Acid Reflux

Answer 1

Acid reflux disease is also known as gastroesophageal disease or GERD and is suffered by countless millions of people worldwide. The condition can be caused by several factors, the most common of which is the inability for the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to close properly. Acid from the stomach can back up into the esophagus, causing a burning pain in the delicate tissue of this food passage. Acid reflux can be treated by changing dietary habits, taking a pharmaceutical medication or in rare cases, having a surgery operation performed.

Dangers Of Acid Reflux Disease

Individuals who have an abnormal positioning of the stomach due to weight gain often suffer a hiatal hernia. This means that part of the stomach and LES have moved slightly above the diaphragm, a muscle that can actually help keep acid in the stomach. The LES remains in an open position even after food has passed through it, allowing stomach acid to move into the lower part of the esophagus. A hiatal hernia can cause not only discomfort from the acid reacting with the tissue of the esophagus, it can cause problems with mobility, make it difficult to breath normally and even crimp other surrounding organs.

Over a period of time the burning of the esophagus by stomach acid will deteriorate the cells of this food passage and cause new cells to be mutated. The lining of the esophagus can become thin and in some cases rupture. Individuals who experience abnormally frequent periods of heartburn or chest pain due to acid backflow into the esophagus should seek medical attention immediately.

Other Causes Of Acid Reflux DiseaseBecause the physique of every person is different, certain individuals may have a higher risk of developing GERD simply by performing tasks such as bending over after eating a heavy meal or lying on the stomach while eating. Complications from extreme weight gain or straining the muscles in the chest area may also affect the LES. Eating spicy foods such as peppers, tomatoes, garlic or onions may cause an excess of stomach acid which can pass through a compromised LES. Consuming Alcoholic Beverages or carbonated drinks often aggravates the stomach and causes excess fluid to back up into the esophagus. Treatment Options

Some of the basic treatments for acid reflux disease revolve around changes in diet. Eating smaller meals more frequently over a 24 hour period often helps tremendously, as does avoiding any food intake within three hours of bedtime. Quitting smoking is another proven deterrent. The taking of certain medications, even if prescribed by a doctor could also be triggering an increase in stomach acid in the esophagus and may have to be discontinued or changed. And of course there are prescription medications available for the treatment of acid reflux disease, but they should only be used if recommended by a health care professional.