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Defining Acid Reflux and
Indigestion
Have you heard of acid reflux? You likely have. You might even
think you might be suffering from it yourself. There are many symptoms and signs that go along with
acid reflux and indigestion. The best source you can have is your doctor. However if you are
interested in doing the research yourself, you can find a wealth of material on the Web on acid
reflux and indigestion. Take a look at how most people define acid reflux and indigestion and think
about if you need to discuss your symptoms further with your medical
professional.
When you start talking about acid reflux, the word GERD might
pop up as well. GERD, which is short for gastroesophageal reflux disease, is when the acid from
your stomach is regurgitated into your esophagus. This can create a bad taste in your mouth, a
burning sensation in your throat, and more. The process associated with GERD is very harmful.
Although many people choose to simply live with the unpleasant effects, there are things that can
be complicated when you deal with GERD over a long period of time.
One of the complications can be erosion of the esophagus. This
can lead to Barrett’s disease or other problems with your esophagus. In addition, your esophagus
can stay corroded and bothered which is called esophagitis.
The thing to remember about acid reflux is that it can and
should be treated. If you choose not to treat it, you should know it will not go away and might
even get worse. You should take your medication as directed to control your symptoms and keep
complications from arising.
Indigestion
Indigestion is often grouped into the same category with acid
reflux however they are not exactly the same things. Those with indigestion can also have acid
reflux. Indigestion is often seen as being a milder form in fact. However, most people will
indigestion will experience different symptoms.
Some of the common symptoms of those with indigestion are gassy episodes, discomfort in the chest
and neck area, and nausea. While the symptoms can feel similar, the causes are often different as
well. One of the main reasons people feel indigestion is because of their eating habits.
One thing people with indigestion often do is eat too quickly. They may not give their food enough
time to go through the digestive system after each bite. So, you may want to take your time when
you eat to avoid the symptoms that go along with indigestion.
Another reason many people have indigestion is because they eat
too much at one time. If you tend to overeat, you will likely get indigestion. Try to eat half as
much as you typically do and see if your symptoms cease a bit.
The bad news is that both acid reflux and indigestion are both
bothersome conditions that can strongly affect your life. However, the good news is that the
symptoms can be treated through lifestyle changes and medication. So, attack your acid reflux and
indigestion head on and take control of your life again.
A surgical option for acid
reflux
Those with acid reflux know that the problem is one that will stay
with them for life. Caused by a lack of strength of the lower esophageal sphincter, acid reflux
causes harmful fluids to rise from the stomach into the esophagus, causing corrosive damage due to
the stomach acid found in the liquid. In addition to the possibility of developing serious health
conditions such as erosive esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus, and esophageal cancer, patients
afflicted with acid reflux have to deal with the agony of heartburn on a daily basis.
But all of that may change. There is a new surgical procedure that is
finding its way into clinics across the nation which may help to snuff out acid reflux for those
who undergo the surgery. Known as the Plicator procedure, this treatment option requires a mere
twenty minutes and is an outpatient procedure. Does it sound too good to be true? Here’s a simple
explanation of what exactly happens when one undergoes a Plicator procedure.
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The Plicator, which is a small electronic device, is placed
on the end of an endoscopy tube. Endoscopies are a simple procedure performed by doctors in
which a tube is lowered into the digestive tract via the mouth while the patient is in a
state of conscious sedation.
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The Plicator travels through the digestive tract until it
reaches the stomach. Once the Plicator is firmly in place in the stomach, it is maneuvered
so that it can grab the tissue that is located in between the stomach and the esophagus.
The Plicator then closes its arms, causing it to crimp the tissue. A single suture is
placed to secure the fold that was made by the Plicator.
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As a result, the area between the stomach and the esophagus
now has a much tighter opening. This can aid the lower esophageal sphincter in being able
to successfully open and close the passageway between the stomach and the esophagus.
That’s all there is to it! People who undergo
the procedure generally experience no ill effects, and can often return to regular levels of
activity the following day. Research studies were conducted at several institutes to help determine
the efficiency of the procedure when it comes to relieving heartburn. The studies showed that the
need for prescription heartburn medications was eliminated in 70 percent of all patients who
underwent the procedure! Also, 80 percent of all patients undergoing the surgery saw a lessened
amount of reflux post-procedure. After undergoing the surgery, patients are often advised to follow
a diet of soft foods for a few days while the suture sets.
The effects of the surgery can be seen almost
suddenly; within a few days of the surgery, most people are able to wane themselves off of their
heartburn medications. People who have the surgery performed commonly experience sore throats or
abdominal pain after the procedure, but these problems usually clear up within a few days. For more
information regarding the Plicator procedure, you can visit http://www.ndosurgical.com/patient_portal/plicator_procedure.htm
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