Know Your Body Acid Reflux Disease Symptoms
Acid reflux disease is a condition in which the stomach acids abnormally reflux into the esophagus. This phenomenon is irregularly experienced by most people, most especially after eating.
Our body uses gastric and stomach acids to break down the food that we eat. Normally, after the digestion in the stomach, the food is delivered by the digestive muscles to the intestines for extra digestion. But in patients who have acid reflux disease, the acidic stomach contents are moved back to the esophagus, which then causes inflammation. Cigarettes, alcohol, caffeine, pregnancy, and fatty foods are some factors which worsens acid reflux conditions.
Our present knowledge about acid reflux based on medical researches tells us that this disease is common in men as it is in women. There is no sexual preference. Moreover, the prevalence of acid reflux is more frequent in people of 40 years of age or more.
Symptoms of acid reflux may be typical or atypical. But based on the diagnosis of acid reflux patients, only 70% of those who have this disease manifest typical symptoms.
Typical or esophageal symptoms concern indicators which are related with the esophagus. Such symptoms include the following:
Heartburn. This is a condition in which the patient feels a painful burning feeling in the esophagus. The pain often develops in the chest and may swell to the neck or throat. This is most probable to occur in relation with these activities: after a heavy meal, lifting, bending over, and lying down. Based on one study, about 75% of acid reflux patients experience this symptom at night. These nigh-time patients also tend to experience more harsh pain than those whose symptom occurs at other times.
Dyspepsia. Researches show that about half of acid reflux patients have dyspepsia. This is a syndrome which consists of pain and distress in the upper abdomen, nausea after a meal, and stomach fullness. It is not a rule however, that those who have dyspepsia have acid reflux.
Regurgitation. This is when the gastric contents back up into the pharynx and sometimes as far as the mouth. In cases where the acids have spilled into the tracheobronchial tree, respiratory complications can be stimulated.
There are many instances, though, that acid reflux patients do not manifest symptoms such as regurgitation and heartburn. Instead, they experience atypical or extraesophageal symptoms which include the following:
Throat Symptoms. Although it does not commonly happen, acid reflux patients suffer from symptoms that occur in the throat. Hoarseness, the feeling of having a lump in the throat, dry cough are undergone by those who have acid laryngitis, a throat symptom. Patients can also have difficulty in swallowing, a condition known as dysphagia. In critical cases, the food may get trapped in the throat or even choke, which can result to a severe chest pain. Other throat symptoms are chronic sore throat and persistent hiccups.
Vomiting and Nausea. When a patient suffers from nausea which persists for weeks, he may have acid reflux. There are few instances where vomiting can occur as often as once a day.
Respiratory Symptoms. Coughing and wheezing are counted as respiratory symptoms. These result from the overrunning of the stomach acids into the tracheobronchial tree creating bronchoconstriction.
Acid reflux disease can last for several months if not given proper medical attention. Drug treatment may only be required for a short time. But when the symptoms tend to repetitively occur, the drug treatment may have to be reapplied.
How to Fight Acid Reflux & GERD
Have you ever experienced burning pain in your throat or chest not long after eating a meal? Has this pain been so severe that you wondered if it was a heart attack? If this happens to you, you need to seek medical help.
However, it could just be acid reflux disease. If that's what you've been experiencing, this article just might help you to feel better. I've provided 10 tips for you to protect yourself against acid reflux attacks.
So if you suffer from what is also known as heartburn or acid indigestion, these 10 tips could help you.
1. Be sure to eat slowly because if you eat too quickly, this could aggravate your acid reflux condition.
2. Why not keep a journal of foods that set off acid indigestion? It's easy to forget what we have eaten, but if you keep a written record of what you eat and how you feel afterwards, it could be of great help to you.
3. It's important not to carry a lot of excess weight because it can make your acid reflux worse. That's because the extra fat in your abdomen can press against your stomach allowing the sphincter muscle between your stomach and the esophagus to relax. Then acids from your stomach can back up into esophagus and cause acid reflux.
4. Don't let stress overpower you since it can easily cause your acid reflux disease to act up.
5. Consider taking herbal supplements and digestive enzymes to help you in your fight against reoccurring acid reflux symptoms. You can find these at health food stores.
6. Watch out for fried fatty foods and eliminate them from your diet as much as possible since they can cause acid indigestion.
7. Try not to eat too much at mealtime. Gorging yourself when you eat can cause acid reflux disease symptoms.
8. Be sure to eat enough fiber in your meals because fiber is good for keeping your digestive system functioning properly. A healthy digestive system can guard you from the symptoms of acid reflux disease.
9. Start and maintain a regular program of exercising because exercising can help protect you from acid reflux attacks.
10. Many people suffer their worst acid reflux attacks when they're sleeping at night. If that describes you, put gravity to work for you by raising the top of your bed with blocks. You can also invest in a specially made acid reflux pillow.
Now that you’ve read these 10 tips, you’ve armed yourself with helpful ways to prevent acid reflux disease symptoms. That is, if you put these hints into practice. So why not try some or all of these suggestions and see if you don't feel better.
Dectect and Treat Infants with Acid Reflux Disease
Do you find a hard time feeding your infant because of persistent spitting and vomiting? Don’t just take it for granted. It could be a gastro esophageal reflux and it needs proper attention before it severely affects the health of your baby. Worse, acid reflux disease can lead to malnutrition and poor growth.
Infant acid reflux is an uncomfortable sensation for the baby since the acids that reflux to the esophagus irritates the baby’s throat. Commonly, acid reflux disease occurs when abdominal pressure increases while the baby is very full. Coughing and crying right after the baby had been fed can result to that pressure in the upper stomach which pushes the stomach acid to the throat.
The noticeable symptoms on the baby suffering from acid reflux are the adverse loss of weight, continual vomiting, recurrent choking episodes, too much drooling, problems in swallowing, hoarseness, food aversion and chronic ear infection.
While there are noticeable symptoms of acid reflux, some infants may not show signs such as throwing up. It’s because their tendency is to swallow up the acids instead. Although the child is not pestered by the reflux, this could still result to irritation and damage to the esophagus. One way of detecting silent acid reflux on infants is through the pH probe.
To diagnose acid reflux on infants, certain tests could be made. One of which is the barium test where the infant has to swallow a little amount of barium. Then the doctor could detect the passage of food outlined by the chemical. However, it will only work in the moment that the child is undergoing acid reflux while being tested. In place of barium, a radioactive solution could also be made to swallow before an x-ray. Through this, the frequency of the acid reflux could be tested. An endoscope views the infant’s mouth, esophagus and the tract of food in the stomach.
The effective cure for infant acid reflux is a thickened formula. This could be done by adding cereal into the baby’s food. And when feeding the infant, keep him in an upright position and not lying on his back. The same case is true when changing the diaper, especially after feeding when you know that the infant is still full. It would be best if the infant can burp frequently to reduce the acid reflux. Small amount of meals should be given at short time intervals.
Breastfeeding will also serve as a great help to decrease the vomiting and the symptoms of acid reflux in infants. The nutrients in a mother’s breast milk have been proven to supplement the needs of the infants. Plus, the natural formulation of breast milk avoids the side effects such as constipation in chemically prepared medications. However, the pediatrician can prescribe other medications to give relief to the infant in times of discomfort. The parents must take note of the critical administration of the drug. In case that the particular formula prescribed does not work or results to graver side effects, it is advised to shift to a new one.
Once infant acid reflux is detected, precautionary measures should immediately follow. Since the infant cannot yet speak of the discomfort he is suffering, parents should be patient enough to attend to their needs.
Do You Suffer From Acid Reflux and Heartburn ?
Does that cup of morning coffee cause you pain and suffering? Are you frustrated when an evening dinner out with friends ends in discomfort instead of relaxed conversation? Do you carry and take antacids every day?
Heartburn is a lot more than a mere nuisance. It can detract from enjoying a good meal and force you to change your routine. It dictates your every decision - what you can eat, what you can drink, when you need to lay down.
What is this vexing problem and how can you find relief?
WHAT CAUSES HEARTBURN?
Heartburn occurs when stomach acid makes its way back into the esophagus. A burning sensation and bitter taste are commonly experienced by heartburn sufferers.
If you are suffering more than a couple of times each week you may have the more serious problem of acid reflux disease - also known as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).
Not all heartburn is caused by GERD. Occasional heartburn can be caused by many different factors. However, if you have regular episodes there are a number of things you can do to help.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
If you have regular heartburn, the first thing you should do is stop regularly using antacids. Antacids can alleviate the pain of occasional heartburn, but because they are designed to neutralize the acids in your stomach they can cause the stomach to create even MORE acid - a vicious cycle called 'acid rebound'. Also, some antacids cause diarrhea or constipation.
Avoid heartburn-triggering foods such as caffeine, chocolate, alcohol, citrus, spicy or tomato-based foods as well as fatty or fried foods, onions or garlic.
Smoking or being overweight also increases the risk of GERD. Lifestyle changes may help to control the symptoms.
Activities such as lying down after a meal, bending forward, lifting heavy items or eating large meals can cause the onset of acid reflux. Avoiding these activities after a meal and eating smaller portions may help.
A few natural products such as extract of orange peel are being researched for their abilities to curb heartburn.
WHO IS AT RISK FOR GERD?
Anyone. But it should be noted that pregnant women, the overweight and smokers are all good candidates.
Additionally, young babies have immature digestive systems, so they may be prone to GERD. Precautions like frequent burping and keeping the infant upright for 30 minutes after eating can minimize the occurrence.
Older children may have to take precautions in diet and activity just as adults do. You should always consult your physician when you suspect GERD, just to avoid future complications.
If you suspect GERD, contact your doctor right away. There can be harmful side effects of persistent heartburn including scarring of the esophagus, erosion of the teeth and even an increased risk of esophageal cancer. Frequent, persistent heartburn can also be a symptom of other serious conditions and should be checked on by a physician.
Effective dietary tips for Acid reflux treatment or heartburn
Dietary tips in acid reflux treatment
When you think about Acid reflux, what do you think of first? Which aspects of Acid reflux are important, which are essential, and which ones can you take or leave? You be the judge.
In cases of persistent heartburn, dietary improvements tends not to be enough alone.
So as well as advocating a digestion-friendly diet, your doctor is likely to recommend one or more of the following types of medication.
Antacids to neutralize the acid in your stomach; H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors to reduce acid production; or prokinetics to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter and expedite stomach-emptying. However, if heartburn symptoms are mild and occur only from time to time, usually you will be advised to make the following changes to your diet.
Obesity, especially excess fat on the chest and abdomen, is a common contributory factor to GERD and hiatal hernia, and therefore to heartburn. Choose a healthy calorie-controlled diet and customize it by following the eating tips below. Both these factors lead to an increased risk of heartburn. So opt for 4-6 small meals or snacks, and allow a maximum of 3 hours between eating.
It seems like new information is discovered about something every day. And the topic of Acid reflux is no exception. Keep reading to get more fresh news about Acid reflux.
In addition, choose foods that are "easier on the stomach" and more more easily digested. Fizzy or carbonated soft drinks cause belching and upward pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), increasing the likelihood of heartburn. The best drinks include: water, herbal teas or diluted non-citrus fruit juices. Also note that some soft drinks (eg. cocoa, coffee, orange juice) are not helpful for heartburn as they can over-relax the LES, thus encouraging the backward flow of acid from the stomach. Constipation can lead to extra strain on abdominal muscles and increase the risk of heartburn. To prevent constipation, eat more high-fiber foods such as: oats, apples, pears, dried apricots and vegetables. When increasing fiber intake it's also important to increase your water intake by at least 40 fl oz a day- 4 to 6 cups daily. Alcohol is not helpful to heartburn for several reasons as it tends to irritate mucous membranes.
Now you can understand why there's a growing interest in Acid reflux. When people start looking for more information about Acid reflux, you'll be in a position to meet their needs.
Effective Treatments for Acid Reflux
Gastro-esophageal reflux disease, also referred to as acid reflux, is a physiological condition that causes the regurgitation of the stomach content into the esophagus and throat. Acid reflux is very common and may occur due to inappropriate diet, stress and unhealthy lifestyle. Some people are frequently confronted with acid reflux and in time they can develop serious complications. Physiological abnormalities seem to be the main cause for acid reflux (weakness of the lower esophageal sphincter, uncontrolled contractions of the sphincter, low pressure at the bottom of the esophagus due to abnormal positioning of the sphincter, etc). People who suffer from acid reflux as a consequence of physiological abnormalities can only overcome their condition through the means of ongoing medical treatment for acid reflux or surgery.
Surgery is a good way of overcoming the condition, but it is not appropriate for all patients. Surgery is recommended only in the chronic forms of acid reflux and for most patients, oral medical treatments for acid reflux provide satisfactory results. Combined with an appropriate diet, most treatments for acid reflux can ameliorate the condition within days.
The most common treatments for acid reflux consist of antacids, histamine antagonists, proton pump inhibitors, pro-motility drugs and foam barriers.
Antacids quickly neutralize the excess of gastric acid inside the stomach. Prescribed in most treatments for acid reflux, antacids are usually very efficient in controlling the levels of digestive fluids. Although antacids provide quick results, their effects are only temporary. The treatments for acid reflux that consist only of antacids can’t control the secretion of stomach acid for more than a few hours. In order to maximize their effect and extend the duration of their action, antacids should be taken after every meal. Antacids are safe, easy to use and can be found in any drugstore. In the treatment for acid reflux, it is best to associate antacids with other medications that provide long-term effects (histamine antagonists).
Histamine antagonists have a longer effect than antacid medications and they are very reliable in the treatment for acid reflux. Among the histamine antagonists available in pharmacies, the most popular are: cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), nizatidine (Axid), and famotidine, (Pepcid).
Proton pump inhibitors should be taken a few hours before meals. Proton pump inhibitors commonly prescribed in the treatment for acid reflux are omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid) and esomeprazole (Nexium).
Pro-motility drugs and foam barriers are not very popular in the treatment for acid reflux. Pro-motility drugs are experimental drugs and can be released only with medical prescription. They normalize the activity of the esophageal sphincter and increase the pressure at the lower end of the esophagus.
Foam barriers are tablets that transform into foam when they reach the stomach. The foam acts like a barrier against the digestive fluids, protecting the esophagus from being flooded with gastric acid. The tablets also contain substances that control the levels of gastric acid produced by the stomach.
Controlling Acid Reflux Using Natural Home Remedies
With acid reflux causing so many significant problems for so many Americans it is very important to ensure you can find relief as quickly as possible. What many people do not realize is that it is possible to find relief from the pain that acid reflux causes quite quickly as long as you know where to look. Of course, there are plenty of medications that you can purchase, however these tend to be extremely expensive, in addition to the fact that they are also accompanied by a large number of side effects. This combined with a rather large price rag for all of the treatment means it can be extremely difficult to even afford the relief.
Home remedies are fabulous for acid reflux because there are several options to try out. This can range from the extremely simple, to those techniques that are a bit more advanced. In order to find the best solution for your needs it is important to ensure you try out several different methods. This will allow you to really find which method is best for you. If you are interested in preventing acid reflux before it even starts you should seriously consider the foods that you are eating.
By adjusting your diet and omitting foods that are extremely spicy, you can typically lower the occurrence of acid reflux. However, it is also extremely important to ensure that you are not missing out on the foods that you really enjoy. If you happen to discover that there are several foods you thoroughly enjoy which tend to aggravate then you can always try taking two teaspoons of blackstrap molasses each day. Blackstrap molasses is available at most health stores and it is extremely effective in helping to reduce the occurrence of acid reflux.
Other ways to help reduce the amount of reflux you suffer from is to reduce the size of your meals. If you are only eating two or three large meals each day, you will have significantly more difficulties lowering your symptoms. An easy way to lower your symptoms is to break your meals down into six or even seven substantially smaller meals. By doing this, you are putting less pressure on your stomach, and helping to soothe the occurrence of acid reflux.
It is also helpful to adjust your bed a bit. If you are able to raise the angle of your bed by only 6 inches or so you can significantly reduce the amount of acid that is attempting to move up your body. This can be extremely helpful if you are finding yourself continuously suffering symptoms while you are trying to sleep. Not everyone finds this to be helpful, but for people who suffer acid reflux symptoms while they are trying to sleep it can be a significant help.
Other suggestions to follow include looking to see if you can add more apples into your diet. If you consume an apple after each meal, it is said to substantially lower the amount of acid that you have in your stomach. By eating more apples as well you are able to also add better foods to your diet, but it is important to ensure that you are eating the apple raw, rather than cooking it before eating.
As you can see, there are several different options available for you to help improve your overall health. Getting the most out of your life is not impossible, lowering the amount of acid reflux you suffer from really is possible, but it will take a good bit of effort on your behalf. Acid reflux is much better handled when you are making changes to your lifestyle and using natural home remedies to treat it. The time and expense that is associated with medical treatments is never any fun. This can all be avoided simply by looking towards some extremely effective home remedies and trying to ensure that you are thoroughly satisfied with how you feel. PPPPP Word Count 659
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