INTRODUCTION: Acid reflux is a condition where gastric juices containing acid move back from the stomach into the esophagus (gullet or swallowing tube). More usually found among grown-ups, but, children as well as infants, can also be 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 more commonly known as acid reflux, is a chronic condition where the esophagus gets inflamed and irritated because of the stomach's acidic contents that backflow towards the esophagus passing from the lower esophageal sphincter. It is a severe form of reflux that often causes pain, vomiting and poor weight gain.
HEARTBURN: The name of the condition given to a burning discomfort in the chest, just behind the breastbone. It is a sign of another digestive disorder, and not a disorder by itself. Following heartburn, other reported symptoms are regurgitation, bitterness within the mouth, hoarseness, wheezing, dry cough, and throat tightness as if some chunk of food is entrapped. An occasional heartburn 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 proper treatment can really only be implemented once a definite diagnosis has been made. Moreover, after the esophagus has healed and treatment is stopped, the injury will return in most patients within a few months. You may need to experiment with doses and medications to find the right treatment for your heartburn and GERD.
Drug treatment is usually only needed for a short time although it may have to be repeated since some signs may re-occur. NEXIUM is prescribed for the treatment of frequent, continuous heartburn symptoms. But if these symptoms occur 2 or more days a week despite treatment and change in diet, you may have (GERD) also called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.
CONCLUSION: Acid reflux is caused by food and stomach acid coming back up from your stomach and entering your esophagus and is often characterized by a burning sensation in the stomach and chest area. It is a medical condition, with heartburn as a possible symptom of that condition. You should also realize that if it is left untreated for too long, you could be looking at a lifetime of dealing with it. The bottom line is that finding the right cure is mostly about knowing your body and your symptoms. - 16752
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 more commonly known as acid reflux, is a chronic condition where the esophagus gets inflamed and irritated because of the stomach's acidic contents that backflow towards the esophagus passing from the lower esophageal sphincter. It is a severe form of reflux that often causes pain, vomiting and poor weight gain.
HEARTBURN: The name of the condition given to a burning discomfort in the chest, just behind the breastbone. It is a sign of another digestive disorder, and not a disorder by itself. Following heartburn, other reported symptoms are regurgitation, bitterness within the mouth, hoarseness, wheezing, dry cough, and throat tightness as if some chunk of food is entrapped. An occasional heartburn 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 proper treatment can really only be implemented once a definite diagnosis has been made. Moreover, after the esophagus has healed and treatment is stopped, the injury will return in most patients within a few months. You may need to experiment with doses and medications to find the right treatment for your heartburn and GERD.
Drug treatment is usually only needed for a short time although it may have to be repeated since some signs may re-occur. NEXIUM is prescribed for the treatment of frequent, continuous heartburn symptoms. But if these symptoms occur 2 or more days a week despite treatment and change in diet, you may have (GERD) also called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.
CONCLUSION: Acid reflux is caused by food and stomach acid coming back up from your stomach and entering your esophagus and is often characterized by a burning sensation in the stomach and chest area. It is a medical condition, with heartburn as a possible symptom of that condition. You should also realize that if it is left untreated for too long, you could be looking at a lifetime of dealing with it. The bottom line is that finding the right cure is mostly about knowing your body and your symptoms. - 16752
About the Author:
Richard H. Ealom has authored numerous articles on Diseases, Their Causes And Cures. Find out about natural remedies for Acid Reflux that actually work by visiting the Stop Acid Reflux Now! website. You are permitted to reprint this article provided you leave this box unchanged.
