Brochures, Fact Sheets & Articles
Topic: Heartburn
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Fact Sheet: Understanding the Quality of Life Impact of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
205Functional gastrointestinal (G) disorders significantly impact health related quality of life. This impact is obvious to anyone who has a disorder, or to any provider who cares for people with these disorders. In light of this finding, several medical organizations suggest that healthcare providers carefully monitor the health related quality of life of their patients in order to help guide treatment decisions. However, some studies indicate that many (but by no means all) providers do a poor job of addressing their patients' concerns, and accurately assessing the impact of functional GI disorder symptoms on their overall health status. Patients, in turn, become dissatisfied with their care. This article aims to help both provider and patient understand health related quality of life and improve patient care.
Topics: Bowel urgency, Colonic motility, inertia, pseudo-obstruction, Constipation, difficult to pass stools, Gas, Bloating, Belching, Gastroparesis, Heartburn, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Lower Abdominal Pain, Pelvic Pain, Pelvic floor disorders, Stomach Disorders, Working with your healthcare provider -
Fact Sheet: Getting the Most Out of Your Medications
216By: Information Adapted from FDA Publication FDA
All medications, prescription and over-the-counter (OTC), have benefits as well as risks associated with their use. The risks may include side effects, allergic reactions, and interactions with foods, drinks, or other drugs. You can increase the potential benefits and reduce potential risks by taking medications properly. It is estimated that up to half of all people who use medications do not use them as prescribed.
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Fact Sheet: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Heartburn, Dyspepsia: What’s the Difference?
226By: W. Grant Thompson, MD, FRCPC
The anatomical diseases Crohn’s, peptic ulcer, and esophagitis have functional counterparts with some similar symptoms; irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), dyspepsia, and functional heartburn, but these cannot be identified by x-ray or gastroscopy. Thus, for the diagnosis of these functional disorders doctors must rely entirely upon the patient’s description of his or her symptoms.
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Fact Sheet: Can Intense Exercise Lead to GI Symptoms?
231By: Thomas Puetz, MD
Can exercise be linked to GI symptoms such as diarrhea or heartburn? This article will help you understand how exercise and associated factors can influence the GI tract.
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Brochure, Fact Sheet: GERD Pamphlet
501By: Ronnie Fass, MD; Joel Richter, MD; Philip O. Katz, MD, FACP, FACG; J. Patrick Waring, MD; William F. Norton, Publications Editor, IFFGD
This publication provides an overview of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) including information about the nature of GERD, how to recognize the disease, and how to treat it. Written in collaboration by IFFGD and physicians noted for their knowledge about GERD. Newly revised and updated 2010.
Also available offline as a glossy color brochure (3.5" x 8.5"). Contact IFFGD for details.
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Fact Sheet: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
502By: Cheri Smith, Medical Writer; Joel Richter, MD
Just about everyone has experienced heartburn, that uncomfortable, burning feeling in the chest after eating a large, spicy, or high fat meal. In fact, about 40 percent of Americans have heartburn once a month and 15–20 percent at least once a week. An occasional bout of heartburn is nothing to worry about; however, if it happens more than twice a week, a more serious condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, may be the problem.
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Brochure, Fact Sheet: Upper GI Endoscopy: What to Expect
503By: W. Grant Thompson, MD, FRCPC
Describes what to expect when undergoing an upper GI endoscopic exam that may look at the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Reviewed and updated 2009.
Also available offline as a glossy color brochure (3.5" x 8.5"). Contact IFFGD for details.
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Brochure, Fact Sheet: Heartburn: Nothing to do with the Heart
504By: W. Grant Thompson, MD, FRCPC
Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest behind the breastbone. This article discusses simple heartburn and what you can do about it. Reviewed and updated 2009.
Also available offline as a glossy color brochure (3.5" x 8.5"). Contact IFFGD for details.
Topics: Heartburn -
Brochure, Fact Sheet: Medical Treatment of GERD: The Proton Pump Inhibitors
505By: Philip O. Katz, MD, FACP, FACG
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the most powerful pharmacologic inhibitors of gastric acid secretion. This article reviews potential side effects and long-term safety.
Also available offline as a glossy color brochure (3.5" x 8.5"). Contact IFFGD for details.
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Brochure, Fact Sheet: Surgical Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
506By: Mary F. Otterson, MD, MS; Philip N. Redlich, MD, PhD
This article dicusses which GERD patients are the best canditates for surgical treatment and the risks and benefits of the procedure.
Also available offline as a glossy color brochure (3.5" x 8.5"). Contact IFFGD for details.
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Brochure, Fact Sheet: Questions and Answers About PPI Medications and GERD
512Answers to these questions: What are the differences between the proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)? What are the common medications that may affect the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)? Revised and updated 2009.
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Fact Sheet: Functional Heartburn
516By: Joel Richter, MD
Functional heartburn is characterized by episodes of burning discomfort in the chest, behind the breastbone. There is no evidence of inflammation in the lining of the esophagus or other disease. The discomfort generally comes in waves, occurs after meals and can be accompanied by belching, regurgitation, or dyspeptic symptoms, such as upper abdominal discomfort, bloating, or early feeling of being full. Describes diagnostic prcedures, causes, and treatment.
Topics: Heartburn -
Fact Sheet: Esophageal Motility Disorders
518Difficulty swallowing liquids or solids, heartburn, regurgitation, and atypical (or non-cardiac) chest pain may be symptoms of an esophageal motility disorder. These disorders are characterized by specific criteria based upon the pressures generated within the esophagus when swallowing occurs.
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Fact Sheet: Antacids
520By: W. Grant Thompson, MD, FRCPC
Antacids seem to help many of those with bloating or nonulcer dyspepsia, as well as heartburn. A discussion of various antacids.
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Fact Sheet: Holiday Heartburn or GERD?
525By: International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders IFFGD
It seems to happen every year - you eat just a bit too much of the turkey, enjoy that extra piece of pumpkin pie, or indulge in a second portion of yams. Hours later, the heartburn sets in. Is is simple heartburn, or a symptom of GERD?
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Fact Sheet: H2 Blockers - Indications, Effectiveness and Long-term Use
528By: W. Grant Thompson, MD, FRCPC
The H2 blockers (also called H2 antagonists) were the first effective drugs for peptic ulcer. In the 1980s, they were the backbone of treatment for ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Now, antibiotics cure non-NSAID ulcers, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are better for GERD. Therefore, H2 antagonists face an uncertain future as prescription drugs. Nonetheless, they are comparatively cheap, effective, and very safe for heartburn relief. Lower dose preparations are available over-the-counter. Reviewed and updated 2009.
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Fact Sheet: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease - From Diagnosis to Treatment
529Gastroesophageal reflux is the movement of materials from the stomach to the esophagus and sometimes to the back of the throat (pharynx). It is not uncommon for people to experience some reflux, usually after eating or when lying down. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is characterized by the presence of symptoms and/or tissue damage from the occurrence of gastroesophageal reflux. A review of GERD.
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Fact Sheet: Long-term Use of Proton Pump Inhibitor Medication and GERD
531Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have been widely used for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) since 1989. These drugs have proven to be highly effective. However, a recently published research study suggests that taking proton pump inhibitors for prolonged periods may increase the risk of developing pneumonia. What does this mean for those who use the drugs?
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Fact Sheet: Historical perspective on the long-term safety of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
536For decades, it has been known that stomach acid can cause heartburn when it refluxes back up in to the esophagus. Nearly all remedies that neutralize or suppress stomach acid relieve the symptoms of acid reflux. Millions of people have taken these medications for long periods with great benefit and seemingly few side effects. This article takes a look at several challenges to the safety of acid suppressing medications that have appeared in medical and popular literature.
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Fact Sheet: Indigestion
538By: Information Adapted from the National Diseases Information Clearinghouse NIH
Indigestion, also known as upset stomach or dyspepsia, is discomfort or a burning feeling in the upper abdomen. It is often accompanied by nausea, abdominal bloating, belching, and sometimes vomiting. Revised and updated 2009.
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Fact Sheet: Another Complication of Reflux: Laryngeal Pharyngeal Reflux (LPR)
546Many patients with throat discomfort are surprised when they are told that they have laryngeal pharyngeal reflux (LPR). Gastric acid can cause significant inflammation when it falls on the vocal cords. If this happens repeatedly, a person can be left with a number of bothersome throat problems, such as hoarseness, frequent throat clearing, coughing, or the sensation that there is something stuck in their throat. Many patients with LPR do not have any of the typical GERD symptoms. This has lead to some controversies and misunderstandings about LPR.
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Fact Sheet: Barrett’s Esophagus and Diet
548Patients with Barrett’s esophagus are often confused about dietary recommendations. This Clinical Corner article outlines our current understanding of how certain foods may affect those who suffer from reflux, GERD, or Barrett's esophagus; and gives some general guidelines for eating patterns that may prevent worsening symptoms.
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Fact Sheet: Do Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) Increase the Risk of Hip Fracture?
550This Clinical Corner article clarifies some of the concerns and misconceptions surrounding the issue of whether there are risks accompanying the long-term use of Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) to treat GERD.
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Fact Sheet: 7-Day Diary
7DDBy: International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders IFFGD
For reflux disease (GERD) or chronic heartburn, a one week daily diary to help you get the most out of your next doctor visit.
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