Before giving a brief overview of various acid reflux treatments, I will discuss the immediate physiological reasons of acid reflux (also known as GERD ? gastro esophageal reflux disease) and the medical condition. Acid reflux solutions can be put into three main divisions: surgical operations; prescription or over-the-counter medication; and holistic, 100 per cent natural programs.
The backwards flow (reflux) of the stomach acids can give a variety of symptoms: a salty taste in the mouth, coughing, pain in the chest, nighttime attacks of asthma and hoarseness. The main symptom of gastro esophageal reflux disease is a nagging burning feeling in the chest and the throat. This is produced when stomach acids reflux into your esophagus.
Acid reflux is, speaking technically, the result of valve mechanical failure, this valve being located at where the stomach and the esophagus meet.
When the valve called the lower esophageal sphincter or LES fails to shut correctly, the gastric contents are thrown back up into the esophagus. Heartburn is then the result of the gastric acid burning into the esophageal lining.
As mentioned above, several different methods exist for tackling acid reflux, each approach with its own perception of the condition. When surgery is performed for gastro esophageal reflux disease, parts of the stomach are wrapped around the lower esophagus to prevent reflux of gastric content from touching the esophagus. Thus, surgery for gastro esophageal reflux disease has the objective of resolving weakness of the LES, by strengthening it to prevent acid from contacting and inflaming the esophagus.
Sadly, these medicaments are typically only effective for temporary relief and occasion numerous secondary effects. In general, these acid reflux medicaments have the goal of reducing an excess of acidity in the stomach. Despite their limited effectiveness, medicaments, including H2 blockers, antacids and PPIs, whether prescribed or over-the-counter, are very popular for treating gastro esophageal reflux disease.
Medication only targets the skin-deep symptoms of GERD. This is the big disadvantage of treatment offered by conventional medicine for gastro esophageal reflux disease, which includes surgical and medicinal approaches.
The real remedy for acid reflux must tackle the deeper problem instead of constantly limiting its action to attempting to stop or alleviate only superficial physical symptoms. Gastro esophageal reflux disease is a complex condition. It is the result of a combination of factors including diet, lifestyle and behavior.
Holistic treatment is based on set of modifications in lifestyle and diet (avoiding acid favorable foods, diminishing and capping stress, enhancing sleep, etc.). Better than the other "quick-fix" solutions where the compromise solution is just for alleviating painful and handicapping acid reflux symptoms, the holistic approach handles gastro esophageal reflux disease in an all-natural and overall way. Reduction and prevention of the recurrence of acid reflux securely and effectively. as well as detox and the use of specific supplements derived from herbs, is the only solution that targets the internal contributing causes of acid reflux instead of the local symptoms.
When you first see the doctor, he will ask you to describe if you experience a burning, warmth, heat or pain just behind the breastbone. This acid reflux symptom is commonly known as the heartburn.
If you have frequent or severe cases of heartburn, then your doctor will usually prescribe you some medications usually used to treat the more serious GERD. If your symptoms improve after taking the medications, then your doctor will usually diagnose you with acid reflux disease and do not require you to go for more testing.
However, if your symptoms become even more severe, your doctor may recommend that you see a specialist called a gastroenterologist. A gastroenterologist will perform a test called an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. This test allows him to examine the inner lining of your esophagus, stomach and the first part of your small intestine via a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope.
An endoscopy is used for many reasons. First, it is used to evaluate the esophagus for inflammation and other acid reflux complications. Second, it can be used to rule out Barretts esophagus, another acid reflux complication. Finally, it is used to rule out other diseases such as ulcers or cancer.
An endoscopy is usually ordered in the cases where if you have had symptoms for a long time, if they do not improve through medication, your symptoms come back immediately after medication is stopped or there are other serious accompanying symptoms such as weight loss, vomiting of blood or problems with swallowing.
You may also be required to go through an esophageal test. This is usually required if your doctor cannot gather enough evidence that acid reflux is causing your symptoms through the use of an endoscopy. An esophageal test is needed if your symptoms are not treated with medication, if you have frequent symptoms that put you at high risk of Barrett's esophagus or if you need long-term therapy for you condition.
Esophageal testing includes manometry testing that can help determine how well the muscles of your esophagus move food into your stomach and how tight the valve between the esophagus and the stomach is when it closes. You will usually need this test before you undergo surgery to treat your acid reflux disease.
In addition to the use of endoscopy and through esophageal testing, pH monitoring can also be used. PH monitoring is another test, which looks at how often the stomach acid gets into the esophagus and how long it remains there.
X-rays of the esophagus or stomach are not usually taken for acid reflux disease but are sometimes used. They can be used to determine if there is another problem that can be causing your acid reflux symptoms. These problems can be a hiatal hernia or a narrowing of the esophagus, called a stricture. These X-rays are usually done as a part of a series known as an upper gastrointestinal or UGI series.
Your doctor will order the appropriate tests based on the acid reflux symptoms that you are experiencing. It is good to have an understanding about the various tests that your doctor orders for you so that you know what they are for. Together with your doctor, you can then decide which appropriate treatment to take.
Both Jeff W. Martin & Khim Lim are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Jeff W. Martin has sinced written about articles on various topics from Acid Reflux, Anger Control and Acid Reflux. Jeff Martin is a medical researcher, health consultant and author of the #1 best-selling e-book