What You Need To Know About Acid Reflux

By Author: Zach Parker
Total Articles: 9
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Heartburn is most frequently described as a sub-sternal (under the middle

of the chest) burning that occurs after meals and often worsens when

lying down. To confirm the diagnosis, physicians often treat patients

with medications to suppress the production of acid by the stomach.

Heartburn is the most common symptom of Acid reflux although it does not

necessarily mean that you have Acid Reflux if you have heartburn.

Symptoms of acid reflux can range from mild to severe. Symptoms in

children are very variable and like adults the number and degree of

symptoms does not tell us how severe their reflux actually is. Older

children are better able to describe the classical symptoms of heartburn,

chest pain and a sick or sour taste in the mouth. Symptoms of heartburn

in adults is the major symptom of acid reflux, characterized by a burning

discomfort behind the breastbone. Some of the symptoms of acid reflux in

adults include difficulty swallowing and chronic throat and chest pain.

Stomach acid in the esophagus may cause heartburn ...
... or even chest pain;

however, not all individuals will experience heartburn as the esophagus

is capable of withstanding a certain amount of acid exposure. On the

other hand, the throat and larynx (voicebox) are not meant to withstand

any exposure to acid.

Antacids provide rapid symptomatic relief, while acid reducers will

prevent the occurrence of heartburn during the night. Antacids are

usually the first port of call for many acid reflux sufferers. For short

term and infrequent attacks of acid reflux, these provide much needed

temporary relief. Antacids or laxatives are okay. Pepcid over the counter

can be taken if needed.

Medicines that delay emptying of acid from the stomach or that increase

acid backup into the esophagus can worsen acid reflux disease. Also,

medicines that relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) may make acid

reflux disease symptoms worse. Medications can be prescribed that can

help the body produce less acid. These drugs will also help to heal any

ulcers that may be in the stomach and intestinal area.

GERD is when small amounts of stomach acid rise up into the esophagus, or

the "swallowing" tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach.

This is why it is also known as acid reflux disease. GERD without

complications causes heartburn, nausea, and regurgitation. However, the

complications are rather severe, ranging from an ulcerated esophagus,

symptoms of coughing and asthma which left untreated can lead to

esophageal cancer.