Skip to content

Diagnosing Acid Reflux Disease

Acid reflux disease is one of the more common gastrointestinal ailments around. Affecting people from different walks of life, it can cause significant discomfort for patients. An important element for the proper treatment and management of this condition is to diagnose it properly. After all, it can be linked to a wide variety of causes and cause different degrees of damage. Here are some of the most commonly used modalities used for identifying and assessing the severity of acid reflux disease.

1. Barium swallow- This is a specialized X-ray procedure designed to identify structural problems in the esophagus. In this procedure, the patient swallows a glass of barium solution, which would then coat the entire length of the esophagus. This would make the esophagus visible on the X-ray image. While this is great for identifying problems such as ulcers and narrowing, it is not very specific as not all acid reflux cases cause esophagus abnormalities.

2. Endoscopy- This is one of the more popular methods for diagnosing acid reflux diseases and other ailments of the gastrointestinal tract. To monitor upper GI tract structures such as the esophagus or the stomach, the endoscope is passed through the mouth with the help of a sedative. This helps in checking the structural integrity of the stomach and esophagus. It also helps with identifying other problems such as esophagitis and stomach ulcers.

3. Esophageal manometry- This diagnostic test is done to evaluate esophageal function. In this test, the function of the lower esophageal sphincter, the barrier that separates the esophagus and stomach, is assessed. Any sign of weakness or damage to this sphincter can lead to a positive diagnosis of acid reflux disease. Sensors located in the manometer will measure the pressure exerted at different portions of the stomach and esophagus.

4. pH monitoring- One of the landmark signs of acid reflux is the traveling of stomach acid upwards the esophagus. Of course, such a condition is considered abnormal, as stomach acid should only remain within the stomach. As such, pH monitoring is one of the better tests to use to check for any sign of acid reflux. A pH monitor is placed inside your esophagus for 24 hours. All food or drink consumed during this period must be documented. Findings will then be used to evaluate the function of the esophageal sphincter.

5. Biopsy- This is considered as the most invasive form of gastric/esophageal assessment. This is often only done depending on results of previously done tests or if there are signs of advanced disease. A surgical instrument is passed through the mouth, which would then pick up tissue samples of the stomach or the esophagus. The samples are then analyzed to check for conditions such as ulcers, advanced infection, and cancers.

Those are just some of the most common diagnostic tools used for evaluating acid reflux disease in order to identify the problem and provide patients with rapid reflux relief. Of course, not all of these methods are performed at the same time. Often times, the type of diagnostic technique to be used depends on the symptoms manifested, results of clinical examination, and other tests.

Natural Insect Repellents For Keeping Pests At Bay

Do you know that there are several herbs and plants to keep pests and insects at bay? Most of them are available in your kitchen and they are extremely helpful to get rid of the nuisance in a safe and effective manner. There are some solutions where different herbs and essential plant oils are mixed to give you an even more powerful impact. There is however one vital thing to note in this regard- all the natural insect repellent products is safe and equally effective like their chemical counterparts. In fact, they are better as they contain no toxic chemicals and substances. Now, let us take a look at some of the common natural insect repellents provided by nature-

If you hate ants, you can keep bay leaves in kitchen cabinets, drawers or in containers. Cayenne pepper also works wonders to keep these little pests away. Cinnamon powder can also be used to block their path. Garlic pieces also work well for ants as well as crushed mint leaves.

If you have termites around the house, combat them with a solution of aloe mixed with water. You can let it sit for one hour and allow it to strain.

Castor oil is also equally effective for getting rid of termites. You can use a mix of green seeds of castor oil, roots and leaves and keep them soaked in water for 24 hours. Mexican poppy oil with water is also effective against termites. You can keep this solution in a spray bottle and apply in termite affected areas.

Cockroaches can be kept at bay with the aid of cayenne pepper, white onion and garlic. You should add a little of them to a quarter of water and bring the solution to a light boil. Remove the solution from the heat and allow it to steep for one hour. You should pour this mixture into a spray bottle and apply to the areas infested by cockroaches. Remember, when you are keeping cockroaches away, you should not use garlic alone. Some cockroaches are attracted to garlic immensely.

The best natural insect repellents for spiders are lavender oil, tea tree oil, peppermint oil, citronella oil and cinnamon oil. Citrus oil can also be used for keeping spiders away. Not only spiders but you can also keep cobwebs at bay with spraying white vinegar mixed with coconut oil. You should take five parts of white vinegar and add one teaspoon of coconut oil to get effective results. Heat therapy in Adelaide will get you relief from arthritis, something you want to check out along with their insect repellent.

This means you can keep insects at bay with the aid of the above natural remedies. However, if you are out of your home, you can use a highly effective insect repellent called Florentine Gold. This insect repellent is made of natural essential oils and helps you to ward off insects no matter wherever you are. You can order the product from its online website and have it delivered to your home. It is safe even for pets, kids and elderly people. Opt for it to keep insects at bay and protect your loved ones from bites and stings! Arthritis cure home remedy also help you keep your body naturally fit and health.

Implant Dentistry Is Not As Much As You Think It Is

Dental implants were introduced to the market in the early eighties. At that time there really only two options for someone with a missing tooth, or missing teeth. You had a bridge and crown for one, or even two missing teeth; but if you had more than two, your only realistic option at that point were dentures.

The biggest issue with the bridge and crown, is that the dentist has to destroy a perfectly healthy tooth; in order to place the new crown on. This new crown, has the replacement tooth attached it to as well. In essence, they are both crowns, but one needs to have a foundation on which to rest on. This is why a healthy tooth needs to be destroyed before this process can take place.

Dentures today are a lot easier to deal with, due ti implant technology. However, before that technology became available, people had to deal with sliding, and shifting, teeth; that made talking and eating a nightmare. In addition, because those dentures were constantly moving, that led to gums being sore; and the jawbone to lose bone density. With sore gums, many folks would leave their dentures off until they were going out, or had to entertain company. For those with bone loss, meant looking like another person altogether once those dentures came off. Both results were not acceptable long-term.

This is the implant was created. When they first introduced, they were about the same amount they are today - between $3,000 to $5,000. Today that is more than doable. Not so much in the early eighties. Because technology has allowed dentists to perform this procedure faster, with less hassle, the price has gone down, while quality, and safety, has gone way up. Issues dentists were having with implants back then are a memory. Even dentists who learned how to perform implants over a 3-day course are now performing the procedure better than the leading expert when they first brought out to the market.



If you value your smile, and you want to be able to speak without lisps, or tripping over your words getting used to your new dentures, the amount you are going to pay to get these done will not compare to the value it provides. If you are in the New York City, then look up, "affordable dental implants brooklyn ny," in one of the major search engines; to schedule a time for an oral examination and consultation.

4 Tips for Finding the Best Cosmetic Dentist

When it comes to finding a good cosmetic dentist, the numerous choices available can turn the process into a headache. This is made even more challenging by the fact that any dentist can say that he or she is a cosmetic dentist. This is because cosmetic dentistry is not officially recognized as a dental specialty. The fact is that any dentist can claim to be a cosmetic dentist regardless of their education and training. Therefore it is wise to put some thought into the selection of a dentist that can improve the appearance of your teeth.







The success of any cosmetic procedure done on your teeth or gums depends on the experience and skill of the dentist. You therefore have no choice but to go for the best. Here are 4 tips for finding the best cosmetic dentist.



1. Get Referrals



Ask your primary dentist for recommendations. Family members or friends who have undergone a cosmetic dentistry procedure and are happy with the results can also give you a few names. This will ensure that you have a list to start with.



2. Check for Accreditation



The AACD or American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry provides an unofficial regulation framework for cosmetic dentistry in the United States. Before choosing a specific cosmetic dentist, check whether he or she is accredited by AACD and not just a member. While a member will often attend workshops and seminars, an accredited cosmetic dentist has to take classes and engage in continuing training. Accreditation guarantees that you are receiving the best care possible. Confirm a dentists accreditation on the AACD website.



3. Check Their Past Work



A reputable cosmetic dentist will be proud to display his past work. The pictures will give you an idea of the dentists level of skill and what you can expect. Most cosmetic dentists today have websites where they display a catalog of their work. It is also important to query the dentists on what kind of work he has done before. Cosmetic dentistry varies and you should be sure that your specific problem can be handled well. For instance, has the dentists ever worked with dental implants?



4. Be Wary of Deep Bargains



You might be tempted to go for dirt-cheap cosmetic dentists who promise the moon for a significantly lower price. As with anything else, you get what you pay for. If you do meet with one of these dentists ask him or her how they can offer such a low price. Listen carefully or you could end up with more damage than you had at the beginning. Good quality and reputable cosmetic dentistry may be expensive but the results are worth the cost. They will also last decades if not a lifetime.



Finding the best cosmetic dentist is mostly a matter of doing your homework well. Make a list of 3 or 4 good ones, do some research and then compare among them. In the end however, do not ignore your gut feeling. If a cosmetic dentist does not feel right, especially after a consultative visit, find another one.