Acid
Reflux Basic Information
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Gastroesophageal reflux disease is the
medical term for what we know as acid reflux. Acid reflux is
a disease which occurs when the stomach releases the liquid
that is found inside of it back up into the esophagus,
causing inflammation and damage to the esophageal lining.
The acid that is regurgitated most often consists of a few
compounds: acid, bile, and pepsin. Stomach acid is used in
the digestion of food and can be a major irritant to the
esophagus due to its tendency to damage tissues. Bile is
created in the liver and may be backed up into the stomach,
causing it to be released by acid reflux. Pepsin, the last
common compound, is actually an enzyme which helps to
kick-start the stomach into breaking down proteins.
Once a person becomes afflicted with acid
reflux, they usually face the disease for the rest of their
lives. Esophagitis that is caused by acid reflux can also be
expected to be a life-long problem. |
Once treatment for acid reflux has begun, a
patient is usually advised to continue taking the medication for
as long as they want to prevent the disease from affecting them.
One thing that may shock you is that everyone actually
experiences this regurgitation frequently, as was shown in a
research study. However, those who are afflicted with acid
reflux are known to have a higher acid content in the fluid that
is brought into the esophagus than the fluids of a person that
doesn’t have the disease. The fluid also often stays in the
esophagus for longer periods of time in those who have acid
reflux.
Our bodies do the best that they can to
prevent acid reflux from actually causing harm. During hours in
which a person is awake, the reflux is usually remedied by a simple
swallow. Also, the saliva generated in our salivary glands contains
bicarbonate, which is a neutralizing agent to the effects of acid.
When we sleep, however, we are usually horizontal, causing acid to
rest in the esophagus for more extended periods of time, leading to
greater damage. There are many reasons that someone may suffer from
acid reflux, and the same person may experience several of the
different problems throughout the course of their illness.
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Acid reflux leads to heartburn, which is
pretty much the defining characteristic and symptom of
reflux. The pain felt through acid reflux can be similar to
angina, which is a serious heart condition. For that reason,
you should go to a doctor if you experience heavy heartburn
to determine what the cause is. Acid reflux is most commonly
experienced after eating a meal, since this is the period of
time in which reflux is most likely. People who are
afflicted with acid reflux may also experience full
regurgitation of fluid, leaving a nasty taste in their mouth
and esophageal damage. Nausea occurs in some people with
reflux, and it may be accompanied by full-out vomiting.
Heartburn and nausea are the two most common reasons people
discover that they are afflicted with reflux. If either of
the symptoms sound like something you may be experiencing,
it’s important to get a hold of a health care professional
so they can help you to eliminate the problem. |
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