Complications of GERD
Tip! Chest pain that begins or increases with exercise is more likely due to a heart problem. Acid reflux symptoms don't change with physical exertion.
As with any medical condition, there are potential complications which could add further weight to your problem. It is important if you think you are suffering from the symptoms of acid reflux, or if you are experiencing any unexplained adverse symptoms that you consult your doctor immediately to deal with your condition and eradicate the possibility of developing complications. With GERD, patients may find themselves suffering from ulcers, asthma, inflammation of the lungs and fluid in the ears.
When reflux reaches the oesophagus, the acidic properties can seriously damage the oesophagus lining. This causes the oesophagus to inflame, and if the acid breaks through this wall further into the oesophagus, this causes an ulcer to form. Ulcers can cause bleeding within the oesophagus, and necessitate a blood transfusion or corrective surgery, therefore it is imperative that GERD is brought to the attention of your physician and a suitable course of treatment is undertaken.
There are high quantities of nerve endings in the lower oesophagus region, which can lead to pain when stimulated by reflux (commonly referred to as heartburn). Some other nerves when stimulated provoke coughing rather than pain, which doesn't need to occur in the throat. Similarly some nerves relate to the lungs, which means that the reflux can trigger asthma. Having said that, it is more likely that, rather than causing asthma, GERD will encourage attacks in those already suffering from the condition, making GERD potentially problematic for those with asthma, and a possible explanation for unidentifiable coughing.
Similarly, the acid reflux which stimulates the triggers of asthma can also cause the lungs to inflame, which can lead to breathing problems and some level of discomfort. It is advisable to check with
Tip! Coffee and alcohol can cause acid reflux throughout the day. Soda that contains caffeine can also cause this to happen.
your doctor immediately to avoid potential lung problems as a result of this chronic condition.
Tip! Foods that are high in fat can cause acid reflux. They can delay the emptying of the stomach which will in turn increase your chance of acid reflux.
The ear, throat and nose are all connected with a network of tubing. Reflux that happens to get as far as the throat can result in inflammation of the adenoids, small bits of tissue joining the throat and nasal passages. This can cause a build up of fluid and pressure which can lead to great discomfort and pain, and is largely seen in children where the adenoids are more pronounced, rather than in adults.
Tip! Smoking is a little known cause of acid reflux.
With such a diverse range of potential complications, not to mention the initial discomfort from the condition itself, acid reflux is a concerning complaint for any individual. It is highly recommended that you speak with your doctor about your discomfort and explain why you think you might be suffering from GERD. It is important for your doctor to investigate the situation, and potentially offer some course of treatment for the condition to ensure these problems do not have the chance to develop. GERD is a chronic condition which can do a great deal of damage to your body if not treated effectively. Although the symptoms can be kept under control the condition itself cannot be cured, and as such it is best to get some professional help before any further irretrievable damage is caused.
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Acid reflux news on the Web
Treatment of silent acid reflux does not improve asthma in children, NIH study finds
( NIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute ) Adding the acid reflux drug lansoprazole to a standard inhaled steroid treatment for asthma does not improve asthma control in children who have no symptom of acid reflux, according to a new study funded in part by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health. Lansoprazole therapy slightly increased the ... |
Acid reflux drug does not improve asthma symptoms in kids
Washington, Jan 25 : Addition of acid reflux drug lansoprazole does not alleviate asthma symptoms or the control of the respiratory illness in children and may even increase upper respiratory infections risk and other adverse events, a new study has revealed. |
Acid reflux drug does not improve asthma in children
( Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health ) A randomized clinic trial conducted by the American Lung Association's Asthma Clinical Group found that the addition of lansoprazole does not improve asthma symptoms or the control of asthma in children and may increase the risk for upper respiratory infections and other adverse events. |
Study: Heartburn drugs don't aid children's asthma
CHICAGO (AP) - An acid reflux drug often used for hard-to-treat asthma doesn't help children with the breathing disease and may cause side effects, a study in 300 children found. The results echo recent research showing that a similar heartburn drug didn't work in adults with asthma. Use of these heavily promoted ... |
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