ScienceDaily: Heartburn News

Frequent heartburn may predict cancers of the throat and vocal cord

Thu, 23 May 2013 10:18:18 EDT

A frequent history of heartburn elevated risk for throat and vocal cord cancers. Use of antacids lowered risk. Further studies are needed to confirm the protective effect of antacids.

No more reflux: New surgery in fight against reflux for patients whose medication no longer works

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 14:20:20 EDT

A new procedure involving a magnetic ring of beads that fits around your pinky has been shown to stop GERD in people whose medication stopped working.

Retinoic acid gradient visualized for the first time in an embryo

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 13:31:31 EDT

In a ground-breaking study, researchers report a new technique that allows them to visualize the distribution of retinoic acid in a live zebrafish embryo, in real-time. This technique enabled them to observe two concentration gradients going in opposing directions along the head-to-tail axis of the embryo, thus providing long-awaited evidence that retinoic acid is a morphogen.

Esophageal cancer risk may be reduced through a variety of lifestyle factors -- from taking aspirin to losing belly fat

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 14:31:31 EDT

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center is home to the Seattle Barrett's Esophagus Program, a multidisciplinary effort conducted in collaboration with researchers at Brigham & Women’s College and the University of California at San Francisco. This research team has shown that a systematic approach to early cancer detection can boost five-year survival rates from about 15 percent to more than 80 percent.

C. diff infection risk rises with antihistamine use to treat stomach acid

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 13:13:13 EDT

Patients receiving antihistamines to suppress stomach acid are at greater risk of infection from Clostridium difficile, or C. diff, a common cause of diarrhea, particularly in health care settings, researchers have found.

Killing cancer cells with acid reflux

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 11:07:07 EST

A chemist has come up with a unique way to kill certain cancer cells -- give them acid reflux. Kevin Belfield used a special salt to make cancer cells more acidic -- similar to the way greasy foods cause acid reflux in some people. He used a light-activated, acid-generating molecule to make the cells more acidic when exposed to specific wavelengths of light, which in turn kills the bad cells. The surrounding healthy cells stay intact.

New treatment for chronic reflux disease

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 09:22:22 EST

Clinical trial offer additional evidence that a new device may help relieve chronic heartburn symptoms that standard treatment cannot.

Effectiveness of magnetic device for treatment of reflux disease demonstrated

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 14:31:31 EST

A study published February 21st in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) provides clinical evidence of the safety and effectiveness of a new magnetic medical device to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Santiago Horgan, MD, professor of surgery at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and study co-author, was the first surgeon in the United States to implant the FDA-approved device.

Bracelet-like device may control chronic acid reflux

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 18:47:47 EST

A bracelet-like device with magnetic beads can control the chronic digestive disorder gastroesophageal reflux disease, according to a new study.

Pill-sized device provides rapid, detailed imaging of esophageal lining

Sun, 13 Jan 2013 14:49:49 EST

Physicians may soon have a new way to screen patients for Barrett's esophagus, a precancerous condition usually caused by chronic exposure to stomach acid. Researchers have developed an imaging system enclosed in a capsule about the size of a multivitamin pill that creates detailed, microscopic images of the esophageal wall.

Upper endoscopy is overused in patients with heartburn, study suggests

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 18:33:33 EST

Heartburn is one of the most common reasons for people to see a doctor, and some physicians often use upper endoscopy to diagnose and manage gastroesophageal reflux disease. But most patients do not require the procedure unless other serious symptoms are present, according to a new evidence-based clinical policy paper.

No more diabetes: Not all bariatric surgeries are created equal when it comes to getting rid of diabetes and unwanted pounds

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 13:52:52 EST

There are more than 72 million obese people in the United States, and tens of millions of them have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, an epidemic that continues to grow at a rapid pace. The good news is that certain types of bariatric surgery are proving to be effective options in eliminating diabetes and reducing weight. A recent study found that 36 percent of gastric bypass patients did not need diabetes medication two weeks after surgery and 67 percent were medication free after one year.

Statins may reduce risk of esophageal cancer

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 08:14:14 EDT

Statins, a cholesterol lowering drug may lower the risk of esophageal cancer, especially in patients with Barrett’s esophagus, researchers report.

Electrical stimulation of the esophagus promising treatment for unresolved reflux symptoms

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 08:12:12 EDT

Clinical evidence of the safety and effectiveness of electrical stimulation of a muscular valve in the esophagus demonstrates promising results in resolving symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux (GERD).

First evidence for a genetic cause for Barrett's esophagus

Sun, 09 Sep 2012 15:03:03 EDT

Genetic variations that are linked with the onset of Barrett's esophagus, a pre-cancerous condition of the lower end of the gullet, have been identified for the first time. The discovery of variations in regions on two chromosomes makes it possible to develop screening tests for people at high risk of developing the disease.

Global 'epidemic' of gullet cancer seems to have started in UK in 1950s

Wed, 22 Aug 2012 22:26:26 EDT

The global "epidemic" of one type of gullet cancer (adenocarcinoma) seems to have started in the UK during the 1950s, sparked by some as yet unknown, but common, factor, suggests new research.

Bile – not acid – is bad guy in triggering precancerous condition associated with reflux disease

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 12:17:17 EDT

For many people with GERD, acid reflux drugs are the answer to their woes, curbing the chronic heartburn characteristic of the disorder. But when it comes to Barrett's esophagus, a condition commonly found in people with GERD, acid control may be less important than beating back another bodily fluid – bile. A new study shows that bile plays a critical and previously unrecognized role in the development of Barrett's – the only known cause of esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Newly approved treatment for acid reflux disease available

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 13:19:19 EDT

A newly approved device to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is now available.

First FDA-approved magnetic heartburn device

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 16:42:42 EDT

Physicians have implanted the new FDA-approved LINX device in a 29-year old patient suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a chronic digestive disease that can lead to severe inflammation, stricture, Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer.

Treatment of silent acid reflux does not improve asthma in children, study finds

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:42:42 EST

Adding the acid reflux drug lansoprazole to a standard inhaled steroid treatment for asthma does not improve asthma control in children who have no symptom of acid reflux, according to a new study. Lansoprazole therapy slightly increased the risk of sore throats and other respiratory problems in children, however.

Acid reflux drug does not improve asthma in children, study finds

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:23:23 EST

A randomized clinic trial found that the addition of lansoprazole does not improve asthma symptoms or the control of asthma in children and may increase the risk for upper respiratory infections and other adverse events.

Study reveals origins of esophageal cancer

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:40:40 EST

Researchers have identified the critical early cellular and molecular events that give rise to a type of esophageal cancer called esophageal adenocarcinoma, the fastest-rising solid tumor in the United States. The findings challenge conventional wisdom regarding the origin and development of this deadly cancer and its precursor lesion, Barrett's esophagus, and highlight possible targets for new clinical therapies.

Physicians show bias when diagnosing stomach problems, study finds

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:51:51 EDT

Patients who complain of upper gastrointestinal symptoms often face a diagnosis of either gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or functional dyspepsia. Because the two conditions often overlap, it can be difficult to distinguish between them and diagnose them properly. Yet ambulatory care facilities and hospitals have reported a dramatic increase in the number of GERD-related visits/discharges in recent years.

Are acid-suppressing drugs prescribed too often in infants?

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 02:41:41 EDT

Frequent spitting up, irritability, and unexplained crying in infants can be very distressing to parents. Pediatricians often prescribe acid-suppressing drugs for these symptoms in an effort to treat infants for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); however, GERD is an uncommon cause of these symptoms in otherwise thriving infants. Experts now caution against the over-diagnosis of GERD and over-prescription of acid-suppressing drugs in infants.

Bacteria associated with stomach ulcers not detected in enlarged adenoids in children

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 17:08:08 EDT

Bacteria that cause stomach inflammation and ulcers were not detectable in tissue from inflamed and enlarged adenoids in children, according to a new report.

Anti-reflux surgery helps airway function both before and after lung transplant, study finds

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 16:40:40 EDT

Surgery to correct gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, can preserve lung function in patients with end-stage pulmonary disease both before and after transplantation, according to a new study. The findings suggest that esophageal testing should be performed more frequently among these patients to determine if anti-reflux surgery is needed.

First long-term study of WTC workers shows widespread health problems 10 years after Sept. 11

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 21:44:44 EDT

In the first long-term study of the health impacts of the World Trade Center (WTC) collapse on Sept. 11, 2001, researchers have found substantial and persistent mental and physical health problems among Sept. 11 first responders and recovery workers.

Study finds more gut reaction to arthritis drugs; Stomach acid-suppressing drugs appear to damage small intestine

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 15:52:52 EDT

A research team has found stomach acid-reducing drugs, known as proton pump inhibitors, may actually be aggravating damage in the small intestine caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also known as NSAIDs.

New study helps clarify symptoms and characteristics of acid reflux in neonates

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 11:54:54 EDT

Modifying stomach acid levels may not be enough to treat symptoms in neonates suspected of having gastroesophageal reflux disease. This is the first study to classify reflux and its associated symptoms in neonates based on how and what is refluxed.

Heartburn treatment may extend survival in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 15:19:19 EDT

Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) who report treatment for gastroespophageal reflux (GER) appear to have longer survival than IPF patients who are not treated for GERD, according to a new study.

Esophageal cancer risk higher in medically treated GERD patients with fewest symptoms

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 16:13:13 EDT

Medically treated patients with mild or no symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are at higher risk for developing esophageal cancer than those with severe GERD symptoms, according to a new study.

Barrett’s esophagus, often a precursor to esophageal cancer, results from residual, embryonic cells

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 16:19:19 EDT

Researchers discovered a new mechanism for the origin of Barrett's esophagus, an intestine-like growth in the esophagus that is triggered by acid reflux and often progresses to esophageal cancer. The key finding is that Barrett's esophagus arises not from mutant cells in the esophagus but rather a small group of previously overlooked cells present in all adults that can rapidly expand to cancer precursors when the normal esophagus is damaged by acid.

Folic acid given to mother rats protects offspring from colon cancer

Thu, 26 May 2011 15:25:25 EDT

Folic acid supplements given to pregnant and breastfeeding rats reduced the rate of colon cancer in their offspring by 64 percent, a new study has found.

Improved prognosis for esophageal cancer

Wed, 25 May 2011 12:00:00 EDT

In recent years, the number of cases of adenocarcinoma of the esophagus (or gullet) has been on the rise. At the same time, however, new ways of treatment are improving the outlook for patients. In a new study, researchers report on innovations in diagnosis and treatment.

Modern treatments for GERD effective at achieving long-term remission for most patients, study finds

Tue, 17 May 2011 16:20:20 EDT

In an evaluation of contemporary antireflux therapies for chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), most patients who received treatment with either the proton pump inhibitor esomeprazole or laparoscopic antireflux surgery achieved and remained in disease remission for 5 years, according to a new study.

Folic acid for everybody? Arguments in favor of food fortification to reduce neural tube defects

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 09:24:24 EDT

Neural tube defects in neonates are common in Germany compared with the rest of Europe. Extensive folic acid fortification of foods in Germany might prevent these in 85–100% of cases, researchers argue.

Treatment of Barrett's esophagus may lower risk of esophageal cancer

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 11:10:10 EDT

Barrett's esophagus is the leading cause of esophageal cancer and affects an estimated two million Americans. New guidelines support use of radiofrequency ablation to remove precancerous cells.

Watchful waiting no longer recommended for some high-risk Barrett's esophagus patients

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 09:12:12 EST

Endoscopic removal of pre-cancerous cells in patients with confirmed, high-risk Barrett's esophagus is recommended rather than surveillance, according to a new position statement.

Surgery without incisions for heartburn

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 10:28:28 EST

Millions of Americans, or 10 percent of the population, suffer from daily heartburn or other symptoms of reflux such as regurgitation, chronic cough, hoarseness and dental erosion. In a city like Austin, as many as 180,000 to 210,000 people may suffer from heartburn/reflux.

Offspring of female rats given folic acid supplements develop more breast cancer, study suggests

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 09:55:55 EST

The daughters of rats who took folic acid supplements before conception, during pregnancy and while breastfeeding have breast cancer rates twice as high as other rats, according to a new study.

Folic acid may increase the risk of asthma, study suggests

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 07:57:57 EST

Recent Norwegian research suggests that there may be a connection between high levels of folic acid in pregnant mothers and the development of asthma in their children. However, the researchers stress that pregnant women should continue to take folic acid supplements.

Natural history of heartburn

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 09:17:17 EST

A research team from Iceland studied the natural history and prevalence of heartburn at a 10-year interval, and the effect of heartburn on various symptoms and activities. The results showed that heartburn is a common and chronic condition. Subjects with a body mass index below or higher than normal weight are more likely to experience heartburn. Heartburn has a great impact on daily activities, sleep and quality of life.

Uric acid may increase likelihood of severe osteoarthritis

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 10:15:15 EST

The amount of uric acid in one's joints may increase the likelihood of severe osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis worldwide, according to researchers.

Detecting esophageal cancer with light

Tue, 04 Jan 2011 16:16:16 EST

A tiny light source and sensors at the end of an endoscope may provide a more accurate way to identify pre-cancerous cells in the lining of the esophagus.

Acid suppressive medication may increase risk of pneumonia

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 12:10:10 EST

Using acid suppressive medications, such as proton pump inhibitors and histamine2 receptor antagonists, may increase the risk of developing pneumonia, states an article in Canadian Medical Association Journal.

Drinking alcohol during a rich meal slows down digestion, but doesn't increase indigestion, study finds

Tue, 14 Dec 2010 20:15:15 EST

People can be reassured that while alcohol may slow down digestion after a rich calorific meal, enjoyed by many during the Christmas season, it will not cause indigestion symptoms such as heartburn, belching and bloating, finds new research.

Esophageal cancer risk lower than expected for patients with GERD

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 12:14:14 EST

The risk of esophageal cancer among patients who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease is not as high as many may think, according to new research.

It takes two: Double detection key for sensing muscle pain

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 12:17:17 EST

A new study discovers a molecular mechanism involved in pain associated with muscles. The research provides new insight into what underlies one of the most common, and least understood, forms of human pain.

Acid reflux, functional dyspepsia have significant impact on disordered sleep

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 09:21:21 EDT

Among the findings of three new studies, patients with functional dyspepsia were 3.25 times more likely to have disordered sleep than healthy controls; and the muscle-relaxant and antispastic drug baclofen as well as esomeprazole showed promise in providing relief.

New sound recording device helps doctors study link between cough and reflux

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 10:52:52 EDT

Coughing episodes are closely related to gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in patients who experience chronic cough, irrespective of other diagnoses, according to a new study. Gastroesophageal reflux occurs when the acid contents of the stomach back up, or reflux, into the esophagus. This typically produces heartburn, a burning sensation below the sternum where your ribs come together.

Extremely obese children have 40 percent higher risk of reflux disease of esophagus, study finds

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 08:35:35 EDT

A study of 690,000 children found extremely obese children have a 40 percent higher risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease and moderately obese children have a 30 percent higher risk of GERD compared to normal weight children. This large population-based study establishes an association between obesity and GERD in children, an association previously reported in adults. GERD leads to chronic respiratory conditions, and increased risk for esophageal cancer, the nation's fastest growing cancer.

Molecular imaging reveals origin of acid reflux disease

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 14:20:20 EDT

Molecular imaging has uncovered what may be to blame for acid reflux disease, a painful and potentially dangerous illness that affects a sizeable percentage of the population. A new study provides further evidence that the disease of the digestive system is brought on by a lack of tone, or motility, in the esophageal muscles that clear and keep stomach acids and other gastric contents from backing up into the esophagus.

Disagreement on symptom-reflux association analysis parameters in infants

Thu, 20 May 2010 11:23:23 EDT

A research team from Switzerland and Germany assessed the agreement within three commonly used symptom-reflux association analysis (SAA) parameters investigating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in infants. The three SAA parameters showed an important disagreement, thus putting the diagnostic accuracy of SAA for the diagnosis of GERD into question.

Risks associated with common acid-suppressing medications documented in series of studies

Mon, 10 May 2010 16:12:12 EDT

Proton pump inhibitors, medications that suppress acid in the stomach, appear to be associated with fractures in postmenopausal women and bacterial infections in many patients, and higher doses do not appear any more beneficial for treating bleeding ulcers, according to a series of reports. An additional report finds that introducing guidelines for proton pump inhibitor use into clinical settings may reduce rates of inappropriate prescriptions.

Olive oil could guard against developing ulcerative colitis

Sun, 02 May 2010 08:02:02 EDT

Eating more olive oil could help prevent ulcerative colitis, according to a new study. The findings show that people with a diet rich in oleic acid, which is present in olive oil, are far less likely to develop ulcerative colitis. Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid found in olive oil, peanut oil and grapeseed oil, as well as in butter and certain margarines.

New form of endoscopic scanning improves detection of precancerous condition, Barrett's esophagus

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 11:16:16 EDT

A new endoscopic scanning technique has proven successful in the early detection of dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus and could help clinicians diagnose esophageal cancer at an earlier stage, when the condition is still treatable.

Link between acid reflux and sleep apnea challenged

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 16:07:07 EDT

New research suggests that a causal link between gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may not exist.

The overlap in gastroesophageal reflux disorder and irritable bowel syndrome

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 10:11:11 EDT

A research group in Iran investigated the prevalence of overlapping gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) and irritable bowel syndrome(IBS) in patients referred to a gastroenterology clinic over a period of ten years. This finding suggests that GERD and IBS should be considered as parts of the same spectrum of diseases.

Nonspecific marker of non-erosive reflux disease

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 10:27:27 EDT

Non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) is the most common disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. However, diagnosis of NERD is not objective. A research group investigated esophageal mucosal damage in response to various factors, and revealed that acute stress and aspirin induced dilated intercellular spaces (DIS) in esophagus uncorrelated with acid reflux, suggesting that DIS is a nonspecific marker of NERD.

Brewing up a gentler java: Dark-roasted coffee contains stomach-friendly ingredient

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 20:35:35 EDT

Stomach irritation preventing almost two out of every 10 people from enjoying coffee. Now, scientists report the discovery of several substances that may be among the culprits responsible for brewing up heartburn and stomach pain in every cup.