Sunday, September 6, 2009

Getting the Lowdown on Acid Reflux Disease

Acid reflux disease is a condition wherein the gastric juices which contains acid travels from the stomach then to the esophagus. Most people who have it do not usually recognize it because of its subtleness. However, you will learn of its existence through its symptoms, which includes but not limited to heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, and hoarseness in the voice.

Others may think that it’s normal but you never know it’s already a sign of acid reflux if you’re having difficulty in swallowing, dental erosion and asthma.

How could one get acid reflux disease? Some people may experience regular gastroesophageal reflux disease when the food in the stomach is not fully digested by the acid in the stomach and the enzymes that are involved in the digestion process.

These partially digested acids should go into the small intestine to be further digested. However, people with acid reflux disease experience that the acid content travels backward into the esophagus instead which will cause inflammation and damage. People with stomach full of food are much more prone to acid reflux disease than those who don’t usually eat much. This is especially true when a person lies down.

Acid reflux disease normally lasts for several months or even longer unless treated. Some symptoms may reoccur despite the fact that you’re taking medications.

The most common ways to treat this condition is to use acid suppressants such as histamine2-receptor antagonists or blockers. Proton pump inhibitors are used to reduce the production of acid in the stomach and prevent it from worsening.

Antacids are probably the most common way of treating it as it can be bought over the counter. It is used to treat symptoms like heartburn and indigestion but is not advisable for severe cases. Those are just some of the basic symptoms and treatments that you should be aware in order to prevent panicking once you think you have acid reflux disease. Of course, it is advisable to visit a doctor for a proper diagnosis.