Usually, if you suffer from heartburn 2 or more times per week for at least 12 weeks, theres a good chance that your diagnosis would be GERD. Unfortunately, no one knows exactly what causes acid reflux disease, but there is an ample amount of information available at your doctors office and on the Internet.
The good news is that acid reflux disease is a highly manageable condition, though it can lead to potentially serious, chronic conditions. Many avenues are available with regard to treatment options. The most common options recommended include lifestyle changes, medical treatments, stress management, and/or a combination of all strategies.
What is Acid Reflux Disease?
Acid reflux disease is a chronic condition in which stomach acid washes back up onto the esophagus, causing severe discomfort. Stomach acid burns the esophagus lining due to a relaxed lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES acts as a valve between your stomach and the esophagus. The valve is designed to open and allow food into the stomach, and then close, protecting the esophagus from acids. However, if the LES is not closing properly, acid rushes or refluxes upward, coating the esophagus, and causes a burning sensation.
Remember that its normal to suffer from acid reflux (heartburn) every once and awhile. Its only acid reflux disease when its a chronic condition, happening frequently and for long periods of time. If you are unsure, dont hesitate to see your doctor. One more thing to keep in mind is that heartburn has nothing to do with your heart. It just feels that way at times because the esophagus is located behind the heart.
All About Acid RefluxAcid reflux is scientifically known as GastroEsophageal Reflux
Disease (GERD). It is a disease characterized by the abnormal
reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus resulting to
chronic symptoms or mucosal damage.
Acid reflux is often caused by temporary or permanent
alterations in the lining that separates the esophagus and the
stomach. Ineffectiveness of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)
or a temporary LES relaxation connected with a hiatal hernia are
just some of the common causes of acid reflux. The process can
also lead to a backflow of gastric juices to the pharynx or ..
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Acid Reflux provides comprehensive information on the cause, symptoms, treatment, and diet associated with normal and infant acid reflux. For more information go to Acid Reflux and/or visit its sister site at Pain Relief Web for related information.
Report: Poor sleep patterns correlate with acid reflux
This Healthday article comments on a recent study that attempted to correlate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or acid reflux, for short, with poor sleep patterns.
Researchers from Jefferson University Medical College, Philadelphia, observed the sleep patterns of 16 people with a history of bad sleep but with no known medical problems that might cause their sleep difficulties. They had not previously been diagnosed or treated for GERD.
Eight of the study volunteers experienced daytime symptoms of reflux while the other eight did not appear to have any symptoms of acid reflux. After ..
