Acid Reflux Myths and Facts
There are many common misconceptions about acid reflux. If you suffer from acid reflux disease and you are misinformed about it, then you will have difficulty treating your acid reflux problem. People often have many questions about acid reflux such as: Is there a cure? What are my treatment options? What causes acid reflux? These questions will all be answered if you read further.
One common misconception people have is they think that acid reflux is the same as heartburn. This is not true. Heartburn is just one of the many symptoms of acid reflux disease. Some other symptoms are: difficulty swallowing, sore throat, belching, hoarseness, cough, bitter taste in mouth, and non cardiac related chest pain.
Acid reflux is caused by digestive acid from your stomach refluxing into your esophagus. This is because the barrier that divides your stomach from your esophagus (lower esophageal sphincter) does not close correctly or it relaxes too often. This causes the acid reflux. If left untreated, the digestive acid from the acid reflux can corrode your esophagus and permanently damage it.
Acid reflux occurs most often in adults over 40. But it has also stated to affect much younger individuals, even children. Some things can trigger acid reflux, or even make it worse. This includes food such as: alcohol, caffeine, sodas, coffee, fatty foods, spicy foods, tomatoes juice, orange juice, barbeque foods, mints, and many others. Also, eating large meals or eating close to before you sleep can also trigger acid reflux.
Acid reflux treatment should involve a doctor's care. Some people believe that they can treat their acid reflux with just antacids. This is not true or effective. While antacids relieve the heartburn for a while, they will not prevent acid reflux from occurring, nor will they heal your damaged esophagus. Medications that prevent some of your acid production in your stomach and also allow your esophagus to heal are the best option for acid reflux treatment. These medications are: Nexium, Prilosec, Prevacid, etc. Only your doctor can prescribe them and only your doctor can decide what is best for you.
The last common misconception is that there is an acid reflux cure. There is no acid reflux cure, only a way to control it and keep it from reoccurring. This is through the prescription medication listed above along with diet restrictions and lifestyle changes. Your doctor can help you with this as well.
With all of this in mind, you should now understand acid reflux disease a bit better. Use this information wisely to better access your condition. Be sure to talk to your doctor for the best acid reflux treatment. With your doctor's help, you can soon control your acid reflux and get on with your life.
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