Understanding Heartburn/Acid Reflux/GERD
Heartburn, also called pyrosis, is a condition wherein there is a painful or burning sensation in the esophagus, just below the breastbone because of gastric acid regurgitation. The pain is described to rise to the chest and may even radiate to the neck, throat, or angle of the jaw. The pain worsens when you bend over, lie down, or eat. It may also be more frequent or worse in the evenings.
A common misconception is that heartburn affects the heart. The truth of the matter is, this medical condition is not, in any way, related to the heart. One reason why it was called heartburn is because the pain is usually felt on the breastbone where the heart is situated. Another reason is because the hydrochloric acid from the stomach goes back up to the esophagus because of a problem with the cardiac sphincter, a valve in the stomach, which does not have anything to do with the heart.
Acid reflux is a common problem, and is thought to occur in 4 of patients presenting to ENT clinics. A recent study of reflux and voice disorders suggests that up to 55% of patients with hoarseness (dysphonia) have laryngopharyngeal reflux. Acid reflux is caused by acidic stomach juices, or food and fluids, that are pushed back up into the esophagus. Too much reflux can cause the stomach acid to burn the esophagus and can lead to serious problems. Acid reflux from the stomach can trigger croup.
Acid reflux has been implicated in sudden infant death syndrome. Many pulmonologists routinely try acid suppression in cases of atypical asthma. Acid reflux treatment involves different methods. First, start the treatment by changing your diet. Acid reflux is also known as heartburn is extremely uncomfortable to all those who suffer. It is a condition where gastric juices containing acid travel back from the stomach into the esophagus.
Gerd can sometimes (but certainly not more than half of the time) worsen asthma. Gerd is suspected when these measures don't resolve the symptoms, or if the child has other associated symptoms, typically lack of weight gain, bleeding or respiratory problems. In those patients, diagnostic procedures or more aggressive therapies may be needed. Gerd also may be confidently diagnosed when episodes of heartburn correlate with acid reflux as shown by acid testing.
Cause of Heartburn
Many people suffering from acid indigestion may have an elevated level of acid in their body due in large part to their diet. One method of improving the pH level is by altering the way they eat and when looking to treat acid reflux and alkaline diet foods can help. Practically everyone has a pH factor of 7.4 in their saliva, in their spinal fluid and their blood...
Treating Heartburn
Natural heartburn treatments have been gaining momentum as the choice heartburn treatments in many households. Though there are a number of over-the-counter and prescribed medications and drugs to treat heartburn, most are non-curative unlike natural heartburn treatments. People are also increasingly concerned about the harmful side-effects of such medicines. Folks are now more willing and ready to learn about heartburn, its preventive measures and natural heartburn treatments...
Heartburn Preventions
10 diet tips on how to prevent heartburns: 1. Simple Techniques: Heartburn can cause major problems if not treated. People with heartburn have a 43% higher risk of developing esophageal cancer, compared to those who do not have heartburn or indigestion...
Heartburn Diets
Your diet can bring on painful heartburn. What is heartburn? It is a very painful sensation in your esophagus, just below your breastbone. It occurs when you regurgitate gastric acid from your stomach. The pain often extends into your neck, throat and jaw. In fact, your heart has nothing to do with regular heartburn although sometimes heart pain may feel like heartburn pain...
