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Reflux Acid Is Bad

31st January, 2010 - Posted by health news - No Comments

The word “reflux” comes from the Medieval Latin word refluxus which comes from the Latin word refluere, meaning “to flow back, to recede”. If you suffer from acidic burn the acids from your gut “flow back” into your esophagus, causing pain and discomfort – this pain is often known as angina.
What’s the esophagus?
In simple terms, the esophagus is the tube between the stomach and the pharynx, which is at the rear of your throat. According to Medilexicon’s Medical compendium, “the esophagus is the portion of the alimentary canal between the pharynx and stomach. It is about 25-cm long and is composed of 3 parts : the cervical part, from the cricoid cartilage to the thoracic inlet ; the thoracic part, from the thoracic inlet to the diaphragm ; and the abdominal part, below the diaphragm to the cardiac opening of the stomach.”

The esophageal sphincter lies at the junction where the gut and the esophagus join. Your gut produces robust acids and enzymes ( stomach juices ) which are employed in food digestion. The inner liner of your stomach has several mechanisms to protect itself from the consequences of the gut juices on itself, but the lining of the esophagus doesn’t. There is a valve that stops the gastric juices from going up the esophagus – it is known as the lower esophageal sphincter.

When the lower esophageal sphincter becomes weakened stomach juices can seep upwards into the esophagus.

Many of us have acidic backwash Problems now and then. In majority of cases this is safe. If the difficulty becomes determined and goes untreated, the angina can develop into GERD ( Gastroesophageal Reflux illness ). In lingering and harsh cases the esophagus can become scarred – the patient might have difficulty swallowing, and the danger of developing carcinoma of the esophagus increases significantly.
What is the difference between acidic backwash and heartburn?
Acidic reflux is the action, while angina is the sensation. The pain is angina, while the movement of acid into the esophagus from the belly is acid reflux.
What are the symptoms of acid reflux?

• heartburn
• reflux
• acid reflux

What causes acid reflux?
Acid reflux ordinarily occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter ( LES ) doesn’t work properly, and permits acid to seep upwards from the gut to the esophagus. Although we know a flawed LES is a common cause, we’re not sure why it becomes faulty. One of many reasons may be that pressure in the stomach rises higher than the LES can withstand.