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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Acid reflux articles
Complications of acid reflux disease
As with any medical condition, there are potential complications which could add further weight to your problem. It is important if you think you are suffering from the symptoms of acid reflux, or if you are experiencing any unexplained adverse symptoms...
Evaluation of GERD
There are a number of ways in which the symptoms of GERD and the patients' specific complaint can be monitored and evaluated. This is beneficial as a means of getting to the route of the actual cause of the GERD after diagnosis...
GERD in babies
Not only can acid reflux, or GERD, affect the adult population, it can also affect babies and young children, and carries the same levels of pain and discomfort we, as adults, have to put up with.
What is acid reflux disease?
Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a complaint whereby the acidic contents of the stomach are ejected into the oesophagus. The contents of the stomach often contain strong enzymes such as Pepsin
How is GERD diagnosed?
The diagnosis of GERD is, like with most conditions, a complex procedure. There are a variety of accepted methods for diagnosing the condition, although care must always be taken to ensure that the GERD is the reall issue to hand...
Living with and managing GERD
GERD is a condition which has a negative impact on thousands of patients diagnosed with the condition each year. Fortunately, there are a number of ways in which one can manage the condition to make life that bit easier...
Main causes of acid reflux
The causes of GERD are not straightforward. In many cases, there may be several causes contributing to the problem. In some patients it will be to do with over-production of acid, although this is relatively rare.
Surgery for GERD
There are a variety of treatments and medications suitable for dealing with GERD. Along with lifestyle changes and anti-acidic medications, a possible alternative to the more simple treatments for the symptoms of GERD is surgery.
Future developments for GERD
Although today the medical profession is more knowledgeable than ever about the causes and treatments that really work for patients suffering from acid reflux, there are still some issues which need to be addressed.
Treatments for GERD
GERD is a chronic condition which can lead to a great deal of discomfort for the sufferer. There are many ways in which the levels of pain, or the symptoms can be dampened which can improve the sufferer's quality of life...
Acid reflux news on the Web
Spike Mendelsohn Works To Turn Down the Heat on Acid Reflux Disease
Chef Mendelsohn and Takeda Launch Don’t Let it Burn National Campaign and Contest to Educate Consumers on Acid Reflux Disease Management and Treatment.New York, NY (PRWEB) May 02, 2012 Celebrity chef Spike Mendelsohn knows all too well the effects of a busy and hectic lifestyle – especially for a person with acid reflux disease (ARD). But while he’s used to firing up the grill, Chef Spike has ... |
Bile - not acid - is bad guy in triggering precancerous condition associated with reflux disease
( University of Rochester Medical Center ) For many people with GERD, acid reflux drugs are the answer to their woes, curbing the chronic heartburn characteristic of the disorder. But when it comes to Barrett's esophagus, a condition commonly found in people with GERD, acid control may be less important than beating back another bodily fluid - bile. A new study shows that bile plays a critical ... |
Don't ignore acid reflux -- it can lead to cancer
WALNUT CREEK, Calif. -- James Revier, of San Jose, Calif., had no idea his heartburn was anything more than a nuisance until six years ago, when a piece of beef became logged in his esophagus and sent him to the emergency room. The on-call internist removed the meat and suggested Revier see a gastroenterologist for the lingering redness. It's a good thing he did. Revier had developed Barrett's ... |
New device at Mayo Clinic 'a game changer' for acid reflux
In late March, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the device for patients with GERD who continue to have chronic reflux symptoms despite taking medication. In Jacksonville, Mayo has already begun using the device to treat patients who meet the criteria, said surgeon C. Daniel Smith. |
Got heartburn? Don't ignore it
Scary, but true: Acid reflux can cause a precancerous condition that can lead to esophageal cancer, which is the fastest growing cancer diagnosis in the United States. That's why health advocates are urging patients, especially white males over 50 with persistent heartburn, to get checked out. More: Health & Fitness news | Bay Area Living |
Bile plays a critical role in development of Barrett's esophagus
For many people with gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, acid reflux drugs are the answer to their woes, curbing the chronic heartburn and regurgitation of food or sour liquid characteristic of the disorder. But when it comes to Barrett's esophagus, a condition commonly found in people with GERD, acid control may be less important than beating back another bodily fluid - bile. |
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