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Frequently Asked Questions

What is endoscopy and when is it used in GERD patients?

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Endoscopy is a diagnostic test wherein a thin, flexible tube is swallowed by the patient to allow the physician to directly inspect the lining of the upper gastrointestinal tract. This procedure can be used to identify complications of GERD and to take small samples (biopsies) for further analysis. GERD patients who have certain symptoms, such as difficulty in swallowing or painful swallowing, should be considered for endoscopy.
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What is GERD?

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GERD stands for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Gastroesophageal reflux describes a backflow of acid from the stomach into the swallowing tube or esophagus. Almost everyone experiences gastroesophageal reflux at some time. The usual symptom is heartburn, an uncomfortable burning sensation behind the breastbone, most commonly occurring after a meal. In some individuals this reflux is frequent or severe enough to cause more significant problems, that is a disease.
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Health Information
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a digestive disorder that is caused by gastric acid flowing from the stomach into the esophagus. Gastroesophageal refers to the stomach and esophagus, and reflux means to flow back or return. Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is the return of acidic stomach juices, or food and fluids, back up into the esophagus. GER is very common in infants, though it can occur at any age. It is the most common cause of vomiting during infancy.
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What are the most common prescription medications used to treat GERD symptoms?

HeartburnHelp.com: Heartburn and GERD FAQ
Proton pump inhibitors, such as Prilosec OTC® and Aciphex® , are another type of acid reducer. They suppress stomach acid. By drastically reducing the acid, these drugs can help stop the irritation and allow the damaged tissue in the esophagus to heal.
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WHAT IS ENDOSCOPY?

IMA Endoscopy Surgicenter
This is a procedure done by a physician using a flexible fiberoptic instrument that enables examination of the lining of the digestive tract. If the physician sees a suspicious area, he may pass a small instrument through the endoscope and take a small piece of tissue (biopsy) for examination by the laboratory. Other instruments can also be passed through the endoscope without causing discomfort including a small brush to collect cells. >> IMA Endoscopy SurgiCenter Endoscopy Patient Information
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Can BYETTA be used in pediatric patients?

Byetta (exenatide) for Type 2 Diabetes Safety
No. The FDA has approved the use of BYETTA in patients 17 years of age or older. BYETTA has not been studied in pediatric patients.
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Can BYETTA be used in geriatric patients?

Byetta (exenatide) for Type 2 Diabetes Safety
Yes. BYETTA was studied in 282 patients 65 years of age or older and in 16 patients 75 years or older. No differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these patients and younger patients.
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Can Sahara be used to monitor patients?

Hologic - Sahara FAQ
Yes, Sahara can be used for monitoring for patients, however, the heel has not been shown to respond to therapy in the same manner as the hip and spine. Sahara can measure changes in bone mass that might be expected after 2 to 3 years of treatment. As a result, we recommend that axial DXA be used to monitor therapeutic changes to bone mass. For a more detailed summary please refer to the White Paper titled "Patient Monitoring with Sahara®". No.
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What are some symptoms of GERD?

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The four major symptoms of GERD are: q Heartburn (uncomfortable, rising, burning sensation behind the breastbone). q Regurgitation of gastric acid or sour contents into the mouth. q Difficult and/or painful swallowing. q Chest pain. Heartburn is the most common symptom of GERD. In some patients it may be accompanied by other GERD symptoms, such as regurgitation of gastric contents into the mouth, chest pain and difficulty swallowing.
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How do people get GERD?

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What causes GERD? GERD is caused by reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus. In most patients this is due to a transient relaxation of the "gate" or sphincter that keeps the lower end of the esophagus closed when a person is not swallowing food or liquids. This transient relaxation happens a few times each day in people without GERD. Why it happens more frequently in GERD patients isn't known. The esophagus is not able to cope with acid as well as the stomach and is easily injured.
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Who is afflicted with GERD?

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GERD afflicts people of every socioeconomic class, ethnic group and age. However, the incidence does seem to increase quite dramatically above the age of 40. Greater than 50 percent of those afflicted with GERD are between the ages of 45-64 (both male and female).
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What are the complications of GERD?

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Only a minority of patients develop complications of GERD. These complications include breaks in the lining of the esophagus (esophageal erosions), esophageal ulcer, and narrowing of the esophagus (esophageal stricture). In some patients, the normal esophageal lining or epithelium may be replaced with abnormal (Barrett's) epithelium. This condition (Barrett's esophagus) has been linked to cancer of the esophagus and must be carefully watched.
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What about GERD and smoking?

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Smoking doesn't cause GERD and there is little evidence that smoking significantly worsens GERD. Stopping smoking is a good idea anyway.
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Can GERD be cured?

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Unfortunately, GERD, in general, cannot be cured at present. In some cases, it may be a temporary condition associated with a specific aggravating factor such as pregnancy. In such cases, GERD will go away on its own when the pregnancy has ended. In most cases GERD is a chronic condition. However, it can be effectively managed with medications and lifestyle modifications in almost everybody. In severe cases, surgery is an option.
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Where can I go for more information about GERD?

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If you think you might have GERD - see your doctor who can determine if you have GERD and, if so, can evaluate its severity.
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What causes GERD?

Health Information
GERD is often the result of conditions that affect the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES, a muscle located at the bottom of the esophagus, opens to let food in and closes to keep food in the stomach. When this muscle relaxes too often or for too long, acid refluxes back into the esophagus, causing vomiting or heartburn. Everyone has gastroesophageal reflux from time to time. If you have ever burped and had an acid taste in your mouth, you have had reflux.
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How is GERD diagnosed?

Health Information
Your child's physician will perform a physical examination and obtain a medical history. Diagnostic procedures that may be done to help evaluate GERD include: upper GI (gastrointestinal) series - a diagnostic test that examines the organs of the upper part of the digestive system: the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first section of the small intestine).
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Frequently Asked Questions
Acid burning under the chest or regurgitation of acid into the back of the throat are not the only symptoms of GERD. Nighttime awakening with coughing and choking, chest pain mimicking heart attacks, chronic cough or hoarseness, and even asthma can be due to GERD. Occasionally, we will see patients who have been to the emergency room or their physician multiple times for chest pains that they (the patients and the physicians) thought might be a heart attack.
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Q.-Have medical doctors used Laetrile on their patients?

Cancer F.A.Q's
A.- YES - There have been at least twenty-six published medical papers written by well-known physicians who have used Laetrile experimentally in the treatment of their own patients, and who have concluded that Laetrile is both safe and effective in the treatment of cancer. A.- YES - Dr. Hans Nieper, MD, Director of the Dept.
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Can the DRX9000? be used for patients that have had spinal surgery?

BASCO - Bay Area Spine Care Office - 510-523-6773 - DRX9000 ...
In most cases the DRX9000? treatment is not contra-indicated for patients that have had spinal surgery. In fact many patients have found success with the DRX9000? after a failed back surgery.
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FAQ : Gerd Acid Reflux
GERD stands for G astro e sophageal R eflux D isease. Gastroesophageal reflux describes a backflow of acid from the stomach into the swallowing tube or esophagus. This acid can irritate and sometimes damage the delicate lining on the inside of the esophagus. Almost everyone experiences gastroesophageal reflux at some time. The usual symptom is heartburn, an uncomfortable burning sensation behind the breastbone, most commonly occurring after a meal.
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Digestive Diseases: Frequently Asked Questions
Endoscopy is a procedure that uses a flexible, lighted tube to look inside the esophagus, stomach, duodenum (first section of the small intestine), colon or rectum. The procedure is commonly used to help diagnose:
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