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C. diff and PPIs -- Is There a Connection?

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 15:39:26 +0000

The FDA has warned that using proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may increase the risk of Clostridium difficile (C. diff) associated diarrhea (CDAD).

Data from the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System was reviewed, which suggested the link between PPIs and C diff. Those persons with the highest risk are the elderly, have other medical conditions, or who are taking broad spectrum antibiotics. These factors can increase the risk of C. diff by themselves, but the FDA said PPIs couldn't be excluded as a risk factor.

The drug makers of the PPIs are working on modifying labels to include the possible risk of C. difficile-associated diarrhea.

The FDA is reviewing H2 blockers to determine if there is a higher risk of CDAD associated with them.

Medications That May Cause Heartburn

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:48:03 +0000

While we most often think of certain foods as causing heartburn, there are also some medications that may cause heartburn. This is a result of relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), irritating the esophagus, or slowing stomach-emptying. Learn about which medication that may cause heartburn.

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Prescription remedies for heartburn

Over-the-counter remedies for heartburn

Heartburn and Your Diet - Share Your Experiences and Tips

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:14:56 +0000

There are a some foods I have to avoid because they trigger heartburn. Over the years I've learned how to create a diet that keeps me heartburn free If you are one of those people, you can share your experiences with what foods are you triggers, and how you have changed your diet to help you live heartburn free. You can also share any recipes you use that are heartburn friendly. So, how about sharing your experiences with heartburn and your diet?

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Questions About Heartburn and Heartburn-Related Conditions

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:48:10 +0000

Finding answers to questions concerning heartburn such as "how do I stop my nighttime heartburn?" or "are there foods I should avoid to prevent heartburn?" may be difficult. You have to sift through information that may be fact or mere personal opinion. And even if all the information you read is fact, many times one website will answer a few questions, and then you have to go to another site to find answers to some of your other questions. In this article, you will find answers to most of the common questions about heartburn and heartburn-related conditions.

Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR)

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:16:02 +0000

There are two sphincter muscles located in the esophagus: The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and the upper esophageal sphincter (UES). When the lower esophageal sphincter is not functioning properly, there is a back flow of stomach acid into the esophagus. If this happens two or more times a week, it can be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD.

As with the lower esophageal sphincter, if the upper esophageal sphincter doesn't function properly, acid that has back flowed into the esophagus is allowed into the throat and voice box. When this happens, it's called Laryngopharyngeal Reflux, or LPR.

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Good Foods / Bad Foods For Heartburn Sufferers

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:30:09 +0000

Does it seem like no matter what you eat, heartburn keeps occurring? You need to know what foods are safe, and avoid the foods that can trigger your heartburn.

Important Note: The foods that are considered safe foods are those least likely to cause heartburn for most heartburn sufferers. You may find some of these safe foods cause you heartburn. The same is true with the foods that are listed to be avoided. These are the foods most likely to cause heartburn, but you may find some of these foods are safe for you to eat. You should always keep track of which foods cause you heartburn, and which do not.

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The Basics of GERD

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:20:04 +0000

GERD occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not close properly and stomach contents reflux back up into the esophagus.

Heartburn and acid regurgitation are the main symptoms of GERD, though some people with GERD don't experience any heartburn episodes. This is why it's important to know all the possible symptoms of GERD.

While the majority of doctors will prescribe a trial of acid-suppressive therapy, and make a diagnosis based on the patient's response to this, there are tests to diagnose GERD a doctor may want to have performed.

Treatment for GERD will usually start with certain lifestyle modifications and dietary changes. If you continue to have symptoms after these modifications, your physician will discuss with you the use of antacids, H2 blockers, and Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs). If your physician and you decide a surgical option is needed, the most common surgical treatment for GERD is the fundoplications surgery. Another procedure sometimes used in the treatment of GERD is the radiofrequency treatment.

When were you diagnosed with GERD? Please take a moment to answer in the poll below. If you would like to share your story on what symptoms led to your GERD diagnosis, you can do so here.

Hiatal Hernia Basics

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:10:14 +0000

A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach pushes through an opening in the diaphragm, and up into the chest. This opening is called a esophageal hiatus or diaphragmatic hiatus.

Approximately 50 percent of hiatal hernia patients don't experience any symptoms. For the other 50 percent of patients, the these hiatal hernia symptoms may occur. There are a number of contributing factors that can cause hiatal hernias. While some patients with a hernia hernia may also have GERD, GERD doesn't cause a hiatal hernia.

Various tests can be used to diagnose a hiatal hernia, though the tests most often used are the barium x-ray and the upper endoscopy. After the presence of a hernia is diagnosed, the treatment will vary by patient. As mentioned above, approximately 50% of patients with a hiatal hernia won't experience any symptoms, and may not require any special treatment. For those who do experience symptoms, which are usually heartburn related, they can discuss with their doctor the lifestyle modifications, the dietary changes, and any medications (such as antacids, H2 blockers, or proton pump inhibitors) that may be needed.

In some cases, such as when complications occur with a paraesophageal hiatal hernia, surgery may be needed. This type of surgery is commonly done as a laparoscopic procedure.

Peptic Ulcer Basics

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:00:43 +0000

Peptic ulcers can cause a variety of symptoms, and these vary from patient to patient. Some patients with ulcers have minimal, unusual, or even no symptoms at all. Others may have every symptom. This is why it is very important to consult your doctor if you have any concerns.

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Peptic Ulcer Basics originally appeared on About.com Heartburn / GERD on Monday, January 23rd, 2012 at 09:00:43.

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Preventing Stress-Related Heartburn

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 17:00:01 +0000

While stress hasn't been linked directly to heartburn, it is known that it can lead to behaviors that can trigger heartburn. During stressful times, routines are disrupted and people may not follow their normal routines in regards to meals, exercise, and medication. More than half of people who suffer frequent heartburn say a hectic lifestyle and work-related stress increases their heartburn.

It is important to find ways to alleviate the stress, and thus make stress-related heartburn less likely. Following the relaxation tips at Managing Stress to Ease the Heartburn can help.

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