It is the coincidence of two medical conditions that causes acid reflux disease, or GERD - gastro-esophageal reflux disease, as it is known. The backward flow of food and acid from the stomach to the esophagus is the first condition contributing to acid reflux disease. Nonetheless, the reflux can happen in healthy individuals as well, when it is referred to as "physiologic gastroesophageal reflux" and does not always result in symptoms of acid reflux disease or changes in 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 acting as a valve between the esophagus and the stomach, measuring 3-4 cm, some two to three times thicker than the proximal esophagus. In cases of acid reflux disease, the stomach contents is pushed back into the esophagus because the LES does not shut properly. This is then called acid reflux disease, when symptoms of the disease then follow.
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 say they feel food being blocked, a choking sensation or tightness in the throat. It is the continual flow back of stomach contents in contact with the esophagus that causes this, and the result is a swelling of the esophagus due scars from histological damage. Other sufferers of acid reflux disease may also feel chest-pains or suffer from nausea, coughs, burning pains in the chest, hoarseness in the morning, lasting earache, sinusitis, vocal changes, 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 options for treating acid reflux disease. The latter includes diet and lifestyle modifications as well as use of specific herbal supplements. PPIs and H2 blockers are among the medical options in cases of acid reflux disease. While one can use prescribed medications or acid blockers like these, remember that the results are sometimes no more than temporary and that conventional medicine can lead to serious side effects. The use of surgery needs very careful reflection, as certain underlying problems, such as constriction and muscular contraction disorders, can be complicated.
Acid reflux disease, 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.
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