What is Acid Reflux?
Acid Reflux or Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a health condition in which the contents of the stomach move back from the stomach into the esophagus. The acid from the stomach irritates the esophagus and can lead to such things as severe discomfort and painful heartburn. If left untreated, damage can occur to the esophagus over time leading to more serious health conditions.
When you eat food or drink a beverage, the food and drink passes from your mouth to your stomach through a tube called the esophagus. Once the food or beverage enters your stomach, a special “valve” of muscle fibers should close which prevents the contents of your stomach from traveling back into the esophagus. These muscle fibers are known as the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES).
If the “valve” does not close properly, the contents of the stomach can leak back into the esophagus. When this happens, it’s called reflux. Because the stomach is filled with naturally strong acids and enzymes used to break down foods in the digestive process, the condition is commonly known as acid reflux.
Symptoms of Acid Reflux
Common symptoms associated with Acid Reflux or GERD include:
2. Burning pain in chest.
4. Difficulty swallowing.
5. Sensation that food is stuck in your esophagus.
Acid reflux is caused by failure of the cardia (location where the stomach attaches to the esophagus) to keep the contents of the stomach from flowing back into the esophagus. The naturally powerful acids and enzymes contained within the stomach leak back into the esophagus where they cause irritation, burning and inflammation of the sensitive tissue lining the esophagus.
Factors that may contribute to the development of acid reflux or GERD include:
1. Hiatal Hernia
3. Certain prescription medications
Please contact our chiropractic clinic in Destin, Florida or our office in the Grand Boulevard shopping center in Miramar Beach, Florida at 850-654-1850 to schedule chiropractic care, massage therapy, deep tissue laser therapy, nutritional counseling, rehabilitation services, or if you have questions about any of our services or our ability to provide you with help.