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Acid Reflux - gerd
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
(GERD, Acid Reflux)
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MEDICINENET
A comprehensive forum that covers such topics as:
What is GERD (acid reflux)?
What causes GERD?
What are the symptoms of uncomplicated GERD?
What are the complications of GERD?
How is GERD diagnosed and evaluated?
How is GERD treated?
http://www.medicinenet.com/gastroesophageal_reflux_disease_gerd/article.htm
EMEDICINE
Emergency Care & Consumer Health
Topics Related to Reflux Disease (GERD)
Anatomy of the Digestive System
Asthma
Barium Swallow
Cancer of the Esophagus
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) FAQs
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Heartburn
Hiatal Hernia
Laryngitis
Understanding Heartburn/GERD Medications
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/reflux_disease_gerd/article_em.htm
Suggestions & Information - acid reflux
ACID REFLUX--INTERVIEW WITH AN MD
Glenn E. Peters, M.D.
Director, Division of Otolaryngology
Head and Neck Surgery
University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
Q. Doctor, in our meetings, there has been some discussion about why we can't bend over after eating and drinking because liquids and even some foods will run back up the esophagus. Please explain what has been done that creates this problem and if we need to adapt ourselves because it will always be that way?
A. Let's talk about this reflux thing for a minute. Under normal circumstances, there are two muscular bands or sphincters in the esophagus which prevent reflux. One is located where the esophagus joins the stomach and the other is located behind the larynx at the beginning of the esophagus in the neck. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) often becomes compromised when there is a hiatal hernia, a condition resulting from a weakness in the diaphragm which allows the stomach to slip up from the abdomen into the lower chest cavity. When this happens you get what is known as gastroesophageal reflux--the condition we all hear so much about in the media these days. The other sphincter, the cricopharyngeus or the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) prevents things from coming up the esophagus into the throat and mouth. This muscular ring takes its origin from the lower part of the larynx, a part called the cricoid cartilage. But guess what--you ain't got one no more since your cricoid was taken out when your larynx was removed. This leaves the upper part of your esophagus sort of flaccid and always open and this could result in the reflux of stomach contents up into your throat and mouth. About 80% of the general adult population has a hiatal hernia. So if you have a hiatal hernia and, in addition, have had a laryngectomy then you get a double whammy.
So what's a guy/girl to do? Gastroesophageal reflux is usually managed with medicine to stop the stomach from making acid, along with dietary and lifestyle modifications. Severe cases may require surgery to keep the stomach from slipping up into the chest. Taking care of reflux from the UES is more problematic, however. Simply knowing that this is a problem and its cause are probably the most important things. Avoid bending over when you have a full stomach after meals. You may also might try reducing the size of each individual meal and eat four or five times a day instead of the usual three. (From HeadLines newsletter)
COMMENT
Over the years since my larynx cancer was found, the thoughts on this have changed and expanded to many causes of larynx cancer and ONE of the big reasons is GERD, or basically, acid reflux.
If you have indigestion or acid washing up from your stomach into your throat (GERD), talk with your doctor. If you had this before your surgery, it will probably be more of a problem after. He may prescribe a medication that will help to reduce the acid. Raising the head of your bed with blocks under the frame or using a wedge pillow on the bed can help to prevent the night time reflux. After a meal, avoid bending over, exercising, or lying down and let food and drink settle before bedtime.
Pat S. AL
SUGGESTIONS from members FOR CONTROL OF REFLUX
1. In addition to the one-a-day prescription medications that do an excellent job of controlling reflux, it is a good idea to wait an hour after eating before lying down. After a laryngectomy, we are much more susceptible to stomach contents coming back up the esophagus if we lean over or assume a horizontal position. Since the upper esophageal sphincter is often weakened or missing, there is nothing to stop this reflux from coming up into the throat, so allowing time for the stomach to empty is helpful.
Tip of the Month...If you are having problems with reflux at night, try raising the head of your bed by several inches and don't eat or drink anything right before bedtime. You'll sleep better.
2. A drug a lot of us take, Omeprazole (generic), is a proton pump inhibitor which reduces acid to keep reflux from putting acid in your throat. It is not a cancer cure, but could be considered as a possible cancer prevention medication. It is regarded as safe to take and 1 a day would not be out of line in preventing acid from washing up to irritate cancerous or pre-cancerous tissues.
3. Anytime your throat is smaller, be it from surgery, swelling, irritation, acid reflux, yeast, whatever is causing the swallowing passage to be smaller, your usual gulp will not all go down .and you sealed off the back of the mouth as you swallowed, so it comes back up to the only place it can, through the nostrils.To help this, get a straw and use it to sip liquids. Sip some while you are chewing and mix the food so it doesn't jam up the passage. Swallow small amounts and be sure one is down before the next one comes after it.
Many of us learn to eat a little slower and sip, not gulp. Some also have it intermittently and adjust during bad times such as allergy season. Sinus drainage and allergies can cause irritation that is temporary. Acid reflux has caused mine to swell and make me have to be careful and reminded me to get back on Prilosec or the equivalent.
Pat S. AL
4. I use my recliner very often, and have wedge shape pillow etc. I use them because of the ACID REFLUX which I have since this surgery.
Antal K. FL
5. I was having trouble with a leaking prosthesis within a week to 6 weeks of insertion. They gave me Nystatin and Prevacid for acid reflux. I have had this prosthesis in now for 7 or 8 months. I had no indication that I had acid reflux but this has taken care of me
Gary S. VA
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