Acid Reflux - Is That Heartburn Or What?
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INTRODUCTION: Acid reflux is a condition where gastric juices containing acid travel back from the stomach into the esophagus (gullet or swallowing tube). More commonly found among adults, yet, children as well as infants, can be likewise affected.
It is most often recognized by its symptom of "heartburn" which reportedly affects 1 out of every 10 adults in the US and is a very serious and common affliction in the world today. In severe cases, this can be very troublesome. It is treatable and you should ask your doctor what treatments are available and right for you.
GERD: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), or more commonly known as acid reflux, is a chronic condition where the esophagus gets inflamed and irritated because of the stomach's acidic contents that backflow towards the esophagus passing from the lower esophageal sphincter. It is a severe form of reflux that often causes pain, vomiting and poor weight gain.
HEARTBURN: The name of the affliction given to a burning discomfort in the chest, just back of the breastbone. It is a sign of another digestive problem, and not a problem by itself. Following heartburn, other reported symptoms are regurgitation, bitterness in the mouth, hoarseness, wheezing, dry cough, and throat tightness as if some chunk of food is entrapped. An occasional heartburn does'nt always mean one has GERD.
SYMPTOMS: Signs of acid reflux include: Heartburn (a burning sensation rising from the stomach or lower chest up towards the neck) and can be greatly eased or prevented by lifestyle and diet changes as well as the use of herbs recognized to promote healthy digestion.
TREATMENT: Treatment is the next step, but remember that correct treatment can really only be implemented after a definite diagnosis has been made. Also, after the esophagus has healed and treatment is stopped, the injury will come back in most persons within a few months. You may need to experiment with doses and medications to find the best treatment for your heartburn and GERD.
Drug treatment is often only needed for a short time although it may have to be repeated since some symptoms may re-occur. NEXIUM is prescribed for the treatment of frequent, persistent heartburn symptoms. But if these symptoms occur two or more days a week despite treatment and change in diet, you may have (GERD) also known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.
CONCLUSION: Acid reflux is produce by food and stomach acid coming back up from your stomach and entering your esophagus and is usually characterized by a burning sensation in the stomach and chest region. It is a medical ailment, with heartburn as a possible symptom of that ailment. You should also realize that if it remains untreated for too long, you could be facing a lifetime of dealing with it. The bottom line is that finding the correct treatment is mostly about knowing your body and your symptoms.
Article Source: Articlelogy.com
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