Everything seems to be a blur these days that hardly anyone has enough time for anything. There are just so many things to be done that you don’t even have the time to rest, let alone sit down and eat a decent nutritious healthy meal. The combination of living a fast paced lifestyle, coupled with eating a less than ideal fast food diet has brought us another miracle of science, your everyday energy drink.

Science always seems to have an answer for everything, if you needed money fast there’s your ATM machine and if you’re searching for that extra needed boost you can always take a quick gulp out of that miracle liquid called an energy drink.

If you’re going to ask the question “are energy drinks for real?” then the simple answer is yes. Just take a look at your favorite sports team and you’re bound to see an energy drink sponsor out there. Gatorade, Redbull and Lipovitan are just some of the most sought after energy drinks that are available in almost every corner of the world today.

The popularity of energy drinks can be confirmed by the billions of dollars spent on them . Energy drinks are consumed by almost everybody of any age and size. Whether you’re a 20 year old man running the Boston marathon or a 65 year old senior citizen off to the park for a brisk walk, an energy drink will give your body the calories necessary to give you that boost.

What goes into an energy drink?

Energy drinks may come with different names but a simple look into their ingredients reveal that most of these come with the same ingredients. Sometimes the difference between buying certain energy drinks all boils down to the packaging and advertising. Two of the most common ingredients found in energy drinks are caffeine and carbohydrates. Caffeine stimulates you and the carbohydrates gives your body the fuel to keep going.

Caffeine ?

Yes that’s right, the same ingredient you find in your coffee could be found in your everyday energy drink. We all know that drinking coffee is a great way of keeping up at night so if you have plans of getting a goodnight’s rest after a day at the gym keep your energy drink consumption to a minimum.

Caffeine is a chemical that heightens the body’s senses and stimulates brain functioning. The effects of caffeine usually last anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours. The amount of energy drink needed to keep a person energized depends largely on how big the person is or how often he takes the liquid. Just like most drugs, a tolerance builds up the more you use the energy drink.

Dangers of high Caffeine intake

Caffeine is a popular drug used in many liquid beverages including coffee, tea, carbonated drinks and energy drinks. It can also be found in chocolate products and prescription drugs. Caffeine is not dangerous in itself it is when they are taken in dangerous amounts that health problems occur.

Most people don’t know that caffeine is a diuretic. What this means is that high levels of caffeine can cause people to urinate more often that increases the risk for dehydration. Massive perspiration during strenuous activities like sports coupled with its diuretics can leave the body dangerously low on water. Caffeine is also highly addictive. This means people used to taking in caffeinated products may require more amounts to achieve the same results as before.

• Increases blood pressure and can cause irregular heartbeats
• Affects mental and social well-being
• Disrupts sleeping patterns
• Anxiety and stress
• Decreases hydration levels in the body

Carbohydrates

Energy drinks contain high levels of sugar. Sugar can be a source of carbohydrates to the body.  However, too much sugar intake can also have a negative effect on the body, does diabetes ring a bell? It is wrong to assume that taking large amounts of energy drinks can lead to diabetes but this can cause some of the symptoms seen in the medical condition.

Making an energy drink is a delicate balancing act. Medical studies show that around 20 to 25 grams of sugar in an 8 oz drink is the ideal amount for each energy drink. Higher levels of sugar in the bloodstream make the blood more viscous making the heart blood work a little bit more.

Temporarily increasing sugar levels can be great for giving athletes that extra source of fuel during competitions but can also leave them more exhausted after the activity. Because the body is unable to naturally provide the energy needed, once the effects of the energy drinks are lost it takes longer for the body to recuperate and exhaustion sets in.

Fact or Hype

There is no question that energy drinks are truly effective in giving athletes that much needed boost just when they need it. But effectiveness and safety are two things that should never be confused with each other. Just like anything, too much of a good thing is bad and this also holds true for your favorite sports drinks.

Nothing beats eating a healthy diet and proper exercise in getting your body to its best physical condition. The problem with today’s society is that everybody wants to get the best results in the fastest possible time that they often take shortcuts just to get there. Energy drinks can get you from Point A to Point B fast but when people get too dependent on them they forget that these can sometimes leave them in an even worse condition than when they started.

Written by Ronald Uy, RN

© 2010  H.I.C. Digestive Health

Constipation is common in children and may be related to any of the causes noted in the previous section. In a small number of children, constipation may be the result of physical problems. Children with such defects as the absence of normal nerve endings in portions of the bowel, abnormalities of the spinal cord, thyroid deficiency, mental retardation, and certain other inherited metabolic disorders often suffer symptoms of constipation. Constipation in children, however, usually is due to poor bowel habits.

Studies show that many children who suffer from constipation when they are older have a history of passing stools that are firmer than average in their early weeks of life. Because this occurs before there are significant variations in diet, habits, or attitudes, it suggests children who develop constipation have a normal tendency to have firmer stools. Such children suffer little from the tendency unless it is aggravated by poor bowel habits or poor diet.

Constipation may result in pain when the child has bowel movements. Cracks in the skin, called fissures, may develop in the anus. These fissures can bleed or increase pain, causing a child to withhold his or her stool. Children may withhold their stools for other reasons as well. Some find it inconvenient to use toilets outside of the home. Also, severe emotional stress caused by family crises or difficulties at school may cause children to withhold their stools. In these instances, the periods between bowel movements may become quite long, in some cases lasting longer than one or two weeks. These children may develop fecal impaction’s, a situation where the stool is packed so tightly in the bowel that the normal pushing action of the bowel is not enough to expel the stool spontaneously.

written by Joy Seeman

© 2009 HIC Digestive Health

The symptoms of a Prolapsed hemorrhoids are as follows: a second degree Prolapsed Hemorrhoid retracts of its own accord, a third degree Prolapsed Hemorrhoid is one that can be manually reinserted, while a fourth degree Prolapsed Hemorrhoid is one that remains externalized and cannot be reinserted.  In the most extreme cases, a fourth degree Prolapsed Hemorrhoid becomes either Strangulated or Thrombosed, in addition to its resistance to being manually reinserted into the anus, after which it spontaneously remerges.

Prolapsed Hemorrhoid Symptoms may include mild itching or burning, slight to temperate bleeding, or in more extreme cases, produce severe pain by virtue of its becoming an inflamed mass of externalized tissue.  Other common prolapsed hemorrhoid symptoms include either red blood in the stool or residual red blood on toilet paper, or an inability to complete a bowel movement.  It should be noted that blackened stool or actual pain caused by the act of defecating is not typically symptomatic of a hemorrhoidal condition.  In the presence of these last two symptoms, a doctor should examine the individual suffering the symptoms forthwith.  Essentially, all masses of tissue that are externalized outside of the anus are regarded as external hemorrhoids, with the exception being the prolapsed hemorrhoid, which originate as an internal condition but extend outside of the rectum as they progress.  Prolapsed Hemorrhoids have a variety of causes.  Straining during bowel movements (caused by either diarrhea or constipation) is a typical culprit, as is hypertension, obesity,  pregnancy, and cigarette smoking.  Each of the foregoing causes has specific explanations, which are as follows:

Straining during a bowel movement places pressure on the walls of the anus, thereby weakening the rectal tissue of the anus and making it susceptible to a hemorrhoidal breach.

Constipation during pregnancy is often the result of water retention, which can induce strenuous bowel movements and thus weaken the walls of the anus, in addition to causing hypertension, which is not an uncommon condition during pregnancy.

Obesity can be a factor in causing Hemorrhoids due to an increase in the amount of pressure exerted on rectal veins, in addition to attending symptoms such as reduced muscle tone and poor posture, all of which also put additional stress on rectal veins.

Cigarette smoking during bowel movements have been linked to not only an increased risk in producing Hemorrhoids, but are also believed to be responsible for causing severe bleeding of the veins in the anus and the rectal area.

Causes and Prevention of Prolapsed Hemorrhoids

Prolapsed Hemorrhoids are caused by a myriad of reasons, and thus their prevention varies.  However, there are standard preventative measures that are typically suggested as a means for either reducing the risk of developing them, or treating them should they occur.  These measures include consuming more fluids and dietary fiber (fruits, vegetables, cereals or muffins that are high in fiber, in addition to taking fiber supplements).  The consumption of fiber and fluids reduces the strain that occurs during bowel movements, which in turn act as agitating factors that can either cause or prolong the condition.  Reducing the time and duration of a bowel movement is also a means of reducing the risk of developing Prolapsed Hemorrhoids, and is a practice that can also assist in the healing process.  Elsewhere it has been suggested by doctors, and reported by patients, that tight undergarments can be a contributing factor to irritating the condition, as can the presence of weak muscle tone in the anal region.  Additionally, women frequently report an increase in the development of Hemorrhoids, or Hemorrhoidal irritation during periods of menstruation, which may be alleviated by washing the affected area with cool or warm soapy water, which can also assist in reducing itching and irritation, and possibly stave off a general worsening of symptoms.

Prolapsed Hemorrhoid Treatment

Prolapsed Hemorrhoids, which are distinguished by an external lump of inflamed tissue protruding from the anus, can be treated with a variety of interventions, depending on their severity.  Inflammation can be reduced by bathing in warm water, which assists the blood vessels in the rectal area to relax.  Steady use of medicated ointments and creams during the initial onset of symptoms can also achieve some relief, and may be a deterrent against increased inflammation or a worsening of the condition.

Prolapsed Hemorrhoid Treatment is typically handled surgically because of the inherent severity of the condition and the nature of its symptoms. In such cases, where the hemorrhoid has externalized, a Hemorroidectomy may be performed.  The procedure consists of surgically excising, or removing, the hemorrhoid, and is noted for the long duration of its recovery time and the severity of pain that accompanies it.  The hemorroidectomy is only recommended for grade IV Hemorrhoids, and has been linked with cases of incontinence later in life.  A Stapled Hemorrhoidectomy is a procedure whose objective is to resect the tissue that is in proximity to what is referred to as the dentate line (the dentate line is the region in the anal canal  that resides above the area where an individual experiences pain).  The Stapled Hemorrhoidectomy works by reducing blood flow to the inflamed tissue, thereby starving the hemorrhoid.  It is a less painful procedure than a Hemorrhoidectomy, and is favored treatment by doctors and patients because of the shorter recovery time that is necessary to otherwise treat a Prolapsed Hemorrhoid.

Alternative Treatments for Prolapsed Hemorrhoids

Prolapsed Hemorrhoids can also be treated with a variety of alternative remedies, which include both preventative practices (usually dietary), as well as medicinally holistic treatment measures.  For example, consuming bulk fiber products like psyllium seed husk and plantain is believed to produce softer stool, which is easier to pass and thus less likely to induce new Hemorrhoids or inflame preexisting ones.  Adopting a squatting position when making a bowel movement is thought to ease stress to the anal walls and aid in easier defecation.  For Individuals whose poor circulation is the cause of their hemorrhoids, doctors sometimes recommend using a pillow to raise the legs while sleeping to assist in eliminating altogether the presence of external hemorrhoids. The use of soothing compounds and substances such as Witch hazel, Cranesbill, Aloe Vera and honey are advocated and favored by some patients because they are regarded as natural or more organic than compounds such as Preparation H, and provide relief for some of the symptoms associated with the condition.  Prolapsed Hemorrhoids have also been reported to respond to certain dietary interventions, such as Butcher’s Broom, Horse-Chestnut, as well as bioflavanoids.  Because compounds such as Butcher’s Broom contain naturally occurring anti-inflammatory agents such as ruscogenins, they are often sought out by patients who wish to try an organic approach to addressing the symptoms that attend Prolapsed Hemorrhoids.

Written by, David Gilbert

© 2009 Hemorrhoid Information Center

What is Hyperglycemia ?

Hyperglycemia comes from the Greek words “hyper” or a high state, “glykys” or sweets and “haemia” or blood. This medical condition refers to the abnormally high levels of glucose in the blood. This is a result of the body’s inability to produce enough insulin to utilize or store glucose. Diabetic patients are unable to produce enough insulin because of a dysfunctional pancreas.

What is Fasting Hyperglycemia ?

This is a medical condition wherein a patient is diagnosed with elevated blood sugar levels after 8 hours of fasting. Normal blood sugar levels are within 90—130 mg/dl, when patients are diagnosed with hyperglycemia their blood sugar is found to be above these levels.

Patients are asked to fast for 8 hours to check if their bodies are able to regulate blood glucose levels. Glucose serves as energy for body functioning, and is utilized by the cells and converted into energy. Maintaining normal blood sugar levels is also done by storing excess glucose. If a person is found to be suffering from elevated blood sugar levels even after 8 hours of fasting, they are found to be suffering from hyperglycemia or are candidates for diabetes.

After-meal Hyperglycemia

This medical condition is defined as abnormally high blood sugar levels 2 hours after a meal; blood glucose levels are found to be above 180 mg/dl. This is unusually high as normal blood sugar levels drop down to 140 mg/dl levels after meals.

It is not uncommon for people to register high blood sugar levels after eating heavy meals, but this condition is dangerous when patients are found to suffer from consistent high blood sugar levels. Patients found to be suffering from consistent high levels could indicate that they are at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

How can Hyperglycemia occur?

Maintaining normal blood glucose levels is important for people suffering from diabetes. Hyperglycemia occurs when diabetes is not managed properly. Here are some factors which can cause episodes of hyperglycemia in diabetic patient:

• You forgot to take your hypoglycemic medications or insulin. Taking medications at prescribed times is important in helping your body break down glucose and maintaining normal levels. Skipping medications leaves you with insufficient levels of insulin increasing the levels of glucose in blood.

• You had too much food that the insulin was not enough to control your blood sugar. Doctors prescribe insulin to facilitate the breakdown of glucose and lower blood sugar levels for diabetic patients. Depending on the prescription, patients take specific amounts at different times to control blood sugar levels. If insulin medications are followed, patients may find themselves with high levels of blood sugar because the medication was not sufficient in controlling blood glucose.

• Too much physical activity forces the body to release glucose. This is done as a result of the body’s increased requirement for energy. Glucose provides the body with energy and insulin breaks this down into materials which the body’s tissues and cell could use. When there is insufficient level of insulin available to transform this glucose, patients are left with elevated blood sugar levels.

• No exercise leads to higher glucose levels. The body has less energy requirements in a sedentary lifestyle. This means that the glucose contained in your blood is not utilized, leaving patients with hyperglycemia.

Early Signs of Hyperglycemic Episodes

The body can use proteins and fats as a source of energy; the brain, however, only uses glucose as a source of energy. Without sufficient levels of insulin the brain is unable to use this energy source, and normal brain function is affected. Patients with hyperglycemia may also suffer from difficulties with vision, as blood circulation in the eyes is affected.

• Thirstier than usual
• Weakness
• Urinating more than usual
• Headache
• Confusion
• Blurring of vision

Long-term Effects of Hyperglycemia

• Slow healing of wounds
• Decreased vision
• Sensory destruction
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Erectile dysfunction
• Skin infections

Managing Hyperglycemic Episodes

While it is important that you recognize the early signs of hyperglycemia, testing your daily blood sugar levels daily is the most important thing to remember. When you find readings to be consistently high, always remember to consult your doctor as this may be early symptoms of hyperglycemia.

• Increase water intake. Thirst is a normal reaction that helps in getting rid of excess blood sugar through urination and to keeps you hydrated.
• Exercise. Physical activities help in decreasing the levels of glucose as this is transformed into energy which your body can use. However, if your blood glucose is beyond 240 mg/dL with ketones in your urine, do not exercise.  If you have type 2 diabetes and blood levels go beyond 300 mg/dL, discontinue physical activities.
• Follow your recommended diet. You should not ignore what your nutritionist has given you as a guide.  It will dramatically help you control your hyperglycemic episodes.
• Consult your health care provider. Adjusting medications by yourself is never recommended. Only a doctor can do this, and if necessary, he may change your prescription and dosage.

What can happen if Hyperglycemia is ignored?

When hyperglycemia is not treated immediately, patients may go into coma as a result of ketoacidosis.  This results when fats and protein are used for energy production producing large amounts of ketones. This is can lead to dangerous medical conditions. Below are signs and symptoms of ketoacidosis:

• Fruity breath
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dry mouth
• Rapid and deep breathing

Simple steps in managing and avoiding Hyperglycemia

• Check your diet
• Avoid alcohol consumption
• Check your blood glucose regularly
• Contact your doctor when your blood glucose readings are beyond normal levels

Modern medical science has yet to find a cure for diabetes. However, treating and managing the symptoms associated with diabetes is easy. Lifestyle changes and proper medication is important in managing and avoiding serious medical complications of diabetes. It is also important to remember that diabetics should always wear bracelets or identification cards to inform people that they are suffering from diabetes, and help emergency medical professionals give proper treatment.

written by Ronald Uy, RN

Sources:

What are the Causes of Hyperglycemia? Retrieved December 8, 2009 from LIVESTRONG.COM:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/16476-causes-hyperglycemia/

Living with Diabetes. Retrieved December 8, 2009 from American Diabetes Association:

http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/blood-glucose-control/hyperglycemia.html

Definition of Hyperglycemia. Retrieved December 8, 2009 from MedicineNet.com:

http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=3836

Digestive disorders are often the result of unhealthy lifestyles and poor diets. These diseases are easily preventable but the number of people who continue to suffer from these disorders continues to increase each day. Simple conditions such as heartburn, obesity or constipation are easily relieved and prevented by having a proper diet and regular exercise.

The use of medications for treating even simple digestive disorders has been growing in popularity. This is because they provide quick relief from digestive discomforts. There are a great number of medications available for treating even the simplest medical conditions. However, it is discouraged that people self- medicate. The best way of knowing the proper drug for your medical condition is still done by consulting your doctor. There are numerous drugs available in the market specifically intended for treating digestive diseases. Their effects on the body are varied, and some could pose serious side effects if not used properly. Some drugs can be purchased over the counter such as laxatives or antacids, but other drugs are only available with a doctor’s prescription.

People who suffer from similar medical conditions are not always prescribed the same drugs. This is because medications have different effects for each and every person. Some people may find themselves allergic to some medications, or combinations of these drugs may prove to be more harmful and complicate a patient’s condition. That is why people are always advised to consult with their doctors before taking any medication.

Common Medications

Treating and managing diseases are successful when patients understand why they are taking a certain medication. By visiting your physician, you are not only prescribed the proper medication but also advised on when or how often the drugs should be taken. It is important to remember that patients should not only take in the proper medication but should also follow the doctor’s advice on how much and how long you should be taking these drugs.

Below is a list of common medications used for treating digestive disorders:

• Antacids–this type of medication is intended for those suffering from heartburn, indigestion, or sour stomachs. Antacids lower the acid levels of the stomach to normal levels providing relief from symptoms such as pain or upset stomachs. These medications are quick acting, providing relief in a matter of minutes or in about an hour.

• There are three common types of antacids, aluminum and magnesium, calcium carbonate, and sodium bicarbonate or baking soda. These may come in the form of tablets, suspensions, gel, liquid, or lozenges. It is always recommended to consult your doctors before taking in antacids. This is because antacids have side effects for people suffering from colitis, constipation, hemorrhoids, bleeding or obstructed intestines, Alzheimer’s, and bone fractures.

• Anti-Inflammatory drugs–tissue damage and infections from digestive disorders cause inflammation. As their name implies, these medications reduce inflammations which may lead to complications such as constipation or irritation of the intestinal tract. These drugs also reduce the risks for colorectal cancers and treat symptoms associated with inflammation. These medications should be taken with caution and in consultation with your doctor. People suffering from medical conditions such as stomach ulcers, tuberculosis, liver diseases, kidney diseases and cardiovascular diseases should take caution and consult with their doctors because these drugs have harmful side-effects which may complicate their health problems.

• Anti-diarrhea–diarrhea is a natural reaction used by the body for eliminating toxins. The danger of diarrhea is when a patient loses too much fluids or nutrients which may leave them weak or dehydrated. For busy people and those who can’t afford to lose work, anti-diarrhea medications are great in providing temporary relief. It is important to remember that these drugs provide relief from diarrhea but they are not cures. The best way of treating diarrhea is still by eliminating its causes.

• Anti-emetics–these drugs are also called anti-vomiting or anti-nausea medications. They are used to relieve symptoms of vomiting and nausea which are present with some digestive disorders. The common side-effect with taking anti-emetics is that they might cause your tongue and stools to darken. This discoloration is normal, and patients should not be alarmed and should not be confused with other diseases. Other common side effects are dry mouth and drowsiness. While these medications are relatively safe and have no known side effects, caution must still be taken, especially for pregnant or breast-feeding mothers.

• Antispasmodics–these drugs are prescribed for patients suffering from stomach cramps or spasm. They provide relief for patients who have cramps or spasms in the stomach, intestinal and urinary bladder area. They can also be used as a therapy drug for peptic ulcers. These drugs usually come in the form of tablets, syrup, injections, suppositories, and capsules. Patients who have a history of cardiovascular problems must consult their doctors before taking these types of drugs.

• Laxatives–these types of medications relieve constipation and stool problems by promoting bowel movement. Laxatives soften the stools and promotes intestinal contractions for easy bowel elimination. They are safe and could be taken as over-the-counter drugs without the need of a doctor’s prescription. A common side effect associated with the use of laxatives is the risk of developing lazy bowel syndrome.

Understanding the different methods of treatment is the best way of insuring that the patient complies with the treatment. It is always important for patients to listen to their doctor’s advice, so they can fully understand why specific drugs are being prescribed.

This article aims to explain the different actions of digestive drugs in order to eliminate the anxiety and fear of patients especially when taking drugs. This article is not meant to teach a patient how to treat their medical condition, but makes it simpler for them to remember what are the actions of these drugs, and how it could help them. Self medication is always discouraged and consulting with your doctor before taking any medication is important to make sure that medications are used properly to avoid complications of improper drug use.

by Ronald Uy RN

© 2009 H.I.C

Sources:

Digestive Medications Center. Retrieved November 16, 2009 from yourtotalhealth: http://yourtotalhealth.ivillage.com

Symptoms. Retrieved November 16, 2009 from MERCK: http://www.merck.com

Heartburn is that burning sensation behind the breastbone which can radiate up to the throat. But when you reached for that second helping of lasagna or onion rings or whatever tasted so good, it didn’t enter your mind. Heartburn or acid reflux begins it churning and burning after you have left the dinner table. Heartburn can even cause a chronic cough, created by the acid reflux entering the lungs. If you have heartburn only occasionally, it shouldn’t be a concern. Just learning what you can eat and not eat, and exercising will power will be enough to subdue the symptoms. But if you ignore the symptoms and begin to experience heartburn two or more times a week, you can develop serious medical conditions.

What is Heartburn?

Heartburn is the result of the failure of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to keep the stomach’s contents in the stomach. This muscle acts as a valve at the junction between the esophagus and the stomach, opening when food is swallowed and closing again. When the lower sphincter muscle (LES) malfunctions, the gastric acid from the digestion process enters the esophagus, irritating the lining of the esophagus. The stomach’s lining is meant to produce and handle the gastric acid, but the more delicate lining of the esophagus is burned. Part of the gastric acid consists of naturally-produced hydrochloric acid, which you may remember from chemistry class as a highly corrosive compound that has major industrial uses. After all, it isn’t easy breaking down ingested food into the nutrients needed by your body. Although the condition is called heartburn, it has nothing to do with the heart, except for being located close to it. Heart problems can also cause a burning sensation, but it would be completely unrelated to acid reflux. Chest pain should always be evaluated by your doctor.

The Causes of Heartburn

Just another reason to stop smoking !

The reasons are unclear why some people are more susceptible to acid reflux than others. But certain factors are known to contribute to heartburn. The list below are some of the most common causes of  heartburn:

• Obesity puts additional pressure on the stomach.
• Hiatal hernias allow acid reflux to enter the esophagus.
• Smoking irritates the lining of the stomach, increasing acid production while also relaxing the sphincter muscle.
• Tight clothing can exert pressure on the stomach.
• Lying down within three hours of eating.
• Eating a large meal.

Heartburn can be caused by certain foods:

• Spicy foods
• Tomato-based foods
• Chocolate
• Citrus fruits
• Caffeine or alcohol in drinks
• Mint
• Onions and garlic
• Fried foods

Symptoms of Heartburn

Heartburn symptoms include substernal pain or burning sensation in the upper chest area, often spreading into the esophagus and further to the upper back and shoulders and is usually associated with regurgitation of gastric juice into the esophagus causing gastric reflux leaving a feeling of a lump there, sometimes lasting for days after the initial heartburn has ended.

Wikipedia differentiates between the symptoms of classic heartburn and related conditions: “The terms dyspepsia and indigestion are often used interchangeably with heartburn, though some sources emphasize a distinction. Dyspepsia is defined as a combination of epigastric pain and heartburn. Heartburn is commonly used interchangeably with gastroesophageal reflux disease rather than just to describe a symptom of burning in one’s chest.”

It’s also important to differentiate between simple heartburn and the life-threatening chest pains associated with cardiac disease, which are very similar. If you suspect this condition, please seek immediate help at the nearest hospital emergency room or call a paramedic.

A classic symptom of heartburn and attendant gastroesophageal reflux also includes a bitter taste in the mouth, the regurgitation of undigested or partially digested food. These symptoms are also associated with nausea with chest pains extremely similar to cardiac chest pains – often a prelude to congestive heart failure, or heart attack.

Heartburn symptoms are usually worse after eating, especially after fatty, spicy or acidic food – can be made worse by bending over or lying down, so no matter what treatment protocol is recommended, staying in an upright position until medication is administered.

Chronic or frequent recurrence is usually a sign that the patient may have gastroesophagal reflux disease (GERD). Although advanced states of this condition may have serious consequences, patients with heartburn and regurgitation issues rarely cause hospital admission or death.

Heartburn list of symptoms includes:

• Burning in upper chest, throat, breastbone, upper back

• Acid reflux

• Nausea/vomiting

• Halitosis

• Flatulence

• Abdominal distention

• Bloating

• Belching

• Incontinence

• Diarrhea

• Jaundice

There are other smaller and uncommon symptoms, but if this condition persists, as always a consultation with a doctor specializing in gastroenterology would be wise.

Treatment for Heartburn

Once that burning sensation begins, you will probably start looking for heartburn treatments.  Fortunately, the symptoms of heartburn can be relieved by several different types of treatment medications:

• Antacids subdue symptoms in mild cases. Tums®, Alka-Seltzer® and Maalox® are some well-known brand names which will neutralize gastric acids. However, they are only effective for a short time.

• H2 blockers can decrease acid production. Pepcid AC® and Zantac 75® are two brand names in this group.

• Foaming agents cover the stomach with foam and prevent acid reflux. Gaviscon® is a popular brand name of this type.

• Proton pump inhibitors stop the production of gastric acids and also heal damaged tissue in the esophagus. Prilosec® is an over-the-counter brand name and Nexium® is available with a prescription.

• Prokinetics are a prescription drug which can help strengthen the sphincter muscle and move food faster through the stomach. This class of drugs does have drawbacks, such as depression, sleepiness, and fatigue. Also, physical movement may be affected.

In addition, home heartburn treatments include raising the head of your bed a few inches, sleeping with your upper body elevated on pillows, and eating several smaller meals throughout the day instead of harder-to-digest large meals. Many people believe milk is a good antidote to acid reflux, but it actually stimulates more acid production and the heartburn returns, usually more severe.

Your best route to finding relief from heartburn is to use the proper medications and make some lifestyle changes. If you find that you are experiencing acid reflux more than twice a week, you should consult your doctor to avoid developing GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). The price of overindulgence is too high when it comes to heartburn.

written by, Joy Seeman

© 2009 H.I.C

Sources:

Heartburn. (2009, June 23). Retrieved November 16, 2009, from Mayo Clinic:

Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). (2007, May). NDDIC.

Heartburn/GERD Guide. (n.d.). Retrieved November 17, 2009, from WebMD: