Causes and Cures for Acid Reflux?

Answer 1

When an individual experiences acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease), their stomach is leaking stomach acid and/or food into the esophagus. This causes an irritation and burning sensation in the middle of the chest and sometimes throat. The stomach muscle LES (lower esophageal sphincter) is responsible for keeping food and acid in the stomach. When the LES does not close completely, the bile acid and food is released into the esophagus. Other symptoms of reflux include the sensation of food being stuck in the middle of the breastbone, difficulty swallowing, and nausea after eating.

Most people with severe heartburn avoid foods that include citrus fruit, Carbonated Beverages, alcohol, chocolate and mint flavored foods. The majority of people with acid reflux experience a significant decrease of symptoms when they avoid these beverages and food. In addition, people with severe symptoms also can avoid smoking, lying down after eating, eating smaller portions or meals and sustain from bending over after eating. Although most mild to moderate cases of acid reflux can be reduced using these simple changes, there are over the counter drugs that can reduce or even eliminate reflux occurrences.

For those experiences significant and reoccurring symptoms, acid reflux can be debilitating and major health problem. If too much acid reaches the esophagus, over a period of time the lining of the esophagus changes and becomes damaged. A change in the lining of the esophagus can increase the chance of cancer. When too much acid gets in the mouth, the acid can do considerable damage to an individual’s teeth. Also, chronic coughing and wheezing can occur if an individual has extensive acid reflux.

If bleeding from the throat, choking, shortness of breath when coughing or recurrent vomiting occurs, a doctor should be contacted. While acid reflux can typically be reduced or eliminated with a change of diet or over the counter medications, many people will need to still seek professional care. To prevent further complications with the throat, mouth, and stomach, a doctor should be notified as soon as a serious symptom occurs.