ACID REFLUX - INTRODUCTION

The stomach contains enzymes like pepsin and acids that help in breakdown of food. Sometimes these toxic fluids flow into the oesophagus and lead to the condition commonly known as Acid Reflux, or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). In some cases, these fluids can cause serious damage to the oesophagus.

GERD is a chronic disease and hence once the disease begins, it is likely to remain for the rest of one's life. Only treatment would be to reduce the discomfort caused by acid reflux and to prevent further discomfort. If the oesophagus is damaged, a continuous treatment is necessary.

Though everyday acid reflux and GERD patients suffer from flow of acids into the oesophagus, the amount of acidity and the duration for which the acid remains in the oesophagus differs. Human body has a natural defence mechanism to fight against acid reflux. The occurrence of acid reflux is usually during the daytime. Since the patients usually sit or stand during the day, there is not much discomfort caused. Due to gravitational force, the acids entering the oesophagus are pulled back into the stomach. Moreover, when awake, people swallow saliva continuously which force the acids back into the stomach. All these help to reduce pain and discomfort.

The actual problem occurs when the patient is lying down or sleeping. The natural defence of the body is effective only during the waking hours, when the person sits or stands. When sleeping, neither the fluid is pulled back through gravity nor do the patients swallow saliva, which can push back the reflux into the stomach. Hence these toxic acid contents stay back in oesophagus for a long time and can cause damage to it.

Not all people have the same level of discomfort and pain. Different people experience different levels of pain. Certain physical conditions like pregnancy can also increase the uneasiness due to acid reflux. Pregnant women have increased levels of hormones which decrease the pressure on the muscle and block reflux. Also there is an increased pressure from the baby in the lower abdomen. All these conditions during pregnancy tend to increase discomfort. Hence pregnant women find it difficult to tolerate acid reflux.

Some patients with conditions such as scleroderma, which weaken the muscles of oesophagus, are more prone to acid reflux. Such patients usually have a high level of acid reflux and as a result suffer from more pain, discomfort and distress.

In case you find yourself plagued with symptoms of acid reflux and still unsure of the disease, you must first consult your doctor to analyze the condition. If you are found to have acid reflux, the doctor can advise you with proper treatment and medicines to tackle your condition and help you relieve discomfort.

An acid reflux condition is not to be ignored. If not treated in time, it may cause serious damage to the oesophagus. Hence in case of any symptoms, it's necessary to consult and seek medical help. If treated in a timely fashion, a lot of uneasiness and pain can be avoided.

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