Functional Dyspepsia: Causes, Treatments and New Directions
Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a common condition, loosely defined by some physicians as a stomachache without a clear cause. More specifically, it is characterized by the feeling of fullness during or after a meal, or a burning sensation in the mid-upper abdomen, just below the rib cage (not necessarily associated with meals). The symptoms can […]
5 Things to Know About Esophageal Cancer
What is esophageal cancer? The esophagus is a tube that takes food from the mouth to the stomach. Esophageal cancer is a disease where cancerous cells form in the esophagus. There are several types of esophageal cancer, with the most common types being squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. How common is esophageal cancer? More than […]
The Debate Over Acid-Reflux Drugs
Doctors explain the benefits and risks of proton pump inhibitors At one point, Dana Connell’s physician told her osteoporosis could be a side effect from taking a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) to manage her stomach pain, but that was it, says the 56-year-old Oak Park resident and college professor. “I had terrible — at times, […]
Minimize risks of long-term acid blocker therapy
The Medicine Cabinet: Ask the Harvard Experts Q: I regularly take over-the-counter omeprazole for acid reflux and have been doing this for many years. Some days I need to double the dose. I would like to get off it. But when I stop the omeprazole, the heartburn comes right back. What can I do? A: […]
Restrictive diet usually not necessary to control symptoms of GERD
Mayo Clinic Q&A DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I’m 62 years old and am having difficulty keeping healthy weight on due to GERD and reflux. I am really confused about what foods and beverages I should avoid, and what foods will not make my reflux act up. What do you recommend mature adults who have this condition […]
Reflux drugs generally safe when used as directed
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I regularly have heartburn and my doctor is recommending I try a proton pump inhibitor. Can you tell me more about this medication? Are there any risks to taking it? ANSWER: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the most effective medications for the treatment of chronic acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD) […]
Girding up to treat GERD
By Nancy Maes You have a big steak and a glass or two of wine for dinner, and the next day you suffer from heartburn. So you take an antacid and you’re good to go. After you have a beer and a brat, you do the same thing. The story repeats itself many times over […]
