Acid reflux is also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease. It is also known as heartburn and in some countries, the disease is also known as acid-stomach infection. The fact that most of the people with this condition also suffer from acid reflux means that they also suffer from the unpleasant and potentially painful symptoms of acid reflux as well. Hence, one can easily understand why this ailment should be diagnosed and treated in a timely manner.
But how does acid reflux occur? The cause of this condition can be various. A number of factors are involved, which include: heredity, pregnancy, sleeping position, food, intake of alcohol, and consumption of laxatives and antacids.
Although there has been some medical research carried out that indicates that there is no direct link between the two conditions, the conditions seem to have a common root, though it may not be easy to pinpoint the exact cause of the disease. The triggers that lead to the occurrence of acid reflux also differ from person to person.
Those that suffer from acid reflux seem to have more difficulty passing their stomach acids into the esophagus, where they need to be stored than those who have less severe problems with their stomachs. The acid reflux conditions come in two types: gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and acid-stomach infection.
GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease is the most common type of acid reflux. These people usually experience the symptoms of heartburn around four times in their lifetime. There are different types of GERD, but most of them include burning, discomfort, coughing, nausea, choking, and throat irritation.
Those with acid-stomach infection will most likely get sick without even realizing that they have something wrong with their stomach. The problem here is the lack of adequate protection against the germs that are naturally present in the stomach. Hence, it is important for acid reflux patients to know how to protect themselves against infection.
Some other types of acid reflux are extra-frenal acid reflux, sphincteroarhitecture, gastroesophageal reflux associated dysfunction, oral gastric diversion, and fistula. Spontaneous gastroesophageal reflux is a very rare form of acid reflux. When the refluxed stomach empties into the esophagus, it may trigger a condition called esophagitis.
Most acid reflux sufferers would benefit from taking antacids daily. They are very effective in alleviating the symptoms of this disorder. While prescription drugs are not recommended by most doctors, there are some cases when it may be prescribed, in order to alleviate the pain and itching.
On the other hand, taking these drugs without consulting your doctor can lead to many side effects, and may lead to an unnecessary trip to the emergency room. In addition, you can have adverse reactions to the drugs if used for a long time or if used frequently. If you decide to take antacids, it is important to discuss it with your doctor to find out what he recommends, and how often you should take it.
For the most part, natural remedies for acid reflux sufferers are considered to be the best ones. Here are a few of the natural solutions:
First of all, you should know that taking medications for this condition is only a temporary fix. It may be able to help your stomach to get rid of the acid, but it won’t do much good to your body in the long run.
