How I’ve Learned to Live a Normal Life with Crohn’s Disease

This article is the first time I’ve spoken or written about having Crohn’s Disease to anyone other than my doctors and the support group I attend. I’ve spoken openly about having Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and even about clinical depression. So why not Crohn’s? Maybe because it’s mostly a bowel disease, and I was raised in a family where all bathroom functions were avoided in conversation; they were considered private, and to some degree that has stuck with me.

Maybe because my father died in part from intestinal cancer, and if I admit I have an illness that can make me more likely to have intestinal cancer than people who don’t have it, I’ll get it (yes, it sounds silly – but women with a family history of breast cancer often do the same kind of thing). Maybe because it’s just plain embarrassing. But it’s a serious illness that affects over 500,000 people in this country, according to the CDC, and one that can be a precursor of cancer, so maybe now is the time for an open discussion.

Crohn’s Disease (CD) is one of two major chronic inflammatory diseases that affect the digestive system; the other is ulcerative colitis. The two of them are both Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, or IBD. While ulcerative colitis affects only the colon, Crohn’s can affect everything from the anus to the mouth, although it mostly manifests in the large and small intestines. It is named, as many illnesses are, after the doctor who first defined it.

Although the cause of Crohn’s is unknown, it may be in part hereditary. A gene called NOD2 has been identified as being associated with Crohn’s, and first degree relatives (parents, children, brothers and sisters) of Crohn’s disease are more likely to have it than the general population. One of my sisters has colitis, and her doctors are watching it closely in case it develops into Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis.

I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease as I was being tested in the fall of 1983 for an intestinal disorder I’d contracted during a summer spent in Jordan. Amoebic dysentery had caused most of my gastro-intestinal misery while I was in Jordan, and it was treated, and ultimately cured, with antibiotics. The Crohn’s disease was probably not caused by the dysentery; the actual cause of CD is unknown.

My doctors at that time felt that the CD had probably been a pre-existing condition, manifesting like Irritable Bowel Syndrome, a less-inflammatory and easier to treat condition that I’d had for a few years, but was exacerbated by the amoebic dysentery. That was the first time I’d had a colonoscopy, which allowed for the diagnosis of Crohn’s, but it certainly wasn’t the last.

My early symptoms were frequent diarrhea, which I could associate in some cases with specific foods, like apple peel, celery, and cabbage, but which in other cases seemed to have no obvious cause, and nausea. They made driving any distance impossible, unless I knew there were plenty of places for a “rest stop” on the way. The first thing I would do when entering a restaurant, shopping center, or even one store, was to scope out the bathrooms, so I’d know where to go if I needed to in a hurry.

My hiking became almost a thing of the past, and that trip to Jordan was the last archaeological dig I worked on. The diarrhea was generally preceded and accompanied by severe abdominal cramping. Back then, some of the newer medicines I mention below, like Remicade, weren’t available; I used prescription lomotil, an anti-diarrheal, and good old Pepto-Bismol (R) for what relief they could provide. Later, Immodium became available, and at this point I can still use it for most diarrhea episodes.

When I was diagnosed, the Crohn’s disease had caused small erosions on the inside surfaces of my intestines, called “aphthous ulcers” by my doctors. Over time, even with treatment, these erosions have deepened into “true” ulcers, with some scarring, and my small intestine has narrowed.

Some researchers believe that CD is caused by bacteria, but no conclusive evidence has been found linking the cause to infections. Because the ulcers can spread, however, they can cause infections to other nearby organs. This means that one of the treatments for me, and others with CD, is periodic courses of anti-biotics, to stop the spread of infection before it can damage other organs.

One of the problems caused by CD is activation of the immune system. The immune system is supposed to react to “strangers” in the body, such as bacteria and viruses, but with CD the immune system just acts, causing inflammation in the intestines. The inflammation leads to swelling, which further narrows the small intestine, and increases the ulceration process. That leads to a second course of treatment: corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.

As the severity of my own Crohn’s has increased, I’ve been put on a daily dose of prednisolone, one of several steroids used to treat CD. There is no known cure for CD yet, but as the title of this article indicates, it can be managed.

Crohn’s disease, like many auto-immune diseases, is a relapsing/remitting illness. That means that some of the time I feel better, and have few symptoms. At other times I relapse, and have more, and more serious, symptoms. Some of the symptoms of Crohn’s disease that I’ve had, and still have to varying degrees, are abdominal pain, abdominal distension, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rectal pain, swelling of the anal sphincter (the muscle at the end of the colon), and inflammation of the small intestine, also called Crohn’s enteritis.

Other possible symptoms, ones that I haven’t had but watch for, are poor appetite, fever, night sweats, rectal bleeding bloody diarrhea, anal fistulae (a sort of tunnel between the anus or rectum and the skin surrounding the anus), and peri-rectal abscesses. If you have diarrhea that persists for more than two days, or any bloody diarrhea, you should see your doctor immediately, as this can be a sign of IBD or something even more serious. Abdominal pain or rectal pain that lasts for more than three days are also indicators of potentially serious illness, and should be treated immediately.

When I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, I was given a colonoscopy, in which the entire colon is examined with a lighted scope, or viewing instrument. Most people under 50 haven’t had a colonoscopy, but may have had a sigmoidoscopy, which looks at just the first two feet of the colon. I also had X-rays using a barium enema, which allows more of the intestinal tract to be viewed. More recently, I’ve had both an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and a CT scan (computerized tomography), newer diagnostic tests that allow a clearer view of soft tissue.

These two tests were done to determine the extent of my colitis and enteritis, and to see if anything more serious had developed. I have stool samples examined twice a year; they look for blood, bacteria, or the presence of white blood cells. If you are first being diagnosed, they will also look for parasites, which are a possible cause of the same symptoms; stool examination was one of the tests that identified the presence of amoebas in my system back in 1983.

Twice since being diagnosed with Crohn’s I’ve had biopsies taken during colonoscopies to be examined for cancer; the test is painless because I’m already under anesthetic for the colonoscopy. The worst part of the colonoscopy are the days before it is done, when I have to take medication to clear my system of everything that might be in it, so I have serious and uncontrollable diarrhea for at least a day and a half, while taking in only fluids.

Those days I am definitely at home, and unable to leave. Don’t let that discomfort stop you if you have persistent symptoms, though; it’s much more comfortable to have a colonoscopy than it is to die of colon cancer.

Other tests that may be done during the initial diagnosis are blood tests and urinalysis. They check for anemia, which can result from intestinal bleeding, inflammation from an over-active immune system, or malnutrition, which can result from the inability of your colon to absorb nutrients from the food you eat.

I’ve already said that I take a daily dose of prednisolone, a corticosteriod which reduces inflammation. There are side effects from long-term use of steroids, which include “moon face” or swelling and rounding of the face (and it isn’t pretty), acne (I’ve mostly been free of that), increased body hair, diabetes, weight gain, high blood pressure, cataracts, glaucoma, muscle weakness, irritability, depression, fatigue, insomnia, and thinning of the bones. I am currently on a low-dose, and stop taking it when I can. I also am annually tested for diabetes and glaucoma, and monthly tested for high blood pressure. Since all three of those conditions are in part hereditary and already exist in my family, they are a concern for me.

I also have taken anti-biotics, including Flagyl (the brand name for metronidazole) and Cipro (ciprofloxacin), both of which are used for the infections that can be caused by Crohn’s disease. I haven’t had to take them for extended periods of time. That’s a good thing, because Flagyl, taken over a long period of time, can result in damage to the peripheral nerves.

Other medications used are 5-ASA compounds, anti-inflammatory drugs which are similar to aspirin (aspirin itself can make Crohn’s disease worse) and immuno-modulators like Imuran (azathioprine) and infliximab (Remicade), which reduce the number of immune cells. Because of the side effects of steroids, some patients are better off with 5-ASA compounds than drugs like the Prednisolone I take; drugs like Remicade, which interfere with the immune system, can increase the risk of infections, but when your Crohn’s disease is moderate to severe, the benefits (like far less diarrhea) can outweigh the risks, as long as you watch closely for infection.

So, other than medication, what do I do to live a reasonably normal life? First, I eat several small meals a day instead of two or three larger ones. With less food in my intestinal tract at a time, there is less likely to be blockage of my small intestine, and that means less cramping, less abdominal distension, and less diarrhea. I’ve also kept a food journal since I was diagnosed: I now know what foods make me worse, and what doesn’t irritate my digestive system, and eat accordingly.

I don’t smoke, and I avoid alcohol; both those things make my symptoms worse. I get regular exercise; for me, that means daily walks with my dogs. Because I have other health problems, the walks aren’t always the hour that is my goal time, but any exercise, especially done outdoors, helps to reduce fatigue (that may seem counter-intuitive, but it works), and helps me to sleep better at night.

I drink lots of fluids – mainly purified water. Crohn’s can cause dehydration, and drinking more fluids prevents that. I drink more in hot weather than in cold. Despite the heart-benefits of a high-fiber diet, I stick to a lower fiber diet, and eat only types of fiber that I’ve learned my body can handle without “complaint;” these are mainly soluble fibers like oatmeal, because insoluble fiber like that in apple peel and celery worsen my diarrhea. I’m on an anti-depressant; my depression may be partly caused by Crohn’s, and partly by the daily use of a cortico-steroid, but it is very real (there is also a history of depression in my family, which makes it more likely that it is not connected to Crohn’s) and with an anti-depressant, I function better.

They aren’t “happy pills,” although I wish they were; they simply make me able to cope with the stresses in my life. I go to monthly meetings of a Crohn’s support group held at one of the hospitals in my town. I take all my medications as prescribed, and when my diarrhea symptoms get worse, I use an OTC anti-diarrheal like Immodium. If I travel, I make sure to have enough of my medications and my OTC medications with me, and keep the phone number of my gastro-enterologist in my purse.

The most important thing that I’ve done for myself is to educate myself about the disease, because knowledge is power. I understand what my doctors are talking about because I’ve studied it, and I’m not afraid to ask questions about everything. I know there will come a time when I may need more medications, like Remacade or a 5-ASA compound, and I’ve read about those as well. My illness is in a “remission” phase right now, but I know that can change. Using the things I’ve described above, I can go out, leave my house, without fearing that I’ll need to race to a restroom every five minutes.

Before I developed Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (see my AC article, “Living with Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome and Fibromyalgia”) I was able to return to hiking, and leave bathrooms behind for several hours at a stretch — on most days. My diarrhea is under control, which doesn’t mean I never have it; as long as I’m careful about what and how I eat, it’s infrequent and controllable with OTC meds. I have some abdominal cramping, but it isn’t as usually as severe as it used to be. I can eat in a restaurant because I know what will make me sick and what won’t. The medication I take keeps the inflammation, or “-itis” in my intestines and colon from blocking my intestines. I can do pretty much everything that someone without IBD can do.

If you have Crohn’s disease and want to find a support group or a Dr. in Fort Pierce, check with your local hospital or with the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA). If you suspect that you may have the illness, go to the CCFA and read about it, and see your doctor. Make sure you take a list of all your symptoms and all your questions, because it’s easy to forget things in a doctor’s office. If you do have an IBD, whether it’s Crohn’s or Ulcerative Colitis, learn everything you can about it, and take charge of your life. You, too, can live a full life with this illness.

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My Practical Advice on Inflammatory Bowel Disease

My twenty-something newlywed life was imposed upon with a diagnosis of inflammatory colitis, first appearing as Chron’s Disease, a form of inflammatory bowel disease. Influenced by the doctrine that real “ladies don’t pass gas,” (you know, the F-word), I was a bit reserved about my irritable bowel symptoms. I believed in a level of decorum that happened to clash with my intestine’s motives.

Following are some of the non-textbook insights I learned about inflammatory bowel disease diagnosis and how to discuss colitis.

Social Views on Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Discussing symptoms that occur below the waist, such as inflammatory bowel disease, is beyond some individuals’ comfort zone. And now, with the “Butt Bandit” running loose (acquiring stool samples from unwitting celebrities) on Nip/Tuck, I’m not sure that we’ve matured much. The lower GI tract remains just taboo enough to be comical fare.

What I learned: Humor is an asset for inflammatory bowel disease sufferers, to include: one is not evil to fantasize about a virulent strain of stomach flu on the insensitive. Humor aside, inflammatory bowel disease is a serious illness and the diagnostic process a bit unnerving.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Tests or Why I Kicked My Doctor

The key word to remember about tests for inflammatory bowel disease, such as a colonoscopy, is anesthesia, and sufficient amounts of it.

Having experienced the put-your-intestines-on-camera series twice, I found colon competency varies. My first GI doctor was of male chauvinist bent, and the second appeared to better recall his Hippocratic Oath.

Dr. Oink berated me during the first consult for taking pain medication, nothing heavy, for fibromyalgia, inferring the stomach pain was self-induced. The red siren went ignored. Ultimately, he performed a colonoscopy to rule out inflammatory bowel disease and grossly under-sedated me.

My payback, during biopsy, was to kick him in an area he deemed rather valuable. Too bad I only have a vague recollection of the event.

Versed, one of the sedating agents utilized, is not conducive to good memory. He retorted in my medical records that I had a low pain tolerance. So did he I imagine.

This IBD experience was relayed to GI doctor number two, whom I solicited when colitis symptoms returned. He addressed my tolerance to anesthesia and therefore Dr. Feelgood was spared Taebo action. Under Versed influence, however, I did say some embarrassing things.

What I learned: On the first visit, determine if the doctor’s philosophy and approach for diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease is compatible. Also, if your doctor gives you a strange look in recovery, it’s not likely fatal illness, you probably gave up a juicy true confession.

Discussing Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Colitis Symptoms

Frankly, most people do not wish to hear the details of illness and especially undesirables like diarrhea and constipation. While frank talk is admirable, too much information may damper romance and lighter hearted relationships.

Consequently, synonyms or analogies may prove helpful when referring to inflammatory bowel disease and colitis related symptoms. A traffic sign makes a decent analogy. “It’s a red day,” could mean constipation or that you’re not feeling well enough for intimacy. A green light day is just the opposite.

Whichever jargon is used to relay inflammatory bowel disease symptoms, the goal is to communicate the bottom-line, as it relates to you and your loved ones. Otherwise, if your relationship thrives on in-depth discussions of bodily functions that works too.

What I learned: Don’t suffer with inflammatory bowel disease symptoms in silence. Consider the comfort level of your audience for best results. Take advantage of a dedicated inflammatory bowel disease support group, if needed.

Bathroom Fan – A Friend to Colitis and IBS Patients

Perhaps not for the expected reasons, a fan is useful to help inflammatory bowel disease patients…relax.

Patients may be concerned about others overhearing eventful bathroom trips or moans of inflammatory bowel disease pain. If a patient is tense, the discomfort may increase. Sound may also be used as focal point, or diversion, to better cope with colitis cramps and pain. Most any noise maker will work and meditation is even better.

What I learned: Pain and colonic symptoms are not shameful, but are preferably given on a need-to-know basis. Times occur when less conspicuous inflammatory bowel disease symptoms are desired.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Diagnosis for Women

Aside from pain, one of the worst things about colitis and inflammatory bowel disease is obtaining an accurate diagnosis. For women this is particularly true. Namely because common gynecological disorders can present with similar symptoms as both inflammatory bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Endometriosis is a prime example whereas the pain is mistaken for inflammatory bowel disease or vice-versa. Some less fortunate patients suffer both.

What I learned: Pain is a warning sign and frequently an unclear one. Utilize a symptom diary, if necessary. Women with lower abdominal and/or pelvic pain may do well to solicit the help of a gynecologist in conjunction with a gastroenterologist.

Closing Words on Inflammatory Bowel DiseaseUnlike many patients who suffer from inflammatory bowel disease, my colitis was cured (it was not Chron’s) when the causative agent was discovered. Albeit, I have no difficulty recalling the practical difficulties of both irritable bowel syndrome and colitis.

IBD issues are plentiful: from medication to complications, as well as life-threatening aspects of inflammatory bowel disease. Stay informed and listen to your gut, as they say. And, solicit best doctor referrals from experienced patients or organizations dedicated to inflammatory bowel disease or colitis issues.

 

 

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Learning About Crohn’s Disease As a Sunday School Teacher

As a Sunday school teacher it is normal to meet children from all walks of life. If you are fortunate enough to belong to a congregation where diversity is encouraged, the children of carpenters and mechanics are learning about the deity next to the children of bankers and welfare recipients. As such, it is not unusual to encounter children who at first glance seem to act a bit odd. Perhaps they come across as stand-offish, seek to keep to themselves, and rarely speak. Conversely, considering that even children engaged in religious training tend to act their ages, these so called “odd” children may be whispered about as they come in; sudden giggles abound; and I am left wondering what I’m missing.

This is what happened one fine November morning when I met Thamsyn. A small 13-year old with a shy smile that all but hid behind her mother, she took a seat far away from all the other kids. Snickers went up but other than that all was quiet. As we were about ten minutes into our discussion about Old Testament prophets, Thamsyn asked to go to the bathroom.

So far so good, I thought, and gave her permission. Over the course of our two hours together, Thamsyn excused herself about five times – earning more and more snickers behind her back as she went along. Not one for being taken advantage of by a child, I asked her if she was okay when she returned after bathroom break number five, only to be greeted with a burst of tears and near hysterical laughter by the rest of the class.

Seeing that I was clearly missing something, I asked Thamsyn’s mom’s to stay after class to discuss what happened. What I thought would be a quick Q and A session turned into a three hour discussion about the life of a child who not only struggles to be accepted by her peers and do all the things kids her age do, but who is starting from a disadvantage; Thamsyn, you see, has Crohn’s disease.

Crohn’s disease is one of the many conditions lumped under the umbrella of inflammatory bowel disease. As such, any part of her gastrointestinal tract is subject to inflammation. Sufferers will deal daily with abdominal cramping, diarrhea, and also gassy smells.

Thamsyn’s mother relates that she often suffers from severe cramping that is so bad that it forced her to quit swimming class since the water pressure only made things worse. Since she has to use the bathroom almost twice an hour when she is awake, he teachers decided to place her in the back of the classroom by the door, so she could slip in and out as needed; unfortunately, she wears glasses and this has made it very hard for her to see the board. Of course, the alternative is running the gauntlet of snickering peers to leave the classroom when she is sitting in the front of the room, so Thamsyn has chosen the rear of the classroom.

Before her disease got more pronounced, she used to be a ballet student with her best friend Leisha. As the disease continued onward, she was no longer able to continue with ballet, since some of the postures made the urge to use the bathroom unbearable and even led to smelly and embarrassing accidents during class – she has quit dance as well. Leisha’s mom got wind of the problem and thought that Thamsyn had some form of microbial disease and forbade any further contact between the girls. She was afraid that Leisha would catch whatever it was that made Thamsyn have such bad diarrhea.

Within the course of about six months, Thamsyn’s life as a vibrant, happy and healthy student shifted and she became withdrawn, shy, and accustomed to living life from the back of the room. At her last doctor’s visit, Thamsyn was discovered to be developing sores around the mouth; a normal manifestation for children with Crohn’s disease, but the kiss of death for a teenager. The doctor also discovered that her growth which thus far was pretty much in keeping with the course charted on the growth curve had sharply dropped off.

As I listened to Thamsyn’s mother recount her daughter’s sudden introduction to a disease that would rock her world, I cannot begin to imagine what it must be like to start out on a journey that would promise pain, discomfort, embarrassment, potential surgeries and aggressive treatments with medications which might make her just as sick as the disease itself – all at the tender age of 13. As we spoke and frequently lapsed into silence when Thamsyn excused herself for another bathroom break, I began to wonder how I could help her in the confines of my Sunday school class.

The first choice, of course, would have been the direct approach of talking to the kids about Crohn’s disease and help them to understand – make that browbeat them into understanding – that laughing behind her back was unkind and rude. The second choice, however, seemed a much better one. Here is what I did: the next week at Sunday school class we took a departure from the Old Testament prophets. Instead, I told them there would be a price for the person who could name this prophet I would describe. At the mention of a price, it became so quiet that you could have heard a pin drop.

I then talked about a man who at a young age was noticeably different from his peers. His behavior set him apart. When his friends hung out together to go and whistle at girls, he stayed in his dad’s shop to help with the work. Friendly but a bit of a loner, he prayed a lot and once even caused his parents to worry about him because he lingered behind in the temple. As he got older, the weight of his mission became heavier and one day he dropped all he did and went for it – with God’s help he changed the world. Yet even before he started, he knew that the road ahead would not be fun-filled.

It would cause people to get embarrassed by him; they would call him names and make fun of him; he was frequently uncomfortable because he did not have a house and with his few friends he would frequently camp out. He also knew that before he was done, he would have to undergo pain and suffering at the hand of his friends, causing him to weep bitterly. After a bit of deliberation, finally a hand went up – Jeremiah was the first guess (after all, he was called the Weeping Prophet).

A good guess, but not quite. Finally the right guess came in: Jesus! Speaking to the kids about what it must have been like for Jesus the teen, it soon became apparent to each and every one that the odds are good that they, too, would have laughed and snickered about Jesus and the way he was acting weird and different from other kids.

Bringing the story to full circle, I explained about Thamsyn’s condition and asked them if they thought they could see some parallels in their treatment of her and the way they might have treated Jesus. To their credit, they realized how their behavior had been dismal.

I wish I could tell you that Thamsyn’s life has changed – it has not. I would love to say that all the kids in Sunday school class are now nice to her and no longer snicker when she goes to the bathroom three or four times during our time together, but that is not true either. What I can say, however, is that with a bit of education on my part, the willingness to ask some questions, and a heart to heart talk with the kids involved, Thamsyn feels more secure with herself.

One little teen girl has made it a point to sit next to her and to take notes when she has to run out of the room. And Thamsyn has come up with a great one-liner: when kids snicker behind her back at Sunday school class she just lifts up her pointer as she leaves; when asked what this means on her return, she quietly says that those who were laughing will see who has the last laugh when she walks across the swimming pool in the summer.

I find it amazing how little it took to change things for the better in the two hours Thamsyn and I spend together each week. Yet I wonder about the adults she gets in contact with on a daily basis and who are embarrassed by her behavior or who because of a false sense of modesty will not ask any questions. Do they not realize how much they could help this child deal with her illness while still participating in a majority of the activities she enjoys?

Additionally, parents who are reluctant to allow their children to play with her because of her condition should take the time to learn more about it – rather than engage in the knee-jerk reaction of ending friendships over something they do not understand. If you are in a position to deal with a child suffering from Crohn’s Disease, please make the time to visit a doctor in Serbing Florida.

 

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Remicade: A Treatment for Crohn’s Disease

I don’t know about cure, but this is a WONDER drug! For many people with Crohn’s disease, this was their last hope. They had tried the traditional route of treatments from Prednisone to 5-ASA’s to even immuno-suppressants. When these offer no help, it is Remicade or surgery. I’d personally choose Remicade.

Remicade (Inflixamab) is a biologic agent. The FDA approved this drug in August 1998. It is given intravenously. The infusion takes between 2 to 3 hours. During the infusion, the patients heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels and temperature are monitored. Some patients have experienced itching, hives, joint pain, lowered pulse or blood pressure. If these occur, the infusion is stopped for a few minutes then continued at a slower rate. For most patients, this alleviates the symptoms.

Remicade is not without side effects though. The most common is joint pain in the next couple of days following the treatment. Many patients say that they have flu like symptoms that begin about 1 to 2 weeks after the treatment. A few experience bronchitis. This may begin as early as the same day of the treatment up to 3 weeks after.

This treatment is usually given in these dosages:

1st treatment – 5mg per kilogram of body weight. 1kg is about 2.2lbs

2nd treatment – 10mg per kilogram

According to the patient’s reaction to the higher dose, the doctor will make the decision as to go back to the 5mg, stay at 10mg, or increase to 15mg. In the clinical trails, the patients were given these dosages in a double-blind study. Neither they nor the doctors knew if they were getting the real thing or the dosage. Most patients responded at the 5mg at the first treatment then increase to 10mg. The subsequent treatments back at the 5mg.

The first two treatments from the best gastroenterologist are given 1x per month or 1x every other month. The subsequent treatments are given as the patients needs, but nor more that six months apart. It has been noted that patients waiting longer than six months are having serious side effects such as excruciating joint pain, pneumonia and asthma.

If given correctly, the Crohn’s patient can have a normal healthy life. I have seen a patient come from taking 43 pills a day to 3 pills since taking Remicade. It is well worth a consideration. 

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GERD: Risks of Halitosis Development in the Elderly

Halitosis among the elderly is quite common. In many cases, the complications with halitosis are a result of metabolic disorders, complications with poor oral hygiene, or even complications with a gastrointestinal infection. For some aging adults, however, there is a risk for developing halitosis when complications of GERD are not well managed.

GERD, or acid reflux, is an ailment that affects adults of all ages. In elderly adults, after many years of unresolved acid reflux, there is a risk for complications associated with voice changes, esophageal pain, and even the development of halitosis. If you are caring for an aging parent who seems to have chronic bad breath, you may want to consult a physician about the possible need for GERD treatment.

When food is eaten, and then only partially digested as is the case with GERD, particles of consumed food and enzymes reflux back into the esophagus. When this type of health condition is chronic, there can be a mixture of food particles left in the esophagus, which leads to a complication with bad breath.

While most elderly adults may attempt to rid the halitosis by brushing their teeth or even using breath mints, the complications of GERD-induced halitosis will not dissipate until the food particles in the esophagus are permitted to be digested, and until the complications with GERD are resolved. In some cases, breath mints or excessive use of toothpaste may actually worsen the halitosis if these items are swallowed and then also refluxed back into the esophagus.

A doctor can prescribe medications to reduce the frequency of GERD and to reduce the complications with acid reflux. So, if you are concerned about the health complication, be sure to ask your doctor to prescribe medication. With proper treatment, and good oral hygiene, the complications with GERD and halitosis can be resolved without further significant incidences. The key to your parent’s optimal health lies in getting the condition diagnosed properly by visiting the best clinic in your area and then actively treating the condition with medications rather than home remedies.

 

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Ulcerative Colitis Support Groups

It has been proven through various studies and surveys that victims of certain diseases, tragedies or experiences can be helped through their ordeal by participating in a support group for people who have had similar experiences in life. Ulcerative colitis is yet another example of how support groups can be beneficial for those who suffer from the disease. Support groups are not only ways in which to learn about the disease and share experiences, but also a method through which patients can find outlets for the various emotional and mental strains that come with chronic disease, such as ulcerative colitis.

Chronic disease can create an open doorway for depression, fear and anxiety. Most doctors who specialize in the care of people with ulcerative colitis recommend counseling or participation in an ulcerative colitis support group.

Some doctors may not have information concerning ulcerative colitis support groups on file, but you can find that information on the Internet. Many people resist the notion of therapy or partcipation in an ulcerative colitis support group, but connecting with others and discussing your experience can be very beneficial. Even just talking with others who provide care for ulcerative colitis patients may help those who suffer from it. Similarly, patients who have dealt with ulcerative colitis for extended periods of time may be able to help those who have just been diagnosed, or who have questions about the disease from a sufferers’ standpoint.

The Crogn’s and Colitis Foundation of America is an organization that provides invaluable resources to the ulcerative colitis community, as well as facilitating support groups for people who are dealing with the disease. They also fund an enormous amount of research and help to educate patients and family members about ulcerative colitis. They currently boast a membership of more than 40,000 and worth through 42 chapters nationwide. Their website alone contains pages and pages of information concerning ulcerative colitis, and you can also use their website to connect with your local chapter and find out where support groups are held during the week. You can find out more about CCFA at www.ccfa.org.

Ulcerative colitis can be a frustrating disease and the ramifications of not dealing with those frustrations can further complicate one’s health. Although anxiety is not necessarily a cause or facilitator for ulcerative colitis, anxiety does diminish the overall health of an individual and inhibit the immune system. Liiving in depression and anxiety can slow down the healing processes instigated by the immune system, keeping an individual from feeling better.

While an ulcerative colitis support group will not rid an individual of the disease, together with the best doctor it will help to understand what is happening to the body and to come to terms with its effects.

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GERD Diet Plan Recommendations

The proper diet for managing your GERD symptoms is very important for sure. In this article, I’d like to explain more about what GERD is briefly, and then get into the diet part of it.

GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease is when acid goes back into the lower portion of your esophagus. That lower part of the esophageal sphincter serves as a protective factor that should keep acidic juices from backing way up into the esophagus.

What causes GERD can be any number of other digestive problems, such as the stomach being unable to empty out properly. This is known as gastroparesis.

Sometimes the lower portion of the sphincter does not function properly as a cause.

Other times, you have too much acid production within the stomach and this all comes right back up into the lining of the esophagus which is very painful.

With GERD, the primary symptom is heartburn that is either severe, moderate, or mild.

When you are given a special diet for GERD, it will usually be a diet that will help to avoid the irritation of your esophagus reflux.

The first thing you’ll need to do in this special diet is to lower the intake of large meals where you are overly stuffed. If you eat way too much food at a setting, and also on top of that, eat foods that are combined with grease, and high fat, this will surely bring on acid reflux and as a result, heartburn pain. In your diet for GERD, avoid foods that contain lots of grease and fat in it, and instead, eat lower foods in fat. Eat small portions of healthy foods, and do not overstuff yourself.

Foods that are spicy should be avoided. These foods will inflame your esophagus, irritate it to no end, and you will reflux for a long while, chances are.

Chocolates irritate acid reflux disease.

Coffee may be an irritant to your GERD. It really doesn’t matter whether or not it has caffeine. If it doesn’t irritate your reflux esophagitis, it will be fine. The only way to find out is to test it.

Carbonation in drinks may or may not strike up your reflux problem.

Tomato products and citrus fruits will likely strike up a lot of acid reflux and cause a lot of pain for several hours. Therefore, these things are best avoided.

A daily diet for GERD which is not irritating would be something that is like this for example:

For breakfast, skip orange juice but have milk instead. Have one bowl of whole-grain cereal types, along with a banana. This is one fruit without acid. Eat a slice of toast on whole wheat bread, lite butter or margarine. Add peanut butter or jam in 1 tbsp.

Lunchtime meals should have acid-free foods such as a protein serving, which could be lunch meat, served with mayonnaise on low-calorie, wheat bread, or you can choose soups which are usually fine and are not irritating to the esophagus.

Supper time foods should include foods that are lean and low fat, free of acid. Try eating for example, a lean piece of four-ounce meat such as chicken or ham, followed by a choice of any vegetables since no vegetable really has acid. Add one roll which can be wheat, and a tossed salad. Add a dressing such as lite Italian or Vinegar.

Eating snacks healthfully shouldn’t be hard to do. Graham crackers are an excellent choice, and a healthy one, or a granola bar. English muffins are good too with lite butter. Lite ice-cream is a good before bedtime snack as well.

So there you have it. On a diet like this, you can lose some weight which is better for acid reflux disease. And in the end, along with some medication and visiting a gastroenterologist, you should succeed in keeping your GERD problem at bay.

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Hiatal Hernia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

When an internal relocates to a position where it doesn’t belong, the condition is known as a hernia. In the case of a hiatal hernia, a part of the stomach known as the hiatus pushes up through the diaphragm into the chest. The symptoms of a hiatal hernia are often too subtle to notice, but when they do present themselves they include heartburn, bloating after eating, and burping. Treatments for hiatal hernias depend on the severity of the condition and are usually limited to dietary modifications and heartburn medications.

According to the Mayo Clinic, hiatal hernias are most prevalent among people over 50 years of age, tobacco users, the obese. Women face a higher affliction rates than men and having had a previous abdominal surgery also ups the odds of a hiatal hernia. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center reports that a hiatal hernia can be sliding (the hiatus keeps moving between the abdomen and the chest), fixed (the hiatus stays in the chest), or complicated (as much as the entire stomach rises into the chest).

Hiatal hernias vary in severity and the symptoms of hiatal hernias experience similar variance. A minor hiatal hernia will often present no noticeable symptoms. According to the Penn State University Medical Center, the most common symptoms of hiatal hernias are heartburn, frequent burping, and abdominal bloating.

In severe cases, complicated hiatal hernias will produce more alarming signs. In addition to acid reflux issues, symptoms of a major hiatal hernia may include chest pain, trouble swallowing, and severe bloating. These complicated hiatal hernias are far less common than smaller ones.

Treatments for hiatal hernias are typically noninvasive and often limited to simple dietary and behavioral changes. For minor hiatal hernias, treatments include avoiding foods which are spicy, acidic, or caffeinated, per the Penn State Medical Center. Antacids like Pepto Bismol and Tums or medications that reduce acid production like Prilosec may also be used to treat hiatal hernias and their acid reflux symptoms. The Mayo Clinic also recommends not drinking alcohol, avoiding foods that are highly fatty or greasy, and spreading eating out into several small sittings rather than three large meals to treat hiatal hernias.

In the worst cases, treatments for hiatal hernias can involve surgery. When symptoms are severe or the hernia is twisted or otherwise complicated, surgery becomes the final option treatment for a hiatal hernia. This is generally a minor surgery that involves small incisions and a laparoscope with full recovery coming within a matter of weeks, according to WebMD.

A hiatal hernia is basically a dislocated stomach which can vary in degree from a short journey north to a full relocation from the abdomen into the chest. Most hiatal hernias are minor and present no symptoms, but some can cause digestive issues like acid reflux and abdominal bloating. It would best to talk to the best doctor that you trust if you have any questions about your digestive health or the symptoms and treatments for hiatal hernias.

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What is Blind Loop Syndrome?

The doctor’s expression was grim as he pushed the tube hydrating me out of the way and palpated my abdomen. After he finished, he said he was going to call a surgeon to come and have a look. Since I was a patient who had already had five surgeries for Crohn’s disease, he was worried that the cause of my hospital admission was blind loop syndrome.

Overview

Blind loop syndrome is a condition that develops when a section of the small intestine is bypassed. Food traveling through the digestive tract either stops moving or moves more slowly than normal through the intestine, according to MedlinePlus.

The affected bowel loop ends up cut off from digestive juices and the normal flow of food. The resulting backup of food causes bacterial overgrowth in the gut and makes it difficult to properly absorb nutrients.

This condition is also called stagnant loop syndrome and stasis syndrome.

Causes

Patients with the inflammatory bowel diseases ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease have an elevated risk for developing blind loop syndrome. So do those with diseases like diabetes and scleroderma. These disorders can cause peristalsis, the contractions that propel food through the digestive tract, to slow down.

As food stagnates in the blind loop of intestine, it serves as the perfect place for bacteria to thrive, the Mayo Clinic reports. The unwanted bacteria that develop in a blind loop can interfere with the patient’s nutritional absorption and might also release toxins.

Additional causes of this disorder are complications of abdominal surgery, abnormalities in the structure of the small bowel, and the bacterial overgrowth associated with illnesses like Crohn’s disease, scleroderma, and diabetes. Patients with diverticulosis in the small intestine and those with a fistula – an abnormal path – between two bowel segments are also at elevated risk.

Symptoms

In addition to having several risk factors for blind loop syndrome, I had a number of its symptoms. Patients most commonly suffer from nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and stools that are fatty, frothy, and foul-smelling.

Some also experience a loss of appetite, bloating, and/or a sensation of fullness after they eat. Unintentional weight loss isn’t uncommon.

Among the potential complications of blind loop syndrome are a complete intestinal obstruction, death of the intestine, an intestinal perforation, and serious malabsorption and malnutrition issues. Two others are the development of a vitamin B-12 deficiency and osteoporosis.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Following a physical exam performed by the best gastroenterologist in Fort Pierce, the standard tests for blind loop syndrome are an abdominal X-ray and an abdominal CT scan. Fortunately, a CT scan on my second day in the hospital showed that the partial small bowel obstruction an X-ray said I had at admission had cleared. It also revealed that while I had several signs of this disorder, it wasn’t the culprit.

Laboratory tests can also confirm bacterial overgrowth, substandard fat absorption, or other problems that might cause the symptoms associated with this disorder. Some patients undergo a barium X-ray of the small bowel.

Hydrogen breath tests also reveal bacterial overgrowth. The most sensitive test for overgrowth is known as an aspiration and fluid culture, which involves collecting a sample of intestinal fluid by the use of endoscopy.

Unfortunately, doctors aren’t able to resolve all cases of blind loop syndrome. When this is the case, efforts switch to quelling bacterial overgrowth and remedying nutritional deficiencies.

For most patients, however, relief is possible after the underlying problem has been solved. This might mean resolving an intestinal stricture or fistula. It can also mean surgery to repair a blind loop that develops after an earlier operation.

The most common way to treat bacterial overgrowth is a course of either short- or long-term antibiotics, depending on the patient’s needs. Balancing bacteria in the small intestine can be difficult, as antibiotics themselves sometimes upset it.

Most patients also need help to reverse nutritional deficiencies. The most common treatments include the using nutritional supplements, adopting a lactose-free diet, and prescribing medium-chain triglycerides for those with severe cases. When medical remedies fail, surgery for blind loop syndrome is required. Fortunately, the typical outcome is positive.

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Relief for Acid Reflux – Over the Counter and Prescription Medications

Whether you call it heartburn, acid reflux or GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), the fact is that nearly 25 million Americans suffer from this problem everyday. The uncomfortable burning sensation usually hits you soon after you eat. You may also feel an acid taste in your throat when you go to bed. Other people, however, have these problems only occasionally when they eat spicy foods or a big meal or go to bed too soon after dinner.

Acid Reflux

Acid reflux occurs when acid from your stomach comes back up into the esophagus and irritates its sensitive lining. If the problem of heartburn persists in someone at least twice a week even after a change in lifestyle and diet according to a doctor’s recommendation, it is likely that you have GERD. This condition occurs when the seal that keeps acid inside the stomach does not close properly, and lets acid to back up into the esophagus. This is called reflux. It should never be left untreated as it can lead to serious problems, including cancer in the future. You should also never treat a child with over-the-counter heartburn medication without first consulting a doctor.

There are a number of medications available over the counter to treat heartburn symptoms. According to surveys, about 60% to 70% of people with heartburn get relief from these over-the-counter medicines. If these medications fail, it is wise to consult your doctor about other available treatment options. The doctor then is likely to evaluate you for GERD. Over the counter medications used to treat heartburn and other mild GERD symptoms include antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

Remedy and Treatment

To relieve heartburn,the best gastroenterologist in Port St. Lucie will prescribe antacids to neutralize stomach acid. They also treat sour stomach, acid indigestion, stomach upset and sometimes ulcer pain also. Some of the antacids also contain simethicone, which helps reduce excess gas. Among the over the counter antacids available are Alka-Seltzer, Tums, Alka-2, Titralac, Surpass Gum, Milk of Magnesia, Amphojel, Alternagel, Maalox, Mylanta, Rolaids, Gelusil, Gaviscon and Pepto-Bismol. It is advisable to follow package directions and chew the tablets well before swallowing for the quickest relief. An overdose of antacids may lead to constipation, diarrhea, changes in the color of bowel movements and stomach cramps.

Histamine 2 receptor antagonists or H2 blockers include Famotidine (Pepcid-AC), cimetidine (Tagamet HB), nizatidine (Axid AR) and ranitidine (Zantac 75). While Famotidine is also available as a generic, Pepcid AC was made available without a prescription in 2003. However, if you need stronger formulations of other H2 blockers, you will need a prescription. H2 blockers cut acid production by blocking signals that instruct the stomach to form acid.

What to Keep in Mind

However, one should not take an H2 blocker for over two weeks at the maximum dose without consulting a doctor. While using them, you should follow manufacturer’s instructions or consult your physician. It is better to take the medicine 30 minutes to an hour before a meal that you suspect of causing you acid reflux. Never exceed more than two doses in a twenty-four hour period. For faster and prolonged relief, H2 blockers can also be used in combination with antacids. H2 blockers cannot give you immediate relief, as they have to first enter the bloodstream before starting work.

Examples of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are Omeprazole (Prilosec and a generic version), lansoprazole (Prevacid), rabeprazole (AcipHex), pantoprazole (Protonix), and esomeprazole (Nexium). These are sold with a prescription. The 20-mg strength of omeprazole (Prilosec) was made available over-the-counter in September 2003. The purpose of the PPIs is to block the action of cells that pump acid into the stomach for 10 to 24 hours. These drugs can eliminate symptoms in most cases, even for people with ulcers in the esophagus.

Treatment for Acid Reflux

They are useful for the treatment of esophagitis also. Over-the-counter Prilosec is used to stop frequent heartburn, sufferers experience symptoms two or more days each week. For more serious cases of GERD, prescription-strength PPIs should be used. When using Prilosec, you should follow package and perhaps a physician’s directions. Do not chew, crush or split the pills and take the medicine 30 to 60 minutes before a meal. If your problem persists in spite of using Prilosec for 14 days, you should consult a doctor. Keep it in mind that PPIs may interact with other drugs.

As some over-the-counter drugs may cause side effects or interact in a harmful way with other drugs you are taking, it is better to consult your pharmacist before trying any nonprescription drug. Once the pharmacist is told of all the drugs you are using, as well as any conditions or allergies you have, they can tell you if a particular medicine is suitable for you or not.

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The 4 Best Ways to End Acid Reflux Naturally

Believe it or not, it is possible to end acid reflux with natural methods. Acid reflux is a debilitating disease, and millions of people all over the world suffer with it. It’s an often painful condition that is caused by a weak valve at the opening to your stomach. The valve is called the LED (which stands for lower esophageal sphincter), and it’s supposed to close tightly after food drops into your stomach from your esophagus. If it’s weak, however, this doesn’t happen, and partially digested food and stomach acid can creep back past the LED and into your esophagus.

If you’ve got a weak LED, you’ll know about it pretty soon after eating, because the regurgitating stomach acid will cause a burning pain in your chest and throat. You may also feel little bits of food in your throat, just below your Adam’s apple. It may even feel like food is “stuck” there. It’s an incredibly unpleasant feeling, and most people who have it want desperately to make it go away.

Medications Available

While there are a number of prescription medications available to treat acid reflux, most of these have a host of unpleasant side effects associated with them. A lot of people simply don’t like taking chemical medications, so there are millions of people out there who are looking for natural alternatives to end acid reflux.

Antacids are often the first choice most people reach for, since they’re pretty mild and commonly used. However, antacids are only a temporary fix for symptoms, and can actually make the condition worse as time goes on. Plus, in really severe acid reflux, antacids only take the edge off and nothing more.

You don’t want to leave acid reflux untreated so you need the best Gastroenterologist in Okeechobee. If you do nothing, it will just continue to get worse, and will eventually tear up your esophagus, which will make you more susceptible to esophageal cancer. The acid can start to come up all the way into your sinuses, too, which can cause bronchial problems of all kinds.

If you really want to stop acid reflux naturally, here are the top four things you can do:

1. Lose weight. Excess pounds are the most common cause of acid reflux.
2. Quit overeating. A stomach that is too full leads to acid reflux by putting pressure on the LED. Stop eating before you feel completely full and you’ll notice a difference in your symptoms.
3. Drink herbal teas that soothe the throat, such as calendula, marshmallow root, licorice, and slippery elm. Mix with honey to improve the taste, or take as a tincture.
4. Drink aloe juice or gel. This soothes your esophagus and coats it against further damage from regurgitated stomach acid.

Avoiding acid-rich foods can help reduce the symptoms of acid reflux, as well. However, to end acid reflux for good, you need to do more than just reduce or mask the symptoms. You need to take active steps to heal the damage already done and address the root cause of the condition. These four natural treatments will help you do just that.

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Tips on Coping with Acid Reflux!

If you are like me, you have the unfortunate luck of having this thing called “acid reflux.” It is NOT fun nor is it comfortable. If you are struggling with it, then feel free to use my tips to help make your life more bearable!

First off, don’t worry if you don’t have a prescription for acid reflux medications such as Aciphex. They work wonders, but you can find other medicine, that is over the counter, for cheaper prices. Prilosec does a decent job, but even that can be pricy, too. You should browse your internet until you find a cheap generic version. Personally, I had great success with a generic version called “Romesec.” I actually got them on Ebay. I received 200 pills (20mg each) for less than $40, which is obviously a far better deal than prescriptions and Prilosec. I’ve taken Aciphex and I’ve taken Prilosec and I can honestly say that Romesec is just as effective.

The key

The key to these tablets, like most other acid reflux medications, is to take the pills LONG BEFORE you eat/drink the naughty foods that you know you should not be touching.

You really have to schedule your day with these pills. I’ve saved money on pills because I know what days I will need pills and what days I won’t; hence, I simply don’t take any pills on days that I know I will be a “good boy” and stay away from stuff that irritates me such as orange juice or sugar cookies. I usually only take the pills on the weekends because that is the time I know I’ll be consuming troublesome products like alcohol and junk food.

If you know you’re going to have a night out in which you probably will come in contact with troublesome foods/drinks, then you really should take the pills at least 3 hours before you go out in order to get the best results. These pills do not take effect immediately, so if you have a bad case of reflux/heartburn, don’t expect these pills to instantly cure it. For immediate relief, you’re probably better off taking a handful of Tums and then going to bed with a stack of pillows under your head so you can keep your neck partially elevated to eliminate the annoying acids from creeping their way up on you.

The Best Medications

But the key is not having the best medications . . . the key is knowing which foods and drinks to avoid! Here is a list of items that most people with acid reflux should avoid taking in large doses:

-Orange Juice

-Non-Diet Soda Pop

-Gatorade/Powerade

-Alcohol/Beer

-Cookies

-Excessive Butter

-Excessive Mayonnaise

-Pop Tarts

-Brownies

-Candy/Candy Bars

-Cinnamon Oatmeal

If you stay away from those items and follow the advice of the best Gastroenterologist in Fort Pierce, then you should live life just a bit more comfortably! But, if you can’t stay away from those items, then please make sure to plan ahead (at least 3 hours) with some Prilosec or Romesec . . . or you’ll be paying for it later!

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Easy and Effective Acid Reflux Remedies

Home remedies and holistic medicines are often dismissed as unscientific and ineffective, but when it comes to treating acid reflux, there are a few simple home remedies that are almost sure to yield positive results

The first is rhubarb. Rhubarb is inexpensive and should be readily available at any local produce market. Chewing on a bit of rhubarb will cause one to begin salivating. The saliva coats the esophagus, quickly reducing the symptoms of heartburn. It also works quickly, making this an ideal way to treat the condition.

A similar solution, and one that is also cheap and easily attainable, is ginger root. Like rhubarb, ginger root forces your body to produce saliva, combating heartburn in much the same way as the rhubarb does. Simply chew on it or brew it into some sort of ginger tea. Ginger is also believed to have chemical properties that combat the buildup of acid reflux, so in that respect, it may work even better than the rhubarb solution.

A little research will make it obvious that there is real scientific evidence behind home remedies such as these, and that they should not be dismissed solely on one’s preconceptions regarding the effectiveness of holistic medicines. Both rhubarb and ginger root should prove quite effective in treating the symptoms of acid reflux, and there’s no reason why you couldn’t try both at once. Or just use whichever you find most delicious (or least revolting)! If you want remedies for acid reflux you should consult with the best Gastroenterologist in Okeechobee.

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The Top Tips for Preventing and Managing Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is a common occurrence in today’s society. It is actually a feeling of heartburn which is caused by a disorder in a person’s esophagus. When the ring in the esophagus (sphincter) is irritated it allows food and stomach acid to backup into it. Although burning sensations may start in the chest area, it can move upward into the throat. Some people may belch these acid contents into their mouth which may also leave a very bitter taste.

Chronic irritation of the stomach acids can cause some scarring in the stomach walls, or worse it could cause an ulcer, especially if a person smokes or drinks alcohol. You can prevent or at least manage these acid reflux symptoms by doing a few simple things in their lives. These stomach acids are very corrosive and can cause an early development of tooth decay. So brushing your teeth regularly will also lessen your chances of having acid reflux.

What to Do

One of the first things a person should try to do; is to experiment with their diet to find out what types of food cause heartburn to flair up in them. It could be they just finished eating some very spicy food, or some sort of fruit, such as an orange or a grapefruit. If these things are causing the heartburn to start almost immediately, you should stop eating that type of food. This also goes along with other foods that you eat or drink, as some types of drinks do agitate the stomach acid.

Some people can find some results by changing their diets to low fat, or low carb diets. Also milk may cause the same acid reflux reactions, as they find out that they may be lactose intolerant.

It has been suggested that slimming down may reduce the risk of acid reflux, however, during this research many skinny people also may have an acid reflux disorder; some cases are even very severe. In this case one should try the above mentions techniques.

Stress is another factor in acid reflux. Many people suffer from stress due to their jobs, or pier pressure, and even an individual issue that they may have with themselves, such as having low self esteem.

What do Authorities Suggest

Some authorities on the subject of heartburn that they suggest that people should not lie down for three hours after eating, and then you should elevate your head. They also suggest that people exercise to ease heartburn, but you should choose easy exercises while you are experiencing acid reflux symptoms.

Always with any type of change in any part of your body for any reason; one should always consult with the best Gastroenterologist in Port St. Lucie to ask his opinions for what you would like to change. He may have other ideas that will help you as well. Some people may not be able to make some of these changes because of their health and they may already be on a particular diet that has been prescribed by the doctor.

I do hope that these tips will help you in your endeavor to solve your acid reflux symptoms.

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Heartburn and Acid Reflux Disease

If you are experiencing heartburn several times a month, you probably don’t have acid reflux disease. A symptom of acid reflux disease is heartburn. If you are experiencing heartburn several times per week, you could have acid reflux disease. Acid reflux disease is caused by a malfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter(LES). A valve that allows food to flow into your stomach and closes to keep acid from flowing back into your esophagus.

Acid reflux disease is when the LES in your stomach is relaxing at the wrong time, or it has weakened, causing stomach acid to flow back into your esophagus. Acid reflux meaning acid going back into the esophagus. When this acid touches the lining in your esophagus, it causes a burning feeling in your chest and throat known as heartburn. The frequency of this happening can help determine if it’s acid reflux disease instead. If you are struggling with acid reflux then you need to visit the best gastroenterologist in Fort Pierce.

Heartburn and Acid Reflux

Heartburn may signal a serious health problem and it’s important for you to speak with your doctor if you are experiencing heartburn. Acidic stomach fluids that back up into the esophagus, acid reflux, can cause damage. If you have long-term heartburn, your at a greater risk of developing esophageal ulcers or esophageal stricture. This is why it is important to take heartburn seriously. Talk to your doctor if you have it two or more days a week and you don’t get lasting relief from the medicines you are taking.

You should also talk to your physician if you’ve had heartburn or symptoms of acid reflux disease for several months, you have difficulty swallowing, or if it disrupts your sleep. If you have night time heartburn, don’t eat for three to four hours before going to bed. Try propping the end of your bed up or using a foam wedge between your mattress and box spring to lift your head up 6-8 inches. Using extra pillows can increase pressure on the abdominal area and bend the torso, perhaps encouraging acid reflux, so you will want to avoid using extra pillows.

Lifestyle Changes

A change in your diet can usually help prevent heartburn, because some foods are known to be more likely to cause it. Some of these foods are tomato based foods, chocolate, heavy seasonings, garlic, onions, alcohol, caffeinated or carbonated beverages, citrus fruits and juices, fried fatty meals, and mint flavorings. Other things you can do to help manage your heartburn are to avoid large fatty meals. Smaller meals reduces pressure put on the LES.

Smoking can cause your LES to weaken, and it causes your stomach to produce more acid, which may contribute to acid reflux disease. Wear loose pants because tight pants can cause pressure on your stomach and LES. Try to avoid activities that cause pressure on your stomach, and try dieting to trim down any extra fat that you might have in the abdominal area. Stress can also cause your heartburn to become worse.Keep a diary of foods and drinks you consume that cause your heartburn, or acid reflux, and then avoid consuming those foods. Check with your doctor to make sure you are not experiencing acid reflux disease.

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Homemade Treatments for Acid Reflux

You’ve undoubtedly had that burning feeling in your throat at some time or another. It was once called, “Acid Indigestion.” But if you describe the feeling to your doctor today, he or she will tell you its “Acid Reflux.” To get rid of that raw, burning sensation in your throat, you might reach for Mylanta, Tums, or another over-the-counter medication. Although there are only minor side effects associated with these drugs, they can interact with prescription drugs you’re taking. The next time you need soothing relief, why not try these homemade treatments for Acid Reflux instead?

Your stomach naturally contains powerful acids. They’re the chemicals that help digest foods, beverages, and medications that you eat and take orally. Your stomach has a lining that protects it from the acid. However, your throat doesn’t have this same protection. So, whenever the valve that keeps the acid inside your stomach fails to work properly, and the acid rises up into your throat, you get Acid Reflux.

Hydrochloric Acid

If you wonder why the burning sensation can feel so painful, one of the acids that’s always present in your stomach is hydrochloric acid (HCl). Hydrochloric acid is used in many industrial applications, that’s how powerful it is. After you’ve eaten, your stomach churns out even more of this acid in order to complete the digestion process.

One of the best homemade treatments for Acid Reflux is plain old apple cider vinegar. Stir a teaspoon of vinegar into six ounces of tap water. Drink this mixture during a meal to help avoid getting an attack of Acid Reflux. Or, drink this apple cider vinegar/water mixture after a meal when you feel the burning sensation start. It’s not clear why one acid will help cancel out another acid, but the most important factor is, that it works.

Or, you can mix baking soda in tap water and drink it instead. Use a teaspoon of baking soda and an eight-ounce glass of water. Stir the soda in well, then drink the mixture down. The baking soda will neutralize the excess acid in your stomach and bring fast relief to your Acid Reflux.

Homemade Treatment

Another homemade treatment for Acid Reflux is to try eating a banana at the first sign of the burning pain in your throat. Eat the banana slowly and avoid drinking any beverage for about an hour. This tropical fruit should bring you relief in just a short time.

Or, if you prefer, then eat a half cup of pineapple or drink the juice. Pineapple contains Bromelain which is a group of enzymes. These enzymes aid the digestive process and support healing. So you can see how the Bromelain in pineapple can help cure your Acid Reflux.

Along the same lines as eating certain fruits to ease the pain, eating the juice of a raw vegetable can also help you. The next time stomach acid gets into your throat, make yourself a homemade treatment that can’t be beat. Wash eight to ten red-skinned potatoes. Then, leave the skins on, but grate them. Place the grated potatoes in a piece of cheese cloth and squeeze the juice out well. Drink a half cup of the red potato juice as a treatment for Acid Reflux. Raw potatoes and their juice is also beneficial if you suffer from stomach ulcers.

If you suffer from Acid Reflux occasionally, then these homemade treatments can probably help relieve the pain and burning sensation. However, if you suffer from Acid Reflux on a regular basis, consult your doctor for a professional consultation. Acid Reflux that’s left untreated can lead to more serious medical problems.

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How to Effectively Treat and Reduce Acid Reflux

Acid Reflux is a condition where the liquid contents of the stomach back up into the esophagus (the tube connecting the throat to the stomach). It can cause a sour or bitter taste in your mouth, make it hard to swallow, feel as if you have excessive amount of mucus in the back of your throat that you can’t seem to clear and a host of other symptoms, such as heartburn or even nausea.

If you suffer from Acid Reflux, here are some things you can do to effectively reduce and treat your symptoms.

Change Your Diet.

Eating foods that are more naturally alkaline as opposed to acid can help return the ph of the digestive system to a more neutral state.

Recommended alkaline foods would include: Ginger root, fennel seed, herbal teas, non-citrus fruits and most vegetables.

Foods that should try to be avoided due to acid reflux would be tomatoes, onions, chili powder, chocolate, fatty foods, fried foods, or caffeinated beverages.

Eat smaller meals more often.

Quite often you can reduce acid reflux symptoms if you eat smaller meals more often during the day as opposed to 3 large meals. (The meals themselves however should still be more on the alkaline side and less on the acid.)

Eat Early.

Try eating your last meal at least 3 hours before bedtime. This can help reduce symptoms that normally occur while sleeping.

Raise Your Head.

Try raising your head at least 6 inches higher than the rest of your body while sleeping. You can do this by using extra pillows, of if it is more comfortable, by placing a brick or something solid under the mattress to raise the mattress itself up. This way, gravity will help keep stomach acid in the stomach.

Avoid Smoking and Alcohol.

Smoking and alcohol (especially imbibed in right before bedtime), could also be big contributors to suffering from acid reflux symptoms at night. If you notice that you have been snoring more lately, have woken up with hoarseness in your throat, or feel as if you have mucus in your throat that you have a hard time clearing; these can all be symptoms caused by Acid Reflux.

Use over the counter drugs.

Pepcid AC and other over-the-counter acid reducing drugs can help bring immediate relief to acid reflux sufferers. However, if you find that you are needing the drugs more often or taking them for longer periods of time, it might be time to go to a doctor and get a prescription for a stronger combatant.

Prescription Drugs.

Two of the most popular recommended drugs by physicians are Prilosec and Nexium. These work differently than just helping symptoms of acid reflux. These drugs actually help to reduce the amount of acid that the stomach produces. They also promote healing of damaged tissues in as little as a couple of months.

So if you have been suffering from these symptoms for any length of time, it might be time for you to go see your doctor.

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Insurance Companies Resisting in the Prevention of Colon Cancer

There are a total of four government recommended screenings in the prevention of Colon Cancer. While most insurance companies cover all of these, there are a few holdouts. Now, the cancer advocacy groups are pushing them to join the fight against cancer, as well.

Fifteen states are considering legislative mandates, by the American Cancer Society’s count, and 19 other states have had such laws for a long time now.

Insurance companies and the Issues

There is more to the issue than just the insurance companies; people are reluctant to get the preventive screenings done. This is a scary thought with Colon Cancer being the number two cancer killer in our country.

Nearly 42 million Americans over 50 aren’t getting screened. This is in spite of Medicare long covering such screenings for those over 65. Some 153,760 Americans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer this year, and more than 52,000 will die.

 

What the Government has to say

The government says that over 60 percent of those deaths could be prevented if everyone over the age of 50 had the routine screenings. It’s not just about catching the cancer when it’s small and treatable anymore. The disease starts with small polyps that can take up to 10 years to develop into cancer. If they are removed in time, the cancer never develops.

As mentioned, there are four screening options that the government recommends. The most used screenings are the yearly at-home fecal tests that detect hidden blood in the stool and the once-a-decade colonoscopies, preformed by your doctor.

The Screenings

The other two screenings are sigmoidoscopy, an exam of the lower colon only, and the even less used barium enema, which is repeated every five years. No one knows how crucial these screenings are than Sam Monismith.

Monismith was prepped and ready for his colonoscopy when health workers broke the news that his insurance company wouldn’t cover the screening, they wanted a signed commitment to pay or the test was off.

He hesitated only briefly-the test revealed nine polyps in his colon. Then since the doctors removed them on the spot, his routine screening that was not covered by his insurance, turned into a surgical procedure that was covered.

Insurance Companies

One insurance company’s response to this case was that his case was a rarity and that most companies pay for the screenings. But to truly begin to make a real dent into the prevention of colon cancer, all companies need to start footing the bill for the crucial screenings.

As the American Cancer Society, and other cancer advocacy groups, joins the fight to get insurance companies to take more responsibility for this much needed service, there is a little hope to those who can’t afford to pay for the screening.

Now, the issue still stands on how to get people to have these not so comfortable or talked about screenings. Encourage your spouse, your friends, you neighbors and set an example of proactive prevention against cancer, by having the screenings yourself.

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