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DO YOU HAVE
a great deal of
indigestion or a burning sensation
in the center of your chest? Do you
regularly get sour or bitter-tasting
fluids in your throat or mouth? Do you
avoid bending over to prevent acid
from backing up into your throat?
If you can answer yes to any
of these questions, you might
have chronic heartburn or GERD
(gastroesophageal reflux disease).
Now there is a non-invasive test for
heartburn at Kadlec — it’s called
BRAVO® esophageal pH test. The
results from this quick and easy
diagnostic test determine the cause of
the symptoms and the best treatment
to prescribe.
Traditional pH testing requires the
use of a flexible catheter threaded
through the nose. The catheter,
protruding from the nose, is connected
to a recorder that registers each reflux
Living well
DO YOU
or someone you know live
with a chronic health condition —
such as diabetes, emphysema, arthritis,
migraine headaches, asthma and heart
disease — that affects daily life? Kadlec
is offering a series of workshops for
people living with ongoing health
conditions to achieve a healthier way
of living.
The Living Well series of self-
management workshops was
developed at Stanford University and is
designed to complement and enhance
medical treatment and disease
management. Through the series of
classes, participants will learn what
they can do to feel better and manage
New, easier test
for acid reflux
of acid. Many patients complained
of discomfort.
BRAVO uses a wireless, small
capsule-based test. The capsule is
temporarily attached to the wall
of the esophagus during an upper
endoscopy. The capsule collects
pH level measurements for up to
48 hours, and once the test is finished,
the capsule passes harmlessly.
“Patients wear a small receiver, which
collects the readings,”said Pat Faragher,
RN, Kadlec clinical education. “Patients
also record symptoms by pressing
buttons on the receiver.”
Data from the receiver is used to aid
in diagnosis and treatment planning.
“This test is much more comfortable,
and patients can maintain regular
activities,” said Faragher. “For people
with reflux and heartburn, it can
provide an easier way to get a
diagnosis.”
their condition more effectively.
Each workshop covers techniques
to deal with problems such as:
frustration, fatigue, pain and isolation;
appropriate exercise for maintaining
and improving strength, flexibility
and endurance; appropriate use
of medications; communicating
effectively with family, friends and
health professionals; nutrition; and
how to evaluate new treatments.
Sessions are highly participative,
and mutual support and success build
participants’ confidence in their ability
to manage their health and maintain
active and fulfilling lives.
The new test is available
through Kadlec Clinic
Gastroenterology. For information,
call
(509) 942-3180
.
Helping you live well
Workshops offered at no charge at Kadlec Healthplex are:
• LivingWell with Chronic Conditions
• Thriving and Surviving Cancer Workshop
• LivingWell with Chronic PainWorkshop
Each workshop is held once a week for six weeks.
For dates and times or to register, please call
(509) 946-4611,
ext. 5593
.
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