Also known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Describes the condition of backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus which frequently happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxes more often than it should and/or at inappropriate times. The symptoms of acid reflux disease typically occur on 2 or more days a week.
Backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus. Acid reflux frequently happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxes more often than it should and/or at inappropriate times. This allows harsh stomach juices to back up into the esophagus.
Medicines that suppress the production of acid in the stomach. These medicines are commonly used for acid reflux disease (or GERD), as well as for other conditions (such as ulcers) that involve stomach acid. Acid pump inhibitors (also known as proton pump inhibitors) and H2-receptor antagonists are types of acid suppressors.
A procedure that tells the health care professional when and how much acid is entering the esophagus and whether symptoms of acid reflux are occurring when acid is entering the esophagus.
Drugs commonly used for indigestion and heartburn. Antacids work by neutralizing acid in the stomach. They generally are not recommended to treat the frequent persistent heartburn that Acid Reflux Disease sufferers experience.
A procedure that show the health care professional an outline of the inner esophagus and may tell them if the esophagus is functioning properly.
Tests, such as an X-ray, that help the health care professional understand your condition and how well your treatment is working. Diagnostic tests for acid reflux disease include barium swallow X ray, endoscopy, ambulatory pH monitoring, and manometry.
A group of structures and organs - including the mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, intestines, and rectum - that breaks down food, absorbs nutrients and eliminates waste.
A procedure that directly looks at the lining of the esophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine and tells your health care professional if you have abnormalities in the lining of these structures, such as erosive esophagitis. Some other medical conditions endoscopy detects include ulcers, hernias, or abnormal growths.
A procedure that directly looks at the lining of the esophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine and tells your health care professional if you have abnormalities in the lining of these structures, such as erosive esophagitis. Some other medical conditions endoscopy detects include ulcers, hernias, or abnormal growths.
Erosion of the lining of the esophagus from acid reflux disease. This occurs in some patients with acid reflux disease when the esophagus is exposed to stomach acid over a period of time. Only your doctor can determine whether you have this condition, usually by upper endoscopy.
A procedure commonly used to determine how the esophagus is functioning, both how the tube propels food and how the lower esophageal sphincter is working. This test is helpful to reach a diagnosis in patients who are having difficulty swallowing. Before patients have anti-reflux surgery, this test is usually performed.
The tube that carries food from your throat to your stomach.
The abbreviation for GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease, also known as acid reflux disease.
The most common symptom of acid reflux disease (also known as gastroespohageal reflux disease, or GERD). Heartburn feels like a burning pain in the center of the chest. It is caused by acid from the stomach backing up into the esophagus.
A type of acid suppressor. These medicines prevent a substance called histamine from stimulating acid production.
The "valve" between the stomach and the esophagus. When the LES does not stay closed after food has passed through, acid and stomach contents may reflux into the esophagus.
Medicines that can be bought without a health care professional's prescription.
Medicines that speed digestion. These medicines are used to keep stomach acid from staying in the stomach too long, giving it less time to reflux into the esophagus.
Also known as acid pump inhibitors, these medicines work by supressing acid pumps in the stomach from producing acid. NEXIUM is an acid pump inhibitor. By reducing acid production in the stomach, NEXIUM reduces the chances of acid backing up.
Backflow from the stomach of acid, food or drink into the throat or mouth. This can cause a sour taste in the mouth.
Unwanted effects that result from medicine.