Acid Reflux Information Center

A lot of people are seemingly confused with these two words, if they are indeed different or similar to each other. Health experts and doctors often say that people with Acid Reflux that lasts for 2 weeks may have GERD. If so, then it basically is nothing but a time issue. Both are the same and can be defined as a "disorder that occurs where the stomach backs up (refluxes) and the liquid content contained within it returns to the esophagus."

Not much to worry if it's just water that goes up; however, the liquid that we are referring to here usually contains a combination of acid, bile, or pepsin (an enzyme that helps in digestion). These three agents when mixed together irritate and redden the lining of the esophageal tract. Over time, if not treated properly, it may result in serious damage.

The reflux of liquid from the stomach is interestingly, a normal bodily experience for most individuals. The problem is for those with GERD or Acid Reflux, the acid concentration within the liquid is much higher and the liquid itself stays in the esophagus; thereby, causing damage. For someone with this condition, the damage is deepr than regular people would feel.

Usually 1 of 2 ways:

* Swallowing - saliva plays a crucial role to help neutralize the damaging effects of acid.

* Gravity - especially during the waking hours. Here, the body's upright position works with gravity and helps keep the acid at bay or push it back down to the stomach where it rightfully belongs.

For people with GERD though, the occurrence is worse when night time hits. Why this happens is obvious as the normal ways for the body to fight the reflux are not functioning during sleep; in the process, the refluxed liquids are allowed to stay longer in the esophagus, doing more harm than usual.

Though defining it is a bit simple, the causes are a bit more complicated. Likewise, they vary from person to person. For detailed information, it is best to consult with an internist or a gastro-enterologist (doctors specializing in digestive diseases). Here's an overview on the main causes:

1. LES Doing Less. - Sounds like a play of words at first glance. The LES (Lower Esophageal Sphincter) is a small part of your digestive tract that connects your throat to the stomach. Its purpose is to keep the stomach's contents right in their place. It relaxes when you are eating to momentarily allow food and liquids to pass freely from the esophagus to the stomach. However, people with GERD often have a weak sphincter, which causes the acid to roam freely.

2. Excess Acid. - Now here's a strange thing. This should be the most common cause but in reality it is the reverse. Only a small percentage have Acid Reflux because their bodies produce an abnormally high amount of acid.

3. Hiatal Hernias. - Research and statistics reveal that a majority of GERD sufferers have hiatal hernias. It is not clear though how hiatal hernias contribute to the development of reflux in an individual. When one is present however, this is what happens: the diaphragm's ability to help the LES is greatly compromised. This results to reflux with the acid doing its damage on the esophagus.

4. Esophageal Contractions. - Often known to cause irregular swallowing abilities which is another main cause for this disorder. The regular ability to push food from the top of the esophagus down through the stomach is compromised.

If you are currently experiencing GERD or Acid Reflux, or knows someone who is in that predicament, you might have an idea that the symptoms range from moderate to severe. If we were to strip it down to the most basic ones, they would be:

1. Heartburn - a general burning sensation around the middle of the chest, often acting up like a heart attack. Even if you know it's heartburn you're having, it's best to consult a doctor to verify.

2. Regurgitation - this happens when refluxed liquids make their way back to the mouth. It is often accompanies by an acidic taste and if occurring very frequently, can cause the breaking down of tooth enamel.

3. Nausea - though it is not common in most patients, sometimes nausea can be an intense side effect and drastically reduce the quality of one's life.

For those who have complications associated with their reflux disorder, some of the more compelling conditions involve:

1. Ulcers - breaks in the lining of the esophagus, caused by the acid. In severe cases, ulcers tend to bleed and require serious medical attention.

2. Barrett's Esophagus - normally this condition happens as a long term effect or for those with severe reflux cases.

3. Cough and Asthma - nerve stimulation caused by the refluxed acid can lead to coughing and can cause asthma attacks. This happens when the stimulated nerves signal the breathing tubes in one's lungs to narrow.

4. Strictures - these are scar tissue, resulting from ulcers that have healed. In the course of time, they can shrink the width of the esophagus and give further problems for a GERD patient. Oftentimes, this requires medical procedures such as endoscopy or surgery just to widen the passage.

Aside from seeing your doctor or gastro-enterologist (a physician specializing in diseases of the stomach), there are some adjustments that you yourself can do which can go a long way towards managing and treating Gastro Esophageal Reflux or Heartburn.

Simply taking medications and going in and out of your doctor's office will not give you long-lasting relief. There are some things that you need to be responsible for if you want to get rid of Acid Reflux or minimize its occurences.

Here are a few of them:

1.Avoid alcoholic beverages and sodas.

2. Eat small meals. - Take them within a period of 1-2 hours. Your mindset should always be a grazing one, a bite here a nibble there, chew on this, chew on that. Never give a feast to yourself.

3. Avoid caffeine. (Ooooh, tough one. If you are like me.)

4. Don't lie down for 3 hours after a meal. - If you must, take a nap while sitting down on your sofa or comfy chair instead.

5. Wear loose-fitting clothes.

6. Shed some weight off if needed.

7. Raise the head of your bed by around 6 to 8 inches. - Additional pillows won't do the job. Instead put blocks of wood under your bedposts.