If you’re a smoker, chances are you’ve already been pestered and nagged ad nauseum about quitting. Between lung cancer, emphysema, second hand smoke and stinky clothes, smoking really doesn’t have much of an up-side.

But what most people DON’T know is that there is an important connection between smoking and suffering from GERD.

GERD Overview

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or acid reflux, is a very common illness among people of all ages, especially smokers. In most patients diagnosed with GERD, the condition is caused by the movement of stomach acid into the esophagus which causes an unpleasant burning sensation. In a small number of patients, the culprit is bile, not stomach acids. This is why most physicians prefer the term GERD over acid reflux disease.

GERD can be triggered by many other factors besides smoking, including: pregnancy, obesity, and some respiratory diseases. But GERD has a similar effect on all those afflicted.

GERD is a digestive malfunction that frequently causes heartburn in most people. Unlike mild heartburn that occurs once in a while, patients who experience GERD attacks commonly suffer from heartburn at least two or three times a week.

How Does Smoking Affect GERD?

In patients with GERD, the LES (lower esophageal sphincter) does not function properly. The LES is a tube that runs from the esophagus to the stomach. Under normal conditions, food travels through the LES into the stomach. Once food reaches the stomach, the LES then closes to prevent any stomach acids from returning to the esophagus.

When the LES becomes weakened or damaged, the tube doesn’t close once food has entered the stomach. The end result is the return of unwanted stomach acids to the esophagus, causing heartburn or acid reflux.

Smoking can damage the esophagus, leading to a high incidence of GERD among smokers.

In addition to weakening the LES muscle, smoking creates another disadvantage for patients. Under normal conditions, your saliva contains an optimum amount of bicarbonate. Bicarbonate is needed to help neutralize and dissolve stomach acid quickly.

Unfortunately for smokers, their body may produce only half the amount of saliva found in non-smokers. Less saliva means less bicarbonate, which results in the body taking longer to break down harmful stomach acids.

Will Reducing Smoking Before Meals Help Stop GERD?

Many smokers think that not smoking a few hours before a meal will eliminate any unpleasant GERD symptoms. This is not the case. Acid reflux symptoms often do not occur immediately or shortly after smoking. So stopping smoking only at times when GERD is most likely to occur will not help your condition.

In order to permanently reduce or eliminate the symptoms of GERD, a patient must stop smoking altogether. After quitting smoking, your saliva level will eventually return to normal and the amount of bicarbonate will also increase. In due time, the LES may begin to heal too.

Foods that Can Cause GERD Flare-Ups

Besides kicking your smoking habit, there are also many foods and drinks that can trigger acid reflux symptoms. By avoiding these foods and beverages, you can further help prevent GERD.

1. Coffee
2. Alcohol
3. Peppermint
4. Fried or high-fat foods
5. Chocolate
6. Citrus fruits and juices
7. Pepper
8. Tomatoes

Over-the-Counter Antacids Good For GERD?

Non-prescription antacids help to lower the amount of acid in the stomach and esophagus, preventing heartburn attacks. These over-the-counter remedies should only be used by people who occasionally suffer from mild heartburn. GERD patients should refrain from taking non-prescription antacids on a regular basis.

While these drugs may provide temporary relief for some, the long term effects can be harmful. After long term usage, GERD patients who take antacids may develop a number of other ailments such as too much magnesium in the body, diarrhea, or a change in calcium metabolism.

Some antacid remedies may contain peppermint, which is known to soothe the stomach. For GERD patients however, the peppermint can do more harm than good.

Herbs Used With Prescription Medications for GERD

While herbal treatment alone is not recommended for people with GERD, there are many natural herbs that can be used in combination with prescription drugs to provide additional relief.

These herbal remedies are especially helpful in reducing stress levels. While stress alone doesn’t cause GERD, it can aggravate the condition or result in more frequent flare-ups.

The following list contains several natural herbs that are useful in treating acid reflux:

1. Marsh mallow: protects and soothes the esophagus from harmful stomach acids.
2. Meadowsweet: reduces mild ulcer bleeding.
3. Calendula: promotes the healing of ulcerations.
4. Lemon balm: the leaves can be used to create a relaxing herbal tea that neutralizes stomach acids.
5. Chamomile: chamomile tea benefits both the digestion process and helps to reduce stomach acid production.

Prescription Medications For Acid Reflux Disease and GERD

For smokers who suffer from GERD, prescription medications are the best treatment for permanent relief and healing. Nexium is the most popular drug on the market today for acid reflux. Nexium both helps to repair damage to the esophagus and prevent the risk of developing additional stomach ulcers.

Nexium tablets are taken on a daily basis at least one hour before meal times. It is important to establish a regular eating schedule so the pills can be taken at the same time each day.

Depending upon the severity of your GERD symptoms, there are two different dosages of Nexium to choose from. Your physician can decide what strength of Nexium is right for you. Most GERD patients experience a great reduction and improvement in their symptoms within 4 to 8 weeks of treatment.

To learn more about prescription Nexium and how it can help treat your heartburn, GERD and acid reflux symptoms, visit the Nexium product information and order page.

Smoking and Gastro-Intestinal Treatment Information:

Quit Smoking Article Library

Gastro Intestinal Article Library

Each year, over five million adults in America go to the hospital emergency room with chest pain. While many of them are indeed having a heart attack or the chest pain that often precedes one, some may be experiencing nothing more than severe heartburn.

Sometimes, it can be so difficult to distinguish between the chest pain that occurs during a heart attack and a bout of severe heartburn, that only sophisticated equipment can determine the cause of the chest pain. To make matters worse, not only are some heart attack and heartburn symptoms similar, but the two conditions have many risk factors in common. Both are more likely to occur in people 40 and older.

Your chest pain could signal a heart attack or something else, like heartburn. Knowing the difference between heartburn symptoms and heart attack symptoms is important and in some cases can be a life saver.

Heartburn Causes and Symptoms

A recent Gallup poll suggests that over 41% of adult Americans suffer from heartburn symptoms in any given month. In fact, the term "heartburn" does not actually have anything to do with the heart. Heartburn symptoms occur when stomach acid moves from the stomach into the esophagus. A ring of muscles called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) normally prevents stomach acid from moving into the esophagus. When these muscles relax or weaken, stomach acid moves up and irritates the esophagus, causing one or more heartburn symptoms.

What causes the LES muscles to relax? The following activities or conditions are most likely to cause heartburn symptoms, either by relaxing the LES muscles or by increasing the production of acid in the stomach:

• Overeating
• Lying down immediately after eating
• Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol
• Smoking or using other tobacco products
• Drinking caffeine-rich beverages such as coffee, tea, or soda
• Eating foods that are spicy, high in fat content, or acidic (like tomatoes and citrus fruits)
• High stress levels
• Being overweight
• Pregnancy

Typical signals of a bout of heartburn include:

• Burning sensation in the chest, just behind the breastbone. This chest pain usually occurs soon after eating and may last from a few minutes to several hours.
• Chest pain after lying down, eating, or bending over.
• Burning sensation or feeling a hot, sour, salty, or acidic fluid in the throat.
• Difficulty in swallowing.
• A feeling that small amounts of food or liquid are coming back up the throat.
• Chronic heartburn may cause hoarseness, sore throat, or cough.
• During heartburn, chest pain does not usually spread to shoulders, neck, or arms, but it can.
• Heartburn usually responds quickly to antacids or other heartburn treatments.

Heart Attack Risk Factors and Symptoms

A heart attack occurs when the blood supply to part of the heart is reduced or blocked entirely. This can result in death or disability, depending on how much of the heart muscle is damaged as a result of the blockage. Sadly, many people are not even aware that they are having a heart attack.

Mistaking a heart attack for heartburn can be extremely dangerous. Annually, over 1.1 million Americans experience heart attacks. Knowing when you might be having a heart attack and being able to distinguish a heart attack from heartburn symptoms is critical, particularly for people who are most at risk for heart disease.

Some risk factors for heart attack include:

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Being overweight
• Smoking
• Poorly controlled stress and anger
• Family history of heart disease

A heart attack does not always happen suddenly. Many people experience warning signs for hours or even days before the actual heart attack. Common signals of a heart attack include:

• Chest pain or discomfort that feels like a belt being tightened around the chest
• Sudden pressure, tightening, squeezing or crushing chest pain that remains longer than a few minutes
• Pressure or tightness in the chest during physical activity or under emotional stress
• Shooting pain that extends to the back, neck, jaw, shoulders or arms (especially the left arm)
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Shortness of breath
• Cold sweat or chills

When should I get medical help?

Chest pain is one of the most common reasons for emergency room visits. While occasional episodes of heartburn are common among adults, chronic heartburn may be a symptom of some other serious condition such as GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease). Talk to your doctor if you have chronic heartburn or if you are taking antacids every day.

If you have severe, crushing chest pain which lasts longer than a few minutes and does not disappear with an antacid, call 911 and seek immediate medical help. Do not be alone or isolate yourself from other people and do not try to drive yourself to the hospital. If you have any risk factor that may predispose you to a heart attack, be particularly cautious.

If you are having chest pain and suspect it may be a heart attack, seek emergency medical attention. It may turn out that you’re only having heartburn symptoms, since heart attack and heartburn symptoms can be hard to tell apart. However, this is one situation where it is better to be safe than sorry.

For more articles about heartburn symptoms and treatment options, consult the online knowledge base at eDrugstore.md.

Nexium is a product often prescribed to prevent heartburn. Learn more on the Nexium product information page.

A: Nexium belongs to a class of medicines known as proton pump inhibitors, which are used to treat acid reflux disease and to provide relief from heartburn. Nexium decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Doctors prescribe Nexium for the following conditions:

• To treat and to prevent recurrence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This heartburn medication repairs the esophageal lining that has been eroded by GERD.
• To prevent stomach ulcers associated with continuous use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
• Nexium can be prescribed along with antibiotics such as amoxicillin and clarithromycin to treat ulcers in the duodenum and to prevent their recurrence.
• For the long-term treatment of conditions that cause excessive acid production in the stomach.

Q: What is the generic name for Nexium?

A: The generic name for Nexium is esomeprazole magnesium.

Q: How is Nexium heartburn medication sold?

A: Nexium is available by prescription and is most commonly prescribed in a delayed-release capsule.

Q: Both Nexium and Prilosec are well-known heartburn medications. Are they the same?

A: While Nexium and Prilosec are both proton pump inhibitors used to treat heartburn and acid reflux disease, they contain different active ingredients. The active ingredient in Prilosec is omeprazole, while Nexium contains esomeprazole magnesium. In addition, you must have a prescription to buy Nexium, while Prilosec can be purchased over-the-counter.

Q: What should I discuss with my doctor before taking Nexium heartburn medication?

A: Make sure to discuss your complete medical history with your healthcare provider before taking Nexium, including the following:

• All drug allergies, especially allergies to any ingredient contained in Nexium or to any other acid reflux treatment or heartburn medication.
• All other medications you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

• If you have any liver or stomach problems.
• Any other health problems you are suffering from other than acid reflux or heartburn.
• If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Q: Is it safe to take Nexium heartburn medication when I’m pregnant?

A: The effects of Nexium on an unborn baby are not known. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of heartburn medication before taking Nexium.

Q: Is it safe to take Nexium when I’m breastfeeding?

A: Based on information for similar acid heartburn and reflux treatments, Nexium can pass into breast milk and may be harmful to a baby. Consult with your doctor about breastfeeding before taking Nexium.

Q: How should I take Nexium heartburn medication?

A: Observe the following precautions while taking Nexium:

• Only take Nexium under the supervision of your healthcare provider, irrespective of whether you have used it as an acid reflux treatment or heartburn medication before.
• Before you start taking Nexium, read the patient information that comes with the medicine. However, patient information provided by the manufacturer is not a substitute for the advice of a licensed physician or pharmacist.
• Take Nexium on an empty stomach at least one hour before eating or as directed by your doctor.
• Always swallow the Nexium capsule whole without breaking, crushing, or chewing it. If you have trouble swallowing the whole capsule, open it, mix the contents into water, fruit juice or apple sauce, and swallow the entire mixture.
• Continue to take Nexium for the prescribed duration, even if you feel better.
• If you have been prescribed imidazole antifungal drugs, make sure to take them at least two hours before taking Nexium. If you are taking sucralfate, take Nexium at least half-an-hour before taking the sucralfate.

Q: Are there any drugs that I should avoid while taking Nexium?

A: Before you begin taking Nexium heartburn medication, inform your doctor about all other prescription and over-the-counter medications you are taking, including herbal and dietary supplements. As with any medication, there is a possibility that Nexium may react with some other drugs that you are taking:

• Some drugs such as voriconazole may increase the risk of side effects of Nexium.
• Nexium may increase the side effects of certain drugs including anticoagulants (e.g. warfarin), cilostazol, and digoxin.
• Nexium may decrease the effectiveness of some azole antifungals, HIV treatment drugs, and iron salts.

Q: Are there any other activities that I should avoid while taking Nexium?

A: Avoid the following while using Nexium:

• Although uncommon, Nexium can make you dizzy. Use caution while engaging in activities that require alertness such as driving or operating machinery.
• Limit your alcohol intake. Drinking alcohol while using Nexium may increase the risk of dizziness.

Q: What are the possible side effects of Nexium?

A: Many people who use Nexium heartburn medication experience only minor side effects or none at all.

• Common side effects of Nexium can include dry mouth, constipation, gas, stomach pain, diarrhea, headache, and nausea. Seek medical attention if any of these side effects worsen.
• Seek immediate medical attention if any of the following rare but potentially serious side effects occur: acute stomach pain, persistent nausea, unusual tiredness, vomiting, dark urine, or yellowing of the eyes and/or skin.
• Long-term heartburn treatment with Nexium (more than three years) may result in symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency. Those symptoms are: sore tongue, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, or unusual weakness.

Q: What are the possible allergic reactions to Nexium heartburn medication?

A: If you are allergic to Nexium or to similar acid reflux treatment drugs such as lansoprazole or omeprazole, inform your doctor before taking this medication. A serious allergic reaction to Nexium is unlikely, but talk to your doctor immediately if one develops. Possible signs of an allergic reaction to Nexium include:

• Rash
• Itching
• Swelling
• Dizziness
• Difficulty in breathing

Q: How can I buy Nexium online?

A: Online pharmacies such as eDrugstore.md offer a discreet and convenient way to buy Nexium online while saving money. Visit the Nexium product information page for information on pricing and ordering.

For more articles about heartburn, acid reflux and how Nexium can help, visit our online knowledge base.

It’s one thing to have a fire in your belly, but having a fire in your chest is hard to stomach. Heartburn, indigestion, and acid reflux are all associated with GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), a condition characterized by an unpleasant, burning sensation in the chest.

If you’ve heard of Nexium and wonder whether it can provide relief from your heartburn and acid reflux, take this Nexium Heartburn Treatment Quiz. It will help make sure that you have all the facts about Nexium. Good luck! (Answers below.)

Nexium Heartburn Treatment Quiz

1. One of the main symptoms of acid reflux or heartburn is a burning pain in the chest. Which of the following is known to trigger acid reflux?

1. Acid reflux can be triggered by a large meal, fatty or spicy foods, carbonated beverages or alcohol.
2. Certain medications, including some sedatives and antidepressants, can cause acid reflux.
3. Lying down quickly after a meal can trigger acid reflux.
4. All of the above can cause acid reflux.

2. People who are experiencing heartburn sometimes mistakenly believe they are having a heart attack. Which of the following is a common symptom of heartburn but NOT a heart attack?

1. Chest pain is often accompanied by burping or gas.
2. Chest pain is often preceded by physical activity or exertion.
3. Chest pain spreads to the shoulders, neck, or arms.
4. Chest pain is accompanied by dizziness and/or shortness of breath.

3. What type of heartburn treatment is Nexium?

1. Nexium is an antacid that treats heartburn by neutralizing acid in the stomach.
2. Nexium is an H2 blocker that reduces the amount of acid released into the stomach.
3. Nexium is proton pump inhibitor that blocks a stomach enzyme, which decreases acid production.
4. Nexium is an alginate that prevents acid from backing up into the esophagus.

4. What two heartburn treatments are most similar to Nexium in terms of how they work?

1. Zantac and Pepcid.
2. Tums and Mylanta.
3. Prilosec and Protonix
4. Tagamet and Maalox.

5. In what way(s) does Nexium work on heartburn and acid reflux?

1. Nexium creates a protective barrier between the stomach and the esophagus.
2. Nexium helps heal erosions in the lining of the esophagus.
3. Nexium reduces production of stomach acid.
4. Both B and C above are true.

6. Nexium heartburn treatment is available in 20 mg and 40 mg purple capsules. The active ingredient in Nexium is:

1. Mylantium.
2. Esomeprazole.
3. Omeprazole.
4. Nexanazole.

7. Nexium capsules should never be chewed or crushed but should be swallowed whole. If you find swallowing Nexium difficult, empty the capsule into a tablespoon of honey, yogurt or cool applesauce. Regardless of how you take Nexium, which of the following correctly describes WHEN to take this heartburn treatment?

1. Nexium is most effective in relieving heartburn if taken immediately after eating.
2. Nexium should be taken at least one hour before a meal and at the same time every day.
3. Take Nexium at the first sign of heartburn or acid reflux.
4. Nexium should always be taken first thing in the morning.

8. How long should I take Nexium as a treatment for acid reflux and heartburn?

1. Nexium is normally prescribed for four to eight weeks.
2. Nexium should be taken for six months to heal the esophageal damage caused by acid reflux.
3. Nexium should not be taken to treat heartburn for more than seven consecutive days.
4. For maximum benefit as a heartburn treatment, Nexium should be taken for a full year.

9. Pregnant women suffering from acid reflux should not take Nexium unless advised to do so by a doctor. In addition, which of the following statements about women and Nexium is true?

1. Nexium heartburn treatment is less effective for post-menopausal women than it is for pre-menopausal women.
2. Nexium can affect the regularity of a woman’s menstrual period.
3. Breastfeeding or lactating women should not take Nexium as a heartburn treatment.
4. Women who take birth control pills should not take Nexium as a heartburn treatment.

10. Which of the following is NOT an effective way to reduce heartburn / acid reflux?

1. Maintain a healthy weight.
2. Don’t lie down too soon after eating.
3. Loosen your belt to reduce pressure on your abdomen.
4. Exercise lightly before eating.

To learn more about acid reflux and heartburn treatments, consult the online knowledge base or the Nexium product information page on eDrugstore.md.

Answers: 1)D 2)A 3)C 4)C 5)D 6) B 7)B 8)A 9)C 10)D

Few people in America knew that Mitch Bipplethwaite was an unknown martyr to the Hollywood slush pile, one of the countless vice-presidents of his studio, which, of course, put him only two offices above the guy who ordered toner for printers.

He was constantly under stress. And this was the most dreaded season of all, pitch season… When the talented but also the talentless strained Nexium’s healing powers with their proposals to him for big screen blockbusters.

"What do you got?" Mitch asked his first appointment, his hope sinking.

"Okay, you know how Speed is basically Die Hard on a bus, right?" said the hot new director, leaning forward. At 25, he had already directed dozens of commercials for perfume and had told Mitch he didn’t like "reading" because you "had to move your eyes." Sitting in his Beverly Hills cubicle, Mitch was already reaching for his Nexium.

"And like – like Steven Seagal in Under Siege is Die Hard on a Navy ship, right?" The young director was getting more and more excited. "And Under Siege 2 is Die Hard on a train, right? You’re going to love this – we’ll use the latest, state of the art computer animation for the special effects. Okay, how about if we come up with a Die Hard plot, yeah? Only… only it’s in a building!"

"Get out!" barked Mitch, checking the time. He knew he would need to work through lunch, and so he dutifully took Nexium one hour before he would have to eat. He had trouble swallowing the whole Nexium capsule, so he opened it and mixed the contents with fruit juice, just as his doctor had suggested.

His assistant sent in his next appointment, a hot new producer who created that Larry King and Paris Hilton duet video. Mitch leaned back in his chair, glad that Nexium works fast. His doctor had explained that Nexium is a "proton pump inhibitor" – shutting down some of the pumps in the stomach that produce stomach acid. So the amount of stomach acid that backs up into the esophagus is greatly reduced.

"Mitch?" prompted the producer.

"Sorry, my mind wandered," he said. "What do you got?"

Nexium to Mitch’s Rescue

"The title says it all," answered the producer, beaming. "Zombie Hamlet. It’s a classic and a horror franchise in one! Hamlet’s girlfriend, Ophelia, never drowns herself like she does in Shakespeare’s play! That’s the twist for the opening scene. We get Helena Bonham Carter for the role, and in her insanity she brings Hamlet back from the dead with weird experiments – perfect place for computer animation. State of the art stuff! I see Brad Pitt as Hamlet if we can get him for–"

"Get out!" barked Mitch. God. Two minutes before his next appointment, and his mind was already drifting again. He smiled in memory over another reassuring fact from his doctor – that Nexium also heals the damage to the esophagus from persistent heartburn. In fact, Nexium healed most esophagus erosions in four to eight weeks of treatment. He was going to need all the help he could get.

The new writing team walked in as Mitch put away his Nexium, opening his bar fridge for his tuna salad sandwich. The writers scowled in disapproval, both of them huge Tofu snobs who thought eating tuna was murder, but they quickly hid their disgust. Tuna could be sacrificed as long as their movie got made.

"Tell me the story," said Mitch, doing his best not to eat too quickly. No point in taking Nexium if he didn’t follow good habits to make himself better. The writers were simply bursting to explain their pitch.

"It’s a romantic comedy," said one writer. "It’s sweet, it’s whimsical, and it can use the latest computer animation–"

"And," said the second writer, eyes lighting up, "we’ve got the perfect branding to build marketing share and offset production costs!"

"But what’s the plot?" asked Mitch. It was conversations like this that could give you ulcers. Fortunately, Nexium reduced the risk of getting stomach ulcers in people over 60. Mitch wasn’t that old yet, but today he felt like he was. "Come on, the plot…"

The first writer was chuckling over his own inventiveness. "A real love story. She’s a plucky Southern girl trying to make it in New York as the owner of her own bakery. But she suffers from clinical depression – I mean we got to give her obstacles, right? We see a young Jennifer Connelly type in the role. And he’s a short, doughy, giggling dude with a zest for life who teaches her the secret ingredients of success! Can you guess who it is?"

Mitch shook his head.

"Poppin’ Fresh!" they chimed together. The second writer noticed the fog across Mitch’s face and explained: "The Pillsbury Doughboy! You know – the little cartoon guy in the chef’s hat? A finger pokes his belly, and he giggles? Come on, people love that guy!"

"Get out!" barked Mitch.

As the writers made for the door, one of them made a last appeal. "Look, what if we change the part and get a great black actress like Angela Bassett for the female role? I mean the Doughboy’s white, right? We make it controversial, the whole inter-racial, inter-bakery thing–"

"Get out," growled Mitch.

Nexium and Mitch Take a Break

By the afternoon, Mitch had a headache and felt mildly nauseous, but he knew Nexium has a low risk for side effects so pushed through his discomfort.

"It’s a musical!" enthused the top composer on the lot, who was hoping to get his first shot at directing. "It’s a huge hit in the Czech Republic – we’ve just got to tweak it a bit for American audiences! It’s got European glamor, exotic locales, but it’s also challenging with lots of symbolism – we’ll use the latest computer animation, state of the art–"

"But what’s it about?" demanded Mitch.

The composer clapped his desk with a rhetorical flourish. "The Metric system!"

Nope. It wasn’t the Nexium causing his headache.

"I see stars, big stars with Oscar nominations," the composer babbled on. "Julia Roberts as a set of scales, Kevin Costner as a block of wood–"

"Kevin Costner is always a block of wood!" snapped Mitch. "Get out!"

He told his receptionist to cancel the rest of his appointments for the day, hand still gripping the vial of Nexium comfortingly. Why didn’t anyone ever make a movie about the little guy suffering with something like acid reflux? Now there was an underdog story. But it had hope, too, with Nexium. Yeah, Nexium… It even made a great title. Nexium. He buzzed his receptionist and said, "Get me the script department."

Don’t let acid reflux disease keep you from being a star. Buy Nexium online at discount prices, right here at eDrugstore.md.

Although not a common condition, Barrett’s Esophagus does tend to afflict acid reflux sufferers at a much higher rate. While only a fraction of GERD patients will develop this disease, you can greatly reduce your chances of getting it by keeping acid reflux symptoms in check with Nexium.

Barrett’s Esophagus

In patients with Barrett’s Esophagus, the lower portion of the esophagus becomes damaged from constant exposure to stomach acids. Over time, these acids attack the cells inside the esophagus, causing them to darken in color. If excess stomach acids continue to plague the esophagus, the patient then has a greater risk of developing esophageal cancer.

In addition to the darkening of the esophagus, the cells also begin to change their form. The flat cells lining the lower esophagus slowly change shape to resemble a cube structure. This change in cell formation is called metaplasia. These are the symptoms of Barrett’s Esophagus.

The key to avoiding Barrett’s Esophagus and other GERD related illnesses is prevention. By treating your acid reflux symptoms with Nexium in the early stages, you can greatly reduce your risk of additional health issues. The sooner your doctor prescribes Nexium for your condition, the better your chances of minimizing the long term effects of acid reflux disease.

When GERD is not properly treated, further symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, weight loss, vomiting, loss of appetite, or bloody stools can occur. Once these other symptoms arise, they are usually an indication the patient’s acid reflux disease has progressed to something more serious.

What Causes Barrett’s Esophagus?

While doctors have yet to determine the exact cause of Barrett’s Esophagus, they do agree that the condition tends to primarily affect patients with GERD or acid reflux disease. In fact, GERD patients are about five times more likely to suffer from it than the general population.

Additional risk factors include gender, race, and age:

1. Men are twice as likely to get Barrett’s Esophagus than women.
2. Hispanic and Caucasian patients also have a higher risk rate.
3. While Barrett’s Esophagus can occur in patients of any age, it is much more common in adults 50 years and older. The longer you suffer from acid reflux, the greater your risk of Barrett’s Esophagus.
4. Patients who have GERD at an early age are also more susceptible.

Can I Still Take Nexium If I Have Barrett’s Esophagus?

Yes, although there is no known cure for Barrett’s Esophagus, the main treatment is to control the acid reflux symptoms to prevent further damage and pain. Besides prescription Nexium, some doctors may choose to prescribe H-2 receptor drugs for treatment. While these drugs are not as powerful as Nexium, they are an alternative for patients needing longer term treatment.

How Can Nexium Treat GERD and Help Prevent Barrett’s Esophagus?

Nexium is a powerful PPI (proton pump inhibitor) drug. Proton pump inhibitors help to soothe inflamed tissue and prevent excess stomach acid from entering the esophagus. In addition to prescription Nexium, other popular PPI drugs include: Prevacid, Prilosec, Aciphex, and Protonix.

Nexium and similar PPI medications are very effective in reducing or eliminating the presence of GERD. However, it’s important to note that Nexium cannot reverse Barrett’s Esophagus. Currently there is no known cure for this disease. Once the condition is present, the patient is at an increased risk for other illnesses including esophageal cancer.

Unfortunately, getting rid of acid reflux isn’t as simple as popping a pill. In addition to taking Nexium to treat GERD, patients also need to make changes to their diet and lifestyle. These further changes help to reduce the recurrence and severity of future bouts of acid reflux disease.

In short, if you don’t have heartburn and acid reflux, your risk of Barrett’s Esophagus can be greatly reduced.

Nexium and a Healthy Diet Your Best Bet

The following foods and drinks are common acid reflux triggers. While these foods may not cause a reaction in all patients, it is important to consume them in moderation.

• Caffeine
• Chocolate
• Spices
• Citrus fruits: grapefruits, oranges, and lemons
• Tomatoes
• Fried foods: chicken, french fries
• Peppermint
• Onions
• Alcohol, especially red wine
• Sugar loaded sweets
• Garlic

Is It Safe to Take Nexium Long Term?

Nexium is generally well tolerated by acid reflux patients and can be taken for several months if necessary. Common minor side effects include:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Constipation

These side effects often disappear after the patient’s body adjusts to taking Nexium.

How Fast Does Nexium Work?

GERD patients can expect an immediate reduction in the painful and unpleasant symptoms associated with acid reflux after starting prescription Nexium. Nexium tablets should be taken once a day to provide 24 hour relief.

Most physicians recommend continuing taking Nexium until painful esophageal erosions have healed. The healing process will vary among individuals but usually takes between 4 to 8 weeks. Additional doses of Nexium may be prescribed if a relapse occurs.

Get more information about Nexium or buy Nexium online here at discount prices from the online pharmacy you can trust – eDrugstore.md.