Diseases List

What is Acid Reflux Syndrome?

Acid Reflux Syndrome occurs when acid and other materials flow back (reflux) into the stomach from the esophagus. This is an unnatural condition that causes pain and discomfort. It is also known as Gastro Esophageal Disease (GERD). The esophagus is the tube-like structure that connects the throat and the stomach.

In a lot of cases, the refluxed materials remain in the lower part of the esophagus leading to heartburn and nausea. At times, the refluxed substances are forced into the mouth, causing a burning sensation in the throat. It is a painful experience that can damage the esophagus. Thus, it’s not a condition to be taken lightly or ignored. The acid in the refluxed material may wear out the lining of the esophagus over time, and can even lead to cancer.

Causes of Acid Reflux

The following are the major causes of acid reflux (known as AR for short):

-Defective lower esophageal sphincter

-Hiatal hernia

-Pregnancy

-Peptic ulcer and insufficient digestive enzymes

–Asthma

-Certain lifestyle patterns

Let’s look at each of these in more detail.

Defective Lower Esophageal Sphincter: The Esophageal Sphincter is a tough rim of muscle at the base of the esophagus. When it’s not functioning properly this can lead to AR. When we eat, the sphincter contracts and serves to keep food in the stomach, preventing it from spilling back into the throat and mouth. If it is not strong enough to force the food into the stomach and relaxes, the food and acid can reflux causing heartburn, burning in the throat and an acidic taste in the mouth.

Hiatal Hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach moves into the chest (through a small opening in the diaphragm). This can greatly impair the functioning of the lower esophagus sphincter. Hiatal Hernia is usually caused by severe coughing, vomiting, straining or physical exertion. It can also be caused by obesity and pregnancy.

Pregnancy: Some women may experience acid reflux during pregnancy. This is because the baby presses on the stomach, resulting in some of the contents spilling back into the esophagus. Fortunately, once the baby is born, the condition would normally stop.

Peptic ulcer and insufficient digestive enzymes: Both slow down the digestive process resulting in an accumulation of acids in the stomach, which may reflux into the esophagus.

Asthma: It’s not really clear if asthma is a causative factor. The theory is that the coughing and sneezing can cause changes in the chest, which can impact the lower chest and consequently the esophagus – resulting in reflux.

Lifestyle patterns such as smoking, stress, overeating and eating a diet high in salt and fatty foods can cause AR. Staying away from smoking, caffeine and other unhealthy substances will help prevent the condition if it’s caused solely by lifestyle patterns.

Acid Reflux Symptoms

The most common symptoms are heartburn, regurgitation and dyspepsia. Let’s take each one and describe how they’re experienced.

Heartburn: The pain does not actually affect the heart. It affects the stomach, abdomen and the chest. It’s a burning pain that can be very uncomfortable.

Regurgitation: This is the experience of having the acid backing up into the throat or mouth. It can lead to vomiting and leaves a sour, acidic and bitter taste in the mouth.

Dyspepsia: This is the medical term for stomach discomfort and it manifests as burping, nausea after eating and stomach bloating.

Acid Reflux Treatment Options

The first and most vital step is to see a doctor (please avoid self-medication). X-rays may need to be taken to know the actual state of the condition and thus ascertain what damage has been done already. Only then can one start looking at the options available. Proper and professional diagnosis is essential before treatment options can be examined.

Apart from the use of prescribed acid reflux medication, in order to experience lasting changes the sufferer may need to change his or her lifestyle. He or she may need to avoid certain drinks, foods and substances. Antacid is usually prescribed to reduce the level of acidity in the stomach. In some cases Alginic acid is prescribed, which serves to create a protective covering for the stomach and the lining of the esophagus, giving the damaged cells the opportunity to regenerate. Another drug that serves a similar function is Sulcrafate.

In severe cases, surgery may be prescribed. The procedure is known as Nissen Fundoplication where the stomach is tightened near the lower esophagus sphincter to prevent the reverse flow of food from the stomach to the esophagus.

Then of course there are acid reflux remedies that have been passed down from the old days that you can try, to see if they work for you.

Foods to Avoid with Acid Reflux

For those that experience AR, it is best to avoid the following foods:

-Citrus fruits

-Chocolate

-Caffeinated drinks or alcohol

-Spicy, fatty, or fried foods

-Garlic and onion

-Peppermint

-Tomatoes

Conclusion

We’ve explored the causes of acid reflux syndrome, some of the treatments options and what to avoid if one has the condition. One of the vital take-aways is the role that one’s lifestyle can play in the cause of this painful condition. Eating well and avoiding harmful substances like cigarettes can help in the quest for a better life.

With acid reflux causing so many significant problems for so many Individuals it is rather important to make sure you’ll find relief as rapidly as possible. What many individuals don’t notice is that it is potential to seek out reduction from the pain that acid reflux disorder causes fairly rapidly so long as you recognize the place to look. In fact, there are many drugs that you may purchase, however these are usually extraordinarily expensive, in addition to the fact that also they are accompanied by a large number of facet effects. This mixed with a fairly massive price rag for all the therapy means it may be extremely troublesome to even afford the relief.

Residence cures are fabulous for acid reflux disease because there are several choices to attempt out. This could range from the very simple, to those methods which are a bit more advanced. With a purpose to find the very best resolution for your wants you will need to make sure you try out several completely different methods. This can let you actually discover which technique is finest for you. If you are excited about preventing acid reflux disorder earlier than it even begins you should severely consider the meals that you’re eating.

By adjusting your food regimen and omitting foods which can be extremely spicy, you can typically lower the prevalence of acid reflux. Nevertheless, it is also extraordinarily necessary to make sure that you are not lacking out on the foods that you actually enjoy. When you occur to find that there are a number of foods you thoroughly take pleasure in which tend to worsen then you can at all times strive taking two teaspoons of blackstrap molasses each day. Blackstrap molasses is accessible at most health shops and it is extremely effective in serving to to reduce the incidence of acid reflux.

Different ways to assist scale back the amount of reflux you endure from is to cut back the scale of your meals. In case you are only consuming two or three giant meals each day, you should have considerably more difficulties reducing your symptoms. A straightforward way to decrease your symptoms is to interrupt your meals down into six and even seven considerably smaller meals. By doing this, you might be placing much less strain in your abdomen, and helping to soothe the prevalence of acid reflux.

It is usually helpful to regulate your bed a bit. If you’ll be able to raise the angle of your bed by solely 6 inches or so you possibly can considerably cut back the quantity of acid that is trying to move up your body. This can be extremely helpful if you’re finding yourself constantly struggling symptoms while you’re making an attempt to sleep. Not everyone finds this to be helpful, but for individuals who endure acid reflux disease signs while they are making an attempt to sleep it may be a major help.

Different options to observe embody trying to see if you can add extra apples into your diet. If you happen to eat an apple after every meal, it is stated to substantially lower the quantity of acid that you have in your stomach. By eating extra apples as nicely you are able to additionally add better meals to your food regimen, but it is very important ensure that you are eating the apple raw, reasonably than cooking it earlier than eating.

As you can see, there are a number of totally different options out there for you to assist enhance your overall health.
Getting essentially the most out of your life is not unattainable, reducing the amount of acid reflux disorder you suffer from actually is feasible, however it can take a very good bit of effort in your behalf. Acid reflux disease is much better dealt with if you find yourself making adjustments to your life-style and utilizing pure home cures to deal with it. The time and expense that is related to medical therapies isn’t any fun. This could all be averted just by trying towards some extremely effective dwelling cures and trying to make sure that you are thoroughly glad with how you feel.

Acid Reflux is often referred to the condition when you suffer from heartburn. This condition arises when the liquid content of the stomach refluxes into the esophagus. It subjects you to a condition where you experience a burning sensation. This condition is also known as Gastro esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). The symptoms of Acid reflux and heartburn are quite similar. The only difference is that in the case of acid reflux the heartburn tends to last for more two days.

This condition can give rise to a number of serious health issues in the long run. The acid released during acid re fluxes can cause the wear and tear of the delicate lining of your stomach and esophagus. There is also the risk of esophageal cancer. Also, some people tend to suffer from acid reflux without experiencing any symptoms like heartburn. In these conditions, the person may experience chest pain, wheezing, coarse throat, dry cough, interrupted sleep etc.

So, in order to, keep this condition under control, you need to a number of things that may be helpful in decreasing the effects. Following are some of the acid reflux remedies that may be helpful.

1) Bringing about a major change in your lifestyle is one of the most effective approaches to get rid of this condition permanently.

2) Honey contains healing properties that provides a cooling effect. So, taking this regularly will provide a protective layer on the stomach. It will also help in soothing the pain and at the same time heal the infection.

3) Drink plenty of water as it will increase the functionality of your body and will also wash away the food particles that cleanse your system.

4) Diet plays a major role where the remedy of acid reflux remedies is concerned. It is best to avoid hard and crunchy food as it can scratch your esophageal tissues. This can further be detrimental for the condition.

5) The case of too less stomach acid can also be one of the major causes of acid reflux. Io such a condition drinking acid cider vinegar can be helpful. The acidic nature of the vinegar will be helpful in digesting the food more effectively and efficiently.

6) The secretion of saliva stimulates the digestion process. So it is best to chew a gum right after you had your meal to speed up the process.

Besides these, you need to get to know a lot of things about acid reflux remedies that are available. Most of these natural remedies have been well researching and so tracking down a remedy that will effectively help you with the condition will not be as difficult as it sounds.