Heartburn (GERD) Topic Guide

Digestion is the process in which food is broken into smaller pieces so the body can use them to build and nourish cells and provide energy. The digestive system is comprised of the mouth and salivary glands, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine.

Asthma is a disease that affects the breathing passages of the lungs (bronchioles). Asthma may be caused by genes and environmental factors. Asthma causes wheezing, shortness of breath, and other symptoms. Treatment includes avoidance of triggers and medications to control and prevent symptoms.

Asthma is a disease marked by inflammation of the airways that cause difficulty breathing. Ther are millions who suffer from this chronic disease, and this article covers some of their frequently asked questions (FAQs).

A barium swallow is a test used to determine causes of painful or difficulty swallowing, and diseases such as GERD, hiatal hernia, ulcers, dysphagia, tumors, or polyps of the esophagus and stomach. Risks of barium swallow include an allergic reaction to the barium drink, constipation, or aspiration of barium into the windpipe.The barium swallow procedure takes about 30 to 60 minutes.

With the procedure known as gastrointestinal endoscopy, a doctor is able to see the inside lining of your digestive tract. This examination is performed using an endoscope -- a flexible fiberoptic tube, usually with the patient under sedation.

Two types of tumors affect the esophagus: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Symptoms of esophageal cancer include difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), weight loss, central chest pain, pain upon swallowing, vomiting, chronic cough, and symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding. Esophageal cancer is treated by surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.

Hiatal hernia is a condition in which the upper portion of the stomach protrudes into the chest cavity through an opening of the diaphragm called the esophageal hiatus. This can cause heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux, difficulty swallowing, pain, and other problems. Lifestyle changes like losing weight, exercising and diet modification are indicated, as well as prescription antacids like omeprazole.

Laryngitis means inflammation or swelling of the voice box (larynx). Laryngitis can be caused by overusing the voice, bacterial or fungal, infections, or infections like TB or syphilis. Laryngitis is contagious if it is caused by viral or bacterial infections. Common symptoms of laryngitis include: hoarseness, a feeling of tickling in the throat, fever, cough, congestion, or clearing the throat often. Some home remedies may be effective for treating laryngitis. If laryngitis does not resolve after a couple of weeks, medical care should be sought.

Sjogren's syndrome is a disorder of the moisture-producing glands. The cause of Sjogren's syndrome is unknown. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms such as dry mouth and eyes.