Some Causes for Acid Reflux Syndrome
Gastro esophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD, is an abnormal condition whereby a malfunction of the esophageal sphincter muscle causes the stomach contents to back up into the throat or mouth. It can affect everyone from adults, small children, teenagers and even infants. But for those who are obese, pregnant or smokers it's more prevalent.
For those who are obese or pregnant, the pressure from the stomach increases due to the obesity or pregnancy, putting more pressure on the esophageal sphincter valve, causing acid reflux. These people may find that lying prone directly after a meal causes major heartburn or GERD symptoms and small meals and waiting at least 30 minutes before lying prone can help.
Common symptoms for acid reflux include heartburn, chest pain, inflammation of mucosal tissues, hoarseness, chronic cough, excess saliva, difficulty in swallowing, esophagus pain, throat pain, sour tasting mouth or burning in the mouth, trouble breathing, asthma, and in severe cases, esophageal scarring and teeth enamel corrosion.
There is new research out that smoking can bring on acid reflux disease. Tests were done that compared non-smokers and smokers and those regular smokers of over 20 years had a 70% increase in susceptibility to acid reflex compared to those who didn't smoke.
They also found during their testing that salt could increase the chance of GERD. High amounts of salt had the same chance of developing acid reflex disease has regular smokers. For those who love their saltshaker, table salt can be a regular culprit for heartburn and acid reflux.
While you can diagnose GERD your self through the above symptoms, professionals help is indicated in order to relieve the symptoms and minimize scarring or damage. Left untreated, gastro esophageal reflux disease can be extremely dangerous as scarring of the esophageal tube can result in minimal air movement. The inflammation caused by stomach acid as well as mucosa damage can result in problems breathing, asthma as well as difficulty swallowing.
There are many treatments available for acid reflux symptoms and disease, and can include simple items such as over-the-counter antacids, pills and liquids. There are also prescription medicines to help tighten up the esophageal muscles, the sphincter muscle, and stomach walls. Surgeries can include laparoscopic surgery to surgically tighten the lower esophageal tube or even make the esophagus sphincter muscle a one-way tract.
Acid reflux disease hits more Americans than you probably are aware of and all Americans have experienced heartburn at one time or another. Chronic pain, chronic inflammation, and chronic regurgitation of food can severely damage your digestive tract. It's important to seek help should you ever discover that you are on the way to chronic acid reflux syndrome.
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