Facts About Acid Reflux

Contributor

By RealWealth06
eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating:

(0 Ratings)

Acid reflux is a chronic digestive disorder that affects more than 5 percent of the world's population. It is also referred to as gastroesophogeal reflux disease (GERD), and the two terms are often used interchangeably. Acid reflux causes stomach acid to enter the esophagus, leading to the pain and burning sensation of heartburn. Though usually a minor nuisance, it can to serious long-term complications

Identification

Acid reflux is a condition in which the liquid contents of the stomach backflow or reflux into the esophagus (the food pipe). This results from a malfunction of the esophageal sphincter, the valve connecting the esophagus to the stomach, or from a medical disorder such as a hernia. The refluxed stomach contents contain gastric acids, an enzyme called pepsin and bile. These irritate and inflame the cell tissue lining of the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest called heartburn.

Symptoms

Acid reflux is characterized by a number of symptoms. One of the most common symptoms of this disease is persistent heartburn, a condition characterized by a warm, burning sensation in the chest that radiates from the stomach and up into the throat, leaving a bitter, lingering acidic taste. Other common symptoms include regurgitation, pain or difficulty swallowing and unexplained chest pain. Nausea, excess salivation, sore throat, laryngitis and nocturnal choking are other symptoms of acid reflux.

Diagnosis

Acid reflux often goes undiagnosed, because its symptoms go unrecognized or are attributed to an unrelated condition with similar symptoms. Misdiagnosis commonly leads to mistreatment that can result in serious complications. An accurate diagnosis can only be done by a doctor and involves a review of the patient's medical history as well as a physical examination.

Effects

Over time, acid reflux can cause damage to the digestive system. Frequent, severe reflux gradually damages the unprotected lining of the esophagus. Over time, this can cause esophageal ulcers and esophagitis, an inflammation of the esophagus lining. If it goes untreated for a long period of time, it can cause Barrett's esophagus, which is a precancerous condition affecting the cell wall lining the esophagus.

Treatment

There are a number of medical and surgical treatments for acid reflux. These include medications such as proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2 blockers. A less-frequently used treatment involves gastrointestinal (GI) stimulants, which are formulated to empty out the stomach faster. Surgical procedures such as fundoplication may be employed to strengthen the esophageal sphincter. Acid reflux is a chronic condition, and its treatment is typically lifelong.