Heartburn
Heartburn is the inflammation of the esophagus. It is also known as pyrosis. The major
cause of heartburn is reflux. This is when the esophagus bottom edges are not tightly
shut, and acid moves form the stomach up into the esophagus. Hiatus Hernia's also cause
heartburn. This also occurs when the ends of the esophagus are not shut, and the stomach
lining moves up the esophagus. There are many other causes of heartburn, some of which
being: obesity, drinking hot or cold beverages, extensive alcohol usage, smoking, foods
(acidic), certain types of medication, and types of syndromes (Zollinger, and Ellison).
Posture also causes heartburn, for example, if after eating a large fairly acidic food,
and lying straight back, the acid moves back from the stomach. Also, if you lean over
while working, pressure builds in the organs, pushing the acids upwards.
Heartburn is often very uncomfortable for the individual who has it. There are not many
symptoms, but the ones most commonly found are, a burning sensation in the chest and
upper abdomen, sore throat, and when the mouth sometimes fills with a liquid called water
brash.
Heartburn has many affects on the body, but I will focus now on the effect on the
digestive system. Heartburn causes ulcers, which eat through the mucous layer of the
organs in the digestive tract by means of enzymes and acids. It also causes an irritable
bowel through syndromes. Stinosis is also caused by heartburn. This is when the
esophagus passage narrows.
Heartburn is treated by taking He blackens, for example Axid and Pepsid. Proton Pump
Inhibitors (Lozac), is the most powerful treatment of heartburn. Sulcrates are used to
coat the lining of the stomach against ulcers. Antacids, like Rolaids, are used, as are
Calcium Channel Blackens. To cure the problems of heartburn, you must cut down on the
causes.
Gallstones
A gallstone is a stone about the size of a pea, or marble which is made in the
gallbladder. It usually consists of bile, cholesterol, uric acid, and calcium
phosphorus. The major cause of gallstones is the precipitation of chemicals in the
gallbladder by stasis, which means that the substance is still. The liver produces bile,
which is stored in the gallbladder until fatty foods come along, this is when the bile is
released to digest the fat. The same happens with cholesterol secreted by the liver.
When the bile or cholesterol is in the gallbladder for a period of time, the substance
concentrates, forming stones. Also, an excess of certain bio-chemicals in the
bloodstream (cholesterol) cause them. Blockage of the gallbladder neck, and infections
are other causes of gallstones.
Symptoms of gallstones are, mostly pain in the right-upper quadrant, but it could be
anywhere in the abdomen, chest, or back. Bloating of the body (gas), and an accumulation
of bile in the bloodstream (jaundice), are other symptoms of gallstones in the body.
Gallstones affect the digestive system is a few ways. These are that it causes
diarrhea, fat mal-absorption occurs, the gallbladder might rupture, and an obstruction of
the bowel might be present.
To treat gallstone problems, you can have surgery done to have them taken out
(laparoscopic), the stones may be dissolved by chemicals and/or drugs, and the stones
might be fragmented by an ultrasound.
The cure for gallstones is the treatment done, and the reduction of the causes.
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