A Recovery Diet for GERD Surgery Sep 19, 2009
Millions of people suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. Characterized by painful and persistent heartburn, trouble sleeping, and indigestion, acid reflux is a common byproduct of the American diet. For some, the symptoms of acid reflux can be managed with a combination of lifestyle changes, GERD medication, and even natural remedies, such as eating , or using healing herbs; but, for a small portion of GERD sufferers, surgery is a better option. (Suite101.com)
Nektar Presents Data Demonstrating Favorable Oral Bioavailability and Drug-Drug Interaction Profile for NKTR-118 Sep 14, 2009
The oral peripheral antagonist NKTR-118 targets mu-opioid receptors within the enteric nervous system, which mediate opioid-induced bowel dysfunction, a symptom complex resulting from opioid use that encompasses symptoms such as constipation, bloating, abdominal cramping, and gastroesophageal reflux. Constipation is the hallmark of this syndrome and is generally its most prominent component. (PR Newswire)
Care-seeking Behavior Associated With 'Upper-GI Symptoms' Sep 14, 2009
Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux are common and. (July 16, 2009) Postoperative quality of life (QOL) is the main outcome for judging the efficacy of treatment modalities when no overall survival differences are demonstrated in patients with gastric cancer. (Science Daily)
Your Health: Grape seed extract tablets may ease effects of Raynaud's disease (2) Sep 13, 2009
Q:I was on omeprazole for gastroesophageal reflux for several years until I saw a PBS program on heartburn and acid-reflux problems. The expert said the worst culprit for heartburn is refined sugar. (Sioux Falls Tri-State Neighbor, SD)
Salix Pharmaceuticals wins approval for gastrointestinal drug Sep 9, 2009
The drug will be used for the treatment of diabetic gastroparesis and gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD.. Diabetic gastroparesis is a condition in which nerve damage slows down the rate at which food moves from the stomach into the small intestine. (Raleigh Triangle Business Journal, NC)
Queen's offers latest acid reflux treatment Sep 9, 2009
Gastroesophageal reflux disease occurs when stomach contents back up into the esophagus ... Gastroesophageal reflux disease occurs when stomach contents back up into the esophagus. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Brewer's yeast is effective in fight against mosquitoes Sep 7, 2009
There are several causes for excess saliva or reduced swallowing, which include pregnancy, stomatitis (inflammation of the mucous membranes in the mouth), Bell's palsy, gastroesophageal reflux, certain medications, nasal obstructions, new dentures, some neurological disorders (including strokes) and nerve damage. If you are concerned, consult your primary-care physician or dentist. (Erie Times-News, PA)
Midnight Snacks: More Fattening Than You Feared? Sep 5, 2009
Not only could it help prevent extra weight gain, it can also lower the risk of gastroesophageal reflux and other digestive problems that may compound sleep problems. Aronne further recommends taking well-balanced and evenly spread meals throughout the day, rather than consuming 50% or more of your daily calories at dinner or afterward, since that may also lead to unwanted pounds. (Time.com)
GERD negatively impacts sleep quality, results in considerable economic burden Sep 1, 2009
1, 2009) There has been much debate about the relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and sleep. Three new studies in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology explore GERD's effect on sleep quality and the health-care system as well as how a widely prescribed sleeping pill may mask the disease. (EurekAlert!)
National guideline released for the treatment of hoarseness Sep 1, 2009
Anti-reflux medicines should not be prescribed for hoarseness unless there are (a) signs or symptoms of gastroesophageal reflex disease (GERD), such as heartburn or regurgitation, or (b) signs of inflammation of the larynx seen during laryngoscopy. Steroids or antibiotics given by mouth are not recommended for hoarseness and should not be used routinely. (EurekAlert!)
Natural Heartburn Cure Aug 26, 2009
Heartburn, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), occurs when acid from the stomach is pushed up into the esophagus. Usually, a soft muscle located at the base of the esophagus, known as the esophageal sphincter, will relax and open so that food and fluids can flow into the stomach. (Suite101.com)
Right Match of Drug, Doctor Can Boost Reflux Outcomes Aug 25, 2009
The Danish study found that people with the condition -- formally called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) -- typically feel best when placed on medications called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) by a doctor with whom they have a good rapport. "The treatment we have isn't always perfect," conceded Dr. Maria T. Abreu, professor of medicine and chief of the division of gastroenterology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, who was not involved in the study. (MEDLINEplus)
Altered Micriobiome Prevalent In Diseased Esophagus Aug 21, 2009
20, 2009) Gastroesophageal reflux diseases , or GERD, affects about 10 million people in the United States, yet the cause and an unexpected increase in its prevalence over the last three decades remains unexplainable ... (May 23, 2008) A new, noninvasive gastroplasty device to treat two separate disorders -- gastroesophageal-reflux disease (GERD) and morbid obesity has recently been developed ... These guidelines summarize advances in gastroesophageal reflux disease diagnostic testing as. (Science Daily)
Acid Reflux Home Remedies Aug 20, 2009
Acid reflux, also known as heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), occurs when stomach acid is pushed back into the esophagus. This can cause a burning feeling in the chest. (Suite101.com)
Seminar for treatment of GERD Aug 20, 2009
The Advanced Surgery Center of Georgia will host a free community seminar about the newest advancement in surgical procedures for the treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). The procedure, transoral incisionless fundoplication, is now available at Northside Hospital-Cherokee. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Health Tip: Babies Can Have Reflux, Too Aug 7, 2009
(HealthDay News) -- Gastroesophageal reflux occurs when the contents of the stomach back up into the esophagus. It's common among adults, but babies aren't immune from it either. (MEDLINEplus)
Call Medical Radio - Reflux Disease (Part 2 of 2) (24) Aug 3, 2009
Do you know what gastroesophageal reflux disease is. Here with an explanation is this week's episode of On Call Medical Radio. (Sioux Falls Tri-State Neighbor, SD)
Pacemakers Used To Help Children With Stomach Problems Aug 3, 2009
2, 2009) Physicians at Nationwide Children s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio are turning to a device typically used in adults with heart problems to help children with severe stomach conditions. In June, surgeons implanted a pacemaker in a 16-year-old patient with gastroparesis, a debilitating stomach condition that affects the way the body processes food. (Science Daily)
GERD patient satisfaction hinges on medication type and physician bedside manner Aug 1, 2009
1, 2009) Patient satisfaction with their medications and the quality of interactions with their doctor reflect the success of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) therapy, according to a new study in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the official journal of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute. "Although patient satisfaction is a complex issue, improvements in recognition of GERD can improve management of the disease as well as patient satisfaction with their... (EurekAlert!)
NYU Langone Medical Center researchers find altered micriobiome prevalent in the diseased esophagus Aug 1, 2009
New York, NY (August 1, 2009) Gastroesophageal reflux diseases , or GERD, affects about 10 million people in the United States, yet the cause and an unexpected increase in its prevalence over the last three decades remains unexplainable. Now, researchers have discovered that GERD is associated with global alteration of the microbiome in the esophagus. (EurekAlert!)
Your Health: Caution needed on long-term use of acid-suppressing drugs Jul 29, 2009
If you re one of the millions of Americans suffering from heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease, you may be taking an acid-suppressing medication known as a proton pump inhibitor. While there s no doubt these drugs can be beneficial in the short run, recent research has uncovered a number of potential pitfalls associated with long-term use, including a higher risk of pneumonia, bone fractures and bacterial infections of the gastrointestinal tract. (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
With Autism, Diet Restrictions May Do More Harm Than Good Jul 29, 2009
Gastrointestinal diagnoses were classified into five groups: constipation; diarrhea; abdominal bloating, discomfort or irritability; gastroesophageal reflux or vomiting; and feeding issues or selectivity (people with autism often stick with the same food choices and have other "ritualistic tendencies" in eating). The frequency of GI symptoms was about 77 percent in the autism group and 72 percent among the others, not considered a statistically significant difference. (MEDLINEplus)
• Prescriptions versus supplements - who's right? Jul 16, 2009
Omeprazole is used to treat heartburn and symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Sertraline is an antidepressant. (Burley South Idaho Press, ID)
PEOPLES PHARMACY: Can almonds prevent heartburn? Jul 15, 2009
Q: I have been suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease for a number of years now. I took Zantac for it. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Heartburn Drugs May Contribute to the Problem Jul 9, 2009
" According to an accompanying editorial in the journal, about 5 percent of the developed world's population now uses PPIs. And more people are using the drugs long-term, although this should only occur when a person has severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or to prevent problems in people taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as aspirin, which can be hard on the stomach, the researchers said. But according to the study authors, about one-third of patients who take... (MEDLINEplus)
Esomeprazole for Asthma Jul 9, 2009
They also state that despite a high prevalence of asymptomatic gastroesophageal reflux in these patients, the condition is not a likely cause of poorly controlled asthma. In clinical practice, esophageal reflux is usually confirmed by ambulatory pH monitoring with the use of an instrument that assesses reflux episodes in patients with acid reflux but not in those with nonacid reflux. (New England Journal of Medicine)
* [HEALTH] When acid reflux is only part of the problem Jul 7, 2009
The symptoms are similar to heartburn, and many sufferers are told they have gastroesophageal reflux disease, known as acid reflux. Yet treatment with popular remedies for acid reflux, like the acid-suppressing proton-pump inhibitors Prilosec, Prevacid and Nexium, fails to work or gives only partial relief. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
Contest eaters face obesity, other health risks Jul 5, 2009
Some take medication to treat symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease. "It tends to attract an intense sort of person, the person willing to ignore the best health advice," he said. (CNN)
Opinion: Taking a jog with a cup of coffee Jul 5, 2009
Also, gastroesophageal reflux disease can form from over-consumption. Trust me, Ive experienced almost all of these side effects. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
Acid-reducing medicines may lead to dependency Jul 1, 2009
To learn more about heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease, read the AGA Institute patient brochure on this topic at. About the AGA Institute. (EurekAlert!)
Frost & Sullivan European Gastroenterology Technology Implementation of the Year Award Bestowed on Crospon Jul 1, 2009
"With EndoFLIP(R), Crospon has addressed the urgent need for a clinically acceptable diagnostic platform targeting gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)," states Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Prasanna Vadhana Kannan ... The evaluation of the gastroesophageal junction by EndoFLIP(R), in tandem with direct endoscopic visualisation, heralds the emergence of a novel paradigm of diagnostic assessment known as functional endoscopy ... It aims to demonstrate the important role that EndoFLIP(R)... (PR Newswire)
Got a mystery cough? 8 possible culprits Jun 20, 2009
However, in a 2006 study of women with an average age of 48 who had a cough lasting for six months, 39 percent were found to have asthma, 9 percent had chronic upper airway cough syndrome (commonly known as postnasal drip), and 9 percent had gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) ... Gastroesophageal reflux disease. (CNN -- Health)
A Woman with Carcinoma of the Gastroesophageal Junction Jun 18, 2009
NEJM -- Case 19-2009 -- A 63-Year-Old Woman with Carcinoma of the Gastroesophageal Junction ... Case 19-2009 A 63-Year-Old Woman with Carcinoma of the Gastroesophageal Junction ... Dr. Stephanie Heon (Hematology Oncology): A 63-year-old woman was seen in the Cancer Center at this hospital for management of adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Powerful Antacids Raise Chances of Fracture Jun 4, 2009
These drugs are typically used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). "The medicines may increase the risk of fracture," said study author Dr. Douglas A. Corley, a gastroenterologist at Kaiser Permanente in San Francisco. (MEDLINEplus)
NEJM study finds radiofrequency ablation can reverse Barrett's esophagus, reduce cancer risk Jun 3, 2009
A common result of prolonged gastroesophageal reflux disease, Barrett's esophagus is associated with increased risk for esophageal cancer. NEW YORK (May 29, 2009) -- Patients who have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) for a prolonged period have an increased risk of developing Barrett's esophagus, a pre-cancerous condition where the tissue lining the esophagus becomes damaged by stomach acid and transformed into something like the inside of the stomach. (EurekAlert!)
Obesity predicts inadequate bowel prep at colonoscopy Jun 1, 2009
Abnormal elevation of body mass index (BMI) is associated with several gastrointestinal diagnoses, including diverticular disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, colon polyps and colon cancer. Since the majority of colon cancers arise from adenomatous (benign) colon polyps, proper screening becomes crucial while performing colonoscopy on obese patients. (EurekAlert!)
Use Of Acid-suppressive Medications Associated With Increased Risk Of Hospital-acquired Pneumonia May 30, 2009
With the introduction of proton-pump inhibitors, used primarily in the treatment of ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease, the use of acid-suppressive medications has increased significantly over the last several years, with estimates that between 40 percent and 70 percent of hospitalized patients receive some form of them. But this high use in the inpatient setting has been of concern for several reasons, including use for indications that are not supported by research and data suggesting... (Science Daily)
Acid-Suppressing Meds May Boost Pneumonia Risks May 28, 2009
Both doctors said that anyone taking the drugs for medical conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) need not be concerned. "These findings really just apply to patients who are hospitalized and who are on these medications in the absence of a clear indication for them," Herzig said. (MEDLINEplus)
Study in the New England Journal of Medicine Shows Non-Surgical Treatment for Pre-Cancerous Condition of Esophagus is Effective and Reduces Risk for Cancer Development May 28, 2009
As a result of chronic injury from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the normal esophageal lining is replaced with abnormal cells (Barrett's tissue), predisposing the patient to a higher risk for developing cancer of the esophagus ... BARRX Medical, Inc. develops treatment solutions for Barrett's esophagus, a precancerous condition of the lining of the esophagus (swallowing tube) caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. Its main product, the HALO360 System, provides a uniform... (PR Newswire)
Owie! Halt pizza burn, other pains May 25, 2009
You might have gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. See a doctor; GERD can lead to esophageal cancer. Prevent it: Make stomach acid work against gravity at night by placing 2-inch blocks under the legs at the head of your bed, says Ted Epperly, M.D., president of the American Academy of Family Physicians. (MSNBC -- Health)
Benefits Of Anti-clotting Medications Reduced By Common Heartburn Drugs May 8, 2009
Doctors often also prescribe PPIs to patients taking clopidogrel because of pre-existing stomach disease or to reduce the risk of common side effects such as nausea and gastroesophageal reflux (heartburn). Before clopidogrel can exert its anti-clotting effects, it must be converted from its inactive, pro-drug form to an active drug by enzymes in the liver. (Science Daily)
Wine Protects Against Barrett's Esophagus Apr 17, 2009
These individual were matched to 316 subjects with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and to 317 population controls. Each participant underwent in-person interviews and physical examinations. (Newsmax)
Quick-thinking student nurses save ailing baby (4031) Apr 11, 2009
The culprit seems to be a bout of gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly known as acid reflux, which has plagued Wesley his entire life. Hoffman believes the baby choked on milk while having an episode of acid reflux and the two compounded to block his windpipe. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Acid Reducers May Not Help All with Asthma Apr 10, 2009
Many people with asthma also have gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. But some people have what's known as silent GERD, meaning they have no symptoms. Doctors have suspected that if people with asthma breathe in during reflux, they might breathe irritating stomach fluids into the lungs. (MEDLINEplus)
Journey through the center of … my body? Apr 10, 2009
The camera pill is used to diagnose conditions such as unexplained bleeding, Crohn s disease, tumors and precancerous changes to the esophagus caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Previously, we could view the upper esophagus with endoscopy, but it was difficult to visualize the small bowel with standard endoscopy, Dr. Sheer said. (Taylor Daily Press, TX)
Acid reflux medication does not improve asthma: Study Apr 10, 2009
5 million to 5 million Americans with asthma have gastroesophageal reflux, according to estimates. In the study conducted by the American Lung Association's Asthma Clinical Research Centers at 20 sites across the United States, a randomized controlled trial was performed where participants received either the drug esomeprazole or a placebo and were monitored to see if there were improvements in asthma symptoms. (Xinhuanet, China)
Heartburn Medications Do Not Ease Asthma Symptoms, Study Shows Apr 10, 2009
Overall, as much as 10 million is spent each year in the United States treating gastroesophageal reflux disease in asthmatics struggling to control their lung symptoms ... Four out of 10 asthma sufferers, he notes, are struggling to control their asthma, whether or not they have symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. ... "Our recommendation to physicians is that these drugs should only be considered for asthmatics who have symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux, at least twice a... (Science Daily)
Silent Acid Reflux and Asthma Control Apr 9, 2009
Guidelines for the treatment of asthma recommend that patients who have asthma that is difficult to control be evaluated for the presence of coexisting conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux, obesity, obstructive sleep apnea, rhinitis or sinusitis, and chronic stress or depression, since these conditions could be contributing to the lack of response to therapy. Previously published controlled trials have suggested that treatment with a proton-pump inhibitor alleviates asthma that. (New England Journal of Medicine)
American Lung Association Study to be Published in the 'New England Journal of Medicine' Finds Prescription Heartburn Medication Does Not Control Asthma Symptoms as Previously Thought Apr 9, 2009
Background: Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is common in asthma patients but often has mild or no symptoms. It is not known whether treatment of GER with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in poorly-controlled asthmatics without GER symptoms can substantially improve asthma control. (PR Newswire)
Efficacy of Esomeprazole for Treatment of Poorly Controlled Asthma Apr 9, 2009
Background Gastroesophageal reflux is common among patients with asthma but often causes mild or no symptoms. It is not known whether treatment of gastroesophageal reflux with proton-pump inhibitors in patients who have poorly controlled asthma without symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux can substantially improve asthma control ... Methods In a parallel-group, double-blind trial, we randomly assigned 412 participants with inadequately controlled asthma, despite treatment with inhaled... (New England Journal of Medicine)
Study: Heartburn drugs don't help asthma Apr 9, 2009
5 million to 5 million Americans with asthma also have gastroesophageal reflux, in which acid or food rises from the stomach into the throat, without any obvious heartburn symptoms ... Koichiro Asano and Hidekazu Suzuki of Keio University School of Medicine in Tokyo recommended that a study be done comparing surgical repair of gastroesophageal reflux with medication in asthma patients with reflux ... They said the failure of Nexium in this study does not mean there's no relationship between... (AZCentral -- News)
'Take control of your sleep' Mar 23, 2009
These included 29 percent suffering from hypertension, 28 percent from arthritis, 19 percent coping with heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease, 18 percent battling depression, 11 percent dealing with diabetes, 10 percent with heart disease and 5 percent struggling with a lung disease. Obesity also was associated with a greater number of sleep-related problems. (India Times, India)
Solve your stomach woes Mar 20, 2009
The problem is, acid may not be why you're refluxing; if it happens more than twice a week, it could be gastroesophageal reflux disease. The problem lies with the valve separating your esophagus from your stomach. (MSNBC -- Health)
Diabetes, Parkinson's can lead to gastroparesis Mar 16, 2009
Symptoms can include nausea, heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux, abdominal bloating, little to no appetite, feelings of fullness after a minimal amount of food, abdominal spasms and/or pain, vomiting undigested food and more. Ingesting solid, high-fiber, fatty or carbonated foods and drinks can also contribute to or worsen symptoms. (Erie Times-News, PA)
THE YOU DOCS Mar 11, 2009
Proton-pump inhibitors such as Nexium and Prilosec reduce the amount of acid in your stomach, which tames your pain from gastroesophageal reflux disease. But there is still plenty left to help digest your food. (OregonLive, OR -- News)
Respiratory disorder is fast-moving Mar 11, 2009
Another finding is that nine out of 10 sufferers also have gastroesophageal reflux disease. Researchers speculate that some GERD patients inadvertently breathe in tiny drops of stomach acid on a regular basis. (Erie Times-News, PA)
Wine May Cut Risk of Esophageal Cancer Mar 5, 2009
The study included 320 people who were diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus between 2002 and 2005, 316 people who had gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD ) without Barrett's, and 317 people without Barrett's or GERD.. Even after controlling for other risk factors for Barrett's, moderate wine consumption appeared to be protective. (CBS News)
Wine Slashes Risk of Barrett's Esophagus Mar 3, 2009
One theory is that the wine's antioxidants neutralize the oxidative damage caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease, a risk factor for Barrett's Esophagus. Another theory is that wine drinkers typically consume food with their wine as opposed to drinking straight liquor without food, thereby reducing the potentially damaging effect of alcohol on esophageal tissue, said Ai Kubo, MD, an epidemiologist at Kaiser Permanente and lead author on the study. (Newsmax)
Alcohol types and socioeconomic status are associated with Barrett's esophagus risk Mar 1, 2009
This study is the first community or population-based study in the U.S. to evaluate alcohol and socio-demographic factors as risk factors for BE. Using a case-control study within the Kaiser Permanente Northern California membership, patients with a new diagnosis of BE (n=320) between 2002 and 2005 were matched to persons with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD; n=316) and to population controls (n=317) ... Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) symptoms are common in Western societies with 10 to 20... (EurekAlert!)
Power Medical's new instrument OK'd Feb 18, 2009
In addition, Power Medical received approval from an independent institutional review board to conduct a study on the effectiveness of the i60RL in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease The study will be conducted at the University of Chicago and will led by Dr. John Alverdy, a professor of surgery and head of the minimally invasive lab at the college. Reader Comments. (Philadelphia Business Journal, PA)
Their goal? Round up $50M Feb 16, 2009
Besides pancreatic cancer, the drug is in earlier clinical trial stages for gastric cancer, colorectal cancer and gastroesophageal reflux disease. First, Cancer Advances will need to raise money to pick up where Aphton left off. (Raleigh Triangle Business Journal, NC)
Intake of pure cocoa, source of healthy living Feb 15, 2009
Professor Addai however, noted that it was not really good for people with very low blood pressure or gastroesophageal reflux disease but could reduce the risks of getting stroke and aneurysm. On chocolate, he urged the youth to eat the dark bar chocolate regularly in addition to drinking pure cocoa adding, "benefits require lifetime commitment to cocoa consumption". (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Should court ruling end autism debate? Feb 13, 2009
- Social skills delays at 6 months (Dewey, Fleming, et al, 1998) - Motor skills delays at 6 months (Dewey, Fleming, et al, 1998) - Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) (Corvaglia, 2007) - Milestone delays (Davis, Moon, et al., 1998) - Plagiocephaly, torticollis, strabismus, etc ... If a doctor was presented with a baby that had social skills delays, motor skills delays, and gastroesophageal reflux what would a doctor say if a child had these three things but not too bad. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Feb 12, 2009
Since this article has no abstract, we have provided an extract of the first 100 words of the and any section headings. 16 issue)1 describes the potential risks of prolonged use of proton-pump inhibitors. (New England Journal of Medicine)
NIH report finds costs of digestive diseases has grown to more than $141 billion a year Feb 11, 2009
"While deaths from digestive diseases have gradually declined over the last 25 years, they still result in more than 230 thousand deaths per year. Some diseases stand out in significance. For example, outpatient visits and hospitalizations for gastroesophageal reflux disease increased several fold in the last 15 years with a corresponding increase in the incidence of its complication of esophageal cancer." ... Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): $12. (EurekAlert!)
