Acid Reflux - Is That Gerd Or What?

Written By Chouhab on mardi 16 décembre 2008 | 03:08

By Richard H Ealom

INTRODUCTION: Acid reflux is a condition where gastric juices containing acid move back from the stomach into the esophagus (gullet or swallowing tube). More usually found among grown-ups, but, children as well as infants, can also be affected.

It is most often recognized by its symptom of "heartburn" which reportedly affects 1 out of every 10 adults in the US and is a very serious and common affliction in the world today. In severe cases, this can be very troublesome. It is treatable and you should ask your doctor what treatments are available and right for you.

GERD: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), or more commonly known as acid reflux, is a chronic condition where the esophagus gets inflamed and irritated because of the stomach's acidic contents that backflow towards the esophagus passing from the lower esophageal sphincter. It is a severe form of reflux that often causes pain, vomiting and poor weight gain.

HEARTBURN: The name of the ailment given to a burning discomfort in the chest, just behind the breastbone. It is a symptom of another digestive disorder, and not a disorder by itself. Following heartburn, other reported signs are regurgitation, bitterness within the mouth, hoarseness, wheezing, dry cough, and throat tightness as if a hunk of food is entrapped. A heartburn every now and then does not necessarily mean one has GERD.

SYMPTOMS: Signs of acid reflux include: Heartburn (a burning sensation rising from the stomach or lower chest up towards the neck) and can be greatly eased or prevented by lifestyle and diet changes as well as the use of herbs recognized to promote healthy digestion.

TREATMENT: Treatment is the next step, but remember that correct treatment can really only be implemented after a definite diagnosis has been made. Also, after the esophagus has healed and treatment is stopped, the injury will come back in most persons within a few months. You may need to experiment with doses and medications to find the best treatment for your heartburn and GERD.

Drug treatment is usually only needed for a short time although it may have to be repeated since some signs may re-occur. NEXIUM is prescribed for the treatment of frequent, continuous heartburn symptoms. But if these symptoms occur 2 or more days a week despite treatment and change in diet, you may have (GERD) also called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

CONCLUSION: Acid reflux is produce by food and stomach acid coming back up from your stomach and entering your esophagus and is usually characterized by a burning sensation in the stomach and chest region. It is a medical ailment, with heartburn as a possible symptom of that ailment. You should also realize that if it remains untreated for too long, you could be facing a lifetime of dealing with it. The bottom line is that finding the correct treatment is mostly about knowing your body and your symptoms.

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