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The Basics of GERD
<p>GERD occurs when the <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/glossaryl/g/LES.htm">lower esophageal sphincter</a> (LES) does not close properly and stomach contents reflux back up into the esophagus.</p>
<p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://heartburn.about.com/cs/heartburn101/a/hrtbrn_symptoms.htm">Heartburn</a> and acid regurgitation are the main <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/gerdacidrefluxdisease/qt/gerd_symptoms.htm">symptoms of GERD</a>, though some people with GERD don't experience any heartburn episodes. This is why it's important to know all the possible symptoms of GERD.</p>
<p>While the majority of doctors will prescribe a trial of acid-suppressive therapy, and make a diagnosis based on the patient's response to this, there are <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/diagnosingheartburn/qt/diagnostictests.htm">tests to diagnose GERD</a> a doctor may want to have performed.</p>
<p>Treatment for GERD will usually start with certain <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/goodfoodsbadfoods/tp/8-Ways-to-Prevent-Heartburn.htm">lifestyle modifications</a> and <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/goodfoodsbadfoods/qt/mealplanningtip.htm">dietary changes</a>. If you continue to have symptoms after these modifications, your physician will discuss with you the use of <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/antacid1/a/needantacid.htm">antacids</a>, <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/medsremedies/a/h2blockers.htm">H2 blockers</a>, and <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/medsremedies/a/protonpumpPPIs.htm">Proton Pump Inhibitors</a> (PPIs). If your physician and you decide a surgical option is needed, the most common surgical treatment for GERD is the <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/medicalprocedures/a/fundoplication.htm">fundoplications surgery</a>. Another procedure sometimes used in the treatment of GERD is the <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/medicalprocedures/a/radiofrequency.htm">radiofrequency treatment</a>.</p>
<p>When were you diagnosed with GERD? Please take a moment to answer in the poll below. If you would like to share your story on what symptoms led to your GERD diagnosis, you can do so <a href="http://heartburn.about.com/u/ua/gerdacidrefluxdisease/gerdsymptomsledtodoctor.htm" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
Hiatal Hernia Basics
<p>A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach pushes through an opening in the diaphragm, and up into the chest. This opening is called a esophageal hiatus or diaphragmatic hiatus.</p>
<p><!---rss---> Approximately 50 percent of hiatal hernia patients don't experience any symptoms. For the other 50 percent of patients, the these <a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/hiatalhern2/qt/herniasymptoms.htm" target="_blank">hiatal hernia symptoms</a> may occur. There are a number of contributing factors that can cause hiatal hernias. While some patients with a hernia hernia may also have GERD, GERD doesn't cause a hiatal hernia.</p>
<p>Various tests can be used to diagnose a hiatal hernia, though the tests most often used are the <a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/diagnosingheartburn/a/bariumxray.htm" target="_blank">barium x-ray</a> and the <a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/diagnosingheartburn/a/upperendoscopy.htm" target="_blank">upper endoscopy</a>. After the presence of a hernia is diagnosed, the treatment will vary by patient. As mentioned above, approximately 50% of patients with a hiatal hernia won't experience any symptoms, and may not require any special treatment. For those who do experience symptoms, which are usually heartburn related, they can discuss with their doctor the <a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/goodfoodsbadfoods/tp/8-Ways-to-Prevent-Heartburn.htm" target="_blank">lifestyle modifications</a>, the <a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/goodfoodsbadfoods/qt/mealplanningtip.htm" target="_blank">dietary changes</a>, and any medications (such as <a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/antacid1/a/needantacid.htm" target="_blank">antacids</a>, <a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/medsremedies/a/h2blockers.htm" target="_blank">H2 blockers</a>, or <a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/medsremedies/a/protonpumpPPIs.htm" target="_blank">proton pump inhibitors</a>) that may be needed.</p>
<p>In some cases, such as when complications occur with a <a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/hiatalhern2/a/paraesophhernia.htm" target="_blank">paraesophageal hiatal hernia</a>, surgery may be needed. This type of surgery is commonly done as a laparoscopic procedure.</p>
Peptic Ulcer Basics
<p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://heartburn.about.com/cs/articles/a/Peptic_Ulcers.htm">Peptic ulcers</a> can cause a variety of <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/pepticulcers/qt/ulcersymptoms.htm">symptoms</a>, and these vary from patient to patient. Some patients with ulcers have minimal, unusual, or even no symptoms at all. Others may have every symptom. This is why it is very important to consult your doctor if you have any concerns.</p>
<p> <p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://heartburn.about.com/b/2012/01/23/peptic-ulcer-basics.htm">Read Full Post</a></p><p style="background:#f5f3ef;border: 1px solid #d5d0bf;clear:both;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://heartburn.about.com/b/2012/01/23/peptic-ulcer-basics.htm">Peptic Ulcer Basics</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://heartburn.about.com/">About.com Heartburn / GERD</a> on Monday, January 23rd, 2012 at 09:00:43.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://heartburn.about.com/b/2012/01/23/peptic-ulcer-basics.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://heartburn.about.com/b/2012/01/23/peptic-ulcer-basics.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://heartburn.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://heartburn.about.com/b/2012/01/23/peptic-ulcer-basics.htm&zItl=Peptic Ulcer Basics">Email this</a></p>
Preventing Stress-Related Heartburn
<p>While stress hasn't been linked directly to heartburn, it is known that it can lead to behaviors that can trigger heartburn. During stressful times, routines are disrupted and people may not follow their normal routines in regards to meals, exercise, and medication. More than half of people who suffer frequent heartburn say a hectic lifestyle and work-related stress increases their heartburn.</p>
<p>It is important to find ways to alleviate the stress, and thus make stress-related heartburn less likely. Following the relaxation tips at <a href="http://heartburn.about.com/cs/prevention/a/hrtburn_stress.htm" target="_blank">Managing Stress to Ease the Heartburn</a> can help.</p>
<p><strong>Related Information on Preventing Heartburn:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/goodfoodsbadfoods/tp/8-Ways-to-Prevent-Heartburn.htm" target="_blank">8 Quick Ways to Prevent Heartburn</a></li>
<li><a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/goodfoodsbadfoods/qt/mealplanningtip.htm" target="_blank">Meal Planning Tips for Preventing Heartburn</a></li>
<li><a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/preventingheartburn/a/tipsnighthrtbrn.htm" target="_blank">Preventing Nighttime Heartburn</a></li>
<li><a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/preventingheartburn/a/pregnancyhrtbrn.htm" target="_blank">Preventing Heartburn During Pregnancy</a></li>
<li><a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/acidrefluxcomplications/a/prevent_complic.htm" target="_blank">6 Steps to Preventing Heartburn-Related Complications</a></li>
<li><a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/preventingheartburn/f/How-Can-I-Exercise-Without-Heartburn.htm" target="_blank">How to Exercise Without Heartburn</a></li>
<li><a href="http://heartburn.about.com/cs/prevention/a/hrtburn_alcohol.htm" target="_blank">How Alcohol Can Cause Heartburn</a></li>
<li><a href="http://heartburn.about.com/cs/prevention/a/hrtburn_smoking.htm" target="_blank">How Smoking Can Cause Heartburn</a></li>
</ul>
Heartburn Resolutions -- 2012
<p><img class="alignright" src="http://0.tqn.com/h/heartburn/1/9/-/H/2012.jpg" alt="photo by pedjami (stock.xchng)" />The beginning of a new year has always been a time we reflect on the changes we want or need to make. It is a time we make resolutions for change, and resolve to follow through on those changes. If you are thinking about making some changes in the coming new year on how you approach the care and treatment of your heartburn, these <a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/understandingheartburn/tp/hrtbrnresolutions.htm" target="_blank">heartburn resolutions</a> will make a good start.</p>
<p><strong>Related Information:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/goodfoodsbadfoods/tp/8-Ways-to-Prevent-Heartburn.htm" target="_blank">Quick Tips for Preventing Heartburn</a></li>
<li><a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/goodfoodsbadfoods/l/bl_hrtbrnrecord.htm" target="_blank">Keeping a Heartburn Record</a></li>
<li><a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/goodfoodsbadfoods/qt/mealplanningtip.htm" target="_blank">Meal Planning Tips for Preventing Heartburn</a></li>
<li><a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/goodfoodsbadfoods/a/foodscausereflx.htm" target="_blank">Why Some Foods Cause Heartburn</a></li>
<li><a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/goodfoodsbadfoods/bb/heartburneatout.htm" target="_blank">Eating Out Without Heartburn</a></li>
<li><a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/preventingheartburn/a/tipsnighthrtbrn.htm" target="_blank">Preventing Nighttime Heartburn</a></li>
</ul>
Connection Between Rising Obesity and 50% Increase in Acid Reflux Sufferers
<p>A new study is showing evidence that as obesity increases around the world, the number of people suffering from acid reflux is also increasing.</p>
<p>Dr. Eivind Ness-Jensen, from the HUNT Research Center's Department of Public Health and General Practice at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Levanger, is leading a group of researchers who are finding that the prevalence of acid reflux (<a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/gerdacidrefluxdisease/a/knowaboutgerd.htm" target="_blank">gastroesphageal reflux disease</a>, or GERD) has increased by nearly 50% in the past 10 years. The research is showing that the increasing number of people who are obese is the "main attributable factor," Ness-Jensen said.</p>
<p>"It's purely mechanical in one way. Added weight increases the pressure between the stomach and esophagus," forcing stomach acid back up, Ness-Jensen said. "There's an increasing weight in the population. That's probably the most important factor."</p>
<p>More on the <a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/whatcausesheartburn/f/overweightcauseheartburn.htm" target="_blank">connection between obesity and acid reflux</a>.</p>
<p>Significant points brought out in the research, which was data collected on nearly 30,000 participants from 1995 to 2009, included:</p>
<ul>
<li>GERD symptoms are associated with <a href="http://heartburn.about.com/cs/articles/a/esophaguscancer.htm" target="_blank">adenocarcinoma (cancer) of the lower esophagus</a>, and this cancer is increasing.</li>
<li>Both men and women of all ages experienced an increase in GERD symptoms</li>
<li>The most severe symptoms were mostly among middle-aged people</li>
<li>Those least likely to have GERD were women under 40, but women were more likely to develop the condition as they aged</li>
<li>Severe symptoms were seen mostly in those aged 60 to 69</li>
</ul>
<p>You can read an <a href="http://gut.bmj.com/content/early/2011/12/15/gutjnl-2011-300715.abstract?sid=0cfd7405-e391-45b2-81a4-dac9f1e51f14" target="_blank">abstract of this study</a> in the online journal GUT</p>
<p><strong>Related Resources:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/whatcausesheartburn/f/overweightcauseheartburn.htm" target="_blank">Overweight and the Risk of Acid Reflux</a></li>
<li><a href="http://heartburn.about.com/cs/articles/a/esophaguscancer.htm" target="_blank">Esophageal Cancer</a></li>
<li><a href="http://heartburn.about.com/cs/longtimesufferer/a/a051103.htm" target="_blank">Barrett's Esophagus</a></li>
<li><a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/gerdacidrefluxdisease/a/knowaboutgerd.htm" target="_blank">What You Need to Know About Gastroesphageal Reflux Disease</a></li>
</ul>
Share Your Favorite Heartburn Friendly Recipes
<p>We all like creating recipes and sharing them with others. Now is your opportunity to share with others any recipes you have either adapted to be heartburn free or newly created by yourself.</p>
<p>In this <a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/heartburnfreerecipes/tp/Share-Your-Favorite-Heartburn-Free-Recipes.htm" target="_blank"><em>Share Your Favorite Heartburn Friendly Recipes</em></a> article, you can select one of more categories to submit your recipes to. Share with others your favorite recipes that you have created or adapted that are heartburn free for you.</p>
<p><strong>Related Resources:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://heartburn.about.com/cs/dietfood/a/heartburnfoods1.htm">Safe Foods for Heartburn Sufferers</a></li>
<li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://heartburn.about.com/cs/dietfood/a/heartburnfoods2.htm">Foods Okay in Moderation</a></li>
<li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://heartburn.about.com/cs/dietfood/a/heartburnfoods3.htm">Foods Heartburn Sufferers Should Avoid</a></li>
<li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/goodfoodsbadfoods/a/foodscausereflx.htm">Why Certain Foods Can Cause Heartburn</a></li>
<li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/goodfoodsbadfoods/qt/mealplanningtip.htm">Meal Planning Tips to Prevent Heartburn</a></li>
<li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/goodfoodsbadfoods/qt/schoollunches.htm">Heartburn-free School Lunches</a></li>
</ul>
Holiday Tips for Children with GERD
<p>Despite the delights holiday feasts can bring, for many children with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), this may not be a happy dining experience for them. Avoiding foods that can trigger heartburn symptoms is important for the management of pediatric GERD, but it can be difficult because of the many rich traditional holiday foods served. Parents can still make holiday dining enjoyable for their children with these <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/preventingheartburn/a/gerdkidsholiday.htm">heartburn-prevention tips</a>.</p>
Preventing Heartburn at Holiday Parties
<p>The holidays are filled with feasts and festivities -- and sometimes heartburn, too. <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://heartburn.about.com/od/preventingheartburn/a/hrtbrn_parties.htm">Here's how to avoid holiday heartburn</a>.</p>
<p>During the holidays, and anytime during the year, it's important to <a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/goodfoodsbadfoods/a/foodscausereflx.htm" target="_blank">avoid the foods that can cause heartburn</a>, learn how to <a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/preventingheartburn/bb/nightheartburn.htm" target="_blank">prevent nighttime heartburn</a>, and follow other <a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/goodfoodsbadfoods/tp/8-Ways-to-Prevent-Heartburn.htm" target="_blank">methods of preventing heartburn</a> each day. And while this season is joyful, it can also be stressful. While stress doesn't directly cause heartburn, it can have an affect, so learn about <a href="http://heartburn.about.com/cs/prevention/a/hrtburn_stress.htm" target="_blank">heartburn and stress and how to relax</a>.</p>
Creating Your Acid Reflux Diet
<p>There is a significant amount of debate going on between researchers and other professionals as to whether certain foods can cause heartburn. Granted, if you don't have an underlining condition that leaves you open to chronic heartburn, what you eat may not be a big deal. But if you are like me, there are certain foods that will trigger heartburn.</p>
<p>Over the last couple of decades I've learned what my food triggers are, and what foods are safe for me to eat. If you are still struggling with the whole food / heartburn link, or if you want to know how you can help your friend or loved one suffering from chronic heartburn, you can use this <a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/goodfoodsbadfoods/tp/Acid-Reflux-Diet.htm" target="_blank">acid reflux diet guide</a> to help you get started with creating your heartburn free diet.</p>
<p><strong>Related Resources:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/goodfoodsbadfoods/l/bl_hrtbrnrecord.htm" target="_blank">Heartburn Diary</a></li>
<li><a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/goodfoodsbadfoods/a/foodscausereflx.htm" target="_blank">Why Some Foods Cause Heartburn</a></li>
<li><a href="http://heartburn.about.com/cs/dietfood/a/heartburnfoods1.htm" target="_blank">Foods Least Likely to Cause Heartburn</a></li>
<li><a href="http://heartburn.about.com/od/heartburnfreerecipes/tp/Acid-Reflux-Recipes.htm" target="_blank">Acid Reflux Recipes</a></li>
</ul>
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