Tuesday, 16 August 2011
Aug 12, Acid Reflux And Bad Breath - What's Their Relationship?
As you are about to discover, there's a definite connection between acid reflux and bad breath, not only in adults, but in children as well.
GERD (acronymn for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) occurs when the muscle ring that acts as a valve between the stomach and esophagus does not close properly. When this happens, stomach contents leak back, or reflux, into the esophagus. This is also known as acid reflux and bad breath may be among the resulting effects.
When refluxed stomach acid touches the lining of the esophagus, it causes the sensation of heartburn in the chest or throat. The fluid may even be tasted in the back of the mouth, and this is called acid indigestion. Leakage due to GERD can result in acid reflux and bad breath. Occasional heartburn is common but does not necessarily mean one has GERD. Heartburn that occurs more than twice a week may be considered GERD, and it can eventually lead to more serious health problems.
Anyone, including infants, children, and pregnant women, can have GERD.
The main symptoms are persistent heartburn and acid regurgitation. Some people have GERD without heartburn. Instead, they experience pain in the chest, hoarseness in the morning, or trouble swallowing. You may feel like you have food stuck in your throat, or like you are choking, or your throat is tight. GERD can also cause a dry cough from the associated acid reflux and bad breath to go along with it..
Studies show that GERD is common and may be overlooked in infants and children. It's possible for acid reflux and bad breath due to reflux to be present in babies and very young children. It can cause repeated vomiting, coughing, and other respiratory problems. Children's immature digestive systems are usually to blame, and most infants grow out of GERD by the time they are 1 year old. Still, you should talk to your child's doctor if the problem occurs regularly and causes discomfort. Your doctor may recommend simple strategies for avoiding reflux, like burping the infant several times during feeding or keeping the infant in an upright position for 30 minutes after feeding. If your child is older, the doctor may recommend avoiding certain foods.
Avoiding food 2 to 3 hours before bed may also help. The doctor may recommend that the child sleep with head raised. If these changes do not work, the doctor may prescribe medicine for your child. In rare cases, a child may need surgery.
No one knows why people get GERD. A hiatal hernia may contribute. A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach is above the diaphragm, the muscle wall that separates the stomach from the chest. The diaphragm helps the LES keep acid from coming up into the esophagus. When a hiatal hernia is present, it is easier for the acid reflux and bad breath due to reflux to occur. A hiatal hernia can occur in people of any age; many otherwise healthy people over 50 have a small one.
Other factors that may contribute to GERD include:
alcohol useobesitypregnancysmokingAlso, certain foods may trigger reflux events, such as:
citrus fruitschocolatedrinks with caffeinefatty and fried foodsgarlic and onionsmint flavoringsspicy foodstomato-based foods, like spaghetti sauce, chili, and pizzaIf you have had heartburn or any of the other symptoms, such as acid reflux and bad breath, for a while, you should see your doctor. You may want to visit an internist, a doctor who specializes in internal medicine, or a gastroenterologist, a doctor who treats diseases of the stomach and intestines. Depending on how severe your GERD is, treatment may involve one or more of the following lifestyle changes and medications or surgery.
If you smoke, stop.
Do not drink alcohol.
Lose weight if needed.
Eat small meals.
Wear loose-fitting clothes.
Avoid lying down for 3 hours after a meal.
Raise the head of your bed 6 to 8 inches by putting blocks of wood under the bedposts ? just using extra pillows will not help.
Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter antacids, which you can buy without a prescription, or medications that stop acid production or help the muscles that empty your stomach.
Antacids, such as Alka-Seltzer, Maalox, Mylanta, Pepto-Bismol, Rolaids, and Riopan, are usually the first drugs recommended to relieve heartburn and other mild GERD symptoms.
Calcium carbonate antacids, such as Tums, Titralac, and Alka-2, can also be a supplemental source of calcium, but they can cause constipation as well.
Foaming agents, such as Gaviscon, work by covering your stomach contents with foam to prevent reflux. These drugs may help those who have no damage to the esophagus.
H2 blockers, such as Tagamet HB, Pepcid AC, Axid AR, and Zantac 75, impede acid production. They are available in prescription strength and over the counter. These drugs provide short-term relief, but over-the-counter H2 blockers should not be used for more than a few weeks at a time. They are effective for about half of those who have GERD symptoms.
Proton pump inhibitors include Prilosec, Prevacid, Protonix, Aciphex, and Nexium, which are all available by prescription. Proton pump inhibitors are more effective than H2 blockers and can relieve symptoms in almost everyone who has GERD.
I've used several of these and now take Protonix every day. To say it works great, would be an understatement. If you're having problems with acid reflux and bad breath, please talk to your doctor about getting on a proton pump inhibitor.
Another group of drugs, prokinetics, helps strengthen the sphincter and makes the stomach empty faster. This group includes bethanechol (Urecholine) and metoclopramide (Reglan). Metoclopramide also improves muscle action in the digestive tract, but these drugs have frequent side effects that limit their usefulness.
Because drugs work in different ways, combinations of drugs may help control symptoms. People who get heartburn after eating may take both antacids and H2 blockers. The antacids work first to neutralize the acid in the stomach, while the H2 blockers act on acid production. By the time the antacid stops working, the H2 blocker will have stopped acid production. Your doctor is the best source of information on how to use medications for GERD.
If your acid reflux and bad breath do not improve with lifestyle changes and/or medication, you may need additional tests for the digestive tract, such as:
A barium-swallow x-ray to help spot abnormalities such as a hiatal hernia and severe inflammation of the esophagus.
An Upper Endoscopy, which is more accurate than a barium-swallow x-ray, may be performed in a hospital or a doctor's office. The doctor will spray your throat to numb it and slide down a thin, flexible plastic tube called an endoscope. A tiny camera in the endoscope allows the doctor to see the surface of the esophagus, to search for abnormalities, and to remove tissue samples for biopsy.
In an ambulatory pH monitoring examination, the doctor puts a tiny tube into the esophagus that will stay there for 24 hours. While you go about your normal activities, it measures when and how much acid comes up into your esophagus.
If your treatment resolves your acid reflux but bad breath remains unchanged, you may need to treat the symptoms separately. Make sure you have a good oral hygiene routine in place. Read Fourteen Guidelines To Help Prevent Bad Breath.
Surgery may be indicated when medicine and lifestyle changes do not work. Surgery may also be a reasonable alternative to a lifetime of drugs and discomfort.
Recently the FDA approved an implant that may help people with GERD who wish to avoid surgery. Enteryx is a solution that becomes spongy and reinforces the LES to keep stomach acid from flowing into the esophagus. It is injected during endoscopy. The implant is approved for people who have GERD and who require and respond to proton pump inhibitors. The long-term effects of the implant are unknown.
Sometimes GERD can cause serious complications. Inflammation of the esophagus from stomach acid causes bleeding or ulcers. In addition, scars from tissue damage can narrow the esophagus and make swallowing difficult. Some people develop Barrett's esophagus, where cells in the esophageal lining take on an abnormal shape and color, which over time can lead to cancer.
Also, studies have shown that asthma, chronic cough, and pulmonary fibrosis may be aggravated or even caused by GERD.
For information about Barrett's esophagus, please see the Barrett's Esophagus fact sheet from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
Heartburn, also called acid indigestion, is the most common symptom of GERD. Anyone experiencing heartburn twice a week or more may have GERD. Acid reflux and bad breath together may also indicate the presence of GERD.
You can have GERD without having heartburn. Your symptoms could be excessive clearing of the throat, problems swallowing, the feeling that food is stuck in your throat, burning in the mouth, or pain in the chest.
In infants and children, GERD may cause repeated vomiting, coughing, and other respiratory problems. Most babies grow out of GERD by their first birthday. It's possible for both infants and children to have acid reflux and bad breath that goes with it.
If you have been using antacids for more than 2 weeks, it is time to see a doctor.
Doctors usually recommend lifestyle and dietary changes to relieve heartburn. Many people with GERD also need medication. Surgery may be an option.
American College of Gastroenterology (ACG)
4900-B South 31st Street
Arlington, VA 22206?1656
Phone: 703?820?7400
Fax: 703?931?4520
Internet: www.acg.gi.org
American Gastroenterological Association (AGA)
National Office
4930 Del Ray Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20814
Phone: 301?654?2055
Fax: 301?652?3890
Email: webinfo@gastro.org
Internet: www.gastro.org
International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) Inc.
P.O. Box 170864
Milwaukee, WI 53217?8076
Phone: 1?888?964?2001 or 414?964?1799
Fax: 414?964?7176
Email: iffgd@iffgd.org
Internet: www.aboutgerd.org
North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (NASPGHAN)
P.O. Box 6
Flourtown, PA 19031
Phone: 215?233?0808
Fax: 215?233?3939
Email: naspghan@naspghan.org
Internet: www.naspghan.org
Pediatric/Adolescent Gastroesophageal Reflux Association Inc. (PAGER)
P.O. Box 1153
Germantown, MD 20875?1153
Phone: 301?601?9541
Email: gergroup@aol.com
Internet: www.reflux.org
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Aug 12, Baby Bad Breath: Causes and Treatment
Baby bad breath as well as bad breath in toddlers is relatively uncommon, but it can occur. It most often occurs after the baby or toddler has been asleep for a while because the bacteria in the mouth multiply during sleep and produce a bad odor. Bad breath after a night?s sleep is also known as ?morning breath?.
To get rid of ?morning breath?, rinse the child?s mouth with water before their nap to clean away traces of food or milk from the teeth and mouth. If your little one has teeth, you can brush them and have your child flush their mouth and rinse with water. These simple measures will often stop bad breath. However, if bad breath persists you will need to look for another cause.
Bacteria causes baby bad breath. If your baby sucks on a pacifier or a comfort toy, their saliva with its oral bacteria gets transferred to this object. As a result, these objects can develop an unpleasant smell. When sucked on continually, the bad odor can transfer to other objects they come in contact with, including the baby?s mouth. It is important to regularly wash and sanitize objects that go into your baby?s mouth. When your child stops sucking objects, this problem will disappear.
If you follow both these steps and bad breath continues in your young child, you should consult your doctor. The answer is likely to be an infection, tooth decay or a foreign object stuck in a nasal passage. Congested sinuses can also cause bad breath because they can cause the baby to mouth-breathe, causing the mouth to become dry. Saliva is naturally antibacterial and keeps oral bacteria at acceptable levels. Without it, the mouth becomes dry and bacteria thrive.
The best way to deal with baby bad breath is to lower the numbers of anaerobic bacteria in your baby?s or toddler?s mouth and to make sure there is no food debris or trace of milk left in the mouth that can decompose. This means it's not a good idea to let your child fall asleep sucking a bottle of milk. You can, however, allow a baby to fall asleep sucking a bottle of water. In fact, one important aspect of treating baby bad breath is to ensure your child drinks plenty of pure water throughout the day.
Sometimes baby bad breath is caused by gastro-esophageal reflux (acid bad breath reflux) or regurgitating food and if this is the case, you need to have the baby examined by a physician.
Sugar in a baby?s or toddler?s diet can also lead to bad breath because it feeds the bacteria in the mouth. Sugary drinks, cakes, custards and other deserts all come under the category of sugar and can affect your child?s health. If you make sure your child?s diet is healthy and does not include high sugar and high fat foods and drinks, bad breath will rarely occur.
Most bad breath in babies and toddlers falls into these categories. If bad breath persists and its cause is unidentifiable, ask for a referral to a pediatrician and request a complete examination. There is always a cause of bad breath in babies and toddlers and if you have eliminated all the common causes, you will have to look for less common ones. However, for most situations the steps outlined in this article will work and your baby?s breath will once again smell sweet.
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Did this article help? Do you have a different thought about it? Leave us a comment in the box below.Monday, 15 August 2011
Nov 29, Cause of Mouth Odor
Even though there is no single cause of mouth odor, there's a growing consensus that the main cause is the action of sulfur-producing bacteria. Known as anaerobic bacteria, which means they thrive in an Oxygen-free environment, these bacteria thrive on the tongue, in the throat, in the gum line, and anywhere else that's sheltered from Oxygen penetration. You might be tempted to believe that since there's Oxygen crossing your tongue constantly, there's be no possible way for anaerobic bacteria to survive.
The truth is that these bacteria live deep within the surface of the tongue where the papillae, or fibers, connect to the tongue. Generally, Oxygen does not reach that level.
Now, believe it or not, the presence of these bacteria really is a good thing as they have an important job to do. They're responsible for breaking down proteins found in specific foods. However, proteins are also present in oral and sinus secretions which find their way to the tongue and back of the throat as well as in blood and diseased oral tissue.
The breakdown process produces a number of compounds such as Hydrogen Sulfide and Methyl Mercaptan. Unfortunately, these compounds are rich with sulfur, and its release creates unpleasant odors and tastes.
When the bacteria break down proteins at the normal rate, everything's fine. But from time to time (or always, in the case of chronic halitosis), conditions occur which cause the bacteria to process proteins at higher rates. This is the main source of halitosis.
As other factors come into play, the process can accelerate and produce terrible mouth odor.
Another cause of mouth odor is post-nasal drip. Post-nasal drip coats the back of the tongue and the throat with mucous. This mucous is very rich in protein. We've already talked about what happens when anaerobic bacteria have a supply of protein on which to feed. To this particular group of bacteria, a post-nasal drip is the dinner bell going clanging.
Some people have been lead by their doctors to believe that another cause of mouth odor is sinus problems and that sinus surgery will eliminate or at least reduce mouth odor. The point these doctors are missing, however, is that anaerobic bacteria do not live in the sinuses. One expert on the cause of mouth odor, Dr. Harold Katz , says, "After personally treating nearly 9,000 people worldwide, I have yet to see a patient get rid of his bad breath following sinus surgery."
Drinking coffee is another source of bad breath. Coffee contains acids which cause anaerobic bacteria to reproduce more quickly. It doesn't matter whether you drink regular or decaffienated coffee. Both are extremely acidic. Drinking coffee combined with smoking is another cause of mouth odor.
In addition to onions and garlic, there are four kinds of food which tend to stimulate the anaerobic bacteria and increase sulfur production. They are drying agents (alcohol, for example), dense protein foods (such as fish), sugars, and acids.
Finally, anything that dries your mouth reduces the amount of saliva present. Saliva is rich in Oxygen, which helps reduce the number of bacteria. The less saliva you have, the more ideal the environment for anaerobic bacteria to thrive. Consuming alcoholic beverages, using a mouthwash containing alcohol, smoking, taking certain medications... All of these are things can give you a dry mouth. Now that you've had a good overview about the cause of mouth odor, check out the other articles on this site for ideas on how to treat your particular problem.
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Aug 6, Tonsil Stones - Not Well-Known, But Not Uncommon
by AGK
(Sierra Mtns, CA)
I never knew what these were called or that it was relatively common. When I was a kid (I'm a 47 year old male now,) I used to suffer terrible allergies to dust, mold, pollens and pets. I also had countless sore throats. At times, I would feel what seemed like a piece of popcorn stuck to the back of my throat. I'd look in a mirror and sure enough, there would be these whitish things protruding from my tonsils.
I always thought the tonsil pockets were ducts and the stones were some kind of secretion from the tonsils consisting of bacteria and white blood cells from some sore throat or allergy I always seemed to have. I eventually discovered they caused bad breath and became religious about checking for them (I couldn't always feel them until they got rather large) and removing them as they rarely came out themselves. (Yes, I am guilty of using a bent paperclip for this - carefully!) However, now I see on ebay, there are much better and safer tools for this. Search for "Tonsil Stone (tonsillolith) Cleaning Tools".
As I aged, my body chemistry apparently changed. At age 21, I stopped having numerous sore throats, at 27, I stopped having allergies, and at about the age of 35, I stopped getting the awful tonsilloliths. My tonsils have changed shape and do not have deep pockets anymore (however, my skin is getting wrinkly and my stomach is much larger than it used to be.) But, it's been years since I've had tonsilloliths form. I'm surprised a doctor never told me what they were! I guess things sometimes DO get better with age.
Gary's Response: Thanks for taking the time to share your story, AGK. Since your tonsil stones went away on their own, I guess that makes you one of the lucky ones (aside from the wrinkles and larger stomach - and believe me, at 58, I feel your pain on in that regard).
And as for a doctor not telling you what they were, the more I hear from other tonsil stone sufferers whose doctors and/or dentists were unable to tell them what the problem was or render any meaningful assistance, well... the less surprised I am. It happens that way all too often, and frankly, it's a shame.
Thanks again!
Best regards,
Gary
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by Kelly
(California)
WOW. Tonsil stones. I never knew that so many people suffered from them! The WaterPik syringe is a great tip for cleaning out the crypts.
Here's a link to order some:
http://www.tonsilstonesremedies.com/monoject.htm
Thanks for creating this support site!
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by SnapDragon
(Washington State)
Sooo I thought I had some type of strep throat when I saw my first tonsil stone in the back of my throat about two weeks ago. I only had a "white spot" on one side of my mouth, so my dad said "just flick it out," which I did... result - the most awkward thing I have ever been a part of!! The stone was really big and gross and smelled.. Then I was fine until they kept coming back. Now they're in both of my tonsils, so I googled my symptoms, and this site popped up, and I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE!! I've read so many peoples things that say they have it, and this network is amazing. Thank you.
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by Jules
(Idaho)
I would sometimes get an irritating, persistent sore throat. Then I discovered what looked like firm tofu chunks coming out of my tonsils. My crypts must be deep because I have to squeeze the stones out. The odor is sooo foul. I know this sounds disgusting, but I was really confused by what it could be. I thought at first it was rotten food trapped in my tonsil. Now that it has often repeated itself I came looking for answers. Thank you for all the great suggestions. I hope they will also help my chronic nasty breath.
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I thought I was a freak or had throat cancer.
Gary's Response: You are not alone. As I read more and more accounts from tonsil stone sufferers, I'm amazed at the number of people who think they have cancer or some other vile disease.
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by Andrea
(Columbus, OH)
Thank you for the wonderful information. I have been suffering from these strange stones for years. I had no idea what they were. I could always feel them in my throat but could not see them. Then I would cough them up, and I would be fine for awhile.
Today I finally saw it on my tonsil. I had a neighbor (a Med Tech) look at it. She had no idea what it was and told me to call my ENT since I have two large nodules on my Thyroid. Well, I decide to do some research online first. and I found this site and some others that had pictures (Thank God). It looked just like what I have been coughing up. I am not crazy after all. I also removed it. It was 1.5 cm long. I could not believe it.
Now I am wondering what is causing them, and if it is linked to some of the other stone problems I have been having. I have had two large kidney stones, one the size of a small peanut and one the size of a walnut. Also I have the two large nodules on my Thyroid. I know that the kidney stones are from a dietary problem of eating foods with too much calcium & oxalate.
Thank you again, hope this can help someone else too.
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by Shannon
(Tx.)
Tonsil Stone Image Courtesy of Wikipedia.com
Are tonsil stones trapped food on the tonsils?
If so, I have had some of those. It's kind of gross, but I only have them now and then. They can cause pain if they are lodged in there just right.
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Aug 12, Six Common Bad Breath Symptoms
Although you can't smell it yourself, there are six typical bad breath symptoms which may indicate you have a problem. Why do you need to be aware of these signs?
Well, I'm sure you'd agree that this is an embarrassing topic for two people to have to discuss. You may not be fortunate enough to have someone in your life who's willing to be honest and tell you that you have bad breath. As a result, you're the last to know that you have a problem.
But you probably already suspect that you have a problem, and that's why you're reading this. Correct?
So, what are the six most common symptoms? How can you check for yourself? Here's the list:
Do you have Tonsiloliths or Tonsil Stones as they are more commonly called? (smelly white "globs" that appear on your tonsils or that you cough up from the back of your throat)Is there a thick white coating on the back of your tongue?Do you experience constant dry mouth?Do you ever get the feeling of "smelling" bad breath through your sinuses?Do you have excess mucous and/or post-nasal drip?Is there ever a metallic, tinny taste in your mouth?What? You answered yes to one or more of these questions? Okay...
Don't Panic!Just because you have one, two, or even three of these does not absolutely mean you have a problem. However, many people who have received treatment said they experienced two or more of these symptoms prior to seeking help.
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