There are many words that we hear on the tube today for acid reflux; heartburn, GERD. In any case they are all the same thing. Acid reflux can be debilitating. It is a disease that affects many Americans. I have acid reflux and have had since a teenager. Some doctors thought I had an ulcer or H-pylori but neither of these two common diagnoses were true in my case.

I am unusual in that I just feel constantly hungry if I do not treat my acid reflux daily. I know I am not hungry because I will have just had a meal. Thirty minutes can go by and I will feel famished. This just can't be. Since we all look after our weight it is not so good for me that I should want to eat all the time. I take one little pill each morning for heartburn before I brush my teeth to prevent this unrequited hunger.

The symptoms of acid reflux should be considered as much more than just an inconvenience. Sufferers run the risk of having their esophagus wear away by the unwanted acid, bile and pepsin that is produced in the stomach to aid in normal digestion. What is not normal is that this same bile, acid and pepsin can "back up" into the throat and cause a burning sensation and inflame the esophagus, your throat. Prolonged symptoms can damage your throat and even cause cancer. You can even experience heart attack like symptoms as well as, the more common, throat confined throw up.

Visit your local drug store and speak to the pharmacist. They will have suggestions and recommendations for heartburn. It could be that simple. Drugs such as Zantac and Prilosec used to be only available through a doctors prescription but not anymore. You can get a 30-day supply just by walking into your drug store and asking for it. The drug stores do keep these more expensive drugs under lock and key and it will require a drug store attendant to get them for you.

After trying some of the simple over the counter drug store remedies for stomach acid and you're heartburn is still relieved then you should seek a doctor's help. Find a gastrologist, a doctor that studies the stomach, or an internal medicine doctor who is on your insurance plan. They can help order the necessary tests required to make an accurate diagnosis. These tests are costly so make sure the doctor as well as the testing centers are on your insurance plan.

Wouldn't you be elated if relief was just taking one pill once a day? It could be that simple. Don't procrastinate and get yourself some help right away!

Those that have acid reflux usually never get over it. I guess you could say there is no cure. They must learn to live with it like I did. I take one pill a day since I was 19 and sweat by it.

Most of the time after a meal is when you will expect to have symptoms. Think about how your stomachs tarts to digest the meal you just consumed and needs those acids to break the substances down so that it can be absorbed by your system. People vary on how badly they feel. Upon occasion acid reflux been confused as a heart in some sufferers. Other may only vomit into their throats. I just feel hungry. I am more than pleased my symptoms are not more severe. Don't sit around and not get help. This is not the time to stick your head in the sand. From all statistics it will not subside with time only get worse.

My brother used to constantly eat Tums. He didn't think there was a problem until I said, ?Hey! Why do you eat those things all the time?? He told me about always having acid and he takes them for heartburn. He now takes Prilosec everyday, whether he feels like it or not for acid reflux. He has not felt bad in a long time. He says occasionally he has to take two in a day when he has been gastro excessive (overeaten) or eating like a P.I.G.