| Acid Reflux - Is That Heartburn Or What? |
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| Written by Richard H Ealom |
| Tuesday, 16 September 2008 19:50 |
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INTRODUCTION: Acid reflux is a condition where gastric juices containing acid travel back from the stomach into the esophagus (gullet or swallowing tube). More commonly found among adults, yet, children as well as infants, can be likewise affected.
INTRODUCTION: Acid reflux is a condition where gastric juices containing acid travel back from the stomach into the esophagus (gullet or swallowing tube). More commonly found among adults, yet, children as well as infants, can be likewise affected. It is most often known by its symptom of "heartburn" which reportedly affects 1 out of every 10 adults in the United States and is a very serious and common problem in the world today. In severe cases, this can be very bothersome. It is treatable and you should ask your physician what treatments are available and right for you. GERD: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), or commonly called acid reflux, is a chronic condition wherein the esophagus becomes inflamed and irritated due to the stomach's acidic contents that flows back towards the esophagus passing from the lower esophageal sphincter. It is a severe version of reflux that often produces pain, vomiting and poor weight gain. HEARTBURN: The name of the ailment given to a burning discomfort in the chest, just behind the breastbone. It is a symptom of another digestive disorder, and not a disorder by itself. Following heartburn, other reported signs are regurgitation, bitterness within the mouth, hoarseness, wheezing, dry cough, and throat tightness as if a hunk of food is entrapped. A heartburn every now and then does not necessarily mean one has GERD. SYMPTOMS: Signs of acid reflux include: Heartburn (a burning feeling rising from the stomach or lower chest up towards the neck) and can be greatly relieved or prevented by lifestyle and dietary changes as well as the use of herbs known to promote healthy digestion. TREATMENT: Treatment is the next step, but remember that correct treatment can really only be implemented after a definite diagnosis has been made. Also, after the esophagus has healed and treatment is stopped, the injury will come back in most persons within a few months. You may need to experiment with doses and medications to find the best treatment for your heartburn and GERD. Drug treatment is often only needed for a short time although it may have to be repeated since some symptoms may re-occur. NEXIUM is prescribed for the treatment of frequent, persistent heartburn symptoms. But if these symptoms occur two or more days a week despite treatment and change in diet, you may have (GERD) also known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. CONCLUSION: Acid reflux is produce by food and stomach acid coming back up from your stomach and entering your esophagus and is usually characterized by a burning sensation in the stomach and chest region. It is a medical ailment, with heartburn as a possible symptom of that ailment. You should also realize that if it remains untreated for too long, you could be facing a lifetime of dealing with it. The bottom line is that finding the correct treatment is mostly about knowing your body and your symptoms. About the Author: Richard H. Ealom has authored numerous articles on Diseases, Causes, Cures. Find out about natural treatments for Acid Reflux that really work by visiting the Stop Acid Reflux Now! website. You are permitted to reprint this article provided you leave this box unchanged. |