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) Guidelines Bypass Endoscopic Cancer Screening for Chronic GERD
Recommendation of antireflux surgery for patients with an esophageal GERD syndrome responsive to acid suppressive therapy, but who cannot tolerate therapy. Empirical trial of twice-daily PPI therapy for patients with suspected reflux chest pain syndrome after carefully considering cardiac causes.The only other supported recommendations with grade B, fair evidence to support improved outcomes, included:
Weight loss for overweight or obese patients with esophageal GERD syndromes. Lifestyle modification including elevation of the head of the bed for selected patients, avoiding late meals and specific foods or activities tailored to the circumstances of the patient. Twice-daily PPI therapy for esophageal syndrome patients with an inadequate response to once-daily therapy. More>>
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) Natural Notes on Health
Raw Apple Cider Vinegar: In many situations most people are unaware that they might have low levels of hydrochloric acid in their stomach cause their reflux condition, not too much of it. Not enough acid depletes your B12 levels.Most people don’t know how wonderful vinegar is. Its cleansing properties are known to aid digestion by stimulating the flow of enzymes and saliva in the mouth. Vinegar has been shown to support a healthy heart and strong bones.
Vinegar can do everything from relieving muscle pain from exercise, balancing pH levels, soothing sore throats, and normalizing weight and helping to maintain levels of cholesterol already in the normal range. Externally, it is effective in supporting healthy skin and hair.
One or two teaspoons of this vinegar in a glass of pure water about 20 minutes before your meal greatly reduce the chance of reflux. More>>
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) 10 Serious Pain Symptoms
Feeling fuller than normal after eating less than usual could warn of gastrointestinal problems, ranging from indigestion caused by acid reflux to some cancers. If this feeling lasts for days or weeks, a physician should be consulted, especially if other symptoms are present such as nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain or bloating, fever and chills or weight changes. 6. Vaginal bleeding after menopause Vaginal spotting or bleeding after menopause may be caused by changes in vaginal tissue, which can become thinner and more fragile as estrogen levels decrease. In some cases, however, postmenopausal bleeding can be a symptom of gynecological cancer. A medical valuation is important. 7. Change in bowel habits Mild diarrhea that lasts more than a week, constipation that lasts more than two weeks, or unexplained, sudden urges to have a bowel movement is the time when immediate medical help should be taken. More>> - (
) James LeFanu: Doctor's diary
There is a possible link with the acid reflux that may occur when lying flat at night and usually causes heartburn but may, for some obscure reason, also precipitate disturbances of heart rhythm. Theoretically, then, these nocturnal attacks might be prevented by taking an acid suppressant drug before retiring.As reported in the Telegraph on Saturday, the Health Secretary Alan Johnson is preparing to announce next month that so-called top-up payments will be allowed in future. This reverses his previous opposition to NHS patients paying for private drugs, which had led to some being penalised after purchasing medicines that were not available on the health service.
Problem solved? There is, however, rather more to this issue. The drug companies will have no incentive, if this becomes widespread, to reduce the scandalously inflated price of drugs – knowing that patients are willing to pay vast sums for the hope of even a modest improvement in their prospects. More>>