| Many people suffer from heartburn, that | | | | There is a whole list of things that can set off acid |
| uncomfortable burning sensation that occurs just under | | | | reflux or make its symptoms worse. These can |
| the heart, from time to time, but if it occurs regularly | | | | include certain types of foods and drinks like onions, |
| and gets progressively worse there is a good chance | | | | certain spices, chocolate, fatty foods, caffeine and |
| that acid reflux disease is the culprit. The burning and | | | | alcohol. Other lifestyle choices that can further |
| discomfort is caused by stomach acid that is back | | | | exacerbate the symptoms of acid reflux also includes |
| flowing into the esophagus, the tube that runs from the | | | | smoking, obesity, and in certain cases pregnancy, |
| throat to the stomach. The esophagus does not have | | | | which puts excess pressure on the stomach forcing |
| the same protective coating of mucus that the | | | | its contents back up the esophagus. By making |
| stomach and can be damaged by stomach contents | | | | changes in all these areas the symptoms of acid |
| that get regurgitated into it. Acid reflux, also know as | | | | reflux disease can be managed and controlled. |
| Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) affects | | | | If no steps are taken to prevent GERD it long term |
| millions of people every day. | | | | affects can cause irreversible damage to the lining of |
| Heartburn normally occurs after a large meal has been | | | | the esophagus. This can include ulcers, scarring, and a |
| consumed and everyone seems to suffer from it from | | | | narrowing of the esophagus which lead to problems |
| time to time. If you are having symptoms consistently | | | | with swallowing. It can also damage the larynx which |
| over a period of two or more weeks it may be a | | | | can cause hoarseness and loss of vocal ability. There |
| good idea to make an appointment with your doctor to | | | | is also a concern for a condition called Barrett's |
| discuss the possibility that you have acid reflux | | | | esophagus, which is damage caused to the lower |
| disease. | | | | portion of the esophagus by gastric acids. This can |
| Doctors know that acid reflux is caused by a | | | | lead to a pre-malignant condition which is associated |
| weakening of the esophageal sphincters that are | | | | with the development of esophageal cancer. |
| supposed to keep the contents of the stomach from | | | | In addition to lifestyle changes and antacids the most |
| flowing back into the esophagus but they still do not | | | | predominant treatment for acid reflux disease |
| know what causes this weakening and failure of these | | | | symptoms are proton pump inhibitors and prokinetic |
| important checkpoints. Taking the proper steps to | | | | agent medications. These are particularly useful for |
| control it using diet, exercise, stress reduction, and over | | | | those who suffer from chronic symptoms, but it |
| the counter medications does make this a manageable | | | | always important to talk to your doctor before starting |
| condition. | | | | any form of medical or drug therapy. |