The federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has learned that some ranitidine medicines, including some products commonly known as the brand-name drug Zantac, contain a nitrosamine impurity called N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) at low levels. According to the Medwatch issued by the FDA, NDMA is classified as a probable human carcinogen (a substance that could cause cancer)… Continue reading Read This if You Take Ranitidine Medicines
Category: Heartburn/GERD
Managing Your Heartburn
The common condition known as heartburn actually has nothing to do with the heart. According to the Mayo Clinic, it’s a burning sensation in your chest, just behind your breastbone. Heartburn, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), occurs when stomach contents back up into your esophagus. You may also, Mayo says, feel a sour taste and… Continue reading Managing Your Heartburn
Beware of Antacids Containing Aspirin
The next time you reach for an over-the-counter (OTC) product to treat your upset stomach or heartburn, consider whether you should use one of the many antacids that don’t have aspirin. Why? Aspirin-containing medicines to treat heartburn, sour stomach, acid indigestion, or upset stomach can cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, especially in some people, warns… Continue reading Beware of Antacids Containing Aspirin
Could Your OTC Antacid Put You at Risk for Heart Disease, Dementia, and Kidney Failure?
Chronic use of over-the-counter drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) speeds up the aging of blood vessels, according to a paper published early online in May 2016 in Circulation Research, an American Heart Association journal. This accelerated aging in humans could lead to increased cardiovascular disease, vascular dementia, and… Continue reading Could Your OTC Antacid Put You at Risk for Heart Disease, Dementia, and Kidney Failure?
Tips to Prevent Heartburn During Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving week is also GERD Awareness Week. The heartburn caused by gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD) can make those who indulge in a big holiday feast less than thankful. With some help from the national non-profit advocacy organization, Esophageal Cancer Action Network (ECAN,) you can avoid the discomfort of heartburn. ECAN Board Chairman Bruce Greenwald, M.D. of… Continue reading Tips to Prevent Heartburn During Thanksgiving
GERD: Help For Heartburn And Other Woes
Ugh…heartburn again? If that’s your mantra after meals or as you fall asleep, you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
In GERD, the valve between your lower esophagus and stomach weakens. This sometimes lets food and stomach acids back up into your esophagus. The result is usually a burning sensation behind the breastbone, or heartburn. But GERD can also cause other symptoms: hoarseness, chest pain, a dry cough, the sensation that food is caught in your throat.
A Problem For All Ages