Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is also called as acid reflux. It is a long-term digestive disorder that affects the lower esophageal sphincter, the ring of muscle between the esophagus and stomach which causes the stomach contents to come back up into the esophagus resulting in either symptoms or complications. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is mild acid reflux that occurs at least twice a week or moderate-to-severe acid reflux which occurs at least once a week.

Epidemiology

In western populations, GERD affects approximately 10% to 20% of the population and 0.4% newly develop the condition. In developed nations, the prevalence rate of GERD is associated with age; with adults aged 60 to 70 being the most commonly affected.

Signs and Symptoms

Esophageal symptoms include:

Heartburn
Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
Dysphagia
Sensation of a lump in the throat
Extraesophageal symptoms include:

Coughing and/or wheezing
Hoarseness, sore throat, or 
Otitis media
Noncardiac chest pain
Enamel erosion or other dental manifestations
New or worsening asthma
Disrupted sleep
Risk Factors

Obesity
Pregnancy
Hiatus hernia
Scleroderma and systemic sclerosis
The use of medicines such as prednisolone 
Delayed stomach emptying Zollinger-Ellison syndrome which can show an increase in gastric acidity because of gastrin production
A high blood calcium level which can increase gastrin production, leading to increased acidity
Visceroptosis or Gl nard syndrome, in which the stomach has sunk in the abdomen upsetting the motility and acid secretion of the stomach.
Factors that can increase acid reflux involve:

Smoking habit
Eating heavy meals or eating late at night
Eating fatty or fried foods
Drinking certain beverages, such as alcohol or coffee
Medications, such as aspirin
Tight clothes
Increased intra-abdominal pressure
Differential Diagnosis

Heart disease causing chest pain
Laryngopharyngeal reflux OR extraesophageal reflux disease
Infection
Peptic ulcer
Esophageal spasm
Complications

Narrowing of the esophagus (esophageal stricture): Stomach acid causes the formation of a scar tissue which narrows the food pathway.
An open sore in the esophagus (esophageal ulcer): Acid causes an open sore which bleeds, causes pain, and makes swallowing difficult.
Precancerous changes in the esophagus (Barrett's esophagus): Damage from acid can cause changes in the tissue lining the lower esophagus
Anemia
How to arrive at the diagnosis?

Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy/esophagogastroduodenoscopy
Esophageal manometry
Ambulatory 24-hour pH monitoring
Treatment

The goals of treatment are controlling symptoms, healing esophagitis, and prevention of recurrent esophagitis or other complications. Lifestyle modifications include the following:

Losing weight (if overweight)
Eating small and frequent meals instead of large meals
Waiting 3 hours after a meal to lie down
Elevating the head end of the bed by 8 inches
Avoiding bending or stooping positions
Medications

H2 receptor antagonists (ranitidine, cimetidine)
Proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, pantoprazole)
Prokinetic agents (aluminum hydroxide)
Antacids (magnesium hydroxide)
Surgery

Transthoracic and transabdominal fundoplication
Placement of a device to augment the lower esophageal sphincter

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease - What Causes It?

Surgery is basically the most important treatment for majority of kidney cancer and without undergoing surgery, the chances of survival for the patient are very small. Surgery for kidney tumor is also beneficial for the people who has cancer in different other organs of the body. People also live longer with the help of the removal of the kidney which contains cancer thus even if cancer has spread beyond just the Kidneys, the doctor might suggest kidney surgery.

The removal of kidney tumor can also be used to prevent or reduce symptoms like abnormal bleeding or pain. Some of the tissues surrounding the kidney or the entire kidney might be removed depending on the location or other factors involving the tumor for cancer.

Risks or Side-effects of the Surgery
Surgery of any type might have some risks which can be short term like abnormal bleeding, blood clots which will eventually lead to infection. Majority of people does tend to have pain after undergoing the operation which usually could be benefited with the help of pain medicines. Some other possible risks are:

Some internal organs such as spleen, pancreas, large or small bowel or some blood vessels might be damaged after undergoing the operation.
Internal organs might observe some bulging near the area of surgery because of the issues with the healing of the wound which is known as incisional hernia
If the remaining kidney is unable to operate then there might be the risk of Kidney failure.
Is the chest cavity lets in unwanted air then there is a risk of Pneumothorax.
There is always a risk of urine leaking into the abdomen.
Advantages of Kidney Surgery
Transplantation surgery tends to have some benefits. Which minimises the need for dialysis and helps the patients enjoy life at its best which more freedom productivity and energy. Although majority of the patients before being first evaluated for surgery are on dialysis. But the patients who are undergoing end stage renal disease might be referred for surgery even ahead of dialysis.

A successful kidney surgery can provide you with more than just your health back. It can also provide you with an even better quality of life. There are several cases where the majority of patients return home and also good work and still lead a quality life after the transplantation therefore this treatment is preferable for several patients.

Surgery For Kidneys - Know The Benefits!

Cancer, in any form, is a deadly disease that requires immediate attention and treatment. Colon cancer is a common form of the disease, with over 10 lakh people reportedly affected in India each year.

In some cases, surgery is the only remedy for colon cancer. Depending on the progression of your cancer, if surgery becomes necessary, you should consider undergoing laparoscopic surgeries.

What is a laparoscopic surgery?

While most surgeries are open, where a large incision is made on the body to operate on the internal organs and tissues, it s not the same with laparoscopic surgery. Here very small incisions are made on a particular body part to carry out the surgery. The procedure gets its name from the equipment used in the operation. A laparoscope is a tube-like instrument that has a camera on one end. During the surgery, this laparoscope is inserted in the patient s body and the image relayed back by the camera is used to perform the surgery.

In case of laparoscopic colon cancer surgeries, the surgeon uses the same method to reach your the cancerous mass in your colon and remove it.

Why choose laparoscopic colon cancer surgeries?

As a person affected by cancer, you have already endured substantial pain and discomfort. You do not need additional discomfort from your surgery. This is why laparoscopic surgeries are so popular when it comes to colon cancer. Here are some benefits of the procedure over the standard surgery.

  Less pain after the surgery
  Limited stay at the hospital post surgery
  Allows you to return to a solid food diet sooner after the surgery
  Allows normal bowel function to resume quicker
  Less scaring from the procedure
  Faster return to a normal lifestyle

Not everyone is eligible for open surgery to treat colon cancer. For instance, open surgery on elderly people can be extremely dangerous. For them, laparoscopic surgeries are a better alternative.

Are you eligible for laparoscopic surgery?

Before you opt for laparoscopic surgery to treat your colon cancer, consult an expert. The surgeon will help you understand whether you meet the requirements for laparoscopic surgeries. Your doctor will evaluate your case and let you know which procedure will have the maximum impact on your long-term recovery from cancer.

Is laparoscopic surgery as effective in treating colon cancer as open surgery?

According to a study performed by a Canadian team of researchers, the laparoscopic procedure is just as useful in treating colon cancer as the standard surgery. However, each case of colon cancer is different and the outcome of surgery may vary from person to person.

Laparoscopic Colon Cancer Surgeries!

Obesity is a serious, chronic disease that can have a negative effect on many systems in your body. People who are overweight or obese have a much greater risk of developing serious conditions, including:

Heart disease
Type 2 diabetes
Bone and joint disease
The prevalence of childhood obesity has increased dramatically over the past few decades, and obesity during adolescence is associated with significant medical morbidity during adulthood. Eating disorders and obesity are usually seen as very different problems but actually share many similarities. Eating disorders (EDs) are the third most common chronic condition in adolescents, after obesity and asthma.

In fact, eating disorders, obesity, and other weight-related disorders may overlap as girls move from one problem, such as unhealthy dieting, to another, such as obesity. Understand the links between eating disorders and obesity and promote healthy attitudes and behaviors related to weight and eating.

What is an Eating Disorder?

Eating Disorders describe illnesses that are characterized by irregular eating habits and severe distress or concern about body weight or shape. Eating disturbances may include inadequate or excessive food intake which can ultimately damage an individual s well-being. The most common forms of eating disorders include Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder and affect both females and males.

Signs & Symptoms of an Eating Disorder:

A man or woman suffering from an eating disorder may reveal several signs and symptoms, some which are:

Chronic dieting despite being hazardously underweight
Constant weight fluctuations
Obsession with calories and fat contents of food
Engaging in ritualistic eating patterns, such as cutting food into tiny pieces, eating alone, and/or hiding food
Continued fixation with food, recipes, or cooking; the individual may cook intricate meals for others but refrain from partaking
Depression or lethargic stage
Avoidance of social functions, family and friends. May become isolated and withdrawn
Switching between periods of overeating and fasting
What are the health risks associated with these disorders?

Stunted growth.
Delayed menstruation.
Damage to vital organs such as the heart and brain.
Nutritional deficiencies, including starvation.
Cardiac arrest.
Emotional problems such as depression and anxiety.
What is Obesity?

Obesity means being overweight by the accumulation of excess fat within the body. Obesity is defined to some extent by measuring Body Mass Index (BMI). People become obese by consumption of excess calories, imbalance between calories intake and calories outgoing, leading a sedentary life, lack of sleep , disturbances in lipid metabolism and intake of medications that put on obese.

What are the risks associated with obesity?

Obesity increases the risk for:

High blood pressure
Stroke
Cardiovascular disease
Gallbladder disease
Diabetes
Respiratory problems
Arthritis
Cancer
Emotional problems such as depression and anxiety
How eating disorder and obesity are related?

Eating disorders and obesity are part of a range of weight-related problems.

Body dissatisfaction and unhealthy dieting practices are linked to the development of eating disorders, obesity, and other problems.
Binge eating is common among people with eating disorders and people who are obese.
Depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders are associated with both eating disorders and obesity.
The environment may contribute to both eating disorders and obesity.
Help adolescents develop healthy eating habits:

Help children learn to control their own eating.
Offer children a variety of healthy foods at meal and snack times.
Eat dinner together as a family most days of the week.
Be aware of your child's emotional health or else consult a psychologist
Encourage children to participate in sports, dance, swimming and other physical activities.
Counteract harmful media messages about body image. 
The splendid approach:

The approach should be quite simple. A proper diet plan, nutritious foods and fruits with proper exercise can do a world of good to you. 

Obesity Due To Eating Disorders!

Gastric bypass is a kind of bariatric surgery, which helps in weight loss. This surgery aims to make changes so that your stomach becomes smaller than it used to be. This limits the amount of food you consume and effectively helps you to reduce weight.

Are you fit for the surgery?

Not everybody can go in for this surgery. Your doctor will recommend this surgery after careful evaluation. These are the parameters based on which your doctor will make a decision-

  Your medical history - If you suffer from sleep apnoea, heart ailments, liver diseases, kidney stones or if you have blood clots then you might have to undergo the surgery.

  Your psychological status - Sometimes obesity is the outcome of certain psychological ailments. A doctor will first ensure that these conditions are addressed before you go under the knife.

How is the surgery performed?

Gastric bypass operation is performed under general anaesthesia so you will be asleep for the entire duration of the surgery and it will be pain-free. The surgery is done laparoscopically. Tiny incisions are made through which scope and fine surgical instruments are introduced into the abdominal cavity. The camera guides the surgeon by providing live images from inside the body. Laparoscopic gastric surgery is advantageous because the wound heals faster and does not leave any marks.

Sometimes your surgeon might opt for an open surgery where she/he makes a large incision to reach the stomach.

There are two major steps to the surgery-

  The aim of the surgery is to make the stomach smaller so the surgeon divides it into two portions with staples. The food that you eat will go into the upper part (the pouch) of the stomach. The reduced upper stomach can hold at the most 28 grams of food so you are forced to eat less than usual. This will help you lose weight.

  The other step is the bypass surgery. After the pouch is created, the surgeon links it to the small intestine through the small hole in the pouch. This way, food will pass directly from the pouch to the small intestine. The surgery takes around 3-4 hours. You will be kept under observation for a couple of days and you will be released from the hospital in a week.

Gastric bypass operation is an effective and simple surgery that can help you reach your weight goals when you have a very high BMI and most other dietary restrictions have not been successful.

Gastric Bypass Surgery - Everything You Should Know!

Silk pillowcase slows down skin aging

Using silk pillowcase is known to slow down skin aging by giving you a wrinkle-free skin. This is due to many good qualities of silk fibers.

Silk is a natural fiber obtained from animals and contains amino acids which are compatible and friendly to the human skin. It also contains temperature regulators which adjust your skin to the changing temperatures. Hypoallergenic silk fibers resist many skin allergens like fungus, spores etc making it ideal for sensitive skin.

The tightly woven fiber which remains most in contact with your face retains moisture to your skin and keeps your skin well hydrated. Unlike dry and flaky skin, moistened skin cells are most likely to show fewer wrinkles and hence slow down skin aging process.

Did You Know a Silk Pillowcase Can Slow Down Your Skin's Aging?

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