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Acid Reflux – All About The Condition

14th October, 2008 - Posted by health news - No Comments

Acid Reflux is something we tend to hear about quite a bit these days. And yet, many people still aren’t clear about what this condition really is. For instance, did you know that acid reflux is often mistaken for heart burn? Did you know that children and infants suffer from it as well? The best way to treat this condition is to know exactly what it is.

GERD

Acid Reflux is the common name for the condition known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD. This happens when there is a problem between the stomach and esophagus. When you eat, the food travels down your esophagus and enters the stomach, which is then closed off by something known as the esophageal sphincter. Normally, the foods, liquids and stomach acids stay in the stomach- but for a person with acid reflux, the stomach contents will re-enter the esophagus.

While the stomach is specially designed to deal with the acids that are produced during digestion, the esophagus is not. As a result, this ‘reflux’ can cause a burning feeling along the chest, throat and sometimes, the back of the mouth. It is this burning sensation that often leads people to wrongly believe that they have heartburn.

What’s The Difference?

So how can you tell if you’ve got acid reflux or heartburn? First of all, acid reflux will usually appear more than twice a week. It will also be joined by other symptoms like chest pains, dry cough and bad breath. You will also have a feeling that something is stuck in your throat and you may experience hoarseness when you awaken in the morning. Other symptoms include a sensation of being choked and trouble in swallowing.

While these are the most common symptoms, it’s best to see a doctor to get professional diagnosis. Most patients will have to take acid-suppressive therapy in order to diagnose the condition. In some cases, additional tests such as an upper endoscopy, barium x-rays, Esophageal Manometry or an Esophageal PH Monitor Examination may also be prescribed.

If this condition is not treated quickly, it could lead to complications in the esophagus and stomach. Dealing with Acid Reflux quickly will put your health back on track and make life a lot easier for you.