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