Stomach troubles?
Indigestion, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and heartburn symptoms are a common complaint. The common solution involves going to the doctor and getting a prescription for an acid blocker medication, and maybe an Upper GI (upper gastrointestinal xray) to diagnose the cause. Many people choose to self-treat. Acid blockers that were prescription are now available over the counter.Simply stated, excess stomach acid is not always the problem. In fact, not enough stomach digestive enzymes are often the culprit. Symptoms of both are similar, and it is important to take a closer look.
Why do these opposite conditions have similar symptoms? Excess stomach acid can cause inflammation, a burning sensation and ulcers, especially on an empty stomach. Deficient stomach acid causes reflux for a different reason. If you don't have adequate digestive "fire," food will sit in your stomach longer waiting for enough acid to be produced. Symptoms include a feeling of fullness after eating a small amount of food, indigestion after eating, gas, bloating, more food sensitivities and constipation. Eating a large meal is particularly uncomfortable.
The sphincter at the top of the stomach normally tightens after eating to keep the stomach acids where they belong. It is not unusual to have a "loose" sphincter, causing stomach acid to leak into the esophagus. This is reflux. Reflux doesn't mean you have too much acid, just acid where it shouldn't be. Acid blockers relieve symptoms by neutralizing acid.
Why isn't this appropriate if you have insufficient acid? It can be, short term. In the long run however, what is really needed is stimulation, or a boost for digestive enzymes to get the food moving more quickly on its way so it doesn't sit there aggravating reflux.
Who is at risk? People who are taking medications that cause a dry mouth, because digestion starts in the mouth, and if your mouth is dry, chances are you are not secreting enough mouth or stomach enzymes. The elderly are also at risk because generally with age we, well, dry up a bit.
What can be done for slow digestion? There are many bitter herbs that stimulate digestion. In other countries "bitters" are commonly used for this purpose. Many Americans prefer sweet to bitter tastes. Coffee and tea are somewhat bitter, if you don't add the cream and sugar. Even if you think of something bitter or sour like lemons you can feel your mouth begin to water.
Upper Gi Xray - News
The common solution involves going to the doctor and getting a prescription for an acid blocker medication, and maybe an Upper GI (upper gastrointestinal xray) to diagnose the cause. Many people choose to self-treat.
On-site diagnostic tools include X-ray, nerve conduction studies, open and extremity MRI. The center was built in 2002. In 2004, the practice won a "Superior Practices Award" from the Medical Group Management Association. Orlando Orthopaedic Outpatient
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy | Description | Side effects | Purpose ...
An esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), which is also known as an upper endoscopy or upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, is a diagnostic procedure that is performed to view the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (part of the small intestine). In an EGD, the doctor uses an endoscope, a flexible, tube-like, telescopic instrument with a tiny camera mounted at its tip, to examine images of the upper digestive tract displayed on a monitor in the examination room. Small instruments may also be passed through the tube to treat certain disorders or to perform biopsies (remove small samples of tissue).
Purpose
An EGD is performed to evaluate, and sometimes to treat, such symptoms relating to the upper gastrointestinal tract as:
· pain in the chest or upper abdomen
· nausea or vomiting
· gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
· difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
· bleeding from the upper intestinal tract and related anemias
In addition, an EGD may be performed to confirm abnormalities indicated by such other diagnostic procedures as an upper gastrointestinal (upper GI) x-ray series or a CT scan. It may be used to treat certain conditions, such as an area of narrowing (stricture) or bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract.
Description
Upper endoscopy is considered to be more accurate than x-ray studies for detecting inflammation, ulcers, or tumors. It is used to diagnose early-stage cancer and can frequently help determine whether a growth is benign or malignant. The doctor can obtain biopsies of inflamed or suspicious tissue for examination in the laboratory by a pathologist or cytologist. Cell scrapings can also be taken by introducing a small brush through the endoscope; this technique is especially helpful in diagnosing cancer or an infection .
Upper Gi Xray - Bookshelf
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The type of X-ray you receive will depend on the location of your symptoms: • Upper gastrointestinal X-ray: This test employs a series of X-ray images to ...Electronic Information Directory
X-Ray Exam: Upper Gastrointestinal Tract (Upper GI)
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Once the upper GI tract is adequately coated with the barium, still X-rays will ... These actions ensure that the barium is coating all parts of the upper GI tract. ...
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upper GI, is an x-ray examination of the pharynx, esophagus, stomach and first part of ... Once the upper gastrointestinal tract is adequately coated ...
X-Ray Upper GI Tract | Services & Treatments | Premier Radiology
An Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) Tract radiography, also called an upper GI, is an x-ray examination of the pharynx, esophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine.