Acid Reflux Disease - Understanding is The First Step To Treating

Acid reflux disease is also known as Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD for short. Acid reflux disease is characterized by an abnormal production of reflux in the esophagus.

Acid reflux disease is commonly caused by damages in the barrier between the esophagus and the stomach.

Changes in the barrier between the esophagus & the stomach may involve a number of things, namely: incompetence of the cardia, transient cardia relaxation, hiatus hernia or even an impairment in the expulsion of gastric reflux.

This barrier like valve is called the “Angle of His.” If substances like bile, enzymes and stomach acid are not prevented from traveling back up to the esophagus, the sensitive esophageal tissue will start to experience inflammation which results in a burning sensation.

Along with damage to the barrier between the esophagus and the stomach, there are several other health conditions linked to acid reflux disease. A condition called Hypochlorhydria is also another cause of acid reflux disease.

Hypochlorhydria is a condition characterized by a deficiency in stomach acid. When stomach contents are digested, the acid levels in the stomach trigger a valve which empties the stomach contents into the intestines. If there is not enough acid in the stomach, this valve does not open.

If the valve that empties into the intestines does not open, the contents of the stomach will be moved back up into the esophagus. Because the esophageal tissue is so sensitive, the acids from the stomach will cause the esophageal tissue to become irritated and may even result in serious damage to the esophagus. Even if there is an insufficient amount of stomach acid present to promote digestion; this small amount of stomach acid present in the esophagus will still cause irritation.

Several other health factors contribute to acid reflux. Hiatus hernia for example will increase the likelihood of developing acid reflux disease.

Having a hiatus hernia does not necessarily cause acid reflex disease; although this condition may be a contributing factor in the development of acid reflux disease.

The presence of acid reflux disease is common among people suffering from a hiatus hernia. Obesity is also another health condition that may cause one to develop acid reflux disease.

In addition, an increase in body mass index is often associated with more severe forms of acid reflux disease. A body mass index is the measurement of the percentage of body fat in relation to a person’s age and height. Other conditions that can cause acid reflux are Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, Hypercalcemia, Scleroderma and Systemic Sclerosis.

In adults, acid reflux disease symptoms can vary widely. The most common symptom found in adults suffering from acid reflux disease is heartburn. Heartburn is a sensation which is characterized by an uncomfortable burning sensation in the chest. Typically the burning sensation experienced from heartburn is located in the center of the chest behind the breastbone (sternum). The painful burning sensation often feels like it is emanating from the heart.

People suffering from acid reflux will often time experience only one symptom (heartburn). Other symptoms of acid reflux disease may be so faint that they go unnoticed. Typical acid reflux symptoms in adults can include difficulty swallowing, chronic chest pain, cough, voice changes, hoarseness, chronic earache, heartburn, sinusitis and nausea.

In adults, persistent acid reflux can result in other more serious health complications. Some of the most common health complications for adults with acid reflux disease include serious medical conditions like Barrett’s esophagus. In addition, acid reflux disease can result in stricture formation, esophageal ulcers and esophageal spasms.

Esophageal cancer is the most severe medical condition associated with acid reflux disease. In many adults over the age of 60, esophageal cancer can start to develop if persistent acid reflux disease goes untreated.

Although heartburn is the most noticeable symptom of acid reflux disease, experiencing heartburn does not necessarily mean that you have acid reflux disease. However, people who experience heartburn regularly (more than once a week) are at a higher risk of developing acid reflux disease.


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