›› Acid Reflux Disease
Commonly called
'heart burn', acid reflux disease is a condition in which the liquid
content of the stomach regurgitates (backs up, or refluxes) into the
esophagus. It's annoying and painful. But you want
to know the truth, the reflux of the stomach's liquid contents into the
esophagus occurs in most normal individuals. However, when
heartburn becomes acid reflux disease or Gastro esophageal reflux
disease, commonly referred to as GERD, it is s real problem.
That is because with GERD, the acid is stronger and stays in the
esophagus longer causing more discomfort.
Most often, you will experience this during the daytime when you are
upright, sitting straight, or standing. You body handles this
reflux by the fluid flowing back down into your stomach. You
swallow more during the daytime therefore draining the acid back to
where it belongs. Your salivary glands produce saliva that
also contains bicarbonate that acts to neutralize the acid your stomach
has kicked up.
At night though, you may have a greater problem when acid reflux
disease occurs that is because while sleeping, gravity does not work as
well lying down, your constant swallowing stops, and the production of
saliva is reduced.
Certain conditions make a person more prone to acid reflux disease,
this GERD. For example, while you are pregnant, this can be a
serious problem. Elevated hormone levels of pregnancy
probably cause reflux by lowering the pressure in that part of your
body known as the lower esophageal sphincter. Also, the
growing baby puts more pressure on the abdomen. Both of these
effects of pregnancy tend to increase the risk of GERD.
If your acid reflux disease is a minor condition, then you should only
experience minor symptoms. These would include primarily
heartburn, regurgitation, and nausea. However, if the
condition is complicated, then watch out for the following
symptoms.
The liquid that comes back into the esophagus damages the lining of the
esophagus. The body tries to protect itself from the acid
reflux disease by 'inflaming' the esophagus. Trying to speed
the healing process through the inflammation, the wall of the esophagus
may form an ulcer. The ulcer is a break in the lining of the
esophagus wall. Then what happens is that there may be
bleeding. If the bleeding is very severe, patients might need
a blood transfusion or even surgical treatment.
If your heartburn is severe or acute, happening very frequently, you
need to see a doctor.
What can you do for yourself to help the condition? Try
sleeping a pillow a night that raises your chest up slightly so that
gravity can bring the acid back down more easily. Since this
condition usually occurs on a full stomach, eat earlier and eat less to
keep the stomach from being too full. Ease off on the
chocolate, peppermint, alcohol, and caffeinated drinks.
Reduce fatty foods and of course, cut down or quit smoking.
Other foods may aggravate the conditions. Avoid spicy or
acid-containing foods, like citrus juices, carbonated beverages, and
tomato juice.
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A Healthy Dose of Good Advice
