Everything You Wanted to Know About Acid Reflux Disease

Acid reflux disease also commonly known as 'heart burn' is a clinical condition in which the liquid content of the stomach refluxes or backs up into the esophagus. This condition is quite annoying and painful.

The reality however is that, the reflux of the stomach's liquid contents into the esophagus occurs in most normal individuals. But when a common heartburn becomes acid reflux disease or Gastro esophageal reflux disease, commonly referred to as GERD, it becomes a real problem. That is because with GERD, the acid is stronger and stays in the esophagus longer causing more discomfort.

Most often, this is a quite common experience during the daytime when you are upright, sitting straight, or standing. Your body handles this reflux by the fluid flowing back down into your stomach. You swallow more during the daytime therefore draining the acid back to where it belongs. Your salivary glands produce saliva that also contains bicarbonate that acts to neutralize the acid your stomach has kicked up.

However during the night time, you may experience a greater problem when acid reflux disease occurs, that is because while sleeping, gravity does not work as well lying down, your constant swallowing stops and the production of saliva gets reduced.

A person can become more prone to acid reflux disease (GERD) also due to certain conditions. For example, while you are pregnant, this can be a serious problem. Elevated hormone levels of pregnancy probably cause reflux by lowering the pressure in that part of your body known as the lower esophageal sphincter. Also, the growing baby puts more pressure on the abdomen. Both of these effects of pregnancy tend to increase the risk of GERD.

If your acid reflux disease is in the preliminary stages, then you should only experience minor symptoms. These would include primarily nausea, heartburn and regurgitation. However, if the condition becomes complicated, then watch out for the following symptoms.

The liquid that comes back into the esophagus damages the lining of the esophagus. The body also has its self defense mechanism. It tries to protect itself from the acid reflux disease by 'inflaming' the esophagus. In an attempt to speed up the healing process through the inflammation, the wall of the esophagus may form an ulcer. The ulcer is a break in the lining of the esophagus wall. Consequently it may lead to bleeding and if bleeding is very severe, patients might need a blood transfusion or even surgical treatment.

What can you do for yourself to help the condition?
Try sleeping on a pillow at night that raises your chest up slightly so that gravity can bring the acid back down more easily. Since this condition usually occurs on a full stomach, eat earlier and eat less to keep the stomach from being too full. Also try to avoid foods such as chocolate, peppermint and beverages containing alcohol and caffeinated drinks. Reduce fatty foods and of course, cut down or quit smoking. Other foods may also aggravate the conditions. Avoid spicy or acid-containing foods, like citrus juices, carbonated beverages, and tomato juice.

And last but not the least if your heartburn is severe or acute, happening very frequently, you need to see a doctor.