Acid reflux (also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD) is a condition in which the tube that carries food from the throat to stomach i.e. the esophagus becomes weak and allows stomach acid to wash up into it. This causes heartburn and a variety of other symptoms. Most of us suffer occasional attacks of heartburn, often caused by eating a heavy meal or drinking to much coffee or alcohol- but for many people acid reflux is a chronic disease that features symptoms of almost daily discomfort and pain.
The lower part of the esophagus has a muscular sphincter that usually stays completely closed and opens only to allow food or drink to enter the stomach. Its function is to prevent the corrosive stomach acid from entering the esophagus.
In people with chronic acid reflux this sphincter mechanism does not work properly and the esophagus is exposed to acid on a regular basis. This can lead to complications like damage to the mucous lining, scarring, bleeding and ulcers and even a kind of pre-cancerous condition called Barrett's esophagus, where cells in the esophageal lining take on an abnormal shape.
Studies show that asthma, chronic cough, and pulmonary fibrosis may also be aggravated or even caused by GERD, so it is worth it to learn to recognize the symptoms of acid reflux and get it treated if you need to.
Symptoms do vary in different individuals but usually include:
* Some form of heartburn - this may be a burning sensation behind the breastbone, tight feeling in the chest or feeling of pressure. If you have heartburn more than twice a week you may have acid reflux.
* You may not have heartburn with GERD - instead you may show symptoms of obsessive throat clearing, problems swallowing, the feeling that food is stuck in your throat, burning in the mouth, or pain in the chest.
* You may experience the harsh bitter taste of acid in your mouth (waterbrash).
* If stomach acid flows into the respiratory tubes you may have hoarseness, coughing and shortness of breath.
* Infants and children may have repeated vomiting, coughing, and respiratory problems. (Bear in mind that most babies do grow out of GERD by age one).
If your use of antacids has skyrocketed lately you need to see a doctor. Most doctors can treat GERD with drugs and suggestions on lifestyle changes. You might decide to visit an internist (who specializes in internal medicine) or a gastroenterologist (who treats diseases of the stomach and intestines). For some people surgery is the only option and is very effective in the treatment of acid reflux and its symptoms.
