Acid Reflux or GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) affects 60% of the adult population in some way over a 12-month period. In the U.S. alone, $10 billion a year are spent on over the counter and prescription medications to help treat acid reflux. However, these medications only treat the symptoms of GERD, rather than addressing the root causes. That means that you could be stuck taking these medications forever if you have chronic acid reflux, and your condition would never improve.

These medications also carry some negative side effects that can impact other areas of health. Let’s look at some of the medications, how they work, and potential side effects.

Diagnosing GERD: How An Endoscopy Works

An endoscopy is a common non-surgical procedure in which a flexible tube with an attached light and camera is passed into a person’s digestive tract. This tube is called an endoscope, hence the term endoscopy.

When GERD is suspected in a patient, a gastroenterologist will typically perform an upper endoscopy. During this procedure, the endoscope is easily passed through the mouth and throat into the esophagus and stomach. The light and camera on the endoscope broadcast the images of your digestive tract onto a color monitor so the physician can view them in real time. This allows for the doctor to see any damage to the esophagus up close and assess the severity of the damage, as well as what may have caused it, quickly and easily.

AdminMay 19, 2017endoscopy, what is an endoscopy, diagnosing GERDComment

6 Signs It Might Be Time For Anti-Reflux Surgery

AdminMay 12, 2017acid reflux, gerd, treating acid reflux, acid reflux surgery, anti-reflux surgeryComment

What Happens If You Don't Treat GERD?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease—or GERD—is a condition that occurs when a weakened lower esophageal sphincter allows stomach acid to regularly back up into a person’s esophagus, causing uncomfortable symptoms that can interfere with his or her quality of life. GERD symptoms include heartburn, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, sore throats, acid reflux and more. If left untreated, GERD symptoms can transform from uncomfortable irritations to serious complications. Below are some risks associated with leaving your GERD untreated.

The Hidden Dangers Of PPI's

PPIs include such brand names as Prilosec, Prevacid, Protonix, and Nexium, and they are used very frequently because they are generally effective and most patients don’t experience side effects. Short-term side effects of PPIs can include headaches, nausea, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal discomfort.

However, as with most medications, even if the patient does not experience any short-term side effects, there can be side effects that occur with long-term use of the drug. These long-term side effects may be serious, and recent research has looked more closely at the dangers of PPIs that can accompany chronic usage of this class of drugs.

AdminApril 21, 2017GERD, acid reflux, PPIs, PPI medication, GERD and PPIs, dangers of ppisComment