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After weeks and weeks of crying after eating and spitting up constantly, my first child was diagnosed with acid reflux. The initial news was disconcerting. It was my first baby, and of course I did not want him to be in any pain or diagnosed with any sort of medical complication. Our pediatrician reassured us that acid reflux is quite a common condition among babies and with some treatment he wouldn`t even feel any of the side effects.
Acid reflux is when the contents of the stomach, including both acid and food, work back up into the esophagus sometimes causing pain and discomfort. Sometimes this causes vomiting or a burp that contains some of the acid and/or food. In babies, it is difficult to tell this is happening, as it is quite common for babies to spit up. If a child spits up or vomits often, and it is accompanied by crying, arching of the back or poor sleeping habits then the child most often is diagnosed with acid reflux. It is true that acid reflux is common in babies, as their muscle closing off the stomach from the esophagus is often not completely formed yet.
Treatment usually includes taking some medication. Often it is recommended to take some over the counter liquid medication, such as Mylanta. Of course, it will be in a very small dose through a dropper because of the child`s size, but it generally is helpful in lessening the discomfort. If this does not seem to be enough to calm the symptoms the doctor may recommend taking a prescription medication such a Prevacid or Zantac. These medications help to stop the production of acid in the stomach, and therefore there is less acid to work back up into the esophagus.
One year later, my first son had outgrown his acid reflux and was doing quite well. After the birth of my second son, I knew what symptoms to look for and brought some concerns to the pediatrician. He, too, was diagnosed with acid reflux. Both of my sons were treated with a combination of Mylanta and Prevacid, and both were not in any obvious pain or discomfort while being treated. Their sleep patterns regulated, they spit up much less, and their overall demeanor was much more pleasant.
You are in a very important meeting and just about to close the biggest business deal of your career. You should be feeling great but you can barely manage a smile. The burning pain in your esophagus and throat is almost too much to bear. The stress of the deal and food from lunch have combined to give you heartburn, at least that is what you think it is but in reality you have acid reflux syndrome.
Acid reflux syndrome sounds like a serious disease and lets face it, it can be if left untreated. It is serious if it interferes with your lifestyle and well-being. Acid reflux syndrome will affect your job performance and your relationship with others. Many people think they just have a more severe form of heartburn or indigestion. The symptoms of acid reflux syndrome are similar to both heartburn and indigestion and include pressure in the stomach and chest, intense heartburn pain, indigestion, bad breath with a foul or bad taste in your mouth, hoarseness, persistent sore throat and cough. More advanced symptoms include difficulty or pain during swallowing. A good number of people will be in denial as to the extent of their symptoms and disease.
Ignoring acid reflux syndrome will most likely add to further problems and complications. The easiest way to ascertain your condition is make an appointment with your physician for a correct diagnosis. An exam and tests will determine the amount of scarring of the esophagus and damage to the LES (lower esophageal sphincter). Prolonged and persistent acid reflux can lead more serous problems like GERD (gastro esophageal reflux disease) or cancer. Just like any other health problem the earlier you address the problems of acid reflux syndrome the more likely you will have a positive outcome from treatment.
Acid reflux syndrome like heartburn and indigestion symptoms can be reduced by simple but sometimes tough lifestyle changes. The hardest but the most effective change you can make is to quit smoking. Smoking causes the LES to become relaxed letting acid from the stomach to reflux or flow back up into the esophagus and in severe case into the larynx. Remember frequent acid reflux causes scaring and thus the body's repair of scare tissue increases the risk of GERD and cancer. If you needed another reason to quit smoking than preventing acid reflux syndrome is it. Additional lifestyle changes that will reduce your acid reflux syndrome and its symptoms include eating more and smaller meals each day, not eating for at least 3 hours before retiring for bed, a daily routine of exercise to reduce stress and increase digestive function and of course avoiding all the foods and drinks that have caused your acid reflux symptoms to flare up. I am sure you know everyone by heart.
Ignoring acid reflux syndrome symptoms can lead to further complications and make your life miserable. It is up to you to take charge of your life and address the root causes of your affliction. You cannot do this on your own. You should employ the assistance of medical professionals that treat Acid reflux syndrome to assure that you are taking the proper corrective measures to cure your acid reflux syndrome. The sooner you address your problem with acid reflux syndrome the sooner your symptoms will be controlled.