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Acid
reflux disease, also known as gastro-esophageal reflux disease, or GERD, occurs
due to the coexistence of two medical conditions.
The
first acid reflux disease contributing condition is a retrograde flow of
stomach contents into the esophagus. However, the reflux itself does not
necessarily lead to gastro-esophageal reflux disease symptoms or histologic
changes, and can occur among healthy individuals as well. In this case, the
process is referred to as "physiologic gastroesophageal reflux".
The second acid reflux disease predisposing condition is a lower esophageal sphincter (LES) malfunction. The LES is a 3-cm to 4-cm ring of muscle, which is two to three times thicker than the proximal esophagus and acts as a valve between the esophagus and the stomach.
The second acid reflux disease predisposing condition is a lower esophageal sphincter (LES) malfunction. The LES is a 3-cm to 4-cm ring of muscle, which is two to three times thicker than the proximal esophagus and acts as a valve between the esophagus and the stomach.
In
the case of acid reflux disease, the LES does not close perfectly and stomach
contents splashes up into the esophagus. When pathologic symptoms follow this
process, the whole condition is called acid reflux disease.
Gastro-esophageal reflux disease is usually experienced as a persistent (at least twice a week) heartburn. Heartburn is the burning sensation in the chest or throat, caused by refluxed stomach contents touching the lining of the esophagus.
Gastro-esophageal reflux disease is usually experienced as a persistent (at least twice a week) heartburn. Heartburn is the burning sensation in the chest or throat, caused by refluxed stomach contents touching the lining of the esophagus.
Since
healthy individuals may also experience light reflux - occasional heartburn is
common as well, and doesn't necessarily serve as an evidence of GERD.
Some GERD sufferers may also experience pain in the chest, cough, morning hoarseness, voice changes, difficulty swallowing (especially lumpy foods), chronic earache, burning chest pains, nausea or sinusitis.
Some GERD sufferers may also experience pain in the chest, cough, morning hoarseness, voice changes, difficulty swallowing (especially lumpy foods), chronic earache, burning chest pains, nausea or sinusitis.
Some
patients report a sensation that reminds food stuck, choking or tightness in
the throat. This happens due to continuous stomach contents acid flow that
comes into contact with the esophagus and causes inflammation of the esophagus
resulting in scars from tissue damage.
Untreated acid reflux disease can lead to serious health complications. Those include stricture formation, bleeding, ulcers and esophageal spasms.
Untreated acid reflux disease can lead to serious health complications. Those include stricture formation, bleeding, ulcers and esophageal spasms.
When
the stomach acid reaches the upper esophagus and trachea, the process can
result in a variety of severe conditions, such as asthma, sinusitis and pneumonia.
Finally, some people may develop Barrett's esophagus, a condition that manifest
in an abnormal shape and color of cells in the esophageal lining. This
condition is a precursor to esophageal cancer, especially in adults over 60
years old.
The treatment of gastro-esophageal reflux disease takes three forms: surgery, medical therapy and holistic therapy, including dietary and lifestyle changes and the intake of specific herbal supplements.
The treatment of gastro-esophageal reflux disease takes three forms: surgery, medical therapy and holistic therapy, including dietary and lifestyle changes and the intake of specific herbal supplements.
An
undergoing surgery should be considered very carefully, since it can compound
some underlying conditions, such as stricture and motility disorders. Medical
treatment of GERD includes PPIs and H2 blockers.
While
acid reflux can be treated by taking prescription medications or acid blockers
such as the above, bear in mind that the results may be temporary and that some
conventional medications can cause serious side effects.
From a holistic point of view, acid reflux disease is considered a warning sign of a major internal imbalance that needs to be properly addressed.
From a holistic point of view, acid reflux disease is considered a warning sign of a major internal imbalance that needs to be properly addressed.
Therefore,
alternative remedies, such as homeopathic remedies, herbal remedies, lifestyle
changes as part of a complete holistic regimen are strongly recommended for
acid reflux sufferers.
This article is
based on the book, "Heartburn No More" by Jeff Martin. Jeff is an
author, researcher, nutritionist and health consultant who dedicated his life
to creating the ultimate acid reflux solution guaranteed to
permanently reverse the root cause of heartburn and acid reflux and
naturally and dramatically improve the overall quality of your life, without
the use prescription medication and without any surgical procedures.
