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Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Acid Reflux - Is That Heartburn Or What?

By Richard H Ealom

INTRODUCTION: Acid reflux is a condition where gastric juices containing acid travel back from the stomach into the esophagus (gullet or swallowing tube). More commonly found among adults, yet, children as well as infants, can be likewise affected.

It is most frequently recognized by its symptom of "heartburn" which is said to affect 1 out of every 10 adults in the USA and is a very serious and common ailment in the world today. In severe instances, this can be very troublesome. It is treatable and you should ask your MD what treatments are available and right for you.

GERD: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), or commonly called acid reflux, is a chronic condition wherein the esophagus becomes inflamed and irritated due to the stomach's acidic contents that flows back towards the esophagus passing from the lower esophageal sphincter. It is a severe version of reflux that often produces pain, vomiting and poor weight gain.

HEARTBURN: The name of the affliction given to a burning discomfort in the chest, just back of the breastbone. It is a sign of another digestive problem, and not a problem by itself. Following heartburn, other reported symptoms are regurgitation, bitterness in the mouth, hoarseness, wheezing, dry cough, and throat tightness as if some chunk of food is entrapped. An occasional heartburn does'nt always mean one has GERD.

SYMPTOMS: Symptoms of acid reflux include: Heartburn (a burning feeling rising from the stomach or lower chest upward towards the neck) and can be greatly relieved or prevented by lifestyle and dietary alterations as well as using herbs known to promote healthy digestion.

TREATMENT: Treatment is the next step, but recognize that proper treatment can really only be utilized once a definitive diagnosis has been made. Moreover, after the esophagus has healed and treatment is ceased, the injury will return in the majority of patients within a few months. You may need to experiment with doses and drugs to find the right solution for your heartburn and GERD.

Drug treatment is often only needed for a short time although it may have to be repeated since some symptoms may re-occur. NEXIUM is prescribed for the treatment of frequent, persistent heartburn symptoms. But if these symptoms occur two or more days a week despite treatment and change in diet, you may have (GERD) also known as 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.

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