If you have heartburn and reflux, you may be diagnosed with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). This happens when acid from your stomach comes up into the esophagus. This is a common condition, but it can be serious when left untreated.
Symptoms of GERD include frequent heartburn, nausea and trouble swallowing. They can also be accompanied by chest pain and cough. In severe cases, the esophagus can be damaged or ulcerated.
Diagnosis of GERD isn't always easy, but it's not impossible. Doctors use a variety of tests to help diagnose GERD and determine the best treatment for you.
The first thing a gastroenterologist does is ask you to describe your symptoms and what causes them. Your doctor can then do a physical exam to look at your neck, throat and stomach. Then your doctor will check the function of the lower esophageal sphincter, which is the valve between the esophagus and the stomach.
If the LES doesn't work well, food can travel back up into your esophagus, causing acid to be released. It's very common for this to happen after a large meal, but it can also occur when you lie down or are stressed.
Tests for GERD
The most common test doctors use to diagnose GERD is an acid reflux test. This is a simple, noninvasive procedure that involves drinking a liquid and then having x-rays taken. It won't detect mild irritation, but will detect problems such as a hiatal hernia and narrowing of the esophagus, which can cause GERD to worsen.
You may be given a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) to suppress stomach acid production, which is one of the most effective treatments for GERD. The PPIs lansoprazole and omeprazole have been shown to be more effective than antacids in treating chronic acid reflux.
Your doctor will also want to see how often you have symptoms, such as heartburn or regurgitation. Symptoms that are more than once a week may indicate you need to visit a gastroenterologist for further evaluation.
Medications for GERD
Your healthcare provider may prescribe medication, such as a PPI or a nitrate, to help relieve the symptoms of GERD. They may also suggest a lifestyle change, such as eating smaller meals with more frequent snacks.
Avoiding foods and drinks that make GERD worse can help. Those with GERD should reduce or eliminate the consumption of alcohol, chocolate, peppermint, caffeine and fatty or spicy foods. They should also avoid tight-fitting clothing, as this can put pressure on the lower esophageal ring and lead to reflux.
Prevention of GERD
A diet that helps prevent GERD includes avoiding large, heavy meals at least three times a day and reducing the amount of fat. You should also eat slowly and chew thoroughly.
If your GERD is severe, your doctor might suggest laparoscopic antireflux surgery or a LINX device implantation to strengthen the lower esophageal duct. These procedures are minimally invasive and can be used to treat people who don't respond to other medications.
FAQ
What is the difference?
A doctor is an individual who has completed his/her training and is licensed to practice medicine. A physician is a doctor who specializes in a particular area of medicine.
What does the term "health care" mean?
Providers of health care are those who provide services to maintain good mental and physical health.
What are you opinion on the most pressing issues in public health?
Many people are affected by obesity, diabetes and heart disease. These conditions result in more deaths per year than AIDS combined with car crashes and murders. Additionally, smoking, poor diet and inactivity can lead to high bloodpressure, stroke, asthma or other problems.
What are my options for immunizations in the United States?
Immunization refers to the stimulation of an immune response to vaccines. The body produces antibodies (immunoglobulins), to protect itself against infection after receiving the vaccine.
What are the health services?
Patients need to know that they are able to access quality healthcare at any hour. Whether you need an urgent appointment or a routine check-up, we're here to help.
There are many options for appointments. These include walk-in clinics and same-day surgery. We also offer emergency department visits and outpatient procedures. For those who live outside of our clinic, we also offer home care visits. And if you don't feel comfortable coming into our office, we'll ensure you receive prompt treatment at your local hospital.
Our team includes pharmacists, dentists and other professionals committed to excellent patient service. Our goal is to make each visit as painless and convenient as possible.
Statistics
- The health share of the Gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to continue its upward trend, reaching 19.9 percent of GDP by 2025. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Price Increases, Aging Push Sector To 20 Percent Of Economy". (en.wikipedia.org)
- About 14 percent of Americans have chronic kidney disease. (rasmussen.edu)
- Foreign investment in hospitals—up to 70% ownership- has been encouraged as an incentive for privatization. (en.wikipedia.org)
- For instance, Chinese hospital charges tend toward 50% for drugs, another major percentage for equipment, and a small percentage for healthcare professional fees. (en.wikipedia.org)
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How To
What is the Healthcare Industry Value Chain (or Value Chain)?
The healthcare industry value chains include all the activities involved with providing healthcare services. This includes the operations of hospitals and clinics as a whole, and the supply chain that connects them to other providers. This results in a continuum that starts with diagnosis and ends with discharge.
The value chain is composed of four main components:
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Business Processes: These are all the tasks performed by people throughout the entire delivery of healthcare. For example, a doctor may perform an exam and then prescribe medication. Every step must be done efficiently and accurately.
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Supply Chains - All the organizations involved in making sure that the right supplies reach the right people at the right time. A hospital might have several suppliers. These could include lab testing facilities, imaging centres, pharmacies, or even janitorial personnel.
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Networked Organisations - This is a way to coordinate all the entities. Hospitals often have several departments. Each one has its own phone number and office. To ensure that everyone is up to date, every department will have a central point from which employees can access updates.
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Information Technology Systems (IT) - IT is essential in order for business processes to run smoothly. Without IT, things could quickly go sour. IT also allows you to integrate new technologies in the system. For example, doctors can use a secure network connection if they want to integrate electronic medical records into their workflow.