Acid Reflux
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Acid Reflux is the common term used to indicate the presence of gastro esophageal reflux disease. Gastro esophageal reflux disease is also commonly referred to as GERD. Acid reflux is the term used to describe the condition in which the liquid contents of the stomach back up into the esophagus. The liquid from the stomach contains acid and this acid causes the esophagus to become irritated and inflamed.
Most all people have some degree of acid reflux. The people who suffer from gastro esophageal reflux disease appear to have higher quantities of acid in the liquid that backs up into the esophagus.
Symptoms of Acid Reflux
Some of the more common symptoms of acid reflux are heartburn, nausea, and regurgitation.
Heartburn is caused when the acid backs up into the esophagus and nerve endings are stimulated. Heartburn is usually described as a burning sensation in the middle of the chest that sometimes extends up from the abdomen. Nausea is not as common in patients with acid reflux but when the nausea is severe enough it can lead to vomiting. Regurgitation is the appearance of refluxed liquid in the mouth.
Causes of Acid Reflux
One reason for acid reflux is that a small portion of the people who suffer from GERD, have abnormally high levels of acid in their stomach liquids. The other cause of acid reflux is a weakened lower esophageal sphincter muscle. This muscle opens and closes to let food move from the esophagus into the stomach. A weakened lower esophageal muscle will not contract properly and cannot control reflux. Also a lower esophageal sphincter muscle that experiences abnormal relaxations that do not follow swallows, can lead to acid reflux.
Another cause of acid reflux can be hiatal hernias. A Hiatal hernia occurs when the junction of the stomach and the esophagus lies above the diaphram instead of below. Patients with a hiatal hernia have a weak muscle at the gastroesophageal junction, making the gastroesophageal reflux worse.
If you suspect you have acid reflux, please contact your doctor for proper diagnosis.
Acid Reflux Treatment
Acid Reflux is a chronic condition that requires patients to receive some form of treatment for the rest of their lives. In addition, if the lining of the esophagus is damaged, called esophagitis, it will require life long treatment. A treatment program for acid reflux will usually start with dietary changes. Eating smaller meals through out the day is one way to reduce the incidence of acid reflux. Also, eliminating nighttime meals reduces the chances of experiencing acid reflux.
Elevating the upper body while sleeping will also potentially benefit people who suffer from acid reflux. There are several treatment options for acid reflux, including medicines. It is important to seek the advice of your primary care doctor if you suspect you have acid reflux.