Acid Reflux

Poll

	|   |

Author:
Patsy Hamilton

The symptoms of acid reflux syndrome are primarily heartburn and nausea. Some regurgitation of acid and/or foods may be present. While it is not a common symptom, some people do experience acid reflux chest pain. However, any chest pain should be thoroughly evaluated by a physician to rule out heart disease.

According to the Mayo clinic, chest pain that is not related to heart disease is most commonly caused by acid reflux syndrome or GERD, which is gastro-esophageal reflux. The terms are used interchangeably. In order to determine if a person is experiencing acid reflux chest pain, doctors may use tests to measure acid levels in the esophagus, this is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. A symptoms diary is also helpful to determine if the pain is acid reflux chest pain or another condition. If a person notes that the chest pain occurs when other acid reflux syndrome symptoms are present, then the doctor may conclude that the pain is caused by the acid reflux syndrome.

Studies have shown that between 22 and 66 percent of patients who had chest pain that was not related to heart disease suffered from acid reflux syndrome. This is not to say that all non-cardiac chest pain is acid reflux chest pain, there are other possible causes. Researchers have investigated the possibility that some chest pain, not caused by heart disease or acid reflux syndrome, may be caused by a heightened sensitivity to pain in some organs. Studies have shown that in some patients, the muscles of some organs are sensitive and quick to send pain signals to the brain. No one knows why this happens, but research does continue.

Once the determination is made that no heart disease is present, treatment of acid reflux chest pain is no different form treatment of acid reflux syndrome without chest pain. Antacids or proton pump inhibitors are commonly prescribed. Acid reflux syndrome should be carefully monitored to be sure that stomach acid is not damaging the esophagus. It does not appear that acid reflux chest pain is related to damage of the esophagus.

Some people prefer to treat acid reflux syndrome with herbs or botanicals and dietary or lifestyle changes. If these effectively reduce stomach acid, then they should relieve the acid reflux chest pain. Some lifestyle changes that can help relieve acid reflux syndrome include giving up tobacco and/or alcohol use and weight loss. Some dietary changes that can relieve acid reflux syndrome include eating smaller meals more frequently and removing highly acidic, fried and fatty foods from the diet.

There are many herbs and botanicals that may relieve acid reflux syndrome and therefore acid reflux chest pain. These include fennel seed or oil, ginger root, chamomile and aloe. These ingredients and others are sometimes combined by herbalists to create a product for relief of acid reflux syndrome.

It has been said that acid reflux chest pain can mimic heart pain, but most people experience a burning sensation rather than a sharp, squeezing pain. The symptoms and intensity of acid reflux syndrome symptoms vary greatly. In addition to acid reflux chest pain, most people experience nausea, but some people actually vomit. In cases of unexplained vomiting, acid reflux syndrome is one of the first conditions that doctors suspect. If you have unexplained chest pain, do not assume that it is acid reflux chest pain, see your doctor. If you have more questions about acid reflux syndrome or other digestive problems, visit www.digestive-disorder-guide.com

Patsy Hamilton has more than twenty years experience as a healthcare professional and currently writes informational articles for the Digestive Disorders Guide. Read more at http://www.digestive-disorders-guide.com

A Quick Note From The Publisher... If you like the article above, you may be interested in the following article which is also related to Acid Reflux... Acid Reflux Disease What is acid reflux disease? Acid reflux disease can and often is mistaken for heartburn. But the heartburn symptoms of acid reflux disease usually occur 2 or more days a week for at least 3 months and can damage your esophagus. At the top of your stomach is a muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which normally opens and closes allowing food to enter. It also prevents the acid in your stomach from backing up into your esophagus. The trouble begins when the LES opens at inappropriate times, allowing acid from the stomach to get into the esophagus, where it doesn't belong. Acid reflux disease can also lead to more serious medical conditions that may require hospitalization. Acid reflux in the throat can cause sore throat. If acid reaches the mouth, it can dissolve the enamel of the teeth. Millions of people have the disease and suffer from its most common symptom - frequent and persistent heartburn. Acid reflux disease can be treated and controlled. How do you get Acid Reflux? Factors contributing to acid reflux include fatty foods, cigarettes, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, obesity, pregnancy and delayed stomach emptying. Obesity and pregnancy increase pressures within the abdomen (body trunk), pushing the stomach contents back into the esophagus.Some patients have stomachs that empty their contents into the intestines very slowly. How serious is Acid Reflux? The lining of the esophagus may become ulcerated and can result in narrowing, making swallowing of food and, sometimes, liquids, painful and difficult. In people with esophagitis, there may also be an increased risk of cancer of the esophagus. How long does Acid Reflux last? Acid reflux can last several months or longer if not treated. How is Acid Reflux treated? Antacids are...