Acid reflux, generally stated as Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), affecting around one-third of the American population. This disorder arises when the uppermost portion of the digestive region is not working accurately, causing stomach contents to move back into the esophagus. The most common symptoms of this disease is heartburn, the sensation of liquid or food coming up into the throat and a sour taste. The most effective therapy for relieving the symptoms of GERD is proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as lansoprazole, esomeprazole, and omeprazole. This is a class of medications which have emerged as the most effective therapy, improving life quality, healing and preventing the damage to the esophagus (1). PPIs work by obstructing an enzyme in the lining of the stomach which is essential for acid secretion. Side effects which some patients report comprise a headache, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and nausea. They usually resolve on their own and patients can usually carry on taking their PPI medication (2). A different, incisionless, transoral endoscopic treatment has been developed to help correct the mechanical flaws of the valve between the lower esophagus and stomach that cause GERD.
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To Balloon Fix or Not to Balloon Fix for Weight Loss
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Gastrointestinal issues, such as heartburn and acid reflux are no picnic. You feel a burning in your chest, the uncomfortable sting of stomach acids in your esophagus, your chest hurts, and you may find it difficult to swallow. If you're like a lot of people, you've probably picked up a few rolls of antacids, or headed to the drugstore or even your doctor in order to get some sort of medication that will make the feeling stop for as long as possible. But the real answer to long term relief isn't on the shelf at all. It starts with you, and some basic lifestyle changes that will help you lose weight and significantly reduce these issues for a more comfortable life.
Anthony A. Starpoli, MD | www.starpoli.com
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I don't have Celiac Disease: what's wrong with a gluten free diet?
Sometimes, it can seem as if food companies can't wait to shout from the rooftops every time they put out a product that is gluten free. For some people, this is very important information, especially those who have been diagnosed with either Celiac Disease or some other wheat allergy. It's helpful and convenient to know where to find gluten free breads, pasta, or even brownie mix. Everything seems to be labeled these days, including eggs or f raw nuts -- foods that never included gluten in the first place. With as many as 30% attempting a gluten free lifestyle, it is a popular choice, but it doesn't mean it's right.
Anthony A. Starpoli, MD | www.starpoli.com
Side effects of proton pump inhibitor therapy for GERD
Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy is a miracle in the eyes of many people suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (acid reflux) also known as GERD. By blocking the enzyme in the wall of the stomach lining that produces acid, the fluid in the stomach contains less acid. This can help ease the symptoms of GERD and even allow the esophagus to heal, since even if the stomach juices back up into the esophagus, it's less irritating./gerd-causes-and-treatment-ezine-articles
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Anthony A. Starpoli, MD | www.starpoli.com
GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a back flow of acidic content that enters the esophagus from the stomach. When the esophagal sphincter becomes relaxed, content from the stomach could become backed up in to the esophagus and produce a burning feeling. This sensation is called heartburn.
Anthony A. Starpoli, MD | www.starpoli.com