Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not close properly and stomach contents leak back, or reflux, into the esophagus. The LES is a ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus that acts like a valve between the esophagus and stomach. The esophagus carries food from the mouth to the stomach. When refluxed stomach acid touches the lining of the esophagus, it causes a burning sensation in the chest or throat called heartburn.

Long-standing GERD can lead to damage of the esophagus. This damage usually consists of breaks in the lining of the esophagus. In some cases ulcers can develop. In some patients, such damage can result in scarring and narrowing of the esophagus, making swallowing painful or difficult. A condition called Barrett's esophagus is thought to result from long-standing GERD in some patients. Barrett's esophagus is a risk factor for the development of esophageal cancer.

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.

The most serious complication long-term complication of LASIK surgery has been keratectasia. Keratectasia is progressive thinning and distortion of the cornea resulting in anthing from mild to severe astigmatism. This can occur when the early stages of "conical cornea" or keratoconus are not detected prior to surgery. The Orbscan II at Fendalton Eye Clinic is the most sensitive method currently available for detection of early keratoconus or subtle abnormalities of the cornea.

Minority populations are especially prone to developing kidney disease due to the higher incidence of high blood pressure. of people with diabetes have some form of nerve damage. When the nerves and blood supply are severely affected than lower limb amputations can occur. Due to the lack of blood supply to the penis and nerve damage, many men with diabetes have problem with sexual performance. Control of blood sugar and blood pressure can help diabetes induced impotence

far as medical science can determine at this time, there are no long-term complications associated with vasectomy. Recent reports in the lay press have focused attention on scientific studies that raise the question of an increased risk of heart disease or an increased risk of prostate cancer. The current consensus is there is no clear proven risk between vasectomy and other health conditions.

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.

Answer: There is no definite answer for this question because different individuals are in different stages of development with acid reflux/GERD. According to the experience of our customers, most people achieve about 75% improvement in 3 to 4 weeks by taking Acidgone® 2 to 4 times a day. Some of our customers achieve drastic improvement in one week. Answer: One of the reasons is that after taking a full serving of Acidgone®, you will be full.

Yes. There can be possible long-term complications with both types of ear infections if not treated properly. The list of complications that can arise from improperly treated swimmer's ear are chronic otitis externa, narrowing of the ear canal that would affect hearing and future infections, facial infections, and, in the immune challenged, malignant otitis externa.

Gastric bypass patients must be willing to subscribe to life-long medical monitoring, adhere to significantly modified eating habits and take long-term vitamin and mineral supplements to overcome the micro-nutrient deficiencies caused by malabsorption.

with any surgery, there is a risk of complications after hip replacement surgery. However, they are quite rare… driving on an Interstate highway is probably more dangerous. To reduce the risk of infection, we take special precautionary measures in the operating room, and use powerful antibiotics. Our personnel are limited to fully trained and experienced nurses and technicians.

The Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (Rygb)and the Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS) both carry a very small possibility for nutritional problems which can be avoided. Therefore it is very important that you take your vitamin and mineral supplements everyday and have your laboratory tests checked as instructed. The gastric band carries no nutritional risk, but we recommend a daily multivitamin.

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.

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.

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).

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