What Is Acid Reflux Syndrome ?
Acid reflux is an irritating and at times hurting
disease that crops up when acid and other materials in the tummy back up
or reflux into your esophagus. The esophagus is the muscular tube that
connects between your throat and your stomach.
When acid reflux occur, the refluxed materials from the stomach may stay
in the lower part of the esophagus. This can give the sufferer a feeling
of heartburn and nausea. Eventually, this will result in injury to the
esophagus.
Sometimes, the refluxed materials will flow back all the way into the
mouth. This will give the sufferer a burning feeling in the throat. At
times, it is even possible to discover tiny, undigested fragments of
food in the mouth.
What Causes Acid Reflux?
The most common cause of acid reflux is a malfunctioning lower
esophageal sphincter. The esophageal sphincter is a muscular ring at the
bottom of the esophagus that prevents stomach contents from backing up
into the throat and mouth. When food is swallowed, the sphincter
contracts muscularly to drive the food into the stomach. If that
sphincter is not working right, the acids from the stomach can come back
into the esophagus causing painful heartburn, burning in the throat, and
an acidic taste in the mouth.
Common Treatment For Acid Reflux?
Doctors typically propose lifestyle changes as the initial treatment.
These alterations might consist of eating less for each meal, getting
rid of extra weight, refraining from alcohol and cigarettes, keeping
your body upright for a couple of hours after meals, and sleeping with
your head elevated.
Additionally, there are over-the-counter medications that you can
purchase to relief the symptoms. These medications include Pepcid and
Zantac. They are called Histamine Receptor Antagonists. They work by
reducing the quantity of acid in the stomach. Other medicines such as
Mylanta and Tagamet, work by neutralizing the acid in the stomach.
If over-the-counter medications do not work, doctors may prescribe
proton pump inhibitors such as Nexium and Prevacid. These medicines put
a stop to the discharge of acid into the stomach and intestines.
If you are suffering from acid reflux, consult your doctor to find out
which treatment alternatives are most excellent for you.
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