Nearly all of us experience heartburn at one time or another. There is an all too familiar burning in the chest that may be accompanied by an acidic taste in the mouth. For most, we can pop an antacid or two and be done with it. However, other people will find that heartburn is occurring much more frequently - perhaps twice a week or more.
GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is the technical term for heartburn that occurs regularly. It is otherwise known as acid reflux. On its own, acid reflux is not inherently bad, but if you have it frequently over a long period of time, it can wear down the lining of your esophagus.
Why does Acid Reflux Occur?
When you swallow food, the food travels from your mouth, through your esophagus and into your stomach below. In the stomach, foods will be broken down by digestive acids so that nutrients can be absorved into the body from the intestine, and waste can be eliminated. There is a circular ring that is known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) at the base of the esophagus.
The LES is responsible for closing the opening between the esophagus and the stomach once the food passes through. When the LES doesn't close properly, food particles and digestive juices can back up into the esophagus. Since the esophageal lining is not designed to withstand the harsh acids, burning and discomfort can result. Frequent bouts result in acid reflux, and often require treatment to protect this delicate lining.
How is Acid Reflux Treated?
Over the counter antacids will generally work quickly and effectively for most cases of heartburn and acid indigestion. However, acid reflux may require a different type of medication that will either treat the heartburn for a longer period of time or prevent it from occurring in the first place. For longer relief, many people are prescribed H-2-receptor blockers like Tagamet and Pepcid.
These medications provide longer relief by actually reducing the amount of acid that is produced in the stomach. Another option is using a proton pump inhibitor, like Prilosec. Prilosec and similar medicines will block the production of acid. This allows the lining of the esophagus time to heal.
Acid reflux can be an uncomfortable condition that may cause damage if it is not managed carefully. If you suspect that you are suffering from acid reflux, talk to your doctor about your best options in treatment today. - 16492
GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is the technical term for heartburn that occurs regularly. It is otherwise known as acid reflux. On its own, acid reflux is not inherently bad, but if you have it frequently over a long period of time, it can wear down the lining of your esophagus.
Why does Acid Reflux Occur?
When you swallow food, the food travels from your mouth, through your esophagus and into your stomach below. In the stomach, foods will be broken down by digestive acids so that nutrients can be absorved into the body from the intestine, and waste can be eliminated. There is a circular ring that is known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) at the base of the esophagus.
The LES is responsible for closing the opening between the esophagus and the stomach once the food passes through. When the LES doesn't close properly, food particles and digestive juices can back up into the esophagus. Since the esophageal lining is not designed to withstand the harsh acids, burning and discomfort can result. Frequent bouts result in acid reflux, and often require treatment to protect this delicate lining.
How is Acid Reflux Treated?
Over the counter antacids will generally work quickly and effectively for most cases of heartburn and acid indigestion. However, acid reflux may require a different type of medication that will either treat the heartburn for a longer period of time or prevent it from occurring in the first place. For longer relief, many people are prescribed H-2-receptor blockers like Tagamet and Pepcid.
These medications provide longer relief by actually reducing the amount of acid that is produced in the stomach. Another option is using a proton pump inhibitor, like Prilosec. Prilosec and similar medicines will block the production of acid. This allows the lining of the esophagus time to heal.
Acid reflux can be an uncomfortable condition that may cause damage if it is not managed carefully. If you suspect that you are suffering from acid reflux, talk to your doctor about your best options in treatment today. - 16492
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