What Is Acid Reflux Disease
Acid reflux disease is a common form of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
It affects millions of people the world over, some of whom are not even aware they suffer from it.
Acid Reflux or GERD? Acid reflux disease is often referred to as gastroesophogeal reflux disease (GERD).
However, although the two terms are related, they are not necessarily interchangeable: a person is diagnosed with GERD if they suffer chronic, persistent acid reflux symptoms (twice a week or more).
What is Acid Reflux Disease? It is a digestive condition that is characterized by a back up (reflux) of the stomach contents, including gastric acid, into the esophagus.
It occurs when a valve, called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) malfunctions, allowing the stomach contents to backwash (reflux) into the esophagus.
The esophagus, sometimes known as the food pipe or gullet, is a muscular canal that connects the mouth to the stomach.
The LES is a ring of muscle located at the junction between the esophagus and the stomach.
It is a one-way valve that serves as a physical barrier that prevents the acidic contents of the stomach from being regurgitated.
When food or fluid is swallowed, it is propelled down the esophagus into the stomach.
The LES relaxes to allow passage of the food and liquid into the stomach.
Once past the valve, the LES closes to keep the food and fluid in the stomach.
With acid reflux, the LES fails to close properly, and stomach contents back flow, or reflux, into the esophagus.
The refluxed stomach contents are highly acidic.
Once they touch the lining of the esophagus, a painful, burning sensation is experienced in the chest or throat.
This burning sensation is referred to as heartburn.
Often, the burning pain radiates upward in the chest to the neck and throat.
What are the Symptoms? Heartburn Heartburn tops the list of common acid reflux symptoms.
Regurgitation A backward flowing of acidic stomach contents into the throat while bending over or sleeping.
Dysphagia A swallowing disorder in which the patient has difficulty swallowing food or fluids.
This may also be accompanied by pain or a feeling tightness in the throat, like a piece of food is lodged there.
Respiratory Problems The patient may suffer from a persistent dry cough, wheezing or hoarseness, especially upon waking up in the morning.
Other Symptoms Other symptoms include bad breath (halitosis), a bitter taste in the mouth and recurring abdominal pain or bloating.
Misdiagnosis If acid reflux symptoms are persistent, a licensed physician should be consulted.
A misdiagnosis of this condition can result in serious complications.
A doctor can obtain a accurate diagnosis by conducting a physical examination and reviewing the patient's medical history.
It affects millions of people the world over, some of whom are not even aware they suffer from it.
Acid Reflux or GERD? Acid reflux disease is often referred to as gastroesophogeal reflux disease (GERD).
However, although the two terms are related, they are not necessarily interchangeable: a person is diagnosed with GERD if they suffer chronic, persistent acid reflux symptoms (twice a week or more).
What is Acid Reflux Disease? It is a digestive condition that is characterized by a back up (reflux) of the stomach contents, including gastric acid, into the esophagus.
It occurs when a valve, called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) malfunctions, allowing the stomach contents to backwash (reflux) into the esophagus.
The esophagus, sometimes known as the food pipe or gullet, is a muscular canal that connects the mouth to the stomach.
The LES is a ring of muscle located at the junction between the esophagus and the stomach.
It is a one-way valve that serves as a physical barrier that prevents the acidic contents of the stomach from being regurgitated.
When food or fluid is swallowed, it is propelled down the esophagus into the stomach.
The LES relaxes to allow passage of the food and liquid into the stomach.
Once past the valve, the LES closes to keep the food and fluid in the stomach.
With acid reflux, the LES fails to close properly, and stomach contents back flow, or reflux, into the esophagus.
The refluxed stomach contents are highly acidic.
Once they touch the lining of the esophagus, a painful, burning sensation is experienced in the chest or throat.
This burning sensation is referred to as heartburn.
Often, the burning pain radiates upward in the chest to the neck and throat.
What are the Symptoms? Heartburn Heartburn tops the list of common acid reflux symptoms.
Regurgitation A backward flowing of acidic stomach contents into the throat while bending over or sleeping.
Dysphagia A swallowing disorder in which the patient has difficulty swallowing food or fluids.
This may also be accompanied by pain or a feeling tightness in the throat, like a piece of food is lodged there.
Respiratory Problems The patient may suffer from a persistent dry cough, wheezing or hoarseness, especially upon waking up in the morning.
Other Symptoms Other symptoms include bad breath (halitosis), a bitter taste in the mouth and recurring abdominal pain or bloating.
Misdiagnosis If acid reflux symptoms are persistent, a licensed physician should be consulted.
A misdiagnosis of this condition can result in serious complications.
A doctor can obtain a accurate diagnosis by conducting a physical examination and reviewing the patient's medical history.
