What is a acid reflux disease?
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is injury to the esophagus that develops from chronic exposure of the esophagus to acid coming up from the stomach (reflux). In contrast, heartburn is the symptom of acid in the esophagus, characterized by a burning discomfort behind the breastbone (sternum). ...
Its a nasty thing to have.
Reflux Disease (GERD) Overview
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which the esophagus becomes irritated or inflamed because of acid backing up from the stomach. The esophagus or food pipe is the tube stretching from the throat to the stomach. When food is swallowed, it travels down the esophagus.
The stomach produces hydrochloric acid after a meal to aid in the digestion of food.
The inner lining of the stomach resists corrosion by this acid. The cells that line the stomach secrete large amounts of protective mucus.
The lining of the esophagus does not share these resistant features and stomach acid can damage it.
The esophagus lies just behind the heart, so the term heartburn was coined to describe the sensation of acid burning the esophagus (see Media file 1).
Normally, a ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus, called the lower esophageal sphincter, prevents reflux (or backing up) of acid.
This sphincter relaxes during swallowing to allow food to pass. It then tightens to prevent flow in the opposite direction.
With GERD, however, the sphincter relaxes between swallows, allowing stomach contents and corrosive acid to well up and damage the lining of the esophagus.
GERD affects nearly one third of the adult population of the United States to some degree at least once a month. Almost 10% of adults experience GERD weekly or daily. Not just adults are affected; even infants and children can have GERD.
Acid reflux is a condition where gastric juices containing acid travel back from the stomach into the esophagus (gullet or swallowing tube).
Go to your Doc, he can prescibe a slow release anti acid that works all day. (lanzaprazole i think)
I have been on this medication for about 4 years now & it works for me.
Please dont leave it to long as the acid can cause damage after a while.
Its rather painful and can be treated, i take omeprazole daily, it really helps. I have was always told it cant be cured, but recently read aout someone having surgery to open the valve. I was born with it. i dont think you just get it, you always have it, its just some people dont get bothered with it. Ie when i was a baby i used to pass out wen having bottles. Then it never bothered me again until about 20's when had bad eating and drinking patern, due to nightshifts. It has bothered me now for 13 yrs.
What is a acid reflux disease?
When acidic stomach juices flow backward into the esophagus a burning discomfort is felt in the mid-chest, behind the breastbone. This is the mechanism of causation of heartburn.
But why acid flows backward?
The esophagus is a tube-like structure that connects the pharynx to the stomach and acts as a passage way for food. This flow is normally uni-directional towards the stomach and the esophagus by virtue of its lower sphincter prevents backflow.
The lower esophageal sphincter acts like a valve that keeps acid in the stomach and out of the esophagus. If the normally contracted muscle relaxes the stomach acid flows backward into the esophagus.
So what are the causes of relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter?
Some medications and food are responsible, these include: chocolate, caffeine, fatty or spicy food, onions, mint and alcohol. Acidic foods and vegetables are also considered.
Acid reflux relief could thus be prevented by avoiding such medications and food that relax the lower esophageal sphincter.
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