Acid reflux, also known as Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), is defined as the abnormal reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus. This condition primarily affects adults but has also been diagnosed in children and even infants.
GERD is often difficult to detect in infants and children because the symptoms may vary from what adults typically experience.
Symptoms and Causes
Children may experience repeated vomiting, coughing and respiratory problems. Inadequate weight, excessive crying, refusal to eat and bad breath may also occur. No single symptom has been found to be universal in children suffering from GERD.
The major symptom of acid reflux is heartburn or acid indigestion. Heartburn is typically described as a burning sensation at the back of the sternum. Other symptoms can include coughing, constant ear ache, hoarseness and sometime sinusitis.
If left untreated, acid reflux may lead to esophageal ulcers, and in some rare cases, may lead to esophageal cancer. However, just because a person experiences the symptoms related to GERD does not mean that they have developed this disease; a person should always seek professional medical attention if they believe they might have acid reflux.
Several causes exist for the symptoms associated with this disease. These symptoms often occur from eating certain foods, yeast infections, pregnancy, obesity, sleeping immediately after a meal and even tight-fitting apparel. Ironically, the insufficient production of stomach acid may also cause heartburn.
Treatment Options
GERD-like symptoms are initially treated with over-the-counter medications, usually antacids, as well as changes to diet. A well-balanced diet has been found to eliminate heartburn symptoms in many people. Acid reflux sufferers have also found that avoiding caffeine, soft drinks, fried foods and even smoking may help assuage the symptoms.
Heartburn sufferers should also avoid sleeping for at least two hours after eating. Relief from symptoms is sometimes found by simply changing the way one sleeps. By raising the head of the bed, either physically or through the use of multiple pillows, many have found their heartburn symptoms to dissipate.
It is usually after attempting these methods unsuccessfully that most people decide to seek the aid of a medical professional. After attempting changes in diet and sleep, physicians will often prescribe medications for the relief of acid reflux symptoms. These medications focus on reducing the amount of gastric acid that is produced in the stomach. Physicians often subscribe medications such as Famotidine and Omeprazole to lower the acidity.
For only the most serious of acid reflux cases, physicians will suggest surgery. The standard surgical treatment for acid reflux is known as Nissen fundoplication. The fundus (upper part of the stomach) is wrapped 360 degrees around the esophagus. This causes the release of stomach acid to be cut off when the stomach contracts.
Acid reflux varies from person to person but there are methods available to relieve the symptoms many people suffer today. While it is normally possible to treat heartburn symptoms using over-the-counter medications and personal dietary habits, anyone believing themselves to be suffering from GERD-like symptoms should seek the advice of a medical professional.