflux disease symptom is... Read more »

How is GERD diagnosed or evaluated?"

A well-taken patient history is the first step to establishing a diagnosis of GERD. If the patient has the classic heartburn and regurgitation symptoms then a diagnosis of GERD can be made with a... Read more »

What are the risk factors and causes of GERD?"

GERD is one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal disorders. Nearly 7% of persons in the U.S. experience heartburn daily, 20% experience it monthly, and 60% experience it intermittently. Incidence... Read more »

Barrett's Esophagus

Barrett's esophagus (BE) is a serious condition in which changes occur in the cells that line the lower esophagus and cause the cells to become abnormal and precancerous. Barrett's esophagus is... Read more »

Images

Esophagus and stomach anatomy

Medications

Axid Oral Uses and How to Use

Nizatidine is used to treat ulcers of the stomach and intestines and prevent them from coming back... Read more »

Zantac Oral Uses and How to Use

Ranitidine is used to treat ulcers of the stomach and intestines and prevent them from returning... Read more »

Prilosec Oral Uses and How to Use

Omeprazole works by blocking acid production in the stomach. This medication is known as a proton... Read more »

Aciphex Oral Uses and How to Use

Rabeprazole works by blocking acid production in the stomach. This medication is known as a proton... Read more »

Tagamet Oral Uses and How to Use

Cimetidine is used to treat ulcers of the stomach and intestines and prevent them from coming... Read more »

View all commonly prescribed Medications »

Related News

Acid Reflux: Stopping Cancer Before it Starts

June 11, 2007

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. (Ivanhoe Broadcast News) -- More than 60 million Americans have acid reflux disease. It's not serious for most, but the condition... Read summary »

Surgery-Free Treatments for GERD

January 22, 2009

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Two non-surgical treatments may bring relief to patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The painful condition is... Read summary »

Freezing Away Cancer

September 14, 2007

BALTIMORE, Md. (Ivanhoe Broadcast News) -- Many people think of heartburn as something that's slightly uncomfortable. But for some people, it can... Read summary »

Statins May Prevent Blood Clots

November 13, 2008

Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Statins, which are drugs commonly used to lower cholesterol, may help prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or blood clots, a... Read summary »

Experimental treatment uses ice to treat Barrett's esophagus

October 02, 2008

According to researchers, a little ice may cool the pain of Barrett's esophagus. In a current study, researchers spray liquid nitrogen into an... Read summary »

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