The TRUTH Behind Your Acid Reflux Disease

Tag : Organic Acid
It is the simultaneity of two medical conditions that brings onacid reflux, or GERD  gastro-esophageal reflux disease as it iscalled. The reverse flow of food and acid from the stomach to theesophagus is the first factor favoring acid reflux disease.Nonetheless, healthy people can experience reflux as well, in acase called "physiologic gastroesophageal reflux" and this does notalways mean symptoms of acid reflux disease or modification of theorganic tissues. The next factor provoking gastro-esophageal reflux disease is amalfunction of the LES, the lower esophageal sphincter. This circleof muscle acts as a unidirectional valve between the esophagus andthe stomach. It measures 3-4 cm, meaning that it is two to threetimes thicker than the proximal esophagus. When GERD occurs, thestomach content finds its way back into the esophagus because theLES does not shut correctly. This is then called acid refluxdisease, with accompanying symptoms of the disease which follow. Heartburn is the burning sensation felt in the throat or the chest,when the contents of the stomach escape back to the esophaguslining. The usual sensation connected to acid reflux disease ispersistent (twice or week or more frequently) heartburn. Occasionalheartburn can happen also. This is not necessarily a sign ofgastro-esophageal reflux disease, as minor reflux can also happento individuals in good health. Some sufferers express a sensation of food that blocks, choking orconstriction of the throat. It is the steady flow back of stomachcontents against the esophagus that has this effect, causing aswelling of the esophagus due to scar tissue from histologicaldegradation. Other patients of acid reflux disease may alsoexperience pains in their chest or nausea, coughing, burning painsin the chest, hoarseness in the morning, continual earache,sinusitis, changes in their voice, or problems in swallowing(notably lumpy foods). Some patients can become affected by a condition known as Barrett'sesophagus, where cells occurring in the esophageal lining assumeabnormal forms and colors. Particularly in adults aged over 60,this is a first step towards cancer of the esophagus. If leftuntreated for years, unrelated acid reflux increases the risk ofesophageal cancer approx. eightfold. Actually, stomach acid refluxdamage to esophageal cells is the major cause of the fatalesophageal cancer. Other effects include stricture of the esophagus, ulcers, bleeding,and spasms. When acid from the stomach reaches the trachea as wellas the upper esophagus, several severe conditions such assinusitis, asthma, and pneumonia can follow. GERD that is nottreated in a timely way can have serious consequences detrimentalto health.