Current Articles

Posts Tagged ‘gerd’

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

It is most often recognized by its symptom of “heartburn” which reportedly affects 1 out of every 10 adults in the US and is a very serious and common affliction in the world today. In severe cases, this can be very troublesome. It is treatable and you should ask your doctor what treatments are available and right for you.

GERD: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), or commonly known as acid reflux, is a chronic condition wherein the esophagus gets inflamed and irritated due to the stomach’s acidic contents that backflow towards the esophagus passing from the lower esophageal sphincter. It is a severe version of reflux that often causes pain, vomiting and poor weight gain.

HEARTBURN: The name of the ailment given to a burning discomfort in the chest, just behind the breastbone. It is a symptom of another digestive disorder, and not a disorder by itself. Following heartburn, other reported signs are regurgitation, bitterness within the mouth, hoarseness, wheezing, dry cough, and throat tightness as if a hunk of food is entrapped. A heartburn every now and then does not necessarily mean one has GERD.

SYMPTOMS: Signs of acid reflux include: Heartburn (a burning feeling rising from the stomach or lower chest up towards the neck) and can be greatly relieved or prevented by lifestyle and dietary changes as well as the use of 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 usually only needed for a short time although it may have to be repeated since some signs may re-occur. NEXIUM is prescribed for the treatment of frequent, continuous heartburn symptoms. But if these symptoms occur 2 or more days a week despite treatment and change in diet, you may have (GERD) also called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

CONCLUSION: Acid reflux is produce by food and stomach acid coming back up from your stomach and entering your esophagus and is usually characterized by a burning sensation in the stomach and chest region. It is a medical ailment, with heartburn as a possible symptom of that ailment. You should also realize that if it remains untreated for too long, you could be facing a lifetime of dealing with it. The bottom line is that finding the correct treatment is mostly about knowing your body and your symptoms.