Heartburn, Acid Reflux, and GERD – What’s the Difference?

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Actually, each term has a distinct meaning. Here is how they are different:

Heartburn

Heartburn is not a medical condition, but a symptom. It describes the mild to severe burning pain felt in the chest or throat when acid from the stomach seeps up into the esophagus. Heartburn pain can feel dull, sharp or tight, and it often moves up to the throat. Some people describe the pain as a feeling that something is lodged behind the breastbone.

Heartburn has nothing to do with your heart, but it can be mistaken for a heart attack because of the location of the pain. Over 60 million Americans experience heartburn at least monthly, and it usually occurs after a meal.

Acid Reflux

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus due to a weakening of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). When functioning properly, the LES tightens to close the passage between the stomach and esophagus. If the muscle is weak or fails to tighten properly, gastric acid and digested food can back up into the esophagus.

Common symptoms of acid reflux may include cough, sore throat, sour taste in the mouth, and burning in the chest and throat.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

GERD is an acronym for gastroesophageal reflux disease. When acid reflux occurs more than twice per week, it can be diagnosed as GERD. Prolonged exposure to gastric acid creates inflammation and increases risk for esophageal tissue damage which can lead to cancer.

Symptoms of GERD can include heartburn, regurgitation, bad breath, damage to tooth enamel, dry cough, and difficulty swallowing.

If you are experiencing acid reflux on a regular basis, it is time to see a gastroenterologist (a physician with specialized training in diseases of the digestive tract). Antacids and H-2 blockers might offer temporary relief, and proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) can reduce levels of stomach acid, but they should only be used for a 14-day treatment (source: AARP).

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Causes of Red, Itchy Eyes: Eye Allergies, Conjunctivitis and More

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One of the easiest ways to identify pollen as a cause of eye irritation is to try an antihistamine. If that burning, stinging redness subsides, you may be on the right track. If it does not help at all, you will need to do some further investigation.

Possible causes of red, itchy eyes:

On the days your eyes are irritated, do some journaling. Take notes on the weather and your activities that day, paying attention to when you began feeling eye pain. If you can look back on the day’s events and compare your notes to other days that week, it may help you isolate the perpetrator.

Sometimes, in spite of your best efforts, you have to hang up your detective hat and call an expert. In that case, make an appointment with a board-certified ophthalmologist for a full eye exam and consultation. An eye doctor can evaluate your vision, diagnose the source of your eye irritation and help you find relief.  

Got GERD?

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Occasionally, everyone experiences acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux (GER). When you experience reflux more than twice per week, you might actually have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The Anatomy of GERD

GERD is a condition in which gastric acid persistently and regularly backflows into the esophagus due to a malfunctioning valve. When you swallow, a muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxes to allow food and liquid to flow down into your stomach, and then it closes again. Sometimes, this muscle relaxes or weakens and allows stomach acid and digested food to move upwards.

Acid in the esophagus can cause symptoms including:

Dangers of Untreated GERD

Chronic, untreated GERD can result in damage of the esophageal lining and lead to conditions like:

  • Reflux esophagitis – Exposure to stomach acid initiates inflammation that damages the lining of the esophagus. This often causes chest pain and difficulty swallowing.  
  • Silent reflux – Stomach acid can back up into the throat, larynx or even nasal passage and cause inflammation.
  • Barrett’s esophagus – As the esophagus tries to heal, the cells may change in order to adapt and protect the esophagus. These changes can increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer.

Talk to a Gastroenterologist

If you have come to accept heartburn as a way of life, it is time to reconsider. Make an appointment with a gastroenterologist – a physician who specializes in treating and managing digestive conditions – and begin your journey toward digestive health today.

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Leading Ophthalmologist Dr. Richard M. Evans is to be Recognized as a 2017 Top Doctor in San Antonio

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Top Doctor Awards is dedicated to selecting and honoring those healthcare practitioners who have demonstrated clinical excellence while delivering the highest standards of patient care.

Dr. Richard M. Evans is a highly experienced ophthalmologist, having been in practice for over four decades. His long and successful medical career began in 1971, when he graduated from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. After an internship at the Malcolm Grow Medical Center and a residency at the University of Texas, Dr. Evans completed a fellowship at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology.
Dr. Evans is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, and he diagnoses and treats a wide range of conditions relating to the eye. Conditions treated by him include corneal diseases, glaucoma, diseases of the retina, keratitis, eye cancer, and strabismus. He is especially noted as an expert in refractive ophthalmology and the treatment of cataracts.

With his wealth of experience to call upon, Dr. Evans is an ophthalmologist in high demand. He is renowned for his patient centric focus, and says that being a good listener is the most crucial part of his job as it helps him to precisely diagnose and then treat their conditions. His dedication and commitment makes Dr. Richard M. Evans a very worthy winner of a 2017 Top Doctor Award.

About Top Doctor Awards

Top Doctor Awards specializes in recognizing and commemorating the achievements of today’s most influential and respected doctors in medicine. Our selection process considers education, research contributions, patient reviews, and other quality measures to identify top doctors (Source: PR NewsChannel)

Seven Tips to Help Protect Kids’ Eyesight

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Eye injuries are the leading cause of blindness in U.S. children, and most injuries in school-aged children occur during sports. These injuries account for an estimated 100,000 physician visits per year and cost more than $175 million. The good news is that most of these injuries are preventable with proper eye protection like safety glasses, goggles, shields and eye guards (source: NEI).

Here are some tips to help protect children’s vision during activities and sports:

1. Purchase helmets with polycarbonate face shields for hockey and baseball. Polycarbonate does not reduce visibility, and it is ten times more impact-resistant than other plastics.

2. Purchase proper safety goggles for racquet sports and basketball. Check for eyewear that is labeled ASTM F803 approved. This will provide the highest level of protection.

3. Check helmets, face shields and goggles regularly for cracks or signs of wear and replace them as needed.

4. Insist that children wear proper protective eyewear for all practices and games.

5. Encourage children’s sports teams and schools to adopt a policy on protective eyewear.

6. Ask coaches to be good role models and wear protective eyewear.

7. Schedule regular comprehensive eye exams for children to maintain clear vision and healthy eyes.

The risk of eye injury depends on the activity, so be sure to purchase eye protection that is specific to the activity. Regular eyeglasses do not offer proper eye protection, so never substitute regular glasses for sports eyewear. Talk to an ophthalmologist about prescription goggles or face shields so your children can participate in activities safely.

Age and Health Factors into When You Should Get an Eye Exam

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Through a comprehensive eye exam, an ophthalmologist can assess visual acuity and eye health. The doctor will perform several tests, including dilation of the pupil with special eye drops to view the retina and optic nerve. It is essential that eye issues are diagnosed and treated because certain vision problems affect not only eyesight but also overall wellness.

When and How Often Should You See an Eye Doctor?

The American Academy of Ophthalmology suggests that you get a baseline eye examination at age 40 because this is often the time when early signs of eye disease or vision changes appear. A baseline vision screening allows your ophthalmologist to detect signs of eye disease at an early stage when intervention and treatment are most effective.

Many people need a comprehensive eye exam before the age of 40. If you have a chronic medical condition like hypertension or diabetes or a family or personal history of eye disease, you should see an ophthalmologist earlier (source: AAO).

After your eye examination, your ophthalmologist can tell you how often you should have your eyes examined. This will depend on your medical history, family history and other risk factors for age-related diseases like glaucoma, macular degeneration and cataracts. Most adults should have their next comprehensive eye exam in the next year to two years. 

How to Choose the Best Ankle Brace

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Ankle braces are commonly used to treat injuries or provide relief from the pain of arthritis.

While it is possible to purchase ankle braces online or at a local drugstore, it is important to know the types that are available and to consult with a doctor to determine which treatment is best for you.

Types of Ankle Braces

  • Compression braces: Also known as elastic braces, compression braces are often used to treat mild ankle sprains and tendonitis. These types of braces are made of lightweight stretchable materials which allow normal rotation and movement of the ankle. They are designed to provide joint support, enhance balance and reduce swelling. Compression braces also help keep the ankle joint warm and decrease muscle stiffness. They can usually be worn on either the right or left ankle, and are typically sold by shoe size.
  • Lace-up braces: Lace-up braces are semi-rigid. They are used to treat mild to moderate ankle sprains. Lace-up braces limit side-to-side and up-and-down movement of the joint. They provide more support than compression braces, and most types will fit into the shoe. Like compression braces, they are designed to be used on either the right or left ankle.
  • Hinged braces: Hinged braces are also semi-rigid. They prevent the ankle from rolling from side to side but do not hinder up-and-down movement. Hinged braces typically have padded sides for comfort and Velcro straps so they can be easily adjusted or removed. Unlike lace-up or compression ankle braces, hinged braces are specifically made to fit either the right or left ankle.
  • Rigid braces: Doctors often prescribe rigid braces to athletes or active people to help them recover from an ankle sprain or stress fracture. This type of ankle brace is made from hard plastic that extends up either side of the ankle and is secured with Velcro straps. While rigid braces provide excellent support, they may not fit inside shoes. Depending on the condition, a doctor may recommend that a patient switch to a less limiting type of brace after the ankle begins to heal.

While ankle braces can provide a temporary solution, they should only be used during the initial phase of recovery unless a doctor recommends otherwise. Be sure to make an appointment if you have had an injury or are experiencing ankle pain.

Heartburn or Heart Attack? How to tell the difference

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Symptoms of heartburn and heart attack can mimic each other because the pain comes from a similar location. The esophagus and heart are in close proximity, so it is understandable that you might not be certain about what is causing your pain.

Heartburn Versus Heart Attack:

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Dr. Thomas J. Zaydon, Jr. accepts roll as President of the Florida Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons

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At this year’s 58th annual meeting “Dr. Thomas J. Zaydon, Jr., M.D. accepted the roll as President of the Florida Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons. The Florida Society of Plastic Surgeons is the largest organization of Board Certified Plastic Surgeons in the State of Florida.” They are holding their annual meeting in Orlando and he is a past graduate of Drexel and has an office in the Mercy Professional building. He is on staff at Weston Outpatient Surgical Center.

For more information, visit ​http://www.fsps.org/home/meetings/.