Acid reflux and GERD: The same thing?

Acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are closely related, but the terms aren't necessarily interchangeable. Acid reflux is the backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus — the tube that connects the throat and stomach. Acid reflux is more specifically known as gastroesophageal reflux. During an episode of acid reflux, you may taste regurgitated food or sour liquid at the back of your mouth or feel a burning sensation in your chest (heartburn). Sometimes acid reflux progresses to GERD, a more severe form of reflux. . read more.

Cigar smoking: Safer than cigarette smoking?

No. Some people might believe that cigar smoking is safer than cigarette smoking, but it's not. Even if you don't inhale the smoke, it's not safer to smoke any type of cigar. Here's why cigar smoking isn't safer. . read more.

Asthma in adults: Creating an asthma action plan

Maintaining good day-to-day asthma control is the key to keeping symptoms at bay and preventing asthma attacks. Having a written asthma action plan makes it easier for you to measure whether your asthma is under control — and it lets you know exactly what steps to take when it isn't. Using an asthma action plan is especially important if you have moderate to severe asthma or you've had a serious asthma attack in the past. Here's how to get started. . read more.

Treating asthma in children under 5

Most children with asthma develop symptoms before age 5. There are a number of conditions that can cause asthma-like symptoms in young children. But if your child's symptoms are caused by asthma, early diagnosis is important. Asthma treatment in children improves day-to-day breathing, reduces asthma flare-ups and helps reduce other problems caused by asthma. Asthma in children varies by age group. Infants, toddlers and 4-year-olds are diagnosed and treated differently than teens and adults are. Asthma in children also varies from child to child, and symptoms may get better or worse at certain times. In some children, asthma symptoms improve with age. . read more.