How Is Corrosive Esophagitis Treated
Your healthcare provider may have you stop certain medicine or treatments for a period of time. This will give your esophagus time to heal. Do not stop any treatments without talking to your provider first. You may also need the following:
- Medicines may be given to decrease inflammation or irritation from stomach acids. They may help increase the protective lining of the esophagus to help it heal. You may also need antibiotics to treat or prevent a bacterial infection in your esophagus.
- Dilatation is a procedure used to widen the esophagus. A small balloon, dilator, or stent is placed in your esophagus and expanded.
- Surgery may be needed to remove an area of your esophagus. It may be replaced with a portion of your stomach or colon.
What Are The Main Symptoms Of Gerd
The main symptoms are persistent heartburn and acid regurgitation. Some people have GERD without heartburn. Instead, they experience pain in the chest, hoarseness in the morning or trouble swallowing. You may feel like you have food stuck in your throat, or like you are choking or your throat is tight. GERD can also cause a dry cough and bad breath.
Tips When Medication Causes Heartburn
If your heartburn is caused by a medicine, here are tips for finding relief:
1. Donât stop taking any prescription medication without first talking with your doctor.
2. With any medication, donât take more than the recommended dose. Check the label.
3. Pay attention to when and how you take the drug. Some medications and supplements should be taken right after a meal to make heartburn less likely. Others should be taken on an empty stomach. If you are unsure, ask your doctor or pharmacist when to take each of your medications.
4. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review everything you are taking. âItâs very important to let them know not only about your prescriptions, but about any vitamins, minerals, and over-the-counter products you are taking,â says Heather Free, PharmD, a pharmacist in Washington, DC. Your health professional may be able to change the dose of a medication, switch you to a different medication, or suggest other ways to ease your heartburn.
5. Ask if you can change the way you get your medication. For example, if you take an NSAID for arthritis, you might be able to switch from a pill to a cream that is less likely to cause heartburn.
6. Don’t lie down right after you take certain medications. You should stay upright, for instance, for at least 30 minutes after taking bisphosphonates and at least 15-20 minutes after taking anti-anxiety medication or sleep aids in order to prevent heartburn.
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Evaluating Ed For Possible Viagra Medication
The medical evaluation is simple. Analysis of the patients medical history, including a review of his health habits and medications, is the initial step.
Next would be an evaluation of risk factors heart, atherosclerosis, hypertension, and diabetes. The testosterone blood levels may also be checked.
Elaborate laboratory tests can be done, but, in many cases, they are hardly necessary. Instead, testing of oral medications Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra on the patient will be the next step.
The success rate is fairly high. Seventy percent of men respond well to these three drugs, with rates lower among men with diabetes who also underwent prostate cancer. A few men abandon using the pills due to their side effects.
If The Person Is Coughing
If the person is coughing, it means they can breathe and that their airway isnt 100 percent obstructed. Encourage them to continue coughing to get the pill out.
Pills shouldnt be left in the throat to dissolve. A pill can burn the lining of the throat, causing esophagitis, a condition where the esophagus becomes inflamed. Esophagitis can also be caused by other conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease , infections, or injury. This can make swallowing difficult and painful.
You can also try this method:
The water should flush the pill down your esophagus. Lying down will help relax your throat so the pill can move. It may take a few gulps, but typically a glass of water will dislodge the most stubborn of pills.
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Lifestyle And Home Remedies
Depending on the type of esophagitis you have, you may lessen symptoms or avoid recurring problems by following these steps:
- Avoid foods that may increase reflux. Avoid eating excessive amounts of foods that you know worsen your symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux. These may include alcohol, caffeine, chocolate and mint-flavored foods.
- Use good pill-taking habits. Always take a pill with plenty of water. Don’t lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking a pill.
- Lose weight. Talk to your doctor about an appropriate diet and exercise routine to help you lose weight and maintain a healthy weight.
- If you smoke, quit. Talk to your doctor if you need help ending a smoking habit.
- Avoid certain medications. Avoid some pain relievers and antibiotics, as well as some other medications, if you have an enlarged left upper heart chamber or after heart surgery.
- Avoid stooping or bending, especially soon after eating.
- Avoid lying down after eating. Wait at least three hours after eating to lie down or go to bed.
- Raise the head of your bed. Place wooden blocks under your bed to elevate your head. Aim for an elevation of 6 to 8 inches . Raising your head by using only pillows isn’t effective.
How Is It Treated
Your treatment will depend on what is causing your dysphagia. Treatment for dysphagia includes:
- Exercises for your swallowing muscles. If you have a problem with your brain, nerves, or muscles, you may need to do exercises to train your muscles to work together to help you swallow. You may also need to learn how to position your body or how to put food in your mouth to be able to swallow better.
- Changing the foods you eat. Your doctor may tell you to eat certain foods and liquids to make swallowing easier.
- Dilation. In this treatment, a device is placed down your esophagus to carefully expand any narrow areas of your esophagus. You may need to have the treatment more than once.
- Endoscopy. In some cases, a long, thin scope can be used to remove an object that is stuck in your esophagus.
- Surgery. If you have something blocking your esophagus , you may need surgery to remove it. Surgery is also sometimes used in people who have a problem that affects the lower esophageal muscle .
- Medicines. If you have dysphagia related to GERD, heartburn, or esophagitis, prescription medicines may help prevent stomach acid from entering your esophagus. Infections in your esophagus are often treated with antibiotic medicines.
In rare cases, a person who has severe dysphagia may need a feeding tube because he or she is not able to get enough food and liquids.
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What You Can Do
Make a list ahead of time that you can share with your doctor. Your list should include:
- Symptoms you’re experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to pain, difficulty swallowing or reflux
- Key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes
- Medications that you’re taking, including vitamins and other supplements
- Family history of allergies and disorders of the esophagus or stomach
- Questions to ask your doctor
List questions for your doctor from most important to least important in case time runs out. If you think you have signs or symptoms of esophagitis, you may ask some of the following questions.
- What tests will I need to diagnose the condition?
- Do these tests require any special preparation?
- How long will it take to find out the results of tests?
- What treatments are available, and which do you recommend?
- How will we know if the treatment is working?
- Will I need follow-up tests?
- What steps can I take on my own to prevent a recurrence of the symptoms?
- I have other medical conditions. How can I best manage these conditions together?
Factors That Affect The Time That Viagra Lasts
The amount of Viagra one takes is a factor for how long it can last in his body. Another factor is medication. Some medications like antibiotics interact with Viagra and affect how long it lasts.
Other factors include:
- Age Metabolism slows down as people get older. This means Viagra lasts longer in older people than the younger ones. In research, it was shown that the drug lasts longest in people aged 65 years or more.
- Diet Before taking Viagra, avoid eating high-fat foods or overeating. Both conditions will prevent the effective and quick absorption of the drug.
- Overall health Having diabetes, a heart condition, or nervous system disorder can make Viagra less effective and work only for a short time. In contrast, some kidney conditions lengthen Viagras effect.
- Mental state Bad emotional feelings, such as being nervous, or depressed, or anxious, influence how the body responds to sexual stimulation. If you have any negative feelings inside, do not be surprised if Viagra may not fully work in your case .
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Can Gerd Cause Asthma
We dont know the exact relationship between GERD and asthma. More than 75% of people with asthma have GERD. They are twice as likely to have GERD as people without asthma. GERD may make asthma symptoms worse, and asthma drugs may make GERD worse. But treating GERD often helps to relieve asthma symptoms.
The symptoms of GERD can injure the lining of the throat, airways and lungs, making breathing difficult and causing a persistent cough, which may suggest a link. Doctors mostly look at GERD as a cause of asthma if:
- Asthma begins in adulthood.
- Asthma symptoms get worse after a meal, exercise, at night and after lying down.
- Asthma doesnt get better with standard asthma treatments.
If you have asthma and GERD, your healthcare provider can help you find the best ways to handles both conditions the right medications and treatments that wont aggravate symptoms of either disease.
What Is Difficulty Swallowing
Difficulty swallowing, or dysphagia, occurs when the muscles and nerves that allow you to swallow become irritated, compressed, or damaged. It is more common with age.
It may feel like food is stuck in your throat or chest, or cause coughing, heartburn, pain when swallowing, regurgitation , and drooling.
Sometimes, difficulty swallowing is caused by something simple, like eating too fast or poor chewing. But it can be caused by physical issues with your esophagus, such as a blockage or swelling. Or it may be a sign of a serious condition, such as cancer or a stroke.
Treatment may include medication, endoscopy, or surgery.
Pro Tip
Difficulty swallowing causes a lot of discomfort, but it can also lead to aspiration, which is when food or liquid gets into the airways instead of the esophagus. Everyone aspirates a little bit, but when people have difficulty swallowing, they can aspirate more, which can lead to pneumonia. Dr. Judy Kim
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Signs & Symptoms Of Acid Reflux
Heartburn is a painful, burning feeling in the chest caused by stomach acid that escapes the stomach and flows back into the esophagus.
It can sometimes be mistaken for a heart attack. Some people experience acid reflux as a sensation of food sticking as they try to swallow. Other symptoms are chronic cough, hoarseness of voice and regurgitation, which is when partially digested food or liquid from the stomach spontaneously flows back up into your mouth.
The stomach makes acid in order to digest food. Where the esophagus meets the stomach there is a muscular ring called the lower esophageal sphincter or LES. The job of the LES is to protect the esophagus from the normal stomach acid. Some reflux may occur normally but the lining of the esophagus is not built to tolerate long or repeated exposure to this acid. Reflux becomes a problem a disease when it begins to cause symptoms or damage to the esophagus.
If heartburn or other symptoms of acid reflux are happening frequently , or when it begins to interfere with your daily life or damage your esophagus the issue may be gastroesophageal reflux disease .
Heartburn that isnt treated or controlled well by lifestyle changes or medicine may cause serious issues, including, breathing problems like asthma, nighttime choking, and repeated pneumonia.
Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease include:
What To Expect From Your Doctor
Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Being ready to answer them may reserve time to go over points you want to spend more time on. Your doctor may ask:
- How severe is your pain or discomfort?
- Do you have difficulty swallowing?
- How often do you experience symptoms?
- Does anything seem to prompt or worsen symptoms, such as certain foods?
- Does anything lessen symptoms, such as taking over-the-counter antacids or avoiding certain foods?
- Are symptoms worse at certain times of the day?
- Do your symptoms begin shortly after taking any medications? If so, which medications?
- Do you have any allergies, and do you take any allergy medication?
- Have you ever had food get stuck in your throat after swallowing?
- Do you ever have food come back up after swallowing?
- Do you have a family history of gastrointestinal problems?
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When To Consider Anti
- If you do not want to be dependent on medication for symptom control.
- If symptoms reoccur when medication is stopped.
- If symptoms continue despite taking medications as directed and if the diagnosis of acid reflux is confirmed.
A physician can help determine if you would be a good candidate for one of several surgical treatment options.
Are There Any Complications From Oesophagitis
- Scarring and narrowing . If you have severe and long-standing inflammation it can cause a stricture of the lower gullet . This is uncommon.
- Barrett’s oesophagus. In this condition the cells that line the lower oesophagus become changed. The changed cells are more prone than usual to becoming cancerous.
- Cancer. Your risk of developing cancer of the oesophagus is slightly increased compared to the normal risk if you have long-term acid reflux.
It has to be stressed that most people with reflux do not develop any of these complications. Tell your doctor if you have pain or difficulty when you swallow, which may be the first symptom of a complication.
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How Is Dysphagia Diagnosed
If you are having difficulty swallowing, your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms and examine you. He or she will want to know if you have trouble swallowing solids, liquids, or both. He or she will also want to know where you think foods or liquids are getting stuck, whether and for how long you have had heartburn, and how long you have had difficulty swallowing. He or she may also check your reflexes, muscle strength, and speech. Your doctor may then refer you to one of the following specialists:
- An otolaryngologist, who treats ear, nose, and throat problems
- A gastroenterologist, who treats problems of the digestive system
- A neurologist, who treats problems of the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system
- A speech-language pathologist, who evaluates and treats swallowing problems
To help find the cause of your dysphagia, you may need one or more tests, including:
Cold Flu Or Sinus Infection
A sore throat that causes painful swallowing often signals that youâre getting one of these common illnesses. It can start a day before other symptoms like a runny nose and cough.
If it’s a cold, you’ll need to wait it out by sipping fluids and getting plenty of rest. If it might be the flu, which feels much worse and is a lot more serious than a cold, you need to see a doctor.
With a sinus infection, constantly trying to clear your throat of drainage can cause irritation and painful swallowing until the infection clears.
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How Is Gerd Diagnosed
Usually your provider can tell if you have simple acid reflux by talking with you about your symptoms and medical history. You and your provider can talk about controlling your symptoms through diet and medications.
If these strategies dont help, your provider may ask you to get tested for GERD. Tests for GERD include:
Preparing For An Appointment
If you’re experiencing severe chest pain that lasts more than a few minutes or if you suspect you have food lodged in your esophagus or are unable to swallow, get emergency medical care.
If you have other signs or symptoms of esophagitis, you’ll likely start by seeing your primary care doctor. For some diagnostic tests, your doctor may refer you to a specialist in digestive system disorders or an allergy specialist . Preparing for your appointment with your doctor or a specialist will help you make the best use of your time.
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Reducing Heartburn From Viagra: Whats Actually Happening Inside
While Viagra causes the smooth muscles of the penis to relax, causing more inflow of blood into the area, it also relaxes other smooth muscles of the body.
One of these other smooth muscles is the sphincter, which is the part that closes when food is ingested, naturally forming a barrier between the stomach and the esophagus.
In this relaxed condition, there is an opening for the stomach acid to go up, a condition known as acid reflux.
What Is Acid Reflux
- Acid reflux means that some acid leaks up into the gullet .
- Oesophagitis means inflammation of the lining of the oesophagus. Most cases of oesophagitis are due to reflux of stomach acid which irritates the inside lining of the oesophagus.
The lining of the oesophagus can cope with a certain amount of acid. However, it is more sensitive to acid in some people. Therefore, some people develop symptoms with only a small amount of reflux. However, some people have a lot of reflux without developing oesophagitis or symptoms.
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