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) Doctor, doctor
The American Nurses Study, which churns out data on tens of thousands of women, links oestrogen-containing HRT with reflux of acid from the stomach into the oesophagus - the underlying cause of heartburn. Women taking HRT were some one and a half times more likely than those who had never taken it to report reflux symptoms. Raloxifene (an anti-breast cancer agent that acts on oestrogen receptors) and herbal medicines such as soya (often taken instead of HRT) produced similar results. Common to all treatments is a rise in blood levels of nitric oxide, which relaxes the muscle between the oesophagus and stomach. But don't stop the HRT: talk to your GP about heartburn relief. It should deal with your discomfort.I've just had a baby and have very painful wrists from constantly picking her up. More>>
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) Zacks Industry Rank Analysis Highlights: Abbot Laboratories
AstraZeneca, which makes the acid reflux drug Nexium, is not expected to report until early November. Within the past few weeks, however, 2 of the 8 covering brokerage analysts raised their full-year forecasts. The revisions have pushed the consensus earnings estimate 4 cents higher to $4.85 per share.ViroPharma will report next Wednesday, Oct 29. Ahead of the report, 3 of the 9 covering brokerage analysts have raised their third-quarter forecasts. The revisions, however, were not large enough to move the consensus earnings estimate, which continues to sit at 23 cents per share.
As part of its earnings release, VPHM could provide an update on Cinryze, which treats angioedema attacks (swelling underneath the skin). The company received FDA approval 2 weeks ago and is expected to launch the drug this quarter. More>>
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) XenoPort swings to $24M loss
XenoPort is developing treatments for restless legs syndrome, acid reflux, migraines and diabetic neuropathy. GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE: GSK) is its partner on some development of the drug Solzira.The company stopped a test of the same drug being run by Astellas Pharma in Japan during the quarter because the results showed the treatment was not performing any better than a placebo.
Ronald Barrett is the company’s CEO.
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) Kidney disease diagnosis takes woman by surprise
DONOHUE: I suffer from acid reflux, and it affects my asthma. I also have a hiatal hernia. My gastroenterologist recommends doctoring with medicine. A surgeon's opinion is that the asthma will not get better without surgery. What is your opinion? — L.W. The upward splashing of stomach acid and stomach juices into the esophagus and higher can induce asthma attacks. The upward splashing is gastroesophageal reflux disease, GERD (heartburn). Often, that can be controlled with medicine. If it can't, then surgery should be considered. I'd take the medicine route first. If it doesn't work, then you can consider the surgical approach. DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I read your article on the T value of osteoporosis, and I am very confused. You wrote: "A T-score of .5 or less indicates osteoporosis. More>>