Many people suffer from a disorder called acid reflux and are not aware of the name, the causes, or the remedy. The acronym for acid reflux is GERD or Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease and it affects women in equal numbers as men and children as well so anyone can be subject to this disturbance. Those most susceptible to it are smokers, overeaters, pregnant women, and heavier drinkers.
Symptoms of GERD include the following; shortness of breath, inflammation of the mucus linings, heartburn, swallowing difficulties, and dry cough. These symptoms are exacerbated by those who eat fatty foods, drink past moderate levels, and flay down immediately following a meal.
The main cause for GERD sufferers is the inability of the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) to operate properly in regulating the flow of gastric juices between the esophagus and the stomach.
The two main causes of acid reflux are the generation of excess gastric fluids containing pepsin and acids used to process food and the malfunction of the sphincter valve which normally prevents partially digested food from re-entering the esophagus. When this matter comes back into the vulnerable esophagus, acids will eat away at the lining and create a burning sensation most often ascribed merely to indigestion. It is when this occurs regularly that people should pay attention and seek advice.
Some other physical conditions that aid in the onset of acid reflux are hiatus hernia, zollinger-elison syndrome, hypercalcemia, scleroderma and systemic sclerosis.
Substances that contribute to acid reflux severity are alcohol and caffeine although they do not cause the condition, contrary to popularly held ideas. Smoking is the main influence in aggravating acid reflux as compared to coffee and alcohol. This does not mean that those at risk for acid reflux should continue to ingest those liquids. Doctors strongly recommend avoiding alcohol as it has other risks associated with it and it is known to aggravate acid production.
Statistics show that heavy, long-term smokers are much more readily affected by acid reflux and even moderate smokers who have GERD should reduce their intake.
New York University Medical Center gastroenterologists state that people who extra table salt are 70% more at risk than those who use normal amounts. So the odds on a salt overindulgence inciting acid reflux are the same as the odds on a heavy, long-term smoker getting the same condition.
Simple methods to fight GERD have been available for years but people have to be educated about the symptoms. In fact, the symptoms are so easily understood that sufferers can self-diagnose. However, a doctor should be consulted prior to any action being taken to assess the seriousness of the condition. Once this is done, over the counter medications such antacids can be obtained and administered. Dietary changes can also be made on your own in order to reduce the severity of the symptoms. Natural substances that are relatively inexpensive and less invasive are available through homeopathic stores and web sites. Body positioning is a very simple and easy way to keep the gastric juices from backing up as gravity plays an important part in digestion. Smoking and drinking reductions can limit the symptoms as well. It is far better to prevent the disease than to try to counteract it once it comes on.
ACID REFLUX * CAUSES * SYMPTOMS OF ACID REFLUX * ADULT ACID REFLUX * ACID REFLUX AND PREGNANCY * ASTHMA AND ACID REFLUX * ACID REFLUX AND SORE THROATS * ACID REFLUX IN CHILDREN * ACID REFLUX IN BABIES * ACID REFLUX TREATMENT * ACID REFLUX NATURAL CURES