Acid Reflux Disorder

Acid reflux disorder -- medically known as Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) -- is a condition in which the contents of the stomach backs up (or refluxes) through the lower esophageal sphincter into the esophagus causing pain and even damage to the lining of the esophagus. This liquid can irritate and even damage the esophageal lining. Although dangerous levels of damage are fortunately rare, acid reflux disease often causes severe discomfort.

What are the Symptoms of Acid Reflux?

Symptoms include these two most common ones:

 Heartburn - A burning sensation in the abdomen or chest area or even as far up as the throat.

Indigestion - A unsettled feeling or pain in the abdomen usually accompanied by burping and regurgitation. The sour-bitter taste in the back of your mouth is the result of bile rising up the esophagus.

As well as:

Chronic cough, wheezing or sore throat

Bloating

Nausea

Bloody stool or vomit

Burping

Dysphagia (the narrowing of the esophagus, which creates the feeling like food is stuck in the throat)

These signs and symptoms are quite common in America. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases from a 2004 study estimate that somewhere between 60 and 70 million people are affected by digestive diseases which cost almost $142 billion in total medical bills. Not all of these are symptoms of acid reflux, but it is a major problem. In fact almost 1/5 of the US population suffers from acid reflux disease or displays acid reflux symptoms.

The Mechanics - What Causes Acid Reflux?

At the bottom of the esophagus where it joins the stomach is a ring of muscles which form a valve, called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). In normal operation, this valve closes as soon as the food we eat passes through it from the esophagus into the stomach.

However if the LES doesn't close all the way or stays open too long, the acid produced in the stomach will move up the esophagus. This can cause acid reflux disorder with heartburn (a burning in the chest area) and indigestion.

This happens from time-to-time to nearly everyone as we age. But if acid reflux symptoms happen consistently more than twice a week it is known as

If acid reflux disease symptoms happen more than twice a week, you are said to have acid reflux disease.

One common cause of acid reflux disorder is the hiatal hernia. This syndrome occurs when the LES and upper part of the stomach move above the diaphragm and into the chest cavity. The diaphragm normally helps the LES keep acid in the stomach, but with a hiatal hernia the acid moves up into the esophagus and causes acid reflux symptoms.

Other common risk factors for acid reflux include:

• Eating excessively large meals
• Lying down right after a meal
• Being chronically overweight
• Eating or snacking late at night
• Some foods are worse for heartburn and indigestion than others and include: citrus, tomatoes, mint, onions, garlic, chocolate and most fatty foods.
• Alcohol, carbonated drinks, tea and coffee
• Being pregnant
• Smoking

Taking certain prescription and non-prescription drugs may also cause the disease and symptoms -- such as aspirin, ibuprofen, blood pressure meds and certain muscle relaxers

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