Ever Heard Of Acid Reflux? Know What It IsThe lifestyle of a modern human has usurped the balance of a healthy life. The paucity of time and a host of activities leaves a modern human without any space and time to spare for pampering his physical body. This has resulted in many diseases that has crop up and spread like wild fire in the modern society. One of these dreaded diseases is the Acid Reflux. This acid reflux which is also synonymous with the acronym GERD. This GERD means Gastroesophageal Reflux Diseases. This results in a situation where there is a widespread signs of mucosal damage. This is the result of the abnormal reflux of acid in the upper stomach which is also known as the esophagus. The causes for this damage can vary from the incompetence of the LES or the release of gastric juice in the esophagus. Among the major causes of the acid reflux, the most prominent and easily identifiable is the heartburn which is also known as the acid indigestation. Other causes include hiatal hernia which results from anatomical abnormalities. Although this cause is apparent across all age groups but it is more seen among people more than 50 years of age. Other factors that may contribute to acid reflux may include obesity, pregnancy and smoking. This heartburn can be defined vaguely as the burning sensation that results in discomfort in the area just behind the breast bone which is also known as the sternum. However, many experience GERD even without heartburn but they may have some other symptoms like a dry cough, feeling trouble when swelling or even asthama symptoms. Some of the common food intakes can also stir havoc. The list of such foods may include citrus fruits, chocolate, fatty and fried foods, coffee, alcohol, garlic, onion, tomato based foods like the spaghetti sauce or pizza and spicy foods. In case if you find any of these symptoms familiar, don't be late to rush to your family doctor to treat it. Depending on the severity of the acid reflux, one may have to undergo a variety of treatment that may include intake of antacid, changing the existing lifestyle in sync with a more healthier one and in case of undergoing medication and in the worst case scenario, undergo surgery. The changing of the lifestyle may include stop smoking, avoid the foods that has worsen the condition, loose weight to fit into a healthier frame, eat small and frequent meals, avoiding tight fitting cloths and raising the head of your bed. The doctor may prescribe you some over the counter medications that will help stopping the production of the acids and help the muscles clean out your stomach. In case the changing of lifestyle and medications did not help, there are some additional tests like Barlum swallow radio graph, upper endoscopy, pH monitoring examination etc. may help identify the depth of the disease. After these one can come to a conclusion about the severity of the acid reflux. Surgery is performed in case both the medication and the changing lifestyle failed. |