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Soothing Heartburn
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Ask an Expert
Francine A. Yep, M.D.
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Alta Bates Campus
I have been diagnosed with "silent GERD". I don't want to take medication the rest of my life. Any suggestions? I have phlegm in my throat that I cannot associate with any specific foods.
Taking care of your GERD is like calming your inner volcano. Let's get that stomach acid eruption under better control! Even though you can't link your symptoms with specific foods, it may be time to take a loo... continue reading about I have been diagnosed with "silent GERD". I don't want to take medication the rest of my life. Any suggestions? I have phlegm in my throat that I cannot associate with any specific foods.
Steven Machtinger, M.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Group
How can I know if I have a lagging reaction to a specific food?
When we're talking about reactions to food, most people think any reaction must be allergic in origin. Not true. There are many reasons why one may have an adverse reaction to a food. A few examples: coffee may... continue reading about How can I know if I have a lagging reaction to a specific food?
Modern Weng, DO
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
What common medications cause constipation? It seems that ibuprofen affects me.
Constipation is fairly common affliction affecting an estimated 24-50 percent of older adults. The most common medications that may cause constipation are:Narcotic pain medications (e.g Vicodin)Iron supplements... continue reading about What common medications cause constipation? It seems that ibuprofen affects me.
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I'm a senior citizen in good health. I stopped taking estrogen two months ago. Within 10 days I started having soft, gray colored stools and gas. A recent colonoscopy test was normal. I don't eat dairy products. Could stopping estrogen be the cause?
Estrogen, or the withdrawal of estrogen, is not known to change stool or bowel habits as described. That said, I think of estrogen as all-powerful. Anything is possible. One way to know would be to go back on e... continue reading about I'm a senior citizen in good health. I stopped taking estrogen two months ago. Within 10 days I started having soft, gray colored stools and gas. A recent colonoscopy test was normal. I don't eat dairy products. Could stopping estrogen be the cause?
Modern Weng, DO
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
What type of treatments options are there for a hiatal hernia? Also, what type of diet should I follow with this condition?
First, let's define what a hiatal hernia is. A hiatal hernia is when part of the stomach pushes itself past the diaphragm into the chest cavity. The diaphragm is the muscular border that separates the chest cav... continue reading about What type of treatments options are there for a hiatal hernia? Also, what type of diet should I follow with this condition?
Sue Hazeghazam, R.D.
Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento
I'm 56 and in very good health. My eating habits are normal, but I get bloated frequently. Can you give me some information on what may cause this and how to prevent it?
My first thought goes to the possibility of lactose intolerance (the diminished ability to properly breakdown lactose in the intestinal tract). Lactose intolerance can occur when people age and may also occur i... continue reading about I'm 56 and in very good health. My eating habits are normal, but I get bloated frequently. Can you give me some information on what may cause this and how to prevent it?
Katerina P. Shetler, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease two years ago. I recently heard that more harmful bacteria are found in a person with Crohn's than those without this disease. If this is true, is there anything I can do to change the bacteria in my system?
Thank you very much for this question.The intestinal bacteria can play an important role in the development and progression of Crohn's disease. The intestinal microbial community performs a range of useful func... continue reading about I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease two years ago. I recently heard that more harmful bacteria are found in a person with Crohn's than those without this disease. If this is true, is there anything I can do to change the bacteria in my system?
Toni J. Brayer, M.D.
Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
I have hemorrhoids and banding has been recommended. What is it, what are the benefits, and what is the downside?
About 10 million Americans suffer from hemorrhoids, which are veins in the rectum and anus that swell and can itch and bleed. Some hemorrhoids get small blood clots (thromboses) and these are exquisitely painfu... continue reading about I have hemorrhoids and banding has been recommended. What is it, what are the benefits, and what is the downside?
Sanjeev Tummala, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
I have been diagnosed with a fatty liver. What causes this and can this condition be reversed?
A functioning liver is vital to human life. Your liver filters harmful substances out of your blood and converts the food you eat into nutrients your body uses. A liver with too much fat - over 5 to 10 percent ... continue reading about I have been diagnosed with a fatty liver. What causes this and can this condition be reversed?
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