Prevacid A Powerful Medication for Reflux Esophagitis
by Brainpulse India

Prevacid manufactured by TAP Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a prescription drug used to treat several different conditions, such as gastro esophageal reflux disease, erosive esophagitis, and duodenal ulcers. Introduced in the year 1995 it is a proton pump inhibitor, which reduces the amount of acid in the stomach by blocking the acid production sites. Some of the more common side effects associated with Prevacid includes abdominal pain, constipation, and headache. This medication is easily available on various drug stores and online medication stores, so that one can easily buy Prevacid as per his requirements.

Prevacid is licensed to treat number of conditions such as gastro esophageal reflux disease, erosive esophagitis, duodenal ulcers, helicobacter pylori infections, stomach ulcers, pathological hyper secretory conditions etc. This medication can also effectively be used in children of one to 17 years of age. Prevacid decreases the amount of acid in the stomach by blocking the acid production site. This further helps prevent heartburn and gastro esophageal reflux disease. Prevacid comes in tablet, capsule or liquid form and it can be taken in empty stomach with food or milk. It is best to take this medication thirty minutes before breakfast. It should be taken at the same time each day to maintain even level in the body. One should follow the doctor dosage instructions for effective result. This medication should not be crushed or chewed. There are no food or beverage restrictions due to the Prevacid.

One should not alter the dose of Prevacid on his own. Doctor assess necessary dose that is necessary depending on ones condition. The main aim is to control illness with the lowest effective dose of Prevacid. One should also not miss doses. If one does miss a dose, he should take his normal dose of Prevacid as soon as he remember and resume his normal schedule with the following dose. If it is almost time for the next dose, one can skip the missed dose and go back to his regular dosing schedule. While an occasional unintentional extra dose is unlikely to be harmful, do not double doses.

While taking Prevacid it is safe to take antacids but it should not be take at the same time instead antacids should be taken at least two hours before or after taking Prevacid. During the use of this medication cigarette smoking ad tobacco chewing should be avoided as these will block the beneficial effects of Prevacid. If one is suffering from valium, coumadin, Dilantin, or have severe liver disease, he should let the doctor know about his illness.

Prevacid is quite effective in healing peptic ulcers and treating severe reflux esophagitis, it does not exert any long-term protective action once the medication has been discontinued. In most patients, Prevacid is used to bring the condition under better control and then the patient is switched to chronic acid-suppressive maintenance therapy with Zantac or a similar drug. One should remember that Prevacid is a powerful drug with many helpful properties, but as with all medications, side effects may occur. One can best limit problems with this medication by taking it exactly as prescribed.

Prevacid Most Preferred Medication for the Treatment of Acid Reflux Disease
by Brainpulse India

Prevacid also known as lansoprazole is used for treating stomach and intestinal ulcers, erosive esophagitis as well as in other conditions where excessive stomach acid is presents. Prevacid lowers the amount of the acid produced in the stomach. It is a proton pump inhibitor which prevents the stomach from producing acid. It is manufactured by a number of companies worldwide under several trade names. This medication was first approved by the FDA in 1995. Prevacid is indicated for treatment of ulcers of the stomach and duodenum, and NSAID-induced ulcers, treatment of gastro esophageal reflux disease also known as acid reflux disease, treatment of Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome and adjunctive treatment of helicobacter pylori infection, alongside antibiotics. To fight from these diseases one can easily buy prevacid and get relief from acid reflux disease.

If one suffers from persistent heartburn two or more days a week, despite treatment and diet changes, he might be suffering from acid reflux disease. Prescription prevacid capsules and prevacid orally disintegrating tablets are used for the treatment of acid reflux disease including erosive esophagitis and for maintenance of healed erosive esophagitis. One can buy prevacid online to avail at the heap price. Most erosion heals in 48 weeks. Prevacid may not be right for everyone and has a low occurrence of side effects such as diarrhea, abdominal pain and nausea. Symptom relief does not rule out other serious stomach conditions. Prevacid capsules should not be crushed or chewed.

Prevacid capsule are the most commonly prescribed capsules to help to prevent the acid and stop heartburn pain. It is helpful in curing acid reflux disease. One prevacid capsule a day can help prevent the acid that causes heartburn pain and provide relief for up to 24 hours. It also heals damage to the esophagus and stops the damage from coming back. In many people prevacid may cause drowsiness or dizziness and these may be worse if one take it with alcohol or certain medicines. One should use prevacid with caution and should not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until one is aware of his reaction to it.

Prevacid is the number one acid-blocker medicine prescribed by pediatric gastroenterologists, a specialist in childhood acid reflux disease. Prevacid is approved to treat children with acid reflux disease as young as 12 months of age. When taken every day as prescribed, it can help relieve acid reflux disease symptoms in children. These symptoms can include, throwing up, heartburn, burping, stomachaches, cranky or sick feelings at mealtime, trouble swallowing and coughing. Prevacid relieves the symptoms associated with acid reflux disease in children. It also helps heal the damage acid may have caused to your child’s esophagus.

H. Pylori (Helicobacter Pylori) is a bacteria linked to gastrointestinal ulcers, gastritis, indigestion and stomach infection. This silent but aggressive infection, when untreated, can contribute to stomach cancer. Due to its aggressive nature, when improperly treated, it often recurs. It is commonly treated by antibiotics. However, some are resistant to such therapy and will need prolonged and combined antibiotics to ensure success. Some of the secondary side effects of prolonged antibiotic therapy are yeast infection and a weakened immune system. There are some natural alternatives that we’ve used successfully in our clinical practice. In addition to dietary changes, we use Mastica (Allergy Research Group), Bio-HPF (Biotics Research), and Original Medicine’s probiotics - S. Boulardii and Multi Probiotics.Chios Gum Mastic is the resinous material obtained from the Pistacia lentiscus tree which is grown on the island of Chios in Greece. Traditionally used as a health food in Greece, a recent study reported in the New England Journal of Medicine supports mastic gum’s contribution to gastrointestinal health and particularly for unfriendly bacteria that reside in the stomach.Many modern researchers have confirmed some of the traditional uses of mastic gum, including its roles in oral health and healthy digestive functioning. Mastic gum has been shown in a more recent study to inhibit the growth of H. pylori as well as act as an antibiotic against the bacterium. Mastic gum has been tested against ulcer formation and healing in various models. Helicobacter pylori is one of the most common chronic bacterial infections in humans and affects most populations throughout the world. Over 75% of cases of gastric ulcers and over 95% of duodenal ulcers are infected with H. pylori. The World Health Organization confirms that H. pylori is a major cause of stomach cancer. Mastic gum has been shown to work against many strains of H. pylori. Researchers at Aristotle University in Greece found that topical mastic gum reduced bacterial plaque by 41.5%. Mastic gum drew leukocytes into the liquid found in the gingival, which also reduced the toxins in the bacterial plaque. Other European researchers confirm that mastic can help preserve and strengthen gums and teeth. Recent research at the University of Athens Department of Pharmacy has shown that mastic and mastic oil have significant antibacterial and fungicidal properties. Mastic gum is well tolerated and has no serious side effects when consumed at the recommended dietary supplement dose of 1-2 grams per day. The Possible Benefits of Mastica, a Dietary Supplement, are:• May support gastric mucosal cellular integrity. • May contribute to gastrointestinal health, particularly for unfriendly bacteria that reside in the stomach.BIO-HPF is a combination of medicinal herbs and minerals that have been shown by clinical research to be effective in alleviating gastric and duodenal ulcers and gastritis (inflammation %26 erosion of the stomach lining). It also targets the microorganism (Helicobacter pylori) that has been shown to be associated with stomach ulcers.People with heartburn, indigestion, acid reflux and frequent bloating often find complete relief of their symptoms when using this herb for a 2-4 month period. Recent (1999) clinical studies have shown Bio-HPF to be effective (reducing or eliminating the antigen) in over 80 percent of the cases where H-pylori has been identified (serum and stool testing).

While eliminating the bacteria-causing infection, it is important to introduce healthy bacteria that will keep your gastrointestinal tract lining healthy and prevent the ‘bad bacteria’ from recurring. There are many brand names and types of gut friendly bacteria out there. It is important to choose a product that has several types of aggressive strains that can overpower the ‘bad bacteria’ when it tries to raise its ugly head. Original Medicine’s S. boulardii and Multi Probiotics is what we use in the office. You can also use Original Medicine’s consumer line, Garden of Life’s Primal Defense or Primal Defense Ultra. Original Medicine is only sold by doctors – feel free to contact us if you’d like more information or VIP pricing:contact@drChangHealth.com

Gastritis Detailed Information
by Juliet Cohen

Gastritis means inflamation of the stomach. Gastritis can be caused by drinking extra alcohol, prolonged utilizes of no steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen, or infection with bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Sometimes gastritis develops after major surgery, traumatic injury, burns, or severe infections. Certain diseases, such as pernicious anemia and chronic bile reflux, can reason gastritis as well. Autoimmune atrophic gastritis develops when your immune system attacks healthy cells in your stomach lining.

This causes an inflammatory response that slowly thins the lining, demolishes acid-producing glands and interferes with the production of basic factor, an essence that assists your body absorb vitamin B-12. Gastritis may be related with other medical conditions, including HIV/AIDS, parasitic infections, several connective tissue disorders, and liver or kidney failure. The most significant risk factor for gastritis is infection with H. pylori bacteria. In the United States, one in five people younger than 40 and half of people older than 60 are infected. The numbers are much greater in developing nations.

In the United States, blacks, Indians and Hispanics are more apt to have gastritis related with H. pylori infection than are people of other races. Autoimmune gastritis, on the other hand, is more common among blacks and people of Northern European descent. Adults age 60 and older are at augmented risk of gastritis because the stomach lining tends to skinny with age. The most common symptoms are abdominal upset or pain. Other symptoms are belching, abdominal bloating, nausea, and vomiting or a feeling of fullness or of burning in the upper abdomen.

Blood in your vomit or black stools may be symptoms of bleeding in the stomach, which may show a grave problem, require direct medical attention. The treatment of gastritis will depend on its cause. Treatment for gastritis generally involves taking antacids and other drugs to decrease stomach acid, which causes further irritation to inflamed areas. Drugs that diminish acid production include histamine-2 (H2) blockers and proton pump inhibitors. H2 blockers are usually more helpful than antacids in relieving symptoms. Avoidance of certain foods, beverages, or medicines may also be recommended.

Can Exercise Reduce Ulcer Risk?

Ulcers, sometimes referred to as peptic ulcers, are ulcerations of the upper digestive tract. Ulcers are very common. Approximately one in ten men and one in twenty women will incur one in their lifetimes.

There was a time when ulcers were thought to be caused solely by stress and an increased amount of stomach acid. Research today has shown that ulcers are not caused by stress, but rather by a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori. A two week treatment of antibiotics will wipe this bacteria out.

The latest studies have linked regular exercise to reducing the liklihood of ever developing an ulcer. Researchers have studied more than 11,000 men and women and found:

*Physically active men had one half to one third the risk of developing a duodenal ulcer over 20 years compared to their sedentary peers.

* Men who walked or ran at least 10 miles a week were 62% less likely than inactive subjects to develop an ulcer.

*Men who walked or ran less than 10 miles per week had about half the ulcer risk as those who did not exercise.

Because the Heliocobacter pylori bacterium is found in half the population of the world, scientists agree that other lifestyle factors such as stress, smoking and alchohol abuse may still have an effect.

It’s not surprising to see that exercise improves the risk of having an ulcer. Exercise boosts your immune system, lowers stress and in general makes you think about improving your diet as well as your workout. Exercise also may reduce acid production in the digestive tract. The positive data on lowering the risk for an ulcer have so far only been confirmed for men.

Causes of Gastric Ulcer
by greenherbal

Gastric ulcer is basically due to the imbalanced secretion of stomach enzymes and acids as well as the components released in the mucosal lining of the stomach. This then will get inflamed that may be aggravated by aspirin and NSAIDs or Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs. NSAIDs are commonly taken to combat the symptoms of other ailments such as back pain and kidney pain. Interestingly enough, stress and a number of emotional problems are not labeled as risk factors to gastric ulcer. Yet there are studies that may show otherwise. They point out that stress may be a contributing factor to the aggravation of the ailment.

Ulcers are a painful introduction to ones life and will require huge changes in lifestyle to reduce the pain and alleviate the condition. Of course, this is only of any worth, if the patient knows that they have an ulcer, if he/she is unaware as to how to recognize the symptoms of a gastric ulcer then the condition will only get a lot worse. Abdominal pain is usually the most common symptom that an ulcer may be present. The pain can last a long time, sometimes up to several hours, or it could only appear as a stabbing pain and disappear as quickly as it arrived.

Gastric Ulcers are caused when there is an imbalance between the amount of stomach acid the body is secreting and an enzyme called Pepsin and the natural defenses of the stomach lining (known as mucosal). There is a spiral shaped bacteria living in the acid environment of the stomach (Heliobacter Pylori Bacterium) which can also cause gastric ulcers. On the other hand, physical stress and insufficiencies can facilitate the development of gastric ulcer.

Gastric ulcer occurs due to excessive secretion of hydrochloric acid and pepsin, which eventually damage the protective tissue that surrounds the stomach. The presence of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori also contributes to developing gastric ulcer. Furthermore, the ulcer is aggravated by the misuse of certain anti-inflammatory medicines, such as aspirin or ibuprofen. In the past, it was thought that emotional distress was also a cause of gastric ulcer. However, this theory has been contradicted by recent medical research results.

Gastric ulcer is not caused by spicy food, stress, or alcohol, it is caused by bacteria called Helobacter pylori, but billions of people are carrying this bacteria, because it is transmitted through food, drink, or contact with someone infected. So, many of us have these bacteria, and if you combine it with spicy food and stress you have gastric ulcer! Recent studies have also shown that anti-inflammatory medication (ibuprofen and aspirin) seriously contribute to the gastric ulcer’s evolution.

Gastric ulcer usually occurs in the region of the posterior stomach wall, in the proximity of the pyloric orifice. In the initial stage of the disease, the ulcer appears as a circular lesion with a diameter of 1-2 cm. In the absence of proper medical treatment, the ulcer can expand, causing a wide hole in the stomach wall. This complication is referred to as perforated ulcer and it is considered to be a medical emergency. Along with internal bleeding, perforated ulcer accounts for thousands of annual deaths in the United States.

Gastric Ulcer Symptoms
by greenherbal

One of the primary symptoms felt by someone with a gastric ulcer is a gnawing or burning pain in the upper middle stomach or just below the breastbone which will last from 30 minutes to sometimes over 3 hours. Unfortunately a large number of people mistake this kind of pain for heartburn because it is so similar, whilst others just mistake it as hunger pains. For some people the pain caused by a gastric ulcer will wake them up during the night and for others it may come on immediately after they have eaten or meal or it may occur some 2 to 3 hours later on.

Gastric ulcers occur when there is an imbalance between the amount of stomach acid secreted and an enzyme called pepsin and the natural defenses of the stomach mucosal lining. The Helicobacter Pylori bacterium, a spiral shaped bacterium that lives in the acid environment of the stomach, can also be a cause of gastric ulcers. Obesity, smoking, and excessive use of anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin can also contribute to the development of gastric ulcers.

The pain of a gastric ulcer may cause you to awaken at night. It may occur immediately following a meal or may occur some two to three hours later. With some patients, the pain of an ulcer is relieved by food or milk and with others they may avoid eating in an effort to avoid the pain associated with eating. The pain from a duodenal ulcer is typically relieved by food, but the pain from a gastric ulcer is usually exacerbated by food. There are many patients who report that a delay in eating will cause a more severe gastric ulcer pain. Based on what we know, these patients may likely be suffering from a duodenal ulcer.

The other symptom to watch for is the most alarming situation of internal bleeding. This bleeding will normally make itself apparent in stools. This isnt always the case however, and the ulcer could cause internal bleeding which goes un-noticed for a long period of time. Jerry Lewis learned that he had internal bleeding for a very long time going completely un-noticed. However, the painkillers he was taking had suppressed all other symptoms of his gastric ulcer, which Im sure didnt help the situation! If a patient starts to notice such symptoms, do not hesitate to seek medical attention, it is much better to seek advice and catch a condition early than it is to sit on it and it be too late.

Stomach ulcer symptoms naturally, your best bet is to change your eating habits. Certain foods can irritate ulcers and should be avoided which include spicy and fried foods, fatty foods and acidic foods. Although many people think that milk is a good way to relieve ulcer symptoms it should be taken in small amounts as the milk proteins can cause more gastric acids to be made which can irritate your ulcer. You should also avoid aspirin, tea, coffee, ibuprofen, alcohol and cigarettes. Another natural way to relieve symptoms of a stomach ulcer is to make sure your diet is rich in soluble fiber. Some say that cabbage can help heal an ulcer as it contains glutamine which has been shown to heal ulcers and is also very high in fiber.

When morning sickness becomes extremely severe, it is known as hyperemesis gravidarum.So, this article will explain the definition, causes, people who may suffer, symptoms, risks from it, treatment,etc of hyperemesis gravidarum.In the US: Hyperemesis gravidarum occurs in 0.5-2% of pregnancies, with the variation in incidence arising from different diagnostic criteria and ethnic variations. Studies have found an admission rate of 0.8% for hyperemesis gravidarum and an average of 1.3 hospital admissions per hyperemesis patient, with an average hospital stay of 2.6-4 days.Nausea and vomiting are common in pregnancy, occurring in 70-85% of all gravid women. Hyperemesis gravidarum is a severe and intractable form of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. It is a diagnosis of exclusion and may result in weight loss; nutritional deficiencies; and abnormalities in fluids, electrolyte levels, and acid-base balance. The peak incidence is at 8-12 weeks of pregnancy, and symptoms usually resolve by week 20 in all but 10% of patients. Uncomplicated nausea and vomiting of pregnancy is generally associated with a lower rate of miscarriage, but hyperemesis gravidarum may affect the health and well-being of both the pregnant woman and the fetus.Causes of Hyperemesis gravidarumThe precise causes of Hyperemesis gravidarum remains unknown as well and Researchers are continuing to study hyperemesis gravidarum in the hopes of finding the exact cause of the disease. There are some causes which will increase the risk of suffering Hyperemesis gravidarum. These causes include:1, High levels of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). Levels of this pregnancy hormone rise quickly during the early stages of pregnancy and may trigger the part of the brain that controls nausea and vomiting.2, Increased estrogen levels. This hormone also affects the part of the brain that controls nausea and vomiting.3, Helicobacter pylori. A research study in Obstetrics %26Gynecology reported that 90% of pregnant women with hyperemesis gravidarum are also infected with this bacterium, which may sometimes cause stomach ulcers.4, Thyroid imbalances5, Vitamin B deficiency6, Gastrointestinal changes. During your entire pregnancy the digestive organs displace to make room for the growing fetus. This may result in acid reflux and the stomach emptying more slowly, which can cause nausea and vomiting.7, Psychological factors. Stress can often make you physically ill. The anxiety that can accompany a pregnancy may trigger acute morning sickness.8, High-fat diet. Recent research shows that women with a high-fat diet are at a much greater risk for developing hyperemesis gravidarum. Their risk increases five times for every additional 15 grams of saturated fat (such as a quarter-pound cheeseburger) they eat each day.People who are at the risk of HGThose with the following characteristics are at a higher risk of HG:1, being obese2, being of young maternal age3, carrying twins4, having previous hyperemesis gravidarumHow to recognize HGThe symptoms of HG typically begin around the sixth week of pregnancy. Usually, symptoms disappear around the 20th week, however, in about 5% of women, symptoms can continue throughout the third trimester.The most common symptoms of HG are:1, Persistent, excessive vomiting or the urge to vomit. Vomiting is considered excessive if it occurs more than three or four times per day and prevents you from keeping down any food or fluids for a period of 24 hours.2, uncontrollable vomiting3, vomiting blood or bile4, vomiting after eating or drinking5, vomiting not related to eating6, severe weight loss (at least 5% of pre-pregnancy weight) over a 1-2 week period.7, increased heart rate8, shivering9, extreme fatigue10 increased salivation11 dehydration12 nutritional deficiencies13 Lightheadedness or fainting.14 Infrequent urination.15 Pale skin.16 Jaundice. How HG can affect you and your babyHG is a serious illness that can pose potential health complications. If left untreated, hyperemesis gravidarum can lead to continued weight loss and malnutrition, which may become life threatening. The illness also causes extremely poor quality of life. If vomiting continues, there is a risk of developing liver or stomach complications. The disease is also associated with an increased risk of gallbladder disease.Though serious, hyperemesis gravidarum does not appear to pose any severe complications for your baby. If treated immediately, most babies are born completely healthy. However, if treatment is not pursued, there is an increased risk of going into preterm labor or having a baby with a low birth weight. Certain drug treatments given to mothers with hyperemesis gravidarum have been known to cause defects in baby.Treatment for HGTreatment for HG is to reduce nausea and vomiting,replace fluids and electrolytes and improve nutrition and weight gain.It is important to contact your health care provider if you are experiencing severe nausea and vomiting. If properly treated, there should be no serious complications for you or your baby. Your health care provider can tell you whether your case is mild or severe. If it’s mild, you should change your diet by eating more protein and complex carbohydrates, such as nuts, cheese and crackers, and milk. It’s best to eat these foods in small portions, several times throughout the day. You should also avoid eating fatty foods, drink plenty of water, and get as much rest as possible. (For more suggestions, see our morning sickness article). Your doctor may also recommend taking antacids and an antiemetic (anti-vomiting) medication.Medications your doctor may prescribe for severe cases include:1, Antihistamines, which help ease nausea and motion sickness.2, Vitamin B6, which helps ease nausea (if you’re unable to take it orally your doctor can give you an injection).3, Phenothiazine, which helps ease nausea and vomiting.4, Metoclopramide, which helps increase the rate that the stomach moves food into the intestines.5, Antacids, which can absorb stomach acid and help prevent acid reflux.6, Corticosteroids (such as Medrol)Severe cases of hyperemesis gravidarum require hospitalization. Once there, you may receive intravenous fluids, glucose, electrolytes, and, occasionally, vitamins and other nutritional supplements. Your vitamin levels may also be monitored since women suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum are often deficient in thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin B6, vitamin A, and retinol-binding proteins. Remember, pregnant women need to maintain a much higher level of calories, protein, iron, and folate than nonpregnant women. Your health care provider will talk to you about the sufficient levels and how to maintain them.Anti-nausea drugs and sedatives may be given, and you will be encouraged to rest. After receiving intravenous (IV) fluids for 24 to 48 hours, you may be ready to eat a clear liquid diet and then move on to eating several small meals a day. You will be monitored by your health care provider after you leave the hospital, and be readmitted if problems continue or recur.Some women opt to use natural treatment methods to handle side effects of the illness. Acupuncture, acupressure, and hypnosis have proven to be effective treatments, and produce no side effects in baby.Hyperemesis is the second leading cause of hospitalization in pregnancy, second only to preterm labor. Additionally, many women experience significant psychosocial morbidity, occasionally interfering with assumption of the maternal role and rarely leading to termination of the pregnancy. Women with hyperemesis gravidarum are often encouraged to work with a counselor since emotional problems may not only contribute to this condition, but may result from it as well.Note: The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.Call 911 for all medical emergencies.

Effects of Smoking on Irritable Bowel Syndrome Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a disorder that affects the large intestines. It exhibit symptoms such as cramping or pain, diarrhea, constipation, bloating and gassiness. IBS is also known in other names such functional bowel disease, mucus colitis and spastic colon. However although it also makes use of the term colitis it should never be construed as an inflammatory bowel disease. Irritable Bowel Syndrome is not a dangerous disorder and neither it is contagious nor cancerous. The greatest effect that IBS can have in a patient is to cause stress and discomfort which interrupts daily activities. Irritable Bowel Syndrome especially for married patients often affects their sexual lives. Smoking and Irritable Bowel Syndrome Smoking does not only cause lung cancer but also worsen symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Tobacco just like caffeine and alcohol also worsen IBS symptoms. It really does not matter whether you smoked, chewed or inhaled Tobacco. The facts still remains that Tobacco is a potent GI tract irritant, carcinogen and stimulant. People with Irritable Bowel Syndrome have sensitive gastrointestinal and are very susceptible to certain stimuli may it be in the form of food or even the simple waking up actions. Tobacco is one of the worst factors that trigger Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms and can cause various types of cancer. Tobacco in general affects almost all the parts of the digestive system. It does not only cause heartburn but also reflux which are considered two conditions which IBS patients are likely to acquire. And since smoking damage the esophageal sphincter, the acidic contents of the stomach tend to flow upward and down into the lower portion of the esophagus. Helicobacter pylori bacteria or irritation resulting from anti-inflammatory medications commonly causes ulcers however it is smoking that increases the possibility of peptic ulcer. Not only that, smoking also hinders healing and makes ulcer to reoccur more frequently. This is because smoking worsens ulcer perforation ten times. Aside from ulcer and triggering IBS symptoms, smoking also increases the chance of Crohn’s disease. It may also lead to the development of gallstones. The nicotine found on the tobacco is not only an addictive element but also a poison that tend to weaken the lower esophageal sphincter. This lead to hyper production of acid in the stomach and at the same time decreases the pancreatic production of sodium bicarbonate, which is an important substance in counteracting the production of stomach acid. Aside from nicotine, tobacco also contains more than four hundred toxins and at least forty-three known carcinogens. All of these harmful substances enters the bloodstream and carried through the digestive tract triggering IBS symptoms. Similarly, inhaling a smoke from the tobacco also cause gassiness, belching and bloating which are symptoms also of IBS. Smoking above all is famous for causing cancer either of the colon, the bladder, kidney, pancreas and stomach. Plus long-term smoking also increases the possibility of colorectal cancer. How? Inhaling or swallowing tobacco smoke can bring carcinogens right down to the colon. The tobacco also tend to increase colon polyp size which means that the bigger the polyp the higher the possibility for it to develop into cancer. In fact, studies shows that at least twelve percent of colorectal cancers are the direct result of smoking. Lastly, smoking is not only a factor that can trigger Irritable Bowel Syndrome but poses greater health risk like cancer so for your sake better quit smoking.