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4A – Daily News – Monday, November 22, 2010 Vitality & health There are a number of treatment options avail- able to those suffering from Acid Reflux (also known as Gastroe- sophageal Reflux Dis- ease, or GERD). Early treatment usually involves dietary and lifestyle changes, over- the-counter (OTC) med- ications, or prescription drug regimens. Depend- ing on the severity of symptoms and progres- sion of the disease, surgi- cal intervention may be considered. So what are the implications of each of these treatment options? Dietary and Lifestyle Changes For those with mild or infrequent GERD symp- toms, avoiding "trigger" foods and beverages like fatty, fried or spicy foods, chocolate, strawberries, alcohol, coffee and soda, changing sleeping posi- tion and exercising all aid in managing GERD symptoms. According to reflux expert, Dr. Robert Taylor, "Many GERD sufferers do not want to surrender their ability to eat or drink what they want, when they want. Nor do they find sleeping in an elevated position a comfortable long term solution." Over the Counter (OTC) Medications OTC medications such as antacids, low dosage H2 receptor antagonists (H2RA), and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) provide short-term relief from symptoms. OTC medications are an easily accessible pain-reducing option for people who suffer from occasional mild-to-moderate GERD. Many OTC treatments work by neutralizing the acid, reducing gas, and coating the lining of the esophagus and stomach. Prescription Phar- maceuticals Prescription doses of Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) and/or H2RAs are effective pain reducing treatment options for moderate and recurrent acid reflux because they reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach. These medications, how- ever, do not prevent neu- tralized acid from reflux- ing up into the esopha- gus, lungs, mouth, and/or nasal cavities. They also do not prevent reflux of other caustic agents, including bile, pepsin and digestive enzymes. In other words, medication treats the symptoms of GERD without address- ing the root cause of GERD, reflux and regur- gitation. About 10 percent to 20 percent of patients do not respond to these prescrip- tion medications and symptoms remain. Even on prescription medica- tion, some patients are not able to eat large meals, eat late at night, and consume "trigger" foods or beverages with- out having symptoms return. Some patients may also have break- through symptoms at night and regurgitate while sleeping. "Silent aspiration" is often cited as the reason for GERD- related asthma. Dr. Taylor states, "GERD is a progressive disease. Prescription medications do nothing to slow or prevent this pro- gression." Patients who respond well to prescrip- tion medication may find they require increasing dosage of the medication over time or that they need to switch to a new medication to maintain symptom control. Dr. Taylor continues, "Often patients are concerned about the potential side effects of long term use of these medications, such as osteoporosis and interaction with other medications. In addition, they find the prescription regimen inconvenient and annoying to maintain." Surgical Intervention Open and laparoscopic surgical procedures have been used to treat GERD effectively for over 50 years. Studies and years of clinical use prove that an anatomical correction is key to the long-term prevention of GERD and disease progression. Unfortunately, even laparoscopic surgical repair can be invasive and typically has a high inci- Premier Edition YOU and your Family can be represented in the Of the “Tehama Country” Christmas Album Deadline for Public Submissions: Wednesday, December 1 To be published as a magazine supplement to the Daily News on Saturday, December 11 • Share an original story of “Christmas Past” • Write a Christmas Poem • Send a family Christmas Recipe • Submit original Christmas photos or artwork $100 Award first place per category (story, poem, recipe, photo or artwork) $50 runner up per category * Before submitting, read full submission and contest instructions published in Announcements in the Daily News Classifieds Be part of a new “Tehama Country” Christmas Tradition! Send via email: clerk@redbluffdailynews.com Or mail or deliver to the Daily News 454 Diamond Ave., PO Box 220 Red Bluff, CA 96080 Remember –Deadline for our receipt of submissions is Wednesday, December 1 D NEWSAILY RED BLUFF TEHAMACOUNTY Options for treating acid reflux dence of side effects like gas bloat and difficulty swallowing. For this rea- son, less than 1 percent of GERD patients are candi- dates for invasive surgical therapy to treat their con- dition because of risk benefit ratios. Incisionless Surgical Intervention At St. Elizabeth Com- munity Hospital Dr. Tay- lor is now performing an innovative incisionless surgical procedure called Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF) that corrects the anatomical cause of reflux. Says Dr. Taylor, "TIF is performed through the mouth, does not require any incisions, and does not dissect any part of the natural internal anatomy. The results include reduced recovery time and discomfort. Most patients are able to return to work and nor- mal activities within a couple of days after the procedure." On Dec. 1, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Gaia Shasta Hotel in Ander- son, St. Elizabeth Com- munity Hospital and Dr. Robert Taylor will host a free educational forum on GERD and an innovative new solution for treating the cause of acid reflux called Transoral Incision- less Fundoplication (TIF). Space is limited, reserve your seat today by calling 529-8038. For more information, visit http://mycureforG- ERD.com. Fibromyalgia? Please call Suffering With (530) 529-6544 Rory Lengtat, D.C. Nutrition Quiz: Game (MCT) It's hunting season — go ahead, take a shot. 1. Compared with standard red meat, most game is con- siderably healthier. How many fewer calories does a pound of boneless elk have, compared with a 1-pound sirloin steak? a) 326 b) 706 c) 924 2. Game is lower in total and saturated fat than other red meat, but watch out for high cholesterol levels. One pound of elk contains what percentage of the daily value for cho- lesterol consumption? a) 47 percent b) 69 percent c) 83 per- cent 3. A broiled tenderloin of venison (deer) is comparable to chicken in most nutritional categories but is higher in one vit- amin or mineral. Which is it? a) Iron b) Folate c) Vitamin D fitness Local Established Business For Sale OR Partnership Opportunities 623 Main St. 527-5180 TEA AND BOUTIQUE Fri., Dec. 3rd 10AM to 3PM 25076 Sycamore Avenue, behind La Corona, Los Molinos 9AM to 8PM Sat., Dec. 4th , 2010 , 2010 35th Annual 1: b (steak, 1,202; elk, 496); 2: c; 3: a (venison, 48 per- cent of the daily value; chicken, 3 percent)