Acid Reflux Symptoms
Acid reflux is one cause of GERD, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. GERD may
have other causes, such as bile reflux. For claification purposes, the term acid
reflux disease is more specific in the sense of what causes it. However, it
doesn't describe the affected body part. Most doctors prefer the term GERD
rather than acid reflux because it's a more comprehensive term. Acid-suppressing
medication manufactures seem to prefer the term acid reflux disease.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter
(LES) does not close properly and stomach contents leak back, or reflux, into
the esophagus. The LES is a ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus that
acts like a valve between the esophagus and stomach. The esophagus carries food
from the mouth to the stomach.
When refluxed stomach acid touches the lining of the esophagus, it causes a
burning sensation in the chest or throat called heartburn. The fluid may even be
tasted in the back of the mouth, and this is called acid indigestion. Occasional
heartburn is common but does not necessarily mean one has GERD. Heartburn that
occurs more than twice a week may be considered GERD, and it can eventually lead
to more serious health problems.
Anyone, including infants, children, and pregnant women, can have GERD.
Symptoms of Acid Reflux
- Heartburn
- Coughing, wheezing, asthma, hoarseness or sore throat
- Chest pain, especially at night while lying down
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Regurgitiation of food or sour liquid
Talk to your doctor if you have:
- Heartburn that returns soon after your antacid wears off
- Heartburn several times a week
- Heartburn that wakes you up at night
You may need further medical care, possibly even surgery, if you experience
any of these:
- Symptoms that persist even though you're taking prescription medications
- Stool that's black
- Weight loss
- Difficulty swallowing
- Regurgitated blood
Managing the discomfort of heartburn with lifestyle modifications and
over-the-counter medications may help. But if heartburn is severe, these
remedies may offer only temporary or partial relief. If you have GERD, you may
need newer, more potent medications to reduce symptoms.
It is important to note that symptoms differ from person to person. The same
is true of effective methods of treatments. What works for one person may not
work for another. Your doctor can best advise you on the optimal treatment plan
for your individual condition.
For more information about Acid Reflux and the natural treatments available Click Here.
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