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 laryngitis
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 Should You Know

Homeopathy can very well dissolve gall stones of small and medium sizes, and relieve the gall bladder and body permanently from the pain, suffering and complications coming from gall stones. One of the benefits of homeopathic treatment for gall stones is that your gall bladder does not need removal, and being an important organ for producing digestive enzymes, it is better to keep it in your body. The other benefit is that you get a side effect-free treatment, which is completely efficient and practical, and costs really low compared to other modes of treatments and surgeries.

But before one goes for a homeopathic treatment, a complete evaluation of the patient s case history must be done so that the right medicine can be given as per the case, history, severity etc. Here is a quick look at the commonly used homeopathic medicines, which doctors, depending on your case history, may prescribe for your gall stone.

Homeopathic medicines used for treating gall stones

Calcarea carbonica: If you have a family history of kidney and gall stones, are anxious and slow, overweight with high deposits of triglycerides and cholesterol, then you would be given this medicine.
Chelidonium: If you get pain in any or both of the two patterns pain originating under your right shoulder blade and pain in the upper right abdomen, which spreads to the back, you will be prescribed this one.
Lycopodium: This medicine is usually recommended in case you have a family history of stones in kidney and gall bladder, along with other complications like, chronic digestive disorders, high cholesterol, gastric problems, constipation, peptic ulcers, gas and bloating. The patient may usually get biliary colic pains late in the afternoon. He or she may also get irritated easily, and hate contradicting opinions.
Natrum sulphuricum: The patient may have any or some of the problems like chronic diarrhea, gall stone pain, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, depression, obesity and problem in joints. On top of that the patient may be too sensitive to changes in humidity and weather. In such a case, Natrum sulphuricum is given.
Nux vomica: If a patient suffers from nausea, colic pains, spasmodic pains, heartburn and acidity, gas and bloating, and takes too much of rich and oily food and drinks, then this medicine is used to treat gall stones for him or her.
As you can see, there is a remedy for all types of patients. Hence in case of small to medium sized gall stones, you can always retain the gall bladder, avoid surgeries, and keep patience with systematic homeopathic treatment from an expert doctor. You will get positive results soon.

Gallbladder Stone - Can Homeopathy Treat it?

Splenectomy is an operation conducted to remove the spleen. The spleen plays a vital role in building immunity against bacterial infections, located in the uppermost area of the left hand side of the abdomen, just below the diaphragm. There are some specific requirements with regard to the immunizations as well as blood work that might need to be completed before this surgery takes place.

Why is Splenectomy need to be performed?
There are a number of chronic illnesses like Hereditary Spherocytosis or Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura, which make it a necessity to get a child s spleen removed. Though it is a rare case but still any kind of trauma to the spleen along with uncontrolled bleeding can create a very serious situation, wherein an emergency might arise to get the spleen removed immediately.

Immunization of child before the operation
Before the surgery of Splenectomy is conducted, immunizations are given to children as a preventive against some specific kinds of infections that are most common for patients to arise after having undergone the surgery of Splenectomy.

How is the surgery performed?
The paediatric surgeon, who performs the surgery, need not require making a large incision for going about the process of operation. In most of the instances, a splenectomy is performed in the following manner, which includes:

A laparoscopic way through which a Paediatric Surgeon makes use of a small telescope along with some instruments of miniaturized nature, while placing them through small band-aid sized cuts on the abdomen.
The operation gets completed within three hours
At the time of hospitalization, a child would receive intravenous fluids, antibiotics as well medicines to get relieve from any kind of pain.
As and when the child feels as if he or she is fit enough, he or she would be allowed to eat, drink and also take medicines by mouth.
Essentials after the Surgery
After the surgery has taken place and the child returns home after a couple of days, there are certain essentials that require to be kept in mind:

Pain Management: Management of pain is the very first thing which should be kept in mind. The medicines prescribed by doctor for dealing with pain are not required after getting discharged from the hospital.
Most of the children would only need Acetaminophen or Ibuprophen once they get back home.
Care for Dressings: One may remove the gauze and clear plastic, which are placed over the small cuts, a couple of days after the surgery. The skin that surrounds the incision might have a reddish tinge and look bruised, which can last for few weeks.
Restrictions related to Activities: There are no real restrictions with regard to the resumption o regular activities. A child can go back to school as and when he or she feels totally comfortable.

Spleen Removal - Why Is It Performed In Kids?

Dysentery is the inflammation of the intestine that causes appearance of blood and mucous in stool. It is caused by bacteria or parasites. In this condition, the patient passes semi liquid stool many times in a day. It is a contagious disease and is transmitted via the faecal oral route. Thus, a group of people like a family living together or students in a hostel are more prone to picking up the infection. This infection is also transmitted via anal sex. 

Ayurveda is a herbal medicinal treatment, originated in India. It is known to have cure for various health problems. Usually Diarrhoea cures itself through diet change, but in case of dysentery, medication is required to combat bacteria and parasites. Some ways to treat Dysentery with Ayurvedic remedies are as follows:

Isabbael for Chronic Amoebiasis: Isabbael is a formulation that treats dysentery caused due to Amoebiasis. When the stool contains mucus and the infected patient feels a cramp before passing stool, it is considered an Amoebiasis infection. Isabbael is very good for bacillary dysentery as well. It is advised to consume 1 teaspoonful twice daily with water for 5 to 7 days for best results. 
Ambimap for dysentery: Ambimap herbal formulation possesses a multi-purpose approach to control and cure dysentery (Pravahika). It is known to treat and cure all types of parasitic infection and provides immediate relief. For best results, 1 or 2 tablets should be taken 2 to 3 times a day with water.
Churna for dysentery: Churna is a polyherbal Ayurvedic medicine in powdered form and is high beneficial in treating dysentery.
You can also opt for Ayurvedic remedies that can be formulated at home. They are as follows:

Combine powdered dry ginger root, amla powder, long and black pepper in equal proportions. It is advisable to store this dry mixture in a glass container. For best results, consume one teaspoon of this mixture with lukewarm water two times a day. 
Another great way to combat dysentery is to drink buttermilk. Just add a bit of rock salt as well as powdered roasted cumin seeds. Drink this mixture two times a day preferably with breakfast and at lunchtime. 

Dysentery - 3 Ayurvedic Home Remedies to Help Treat it 

What is an ovarian cyst?
If a follicle present in the ovaries grows beyond 2cm in size, it is called an ovarian cyst. In an ovarian cyst, fluid accumulates inside a thin wall in the ovaries. The size of the ovarian cyst varies in size from person to person. It is most common in women during their fertile period, but it can happen anytime.

What is the cause of an ovarian cyst?
Follicles are produced in the ovaries under normal conditions. One of these follicles matures into an egg every month. It is a very normal process and happens spontaneously in most cases. However, under certain circumstances and conditions, these follicles fail to rupture and turn into a fluid filled cyst. In rare cases, dermoid reactions caused by entrapment of sebum follicle or hair follicle can cause ovarian cysts as well. It is common for most women to have at least one cyst in their lifetime.

What are the symptoms of an ovarian cyst?
Sometimes, an ovarian cyst does not present many symptoms. The most common symptoms include:

Increase in weight
Painful intercourse
Headache and fatigue
Pain in the abdomen
Heaviness and fullness in the stomach
An increase in the frequency of urination
Increase in bowel movements as a result of pressure
Back pain
Ayurvedic treatment for ovarian cyst

Shilajit: It is the most common herb for enhancing male libido and induces strength and vigour. Hence, this herb is indicated in women to increase agility so that they are able to get on with their daily schedule without much interference due to the fatigue.
Commiphora mukul: It is a very potent drug and has immense rejuvenating properties. The cells of the body are revitalised and rejuvenated by these. It is also effective in people who are anaemic or have low haemoglobin levels in the blood.
Emblica Officalis (Amlaki): Amlaki  is known for its rejuvenating properties as well. It has great anti oxidant properties and helps to neutralise the free radicals in the body. It is also effective in increasing immunity in the body and enhancing metabolism.

Ovarian Cysts - Ways Ayurveda Can Help You Treat It!

One of the most common issues with old age in men is the enlarged prostate. Any difficulty with urination (no constant stream, difficulty initiating, or incomplete emptying of the bladder for instance), and the first suspect is an enlarged prostate. These symptoms are followed by a digital rectal exam to check for an enlarged prostate. Once confirmed, the next step is to check for levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). If both the exam and the PSA are positive, it could mean prostate cancer. As with any cancer, it is believed that sooner it is diagnosed and the treatment is started, the better.

Historically, the best way to rule out the prostate cancer had been to do a prostate biopsy. This is a minor invasive procedure, wherein biopsies are taken from various regions of the prostate which are known to develop cancer (about 12). A disadvantage of this procedure includes missing out on the front part of the prostate which can also develop cancer. Secondly, it is not a very pleasant experience and given a chance, most men would not want to have it done.

There is good news for these men who would like to avoid prostate biopsies. The first is the multiparametric MRI which uses no x-rays and is considered very safe with extremely accurate results. This MRI exam requires about an hour, and once the images are obtained, the doctor will analyse these images and check for several parameters to assess for prostate cancer. The absence of cancer can be confirmed with up to 90% accuracy, which is far greater than with usual biopsies. If there is a possibility of cancer, then a biopsy can be done to confirm it. 

Also, these images indicate the exact region where cancer likely is, and this guides the doctor to biopsy only where absolutely essential. The chances of false positive and false negative results are reduced drastically. The one disadvantage here is that MRI detected biopsies usually tend to be of a higher grade which requires immediate treatment.

Another way to reduce chances of the biopsy by 30% to 50% is by the 4K test. It helps detect a variety of prostate issues including cancer. It can be used once higher levels of PSA is identified and before going for a biopsy. It combined 4 prostate-specific biomarkers with clinical information to accurately provide men with a risk of developing prostate cancer. It can be used even after negative biopsies to confirm the diagnosis of prostate cancer.

These two measures can drastically reduce the incidence of prostate biopsies, which is neither pleasant for the patient nor very effective for the doctor.

Prostate Biopsies - Ways You Can Avoid It!

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