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Acid reflux disease is a condition caused when the acids in the stomach get pushed into the esophagus. Also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or the GERD, this is a chronic case of damage to the digestive capacity of the esophagus. This is caused due to the changes taking place in the divisional area between the stomach and the esophagus. A person is said to have an acid reflux syndrome if the sphincter in the lower esophageal area fails, and thus leads to the gastric juices in the stomach to be expelled out from the esophagus. This disease is invariably preceded by an inter transitory stage of relaxation of the sphincter muscles of the esophagus. Sometimes the acid reflux is responsible for respiratory and laryngeal problems. Then it is known as the laryngophageal reflux or the extraesophageal reflux disease. The laryngophageal reflux sometimes referred to as the LPR is not like the GERD. The GERD produces a lot of heartburn. However, the LPR does not.
Reflux is an action that denotes throwing back. Reflux in the digestive systems occurs when the stomach walls relax. This happens during pregnancy when the pregnancy hormones are activated. Reflux also occurs when there is a gastro esophageal disorder. This happens when the gastric juices attack the esophagus. Why does this happen? This is because of the fact that the condition prevailing within produces the reflux kind of effect. When the reflux effect is there for a long time say for more than a fortnight, then we say that the person has been afflicted with acid reflux disease. This reflux could be a result of overeating, bending forward after a heavy lunch and many such common factors. This reflux action typically has a sour taste in the mouth. This sour taste is due to the continuous up and down action of the digestive juices. Point to be understood here is that a mere heartburn does not indicate gastro esophageal reflux disease or an acid reflux disease. Heartburn occurs with any kind of digestive upset. A continuous heartburn results in an acid reflux disease. It is important to keep a watch over such conditions as negligence could lead to greater problems.
Let us now understand how this syndrome could be a cause for discomfort for so many. This uneasy feeling has influenced the lifestyle of every individual who has faced it. Any person afflicted with any problem regarding digestion faces a lot of discomfort because it does not allow him to function well and normally in the daily activities. A simple thing like a tummy upset jeopardizes schedule, so a condition like an acid reflux disease is a thing of concern for the individual and he should be aware of what caused it so that it does not affect him in future. Simple habits like watching what you eat and keeping a control on diet could help him to curb this condition. This causes a lot of heartburn and is very irritating and bothersome. In esophagitis, the lining of the esophagus is damaged. There are many ulcers along the lining and these narrow the esophagus thus preventing the individual from swallowing food and even liquids.
This syndrome lasts for many months or sometimes just a day or two. It depends on what has caused it. It is ideal to take the doctor’s advice regarding this and drugs give only temporary relief. The symptoms could recur.
Results of GERD
There are instances when the GERD troubles the system. The GERD is a kind of acid reflux syndrome where it really affects the esophagus. The injuries that are there in the esophagus could be:
- Reflux esophagitis : This causes many ulcers near the place where the stomach and the esophagus meet.
- Esophageal strictures : This narrowing is caused due to an inflammation caused due to reflux in the stomach.
- Barret’s esophagus : When there are changes in the epithelial cells then there is a condition called intestinal metaplasia.
- Esophageal adenocarcinoma : A rare cancer form.
Thus, it is seen that acid reflux occurs when the food tract from the throat to the stomach is unable to manage the acids of the stomach. The stomach digests the food we take. This is done with the help of the acids present in the stomach. This acid is present in the stomach with the help of the stomach walls, which ensure that the acids are secure within. When this acid flows back into the esophagus, then it causes the acid reflux syndrome.
