GASTRO HERBS
What is gastro-oesophageal reflux?
If heartburn begins to occur on a daily basis you
need to see your Physician for advise. Gastro-oesophageal reflux is a
condition where the lower oesophageal sphincter (the muscular ring at the
lower end of the oesophagus) is abnormally relaxed and allows the
stomach's acidic contents to flow back or 'reflux' into the gullet (oesophagus).
It can also cause heartburn and pain in the chest. Gastro-oesophageal
reflux is a common condition and the most frequent cause of indigestion in
the world.
Oesophagitis
Oesophagitis is inflammation of the inner lining
of the oesophagus caused by repeated episodes of gastro-oesophageal
reflux.
The symptoms of gastro-esophageal reflux
oesophagitis?
A painful or burning sensation in the upper
abdomen or chest, sometimes radiating to the back (heartburn). The acid
reflux may reach the pharynx (throat) and mouth. It is sour and may burn.
A small number of patients have difficulties breathing and suffer from
hoarseness because the refluxed fluid irritates the larynx and respiratory
tract. Excess belching is common.
When does gastro-oesophageal reflux occur?
Symptoms typically occur after over eating a
large or fatty meal or drinking alcohol. Lying down, bending over or
bending and lifting can all cause reflux. It is made worse by smoking.
The frequency with which the symptoms occur varies. For most people, they
are rare but weekly and daily episodes of refluxes are not uncommon
sometimes even 10 times a day.
Does gastro-oesophageal reflux affect your
health?
It is an unpleasant condition that can have a big
influence on your lifestyle.
Many people feel that their quality of life is lowered by the symptoms.
Prolonged exposure to refluxed acid leads to oesophagitis (inflammation of
the oesophagus). Long-standing oesophagitis may be complicated by the
formation of scar tissue that contracts and results in a narrowing
(stricture) in the affected part of the oesophagus. This can make it
difficult or even impossible to swallow. It is a serious condition that
requires urgent assessment and treatment, but, fortunately, this
complication is relatively rare. It can cause ulceration leading to
bleeding and an iron deficiency, which may develop into anaemia due to a
chronic blood loss.
How does stomach acid travel up the oesophagus?
The trouble is caused by the faulty oesophageal
sphincter, the muscular ring at the lower end of the oesophagus, near the
diaphragm. The sphincter is designed to prevent the stomach contents from
flowing upward - it functions as one-way valve. If the sphincter does not
work properly, stomach acid flows into the oesophagus. The reflux tendency
increases when the stomach contains a lot of gastric juice or food and
when there is increased pressure in or on the stomach.
Which conditions can cause gastro-oesophageal
reflux?
In many cases, the disorder cannot be attributed
to any specific cause but the following conditions can contribute to the
problem.
Hiatus hernia
The stomach pokes through the diaphragm, preventing the muscle fibers
of the diaphragm from closing the lower end of the oesophagus. The
oesophagus remains wide open which allows stomach acid to get into the
oesophagus.
Overweight
If the person is overweight the excessive fat in the abdominal cavity
increases the pressure inside it. This causes the contents of the stomach
to travel up into the gullet. Loss of weight reduces stomach acid reflux.
Pregnancy
Because the uterus increases in size during pregnancy, it presses on the
stomach, creating higher pressure inside it, which increases the tendency
to reflux. In addition, hormonal changes lead to relaxation of the
oesophageal sphincter during pregnancy.
Meals
The more the stomach is stretched by food, the higher the tendency to
reflux. The tendency is also increased by eating fatty meals as fat delays
gastric emptying. Try to avoid large rich meals, particularly in the
evening and this will reduce the tendency to reflux.
Foods
Chocolate, peppermint, coffee, fruit juices, sour, hot spicy food and
alcohol and over eating prevent the oesophageal sphincter from working
properly.
Tobacco
Tobacco prevents the oesophageal sphincter from working in order, reduces
the rate at which the stomach empties and increases stomach acid
production.
Constipation
Constipation increases the tendency to reflux by raising pressure inside
the stomach cavity.
Lying down
The tendency to reflux increases when you are lying down. This is just due
to gravity. A simple way to change that is to use a pillow under the
mattress or to raise the head of your bed by 3 inches with blocks or a
house brick under the bed frame.
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disorders diagnosed?
The symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux may be so obvious that no tests
are needed. There are others scary test as well but we don't advise to do.
If the doctor is in doubt, or if the symptoms are very troublesome, a
gastroscopy will be considered. During the procedure oesophagitis, hiatus
hernias, peptic ulcers and other conditions can be either found or ruled
out.
Another possibility is to measure the acidity in
the lower end of the oesophagus during a 24-hour period. This will give an
indication of how often and how long the reflux episodes last.
Gastro-oesophageal reflux can resemble those of a
peptic ulcer, chest pains (angina pectoris), muscle pains, back problems,
constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, gallstones, pancreatic disease
etc. These conditions will sometimes have to be ruled out before the
diagnosis can be made.
How to prevent gastro-oesophageal reflux?
The following changes in lifestyle can reduce the
risk of developing reflux: try to reduce stress, try to lose weight if you
are overweight avoid large, high-fat meals and bedtime snacks limit coffee
intake reduce alcohol consumption stop smoking. When should you take some
medication?
If the heartburn is frequent or the symptoms very unpleasant
How are gastro-oesophageal reflux disorders
treated?
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disorders are mainly
treated by herbal medicines. In most cases, herbs can successfully control
the symptoms. The herbal medicine is to reduce acid secretion . A class of
herbal medicines have to be prescript by us. These are very effective and
will also prevent the complications of gastro-oesophageal reflux. It
should also strengten your stomach's Qi. You have to e-mail us your
condition and the degree of pain and the duration that you have it.
No surgical procedure is require.
GASTRO HERBAL TREATMENT
Heartburn is the most noticeable symptom among the number of symptoms of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (often just called reflux).
HERBS GASTRO HERBAL
Heartburn is a burning pain that is generally felt in the chest area behind the breastbone. The burning pain moves upwards during an episode of reflux.
GASTRO ACUPUNCTURE HERBAL
If the reflux oesophagitis is allowed to continue there can be serious consequences as the esophagus sustains more and more damage. Regular exposure to the acidic stomach contents may cause the cells in the esophagus to change.
MIGRAINE GASTRO HERBS TREATMENT
The esophagus may become ulcerated or scarred. Build up of scar tissue can lead to the esophagus being narrowed. This narrowing is called a stricture and can lead to difficulty in swallowing.
GASTRO HERBAL TREATMENT CURE
Regular exposure of the esophagus to acid from the stomach can change the lining of the esophagus so that it is more like the lining of the stomach and so more resistant to acid.