When food enters the stomach it will secret hydrochloric acid and the enzyme pepsin to begin digestion of its content.
The second sphincter at the lower part of the esophagus, bordering the stomach, remains closed until food reaches it.
However, in some individuals the muscle tone of that sphincter is poor and remains open - allowing stomach contents to reenter up the esophagus and into the throat.
This condition is called acid reflux.
Acid reflux, or gastro-esophageal reflux (GERD), is the most commonly used name for a disease that results in damage of the esophagus.
Stomach digestive juices containing hydrochloric acids and the protein digesting enzyme pepsin are forced to return back into the esophagus, as a result of esophageal sphincter weakness.
The role of the sphincter is to prevent the stomach contents from moving back in the esophagus and the occurrence of acid reflux.
Digestive juices from the stomach, when gushing back, irritate and inflame the area and - with time - scar the esophageal wall.
Acid reflux is a chronic health condition, with a long-term repercussions.
Treatment for acid reflux can only help short term and commonly antacids are used to ease the pain and symptoms from acid reflux or GERD.
Antacids are usually helpful in short-term cases and infrequent attacks, but they can't provide a long-term relief.
A diagnosis of acid reflux is performed by gastroscopy, a medical examination using a flexible, thin fiber-optic instrument coupled to an eyepiece and light source called gastroscope.
Change of dietary and drinking habits - several foods and alcoholic beverages are known to cause it-can help people to reduce acid reflux and in mild cases to actually eliminate its effects.
Individuals suffering acid reflux can keep diaries to identify and track down what kind of foods they have eaten in the past are likely offenders of an attack.
A health care provider prescribes drugs when a controlled diet offers no help.
Studies also show that acid reflux or GERD is common and might be overlooked in infants and young children.
The condition can result in recurrent vomiting, coughing and respiratory problems.
Children's immature gastrointestinal systems are commonly to blame.
Almost all infants grow out of GERD by the time they are 12 months old.
Even so, you should talk to your child's physician if the problem is frequent and causes discomfort.
There are a number of popular used drugs for GERD such as over-the-counter antacids.
These are based on aluminum, magnesium and calcium salts and include Mylanta and Maalox (magnesium-aluminum based).
Long-term intake of antacids can increase the risks of osteoporosis.
However a good diet, exercise and vitamin-mineral supplements can help reduce loss of bone density.
Individuals suffering acid reflux could also look into natural remedies for relief from symptoms.
Some prescription medications act as H2 blockers or as receptor antagonists.
They inhibit stomach acid production.
With less stomach acid, there is also a lesser chance of stomach content entering into the esophagus.
Popular prescription drugs include Pepcid AC and Zantac.
Other prescription medications include proton pump inhibitors such as Prevacid and Prilosec.
They achieve acid reduction in the stomach by altering the normal processes of production and regulation in the stomach.
Sometimes drugs are necessary for treating acid reflux.
However it is important, regardless of the method of treatment you choose for your reflux symptoms, to first consult your health care provider for a qualified opinion.
The second sphincter at the lower part of the esophagus, bordering the stomach, remains closed until food reaches it.
However, in some individuals the muscle tone of that sphincter is poor and remains open - allowing stomach contents to reenter up the esophagus and into the throat.
This condition is called acid reflux.
Acid reflux, or gastro-esophageal reflux (GERD), is the most commonly used name for a disease that results in damage of the esophagus.
Stomach digestive juices containing hydrochloric acids and the protein digesting enzyme pepsin are forced to return back into the esophagus, as a result of esophageal sphincter weakness.
The role of the sphincter is to prevent the stomach contents from moving back in the esophagus and the occurrence of acid reflux.
Digestive juices from the stomach, when gushing back, irritate and inflame the area and - with time - scar the esophageal wall.
Acid reflux is a chronic health condition, with a long-term repercussions.
Treatment for acid reflux can only help short term and commonly antacids are used to ease the pain and symptoms from acid reflux or GERD.
Antacids are usually helpful in short-term cases and infrequent attacks, but they can't provide a long-term relief.
A diagnosis of acid reflux is performed by gastroscopy, a medical examination using a flexible, thin fiber-optic instrument coupled to an eyepiece and light source called gastroscope.
Change of dietary and drinking habits - several foods and alcoholic beverages are known to cause it-can help people to reduce acid reflux and in mild cases to actually eliminate its effects.
Individuals suffering acid reflux can keep diaries to identify and track down what kind of foods they have eaten in the past are likely offenders of an attack.
A health care provider prescribes drugs when a controlled diet offers no help.
Studies also show that acid reflux or GERD is common and might be overlooked in infants and young children.
The condition can result in recurrent vomiting, coughing and respiratory problems.
Children's immature gastrointestinal systems are commonly to blame.
Almost all infants grow out of GERD by the time they are 12 months old.
Even so, you should talk to your child's physician if the problem is frequent and causes discomfort.
There are a number of popular used drugs for GERD such as over-the-counter antacids.
These are based on aluminum, magnesium and calcium salts and include Mylanta and Maalox (magnesium-aluminum based).
Long-term intake of antacids can increase the risks of osteoporosis.
However a good diet, exercise and vitamin-mineral supplements can help reduce loss of bone density.
Individuals suffering acid reflux could also look into natural remedies for relief from symptoms.
Some prescription medications act as H2 blockers or as receptor antagonists.
They inhibit stomach acid production.
With less stomach acid, there is also a lesser chance of stomach content entering into the esophagus.
Popular prescription drugs include Pepcid AC and Zantac.
Other prescription medications include proton pump inhibitors such as Prevacid and Prilosec.
They achieve acid reduction in the stomach by altering the normal processes of production and regulation in the stomach.
Sometimes drugs are necessary for treating acid reflux.
However it is important, regardless of the method of treatment you choose for your reflux symptoms, to first consult your health care provider for a qualified opinion.
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