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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 frequently recognized by its symptom of “heartburn” which is said to affect 1 out of every 10 adults in the USA and is a very serious and common ailment in the world today. In severe instances, this can be very troublesome. It is treatable and you should ask your MD what treatments are available and right for you.

GERD: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), or commonly called acid reflux, is a chronic condition wherein the esophagus becomes inflamed and irritated due to the stomach’s acidic contents that flows back towards the esophagus passing from the lower esophageal sphincter. It is a severe version of reflux that often produces 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: Symptoms of acid reflux include: Heartburn (a burning feeling rising from the stomach or lower chest upward towards the neck) and can be greatly relieved or prevented by lifestyle and dietary alterations as well as using herbs known to promote healthy digestion.

TREATMENT: Treatment is the next step, but remember that proper treatment can really only be implemented once a definite diagnosis has been made. Moreover, after the esophagus has healed and treatment is stopped, the injury will return in most patients within a few months. You may need to experiment with doses and medications to find the right treatment for your heartburn and GERD.

Drug treatment is often only needed for a short time although it may have to be repeated since some symptoms may re-occur. NEXIUM is prescribed for the treatment of frequent, persistent heartburn symptoms. But if these symptoms occur two or more days a week despite treatment and change in diet, you may have (GERD) also known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

CONCLUSION: Acid reflux is caused by food and stomach acid coming back up from your stomach and entering your esophagus and is often characterized by a burning sensation in the stomach and chest area. It is a medical condition, with heartburn as a possible symptom of that condition. You should also realize that if it is left untreated for too long, you could be looking at a lifetime of dealing with it. The bottom line is that finding the right cure is mostly about knowing your body and your symptoms.

Most people experience heartburn from time to time. Common symptoms include a burning feeling in the chest and an acidic taste in the mouth. Many people can take an antacid tablet and get quick relief. Unfortunately, other people get heartburn more frequently - often multiple times per week.

The technical term for heartburn that occurs regularly is GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) - otherwise known as acid reflux. On its own, acid reflux is not dangerous, but if you have it frequently over a long period of time, it can cause serious damage to the lining of your esophagus.

The Causes of Acid Reflux

After you ingest food, the food travels from your mouth, through your esophagus and into your stomach cavity. In the stomach, foods will be broken down by digestive acids so that nutrients can be absorved into the body from the intestinge, and waste can be eliminated. There is a circular ring that is known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) at the base of the esophagus.

The LES is responsible for closing the opening between the esophagus and the stomach once the food passes through. When the LES doesn’t close properly, food particles and digestive juices can back up into the esophagus. Since the esophageal lining is not designed to withstand the harsh acids, burning and discomfort can result. Frequent bouts result in acid reflux, and often require treatment to protect this delicate lining.

How is Acid Reflux Treated?

Over the counter antacids will generally work quickly and effectively for most cases of heartburn and acid indigestion. However, acid reflux may require a different type of medication that will either treat the heartburn for a longer period of time or prevent it from occurring in the first place. For longer relief, many people are prescribed H-2-receptor blockers like Tagamet and Pepcid.

These medications provide longer relief by actually reducing the amount of acid that is produced in the stomach. Another option is using a proton pump inhibitor, like Prilosec. Prilosec and similar medicines will block the production of acid. This allows the lining of the esophagus time to heal.

Acid reflux can be an uncomfortable condition that may cause damage if it is not managed carefully. If you suspect that you are suffering from acid reflux, talk to your doctor about your best options in treatment today.