Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease News and Research

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Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a more serious form of gastroesophageal reflux (GER), which is common. GER occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) opens spontaneously, for varying periods of time, or does not close properly and stomach contents rise up into the esophagus. GER is also called acid reflux or acid regurgitation, because digestive juices—called acids—rise up with the food. The esophagus is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. The LES is a ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus that acts like a valve between the esophagus and stomach.

Heartburn complaints in children may be due to spicy food

Did you know the number one reason children complain about chest pain is because they actually have heartburn? A lot of people believe that adults are the only ones who get it, but I have been seeing more and more children complain about heartburn, and there are some common reasons why.

7 Jun 2013

Research finds number of links between dental health and overall health

If the eyes are the windows to your soul, then your mouth is the gateway to your overall health. Research has found a surprising number of links between the state of your dental health and your overall health.

23 May 2013

More objective testing may reduce cost and risk of managing GERD, study suggests

There are significant cost and risk factors associated with two procedures commonly used to diagnose or treat gastrointestinal problems, according to research presented at Digestive Disease Week.

20 May 2013

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is often over-diagnosed in infants, says research

The American Board of Internal Medicine Foundation recently recommended against routine use of medications to treat infants for gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), commonly known as reflux disease.

3 Apr 2013

Modifiable lifestyle factors may prevent progression of Barrett's-related esophageal cancer

An estimated 20 million Americans have chronic heartburn. About 2 million of these people have Barrett's esophagus, a precancerous condition that affects the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach.

2 Apr 2013

Common symptoms in infants are frequently over-treated, researchers say

Medications used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, are some of the most widely used medications in children less than one year old.

2 Apr 2013

LINX device may help relieve chronic heartburn symptoms

Clinical trial results published in the New England Journal of Medicine this week offer additional evidence that a new device may help relieve chronic heartburn symptoms that standard treatment cannot. The Keck Medical Center of USC was one of 14 U.S. and European medical centers to test the device prior to its March 2012 approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

26 Feb 2013

LINX magnetic device safe and effective in treating gastroesophageal reflux disease

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).

24 Feb 2013

Patients with Barrett's esophagus benefit from endoscope-based therapies

According to a new study by researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, patients with Barrett's esophagus and early or pre-cancerous cells have been shown to significantly benefit from minimally invasive therapy delivered through an endoscope - a medical instrument used to look inside an organ or cavity in the body.

21 Feb 2013

Bracelet-like device with magnetic beads can control gastroesophageal reflux disease

A bracelet-like device with magnetic beads can control the chronic digestive disorder gastroesophageal reflux disease, according to a study published online today in the New England Journal of Medicine.

21 Feb 2013

Veterans diagnosed with reflux issues often start on high doses of drugs, rarely stop therapy

U.S. veterans diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are frequently prescribed doses of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as omeprazole (commonly known by brand names such as Prilosec), that are much higher than recommended --- and they are kept on the drug far too long, according to a new Northwestern Medicine- study.

21 Feb 2013

Waist size trumps BMI as Barrett’s esophagus risk factor

Researchers have found that waist circumference independently predicts the risk for Barrett’s esophagus, leading them to dismiss a previously reported association between body mass index and the disease.

31 Jan 2013

Novel system could allow broader screening for esophageal cancer, other conditions

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 at the Wellman Center for Photomedicine at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) 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. The system has several advantages over traditional endoscopy.

15 Jan 2013

Gestational age and size at birth affect risk of early diagnosis of esophagitis

Infants that are born preterm or with impaired growth have an increased risk of developing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), possibly leaving them vulnerable to the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma later in life.

12 Dec 2012

Eisai announces FDA acceptance of AcipHex NDA for priority review

Eisai Inc. announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted for priority review Eisai's New Drug Application (NDA) for AcipHex Delayed-Release Sprinkle Capsules 5mg and 10mg for the proposed indication of healing of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), maintenance of healing of GERD and improvement of symptoms of GERD in children 1 to 11 years of age.

30 Nov 2012

Protective association between statin use and esophageal cancer

Statins, a cholesterol lowering drug may lower the risk of esophageal cancer, especially in patients with Barrett's esophagus, Mayo Clinic researchers report in a study being presented at the American College of Gastroenterology annual meeting.

23 Oct 2012

Patients with Type 2 Diabetes may face increased risk of Barrett's Esophagus

Patients with Type 2 Diabetes may face an increased risk for Barrett's Esophagus (BE), regardless of other risk factors including smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), according to research unveiled today at the American College of Gastroenterology's (ACG) 77th Annual Scientific meeting in Las Vegas.

23 Oct 2012