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) Dr. Murray Feingold: Burning issues of reflux
In a recent article, GE reflux was defined as the presence of two or more episodes of heartburn a week. The symptoms are due the acid contents of the stomach traveling up to the esophagus as a result of reflux. But symptoms other than heartburn may also occur.A chronic cough is frequently associated with GE reflux. So is hoarseness and frequent throat clearing. It may also cause an increase in asthma symptoms and erosion of dental enamel.
Chronic inflammation of the esophagus due to GE reflux can result in scarring of the esophagus and formation of excessive scar tissue. This can cause narrowing of the esophagus and difficulty swallowing, or dysphagia.
Studies have also shown an increase incidence of adenocarcinoma of the esophagus in individuals with GE reflux. More>>
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) Health Briefs
17, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Kelley Library, 234 Main St. Digestive disorders include acid reflux, hiatal hernia, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis and Crohn's disease. The guest speaker is Dr. Heather Lescarbeau. For more information, contact Kay at 603-327-4125 or e-mail kaybarretto@comcast.net. Free Yoga class for cancer support SALEM, N.H. — Devi Dawn, healer and yoga teacher, is offering a free toga class for cancer patients, survivors and caretakers at the Self Awakening Yoga Studio, 352 S. Broadway. The classes will take place at 5:30 p.m. on the last Thursday of every month. According to Dawn, the discipline can help control insomnia, reduce stress, calm the mind, aid grief relief, and is particularly vital for people in cancer treatment. More>> - (
) 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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) Glaxo venture arm lifts Addex stake to 5 percent
Addex reported promising results with its lead drug for treating acid reflux and migraine in September, potentially paving the way for a partnering deal with a big drugmaker.Addex already has two partnering deals with Merck & Co (MRK.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) in schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease. A third agreement, with Johnson & Johnson (JNJ.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz), focuses on developing drugs to treat anxiety and schizophrenia. (Reporting by Ben Hirschler; Editing by David Holmes)
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