Most of us get heartburn at least on occasion. It can be very unpleasant and even frightening as it can mimic a heart attack. However, it’s usually nothing to worry about unless it occurs on a chronic and consistent basis. If you get it often, it could be caused by acid reflux disease and needs more attention.
Acid reflux is officially known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, or GERD. It is defined as chronic abnormal reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus, and is caused by the dysfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This is a small ring of muscle at the opening of the stomach. When it doesn’t remain closed as much as it should, it allows acid to come back up out of the stomach and into the esophagus. This can erode the lining of the esophagus, causing ulcers to form. Ulcers can then lead to scar tissue and strictures, making food difficulty to swallow and occasionally “sticking” in the esophagus. It can also increase the likelihood of esophageal cancer. GERD is something to take seriously, try to prevent and ultimately treat to resolve.
If you have the following symptoms, you could have acid reflux and thus GERD:
* Frequent, persistent heartburn - This is the most recognizable symptom, as well as the most common. Most acid reflux sufferers have heartburn several times a month or more. But some do not have heartburn at all. Heartburn is classically described as a burning or pressure sensation located over the lower sternum and upper abdomen, the epigastrium.
* Regurgitation of acid – Many people with GERD report regurgitation of acid into the back of the throat, and sometimes all the way into the mouth. It may or may not be accompanied by food from the stomach. This can even occur at night while asleep leading to coughing and wheezing as the stomach acid irritates the throat and vocal cords.
* Persistent cough – Some acid reflux sufferers develop a dry cough. This usually occurs when certain nerves in the lower esophagus are stimulated by the refluxed acid. But it can also be caused by acid reaching the throat and irritating it.
* Choking sensation – Acid reflux sufferers sometimes feel like there is a piece of food stuck in their throats, when in reality there is not. The sensation may simply be inflamed esophageal tissue or actual scar tissue and strictures.
* Wheezing or hoarseness - This is caused by the damage done to the throat and esophagus. It is particularly common in the morning. Acid reflux can aggravate existing asthma, and in rare cases it has been known to cause it.
Lifestyle Changes to Stop Acid Reflux
If you have some of the symptoms above, you may need to see a doctor. If you are diagnosed with acid reflux, there are a number of medications (known as proton pump inhibitors) that your doctor could try. There are also supplements and herbal remedies that can help as well. But more importantly, there are also some lifestyle changes that can provide relief and go a long way to eliminating the program as an issue at all. CLICK HERE to read these lifestyle changes.
These concerns lead many acid reflux sufferers to seek more natural treatment options. CLICK HERE to view these options.
Another option available to acid reflux suffers are the use of natural health supplements, herbs and proper foods. CLICK HERE to view some things you can do to get rid of acid reflux naturally.
Online health and wellness expert, Dr. Pamela Avery, publishes the widely acclaimed ‘Natural Solutions, Natural You’ weekly ezine with 1,000+ subscribers. If you’re ready to improve your health, make more money by helping others improve their health, or just have more fun and energy in your life, all naturally, then get your FREE tips now at http://www.the-natural-md.com.
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