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All You Need to Know About Acid Reflux Disease
By Richard Alden
What is Acid Reflux Disease?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also known as acid reflux disease is a chronic condition in which stomach acid backs up into the esophagus (the tube through which food passes) causing persistent heartburn symptoms and / or serious damage in the lining of the esophagus.
What causes it?
Acid reflux disease is caused by an abnormal functioning of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). It is a type of valve located between the esophagus and stomach which shrinks and closes to prevent the passage of acid and other stomach contents into the esophagus. This anomaly can occur when the LES is weak or when it gets prolonged and in the process, relaxes and allows stomach acid to reflux up into the esophagus.
What are its symptoms?
The most common symptoms are:
* Chronic heartburn, frequent and persistent
* Persistent cough
* A sour or bitter taste in the mouth
* Hoarseness
* Regurgitation (food or stomach fluids up into the mouth)
* Pain in the central area and upper abdomen
* Difficult or painful swallowing
* Chest pain
It is important to note that if you experience any type of chest pain, it is better to consult your health care providers immediately so they can determine whether your symptoms are because of the stomach / esophagus, or heart.
The symptoms usually get worse:
* After eating
* When stooping
* When lying or doing some physical activity
What is the difference between Acid Reflux Disease and Heartburn?
Acid reflux disease is often mistaken for occasional heartburn, because their symptoms are very similar (persistent and frequent heartburn).
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Unlike occasional heartburn, persistent heartburn symptoms that characterize reflux occurs 2 or more times a week, despite having made changes in diet and treatment of symptoms.
Who is most at risk of developing it?
Though research has linked some studies to heredity being one of its causes, anyone can have acid reflux disease. Obese people and pregnant women can have a high risk of developing symptoms of reflux due to the pressure in the abdomen. Also, the risk of developing this condition increases with age.
Who can diagnose Acid Reflux Disease?
A specialist in internal medicine, also known as an internist, can diagnose and treat this disease. However, if symptoms persist despite treatment and diet changes, you can consult a specialist in digestive system diseases. This type of specialist is called a gastroenterologist.
How is it diagnosed?
Acid reflux is usually diagnosed based on patient history and symptoms. To confirm the diagnosis, health care providers often recommend treatment to reduce production of stomach acid (also known as empirical therapy). If heartburn symptoms improve or disappear, it usually confirms the diagnosis of acid reflux. Another way to confirm the diagnosis of acid reflux disease is through laboratory tests and other medical tests such as:
1. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
2. Ambulatory monitoring of the acidity (pH)
3. X-ray barium swallow
Talk with your health care provider to know if you need to take an exam and to determine what is right for you.
Is there a cure for Acid Reflux Disease?
There are always two sides of a coin. Conventional medication has yet to find a cure for acid reflux disease at this time. Ask any doctor or physician and at best they can assure you is how to manage the pain through several types of prescription or non-prescription drugs, as well as certain changes in diet and lifestyle that may help control the symptoms.
On the other side, there have been many reports of individuals who have suffered from this disease and were completely healed - without help from their doctor, the use of drugs or surgery.
The proponents of this believe that conventional medicine is good in diagnosis, but is not a safe bet at treatment (especially prolonged), because it is nothing more but a "band-aid" approach to the real underlying problem. There are far safer and natural methods to cure one's acid reflux symptoms by addressing the root cause. And many have already benefited from this better approach by improving the quality of their life.
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