Persistent heartburn occurring two or more days a week and lasted for at least three months may be the result of gastroesophageal reflux disease also known as GERD, acid reflux disease or just good old-fashioned heartburn, is a nuisance to many today. GERD occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) fails to remain completely closed. The resulting opening in the lower esophageal sphincter allows stomach acid to regurgitate or flow back into the esophagus, the tube that connects the throat to the stomach. This regurgitation of stomach acid can cause frequent and persistent heartburn, often lasting two hours or more.
Although many patients report persistent heartburn episodes of GERD occurring at night while lying down, there are others who report multiple events during the day, especially after eating a large meal or a meal high in acid or of fat. Some gastroenterologists suggest that sleeping with the head of the bed elevated about six inches can help prevent acid reflux at night.
Other symptoms associated with GERD include a burning sensation in the back of the throat, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, pain with swallowing, hoarseness, throat irritation, bitter or sour taste in the mouth or an inflammation of the throat and esophagus.
It is vital to remember that the chest pain associated with GERD or acid reflux disease can mimic the symptoms of a heart attack. For example, both acid reflux and a heart attack can cause chest pain that can be strong or dull and may radiate in the back, arms and neck. Ignoring these signs is stupid and dangerous. The cause of chest pain should be determined by a doctor or health care professional. Simply assuming that chest pain is the result of heartburn without confirmation by a professional should never happen.
Smoking, caffeine, hormones, chocolate, peppermint, tight clothing, certain medications, obesity, pregnancy, and even some body positions were identified as GERD triggers. Many of these triggers are avoidable or controllable, including making it easier to manage acid reflux disease with changes in lifestyle.
GERD can often be accompanied by a hiatus hernia. Defined as a protrusion of a portion of the stomach through the esophageal pause, one aperture which leads into his chest, a hiatus hernia can certainly contribute to linsorgenza and severity of GERD. A hiatus hernia is designed to allow the lower esophageal sphincter to relax and thereby preserve the esophagus emptying completely. A hiatus hernia may also contribute to esophagitis, lerosione the lining of the esophagus from excessive lucidity stomach and digestive enzymes, because of the sensitive tissue allesposizione for lucidity stomach.
Changes in lifestyle, diet, and the counter medications are usually the first line of treatment offered by providers of health services, once a diagnosis of GERD was confirmed. However, if acid reflux can not be controlled by these methods of strength prescription medications can be ordered. Surgery is often seen as a last resort to manage gastroesophageal reflux disease.
GERD is a disease that can cause long-term damage if left untreated. There are non-invasive options for treatment and, hopefully, eliminate the acid reflux until you have the ability to cause damage long term.
Tags: Acid Reflux, Gastroesophageal reflux, GERD, Heartburn, Sore Throat,
