About Acid Reflux Disease

by A Couse

Here is an article on Acid Reflux Disease. I hope you find the information useful!

Acid reflux is a collection of symptoms, including a burning or discomfort in your upper abdomen, nausea and a bloated or full feeling that belching may relieve.

These symptoms occur when the stomach acids back up into your esophagus (food pipe). A sour taste and the sensation of food coming back up into your mouth may accompany the burning sensation behind your breastbone.

Why do these acids back up? Normally, a circular band of muscle at the bottom of your esophagus, called a sphincter, closes off the stomach but allows food to enter into your stomach when you swallow. If the sphincter is weakened or relaxed, the stomach acid will wash back up (reflux) into your esophagus and cause irritation.

Some common factors can cause reflux. Being overweight, as well as overeating puts too much pressure on your stomach. Some medications, food or beverages can relax the esophageal sphincter muscle or irritate the esophagus. Lying down after eating a meal can also cause reflux and should be avoided for at least 2 hours.

Over the counter antacids can relieve mild acid reflux temporarily, but if you are suffering of this feeling daily, you should not ignore these symptoms and consult your physician. Your healthcare provider may give you a prescription and some dietary changes to adhere to and help this condition. If left untreated, chronic acid reflux can cause scarring in the lower esophagus and this can make swallowing difficult. Also, suffering of chronic indigestion and acid reflux may signal the presence of a more underlying serious disease.

If you pinpoint certain foods that trigger indigestion, you should avoid them to see if your symptoms disappear. Sometimes it is just simply what we are eating that is causing our problems.

Acid Reflux Disease Resources:

- Educational resources on Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease for the general public, health care providers, and researchers.