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[A189]Acid Reflux Disease Gerd

by John Wellington, Joh

Generally known as ?heart burn?, acid reflux disease is a condition wherein the liquid content of the stomach refluxes into the esophagus. It can be both agonizing and annoying. But if you want to know the truth, the reflux of the stomach's liquid contents into the esophagus occurs in most normal individuals. Though, when heartburn becomes acid reflux disease or Gastro esophageal reflux disease, also referred to as GERD, it is s real problem. This is because with GERD, the acid is stronger and remains in the esophagus even longer causing more pain.

Many a times, you will experience this especially when you are upright, sitting straight, or standing and it occurs during the daytime. You body handles this reflux by the fluid flowing back down into your stomach. One tends to swallow more during the daytime as a result draining the acid back to where it belongs. Your salivary glands create saliva that also contains bicarbonate that acts to neutralize the acid your stomach has kicked up.

Though at night, you may experience a greater problem when acid reflux disease takes place that is because while sleeping, gravity does not work as well lying down, your constant swallowing stops, and the production of saliva is reduced.

For GERD, there are certain conditions that tend to make a person more prone to acid reflux disease. For instance, this can be a serious problem while you are pregnant. Elevated hormone levels of pregnancy probably cause reflux by lowering the pressure in that part of your body known as the lower esophageal sphincter. Moreover the growing baby puts more pressure on the abdomen. Both of these effects of pregnancy tend to increase the risk of GERD.

You will experience only minor symptoms if you're acid reflux disease is a minor condition. This would include mainly heartburn, regurgitation, and nausea.

However for more complicated conditions, then one would need to watch out for the following symptoms:

Firstly the liquid that comes back into the esophagus damages the lining of the esophagus. The body in turn tries to protect itself from the acid reflux disease by ?inflaming? the esophagus. In many cases when trying to speed the healing process through the inflammation, the wall of the esophagus may form an ulcer. Thus an ulcer is a break in the lining of the esophagus wall. Then what happens is that there may be bleeding. In case the bleeding is very severe, patients might need a blood transfusion or even surgical treatment.

If your heartburn is severe or acute, or if it takes place very frequently, you need to see a doctor.

What can you do for yourself to alleviate the condition? You can try sleeping on a pillow at night that raises your chest up slightly so that gravity can bring the acid back down more easily. Many a times this condition regularly arises on a full stomach; hence one needs to eat earlier and eat less to keep the stomach from being too full. Cut down on the chocolate, peppermint, caffeinated drinks and alcohol. Lessen fatty foods and for sure, either cut down or quit smoking. Other foods may aggravate the conditions. Also pass up on both spicy or acid-containing foods, like citrus juices, carbonated beverages, and tomato juice.

Taking the first steps to control the incidence of reflux in your life is an important first step which many seem reluctant to take. Masking over the symptoms and telling yourself you'll be a little more careful next time is doing nothing but delaying the inevitable.

What Is Acid Reflux Disease?

It occurs when stomach acid, which is used for digestion purposes, continually backs up into the esophagus. The role of the LES (lower esophageal sphincter), which is situated at the bottom of the esophagus, is there to produce a barrier and when food is allowed to pass by the LES from the mouth to the stomach, it will usually close tightly.

When the door isn't shut tightly, stomach acid can then back up into the esophagus causing an unpleasant experience for those who experience it. The problem is, unchecked, and with the esophagus continually exposed, damage can occur which can lead to more serious complications. This is known as acid reflux disease and is also referred to as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).

Symptoms Of Acid Reflux Disease

Heartburn is the most common symptom. Experiencing heartburn more than twice a week should be cause for some alarm. Other symptoms include persistent coughing, sour taste in the mouth, difficulty swallowing, chest pain and unnaturally high incidence of belching.

What Steps Can You Take Prevent Acid Reflux Disease?

First of all, you need to admit to yourself there is a problem. That's obvious but too many times the warning signs are ignored. Try these simple steps:

1. Following another episode of reflux make a promise to yourself to sit down and identify the possible trigger.

2. Be honest in your assessment here. Identify the food you consumed before the attack or the liquid intake you had. Did you smoke? Do you wear tight fitting clothing especially around the stomach? Did the attack happen shortly after you went to bed? Write down everything you can think of.

3. Make an appointment to see your doctor. Your doctor will be your greatest ally in getting on top of reflux disease.

4. Go over your list and review your current lifestyle. Your doctor can then suggest a plan of action which may include diet and lifestyle changes and possibly medication.

The worst thing you can do concerning acid reflux is to attempt to self-medicate. Common antacids may be okay for mild heartburn sufferers but acid reflux needs more serious attention. You've got to realise with continued exposure to acid, your esophagus is at risk of serious damage and untreated, more serious complications such as Barrett's esophagus could occur with an increased risk of esophagus cancer possible.

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Both John Wellington & Dean Caporella 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.

John Wellington has sinced written about articles on various topics from Distance Learning, Acid Reflux and Acne Treatment. John Wellington provides readers with up-to-date commentaries, articles, and reviews for ,. John Wellington's top article generates over 74000 views. to your Favourites.

Dean Caporella has sinced written about articles on various topics from Parenting, Golf Guide and Surveys. Dean Caporella is a professional broadcaster. Get the facts about taking control back from Don't ignore the symptoms! Plus,. Dean Caporella's top article generates over 74000 views. to your Favourites.