LATEST ARTICLES
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) Pipeline Insight - Upper GI Disorders - Generics will limit
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), functional dyspepsia (FD) and peptic ulcer disease (PUD) represent a group of common gastrointestinal (GI) conditions, which can be referred to collectively as upper GI disorders. Gastric acid suppression remains the cornerstone of therapy in upper GI disorders, with particular focus on reducing symptoms and eradicating H. pylori, if present. Scope Analysis of patient potential, unmet needs and . More>> - (
) Nurses key players in bringing new leading-edge technology to Loyola
The therapy is a minimally invasive way to treat Barrett's oesophagus, a pre-cancerous condition largely caused by acid reflux disease. If untreated, the condition could lead to esophageal cancer, the fastest-growing cancer in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society.'Cryospray ablation uses super-cold liquid nitrogen to permanently destroy the pre-cancerous tissue in the oesophagus,' Heicher said. 'After treatment, the pre-cancerous tissue eventually sloughs off and is replaced with normal, healthy tissue.'
In this new treatment, the medical team inserts a catheter through an endoscope and sprays liquid nitrogen that's cooled to minus 270 degrees Fahrenheit onto the pre-cancerous tissue in the oesophagus. The tissue is frozen for a few seconds, allowed to thaw and then refrozen. More>>
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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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) Self help for the treatment of heartburn
Extra pounds increase pressure on the stomach and can push acid into the esophagus. Also avoid tight belts and waistbands.If you keep having acid reflux during your sleep, elevate the head of your bed or place a wedge under your upper body. (You can buy one at a bedding store, maternity shop or medical supply store.) Sleeping on an incline will prevent gastric acids from rising up. But don't make the mistake of relying on extra pillows—they elevate only your head and may even make things worse by putting pressure on your stomach. Most people with GERD have mild symptoms that clear up in response to these simple measures. Over-the-counter antacids and pills that cut down on acid production can also help. But if these measures don't take care of the problem, be sure to see your doctor. He or she will review your medical history and come up with a program to put out heartburn's fire. More>>