Understanding Acid Reflux Disease
Acid reflux disease is very prevalent condition in today's society.
Althoughthere is not thought to an absolute cure for this condition, there are steps that sufferers can take to reduce the impact of their symptoms on their lives.
It's, therefore, really important to have an understanding of this complex disease.
Acid reflux disease occurs when gastric juices, containing acid, wash up from the stomach into the esophagus.
This acidic material irritates the lining of the esophagus and triggers unpleasant symptoms.
The most common symptom of acid relux disease is heartburn.
Other symptoms that are commonly associated with acid reflux disease include: regurgitation; a bitter or sour taste in the mouth; nausea/ vomitting; hoarseness and difficulty swallowing.
Acid reflux happens as a result of a problem within the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).
This is the ring of muscle between the esophagus and the stomach.
Its function is to open when you swallow food and liquid to allow it to the enter the stomach.
It should then close tightly to hold the contents of the stomach in place.
If you suffer from acid relux, your LES is not working effectively.
It is opening inappropriately and allowing the stomach's contents (which are highly acidic) to seep up into the esophagus.
Genetic factors are thought to contribute to the development of acid reflux disease in some cases.
For some people, othermedical problems such as gastroparesis (delayed gastric emptying)and hiatal hernias may also play a part in the occurrence of acid reflux.
However, lifestyle and dietary choices are believed to play a big part in affecting the functioning of the LES.
These includes factors such as: smoking, over-eating, being overweight, eating a high fat diet, consuming large amounts of caffiene, eating/ drinking late at night etc.
In terms of treatment for acid reflux disease, Physicians will ofen advise lifestyle/ dietary changes as a first step towards getting your symptoms under control.
Over-the-counter antacids are usually the next thing that acid reflux sufferers are advised to try.
If this fails to get your symptoms under control, you may be prescibed medication.
In very persistent, severe cases of acid reflux disease Physicians may recommend surgery.
The aim of this surgery is to strengthen the LES.
So in conclusion, Acid reflux disease can be a painful and to, some degree debilitating, conditionwhich happens as a result of the lower esophageal sphincter malfunctioning.
This allows acidic material from the stomach to splash up and irritate the lining of the esophagus.
This irritation can lead to a range of symptoms.
The main ways this disease is tackled is through lifestyle/ dietary changes and medication.
Insevere cases surgery is sometimes advised.
Any attempts to address your symptomsshould be carried out in consultation with your Physician.
Althoughthere is not thought to an absolute cure for this condition, there are steps that sufferers can take to reduce the impact of their symptoms on their lives.
It's, therefore, really important to have an understanding of this complex disease.
Acid reflux disease occurs when gastric juices, containing acid, wash up from the stomach into the esophagus.
This acidic material irritates the lining of the esophagus and triggers unpleasant symptoms.
The most common symptom of acid relux disease is heartburn.
Other symptoms that are commonly associated with acid reflux disease include: regurgitation; a bitter or sour taste in the mouth; nausea/ vomitting; hoarseness and difficulty swallowing.
Acid reflux happens as a result of a problem within the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).
This is the ring of muscle between the esophagus and the stomach.
Its function is to open when you swallow food and liquid to allow it to the enter the stomach.
It should then close tightly to hold the contents of the stomach in place.
If you suffer from acid relux, your LES is not working effectively.
It is opening inappropriately and allowing the stomach's contents (which are highly acidic) to seep up into the esophagus.
Genetic factors are thought to contribute to the development of acid reflux disease in some cases.
For some people, othermedical problems such as gastroparesis (delayed gastric emptying)and hiatal hernias may also play a part in the occurrence of acid reflux.
However, lifestyle and dietary choices are believed to play a big part in affecting the functioning of the LES.
These includes factors such as: smoking, over-eating, being overweight, eating a high fat diet, consuming large amounts of caffiene, eating/ drinking late at night etc.
In terms of treatment for acid reflux disease, Physicians will ofen advise lifestyle/ dietary changes as a first step towards getting your symptoms under control.
Over-the-counter antacids are usually the next thing that acid reflux sufferers are advised to try.
If this fails to get your symptoms under control, you may be prescibed medication.
In very persistent, severe cases of acid reflux disease Physicians may recommend surgery.
The aim of this surgery is to strengthen the LES.
So in conclusion, Acid reflux disease can be a painful and to, some degree debilitating, conditionwhich happens as a result of the lower esophageal sphincter malfunctioning.
This allows acidic material from the stomach to splash up and irritate the lining of the esophagus.
This irritation can lead to a range of symptoms.
The main ways this disease is tackled is through lifestyle/ dietary changes and medication.
Insevere cases surgery is sometimes advised.
Any attempts to address your symptomsshould be carried out in consultation with your Physician.
