Acid Reflux

Poll

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Author:
andy casasanta

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 medicines that are commonly used to treat acid-related symptoms, like heartburn or indigestion, and work by neutralizing acid in the stomach. However, they are not usually recommended to treat the frequent heartburn suffered by people with GERD.

About the Author
Submitted by Mr Andy Casasanta. Author of this article and the creator of a tremendous health and pharmacy website. In this site you will find up to 40 health articles, a 7000 reciprocal link exchange page and Generic medications. Savings of up to 80% on all popular drugs. Viagra, Lipitor, meridia, and hundreds more all for pennies on the dollar. Please visit
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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... Persistent Heartburn as an Indicator for Acid Reflux Complications Heartburn is a symptom characteristic to many disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and it can also be a sign of heart disease. However, heartburn is most commonly experienced by gastro-esophageal disease (acid reflux) sufferers. Heartburn is a sensation of soreness and burning, generally located in the central region of the chest. Accompanied by inflamed throat, difficulty swallowing and difficulty breathing, heartburn is frequently experienced by people with acid reflux. Gastro-esophageal reflux disease, commonly referred to as acid reflux, involves regurgitation of the stomach’s content inside the upper levels of the esophagus. Due to increased pressure at the level of the abdomen, low pressure at the level of the esophageal lining or weakness of the esophageal sphincter, stomach gastric acid is pushed upwards and it may even reach inside the oral cavity. In the absence of medical treatment, people who suffer from chronic forms of acid reflux disease are very exposed to the development of serious complications. Frequent regurgitation of stomach digestive fluids inside the gastro-esophageal tract can cause inflammation, ulcerations and open lesions of various internal soft tissues and organs. Although everyone may experience heartburn every once in a while, especially after a rich meal, the recurrence of this symptom generally points to acid reflux. Although the undesirable effects of acid reflux can be kept under control with the help of antacids and other over-the-counter acid-reducing medications, people who suffer from acid reflux should see a doctor in order to receive an appropriate medical treatment. Without appropriate treatment, acid reflux can in time lead to the development of Barrett's esophagus, a serious condition that can further lead to...