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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