Health Expert Todd Eisner shares health management news and commentary at HealthCentral.com. HealthCentral.com is one of the top health destinations on the Web, with more than 35 condition-specific, wellness and general health Web properties. http://www.healthcentral.com/profiles/c/66/index http://www.healthcentral.com/profiles/c/66/rss self application/xml en-us 15 120 19 http://www.healthcentral.com/images/hc_logo_sm.gif http://www.healthcentral.com/profiles/c/66/index http://www.healthcentral.com/acid-reflux/c/66/57470/endoscopy-ulcer Thu, 29 Jan 2009 13:08:00 -0500 Todd Eisner I just got back from a Caribbean cruise on which I went to the bathroom and had watery, black stools. I was rushed to St Maarten Hospital and had an endoscopy where I was told that I had an ulcer in my stomach but that I needed to have another endoscopy when I got back to the United States. If I had an ulcer, why do I need another endoscopy?   While this question is hard to answer without knowing more details, in general, all stomach... http://www.healthcentral.com/acid-reflux/c/66/57470/endoscopy-ulcer http://www.healthcentral.com/acid-reflux/c/66/57437/risks-dilatations Thu, 29 Jan 2009 11:00:00 -0500 Todd Eisner My GERD has caused a narrowing in my esophagus that has caused difficulty swallowing, especially solids. I have undergone a few dilatations of my esophagus which has improved my symptoms. How often can I have the procedure, and does the risk increase each time?   While there is certainly a risk of perforation with a dilatation of the esophagus, that risk is very low. Some patients with narrowing of the esophagus require dilatation once... http://www.healthcentral.com/acid-reflux/c/66/57437/risks-dilatations http://www.healthcentral.com/acid-reflux/c/66/57432/authorizations Thu, 29 Jan 2009 10:58:00 -0500 Todd Eisner Insurance company authorization of medications can be challenging for both patients and physicians. Proton pump inhibitors, because of their cause are commonly affected. Thankfully, because there are generic and over the counter proton pump inhibitors available, there are options. You should check with your insurance company to see what proton pump inhibitors would be covered twice a day.   If none of the brand name medications are,... http://www.healthcentral.com/acid-reflux/c/66/57432/authorizations http://www.healthcentral.com/acid-reflux/c/66/57427/endoscopy Thu, 29 Jan 2009 10:55:00 -0500 Todd Eisner I have GERD as well as chronic anemia for which I take iron. My symptoms have been stable, however recently I experienced worsening in my symptoms, as well as dark stools. I last had an endoscopy a few years ago and everything was OK. Do I need another one?   There are many reasons why you may be having a worsening of your reflux symptoms, most commonly would be esophagitis. Perhaps there have been dietary indiscretions, or perhaps you... http://www.healthcentral.com/acid-reflux/c/66/57427/endoscopy http://www.healthcentral.com/acid-reflux/c/66/54694/answers-questions Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:06:00 -0500 Todd Eisner I recently reached menopause and was started on hormone replacement therapy and have noticed an increase in heartburn. Is there any relation?   It has long been known, that when women are pregnant, they have an increase in symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms. While some of this is due to the increase in intra-abdominal pressure related to the growing fetus, there is even an increase during the first trimester. This is felt to be... http://www.healthcentral.com/acid-reflux/c/66/54694/answers-questions http://www.healthcentral.com/acid-reflux/c/66/53939/answers-questions Wed, 31 Dec 2008 09:28:23 -0500 Todd Eisner Can Ultram cause or worsen symptoms of GERD?   Ultram is a centrally acting pain relief medication that is commonly taken for chronic pain conditions, specifically back pain and arthritis. Ultram has many adverse effects, including gastrointestinal side effects of nausea, vomiting and constipation. These occur in 5-15% of patients taking Ultram. The effects are due to Ultram's decrease in gastrointestinal motility, slowing down... http://www.healthcentral.com/acid-reflux/c/66/53939/answers-questions http://www.healthcentral.com/acid-reflux/c/66/52413/answers-questions Fri, 19 Dec 2008 13:38:00 -0500 Todd Eisner What can I do to avoid having attacks of esophageal reflux this time of the year? With the holidays just around the corner, whether you have a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease or not, think twice about what and when you eat to avoid that uncomfortable feeling of heartburn. Most people are aware that caffeine-containing foods such as chocolate, fatty foods and spicy foods can induce reflux. Just as important, however, is the amount... http://www.healthcentral.com/acid-reflux/c/66/52413/answers-questions http://www.healthcentral.com/acid-reflux/c/66/48526/answers-questions Wed, 12 Nov 2008 16:42:00 -0500 Todd Eisner I have acid reflux and I am concerned about undergoing anesthesia for an upcoming procedure. Am I at increased risk of aspiration?   While acid reflux disease does increase the risk of aspiration in patients undergoing anesthesia, as long as your reflux is controlled you should be okay. While you should check with your surgeon, who in turn may want to check with the anesthesiologist, it will be best to take your reflux meds the morning of... http://www.healthcentral.com/acid-reflux/c/66/48526/answers-questions http://www.healthcentral.com/acid-reflux/c/66/45835/answers-questions Wed, 22 Oct 2008 11:54:00 -0400 Todd Eisner My newborn baby has been spitting up and vomiting a lot after feeding. Is this a sign of reflux, and what can be done?   Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease in an infant may include burping, frequent spitting up or non-projectile vomiting, frequent night waking, poor weight gain, difficulty swallowing and sudden, inconsolable crying. Unless the infant shows signs of poor growth, severe choking, or lung disease, it is rarely... http://www.healthcentral.com/acid-reflux/c/66/45835/answers-questions http://www.healthcentral.com/acid-reflux/c/66/44291/reflux-pregnancy Wed, 22 Oct 2008 08:58:00 -0400 Todd Eisner Gastroesophageal reflux disease occurs in up to 50% of pregnant women. As in the non-pregnant patients, reflux occurs when there is a decrease in lower esophageal sphincter pressure or an increase in intra-abdominal pressure. The two major factors that promote gastroesophageal reflux in pregnant women are changes in hormones and the growing fetus. Changes in levels of estrogen and progesterone result in a decrease in the lower esophageal... http://www.healthcentral.com/acid-reflux/c/66/44291/reflux-pregnancy