Common Causes of Acid Reflux
Acid reflux disease has been on the rise in recent years. Many people are often misinformed about acid reflux disease and they have idea what to do about treating their acid reflux. If you think you may have acid reflux disease, there are some things you should know.
Acid reflux disease is also commonly known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The symptoms of acid reflux are: heartburn, sour or bitter taste in mouth, belching, regurgitation, difficulty swallowing, and hoariness. Some other symptoms that may occur are: non cardiac related chest pain, wheezing, coughing, and a sore throat.
If left untreated, acid reflux can also cause enamel and tooth decay and permanent damage to your esophagus. This is because when you have acid reflux, the digestive acid in your stomach refluxes and backs up into your esophagus and mouth. This acid is highly corrosive and can corrode your teeth and the delicate lining of your esophagus. Your stomach has a special lining that protects it from the digestive acid, but your esophagus and teeth do not.
Acid reflux occurs because the barrier that divides your stomach from you esophagus either does not tighten properly or it relaxes too often. This barrier is called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The acid from your stomach refluxes into your esophagus and thus causes the heartburn and other symptoms of acid reflux disease.
Acid reflux can be triggered by a variety of things. The most common is food. Foods to avoid if you have acid reflux disease are: spicy foods, fatty foods, barbeque foods, caffeine, sodas, coffees, orange juice, tomato juice, alcohol, chocolates, and mints. People all have different things that trigger their acid reflux. It is best to keep a record of the things you notice that do this.
Acid Reflux treatment regimens usually involve prescription medication, special diet, and lifestyle changes. The prescription medications that acid reflux sufferers may take are usually: Prilosec, Prevacid, or Nexium. These medications work to prevent some of the acid in your stomach from pumping out. This then prevents acid reflux from occurring and gives your esophagus a chance to heal. These medications are called Proton Pump Inhibitors (PIP). Surgery is also an option to treat acid reflux, but not unless it is absolutely necessary.
There is no true acid reflux cure. Acid reflux can only be controlled and maintained. It is best to start an acid reflux treatment in order to prevent you from having permanent damage done to your esophagus and teeth. You doctor can determine if you have acid reflux disease and your doctor will determine the best way to treat your acid reflux. If you take the proper steps and precautions, you can easily prevent yourself from having any permanent damage and you can also be heartburn free.
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