Many people have probably heard of acid reflux disease but there may not be many who truly understand the problem and some of its impacts. We’ll discuss some of the causes, symptoms and treatments.
So in discussing acid reflux disease, it’s important to understand the problem. At the top of the stomach is a valve called the lower esophageal sphincter. Normally this valve closes as soon as food enters the stomach. However if this valve doesn’t close completely, there is an opportunity for stomach acids to move up into your esophagus.
This can creates symptoms such as a burning chest pain which is normally known as heartburn. If these acid reflux symptoms occur more than twice a week, you have what is known as acid reflux disease.
Acid reflux disease is commonly caused by a stomach abnormality called a hiatal hernia. This is caused when the upper part of the stomach and the lower esophageal sphincter moves above your diaphragm. The diaphragm helps to keep stomach acid where it belongs. But if you have a hiatal hernia, the acid can move up into your esophagus and create the symptoms of acid reflux disease.
Other factors which can contribute to acid reflux disease include:
- Overeating (eating large meals) or lying down right after a meal
- Being obese or overweight
- Snacking close to bedtime
- Eating certain kinds of foods like citrus, tomato, chocolate, spicy, or fatty foods
- Smoking
- Drinking certain beverages like alcohol, carbonated drinks or coffee/tea
Besides heartburn, acid reflux disease has a number of other symptoms including:
- Regurgitation which is a sour or bitter tasting acid which backs up into your throat our mouth
- A bloating feeling
- Bloody or black stools or even bloody vomiting
- Burping
- A condition called Dysphagia which is a narrowing of the esophagus. This creates the sensation that food is stuck in your throat
- Hiccups which don’t abate
- Nausea
- Weight loss for no apparent reason
- Wheezing, a dry cough, hoarseness or a chronic sore throat
If you experience these symptoms more than two times a week, it’s a good idea to see your Doctor as soon as possible.
There are effective medications available to help to improve or correct these problems. However if they are of limited benefit, your Doctor may order additional tests to confirm a diagnosis or check for other problems.
One test may be an endoscopy which can check for problems in the esophagus or stomach. It entails inserting a long flexible lighted tube down your throat. In this way he can see if there are any abnormal growths which may be causing the symptoms.
At that time there will be samples of tissue collected for a biopsy. It is especially important to check for the presence of cancer in these growths. Early detection is key to the most complete recovery possible.
So stay alert to your symptoms and see your Doctor right away if they are persistent. Acid reflux disease is normally easily dealt with so don’t ignore the symptoms.