VOLUME 10 • ISSUE 10 • OCTOBER 2016
Refreshing Your Health
THE WORD ON GERD • Warning signs • Risk factors • Diagnosing GERD • Controlling GERD
The word on GERD GET THE SOUR TASTE OUT OF YOUR MOUTH AND LEARN HOW TO MANAGE ACID REFLUX
What happens to food after you swallow? Normally, food passes from the mouth, through the esophagus, then to the stomach. At the end of the esophagus, a ring
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of muscle (lower esophageal sphincter) opens to allow food into the stomach and closes to prevent food and acidic stomach juices from flowing back up into the esophagus.
A SLICE OF ORANGE
VOLUME 10 • ISSUE 10 • OCTOBER 2016
Sometimes, this sphincter weakens or relaxes inappropriately, causing stomach contents to go back up into the esophagus. This is called gastroesophageal reflux, and it’s common to experience it
ESOPHAGUS
once in a while. The reflux causes the stomach acid to come into contact with the esophageal lining and causes heartburn (also called acid indigestion).
LOWER ESOPHAGEAL SPHINCTER
When reflux occurs often, like several times a week, and for long periods, it may be a more serious and lasting condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD.
STOMACH
Warning signs The symptoms of GERD are effects of stomach acid reflux. See a doctor if you have any of the symptoms below
IS IT HEARTBURN OR A HEART ATTACK?
Diagnosing GERD Your doctor may be able to diagnose GERD based simply on your medical
and suspect you have GERD.
history and symptoms. Sometimes,
• Heartburn – a burning or uncomfort-
you might be referred to a gastroen-
able feeling in your chest, usually
terologist and/or further diagnostic
after eating; can radiate to your
tests may be recommended. These
neck, throat or jaw • Sour taste in the mouth after eating • Bloating and belching/burping • Pain or difficulty when swallowing • Sore throat and hoarseness
Even though they involve different body parts (esophagus and heart, respectively), these two conditions can feel very similar, especially if you are experiencing either for the first time. It’s easy to
• Persistent cough or wheezing,
mistake one for the other. If your chest
often worse at night
discomfort disappears after taking ant-
• Bad breath, tooth decay or
acids or belching, it’s likely heartburn.
gum disease
If you have shortness of breath or are
include: blood tests; an endoscopy, where a long, thin tube with a camera is inserted into your mouth to visualize your upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract; a biopsy; or special x-rays, like an upper GI series. Try to avoid these foods to prevent reflux:
sweating, it could be heart-related.
Risk factors
• Tomatoes and tomato products
HOWEVER, this is not a hard and fast
These may increase your risk of
• Greasy or spicy foods
rule because every person is different
developing GERD:
• Alcoholic drinks
and symptoms can vary greatly. When
• Chocolate
• Being overweight or obese • Smoking or inhaling secondhand smoke
in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Get help and have yourself checked ASAP!
• Pregnancy • Certain medicines for hypertension,
• Hiatal hernia (where part of the
allergies, pain and depression
stomach moves up into the chest
• Stress
through the diaphragm)
• Peppermint • Citrus juice • Coffee
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Controlling GERD
VOLUME 10 • ISSUE 10 • OCTOBER 2016
Here’s what YOU can do now:
Your doctor will review your symp-
• Avoid eating or drinking food items than might trigger reflux
toms and may recommend lifestyle
changes, medicines, surgery, or
• Do not overeat
a combination of all to manage your GERD. You’ll want to treat this condition properly because having it for a long time could damage your esophagus and cause severe problems, like bleeding ulcers, a scarred and narrowed esophagus, or respiratory problems. Call a doctor immediately if you have GERD and you: • Vomit large amounts or have regular forceful (projectile) vomiting • Vomit fluid that is green/yellow, has blood or looks like coffee grounds
See the box on the previous page for these Eat smaller and more frequent meals, rather than three large meals a day
• Do not eat or drink alcohol 2 to 3 hours before bedtime • Lose weight if you’re overweight or obese
The increased pressure on your abdomen can weaken the esophageal
sphincter • Wear loose-fitting clothing
Tight clothes around your stomach area might make your symptoms worse
• Stay upright for 3 hours after meals; avoid reclining when sitting • Avoid bending or stooping • Sleep on a slight angle
Raise the head of your bed 6-8 inches by placing wood or blocks
underneath the bed; don’t just add more pillows as they could put extra
strain on your stomach
• Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
Cigarette smoke relaxes the sphincter, leading to acid reflux
• Have problems breathing after vomiting
• Take the medicines recommended and as instructed by your doctor
Some medications should be taken for weeks, some are used only
• Have pain in the mouth or throat when you eat
for a short time
• Have problems swallowing
• Relax! Learn relaxation techniques or engage in stress-relieving activities
Helping Your People in the Path to Progress Benefits Made Better Email us at inquiries@activelinkbenefits.com or call us at 8174606, and let us know when we can share our strategy. Let us help you make your benefits better!
Looking to enhance your corporate healthcare benefits? E-mail us at benefits@activelinkbenefits.com. The information in this newsletter is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Consult a doctor for all matters relating to your health, particularly for symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention. © 2016 ActiveLink
Benefits Made Better
ActiveLink 7/F Electra House Building 115-117 Esteban St., Legaspi Village, Makati City www.activelinkbenefits.com
A Slice of Orange
is a newsletter designed to help clarify basic health information and offer juicy tips on uplifting your health.
Editorial team Alvin Delfin Christine Llenes-Delfin Anna de Guzman, MD