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Symptoms of GERD include heartburn, frequent use of antacids, sour taste in the mouth, frequent burping, and cough. Hiatal hernia is a risk factor. Complications of GERD include reflux esophagitis-inflammation of the esophagus, peptic strictures, and Barrett's esophagus- changes in the lining of the esophagus, which is a precancerous condition. Lifestyle modifications can help-weight loss, avoid alcohol and smoking. Medictions- antacids, and proton pump inhibitors treat the symptoms.
Colonoscopy is a very important screening test for colon cancer. This animated video shows you what to expect when you have your colonoscopy. The endoscope is a long flexible tube which allows doctors to view the colon. Biopsy or removal of a polyp can be done during colonscopy.
This video will help you understand how your GI system works and its functions. The food goes from your mouth to the esophagus, then to the stomach. After the stomach the small intestine starts with the duodenum, after the small intestine is the large intestine- the colon, then stool is passed from the rectum.
Dr. Roger Bangs, a general surgeon, discusses hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are a bulging of the veins in the rectum. Symptoms of hemorrhoids include itching, pain, swelling, cracking, sensitive bumps and bleeding from the rectum. Hemorrhoids will affect 50% of the population. Newer surgery called PPH-procedure for prolapse of hemorrhoids is less invasive than traditional surgery. Hemorrhoids will affect 50% of the population.
GERD, gastroesophageal reflux disease, causes heartburn. The burning in the stomach is usually worse after eating certain meals, and while lying down. If you have heartburn more than 2 times a week, you may have GERD. It can also cause pain, difficulty swallowing , sore throat, hoarseness, breathing problems, and coughing. Video courtesy of eMedTV.com
People with GERD, gastroesophageal reflux disease will commonly have symptoms at night. The symptoms are most commonly heartburn, and bad taste in the mouth and cough. There are changes you can make to decrease the risk of bedtime heartburn. Not eating for 2-3 hours before bedtime, and raising the head of the bed can help. Video courtesy of eMedTV.com
Dr. Brian Hudes, a gastroenterologist at Emory John's Creek Hospital, discusses the importance of colonoscopy, and the guidelines for colon cancer screening with colonoscopy. Most people start screening at age 50, but people at high risk- such as those with a family history of colon cancer, or if you are african american, you may start screening earlier.
New pancreatitis treatment: Dr. Todd Baron, a gastroenterologist from the Mayo Clinic, discusses the new treatment being used for patients with pancreatitis. Your pancreas makes enzymes to help you digest food and makes insulin for blood sugar control. Risk factor for pancreatitis are gallstones, alcohol, very high triglycerides and certain medications. Symptoms of pancreatitis are abdominal and back pain, and lack of apetite.
One of the most common symptoms of acid reflux is heartburn or a burning in the chest. Antacids- such as mylanta or maalox may improve symptoms, but a medicine that lowers the acidity in the stomach is more powerful. H2 blockers-Zantac and pepcid lower the acidity. The proton pump inhibitors- prilosec, protonix and nexium block acid production. Long term acid reflux can lead to Barrett's esophagus, which is a precancerous condition.