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    Nathan Davis
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    The human body has been repeatedly described as a wondrous machine. Even today, with the invention of self-healing devices and the recent innovations in the field of robotics, no machine can fully duplicate the ability of the human body to repair itself. Nevertheless, there are times when the human body falls prey to injury or disease. Some of these medical conditions are usually annoying for the sufferer, yet there are times when a seemingly harmless disease can lead to more serious complications. Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, is one of the most common conditions that affect the digestive system. This medical condition is prevalent in many people around the world, with the total number of people suffering from acid reflux, estimated to be ranging in the millions. At the same time, acid reflux disease isn’t something you can just ignore. Left untreated, it can result in more severe complications and may even raise a person’s chance of getting esophageal adenocarcinoma, an extremely dangerous form of cancer! Luckily, knowledge is power. People who suffer from acid reflux can still take appropriate measures to manage their condition and live normal and healthy lives. In light of this, Creating Comfort, a supplier of healthcare products, now presents a recently published infographic about acid reflux. The infographic provides the following information regarding the condition: The prevalence of acid reflux disease, as measuredby the number of estimated people in both Great Britain and the whole world who suffer from GERD. Symptoms of acid reflux, which are often confused with other diseases. Accurate definitions of acid reflux. Factors that can increase your chances of having ac id reflux disease. Actions you can take to prevent or reduce the chances of developing the symptoms of acid reflux, some of which are also useful for managing or preventing other health conditions. Diagnostic procedures that doctors may recommend in order to determine if you have acid reflux disease. What medications are usually taken by those suffering from reflux. The complications that may arise from acid reflux disease. If you suffer from acid reflux disease, or if you know someone who does, you will find this infographic very useful. In addition, the infographic displays links to several of its sources, which you can then visit if you want to get more in-depth information about acid reflux disease. Finally, help spread this infographic so that more people can be informed about the importance of knowing the symptoms & actions to take to help in the battle of controlling acid reflux.

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    The human body has been repeatedly described as a wondrous machine. Even today, with the invention of self-healing devices and the recent innovations in the field of robotics, no machine can fully duplicate the ability of the human body to repair itself. Nevertheless, there are times when the human body falls prey to injury or disease. Some of these medical conditions are usually annoying for the sufferer, yet there are times when a seemingly harmless disease can lead to more serious complications. Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, is one of the most common conditions that affect the digestive system. This medical condition is prevalent in many people around the world, with the total number of people suffering from acid reflux, estimated to be ranging in the millions. At the same time, acid reflux disease isn’t something you can just ignore. Left untreated, it can result in more severe complications and may even raise a person’s chance of getting esophageal adenocarcinoma, an extremely dangerous form of cancer! Luckily, knowledge is power. People who suffer from acid reflux can still take appropriate measures to manage their condition and live normal and healthy lives. In light of this, Creating Comfort, a supplier of healthcare products, now presents a recently published infographic about acid reflux. The infographic provides the following information regarding the condition: The prevalence of acid reflux disease, as measuredby the number of estimated people in both Great Britain and the whole world who suffer from GERD. Symptoms of acid reflux, which are often confused with other diseases. Accurate definitions of acid reflux. Factors that can increase your chances of having ac id reflux disease. Actions you can take to prevent or reduce the chances of developing the symptoms of acid reflux, some of which are also useful for managing or preventing other health conditions. Diagnostic procedures that doctors may recommend in order to determine if you have acid reflux disease. What medications are usually taken by those suffering from reflux. The complications that may arise from acid reflux disease. If you suffer from acid reflux disease, or if you know someone who does, you will find this infographic very useful. In addition, the infographic displays links to several of its sources, which you can then visit if you want to get more in-depth information about acid reflux disease. Finally, help spread this infographic so that more people can be informed about the importance of knowing the symptoms & actions to take to help in the battle of controlling acid reflux.

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    27 views7 pages

    Acid Reflux Know The Basics PDF

    Uploaded by

    Nathan Davis
    The human body has been repeatedly described as a wondrous machine. Even today, with the invention of self-healing devices and the recent innovations in the field of robotics, no machine can fully duplicate the ability of the human body to repair itself. Nevertheless, there are times when the human body falls prey to injury or disease. Some of these medical conditions are usually annoying for the sufferer, yet there are times when a seemingly harmless disease can lead to more serious complications. Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, is one of the most common conditions that affect the digestive system. This medical condition is prevalent in many people around the world, with the total number of people suffering from acid reflux, estimated to be ranging in the millions. At the same time, acid reflux disease isn’t something you can just ignore. Left untreated, it can result in more severe complications and may even raise a person’s chance of getting esophageal adenocarcinoma, an extremely dangerous form of cancer! Luckily, knowledge is power. People who suffer from acid reflux can still take appropriate measures to manage their condition and live normal and healthy lives. In light of this, Creating Comfort, a supplier of healthcare products, now presents a recently published infographic about acid reflux. The infographic provides the following information regarding the condition: The prevalence of acid reflux disease, as measuredby the number of estimated people in both Great Britain and the whole world who suffer from GERD. Symptoms of acid reflux, which are often confused with other diseases. Accurate definitions of acid reflux. Factors that can increase your chances of having ac id reflux disease. Actions you can take to prevent or reduce the chances of developing the symptoms of acid reflux, some of which are also useful for managing or preventing other health conditions. Diagnostic procedures that doctors may recommend in order to determine if you have acid reflux disease. What medications are usually taken by those suffering from reflux. The complications that may arise from acid reflux disease. If you suffer from acid reflux disease, or if you know someone who does, you will find this infographic very useful. In addition, the infographic displays links to several of its sources, which you can then visit if you want to get more in-depth information about acid reflux disease. Finally, help spread this infographic so that more people can be informed about the importance of knowing the symptoms & actions to take to help in the battle of controlling acid reflux.

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    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
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    of 7

    http://www.creatingcomforts.co.

    uk/blog/acid-reflux-infographic/

    http://www.creatingcomforts.co.uk/Bed-Wedges/c-1-154/
    All about acid reflux (AKA gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD)

    Statistics
    It is estimated that over 160 million people suffer from acid reflux worldwide.
    That includes 8.8 million Americans and 1.8 million Britons.

    Studies have shown that:
    20% of North Americans
    Between 8.8%25.9% of Europeans
    2.5%7.8% of East Asians,
    8.7%33.1% of Middle Easterners,
    11.6% of Australians
    and 23.0% of South Americans suffer from acid reflux symptoms weekly.

    Acid reflux impacts people of all types. Heredity, weight, and age do not factor into the
    likelihood of suffering from it. Even children can get acid reflux.

    A medical diagnosis of acid reflux is associated with a 57% increased risk of first heart
    attack within 5 years.

    Symptoms
    The most common symptom is heartburn, but other symptoms include:
    Regurgitation (vomiting)
    Bad breath
    Difficulty swallowing
    Coughing and/or wheezing
    Hoarseness, sore throat
    Non-cardiac chest pain
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    http://www.creatingcomforts.co.uk/Bed-Wedges/c-1-154/
    Tooth enamel erosion or other dental manifestations

    Prevention
    Treatment for acid reflux includes over the counter medicines, prescription drugs and
    even surgery.

    The following lifestyle changes have been also been recommended by the Mayo Clinic
    and other top medical universities and clinics to help control the condition.
    Maintain a healthy weight
    Avoid acidic food and drinks (alcohol, coffee, tomatoes, etc.)
    Eat small, frequent meals rather than large meals
    Wait 3 hours after a meal to lie down
    Elevating the head of your bed 6 - 8 inches by using a bed wedge pillow
    Stop smoking
    Avoid increased abdomen pressure; loosen that belt or stop doing sit-up exercises




    Information

    - What is acid reflux?
    Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus the tube
    which moves food down from the mouth to the stomach.
    The stomach lining is specially adapted to produce this acid and also to protect itself
    against its own corrosive secretion but the higher gut is not protected.
    http://www.creatingcomforts.co.uk/blog/acid-reflux-infographic/

    http://www.creatingcomforts.co.uk/Bed-Wedges/c-1-154/
    The gastro esophageal sphincter (a ring of muscle) acts as a valve by closing the
    entrance of the stomach and when it fails the symptoms of acid reflux such as heartburn
    are felt. This is known as dyspepsia, pyrosis or acid indigestion.
    - What causes acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease?
    Acid reflux is common in people of all ages and we can all experience it at some time. It
    is often associated with what we eat or drink but sometimes there are no reasons
    (idiopathic). Recurrent reflux that leads to disease has other causes & risk factors are
    termed gastro esophageal reflux disease aka GERD or GORD.

    An anatomical abnormality, known as a hiatal (or hiatus) hernia allows the upper
    part of the stomach to enter the chest cavity, by letting it push up through the
    diaphragm - this sometimes can lead to GERD.

    Pregnancy can increase the occurrence and severity of the symptoms of dyspepsia
    and the likelihood is increased furthermore if one suffered from acid reflux before
    pregnancy.

    Controllable lifestyle factors that can be changed include; obesity (over weight),
    smoking, high table salt intake, a diet lacking fibre, little or no exercise.

    - Tests and diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease

    1) Endoscopy Camera Imaging Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (aka
    esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy or EGD) visual inspection using a tube
    containing an optical system. Can highlight, ulcers, strictures, Barrett's and an
    inflamed esophagus but does not
    diagnose GERD.

    http://www.creatingcomforts.co.uk/blog/acid-reflux-infographic/

    http://www.creatingcomforts.co.uk/Bed-Wedges/c-1-154/
    2) X-ray Barium swallow radiograph (esophagram) ; by swallowing a barium
    solution x-rays to be taken that can but not always identify structural damage
    to the esophagus.

    3) Biopsy normally dependent on EGD results and the biopsy & can be carried
    out at the same. Tissue samples are removed from the esophagus lining for
    lab analysis that can identify more serious underlying issues such as
    infections & abnormalities.

    4) pH monitoring measures the amount of acid (acidity testing).

    5) Oesophageal manometry - can check the function of the oesophagus and lower
    oesophageal sphincter.

    6) Impedance monitoring - measuring rate of fluid movement along the oesophagus


    Long term risks
    Untreated acid reflux and long-term exposure to the stomach acid can damage the
    esophagus leading to;

    Esophagitis the damaged esophagus lining may cause irritation, bleeding &
    ulceration.
    Strictures - acid damage can lead to scarring which may make swallowing difficult
    and issues with food getting stuck as it travels down the esophagus
    Barrett's oesophagus - a serious complication in which changes in the oesophagus
    make its lining resemble that of the intestine further down the gut.
    Both esophagitis and Barrett's esophagus are associated with a higher risk of
    cancer!



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    Popular Medication types
    There are countless over the counter none prescriptive medications. People with
    persistent symptoms should always seek professional advice.

    Antacids counteract (neutralize) the acid in your stomach. Chewable tablets or
    liquid form.
    H2 blockers (aka histamine H2-receptor antagonists) reduce the amount of acid
    produced by the cells in the lining of the acid. Can be effective as short-term on demand
    relief. Over the counter and prescribed in stronger strengths.
    PPIs (Proton pump inhibitors) reduce the production of acid by blocking the enzyme
    in the wall of the stomach that produces acid. More effective and widely preferred than
    H2 blockers for long term management. Over the counter and prescription versions.
    Prokinetic medicines speed up the passage of food through the stomach.
    Surgery In extreme cases an operation (normally performed by keyhole surgery) can
    tighten the lower oesophagus to prevent acid leaking up from the stomach.





    Sources used:
    Burden of Gastrointestinal Disease in the United States: 2012 Update, Anne F. Peery et
    al, 2012. Available online at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3480553/
    Gastroesophageal reflux among different racial groups in the United States, H.B. El-
    Serag et al, 2004. Available online at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15188164
    Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, Medscape, 2014. Available online at
    http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/176595-overview
    Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), University of Michigan, Faculty Group
    Practice, 2013
    http://www.creatingcomforts.co.uk/blog/acid-reflux-infographic/

    http://www.creatingcomforts.co.uk/Bed-Wedges/c-1-154/
    GERD, The Mayo Clinic, 2012. Available online at http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-
    conditions/gerd/basics/definition/con-20025201
    GERD may boost risk of MI, GI & Hepatology News, 2014. Available online at
    http://www.gihepnews.com/news/top-news/single-article/gerd-may-boost-risk-of-
    mi/961221c1640f6450b79a643d5bc37ea4.html
    Statistics by country for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, 2004. Available online at
    http://www.rightdiagnosis.com/g/gerd/stats-country.htm
    Update on the epidemiology of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: a systematic review,
    Hsehm B. El-Serag, Stephen Sweet, Christopher C. Winchester and John Dent, 2013.
    Available online at http://gut.bmj.com/content/early/2013/07/12/gutjnl-2012-
    304269.short?rss=1

    http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/146619.php
    Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in
    adults. Bethesda, Maryland, US: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and
    Kidney Diseases. Information published online Dyspepsia in Pregnancy Available
    online at http://www.patient.co.uk/health/dyspepsia-in-pregnancy
    Understanding heartburn and reflux disease.
    Bethesda, Maryland, US: American Gastroenterological Association. Information
    published online, Symptoms and procedures to diagnose GERD available online at
    http://www.medicinenet.com/gastroesophageal_reflux_disease_gerd/page6.htm

    What is acid reflux disease Available online at http://www.webmd.com/heartburn-
    gerd/guide/what-is-acid-reflux-disease

    Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER) and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) in Adults
    http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/Gerd/

    http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/antacid-medicines/Pages/Definition.aspx
    http://www.creatingcomforts.co.uk/blog/acid-reflux-infographic/

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