Future Developments for GERD

Although today the medical profession is more knowledgeable than ever about the causes and treatments that really work for patients suffering from acid reflux, there are still some issues which need to be addressed.   Of particular interest is the connection between heartburn and acid reflux, and damage to the oesophagus which is still very much a grey area.  It remains unclear why only a few instances of acid reflux cause heartburn, and why there is no apparent correlation between acidity of the stomach and development of the symptoms of heartburn.  It is still a mystery why sometimes those who do not suffer from acid reflux can feel the pain of heartburn, without damaging their oesophagus.  With increased knowledge on this field, and particularly within these related areas, scientists to work towards developing more effective medication and stronger calming treatments to make life more bearable for the millions of acid reflux sufferers across the world.

Additionally, very little is known about the non-acidic reflux which can occur, and can potentially harm the oesophagus and its lining.  Some reflux is known to contain strong enzymes and substances such as bile which are clearly harmful, although very little is know as to its causes, and the extent to which it can be injurious to the gastrointestinal tract.  A new process to measure the damage caused by the non-acidic reflux, and perhaps a way to detect the occurrence of such reflux would be of great benefit to both professional diagnosticians and patients alike.  This could perhaps unlock the key to fully understand non-acidic reflux and potentially creating a cure for the condition which undoubtedly goes hand in hand with acid reflux for many patients.

Furthermore, with advances in surgery and surgical techniques, the current procedure for acid reflux surgery will continue to be refined, and will hopefully present the opportunity for even longer term results and calming effects.  Perhaps a suitable way of eradicating the condition altogether will one day be developed, although I'd suggest such a day will not come for many years, based on the variety and complexity of the condition's causes.

The issues surrounding acid reflux, non acid reflux and its complications are numerous and of great importance to the medical community.  There is a great deal of ongoing research and testing into various methods of curbing the effects of acid reflux permanently, and the different types of reflux patients suffer from.  Perhaps as technology continues to advance, we will be able to learn more about these great mysteries, and work towards a more effective way to diminish these obtrusive symptoms.

If you're worried about the symptoms of GERD, or you feel you may have been inappropriately diagnosed, it is always recommended to consult your physician, who will do his best to allay your fears and anxieties.  Additionally, you doctor will be able to monitor your condition, and suggest alternative treatment methods, as well as perhaps working to further research on GERD and the associated conditions and complications.

Acid reflux news on the Web

Heartburn, Acid Reflux and GERD (Kansas City InfoZine)
How does it affect your risk of esophageal cancer?

Burning issues of reflux (The MetroWest Daily News)
Second Opinion Although gastroesophageal or GE reflux is a common condition - affecting approximately 14 percent to 20 percent of adults - many people are not aware of various aspects of this disease.

Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy Esophagea a Minimally Invasive Surgery to Treat Achalasia (Marketwire via Yahoo! Finance)
Achalasia is a rare esophageal disease that effects thousands of people in the United States, most of whom are in their 20s to 50s, and often presents symptoms that mimic those of acid reflux, such as difficulty swallowing, heart burn and chest pain.

7 Common Digestive Problems and How to End Them (US News & World Report)
Dealing with stomach pain, ulcers, reflux, constipation, Crohn’s disease, and more.

UT Southwestern Opens Voice Care Center Offering Therapy, Surgery for Singers, Educators, Seniors and Others (Newswise)
UT Southwestern Medical Center has gathered a team of specially trained physicians and therapists to launch a new center for voice care dedicated to disorders of the voice and larynx.

Bunting released from Intensive Care (Delaware Coast Press)
BETHANY BEACH -- Sen. George H. Bunting Jr. was moved out of the Intensive Care unit Thursday following his kidney transplant Tuesday, Nov. 11.

Ask Dr. Gott: Treating Barrett's esophagus (The Monterey County Herald)
Dear Dr. Gott: I recently had an endoscopy and was diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus. What is the best treatment? Is surgery an option? I read your articles every day and save many of them. Keep up the good work.

Sheriff: 4-Yr-Old Had Not Eaten For A Week (WJTV Jackson)
The Scott County district attorney meets with investigators Wednesday to discuss the case of a 4-year-old who starved to death.

Heartwalk begins campaign (Journal Gazette & Times-Courier)
Macie Schnepper was 3 months old when she went into cardiac arrest.

Incisionless surgery for heartburn goes for the throat (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
Like some 14 million Americans, Debra Crawford, a 58-year-old nurse from Farmington, Fayette County, suffered for years from heartburn.