GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE
inhibitors.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a
chronic digestive disease. It occurs when
stomach acid or stomach content flows back
into the esophagus. The backwash (reflux)
irritates the lining of your esophagus.
Symptoms
A burning sensation in your chest
(heartburn), sometimes spreading to your
throat, along with a sour taste in your
mouth.
Chest pain.
Difficulty swallowing.
Hoarseness or sore throat.
Detection
A test to monitor the amount of acid in
your esophagus.
An X-ray of your upper digestive
system.
A flexible tube to look inside your
esophagus.
A test to measure the movement of
the esophagus.
Treatments and drugs
Treatment for heartburn and other symptoms
begins with over-the-counter medications
that control acid.
Antacids that neutralize stomach acid.
Medications to reduce acid
production.
Medications that block acid production
and heal the esophagus.
If you don't experience relief within a few
weeks, your doctor may recommend
medications and surgery.
Prescription-strength H-2-receptor
blockers.
Prescription-strength protons pump
Medications to strengthen the lower
esophageal sphincter.
Surgery to reinforce the lower
esophageal sphincter (Nissen
fundoplication).
Surgery to strengthen the lower
esophageal sphincter (Linx).
ESOPHAGITIS
Esophagitis is irritation or inflammation of
the esophagus, the tube that carries food from
your throat to your stomach. Esophagitis can
be painful and make it hard to swallow.
Symptoms
Heartburn.
Pain when you swallow.
Trouble swallowing food or liquids.
Chest pain (may be similar to the pain
of a heart attack).
Cough.
Detection
An endoscopy.
A biopsy
A barium swallow.
Treatment
The treatment you need depends on what is
causing the esophagitis. If you have
esophagitis caused by acid reflux or GERD,
your doctor will likely recommend that you
change your diet, lose weight if needed, and
make other lifestyle changes. Furthermore,
over-the-counter medicines include:
Antacids, such as Maalox, Mylanta, or
Tums.
 Stronger acid reducers, such
as famotidine, omeprazole,
or ranitidine.
PEPTIC ULCER
Peptic ulcer disease refers to painful sores or
ulcers in the lining of the stomach or first part
of the small intestine called the duodenum.
Symptoms
A gnawing or burning pain in the middle
or upper stomach between meals or at
night.
Bloating.
Heartburn.
Nausea or vomiting.
Dark or black stool due to bleeding.
Vomiting blood.
Weight loss.
Detection
Doctors sometimes treat for ulcers without
confirming the diagnosis using endoscopy.
Prevention
Don't smoke.
Avoid alcohol.
Don't overuse aspirin and/or NSAIDs.
If you have symptoms of an ulcer,
contact your health care provider.
GASTRITIS
Gastritis is an inflammation, irritation, or
erosion of the lining of the stomach. It can
occur suddenly (acute) or gradually (chronic).
Symptoms
Nausea or recurrent upset stomach
Abdominal bloating
Abdominal pain
Vomiting
Indigestion
Hiccups
Vomiting blood or coffee ground-like
material
Detection
To diagnose gastritis, your doctor will review
your personal and family medical history,
perform a thorough physical evaluation, and
may recommend any of the following tests:
Upper endoscopy.
Blood tests.
Fecal occult blood test (stool test).
COLON CANCER
The colon is another term for the large
intestine, the lowest part of the digestive
system. Inside the colon, water and salt from
solid wastes are extracted before the waste
moves through the rectum and exits the
body through the anus.
Colon cancer cells will invade and damage
healthy tissue that is near the tumor, causing
many complications.
Symptoms
Diarrhea or constipation
Changes in stool consistency
Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
Pain, cramps, or gas in the abdomen
Pain during bowel movements
Continual urges to defecate
Iron deficiency (anemia)
Detection
In order to diagnose colon cancer, physicians
will request a complete physical exam as
well as personal and family medical histories.
Diagnoses are usually made after the
physician conducts a colonoscopy or a
barium enema x-ray
Treatment
There is no single treatment for cancer, but
the most common options for colon cancer
are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation
therapy.
Prevention
Regular annual screening for both men and
women aged 50 to 75 years is recommended
by the U.S. Preventive Task Force.