Information on Acid Reflux

The symptoms can be so intense you can think you're having a heart attack when you're actually dealing with extreme heartburn due to acid reflux. This is a chronic condition which often follows from eating a large meal. On the other hand, it can be caused by wearing tight clothing, slenderizing undergarments or belts that can squeeze the stomach, forcing food to reflux into the esophagus, causing an attack. Although technically acid reflux is incurable, people suffering from it can find temporary relief through medications, besides making lifestyle changes to lessen the odds of an attack.

Identification

Acid reflux disease, also known as heartburn or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), is a common condition where the stomach's liquid content backs up into the esophagus. As a result, the liquid can damage or inflame the esophagus lining. Usually contained in the liquid are pepsin (the enzyme beginning the digestion of proteins in the stomach) and acid produced by the stomach. Bile may also be in the refluxed liquid.

Size

Each month, more than 60 million Americans battle acid reflux. That's about five out of a hundred people. Roughly one out of twelve people, worldwide or 25 million people, suffer from acid reflux.

Symptoms

The three most common symptoms of acid reflux are heartburn, dyspepsia and regurgitation. Heartburn is the main symptom of acid reflux disease, with about 75 percent of people suffering from acid reflux symptoms experiencing it. Dyspepsia is pain in the upper abdomen or nausea from feeling full in the stomach. It's possible to have dyspepsia without having GERD. Regurgitation is feeling acid backup up in the throat. Described as a "wet burp", it can come out as vomit. Less common symptoms include chest pain and throat discomfort. Acid laryngitis involves a dry cough, hoarseness and feeling as if a lump is caught in the throat. Chronic sore throats and swallowing difficulties are other symptoms, as well as constant hiccuping.

Prevention/Solution

Consuming large volumes of food forces the stomach to produce more acid for digestion. Rather than eating three large meals a day, eat more meals containing smaller amounts of food. Less food lessens the workload on the stomach, needing less acid. Choose foods which are easy for digestion including breads, pasta and rice. Avoid meals rich in fats because high fat foods stay in the stomach longer, creating more acid. Limit or eliminate alcohol or smoking. The nicotine in smoking can relax the lower esophageal sphincter muscle. Drinking alcohol also hinders this muscle, permitting reflux to enter the esophagus.
Wait at least 45 minutes to lie down after eating a meal. When you do lie down, elevate your head about six to eight inches.

Misconceptions

One common misconception is that acid reflux is the same as heartburn. Actually, heartburn is just one of the many symptoms of acid reflux disease.

Warning

If acid reflux isn't addressed quickly it can lead to esophageal cancer. By waiting too late to treat it you run the risk of cancerous tumors growing so large they're inoperable. About 30 percent of esophageal cancer cases are connected to acid reflux disease.