to the doctors : is there a complete cure for reflux eosophagitis?? and irritated stomach? and how?

Answer 1

Still in medical school, but I'll give it a go. Approximately 80% of people with esophagitis (esophageal irritation/inflammation) caused by gastric reflux have a non-progressive form that can be managed by medications and lifestyle modification (losing weight if overweight; avoiding alcohol, chocolate, citrus juice, tomatoes, peppermint; avoiding large meals and waiting for 3 hours after eating before lying down; raising the head of your bed approximately 8 inches). Medications used basically decrease the production of acid in your stomach and include things such as Pecid, Zantac, and Prevacid to name a few. Antacids with meals are also a good idea.

There are a remaining 20% or so of people whose esophagitis will continue (despite medicaitons) to progress and cause permanent scarring which can increase a person's risk for esophageal cancer. For those people, the best option is surgical. Surgery consists of a procedure called a Nissen Fundoplication. This can be done laparoscopically (camera with small holes, small instruments, small scars, quicker healing). The procedure basically consists of wrapping the upper portion of the stomach partially around the esophagus. What happens is that after a meal, the stomach fills up, causing the portion of stomach wrapped around the esophagus to tighten up a bit, creating a valve of sorts. This prevents acid from refluxing into the esophagus. Assuming all goes correctly, the procedure typically lasts 2-2.5 hours, you go home in 2 days, and you're back to normal more or less in 2-3 weeks. ~92% of patients have resolution of symptoms. No surgery is without it's complications, so do some reading about it if you're considering. In addition to "the usual" (bleeding, infection, anesthesia complications, etc.), it's always possible that the valve they make will be too tight and you won't be able to properly swallow your food. Rare, but it happens.

As for "irritated stomach", I would need more information to know what you mean precisely. Hope this at least offers some answers to one of your questions. Good luck to you.

Answer 2

There are dietary and lifestyle modifications you can make, which will help a great deal. Such as avoidance of caffeine, eat small meals, do not eat sooner than 3 hours before bedtime, and put the head of your bed up at least 6 inches high by putting blocks under the legs, so that you are sleeping on a slant.

If the symptoms persist, then you would need medication such as Prilosec or Zantac, which you can get over the counter.

If that doesn't help, you definitely should see your doctor for prescription strength meds, and also to make sure that you aren't barking up the wrong tree.

As a last resort, surgery can be very helpful.

Good luck.

Answer 3

Lemon Balm tea would be a good start, at least to treat the symptoms. Diet ALWAYS plays a big part in this as well. Cut back on caffeine, it aggravates the problem, drink plenty of water, make sure your getting your fiber, constipation can cause pressure and aggravate the condition, and before meals you might try eating organic grapes (organic to avoid ingesting pesticides) the enzymes in grapes aid with digestion so your less likely to get that "urpy" feeling after eating. Avoid carbonated beverages, they will also aggravate the condition. Fennel is another herb that can help with the urpy burpy problem, it decreases gas in the digestive tract, and yes you can blend the 2 herbs in the tea, it tastes very pleasant. And lastly, increasing activity (physical) will also aid in this situation and also assist in taking off the weight ( also irritates the problem). There are several herb companies that you can purchase these herbs from on line, Mountain Rose, Frontier, San Francisco Herb are companies that I have purchased from fro years. Good Luck!!

Answer 4

both can be treated safely and can be cured sometimes depending on many variables. mild first line treatment may involve pharmacologic meds stronger than antacids, change of eating habits, and similar behaviors. you will have to be scoped, which means to put a tube down your throat into the esophagus and stomach. surgery could be in the offering but can be avoided in many cases.