It is the simultaneity of two medical conditions that brings on heartburn, or GERD - gastro-esophageal reflux disease as it is called. The reverse flow of food and acid from the stomach to the esophagus is the first factor favoring acid reflux disease. Nonetheless, healthy people can experience reflux as well, in a case called "physiologic gastroesophageal reflux" and this does not always mean symptoms of acid reflux disease or modification of the organic tissues.
The second factor encouraging acid reflux is a malfunction of the LES, the lower esophageal sphincter. The LES is a circle of muscle of 3-4 cm, some two to three times thicker than the proximal esophagus and acting as a valve between the esophagus and the stomach. When acid reflux disease occurs, the LES fails to close correctly and stomach contents is pushed back into the esophagus. With symptoms of the disease after this process, this is then called acid reflux disease.
Heartburn is the burning feeling in the chest or the throat, when the stomach contents is pushed back to the lining of the esophagus. The usual sensation of acid reflux disease is persistent (every 3 days or more) heartburn. Occasional heartburn is common as well and does not necessarily mean acid reflux disease, as light reflux can also affect individuals in good health.
Some sufferers express a sensation of food that blocks, choking or constriction of the throat. It is the steady flow back of stomach contents against the esophagus that has this effect, causing a swelling of the esophagus due to scar tissue from histological degradation. Other patients of acid reflux disease may also experience pains in their chest or nausea, coughing, burning pains in the chest, hoarseness in the morning, continual earache, sinusitis, changes in their voice, or problems in swallowing (notably lumpy foods).
Some patients can develop a condition known as Barrett's esophagus, where cells occur in the esophageal lining take on abnormal shapes and colors. Notably in adults over 60 years old, this is a first stage leading to esophageal cancer. Other effects include narrowing of the esophagus, ulcers, bleeding, and spasms. When the stomach acid gets to the trachea and not only the upper esophagus, several severe conditions such as sinusitis, asthma, and pneumonia can occur. Acid reflux disease that is not treated can have serious consequences on health.
Surgery, medical therapy and holistic therapy are the three choices for dealing with acid reflux disease. The latter comprises diet and lifestyle modifications as well as taking of specific herbal supplements. PPIs and H2 blockers are among the medical options in cases of acid reflux disease. While one can use prescriptions of medicaments or acid blockers such as these, remember that the effects are often not permanent and that conventional medication can be accompanied by severe side effects. The use of surgery needs to be very carefully thought about, as certain hidden problems, such as constriction and muscular contraction disorders, can cause complications.
GERD, seen from a holistic viewpoint, is a warning signal for an internal imbalance of consequence that must be correctly treated. For this reason, alternative medicine such as herbal medicine, changes in lifestyle, homeopathic remedies as components of a complete holistic schedule are the clear recommendation for heartburn sufferers.
Author Resource:-
Jeff Martin is a medical researcher, certified nutritionist, health consultant and author of the #1 best-selling e-book, "Heartburn No More- Open The Door To an Acid Reflux Free Life". To Learn More About Jeff Martins Unique 5-Step Holistic Acid Reflux Cure System Visit: Heartburn No More, for further information visit: Acid" target="_blank">hhttp://www.acidrefluxatoz.com/acid-reflux-disease.html">Acid Reflux Disease.
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