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Acid Reflux
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Author: Christiana Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is most commonly known as heartburn. It can occur occasionally or be persistent, during the day or night, causing great physical discomfort for the person suffering from it. Mild cases can be treated with over the counter remedies, such as antacid preparations, and a change in diet. Severe cases such as GERD (gastro esophageal reflux disease) or hiatal hernias (where part of the stomach pushes through the esophagus or chest wall), usually require treatment with prescription medications or even surgery.
It is recommended that the sufferer seek medical attention with persistent episodes, because there may be a more severe underlying problem causing the symptoms. In some cases, it may be because a certain bacteria is present in the gut, known at helicobacter pylori, or H-pylori. This type of bacteria has been proven to cause stomach ulcers and can be easily treated with a combination of antibiotic and antacid therapy, requiring no further treatment once it has been eradicated.
Certain food and drink items, as well as stress and emotional issues, are notorious for causing acid reflux, even in people who never experience this type of discomfort. Alcohol, citrus fruits, tomato based and spicy foods are the most common culprits. Just abstaining from these items may be enough, but often times we just cannot give up the foods we love cold turkey. Some symptoms may be alleviated by simply taking Tums or another immediate relief preparation, but persistent acid reflux may require more to completely eradicate it. As discussed previously, it is recommended that a physician be consulted with persistent symptoms to rule out other causes.
There are medications that are now available both over the counter and by prescription that can be taken on a daily basis, known as H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors, to heal any damage that has already occurred and prevent further heartburn flare-ups. According to various sources on the internet, these medications do not work immediately and may take anywhere from seven to twenty-one days to prove effective. It is also recommended that these medications not be taken for longer than an eight-week period, because it is thought that these medications cause an overproduction of the hormone known as gastin, which is thought to be linked to a higher incidence of cancer.
There is something you can do about your persistent acid reflux. Get it checked out and get it treated. Why would you want to continue living like this when there are easy treatment options available? To your good health!
Commonly called 'heart burn', acid reflux disease is a condition in which the liquid content of the stomach regurgitates (backs up, or refluxes) into the esophagus. It's annoying and painful. But you want to know the truth, the reflux of the stomach's liquid contents into the esophagus occurs in most normal individuals. However, when heartburn becomes acid reflux disease or Gastro esophageal reflux disease, commonly referred to as GERD, it is s real problem. That is because with GERD, the acid is stronger and stays in the esophagus longer causing more discomfort.
Most often, you will experience this during the daytime when you are upright, sitting straight, or standing. You body handles this reflux by the fluid flowing back down into your stomach. You swallow more during the daytime therefore draining the acid back to where it belongs. Your salivary glands produce saliva that also contains bicarbonate that acts to neutralize the acid your stomach has kicked up.
At night though, you may have a greater problem when acid reflux disease occurs that is because while sleeping, gravity does not work as well lying down, your constant swallowing stops, and the production of saliva is reduced.
Certain conditions make a person more prone to acid reflux disease, this GERD. For example, while you are pregnant, this can be a serious problem. Elevated hormone levels of pregnancy probably cause reflux by lowering the pressure in that part of your body known as the lower esophageal sphincter. Also, the growing baby puts more pressure on the abdomen. Both of these effects of pregnancy tend to increase the risk of GERD.
If your acid reflux disease is a minor condition, then you should only experience minor symptoms. These would include primarily heartburn, regurgitation, and nausea. However, if the condition is complicated, then watch out for the following symptoms.
The liquid that comes back into the esophagus damages the lining of the esophagus. The body tries to protect itself from the acid reflux disease by 'inflaming' the esophagus. Trying to speed the healing process through the inflammation, the wall of the esophagus may form an ulcer. The ulcer is a break in the lining of the esophagus wall. Then what happens is that there may be bleeding. If the bleeding is very severe, patients might need a blood transfusion or even surgical treatment.
If your heartburn is severe or acute, happening very frequently, you need to see a doctor.
What can you do for yourself to help the condition? Try sleeping a pillow a night that raises your chest up slightly so that gravity can bring the acid back down more easily. Since this condition usually occurs on a full stomach, eat earlier and eat less to keep the stomach from being too full. Ease off on the chocolate, peppermint, alcohol, and caffeinated drinks. Reduce fatty foods and of course, cut down or quit smoking. Other foods may aggravate the conditions. Avoid spicy or acid-containing foods, like citrus juices, carbonated beverages, and tomato juice.
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