What Is Acid Reflux Disease And How You Can Deal With It Effectively?
Acid reflux disease is a debilitating illness that affects adults and children alike. In the United States alone, millions experience the uncomfortable and often painful symptoms of acid reflux. The correct medical term for acid reflux, or commonly referred to as heartburn, is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). The stomach produces high amount of acidic fluid that goes up a patient’s esophagus and could even reach the throat area. When this acid goes up the esophagus, it irritates its mucus lining and produces a burning sensation. Unfortunately, the esophagus is located behind the heart, so when the acid starts coming up, the GERD sufferer experiences a symptom like a burning chest pain. This is the reason why acid reflux is called “heartburn”. Usually, people with GERD experiences its symptoms one or twice a week, even more if the case is already severe.
People who are diagnosed to have GERD should keep in mind the factors that may act as trigger to the symptoms. For example, quickly eating huge meals or lying down after consuming a fatty or oily meal could easily trigger the numerous symptoms of GERD. Being obese or pregnant are also causes for symptoms to show. Eating fatty foods and drinking alcoholic beverages aggravate the symptoms of GERD. Smoking also builds up acidity in the stomach. Taking certain medications, such as aspirin, muscle relaxers, and blood pressure medicines, add to sparking off the symptoms of GERD.
You know you have GERD if you experience the following symptoms regularly. One common symptom of this illness is heartburn, which was explained earlier. The next one is regurgitation which leaves a bitter taste in the mouth. GERD sufferers also experience bloating, excessive hiccups, bloody vomiting, and black stools. There are times when people with this disease have the feeling of something stuck in their throats. The medical term for this condition is dysphagia, and it is a symptom of GERD. In addition to these, GERD patients are likely to have dry cough, chronic sore throat (because of the acid build up from the stomach) and constant wheezing.
There are home remedies that can ease the symptoms of GERD such as drinking chamomile tea or eating apples and bananas. However, if the symptoms are beyond mild, GERD patients can take over-the-counter antacids and other medications. The last resort to treat GERD is surgery. But, before anything else, the first important thing to do is to have a medical practitioner check your condition and look for signs and symptoms of acid reflux disease.
