DiseaseIllness

Commonly called 'heart burn'
acid reflux disease is a condition in which the liquid content of the stomach regurgitates (backs up
or refluxes) into the esophagus.

It's annoying and painful.

But you want to know the truth
the reflux of the stomach's liquid contents into the esophagus occurs in most normal individuals. However
when heartburn becomes acid reflux disease or Gastro esophageal reflux disease
commonly referred to as GERD
it is s real problem. That is because with GERD
the acid is stronger and stays in the esophagus longer causing more discomfort.

Most often
you will experience this during the daytime when you are upright
sitting straight
or standing. You body handles this reflux by the fluid flowing back down into your stomach. You swallow more during the daytime therefore draining the acid back to where it belongs. Your salivary glands produce saliva that also contains bicarbonate that acts to neutralize the acid your stomach has kicked up.

At night though
you may have a greater problem when acid reflux disease occurs that is because while sleeping
gravity does not work as well lying down
your constant swallowing stops
and the production of saliva is reduced.

Certain conditions make a person more prone to acid reflux disease
this GERD. For example
while you are pregnant
this can be a serious problem. Elevated hormone levels of pregnancy probably cause reflux by lowering the pressure in that part of your body known as the lower esophageal sphincter. Also
the growing baby puts more pressure on the abdomen. Both of these effects of pregnancy tend to increase the risk of GERD.

If your acid reflux disease is a minor condition
then you should only experience minor symptoms. These would include primarily heartburn
regurgitation
and nausea. However
if the condition is complicated
then watch out for the following symptoms.

The liquid that comes back into the esophagus damages the lining of the esophagus. The body tries to protect itself from the acid reflux disease by 'inflaming' the esophagus. Trying to speed the healing process through the inflammation
the wall of the esophagus may form an ulcer. The ulcer is a break in the lining of the esophagus wall. Then what happens is that there may be bleeding. If the bleeding is very severe
patients might need a blood transfusion or even surgical treatment.

If your heartburn is severe or acute
happening very frequently
you need to see a doctor.

What can you do for yourself to help the condition? Try sleeping a pillow a night that raises your chest up slightly so that gravity can bring the acid back down more easily. Since this condition usually occurs on a full stomach
eat earlier and eat less to keep the stomach from being too full. Ease off on the chocolate
peppermint
alcohol
and caffeinated drinks. Reduce fatty foods and of course
cut down or quit smoking. Other foods may aggravate the conditions. Avoid spicy or acid-containing foods
like citrus juices
carbonated beverages
and tomato juice.