Print Article for : Cider Vinegar And Acid Reflux

Your Online Guide » Common Illness » Acid Reflux

[C681]Cider Vinegar And Acid Reflux

by JoAnn Graham, JoA

GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)--caused by acid reflux--is one example. Gerd is more than just frequent "heartburn". It's even possible to have damage from GERD without frequent heartburn, since the amount of heartburn can depend on what kind of foods you eat, degree of overweight and other factors. Other common symptoms-- usually occurring at night--include coughing, snoring, swelling of sinus tissues producing cold-like symptoms, mucus drainage and throat clearing. Chest pain is another GERD symptom that prompts many a midnight trip to the emergency room. It should be noted, however, that even though chest pain is commonly related to GERD, it is not safe to assume GERD is the cause. You should seek emergency care anytime you experience sudden chest pain that persists

What is GERD?

GERD happens when stomach acid flows back into your esophagus--the "tube" through which food enters your stomach. This happens more often when you bend over, or when you're lying down at night. While you're sleeping, GERD may be bathing your esophagus in stomach acid, causing burning and scarring. Over time, the scar tissue can narrow your esophagus, cause difficulty swallowing and even trouble breathing. Asthma-like wheezing, chronic laryngitis, and--infrequently--cancer of the esophagus can result if left uncorrected. Since the cause of these problems may not be immediately apparent--especially if you're not experiencing frequent bouts of heartburn--they often go undetected until substantial damage has been done.

What causes GERD?

Overweight

When you swallow, the band of muscle around the lower part of your esophagus (called the esophageal sphincter) relaxes long enough for the food or liquid to pass through the esophagus to your stomach, then tightens again--keeping stomach acid where it belongs, in your stomach. If you are overweight, excess abdominal weight can crowd your stomach and diaphragm (the big band of muscle between your stomach and chest that helps you breathe), pushing your diaphragm against the bottom of your esophagus. The added pressure forces the esophogeal sphincter open, allowing stomach acid to flow backward into your esophagus.

Diabetes

One of the lesser-known side effects of diabetes is gastroparesis, which simply means your stomach takes longer than normal to empty. Food that stays in your stomach too long can sour and regurgitate, sending the acid-drenched contents into your esophagus and causing heartburn or GERD.

How Can I Repair the Damage from GERD?

Over-the-counter antacids like Maalox ®, Tums ® or Rolaids ® may control your heartburn by neutralizing stomach acid. Some prescription drugs reduce the amount of acid in your stomach rather than neutralizing it--like Pepcid ® or Zantac ®. These are sold in weaker versions over the counter, and may be more effective than simple antacids against GERD. But if your esophagus is already damaged, you may need prescription-strength medicine to prevent acid reflux and heal the damage. Prilosec ® is one such drug, though its full-strength version is now sold over the counter. To be effective, Prilosec ® and similar drugs need to be taken at least half an hour before eating.

Are there ways to prevent GERD?

Apart from medications, there are things you can do to prevent the acid reflux that causes GERD:

&bull Lose weight

&bull Eat smaller meals

&bull Elevate the head of your bed 6-9 inches by inserting a foam wedge under your pillow or putting cement blocks under the front legs of the bedframe.

&bull Quit smoking and avoid alcohol

&bull Eliminate "triggers" from your diet--fried or fatty foods, onions, garlic, chocolate and coffee are frequent culprits.

&bull Avoid bending over.

&bull Don't lie down right after eating. Wait 3-4 hours after eating before going to bed.

Copyright 2008

Those who suffer from acid reflux and are looking for some acid reflux relief may experience more than complications other than bile reflux. Some acid reflux sufferers experience spasms in their esophagus. Your esophagus connects your throat to your stomach and is structured like a long tube. A healthy esophagus moves food to the stomach through a series of synchronized muscle contractions. Esophageal spasms upset this natural process creating many unpleasant symptoms.

What is an esophageal spasm?

Esophageal spasms occur when the muscle contractions within the esophagus lack coordination and prevent food from properly moving through your esophagus to the stomach. Esophageal spasms affect the muscles that are situated within the walls of the lower esophagus. They can occur in the following two ways:

1. Diffuse spasms ? This is when food traveling to the stomach is slowed due to irregular or simultaneous contraction of the esophageal muscles.

2. Nutcracker esophagus ? This is when food progresses normally to the stomach, but the muscle contractions are abnormally strong and painful.

Researchers are not exactly sure what causes esophageal spasms, but one theory is that extremely cold, hot or spicy food can trigger a spasm. Another theory is that GERD or heartburn, which causes irritation and inflammation in the esophagus, can trigger a spasm. Whatever the real reason, one fact remains ? People who are prone to acid reflux and have GERD are more prone to esophageal spasms, and the chances of developing this condition increases as they age.

The following are some symptoms of this condition that you should be aware of:

- Chest pain that is usually intense and is often mistaken for heart pain. This is the most common symptom.
- Pain when swallowing
- Trouble swallowing
- Feeling something is stuck in the throat
- Regurgitating food
- Heartburn

How are esophageal spasms diagnosed?

This condition can be hard to diagnose due to the fact that its symptoms closely resemble other disorders such as GERD. Nevertheless, should your doctor expect that you suffer from esophageal spasms; the condition may be diagnosed through -

- Barium esophagram ? This is the most common test for people who suffer from trouble swallowing. The Barium esophagram utilizes X-rays to examine the esophagus and is the best test for detecting esophageal spasms.

- Esophageal CT scan ? This is a test that uses computerized tomography (CT) scans to create and capture cross-sectional sliced images of the inside of the body. The test may reveal that the esophageal muscles have abnormal thickness which could mean esophageal spasms.

- Esophageal manometry test ? This test involves the insertion of a thin tube into the esophagus via the mouth or nose. The purpose is to measure how effective the esophageal muscles are during the swallowing process.

Is there treatment for esophageal spasms?

Yes. The following are some suggested treatments:

- Manage underlying conditions ? If you are prone to heartburn or suffer from GERD, manage these conditions to reduce your chance of spasms.

- Lifestyle changes ? Change your eating habits such as avoid eating certain foods including those that are spicy or acidic, and avoid lying down directly after eating meals. Lifestyle change is also the best way to prevent esophageal spasms from occurring.

- Biofeedback ? This is an alternative therapy that teaches you to use your mind to control your body. Electrical sensors help you recognize the way your body responds to psychological stress so you can control it.

- Medication ? Muscle relaxants including nitrates or calcium channel blockers are often prescribed to reduce the severity of muscle contractions. Tricyclic antidepressants may also be recommended to help relieve pain.

- Surgery ? This treatment is extremely rare but sometimes is the only option in serious cases. Myotmy may be performed to help weaken muscle contractions, or an esophagectomy (the removal of the esophagus) may be needed.

Article Source : Pg. 7

About Author

Both JoAnn Graham & Kathryn Whittaker 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.

JoAnn Graham has sinced written about articles on various topics from Acid Reflux, Diabetes Treatment and Lose Weight. A Type 2 Diabetic, JoAnn Graham experienced prolonged bouts of laryngitis that seemed to be allergy-related, but turned out to be caused by GERD. By sharing what she has learned, she hopes to help others avoid going down the same path. For more in. JoAnn Graham's top article generates over 1300 views. to your Favourites.

Kathryn Whittaker has sinced written about articles on various topics from Acid Reflux, Pregnancy Problems and Acid Reflux. By Kathryn Whittaker. Sign up for a free newsletter that has proven methods for tackling Acid Reflux, Heartburn and GERD head-on at