After eating spicy foods, do you feel like you have a gnawing, burning sensation chest ? Are you awake in the middle of the night feeling like I swallowed a ball of fire? If so, you probably suffer from acid reflux.
Acid reflux is a condition commonly known as “heartburn” which occurs when the valve that closes the stomach valve is not closed all the way after eating and is left open for too long.
As a result, the acid produced in the stomach pushes up through the stomach and moves into the esophagus. The result? – That burning, gnawing, painful heartburn or acid reflux; or what is called the medical standpoint for as Gastoesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
The actual cause of acid reflux disease
Many people think that acid reflux is caused by excessive production of acid in the stomach; However, research has shown that heartburn actually increases with age, and coincidentally, the amount of acid the stomach produces actually decreases with age. Therefore, if the stomach is producing less acid, however, cases of heartburn increased with age, what is causing the condition for the development of many people?
Well, actually they thought that GERD is the result of an abnormality in the lower esophageal valve. This valve separates the lower esophagus and stomach is supposed to keep stomach acid into the esophagus. When a failure occurs in this valve, the acids in the stomach slide up and the result is acid reflux.
This is not the only cause of acid reflux. Heartburn is often a side effect is experienced by pregnant women. The reason for this is due to the hormones that are produced by the body during pregnancy. These hormones actually cause pressure on the esophageal valve, therefore the results of heartburn.
People suffering from hiatal hernias are also prone to acid reflux. This type of hernia causes the upper part of the stomach to move up into the chest. In severe cases of hiatal hernia, where the stomach is moving high in the chest, heartburn may occur.
People who are excessively overweight tend to also experience acid reflux. Excess weight is stored in the body can actually cause excessive pressure in the stomach, which can cause the acid to pour out of the stomach and esophagus.
How to treat acid reflux
If you are suffering from acid reflux, you are probably desperate for a cure. There are several options available to treat this condition, including:
- prescription drugs
- The nonprescription drugs
- Change in diet
- weight loss
What is the best treatment option for you? That depends on the cause of your acid reflux. You and your doctor can discuss the best options for you and come up with a customized plan of action to relieve heartburn.
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