I. Introduction:
A. (Attention Getter) “You can’t beat zero heartburn.”-Larry the cable guy (Quote)
B. (Problem) According to Healthsource, ten to twenty percent of U.S. adults everyday, and more than sixty million people at least once a month are affected by heartburn (Statistic). Heartburn that occurs often is known as GERD, or, gastroesophageal reflux disease.
C. (Central Idea/Thesis) GERD is a chronic condition that affects quality of life, and can contribute to risk of other illnesses.
II. Body:
A. (Problem/Harm) Heartburn is a burning sensation in your chest that is caused by a backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus and is also referred to as gastroesophageal reflux. When this happens frequently it is then considered to be …show more content…
GERD is diagnosed by an upper endoscopy along with a test to measure the acid concentration of the esophagus. It can be treated three ways. Either by lifestyle changes, medication, or surgery depending on how severe the reflux is.
a) Lifestyle changes are usually for the people with very mild acid reflux. These changes can include eating smaller meals to reduce pressure in the stomach, avoiding acidic and spicy foods, and avoiding beverages that will increase the pressure in the stomach or relax the esophageal sphincter. In addition, no high-fat meals two to three hours before going to bed, and elevating the head six to eight inches with a foam wedge or blocks while sleeping.
b) The second method is medication. This is used when lifestyle changes do not work or do not work well enough. Medications that neutralize or decrease acid production in the stomach are categorized as antacids, H2-blockers, and proton pump inhibitors.
(1) Antacids are a fast and temporary form of acid relief usually taken when symptoms occur. An example of these would be Tums.
(2) H2-blockers are over-the-counter medications that are usually taken as a preventative and last longer than antacids (Comparison). And example of these would be Pepcid AC and
A. (Attention Getter) “You can’t beat zero heartburn.”-Larry the cable guy (Quote)
B. (Problem) According to Healthsource, ten to twenty percent of U.S. adults everyday, and more than sixty million people at least once a month are affected by heartburn (Statistic). Heartburn that occurs often is known as GERD, or, gastroesophageal reflux disease.
C. (Central Idea/Thesis) GERD is a chronic condition that affects quality of life, and can contribute to risk of other illnesses.
II. Body:
A. (Problem/Harm) Heartburn is a burning sensation in your chest that is caused by a backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus and is also referred to as gastroesophageal reflux. When this happens frequently it is then considered to be …show more content…
GERD is diagnosed by an upper endoscopy along with a test to measure the acid concentration of the esophagus. It can be treated three ways. Either by lifestyle changes, medication, or surgery depending on how severe the reflux is.
a) Lifestyle changes are usually for the people with very mild acid reflux. These changes can include eating smaller meals to reduce pressure in the stomach, avoiding acidic and spicy foods, and avoiding beverages that will increase the pressure in the stomach or relax the esophageal sphincter. In addition, no high-fat meals two to three hours before going to bed, and elevating the head six to eight inches with a foam wedge or blocks while sleeping.
b) The second method is medication. This is used when lifestyle changes do not work or do not work well enough. Medications that neutralize or decrease acid production in the stomach are categorized as antacids, H2-blockers, and proton pump inhibitors.
(1) Antacids are a fast and temporary form of acid relief usually taken when symptoms occur. An example of these would be Tums.
(2) H2-blockers are over-the-counter medications that are usually taken as a preventative and last longer than antacids (Comparison). And example of these would be Pepcid AC and