Patient Education

Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

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Your searched on: Reflux

Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR)
What is vesicoureteral reflux (VUR)? Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is the backward flow of urine from the bladder into the kidneys. Normally, urine flows from the kidneys through the ureters to the bladder. The muscles of the bladder and ureters, along with the pressure of urine in the bladder, prevent urine from flowing...

Fundoplication Surgery for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
During fundoplication surgery, the upper curve of the stomach (the fundus) is wrapped around the lower end of the esophagus. Then it's sewn into place so that the lower portion of the esophagus passes through a small tunnel of stomach muscle. This surgery strengthens the valve between the esophagus and stomach ( lower...

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Discusses gastroesophageal reflux disease. Covers its main symptom of heartburn, caused by stomach acid and juices flowing from the stomach back into the esophagus. Covers treatment with medicines and surgery. Offers tips on lifestyle changes to help manage GERD.

Gastroesophageal Reflux in Babies and Children
What is gastroesophageal reflux in babies and children? Gastroesophageal reflux is a backflow (reflux or regurgitation) of food and stomach acid into the esophagus. This is the tube that connects the throat to the stomach. When reflux irritates the lining of the esophagus and causes burning pain, difficulty eating...

GERD: Which Treatment Should I Use?
Guides you through decision to use medicine or surgery to treat GERD. Covers medicines like antacids and esomeprazole (Nexium). Discusses laparoscopic surgery. Looks at pros and cons of each. Includes interactive tool to help you make your decision.

Esophagitis
What is esophagitis? Esophagitis is irritation or inflammation of the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that carries food from your throat to your stomach. Esophagitis can be painful and can make it hard to swallow. What causes it? Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is the most common cause of esophagitis...

Heartburn During Pregnancy
Heartburn is common during pregnancy. That's because hormones cause the digestive system to slow down. The muscles that push food down the esophagus also move more slowly when you are pregnant. And as the uterus grows, it presses on the stomach. This can sometimes force stomach acid up into the esophagus. Heartburn may...

Esophagus Tests
Your esophagus is the tube that connects your throat to your stomach. It moves food and liquid down to the stomach. Esophagus tests can check how well the muscles in the tube work, how strong the tube is, and the pH (acid content) of the tube. They also can find out how much gas, liquid, and solid move through the...

Spitting Up
Almost all babies spit up, especially newborns. Spitting up happens less often after the muscles of the esophagus, the muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach, become more coordinated. This process can take as little as 6 months or as long as 1 year. When is spitting up a sign of a problem? If your baby...

Heartburn
Briefly discusses possible causes of heartburn and the severity of symptoms. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.

Dyspepsia
Dyspepsia is a common symptom and can include: Belly pain or discomfort. Bloating. Feeling uncomfortably full after eating. Nausea. Loss of appetite. Burping. Most people will experience some symptoms of dyspepsia within their lifetimes. What causes it? The most common kind of dyspepsia is called functional dyspepsia...

GERD: Controlling Heartburn by Changing Your Habits
Symptoms of GERD can be painful and, if allowed to continue, can lead to complications including esophagitis. Esophagitis is irritation or inflammation of the esophagus. You can make changes to your lifestyle to help relieve your symptoms of GERD. Here are some things to try. Stay at a weight that's healthy for you...

Heartburn: Changing Your Eating Habits
Developing healthier eating habits, losing weight if you need to, and avoiding foods that increase symptoms of GERD may make heartburn less likely to occur. Here are some changes you can try. Stay at a weight that's healthy for you. Extra weight puts more pressure on your stomach and makes you more likely to have...

Asthma and GERD
GERD is found in many people who have asthma. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the abnormal backflow, or reflux, of stomach juices into the esophagus, the tube that leads from the throat to the stomach. Some experts debate whether or to what extent GERD makes asthma worse. Studies have shown conflicting results...

Hiatal Hernia
Discusses three main types of hiatal hernia: sliding, paraesophageal, and mixed. Covers symptoms such as heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Looks at treatment with lifestyle changes, medicines, and sometimes surgery.

Heartburn Symptom Record
Record Answer questions Date and time of day: ________ Date and time of day: ________ Date and time of day: ________ Symptoms What were your symptoms? How long did the heartburn last? Do you have any other symptoms, such as asthma, hoarseness, or stomach pain? Does pain radiate to another part of your body? Impact of...

Acid-Reducing Medicines
Make sure you know about each of the medicines you take. This includes why you take it, how to take it, what you can expect while you're taking it, and any warnings about the medicine. The information provided here is general. So be sure to read the information that came with your medicine. If you have any questions or...

GERD: Esophageal Erosion and Ulcers
When you have GERD, stomach acids and juices back up into the esophagus. This can irritate and wear away the lining of the esophagus and cause sores. These sores are called ulcers. What causes GERD? Normally when you swallow food, it travels down the esophagus. A valve opens to let the food pass into the stomach, and...

Nonprescription Antacids for Heartburn
Many people take nonprescription antacids for mild or occasional heartburn. Antacids are substances that neutralize some of the stomach acid. Examples of nonprescription antacids include: Rolaids. Maalox. Mylanta. Tums. Be careful when you take over-the-counter antacid medicines. Many of these medicines have aspirin in...

Medicines That Can Cause Heartburn
Many prescription and nonprescription medicines can cause heartburn. A few examples are: Aspirin, ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin), and naproxen (such as Aleve). Antibiotics. Steroids, such as prednisone. Some heart medicines. Caffeine and alcohol also can cause heartburn. If you think that your heartburn may be...