Acid reflux is a common disease affecting on average 7% of adults daily. Increased acid production in the stomach is the main cause of acid reflux.
Acid reflux can be a consequence of a number of disorders. According to traditional western medicine, this case of symptom is normally the outcome of either a loosening of the lower esophageal sphincter, or the backing up of acid from the acid-resitant stomach to the fragile esophagus. This leads to mucosal damage of the esophagus lining.
Common symptoms of GERD include heartburn, regurgitation, trouble or pain swallowing, increased salivation, and nausea. GERD may also be responsible for various injuries to the esophagus.
Acid reflux or GERD can lead to dental erosion when gastric acid from the stomach comes into contact with teeth.
Many people may experience acid reflux symptoms but delay in seeking medical attention from a qualified doctor. GERD is a disease that is easily managed if detected early but if left untreated it may lead to esophageal erosion which is more serious.
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What is Acid Reflux?
It is a condition where the liquid content of the stomach or the gastric juices usually containing acid and pepsin goes back to esophagus by regurgitation or reflux. In medical parlance, it is known as GERD (Gastro-esophageal Reflex Disease).
The acid in the refluxed liquid has the potential to damage esophagus lining causing its inflammation, a condition called esophagitis. Sometimes this liquid coming to esophagus from the stomach may also contain bile refluxed from duodenum into the stomach though the damaging potentials of this bile and pepsin are not well known.
Both acid reflux and esophagitis if it occurs are chronic conditions. It however needs to be clarified that while acid reflux is common in most individuals, GERD occurs only when the refluxed liquid level is quite high and contains higher than normal level of acid.
The body’s defense mechanism controls the refluxed liquid usually sending them back to the stomach when we are awake and our bodies are in upright position. Also activities like swallowing remove the reflux and the bicarbonate produced by the saliva removes any trace of acid staying back in the esophagus.
But this all happens when we are awake. When we sleep, protective mechanisms like gravity, swallowing and salivation do not work much or stop altogether allowing the acid to remain longer in the esophagus causing it more harm.
Reflux Symptoms
A burning sensation originating from the stomach or lower chest and moving up to the neck called heartburn is the most common symptom of acid reflux. Other symptoms are chest pain, coming of food into the mouth (regurgitation) and sore or hoarse throat.
Treatment
Treatment is required only when symptoms of acid reflux occur. However, GERD and esophagitis are chronic conditions that require continuous treatment. It has been observed that the symptoms recur a few months after the treatment is stopped.
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