Healing Properties - Learning the Symptoms of Acid Reflux

To truly comprehend the symptoms associated with acid reflux, you should familiarize yourself with the causes and body parts connected to the disruption of normal gastric and esophageal processes. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (or GERD for short), involves the stomach, esophagus and sometimes the mouth, throat and chest.

The disease is characterized by the inability of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to properly close. This causes the contents of the stomach to creep back (or reflux) into the esophagus. It is the job of the LES to act as a buffer between the stomach and the esophagus, which carries food from the mouth to the stomach.

When the lining of the esophagus is disrupted by refluxed acid from the stomach, a burning sensation may develop in the chest and throat. This is called heartburn and is often associated with GERD, even though heartburn does not immediately suggest that one has acid reflux disease. GERD can affect anyone, from little babies to active teens to the elderly.

This means there is a wide range of causes and symptoms associated with the disease that are specific to various groups of sufferers. For the most part, the cause of GERD is unknown, but there is an array of factors that contribute to its existence, such as hiatel hernias, alcohol, obesity, pregnancy and smoking.

Acid Reflux Symptoms

Although the main symptoms of acid reflux are chronic heartburn and acid regurgitation, several people experience GERD without any of these signs. Common symptoms of GERD include a painful chest, a hoarse voice in the morning, dry cough, unpleasant breath or trouble swallowing. Children often showcase different acid reflux symptoms, such as repeated vomiting, coughing and scary respiratory ailments. Since the digestive system of a child is not fully developed, they tend to experience symptoms of GERD. When their body begins to grow, most infants will say goodbye to GERD by their first birthday.

Your Diet May Affect Acid Reflux

One of the causes of GERD may be simple to curb by simply watching what you eat. In older teens and adults, certain foods and drinks, such as sodas, chocolate, peppermint, garlic, onions, pizza, oranges and tomatoes should be avoided. Spicy, fried, fatty and acidic foods also disrupt gastric and esophageal processes.

Acid Reflux Treatment

A visit to the doctor will put you on the right track towards treating acid reflux. This may be in the form of lifestyle changes that you need to put into effect, as well as a variety of different medications. GERD sufferers should cease smoking, abstain from alcohol, eat smaller meals, as well as wear loose-fitting apparel. After a meal, sufferers should avoid lying down for at least 3 hours after eating. You may also pick up an over-the-counter antacid, such as Alka-Seltzer, Mylanta, Pepto-Bismol or Rolaids. A doctor may also choose to prescribe a proton pump inhibitor or an H2 blocker, which requires a prescription.

Jill Seimer shares health tips at RefluxLife.com and discussed natural healing of heartburn from her experience using natural cures for acid reflux.

A Look at the Different Acid Reflux Symptoms

Acid reflux symptoms vary in degrees of discomfort, from person to person, and within different age groups. The most common and persistent symptom is a burning sensation centered in the middle of the chest and/or throat, brought on by stomach acid that churns up onto the lining of the esophagus.

Acid reflux symptoms vary in degrees of discomfort, from person to person, and within different age groups. The most common and persistent symptom is a burning sensation centered in the middle of the chest and/or throat, brought on by stomach acid that churns up onto the lining of the esophagus.

This is due to the relaxing of the esophageal sphincter (valve), which remains open when it should be closed. Acid reflux also leads to one of the most unpleasant symptoms known as regurgitation of acid into the mouth, often due to overeating, or bending down after a meal.

People who suffer from acid reflux disease, also called gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, exhibit symptoms that are chronic, persistent, and have a debilitating effect on their daily lifestyle. Though heartburn is the most common of the acid reflux disease symptoms, other signs may also manifest themselves. These symptoms include wheezing, coarseness in the throat, breathing problems, acid regurgitation, a bitter taste in the mouth, dry coughing, interrupted sleep, tightness in the throat, and halitosis (bad breath).

The risks for acid reflux disease increase, as most potential health problems, with age. Children also suffer from this disease, with symptoms that range from recurring coughing, vomiting, and breathing problems. 

Dont be confused by the term heartburn. Many believe that acid reflux symptoms affect the heart or mistakenly diagnose heartburn as a heart related problem. When in reality, the heart in not effected by acid reflux. The reason for the confusion lies in the fact that the heart is located near the pain center, when, actually, the esophagus is positioned behind the heart. One more thing to keep in mind is that acid reflux does not normally flare up during or beginning physical exertion, like many heart problems do. Again, always consult a physician on treatment options whether you experience signs of acid reflux or possible heart related problems.

Acid Reflux provides comprehensive information on the cause, symptoms, treatment, and diet associated with normal and infant acid reflux. For more information go to Acid Reflux and/or visit its sister site at Pain Relief Web for related information.