What causes acid reflux? This affliction, also commonly referred to as the gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a medical condition which involves the patients' gastric contents refluxing into the esophagus, where their acidic nature causes mild to severe irritation and inflammation of the esophageal tissue.
While GERD affects people of all races, social categories and age groups, studies have shown that this affliction is more common during pregnancy or in the case of smokers or people who habitually go to sleep after having a meal.
Heartburn, esophageal mucosa inflammation, hoarseness, coughing and swallowing difficulties are among the most common symptoms of GERD.
The symptoms are manifested constantly, but they become more severe after the patient eats a fat-rich meal, after drinking alcoholic beverages, or when bending over.
In the case of constant smokers, the symptoms are present most of the time.
Extensive research has been done in order to determine exactly what causes acid reflux.
Currently, it is known that there is more than just one cause of the disease.
Instead, it appears as a result of the actions of several factors, such as the lower esophageal sphincter malfunctioning, increased gastric acidity, deficient production of digestive acids, the zollinger-elison syndrome, hiatus hernia, scleroderma, hypercalcemia or systemic sclerosis.
A common line of thought nowadays seems to be that coffee, tea or alcohol all increases the risk of developing GERD.
However, it has been proven that consuming these is not actually what causes acid reflux, although the symptoms can indeed be worsened ingesting these substances.
Smoking on the other hand can also lead to the onset of the disease.
Both smokers and people who habitually consume meals rich in salt have a 70% higher risk of becoming affected by GERD, compared to regular individuals.
It is strongly advised to contact your personal health care provider when you begin to notice any of the symptoms of acid reflux, especially if they become recurrent.
The doctor will perform an examination and place an accurate diagnosis regarding your condition, and will also provide you with the treatment plan most appropriate for your age, weight and general state of health.
There are several ways to treat this affliction; in many cases, a natural therapy consisting mostly of dietary changes is sufficient, while in other situations medication treatments or even surgical interventions may be required.
GERD is an affliction which causes a lot of discomfort to the patient and may even lead to severe medical consequences.
Preventing the disease is always preferred to treating it - and understanding what causes acid reflux is a very important step towards prevention.
While GERD affects people of all races, social categories and age groups, studies have shown that this affliction is more common during pregnancy or in the case of smokers or people who habitually go to sleep after having a meal.
Heartburn, esophageal mucosa inflammation, hoarseness, coughing and swallowing difficulties are among the most common symptoms of GERD.
The symptoms are manifested constantly, but they become more severe after the patient eats a fat-rich meal, after drinking alcoholic beverages, or when bending over.
In the case of constant smokers, the symptoms are present most of the time.
Extensive research has been done in order to determine exactly what causes acid reflux.
Currently, it is known that there is more than just one cause of the disease.
Instead, it appears as a result of the actions of several factors, such as the lower esophageal sphincter malfunctioning, increased gastric acidity, deficient production of digestive acids, the zollinger-elison syndrome, hiatus hernia, scleroderma, hypercalcemia or systemic sclerosis.
A common line of thought nowadays seems to be that coffee, tea or alcohol all increases the risk of developing GERD.
However, it has been proven that consuming these is not actually what causes acid reflux, although the symptoms can indeed be worsened ingesting these substances.
Smoking on the other hand can also lead to the onset of the disease.
Both smokers and people who habitually consume meals rich in salt have a 70% higher risk of becoming affected by GERD, compared to regular individuals.
It is strongly advised to contact your personal health care provider when you begin to notice any of the symptoms of acid reflux, especially if they become recurrent.
The doctor will perform an examination and place an accurate diagnosis regarding your condition, and will also provide you with the treatment plan most appropriate for your age, weight and general state of health.
There are several ways to treat this affliction; in many cases, a natural therapy consisting mostly of dietary changes is sufficient, while in other situations medication treatments or even surgical interventions may be required.
GERD is an affliction which causes a lot of discomfort to the patient and may even lead to severe medical consequences.
Preventing the disease is always preferred to treating it - and understanding what causes acid reflux is a very important step towards prevention.
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